#anyway I hope this is some clarification! i typed it out on my phone when I should be clocking out of work ahahahahhaha💀

[dutchvanwinkle]

Mr Van der Linde Pt. 5 - Dutch x Reader

Hello again darlings! I hope those of you celebrating Easter / Ramadam / Passover are having a wonderful weekend, did you know this overlap only happens three times every century? How cool is that!! Whether you're observing a holiday or not, it's now time for us to all come together and fantasize about daddy Dutch :)

I would apologise for the wait between this chapter and the last, but I did say this fic would be relatively slow in updates. I wrote a good chuck of this chapter then decided I hated it, took some time away from it, came back, then realised it wasn't as bad as I'd made out in my head lol. It's a pretty fluffy one tbh, and even if it's not as long as the previous one I hope you still enjoy!

It's on ao3, too!

Summary: Your relationship with Dutch deepens when you spend more time with him after a stressful week.

Word count: 6,471

Content warnings: smut, mildly creepy dutch

PART 1 | PART 2 | PART 3 | PART 4 | PART 5 | PART 6 | PART 7 | PART 8 | PART 9 | PART 10

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Despite everyone’s knowledge of the end of the academic year, not one of your group of friends took the responsibility of arranging the flat for you to all live in together for second year. So, once again, you and Karen were in the same one - with John, Abigail, Sean, and Javier across the hall in theirs. You didn’t mind much; you were all too deep in the habit of leaving your flats unlocked anyway so the others could wander in should they please. It was dumb, but you hadn’t been robbed yet and imagined that’s what it would take for you to change your ways. 

Abigail had made extra dinner and you were the first to claim the portion, skipping across the hall and ambling in with a grin on your face. The two of you ate and chatted with the TV filling the background noise. Karen had joined not long after, and the three of you found yourselves sprawled on the sofa, tired from a full day.  

Second year was noticeably harder, no more easing you into university life – the theory and assignments were tough. However, thanks to your hard work in the previous semester it wasn’t an impossible leap. It had been for some, Javier regularly coming around in an attempt to inconspicuously copy your coursework.  

Just as you were mentally preparing yourself for the next day, the last before the weekend, your phone buzzed. 

Naughty girl. 

Dutch. You cleared your throat, pausing a moment before opening his message. He hadn’t taken any liberties with his possession of your phone number, and your inbox had been decidedly empty since the last time you saw him. 

?? 

Was this the old-person way of flirting? Was it sexting? Hopefully, your response would allow room for clarification. 

I was just in my photo gallery. 

Oh. You smiled to yourself. Another message. 

I almost dropped my phone. 

Sorry, won’t happen again. 

It better happen again, miss. I’ve already made good use of it, and now I’m in need of more. 

Good god, the thought of him pleasuring himself to a photo of you brought heat all over your neck. “I’m just gonna use your bathroom,” you stood up to excuse yourself, getting no response from your friends. 

Once inside, you looked around, knowing full well it was empty and quickly flicked the lock on the door, before pulling your top over your head. Glancing over your reflection in the mirror, you tried to figure out the best angle that’d reveal enough but not too much. 

Eventually, you got an angle you were happy with, only your jaw in view and your tits on full display. You cropped the photo (including your bottom half was a bit too much, right now at least) when his name appeared in your notification bar again. 

Too far? 

Bless him, he could see you’d read his message but left him without a response for ten minutes. Without giving yourself time to chicken out, you sent the picture to him. 

Sorry, I was distracted. 

He read it instantly, and it took a full minute before you could see he was typing. Then the dots disappeared. Then reappeared. Then disappeared again. You smiled to yourself, pulling your top over your head and flushing the toilet for good measure, before venturing back out and returning to the sofa. Dutch finally decided on what to say once you’d made yourself comfy. 

Come see me this weekend. 

If only. A weekend being fucked repeatedly was just what you needed, exhaustion already settling into your mind thanks to your busy schedule being back in action. Unfortunately, said schedule was exactly why you couldn’t. 

Can’t, sorry. I’m working tomorrow and Saturday. 

Fuck work. I’ll pay you. 

“What are you smiling at?” 

You glanced up, Karen looking at you inquisitively, Abigail taking her attention off the TV in turn to see what the fuss was. 

“Nothing?” you said casually. 

“You’ve been grinning at that phone of yours for five minutes.” 

“I have not been grinning.”  

She raised a brow, the look on her face turning to intrigue. 

“Please tell me it’s a guy. Or a girl. Or anything with a pulse,” Abigail pleaded, and you tutted while Karen cackled. 

“I’ve told you I don’t have time for that crap! Besides, I’m perfectly fine as I am,” you said defensively, folding your arms and ignoring the buzz of a message on your phone. 

“We all need a good screw now and again,” Karen said plainly, Abigail nodding in agreement. 

Don’t we just. “Oh, and Maquire is providing that service well enough for you, is he?” 

She shot you a glare, and as she was about to retort the main door opened, the man himself trailed by Javier and John. 

“Yeah, alright,” John said, his phone held up against his ear while he set the bag of shopping on the counter. 

“Hello ladies,” Javier greeted you all, beginning to put away their communal shop which was pathetically void of nutrients and taken up mostly by cans of beer. 

Sean pulled off his boots, hopping a little before it gave and sighing proudly when it did. “Any of you want a drink?” 

You shook your head, as did Abigail, but Karen held her hand out. 

“Ah, that’s why I love ya,” he grinned, handing a can out to Karen who scoffed in disgust before snatching it from him. 

“Okay, fine, yeah. I can do that. See you later,” John said, hanging up his call and letting his phone drop into his pocket. 

“Everything okay?” Abigail asked while John played tetris stacking the beers in the fridge. 

“Yeah, just my dad. He’s coming down this weekend.” 

That got your attention. Surely not - 

“Says Tilly’s been angling to see the city. He was just checking I was free to spend time with them.” 

“Aw,” Abigail sat up, “will we get to see them?” 

John shrugged, and your phone buzzed again. 

I’m serious. read Dutch’s previous message to you, followed by his most recent one: Looking forward to seeing you. 

You neglected to respond just yet, not wanting to draw any more attention to yourself. That man worked fast.  

“Where are you gonna take them?” 

“God knows. Knowing Dad,” John sat down beside Abigail, “he’ll have already drafted up a full itinerary.” 

You smirked at the thought, a warmth growing in your chest. 

- 

Dutch was fond of John’s friends. They were a decent bunch, and he’d been glad to see their familiar faces when he and Tilly arrived in the city the next morning, dropping their bags at the hotel before coming to visit John’s flat. He reminded himself repeatedly not to comment on the lack of cleanliness students seemed to thrive in. 

It was nice to see John, along with Javier who he’d watched grow up with his son. Abigail was extra friendly, and thanks to a little birdie he understood why. She was a nice girl. They were all nice. But the one he wanted to see the most was unfortunately yet to descend on the flat despite John’s assurance that everyone swings round all the time.  

“I’m going out for a cigarette,” Dutch announced, departing the flat and being met with the doorway to yours opposite him. He tried his luck, finding it unlocked, and mentally chastised you for being careless. He wasn’t sure which room was yours, though he thought it a good enough excuse to have wandered into the wrong flat should anyone ask. Two of the doors were ajar, and after a peek, he found them empty. The flat was quiet, and he decided there was no harm in trying the closed ones. He knocked on the next door, getting no response and so pushing it open. 

Dutch smiled to himself as the air entered his nose; it smelled just like you.  

Thanks to the strange layout, he could see the end of your bed and a slight bump under the duvet where your feet lay. “Tut tut,” he hummed as he took a couple of steps in, “you really should keep it locked – oh.” 

His brows pulled together as his voice died in his mouth at the sight of you fast asleep and bundled up in your bed, completely flat out. He debated waking you but was distracted by seeing the inside of your room for the first time. A little nosy never hurt anybody.  

Hands in his pockets, he observed the pictures up on your wall and smiled fondly at the ones including his drunken son. Then, he glanced over the perfume bottles lined up near your small desk mirror, then to the books and paper laid out beside your laptop accompanied by an empty mug from the previous day. It was then that he turned his attention back to you, hair ruffled with one arm out of the covers. 

Dutch sat on the edge of your bed and brushed a strand of hair from your peaceful face. It was enough to make you stir, and you cranked your eyes open. He smirked as he observed your expression, going from alarmed to relaxed when you realised it was him, then back to alarmed when you realised it was him.  

“You really should lock your flat, and your door,” he greeted. 

You rubbed your eyes, wondering if the man had come to visit you in a dream though it felt undeniably real as you remembered your conversation with John the previous day.  “Or perhaps,” you said around a yawn, “strange men shouldn’t let themselves in and sit on my bed.” 

“Strange men?” Dutch looked mildly offended. “I’d hate to know what you do with familiar men.” 

“Very funny,” you grumbled, pulling the covers up to your neck. “What time is it?” 

“Ten thirty. I didn’t think you were one to sleep in late.” His hand rested on your lower leg, and the added pressure was soothing and lessened your motivation further for starting your day. 

“I’m not. But I’ve got a long day today, so I’m treating myself,” you shut your eyes and felt Dutch shift his weight on the bed. You felt his warmth over you before you felt the kiss he pressed to your cheek, and you couldn’t help but smile at the sweetness of it. It awoke other unsavoury sensations that you usually repressed in the morning. 

It was as though he sensed it, brushing his hand up your leg and moving to kiss your jaw, an added tenderness compared to its predecessor. You sighed contently, the comfort of Dutch’s soft chuckle reaching your ears. There was no option but to give in, your eyes fluttering open as you shifted onto your back, allowing Dutch to manoeuvre himself on top of you. His face filled with pride, but when he moved in to kiss you, you put your hand up as a barricade.  

“I haven’t brushed my teeth,” you explained, and he huffed a laugh. 

“I could care less. But, if you insist,” his hand travelled further up the path of your body, cupping your breast as his lips tended to your neck instead, which you bared for him gladly. 

“Was it really worth coming all this way?” you asked, lazily watching him trail his lips around your skin. 

“Of course,” he said, hardly breaking his path, “need I remind you of my lack of interest in desiring a thing. I prefer -” 

“- to have it, right.” Dutch smiled up at you, and the tardy realisation hit you that you were now finishing his sentences. “How was the drive up?” you asked quickly, hoping to alleviate any teasing forming in his mind. 

“Just swell,” he answered, trailing his hand underneath your pyjama top to knead your breasts. His fingers moved gently in circles, testing your tenderness as they neared your nipple and lightly tweaking the now erect buds. Then his mouth came down over the fabric, and he sucked one into his mouth, leaving a wet patch behind that he eyed fondly once he was done. 

“You know,” you set up on your elbows, craning your neck to look at the door, “I really should lock my door. Just in case.” 

Dutch placed his palm on your chest, applying pressure until you lay back down. “No no, you want to leave it unlocked, then you leave it unlocked.” 

“I’m serious,” you attempted to sit up again but damn he was strong, “John lets himself in all the time.” 

“Does he,” Dutch hummed, moving his head down to suck your nipple in again and released, “I ought to teach the boy some manners.” 

“Dutch, it’s not funny. Let me lock the -” 

As you tried to sit up Dutch applied his full weight onto you and mouthed at your neck while all the air was knocked from your lungs. Strong and heavy. It would be a comfort if you could only breathe, and grumbled incoherently at your body’s response to being trapped by him despite the danger of the situation.  

“Now,” Dutch cooed, lifting his head and running his thumb along your chin, “don’t you worry. I’ve been fit to burst since you sent me those pictures.” 

“I thought you -” 

“I did, but it’s not the same.” With that, he eased off slightly as you gradually accepted this was a risk you’d just have to take, and wrapped his hand around your inner thigh to shift your legs apart. “Huh, looks like I’m not the only one.” 

You frowned down to observe what he was looking at and were met with the moist material of your pyjama shorts. “Goddamnit.” 

Dutch chuckled while he trailed his fingers up and down your mound, and it wasn’t long before you were grinding up in time with his movements. He always seemed to know the exact pressure and pace you wanted, and often reigned it back some so as to keep you frustrated. You were about to ask him to get on with it, considering the risk and limited time you had before your day started, when he removed his hand to undo his jeans and pull out his frustrated-looking cock. The man didn’t even look at you, nor give you any warning, before moving your shorts to the side and sliding right in. And curse your body once again, allowing him the smoothest of passages. 

A sigh of relief left him, the sort one would make when sinking into a hot bath. He stayed there a moment, nosing at your neck and brushing his palm down your flank to your shorts, the fabric of which he bunched up in his hand. At least you weren’t wearing any underwear he would inevitably steal. 

“How could this not be worth the journey,” he mused, and you realised he was in fact talking to himself. Still, you sighed out a laugh. 

Dutch moved his torso off yours, straightening up to grab your outer thighs in each hand. His grip was tight, bruising almost, and he held you right where he wanted you as he pulled out and began thrusting in a slow, deep rhythm. His head tipped back, and you stayed watching him, the euphoric pleasure seeping over his face enough to keep you lubricated down below. It truly was nice to know you were the cause of such a response. Well, your body, at least. 

“Now,” his heavy gaze met yours, and he leaned forward to plant one hand on your headboard and left the other gripping your hip, “let’s get to it, shall we?” 

There was no room to answer before he deepened his thrusts, his thick cock thoroughly filling you. He was perfectly anchored to the bed and you, and being leant forward slightly enabled him to brush over the plush, pulsating spot inside you repeatedly. Swiftly building up your impending orgasm, you thanked your accommodation for not giving you squeaky beds despite their questionable quality.   

Dutch’s grunts sounded at the same time as his thrusts, his lips pressed together to limit any other noise and you did the same, quiet gasps leaving you on occasion. “You gonna come for me, pretty girl?” he asked through a laboured breath. 

“Mhm,” you answered and wrapped your legs around him, pulling him further in and it was the last bit of motivation he needed to fuck you into your mattress until silently you came, back arching and hands gripping the duvet beneath. Dutch continued to fuck into you while your orgasm ebbed away, and you bore through the over-stimulation until he pressed his hips as far forward as he could, filling you up as you felt his cock twitch inside you.  

Your breath evened out while he dropped his head forward to run a hand through his hair. “My memory did not do you justice.” 

“That right?” you tilted your head in amusement and he hummed his agreement while slowly pulling out and doing a poor job of catching his spend. Guess you’d be changing your sheets today.  

“Mind if I use your bathroom?” he asked and you gestured to the door to your ensuite in agreement. While he was there, you pulled some wipes out from your side table and cleaned yourself up. 

“What have you got planned for today?” you asked as he ventured back in, doing up the fasten of his belt. 

“Probably get some food, walk around and see what we can find,” he pulled out a cigarette and lit it, gesturing to your fire alarm that was tactically covered by a sock. “You really are a naughty girl.” 

You snorted a laugh and sat up, while he leaned on your desk and cracked your window open to blow the smoke out. “Are they not going to wonder where you are now?” 

“I told them I was going for a cigarette.” 

“Huh, smart.” 

He raised his brows in agreement as he took another drag. “What time are you working until today?” 

“Late,” you shrugged. “I’m on until close.” 

Dutch tutted. “Well, my hotel isn’t far from your work, so you may as well stay with me. I’ll wait up.” 

“I don’t recall telling you where I worked.” 

He smirked, tapping the ash out the window. “You didn’t.” 

“Then how -” 

“I have my ways. I can be rather resourceful when I want to be.” 

“No shit,” you scoffed, ignoring the slight creepiness of him having that knowledge. “But no, thank you, I’ll be too tired.” 

“The hotel bed is very comfortable.” 

“I said no. Besides, you have Tilly with you,” you said, Dutch shifting his position to be half-seated on your desk. 

“She has her own room.” After a final drag, he stubbed out his cigarette and flicked it out your window. He walked over and sat on your bed again, taking your hand in his. “Just consider it?” 

“Fine,” you acquiesced, “I will see how I feel after my shift.” 

“That’s my girl,” he said, a pleased smile forming on his face and moved in to kiss your cheek before standing. “Be sure to say bye before you head off.” 

“Whatever you say,” you rolled your eyes, and with that, he departed, and the urge to shower became urgent. 

You had ten minutes to spare after getting washed and dressed, and couldn’t find anything to busy yourself with so you ended up visiting John’s flat after all. Your friends were all there when you entered, Tilly offered you a hug, and Mr Van der Linde greeted you casually when you entered the flat, like he hadn’t been pounding into you less than an hour ago. 

“Here she is,” John smiled, “you feeling better?” 

Dutch’s expression hardened so fast you could feel it, and you grumbled internally at John once again unintentionally putting his foot in it. “Yeah, fine,” you said quickly, “just needed some sleep.” 

“Perhaps you should skip some lectures and catch up some more,” John teased. 

“You’re actually going?” Javier scoffed from the sofa, taking his attention away from Tilly’s phone where she appeared to be showing him a video. 

“You know I have to,” you deflected, walking over to sit on the arm of the sofa beside him. 

“Eighty percent, you can stand to miss a few.” 

With a playful tilt of your head, you raised your brows accusingly. “Not worth getting into the habit.” 

“Get me a copy of the notes?” he asked sweetly, smiling up at you and taking your hand in his to place a kiss on the back of it. As always, you could never resist, nodding your understanding with a smirk. “Ah, Mr Van der Linde -” Javier’s expression dropped as he look at the man in question, “don’t tell my pa, okay?” 

Before he could respond, Sean decided to get a word in. “My da doesn’t mind me not going, says it’s better I don’t get my head filled by those pompous academic types. N-no offence, Mr Van der Linde,” he held his arms up placatingly. 

“Now, why would I be offended by that?” he asked, genuinely, though Sean visibly began to sweat. 

“No reason! No reason at all -” 

“And on that note,” you cleared your throat, deciding to save Sean before he inevitably fell further into his self-made hole. “I should get going. Nice to see you both again,” you said, mainly to Tilly, and hoped Dutch’s devious expression in response wasn’t as noticeable to anyone else. 

- 

If another person asked you to make a cocktail, you’d scream. It’s a Friday, do these people not know how filled to the brim with students this place was? You weren’t even sure why you offered cocktails at this stupid hour; everyone was too inebriated to even appreciate it, and who needs to spend extra on a drink when they’re out to get as plastered as they can, anyway? Just order a shot and be done with it - 

“Whiskey old-fashioned, please.” 

You turned, half-ready to lose your job for punching a patron and were met with a smiling Dutch on the other side of the bar. 

“Seriously?” you gestured around yourself, both as to why he’d ordered that and why he was there in the first place. 

“Why not?” 

“It’s busy,” you grumbled, making an exasperated show of preparing the glass. 

“Fine,” he chuckled, “just a double on ice will do.” 

You offered him a grateful smile, scooping a few ice cubes out of the tray.  

“Do you always speak to customers that way?” 

“Only the annoying ones,” you shrugged. 

“I’m in half a mind to tell your manager,” he raised his brows, leaning on the bar in a way that enhanced his arms as his burgundy shirt stretched around them. 

“Do that and I’ll ask you for ID. You forget I also have the power to withhold... other things,” you slid the drink over to him, and as you were about to announce the total, he handed you a twenty. “It doesn’t cost that much.” 

“It’s a tip.” 

“No,” you lamented, refusing to be his charity case, “it all goes in a pot anyway.” 

“Consider it an apology for my being a difficult customer,” he answered immediately. “And as a sweetener, so you don’t withhold your oh so generous offerings.” 

You tutted and placed the change to sit stubbornly in front of him on the bar. “I -” your attention was pulled to someone new coming up to the bar, “hold on a second.” 

After pouring out two vodka cokes for them, you returned to Dutch. “Where’s John and Tilly?” 

“John’s back at his flat, I think, and Tilly’s sleeping at the hotel,” he sipped at his drink, and you smirked as he tried to hide that this whiskey was not as fancy as his palate was used to.  

“Will Tilly be alright on her own?” you asked. 

“Of course. I plan to return soon anyway; I just need to pick something up first.” 

“What do you need to – oh,” you realised what – or rather who – he was referring to. “I haven’t agreed to come back with you. Besides, I’m still working.” 

“When do you usually finish?” 

“When everyone leaves,” you narrowed your gaze at him accusingly. 

“Ah,” he hummed in amusement. “It appears to be quietening down.” 

He was right. The crowd was certainly beginning to thin out, and you hoped that in true student fashion, they would all leave to go somewhere busier once they noticed. “I still haven’t agreed.” 

Dutch’s response was the inching of his fingers closing to yours, brushing them over your own secretively. “I would really like you to.” 

“I’m really, really tired, Dutch.” 

“That’s fine, you can go straight to sleep,” at the raise of your brows, he continued with a smile that inched on his face, “I mean it.” 

“I could be a while,” you excused yourself further. 

He finished the last of his drink, pausing a beat before finishing it. “Just text me when you’re done. Otherwise, I’ll stay here until everyone else has left.” 

“Okay, alright,” you rubbed your brow, supposing it couldn’t be too bad if you did just go there to sleep. By now, your trust in him had grown to the point where you believed he would’ve put all the measures in place to ensure the two of you weren’t caught. “I’ll text you.” 

“Good,” he said, pleased, and stood. “I’ll be going now, then.” 

“You mean you don’t want another one of those?” you pointed to his empty glass. 

He gave you an almost weary look, and a laugh slipped from you. 

“I’m only kidding.” 

He shook his head, and for the briefest of moments your heart skipped as you saw his rare, genuine smile. 

“See you later,” you concluded the conversation. 

Dutch folded his jacket over the arm and offered you a secretive wink. “I look forward to it.” 

- 

It was another hour before the bar closed, and you swiftly grabbed your bag from the back room, pulling your phone out to message Dutch at the earliest opportunity. 

You opted for waiting outside, a small way down the street in case any of your colleagues caught you swanning off with an older man who’d visited the bar. He didn’t leave you waiting for long. 

“That was sooner than I expected,” he greeted you, and on the short walk to the hotel, you answered his questions about how your shift went. 

“This is an expensive hotel,” you slowed on the approach, and Dutch rested his hand comfortably on your lower back. Somehow, you always seemed to forget just how rich he was. 

“You think they won’t let you in?” he teased, and you nodded genuinely. “Relax, darling.” 

That worked. Your body softened involuntarily, and walking in with him felt natural, easy. What you’d expected otherwise you weren’t sure, still hyper-aware of how you must look to a passer-by at this moment. Or perhaps they didn’t care. Dutch certainly didn’t. 

The two of you took the lift, walking down the well-decorated hallway until Dutch stopped and swiped his card on a door. You let out a breath once inside, kicking off your shoes and sitting on the edge of the bed without a second thought.  

“You and Javier seem to have an interesting relationship,” he commented, untying his shiny black shoes and placing them neatly by the door. 

“What do you mean by that?” you asked defensively. 

Dutch shrugged casually, clearly a façade. “You seem close. I wondered if there was anything there.” 

You scowled at him, too tired for this line of questioning. “Obviously not -” you paused, remembering yourself despite your newfound anger. “Well, we might’ve had a drunken kiss on our first week, but it didn’t progress beyond that.” 

“Hm. I thought as much.” 

“What is wrong with you?” you said sharply, “why would you ask that?” 

“I was only curious,” he held his hands up before unbuttoning his shirt. “I didn’t realise it was a crime to ask.” 

“It’s not. You’ve no right to be jealous.” 

“Who said I was?” he asked, leaning into a chuckle and it only aggravated you even more. 

You huffed out some of your anger. “It’s pretty obvious. I’m not stupid. And you’re not as good at hiding things as you think.” 

His face altered from unbothered to mildly entertained. “I don’t see why you’re getting so defensive. It was only a question.” 

Your mouth opened to let a retort pass through, but none came. The fucker wasn’t wrong, he had only asked. In your exhausted state, you questioned whether you’d read too much into it, and frowned at the ground while rubbing the stress from your brow. Keeping so much contained was a problem in times like this, when emotions escaped out into the world. “I don’t - I just -” you began, feeling yourself getting worked up. 

“Okay, alright, darling. Come here,” Dutch sat beside you, opening his arms and you tucked yourself into the warm embrace. 

“Sorry,” you sighed quietly, “this is why I didn’t want to come. I get grouchy when I’m tired.” 

“I can tell,” he teased, but the kiss placed on the crown of your head balanced it out. “You’ve been sick, John said?” 

“Not sick. Just tired this week, that’s all.” 

Dutch paused, tightening his arms around you. “It doesn’t look like you’re going to have any time to rest in the near future.” 

“I’ll take a weekend off work at something,” you mumbled, almost on autopilot as it wasn’t the first time you’d been berated for being too much of a try-hard. 

“Why do I get the impression you’re lying?” he asked gently, and your responding laugh was mirthless. “I like most things about you, except this.” 

“Except what?” you asked, resting your head on his shoulder to catch his eyes. 

“This incessant need you have to work yourself to fatigue. It’s unhealthy.” 

“It’s temporary,” you insisted. 

“If you would only let me -” 

“Don’t you dare offer me money again.” That was a place you’d never go to, a sense of pride far too strong to accept his help. You could do it. You just... need to complain occasionally. And maybe have someone that could help alleviate the stress using tried and true methods. “Wait, you said most. What else don’t you like about me?” 

He paused, as though he hadn’t expected that question. “I suppose how little time I get to spend with you.” 

“That’s a cop-out.” 

Dutch laughed, releasing you from his embrace and standing to continue getting undressed. A feeling resembling awe settled in your body at how proudly he stood, in only his underwear, while finding a pair of joggers to wear for bed. He hooked his thumbs into the band of his pants but paused, slyly looking over his shoulder at you. You swiftly averted your gaze. 

“You’re allowed to look, I don’t mind,” he said with amusement, and you only looked back once you’d heard his underwear come off and joggers come on. You were far too tired to go another round, but you feared your body would decide otherwise if you caught a glance of him fully nude. “Here,” he passed a plain t-shirt to you, “I suspect you don’t have anything to wear.” After you took it, his face fell slightly. “Not that I mind you sleeping with nothing on.” 

You rolled your eyes at his teasing, for whatever reason wanting to get dressed where he couldn’t see. “Does the hotel have spare toothbrushes?” 

“Sure, in the bathroom,” he pulled back the cover of the bed and got in, clasping his hands over his stomach. “Help yourself to whatever.” 

You did, brushing your teeth, washing your face, and changing into Dutch’s t-shirt. It was clean, but it still held his underlying scent. He was in the same position when you re-entered the bedroom and lifted the covers for you to get in. “Thanks,” you said, laying down and marvelling at how soft the bed was, a yawn escaping thanks to your newfound comfort. 

Dutch reached over and flicked the switches above the side table, turning off all the lights except the lamp next to him. Then, he brushed the back of his knuckle tenderly over your temple, and it took all you had to fight an immediate descent into sleep. You took the opportunity to shuffle closer to him, and he extended his arm so you could lay on his chest while he was propped up a little against the headboard. “Get some sleep, now,” he said, his voice a quiet rumble in the low light of the room. 

As you melted into him some more, the bare skin of his chest warm and soothing, he put on his glasses from the bedside table and picked up his book. “Aren’t you sleeping?” 

“I’ll sleep better if I read a little first. Don’t mind me, though.” 

“Okay.” You pecked his lips, and once you were re-settled on his chest sleep came easier than ever. 

- 

The gentle motion of fingertips slowly grazing the middle of your back was the first sensation to greet you upon awakening, and you blinked your eyes open to the hazy filter of morning sun through the window. You were nestled comfortably into Dutch, still using his chest as a pillow and glanced up, finding the man himself in somewhat of a daydream as he looked out the window. He noticed the small movement, though, and offered you a warm smile. “Morning.” 

“Morning,” you half-yawned, stubbornly closing your eyes to nestle further into his chest. How he was more comfortable than the bed itself you weren’t sure. 

“Sleep well?” he asked. 

“Like a log. You?” 

“Just fine. You’re nice to wake up to.” He placed his palm flat on your back, holding you to him. 

“You aren’t so bad yourself. What time are you seeing John today?” 

“I think we’re going for a late breakfast; I suppose whenever he’s ready. We have a bit of time, if you want anything brought up to the room?” 

“No, no, I’m okay. Thanks though. Actually,” you shifted up onto your elbow, rubbing the sleep from your eyes and internally deciding you preferred Dutch’s hair in the morning, a little messy from the night. “I wouldn’t mind using that shower.” 

“Be my guest,” he said politely. It was nice to lay like this with him, you’d expected him to have his hands all over you as soon as you’d awoken, though perhaps he was tired. If anything, he was more reserved than usual, and you hoped he wasn’t beginning to have second thoughts. You knew better than to question him first thing in the morning and moved to a seated position before swinging your legs off the bed.  

“Appreciate it.” You picked your clothes up from their crumpled heap on the floor and carried them into the bathroom with you before having the most glorious shower you’d had in some time.  

Checking your phone once you were finished, you realised you’d been in the bathroom for a full thirty minutes. Whoops. 

“Sorry,” you said as soon as you opened the door, Dutch seated on the bed, now dressed and rolling up his sleeves. “That shower was a little too nice.” 

The smile Dutch offered you was warmer, more awake, and more like himself than he had been previously. “Good,” he offered out his hand which you promptly took and pulled you towards him to stand between his legs, and he wrapped his arms around your lower back. “I’d say you’ve earned it.” 

You chuckled easily, glad to find out nothing was wrong, and he simply hadn’t woken up yet.  

“What time are you working?” he asked, while you ran a hand through his hair and settled it on his shoulder. 

“Early afternoon. I’m off tomorrow, but I’ve got work to do – what time are you leaving?” 

“About midday. Don’t worry about it,” he placed a kiss on your sternum, “I’d prefer it if you rested instead.” 

“I’ll try,” you nodded with a snort. 

“I would like,” he stood up, holding your hands in his, “to see you more frequently, if possible.” 

“I’d like that,” you looked up at him, and the deal was sealed with a kiss. “I’m not sure exactly when, but -” 

“We’ll work something out. I have your number,” he said conspiratorially, an alluring half-smile making him even more irresistible than he already was. “But I fear Tilly will be up soon, I don’t want her catching you on the way out.” 

“Good call,” you agreed, breaking out of the embrace to pick up your bag and double-check you hadn’t forgotten anything. “Have a good weekend.” 

“We will,” he pulled you in for a kiss, one that was tender and slow and left you a little breathless once you’d parted your lips from his. “Thanks for coming to stay with me.” 

“I’ve got to do my part for the community,” you shrugged, and his face dropped into playful annoyance. 

“Oh, that’s how it is?” 

You laughed, edging towards the door though he managed to pat your ass in reprimand before you were out of reach. “I might add this to my volunteering work on my CV, come to think of it.” 

Dutch laughed heartily, pressing his tongue into his cheek and shaking his head. “You truly can be a wicked woman.” 

With a proud, final smile, you stepped forward for a kiss goodbye then opened the door, checking the coast was clear before stepping out. At the risk of Tilly hearing you, you offered Dutch a simple nod before departing, which he returned. 

It wasn’t a short walk back to your accommodation, but it wasn’t long, either. The weather was good, and you were thankful it’d been nice for Dutch and Tilly’s visit up. It wasn’t lost on you that there was a slight spring in your step, every meeting with Dutch making your heart feel that extra bit lighter, and life feel an extra bit more accommodating. After last time, you’d attributed it to the sex, to the rush and release that was a rarity in your everyday. But perhaps it was him, and while this newfound feeling was a nice one to experience, the low hum of guilt and the prospect of where this avenue of exploration would lead you left a slightly bitter taste in your mouth.  

There was a possibility that Dutch’s philosophical suggestions were imprinting on you, but you actively decided not to dwell on the many possibilities and instead focus on that, for now, you had something that made your chest grow warm and your breath seep from your lungs. Perhaps this was what you were missing, a way to dispel your worries and fears even for a short while. And perhaps, on some level, this was something you deserved. 

[pinespittinink]

can you explain the lightlark thing? I'm very confused. If the book doesn't even come out until September, how can anyone know if it's good or bad? Wouldn't all they have to go off of be a super short summary (that always try and make things sound better than they are)? and you mentioned some blurbs from other YA authors. But that doesn't tell you much about a book. And I saw someone say something about a movie deal? How can there be a movie deal on a book that's not even released yet??? Doesn't that usually happen after a book makes it big? My brain is hurting trying to understand this. I've never heard the title Lightlark in the first place but I saw someone mention tiktok, so that probably explains why I don't know it. I avoid that place like the plague.

Gratefully and sincerely, A very confused writeblr.

I feel like I could make a PowerPoint about the entire Lightlark debacle by now, but I’ll try to put everything I know out here as unbiased as possible!

I made an error in my og post and I guess Lightlark is coming out later this month, not September- regardless, it’s currently unreleased. Basically, the early readers have been given access to advance reader copies— called ARCs— which is how they’ve read the book prior to the drop date. The purpose of ARCs is to spread word of mouth and generally drum up good press for the book ahead of time; you get an ARC for free, you write an honest review (most of those tend to paint the book in a favorable light, though of course everyone has their own honest opinions), and people read the reviews and get an idea of what it’s like beforehand. They’re like reviews from laymen rather than industry professionals, like Chloe Gong (These Violent Delights), who read early copies to provide backcover promo blurbs.

So that’s where the initial reviews are coming from! The distribution of ARCs and relation to goodreads reviews is super important to how well a book may sell and be received upon release. Pretty commonly, you’ll see positive ARC reviews, and then the rating will naturally drop a little and even out post-release, once the greater public can read and give way more opinions, good or bad or any range between.

Now, as it turns out still, the vast majority of readers don’t check goodreads prior to picking up or buying a book. They see a cool cover or read a backcover and are like “huh, sounds neat” and go about their day. But that doesn’t undercut the fact that this process is still a HUGE part of the pre-release period.

The movie deal is actually not that uncommon of a thing. Books will get optioned for tv or film adaptations, but the key kicker here is that way more often than not, they aren’t made public knowledge until production is beginning and it’s a known thing that the adaption will actually happen. The fact that Alex Aster is sharing that her YA fantasy romance debut is getting a movie is… well you can make up your own mind about that but the fact is that it’s not the normal course of events! Those things are generally kept way underwraps. Lightlark may die in production hell, for all we know.

The other integral piece of information to this current blowup is that Alex Aster is rich. She lives in NYC, her sister makes an absurd amount of money (she’s nearing the Forbes 30 Under 30 list, there’s an article floating around about that), and this is how she was able to have her cover reveal done on a New York Times Square billboard. She is not a rags to riches story, and while she’s been querying from a very young age, she is still a young author in her twenties who has published a successful (I believe) MG fantasy series, and is also white-passing, conventionally attractive, and frankly, a marketing genius, if the way tiktok has taken off with Lightlark is any indication.

People are giving her a lot of flack for lying about how she’s promoting the book, which is boiling down to her talking about various tropes/scenes/dialogue that happen in the story which….apparently don’t happen on the page, according to people who have read the book already. I can’t speak to this personally, and only regurgitate what everyone’s been passing around, which is that the bulk of what she’s presenting the book as is falling far from the mark. Lightlark is pitched as The Hunger Games meets A Court of Thorns and Roses in a dark fantasy setting, and suffers the most (in my opinion) from - MASSIVE case of “cool concept, bad execution.”

Genuine readers of the ARC have torn this book a new one in varying levels of language from professional to juvenile hole-poking, but the general consensus right now is the book is bad. Not the scummiest literature on the block by any means, but just a poorly written overhyped book.

Now some people (the twitter/tiktok crowd) are even going after the other YA authors who blurbed her book, calling them out for leaving glowing reviews, which is behavior I frankly think is uncalled for and juvenile. But that’s the nature of a nasty bandwagon and negativity train. It’s fun and cool to be a hater sometimes, right? Get in with the crowd? 💀

I think everything surrounding Lightlark is genuinely fascinating. Will I read it when it comes out? Probably not, unless I rent it from the library. But I do think that what’s happening right now, the review bombing of people going onto goodreads to leave one star reviews for the sheer hell of it, calling Alex Aster nasty things and accusing her of things unrelated to the hype and promotion of the book, is really gross and a very negative side of the entire relationship between traditional publishing and social media. The current rating for Lightlark is 2.35 stars. It’s been dropping all day and I haven’t seen something like this happen ever. If anything I’m curious what will come next, if anything good, and I’m resigned about the hive mind of the internet.

[libraryofloveletters]

Just A Phase

Evan Buckley x Reader 

Warnings: fem!reader, typical high school nonsense, kinda rude behaviour at first meet, mentions of weed/alcohol and the consumption of, typical cocky jock behaviour, few swear words, being tipsy/drunk

Category: fluff and a little angst 

Word Count: 5.4k

Author’s Note: I just started writing and this is where I ended up so yeah also I feel like I haven’t written in a million years, forgive me if this is shitty // I referred to Buck as Evan for the first little bit because he and the reader had been introduced yet. // thank you to my darling @floralbuckleys for their help!

----

Senior Year Of High School. 

 Evan Buckley, certified jock and bad boy. 

He was the type of guy that only had a soft spot for you, but you didn’t know that yet. Truthfully he wasn’t a mean guy - people just perceived him that way because he was on the football team and popular. He had somewhat of a troublesome reputation.

People knew where he went, trouble followed. 

You, on the other hand, came from a somewhat above average family. Your mom’s a nurse and dad’s a lawyer. They always had big hopes and dreams for you, for you to go off to Harvard in the fall and follow in your father’s footsteps but you didn’t want that. 

You dreamt of being a writer - you couldn't bring yourself to tell your parents that. Since you were young, they had instilled “you’re going to go to Harvard” in you. 

You couldn’t back out now. 

See, high school worked a certain way. You kept to your circles and didn’t mingle with those that didn’t fit into your circle. You and Evan didn’t run in the same circle - he was a troublesome jock and you were a smart preppy girl. 

Being the preppy kid meant volunteering where you could to bulk up your college application hence why you were at school on a Friday afternoon, waiting for the kids to show up. You were part of some tutor program that your chemistry teacher put you into. 

It was mostly just kids that needed some clarification on their work and the occasional jock that needed to pass a course to stay on the team.

You weren't surprised when a group of noisy jocks stumbled in the study hall, reeking of sweat from practice.  

You were surprised to see Evan, he hadn't been in there before. 

“Settle down boys” Mrs. Jacobs told them before sending each guy off to a tutor, leaving Evan standing beside her. “You can head over to y/n” she pointed at you, you gave him a small smile when you glanced up. He looked unpleasant, like he didn’t want to be there. 

He made his way over nonetheless. “Good afternoon” you say quietly, unsure if he heard you. He grumbles a hello as he sits down. 

The first few minutes, it was quiet. He sat there flipping through his textbook and scribbling down answers into the notebook in front of him. 

“Is there anything I can help you-” “I'm not stupid.” 

You glance at him, eyes catching his blue ones looking back at you. “I never said you were.” 

“I'm only here because I didn’t turn in my mid term project and now stupid Mr. Jefferson thinks I don't understand this shit” he explains himself. 

You hum, glancing down at the notebook in front of him, pulling it towards you. Reading over the sheet, all the answers were right. A hum of satisfaction slips pass your lips as you slide the notebook back over to him. 

“Not just another dumb jock then.” your eyes study his face after the statement. His lips curl into a small smile, a hum as he turns his attention back to his paper. 

“So prep life must be dull - no parties, all study.” 

“Who says prep kids don't party ?” 

He chuckles, “maybe the lack of prep kids at the parties.” “I’ll have you know, I party plenty, Evan.” 

Once again, he chuckles. “The phrasing of that statement shows that you clearly don’t- but call me Buck, all the guys do.” he slides the notebook over to you. 

“Check this over, I'll be back” you watched as he stepped out of the study hall and disappeared into the hallway. 

A few minutes pass by, you’re tired and in need of a nap but you blink away the tiredness to read his work. There’s a voice behind you and then you feel something heavy on your chair. Leaning back to figure out what it was, the back of your head hit something hard. You shift in your seat and look up to see your head has hit Buck’s torso. 

“How's the work, peach ?” his voice is low, the drop in octave from before causes butterflies in your stomach. 

Your brows furrow at the nickname, he noticed your confusion and glances down at your top and your eyes follow his only to see that your peach colour bra was sticking out from the top of your shirt. 

You had stretched back into your seat when he stepped out and you hadn't noticed the shift in your clothing.

Pulling the top of your shirt back up, he smiles and returns to his seat. You clear your throat, head down and eyes on the work in front of you as you could feel the blush on your face. 

“Um, the work is fine.” 

“Do you have plans tonight ?” 

“No, why?” 

“Come with me to Johnson’s party, you can show me how prep kids party” he smiles, his words are teasing you- taunting you even. “I would, but my parents are out of town so I don’t have the car and I have to watch the house.” 

“The house won’t disappear if you’re gone for a few hours and I'll pick you up then. What’s your address ?” 

“Buck, I really shouldn't” 

“Y/n, come on. Pull the stick out your ass for one night and enjoy senior year. You can go back to Harvard prep tomorrow.” 

His word choice doesn't shock you, it’s quite on brand for him. He’s looking at you, waiting for your answer and you can't help but give in.

Taking the pen from him, you scribble your address and number on his notebook. “See you at 7?” picking your bag up before slinging it over your shoulder. 

“7? Peach, the party doesn’t start ‘till 9. I’ll pick you up at 10:30.” 

“Oh um- okay.” you hum, confused but you agree anyways. 

--- 

10:45 and you were sitting on your couch, glancing at your phone and back to the window. 

You had been stood up once before but to be stood up by a jock, and a popular one ? Will be the death of any social life you had. 

Finally there’s a knock on your door and you get up a little faster than you would have liked but you make your way over. Pulling it open, you met with Buck. 

“Ready ?” 

“Sure, let me grab my phone” you leave the door open, stepping back to the couch. Buck had disappeared from the doorway when you returned, you locked up and followed what looked like headlights to the driveway. 

Buck sat on his bike, he scoots forwards a bit before patting the space behind him. 

“No.” you mumble. 

“What ?” 

“I’m not getting on that thing.” 

“That thing ? I'm offended. Come on, you’ll be fine.” 

“Evan, no.” 

Buck gets up, making his way over to you. His hands grab yours, looking at you now. “Y/n, I promise you that you’ll be fine. Can we go now ?” 

“I’ll kill you if something happens to you” you grumbled as you reluctantly made your way over to the bike. Buck gets on first, you mirror his actions. Your hands were to your side, Buck reached back and wrapped them around his waist. 

“You good back there ?” 

“As good as I could be.”

-- 

The house, who you assumed belonged to Johnson’s parents, (you had no idea who Johnson was because you barely ever went to the football games) reeked of alcohol and weed. 

Your face didn’t hide your displeasure as well as you thought it had. Buck chuckled as he slung his arm over your shoulder. 

“So is this what you do ?” you shout over the loud music, Buck was saying hello to someone he knew and wasn't paying attention to what you had asked him. 

You manage to wiggle your way out of his grip and find your way to the kitchen. It’s a few minutes later that Buck finds you sipping on a beer. 

“You drink ?” he gives you a questionable look with a smile on his face. 

“You brought me to a party so I'll do what people do at a party” you hum, leaning back against the counter. He finds his way to you, leaning back against the counter too. 

“Enjoying the party ?” 

“Not really, you kinda left me to talk to some guy for twenty minutes” 

“That guy happens to be our star quarterback.” 

“I care why?” you glance up at him. Buck’s face is pure amusement, you aren't sure if you’re the cause of that or something else but the way he's looking at you- you can feel the butterflies again. 

“Buck!” a group of guys shout as they make their way into the kitchen. They all say hello to him, some are drinking, some are shoving chips into their mouths. 

You stay quiet while Buck talks to them and judging by their varsity jackets, it was safe to assume that they were on the team with Buck. 

“Who’s your friend ?” a brunette guy asks him, stepping towards you. 

“I’m y/n, you are?” you ask before Buck could. 

“Mike, call me Johnson.” 

“Oh, so this is your place ? Cute house” you give him a smile, he laughs. 

“How do you know Buck?” Johnson asks, he was nosy for a drunk guy. 

“Just bumped into each other, we have class together” you lie, not sure if Buck wanted them to know how you really met, Buck gives you a small smile. 

“You’re pretty, how about a dance ?” his hand grabs yours. 

“Thanks but no thanks” you give a polite smile before pulling your hand away. 

Johnson takes a step forward, his hand reaching out and grabbing your hip. “C’mon, dance with me” you could smell the alcohol on him- he reeked. You push his hand off, “I said no thank you” you tell him once more, being ever so polite. 

“Y/n, c’mon, one dance baby” he takes another step, he’s now face to face with you. Before you could say anything, Buck is in front of you, between you and Johnson. 

“Dude, she said no. Leave her alone.” 

Buck’s sudden need to protect you was much appreciated. Usually if a guy did that, especially a jock, you’d be weird out because they never pay attention to you- but Buck, you had this indescribable feeling, pride, satisfaction, maybe even relief ? 

“She’s not even your girl, why are you protecting her?” 

“Doesn’t matter, she said no so get out of her fucking face.” Buck’s hand was against his chest, pushing him away as his other hand reached back for yours. It would be cheesy to say that your hand fit in his like it was made to be there but it was true. 

Buck’s hand was still in yours as he pulled you out the back door. Your back was up against the wall as he stood in front of you. 

“Are you okay ?” you could hear the concern in his voice - different from his usual tone. 

At a loss for words, his eyes study your face. Johnson was a douche and he knew that, he mentally cursed himself for even bringing you here. 

“Y/n.. talk to me” he takes a step towards you. 

“Buck,” your hand presses against his chest, “I'm fine. It’s not the first time a drunk guy has hit on me” 

A breath of relief slipped past his lips, “do you want to leave?” his face softens when he asks. “No, I'm alright.” 

“Stay here, I'll be back” his hand comes down and squeezes your waist gently before he steps back into the house. 

--

It was a while before Buck returned. He had disappeared into the house for half an hour and when he returned, you were by the pool with a pingpong ball in hand. 

“Suck it!” your loud laugh filled his ears, you took a sip from the red cup in your hand and you watched as the guy across from you drank the beer in the cup that the ball landed in. 

“Looks like you’re having fun” Buck smiles, now beside you. 

“Hey!” you reeked of beer at this point. “I’m having fun” your words come out in a slurred mumble. 

“Mhm okay, I think it’s time to head home” Buck takes the cup from you and sets it down. 

“What ?” Your hand reaches for the cup again, a pout evident on your face.

Buck’s hands finds your waist, hoisting you up and over his shoulder. A louder than expected gasp left your mouth, you felt the cold breeze against your legs as he walked towards the front of the yard. 

He put you down in the backseat of a car but you knew you came with his bike so you were confused, just as you go to ask, he scoots you over and gets in the back with you. Buck’s arm is over your shoulder, you’re so tired that you just lean into him. 

-- 

You had noticed you fell asleep and when you woke, you were on the porch swing at your house with Buck’s hand in your pocket. 

“Whatcha looking for?” he glances up at you when he hears your voice. 

“Keys.” 

“Other pocket” 

He manages to find the keys and get the door open. Getting you in the house was another story. “Y/n, come on” he pulls your hands in an attempt to get you up but you weren’t budging. 

What happened to you being a prep kid and not drinking ? He didn’t even think it was possible to get drunk that fast. 

“No, tired” you mumbles, making yourself comfortable on the porch swing. “Do you want your parents to come home and find you here? I’m cool with leaving you here if that’s the case” Buck teased, he had no idea when your parents were coming home. 

The mention of your parents finding you outside, drunk, horrified you. You got up so quick, you nearly toppled over. Buck helped you inside and onto the couch. He disappeared for a moment and then returned with a glass of water. 

“Small sips” he settles beside you, watching as you take a sip. You hum, resting your head on his shoulder as his arm comes over your shoulder. 

“Buck?” 

“Yeah?” 

He felt your head shift, now looking up at him, eyes full of sleep. You were studying his face, from the birthmark above his eye to his pink lips.

“I really like you, you know” your words filled with sleep as your eyes drooped, you blinked a few times, forcing yourself to stay awake.

Buck chuckles, “that’ll pass peach, I’m just a phase.” He hummed quietly, fingers running through your hair as you drift to sleep. 

--

The Monday after the party, you saw Buck in the hallway after waking up to an empty house on the couch, head pounding even in the deafening silence and and you can’t quite remember how you got home. 

Buck had been radio silence since then but you weren't sure why. He was walking in from the front doors and you were by your locker. You turn to speak to him but he barely glances at you before continuing his conversation with Johnson. 

From that day, you never spoke to Buck again. Last you saw him was graduation day and last you had heard was that he was in college and you were headed off to Harvard. 

----

Present.

You had become a big shot lawyer, everything your parents wanted. Moved out to LA to start your own firm and everything was going well until this morning. 

You had barely walked into the office when the fire alarm went off. The sudden alarm caused an onset of commotion in the office, the woman next to you bumped into you, spilling your hot cup of coffee onto you. 

She mumbled a sorry as she passed but you could feel the heat coming from where the liquid had spilt. Nonetheless, you made your way out, the sound of the sirens from fire trucks blaring. 

Not that you didn’t enjoy seeing the handsome firefighters (or so your co-workers seem to say) but you had a ton of paperwork to do for an upcoming case you had and you barely started. 

You stood by the curb, watching as the firefighters made their way over to the crowd and into the building to clear it. 

“Ma'am ?” A firefighter made his way over to you, there was a helmet in his hand as he passed a hand through his hair. You glance up from your phone, to see what he wanted. 

“May I take a look?” his eyes shifted to your chest where there is currently a coffee stain on your white shirt. “Oh, thank you but no. I’m fine” 

“Are you sure? Because that’ll leave a pretty nasty mark if you don't get it cleaned. If you aren’t comfortable, we have a female medic” he offered, hoping you’d consider. 

“You’re a medic ?” you asked, looking him up and down. He nods, taking a step back. He begins walking back to the ambulance and you follow him. “Do you want me to get her?” 

“No, you’re a professional, it’s cool” you give him a small smile before moving your shirt so he could check. 

The firefighter’s hand was now right under your collarbone, dabbing at your skin with some gauze. His fingers were cold, you weren’t sure if it was actually his fingers or the gloves that were cold but either way you looked at him. 

“What’s your name ?” 

“Diaz, Eddie Diaz” he tells you, flashing you a smile before going back to his job. 

You hum, staying still as Eddie rubs something on your skin. 

That’s when you saw him. 

The same blue eyes, the same blonde hair, the same gorgeous smile that always played in your mind. Not a day went by that you didn’t think of him. You had always wondered what he ended up doing, he was smart and destined for great things, there was more for him than a small life in a place where no one ever really did anything. 

Every guy you had dated, you compared to him. It was always something- they didn’t look like him, they didn’t act like him, they didn’t treat you the way he did, they wouldn't stand up for you like he did. 

He lived rent free in your mind. 

“Ma'am?” Eddie’s voice broke your gaze. “Y/n,” you corrected him, “ma’am is for old women” your eyes going back to Buck. Eddie noticed your lack of attention and followed your gaze. 

“Do you know Buck?” 

“He still lets people call him that ?” you chuckle to yourself, feeling Eddie’s eyes burning a hole into you. 

Before you could answer, his radio buzzed before a voice came through, “building’s clear. Start directing people back in.” Eddie looks over at you, you’re already getting out of the ambulance. 

“Keep that clean and dry” were his last words to you after you left. 

--- 

It wasn’t until you were back in the building that you realized your phone was in the ambulance. 

You were majorly screwed. 

Remembering the medic’s name which was the only thing you remember mids the confusion and seeing Buck after 10+ years. You asked around the office if anyone knew what station responded to the call. You had contacts that worked for the city but the lack of phone made it hard for you to call and find out. 

Finally giving in, you google the medic’s name. There were a few articles that had photos but none of them said anything that helped. There was a video from Taylor Kelly at channel 8 news, some sort of video about the fire station. 

Station 118- that was 10 minutes down the road and you pass it everyday on the way to work. The thoughts began filling your head, had Buck been there all along? 

12 years- 12 long, empty years that you acted like he didn’t exist and that you didn’t want to know what happened between you two but he was right down the road. 

You didn’t even know if you wanted to talk to him. You had finally come to peace with it even though a part of you will always long for what could have been. Feelings aside, you set out to the station to get your phone. 

Upon arriving, there were a few guys by the trucks. You asked for Eddie, assuming that he might have an idea of where your phone ended up or if they even found it. 

“Up the stairs and he should be somewhere up there” the guy pointed, you thanked him before heading towards the stairs. When you got upstairs, it was empty. 

You weren't sure if you should go back down or wait so you sort of awkwardly stood there, glancing around the room. The station was nicer than you had imagined it to be, not that you really had an idea of what to expect. 

Your back was to the kitchen when someone tapped your shoulder. “Can I help you?” his voice called out as you turned. 

Buck. 

You let out a breath, your eyes studying his perfect face for a moment. Do you say something or just pretend like you didn’t know him?

“Yeah, I'm uh- I'm looking for Eddie. I think I left my phone in the ambulance.” 

“Do I know you from somewhere ?” 

“I work at the building down the road, 14th street. You guys were there earlier, hence the phone in the ambulance” you tell him, hoping he drops the topic. 

“Y/n! Hey! What are you doing here?” You see Eddie call from behind Buck. 

Thank god. 

“I left my phone in the ambulance. I figured you’d know what happened to it” you’ve stepped past Buck and towards Eddie now. “I haven’t seen it, but maybe it’s still in there. Come with me, we can check for it” 

Eddie was making his way down the stairs and you were behind him when Buck called your name. 

Not y/n. 

Peach. 

You paused, taking a deep breath in before turning to face him. “I thought I remembered you from somewhere” he smiled, him and his stupid smile. 

“I’m in a rush, Evan. Plus, I'm not in the mood to reminisce.” 

The smile dropped from his face, the guilt crept up on you. The feeling of your stomach twisting, sighing before making your way down to Eddie who was by the ambulance, your phone in hand. 

“There’s more to the story than I thought,” Eddie hands the phone over, you give him a hum and thank him. “Let me walk you out.” he follows you out to your car. 

“You know, whatever he did- he’s changed. He’s a good guy.” Eddie says, his voice sincere. 

“I know, I just- I don't know” 

“What did he do? If I can ask” 

“We were- I don't know what we were. We hung out in high school, just once but he was different from the other guys. He genuinely cared. We went to a party together and he brought me home after. I remember falling asleep with him in the house and the next morning he was gone. Total radio silence that whole weekend and when I saw him at school the following week, he acted like he didn’t know me - it was like that for the rest of senior year. We never spoke after that.” 

Here you were pouring your heart out to a firefighter who you had only met an hour ago who also had seen your bare chest (in a professional way, of course)  on a Tuesday morning in the parking lot. 

“Wow- I can see why you wouldn’t want to talk to him.”

“Yeah, thank you for the phone though. I gotta get back to work” 

“Wait, let me get your number” 

You pause, looking at him with furrowed brows. He seemed confused then he realized how that sounded. “Oh god- no not like that, sorry. I meant maybe we could grab a drink sometimes, as friends and maybe you could tell me more about high school Buck ?” 

“Um- yes to the number and drinks but I don’t know about Buck” you hand the phone back over to him, telling him that you’d text him. 

--- 

It was a while before you heard from Eddie, he said he was off on Saturday if you were up for drinks and weren't busy. The whole team was going out but he invited you along to join them. 

After some back and forth “I couldn't intrude” and “you won’t be, come join us” you finally gave in. 

Now it’s 9pm and you, Eddie and Buck are sitting at a booth. Coincidentally, everyone else was busy. Chimney and Hen who you hadn’t met yet, were with their significant others and kids. So that left the 3 of you together. 

You wanted to walk back out when you saw it was only the two of them but Eddie had seen you and called you over. His phone buzzed just as Buck came back with drinks. 

“Everything okay?” Buck asked his friend, Eddie, still typing away on his phone. “Huh? Yeah, it’s Carla. Chris is running a fever” you could hear the concern in his voice. 

“Chris is your son?” 

“Yeah- I'm sorry I got to go. I’ll make it up to you. Drinks on me another night” Eddie gave your shoulder a squeeze as he stood. 

“No yeah, of course. Go, it’s fine” you smiled. 

“Let me know if you need anything” Buck shifts towards Eddie, the two of them seem to have some sort of routine or way of how things work between them.  

And now there were two. 

Buck sipped on his beer, you sat across from him, your nails tapping against the bottle in front of you. He was the first one to speak.

“So, how have you been?”

“Good. You?”

“Good too. I don’t know if you remember my sister but she had a baby recently so I've been hanging out with her after work”

“Oh, that’s nice. Maddie right?”

“Yeah, she had a little girl. She’s the cutest little girl ever.” Buck pulls his phone out, showing you a photo of him holding a baby in a blanket with a brunette beside him. The woman beside him, Maddie you assumed, was smiling at Buck, fixing the blanket while he looked at the camera, the joy evident on his face.

“She’s adorable and your sister looks the same, she hasn’t aged a day” you hum, passing the phone over to him.

Back to awkward silence.

“What happened to us?” Buck’s question catches you off guard.

“What happened to us? You happened.”

“What? I thought we were friends.” Your eyes met, his full of confusion and yours with displeasure.

“Friends don’t disappear in the middle of the night with no explanation and ignore them for the rest of senior year.” You get up, grab your phone and make your way to the door. Buck’s calling out to you but you don’t want to stop and talk to him.

The night was cold, the wind hit your bare shoulders and you shivered for a moment before walking. Buck was still calling out your name, he had followed you out the bar.

“Y/n! Stop! Y/n, c’mon. Please!” His hand wrapped around your wrist, holding you in place. You pull your hand back.

“No! You don’t get to do that. Act like everything is fine when you disappeared with no explanation. I know we weren’t best friends but I thought we were at least friends. That fucking hurt, Evan.”

“Fine,” he sighs, looking at you. “You want the truth ?” Your brows raised, waiting for him to continue.

“You told me you liked me. You were a good kid, going to Harvard, which you obviously did” gesturing at you, he continued. “I didn’t know what I wanted and I didn’t want you to feel like you needed to be by my side until I figured it out. I knew you would resent me for that and I couldn’t do that to you, I couldn’t do it to myself.”

“That’s selfish. It’s about you ? That’s why you left with no explanation ? You couldn’t do it to yourself ? Man the fuck up Buck, life isn’t about you.” 

“You think I don’t know that ?! You think I didn’t think about you all the time? That I didn’t miss you?” 

“Don’t start with that shit. You knew where I would be. You said it yourself, I was “a good kid, going to Harvard” so if you really missed me, you could have found me.” 

“Y/n, be real. We were just out of high school, what means did I have to go searching for you? I had my own shit to deal with.” 

“Just stop, I don’t even want to know.” 

“No, you stop” 

“No you.” 

“Y/n” his voice was stern, the annoyance clearly there. 

“Evan.” your tone matched his.

That stupid smug smile of his was on his face, that was enough to make you roll your eyes. “’Kay, I'm over your shit.” turning away from him, you go to walk away but his hand grabs yours. 

Still fit like it was made to be there. 

Before you could register what was happening, Buck’s lips were on yours. Maybe time stopped when Buck’s lips met yours but your heart didn’t- it felt like it was beating a million times seconds and the butterflies in your stomach were restless. 

It wasn't clear to either of you at the moment that it had started pouring rain but it didn’t matter. There was this raw emotion in the way his hands felt on your waist or how his chest was pressed to yours. 

Buck would be lying if he said he didn’t open his eyes slightly, sneaking a guilty peek at you just to make sure you weren’t a fiction of his imagination. Every breath he took smelt of lavender and honey, the same scent that had lingered on his mind since the day he met you. His arms wrapped around you, pulling you closer to him, if that was even possible. 

Maybe this was meant to be, fate bringing back what was meant for him to him or maybe this really was all a fabrication of his imagination but he wanted to live in his moment forever. 

It wasn't until thunder rumbled that he pulled away. The rain had soaked your clothes and hair, your makeup had smudged and half of your lipstick was on Buck. 

The same stupid smug smile on his face.

“God,” rolling your eyes at him. “You’re so annoying.” wiping your lips with the back on your hand, hoping that you got all the lipstick off. 

“Yeah, I'm the annoying one” Buck’s face twisted, giving you a playful shove as you stepped towards him. Your thumb comes up to wipe the lipstick off him. Buck’s arm lifts, now over your shoulder. 

The two of you looked at each other as you made your way down the street. 

“Just a phase huh ?” you hum, glancing at Buck. 

The blonde let out a chuckle, “maybe not.” 

--- 

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[inkwolvesandcoffee]

Scruffy | Mute M!Werewolf x Fem!Reader

Genre: Romance, Fluff, Short story

Pairing: Christopher Van Helsing (mute m!werewolf tattoo artist) x fem!Reader

Word Count: 3.6K

Warnings: Allusion to bad body image/low self-esteem, tooth-rotting domestic fluff, a sprinkle of an aroused wolf.

Summary: Confidence doesn’t come naturally to your mute tattooed boyfriend. Normally your presence and the ink on his skin is enough to prevent him from retreating into his own world, physically and mentally. However, on the morning after a strange night, he can’t muster even the tiniest sliver of it.

It is one thing to have him in your arms, worn and ragged like he’s been chased through the woods. But it is too much to bear to see him looking into the mirror with a forlorn expression as soon as he wakes up. Wanting to improve his mood and perhaps get some clarification about last night’s events, you decide to make this morning about nothing but love, care, and attention.

After all, who doesn’t like a scruffy wolf? 

Author’s Note: As of writing this, this blog has 100+ followers! Thank you all so much for following me, who started this blog as a wee experiment and with low expectations. I am so delighted to see the interaction with and appreciation for my posts as well as my take on werewolves. ^^

Speaking of experiments, Christopher is one too. I have been meaning to expand and improve my writing skills by challenging myself, which apparently has led to exploring the psychology and life of a mute werewolf artist.

And let me tell you, Chris won me over the second he came into creation. I hope you will adore him as much as I do. I am not responsible for any emotional damage due to combusting into a ball of fluff, though!

Anyways, enjoy!

Inspired by @exoxenoterato​’s additions to my Werewolf 101 & this wolfish thought as well as this audio by the incredible Gael Force.

Thoughts ML | Story ML

It’s a rare sight to see Chris unshaven. Each morning, he’d already be in the bathroom with a razor in his hands regardless of there being hair or not. From the moment I first stumbled across his first and only selfie on his Instagram profile until the moment I walked into Saga Ink for the tattoo on my thigh, I have never seen the slightest trace of beard grow or a moustache. Even as we slowly began to see each other more, developing our sweet coffee and drawing time together, has there been the tiniest hair above his full lips or on his jaw. 

However, this morning is different. 

It was a strange night overall. Although, it’s better to say it was a strange morning since the sun was brimming on the horizon when he stumbled into the bedroom, buck-naked and covered in sweat. I didn’t ask him what had gotten him in such a state, the sad joy in tired eyes and quicksilver smile flashing by over his pale expression betrayed he didn’t have the energy to sign or type out on his phone what happened. 

One thing was clear, however. It’s a long story for later.

So, instead of laying it on the line with him, I beckoned him to bed. As he shuffled over, he grabbed his favourite shirt, a baggy grey sweater with a deep round neck, from the chair beside the closet and held it out to me. I gestured for him to sit down and helped him into it.

A low pained whimper escaped Chris when he tried to get comfortable, a sound that shattered my heart in a thousand pieces and hurt me more than the hardship he has to endure because of his muteness.

“Are you alright?” I asked, pulling the sheets over us. He had his head on my chest right where he’d be able to hear my heartbeat. Listening to it, as it turns out, is his personal melatonin and though he doesn’t admit it, he does get sulky when I deny the little pleasure to him. More often than not this is the case if he has the time to take a nap during work hours but I have a writing deadline or I send him to bed early after a long day of work and a meal. 

He didn’t answer. With every short and sharp breath the tawny locks not yet matted by sweat trembled like the sprigs of a tree about to snap. Had he returned a second later from wherever he came from, I fear he would have collapsed.

I thought he’d sleep in, especially considering the state he was in. Nevertheless, I wake up to an empty side of the bed and the door left open a crack.

It’s not difficult to find him since Chris is a creature of habit and routine. Each morning it’s the same cycle of waking up, shaving, showering, eating breakfast, brushing his teeth, drawing up a new design or adding some last-minute details to a client’s if there’s time left, and going to work. 

His sister, Victoria, remarked it’s good for him since he used to be “more than a little unhinged”. When I asked what she meant by that, she simply nipped her tea and looked at the man she runs the old bakery in town with, originally called ‘Hedgeford Bakery’. “Humanity is a funny thing, innit? One moment we’re savages and the next we’re here, chatting over a cup o’ char without a single trace of malicious intent.”

Less given to cryptic words, his colleague at and owner of Saga Ink, Saoirse, remarked Chris has calmed down now that he’s found a way to express himself. Building up a routine via trial and error has helped, but it’s mostly the ritual around and time spent on art she named as the major factors for his tendency toward repetition and emphasis on doing simple things. “I remember when we met. He stood behind his adoptive father, Abraham, drenched by the rain and unable to look me in the eye. The day I took him on as an apprentice his shoulders were hunched as he sat on the sofa next to his station, absorbed in whatever he was drawing. Together, we build up his portfolio and this studio, all via small moments ranging from cleaning to sitting by the window to sunbathe together. He’s taught me to slow down and I guess I showed him a way to become who he wants to be.”

But whoever this version of himself is, it’s not the image in the mirror this morning.

“Don’t look like that.” I swallow the frog in my throat, which transforms along the way into a stone which weighs heavy on the bottom of my stomach. 

The dull stare in honey eyes temporarily lightens to startled surprise as they widen, his next breath hitching in his throat. The whiteness in the knuckles of his left hand clenching the side of the sink fades as he lets go of it. Notwithstanding, the trembling the strenuous grip suppressed is visibly present in his other, which flaccidly traced the forming moustache and stubble.

“You’re still frustratingly handsome. Seriously,” I wrap my arms around his waist and press my cheek against his warm chest, humming in delight as the heat warms my face, “you roll out of bed and look good.”

He answers the embrace, but the lack of conviction in the kiss on the top of my head and sad whine has me hold on a little tighter. In fact, we won’t be leaving the room until the self-doubt has gone, no matter how long it will take. For all I care, we’ll stand here for hours on end. The whole day, even the entire week, if necessary.

“I mean it,” I look up at him, a dagger plunging into my heart at the resignation in the loving yet bland gaze staring back at me, “you look good with and without facial hair. In fact, if it were up to me, you wouldn’t be shaving at all anymore.” 

Gently, I let my fingers run through his messy wavy hair and slowly work my way down to his jaw. His eyes widen when I scratch him in the spot that makes him putty in my hands, obedient to my every whim. “I hate to admit it, but I like you a bit better when you’re scruffy. It makes you look more like a wolf.”

He lets out a puzzled sound. It’s sharp enough to indicate he’s curious where the appreciation for his, in his opinion, imperfection is coming from. Notwithstanding, his lashes fluttering shut and encouraging nuzzle against my palm indicates he likely won’t listen nor remember anything if I were to explain myself. He slowly starts to sway, the languid movement betraying his mind is growing foggy. To steady himself, he places his hands on my hips. Nonetheless, if he leans in too much, I’m not sure whether I’ll have the strength to keep us both on our feet.

Basking in the intimacy and relieved at his relaxed demeanour, I let out a giggle. “Can I keep my werewolf?”

A content agreeing sigh accompanied by a frantic nod afraid I’ll stop touching him grants me my wish. Sometimes a little well-meant manipulation can establish something good in a relationship. Henceforth, if I have to resort to tricks like this to either get what I want or give him the confidence he needs, so be it. And it comes from a place of love and care since, most of the time, they’re the same thing.

Although it’s sometimes about food, especially in his case.

We’re still working on the chores reward routine.

Chris lowers his gaze, his fleeting attention grabbed by something below. The loose sleeping shirt I’m wearing has been pulled down by the cuddling, thus revealing a bit of attention-grabbing cleavage.

“Chris?” 

  No answer. 

“Chris?” Absent-mindedly, he brushes his slender fingers over the exposed skin, the rough skin of his fingertips creating a trail of goosebumps and shallow breaths. 

“Christopher?”

This time, there is a response. He perks up, expression blank and his thoughts a million miles away. 

“It’s that I’m your girlfriend, but-’’

Before I can finish the sentence, a veined hand folds over my breast as feverish lips press against mine. Astounded by the rash action, I freeze in place as my thoughts run rampant.

Only to become light-headed with the feel of his soft tawny locks around my fingers, left breathless by the pleasant burn of his coarse bristles scraping over my skin as the kisses wander to my neck. Every nerve is stirred into motion when his teeth graze the side of my throat, nipping at it yet biting hard enough to leave hickeys. The hand that was perfectly folded over my breast glides from my chest to my lower back and presses us closer together. 

Had he not stumbled in as he did this morning, I would have gone along and taken things back to the bedroom. But the panting against my lips and shivers combined with cold sweat are a worrisome distraction from the hard shape pressing against my thigh.

“No.” I break away from his touch, my chest tightening at the sight of the pale face with furrowed brows looking back at me. “Not now. Not after what happened last night.”

He tilts his head, a grimace distorting his handsome features. Nonetheless, it dawns on him the second after what it is I’m referring to.

The memory dims the sensual lights in honey eyes, the gloom creating a shadow over his faltering expression. An acknowledging chuff admits to the easy dismissal of this morning’s events. 

Avoiding my gaze, he walks out of the bathroom. I stare after him, mouth dry at the thought I unintentionally hurt his feelings. Fortunately, he returns a moment later with his phone. 

He types something and turns the screen to me to read. 

Sorry, I should know better.

“Don’t apologize. It’s alright.” I cup his cheek, exercising a little force to hold his gaze. “But let me take care of you. I’m worried, Chris. I go to bed with my boyfriend at night only to find him standing in the doorway like a hunted animal that’s finally found safety at dawn. Where did you go and what happened there?”

I can’t tell you. You won’t believe me anyway. Don’t ask more questions, sweetheart.

“Try me. I don’t care if it’s hard to understand. I just want to know what made you, the person I love and care for with my whole heart, show up like that.”

It’s a really long story. One I don’t want you to know. Everyone has secrets and this one’s mine. 

He puts the phone down on the sink, changing from written texts to signing. He tends to do this when what he wants to say is, or should be, simple enough for me to interpret. A new way of communication is what I have learnt from him. Though, nowadays and with what rudimentary skills I have in sign language, I wish I had known about it earlier. Or at least known enough to have saved him a lot of discomfort and me a lot of shame. Notwithstanding, there is something to be said for the initial awkwardness between us as the foundation of our strong bond.

I’m okay now. I don’t-

What he communicates is strange if I interpret it correctly. “Feel… can you repeat that? Feel the… wolf… feel the wolf anymore?”

Discombobulated by his odd response yet curious about what he means, I tilt my head. “You don’t feel the wolf anymore?”

My wolf instinct. It’s not strong anymore now.

“Your wolf instinct? What do you mean?” I cross my arms, observing his body language to discover a hint about the meaning behind the new comment in this strange conversation.

Can we stop talking about this? I’m uncomfortable.

“Sorry, I didn’t mean to. I clearly stroke a sensitive cord and for that I’m sorry.” Although I’m unwilling to let the subject go, I don’t want to push or cross his boundaries for my own satisfaction. So, instead, I breathe out deeply though my nose and give him a soft smile.

I cup his face again, running my fingers along his jaw, fingertips warming up as they graze over the rough stubble starting to form. “Let me make it up to you.”

He closes his eyes and leans in, the heavy sigh combined with a hum hardly masking the high-pitched whimper underlining his response.

“You’re still in pain,” I say, my voice distant and hollow. Again, I don’t want to push his buttons, but neither do I want to pretend as if nothing is the matter.

A bit.

To show or, rather, try to convince me he’s fine otherwise he kisses the palm of my left hand and nuzzles into it. Hurt as he might be, he once again tries to beat around the bush because he doesn’t want to worry me. It should never be about him. After all, he is simply Chris.

A guy who is always fine.

But how fine is fine?

“How about a massage?” I offer, hoping he’ll bite and I can tuck him back into bed. There is no way he is going back to work until he has fully recovered from what has taken over him. That he won’t tell me his secret or what made him come home as he did I can live with. Withal, I can’t bear the thought of knowing he’s hurt and I didn’t make an effort to help.

He nods, but throws a doubtful look to the side.

Into the mirror.

“I meant what I said.” He tries to cover up the slack expression on his face, gaze averted to gather his thoughts about how to do so before he dares to look at me through his lashes, ears tinged red. “I do like you better when you’re scruffy.”

A huff fakes disagreement. However, his true feelings show in the pearly teeth biting down on the plush bottom lip. The rosy flush on his cheeks also gives away that the compliments affects him more than he’s willing to admit.

I weave my fingers through his and give them a soft tug. “Let me take care of my werewolf.”

A sickly sense chills me when his hand slips from mine. My stomach folds itself at the thought that the well-meant words have gone from loving to negative in his mind.

Fortunately, the opposite is the case since he simply needs both hands to sign his response.

A phrase which elicits a timid sound from him I’ve never heard him make before. From his throat rises a mixture of a growl and a bubbly giggle, an adorable noise which unleashes a storm of butterflies in my stomach.

Your pet wolf.

I close the distance between us, barely able to suppress the dumb grin threatening to break out on my lips. I reach up to trace the pale tissue of the faded scar running over the width of his big nose before I boop it. “You’re cute. So, so bloody cute.”

He shakes his head, pouting, which adds to the difficulty of not combusting into a ball of fluff on the spot.

I’m weird. Not cute.

“You’re adorably strange.” I can no longer maintain my composure, the last bit of self-control crumbling as a line from the book I read to him during his break between appointments pops into my mind. “You’re entirely bonkers. But I’ll tell you a secret. All the best people are.”

Catching on to the reference, brightening at the memory of sitting in the sun with his head on my shoulder and my hand in his hair, he joins the little game with a clever yet witty response. 

You’re not all there yourself.

“I’m not crazy. My reality is just different than yours.” 

He playfully pokes my head. 

We’re all mad here. I am mad. You’re mad.

“We’re all bonkers, but maybe also a bit in love.”

He raises an eyebrow, evidently thinking ‘a bit in love’ is an understatement. 

I roll my eyes. “A lot.”

Chris giggles in the same strange way as before at the less nuanced statement. He places his hand in mine, his phone in the other, and looks at me expectantly.

It takes a moment to realize what the intention behind the gesture is and for me to remember the offer I made. ‘’Let’s get my pet wolf back to bed.’’

He yawns in response, like a small boy waiting for his mother to tuck him in.

Wordlessly, I lead us back to the bedroom. He bends down to lie on his stomach on the bed. However, despite his best efforts to not let it show, he winces as he lowers himself onto the sheets. 

Arms beautifully decorated with animals in the neo-traditional style wrapped around his pillow, Chris relaxes as best as his body allows him.

I clamber on top of him, sitting on his lower back as I set to work to untangle the knots and lessen the strain on exhausted muscles. His skin feels dry, flakes here and there sitting like snowflakes on his skin.

What the hell?

Odd as it is, I don’t comment on it. What he needs is rest, love, care, and attention. Not being questioned like a man about to be executed. ‘’Hold on, love, I’ll be right back. Just need to get something.’’

I get off of him and move to the bathroom to get his favourite lotion, which smells like pumpkin spice. The store where he buys it only sells it during autumn so once it goes on sale, Chris buys however many bottles he can get. During a recent grocery trip I joked, well, half-joked that perhaps it might be nice to try a different scent every once in a while. Withal, the mere thought of a different smell seemed to stress him out.

I don’t make suggestions anymore.

The bottle in my hand, I climb back onto his back and continue where I left off.

It might be the lingering drowsiness not yet cured by a cup of coffee, but a noise like a low content purring fills the morning silence.

Hands placed between his broad shoulders for support, I lean in to ask Chris whether he hears it too. However, I am given an answer before even asking the question. His nose buried into the pillow and his breathing steady, the tattoo artist is fast asleep and snoring like a content wolf. 

I get off his back again, lie down next to him, and pull the blankets over us. Regardless of being a million miles away and therefore likely not catching on to my presence anymore, I ruffle his hair and kiss his forehead. “Sleep tight, love.”

And stay here a little longer with me. Don’t… don’t go like the wolf pup from my youth.

I glance around the room to discover where he has placed the pluche grey wolf he always carries around with him. It was a gift from Victoria, given to him the day after he moved in with the Van Helsings. He’s never explained more about the stuffie other than that, but it’s clear he is very attached to the stuffed animal. And although I’ve shown multiple times through my words and actions I don’t mind him carrying it around all the time, it still hurts when he gets this shocked expression on his face whenever I walk in on him snuggling with the adorable thing.

Cute black beady eyes peep out from the side of his pillow. I prop myself up on my elbow and fish the stuffie out of its hiding place, my movements calculated and careful to not accidentally wake Chris up. Having retrieved it without a hitch, I place the pluche animal in his arms. Immediately, he curls up like a baby and nuzzles it.

 I slide back under the duvet and turn onto my side, our faces inches apart and one arm hooked in his to make sure no one gets left behind.

I was forced to leave a friend, the first love I never found back.

And I won’t let that happen again to the new one I found in more or less the same place.

Chris stirs and grips the stuffed animal tighter. In spite of being unconscious, his movements are desperate and fast like he’s trying to catch something running away from him. Sturdy arms wrap firmly around my waist, the tattoo artist effectively glueing himself and his pluche buddy to my body. A sad sound holding the middle between a whine and a whimper falls from his plush lips as he further snuggles into me, the poor stuffie getting wedged between us as he tucks his head beneath my chin and places his ear over my heart.

Listening for the one who got away.

I hold him, cradling and shushing him with sweet nothings while my fingers are woven into his hair and caressing it. I can’t say whether it’s a response from his subconscious or because of the lucid dream, but a shy bubbly giggle rises from his throat.

Whatever it is he was looking for, he’s found it. 

[arvinsescape]

Would you write tom waiting for reader to come home from her girls night and when she finally gets there he's really upset that she didn't answer any of his calls cause he was worried something happened but takes care of her anyway?

A/N: Thank you for your patience with this one, I'm sorry it took a while to respond! I did combine this with another request I recieved so I hope you don't mind. It meant I could make this a little longer too! 💕

Warnings: Swearing.

Tom was growing increasingly worried, you'd gone on a girls night and for the last hour he'd not heard a thing from you. He'd tried calling and your phone had rung off, he'd messaged your best friend but recieved no response and it just made that pit of worry grow.

He was so close to leaving the house to find you, close to filing a missing persons report (even though he knew he couldn't). This was so unlike you, it wasn't something you did, you always let him know you were okay and how your night was going.

His phone flashed with an unknown number, his stomach dropped as he hesitantly picked it up.

"Hello?" Tom answered and held his breath, bracing himself for bad news, he couldn't help his worrisome thoughts overtaking his entire being.

"Is that Tom?" He heard a males voice, he could hear the commotion of the club in the background before a car door slammed shut.

"Yeah." Tom answered, brows furrowed.

"Just calling to let you know Y/N is okay. I'm dropping her off in a minute. It's Y/F/N's boyfriend." The male said and Tom instantly relaxed at earing you were okay.

It wasn't long before he heard you fumbling with your keys outside and he was quick to open the door. You moved past him before he got a chance to take you in, he waved at the male who had dropped you off, watching as one of the friends you'd been out with stumbled in his direction.

"Fucking piece of shit." He heard you mumble behind him as he heard your shoes clatter onto the floor. He furrowed his brows as your friend approached.

"I did ask her to call you back, sorry. It was one hell of night." Your friend informed him and he asked for clarification. "Just, speak to her tomorrow okay? And be careful, she's in a bit of a mood an fragile." She said as she smiled at Tom's worry grew again.

"What happened? Is she okay?" Tom panicked, mind going through many many scenarios he didn't want to think about. Your friend must have caught onto his wandering mind as she placed a hand on his forearm in comfort.

"Shit Tom! Sorry, that was a bit too cryptic. It was nothing like that. She's had an argument with Y/B/F/N." She clarified and Tom's worry subsided as he let go of a breath he didn't know he was holding.

"What happened?" He asked.

"You should really ask Y/N/N. Just thought I'd warn you she's not in the best of moods."

"Okay, thanks." Tom smiled and watched as she skipped back to her boyfriends car. He sighed as he shut the door, mentally preparing himself for your bad mood. "Y/N/N." Tom called out, he wasn't entirely sure where you would have gone first.

You didn't reply which meant Tom had to search for you. He found you almost a few minutes later in the bathroom. Muttering to yourself as tears stained your face and you viciously tried to remove your make up.

"Hey." Tom spoke softly as he approached you and took your make up wipe out of your hand. "Don't do that, you'll hurt your skin." He said as he lifted you onto the counter and carefully started to remove your makeup.

"I just wanna go to bed." You grumbled out at him and he sighed. Although he was upset you'd ignored him for an hour and had him worrying, he understood there must have been a reason.

"We won't be long." Tom said as he threw your makeup wipes into the bathroom bin. He very very carefully took your false lashes off, he hated doing it, it creeped him out slightly having his fingers so close to your eyeball.

"Tonight was just shit." You huffed at him and he examined your face as a fresh wave of tears pooled in your eye. You angrily wiped at them and Tom removed them as he replaced them with his thumb, carefully wiping away the stray tears. "Are you mad at me?" You asked and Tom furrowed his brows.

"Not mad baby. Just got really worried about you, you didn't answer my calls." He said. Although he was a little upset, he knew he'd get over it by the morning and you clearly had more going on right now.

"You can tell me." You added and Tom shook his head as he pressed his lips to your forehead.

"I'm not. I was little upset that you ignored my calls but I'm not mad. What happened?" He asked as he helped you down from the counter and started to help you undress.

"Y/B/F/N is a piece of shit." You practically snapped at him and he looked at you with furrowed brows, you'd never fallen out with her to such a degree that you name called her.

"You don't mean that." Tom tried to reason and he watched as your face flared with anger before he pulled one of his shirts over your head.

"I do. I mean it Tom, I'm done with her." You said and Tom nodded as he guided you out of the bathroom and into the bed.

"We'll talk about it in the morning." Tom said and he watched as you not so gracefully got into bed. He let out a small laugh of endearment at your actions, his upset with you already washing away.

"I'm sorry I ignored you. I was arguing with her, I was gonna call you back and then Y/F/N's boyfriend picked us up." You apologised as you turned to face him when he got into bed.

"I was just worried love, that's all. I'm not that upset anymore, just please don't do it again, I was so worried." He said and you snuggled up to him as he held you.

"You helped me get ready for bed even though you were mad at me." You pointed out and Tom kissed your head.

"Of course I did, and I've just told you I was upset, not mad." He teased and listened to your short laugh before he felt a tear wet his chest. He coaxed you from his chest and looked at you. "Hey, what's got you so upset, hm?" He asked as he moved your hair out of your face.

"It was her." You croaked out and Tom furrowed his brows. "She was the one my ex cheated on me with." You let out as tears fell freely from your eyes.

"Oh baby." Tom said as he pulled you into his chest as you cried. "I'm sorry."

"She just admitted it Tom, like she suddenly got so angry with me. We were talking about you, one of the girls was asking and she got angry. She said that I should count my days lucky that I'm still with you." You told him and Tom's heart broke for you.

"She said she could take it all away. That she did before and then one thing led to another and the next thing I know we're screaming at each other outside a club. I didn't know she was like that Tom." You cried as you buried further into him.

"That would never happen, I'm not your ex, I would never do that to you." Tom comforted as he rubbed your back. "I love you okay? I'm not going anywhere anytime soon." Tom said as you sniffled.

"I'm sorry." You cried and Tom hugged you closer, hand rubbing comfortingly over your back. He kissed the top of your head as he waited for you to calm down. "I just don't understand why she'd do that."

"I think she's jealous. You're so so much better than her, you always have been." Tom didn't want to admit that he'd never fully trusted your best friend, he'd always found her a little touchy but just put it down to her personality type. He understood that some people where naturally touchy feely, hell he was himself but it had always felt off with your best friend.

"You're my beautiful, lovely, kind, sweet girl. I love everything about you okay? I don't want anyone else, just you." Tom comforted as your cries settled and you pulled your head from his chest with a teasing grin.

"Even when you're upset with me?"

"Even then." He teased back, although he meant it, even when you were going through a rough patch he still loved every little thing about you.

"I'm so lucky to have you." You said as you cuddled back up to him.

"Me too baby."

[seveliyukie]

Summary: You had a bad day and your crush comforts you

Short and okay ish ig but read for comfort:)

Akaashi x reader (Phone call)

You were having a shitty Monday. It all started when you fell off a too-tall-for-your-short-ass bike causing you to fracture your wrist.

Then that same morning, you started to feel feverish and nauseous during class. Your friends looked over at you in concern, but you waved it off to stress about the quiz at the end of class.

Except by the end of the quiz (which you definitely did not finish on time), you were running to the bathroom to throw up whatever meager food you had in your stomach. To top it all off, you found out your best friend tested positive for covid.

Considering everything, you were proud of yourself for not absolutely breaking down yet. With nationals approaching, you were a nervous ball of stress that your wrist wouldn't heal on time and your starter position would be taken from you.

After your long day, you flopped onto your bed ready to just sleep it off when you heard a text go off.

Hey, I didn't see you at practice today. Is everything alright?

Your face heated up when you saw who it was from. Akaashi Keiji had noticed your absence from practice. That could only mean he was looking for you… right?

Picking up your phone you texted him back:

Hey! Yeah, just had a rough day that's all. I'm okay though.

Really? I heard from your coach that you broke your wrist.

Omg he asked about you. That meant something for sure right?

Fractured not broken haha

Ah, yes, very important clarification.

It is! Fracture means I'll still make it for nationals.

I think that should be the last of your worries.

You contemplated how to respond but dropped your phone when you saw his next text.

Can I come check on you?

You scramble to pick up your phone to respond. Just as you typed yes you stopped yourself remembering your possible exposure to the stupid pandemic disease. Instead you respond:

Aw, that's sweet of you, but my friend tested positive so I don't want to risk exposing you in case I have it. What would the men's team do without their brilliant setter?

You see the three dots and nervously bite your lip waiting for his response. One that doesn't come as your phone suddenly starts buzzing with Akaashi's face in the middle.

"Hello?" You answer with a hesitant voice. He never called.

"Hey, Y/N. I just wanted to call to see if you're doing okay. I know it must be really tough for you right now."

"No it's fine. I'm okay, really." You say. You don't even process lying about how you are anymore. It's just instinct.

Akaashi hums doubtfully. "Are you sure? That's a lot to be dealing with."

You pause. In a quieter voice you respond, "yeah, it kinda sucks."

And just like that the floodgates open. You don't know how long he stays on the phone with you as you cry quietly about how miserable you feel and how scared you are about nationals. All through it, he offers the occasional soft reassurance. By the time you've calmed down, you feel much better than you did before.

"I'm so sorry. I don't know what that was." You tell him, embarrassed.

"Don't apologize. It sounds like you needed that."

"Yeah…"

A silence follows.

"Y/N…"

"Yes?"

"I hope you know I'll always be here for you. You don't have to hide how you're feeling with me. I want to be here for you like you always are for the people around you. You deserve the world." He almost sounds embarrassed but you think that can't be true. It's Akaashi after all.

"Thanks Keiji. I really appreciate it." You question how you got so lucky to have him in your life.

"Anytime, y/n. Get some rest. Goodnight."

A/N: Fun fact: this is also a true story. It happened to me yesterday (the bad stuff. The Akaashi part is what I wish someone could've done for me but it's fine we're chilling). Anyway hope you enjoyed the comfort! Not my best work but give me a break-_- (also if you like these based on my life stuff or have suggestions plz lmk. I love interacting w my readers)

[notepadsandtealeaves]

Jason Todd x GN!Reader in: Mall Madness, Pt. 3

12 Days of Batmas || Day 3—Getting Lost at the Mall

MINORS/AGELESS BLOGS DO NOT INTERACT || 18+ ONLY ||

↞ previous: it’s always the little things… || cuddling by the fire

|| ao3 version | 12 days m.list | batboys tag | main blog ||

|| dames day 3 | dick day 3 | tim day 3 ||

Out of all the Bats, Jay’s probably the got the most chill when it comes to shopping. Who saw that one coming?

This man’s the best shopping buddy a person could ever ask for—well, providing you don’t get separated, that is…

↠ Requested By: Not a soul lol ↠ Reader Gender: Neutral ↠ Content Type: SFW with a dash of angst b/c I’m terrible like that ((but my blog’s 18+; if minors want to consume my sfw stuff while still respecting my wishes of them staying out of this space, they can head over to my AO3)) ↠ CWs/TWs: Some PTSD vibes on Jay’s part, as well as a described panic attack. See the note before the HC for more info. ↠ Betas? Nah, we don’t do that here. ↠ Total WC: ~1k

So this isn’t exactly new content—sorry to anyone whose hopes I got up.

In my efforts to make my posts a more, ahem, ✨~aesthetic reading experience~✨, I’ve been going through and editing my old posts. My original post for day three has always bugged me, so I’ve decided to break it up so that all the boys get their own posts. Also, I’m leaving Damian’s as the original post, so that’s something.

Other than the look of things and a few light edits, there aren’t any major changes. It should make for better, more streamline reading tho. ((thinking about it now, this is more like a quality of life patch than anything lol…))

Headcanon || WC: ~1k

This… got a lil bit sad. Again. I’m so sorry lol. I love Jay, I truly do! He’s actually my favorite out of all the boys, which leads to me delving deeper into who he is as a character and given all he’s been through… Well dude’s a walking angst factory if I’ve ever seen one. That being said…

TW for mentions of a panic attack, though I don’t go into great detail about said attack. I more so touch on helping him to work through it and the aftermath, and even that’s not super detailed. If you want to skip it, keep scrolling until you get past all of the ‼’s (6 in total).

🌟 Out of all the Bats, Jay’s probably the got the most chill when it comes to shopping. Who saw that one coming?

He’s got his list—which is p. short as he’s already bought most of his gifts months ago—so everything’s well in order.

🌟 He’s also v. flexible, able to adapt to any shopping style.

You more of a mission based shopper that likes to get in and out? Give him half of your list and send him off to hunt that shit down for you. Also keep your phone handy in case he needs to hit you up for some clarification.

On the opposite end of the spectrum, do you like to go in and just wing it? He’ll use his detective prowess to help you analyze any recipients you may be having trouble with picking something out for.

If you’re one of those people who gets easily distracted he’ll either help you stay on task or go off on a tangent with you depending on what you want to do.

You wanna touch all the things? He’ll only stop you if it looks like you’re gonna break something lol. And if you do he’ll pay for it with minimum grumblings on his part, though he will tell you that you need to be more careful in the future.

🌟 Doesn’t tend to get bored too quickly as he enjoys people watching.

He’s so damn tall that he can easily see over most displays, and thanks to his dip in the Pit his hearing’s enhanced*. If he focuses he can listen to the argument that a couple is having three aisles over or the total meltdown that somebody’s brat’s having over not getting whatever toy it is that they want lol.

If you want he’ll gladly narrate the goings-on for you.

*((I have no idea if that’s canon or not, btw. Regardless, I personally give anyone who has been inside of a Lazarus Pit freaky good reflexes and sensory intake. But anyways…))

🌟 More than okay with being a pack mule if you need him to be—after all, all those muscles gotta be good for something.

🌟 Also okay with being left on a bench somewhere with your haul. Again, people watching’s his jam and this gives him ample opportunity to indulge.

🌟 But that’s all only tangentially related to the prompt so let’s move on…

🌟 As far as getting lost in the mall… That shit would freak him out big time. He’s a former Bat, thee fucking Red Hood. He does not get lost–

🌟 –well until he does, clearly.

🌟 Depending on the headspace he’s in this can go one or two ways.

‼ If he’s already feeling stressed for whatever reason getting lost will freak him out as I’ve already said, though to a much greater degree. His anxiety will spike, potentially throwing him into a full blown panic attack.

‼ If you’re with him, try to pull him off to somewhere less crowded. A bathroom is one of the better options, though if the men’s room isn’t a viable option for you a dressing room will do as well. Walk him through some breathing exercises as those are the most effective method for calming him, and just stay with him until he levels out.

‼ Once he’s a bit more stable get him home asap. Plot out the fastest route to the nearest exit and find your way back to your car from there; he’ll be better off walking outside in the open air than trying to fight the crowds.

‼ He’s gonna be feeling p. fragile for a bit afterwards, so be sure to love on him as much as he’ll let you. He’s probably not gonna want to talk about it, not that there’s much to say. You both already know about his anxiety and the potential for crowds to set it off. Stuff like that’s easier to deal with when he’s in vigilante mode, but when he’s just Jason he finds that he’s not always as strong as he wants to be.

‼ And if you’ve managed to get separated… that’s just not gonna end well. Like at all. He’ll focus all of his anxiety into finding you, and getting in his way is not at all advisable. Once he finally locates you, you’re going home. Full stop, that’s it, drop whatever it is you’re holding unless you plan on stealing that shit because you’re leaving right the fuck now.

‼ He’s not trying to be controlling or anything like that, he’s just freaked the fuck out. He needs to get back to a space where he can feel comfortable and in control of his emotions again, and ofc he needs the one person that he trusts most in this world (i.e. you) to be there with him.

🌟 If he’s in a better headspace he’s gonna be annoyed more than anything.

How tf did he let himself get lost? And in a mall of all fucking places. Disgraceful, truly.

If there’s one available he’s gonna pull up a map on his phone to help orient himself, and barring that he’s gonna look for one of those directories that most malls have on a wall or stand somewhere—or at least they used to have them. I haven’t been to a mall in ages (the one in my city is p. empty so I do my shopping online) so idk if this is still a thing.

Anyways!

He is not above asking a guard or store employee for help, esp. if you’ve somehow gotten separated from each other. Your safety (and his sanity) comes well before any pride he may have.

Expect him to bitch about the whole ordeal for the next several minutes. He’s also gonna want to hit up the food court as he feels like he’s earned a snack after all that fuckery lol.

🌟 So overall he’s an excellent shopping buddy—10/10 would bring along again.

Up Next:

🌟 Day 4: ‘Martha Stewart’ Who? || Wrapping Presents

You wait with bated breath as your man inspects the parcel before him.

With its sharp creases, smooth sides, and expertly tied bow your offering would be considered immaculate, flawless even, to anyone else—but Jason Peter Todd isn’t just ‘anyone’.

It’s on sight, Ms. Stewart.

© notepadsandtealeaves, 2020 || Please do not repost, translate, or otherwise alter or distribute my works without my express permission. And for the love of god keep it away from Youtube and TikTok lol…

[fanimesenseiwrites]

So here it is, the thing that I've been working on for so long that I haven't posted anything else, My magnum opus of fanfiction. I had to write it all at once or I knew I would never finish it lol.

Warning: This fic is quite angsty. There's some sex in later chapters and a little violence and I will tag those chapters as necessary, but mostly there's just a lot of crying and emotions and being dumb.

Kidnapped to Hell (pt. 1)

Lucifer shot up in bed, startled awake by the sound of Hoshiko screaming for him and for his help.

He looked around his room frantically, certain that their scream had come from right inside his room. Upon finding no one else present, he poked his head out into the hall to see if anyone else was awake. It was then that he finally gathered his thoughts enough to remember that Hoshiko wasn't even supposed to be in the Devildom at the moment.

He sighed and shook his head as he climbed back into bed, suspecting that he had just had a nightmare. He looked at his DDD, sighing again when he saw that it was nearly a quarter until 5 in the morning. He sent Hoshiko a quick text message: - Thinking of you. I love you.- before putting it down and trying to go back to sleep.

While he had rested, he never fully fell back asleep by the time he had to get up to get ready for school.

Lucifer checked his DDD again and while he was not terribly surprised to find that Hoshiko had not responded to him yet, there was a feeling of unease that he was unable to shake.

Lucifer left for RAD that morning without bothering to eat breakfast before hand, the feeling of unease leaving him without an appetite.

He constantly checked his phone for a reply from Hoshiko throughout the day, to the point that even Diavolo was curious about what he was looking at.

The demon prince snatched Lucifer's phone from him while they were having lunch together.

"Hey! Give that back," Lucifer accosted.

"What are you looking at?" Diavolo asked, totally ignoring Lucifer's demand.

Lucifer sighed. "I texted Hoshiko this morning and they haven't responded yet."

Diavolo looked at the time stamp on Lucifer's text. "Why did you text Hoshiko at... 4:44 in the morning?"

"Because I was thinking about them at that time."

Diavolo gave him a disapproving look. "Why were you awake at that time?"

"I had just woken up... I thought I had heard Hoshiko scream, it must've just been the residual of a nightmare though."

Diavolo frowned.

"I just wanted to check on Hoshiko without making it too obvious." Lucifer admitted, unable to look Diavolo in the eye.

Diavolo hummed thoughtfully and handed Lucifer his DDD.

Lucifer took it and slipped it back into his pocket.

Diavolo crossed his arms. "Are you worried about Hoshiko?"

Lucifer sighed and looked away from Diavolo. "I understand that I may be overreacting, but I just can't help it when I don't know exactly where Hoshiko is or what they're doing."

Diavolo shook his head. "You're all antsy today."

"All? Who do you mean by all?" Lucifer looked back at Diavolo.

"You and all of your brothers. I've seen most of them this morning and they all seemed out of sorts; none of them were acting like their usual selves."

Lucifer frowned. "That's not good."

"It's not, and I'm actually worried too."

"About my brothers or Hoshiko?" Lucifer asked for clarification.

"Well, both. But I meant Hoshiko. You see, I've got this..." He sighed and motioned to his chest with his hand, struggling to find the right words. "... Feeling. I woke up this morning and I thought Hoshiko had come down here..."

Lucifer paled. "Do you mean-?"

"Oh no, not like that," Diavolo assured. "But when Hoshiko and Solomon arrive, I know even before I'm told. I know when the angels come and go too. It's just part of being the crown prince."

Lucifer nodded. "I forget all the things you can do sometimes."

Diavolo nodded. "I just thought that Hoshiko had come to visit us but you've confirmed to me that they're still up in the mortal realm, as far as we know at least."

"So, what? Do you suspect that Solomon and Hoshiko have snuck down here and are plotting something?"

Diavolo shook his head. "I don't sense Solomon's presence, and Hoshiko isn't the scheming type."

Lucifer rolled his eyes. "As far as you know."

Diavolo chuckled. "Anyway... I can't say for sure, but I have an uneasy feeling. I wonder if your nightmare was an omen of sorts."

Lucifer pressed his fingertips to his chin and furrowed his brow in thought. "Who could we talk to that would know about omens and dreams?"

"Your brother," Diavolo answered plainly.

"Satan?" He asked, barely hiding a grimace.

"Yes. There's no one who's as well read as he is, and he has some of the best grades in the entire school."

"Yes, I'm aware. However, it's still a habit to him to not fully cooperate with me."

"I'm sure his tune will change if we tell him it has to do with Hoshiko," Diavolo assured him.

Lucifer nodded with a sigh. "I don't want to tell him that we're worried about Hoshiko... but you're right, it may be the only sure way to get him to cooperate with me."

Diavolo nodded. "Let's go find him then."

They both left Diavolo's RAD office and went to the dining hall in search of the middle brother.

Satan was sitting at a corner table with a book in his hand as he ate.

Diavolo and Lucifer made a beeline for his table as soon as they spotted him.

Lucifer sat down right in front of Satan. "Hello, Satan."

Diavolo sat down next to Lucifer.

Satan sighed and sat up straight. "What do you want?"

"What do you know about omens and dreams?" Lucifer cut straight to the point.

Satan raised an eyebrow. "Dreams? Like, by way of divination?"

"Yes, I suppose."

"Well, it's not exactly a reliable source of divination. Most people don't even know a dream they've had has foretold the future until said future has already happened."

Lucifer nodded. "Well what about omens?"

Satan narrowed his eyes, now suspicious. "Why are you asking me about this?"

Lucifer glanced at Diavolo.

Diavolo motioned for him to continue.

Lucifer sighed and looked back at Satan. When he spoke again in was in a hushed tone.

"I believe I had a nightmare, but all I remember is Hoshiko screaming my name."

Satan's expression was akin to a grimace, but still conveyed a feeling of concern. Satan matched his volume to Lucifer's. "And they sounded scared?"

"They sounded terrified, they were calling to me for help. And it sounded so clear, I thought Hoshiko was actually in my room this morning."

Satan frowned. "What if Hoshiko was actually trying to contact you?"

Lucifer tilted his head slightly. "Pardon?"

"There's an old spell that allows the user to communicate with an intended target via telepathy. It's not used much anymore because of the rise of technology though."

Lucifer frowned at the thought of Hoshiko trying to contact him and only being able to scream. "Does Hoshiko even know that spell?"

"You know there's only one person besides Hoshiko who knows the answer to that question," Satan told him smugly.

Lucifer pursed his lips, suddenly annoyed. "I suppose I'll go call Solomon then."

"You can use my office for privacy," Diavolo offered.

Lucifer looked at him and nodded. "Thank you." He stood up.

Satan and Diavolo stood up as well.

Lucifer headed back to Diavolo's office and Satan and Diavolo followed him.

Lucifer looked back at them. "Are you two going to follow me and listen in on my phone conversation?"

"It is my duty as crown prince to know about everything that transpires in my kingdom," Diavolo told him diplomatically.

"Your concerns now have me concerned about Hoshiko," Satan told him.

"Right..." Lucifer responded to them, not fully believing their intentions to be that pure.

They all went back to Diavolo's office where Lucifer called Solomon, much to his chagrin.

Solomon answered cheerfully. "To what do I owe this pleasure, Lucifer?"

"Hello Solomon," Lucifer greeted politely. "I was hoping for some information about Hoshiko's magical studies."

"Hmm, that depends on your exact question," Solomon answered cryptically.

Lucifer rolled his eyes. "Right. Well I know of a spell that allows the user to speak with another telepathically. I was just wondering if Hoshiko had been taught that spell."

"Ah, yes. I have taught them that. I thought it could be useful in case of emergencies. Why do you ask?"

"I believe that Hoshiko may have tried to contact me in that fashion early this morning."

Solomon immediately dropped his cheerful demeanor, and took on a far more serious tone. "What did they say?"

"Nothing specific I'm afraid; they called my name and were asking for help. It woke me from my sleep."

"I see." Then Solomon hung up.

Lucifer looked at his DDD when the line went dead and scowled. "Well that was barely helpful..."

"What?" Diavolo asked.

"He hung up on me," Lucifer told him.

"But does Hoshiko know that spell?" Satan asked Lucifer.

Lucifer nodded. "Solomon told me that he taught it to Hoshiko in case of emergencies."

Satan nodded. "So now we just need to figure out where Hoshiko is."

"I think Solomon would be the best person to assist with that task," Diavolo commented.

"Then why did he just hang up on me?" Lucifer asked, clearly annoyed.

"Perhaps he went to go check on Hoshiko himself," Diavolo suggested.

"It would be nice to know if he was," Lucifer huffed.

Diavolo opened his mouth to say something else but stopped, pursed his lips and looked toward the door.

Then Barbatos and Solomon both entered the office.

"That was quick," Diavolo told Solomon.

Solomon only nodded in response and then looked to Barbatos.

Diavolo looked at Barbatos as well, suddenly noticing how shaken he looked.

"Barbatos, what's wrong?" Diavolo asked, voice laced with empathy. He couldn't recall the last time he had seen Barbatos appear any way besides calm and collected.

Satan and Lucifer turned their attention to Barbatos as well, finally noticing what Diavolo had noticed.

Barbatos took a deep breath, willing himself to stay calm. "I apologize, my lords," he started, addressing all three of the demons present. "I just recently had the thought to check and see where Hoshiko was- is," he corrected himself. He looked Diavolo straight in the eyes. "Hoshiko is down here in the Devildom..."

"I knew it-" Diavolo interrupted, but Barbatos was quick to interrupt him in return.

"Diavolo," Barbatos spoke with urgency.

Diavolo was stunned silent, as far as he could remember, Barbatos hadn't called him by his first name since he was a young boy, and even those moments had been rare.

"Hoshiko was kidnapped and taken down to the eight circles," Barbatos told them all solemnly.

Everyone was quiet for a moment, shocked but otherwise unsure of how to react.

Diavolo crossed his arms and breathed deeply in a manner that commanded attention, and he got it from everyone in the room.

"Barbatos and I will travel to the eight circles to find and retrieve Hoshiko." He looked at Solomon. "While we are gone I want you to prepare every potion, salve, and tincture you know of that can heal physical wounds."

Solomon nodded. "I can do that. Where may I work?"

"You may work in the House of Lamentation, we generally keep supplies to create such potions," Lucifer told him.

"That will work," Diavolo approved. "Hoshiko will probably be most comfortable there anyways."

Lucifer nodded in agreement.

Diavolo looked at Satan. "You want to come with Barbatos and I, dont you?"

Satan nodded quickly, anxiety fueling his actions. "Yes, I do."

"You may go if, and only if, you can keep your temper in check. We are going there to retrieve Hoshiko, they are the priority."

"I understand. I can focus on that."

"Be sure that you do, I will not hesitate to send you back if you lose your cool," Diavolo warned.

Satan only nodded, understanding that the gravity of the situation didn't allow for any argument or mistakes.

Diavolo looked at Lucifer, an apologetic look suddenly painted his face.

Lucifer looked at him and frowned. "You don't want me to go," he said, seemingly having read Diavolo's mind.

Diavolo shook his head. "I need you to prepare your brothers for how Hoshiko may return and to keep them from following after us. They're too reckless to allow them all to go down there when Hoshiko is involved."

Lucifer nodded. "I understand completely, I will do that."

Diavolo gripped Lucifer's shoulder. "Thank you. I greatly appreciate it."

Lucifer nodded.

Diavolo looked at Barbatos and Satan. "Alright, let's get going."

"Ah, wait!" Solomon asked as he pulled off his cloak.

Everyone looked at him.

Solomon closed his eyes and whispered an enchantment into the folds of his cloak, then looked at Barbatos and handed it off to him. "When you find Hoshiko, wrap them in this. It might not help much to shield their psyche from... down there, but it should help."

Barbatos nodded as he took the cloak. "Thank you."

"Thank you, Solomon," Diavolo told him. He looked at Satan and Barbatos again. "Let's go."

They nodded and left with Diavolo.

Part 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18

[v-hope]

»part seven - denial

»tiger flower

»jeon jeongguk x reader | college!au

not many people knew the shy guy who used to do everything alone in high school was the one to secretly leave flowers in your seat every week. you most certainly didn’t know the introvert guy you were just befriending in third year of college was the reason flowers meant so much to you now. and jeongguk? he most definitely didn’t know he would once again be silently aching for you to please love him.

a/n: i know this is late but in my defense i was writing a smol drabble for this 🥺 just because ksñajs. so... i hope you enjoy! 💞 👇🏻👇🏻👇🏻👇🏻👇🏻

“Such a bad picture” Jeongguk sighed over dramatically once again at the picture you had uploaded of him a couple of minutes ago, placing his phone down on the table and stealing a giggle from you as your eyes travelled from your mobile to him.

“You look so cute!” you repeated what you had just typed in reply to his comment, completely missing the way his cheeks had flushed ever so slightly at your compliment. “Even Haeun said so!”

Jeongguk shrugged nonchalantly. “Don’t know who that is”.

Your mouth opened a little bit in surprise. “She’s a hottie everyone wants, that’s who she is” you explained, placing your phone down as well before you moved the laptop in front closer to you, so you could finish giving what you had written down that evening one last read. “She’s really nice, if you ever want her number just ask me and you’ll have it” the way you winked right then had him rolling his eyes in amusement.

“Yeah, dating is not really my thing” he moved closer to you so he could have a better look at the laptop as well.

“Well, if you ever feel like it, just hit me up”.

“Huh?” he managed to let out, having to remind himself not to fucking choke once again in front of you.

Your eyes fell on him for a second, smiling teasingly before they went back to the screen. “So I can hook you up with someone”.

“Oh” he breathed out, somehow feeling at ease, yet for some reason not feeling quite content with that clarification. “Right”.

“Okay,” you said after a few silent seconds had gone by, sitting up straight and fixing your eyes on his once again. “I think we’re done here, don’t you?”

Guk nodded quietly. “Yeah, I think there’s nothing else to add”.

“Let’s send our dreadful child away and forget about it then” you said rather excitedly, opening another tab so you could email your project to Mrs. Jang — a small giggle escaping your mouth once you heard Jeongguk letting out a quiet, breathy laugh next to you as he rubbed his eyes in disbelief.

“That sounds so wrong out of context”.

“Shut up, you know what I meant” you laughed as well, starting to type your teacher’s email.

And once you did send it, you turned at him with a smile that earned such admiration from him, he completely missed the way his heart had jumped at the sight of it.

“Yay! We’re done!” you lifted your hand up, going for a high five he did not wait to return with a bright smile taking over his face.

As if on cue, and before he could say anything else in reply, both your heads snapped to the entrance at the sound of keys jingling outside — the door opening not even three seconds later, and then all three of your project partner’s friends making their way inside the apartment.

One of them in particular catching your attention.

“Taehyung” you found yourself greeting him before you could even stop yourself, feeling your heart skip a beat when he smiled brightly at the sight of you and let out a small ‘hey’.

“Well, hello to you too, Y/N” Hoseok teased, making his way into the living room and throwing his backpack on the sofa before he slumped down on it.

“Hey, guys” you felt the heat reach your cheeks in an instant, only then realising you had only greeted Taehyung and pretty much ignored the rest of them. Smooth. “I thought only Namjoon lived here too, I didn’t… I was about to leave” you nervously excused yourself, starting to shove your things back into your bag.

“Yeah, only I live here with Jeongguk-ah” Namjoon confirmed, throwing his backpack on the couch as well. “But we wanted to have dinner together and these idiots are here every single day anyway, s—”

“You guys are at ours all the time as well, don’t act all bothered” Taehyung called him out, then having his eyes soften when they locked with yours. “Hoseok hyung and I live two floors up, so…”

You smiled, nodding understandingly before you closed your backpack and stood up — your eyes fixing on Jeongguk right as he closed his laptop. “I’ll just go now, since we’re done...”

He nodded — eyes instinctively fixing on the open pizza box lying on the table, which still had one slice left. “You don’t wanna have that?”

Before you could even answer, you heard an obnoxious gasp coming from Namjoon, causing all your heads to turn to him as he dramatically clutched at his chest. “Are my ears deceiving me or did Jeon Jeongguk just offer to give up the last slice of pizza? The same guy who chokeslamed me last time, when I was about to have it?”

Taehyung and Hoseok laughed at the memory, causing you to laugh as well although you could not quite picture the quiet guy you had gotten to know those last couple of days fighting over food —yet, in all honesty, really wishing to get to see that side of him at some point—.

And Jeongguk? Well, he was half laughing, half sulking in embarrassment at the fact that he had just been called out in front of you.

“I didn’t… do that” he tried to poorly defend himself.

“Seriously, Y/N. You’re a lucky one” Hoseok pointed out. “Not everyone gets to have the last bite and live to tell it”.

You shook your head in amusement. “I guess I am” your eyes fixed once again on Guk. “You can have it though, I’m kinda full...”

“Okay...” his voice came out in what sounded more like a mumble. “It was nice working with you...”

Those words caused a bright smile to take over your face. “It was nice working with you, too” you reassured him back. “I guess I’ll see you around”.

“Hey, uh…” Hoseok caught your attention right as you stood up from your seat. “Why don’t you stay for dinner?”

Jeongguk opened his eyes wide, knowing well enough what his hyung was trying to do. “We literally just ate, hyung...”

“Who says no to food and good company though…” Namjoon shrugged, earning a chuckle from you.

“Thank you for the invite, but don’t worry, guys. I don’t wanna crash your boys’ night”.

“You wouldn’t” this time, it was both Jeongguk’s and Taehyung’s voices being heard at the same time — both of them deciding to ignore it, meanwhile Joon and Hoseok exchanged knowing looks.

“Um…”

“You can stay if you want…” Jeongguk decided to speak up, for although he had felt like dying when Hoseok invited you to stay, a part of him really wanted you to.

And somehow, that was all it took for you to take the offer, looking at him with a smile before you sat down next to him once again. “Okay”.

[excelsi-or]

your type (pt. 6)

Hiiii friends, it’s only been like two weeks! Pretty good in terms of posting for me lol. I don’t know what it is about this story in particular, but I feel so self-conscious about posting new parts. But I’m also not someone who likes to leave things half finished.

I hope you’re all doing well :) 

BIPOC recs: I actually have a few! Two books: Kim Jiyoung, Born 1982 - Cho Namjoo (basically follows a woman’s life in South Korea and all the micro-oppressive things that women face in their personal and career lives); Winners Take All - Anand Giridharadas (a non-fiction about how billionaires create such a disproportionate world for us all; I love listening to Anand’s talks about this subject. I find it fascinating). Music: Cross Country - Breland (excellent country song); Boyz II Men - Kirby (I love this woman’s energy)

w.c. 2.6k

pairing: jihoon x OC/reader

pt. 1; pt. 2; pt. 3; pt. 4; pt. 5

The summer semester has her in the research lab 8 hours a day. Luckily, Jihoon is also on campus for just as long. His professor got him a gig working on music for a few groups in various companies. It helps get his foot in the door, and while the deadlines are tight, he genuinely enjoys working.

They take their lunch breaks together, wandering the green or just wandering hallways if it’s too warm outside. But since he doesn’t have other classes, Jihoon’s been chatting with a few girls he’s met.

And he’s told her all about them, so she isn’t blindsided if someone else decides to share it with her.

“How was your date last night?” she asks at lunch.

Jihoon shrugs. The girl had come over since Seungcheol was at Jihyo’s. “She was whatever.”

She lifts an eyebrow, eating the sandwich that Seungkwan made for her lunch. She’s now taken to spending the night at Seungkwan and Hansol’s when Seungcheol visits.

Jihoon sighs. “Jiwoo was uninteresting.” When she has no response to this, he pouts. “She didn’t really have any opinions on anything, so we couldn’t find anything to talk about.”

“But you didn’t just go for dinner.”

“She was fine in bed.” Jihoon shrugs. “Didn’t really tell me what she liked, so hard to say how she felt about it.”

“Ahh.”

“What does that mean?”

She pops the rest of her sandwich in her mouth. “I don’t really know how to continue from that.”

Jihoon snorts. “Well, you’re the one who asked.”

She thinks for a minute. “Are you just saying she was uninteresting?” She kicks him lightly under the table. “Did you listen to her?”

“Of course I did!” Jihoon sips his coffee. “You said that I need to look at people more,” he makes a point of staring at her, “and to be aware of my body language because it comes off as standoffish.”

“And still?”

“All she talked about was her dog. I love talking about people’s dogs, but not for two hours.”

“Dinner was two hours?”

Jihoon shakes his head in frustration. “The kitchen kept getting the order wrong. Anyway, enough about my failed date, how’s your research going?” He pushes a napkin towards her.

She pulls out the pencil she was using to hold her hair up. Her hair cascades around her and she begins sketching out her reaction. While Jihoon hasn’t quite learned all the chemistry terminology, he recognizes various things, specifically the compounds she’s working on. She’d taught him some basics about catalytic testing, using drawings to help him follow along.

Multiple times she’s insisted that her research is really boring, especially for people who aren’t in science. But Jihoon likes listening to her talk, and her research lets her dominate the conversation. He asks questions and clarification, and she’s always great at simplifying things.

Jihoon has learned that her amazing attention to detail translates well to analyzing his songs. And she’s always very honest about the parts she likes and doesn’t like.

“I have some finished works I want your opinion on.” They start to clean up their table.

She glances up at him. “You don’t have a date tonight?”

Jihoon waits for her to fall into step with him. “I do, but I also have deadlines. So, if you’re not tired later, meet me in the studio?”

She waves goodbye to him. “I’ll let you know where I’m at.” She waits for him to exit the building before going to put her earphones in. As she’s heading to the stairs, she sees Seulgi heading towards her. They cross paths in the chemistry labs, but have never been on real speaking terms.

She smiles at Seulgi, about to go around her like normal, when the woman asks, “Are you and Jihoon dating?”

Despite her earphones in, she does hear the question. She turns. “Uhm, no.” She pauses and Seulgi says nothing. “Why?”

“I just…” Seulgi gives her a once over. “You seem too nice to be dating Jihoon.”

She’s taken aback by that observation. While Jihoon has given off the hot-cold vibe, player energy, and a slight lack of communication skills, she can’t say Jihoon’s ever warranted a comment like that. “We’re just…” She tries to come up with a word. “We’re just friends.”

“You’re smart.” Seulgi seems to mull something over. “But smart girls like you have fallen for his charm.”

“Like… you?”

“Once, but I’m not talking about me here. I’m talking about my friend.”

This piques her interest more than she wishes it did. Jihyo has warned her against listening to all these testimonials of women dating Jihoon.

“Maybe you just need to give the man a solid chance. If you’re gonna spend all your time with him anyway.”

Against Jihyo’s advice, she asks, “What happened to your friend?”

“Jihoon broke her heart. He doted on her and from the sounds of it, worshipped her, but then all of a sudden, he went cold. Stopped answering messages, stopped picking up the phone, avoiding her in the hallways. Then he said—”

“‘I’m ignoring you now, please leave me alone?’”

Seulgi tips her head. “Have you talked to Wendy?”

She runs her tongue along her bottom teeth. “No. I haven’t.”

“So how did you—?”

“I met another girl he’s dated. And… he’s a creature of habit, so… figured he’d say something similar.”

Seulgi hums. “Well, Wendy refuses to see any other man now. But she’s fine, mostly. We just can’t mention Jihoon around her. So, just…”

“Be careful?”

Seulgi chuckles. “So you’ve heard the warnings before?”

“A couple times.” Under her breath, she mutters, “Maybe I should heed them more.” She gives Seulgi a friendly nudge as she walks away. “Thanks for the warning.”

“Is everything okay?”

Jihoon received her text around 4:30, saying that she wasn’t feeling well and would go straight home after she was done in lab.

“Yeah, I’m just… I think I’m getting sick.”

She had seemed fine when he saw her.

“Okay, I’ll walk you home then.”

There’s a long pause. “I actually caught up with Taehyung, Jungkook’s boyfriend? He said he would walk me home.”

Jihoon turns in his chair at this odd development. “Oh. Okay. Well, I’ll… see you tomorrow then.”

“Bye.” Almost like an afterthought, she adds, “Sorry.”

Jihoon turns back to stare at the pieces of work he has open in the task bar that he wanted to show her. Instead, he closes them and goes back to work.

Time passes without him realizing. Before he knows it, it’s time for him to meet up with Ara. He glances at the clock, thinking.

Jihoon (19:14)

Meet me at the gym?

Jihoon (19:14)

Hey, don’t think I’ll be able to make it tonight. Caught a cold.

Soonyoung (19:15)

Sure. See you in 10.

Mingyu (19:15)

I’m in.

Ara (19:15)

If I didn’t know better, I’d assume you have another woman in mind.

But okay.

Get well soon, babe.

True to their word, Mingyu and Soonyoung meet him at the gym near their homes. Soonyoung leads the way inside and they go stretch while Jihoon disappears to change.

When he reemerges, Mingyu asks him what’s wrong.

“She cancelled on me.”

“Who?” Soonyoung is stretching on his right.

Jihoon crosses his right arm across his body, feels the stretch in his upper delt and across his arm. He updates them on what’s happened in the last 7 hours, from lunch, to her saying she’s sick, to Ara.

Mingyu frowns. “I didn’t realize you two were still going on dates. I thought you’d already gotten to the… dating part of dating.”

“Wait,” Soonyoung seems to realize something, “are you seeing other women right now? We cannot win this bet unless you commit!”

Mingyu observes Jihoon in the mirror. He has a dazed look in his eye, as if he’s thinking hard about something. “You actually like her.” He turns to Jihoon. “You’re genuinely upset that she didn’t come to the studio.”

Jihoon wasn’t really frowning before, but he is now. “No. I’m not.”

“Wonwoo hyung said that he thought you were seeing other women again.” Mingyu turns back to the mirror. “I said that couldn’t be possible, because you don’t like to lose.”

“Can we just work out?” His tone is harsh, but his friends hear a small plea in there too. They exchange looks over Jihoon’s head and shrug.

“Yeah, let’s go.” Soonyoung nudges him towards the free weights.

It isn’t until after their gym session on their way home that Soonyoung and Mingyu begin grilling him.

“Are you seeing other women right now?” Mingyu asks.

“Well…” Jihoon adjusts his bag on his shoulder. “Yeah.”

Soonyoung and Mingyu’s jaws drop.

“Dude. The bet.” Soonyoung gives him a push. “What if she finds out?”

Jihoon watches his feet move beneath him. “She already knows.”

“She knows? And she still goes out with you?” Mingyu demands. “Are you guys just friends?”

Soonyoung groans in frustration. “Seriously, Jihoon, bets are serious business. We went all in on this bet. You can’t just let Seokmin win a bet like this.”

“What happened, hyung?”

The question seems to release something in Jihoon. He throws his hands up in frustration. “I don’t know. I really don’t. She just… holds herself at a distance from me. I can’t seem to…” He makes grabbing motions in the air. “Get anything out of her.” He shakes his head. “Maybe we should just give up here. I don’t know if I can win this bet.”

“Yah!” Soonyoung throws an arm around his shoulders. He squeezes his arm. “I am not losing to Seokmin and Seungkwan on a bet that I know that we can win. You are the best at this.”

“She’s just as good at keeping me at a distance. And apparently she’s also had men castrated before.”

Mingyu and Soonyoung blink in surprise at the sudden information.

“Okay, well, we’re not going to let that happen to you,” Mingyu states.

Soonyoung agrees. “But you’re going to have to start pulling out al your moves. You—”

Jihoon shakes his head. “Listen to me. I have been at this since February. The girl won’t even let me kiss her.”

Mingyu scoffs. “You haven’t even kissed her yet? You guys are just friends.”

Soonyoung holds a hand up in Mingyu’s face. “You are not being encouraging.” He readjusts his grip around Jihoon. “Look. We’ll help you then. Lee Jihoon doesn’t tap out like this.”

“You said she canceled on you.” Mingyu tips his chin in Jihoon’s direction. “Why?”

“She said she was sick and found someone else to walk her home.”

Soonyoung’s eyes widen. He releases his grip on Jihoon to get a better look at his face. “That’s it?”

Jihoon scowls. “Did I not tell you that I haven’t even kissed her yet? I eat lunch with her every day and then I walk her home.”

“Are we in the 1700s? What the fuck?” Mingyu demands.

“I can’t work out what makes her tick. She tells me stuff about herself, but nothing I can use. All I’ve learned is that she’s one of the smartest people I know, reads a lot, paints, and can give me actual feedback on my music.”

“Oh, come on, that can’t be all you’ve learned.”

Jihoon sighs, racking his brain for more information. There are obviously little things he’s noticed, like that she drinks a shit ton of water; that when she thinks something’s amusing, she lets out a little breath of laughter; or that she presses down on her fingers with her thumbs when she’s nervous. But he can’t share these things. They aren’t useful.

“I’ve learned she hasn’t really dated anyone since Byunggu. That she doesn’t even count that guy as a boyfriend so Jungkook is the last man she dated.”

“Byunggu… why do I know that name?” Soonyoung looks to Mingyu.

“Because he’s the guy who’s either been threatened, murdered or castrated,” Jihoon grumbles.

Soonyoung waves him off. “No.” He reaches behind Jihoon to hit Mingyu’s arm. “Isn’t he that guy who debuted last year?”

Mingyu’s brow furrows.

“He stopped coming to parties because he was filming some show or something, remember?” He pushes Mingyu, as if that will jog his memory. “He was one of your girls’ friends. Remember? She wouldn’t stop talking about him? That’s why you dumped her?”

“Oh! Yeah!” Mingyu pulls his phone out and looks something up. When he turns the phone to Jihoon, Jihoon squints at an article about this man who is currently doing small roles in various dramas. He doesn’t recognize the face. But until this point, he’d never seen any photos of this elusive ex. A debut would explain why he disappeared into thin air.

“What am I supposed to do with this information?” Jihoon pushes the phone away. “She clams up as soon as he comes up.”

“Okay, okay. Forget trying to replicate the men of the past.” Soonyoung says. “Just… be you.”

Jihoon stares at him in disbelief. “She doesn’t like me.”

“She must, because she’s spent a lot of time with you, hyung.” Mingyu sips from his water bottle. “Noona only gives certain people her time, if you haven’t noticed. Her girls, Hansol, Seungkwan, Wonwoo hyung these days.” He shrugs. “If you’re spending so much time with her, she likes you at least a little bit.”

Jihoon bites his tongue, annoyed that they’re right. “I’m only going to give this another month. If I can’t get this girl into my bed, then there’s no way she’s going to say ‘I love you’ first.”

“Don’t you think you’re being a little harsh?” Jihyo asks.

The two roommates are having a night in, watching a movie but talking the entire time with take out on the table.

She came home looking preoccupied, so Jihyo forced her to put on her pajamas, pick what sort of take out they would eat, and to bundle up on the couch. Then she forced her roommate to tell her what was wrong.

“I don’t know. Do you think it’s a sign that two different women have told me I should be careful?” She pouts. “I don’t want to feel like I need to tread carefully.”

“I don’t know what Jihoon was like with those other girls, but he likes you. I know what a guy looks like when all he wants is to get you into his bed. That look on Jihoon’s face when he sees you is pure adoration.”

She carefully breaks apart a cookie before popping a piece into her mouth. “If anything, Jihoon’s just a friend.”

“A friend who adores you. Who you also seem to like.” Jihyo nudges her with the back of her hand. “You can’t go around thinking every boy is going to hurt you like Byunggu.”

“I don’t think that. Why would I think that if I don’t even give them a chance to try?”

Jihyo snorts, both amused and frustrated. “Jihoon is putting in the effort with you. You didn’t even give him your number for like a month and a half. And he still made it work.”

“I did that to keep him away from me.” She rolls her eyes, a slight smile on her face. “So, thanks for helping him out with that.”

“You still hang out with him.”

“You know, he’s seeing other girls now.”

Jihyo pauses. “Really?”

“He tells me about them. He had a date yesterday. He has one tonight.” She shakes her head. “I think it’s just better for me if we stay friends.” She notices Jihyo on her phone. “What are you doing now?”

“Asking Cheollie if Jihoon’s home.” Jihyo turns her phone her way, grinning. Seungcheol had sent a picture of Jihoon next to him on the couch. The two seem to be playing video games. “Give the man a chance. You don’t know what kind of boyfriend he can be if you don’t.”

[crystalgirl259]

Life of a High School Vampire One-Shots 6 One Night Stand

WARNING! This chapter will include alcohol use and implied sexual content. READ AT YOUR OWN RISK!

**************** Summary: After a high school drinking session, Kai is trying to slip out on his one-night stand when his date wakes up needy, but he quickly gets clarification on what real neediness looks like... ****************

Kai groaned in pain as the morning sun peaked through the curtains and into his closed eyes. He wanted to go back to sleep when his ears and brain were filled with the loud, annoying sounds of dozens of birds chirping loudly. His head was still banging from last night, it felt like someone was using his head like a drum and using ice picks from the drumsticks. He could hardly remember anything about last night. The last thing he could remember was Lloyd dragging him and a reluctant Jay out for the night.

All the schools in the city were gathering together for tournaments and some of the older ones were going out drinking, something Lloyd all but bullied his teammates into.

After that everything was a blank. Groaning, Kai sat up in his bed and he rubbed his sore head and tired eyes. He was never drinking alcohol again. As he opened his eyes, however, he made a disturbing discovery. This wasn't his dorm room. Looking around, he nearly screamed when he saw a strange man fast asleep in the same bed. The man had dark skin with shaggy, raven hair, bushy eyebrows and was snoring loudly. He was so muscular, that Kai thought he was in one of the sports teams that showed up last night.

That is until he saw a sweater from the uniform for the boarding school known as Marty Oppenheimer School of Performing Arts.

Kai didn't care about that, however, as he quickly backed off the bed, falling to the floor with a heavy thud and taking the covers with him. It was then he saw that they were both completely naked, with their clothes scattered around the room. Kai also took note that everything below his waist was aching, but he hoped that that was just from him falling off the bed. Unfortunately, he wasn't stupid. He wasn't a virgin and had been with both men and women, so he knew what that pain was.

As he got to his feet, Kai looked around the room and found a student lanyard with a badge.

On the badge was a picture of the man, showing his soft green eyes and his name; Cole Brookstone. That was when everything came rushing back to Kai. He remembered going to the bar with Lloyd, Jay, and dozens of other students from other schools. He remembered meeting Cole when he left on his own and they started talking. He remembered Cole confessing all his problems at home, school, and with his widowed father to the young vampire as they both got drunker and drunker.

Thankfully, Kai wasn't drunk enough to tell Cole he was a vampire.

The brunette looked the human over again and blushed when he fully took in Cole's body and sized. When his eyes reached Cole's feet, he burst out laughing when he saw it. However, the sound caused Cole to groan and Kai panicked. His instincts suddenly kicked in, telling him to either bite the sleeping man before he woke up and alerted other humans, or hide and escape before he got discovered. Kai quickly dove under the bed, trying not to gag at the hills of dirty laundry and take-out boxes, and waited.

Luckily Cole didn't wake up and soon started snoring again.

Not that the human would probably believe him anyway. Once he was sure his one-night stand was still asleep, Kai carefully crawled out from under the messy bed and started getting dressed. As he collected his clothes from around the room, he found large dumbells, many types of vinyl of soft rock, and dozens of CDs scattered around a large boom box. He also found a few framed pictures of Cole with what Kai assumed to be his friends and father.

He wouldn't be shocked if Cole turned out to be sarcastic and possessed a strong passion for music and exercise.

What shocked the vampire was a picture that showed Cole outside a concert hall with Jay, his and Lloyd's roommate. Kai wondered if should ask Jay about this strange conscious, but he decided not to. It wasn't like he was ever going to see this Cole person after he left. Just as he grabbed his bag, Cole groaned again and started waking up. Kai considered making a break for it but thought against it. He was curious to see how much this Cole remembered and what he thought about Kai.

After a few minutes of waiting, Cole's eyes slowly blinked open, only to cry out and jump when he saw Kai standing in the doorway in all his Gothic glory.

It took a few seconds for the human to fully wake up and calm down, and Kai could hear his racing heart return to a normal pace.

"Oh, sorry, I thought you were a ghost or something." Cole gulped as he stifled a yawn and sat up. It was clear to Kai now that Cole did indeed remember what happened between them last night, and that just made this more awkward to the vampire.

"You're sweet." He replied before adjusting his bag and turned to leave.

"Wait! You're taking off already?!" Cole shouted after him in confusion and hurt, causing Kai to stop and turn back to him.

"I didn't want to rouse you, you were resting in peace." He shrugged, figuring that if Cole wanted him to stay then he would creep the human out so much he would run for the hills, just like all the others.

"Yeah, sorry if those birds woke you up, they're like the worst." Cole chuckled lightly and glanced out the opened window as the birds continued to chirp. How anyone could sleep through that was beyond Kai. An awkward silence filled the bedroom until Cole cleared his throat. "Well, before you go, do you think I could get your, uh, get your number?" he asked with a nervous blush, catching Kai off guard.

"Why do you want my phone number?" He asked. Humans always either avoided him or mocked him, not ask for his phone number. The only ones who spoke to him on a near-daily basis were Jay and Lloyd, but that only because they shared a dorm room together.

"I don't know, so I could call you or something?" Cole replied in confusion.

"I don't really use a cell phone." Kai shrugged, not lying. When they found out he didn't have a phone, Lloyd got him one and had already put his and Jay's numbers in it, without the ginger teen's permission, saying that a phone was a necessity in a teenager's life. But Kai didn't believe that so he often left his phone at the dorm, just like he did last night.

"Cool, yeah, I don't want to be a prisoner to technology either... so that's awesome, I guess." Cole chuckled, trying to lighten the mood, but it just made things more awkward. "So I take it that you're not online either?"

"No," Kai replied harshly. The thing he hated more than humans were their dependence on social media. There were too many disadvantages of social networking. It caused a lack of emotional connection, gave humans a license to be hurtful, decreased face-to-face communication skills, conveyed inauthentic expression of feelings, diminished understanding and thoughtfulness, and caused face-to-face interactions to feel disconnected. This response just made Cole even more uncomfortable, which is what Kai wanted.

"Oookay, um, so how can I get in contact with you?" The noirette asked.

"I have an email address; inmemoryofKaiSmith ." He replied, trying to hide a smirk as Cole process that.

"That makes it sound like you're dead." He laughed.

"I like to plan ahead." Kai shrugged, but to his annoyance, this only seemed to make Cole more eager.

"Alright, so I'll email you then." He smiled at the brunette.

"Do you really wanna see me again?" Kai asked, feeling an uncomfortable mixture of anger, frustration, and confusion as Cole's insistence.

"Yeah, Kai, of course! I mean, I like you." He admitted with a blush, and Kai was horrified when he felt his own cheeks heat up with his own blush. "You're not like other guys I've seen in Ninjago."

"That's accurate." He smiled weakly, but he still didn't like the fact this human wouldn't take a hint.

"D-Do you like me?" Cole suddenly asked, soundly slightly worried but hopeful, but Kai saw this as another chance to get rid of the teen.

"You're alive, aren't you?"

"Yes?"

"You're welcome," Kai smirked as Cole paled slightly. He could tell this human was different from all the others he had met and it might be fun to see him again. "I'll find you when I'm ready to see you." He added as he grabbed his bag again and made to leave once more.

"B-But you don't have any of my contact information!" Cole exclaimed.

"Don't worry, you won't be hard to track down."

"Let me at least walk you out." Cole offered as sat up some more to get up.

"I appreciate the gesture, but your chains don't reach that far." Kai grinned mischievously and started walking again. Cole frowned in confusion and he made to get up, only to freeze when he felt something on both his ankles. He ripped the covers away and gasped when he saw a pair of thick, metal shackles on them and chains connected to them to the bed. Cole looked up again to ask Kai what was going on, but the brunette was long gone.

Before Cole could think of what to do next, a bone-chilling banshee-like shriek filled the air outside the bedroom window, followed by the birds going crazy and a sickening crunch.

All was silent after that. There were no birds, no people, or cars driving past for a few seconds before they returned. All except the birds annoying chirping. He just shrugged it off as a cat or two attacking and scaring the birds away. Cole sat in his bed for a few minutes as shock, fear, and excitement filled him. He couldn't explain it, but something about Kai thrilled him and he couldn't wait to see the brunette again. If he ever got out of these chains, however.

With a heavy sigh, Cole grabbed his phone off the bedside table and called a locks smith.

This was going to be hard to explain...

[yeocult]

lover’s guide | s.mg

genre: fluff, slight ansgt, college au

wc: 4.2k words

synopsis: 5 steps to love by song mingi

step one: being noticed

“mingi, are you even listening?” the male jolted up at the sudden call of his name from his professors, earning a few stares from his classmates.

“um y-yes.” he mentally slapped himself for stuttering. mingi sighed and closed his eyes, desperately trying to kill off the feeling that welcomed itself into his mind.

just a few days earlier, during lectures when he laid his eyes on you. he thought it was maybe admiration at first. you were one of the top students of the class and the way you carried yourself with such grace was so attractive to him. your range of style was captivating, each day came with a new outfit. he liked the way you were confident and also was experimenting with different styles. not to mention you killed every look.

the sudden attraction seems like one of those middle school crushes that he could get over within three days, maximum. but even after three days, he didn’t. he couldn’t stop himself from staring at you from across the room and he often caught himself thinking about you.

he would use every chance he got to interact with you, although he couldn’t say he was the best at it. he knew that small smiles whenever you two pass in the halls or that silently complementing your choice of accessories was not enough for you to get the hint of his crush on you. but he did it anyway.

today was nothing new. mingi found himself stealing glances at you once in a while, especially since lectures were long and he rather had his focus somewhere else than some boring discussion about costume history from the professor’s monotone voice.

“mingi can you be any more obvious? if i was them, i could feel you basically staring into my soul from across the room.” his friend whispered leaning closer to mingi to avoid making a scene. mingi scoffs and wooyoung earned an elbow to his side. “don’t word it like that…” mingi fixes his eyes on the professor to avoid getting called on again, “is it that bad?” he quietly asked and wooyoung nodded.

the boring lectures came to an end and granted him a long desired freedom. since it was his final class for the day, he was free to go home and take that nap he craved for. wooyoung was long gone with yeosang as they walked out of the room together, while mingi was a rather bit slower when packing his supplies.

it wasn’t until you came up to him that he felt his whole body freeze. his insides were jumping and he didn’t know if it was from excitement or nervousness, probably both. you held onto your tote bag with one hand while the other was playing with the hem of your shirt as you approached the tall male.

“hey mingi!” you happily greeted him and mingi mirrored your smile and waved back at you. your smile was continuous, how could he not smile back even if he looked like a huge idiot. 

“i really like your style. you always stand out,” you paused for a moment realizing how that sounded. “you dress really well, um your style is different from others, i like it.” you added for clarifications, not wanting to sound impolite or anything in that manner.

within less than a minute, you manage to make mingi do cartwheels in his head and the happiest man alive. “o-oh thank you! i actually made this shirt myself. it didn’t turn out well so i just wear it casually—sometimes even to bed…” he trailed off. “thank you, uh i really like your earrings, by the way, they’re pretty.” he tells you. mingi wanted to evaporate right now after so much he just stuttered and rambled right in front of you. he shyly scratched his nape, hoping his nervousness didn’t make the air awkward.

your soft giggles filled the lecture room as you thanked him. then you waved cheerfully and made your way towards the exit, leaving mingi there stunned. you noticed him and that was all mingi needed to know he was in love.

step two: being friends

mingi has been falling asleep with a soft smile and waking up with full energy the past week. because ever since you interacted with him, you two have grown closer. he felt more comfortable and less shy around you. the short greetings have turned into telling each other how his days went and him listening to you praise the new album your favourite group released. the two of you would walk to the bus station together after the bell rings, spending lunch breaks together, and facetime once in a while.

he learned a lot about you during the period he started to hang out with you more. mingi took note that you often wore dangly earrings over studs and that you like to eat strawberries to fuel your body during study sessions. he also learned that you went into fashion major simply for the interest and passion of it, he admired you for that. mingi likes to think that your jewelry choices match you fairly well; bright and attractive.

the two of you have been spending lunch breaks together. during those times, you noticed that mingi is a slow eater and he told you he also makes music with one of his friends, hongjoong, who was a year older than him. you noticed his little habits of laughing with his whole body. throwing his head back and sometimes clapping his hand in amusement. although he might come off intimidating or cold to some people, mingi is definitely the most wholesome person you’ve come across and you still can’t wrap your head around his duality.

you two would sit at the bus station waiting for your ride home. mingi’s place was within walking distance but he insisted on waiting with you. after all, it was a perfect opportunity to spend more time with you. and if there’s anything mingi likes more than you, is spending time with you.

the both of you were browsing your phones while waiting for your bus to arrive. getting bored with the lack of notifications on his phone, mingi leaned in to glance at your phone screen.

“you like cats?” mingi asked you as the both of you watch some fluffy cat video on your instagram feed. you shifted your phone for the better view for him and nodded. 

“they’re just so cute, right?” mingi hummed in response. he held back on telling you that he thought you were way cuter than the cats, but decided to save it for another time. you proceed to tell him that your mother is allergic plus that you probably wouldn’t have much time to take care of a pet being in college and all that. he watched your eyes filled with glitter as you continue to watch more cat videos on your screen.

the bus finally arrived and you quickly stood up. it saddens him a little that he couldn’t watch you become all smiley over cats.

“thanks for waiting with me again, mingi. i’ll see you tomorrow.” you gave him a quick hug from the side and softly smiled at him. silently hoping your swift  action wasn’t weird or sudden to him, because you really were appreciating the little things mingi does for you. including companying you while your bus arrives. 

mingi softly smiled at you. “anytime.” he kept his response short because knowing himself, he wouldn’t know how to speak normally with stutters and rambling if he continued.

he tried to cover up the fact that he’s blushing like a fool right now and his heart is beating extremely fast over a simple and quick hug. didn’t go very well as mingi stood there with his cheeks painted a crimson colour and heat rushes throughout his body. a damn hug. you simply warped your arms around his figure and made your way towards the bus like nothing had happened. like you hadn’t made mingi the happiest person alive.

overtime, mingi was proud to call you his close friend. even though that wasn’t what he exactly hoped for, he hoped for a little more actually. but at the end of the day, he was happy nonetheless to have you with him.

step three: first date

today’s a special day, making you want to doll yourself up more than usual. “is this too much?” you’ll never admit it out loud but being around mingi made you feel a bit timid and shy. the total opposite of how people view you, bold and charming.

you weren’t the type to care about what others thought about you. after all, fashion was how you expressed yourself and you didn’t limit yourself to one style. if you felt like adding one more hair clip to your hair, then who’s gonna stop you? on days when you’ve lost your confidence, mingi would be the first person to compliment you. and that was all it took for you to truly appreciate yourself.

“w-what? no! you look amazing, you always do.” mingi pointed out how your nail polish matches your hair clips and you felt at ease, your body loses its stiffness and you softly smile at his compliment.

mingi on the other hand, felt like he was always overdressing. maybe choose something a little more simple? tone down with the colours? those types of thoughts kept mingi from truly playing around with his wardrobe. he admitted, he was insecure. that all changed when he started to hang out with you. your confidence brushing on him made him careless about what others might think of him. he started layering jewellery and wearing that flashy jacket because he can. you had noticed your little influence on him and you loved that for him.

“you don’t look too bad yourself.” you helped mingi break from his shell and gain confidence, mingi made you feel comfortable in your own skin.

the bell chimed at your entrance. your eyes light up at the environment. the welcome scent of coffee wafts through the air and the soft melody playing in the background automatically brings joy to your face. you’ve never been to a cat cafe before, seeing this amount of cute cats casually walking around has added ten years to your life. mingi and you settled to a small table by the window with a few cats already sitting there on the shelf. the sun shined through the glass, warming up the seat and table. while you busy yourself with your new furry buddy, mingi left to order a few drinks and dessert for the both of you.

as he waited in line, he thought about how lucky he was to even be here with you right now.

“so…” mingi takes a break from drawing figures on his sketchbook and meets your face. you hummed and pulled your laptop screen lower so you can see his face. the two of you were studying together in the library, helping each other in various topics covered in today’s lessons. mingi was always grateful that your schedules line up with his. meaning all of his breaks, he can spend time with you since you were off as well. and since you were both fashion majors, it only made sense if you both helped each other out.

“i have a friend, he works at this cat cafe and i was wondering…” pause. his eyes lowered at his hands fidgeting with his pen. “if you wanted to go with me tomorrow?” he continued but couldn’t help to lower his voice almost to a whisper as he shyly asked you out. he knew how much you loved cats and thought it was a perfect idea to take you to visit the cafe one day.

your face immediately lights up at the idea of a cat cafe. “mingi are you serious? i would love to!” you send him a big toothy grin as you were so excited to be able to go with him. “it’s a date then!”

mingi swore his heart stopped beating and his nose forgot how to breathe for a second at your words.

“you’re deep in love aren’t you prince charming?” his friend from behind the counter teased. san grinned at mingi while typing in his order into the machine. it seem like wooyoung had already told san about mingi’s little secret.

he rolled his eyes, as if he doesn’t get ridiculed enough from wooyoung and yeosang in class already. “and what about it?” mingi scoffs, pulling out a couple bills and handed them to san. 

luckily for him, you weren’t around to hear it. although parts of him wished you could hear what just san said because he doesn't know how long he can control his feelings anymore. but mingi wanted his confession to be a bit more romantic rather than his friend blurting it out, so he kept quiet and waited. you were currently occupied with your phone, filling up your photo gallery with pictures of them while waiting for mingi to order.

“it means you should probably do something about it.” san winked, handing mingi his receipt before heading back to prepare his drinks. mingi knew exactly what he meant about that. he knew exactly what he should do about these uncontrollable feelings. but he just couldn’t find the courage to do it anytime soon.

he sighed and glanced towards the table where you sat. he was really glad he brought up the idea of bringing you here because mingi realized how endearing your love for cats was. even from afar, the way you gently pet the cat by the window makes his heart melt. no complaints from him though. if they can make you smile non-stop, then that’s all it matters.

“order up for lover boy.” san announced playfully, snapping mingi out of his thoughts of you and bringing him back from reality. mingi rolled his eyes and blatantly ignored his friend’s word, taking the tray of food in his hand. hearing san giggle from behind him only made him more annoyed but he quickly calmed down at the sight of you playing with a cat’s paw.

“hey. i got your favourites.” he placed the tray in the middle. you thanked him as you took a bite into your strawberry shortcake and a sip from the iced americano. you felt butterflies in your stomach, you couldn’t help but to feel this way towards mingi because he never fails to remember all the little things you’ve told him.

the two of you enjoyed your drinks and desserts and talked about anything that came to your mind. mingi was an easy person to talk to. no matter what you talked about or how long you would ramble on a topic, he was listening to every single word that came out of your mouth. sometimes you would carry the whole conversation and he didn’t mind. and neither did you because something about not worrying or stressing over if you were being boring or annoying was what made you love talking to mingi. your voice was like music to him, he could listen to it all day long. he propped his chin on his hand as you continued to talk.

you jump up slightly at the furry feeling the side of your leg. you melt at the sight of a persian cat making figure eights around your legs. another kitten nearby was on its back, all sprawled out. you both were in awe at the sight of all these cute cats around the place. while you fixed your gaze on the cats, mingi had his eyes focused on you the entire time.

step four: confession

everything was going fine. until it wasn’t.

self-doubts and anxiety starts creeping in and you feel weak. you were unsure, because nothing good has ever lasted this long. you had no idea this would happen when approached mingi. but after that day, you found yourself looking forward to talking with him more. and over time, of course, you fell for him. who wouldn’t?

it felt odd. suspicious. everything was going so smoothly with you and mingi. he makes you feel excited to wake up every day and spend your breaks with him. he makes classes and college a little more bearable. you love the way he unconsciously caress your hand under the table like it’s a habit. you love the little things he does for you like sharing earbuds while waiting for your bus. mingi was an angel towards you.

it was too good to be true.

you were hidden underneath your blanket in a fetal position, curled up with your knee to your chest as you quietly sobbed in your room. you felt terrible. how you’ve been avoiding mingi recently ever since this unsettling feeling started to creep in. you tried to bury your whimpers and sniffs as you heard your door creak open and felt the bed dip.

“hey.” no response. he couldn’t see your face. the only thing he could hear was the shaky breath that you tried so hard to hide from underneath the covers. he could tell you’ve been crying for the past hour or even days considering your current state.

“leave me alone,” you snapped at him. mingi pursed his lips at your jarring words, deciding to push it away because he knew you didn’t mean any harm.

he’s noticed, he always does. today is sunday, he hasn't seen or heard from you ever since friday afternoon. even so, you disappeared right after classes ended and he couldn’t get a hold of you. you weren’t at the bus stop as you normally would, it had mingi worried to death. he started to think about his past actions or words to see if any of that had made you upset, but none came to his mind. opting to just stay by your side for now.

“i haven’t seen you in so long, is everything okay?” he asked but got no response. the lump in your throat prevents you from telling the truth, so you kept quiet. you could only shake your head from underneath the covers.

“i’m here for you, i don’t want you to go through this alone.” mingi took a deep breath. he didn’t like seeing you like this. he settled on the bed right next to your figure, you flinched at his touch when he patted your shoulders gently. he didn’t say a word, he allowed you to continue crying, letting out any pain that has been trapped in there. 

and with that, you slowly pulled the covers down. revealing your glossy eyes and puffy lips from the endless hours of crying in your room.

mingi quickly took you into his embrace because he just couldn’t stand the sight of you crying. he’s been dying to hold you. he tells you that everything is okay to be okay and that it’s okay to cry. maybe silence was the best medicine for now, but he felt the urge to tell you that things were going to be okay. he lets you cry in his arms, allowing you to break down as he rubs your back. you buried your face into the warmth of his chest as he held the back of your head and rubbed your back. soft whispers from mingi calmed you down, you focused your mind on his smooth voice to escape the unsettling thoughts that welcomed itself into you.

you pushed yourself off him and took a shaky deep breath, it sounds like you were going to break and tears would storm down your cheeks again but you quickly collected yourself.

“i’m sorry.” you whispered, wiping your face with the back of your hand. you didn’t know what to do now. tell him? or make up an excuse on why you’ve been down lately? tell him that you were afraid that he would leave you? or push off the topic and hope that he’ll buy it?

you played with your hands as you sat there helpless in front of him, until mingi’s voice broke your racing thoughts. “it’s okay. take your time.” he took both your hands in his, caressing your hand with his thumb gently, like he always does. holding them like you were going to disappear any moment now, leaving him alone.

a comfortable silence falls between you and mingi as you both sit on your bed holding each other's hands. until you blurted out the words you’ve been holding back, words you’ve been thinking over and over.

“i love you.”

mingi froze at your sudden confession. releasing his grip on your hands and his eyes widened. he felt like his heart was about to explode. the fluttering in his stomach, feeling hesitant of what to say back because he was definitely not expecting this so suddenly. 

“i…” he began, unsure of how to properly explain the complexity of his feelings, “i love you too, ever since i laid my eyes on you.” chuckling at himself at how cheesy he sounded. unashamed of how stupidity in love he sounds right now, because letting you know how important you are to him was his goal.

giggling at how adorable he looks when he proposed his feelings, loving how he can make you smile despite you being a mess just a couple of minutes ago. loving how being here with you, makes you forget all about those negative thoughts. you took his hands into yours once again. a wave of relief washes you over because now. you didn’t have to worry about anything anymore, not when he’s by your side.

“it’s just…” you drop your head down at his hands as you play with his fingers, “nothing this good as happened to me and i just…” you trail off, feeling the tears in the corner of your eyes coming back. just afraid of you leaving me, was what you wanted to say but couldn’t. mingi notices and instantly intertwines his hands with yours.

“hey, it’s okay. i’m going anywhere, okay?” he reassures you, like he was reading your thoughts. lifting up his hand intertwined with yours to your eye level as his little proof. his action didn’t fail to make you smile.

“thank you, mingi. for being with me.”

“like i said, i’m always here for you. now c’mere.” opening his arms wide with a huge grin plastered on his face as an invitation for you to melt in his arm. you hurled in his arms.. finding solace in the crook of his neck, feeling his warmth and taking in his scent. 

the room was filled with little sniffles from you, sounding like a toddler who’s favourite toy went missing. “sorry for getting my snot on your shirt.” you shyly chuckled for ruining the slightly romantic atmosphere.

“it’s okay, only because i love you.” if hugs healed, mingi would hold you forever.

step five: being a couple

“close your eyes for me?”

“don’t tell me what to do.”

“you—” mingi sighed. “just do it, please.”

“okay, only because you said the magic word.” you quipped with a smirk.

mingi scoffed. when you shut your eyes, he leads you in front of the mirror. he pulled out the handmade necklace he’s been working on the past couple of days. his hands, unlike the rest of his body, were cold. he carefully brushed your hair out of the way then carefully clipped the two ends of the necklace together. turning them to the front and letting them sit on your collarbones.

it was a simple gold chain with a charm, representing you. he was aiming for a piece you would be able to wear casually, fitting with everyday outfits as well as complementing your other jewelry pieces since he knew you liked to layer them.

with anticipation, you asked if you can open your eyes, mingi hum a tune in response. “i got you a little something, i hope you like it.” slowly opening your eyes to reveal mingi’s gift. heat crawling up your face when your eyes laid on the beautiful piece of gold jewelry resting around your neck. there laid a charm, a key.

“baby…” you gazed at your new favourite jewellery while trying to hold back tears. getting on your tippy-toes, reaching for his cheeks to give him a quick “thank you” kiss.

mingi flashed you a huge satisfied grin, “ta-da! we’re matching!” he pulled his own necklace that was hidden under his shirt with the brightest smile on his face, the type of smile that turned his eyes into crescents. instead of a key, his was a lock. you were in awe at the connection and how thoughtful it was.

“thank you mingi, i love it so much.” you wasted no time wrapping your arms around his neck and a quick peck on his cheeks that made his heart burst into a million pieces.

in a short amount of time, you two managed to brighten each other’s day effortlessly. mingi has never been so wrong about his little crush on you lasting three days. even though it was silly, he thanked himself every day for choosing to wear that shirt. who knew something he put so little thought into could turn to be the best thing that’s happened to him? he was so proud to be in love with such an incredible person. a love he would cherish for life.

“thank you for loving me.”

-

happy birthday to the best boy, song mingi <3

[midnight0stars]

SO it’s been a while since I’ve written smut. Like a long while. And I’ve been saving this request for when I was ready to come back to it, because I knew it would be a great shameless piece for me to go all out on.

And I certainly did! I had such a blast with this one.

Only note is that there isn’t a gender listed here, and normally that would mean the request would be denied since I need a gender specified for NSFW. BUT this is something I should have addressed and asked for clarification for months ago when we first received it.

I don’t know why I didn’t before, and I’ve been too excited about it to completely turn it down. SO I decided to go with Fem!Reader since you know, I’m a girl and this is entirely self indulgent.

I hope that’s alright and I hope when we reopen NSFW Asks we get a similar one to this with a Male Reader specified! Because I have equal amount of ideas for the other way around. Wink Wonk

Anyway, Enjoy!!

**Toying Around ~ Poly!Lea/Isa/Fem!Reader NSFW**

Words: 2267

————————————–

“You know Y/N, I never took you as the type to have one of these.” Lea noted as you came out of the steaming bathroom with a towel tied around your body.

You didn’t look over at him right away as you went towards your closet to grab some clothes for the supposed outing your boys had planned for the night.

“Have one of what?” you asked absently, tracing your hands along a black dress.

“You might want to take a look,” Isa spoke up, causing you to pause and make the connection that they had actually found something.

You first looked to him, seeing Isa sitting along the edge of your bed as he motioned his head towards Lea. The dread settled in as you turned your gaze and saw Lea holding up a hot pink and sizable vibrator shaped like a gelatin cock.

“I- what– where did you–” words sputtered out of your mouth, a heat of embarrassment smothering your face as you rushed over and swiped the sex toy from his grasp. “When I said you could wait in here, I didn’t mean you could snoop through my stuff!”

“I wasn’t!” Lea insisted, holding up his hands in surrender. “One of your drawers was open and I just happened to notice something pink.”

“Then he opened it further and grabbed the object in question,” Isa finished. “I told him you wouldn’t appreciate it.”

“Gee, thanks for backing me up,” Lea grumbled under his breath, before looking back at you and asking, “Sooo it is yours then?”

“Do you really think she would keep someone else’s sex toy hidden in her room, Lea?” Isa asked, speaking for you while you struggled to come to terms with what was happening.

“Well, no, but–”

“It is mine,” you interrupted, swallowing your last remnants of dignity and owning up to it. “I– I just, you guys aren’t always around and, sometimes, I — want to take time for myself.”

“There’s no need to explain yourself,” Isa assured you, gently grasping your arm and leading you to sit down on the bed beside him.

“Yeah,” Lea agreed with a chuckle, raking his hand through his spikes of hair, “I mean, it’s honestly kinda hot imagining you using that.”

You chuckled awkwardly, shame and embarrassment still fresh on your mind, yet there was also the slightest throb in your gut at the inclination of Lea’s words. You’d never admit that you had fantasized once or twice about them watching as you pleasured yourself. This hadn’t exactly been the situation you had imagined, though; sitting there in front of them, with nothing but a thin towel poorly wrapped around your chest and a gigantic dildo in your lap. If anything, you looked ridiculous.

Warm lips pressed against your palm, drawing your eyes towards Isa as he gently coaxed you from your spiraling thoughts. Your heart fluttered when your gaze met with his.

“Say the word and we’ll forget all of this and head to dinner,” he told you, before placing another kiss to your knuckles. “We do have reservations waiting for us.”

“Or,” Lea’s fingers tipped under your chin and turned your attention back forward to see him leaning over you, his face just inches away from yours. “We could stay here and toy around with this.”

His hand went over the toy in your lap, eliciting a gasp from the pressure between your legs.

“I–I,” you stammered, eyes fluttering shut as Lea’s lips met along your jaw.

He wasn’t forceful, but gentle, as if he were giving you the room to tell him no and push him back, but you couldn’t bring yourself to move. Every meeting of his lips against your skin sent shivers to your fingertips and to the tip of your tongue, making you whine. Isa released your hand, but you hardly noticed as Lea’s fingers undid the towel wrapped around your chest. The damp fabric fell away, the cool air exposed to your breasts before being squeezed by Lea’s hands.

Your back arched, your lips parting with a sharp gasp. Lea hummed against your neck and you could feel the curve of his lips as he kissed and suckled. Your eyes opened to the sound of Isa’s voice, spotting him on the other side of the room, gaze locked on you as he talked on the phone. Something about moving reservations, but you couldn’t quite make out his exact words between Lea’s hums and the way your heart was pounding in your ears.

You noticed Isa swallowing hard, his eyes dancing over your body as Lea explored. There was a flush to his neck and his ears, and you could see a sizable bulge in his pants growing as he watched, but his voice remained stoic and calm throughout the call.

Your attention was taken by the familiar burr of a vibrating dildo. You gasped, looking down to see Lea’s fingers blindly clicking the controls of the device, figuring it out while he kissed every part of  your body he could reach.

“Lea–” you began saying his name, before his free hand slid up behind your neck and he crashed your lips together.

His tongue delved past your lips, overtaking you and every one of your senses. A moan slipped out almost involuntarily, your eyes rolling back as they closed, allowing Lea to have his way with you without any fight.

The tip of the dildo brushed against your thigh, making you jump with a sharp breath. Lea broke the kiss, keeping his eyes locked with yours as he slowly slid the vibrator further in. You bit your lip, your body nearly trembling in anticipation of Lea meeting his mark.

You nearly cried out when your clit felt the vibrations. It was overwhelming and indescribable, and Lea’s responding smirk only made it harder to contain yourself from cumming right then and there.

“Fuck!” you rasped out, barely able to take in a breath before Lea’s lips locked with yours.

You moaned freely in his mouth, your hips rocking and begging for the dildo to be pushed inside of you. But Lea wasn’t interested in giving in so readily. He swirled the tip of the vibrator in the languid circle, relishing the trembles of your body as you yearned for more.

Your lip lock broke in a rush, and you gasped for air, watching as Isa tugged against Lea’s hair, pulling him in for a heated kiss. Isa’s hand joined Lea’s around the dildo, forcibly sliding it inside of you. Your hand clamped over your mouth as you fell back, your back arching the further the toy was pushed inside. Both of their hands left the toy, allowing its mechanical movements to do the job for them as their attention shifted to each other.

You hardly minded as your hips rocked the dildo back and forth, your fingers twisting and pulling at your nipples, while you watched your boys locked in a heated, wordless debate on who would take control over the other. Buttons were undone, shirts pulled off, hands explored, until Lea was turned and pushed over the bed, his face just in front of your pussy, watching as you rocked yourself towards orgasm.

Isa lowered to his knees, to where you could no longer see him, but given Lea’s sudden moaning, you could gather what he was doing. You could hear the wet slick of Isa’s tongue, and the soft hums as he rimmed Lea with practiced ease. Lea couldn’t hold your gaze, he buried his face against your bed, hands clenching the sheets while heavily panting.

“Oh God, don’t stop,” you pleaded with Isa, unable to tear your eyes away from the spectacle before you while you rocked back and forth against your toy. “Don’t stop, don’t stop, don’t— Ahhh!”

Your head slung back, your voice breaking and body writhing. Every inch of you shivered with waves of pleasure, even your tongue felt as if it were vibrating with chills that made it hard to stop yourself from crying out. Before you had even finished coming down from your climax, you felt the dildo being pulled out and tossed away. You whined an objection, but it was lost as it was replaced by Lea’s mouth panting and lapping away at your still pulsing clit.

Hands gripped your hips, keeping you locked in place as Lea ravaged you without hesitation. Your chest heaved, your hands tangling in his hair as he was shoved forward by Isa sliding himself inside of Lea.

Lea moaned, his grip on your hips tightening to the point that would leave a mark the following day but you didn’t even care. Your half lidded eyes found Isa’s, both of your lips parted as you stared back at the other, watching as he slid in and out of Lea, each thrust pushing Lea’s tongue harder against your clit.

Unable to look away, you kept your eyes locked, watching his movements become ragged and feeling Lea’s moans resonating through your body with each time his tongue slid past your entrance.

“Isa– Lea–,” you gasped both of their names, hearing their responding groans and feeling it vibrate through you just as everything burst.

Your body tensed, every single muscle trembling from your nerves tingling uncontrollably. Lea’s tongue never faltered, Isa’s eyes remained locked, watching you writhe and nearly scream as wave after wave of pleasure washed over you.

The moment you fell back against the bed completely, Isa pulled out of Lea and gave him an order, but your mind was too dazed to know what was said. That was until Lea was climbing over you, both of you slicked with sweat, eyes dancing over the other as your hands were laced on either side of your head.

Even after two orgasms in a row, the sensation of Lea sliding his weeping cock inside of you while your gazes were locked made you let out a long, drawn out moan that only ended as Lea’s sticky lips met with yours. Your pleasure was thick on his tongue, giving you a taste of what he had just taken for himself and you took it back without objection.

The kiss broke with a sharp moan from Lea as Isa situated himself on the bed and slid back inside of Lea. Each thrust from Isa pushed Lea in and out of you, as if Isa himself was setting the pace for all three of you to climax at once.

The control didn’t last long as Lea’s hips rocked frantically against both of you, his face buried in your neck as he panted and cussed under his breath. Isa breathed in sharply, his head slinging back and hands raking over Lea’s sides before tightening suddenly. A shaking moan escaped him, his hips grinding at an erratic speed, cum dripping down onto your sweat slicked legs.

Lea cried out, burying himself deep inside you, moaning freely against your neck as hot cum poured out and spilled onto your bed. Your hips rocked, feeling Lea’s cock twitch and throb inside of you as every last drop came out of him.

His body went limp, his heat radiating into you as he kissed your neck with sloppy, wet lips. Isa pulled out of Lea, both of them releasing shuddering moans at the sensation of being separated. He settled in beside you, kissing the other side of your neck as his fingers slid down to your tender clit. You gasped, your body jolting from the sensitive contact, but you also didn’t want him to stop.

“Have enough for one more?” Isa asked, his voice low and soft as his fingers traced slow, delicate circles over your folds.

You swallowed hard, your lips parting as you nodded, unable to form words. Lea smiled against your neck, rolling to the other side of you as his fingers joined Isa’s circling your clit. He pulled back from your neck, his tired eyes meeting with yours as he smirked with a lopsided smile. Your lips met with short, lingering kisses, feeling them ease out the last remnants of pleasure that was still stored inside of you just waiting to come out.

The climax they worked you up towards was soft. It filled your entire body, making your back arch ever so slightly as you gasped out their names. You heard their hums, felt their smiles against your skin as they coaxed you back to reality.

You weren’t sure how much time had passed after that. The three of you laid there, sprawled across your bed, naked and fully satisfied. Your hands wandered occasionally, finding each other interested in the idea for more. Occasional hand jobs, kissing, touching, anything you wanted as you wasted the night away in pleasure.

That was until your stomach began to growl and you remembered what you gave up to have each other for a meal instead.

Isa was the first to get up, despite the whining objections from you and Lea. But he was insistent on getting food delivered and didn’t want to greet the delivery man naked. Lea kept his arms wrapped around you, telling you how hot you were and how glad he was to have found your dirty secret. And of course, the occasional make out session that interrupted your chatter.

In the end, you completely forgot the embarrassment of them finding your toy. In fact, you were sure you could start getting some new toys and contraptions for all of you to play together.

After all, what’s the point of having toys if you can’t share them?

[cindersandroses]

Digital Get Down, Chapter 5

AUTHORS: cindersandroses ( losille2000 and cinderella1181)

CHAPTERS: 5/?

PAIRING: Actor!Henry Cavill/ Plus-Size OFC

GENRE: Romance/Fluff/HUMOR

FIC SUMMARY: When SuperHank met OrcPrincessPeach on the World of Warcraft message boards, it was love at first raid. Now, almost a year later, they’re ready to take the next step and meet in person. Half a world away from each other, both decide to meet in Atlanta for DragonCon, since she was already going to be there for her work as a game designer at Blizzard… never mind that she is a devout nerd. They both have to face the fact that reality is very different from a digital world.

RATING: Mature

WARNING: Mentions of assault.

AUTHORS NOTES: Love you all!

Also on AO3!

Chapter 5

Opal turned to the side as she looked at herself in the full length mirror on the back of the closet door. She smoothed the front of her dress over her rounded belly and picked at the slight ruching that was meant to help hide her imperfections along with the black color of the dress, but it did neither. There’d be no hiding anything. This was about as bodycon as one could get, and indeed she bought it a long time ago because she thought she looked hot in the form fitting silk. As soon as she got it home, though, and really looked at herself wearing it in the harsh light of day, she put it away, in the back of her closet with the other beautiful clothes she’d bought but never found the courage to wear.  

That was changing. Now. Today. Okay, not today. But as soon as she walked back into her house. She planned to go straight to her closet and pull them all out and wear each of them as soon as she had the right opportunity or occasion. Considering that most of them were on the fancier side of things, meant for dates, she figured she’d have more chances to wear them now, anyway.

Even though she and Henry would literally be halfway across the globe from each other after this weekend. She couldn’t dwell on that fact, though. If she did, then the sadness set in. She refused to let that particular emotion claw its way back. They’d make it work if it was going to work. It wasn’t like she couldn’t just take her computer places and work there.

If she could convince her boss to allow frequent trips.

And it wasn’t like he didn’t also spend part of his time in Los Angeles. 

Maybe it wouldn’t be so bad.

Henry walked by behind her, drawing her attention away from those troubling thoughts. He fumbled with the cufflink on his left shirt cuff. She was going to make a quip about it, but the words died on her lips when she noticed he looked at her like a fat kid looked at cake. He licked his lips, smiled, and walked into the bathroom.

She couldn’t help but blush. She never would’ve believed he was truly stealing glances at her, but that notion had been squashed earlier at the spa. In fact, now she was hyper aware of his long, molten stares. 

And it was all because of the wonderful esthetician who completed her facial after their massage. What had started out as a traumatic experience ended up making her feel the most confident she’d ever felt in her own skin, thanks in part to Jessa the esthetician’s enlightening conversation. 

“He’s looking at you like you are the purest water and he’s just had some hot sauce.” 

Opal giggled, and blushed, looking at the woman.  “I just keep thinking he’s going to be like, ‘Ugh, not my type’ and leave, Jessa.” 

“Girl, please. You got one of those peach bottoms that men love to get a handful of. You already got him eating out of your hand, he’s not stopped glancing over here this whole time,” Jessa said, putting her hand on her hip. “And if he does do that, I got a handful of fine brothers who would eat that peach bottom up. So you just let Jessa know and I’ll hook you up.”

The comment made Opal laugh loudly, disturbing the serenity of the spa and resulted in a few perturbed glares from other clients. Henry had glanced up, one eyebrow raised in interest. She smiled at him sweetly and he went back to his shave. Opal smiled. “Thank you, Jessa. I’ll keep you updated.”  

Opal had made sure to slip Jessa an extra tip, even though she was sure Henry had tipped everyone well. Stingy wasn’t really a word she would use to describe this man, not materially or emotionally. 

Or physically.

Definitely not physically. He liked touching. Being affectionate.

She did not; or, more aptly, she was not used to it in the romantic sense. But she wasn’t even that affectionate with her family. There were a few hugs here and there as a child, but they weren’t overly huggy. And then there was the other thing he didn’t know about, because she never talked about it, that prevented her from initially enjoying his touches.

It was getting easier, though, the more he touched her. She found, with some relief, that she actually quite liked being close to him in that way. Perhaps there was hope for her, after all.

Opal moved away from the mirror and followed his trail to the bathroom. She rested a hip on the door jamb and watched him finish his grooming. He saw her in the mirror and smiled. 

“Like what you see?” he asked, that insidious brow raised.

“Nah,” she said with a grin. “I was just thinking about how you use twice the product I do.”

Henry rubbed his hands on a hand towel to remove the remnants of whatever moisturizer he’d used on his freshly shaved jaw. “That’s because it takes a lot to make me look this good. You’re already bloody gorgeous, so you don’t need it.”

Her cheeks heated and she shifted her weight awkwardly on her bare feet. Why were compliments so difficult to take? 

“And as an answer to your question, I do like what I see,” she replied. “I appreciate your efforts. But I also love getting to just observe each other. That’s what we were missing over the last year.”

Henry stopped and smiled at her. “I watched you getting ready, and that’s why I’m so behind. I couldn’t stop watching you. You are enchanting,” he whispered. 

The air caught in her lungs upon hearing the deep gravelliness of his sentiment. He closed the distance between them. The hunger, the lust, the pain, the joy, the need, all passed across his face. He leaned down and brushed his lips across her temple.  “We’re going to make a hell of a couple tonight, Princess.”

“Yes, we are,” she replied breathlessly. 

“Let me finish getting ready. You are distracting.” 

Opal giggled. “Pot, kettle.” 

She moved away from the door and went back to the bed to struggle into the sky high heels she had thought would be great to wear, but now she regretted the decision to pack them. Her feet were going to ache by the end of the night. But--the minx inside her reminded--that could possibly lead to another massage. This time, just with Henry. 

As she finished up the last buckle on the strappy things and stretched her legs out to check how they looked, she noticed Henry watching from across the room with a glazed look in his eyes. She laughed at him, because it was the exact same look she’d had as he secured the waistcoat around his trim torso.  “This… me putting on shoes shut you down?”

Henry reanimated with a shrug. “I have a thing for really high strappy, almost slutty, heels. Nothing like…” He stopped and blushed slightly. “Uh, never mind.”

Opal stood up and went over to him, just barely shorter than him now, and grinned. “I will have to remember that for later,” she replied. 

“Oh, god, please do. Bonus points for silk stockings and the whole belt contraption,” he murmured.

She giggled. “You know, men and women are so different. You want the littlest piece of clothing on me, but I’d rather see you in a three piece suit.”

“I can fuck in a three piece suit just as well as I can without,” he teased.

His comment, and the harsh word, caught her off guard. Taking the opportunity, he went over to grab his cell phone. He beckoned her with a crooked finger. “Come here.” 

She didn’t ask for clarification or even think about it; her feet in their dangerous footwear moved of their volition. When she reached him, he wrapped his arm around her and kissed her head, all while snapping a quick picture. He looked at it, smiled, and turned it around for her to view.

Her cheeks were high with color. Her skin glowed; her eyes sparkled. Her smile showed almost every one of her teeth. Everything about it made her seem so vital, so alive, so… beautiful. She had never seen herself so happy. Simply being near him made her want to beam from ear to ear. 

He smiled softly. “Now you see what I see when I look at you.”

“I don’t always look like this,” she protested.

“You do,” he replied. “Let me send this to you so you can send it to Amber.”

Opal shifted uncomfortably. She’d completely forgotten about sending Amber a picture. What kind of friend was she, anyway? 

“We can’t bring our phones tonight,” he explained. “Something about making sure nothing unflattering gets out.” 

Opal looked up at him and nodded. “Okay. Let me just send Amber a text telling her I’m going out for the night.” 

She saved the picture to her phone and opened up the text stream with her friend. She took the picture, sent it, and wrote, “I don’t think I ever expected my Hank to be this real. Going out for the night. Talk to you in the morning.”

She plugged her phone in, stood up, and took Henry’s hand. “Okay. Let’s go.” 

 ~~~

Opal stood in the atrium of the Georgia Aquarium and sighed. She was enchanted. She’d been here a ton of times before at previous cons, but never on a night specifically designed to be an intimate cocktail party with all of the con’s celebrity guests.  

What actually was her life right now? 

Henry talked to Dany and Dwayne, and she couldn’t get over the fact that she was standing next to The Rock. How many times had she sat next to her brothers while they watched this giant man wrestle? If someone had told her this was going to be her life when she left Los Angeles the night before, she’d have told them they were lying. It was all a little surreal.

Dany smiled at her, obviously picking up on the fact that she had zoned out and had literal stars in her eyes.  “So, Opal, what do you do?” 

Opal hummed and blinked at her. “Yeah, sorry. I’m a designer and programmer for Blizzard. I have been there, oh gosh, almost ten years now. Best job I have ever had.”

“And you live with?” Dany inquired. 

Opal understood Dany’s reticence to accept her into the group. Dany didn’t want anything to harm the business, and even though she seemed tough, she clearly cared deeply for both men as friends. Still, though, Opal didn’t think she gave off a crazy fan vibe.

“My best friend, from like middle school,” Opal said, moving to stand closer to Dany. She leaned in to speak quietly.  “I know you’re worried about me using him, I get that, trust me. If I was in your position I would, too. But honestly, Dany, I didn’t even know he was him… until this morning when I arrived. I just thought he was a dorky British guy named Hank. That was it. In the months leading up to this I just got to know his heart and who he is, not Henry Cavill, God’s gift to women. I knew SuperHank, the cleric who runs around healing people, because he is that guy. I got to know the Hank who was shy and loved to cook and gets excited about Warhammer and new fantasy novels. Who tells me constantly that I am worthy and beautiful.” 

Dany beamed at her. “That’s just what I wanted to hear.” 

“And frankly, you scare me a little bit, so I won’t do anything untoward,” Opal said.

Dany laughed and flexed a bicep. “Don’t you forget it.”

“I won’t.”

“But seriously, Opal,” she said and grabbed Opal’s hand. “He needs someone he can love with his whole being, and I’ve never seen him happier than when he has spoken to me about you.” She squeezed her hand. “It’s not going to be easy, but I promise to make sure you’re okay and safe, and that you can be with him.”

Opal grinned. “He is pretty special.” She looked beside her, expecting to find him there.  “And... gone, apparently.”

Lauren smiled at her.  “He and Dwayne went to get some drinks.” 

Opal felt her stomach clench. She tried to smile, but before she could muster one, Henry was back by her side. He handed her a flute of champagne. “Here, Princess.” 

Opal took the glass from him and didn’t say a word. Her jaw clenched and it took everything in her to stop her hand from shaking. 

Henry frowned. “Is that okay? Do you want something else?”

“Huh? Oh, no, it’s fine,” she replied and tried to smile again. Even though she couldn’t see it, she knew it came off as more of a grimace because of the expression Henry returned. He knew something was wrong, but the words to explain it to him failed to form on her tongue.

Not that she really had the chance to say anything, anyway. A loud, booming voice rang out across the atrium, “LITTLE BRUDDA!!!”

Opal spun around and watched in abject horror as two grown men raced towards each other and chest bumped each other like drunken frat boys.

Dwayne shook his head.  “Seriously, you two? We’re in public.” 

Henry came back and smiled.  “Jason, my man, this… is Opal.” 

Jason looked at her, his eyebrow raised.  “Well, hello there, beautiful. I’m Jason…” He took her free hand and kissed the back of it. “If he gives you any trouble, let me know.”

Opal blushed. “Thank you. I will.”

Dazzled once more by the Man Also Known As Khal Drogo, Henry startled her with a hand on the small of her back. She looked up at him, still holding the flute from which she had not yet had a drop of champagne.

Henry leaned down into her ear. “Do you want me to get something else for you?”

She shook her head.  “No, I just, uh… I’m going to get my own drink.” 

She excused herself and headed over to the bar, trying to convince herself that she wasn’t running away from him and running away from the conversation she should have already had with him, even before they both decided to meet here in Atlanta. 

She wasn’t in line long when she felt his presence behind her. 

“Are you okay?” he asked again, concern written all over his face.

“I am, honestly. I just… well… it’s stupid. I don’t drink anything that I don’t see poured myself, and I very rarely drink alcohol in public. I should have told you. It’s just my hang up and, gah... I’m sorry I freaked out a little bit.”

Henry’s eyebrows knit together. He nodded, but he clearly wanted more. 

“Let me get my drink and we’ll take a walk and talk, okay?” she asked, hoping to smooth things over.

He nodded and stood quietly with her. Even though he was clearly confused and maybe a little angry, his presence was still one that calmed her and she found herself resting against his sturdy bulk as they waited. Opal ordered her cranberry juice in a martini glass. To anyone other than herself and Henry, it looked like a Cosmo. It was her fallback when she wanted to hang out with the cool kids but didn’t want to do what the cool kids were doing. Because that one time she did what the cool kids were doing? She lived to regret it.

She took his hand and started to walk through the first exhibit. Opal paused at a tube enclosure in the middle of the room full of jellies. A black light shone down into the water, illuminating the sea creatures as they performed a graceful, haunting dance around their tank. She stood quietly, Henry standing next to her, silent, thinking. 

Finally, she cleared her throat from the heavy emotion making it difficult to breathe. “I was drugged.”

Henry’s fingers curled into her back. Though he tried to mask the sharp intake of air, his gasp was still audible. “Opal, why didn’t you tell me?”

“Because,” she said, just barely above a whisper. “It wasn’t just that. Amber and I were freshmen in college and I wanted to fit in. We went to a frat party. A guy we had art history with invited us.”

His anger was palpable; it wasn’t anger directed at her, though. Somehow, she knew that, as she stared at the gelatinous orbs bobbing through the water. She took a sip of the cranberry juice before moving on.

“I woke up the next morning, head fuzzy, in a room I had never seen before, and my panties around my ankles.” She braved a look up at Henry, to gauge his reaction. The sharp line of his jaw was set, his rage evident.

For some reason, it was cathartic to share this secret with another human. Amber knew, of course. Amber had nursed her back from the brink after they got home from the hospital.

“It’s the reason I pull away sometimes when you touch me, and the reason I am so unsure of myself. I’m sorry I never told you before, but you have a right to know.”

Henry didn’t speak; he looked at a point beyond her, staring in stony silence for the longest time. He finally tore his focus away from that point and gazed down at her. His face spoke volumes, even before his words did. He rested his chin on her head and wrapped her in his arms. “You know I would never, ever do that.”

“Oh, no, I do! I just… I want so badly for you to touch me, to be yours, I just need… time,” she said. “I don’t even know if I’m actually a virgin or not. I don’t know what they did to me. The next morning, Amber took me to the ER and a rape kit was done, but it was inconclusive. I’m sorry if this changes the way you feel about being with me.”

Henry pulled away from her and put his drink on the floor. He took her face gently in his hands. “I never, ever would feel any different about you. I just… I understand now.” He kissed her forehead, but didn’t move his lips from the spot they’d touched. His next words were muffled, but the meaning behind them was everything. “My promise to you is that I will not hurt you, and it’s all going to be at your pace.”

She smiled and pushed his hands away from her face. With her free hand, she reached up and let her hand rest on the nape of his neck. “Well, then, we can do this, cause I’m very ready for it.” 

With little strength, she pulled him down to her and kissed him. It wasn’t passionate or chaste; it was somewhere in the middle. A reassurance. A promise. Her promise to be as open with him as possible. His cue that she was okay with him pushing her boundaries. And she loved him for it.

[strongsassysexysloane]

Third Day of Twelve - A Bunch of Questions

For previous drabbles click below

Day Three and the questions keep coming.

. . . .

When you hopped off the elevator the following morning you weren't entirely sure what you were hoping for but what you found wasn't it.

You usually weren't a flowers person, it seemed like a waste to you, flowers looked pretty in the garden not dying slowly on a mantle somewhere to enjoy for a day. Anyone who knew you well enough knew that about you. This included the team as Bishop had a bouquet of flowers on her desk from a mysterious person (Nick) for her last birthday and you all spoke about it.

Apparently you were the downer but everyone else (Jack, Kasie and Jimmy) thought it was sweet. The gesture and present yes, the dying flowers the following morning, not so much. You'd made it clear but here you were standing in front of your desk, Ellie beaming beside you and lovely red and green beaming up at you. It wasn't a typical bouquet, you couldn't name the plants but it had green and red leaves in a small beige pot.

You plopped your bag down and picked up the pot. No card but a sticker on the bottom with care instructions. "Brilliant."

"Pretty." Ellie countered and took the pot from you, placing it back down beside your monitor. "Brightens up this bare desk if you ask me."

Your desk was bare. Bare of picture frames, stationery and anything clutter. Some would call it impersonal, Jack, you call it efficient. Much to Gibbs liking. It wasn't like you didn't have photos or clutter you could have on your desk if you wanted to but things collected dust and you hated cleaning. Apart from the stack of notes you inherited from the last desk owner, you only had your computer monitor, keyboard and the phone. Everything else you needed was in your drawers and now you were thinking too much about your desk.

"My desk is fine but this is very nice." You ran your fingers gently over the leaves.

Ellie was satisfied with your now liking of the pot and made her way over to her desk. "Makes it more homey."

"We are at work Elle." You deadpanned.

"Is that what this place is?" Jack stepped into the bullpen just when Bishop was about to retort your comment. You chuckled at Jack's response and watched as she walked over to your desk and touched your plant. "This is nice."

You eyed her suspiciously and she raised a brow at you. "Not really a fan of flowers but it's very nice."

"They don't really look flowery do they? More leaves than flowers." She shrugged, accepting her reasoning.

You hummed but nothing about her gesture or words was telling you anything other than she looks liked the plant. Ellie huffed from behind her desk which drew Jack's attention over to her.

"Something on your mind Eleanor?" Her tone was light with using her full name, humour in her voice.

"I know a flower shop on the corner of your block. I'm sure they sell them in there." You could hear the smirk on her face but you couldn't see around Jack.

"That there is. I should get some for my office. Thanks for the idea!" She beamed and the laugh you assumed was at Ellie's, no doubt, frustration. On that note, she turned back to you, smiled and left for her office.

You glared daggers at Ellie who was watching Jack's retreating back. "She-" She stopped, her eyes trailing Jack up the stairs and didn't start again until she knew Jack was definitely out of ear shot. "She is definitely hiding something. If not the gift giver but in cohorts with them."

"Why don't you look at the video if it's bothering you so much."

"The real question is why isn't it bothering you? If I had a secret gift giver, I would want to know!"

You shrugged, typing your password into your computer. "We solve mysteries every week, why can't I have one of my own?"

Ellie accepted your reason. The boys arrived not long after, Nick bringing in a round of hot chocolate for everyone. Jack popped back down just as McGee was the last one to come in, accepting the hot beverage from Nick.

"Thanks Nick." He sighed, wrapping his fingers around the cup. "Better, I left my gloves at home. They were in my bag from last night but I bet Johnny took them out when he was playing dress up with Morgan last night."

You all smiled at the visual of the twins playing together. It had been a few months since you'd seen them. The last time at Jimmy's birthday party in September. That was a crazy night.

"I ripped my last pair last weekend doing some last minute gardening."

"Why weren't you wearing gardening gloves?"

"I said it was last minute and by last minute I mean I was walking to my car and saw some weeds that needed pulling so I pulled them and in the process caught a thread on a low lying bush with prickles and out went the thread." That was a long winded sentence for a simple rip although it made Jack smile.

"So not really gardening then." She poked fun, taking a sip of her beverage.

You just rolled your eyes and went back to your work. By lunch time McGee had found a suspect and him, Nick and you took the hour drive to the man's house. Ellie stayed behind and followed her thread of a lead and Gibbs checked in with Kasie and Jimmy while you brought the guy back to the yard.

Unfortunately the long drive was for nothing, just another sketchy guy in the wrong place at the wrong time who wasn't forthcoming.

After the long drive with Tim to drop the guy back and a stop for food on the return trip, it was almost home time again. Almost. You walked into the office, spotting the plant still on your desk, a smile spread across your lips as you walked closer.

"Ahuh!"

"Bless you."

"I didn't sneeze! I saw that smile on your face."

You laughed to yourself at Ellie's clarification. You knew she didn't sneeze, you'd been caught and didn't want the attention but you got it anyway. "I do smile on occasion."

"As do most people but this one was because of the plant on your desk."

"Yes and I smiled at the chocolates, drink and now the flowers." No point denying it.

That was the point, wasn't it? To make you smile? They were gifts and a few of your favourite things. Sure this plant had just been added to that list.

"Remind me, why haven't we checked the security cameras again?" Nick piped up.

"I'm doing it."

"Don't." You snapped, turning to McGee with a soft smile but pointed finger. "I told Ellie day five." He smiled in return and took his hands off the keyboard.

You watched his eyes shift in Bishop's direction before returning to his computer and you knew they would do it without your permission before then. Hell, if it was happening to anyone else on the team you would want to know who the gift giver was as well but right now you were enjoying the mystery. Would it ruin it if you found out? You didn't know but you knew it would ruin it for the gift giver if they knew you cheated. For now you let it be, if the team wanted to know, so be it.

. . . .

Three for three. Let's see if I can keep this up.

[sneyrwrites]

Level Of Concern | Ushijima Wakatoshi x Anxious!Reader

|Wordcount: 1,5k |  

|Genre: Fluff, slight angst,  I’m an angsty gal. | 

|Warnings: Just a reflection of my isolated mood bc of quarantine ;u; (2 months and still going | 

|Inspiration Snong: Level of concern -Twenty One Pilots|

|Clarification: The measures taken by the government in my country might differ from the rest of the countries. Here (Arg.) You can request a permit of circulation in case you need it. Assisting someone is a valid reason.|

The world was going crazy. As a college student, you were in self quarantine in your apartment.  All by yourself.

Your roommate had gone to her hometown to spend this time with her family. You weren't as lucky. The only thing you wanted was to not feel as bothered by the isolation as you felt. Alone with no one to talk, you were relying only on your phone for a way of communication with your loved ones.

You were specially concerned about your mom, as she was a nurse, in the Frontline of this crisis, and she was exposed to the Covid-19. You didn't want to imagine what  would  happen is she got infected, your chest constricting with fear just thinking about it. And to make it all worse, your boyfriend was not responding to your texts. You knew it was dumb to be upset by that, Ushijima was never the type of guy to constantly be on his phone, busy with his schoolwork or training, so it wasn't like his behavior changed at all, even if the circumstances had.

You would often visit each other through the weekends, sometimes even staying a bit longer to make up for the long waits. He was on the other side of the city, and most of his weekdays consisted of studying and training. This pandemic had taken away the precious time you two had together, and you were so pissed about it. It would've been awesome if he could've come over and spent  the quarantine together.

You'd hoped this odd circumstances would give him some extra time to be on his phone, maybe even able to do a video call to soothe your nerves. Ushijima was your cable to earth most of the time, keeping your anxiety ridden thoughts at Bay with his words. But strange enough, his demeanor towards you was the same if not colder than usual. With all the load of work your professors had given you, you were a little distracted, but the moment you tried to relax, the message left on read on your phone screen made your stomach coil with concern. Was Wakatoshi ignoring you on purpose? Your good morning text was left on read, even after a good amount of hours he still hadn't reply. You haven't felt this way since you proposed a more serious relationship to Ushi. The insecurity was etched in your brain, and on top of that the constant worry about your mom didn't help at all. Sitting on the couch, you typed on the screen. Wakatoshi was on-line, but still, he was ignoring you. You couldn't take it anymore.

"Hey Ushi... I'm really concerned about this whole situation..."

You hit send, waiting as he saw the text and typed a reply.

"There's no need to be. If you stay home there's no danger".

Your eyes opened up with surprise at his answer. Did he just brushed your concern off? That was way too cold even for him. He couldn't be that oblivious. You understood he was a little socially awkward, but this was ridiculous.  

Insecurity took the best of you and, feeling rejected, you started to think about your entire relationship. 

Since the beginning you were the one who approached him, Ushijima not caring about your person at all. The day you finally had enough of just watching him from the sidelines and you approached him with your feelings out in the open,  he just responded with a confused expression.  

But still, he accepted.

You tried to spend time together, going to his games and his practices when he was okay with it, which was all the time, almost like he didn't care at all if you were there.

Maybe it was just pity... that would explain how mean he was being. You considered confronting him about it, but decided against it. You were feeling bad enough, a fight with him was just going to drag you down even deeper.

Throwing a pity party, you allowed yourself to drown your sorrows in ice cream and romcoms. you searched on Netflix for a few minutes until you came across the classic "He's just not that into you "

How fitting? You thought ironically.

 As your eyes welled with tears, you pressed play

A   day had  passed, and  you still hadn't talked to Ushijima at all. It was a consistent proof that you were the only one into the relationship. If you didn't reach out to him he wasn't going to. Seeing the end of the relationship coming up, you cried again. 

You were in love with him, for real. The moments you two had together were happy ones, never once a fight in the six months you were together, and Ushijima was affectionate in his own way, like for example holding your hand on the streets, or treating you to your favorite snack... 

But come to think about it, it was his favorite too, and holding hands was really that big of a deal?

After your daily crying session over your failed relationship, you talked to your mom. Luckily she was fine, the hospital providing her with the protection gear. That made you feel a bit better, but still, the whole situation was shitty. You felt like you were in the apocalypse, and the one you loved was not there with you. In fact, scratch that, he didn't even care.

If only Ushi would text you, He could bring down your level of concern,  even if it was something small, like a "Hey" or a "u ok?" but your notifications where still as empty as ever.  

You had to confront him about your feeling sooner or later, but still, you had no doubt that once you did, everything was going to be over and maybe it wasn’t the best time to do it, in that kind isolation you were going to go nuts, and adding the stress of a breakup was not a good idea. 

You were so confused. So doing what you do best, you picked up the phone and ordered takeout. Stress eating was your defense mechanism.

Not even ten minutes went by when the sound of the doorbell filled your apartment. You hurriedly made your way to the door, not caring about your messy look, with your disheveled hair and puffy eyes. It was a shitty situation, and everybody had it rough, so nobody could judge you.

Taking out your wallet with one hand, ready to pay for the food, you opened the door, only to be surprised by who was at the hallway.

“Toshi?” You whispered surprised, it almost felt like a dream, you were tempted to pinch yourself just in case.

What was he doing outside your apartment?  In the middle of a quarantine? Specifically him, who was a Mr. Goody Two-shoes. 

“Can i come in?” He asked when you didn’t offer. Nodding, you moved aside to let him in, the surprise still present.

You looked at him, in his sweatpants, and the black hoodie that covered his hair. You almost laughed when you noticed that he looked like a ninja with the also black face mask. A back pack that seemed about to explode hang from his shoulder, as his hands carried two grocery bags filled to the brim.

Ushijima noticed your confused gaze and left the bags on top of the table. Taking his face mask off, he shrugged his backpack and looked at you .

“I thought  you might be having a rough time by yourself here, so I the permission to stay with you.... I hope you don’t mind. I can leave if you want to.” You still didn’t respond, too commoved to speak. “Sorry I didn’t reply, but my phone got wet and it’s bee glitching since, that’s why I didn’t warn you before coming.” 

Well, now you just felt guilty for doubting Ushijima's feelings for you. This was a solid proof he actually cared, and pure love for him filled your heart.

“Do you mind?” He asked again, still not sure. You didn’t reply and walked up to him, attempting to hug him. “Wait, I need to wash this clothes and wash my hands just in case.” Ushijima stopped you, shrugging off his hoodie and going to the washing machine.

There was his logical and responsible boyfriend you knew and loved. 

He came back with a fresh shirt on and smelling like your vanilla soap. Wakatoshi was the one to hug you, his arms circling your shoulders and bringing your body closer to him, forehead colliding with his chest.

“Did you finish your online classes today?” He asked. 

“Yes, do you want to do something in particular?” Your voice was muffle by the fabric of his shirt but he understood, anyway.

“I brought those wierd chips you like, and some candy in case you were feeling under the weather. Do you want to watch a movie? Or whatever you prefer." He proposed, his hand caressing your hair with affection.

The anxiety and nerves you had all dissipated as you watched Ushijima set the couch with a bunch of blankets and pillows so you can sit on it and have a movie night.

Ushijima really knew how to bring your level of concern down, and that's why you loved him so much.

|Author Note: So this is a stress writing, bc my (ex)boyfriend confessed he cheated on me, so Yay!. Ushijima wouldn’t treat me like this ;u; I’m sorry if it too cheesy, but I kinda needed it|

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