#boy I never dance partnered a tank so fast in my life to try to help them with what little mitigation i have LMAO

[telomania]

believe it or not, we actually didn't wipe while the boss still had 10% health left

[tobesoalive]

latch (Sam Kiszka x reader)

hey guys here's the little Sam enemies to lovers smut that was requested! idc if it’s a bit cheesy, I had a ton of fun writing it so please please please send in more requests! I love helping your ideas come to life! 

Warnings: Smut (Oral-f and m receiving, fingering, penetrative sex, unprotected sex)

Friday had finally rolled around and you were more than ready. After a long week of classes and work you were more than ready to have some fun tonight. You and your roommates were going to have some people over tonight to celebrate your second year of college almost being over. You had come up with the idea last weekend and quickly made a list of who all should be invited. There was one person on the guest list that you were dreading to see, no other than Samuel Kiszka.

You had met a kid named Danny Wagner in your first class freshman year, and you two became fast friends, sharing many of the same interests and hobbies. Together you and Danny were a dynamic duo, and you always made each other laugh. People often thought you were dating, but he already had a beautiful girlfriend back home. Danny also had another person constantly attached at his hip, Sam Kiszka, you’d almost think they were the ones dating.

Sam was a lanky kid with sharp features and an extremely annoying god complex. He really thought he was the absolute shit and that everyone was in awe of him. Quite honestly many people were, but you saw right through it. You found him to be arrogant and rude, and you were always disappointed to see him when you went over to Danny’s place, even though he was his roommate. Sam would often show up unannounced at your place too, mostly with Danny, but a couple of times he showed up alone. You were always polite, inviting him in like the good host you are, and you two ended up watching a movie together, and much to your surprise, in these times he was almost tolerable. Almost. He would make a snide remark or joke that would infuriate you, but he wouldn’t stick around for long, usually having somewhere to be. That somewhere was usually the bed of another girl, but they probably didn’t just watch movies.

That was another reason you couldn’t stand Sam. Last year you had a crush on him and he would do the thing where he would play with your emotion, hang out with you and flirt with you only to immediately go and fuck random girls. It hurt you, a lot, but you eventually got over it, losing the romantic feelings, or rather pushing them deep down where you’d hope they’d never surface again.

Now people were going to be at your house in an hour and you haven't even showered. It didn’t really matter though, you weren’t all too concerned with what other people thought of your appearance, so what if your hair was a little wet. You quickly rinsed off in a cold shower, then changed into a simple outfit for the night, flared corduroys and a crocheted tank top.

That was the other thing, you’d think you were exactly Sam’s type, he seemed like he would be into girls who were more artistic and down to earth, but all the girls he hooked up with seemed like they spent most of their time thinking about themselves. Not that there was anything wrong with those girls, you weren’t the “pick me” type, but it seemed like Sam would care about that kind of thing. Whatever, you don’t even like him anyways, he’s more of a nuisance than anything.

You had finished a seltzer by the time people started arriving, the playlist you and your roommates curated playing throughout the apartment. Being with your friends always made you very energetic, and people always said they liked being around you. You could get a crowd laughing in no time. People were coming through the doors and when there were about 75% of the people there, your partner in crime finally arrived. “Wagner!” you shouted across the room in a dumb accent, already a little buzzed. “Where art thou good friend?!” Danny yelled back, matching your accent as you two finally made your way to each other, wrapping him in a friendly embrace. “Where’s your obnoxious sidekick?” you whispered into his ear.

“Don’t worry he’s here. I know how you were just dying to see him.”

“Oh aren’t I always?” you responded with a sarcastic smile

“I still think you need to give him a chance, you’d probably really like him.”

Before you could even respond, he was running up behind Danny and lifting him up by his waist.

“Well if it isn’t dumb and dumber!” you exclaim before Sam comes up and wraps his arm around your shoulder.

“Oh come on (y/l/n), you love me!”

“Haha good one Kiszka, now why don’t we do something I actually love.”

“And what would that be?” Danny questions.

“Take a shot and dance our asses off!” you yell. If you were going to deal with Sam you needed to be a little more intoxicated.

You gathered your roommates and the boys and took them to the kitchen and got out the glasses.

“To friendship!” you yelled

Right then you caught danny say something quietly, and it looked like he was saying “Or more than friendship”

That made you stop for a second before throwing your head back and downing the shot.

“Ok let's get back out there” your roommate says as she pulls you by the arm.

You spend about the next half hour dancing with all your friends, taking hits of joints and drinking. You and Danny did a silly little dance you had come up with last year when you would get drunk in your dorms and do dumb shit. Mid-routine he slipped and pulled you down with him, both of you laughing your asses off. You felt someone grab your arm and help you up as the song changed, “Latch” by Sam Smith blasting through the speakers, one of the best party songs probably ever. The person who had grabbed you wrapped their arms around your waist, swaying back and forth with you to the music. You loosened the stranger’s grip and spun around only to be met with the face of that little shit, Sam.

“C’mon kid can’t you at least try to tolerate me for one song”

“Who ever said you were intolerable?” you respond, admiring how the dim light highlighted his features.

He leaned in close to your ear and lowly whispered in it “You think I can’t see it. Whenever you’re around me you act like it’s charity work.”

You pull back to look him in the eyes and say “It wasn’t always that way. Now let's get back to what we were doing. I like this song more than I like you, which is quite a lot.”

He gives you a grin before you start moving your body against him, and by the end of the song he’s staring at you in complete awe.

Once the song ended you broke free from his grasp. “See you later Kiszka” you say with a wink, turning around and disappearing into the crowd.

Your stomach was in knots, and not from disgust. The moment you just had brought up a lot of emotions, mostly about your romantic feelings for Sam but also the resentment you felt towards him. Fuck, you were in deep now. Things would be so much easier if you never had to see him again and all of this could go away. But alas, you needed to suck it up so you could still have a close relationship with Danny. Plus in about twenty minutes Sam would probably be grinding on another girl. Screw it, you were going to have a good time with your friends, you didn’t need Sam to be happy.

The rest of the night you avoided Sam, giving him zero of the attention he was craving. A couple hours later people were leaving your home or asleep somewhere in the living room, bathroom, kitchen you name it. Thankfully though, your room remained empty, you needed some space to think.

Everyone was asleep and the house was quiet, you threw on a pair of boxer shorts and an oversized Led Zeppelin shirt, passed down to you from Danny. You went to the kitchen and drank probably a gallon of water, making one last pit stop to the bathroom to pee and brush your teeth. No matter how tired you felt you knew you'd thank yourself in the morning. Finally you were on the way back to your room when you stopped in the doorway. Sam was standing in there, looking at all your decorations and your extensive vinyl collection.

“You’ve changed some stuff since the last time I was here”

“Yeah, I like to rearrange stuff y'know? keep it new and interesting.” You remarked, rubbing the back of your neck and yawning, trying to hide your obvious panic. This is the last thing you were hoping for, being confronted one on one with the man himself.

“Are you cool if I stay here tonight? Daniel is passed out on the couch and I don’t feel like making the walk home alone.”

“Of course...did you want to sleep in here?” you ask before you could even stop the words from coming out of your mouth. Fuck, you were a dumbass.

“If that’s okay with you, sleeping next to a stranger wouldn’t be my first choice.”

“You never had a problem being in a stranger’s bed before” you mumbled, looking at the floor.

He didn’t say anything, just turned his head to stare at you for a second, his eyes seeming almost apologetic.

“Well you might as well get comfortable” you tell him as you turn off the lights and flick the lamp on.

“Do you have a shirt I could borrow? I don’t really wanna sleep in jeans and a sweaty shirt.”

“Would you like an old one of Danny’s or one of mine?” you tease him, grabbing out yet another old band shirt of his roommate’s.

While he’s changing you turn away and busy yourself with lighting some incense and pulling the covers back, to avoid seeing his bare torso.

“Can I throw on a record? I can never get to sleep in the silence.”

“Help yourself” you say, but he already has a selection in his hands, Michigan by Sufjan Stevens, one of your favorites.

“Wonderful choice, but I imagine you’re a bit biased.” you say to him, both he and Danny were from the same town in Michigan and had to let everyone know.

“I just wanted something calm and serene, compared to all the fast paced stuff we’ve been blasting for the whole night.”

“Well it was a party Samuel, you have to give the people what they want” you tell him as you climb into bed.

Sam grabs for one of the pillows and a blanket, but you stop him.

“Were you gonna sleep on the floor like a dog? I don’t give a shit whether or not we share the bed.”

“I just assumed...I didn’t wanna make you uncomfortable...or anything.”

“You might be surprised by this but I actually feel pretty safe around you” you confess to him. Fuck, you were still slightly intoxicated so your filter was off. It’s okay, he was still a little drunk too it seemed.

“Do you mind if I take my pants off?” he asks you with a sincere look on his face.

You can’t help but burst out laughing, finding his awkwardness and the absurdity of the comment quite hilarious.

“I’d prefer it to your rough jeans...as long as you’re wearing underwear.”

“C’mon I’m not that much of a freak” he says as he pulls down his zipper and clumsily kicks his pants off.

You couldn’t help but stare for a moment, he looked gorgeous quite honestly, long hair tangled, old shirt hanging off his shoulders and shark boxer briefs stopping at his mid thigh.

“Okay Kiszka, get in here before I change my mind.”

He pulls back the sheets and crawls in, laying his head on the pillow facing you.

“I’m sorry” he says, looking deeply in your eyes, seeming almost ashamed.

“About what?” you knew you shouldn’t feed into this, whatever was going on here was completely platonic and wouldn’t mean anything in the morning.

“Everything. Being such a dick to you. Leading you on. I promise that’s not me, I just, I honestly don’t know how to act around you.”

“What do you mean?”

“You’re just the one person who actually kinda intimidates me. Or at least my feelings for you intimidate me.” he sighs.

“Is that why you are always fucking other girls and telling people about it when I’m around?”

“God you’re not going to take it easy on me, are you?”

“Why should I?”

“You shouldn’t. With the way I’ve treated you I honestly don’t expect anything from you, I just couldn’t hold it in any longer and I thought this was as good of a time as any.”

“Sam, can I be honest with you?”

“Of course”

“I actually don’t hate you at all like you seem to think. I can’t stand you because I really do like you, but I gave up on anything happening a long time ago.”

“Well you did a pretty good job of hiding it” he says, moving a little closer to you to the point where your noses were almost touching, the feeling of his breath giving you goosebumps. The music hummed softly in the background as you thought for a second.

“Sam don’t hate me but we’re both kinda drunk and I don't wanna do anything right now. I wanna be there for it, like fully there.”

“I was actually hoping you’d say that. I wanna take in every detail and remember it all. You’re not just another drunken hookup.”

You can’t help but give a soft smile, your cheeks going red.

“Well maybe I wouldn’t be opposed to a bit of cuddling”

“Neither would I” he says as he wraps his arms around you, pulling you in close as you bury your head in his chest, taking in his scent.

Something overtakes you, and you tilt your head up and press a soft kiss to his collarbone.

“Goodnight Samuel”

“Goodninght kid” he whispers, pressing his lips to the top of your head, and you can feel him breathing in your scent as well, elated to finally feel wanted.

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

You wake up to sunlight streaming through your curtains, turning to look at your clock but instead being met with Sam’s chest.

You were sober enough last night to remember everything that happened, Sam’s feelings for you coming to light and vice versa. It made you almost giddy with excitement, not being able to wait until his eyes opened.

You played with his hair, running your fingers through it and moving it from his neck, replacing it with your lips. Soon enough he’s stretching his arms and yawning.

“Any reason you needed to wake me up at 7 am?” he asked you, looking down at you as the pad of his thumb brushed across your cheek.

“Just couldn’t wait to see you I guess”

“That's a first” he says sarcastically, once again staring deep into your eyes.

You could hear the birds singing outside and a refreshing spring breeze made its way into your room through the open window.

You stared at each other for a second longer before he whispered “Can I?”

You nodded your head yes and he dipped his head down to capture your lips in a kiss. It started off sweet and then your lips started moving in a rhythm, his hands grabbing your legs and pulling you onto his lap. He kept kissing you as your tongue made its way into his mouth, causing his hips to buck up into you. You pulled back and let out a soft sigh, basking in the feeling of him growing hard against your core. He took this as an opportunity to attach his lips to your neck, sucking at the delicate skin and leaving little nips.

“Can I take this off?” you ask him, hands grabbing at the hem of his shirt.

“Please” he groans against your neck.

You pull it off and instantly your hands run along the expanse of his smooth skin, admiring every freckle and mole, fingertips brushing across his nipples. You pull your hands away to pull your own shirt off, blushing a bit, slightly embarrassed to show yourself to him. He takes a moment to stare at the newly exposed skin, pulling you down into a kiss a moment later and mumbling “You’re absolutely stunning” into your lips.

“You’re not too bad yourself” you say with a smile spreading across your face, quickly losing it as you bite your lip when he starts to move his hips once again, his bulge rubbing deliciously against your already wet core.

“I need more of you” he grunts, obviously frustrated.

You tangle your hands in his hair and pull his head back a bit, looking down into his eyes before saying “then have me”, pulling him into a kiss.

In a swift movement he flips you both over, kneeling with his legs on either side of you.

“These need to come off” he says, tugging at the waistband of the boxers you slept in. As he pulled them off and the cold air hit your core, you couldn’t help but drink all of him in, admiring just how gorgeous he looked, as if he was sculpted by the gods himself. That moment ended when you felt his middle finger run lightly up and down your slit. You threw your head back and closed your eyes, concentrating on the feeling of his skin on yours.

“Please Sammy, I need you” you say, surprised at yourself for using that nickname with him.

He looks at you and smiles before lowering his gaze to your dripping cunt, furrowing his brows as he pushes his long finger inside of you. You mewl as he pushes it down to the last knuckle, letting you adjust for a moment before starting to slowly pump in and out.

“Fuck you’re tight. So much better than I imagined.”

“So you’ve thought about this before?” You smirk at him, turning your eyes to look at the sight of his finger pumping in and out.

“Quite a lot actually, I’ve thought a lot about how you taste too” he says before readjusting himself so his head is buried in between your thighs. It only takes a second for his tongue to find your clit as he inserts another finger and starts to pump a little faster.

“Fuck you’re good at this” you say as you let out a breathy moan, hands once again finding their way into his hair. That causes him to moan around your clit, sending vibrations through your whole body. You don’t know how much longer you’d be able to last, with Sam lapping at you like it’s his last meal.

You pull his hair, forcing his lips to part from your sensitive bud, pulling him into a sloppy kiss.

“I wanna taste you too” you say before getting up and kneeling on the floor in front of your brd, motioning him to sit with his legs over the side, facing you. You look up at him as you pull his boxers down, length hitting his stomach. You take a second to admire it, with its pink head, a large vein running up the bottom. It was a nice length, with quite a bit of girth to it, surrounded by a small patch of pubic hair. As you wrapped your hand around it you said “not to be weird or anything but your dick is gorgeous”, causing him to let out a light laugh that was quickly stifled when you wrapped your head around the tip of his cock. His fingers intertwined with your hair, lightly pulling it, not forcing you down on his dick like some guys do. You gently moved your head up and down, taking as much of him as you could in your mouth and using your hand to stroke the rest.

“Fuck I need to be inside of you” he groans, tugging at your hair, causing you to pull your mouth off his dick with a small pop.

“Can I ride you?” you question as you make your way back onto the bed.

“Fuck yes, I can’t promise how long I’ll last though” he says, pulling you in for another kiss as you line him up up with your entrance. You run his tip along your slit a few times before slowly starting to lower yourself down, taking your time to adjust to his size. Once he’s fully sheathed inside of you, he throws his head back, letting out a guttural moan.

“Fuck, you feel so fucking good, I’ve wanted this for a long time.”

“So have I” you say before starting to slowly move yourself up and down on him.

It’s lazy and sweet, not perfect or anything, but nothing about this situation really was. You wouldn’t have it any other way.

“Fuck” he remarks as he grabs your hips, fingers sinking into your skin,helping you move up and down on his delicious cock.

“You fill me up so perfectly, god you feel so good”

“I guess it was meant to be baby” he says with a grin, putting his fingers in his mouth then moving them down to rub circles around your clit.

“Fuck Kiszka, if you keep taht up I’m gonna cum.”

“That was my goal, I’m close too” he breathes out as he buries his head in your neck.

You clutch the back of his head as you start to move yourself up and down faster, fucking yourself on his cock.

“Fuck Sam I’m gonna cum”

“Me too babe, where do you want me to?” he asks shakily.

The only word you can muster out is “Inside” as you approach your peak, clenching around him once more before tipping over the edge.

It’s complete bliss as you ride out your high, feeling him give one last deep thrust into you before coating your walls with his warm ropes of seed.

You collapse against him, nuzzling your head into his neck, pressing sloppy open mouthed kisses as you both catch your breath.

He pushes your hair to the side, leaving his lips on your temple while he remains sheathed inside you.

“Thank you” he says, still regaining his breath and returning to reality.

“Don’t leave me” you say softly into his ear.

“I wouldn’t for the world, don’t you worry kid.”

You sit up and look into his soft brown eyes, taking in how much things have changed in the past few hours.

“I don’t hate you. Not in the least. I just hated the idea of not being with you.”

“Same here, but we don’t have to feel that anymore. I’m sorry for the way I treated you. You deserve the world, and I want to try my hardest to give it to you.”

“Thank you Samuel, I’ll try to do the same.”

You give him one last long kiss before pulling back, pushing his hair behind his ear and saying “C’mon loverboy, let’s go get some breakfast.”

[preferredrealty]

Prize - A CEO!Shawn Mendes Imagine

This is based on my favourite song at the moment and mostly inspired by the music video: Rascal Flatts - Come Wake Me Up.

Masterlist

Part Two

Warnings: Smut and Angst

(This is my first smut! I apologise if it sucks.)

As Always, Feedback is appreciated 💛🌻

-

(Y/N) looked around the ballroom filled with her Fiancés colleges and friends. Expensive gowns and tuxedos passed by in blurs as she twiddled with the ring on her finger. She traced the diamond sitting in the centre, its size still a little unnerving to her. She felt like she would never get used to this, the luxury of living a life with Shawn Mendes. The CEO of Mendes Productions.

Her eyes caught Shawn’s from across the ballroom. His right hand clutching a crystal cut glass, no doubt filled with a ridiculously over priced bourbon. His left hand waved through the air gracefully as he told his story, the three business men crowding him entranced. That was just who Shawn was, an enchanting, perfect gentleman.

(Y/N) glances down at the dress hugging her body. Once again, expensive and nothing like her past self would have indulged in, however Shawn insisted.

“The best for my lady.”

Her eyes shifted to his suit; the same colour, custom made to match her dress. A hand on her shoulder shook (Y/N) from her daze. Plastering the smile she had faked time and time again at these events, she turned to he met with three of Shawn’s business partners wives.

“It’s good to see you Darling!” Jessica, a middle aged woman with platinum blonde hair air kissed both (Y/N)’s cheeks. The other two stood silent but with smiles on their cheeks. Following Jessica like a flock of sheep to their Shepard. “Let’s see it again Darling!” Jessica snatched (Y/N)’s left hand, staring at the engagement ring. “My, my. That boy knows what he’s doing.” She huffed, dropping (Y/N)’s hand.

(Y/N) eyed the ring. A grin on her face as she thought of the day he asked. 

X

“Shawn!” (Y/N) squealed as he guided her through the destination he had kept a secret from her, his hands covering her eyes. “I’ve got you baby!” He laughed as they reached their end. “Okay, 3..2..Look!” Shawn pulled his hands away, (Y/N)’s eyes adjusting to see they were in a pottery room, clay bowls and other artworks lined the walls on shelves making her clap he hands and giggle.

“I know you’ve always wanted to try pottery since you watched Ghost....so I took a few me lessons, now you and I-“ he paused leading her to the turn table where all the supplies were. “Can act out our own scene from ghost!” Shawn said excitedly. His eyes meeting (Y/N)’s as they stood side by side. A huge smile on her face as she threw herself onto him, her hips crashing onto his. “I love you so much Shawn Mendes.” She sighed happily before clapping her hands. “Okay! Show me how it’s done.”

-

Almost an hour later they were covered in clay, their laughter filling the room as their hands moved together to make the shape they wanted.

Shawn leaned forward kissing the back of (Y/N)’s neck making her hand slip causing a dent at the lip of the vase. “Shawn you made me- Hey! It looks like a heart!” She giggled looking at the way the dent had shaped it like a heart. “It’s perfect now!” She smiled looking at Shawn.

He bit his lip standing from behind her, lifting a skinny pointy tool kneeling by the pot. “Almost perfect, turn around.” He whispered watching as (Y/N) swirled in her seat.

Carefully he moved the tool through the clay, working delicately before nodding, walking to stand in front of (Y/N) again wiping his hands in his apron. “You can look now.” He grinned as (Y/N) span in her chair. Her heart squeezing at what she seen.

Written in his perfect hand writing inside a huge heart on the side of the vase the world “will you marry me?” Greeted her eyes making her gasp.

Turning she found Shawn kneeling in front of her, a blue velvet box open showing a beautiful ring. “I love you (Y/N). So so much. Will you do me the honour of becoming Mrs Mendes?” He grinned.

(Y/N) squealed throwing herself into his lap kissing him over and over. “Of course I will!” She cried as they both laughed together, happy tears streaming down both their faces.

x

They chatted a little, well (Y/N) listened as Jessica and her two minions shit talked the entire female population in the ballroom. (Y/N) raised the champagne flute to her clear glossed lips. Almost chocking as a hand grabbed her chin.

Acting on instinct (Y/N) smacked the hand away. Staring in shock at Jessica who was now glaring at the dangling earrings in (Y/N)’s ears. “Excuse me?! Do you mind?” (Y/N) sassed. The attitude she fought down everyday raising to the surface as she leaned her weight on one hip, bracing her hands on her waist.

“How do you have those?! They were only released today! Those cost more than my damn car!” Jessica seethed. As far as (Y/N) could remember, Jessica drove a white Bentley Bentaya, which was well over a six digit number in price.

“Shawn gave them to me just before we came, they were a gift.” (Y/N) could suddenly feel the weight of the earrings, feeling them slowly pull her to the ground. Jessica stepped closer, her chest almost brushing (Y/N)’s.

“He’s just got you sitting like his pretty little doll hasn’t he? Like a prize on display. Sitting perfectly like a painting he bought for millions.” The bitter tone in Jessica’s voice stiffened (Y/N)’s muscles. As (Y/N) reared back the hand still holding her champagne, prepared to give Jessica a attitude cleanse, a strong hand wrapped around her wrist and a strong chest pressed to her back.

Hot breath hit the side of her neck as a kiss was pressed to her cheek. “Baby.” Shawn’s soft voice flowed through the air settling her nerves.

“Dance with me.” Was all he said before taking her champagne flute and handing it to Jessica, quickly whisking (Y/N) away to the dance floor, filled with couples swaying slowly to the orchestra playing in the corner of the room.

“What happened baby?” He whispered pressing a kiss to her hairline. Moving her left hand to sit on his heart, his thumb rubbing over the back of her hand occasionally nudging the ring on her finger. “It was just Jessica being Jessica. You know how she is.” (Y/N) whispered glancing back to see the three girls whispering while looking at her. A frown grew between her perfectly groomed brows, before a soft kiss was pressed onto the skin.

“A beautiful piece of art like you shouldn’t be frowning Baby.” He whispered into her ear pulling her closer.

‘His pretty little doll’

‘Prize on display’

‘Like a painting he bought for millions.’

‘A beautiful piece of art like you shouldn’t be frowning baby.”

(Y/N) suddenly felt dizzy. The music felt too loud, the air too thin. Her heart pounded in her ears as she shook her head pushing away from Shawn.

“I- I want to go home.” She said quietly before walking towards the doors. Shawn stood confused for a moment before following her out.

-

The drive back to their shared home was long. Long enough for (Y/N) go over her thought. They spun in a wheel, causing her brain to throb.

The forest surrounding their home passed by quickly as James, the driver Shawn hired drove at a slightly faster speed, feeling the thick tension in the car.

Shawn was staring at (Y/N). Trying to meet her gaze, eyes pleading to know what was happening. Why she was acting like this. Not just tonight but for the past few weeks. She had been distant, sitting in the room he had transformed into a reading room, filled with every book she could want. Plush cushions and custom couches filled the corner of the room but when Shawn had peeked in she was sitting against the wall made of glass, watching the woods around their house.

He was worried and it was slowly eating away at him.

As they pulled up to the black iron gates of their home, James typed a code into his phone, the gates opening smoothly before him. The drive up the small hill to their house seemed to last forever. As the car stopped (Y/N) grabbed her gold clutch, pulling her keys out saying a thank you and goodnight to Adam before walking into the house.

Shawn sat for a moment. He usually was up and out of the car to open her door for her but she was lightening fast this time. Chewing on his bottom lip Shawn met James’ eyes through the mirror. Sympathy clearly shown in them. Sliding James a tip, Shawn stepped out, slowly walking up the white marble steps to the large glass front door.

It was quiet. Too quiet for his liking. It was never like this. They were always singing, or had some kind of music playing.

Walking through the house Shawn found (Y/N) standing at the glass wall of their bedroom, looking down into the pool below. Walking up behind her, his hands cupped the sides of her waist. His lips kissing the skin of her shoulder before resting his head in the crook of her neck.

“Talk to me baby. Let me fix this.” He whispered. Another kiss being placed to her neck. “I can tell you’re slipping away...I’ve felt it for a while now.” He lifted his head from her neck, spinning her to face him.

It was then he noticed how glossy her eyes were, tears just sitting on her lash line but not falling.

She shook her head, leaning up to kiss his cheek, her hands gripping the lapels of his jacket. “It’s nothing Honey. Just feeling emotional is all.” Shawn eyed her, watching for any shift in her stance.

(Y/N) leaned forward pressing her lips against his, distracting him momentarily from his mission to find out what was upsetting his fiancé.

Pushing her hands under his jacket she slipped it off his shoulders. Fingers working to unbutton the silky black shirt beneath. Leaning him in just a white tank top and teal slacks as he toed off his black boots.

Reaching his hands behind her back, Shawn pulled the zip down slowly, his fingers tracing her spin as he went causing goosebumps to form on her skin. Kissing his was down her neck, Shawn slipped the thin down her arms, the dress pooling at her feet the second after. Leaving her in a silky lingerie set, the same colour as the dress. The bra strapless leaning her collar bones free for him to kiss over.

Holding her waist Shawn turned her around, gently backing her to sit on the black silk bedsheets of their Californian King bed. Kneeling down between her legs, Shawn lifted on foot, kissing from her ankle to her knee, unbuckling the gold heels she had walked so gracefully in all night. Giving the other leg the same treatment, Shawn stood up, pulling the black belt from its loops, effortlessly stepping out of his slacks. Pulling the white top over the top of his head, tossing it aside.

Leaning over (Y/N) she gave him a smile, a smile that he had burned into his brain from the first time they slept together on a stormy day, the smile was soft, warm and full of love making his heart swell. His lips met hers again as he brought his hips down on hers, a soft moan leaning her lips as he kissed down her neck, moving (Y/N)’s legs to rest on his thighs he set up straight, pulling her along with him.

A blush had formed on (Y/N)’s chest as Shawn kissed from one shoulder to another, reaching behind her, undoing her bra easily. Tossing it with the rest of the clothes he kissed her neck once more before meeting her lips. Laying them both flat once again.

“Shawn.” She whispered pushing her fingers into his hair, pulling him closer. “Please.” Unable to say no to his princess. Shawn gently removed the remaining fabric between them, moving (Y/N) to the plush pillows, pulling the thin back sheet over their naked bodies.

Leaning down he kissed her cheeks, her nose, forehead and then her lips as he grabbed her hands in his, intertwining their fingers above her head and with one swift move, they both fell into a pit of bliss.

-

Shawn woke to an empty bed. The sheets still ruffled, the clothes from a few hours before lay folded on the dresser making him smile.

The smile faded when he looked around, something wasn’t right. It felt cold in the house. Like the love that made it warm and homey had been snuffed out. Standing he quickly pulled on a pair of boxers and sweats, throwing a zip hoodie on leaving it open as he quickly ran out of their shared bedroom to find (Y/N).

He checked all the rooms, even ran up to the roof terrace and looked through the windows into the pool, seeing nothing but rain drops hitting it.

Hearing the tapping of heels he ran to the main entrance of the house. There (Y/N) stood in clothes he hadn’t seen on her in a long time. Tight black pants hugged her legs, a leather jacket zipped up on her torso showed off the curves of her body.

In her hands was a teal vase. One that sat on a white marble pedestal, five others sat on their own pedestal spaced out around the square room.

“What am I to you?” Her voice shook Shawn to the core, hearing it void of emotions. “What? Baby you’re everything to me? You’re my most prized possession” He whispered watching as she tossed the vase lightly in the air and caught it her lips pressed into a pout.

“I just want to take care of you and put you on a pedestal.” His voice echoed through the room. (Y/N) turned the vase over in her hands gesturing to it. “Like this? A piece of glass?” She but her lip setting it back on the tall column of white marble. “Why do all these things mean so much to you? They just sit there...looking pretty.” Shawn took a step forward only to be met with a step backwards. “They’re irreplaceable.” He whispered trying to make eye contact.

(Y/N) looked around each sculpture before she looked Shawn in the eye. “That’s all I have felt like lately Shawn. A hollow piece of glass, just being here to look pretty on your arm.” She whispered and shook her head. “I’m so grateful for everything you’ve done for me Shawn. Showing me a life of luxury and showering me in gifts.” She sighed looking down at the ring on her finger, slowly slipping it off. “Baby no!” Shawn cried out as she set it on the edge of the pedestal. “I love you Shawn. I really do. But in loving you..I stopped loving myself, I became someone completely different and I need to find myself again to be happy.” Shawn’s bottle lip quivered as he tried to hold back a sob.

Stepping towards her, Shawn sighed in relief when she didn’t step back. Cupping her face Shawn stroked her cheeks with his thumbs nodding. “If that’s what you need.” He whispered pressing his forehead to hers keeping eye contact. “But you listen to me.” He gulped back the lump in his throat, tears stinging his eyes. “You go out there, you find yourself. And then you bring your ass right back here to me because I love you baby. You’re it for me and I’m so sorry I didn’t realise how unhappy you were.” (Y/N) shut her eyes as tears drilled down her cheeks. Grabbing Shawn’s wrists in her hands she pressed a quick kiss to his lips. “I love you too.”

She gently pried Shawn’s hands from her face, walking past him to the door that lead to the garage.

A familiar shape sat in the far corner tucked under a black cover, giving it a tug she smiled tracing her fingers over the motorbike she hasn’t drove in over two years because one of Shawn’s partners had said it was unlady like, wanting nothing more to impress the people in Shawn’s life (Y/N) tucked it away in the shadows along with a piece of her heart.

The engine revved to life as she turned the key, the familiar hum of the exhaust making that piece of her heart start to beat again.

Pressing a button on the wall the garage doors open as she used her phone to open the gates. Sitting on the bike she placed her helmet on pulling the small bag she had packed over her shoulders, driving slowly out onto the driveway, seeing Shawn standing at the window with a glass of bourbon in one hand, the other pressed to the window as he leaned on it. Watching her go. With one final rev, (Y/N) flew out the gates, leaving everything behind.

-

Shawn stood in silence. His hand still pressed against the glass long after she was gone. Downing the rest of his glass he shuffled over to the pedestal she had set the ring on. He pinched it carefully between his fingers, staring at it feeling more tears brew in his eyes.

Frustration and Anger quickly followed the sadness. Shawn started at the sculptures in the room. Feeling angry that he was too concerned about proving that he could provide material thing for (Y/N) to realise he wasn’t there for her emotionally.

A roar ripped from his throat as he threw the glass at one of the sculptures, knocking it off its perch onto the ground watching it shatter. Puffs of air left his nose as he eyes the rest of them; his eyes catching a sighed golf club hung on the wall, from who? He couldn’t even remember.

In a rage he ripped it off the wall. Swinging it with a yell each time, sculpture after sculpture shattering.

In the end there was one left. It sat hidden in the middle of them all. It was messy and unprofessional looking. A sob tore from his throat as he dropped to his knees staring at the white painted vase, now in gold paint a heart and four words started at him mockingly.

The vase he has used to ask (Y/N) to marry him was his most prized possession in this room and he never admitted it to her. 

Hope you guys enjoyed!💛🌻

[shaydeoffical]

I Could Get Behind That: Saeko Tanaka x Fem Reader

Soulmate Au

: In a world where the name of your worst Enemy and Romantic soulmates appear on your wrist. You can't tell which is which for sure until all people cross paths. Then you can touch the soul mark on who you think is your romantic partner, and it will change to initials. 

Summary: (Y/n) has been hiding a secret from her best friend and childhood enemy, Sakeo Tanaka. While thinking about the past, she gathers up the courage to tell her the truth.

Author's Note: I will be starting some Haikyuu Oneshots and working on how I want to write each character. I will be posting My Hero stuff as well. I am just almost done with Bright as a Diamond and want to get my next series going. Thanks for reading!

Warnings: Thunderstorms, keepings a secret, Enemies to Friends to Lovers.

I Could Get Behind That

        "It's about to thunderstorm." I tapped the passenger side window chewing on my bottom lip. Saeko was buckling in, and fixing her gear before pulling onto the road.

"Huh, it's just a little rain, no need to worry. Besides, the reports said yesterday was the worst of it." Saeko shook my shoulder to loosen my body up.

   "You're not the one afraid of storms, Saeko." A smile tugged my lips up. There was more on my mind than the impending rain. This moment wasn't the right time to discuss it, though.

   "Well you don't have to worry when I'm around, I'll always protect you. In less, you still think I'm your mortal enemy." She feigned a serious tone, holding up her soul mark.  My name was scrolled in my handwriting, the bare spot on her other hand showed she had yet to meet her other' soulmate.'

   When we first met as kids, both of us were at each other's throats. We'd fight over who got to play with the blocks, who got better grades, and who got to sit on the outside seat of the bus on field trips. Everyone said we were enemies, and that it was better to meet them as a kid because if childish betrayals were the worst thing to happen, the rest of your life would be cake.

   Like so many child enemies, we grew close. We started to argue over who would walk the other home, who'd host the sleepover, who'd get to pay for snacks. Now that we were adults, it was easier to communicate our needs and divide up our favorite tasks. Saeko always picked me up from work, we'd go to her Taiko group then she'd drive me home. In hindsight, it seems I just gave in and let Saeko treat me most of the time…  

   While having her drive me around wasn't great for my life expectancy, she did make sure to at least try following the traffic rules when I was in the car. The first time she almost veered off the side of the road, I wouldn't get in a car with her behind the wheel for two months.  

        "Break check." Saeko shoved her hand out, stopping me from bouncing forward. The car slid to a halt. Gripping the handlebar and Saeko's thigh for deer life, we stopped short of the mass in the road.

   "Oh, it's a little duck." I swallowed my anger and let it fade into relief, seeing why she had to stop so fast. "Aww, it's little waddle is the cutest. Why'd you yell brake check?"

   "Aww, the duck is cute. But you're the cutest." Saeko nudged my shoulder, slowly driving by the duck so I could look a little longer. Of course, she was avoiding my question. Part of me knew it was a reflex for when she drove alone and would test the skills of driver's riding her ass.

   "No, you." I shot back, forgetting about the pit in my stomach. "I say she was just heading towards the trees to shelter for the storm."

        "Animals are smart like that." Saeko fiddled with the radio, not taking her eyes off the radio.

        "Too bad she didn't have a friend to shelter with." A pang of guilt washed over me, the weight of the bracelet on my hand heavier.  

   "Hey, your house is just ahead. Tell me if I'm wrong, but you want me to come in for a few drinks and a thunderstorm sleepover." Pulling into my driveway, I grabbed my purse nodding at her. "Come on and say it."

   "Don't make me beg, Saeko", I warned her, but I still hoovered with the door open so she couldn't drive off. The past two days she's stayed over due to the weather. And each time, I avoided telling her the truth, despite my promising myself I would.

   "I'll do it regardless, you just look so adorable when you beg. I could never leave my little duckling all on her own." The engine shut off, and she jumped out, tossing her coat into the back seat. "Since when have I left you in your time of need?" She slung her arm around my shoulders.

   "How about when I ripped my pants at the bar on main, so you went to get me a new pair, but you forgot which bar I was at." Entering my rental home, we kicked off our shoes and went straight to the bedroom. We'd formed a routine for nights like these.      

   "How many times can I apologies for that. You were the one that wouldn't stop taking shots." Saeko changed into a tank top and some cotton shorts. I pulled on my pajamas and started to work on fixing my hair. Dancing around each other, we gathered our things and tag-teamed with gathering the laundry.  

   "You were the one that challenged me to a competition. Which I only lost because your brother kept making those silly faces." It was nearly dark outside, her club meeting lasted longer today than normal, as they had a festival coming up soon. We wouldn't have long before it was time for bed.

   "So, being a lightweight had nothing to do with it?" Saeko tapped my forehead before pushing the tag of my shirt back inside my collar. "Hm," she grabbed my wrist, going to move the bangle over my soul mark. "Since when did you start covering your mark?"

   "Stop changing the subject, you know I would have won." I got back on topic, breaking free from her hold. The warmth of her hands still lingering. "Let's just make some dinner, and get ready for bed before the storm starts."

   The pit had returned to my tummy after dinner was over. We both showered and were sitting on my bed, watching a show about building motorcycles. It wasn't my favorite kind of program, but we had spent the night before watching anime, so I could be more flexible today. Besides, listening to her complain about the mechanic's technique was so cute. Her being this close was something I wanted more of in my life.

        We had retreated to the bedroom when the show was over. We brushed our teeth and got a glass of water for the night. Saeko had the extra step of showering before bed. She always worked up a sweat at her meetings.

        Waiting in bed for her to be done, I stretched out on top of the sheets, knowing if I got in a position to sleep, I'd pass out and hog the entire bed. Plus, it was more comfortable to sleep when she was beside me. Saeko wasn't particularly tall or strong from her appearance, but she packed a punch. When we were in high school, she made sure no one got away with so much as looking at me cross.  She was my rock.

   There was a crack in the sky. My heart jumping to my throat, I sat up looking towards the bathroom door.   Saeko skidded out of the bathroom than grabbed the duvet from the foot of the bed.  Wrapping it around herself, then jumping beside me. Cuddling up, she cocooned us in the blanket, tucking it under my back. "There we go, it's okay." She promised me, smushing my face into her chest. The hot air under the cover was more suffocating that my heavenly position. She was always so soft...

   "Thanks." I trembled against her coming to my sense; the shivers were slowly easing up. When the next round of thunder came, I was already in my safe spot and didn't have a heart attack.

   "Anything for you." She hummed, tracing shapes on my back. Her breath was lingering on my neck. "Let's think about other things, okay? This storm is supposed to pass by super fast."

   "Sounds good to me." I nodded, closing my eyes.

   "Do you remember the first time we did this?" Saeko rocked us gently, back and forth. The creek of the bedsprings overtaking the distant thunder.

   "It was on our school trip to Tokyo. We were still at the arguing stage, and we got so caught up in our fight over who could sprit the longest." A water droplet from her hair plopped onto my face.

   "Than the skies opened, and I looked behind me to see you were on the ground. I'd never seen you look so venerable." Her hand clenched my shoulder, kissing my shoulder.

   "I never thought I'd see the day, but you took me in your arms and got us under the trees for coverage. I thought for sure you'd carry me like a sack of potatoes, but you were strong even back that." I hummed, remembering how I felt. "I was so mad at myself for being in that position to start with. But I think that's the first time I saw you as more than my fated enemy."

   "Can I be honest?" Saeko scooted back to better see my face.

   "Always." I swallowed the lump in my throat.

   "I liked you the moment we meet. Of course, I've always been a little rebellious and headstrong, but I never really thought about you like that. Like an enemy." The rain and thunder stopped. "Being aggressive was just how I showed my love towards Ryu, so I just thought that' how it was supposed to be. When I saw you break down, that was when I realized I had been approaching you the wrong way."

   "That didn't change our arguments", I noted, scooting closer to her. "But you added in more soft moments, like this."

   "(Y/N)?" Saeko swallowed hard. "What happened at work Thursday, and why are you still shaking. The storms over baby doll."

   Blood running cold, I chewed on my bottom lip. "Please, don't be mad at me." Tears sprung from my eyes, I clenched fists full of her shirt.

   "Never." She kissed my forehead.

   "Remember the new boy I told you about the one that I trained last summer?" I asked, spitting up broken words. It was embarrassing, the whole situation was a slap in the face.

   "I'll take care of him, just tell me what happened." She rubbed my back, trying to soothe me.

   "He threw me under the bus, I was let go." Chewing my bottom lip, I squeezed my eyes tight.  

   "That bastard! I can't believe this, after all the work you did to teach him from the ground up. He doesn't even have a degree." I could hear her heart rate quickening, her holding me to her chest again.

   "While you dropped me off at the office this week, I've been job hunting across town."  pushing away again, I wiped my eyes.

   "I could have helped you looked. The shop's been busy, but I still have time for you." She pushed off the cocoon of a blanket and sat up. "I'm so sorry, why couldn't you tell me sooner? Why have you been so secretive? I've been waiting for you to tell me, but (Y/N), Im worried."

   "Remember when you said that you and I were romantic soulmates in high school? And I denied it because same-sex partners are so rare." I looked at my fingernails, trying to say it the right way.  

   "I remember." She swallowed, scooting back. Pushing aside the blanket, I took both of her hands in mine.

   "Saeko, his name appeared on my wrist", I whispered, paling. "You were right. I'm sorry for wasting so much time. The more I've thought about it, the more I realized…how, much I love you. How you were my romantic partner the entire time." I hung my head low, looking at the floor.

   "I have a confession too." She licked the tip of her thumb, rubbing the spot beside my name on her wrist. Holding her hand in the light, showing me her soul mark, I could see a boy's name.

   "That's the boy who-" My mouth fell open.

   "got you/me expelled in high school." We said together.

   "You've known since then?" I tried to wrap my head around it.

   "I didn't want to force you into picking me. After you brought up the same-sex thing, I was afraid that you were right. But now that you know who yours is, let's do it. We can know for sure.." Saeko tugged me forward, holding out her wrist. "This is also why I waited."

   "I love you so much." I kissed her palm, knowing everything would be okay. We touched our marks together, matching our breaths. I could feel the slight twinge as the symbols shifted around. Feeling brave, I leaned forward and was eagerly met with her lips.

   "I love you more." Saeko pulled our hands apart. "My last name it is." She smirked, seeing that my wrist had changed to her initials and her mine—both of our initials ending with 'T' now.

   "I can get behind being a Tanaka." I nodded, realizing that I had been given the gift of growing up alongside my soulmate. "I'm so lucky."

   "How about you try getting underneath a Tanaka first? I'll show you how lucky you are." She laughed, peppering my neck with kisses.

   "Don't be a perv." I pawed at her arms, the storm long gone from my mind.

   "Okay, okay, but just for tonight. I've been waiting for a million years. And I'd wait for a million more to see you smile like this." She tapped her finger against my nose and turned out the light. "Alright, let's get some rest. Tomorrow we can talk about possibly moving and finding you a job. Once you have steady work, I'll take a day off and make sure your soul enemy is taught a lesson."    

   "Saeko", I warned her, leaning on my elbows before she tugged me down to be the little spoon.

   "Fine, but I want to at least screw with his car when no ones watching." She sulked, rolling my hair around her fingers.

   "That's a decent compromise. Now let's get some sleep." I pushed myself deep into her hold and closed my eyes. The weight of my secret was gone, and now I was able to reap the rewards of my friendship turned into love.

[rogerina-yee-haw]

Ben Hardy - NSFW Alphabet

a/n: it’s finally fucking here!! hope you enjoy!! 

THANK YOU FOR 600+ FOLLOWERS! ILY ALL!!!

you thirsty hoes,,,,I love you all, and you fucking bombarded me with “BEN HARDY NSFW ALPHABET PLEASE”. here. have what you asked for. it’s shitty and not well-written. but I am the same thirsty hoe as you all are, so we’ve gotta enjoy little things. LOVE Y’ALL and keep bombarding me with horny shit pls <3

Ben i hope you never see this and it’s clearly based on the image of Ben i have in my head and has nothing to do with reality

warnings: smut (adults only please), language, typos

disclaimer: everything (!) is consensual. Always ask for your partner’s consent on different sexual and other things. 

A = Aftercare (What they’re like after sex)

Ben is a really caring and loving person. It doesn’t matter whether the sex was rough or slow - he’d still take care of you. He helps clean you up, sometimes he’d just cuddle with you till you fall asleep; sometimes he makes you both tea and you just watch some romcom together while cuddling.

B = Body Part (Their favorite body part of their partners)

Ben worships every part of you. Of course, while having sex, he pays special attention to your boobs and ass, but he still adores your whole body. He loves your hands, the way they feel on his skin when you cup his face and kiss him, and the way they feel on his cock. Ben can’t get enough of you; he’s so in love and he just knows that every part of you is perfect.

C = Cum (Anything to do with cum basically)

If you have sex without a condom (what happens occasionally as you’re running out of them quite often), he comes on your boobs, ass or stomach. When you give him a blowjob and you give him a clear consent that it’s alright, he comes in your mouth.

D = Dirty Secret

Ben has too many. He wants to try anal, threesome, tie you up to bed, foodplay...Whenever you two discuss something new you want to try, he’d bring up one of this things; and if you agreed to it, he’d be happy to oblige.

E = Experience (How experienced are they?) 

He’s experienced enough to give you at least two orgasms during the might. 

F = Favourite Position

Any position under the sun. He loves missionary (cause he’s a soft vanilla boi), loves to watch how you tits bounce in tune with hus thrusts; doggy, you on top, reverse cowgirl, 69... you name it. He’s strong enough to pull up the plough and fuck you against the wall. This man loves every position because he gets to have sex with you.

G = Goofy (Are they more serious in the moment, or are they humorous, etc.)

Sometimes he is goofy. Sometimes it’s both him and you telling each other silly stuff, whispering sweet nothings and just having lazy sex. Sometimes it’s pure lovemaking when his thrusts are sensual and passionate, it’s gripping his shoulders and running his hands through your hair, just worshipping each other. And sometimes it’s rough, with dirty words spilling from his mouth. “You’re such a bad girl, you don’t get to cum”, “You like that? Like my cock deep inside you, like me filling you up?”, “Look at how needy you’re, letting me fuck you the car”. He has you across his lap, spanking and fingering you till you’re begging for sweet release.

The thing is, you never now what kind of sex you’re going to have. It’s always different with Ben, and you love it to no end.

H = Hair (How well groomed are they, does the carpet match the drapes, etc.) 

Have you ever seen this man with a stubble? Me neither. That’s why he probably keeps it clean shaved down there as well.

I = Intimacy (How are they during the moment, romantic aspect)

Ben is very romantic. He can’t keep his hands off of you, he can’t stop whispering praises and love words against your skin. He just loves you too much.

J = Jack Off (Masturbation headcanon)

When he’s away filming, he jacks off rather often, especially when you two have phone sex. He just imagines that it’s your mouth wrapped around his length, sucking him off just the way he likes it, and it helps him to keep up for the next couple of days without you.

K = Kink (One or more of their kinks)

Let’s get this bread these kinks:

Hair pulling. He lets out an animalistic growl whenever you tug on his hair too harshly whenever he eats you out, and it just drives him insane.

Breeding kink. It’s some serious shit right here: he gets hard immediately whenever he thinks about you being pregnant with his child. He doesn’t specifically try to get you pregnant, but when once you ask him to cum inside you, he just looks at you with wide eyes. “Are you sure, baby?”. “Ben, I want it. I know you do too”. And he’s just so determined to it, so any time you’d have sex without a condom, he is more than happy to cum in you and get you pregnant. Not that you mind.

Dirty talk. This man is a pro at it. It’s like pure filth is just spilling from his mouth whenever he fucks you roughly. “On your knees, love”, “Fuck, you’re so good, taking me so well”, “You don’t know how good you look being wrecked by my cock”. Sometimes you two would have sex in front of a body-length mirror (don’t ask why), and he would say shit like this, “Look at your pretty tits bouncing like this”, “You’re such a dirty girl, begging for my cock inside you”, “You’ve gotta learn to be quiet, love, or I won’t let you cum”. When he spanks you, the talking would be even filthier. “You’re already so wet, such a little slut”, “You were such a bad girl today, didn’t wear panties just to tease me, and now I have to punish you”, “Count for me, baby”, “Do you like it? Like when I’m spanking you?”, “You take it so well, angel, such a good girl”. 

Daddy kink. Look me in the eyes and tell me it doesn’t get him going. Right. You can’t, cause it’s true. Whenever you whimper “daddy” while he’s pounding into you, he’ll fuck you even harder. If you’re teasing him, and at one point you say “Oh, daddy, please, fuck my tight little pussy”, in a seductive voice, you know for sure he’d fuck the soul outta you on the nearest surface.

Dominance. He’s usually this cute softie, but when you ask him for it, he’ll be in his full dom!mood. “You want to cum, huh? You better earn it”, “You want me to fuck your tight little pussy, hm? Use your words, love”.

Bondage. When you agreed to be tied up to bed, Ben went crazy. And when you suggested tying him up and then sucked him off for dear life, he was more than happy. He’s just one kinky boi.

Overstimulation. It goes both ways. When he makes you cum once, he doesn’t stop until you’re practically screaming and coming again. Sometimes you’d suck him off and when he reaches his high, you wouldn’t stop until he does it again.

Choking. Have you seen thse hands? Holy fuck. Once, he’d be fucking you from behind and wrap his fingers around your neck lightly, just to feel you. And when you squeezed his wrist and whispere, “Harder, daddy”, he had to restrain himself from busting right then and there.

L = Location (Favourite places to do the do)

Anywhere. You had sex in public places too many times because of different reasons: in a public restroom cause you were drinking wine and licking your lips; in his car because you were dancing to this one song and your tits were bouncing in this tank top that you were wearing, and Ben just had to pull over and put you on his lap and fuck you.

M = Motivation (What turns them on, gets them going)

You. You make him go crazy, literally anything you do.

N = NO (Something they wouldn’t do, turn-offs)

Ben wouldn’t do anything that would hurt both of you.

O = Oral (Preference in giving or receiving, skill, etc.)

Giving. The man is a fucking professional. Like, have you seen him? Exactly. His tongue and fingers would bring you over the edge multiple times a night. 

Receiving. He loves seeing you on your knees, licking on his tip, taking him in his mouth, likes seeing your mascara running and makeup being ruined because you put your heart and soul into giving him the best blowjob in his life.

P = Pace (Are they fast and rough? Slow and sensual? etc.)

It’s always different with Ben. He may start slowly, devour you sensually, but then pick up the pace and be rough and thrust into you harshly, just the way you like it.

Q = Quickie (Their opinions on quickies rather than proper sex, how often, etc.)

Ben doesn’t really like quickies, he prefers proper sex more. But with the busy schedule you both have it’s not always possible to fuck each other normally. So you have quickies rather often.

R = Risk (Are they game to experiment, do they take risks, etc.)

Ben would always love to experiment if this is something that you want, too.

S = Stamina (How many rounds can they go for, how long do they last)

He is one strong boi™. He can go at least for two rounds.

T=Toy (Do they own toys? Do they use them? On a partner or themselves?)

There are some toys that you both own and Ben loves to use them on you, when you’re squirming and begging him to let you cum.

U = Unfair (how much they like to tease)

Ben enjoys it. He just adores your cute face when you’re impatient, when you can’t hold your orgasm back anymore. He’d tease you to no end, he’d be teasing you to the point when you have to bury your face in your hands and squeeze your thighs - just to cover yourself from everyone (such teasing usually happens in public places, specifically in restaurants, under the table).

V = Volume (How loud they are, what sounds they make)

He’s loud when he’s close to cumming. Usually he grunts and growls, and when you’re riding him, he lets out moans and praises.

W = Wild Card (Get a random headcanon for the character of your choice)

Ben is actually really soft. Even when his dom!persona is on the full mode, he still is very gentle and caring. He’d call you, “love”, “baby”, “angel”, and would always care about your comfort first. He cries very easily (usually when he’s too excited and happy), loves to cuddle with you whenever there is a possibility and just loves to be domestic and gentle.

X = X-Ray (Let’s see what’s going on in those pants, picture or words)

His size is enough to make you scream and beg for more.

Y = Yearning (How high is their sex drive?)

Really high. Anything you do gets him going - starting from cooking and laughing and ending in you lying naked under him. You always make him all smitten and turned on.

Z = ZZZ (how quickly they fall asleep afterward)

He’s quick to fall asleep, especially if the sex was rough and hard. You love to watch him sleep, when he’s snorting quietly and he just looks like an absolute angel.

[fanficimagery]

Imagine being the soulmate to Harry Potter.

Harry X Reader

It's the beginning of July and your vacation couldn't have been approved at a more better time. Hermione, a witch you had hit it off with when she had to work a case alongside the MACUSA, had been writing lately about the possibility of you visiting and now you have the time to do so. But since you're not a fan of International portkeys, you travel the no-maj way by plane all the way to Heathrow airport. You then take a cab to the heart of London and from there it wasn't so hard to find the magical community.

You find the local owlery and send off a quick note to your friend about where to meet, and add the name of a hotel you're hoping to get a room at. You stop by to grab a bite to eat before heading to the hotel and when you get there you're surprised to find Hermione sitting in the lobby.

"Granger? What are you doing here?"

The brunette witch smiles as she stands up, making her way towards you for a welcoming embrace. "As if I'd let you pay money for a room," she chuckles softly. "You're my guest and I have a spare room. You'll be staying with me."

Pulling out of the hug with a laugh of your own, you shrug. "You won't hear an argument from me. Lead the way, Herms."

"Call me that again and you'll be sleeping on the lumpiest cot I can transfigure."

"Noted." Then hooking arms with your friend, your laughter echoes around the lobby of the hotel as Hermione disapparates you away.

"So who are we meeting again?" You ask, adjusting the long sleeve flannel that's tied around your waist before readjusting the bedazzled headband that's stretched across your forehead.

"My friends Harry and Ron. They should already be waiting for us."

"Mhm. And it is a wizarding music festival, yes?"

"Yes," Hermione chuckles softly. "It's just like a muggle music festival, but magical."

You grin. "Okay." Adjusting your tank top and fluffing your hair, you finally turn towards your friend who's dressed in a similar fashion. "I'm ready."

"About time." Hermione grasps your wrist before disapparating you both and you both appear on a hill just moments later. Down below sits an amphitheater, and all around are witches and wizards thriving under the sinking sun. Vendors are scattered about, some selling food and drink while others are selling memorabilia and fun creations to use during the festival. And one creation that seems rather popular with the crowd are the bubbles that appear to be fading in and out of various colors before they pop. "Come on. I see Ron."

Hermione leads you through a crowd until stopping before two wizards, the both of them having a drink and brightening upon spotting Hermione. "'Mione!"

"Boys," she happily greets, hugging them briefly. You wave at them from beside her and she's quick to introduce you. "Harry, Ron, meet Y/N. Y/N, these are my best friends Harry and Ron."

"Hi," you say. "Nice to finally meet you two. Hermione speaks frequently of you."

Ron grins before pulling Hermione into his side, slinging an arm around her shoulders. "You too. You work with the MACUSA, yeah?"

"Officially.. yes," you smirk. "I'm an auror."

"And unofficially?" Harry muses.

Hermione snickers as you innocently shrug. "Off the books I'm the witch they call in when they need to hit hard and fast while keeping a low profile."

Ron's eyebrows raise in surprise and Harry grins as he stares you up and down. "I would never have guessed."

"That's what the MACUSA counts on," you say. "I go in, blend, and then strike. They never see me coming."

"That.. sounds bloody thrilling," Harry says, awed.

You stare at Harry, grinning, and your attention only averts when Hermione giggles. "Okay. Ron and I are going to go find us a spot while you and Harry go get drinks."

Ron smirks as he walks backwards with a grinning Hermione in tow and you narrow your gaze the further they get. Once out of earshot, you glance at Harry. "I smell a set up."

"Oh yeah," he chuckles nervously. "I'm, uh, I'm sorry about them."

"Don't be," you assure him, slowly grinning. "I mean, Hermione knows my type. And if I were looking for a partner at the moment, then I would not be disappointed. At all."

Harry blushes furiously, he then rubbing nervously at the back of his neck. "I, uh, I.. thanks?"

Laughing, you nudge him with your shoulder as you walk passed him. "Think nothing of it, Potter. You're a good looking dude. Now come on, lets go get some food and drinks."

Seeing as you're not making such a big deal out of the situation you suddenly found yourselves in, Harry finds himself relaxing. He smiles and nods, and gestures in the direction of all the food vendors while offering you his arm.

"So," Harry starts, nervously, as you're waiting in line for wristbands that grant you unlimited drinks. "Do you like working for the MACUSA?"

Taking a moment to think about it, you eventually shrug. "It's.. a job. I never really had the chance to take a breath and think about my options."

"I see." Harry muses, moving up two spots in line. "And if you had the time? What would you be doing instead."

Smiling fondly, you tell him what you've been wanting to do for a few years now. "Gardening."

He chuckles. "Really?"

"Yeah. I'd have two different gardens- one for food and the other for potion ingredients and regular magical herbs that we use in our everyday lives. I'd have my own little shop right in my back yard."

"I.. would have never guessed that."

"I don't look the type, do I?" You laugh. Harry chuckles along with you and you step forward another two spots in line. "And what about you, Mr. Potter? Would you be doing anything other than what you're currently doing?"

"I like being an auror just fine," he admits, "but if I was unhappy, then I'd probably want to teach. Headmistress McGonagall has been trying to get me to take up the Defense Against the Dark Arts position at Hogwarts."

"Really? That seems like it'd be fun, what with teaching young minds how to truly take care of themselves."

Finally at the front of the line, you manage to produce the appropriate amount of wizarding currency to pay for four wristbands. Harry tries to politely refuse and split the cost with you, but you assure him you're happy to pay and if he wants to buy something then he can buy some of the snacks. That seems to mollify him and after pocketing two wristbands for Ron and Hermione, you and Harry offer up your wrists to have your own stuck on.

Then as you're waiting in yet another line for some fish and chips to split among the group, Harry continues with the questions. "So what's your favorite drink?"

Quirking an eyebrow at him, you say, "My favorite muggle drink is a soda called Big Red. It's fizzy, red, and sweet."

"Fair enough. What about magical?"

"Gigglewater."

"Seriously?"

"Yes," you laugh. "My friends used to love having everyone going on a good buzz, then switching to gigglewater. The giggles turn into raucous laughter and the cycle repeats throughout the rest of the night. What about you?"

"I really like cider and if you tell anyone I said this, I'll deny it!" You hold up your hands in mock surrender, grinning. Harry narrows his eyes before huffing a laugh. "I really like elf-made wine."

You gasp. "Not firewhiskey?! Such shame, Mr. Potter." Harry snorts and you nudge him with your elbow. "Okay. Moment of truth on whether or not the last twenty minutes has made us friends for life. Tell me something that's not public knowledge and I'll do the same."

He stares at you, gaze roaming over your every feature. He's still grinning so you know he's not put off by your request, but he's also taking his time and then glancing around to make sure no one's paying him any attention. "This stays between us?"

"I swear upon my magic that whatever you tell me right now will never be repeated to anyone else by me." You feel your magic flare at the vow and Harry's eyes subtly widen.

"O-Okay." He glances around one more time before taking a step closer to you. "Have you ever heard of the Deathly Hallows?"

Your brow furrows. "Yeah. Bunch of myths, right?"

"Wrong." Harry grins. "They're very real. And I'm in possession of two out of the three. I snapped the elder wand."

"Holy shit," you mumble. "Seriously?! You're not-"

"Seriously. It's a long story and I'm sure Hermione will fill you in one of these days. Now what about you?"

"Shit, Potter, I was going to go with something embarrassing like the fact that I sometimes still sleep with a night light." He barks out a surprised laugh, eyes sparkling. "But since you gave up something rather.. personal, I guess I should return the favor." He merely shrugs and now it's your turn to glance around to make sure no one's listening. Stepping even closer, much to Harry's surprise, you murmur, "I'm an Obscurial."

Harry jerks back in surprise and you smile sheepishly. "Are you-"

"One hundred percent serious. I'm pretty sure you're well aware how an obscurus manifest, so I won't bore you with my childhood trauma, but I'm not really sure what went wrong." Shrugging, you gesture for Harry to step up in line before continuing. "No one knows why the obscurus didn't destroy me as it should have and everyone was pretty shocked when the obscurus settled and warped my magic."

"Warped?"

"I no longer need a wand." Bringing up your hands between yourself and Harry, you let them glow red and let wisps of magic dance between your fingers. "I'm also pretty damn powerful which is why the MACUSA has me on their pay roll."

"Does Hermione know?" As he asks this, he hesitantly reaches up and touches your hands. As your magic brushes against him, he smiles.

"Yep. Only the higher ups in the MACUSA know. Hermione found out by accident when on assignment, but she was really reasonable and I answered everything she asked me. And believe me, she asked a lot," you say, your magic diminishing and your arms falling back to your sides.

"I can imagine," Harry laughs. "And thank you. For sharing that with me."

"Fair's fair, Potter. You shared something rather risky with me. I figured I could do the same."

"Friend's for life?" He muses, teasingly.

"You bet your sweet ass we're friends for life after that."

Harry erupts with laughter and you lightly punch his shoulder when he garners more than a few looks. The two of you then fall quiet as you stand in line, sharing the occasional tidbit of your lives and a laugh here and there.

Then after you have food and drinks for everyone, you and Harry search for Ron and Hermione. Dodging twirling witches and wizards, the two of you can't help but smile what with the vibe of the atmosphere. Finding Ron and Hermione, you're quick to dole out their drinks and wristbands while Harry settles down with the food.

And once you and Hermione have a good buzz going on after ingesting some much needed food, you kick off your shoes and dance barefoot in the grass. Shots of Firewhiskey are shared between the group and it's only when you're comfortable enough that you switch out Ron's shot of Firewhiskey for a shot of Gigglewater. So when Ron uncharacteristically giggles, Harry gapes at his friend while you and Hermione snort with laughter. He glares, shoots an unknown spell at you, and you merely shrug when you find yourself with neon red hair.

After sharing many laughs and switching out the alcohol for normal beverages, you and Hermione are laid out on your sides, facing each other with your heads being supported by a hand. Ron is behind Hermione and Harry behind you, and the four of you get on surprisingly well. And with it being a wizarding music festival and all, it's no big deal to see wands being whipped out or the night sky being lit up with various spells.

But what is a surprise is a teal colored spell hitting Harry in the chest. Hermione shouts when she sees it happen, she and you scrambling up in a panic as Harry stares up at the both of you in surprise. A second passes and then Harry's eyes roll into the back of his head while collapsing backward, and Ron jumps to his feet with his wand drawn.

Still staring at Harry in shock, you don't see a curse being flung your way until the cutting curse manages to nick your forehead. Hermione unsheathes her own wand in retaliation as you jerk in surprise, and people start screaming before chaos ensues.

"Y/N!" Hermione grasps your shoulder, turning you to face her straight on. "Protect Harry."

Gulping and wiping blood from your brow, you quickly nod before taking a stand over Harry's unconscious form. Rolling your shoulders, you let your arms go lax at your sides before letting your hands glow menacingly. Ron gives you a double take, mouth falling open in surprise. Though you're meant to be protecting Harry, seeing two spells aimed at Hermione's back has you throwing an energy blast of your own at the two culprits.

Hermione ducks before whirling around, she shooting off spells back to back at another threat she sees. "Ron! Get Harry to Mungos. Now!"

Throwing up a shield at Ron's back when he kneels next to his best friend, he gives you a terse nod of thanks when he sees your shield absorb the attack meant for him. Then grasping Harry, he disapparates away.

You glance around the panicking crowd, your stomach churning at the numerous witches standing their ground and staring right at you in defiance. "Hermione, let's go!"

Your friend casts shield after shield as she walks backwards towards you and you send out a wave of a stunner that's meant to only stun those with the intent to harm on their minds. Several witches shriek as the spell passes through them, only to knock out someone standing right next to them. Hermione grabs you and immediately disapparates, and when the world stops swirling you spend the next few moments dry heaving as she tugs you along behind her.

Rushing through the halls of St. Mungos is a blur, but you trust Hermione to not lead you astray. She apparently knows where she's going and very quickly you're both happening upon a pacing Ron.

"Where is he? How is he?" Hermione immediately asks.

Ron embraces her as she practically flings herself at him, he then hugging Hermione tightly to him. "I don't know. I gave them as much information as I could, but even they seemed stumped. Padma's the head healer on the case."

"Oh. Good." Hermione seems to relax some, she collecting herself before taking a step back. "Padma's brilliant at what she does."

"Yeah. She said she'd come get us as soon as she figures something out."

The three of you remain in the hallway, pacing back and forth and tensing whenever a healer passes by. Ron's so focused on how his best friend is doing that he doesn't question what he witnessed at the festival, but if he asked you already know you'd tell him. Eventually though, a rather petite healer of Indian descent makes her way towards you and Hermione frantically stands from where she had slumped to the floor.

"Padma? Is Harry okay? Have you figured out what spell he was hit with?"

Healer Padma looks tired, her expression turning wary when she spots you paying close attention. Ron sees it and waves her off. "It's fine. Y/N is a friend. She helped protect Harry after he was hit."

The healer then relaxes. "As long as you vouch for her, I don't mind telling you what's going on with Harry."

"It's fine," Hermione assures her. "Whatever you have to say, you can say it in front of Y/N."

The Indian witch smiles softly. "Well, guys, I wish I had better news." Ron and Hermione tense, and your stomach seems to drop at her words. "It seems Harry was hit with a True Love curse and as far as we can tell, there's no known counter-curse."

"So what does that mean?" Ron blurts.

"It means that if you want Harry to wake up, then you have to find his true love- his soul mate- and have her kiss him."

"Bloody hell," he groans.

"There's got to be something," Hermione mutters. "He's unconscious! We can't just have a parade of witches.. molesting Harry while he sleeps in hopes that he wakes up for one of them."

Padma cringes. "I really wish there was a better way," she says, "but we've got nothing. Harry's stable and in a private room- room 1104- if you wish to see him. We'll alert the aurors to let them know we might need a few guards stationed outside his room until we can up with a better solution. I'm really sorry."

As Padma leaves, you turn to Hermione and Ron who look rather stricken.

"I'll go contact Kingsley," Ron mumbles. "And see what’s happened to those who did this to Harry."

Ron takes his leave and you take the moment to hook your arm with Hermione's. "Come on. Lets go guard Harry before witches around here catch wind of his predicament."

"Oh, Y/N," she then groans quietly. "I'm so sorry. You came here to have some fun and here we are-"

"Hey, it's not your fault. I'm okay and.. Harry seems like a nice guy. Shit luck, but nice nonetheless."

Hermione weakly chuckles. "Like him, did you?"

"For living over four thousand miles apart, you know my type in men extremely well," you say. She starts to smile brighter, but you're quick to shut her down. "Don't gloat, Granger. I told him he was handsome, but that I wasn't interested in a relationship. He seemed to be on the same page because after that he relaxed. Immensely."

She's still smiling, but it's dimmer now. "Well I guess it's all for naught now. Unless the healers can figure out a way to wake Harry, he'll remain unconscious. I refuse to parade witches through his room and let them snog him without his say so."

"Yeah. I don't blame you for that. But if worse comes to worse though, you know you'll have to. Right? At least start with those you're good friends with so it's not too weird. Then work you way out to acquaintances or whatever."

Hermione sighs. "We'll see. Now come on. Let's go."

By the time you two make it to Harry's room, there are already aurors stationed outside his room. They greet Hermione and allow the both of you entrance, and you and Hermione take a seat on either side of Harry's bed where he's been propped up on several pillows and tucked beneath a blanket.

You don't know how long you and Hermione have been sitting in silence, but Ron entering the room and looking quite haggard has the both of you perking up in interest.

"So mum knows about Harry's situation," he says right away.

Hermione quietly groans. "And why does she know, Ronald?"

"Because we need a curse breaker, so I sent a patronus to Bill. Apparently he was at mum's."

"Question," you hesitantly raise your hand as if needing permission to speak. "Why is Ron's mother knowing about Harry a bad thing?"

Hermione then snorts and sheepishly meets Ron's gaze, but he gestures to her to go on. "Ever since we were children, Molly's been trying to get me and Harry into the Weasley family through marriage. I started dating Ron around the same time Harry started dating Ron's little sister Ginny, but they didn't work out as Ron and I did. Molly was crushed when they called it quits, but Ginny.. well she-"

"She slept around while traveling with her quidditch team before realizing what she really wanted was Harry," Ron says. "But Harry wised up and moved on." Then grinning at Hermione, he says, "You really need to stop minding your tongue when it comes to my family. I know their faults and I'm not ashamed to call them out. You shouldn't be either."

Their words are circulating through your mind before it settles when you come to a rather nauseating revelation. "And with Harry unconscious, it's the perfect opportunity for your mom to swoop in with her precious baby girl and trap Harry into a relationship he doesn't want on the off chance Ginny is his soulmate."

"Got it in one." Ron sighs and shifts from foot to foot at the end of Harry's bed. "But mum's under the impression that Ginny is his soulmate. I'm pretty sure she's contacting Gin right now to get her here as soon as possible in order to wake him."

"And what of Harry's family?" You ask. "Surely those in charge when he's incapacitated can make the choice to ban your mom and sister from the room."

"We are Harry's family," Hermione says. "Ron and I. And Ron's mum is too scary to ban from the room."

You sigh and let your gaze land on Ron. "No offense, but your mom sounds horrible."

Chuckling quietly, he shrugs. "Yeah, but she's still my mum."

The next several days are tension-filled and aggravating. Not only does Ron's mother show with her harpy of a daughter, but said daughter wastes no time in giving an unconscious Harry the sloppiest kiss she can muster. Ginny even has the audacity to wipe her saliva from Harry's lips and chin with a smug grin, and then huffs before stomping out of the room when the wizard doesn't wake.

Mrs. Weasley makes a fuss when Ginny's kiss isn't the one to wake Harry, but her elder son Bill is the one to make her leave the room when he starts running his own diagnostic spells to see what's going on with the slumbering wizard. As one of the best cursebreakers out there, everyone is seemingly at a loss when not even he can find a counter-curse.

"You know what you're going to have to do, right?" You'd asked Hermione and Ron. "It sucks, but you have to try. For Harry."

"Balls," Hermione had cursed quietly, causing Ron to snicker and you to grin. "Someone get me parchment. I need to write down every witch I know."

Luna Lovegood, Lavender Brown, Pavarti and Padma Patil, Cho Chang, Alica Spinnet, Katie Bell, Angelina Johnson, Gabrielle Delacour, Pansy Parkinson, Daphne Greengrass, Astoria Malfoy, Hermione Granger.. none of them are able to wake Harry. Only a select few were happy to help, one outright refused, and others were reluctant to try and only ended up trying once they found out that should they be the lucky witch it didn't mean they had to stay with Harry. Being a soulmate was no big deal and the couple didn't have to stay together should they wish to part ways. The curse was to just find the soulmate, not bond them.

"This is pointless," Hermione whines, her hair frizzed as she tries to think of other witches she didn't want to think of the first time around. "There are millions of people it can be!"

Curled up next to Harry's bed in one of the most comfiest of chairs, you sigh. "I'm really sorry, Hermione. I only knew Harry for a couple of hours before he was hit and this is hurting me. I can only imagine how you feel, someone who's known him for years."

Hermione's cat, Crookshanks, hops onto the end of Harry's bed. You smile at the orange furball only to then frown as the little mongrel walks up the length of Harry's body. As he settles across Harry's abdomen, Crookshanks somehow finds Harry's right hand interesting and starts nipping at his fingers.

"Hey, don't," you mutter at the cat. "Don't be a dick."

Hermione's head snaps up. "Excuse me?"

"Not you," you laugh. "Your cat," you then say as you uncurl and get up. "Crookshanks is starting to eat Harry."

"Oh."

Lightly scratching between Crookshanks' ears, you gain a bit of his affections before attempting to remove him. Then pushing his face away from Harry's hand, you briefly make skin on skin contact. Harry groans, you freeze, and Hermione gasps.

"Did he just-"

"I'm.. not sure?"

"What did you do?"

"Nothing!"

Crookshanks little sharp teeth then catch the hem of your sleeve and pulls your hand back down, your fingers brushing Harry's hand again. And again, Harry groans. This time he also shifts in his unconscious state.

"It's you," Hermione breathes in awe.

"What's me?" Your gaze meets Hermione's, confused and wary.

"You're his soulmate. You have to be."

"Uh.. the hell I do."

"Y/N," she then pleads. "Please. Just try." Your mind is going a mile a minute and your expression must be stuck on something akin to horror because Hermione's own features soften. "Numerous of witches have come and gone, and not one of them did Harry react to. You barely touch him and he moves and groans. That means something."

Your mouth opens and then closes, and you fall back into your chair in shock. You're staring at Hermione in surprise when Crookshanks meows at you rather angrily, and you shoot back up to your feet. "Okay." You take a deep breath, exhaling it slowly. "Okay. Say that I am his soulmate," you tell her. "What then?"

"Then nothing," she shrugs. "We already went over how finding out you're soulmates doesn't necessarily mean anything. It doesn't form a bond. You're free to go back home and continue on with your life."

"It's not that easy and you know it, Hermione. I know I said I'm not looking for a relationship, but if I do this and I am his soulmate then how do I walk away from the one person who's supposed to complete me?"

Hermione kneels in front of you, clasping your hands in her own as she smiles as warmly as she can. "If you are his soulmate, you and Harry will find a way to make it work. That is if he's interested in pursuing a relationship as much as you seem to be." You scoff, but don't deny it. Apparently the unconscious wizard had managed to worm his way in. "He'll understand that you have a life back in America that you have to get back to. We're witches and wizards, Y/N. There are many ways to communicate over seas and even international portkeys. If anyone can make a long distance relationship work, it'll be you two."

After her little motivational speech, you can't help but give in. "Okay. Fine. I'll kiss him." Hermione beams. "But you're not perving. I'm not going to kiss Harry while you watch."

"As if I'll want to watch you snog my best friend." Her nose wrinkles and you offer up a weak laugh. She pats you on the knee before standing and giving you her back. "Now get on with it."

With a sigh, you stand back up and stand as close as you can to the bed while leaning over Harry's still form. "Well.. here goes nothing."

Slowly leaning down, you stop and hesitate with your face just inches from Harry's. You chew on the inside of your cheek before throwing caution to the wind and closing your eyes as you press your lips to his. A second passes, then two and you freeze when you feel Harry's lips part beneath your own. He groans and when a hand gently cups the side of your face, you pull back with a startled gasp.

Eyes wide, you stare in disbelief as Harry blinks at you in surprise, his lips slowly stretching into a grin. "I thought you weren't looking for a relationship?"

"Harry!" Hermione rushes to his side, falling atop him and you fall once again into your seat. "You're awake. Oh, I knew Y/N was the one."

"What happened?" He groans in response. "And not that I'm complaining, but why were you snogging me?" He asks, his gaze settling on you.

"It was Hermione's idea," you mumble, hiding your face behind your hands. "You got hit with a True Love curse. Only the kiss of your soulmate could wake you."

"Soulmate? You?"

"Apparently." Peeking between your fingers, you say, "I'm really sorry. If you're going to blame anyone, blame Granger. She gave this really heart felt speech and I felt compelled to do it."

Hermione gasps in mock outrage as she sits up and Harry grins. "I'm not mad, but I really would like a word with you. In private."

His gaze darts from you to Hermione and she catches on right away. "Oh. Of course. I'll go alert Padma you're awake, but to not rush in here, and then go get Ron. He'll be happy to know you're awake."

As Hermione leaves, Harry smiles warmly at you. "You can calm down. I'm not upset."

"We're totally fucked," you say as your hands fall to your lap. "We're soulmates. Soulmates! That's-"

"Completely mental," he huffs. "But also reassuring. It's nice to know I won't grow old all by myself."

"Harry," you groan. "We live thousands of miles apart. You have a job here and I have a job there. It's not as simple as-"

"Are you or are you not a witch?" He grins. "We can make this work, Y/N. That is if you want to make it work?" He then frowns. "I won't force you if you don't want this."

"It's not- I don't-" You take a pause, exhaling loudly before collecting your thoughts. "It's not that I don't want it, I do," you admit with a blush. "It's just- it's going to be complicated."

"Life's boring without a little complication every now and then."

"You're completely out of your mind, but-"

"But..?"

"-I will try if you want to try."

"I want."

"Fine."

"Now come join me in the bed. I want another snog from my soulmate before the healers come in and take me away for hours of testing and questions."

Laughing softly, you stand and move towards his bed. "You're an idiot, but you're apparently my idiot. Scoot over."

[walkerismychoice]

Was It Real or Just For Show

Book: ROD

Pairing: Logan X MC, Colt X MC

Rating: PG-13

Note: I needed to write this chapter to sort things out a bit before whatever happens next chapter for my confused MC Gabi. The entirety of this chapter is contained in Ride or Die Chapter 10, and most of the dialogue comes directly from the book. I did make some additions and slight changes to fit my MC Gabi’s scenario. I played through twice to dance with both Logan and Colt at the rave. Since they only allow you to pick one in the book, I wove in her dancing with both and how I envision that could have played out.

Also tag list is in the comments and I apologize if I missed anyone. Please let me know if you’d like to be on the list

Word Count: 3128

Gabi smiles proudly after impressing Kaneko with her knowledge if nitrous tanks. He's offered her one for her car to assist with the the stadium job the next day and has agreed to teach her how to use it. "Straight A's in chemistry thanks to Ms. Mitsalas."

Teppei Kaneko grins back at her. "I can see why my boy's taken a liking to you."

"He has?" Gabi is taken aback. She knows full well that Colt is into her, but she hadn't known anyone else had a clue. She is still with Logan and only Logan as far as everyone else is concerned, and she and Colt have been careful not to do anything in front of others that would make them suspicious. If Kaneko knows, Colt must have said something, so she risks telling the truth. "I've taken a liking to him too. He's smart. And ambitious. You should be proud of him."

Kaneko works in silence as if carefully considering his response before answering. "I am."

They get in her car and and Teppei takes Gabi to a spot he used to take Colt to practice, so the conversation naturally shifts to him. She's trying not to pry too much, but she cares for Colt, and all he wants is his father's approval. "Why'd he get into motorcycles?" Gabi asks thinking the question is innocent enough

"I think he wanted his own personal rebellion against me." Kaneko frowns. "He was getting more and interested in my life...and I fought against it. I didn't want him to end up like me. I didn't choose this life for myself. I was raised in this life. So was my father. I just wanted Colt to choose his own path."

“You say you wanted him to choose his own path, but you’re trying to stop him from doing just that.” She’s getting bold calling him out like this, but she feels an odd level of comfort with him already, and if anyone knows what it’s like to have a father try to control their path in life, it’s her. 

“Perhaps you’re right.” Kaneko sighs heavily. “Perhaps I was always lying to myself. I did want to choose for him. And now, despite all my efforts, he’s here. Living the life I feared most. The worst part is...I’m happy about it.”

“You missed him. That’s why you bonded so closely with Logan. He was a replacement. Someone you could mentor and guide...but at the end of the day...” Gabi doesn’t want to finish the sentence out loud, but she doesn’t have to.

“At the end of the day, Logan is not my son. So if something happened to him...I could live with myself,” Kaneko admits the brutal truth Gabi already knew - what Logan himself always knew and tried to tell her, even though Gabi had hoped for Logan’s sake he meant more to Kaneko. 

Although Gabi feels for Logan, she still understands the stronger bond between father and son, and she cares for Colt too. “You don’t have to keep this up. You can change your mind. I know you’ve enjoyed having him back and you’d feel guilty about pushing him away now. But you still can. You can make him leave, go back to his mom, to college... It’s not too late to save him from this.”

Kaneko stares out the window, a somber look upon his face. “I wish you were right but as I said...his die is cast.”

There it is again. That same phrase. “His die is cast.” The first time Kaneko had said it, Gabi thought it was just some expression a mechanic would use, but for him to repeat it seems significant. It’s not just saying Colt has made his choice, but that his path is set with no going back. She can’t think of anything thus far that he’s done that he can’t come back from, and now she’s worried about what she doesn’t know. She tries to push it out of her mind for the remainder of the lesson and has already gotten back to worrying about tomorrow’s task by the time they return and she sneaks back into bed. 

~~~~~

Gabi can’t believe she’s going to a rave, but she also can’t believe she drove the getaway car through the narrow tunnels of Badger Stadium undetected either. Attending an illegal dance party is one of the least risky things she’s done lately and the crew deserves to celebrate. So what if she can’t dance? She did alright the first time she danced with Logan, but that’s a whole other issue. Who’s going to be her dance partner tonight? That’s a question for later as she wiggles into the bright orange fishnet stocks, cutoff pink jean shorts, and zip-up neon green bustier top. It is ridiculously bright and way more revealing than she’s used to, but it's fitting for the occasion and at the risk of being too vain, she thinks she actually looks kind of hot in it.

Gabi makes her way downstairs to unveil her new look. “Okay, I’m ready!”

Colt coughs awkwardly like he’s forgotten how to breathe. “Er, uh...Took you long enough.” It’s a typical response from Colt that might not alarm anyone else, but the look on his face gives him away.

Unsurprisingly, Logan is more composed. “Perfect. You’re gonna love this place, Gabi.” She almost prefers Colt fumbling to pretend he’s not affected over any praise Logan could offer.

~~~~~

The area surrounding the rave is nondescript and less than desirable, but Gabi supposes that’s the point. After heading through a pitch black entryway and wondering if she’s being led astray, it opens up into a huge warehouse filled with people dancing to upbeat music. The neon graffiti on the walls is illuminated by the black light and her clothing is glowing just as bright. She’s a little intimidated at first, so she follows Toby’s lead and joins him jumping around on the dancefloor. Not to be upstaged, Salazar displays his surprisingly graceful moves and the whole crew laughs and applauds. Gabi points out a guy who appears to have eyes for Toby, so Toby wastes no time in introducing himself. 

Her dance partner gone, Gabi looks to Colt and then Logan wondering what she should do. She wants to dance with both and neither at the same time, afraid of what the other may think. Colt’s wrapped up in conversation with Ximena and Salazar while Mona has just left Logan to go grab a drink. Seem’s her decision has been made for her.

Gabi makes her way over to Logan and nudges him on the shoulder. “Dance with me Logan?”

Logan smirks. “You know you don’t have to ask me twice.” He takes Gabi by the hand and guides her to the middle of the floor.  He pulls her close and they easily move together in sync with the music. “Just like we practiced back at the sideshow, right?”

“I’ve still got those moves.” She still barely knows what she’s doing, but with Logan taking the lead she doesn’t have to. As they sway to the beat she thinks back to their conversation in the car, just before Colt had interrupted to give them the go ahead for the job. “Hey..what was it you wanted to tell me?”

“What do you mean?” Logan is oblivious or at least pretends to be.

“Before the stadium job. You said you wanted to get something off your chest.”

“Oh, yeah! I, uh...can’t remember. Today’s been a blur.” He continues dancing but seems distracted. 

The way Logan started talking in the car, there’s no way he would have just forgotten by now and the reasons why he won’t tell her leave Gabi unsettled. “What’s going on with you tonight?”

He grips her hips a little tighter. “You ever feel like things are..almost perfect, but not quite? And you know you should be happy and in the moment, but you can’t stop thinking that something’s wrong?”

“....I feel that way a lot. I’ve never been able to get everything lined up just right. There’s always been something eating at me.” Like right now and the fact that she’s falling fast for Colt and is afraid to admit to herself she could like him more than Logan. 

“Exactly.” Logan smiles softly at her.

“Do you think we ever will? Feel perfect I mean?” Gabi contemplates out loud, not necessarily looking for an answer.

“I hope I let myself feel that way one day. But I don’t think I’ll ever get closer than this moment, with you in my arms.” His words feel bittersweet, and she’s not sure if that’s her fault or his.

Gabi doesn’t want to worry about any of it at this moment. She run her fingers through Logan’s hair and almost loses herself in his eyes. “Stop thinking about it. Better yet, stop thinking altogether.” She swings her hips, and Logan presses finger to her waist bringing body closer so she’s flush against him. “That’s better just how I like you.”

Logan’s gaze never falters. “You were incredible today, you know that right?” His lips are so close, inviting her in and she forgets that Colt could be watching.

“I do now.” She presses her lips to his, and he clings to Gabi and kisses her like he can’t breathe without her. 

Logan pulls back and tenderly brushes a wisp of hair from her forehead. “This can’t be right. I’m not this lucky in life.”

Her heart sinks, knowing at some point she’s going to have to choose, but she tries not to let on. “You deserve everything you want, Logan.”

“All I want right now is you.” He holds holds her to his chest like it might be his last chance. She wonders if deep down he knows.

They make their way back to the others and Gabi avoids looking Colt in the eyes. She doesn’t want to see the disappointment on his face, or even worse, if there isn’t any at all. Logan keeps looking for Gabi any time she’s out of view, like he’s terrified she’ll disappear. 

Gabi grabs his hand and squeezes. “I’m not going anywhere. Have fun!”  She feels bad because she’s wishing he’d go off and have fun on his own so she’d have a chance to talk to Colt.

“I’ll try.” Logan gives a half-hearted smile.

Gabi’s prayers are answered when Ximena drags Logan to the dance floor with her and Mona only moments later. He tries to make Gabi come too, but she convinces him she needs a breather.

She turns to look for Colt, but he’s already there. “I thought your shadow would never leave your side.”

“Well I’m free now.” Gabi motions to the dancefloor. “Come on Colt”

Colt hesitates and looks over at the rest of the crew. “I...don’t really dance.”

“Me neither! Now, come on!” Gabi doesn’t give him much of a choice, lacing her fingers through his and leading him to the opposite side of the room and out of the crew’s sight. 

“Been waiting to get you to myself all day.” Colt wraps an arm around Gabi’s waist and pulls her close. He lifts a finger to her chin and tilts her face up to look at him. “Like this, follow me.”

“I thought you didn’t know how to dance?” 

Colt shrugs. “I didn’t say I can’t, I just said I don’t.”

“I’m starting to think you might like me.” Gabi teases.

“I don’t like anybody,” Colts insists but he’s uncharacteristically all smiles. He lightly touches her waist and Gabi wraps her arms around his shoulders in response, dancing as close to him as she can get. Colt pushes her away with beat and pulls her back so she’s close enough to feel his breath on her lips. “Is Logan watching?”

“You don’t want him to see us?”

Colt smirks “Is it bad that part of me does?”

She doesn’t want to admit that maybe part of her does too, to force everything out in the open so she has to make her choice. “I’m not a possession for you two to fight over, Colt. I’m a person.” She feels hypocritical saying this because she’s kind of playing them both herself, but at least Colt knows the score. 

“You’re far more than that, Gabi,” he responds sincerely, caching her off guard.

Her heart flutters in her chest, and she’s far more affected than she wants to be so she deflects. “So, your plan worked. I think you really impressed your dad today.”

“Did I impress you?” He cleverly brings it back to her again. 

She’s enamored of everything he does lately, seeing him use his intelligence and take charge, but she can’t let it get to his head. “It takes more than that to impress me.”

“Good.” A smile tugs at Colt’s lips. Maybe he sees through her bluff, or maybe it's just that he’s always valued her for who she is. He knows she’s smart and he’s not threatened by it, and he respects her conviction. He holds her close enough she can feel his body heat. She gives into the feeling and grinds her hips against his. “I thought you didn’t know how to dance.”

“It’s like Ximena said. I’m doing what feels good.” And god does he feel good.

Colt leans in again until his lips are only a breath away. “Then you should keep doing what feels good.”

It’s all the invitation she needs. Gabi pushes her hand through Colt’s hair, and kisses him hard. Colt matches her intensity, and they make out on the dance floor like they’ve forgotten anyone else is around until they both need to come up for air. 

Colt doesn’t go far, his lips still close enough to whisper in her ear. “You’re my driver forever, you know that, right?”

The butterflies in her stomach return. Coming from Colt this is a good as a proclamation of love. “Promise?” Gabi blinks up at him through her eyelashes. Colt doesn’t answer but kisses her deeply again. They dance as long as they can before raising too many questions and then rejoin the rest of the crew. 

Logan sees them walk up together, but doesn’t ask any questions. He hovers by her like he had before, like he doesn’t want to let her out of his sight again. Somehow Colt finds a way to stay close to her too the rest of the night, sneaking in touches when he thinks no one's watching. Gabi excuses herself to use the restroom and Colt not so coincidentally needs to go at the same time. Down the hallway and out of view, he pushes her up against the wall and crashes his lips against hers, working his way down her neck before regaining his self control and they return like nothing happened.

Gabi finds herself alone with Ximena as the night comes to a close and the guys are rounding up Mona and Salazar. “So...there’s something between you and Colt, huh?” 

Apparently they weren’t as discreet as they thought. If Ximena noticed, Logan very well may have too. “What?” Gabi tries to shrug it off. “Oh, I don’t know...He’s very...complicated.” 

“That wasn’t a ‘no’,” Ximena astutely observes.

“No, no it wasn’t,” Gabi sighs. “But there’s still something between me and Logan too. You probably think I’m a horrible person.”

“Oh Gabi,” Ximena wraps her arm around Gabi’s shoulder. “I was your age once too. I get it, and I’m not judging you, but from what I can see, they’ve both fallen hard for you. Take whatever time you need, but make sure you get it right.”

~~~~~

Gabi crashes as soon as they get back but bolts awake only a few hours later hearing a loud crash from the garage. She hurries downstairs to see toolboxes and equipment everywhere before she notices Logan and Colt pummeling each other.

“Lying...son-of-a...” Logan takes another swing at Colt.

“I’m not gonna...let you...ruin this for us!” Colt throws logan into the side of car and charges at him to throw another punch. Logan ducks and then hits colt in the jaw.

“Will you two stop it already?” Gabi yells.

They pause mid fight, but neither lets go of the other.

“Gabi...Gabi wait.” Logan pleads. He’s afraid she might run out of there, and he’s right. They release each other and Colt straightens his jacket.

Gabi looks back and forth between the two of them and hopes the disappointment is evident in her eyes. “What is this? Is this about me?”

Logan hesitates. “...Yes.” 

“You’re out of control, Logan.” Colt hisses.

“No, you’re the one who’s out of control. And you’ve put us all in danger. You owe Gabi the truth!” Logan asserts angrily.

Gabi flashes back to her conversation with Kaneko. Does he know what Colt’s hiding, and is that what he meant by his die being cast? 

Colt scoffs. “You really wanna go there? Don’t you think you’re the one who owes Gabi the truth?” Logan’s face suddenly drains of color, and the pit in Gabi’s stomach grows. “Don’t you think she deserves to know how you tricked her?”

Gabi can’t begin to comprehend what’s happening here. She thought they were just fighting over her, but there must be more to it. “...Tricked me?”

Colt wipes blood from lip and shakes his head in disgust. “Haven’t you ever asked yourself about how you met Logan that day? Why a guy like him would even look twice at a girl like you?”

Colt’s words sting, and she doesn’t know if that’s a slight at her or if he’s just trying to make a point. Hurt, anger, confusion. She doesn’t know what to feel and who to direct it at. They are both claiming the other has something to hide, but Logan is in the spotlight now. “I don’t understand. Logan, what is he saying?”

Logan stands motionless, eyes on the floor.

With Logan unwilling to speak, Colt doesn’t hesitate to chime in. “He knew. The whole time. He knew your dad was the cop investigating us. The entire reason he even spoke to you was because my father told him to.”

Gabi’’s blood runs cold, tears of hurt and anger welling in her eyes. “No...”

“I mean, come on! Who do you think called the cops on that house party? He did it so you’d owe him! So you’d trust him!”

“Logan? Please tell me this isn’t true...” Logan again fails to be able to speak or defend himself. “You can’t, can you?”

Logan finally looks Gabi in the eyes, his face expressionless. “No...I can’t.”

She can’t think, can’t breathe, and doesn’t know who to trust. All she can think to do is run.

[ahgaseda]

made of stone || chapter 02

⇥ synopsis : when you return after years apart to pursue a divorce from your husband, Mark, you fall back into a contentious relationship because your partner still refuses to give up his dangerous fighting career...

⇥ warnings : this story in its entirety includes but is not limited to strong language and dialogue, descriptions of blood and violence, alcohol or drug use, and explicit sexual content, and is intended for an adult audience only!

Busan treated you as if you had never left. From the back of Mark’s bike, you closed your eyes and breathed in the surroundings as wind battered your body. The chill couldn’t touch you so long as you were tucked against Mark. He radiated heat and warmth and no cold could hope to compete.

From the countryside to the city, the night became brighter with energy. The lights of Busan were vibrant and colorful. You could smell the delicious offerings of the market and heard the bustling of the night coming alive. This was the home you remembered; the place you had once belonged.

The motorcycle came to a growling halt outside of a market street. Mark situated the bike between a few others in a cluster, earning some cheers and hollers from the boys nearby when they noticed his arrival. They gladly told your husband how much money they had riding on his win tonight.

You stood from the bike and pulled the helmet free, flipping your hair loose and inevitably drawing a few long whistles from the same men. Mark rounded on them, proceeding to crack his knuckles in their general direction, and the catcalls died down rather quickly.

“This is my wife,” Mark announced with an edge of warning to his tone. “She’s been on vacation in Seoul for a few... years.”

You snorted at the annoyance in his voice.

Mark didn’t hesitate to take your hand, lacing his fingers through yours, and led you into one of the food stalls. “Are you hungry?” he asked sweetly.

You had no doubt Mark would buy you whatever you wanted. The scent of the market made your mouth water at the array of street food freshly prepared, but you were too anxious at the moment, glancing down at the sight of his fingers tangled through yours. “I’m not, but thank you for asking,” you replied, polite.

Mark said nothing as he continued leading you through the stalls. Not long after, an elderly woman greeted Mark excitedly, speaking so low and hurried you could barely keep up. Mark’s eyes wrinkled with a smile as he indulged her, letting her pat and squeeze his bicep as she led him to the back door. Apparently, she also had some money riding on his fight.

“Good to see illegal fighting has its own building now,” you sneered with disdain. “No more back alley bullshit.”

“Try not to run your mouth too much in here,” Mark warned playfully, releasing your hand and hooking his arm around your waist. “I’m only getting paid for one fight and I’m not in the mood to go pro bono.”

“I thought you would do anything for your sweet wife?” you taunted, batting your lashes.

Mark scoffed and joked under his breath, “Not since she left me with two years’ worth of blue balls.”

Blushing, you snorted back a laugh.

The moment you stepped inside the concrete building, you winced at the ringing in your ears. People were crammed inside from wall to wall and their individual conversations blended into one incoherent roar. Your ears adjusted as Mark brought you to a square pillar and instructed you to stay put.

“Fine,” you grumbled at being bossed around. Mark flashed you a smirk.

He stepped away from you long enough to greet the ring leader, embracing his friend and voicing his readiness for the fight. You felt the familiar signs of nerves coiling in your stomach and racing through your veins.

Jinyoung was quick to wave at you from his position alongside Mark, face alight with glee at your first visit in years. You waved back, albeit nervously.

“Who am I fighting today?” Mark asked under his breath.

“Chansung,” he replied, pointing at the man across the room. Someone discreetly handed Jinyoung a wad of cash as they passed by, which he quickly counted.

Mark bobbed his head.

Jinyoung lifted an eyebrow, glancing at you once more. “She’s back, huh?” he questioned mischievously.

Mark looked to you and his heart throbbed. “For now,” he whispered sadly.

“You know she would stay if you just gave her what she wants,” Jinyoung reminded, patting his friend on the shoulder.

“Yeah, I know.”

Jinyoung shook his head with a smile and teased, “So stubborn. You’re both made for each other.”

With an insincere scowl, Mark returned to your side, discarding his jacket and withdrawing bandages from his pockets. He handed you his keys and phone, which you took without a word.

“Jesus, Mark,” you squeaked, cutting your gaze at the shirtless man on the other side of the open circle. “He’s twice your size.”

Mark spun more of the white wrap around his hands and fingers, then replied calmly, “I’m fast, baby.”

Flustered at his nonchalant attitude, you ordered, “Don’t take any hard hits.”

“Some things can’t be avoided,” Mark cooed, jumping up and down in place before punching the empty air at your side.

Watching him warm up, you glowered. “I’m serious.”

“I’ve been at this a long time,” Mark started, pretending to dodge invisible hits and delivering his own.

“I know,” you reminded softly, tracing your gaze over the scar on his chest. “I was with you every step of the way.”

Mark came to a stop, finally giving you his attention. “I remember,” he sighed, caressing your cheek. “I never thanked you, did I?”

Surprised by the gentle gesture, you leaned into his hand and let yourself fall into the warmth of his irises. “For what?” you asked after a pause.

“For always being there,” Mark explained, stroking his thumb over your skin. “I think I took you for granted. I came to expect it from you.”

Glancing at the opponent across the way as he threw powerful practice punches of his own, you murmured, “Mark, we don’t have to do this now.”

Mark felt you trying to escape and he gripped your face with both hands, staring deep into your eyes. “I never acknowledged what you were going through every time I stepped inside that ring. Hell, if I saw you getting beaten within an inch of your life, I would lose my fucking mind,” he spoke for your ears alone.

You blinked in surprise, listening to him finally give you some absolution for what you had endured for his sake. You could hardly believe he had put away enough of his pride to admit it and tears quickly threatened.

“It’s different when it’s the person you love and not yourself,” Mark finished.

You braced your palms on his chest and pleaded, “Then, don’t do this.”

Mark sighed and for a moment, you thought he would surrender. But he quickly asserted, “I have to.”

Bristling, you replied, “Then win and don’t take a single hit to the head.”

Mark bit his lip, fighting a smile, and teased, “Those give you heart attacks, huh?”

“Yes.”

He bobbed his head. “Well, you know it’s not easy with all the...”

You grabbed your husband by the face and yanked him toward you, chests colliding. Smashing your lips on his, you kissed him with the fire and urgency of someone starved of affection for the better part of two years.

Mark got a solid grip of your waist and brought your body against his, letting you dominate his mouth with your kiss. Shivers danced across his skin - of excitement and arousal - and Mark could hardly believe that after all this time and the bitter heartache, you were still head over heels in love with each other.

Breaking away, you met his hazy eyes and ordered, “Destroy him.”

“Destroy him,” Mark echoed back to you with a flirtatious smile.

You kissed him again, this time slower and much more of a tease as you slid your tongue between his lips. Not far away, Jinyoung whistled and cheered, but you were too lost in Mark to notice.

“Don’t take any hits,” you whispered between kisses.

“I won’t take any hits,” Mark replied obediently.

Tangling your fingers in his hair, you brushed your lips over his ear and rasped, “And maybe I will make it up to you.”

“And... what?” Mark stammered, blinking rapidly.

“You heard me,” you said, smug. Placing your hands on his chest, you pushed him away. “Now, go.”

Mark grinned and pulled the tank top over his head, tossing it to your waiting grasp. He raked his tongue across his teeth as he jogged backwards toward the center of the room, never taking his gaze off of you. When he finally turned to face his opponent, you felt the blood drain from your face in fear.

You had to give him some incentive; something to light the fire in him so he would take the fight as seriously as you did. If he wasn’t going to give it up, you had to ensure he didn’t fall.

Standing by the concrete pillar, you folded your arms and watched with bated breath. Then, the guilt washed over you further with the force of an inescapable wave. This was the life you had left behind. The one you ran from and never looked back. It weighed on you heavily; so heavily you were convinced your own bones were breaking from the inside out.

Each and every time Mark took a hard hit, you knew it would be the one to end him. The man you loved was infatuated with death and you were always trapped on the sidelines to watch him dance with her. A day would come when he would hit the ground and the light would die in his eyes, and you understood that would be the day you would rip your own heart out of your chest.

You hated yourself for where you currently stood. Two years apart had amounted to nothing. You kept yourself away from the man you loved and had absolutely nothing to show for it.

Tears filled between your lashes and you glanced up, realizing Mark was staring intently into your face from across the room. Something fell over his expression and you quickly fought back your tears to appear strong for him. Mark saw that, too, and it hurt him even more.

But he knew he had no one to blame but himself.

chapter 01 ⇤ chapter 02 ⇥ chapter 03

Hey there, beautiful! If you enjoyed this, please leave a like or reblog or follow me! Or maybe buy me a coffee so I can keep writing? Or check out my masterlist here for more stories! Thanks for reading :) - Katya

This work is fictional and for entertainment purposes only, but is licensed and protected under a creative commons attribution-noncommercial-noderivatives 4.0 international license. Any instances of plagiarism will be dealt with accordingly. Do not re-post or translate without my permission.

{ copyright 2018-2020 © ahgaseda // all rights reserved }

[lisetteaman]

Sonder

Monday, December 17, 2001

A woman is in labor. She is young and heavily influenced by her parents’ unfolding resentment over her stupidly throwing her life away for a boy and becoming pregnant. He stands guard in the waiting room while his parents stare apathetically at the pages of a Time magazine that is ruminating on the Twin Towers. They sit, indifferent towards the current situation of their son having knocked up a teenager. Her parents barge into the waiting room and start an intense discourse in which each parent is screaming at the other, but no one is listening. Each forcefully playing his own disconnected word as if in a game of Scrabble, borrowing bits of the others’ anecdotes, while trying to see who can increase his score. Amongst all the squabbling, the young woman gives birth to a son, Jack.

Across the hall is a second woman in labor of identical age but antithetical descent. Her parents were extremely loving and unconditionally forgiving, but now deceased, while his are globe trotters who never stopped to watch him grow up. With neither involvement nor surveillance of an upper-hand, they wander into a territory much too young for a couple to embark upon and wind up with a kid, whom they name Olive.

Monday, December 17, 2018 Jack

5:30am His alarm goes off, and he hops into the shower. It’s the only part of his morning routine that he actually enjoys. He takes his showers in complete darkness, the lights off to further exemplify how much his heart craves to slip into the morning air with the steam and melt into the black sky just behind his skylight above his shower head. He looks up and sees the vapor condense to the cold glass of the window-pane. He draws a dick in the fog and goes back to playing with himself. Don’t be fooled: he’s a good kid, even with an immature and slightly inappropriate brain. Don’t blame him; blame his biological sex organ. There’s a pounding in his head. Nope, it’s his father on the other side of the door hammering him to hurry up. Time is always official business in his household. His parents are strict and conservative, of the affluent, conceited type. Jack has no say in this life. It was as though his parents put him in a box once he was born and slapped a label on it, saying: “elite, sophisticated aristocrat” and put no room for failure in with him. They had to. They needed to organize their life somehow, as their parents were hounding them to get their shit together if they wanted some semblance of a successful life. But proof be known, Jack’s parents are now exactly what they wanted to be: rich and famous. It is only fitting that they teach Jack the exact same way to live—with your head up your ass and your ego two sizes too big.

It’s about the hundredth time his father has started this conversation with him. It’s always about the law firm, and how Jack needs to keep his grades above everyone else’s in the class if he wants to get into Yale, like his father, and become the next business partner in the firm. “The board only wants to see Ivy League graduates, Jack…” Jack tunes him out and starts drifting into thoughts that are too conceptual for an early morning without coffee, but that’s how Jack likes it. He likes his brain and all the corners it takes him to. It just never seems tangible enough for Jack to get out of this barricaded city and plan the contours of his life—to go explore the world’s abyss for all it offers in releasing the fantasies that remain dormant inside his head. He’s a hopeless romantic. He has never loved anyone, but his heart, as fragile and malformed as it is, is too gentle and graceful to share with others. He protects it and its sentimental value.

6:45am Although Jack is mostly undisturbed by his parents’ lineage of condescension and economical influence, he does assume the role of a private school boy with wispy, blonde hair and a sophisticated veneer. His driver, Stewart, is parked outside to take Jack to Bradley Preparatory Academy. The limo turns and drives past the Lexington Avenue street subway. Jack turns his head and stares out the window at all the passersby in the subway street car, and thinks of how they all ride around town with their newspapers and their sweaty palms stuck to the subway car poles and their gum shoved under the seats, living in such frustration and haste. He turns his attention back and buries his head in his book, The Catcher in the Rye.

Olive

6:53am She sits smushed between two obese men in overly large, black wool coats, who are clearly failing in their attempt to hide their stress-induced eating habits. She looks at the kid sitting across from her take his gum out and stick it under the seat. She’s sweating and reaches her palm out for the pole to get up and stand somewhere else—not worth the body odor and loss in blood circulation. She hates this route. The Lexington Avenue stop, with all the men who aren’t wealthy enough to drive to work, but just arrogant enough to make her upper lip curl as they eye her up and down before disembarking the subway car. Most people take quick glances at Olive but are too skeptical to trust in how stunningly beautiful she naturally is. She dyes her curly, long hair pink and wears an excessive amount of black eyeliner. She has a septum nose ring in the shape of a butterfly and a pretty bold tattoo of the letter A on the side of her neck below her ear—her mother’s first initial, but some look at it and think of The Scarlet Letter. She’s on her way to work. Her parents passed away last year, and now she lives with her aunt in a tiny apartment in Queens. Her aunt made her a promise that she didn’t have to go to school this year as long as she got a job. So naturally, Olive picked a coffee shop in Midtown. “It’s where all the assholes are, Aunt Grace. The meatheads, the hoodlums, the tourists—they all congregate at my coffee shop.” Aunt Grace is not the biggest fan of having her 17-year-old niece travel right into the raucous of Time Square. She sees through Olive’s chill veneer—her hurt and big brain masked behind makeup and a stellar performance of “I don’t give a shit.” Olive is quintessentially brilliant. She was tested at a young age for an IQ score and found out she was in the top 2 percent of the world at her age. She refuses to get tested again, not for fear that she will have fallen behind, but for just the opposite—for fear that her score will be even more impressive and “they” will sit her in a think tank or ship her off to do long division somewhere until all of her brain cells die. She has read just about everything that has a spine or a library code, and yet, she is rarely amused by any of it. If Olive had it her way, she’d be a starving artist—hitchhiking her way to some rural landscape, finding earthly materials to paint with, and blogging her experiences with people from different cultures around the world.

3:45pm Olive usually walks down to Central Park when she gets off of work. Sometimes she runs, but it’s a cold day out and kind of gloomy. She loves these days—the days when the people seem to be more capricious than normal and she can find a nook somewhere she can sit and watch the melancholy mood dissipate into the grey air. It always seems quieter on these days, more people with their headphones in and their caps on, blinding their focus from the inherit craziness singing in the background. She remembers it’s her birthday. It’s been a whole year since her parents died. She dials her mom’s phone number and listens for the voicemail message: “Hi, you’ve reached Abagail, sorry I can’t come to the phone right now, probably doing something fantastical with Olive right now. I’ll call you back when I get a chance. P.S. if this is Grace, you know where to find me.” Olive is not a crier. She rarely shows her emotions, especially to the people around her. But right now, she sits alone on a park bench, bawling her eyes out, wishing time and memory flowed backwards. What a perfect moment to start questioning everything around her—how time keeps getting faster, how babies are being born but others are dying. How the world seems to be constantly growing, and yet, this city has bolted her down and she can’t escape to see what’s out there and who’s living as vivid and complex a life as she is. She starts getting stuck inside her head, trapping her beautiful, yet damaged mind inside. She feels swallowed in a sea of thoughts and tumbling emotions that are rising like a maverick. She can’t contain it anymore. She erupts—she opens her big mouth and screams. Silence. No one is around her. The world has just stopped—frozen in time and place. She turns her head to see if she can move. Nothing happens, no sounds, just silence. Then, wham! A cab flips over and smashes into a tree.

Jack

4:13pm Jack usually gets picked up by Stewart after school, but he decides to ditch his driver and catch a ride in a cab downtown to Central Park. The clouds are hanging especially low, blanketing the city in its sorrows—these are the kind of days he likes. His driver slams on the breaks. However, the car beside goes flying through the intersection, but it doesn’t make it through the red light in time. The cab is hit by a fast moving semi, is vaulted into the air, and strikes a tree upside down. Jack tells his driver to go ahead and turn around to take him back home. The road would be closed soon, and if he stayed at the park, there would be too much traffic to ever get back home in time for dinner. Dinner’s always at a hard 6:00pm, after indoor lacrosse practice, but he skipped today…didn’t have the heart for it.

Jack’s birthday has always weighed on him, but this year has been especially heavy. His parents have pressured him more, his friends are mostly heroin addicts, and the girl he has been inconveniently crushing on for the past three years is stuck like glue to the hot glow-up from sophomore year. He turns his head out the window and watches as the people dance about the street, always rushing—places to be, people to meet, busy lives to attend to. For the rest of the cab ride home, Jack ponders the irrevocable power of freedom and silently cries in the back of the cab. He wonders if there is a person out there that will make him dance.

Olive

11:34pm Olive walks through the front door. Grace jumps up from the kitchen table and runs to her. “Where have you been? Don’t you do that to me again!” Grace has tears in her eyes. She grabs Olive and holds her in her arms. Olive explains that there was an accident near the park, so she walked for a couple miles before calling a cab the rest of the way home. “Hun. You have to be careful. It’s a zoo out there this time of the year and I HATE the idea of you being alone, especially today.” She plays with Olive’s hair. Olive looks into her eyes and starts sobbing again. She can’t hold it back anymore. It’s been a year since she cried—that’s how tough Olive’s cover-up has become, that’s how much time she has spent packaging all of her emotions into a tiny box and burying them deep into a pit in her soul. No longer, she has freedom from her pain at that exact moment. It’s fleeting though. Olive snaps back to reality and pushes Aunt Grace off of her. She wipes her tears and tells Grace that she isn’t hungry and just wants to be alone, again…a ploy to start hiding her true self from those who get too close to her.

She lies flat on her back on her bed and stares at the ceiling. Her mom was a fantastic artist and used to paint with Olive all the time. When her parents passed, she went digging under their bed for the boxes of old school supplies and random crafts until she found these paintings. She had stapled them to the ceiling. Aunt Grace was against Olive putting holes in the ceiling, but it didn’t bother Olive one bit. “What’s it like up there, mom? Is it colorful and just all that you hoped it would be?” Olive has the particular feeling that no matter what she does, everything will always go wrong. It’s like everyone around her is just living such a normal and simple life, but she has these powers to see the future and know that something—her passions, her love life, her job, her cares, her worries—will always go wrong. She’s coped this past year in her own silent, painful way. She wears threaded friendship bracelets and rubber bands over her wrists to hide the pain from the naked eye, but what the eye can’t see is that she is secretly scabulous. She is proud of her scars, of the character and the meaning behind where they are and how they got there. She plays with them like autographs on her body that she doesn’t share with the world. They remind her of her identity and how she got to this particular place of hell in her life. They speak of her brilliancy, of her broken mind and damaged heart. She gets out her phone and dials her mom’s number again. She can hear it ring in the box that she keeps it in, tucked away on the top shelf of her closet. It’s her namesake, and she must never let anyone take it away from her. Aunt Grace doesn’t know she has it for fear she would rip it away from her on a forced path of closure and acceptance. But, Aunt Grace, how the FUCK ARE YOU SUPPOSED TO ACCEPT THAT YOUR MOTHER WAS FUCKING KILLED?

Aunt Grace knocks on the door, and Olive lets her in. Grace apologizes, but Olive knows it’s not her fault. She pats the bed for Grace to come and lie down with her. They stare at the ceiling while Aunt Grace tells old stories of Abagail and the crazy, stupid adventures they would have as kids. How Abagail fell in love so young and then had Olive.  How Olive was such a tiny baby, born 3 months early, yet grew up to a be such a feisty, resilient, and brilliant young woman. The world seems to be spinning slower tonight with Aunt Grace sharing her memories about Olive’s mother. This whole year has seemed, to Olive, to be growing faster in time, as though the moon has been gravitating farther from this earth, and so she was spinning faster and faster until now. Now, it finally stops. The moon returns, and there is a brief moment of clarity for Olive. “Aunt Grace, do you ever feel like you’re stuck in one body, occupying just one space and it will never change? That people around you will continue to live freely but you will essentially never grow up to understand the world and what it has to offer? That you’re just a gawky kid from Queens who has lived the same day over and over again and nothing about it will ever change… “And that maybe you’re supposed to meet someone who will change your world? That there is somebody perfect out there, just for you and you’re supposed to spend eternity together, because he is the cosmic balance to your failures?” Aunt Grace doesn’t have an answer for her. So for the remainder of her 17th birthday, they lie together, with Olive’s head resting on her aunt’s shoulder. Olive feels safe for the first time in what seems like ages. She likes it and holds on to that feeling for as long as she can.

Tuesday, December 18, 2018 Jack

10:00am There’s a school trip to the Met to see the new exhibit on Art and Conspiracy, how everything is connected—public policy and the expression of artists who explored the hidden operations of power and the symbiotic suspicions between government and its citizens. However, Jack’s class is comprised of kids who spend their time vacationing in the Hampton’s and whose parents are politically powerful in the Republican party. Therefore, they aren’t interested in artists who unveil how the government is hidden in webs of deceit.

Olive

9:00am Aunt Grace wakes Olive. “Let’s go to the art museum today. C’mon girly, call off work this one time. We didn’t get to do anything for your birthday yesterday, and it’s the perfect day to go. It’s raining and you looove the Met. You can’t deny it.” Olive smiles and already knows the answer. All Aunt Grace had to do was say the word “Met” and Olive would be snapping on her shoes and out the door.

10:00am They arrive with a huge crowd of prep boys from the Academy down the street. Olive looks at them with disgust. “Look at them with their perfect hair and pocket squares in their suit jackets, so precise and perfect. Their lives so plain and planned—destined for wealth and authoritative power.”

Jack

10:38am Jack is drawn to the stunning expression of freed meaning and colorful revelations. He approaches an especially extraordinary depiction of Gerald Ford being pulled by a puppeteer behind the stock mark exchange. It’s exactly how he feels. Someone is pulling on him, his heart, and he can’t see who. He walks towards the art piece. There’s a tall white wall separating the room into two sides. He leans his right shoulder against the wall as he looks at the picture. He stops and feels the wall with his hand.

10:41am The hopeless romantic questions, “Is it her?” The woman who is tugging on his heart and pulling him along. The woman who has been dragging him around the city, pushing him to think that there is more of the world out there than what his school has taught him and his parent have preached to him. More than the uniform thought that people live such boring, regular lives, but that there are people who claim a dynamic life of excitement, complication, and vividness. These thoughts come flooding in; he can’t imagine anything else but that there is someone with just as beautiful a heart and complex a mind as him. A woman who will flip him upside down and change his world.

Olive

10:41am She stands with a white wall on her left side as she stares up at two black and white paintings. One is an alien, and she knows that’s exactly how she feels. An out of body experience occurs. She is lifted up out of her body. She feels pulled along, with increasing thoughts that there is more to this world, to this universe than this one place that she has stayed all her life. There is more out there, a reason her parents were killed by a drunk driver. A reason they left this earth and flew into the sky. There is a person who lives at this exact moment who is drawing her in, her heart, her mind. Then…

The Meantime

10:42am Nothing. A moment of tangency flees from the mind; the simple sample size of the original thought that the people of this world stand still and their lives are of no real meaning, just random commotion, comes back into focus. Jack turns to his left and walks away. Olive turns right and tells Aunt Grace she should leave.

10:43am A failed occhiolism: they never became aware of the smallness of their perspectives, in which they could never draw a meaningful conclusion about their worlds, and how they could have crossed paths and added to the complexities of the world’s great culture. A moment so innocuous, but with a chance for it marking the diversion in a new era of life. Like they just missed their cue. Two people who share a parallel story, harmonizing in what could have been a wilder experiment if she just turned the corner and crossed his path. But life is an unrepeatable anecdote. A universal flaw that the epiphanies of Jack and Olive were imperceptive and fleeting, until nothing was left but the echo of what might have been.

[astrofireworks]

the one in which ballet dancer Eunwoo meets synchronic dancer Bin 

YOU’RE LITERALLY LIVING A ROMANCE FILM ANON I hope you never get dropped again!!!!

also just a disclaimer i have never attended a single ballet lesson and all my dancing knowledge comes from 1) nyu’s kpop dance team 2) that one weekly idol episode where daniel danced 

Bin flopping around Jinjin's bed because???? He has an extra slot for a two-credit class in his schedule and he doesn't know what to take???? 

Rocky prodding him from where he's sitting cross legged on the floor to take Regression Statistics with him 

But Bin also swore never to take math in his life ever again so 

Jinjin sighing and shoving Bin off his bed and pulling up the course catalog on his laptop 

Jinjin: "I'm going to load up the course catalog right now and we're going to scroll through it" 

Bin, whining; "but I've scrolled through it so many times-" 

Jinjin, smacking Bin's arm to shut him up: "and we're each going to yell stop and from the three we've ended up with, you have to pick one." 

Rocky perking up slightly 

Jinjin: "one,, two,, three,,,,,,,," 

Rocky: "STOP" 

Jinjin: "architecture 101" 

Bin wincing before saying: "stop" 

Jinjin: "probability" 

Bin looking ready to throw up 

Jinjin stopping on his own accord: "Showcase: Ballet - it sounds like it'll be fun????" 

Rocky: "and it'll help?? for our dance minors too?" 

Bin: ??????? "But we're in in the school synchronics team, not fricking ballet???" 

Jinjin rapping Bin on the head: "yeah but Rocky has about 6 more years of ballet experience under his belt than you do and he can do spins better than you - perhaps this will be a good learning experience?" 

Bin squawking in indignation before thinking about it and flopping over, head on Rocky's thigh: "I suppose???? I don't mind ballet?" 

Rocky snorting and ruffling Bin's hair: "you just want to meet cute ballet boys" 

Bin shoving Rocky slightly 

And so it was decided that Bin would take a two-credit ballet class. 

Rip any cute ballet boys, here Bin comes!!

MJ whining into his coffee that he doesn't want to go to claaaaaass, Eunwoo, please make mornings longerrrrrr 

Eunwoo snorting and pushing MJ's head out of his cup: "perhaps you should reconsider taking 8am classes next semester" 

MJ whining that he really had no choice, but Eunwoo's tuned him out 

He's excited (sort of?) for his first day of classes, even if all he has today is Language & Mind and a two-credit ballet class 

He's spent all his life in ballet studios - he'll be fine in this class, he thinks 

A free two-credit class is always good right? 

And since he's majoring in performing arts with a specialisation in ballet it'll be relevant to his major too 

And he can make more friends!! Something MJ's been bugging him to do 

(Okay, more like MJ: "go get laid, Eunwoo" but same thing, right?)

Eunwoo stepping into the ballet studio later in the day 

And he's the first one, of course - Eunwoo's always the first one 

Eunwoo settling down his backpack and starting to stretch 

The door creaking open 

Eunwoo peeks from where his leg is up on the barre 

And sees a boy woefully underdressed for ballet 

??????? What the hell maybe he has clothes in his backpack he hasn't changed into? 

Eunwoo looks down at his own white shirt and black tights and back up at the guy 

In a loose tank and basketball shorts 

And watches as the guy settles down on the floor 

Eunwoo, wincing: "uh you should probably change before the instructor comes?" 

The guy blinking 

Nice eyelashes, Eunwoo's brain comments 

Nice smile too! Eunwoo's brain adds, raking its obviously metaphorical eyes downwards 

Very very nice arms, Eunwoo's brain notes 

Bet you'd like to feel them around you, Eunwoo's brain offers 

Eunwoo chokes slightly and motions to his own clothes 

Bin blinking because uhhh he doesn't have that outfit 

But also woweeeeeee a cute guy already? With a beautiful voice???? 

Bin's blessed 

And is everyone going to be in white shirts and black tights?? Bin's dream tbh 

Bin slightly stunned because wow he finally made eye contact with the angel

His initial overview the moment he stepped into the room was right - this guy's easily one of the most beautiful people he's ever seen 

Perhaps he should change his major from food science to performing arts 

The angel blinks and Bin watches as his eyelashes brush his cheeks in nearly slow motion and feels his heart nearly stop 

Rocky's voice in Bin's head: "cute ballet boys!!" 

Bin smiling slightly up at Eunwoo: "well, I don't have that outfit but I'm sure I'll be able to get some for the next lesson?" 

Eunwoo, slightly stumped because how do you come into a ballet lesson?????? Without the proper attire????????

Is this guy kidding???

Bin wiggling under the angel's stare: "it's my first time taking a ballet class in uni!! I've taken them in a dance academy before though?" 

Eunwoo wondering how on earth someone like this managed to get into a ballet showcase class 

Probably smiled at the placement instructor and charmed his way in 

Not that Eunwoo would have said no either

Eunwoo @ himself: whAt

Bin getting to his feet and sticking out his hand and smirking: "I'm Bin!" 

Eunwoo staring at Bin's hand dubiously before slowly nudging his own into Bin's: "I'm Eunwoo?" 

And as people slowly filter into the class and begin stretching, Eunwoo resumes his stretching and Bin resumes his watching Eunwoo 

Eunwoo: "don't u need 2 stretch" 

Bin: 

Bin: "o right ok" 

Eunwoo blinking in disbelief 

Their instructor coming in and just giving them a briefing in the first half hour then asking them to dance something short for the whole class 

And of course, Cha Eunwoo goes first 

And when he starts dancing Bin's eyes nearly fall out 

Because wow he knows his ballet basics (enough to admit him into a dance minor, he might add) and he's grown up around dance but 

This guy makes it look so effortless

He makes going on pointe look like he's being pulled up by invisible angel wings 

He makes spins look like someone's wrapped him in strings and decided to unravel him like a ball of yarn 

He makes leaps and jumps look like he's floating on clouds and he makes landings sound like he never got pulled down by gravity in the first place 

Bin's eyes following every motion and every line this guy's body makes, every slide and jump until Eunwoo slows to a stop and takes a bow 

Bin's heart sinking as he watches everyone else take their turn - they're mostly performing arts majors doing some kind of ballet and they've more or less 5 or so years of ballet experience under their belt 

But, he notes, Eunwoo seems to be the best one out of all of them 

And then his name is called and he's fumbling his way to the centre of the room and swallowing his dread and "hi, I'm moonbin, I'm a food science major and I'm minoring in modern dance and hip hop and uh,,, I'm one of the main dancers for the uni synchronic dance team?" 

Eunwoo's heart sinking because this guy doesn't even minor in ballet 

How can he work with someone like this for a showcase? 

But then Bin starts popping and moving his body in ways that Eunwoo ?????? has never seen before 

Eunwoo's eyes growing rounder and his mouth falling open 

Wow

The way??? Bin dances is mesmerising???? 

His feet move so fast??? And his lines are all controlled and fluid and beautiful and ???  

And the way he's making eye contact with everyone around the room??????? His stage presence ??? amazing???? 

Eunwoo's Shookt™

Eunwoo's heart nearly stopping when Bin glances his way with a smirk and a wink 

Also Bin spinning on his heel instead of his toes and Eunwoo wincing but 

The instructor carefully clapping along with the rest of the class and hesitantly: "uhhhh well that was different,,,, but good!! an interesting different??" 

????????????????

And Eunwoo can see the confusion on her face as she smiles and waves at Bin to sit down

And he understands because while Bin has skill, where does a hip hop dancer fit into a showcase????

Bin flushing and brushing his bangs away from the forehead and taking a seat 

Sure, someone’s been doing ballet all his life but it doesn’t mean he’s better than Bin at other forms of dance!!

Their instructor telling them about the showcase details and laying out several different items she has planned 

Eunwoo already eyeing the main position for the dances and trying to work out in his head which ones he’d be able to take

Bin inspecting his fingernails and also inspecting other people in the room

And suddenly class is over and their instructor is calling for “Eunwoo and Bin to come up to the front please?”

Eunwoo blinking 

He’s pretty sure he did well - what did he do to get called up first lesson???

Instructor @ Eunwoo: “alright so you seem like the most dependable one here??? also you look like you have the most experience”

Eunwoo: confused nodding

Instructor @ Bin: “ok and you have the least experience”

Bin: also confused nodding but liking where this is going

Eunwoo: very not liking where this is going

Instructor: “Can i pair you up and trust that you’ll help Bin as much as possible? For extra credit, of course?”

Eunwoo:

Eunwoo:

Eunwoo, a weakling for extra credit: “ah alright fine”

Bin: :~) 

And that’s how Eunwoo ends up on MJ’s bed, whining about the guy with no current ballet experience who came in in basketball shorts (”basketball shorts !!!!!!!!!!! MJ!!!!! basketball shorts!!!!!!”) to class that Eunwoo now has to partner 

I mean, he still has to wait for the next lesson to see how bad Bin actually is - Bin might actually not be bad at all? but you know, same complaint still stands 

MJ, flipping a page in his magazine: “yeah well, is he cute, at least?”

Eunwoo, pausing to consider and remembering the way Bin’s arm muscles looked in that tank

Eunwoo: “um, I guess?”

MJ, glancing through the page and flipping the page again: “well if he has any cute synchronics dancer friends,,,,”

Eunwoo: 

MJ: “you could always get him to introduce them to me?”

Eunwoo groans and flops back - he swears he’s going to kill MJ in his sleep 

[easyobsession]

dwts25 cast announcement (aka lo is STILL recapping this crap?)

Jesus lord help us all, the shit storm covered in glitter is back for its 25th season and while I’m highly doubtful I’ll post weekly because I’m still upset over last season and pretty fed up with a certain pro at the moment, I’m feeling generous and somewhat indebted to tradition to at least do a post on the cast reveal.

Wow, that was a long ass sentence.

 *A quick sidenote before we start- you guys, I actually know who all except 4 of these people are!! This might be a record. Good on you, ABC.

The Guys

DEREK FISHER with pro partner SHARNA BURGESS

Speaking of people I don’t know… He’s an athlete, what do you expect? He used to be a basketball player, right? Does he still play? Was he any good? They got Kobe Bryant to send a message, but is that because of Derek or just ABC’s connections? I have no clue. Instant judgment says he won’t be great.

DREW SCOTT with pro partner EMMA SLATER

Who doesn’t love the Property Brothers? When I first heard about Drew as a possible contestant, I wasn’t shocked. He and his brother seem pretty easygoing and willing try almost anything- and out of the two I think Drew is a little less likely to worry about the stereotypical possibility of looking “less masculine.”  I think Drew could be good- he’s insanely tall, which might work against him, but he seems really excited and I bet he works hard. I’m excited about him.

FRANKIE MUNIZ with pro partner WITNEY CARSON

Loved Malcolm in the Middle. And Agent Cody Banks, with Hillary Duff? AND BIG FAT LIAR, WITH AMANDA BYNES BEFORE SHE LOST HER MIND? And that Disney Channel movie (back when they were DCOMs) where he was in a kid in a wheelchair that raced in a soapbox derby? God, what a throwback. Apparently since then he’s gotten pretty into racing for real, however I don’t see us having another James Hinchcliff on our hands. Even in the 2 second intro they did on GMA he looked stiff and awkward. I don’t see this lasting long at all. Shame.

JORDAN FISHER with pro partner LINDSAY ARNOLD

Forget Hamilton, this boy is from the Disney Channel! Liv and Maddie, anyone? TEEN BEACH MOVIE? It’s Seacat, y’all! He’s gonna kill it and it’s gonna be so fun to watch. I think he and Lindsay (who shall from this moment on be known this season as LindsAY, not to be confused with fellow contestant LindsEY) will be a great team with a lot of energy. He won’t win though, due to the Disney Channel curse. In true Disney star tradition though, he will likely get second place. (Somewhere in the distance Kyle Massey, Zendaya, and Corbin Bleu are having a Disney Kid/DWTS Runners Up club meeting. Meanwhile Sabrina Bryan is nearby plotting to burn down ABC headquarters.)

NICK LACHEY with pro partner PETA MURGATROYD

First One Tree Hill, now this. The man is out to conquer the world. I don’t think he’ll be as good as Drew (his brother, not the other contestant this season) and I almost think his wife will outdo him by just a hair. That said, I don’t see him being awful. Along the lines of boyband members, I can see him maybe a little behind the others like Nick Carter and Lance Bass, and probably not nearly as good as Wanya Morris or Joey Fatone. I think Nick will start off okay and slowly work his way up, but I don’t think it’ll be a fast or easy process. But as long as he and Vanessa don’t bitch and moan about their spouses like Carlos and Alexa PenaVega did, I’ll be happy.

TERRELL OWENS with pro partner CHERYL BURKE

It’s Terrell like Cheryl, not Tuh-rell. He is (was?) in the NFL. That sums up my knowledge of this man. I assume he was (is?) pretty good from the way people talk about him? He looks pretty graceful and I doubt they’d give Cheryl anyone too shitty since it’s such a big deal she’s back. I don’t know. The only football knowledge I have is from Friday Night Lights. Clear eyes, full hearts, can’t fuck it up in the ballroom.  

The Girls

BARBARA CORCORAN with pro partner KEO MOTSEPE

I actually have watched quite a bit of Shark Tank since Robert Herjavec’s season, so I know Barbara! She’s 68, so good for her, though since she’s with Keo we know she won’t last long. Though I doubt she’ll be much good, I know Barbara is very spunky and look forward to seeing her.

DEBBIE GIBSON with pro partner ALAN BERSTEN

One of the 4 I don’t know. Apparently she had a hit in the 80s that I’ve never heard of and she’s currently battling Lyme disease, which I also know nothing about. But after a quick trip to the trusty Mayo Clinc’s website, I learned that Lyme disease is basically a bacterial disease transmitted by deer tick bites (check yourself, kids!), with symptoms that can include a rash, flu-like symptoms, joint pains, and neurological problems. So Debbie has a lot going on. All of that said, I can see her being a bit like one of the higher-skilled housewives when it comes to skill- not epic, but not too bad.

LINDSEY STERLING with pro partner MARK BALLAS

I think I’m rooting for her to win. Of course we’ve all seen her- she’s performed on the show multiple times (Maks and Meryl, week 3 Foxtrot. Look it up.), She’s cute as button and apparently she and Mark have known each other for a while. I’m excited. I think she’ll do well. It’s gonna be weird seeing her dance with a person though instead of her violin.

NIKKI BELLA with pro partner ARTEM CHIGVINTSEV

I’m a WWE girl, so I know Nikki. Since the proposal at Wrestlemania in April she’s taken time off from wrestling, but she’s still around starring on the WWE reality show Total Divas as well as the spinoff Total Bellas, starring her and her twin sister Brie. Whether or not she’ll be any good is a huge question mark, because while being in amazing physical shape, obviously wrestling has a little less finesse than dancing. Fellow WWE superstar Chris Jericho competed in season 12 with Cheryl and came in 6th (he wasn’t great, and he’ll gladly tell you that himself), however I think Nikki being a woman gives her an advantage over the male wrestlers. The guys in WWE don’t have to worry about being sexy (though some are- Seth Rollins, call me) but the girls, while times have progressed and are now seen as equals in terms of talent, do have to be a little more graceful, so to speak. All of this being said, I’m not sure how well she’ll do. But I’m excited to find out.

SASHA PIETERSE with pro partner GLEB SAVCHENKO

I didn’t watch Pretty Little Liars, but I know who she is. Another one too cute for words. I hope she does well.

VANESSA LACHEY with pro partner MAKSIM CHMERKOVSKIY

I don’t really know what Vanessa has done aside from being a wife/mom and a TRL VJ back in the day. But she looks like she can shake her booty and I think she’ll do well with Maks. I can see them being a lot of fun. I also think she and Nick seem less timid than Carlos and Alexa, and I’m crossing my fingers that they understand the concept of the show is to win with your partner, not cry about how much you wish could be dancing with your husband instead (because that’s NOT HOW IT WORKS, ALEXA). So I’m pumped. I also hope the troupe is prepared to open the DWTS daycare for all of these children that will need watching while the mommies and daddies go to work.

VICTORIA ARLEN with pro partner VAL CHMERKOVSKIY

The final cast member I do not know. I looked up her story though, and I can see why Val has been so pumped about her. She seems AMAZING. For those of you also in the dark, here’s some info I’m copying from the internet:

“At the age of 11, Victoria developed two rare conditions and lost the ability to speak, eat, walk and move. She slipped into a vegetative state in which recovery was unlikely. She spent nearly 4 years "locked" inside her own body, completely aware of what was going on, just unable to move or communicate. Doctors believed there was little hope of survival and recovery was unlikely. In 2010, Victoria began the nearly impossible fight back to life. She learned how to speak, eat, and move all over again. She competed in the 2012 Summer Paralympics held in London as a member of Team USA and she won four medals: one gold and three silver. In April 2015, she made the transition from professional athlete to sportscaster and joined ESPN as one of the youngest on air talents hired by the company. In April of 2016, she defied yet another odd and learned to walk after spending nearly a decade paralyzed from the waist down.”

And she’s TWENTY-TWO, Y’ALL. Let’s all take a quick moment to examine our lives- WE’RE ALL FAILURES. LOOK AT THIS GIRL. SHE’S A REAL LIFE SUPERHERO. Also one of the ones I’m excited to see and rooting for (despite some shit I won’t get into. Check my twitter. It’s there somewhere).

The Troupe and Pro Decisions

TIME TO POP BOTTLES, Y’ALL. YOU KNOWN DAMN WELL WHY I’M CELEBRATING. However I’m also hesitantly holding back bc until the first episode airs and a little blonde man doesn’t magically come out dancing with his celebrity partner along the lines of Michelle Obama, Ellen DeGeneres, Christ himself, I won’t be 100% convinced we’ll get such a huge season without God’s Gift To Movement. (#SQUEREK- MY VALDAYA FAM CAN ENJOY THAT THROWBACK. YOU’RE WELCOME.)

On a completely different topic, Mark is back. Woot! With his creativity and LindsEY’s talent with a violin, I’m super pumped to see what he comes up with.

Also Alan has been upgraded to a pro. Yay Alan!

I’m sad Sasha isn’t a pro this season because we all love him and he’s done so great with his past partners, but I think a large part of him being a pro depends on if they can find someone that balances will with his height. So I’m sad, but happy he’ll be around at least on troupe.

On  a similar note though, who cares about height? Sasha is clearly a great teacher. Keo, however, though I’ve got mad love for the man, has proven time and time again that he needs some time on troupe to work on his teaching skills. I realize Barbara won’t ever be the next Laurie Hernandez, but regardless. I’m not happy they moved him up.

I’m also sad that a few favorites won’t be around like Karina and Tony. (dude, Karina went from this to attempting to date Chad from Jojo’s season of the Bachelorette on that new E! show. What the hell happened to our girl?)

The Judges

As far as I know they’re the same. Yippee -.- but guess what I’m pissed about y’all! SHIRLEY BALLAS IS JOINING THE JUDGING PANEL OF STRICTLY COME DANCING. WHICH IS NOT DWTS. WHY DO THEY GET HER AND WE’RE STUCK WITH CARRIE ANN AND JULES? What sick form of bullshit is this? I’ve said before I want both of Mark’s parents on the panel, plus Anna Trebunskaya (who just had a baby boy- CONGRATULATIONS ANNA!!!) and if Maks is competing and can’t judge, then Bruno, because I love his insanity and inappropriate innuendos. So damn you, Strictly!!

Predictions (in no specific order)

EARLY EXIT/THE BILLY RAY SCHOOL OF DANCE: Barb, Derek, Frankie

MIDDLE OF THE ROAD/BE GLAD YOU DON’T HAVE TO LEARN 46 NUMBERS FOR THE FINALE: Nikki, Terrell, Nick, Sasha, Debbie

GOING ALL THE WAY/STILL FINDING GLITTER IN YOUR DRAIN 6 MONTHS LATER: Jordan, LindsEY, Vanessa maybe, Victoria, Drew

For the final 3? As of lately I’m questioning damn near everything in my life, but I’ll give it a shot. Final 3 LindsEY, Jordan, Victoria. I’d normally guess Jordan for second, but with these girls I’ll guess Jordan 3rd and…. gah, this is hard. I want to say LindsEY will win, but I almost think Victoria will get it. I have a feeling this will flip-flop a lot. Okay, final guess pre-premiere is Jordan 3rd, LindsEY 2nd, and Victoria wins. But I’m not 100%.

Whew. Thank god I’m finally done writing this. If you actually read the whole thing, god love ya.

I’m still on social media @lauthom93 and love a good discussion, debate, or argument- not just about DWTS but anything at all, so hit me up there or right here on tumblr.

Back to my regularly scheduled madness. You know I’m sending love and gestures kids shouldn’t mimic.

Lo.

[jungnoir]

to the rhythm;

kim yugyeom | “I just got partnered with you in dance class and I can’t dance for shit” dancer!au | 1.6k words. | suggestive, implied sexy time at the end. requested.

a/n: song yugyeom and reader dance to is here.

There was practically no debate when it came to the best dancer in your hip hop dance class. Even if the challenge to point out the “best dancer in the class” arose, every head was bound to turn toward the six foot dancing machine, Kim Yugyeom. And I mean, who could blame them? He was stunning on the dance floor in every way possible. You’d often find yourself losing breath watching him dance just because he had everyone’s attention when he moved, and there was no doubt that any step or twirl or drop was being seen and recorded into each dancer’s mind over and over again for reference. Not like anyone could dance as well as he could anyway, but they could imitate. 

You, on the other hand? Any attempt you made at dancing was laughable. So laughable in fact, that when your dance teacher had announced you of all people would be partnered up with Yugyeom, the class broke into a fit of disbelieving giggles, much to your embarrassment. Even you were sure your teacher was just poking fun at you, and that he’d end up dancing with Jung Hoseok, arguably Yugyeom’s biggest opponent in the whole class, or even Son Hyunwoo for size. But a full minute passed, and your teacher was staring expectantly at you to move from your place in the very back of the room to front and center... right next to Yugyeom.

To say the least... you were mortified.

“Don’t listen to them,” Yugyeom says with a reassuring smile, a large hand snaking around your waist to pull you in a little closer, the other pairs of dancers in the room casting jealous glares your way, “anyone can dance if they put their mind to it. You’ll be a pro in no time.”

“I don’t think you comprehend, Yugyeom. I don’t have ‘no time’. I barely have the seconds I’m not practicing right now. If you want to save your grade, we need to go to the teacher now and ask for a partner change-” “Running off already? I haven’t even started with you yet.” Yugyeom grabs at your hand before you can slip away toward the teacher, and he surprises you with a reassuring squeeze against your sweaty palm (oh god, your palms were sweating and the best dancer in class just felt that). He looks convinced he can fix you, and that’s a very dangerous thought in your opinion.

Why was he so confident he could turn a walking dancing disaster like you into something even remotely comparable to him? And why was he not letting go of your hand...?

“You’re going to regret this, you know. Seriously.” You try to deter him once more, but the power to fight him is losing its strength when he’s already got you huddled in a corner, the wheels turning in his head and very visibly showing on his smirking face. 

Casting you a knowing glance, he slips his hand from yours to grab the strap of his backpack, “The theme for the dance is synergy. Perfect practice for a self-proclaimed bad dancer. Let’s get cracking tonight when the dance rooms are open, and wear your comfiest shoes. I’m going to work you until you break.”

And break you did. Multiple times, some in succession.

You’d arrive to the practice room four times a week, maybe five if Yugyeom thought you were seriously slacking. The amount of times you had found yourself dropping to the floor in exhaustion, desperate eyes searching for his in the large mirror before you and asking with your gaze if he could just let you give up now. Every look of that nature earned you another ten minutes of practice, and you soon learned Yugyeom was not a man to be bargained with, no matter how intense your puppy eyes could get.

“You must be a sadist,” you pant through stuttered breaths. Yugyeom stands behind you in the mirror as always, hands clasped behind himself and head held high. He would never look at you on the ground; he wanted you up and dancing, “if I die of exhaustion before we perform, my ghost is going to haunt you for the rest of your life.”

Yugyeom snorts, chancing a glance at your flustered face from below, “You’re so dramatic. The performance is tomorrow anyway, I’m gonna cut this short as soon as we clean up some things... and I don’t recall telling you to stop dancing.”

You start up again, but you don’t miss a chance to stick your tongue out at him when you twirl around. 

You’d be lying if you said you hadn’t improved under Yugyeom’s tyrannical teaching, though you didn’t want to admit it outloud due to your pride. Your steps had gradually gotten stronger, your arm movements more fluid, your balance impeccable. If you could do a side by side comparison of you four weeks ago to you now, you might have laughed in disbelief. But looking at yourself dance now to the seductive beat, you couldn’t keep your chest from quietly swelling with pride. Yugyeom wasn’t just magical dancing on his own; it was like anyone he touched suddenly had his talent.

You couldn’t completely dismiss your hard work however. You had been working the hardest you had ever done when dancing, and it left you winded and exhausted at the end of the day, but the ache in your muscles started to feel more pleasurable than painful the better you got. Even the others in class had to take double takes to be sure they were looking at the same girl that had been at the bottom of the class’ totem pole only weeks before.

In the middle of dancing, Yugyeom suddenly appears behind you, and your breath catches when his large hand closes around your hip, guiding you along in the dance as he dances with you. Broad chest pressed firmly against your back and hips planted at your behind, you find yourself flushing in the mirror, but you keep your composure otherwise.

He leans down to your ear for just a moment, lips ghosting along the shell, “You’re still so stiff. This dance is slow enough, you need to take advantage of your movements,” he takes the hand on your hip off to ghost down your arm and into your own, fingers intertwining with yours. “dance like your boyfriend is in the audience. Dance like you’re seducing him.” 

Was he seriously doing this here? Now? With the two of you alone in the practice room and the setting sun from the window blinding your judgement? 

You say it, even though you know he knows it, “I don’t have a significant other, so sorry if I’m a little rusty.” “Then use me.” Is his quick reply, shameless in words and tone. He sounds like he’s yearning for you already, and you can’t tell if it’s one of his tricks to get you enthralled into the dance or if he really wants you to jump his bones here and now...

But you’re tempted. That’s all you know.

You move with more purpose, more fervor. Your bodies twist and separate and find each other again like water in a dance. Every part of you working against him, every part of him working against you. It’s the very definition of synergy. It’s the very definition of seduction, and he looks far too smug when you let yourself go.

He dips you agonizingly slow as the song reaches its instrumental, now only the lovely bass of the beat shuddering in your bones and the hazy look in your dance partner’s eyes making you heat up. Your skin is burning under his hold, and you suddenly have an urge to fan yourself like a sinner in church. 

Yugyeom’s dip lowers you until your body is flush with the cool, wooden floor, and his body positions above you just right, holding himself up with strength that you see in the thick veins running up and down his biceps and arms. You two are simply panting, sweating, and waiting. For one or the other to make a move.

“You’re on fire, kid.” His breath brushes along your cheeks and you snarl, but you’re not angry. Far from it, if you were being honest.

“Who are you calling kid, kid? Just cause you can teach me how to dance... I should teach you something.” You growl under your breath, much to Yugyeom’s amusement. He drops a knee between your parted legs and you suddenly feel very aware how easily this could change in a minute. How easily it was changing. How easily it would change.

And you love it.

His smile widens as he laughs teasingly, dropping his head and hunching over your body like a wolf having cornered its prey. His eyes take on a darker hue and you realize you’ve invited him to do exactly what you both were thinking. You had no intentions of retracting your words either, and the little shit knew it. “What could you possibly teach me that I wouldn’t already know?” “That cocky look on your face speaks volumes of what you think you’re about to do for me, but I can promise you, I’m not easily swayed. You’re going to have to earn your praise for once, baby boy.” 

“I’m a fast learner.” Yugyeom’s eyes flare once more, and his hands are coming up to the hem of your tank top with a simple question: do you want me too? He doesn’t even have to speak it and neither do you, the burn in your gaze strong enough to say everything you needed to. Yes, I want you.

The wolf grins, readies himself, and pounces.

[bluesakurablossom]

How Can Someone Love Me?: Raph's Love Story

Chapter 4: Stella's Pov... It has been a few weeks since the Hamato family has allowed me to become apart of their lives. They have become very dear and near to my heart each time we do something together, whether it is going on patrols, having adventures here and there, or just enjoying each other's company in the lair having family time. That is the time I love most, because it was like part of my old life was returned to me again of having a family. Master Splinter, whom is now my teacher with him now training me in Ninjitsu, we spend our time meditating and watching his favorite soap operas on TV. I now consider him a second father to me. Donnie has me now help him out with some of his inventions he working on in the warehouse and I have been showing him more efficient ways of how to complete tasks from the knowledge given to me by my cousin, who was an inventor like him. Mikey who can be quite the card, he is very laid back and at times is very energetic when we do anything together like a typical brother and sister. We sometimes play video games, watch movies, and sometimes play a few pranks on the boys which always brings a good laugh for everyone. Leo is like the brother I never had, he shows me ways of how to improve my katas in Ninjitsu or we just have nice conversations while drinking green tea. As for Raph, you could say I love spending time with him the most of all. He has helped me become stronger than what I was before. He makes a great sparring partner for me and we train and exercise together, improving our skills for patrol when we run into enemies. What really makes me surprised is, he doesn't seem to get angry that much anymore when we around each other. If Mikey teases him, he has started to control his anger and learned to let it go. Occasionally I have to do my powers on him, but it was a steady improvement. Our relationship has become stronger with each passing day we spend with each other and my feelings for him become more and more clear, and I could not be any happier knowing that he actually cared and saved me from a despairing life. Raph, I think is like a plaster, when he saved me and from helping me overcome my fear and helping me recover, he's healing the broken cracks in my heart, mending it back together again. He has been the person I have been waiting for a long time and I could not ask for someone better than him. It was a quiet afternoon in the lair and I am starting to wake up from a nap, after doing some chores around the lair. I stretched out my arm and fluttered my eyes open waking up in my very own room. The boys didn't want me to sleep every night on the sofa, so they cleared out a storage room and transformed it into a bedroom for me. I was able to decorate it, to my likings, as it really made me feel right at home. My bedroom was the same size as the boys bedrooms, but I had it on the bottom floor, which I didn't really mind. It was closer to the kitchen, which was great for me since I do get up at times in the night to get a drink of water without disturbing anyone. The boys helped me find the things I needed in order for me to complete my bedroom and I was laying on top of one of those things. It was my big queen size bed with white silk covers and green, blue and brown stripped pillows. I pushed aside my green blanket that lays over my bed off of me as I sat up smiling with content from having another great sleep. In one corner of my room I had a dark blue cushioned chair with two blue silk pillows on top of it with two white window frames above it, with a teal vase on one and a purple iris plant on another. I had a light blue and dark blue stripped rug in front of my bed with two large diamond pattern beanbags on the left side of it. I had a huge painting of a flower garden on the wall and a white dresser underneath it with my makeup, hair and jewelry stands on top of it. I reached beside me as I turned on my white lamp with my crystal purple horse figurine on its hind legs and my drawing pad and my pen, to bring light into the room. I slid off my bed as I went to my mirror on my dresser and I grabbed my hairbrush brushing out my tangled hair. I softly let it down naturally as I fixed my white tank top and smoothed out my black sweatpants. But just then when I thought it would stay quiet I heard screaming and yelling. "Dude you should see your face right now! You look ridiculous!", a voice said "You are just too easy to prank dude!" "Okay Mikey, I'm about to play a prank on you and it's going to involve you picking all your teeth off the floor!", another voice yelled "Oh no, not again", I said, quickly running out of my room I opened the door and sure enough it was Mikey at it again with Raph. I barely had time to step back into my room as Mikey shoved into me running past me, before Raph could of pushed me down to the ground as he was close behind him. Raph chased Mikey around the couch as Mikey kept circling around him, staying out of reach as he laughed like a little kid. Raph growled as he tried to fly across the couch only for Mikey to flip out of reach as he fell to the floor with a hard crash. "Oh god", I said, covering my mouth with my hand, thinking he might be hurt Luckily Raph got to his feet but he was panting hard. "I win, you lose, now you got a big fat bruise!", Mikey said as he held himself up by his arm on a handstand, before flipping up to his feet "You guys? What's going on?", I asked, as I quickly ran over I saw Raph suddenly shot up and he looked around desperately for something. He then grabbed a box near Don's work desk and put it on his head. "Raph, Mikey, what happened?", I asked, walking over "It's nothing Luna, don't worry about it", Raph said, looking away quickly I then got a look of concern. "Raph, why do you have a box on your head?", I asked "Nothing", he said, shaking his head "Why not show your girlfriend Raphie?", Mikey said, in a teasing menacing voice with a smirk "Show her my masterpiece, unless you are afraid" He then started making chicken noises as I heard Raph grunt in frustration and sadness. I started to feel sorry for him as I saw him look away crossing his arms, scrunching up as Mikey continued on with the chicken noises. I then got a serious face as I looked towards Mikey as he did a chicken dance. "Mikey, that's enough!", I said He suddenly stopped as he stepped back a bit in fright. I wasn't showing anger towards him, I was just being firm. I knew if my temper rose, it would only make the situation worse than it needed to be. "Stop that teasing, it's not right", I said, firmly He stood there, like a child trying to look innocent after being caught with their hand in the cookie jar, grinning nervously. I gave him a serious look, making him then frown going silent. I then turned my attention back towards Raph as I placed my hand on his arm. "Raph, show me what he did to you", I said, looking up at him He looked at me uneasily as he still had his face covered with the box. "Well...alright, but don't laugh at me", he said "I won't laugh at you", I said, shaking my head "I promise" I waited for a few moments as I looked at him, showing him I was telling the truth. "Okay, okay", he said He then took the box off his head and uncovered his face as it turns out it was drawn on like a toddler scribbling on the walls. His whole face was covered in black marker with scribbles, drawn on eyebrows, mustache and goatee, and even a message on top of his forehead saying, 'Mikey was here'. "Oh my", I said, surprised "I know I look ridiculous", he said, looking away "No you don't", I said, concerned "Well Mikey said so", he said, pointing towards him I then turned towards him giving a firm look as he laughed nervously. "Did I say that dude?", he asked "Yes, and you laughed and snapped a photo on your phone of it", Raph said, nodding "How could you?", I asked, crossing my arms "I was only playing jeez, he always has to be a hothead about everything", Mikey said, annoyed Raph then growled loudly like a bull, and went running fast towards Mikey yelling as Mikey screamed, running off. I then grabbed Raph's hand as I spun him back around and I hugged him tightly to me, as my power released in a huge quantity. My glowing eyes looked up to him as he panted hard, looking at me with aggression and fire in his eyes. "Shhhhhh Raphael, easy, breathe okay", I said, softly He continued to pant hard, but it started slowing down as my power began to work on him. He then collapsed on his knees against me, holding on to me. I stroked the back of his head and shell gently, easing the last bit of tension that he had inside of him. He then let out a long breath of relief, as his breathing began to steady to a normal rate. "Are you okay?", I asked "Yeah, yeah thanks", he said, nodding I then got up to my feet, pulling him up with me. "Here sit down for a moment", I said, pushing him towards the couch He then sat down relaxing from his outburst. I then turned my attention towards Mikey. "Mikey, that was not very nice of you to say that to him", I said "Stella you haven't been around him like I have, if you were in my shoes, you would know exactly what its like living with him", he said "That's not an excuse Mikey", I said, shaking my head crossing my arms "You shouldn't call your brother that, it's wrong, and most of all its hurtful. It would be the same way if someone called you something that would hurt you too" He then looked down ashamed. "Now I want you to apologize to him", I said "Sorry Raph", he said, softly "Excuse me?", I said, not hearing him well "I'm sorry Raph", he said, louder in a bit of a whiny voice "Good, now you need to delete that photo of him", I said "Stella!", he said, whining "Now", I said, seriously "Okay, fine", he said, in a defeating tone He took out his phone and he did a few taps on his phone and showed me the verification of the photo being deleted, by the image being thrown in the trash bin. "Good you may go on", I said, nodding He then walked away slowly as I walked back towards Raphael, sitting on the couch with his face in his hands. "Raph?", I said, softly He didn't look up from me as I sat down in front of him on the coffee table. "Raph, are you okay?", I asked, gently Finally he looked up at me, and what shocked me is that he had tears in his eyes. "I can't do this anymore Stella", he said, with a hurting voice "Hey hey hey, easy now, talk to me", I said, gently getting on my knees in front of him "Tell me what's wrong" "Everything", he said, shaking his head "What do you mean everything?", I asked "Tell me" "Life in the dark, my appearance, constantly stuck in the same spot day in and day out!", he said, angrily "Shhhh, Raphael easy", I said, soothingly "Calm down" "I just can't take it anymore", he said, putting his face in his hands "Raphael, it's going to be okay", I said, rubbing his shoulder "It's going to be okay" "What's wrong with me Stella?", he asked "Nothing is wrong with you", I said "Let me ask you something, are you angry just because of those things you told me? Or is it something more that you are not telling me?" He nodded. "Which one is it?", I asked "There is something more", he said, mumbling "What is it?", I asked "You can tell me" "My feelings", he said, softly "What about your feelings?", I asked "I hide them with anger", he said "Why do you do that?", I asked, stroking his shoulder "Because no one will understand me", he said, shaking his head "I always show anger, because I'm hiding my real feelings, because I know no one will understand and they will tease me for it" That was just heartbreaking to hear those words come out of his mouth. On the outside of his angry aggressive exterior, there is really someone deep inside who is just looking for someone to listen and to understand him. "Raph, do you hide your feelings because you don't think no one is going to understand you and that you might be turned away?", I asked "Is that why you are angry all the time, so you don't show what you are feeling inside?" He nodded, looking up at me. "Raph, you don't ever have to do that around me, I am willing to listen to you and you don't have to hide your feelings from me", I said "I'm not going to shun or turn you away for it, okay?" He nodded in understanding, as I hugged him to me as he hugged me around my shoulders and he laid his head on my shoulder. "Do you feel better now?", I asked "Now that you had let it out?" "A little", he said, quietly I gave him a squeeze as I smiled thinking of an idea. "Here I think I know what we can do to make it better", I said "How?", he asked, looking up at me "Come with me", I said, getting up He slowly got up and followed behind me. I walked towards the meditation room as I opened the doors, heading inside. As Raph came in behind me, I closed the doors behind me. I took a candle and I lit it with a match as I put it on a candle holder. I set it in the middle of the room as I walked over towards the wall and grabbed a rolled up mat and spread it out in front of Raph. "Lay down", I said, looking at him "What for?", he asked "You will see, just lay down", I said He got down on his hands and knees, and he laid down on his shell looking up to the ceiling. "So what exactly are we doing?", he asked "We are going to be doing a type of meditation, but you don't think you just lay there", I said "This is going to help you relax, it will bring stability and serenity to your mind" "I don't know if meditation is going to help Stella, I'm not the meditating type", he said I giggled. "It will help, believe me", I said "Just close your eyes" He slowly closed your eyes as I took out my phone from my hoodie and I searched online and found the sounds of the sea. I played it as we began to hear the soft sounds of waves crashing down on the shore and the sounds of gulls squawking. "Lay still and just let your mind drift", I said, as I blew out the candle making the whole room go dark "Breath slowly, and release everything on your mind", I said, softly As the sounds continued to play, I sat down beside Raph as I heard him breathe softly in and out. But I could sense he was still tense. I placed my hand on top of his chest gently and I released a small dose of my power over his body. He began to glow a very soft light blue as I could sense he was starting to relax. "Imagine yourself floating on a boat, in the middle of the ocean, the waves are slowly rocking you back and forth", I said, quietly He let out a quiet breath as I could feel more tension release from his body. I knew that this was working. "Relax everything", I said, softly "Relax your shoulder, your arms, your hands, your legs, your feet, and your toes. Just let you mind fall into a deep state of rest" Raph's body soon then began to fully relax, his muscles softened and his heart rate was at a relaxed pace. "Feel a chill run up all the way up from your feet all the way up to your head", I said, gently I then felt him shiver slightly, as if by coincidence he had gotten that chill up his body. He then let out another soft breath of content and relaxation. I smiled seeing him looking at peace and that all the aggression had left, finally leaving him alone. As soon as the music had stopped with one final wave crashing, my hand left his chest as the glow around him began to dim. His hazel eyes began to flutter open, that were now calm and settled. "How are you feeling?", I asked, softly "I feel really...different", he said, as he slowly sat up "This form of meditation is taught to help those who seek out release from stress", I said "And I thought this would help you relax" "It really did actually, I actually feel...good", he said, nodding "I told you it would work", I said, giggling "I guess I really needed this, this really did help me Stella", he said, with a soft smile "It's my pleasure, I am glad I can help", I said "Can we do it again more? This really feels nice", he said "Of course we can, whenever you need it I'll be there to guide you to help you relax", I said, smiling "Just remember when you need to let out your feelings Raph, don't hide them, come to me and we can talk about it, okay?" He nodded smiling, actually looking happy. "Okay", he said I smiled. "Why don't we go get that graffiti off of your face?", I said "Yeah and, after this, I should probably go to Mikey and apologize for snapping at him", he said "I think that would be a good thing to do", I said, smiling "I am proud of you for that" He smiled more as I walked over to him, and I offered him my hand. He took my hand gently getting up to his feet. Surprisingly, he suddenly gave me a hug as I smiled hugging him back. "Thanks Stella", he said "Of course Raphael", I said, smiling "You are welcome" He gave me a squeeze around my body as I blushed red in my cheeks, feeling butterflies fly around in my stomach. "Come on", I said, pulling away I then started walking out of the meditation room with Raph close behind me. I smiled thinking that I am finding a way to get close to him and I was changing the way he can deal with his anger, without using violence. I think now I was helping Raph move into a different direction to happier life. I then lead him towards the kitchen. "Just sit and I'll be right back", I said He went and sat down at one of the dinning room chairs as I went into the kitchen and grabbed a towel from the rack as I turned on the faucet, letting warm water soak it. I squeezed the remaining water of it as I came back towards Raph. "Now let's get that off of you", I said He chuckled slightly blushing a bit in his cheeks. I smiled as I began to work on his cheek, smearing gently the towel over the marker, to try and wipe it off. "So were you like a meditation instructor or something before you came here?", he asked "You kind of remind me of how Leo sometimes watches meditation instructor videos online" "Oh no, my aunt had taught me the meditation when she had visited China during her vacation a few years ago", I said, wiping his forehead with the towel "She took me into the forest where I live in and taught me how to become one with nature, like we what we did" "So you actually lived in a forest?", he asked "Yes exactly, it's actually quite beautiful to live in", I said "What's it like?", he asked I smiled. "Honestly, you feel free. You don't worry about anything, you can just be yourself. I spent a lot of times exploring wherever I can go and I can just be happy and free, like a bird flying through the air", I said "Always wanting to know what else could be out there that you haven't gone beyond" "That sounds really nice", he said "It was", I said, wiping around his cheek "Those were really good memories, if I could, I would go back and relive them over and over again" "Have you ever thought of going back?", he asked "I have often thought about it, but, from what happened, I think it would be hard to see everything different this time", I said, softly "My quiet cottage, my dad's restaurant, and going to seasonal festivals in the village" "Sounds like you had quite a life", he said "I did", I said, smiling a little "It was a good one, until that one moment where I lost everything" I frowned as I sighed softly, rethinking of all those great times I had back at home in Bavaria with my family and how I can never see a future with them anymore. I looked away slightly from Raph as I then felt his hand go on my shoulder. I looked slowly back towards him. "Stella you don't have to worry about what happened in the past anymore, we are going to make your life happy again, okay?", he said, giving me a reassuring look I smiled and nodded. "Thank you", I said He then looked down slightly. "That's a nice necklace you have", he said "Oh thank you, it was my mothers", I said, holding it gently "She gave it to me when I turned ten, she told me that if anything ever happened to her, this would always be a piece of her that I would always have" "So its like the only thing you have left of her?", he asked "Yes", I said, nodding "There is more out there, but I have to go find it, but right now what really matters is that I get my life back in order first" "That's always a good start", he said, smiling I smiled. "Here let's finish cleaning that up", I said, grabbing the towel again "Yeah, let's do that", he said, with a slight chuckle I giggled as I continued to clean up the marker from Raph's face gently as the ink started to come off easily and on to the rag. Soon Raph's face was clear from marker, revealing his dark green face again and all the graffiti was now smeared spots on the towel. "There all done", I said, getting one last spot on his snout "You got everything?", he asked "Got the 'Mikey was here'?" "Yes I am sure of it", I said, giggling "Not a trace of marker anywhere" "Good, I didn't want to look like a dork on going out tonight", he said "Oh yes, that's right", I said, remembering about our date "Were you able to find a place tonight?" "As a matter of fact I did", he said, nodding "Well I certainly can't wait to see it", I said, smiling "Meet me in the tunnel in about an hour, I got to finish up a couple things first", he said "Alright then, I'll see you there", I said, with a smile He smiled and he stood up, giving my shoulder a few squeezes as I looked back at him smiling. I then sighed dreamily, just watching him walk away. My goodness he is so handsome, how can anyone look at him different than what I do? After Raph left the lair, I started to get ready for my date with him. I took a shower downstairs in the bathroom and I wrapped my hair up in a towel drying it as I went over to the mirror. I did a quick brushing of my teeth, washed my face and did a bit of plucking to my eyebrows with a pair of tweezers. I then let my damp hair down from the towel as I started brushing it out, making it nice and smooth, into a braid beside the left side of my head. I combed my bangs over my forehead, giving them a little bit of a pop to them, to stand out. I then began to do my makeup, by first applying light foundation to my skin. I applied dark red blush to my cheeks and smeared on dark black eyeshadow over my eyes. I then put on black mascara over both my upper and lower eyelashes, making my eyes pop. Lastly I brushed on some red sparkle lip gloss to my lips as it shimmered in the light. I then hooked my towel on the hook as I started to get dress for the evening. I had my outfit ready on a stool next to the sink folded up neatly in a pile. I slipped on a loose black and white tank while putting on a dark red coat over it with white cuffs at the end of it. I got into dark skinny black jeans and I sat down on the stool, and I strapped on beautifully lace wedge heels, with little soft velvet black roses on the top. I then stood up as I sprayed on some jasmine and lavender perfume on my neck and both of my wrists. I gave a smile to the mirror, happy how I looked and I walked out of the bathroom, shutting out the light. I then noticed the boys were hanging out in the living room as I walked quietly over. "Guys do I look okay?", I asked They turned to me as I held my hands, interlocking my fingers together as I smiled shyly, waiting for their reactions. Luckily there smiles growing on their faces answered my question. "It's like I have died and see an angel!", Mikey said, with wide eyes and a huge smile I giggled and blushed covering my mouth, with my hand. "Nice outfit Luna", Don said, giving me a thumbs up "Thank you", I said, looking down at it smiling "I tried to do what best I could do, obviously I have never been on a date before" "Raph will love seeing you in this Stella", Leo said, with a smile, placing his hand on my shoulder "Thanks Leo", I said, with a smile up to him I then noticed that the lair was quiet as a mouse and there was no sign of Raph anywhere. "Did he come down here yet? It's a little past eight", I asked, checking my phone "Oh he did, he just wanted you to meet him outside the lair", Don said I then got a little bit of a surprised and yet confused look on my face. "Oh, well, alright then", I said, putting my phone back in my pocket "I guess I will see you boys later than" "Be careful out there", Don said "Don't worry I will be, and if anything happens, I'll be sure to let you all know", I said "I have my shell cell with me" "Don't stay out too late kiddies", Mikey said, with a teasing look I giggled blushing embarrassed, as I started walking out. "Funny, but we won't", I said "Goodnight" "Goodnight Stella, have a good time", Leo said "Thank you, see you later", I said, waving a bit Once I had left the boys, I made my way out of the lair as I exited out the entrance. I expected Raph outside waiting for me, but he was nowhere in sight. Nothing but the dripping sounds of water coming down from the slightly cracked pipes. "Raphael?", I said I looked around confused as I didn't see him anywhere. I started to walk down one way down the tunnel, but then I heard a thud behind me. "Stella", a voice said I suddenly whipped back around gasping softly, but to my relief it was only Raph as he came down from a manhole cover. My eyes nearly pop out of my head as I saw Raphael stand in front of me. From the open manhole cover letting the glowing moonlight fill inside, showed Raph's true beauty. His red eye mask was neatly tied on, looking recently ironed, and his dark green skin shined from being freshly washed. In his right hand he had a bouquet of red roses wrapped together with a red ribbon that shimmered. "Wow, you look great", he said, smiling I smiled blushing a little, as I covered my face slightly. "You don't look too bad yourself", I said, walking up to him "I got these for you", he said, holding the flowers out to me "Oh they are beautiful", I said, taking in the sweet scent as I took them gently from him "You didn't want to say goodbye to your brothers?" "I wanted to meet you out here, since I know for a fact Mikey would of teased me like he has been doing today, I just didn't want to snap again", he said, uneasily looking away I placed my hand on his arm as he looked back at me, and I gave him a reassuring smile. "You don't need to worry about that Raphael, I'm happy that you didn't want what happened earlier happen again, believe me I didn't either. Next time let me talk to him about that, okay?", I said He nodded smiling a little. "Good", I said, with a smile "I hope you will like where I picked, I tried to find somewhere nice but also where I wouldn't be spotted", he said "Raphael you don't have to worry about that, I'm not a picky type", I said "It doesn't matter where we are, all that matters is we have a good time together" "Thanks for understanding", he said "It no worries", I said, smiling "So where is this place exactly?" "It's just right above us, come on", he said, nodding his head towards the tunnel I followed beside him as we walked side by side down the lightly dimmed tunnel. We came up towards a ladder and Raphael started climbing up the ladder pushing over the manhole cover, climbing out. I climbed up behind him as he then offered me his hand to help me, which I gladly accepted. "So where exactly are we going?", I asked "That is for us to know, and for us to find out", Raph said He offered his hand to me as I smiled taking it as he lead me out of the alley. He looked out making sure no one was looking as we then walked across the street towards Central Park. I got a look of curiosity of what might me in store as he lead me deeper and deeper into the park. There was a light breeze out the blew gently against the trees, the sky was a bit cloudy out but not too much to block the beautiful glowing white moon and diamond like stars surrounding it. Raph lead me to a thick part of Central Park where it was more trees surrounding us, a perfect place to be without being seen. As we turned a corner around a tree, I gasped in surprise taking in the beautiful scenery in front of me. Underneath a pair of oak trees was a black metal table, with a white table cloth over it, and chairs, with dark green cushions, with a lighted candle right in the middle of it with plates of schnitzel and a garden salad. In the trees were soft glowing firefly like lights hanging low around the table. The spot was like an island paradise seeing it was near the pond and a bridge leading right towards it. I looked at Raph with wide eyes and my smile widens, unable to say anything. "Here, allow me", he said, gently He lead me over the bridge like a prince guiding his princess to a happily ever after. He then lead me towards the table as he pulled a chair out for me as I sat down. "Raph this is beautiful! I can't believe you put all of this together! It's beyond what I thought I would of seen!", I said, happily "You did amazing!" "Thanks, I tried making it the best I could without making too much of a scene you know", he said, shyly sitting beside me "But I am glad that you like it, I know its kind of last minute, but I wanted to make it special for you, cause you deserve it" "Oh Raph, you are so sweet!", I said, hugging him around his neck as I kissed his cheek His whole face turned red as he rubbed his cheek shyly. "I don't know what to say", I said, as I sat back He then placed his hand on top of mine as I looked at his hand, entangling with mine. I then looked up towards him. "You don't need to, just having you here, with me, is more than anything I want right now", he said He then pulled out two champagne glasses from behind him as he placed them in front of us. "Hope you are hungry", he said, as he popped open a bottle of sparkling water "Of course, this looks really delicious", I said, looking at my plate I then took my fork and knife as I made a small cut in the schnitzel as I took a bite and I smiled happily. "Mmmmmm, this is amazing!", I said "Really? April tried showing me how to do it, but apparently I'm not the best at culinary arts", he said, taking a bite "Well all I can say is that you defiantly out did yourself", I said, smiling as I continued to eat "This is the best schnitzel I ever had" I took a few sips of water before I set my glass back down. "So Luna, I remember you telling me that your dad own a restaurant back in Bavaria", he said "Yes, he was the found and owner of it", I said, nodding taking a bite of my salad "It was one of the most popular restaurants in all of Bavaria, he kept it going for 30 years" "Wow, it must of been a real success", he said, taking a sip of water "It was, my mother and I visited the place often, we never had to pay for our meals", I said "He gave us our own little place in the restaurant that no one else can go to" "Like your own VIP?", he asked, with a chuckle I giggled. "Yes, like that", I said "It was out on the lanai, where you would have a beautiful view of the forest surrounding the village, over the river where my dad and I would skip rocks to see who could go the farthest" "You actually can do that?", he asked, surprised "With a lot of practice you can", I said, nodding "It does take time, but its worth it, one time when I first tried it out I ended up hitting it against the bank and it came bouncing back towards me and land in the water splashing me" He chuckled, laughing a little. "You never know what mother nature throws back at you", he said I laughed. "Oh yes, tell me about it, I have had many experiences with that", I said, as I take another bite of schnitzel "What about you Raph? What was it like growing up in the sewers and becoming a ninja?" "Well, it's not really a life that I thought I would of have, I always thought I would be just a pet of someone", he said "Live out my life in a bowl or tank" "But it looks like a different route was given to you and you became an incredible fighter", I said He smiled. "Thanks, it does do good when you need to know how to protect yourself from a city of enemies", he said "So was it hard to earn the sai's that you have?", I asked, pointing to one as I took a bite of salad "It wasn't that hard but it wasn't easy, so somewhere in between. Splinter gave them to me when I turned fifteen", he said, pulling out one spinning it "Oh so not too long ago", I said, smiling "We were given like wooden and foam weapons to start with as kids before we moved on to the real deal, he gave them to me because I am the defender of the team and that I fight for others as well as myself", he said, putting it back in his belt "Well that clearly pictures who you really are", I said, nodding in agreement "One who cares about others and fights for the ones he loves" He smiled towards me as I gave him a gentle smile in return. As soon as the night began to progress, through all of our talking and laughing, I learned so much about Raphael. He was actually really caring and loving. I can't believe that he was actually hiding these feelings from his family, all I know is that they would certainly love this attitude he had right now. It's unbelievable that anyone can think of him or the other family members as freaks or monsters, always shunned for trying to do good but get treated like every different one gets treated, with no respect and appreciation. No one should be treated like that for trying to do good for one's safety and protection. From that experience of probably happening to him many times, it has turned him more strained and reclusive. But now I think its turned around with me helping him through his feelings and teaching that there is happiness out there, you just got to find it. He really is changing from someone who is so angry and misunderstood inside, to happy and understood. That is something that I admire about him the most, he was actually trying to make a difference in his behavior and change. To try to get happy and become a more confident, stronger person. It makes me fall for him even more. We stayed out till the full moon was high up in the middle of the sky and the clouds were starting to block its glow. I then thought of an idea as it started to get darker with the candles burning out now. I then stood up as I finished my last sip of water wiping my lips with my napkin. "Where are you going?", Raph asked, confused "Come with me", I said, looking back at him I then walked down the hill going towards the edge of the pond. Raph came running quickly behind me as he skidded to a halt and stopped beside me. "It's so dark out", I said, looking around "Yeah, it's way dark out, it looks like its getting really cloudy out", he said, looking up to dark cloudy sky "Well I think I know what we can do to make it light", I said I then hold out my hand as I let my eyes glow releasing energy through my hand to create an orb in my hand. It floated up in the air as it then began to move around us as I moved it with my hand movements as it glowed beautifully. "Wow!", he said "Here, take it", I said, holding it out in front of him He took it into his fingers holding it as I formed another orb in my hand. "Throw yours on the count of three", I said "One, two, three!" We both threw our orbs out across the pond as they flew across the pond, making small waves in the water as it they then flew up in the air and began to circle around each other, picking up speed with each revolution they did. Soon you couldn't see the orbs anymore except for a bright blue light as the orbs move closer together. "What is happening?", Raph asked "Wait for it", I said As the orbs spun faster and faster, the orbs exploded causing a shower of blue stars to slowly sprinkle down surrounding us. Raph looked at it amazed the stars began to rain down on the both of us. "I had been practicing that move for a long time, and I knew that you would of love it", I said, looking at him "And I do", he said, looking at me with a smile As we looked at each other with the stars still surrounding us both, it was almost like we were in fairytale, a romantic love story and right there is my handsome prince just inches from me. My heart is fluttering with so much joy as we slowly made our ways closer towards each other, till we were barely just touching chests. Raph looked happy. He looked the happiest I have seen in since I moved in. That angry miserable turtle I saw just a few weeks ago, was now in the past. "Luna, I have something I want to tell you", he said "It's been hard to hold it in for this long and I feel like its time, like you tell me to do, to finally let it go" "What is it?", I asked, softly Just as Raph was about to open his mouth, a loud bang shook the ground. We both looked up and a huge bolt of lightning flashed across the sky and a huge crash of thunder shook the ground again. Rain drops then came pouring down quickly hard as they immediately started soaking us both. "Awwww man, the old turtle luck run to form", Raph said, kicking away a rock into the pond I just then started laughing, and Raph looked at me confused. "What's so funny?", he asked "Nothing", I said, smiling "Its just I love the rain, it's been so long since I was able to enjoy it" "But it's ruining everything", he said "No it's not", I said, smiling "It's making this night special, I love it" Raph then slowly started to smile. "Well if you love it then that's what matters the most", he said I smiled lovingly towards him. "Now what was it that you wanted to say to me?", I asked He then slowly took my hands into his own that even though they were soaked from the rain that kept coming down, they were warm keeping my hands dry. We stared deeply into each others eyes, it's almost like everything around us was gone and it was just us. "I just want to tell you...how I feel", he said My heart then started pumping fast as my stomach tightened up. "I never had the courage to say this to you before and now I finally do, I am in love with you. I know that it's only been a few weeks since we met, but when I am with you I don't feel so alone and misunderstood anymore. That everything is right where I want it to be. Every time I am near you, you make me feel wanted, cared for and most of all happy. I know that I can't offer you much from my appearance but I want to give you is my love and commitment to you. No matter what happens I will always be there to protect you from anything Stella, its because you have changed me for the better" I flutter my eyes trying to fight back the tears that were coming as I was so overwhelmed with joy from what Raph just shared with me. He did needed love and he found it in me. I have never felt this kind of happiness in my life. "And I love you Raph. I have ever since you saved me from the alley. I know you are right that we have only known each other for a short time, but I don't care. It was love at first sight for me when I met you. What I have been feeling can't be expressed enough through words or feelings, you just came in my life and you lifted me up when I had fallen. I feel like we were destined to find each other for this moment and I thought I would never meet someone like you. You are caring, you are gentle, you are brave and the most special person I have ever known to love me like you do. I truly deeply love you Raph", I said, sniffling I then moved closer towards him as his strong arms wrapped around me as we both smiled happily. "You are...nothing like what everyone says you are", I said, shaking my head "Mostly everyone does", he said, frowning looking down I then placed my hand under his chin and brought his face back up towards mine. "But I don't", I said "It's nice to meet someone different for a change", he said, smiling a bit "Can I show what I think of you?", I asked, softly "What do you mean?", he asked, confused I slowly reached my hands up behind his head as Raph looked at me with nervousness. "Wait", he said I flinched back just a bit, but my hands then continued up behind him, till they were behind his head. My fingers then touched the knot of his mask as they slowly began to loosen it as the fabric fell in between my fingers. I then set the mask around his shoulders and I looked up seeing nothing, but beautiful and gentle hazel eyes. He looked at me unsure of what I was doing, but I then answered his question as I slowly leaned in, closing my eyes as I kissed his lips. He flinched back to where I was leaning more into him and I felt him tense up like a statue. I was starting to think that this was a bad idea to do, but to my surprise, Raph immediately returned the kiss back as his strong muscular arms wrapped around me tightly. I then smiled in relief as Raph accepted my affections and the kiss began to intensify with Raphael taking control and my arms wrapped around his neck slowly. He then pulled away slowly for a moment as we then looked at each other, without blinking once. "Where have you been?", he asked, softly "Waiting", I said, softly My heart began to beat faster as I watched him slowly put his lips back on top of mine and all I wanted was to do was to feel his lips on mine even more. I squeeze my arms around his neck and rest my lips on his. Instantly I just lost every thought in my mind, figuring out that this is what was actually happening. I was having my first kiss with Raphael. I wasn't seeing fireworks, shooting stars or hearts like many say that they see when they have their first kiss, I was just seeing Raphael and that was truly what made this moment so special. My eyes closed slowly as I melt into the kiss with Raph. Our lips move deeply as Raph's arms moved me closer to his toned body, feeling so safe and protected from anything that might just throw itself at us. It started to get more intensified as I felt Raph gently push my shoulders down, till I got down on my knees. He got down on the grass with me as I slowly laid down, pulling him on top of me, with his body lowering and laying on top of mine. I thought from kissing Raphael, my lips would possibly just mend into his never breaking away, from how deep he was kissing me. Despite his size and strength he had, he was ever so gentle and delicate towards his affections for me. He was just perfect. His body instantly warmed me up from the cold rain that was pouring on top of us both. I feel one of his hands travel up to the back of my head as his fingers ran through my hair, making me sigh softly with content from his gentle touch. Raph then began to kiss my cheeks, peppering his lips against my skin as he made a trail down to my neck. I felt chills down my spine and my skin began to form goosebumps everywhere. He kissed every spot all over my neck and I then gasped softly as I felt him kiss along my throat. I let a low moan as I heard Raph slightly chuckle, thinking he knew he had found a sweet spot on me. He then pressed his tongue on my neck as I shivered underneath him and he began to kiss my ear delicately. He was just so romantic, he really knew what he was doing, for it being a first timer. I caressed the back of his shoulders as they then began to massage his dark green wet skin. I then felt him stroke my cheek with tender fingers as he pressed his lips against mine again for another passionate kiss. I open my mouth slightly as I barely rubbed my tongue against his bottom lip to see what he might do. Raph took it well as I felt him smile against me and he opened his mouth and my tongue slowly entered his mouth. Raph began to moan deeply as my tongue rubbed against his, causing him to move closer towards me and my arms wrapped tighter around him. It is like we can't breathe from the intense love that we were giving each other, that we had finally found love after looking for it for so long, and we never had to fear of being alone ever again. I lost all the feeling in my lips for a few moments as if they were going to fall off from all the moving and sucking. It was like our lips were just having an emotional dance of uniting finally, as if they were waiting to see each other again. Throughout the whole kiss we hold each other in a tight embrace filled with nothing pure love, we have wanted to give to someone. The beautiful moment came to an end as we pulled away and catch our breathes from the love expressing. When I open my eyes there laying over me, was Raphael with the rain pouring over his body and his bright golden eyes that stand out in the darkness. This really is a dream come true, I finally found someone who cares about me, and now loves me. "I love you, Stellaluna", he said, softly "And I love you too, Raphael", I said, with a soft smile As we sit up and relax on the rooftop, thunder loudly boomed across the sky, causing me to crawl to Raph, as he held me in a protective embrace. "Looks like the storm is getting worse, we better head home", he said, looking up to the sky "Good idea", I said, nodding Raph picked me up in his arms as I grabbed my bouquet of roses and tucked them in between us. He held me close to his chest as I laid my head carefully on it, smiling up to him. He smiled warmly down to me as he gave my forehead a peck as his arms wrapped around me, pulling me closer. "Hang on tight", he said I wrapped my arms tightly around his chest as he started to run across Central Park towards the buildings across the street. We both laughed as he jumped carrying me across the rooftops, like little kids enjoying the rain, forgetting it was a complete monster of a storm outside. As Raph came towards the edge of the rooftop at the end of the block, he jumped and slid on top of a fire escape railing. We then began to slid down on it like we were on a surfboard. We both laughed as he splashed in a giant puddle soaking us both. "Wow that was fun!", I said, as he set me down "Yeah that was, it really actually was", he said, with a smile Raph then picked up the manhole cover with one hand as he jumped inside. I walked over towards the hole as he held his arms out to me as I jumped down inside falling into his arms. Raph closed the manhole cover as we then began to walk home to the lair. The lair was quiet and dark by the time we had arrived, thinking that everyone was asleep. "Well that was fun and wet", I said, giggling "Mmmmmm at least its nice and warm in here", Raph said, as he squeezed the remaining water out of his bandanna before tying it around his head "Mmmmm yes, it was rather chilly out there", I said, as I took off my coat letting it hang on a chair to dry "I'm sorry Stella, I had no idea it was going to rain out tonight", he said I smiled. "Oh that's alright Raphael, don't worry about it, this night really was special just the way it was", I said Raph smiled and he brought me by the waist as he kissed my forehead. "So, was this everything you wanted for your first date?", he asked "Everything and more than I can ever imagine, I really thank you for this Raph", I said, smiling up to him "You are welcome", he said, as he pecked my forehead again "Want to come hang out in my room for a little while? If you are not tired?" "Sure, that sounds nice", I said, nodding "Just let me go get dried up first" "Sure go ahead, I'll meet you there", he said, with a chuckle He then walked away climbing up to his room as I gave him a smile watching him. I then walked towards my room on the bottom floor as I entered inside. The roses Raph gave me got a little bit damp from the rain, but luckily not too bad where it would of ruined them. I stuffed them into a vase that was beside my bed on my nightstand, arranging them neatly and delicately. I shed off my wet clothes, putting them in the hamper as I went through my drawers in my dresser picking out my pajamas. I pulled out a dark red V neck along with a pair of black baggy sweatpants and black fuzzy socks. I sighed with content as the warmth of the dry clothes heated up my cold body. I took a towel and I shook my hair out, drying it up as I then tied it into a low loose ponytail, letting my bangs hang down from the side. I then walked out of my bedroom as I headed upstairs towards Raph's room. As I walked down the hallway, I saw Raph's bedroom door open and from where I was standing, I saw him straighten out his bed, smoothing out the cover and sheets. While he wasn't looking, I then noticed that his room was actually neat. His weights were on the rack, instead of on the floor and his punching bag looked newly fixed from the holes it had, with newly stitched patches over them. There was even a few lit candles on his nightstand and the calming aroma floated towards me as I smelt the warm vanilla and sugar scent. I then stepped forward as I knocked on the door as Raph had climbed on to his bed. He turned towards me and smiled lovingly, as I walked in with a giggle slowly. "Man and I thought my girlfriend couldn't get anymore beautiful than you are right now", he said, crawling up towards me "Oh Raph", I said, walking up to him Raph's arms wrapped around my waist slowly bringing me closer. I wrapped my arms around his neck and lightly brush my lips against his until he deeply pressed his on mine into a loving kiss. Our lips danced happily as Raph turned us around with him lowering me on to the soft bed, with him climbing over me. He then started pecking my face as I giggled. We then looked at each other in the eyes, gazing for a moment as I smiled up to him, when he cups my cheeks and I blushed pink, giggling more. He then firmly placed his lips again on my own, reconnecting it into a passionate kiss. I slid my hands down to his shoulders close to the crook of his neck and dig my fingers into his skin, giving him equal amount of treatment as he was giving me, earning a low moan and growl from him. He then pressed his tongue on my lips, almost as if begging to be let inside. I smiled as I opened my mouth allowing him permission and I felt his tongue rubbing and dancing up against my tongue. I move my hands up slowly to his neck and continue to massage Raph as he moaned louder and I then felt his thumb rubbing against my shirt covered belly deeply, making me shiver in delight. It was like I was getting the best and only the best. Raph pulled away from my lips as he smiled down at me, rubbing his hand against my cheek as I stare at him in complete awe and craving more of his lips on mine. But I didn't want to overdue it on our first night as a couple, as I knew that there would be much more of this later on as our relationship continues to grow. My eyes slowly began to droop as I pulled myself to him, snuggling into his chest. "Good night Raphael", I said, softly "I love you" Raph's Pov... As Stella's blue eyes began to close I moved on my shell as she pushed her head on my chest. I could feel her soft breathing against my plastron as her arm slid across my waist resting over it. I pushed some of her bangs out of her face and pinned them behind her ear. This was really happening. I finally found what I have been looking for. Finally someone who cared about me and didn't look at me the wrong way. And what's most important, she understands my anger and is helping me take the steps I need to do in order to take back control of it. She was now changing my life for the better of it and is showing me that not my life can have a brighter future. With her by my side now, the years of unhappiness began to become memories and not a life that is stuck in the same spot, with it being the same year after year. "Stellaluna, I want you to know that I will be with you, my arms will always be here to protect you. My love will always be here to nature and encourage you and my soul will forever be with you to watch over and comfort you until the end of time. You will never be alone ever again. I'm here. I love you. I don't care if you need to stay up crying all night long, I will stay with you. There's nothing you can ever do to lose me, you have completed me. I will protect you until you die and after your death I will still protect you. I am now stronger with you here now, stronger than the depression I had for a long time and I am braver than the loneliness that consumed me everyday. Nothing will exhaust me anymore. I will be your lover, your warrior, and your protector", I said, softly As Stella slept on, I kissed her forehead gently as I slowly started to fall asleep. My arms brought her closer to me as I covered her up tucking her close to me. My eyes began to slowly close, beyond happy that Stellaluna loved me in return and now I vow to to her to protect and love her with every being I have in my heart. "I'm so happy you understand me, Stellaluna", I said, softly to her