#but i read way too much ff and my friends have stopped listening to me complain | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

loubouskz · 2 years

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get your tickets to the freak show

han jisung x fem!reader college au

description: jisung's loud friends thinks the cute bookstore worker but would be boring in bed. they make a bet to see if she really is, but it doesn't go how they think. maybe they should learn how to speak more quietly in a quiet bookstore.

warnings: smut, unprotected sex, oral(fem & male receiving), dirty talk, a bit of switch for both jisung and the reader, face sitting, marking kink, multiple orgasms, multiple rounds(literally 2), choking, creampie, one sexy text

wc: 6.2k+

a/n: this ff is solely inspired by demi lovato's song: freak ft. yungblud. I had so much fun writing this, like I wrote all of this in 8 hours in one sitting...I was so hyped to write it. I honestly love how it turned out. like...I feel like this is my baby that I'm sharing with you. I hope you enjoy reading this as much I did writing it!!😊

if you want to a song list of what I listened to(on fucking repeat): freak, heaven, city of angels, and bones by demi lovato. I'm on a music binge with their music rn. rock music is my fav genre😩

tag-list: @hello-stranger24

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“here’s your book and receipt, I hope you have a great rest of your day.” I said to one of my regulars. ”thank you y/n.” she said, smiling at me as she left. I waved at her as she exited the door. I looked over at the new books that still had to be put away before the day was over. I placed them on the cart and pushed them to the first section. I love this bookstore, I basically grew up in it when my family first started the business. it was soon to belong to me once my parents become to elder to care for the store. as I put the first few books away, the bell above the door rang and really loud group entered the shop. I looked over and saw a group of eight young men walking in. they looked to be in college. great. I pushed the cart back to the front to where they were. “hello, can I help you guys find anything?” I asked as I stopped in front of them. they looked at each other and chuckled, making me want to roll my eyes. “nah we don’t just here to check out the store and hang out.” one of them said. I nodded my head, “well if you need anything, I’ll be in one of the rows putting way these away.” I said, walking back to do my job. I turned back around and see pushing each other before going to seat down at one of the tables. “and please keep it down, I do have some people reading.” I said, before continuing on my route.

“she seems boring.” changbin said, resting his head on his hand. I leaned back in my seat as the rest of the boys laughed. “be nice bin. I bet she’s fun outside of work, you never know.” chan said. “oh there goes chan being the nice ole’ man he is.” seungmin said, nudging hyunjin on his arm, we laughed as chan gave him a playful death glare. “she’s kind of pretty though.” jeongin stated. “yeah if you’re into sweet, quiet and mostly boring women, jeongin.” minho said, tilting his head at him. I turned my head in the direction she was in to see her. “jisung, you’re being quiet.” felix said, I quickly turned my bed back to him- who I was sitting next to. “just trying to respect what she said that’s all.” I said shrugging my shoulders. the boys all looked at each other and started laughing quietly. “what?” I asked, looking at each one of them. “don’t tell me you have a crush on the worker of a bookstore.” changbin said, putting his head on the table with disappointment. “I wouldn’t even give her the time of day.” hyunjin said dramatically, throwing his head back. “guys.” chan said, with giggles behind his voice, “be nice.” “I bet she’s boring in bed.” minho said, before coving his mouth so he won’t laugh to loud. the other boys laughing along with him. I rolled my eyes and slightly laughed uncomfortably.

“wait wait, I have the greatest idea!” jeongin said kind of too loud. “shh! I think I already know what you’re about to say.” minho said, bouncing in his seat. I sighed and waited to whatever this stupid idea was. before jeongin could speak, the worker started walking back towards them. “everyone shush.” felix said, “so are we still gonna throw that party on saturday at the house?” he asked, turning his head to chan. “yeah, we still need to get drinks and extra chips.” chan said, playing along with the fake conversation. we, well like they, continued their fake convo as they secretly watched her go past us back to the front desk. changbin leaned in from across from the table and smirked. “jisung, ask her out on a date. see if she’s really boring in bed.” he said with a big smile. I shook my head, “no.” I said. “50 bucks if you do it.” hyunjin says. oh, now money which means it’s becoming a bet. “same but only if she’s actually boring in bed.” minho said, giving hyunjin a high five. “same.” changbin said, “you gonna do it?” he challenged.

I looked down and thought about it.

I pumped some hand sanitizer on and sat down and to update the book system. I heard the group of guys laugh and cheer. I looked up and watched them get up and one by one start to leave the bookstore. I wished them a good rest of their day and they waved back in return. I got back to my work but it didn’t last long. I jumped as someone knocked on the desk. “jesus.” I said, turning my body around in the chair. I saw one of the boys from the group with a book in his hands. “hey, I’d like to get this book.” he said, placing the book down next to the register. I stood up and walked over. I picked up and scanned the book with a smile on my face. “so, how is work going?” he asked, trying to make small talk as he pulled out his card out of his wallet. “it’s been okay, a little slow today.” I said, clicking the card button on my cash register. “I’m jisung.” he said with smile. “I’m y/n.” I said back. as he slid his card in and typed his code, I took a good look at him. grown out black fluffy hair under a cap, a white tie covered by a black jacket, and black pants that were ripped in the knees. he’s kind of cute I thought with a smirk. I grabbed his newly bought book and placed it in a bag.

he removed his card once it beep at him. I grabbed the receipt and placed it in the bag as well. “here you go and I hope you have a great rest of your day jisung.” I said, handing the bag to him. “thanks.” he said with a big smile. I went to turn around but he started talking again. “hey I know this is kind of straight forward, but I was wondering if you’re not busy tonight, if I could take you on a date?” he asked, scratching the back of his neck. I raised an eyebrow at him and crossed my arms. “where would it be?” I asked. “the carnival that’s in town right now.” he said. huh, why the fuck not, but I didn’t answer right way. I watched as he awkwardly swayed on his feet for a second. “I get off at 5pm. give me some time to get home and get changed. I meet you there around 6:45, sound good?” I asked. jisung perked up and nodded his head. “yeah, that sounds good with me. I’ll see you soon y/n.” he said as he bowed his head a little. I waved as he left the store.

I thought back to what I heard earlier…oh he’s gonna be fun to play with.

I met back up with the boys at the consignment store that was down the block at the corner. “so what did she say jisung?” jeongin asked as we started to head back to our house. “she said yes to the date.” I said, kicking the small pebbles I saw. “where you gonna take her?” chan asked as adjusted the bags in his hands. “the carnival.” I answered, making the boys say oo. “what time?” minho asked. “I have to meet her there at 6:45.” I said, before looking at my phone at the time. “I have 3 hours to spear, let’s get home and play some games.” I said, trying to change the subject.

“okay y/n, I’m heading out. I’ll see you on monday.” a regular, who also happened it be my friend, said. “alright tony, I hope you have a good rest of your weekend with your family.” I with a smile. “you as well and I couldn’t help but overhear that you’ve gotten yourself a date tonight.” he said with a laugh. “yes I do.” I said, pulling at my sleeve on my shirt. “well if it goes bad, I’ll be there tonight with my little sister. just text me and we’ll meet up, okay?” he said. "okay tony. thanks.” I said. “no problem. bye y/n.” tony said, leaving the store. “bye.” I said.

I looked around to see if there was anyone still left in the store. not a soul. I sighed and sat back down in my chair, looking up at the ceiling. I glanced at the clock next to me and groaned. 2 hours left now. “can’t time move just a little faster.” I said aloud to myself. maybe I can call dad a little later and ask if I can close the store early. I hate slow days. I thought of jisung and our date, which made my smile. at least I have something to look forward to.

“yeah, the last person left about an hour and a half ago and no one hasn’t enter since then.” I explained to my dad on the phone. “yeah go ahead sweetie. I’ll see you tomorrow for dinner, be safe.” dad said. “okay, I will dad. I love you,” I said. “I love you too. bye now.” he said. i said bye also well and ended the call. I smiled and went to go lock the door. I turned off the open sign and proceeded with my closing duties.

I walked into the house, “I’m home!” I said as I closed the door behind me, taking my shoes off at the door. my best friend, raya entered the room from the kitchen “hey honey, how was work?” she joked. “it was a slow day babe. I'm so tired.” I said, joking back with her. “but.” I said, before she could respond back. she raised her eyebrows waiting for me to continue. “I have an interesting date tonight.” I said, walking past her to the living room. “oh, tell me more!” she said. I grabbed my phone from my back pocket and checked the time. 6:15. “come with me to my room, I have to be there at 6:45. help me pick an outfit.” I said, heading to my bedroom as she followed behind me.

“so he asked you out but the only reason you said yes is because you heard their conversation? that’s fucking hilarious.” she said, laughing. “I mean it’s their fault for talking loud in my store. how does this look?” I said as I walked out of my closest. she tilted her head, “cute but it’s going to be cold tonight.” she answered. my head fell back as I groaned, walking back into the closest. I picked out a maroon top with a black puffer jacket with leggings. i quickly put it on and headed back out.

“what about this?” I asked, doing a quick spin. “leggings.” she said. I held up my hand. “I need to wear something that will be easy to take off.” I said, her jaw dropped. “are you going to sleep with him tonight?” she asked, I nodded my head as I headed to my dresser and pulled out some socks. “text me when you’re on the way home, if you come back here. I don’t want to hear my best friend getting laid.” she said, standing up. I laughed and told her okay before heading to the bathroom. I began to brush my teeth as I heard raya say, “it’s 6:42 y/n.” shit, it takes 6 mintues to walk there. I spat out the toothpaste and rinsed out my mouth.

I ran out my room, grabbing my bag and keys on my way out. I rushed to put on my shoes and yelled goodbye to raya before locking and closing to door. I felt the cool wind hit my face, thank you raya for telling me to put something to keep me warm up. I began my jog to the carnival, why would I waste my gas to get to a place that I can easily walk to. gas it too pricey right now.

I made it to the front of the carnival and looked around for jisung, hoping he didn’t leave. I looked down at my phone and saw the time, 5:50. damn. I sighed and looked around one more time. why didn’t I give him my number so I could tell him I was on the way…oh wait maybe because he’s a fucking stranger y/n. you don’t give out your number to random people, especially to random guys you just met a few hours ago.

I scanned the crowd again and noticed a familiar group of people. jisung’s friends. I looked at all them and didn’t see jisung among them. though they could tell me if he was here, there was no way I, a female, going to a group of seven guys, alone. so I waited and watched his friends. soon jisung showed up and started talking to his friends. I took a deep breathe knowing I had to go over there now. hoping one of them would see me before I made it to them. the short one noticed me first and patted jisung on the stomach and nodded my way, saying words I couldn’t hear. jisung turned around and smiled me, walking towards me. we met half way and greeted each other.

“hey you made it.” jisung said, looking me up and down. “yeah, I didn’t see you and was worried I made it too late.” I said, looking around, “but then I saw your friends and waited for you to turn up.” I continued. “oh sorry about that. I was just in the bathroom.” he responded. “well you ready to head in?” I asked, jisung nodded. “yeah, let’s go get tickets.” he said, as we started making our way to the ticket booth.

we got our tickets, which he payed for, and headed in. “do you like rides?” he asked, I nodded. “which one do you want to go on first or do you want to do something different first?” he asked as we looked around at what the carnival had to offer and also the lines. “how about the magic maze first.” i said pointing to it, not to many people waiting in that line. “okay.” he said. we walked to the line. “so tell me about yourself jisung.” I said as we waited in line. “well, I’m 22 years old. I’m college, majoring in music production, I’m in my last year. I like to make music, dance, and watch anime.” he said. “oh that’s cool, do you want to be an artist or do you want to produce music for others?” I asked, as we moved up in the line. “an artist, I’m in a group with my friends. me and my two friends, chan and changbin, were are the main producers, we call ourselves 3racha.” he explained, I smiled as he talked about what he seemed to really love.

“next!” we heard, looking froward- we were the next to enter.

we exited the the magic house in fits of laughter. “your reaction was priceless, especially in the beginning with the mirrors.” I said, holding my stomach. jisung laughed with me and leaned into me, playful bumping me away. “yours’ was too! you barely could stand on the last part where it spins.” he said, making me stick my tongue out at him. “what next?” he asked, looking at me. “you pick, let’s take turns.” I said, he nodded. jisung looked around and saw the zero gravity ride and pointed to it. “that.” he said, i nodded my head and we made our way to the ride. we got in line and that when jisung told me to say some things about me.

“well I’m 23 years old, I graduated in business two years ago. I work at my family’s bookstore, I basically grew up in that store. it’s like my second home. I like to draw, read, and hang out with my best friend, raya- who is also my roommate.” I said, jisung nodded his head. “so it’s your family business, are your parents going to give it to you one day?” jisung asked. “yeah, once they do. I’m going to update the place with more update décor, but still keeping the same aesthetic.” I explained. we continued to talk about random things we are into.

we went on 5 other rides before we went to grab a snack to keep up our energy. “I would like a funnel cake.” I said to jisung. “alright, you go find a table- if you can, and I’ll get us the food.” he said with a big smile. “you already paid for the tickets, let me buy the food.” I said, but jisung just shook his head. “no, I’m the one who asked you out. but if we have a second date, we can split everything.” he said with a slight smirk. “oh so there’s going to more dates?’ I asked, mirroring his same smirk. “if you want there to be more dates.” he said, winking at me before going to the food stand. I felt my cheeks heat up as I turned around to find a table. I looked around and saw tony and his little sister sitting at a table. I quickly walked over and said hello to them.

“hey tony and mini tony.” I said, sitting next to malia as she rolled her eyes at me. “hey y/n, how’s your date going?” tony asked. malia’s eyes lit up as her head snapped in my direction. “you’re on a date!” she said. I laughed and nodded my head to the 13 year old girl next to me. “it’s going great. his name is jisung and he’s really fun to be around.” I said, looking back to see where he was. “that’s good to hear.” tony said, smiling at me. “is that him?” malia asked, pointing to him. “yes.” I answered, making her squeal. “he’s cute.” she said, wiggling her eyebrows at me, making me laugh. “malia calm down. I knew I shouldn’t have let you have some of my energy drink plus 3 sweets from the food stand.” tony said shaking his head, she just sweetly smiled. “are you having fun malia?” I asked her. “yes! we are about to go on one more ride.” she answered. “then we going home, it’s almost your bedtime.” tony said, looking at his phone. “what time is it?” i asked him. “9 o’clock.” he answered before putting his phone away. “oh, jisung is on his way.” malia said, shaking my arm. I turned my head and watched jisung walk over to us.

“hey jisung. this is my friend tony and his little sister-” i said. “my name is malia.” she said. I swear I could see her eyes becoming hearts. I looked at tony and chuckled. “hi.” jisung said shyly as he put the food down. “it’s nice to meet you but I promised malia one more ride before we leave.” tony said, standing up. “I want to get to know jisung though.” she said as tony walked around the table and picked her up to make her leave. I laughed at the scene and looked back at jisung who was silently laughing. “say bye malia.” tony said, placing her back on the ground and pushing her away. “bye jisung.” she said, waving at him. “have fun guys, but not too much fun.” tony said jokingly. I heard malia asked what that meant as they left.

we laughed at them, “well that was interesting.” jisung said as he sat across from me. “I think malia has a crush.” I laughed out, making him laugh as well. jisung handed me a fork so we could eat. “hell you even got a bye, I didn’t.” I said, taking the fork. “she’s adorable.” jisung said, taking at bite of food. that when I noticed the food. “did you get a large so we had to share?” i asked with smile before grabbing a piece to eat. “half true, a small was 3 dollars and a large was 8 dollars so I just got the large.” he said. we ate kind of fast and quietly because the carnival was about to close. “what’d the final ride for the date tonight?” I asked, already having a feeling what he was going to say. “the ferris wheel of course.” he answered. “I knew it, how romantic.” I said, with my hand over my heart. “you really know how to win a girl’s heart.” I said, making him blush. he stood up and I followed, he looked down and noticed something. he quickly bent down and started to retie my shoe. cute, I pulled out my phone and snapped a photo of him fixing my shoe and quickly putting it away. “thank you.” I said as he stood back up. “you’re welcome.” he said with a nice smile.

we were the next ones to get on the big wheel. “are you excited?” I asked, leaned into him. jisung put his arm around, “maybe, you?” he said, with smile. I playfully rolled my eyes as people left the cart. “come on lovebirds, ya’ll are next.” the operator said, waiting for us to enter. jisung got in first and helped me in second, sitting right next to each other. the operator closed the door, “have fun you lovebirds.” he said, pushing a button that makes the carts go. we slowly made our way to the top. I scooted closer to jisung as he wrapped his arm back around me, resting my head on his shoulder. once we were at the top, fireworks started going off. “wow, what a perfect way to end a date.” jisung said, admiring them. I looked at him and laughed. he turned his head and looked slightly down at me. “what?” he asked with a smile. “isn’t this where you kiss the pretty girl?” I asked with a big grin on my face. “oh where?” he said looking around the cart. “bitch.” I said, slapping him on the thigh. he grabbed my hand before I could move it away and held it in his hand. “oh there she is.” jisung said, leaning his head close to mine. my eyes flicked down to his lips back to his eyes. “just kiss me already loverboy.” I said, placing my hand on the back of his neck. he placed his lips on mine, he tasted like the funnel we ate and mint.

I tilted my head more into the kiss, wanting more. jisung guided his tongue on my bottom lip, wanting access and i gladly accepted. he groaned into the kiss and placed his free arm around my waist. I threaded my fingers through his hair, loving the feeling of his lips on mine. oh, boy I’m going to become addicted. we pulled away when the cart started going down, just smiling at each other.

“did ya’ll have fun up there lovebirds?” the operator said as he opened the door for us to get out. we nodded our head with blush on our cheeks. “have a good night two.” he said as we walked away. as we were walking to the exit, I grabbed jisung’s hand and laced it of mine. he walked down at our hands and back up at me, smiling. “you’re cute.” jisung said, swinging our arms. “says the guy who’s making us do a cute little swinging motion.” I said, squeezing his hand. “ha ha.” he said as we made it out of the carnival.

“did you drive here?” jisung asked. “no I walked, well I did a fast pace here. I live like 6 minutes away.” I said, looking up at him. “well I’m not letting you walk back home alone in the dark. so you have two choices: 1, we take my car or 2, I walk you home.” he said, holding up his first and second finger. “I choose the car.” I said as my feet started to ache a long time ago. “come on.” jisung said, leading to me his car. we got to his car and he opened the door for me. I hopped in and quickly pulled out my phone and texted raya that I was on the way home and that jisung may be spending the night as jisung close the door and headed around to the driver side. jisung climbed into the car. he fastened his seatbelt, I did also. “where to?” he asked as he started the car.

I gave him the directions to my house with soft music playing in the background during the drive. we stole glances at each other every now and then, making funny faces if we caught the one. he pulled into the driveway and parked the car. “I hope you had a good time.’ jisung said turning to me. “I really did, thank you jisung.” I said, unbuckling my seatbelt. “good good.” he said, looking around. I got out of the car and walked around the driver side, making jisung roll down the window. I leaned in and gave him a kiss, “I really did have fun jisung.” I said once I broke the kiss. jisung raised his head to get another kiss. I smiled during the kiss before pulling away.

“so jisung.” I said, resting my arms on the window. he hummed, looking at me. “are you going to get your tickets to the freak show?” I asked with my head tilted. his eyebrows went under his hair as his eyes widened. “what freak show?” he asked, making me smirk. “how about you come inside and find out.” I said, before heading to the front door. I heard the car be turned off and the door quickly open and close, making the smile on my face grow. I unlocked the front door and looked behind me and saw jisung jogging to me. I opened the door and let him in first and followed after me. I closed the door, taking off our shoes and jackets, leaving them by the door. I grabbed his hand and leaded him to my room.

I closed the door and pushed jisung up against it. I kiss him with passion, pushing my fingers through his hair. he moaned into the kiss as our tongues quickly met each other again. his hands grabbed my hips and brought me closer to him. I could feel him quickly becoming hard. I slid my hands down his chest, down to his dick. I kissed his jawline as I pushed my hand into his pants.

“oh fuck.” he said, throwing his head back, feeling my hand wrap around him. I peppered kisses along his neck and sucked lightly so I won’t leave marks. I mean he still has a bet to win. I kneeled to the ground and quickly worked to get his pants off as he took off his shirt. he stepped out his pants as I kissed him over his boxers. “how bad do you need me baby?” I asked, not moving my head an inch. “so bad.” he said, looking down at me. “want me to suck you off?” I asked, licking up his boxers. “yes please.” he pleaded, bucking his hip into my face. I slowly dragged down his boxers till they were fully off.

I sat there and just looked up at him. not yet. “go lay on the bed.” I said, not moving. his eyebrows came together and moved to the bed away. I waited and watches him lay on the bed before I stood back up. I made my way over to him and stop in front of him. I slowly removed my top and threw it to floor, turning my back to him. sliding my leggings and underwear down, giving him a good view of what he was about to get. “god baby. you look so fucking good.” jisung said, jerking himself off. I smiled and climbed onto the bed, bending next to his cock with my back to him.

I slapped his hand away and replaced it with mine, bringing my lips down to his tip. jisung moaned and grabbed at my ass, sliding it between my legs. I moaned around him and bobbed my head faster as his fingers found their way to my clit. “shit, you’re so good at this.” he said, putting his other hand in my hair. I popped off him and swung around to straddle him, I kissed him and leaned my forehead on his. “do you think you can get me off before I ride you?” I asked as I sat up. he nodded his head, trying to flip me over but I grabbed his hands and pinned them next to his head. he looked at me a little confused.

“I wanna ride your tongue sungie. is that okay?” I asked, tilting my head. “fuck yes.” he answered. I smiled as climbed over his head. letting my lower half meet his face. “god you look so delicious.” jisung said right before diving in. licking a bold strip up, from my opening to my clit. I grabbed ahold of my headboard. “fuck jisung!” I cried out. it’s been quite some time since I’ve taken anyone to bed. he pushed his tongue into my cunt and brought his hand to my hips, starting to guide me back and forth. I almost caved and fell over, grabbed ahold of his hair once again, pulling on it. he groaned at the feeling. “you’re doing so good. fuck.” I said, closing my eyes while throwing my head back.

he moved one of his hands from my waist down to my entrance, removing his tongue and pushed two finger into me while his tongue went to my clit. I let out a high pitched whine, bucking my hips in his hand. “oh jisung!” I said, feeling the knot inside becoming tighter. “cum for me y/n. so wet and tight. I can’t wait till I’m inside you.” he said on my clit, curls his fingers in the correct spot. my thighs clenched around his head as I came around his fingers and tongue. he removed his fingers and pushed his tongue back in to lap up my juices. I cried out at the feel. jisung pushed me up and back down so my cunt would back right above his cock.

“do you want to be on top or me…or just have two rounds?” I asked, making his cock twitch under me. “both.” he confidently said, running his hands up and down my thighs. I lifted myself up and grabbed ahold of him. pushing the tip right in and slowly going down. “god you feel me up so nicely.” I said, placing my hands on his chest. his hands went to my waist as I started bouncing on him. I paced the pace how I liked it and in a way I knew I would cum fast and hard too. my breathy moans coming out every time I came down. “yeah, you like my cock deep inside you?” jisung said. my pace faltered at his words as they went straight to my core. “yes, so good baby. I love it so much.” I said, my eyes falling closed. “I could get used to have this tight cunt everyday.” jisung said, thrusting up. I fell forward, my head next to his. “could you baby?” jisung said, making me moan loud. “yes.” I breathed out, focusing on my climax that was approaching quickly.

“I’m gonna cum, shit.” I said, making jisung give me even harder thrusts as my hand quickly made its way to my clit. I planted my lips on his for a messy kiss as I came around his cock for the first time. he kept me sat on him and I calmed down. “fuck, you did so good riding me.” jisung said as I sat up. “are you gonna make me scream or what?” I challenged him, making him smirk at me. he flipped us over, with me now under him. he brought my legs up to his shoulders.

“ready baby?” jisung asked. “yeah, do worst. fuck me hard, choke me, I don’t care.” I said, rolling my hips up. he gave my one hard thrust and me cry out, “oh fuck.” he very quickly picked a fast and hard pace, making the bed hit on the wall with each thrust. I threw my head back, clamping down on him hard and not being to keep quiet. “god, I can barely fucking move.” he said out of breath. I locked eyes with him, I tried my best to take in the scene. his body sweaty, hair sticking to his forehead, and furrowed eyebrows in concentration. “come here.” i said, grabbing at his hips. jisung pushed my legs from his shoulders and laid his body on me, his pelvic bone brushing against my clit. my legs wrapped around him as my arms went to his back, clawing at it. he moaned at the feeling. “baby choke me.” I said with water eyes. he carefully did so and squeezed it, making my eyes roll back.

“how close are you?” he asked as his thrusts started to become sloppy. “so close, shit. you gonna cum in me jisung?” I said, trying to make eye contact with but failed. he moaned and let go of my throat to focus on his release. “fuck yeah.” he said, gripping the bed sheets next to my head. the wet sounds of the room and the image of him made the knot rip for the second time, but even harder this time. he pushed hips into to mine once more and came deep inside me.

jisung arms gave out and collapsed onto of me as my legs fell from his hips. I ran one hand in his hair and the other up and down his back. neither one of us moved for a minute. “jesus, I don’t think I’ve ever fucked that hard before.” jisung said, making me giggle. he slid out of me and had enough energy to move and lay next to me. I turn to him and scooted close to him. “that was the best sex I’ve had in awhile.” I said to him. “well we can also do this on our second date if you want.” he said with a smile. I snorted and sat up, “well first off, you better lie to your boys and win that lame bet.” I said, climbing off the bed. “what!” jisung said loudly. I turned back to him and saw a scared look on his face. “your friends talk way to loud. say I’m boring in bed so you can win the bet plus you get a second date me. I see that as a win win.” I said, walking towards my bathroom. “now are you going to sleep in my bed sweaty or are you going to join me in the shower?” I asked, walking in the bathroom. I heard him talk to himself for second before running into the bathroom to me.

we entered the bookstore, met with the cool air in the building. “hello.” y/n said as she called up from the computer. all of us said hello back and went to sit at the table we sat at last week. once we were all sitting down, changbin was the first to talk about y/n and I. “so jisung, you earned 50 bucks from hyunjin cause you actually asked her out, but did you sleep with her?” he asked. I sighed and nodded my head, making the boys cheer. “but was she boring in bed like we thought?” minho asked. I looked back at the front desk at y/n, who was on standing up. she looked up from what she was doing and wink at me. I smiled at her and turned my head back around. my lips went from a smile to a smirk as I looked back at them. “yeah, very boring. I did most of the work and there wasn’t much talking either.” I said, hearing y/n snort in the back. “see we told you chan.” felix said. “well at least I don’t owe jisung money.” chan said. “yeah, now cough up my money.” I said, holding out my hand. changbin, hyunjin, and minho handed over the money. “thank you.” I said, counted the money. 150 dollars richer. I put the money in my wallet as I received a text on my phone. I pulled it out and saw it was a text from y/n who gave me her number the morning after our date. I looked up at her but she just smiled and turned her back to me. I opened my phone and went to see what she sent. only to lose my breathe at what I saw.

a mirror selfie of her on the edge of the bed, in my shirt and legs spread apart and the text under it said:

good boy. can’t wait for our 2nd date. ;)

#skz #skz imagines #stray kids #stray kids imagines #skz smut #stray kids smut #skz x reader #skz x y/n #han jisung smut #han jisung x reader #han jisung imagines #han jisung #han jisung skz #han jisung skz smut #han jisung x y/n

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safyresky · 8 months

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Happy January 13th on the 15th Monday! Frostmas: Year One is now LIVE on ao3

Give Year One a read on ao3 HERE!

Year One

Jack becomes Santa; Jacqueline becomes Jack Frost. Then the trouble really begins.

And a Frostmas Summary for you as well, in case you missed it:

The Twelve Years of Frostmas

Nobody but he and I knew the truth. Jack wasn't supposed to be Santa; I wasn't supposed to be Jack Frost. He thought being Santa would fix everything. He was horribly, horribly mistaken. [My take on Jack's reign as Santa during the Escape Clause. MAJOR OC involvement AND First Person POV from said OC. Finally cross posting THIS behemoth! Enjoy!]

Take her from the top (Prologue) HERE (ao3) or HERE (ff dot net)

So my thing this year is crossposting Frostmas every 13th of the month bc I like symbolism, lol, and the vibe is very unlucky days haha.

I meant to have this up Saturday but had yet to read through the final scene, and also. The bigger thing. Went to a friend's bday party on the town and had a LOT of drinks and did Karaoke and it was LOTS of fun and I deffs needed it but this led to me spending the 13th on the couch half asleep most of the day, only moving for food and grabbing my joycons for some Stardew Valley 😅😅😅

(finally got the community centre DONE! FOR THE FIRST TIME EVER! My poor neglected desktop saves, lol)

ANYWAY. Year One is very short; it always has been. Jacqueline will tell us about Jack's official first Christmas out in Year Two, so hang tight for that! For now, check out Year One HERE on ao3...and I suppose HERE on blue site, though this ain't about her!!!

NOW THEN! Back I go to Finishing up CS, and off you go to click "read more" and get a fun little preview of Y2 of the Twelve Years of Frostmas below!

“Bernard, truly. I was devastated. It took so much courage to do what I did next, with the, the grief I felt! What I had to do next, mind you.”

“Hmm, let me guess! Take Santa’s jacket since nobody else was around to do so?”

“Exactly! It was for the greater good, Bernie! The greater good!”

Reaching the top of the steps, Bernard stopped by the cookies, looking down at Jack as he ran up the stairs to catch up.

“Oh, don’t give me that look, Bernard! The greater good? Have you not been listening? I’m more than happy to tell you my tale of, of woe once more—”

“Something about this is not right.”

Jack paled, watching Bernard turn abruptly on his heel and cross the top landing, heading towards the doors to Santa’s quarters. “No, this is all as it should be! Would you slow down there, Bernard? I can’t keep up with all you elves.” Bernard ignored him. Pushing open the doors, he burst into Santa’s living space, eyes sharp as he looked around at the massive amounts of toys and knick-knacks littering the space. Jack flew in shortly after. “What are you doing?!” "There are so many things wrong with this picture. Right here. This one," Bernard said, stopping his rummaging and framing his view of Jack with his index finger and thumb. A frosty sprite pouted, the red jacket five sizes too big, hanging off of his lanky frame. “No there’s not!” Jack answered a bit too fast. Clearing his throat, he composed himself. “This is all just as it should be. I mean, who better to be the next Santa than me? Why, I herald the season! It makes perfect sense." “No, it does not.” He rummaged through he drawers on Santa’s desk. “This isn't right. A Legendary can't take another Legendary Figure's place!” There was a jingle as Bernard pulled something out of the desk drawer, kicking it shut as he glared at Jack. A small bell sat in his hands, the silver glinting in the light. “I'm calling an emergency Council meeting right this second.” Jack scoffed. “Like that’ll do anything.” Making his way around Bernard, he took a seat at the desk, leaning back and throwing up his feet. “Real confident for someone in your position to say, Jack.” “You mean Santa. I have the jacket now, Bernie! I’m Santa.” “No! Absolutely not! This isn’t right. This can’t be right. The council will know what to do,” he thought out loud, hopping that this wasn’t happening, that this couldn’t be happening, and ringing the bell.

Think Bernard's right? Think the Council can do something about this? Is Jack gonna get away with it? Check out Year One HERE on ao3 to find out!

We'll see you February 13th for Year Two >:)

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splishsplashyouropinionistrash · 2 years

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We’re back, bitches!

You will never escape me.

It’s time, once again, for AFTG Hot Takes, the show where I just say whatever the fuck pops into my head.

Today’s topic: Kevin Day and his romantic interests.

Now, okay, I’ve discussed this a bit in previous posts. I’m not going to go too far in depth for the two ships I’ve talked about already.

Please, for the love of god, these are just my opinions. I’m literally just a teenager on the internet. It’s not that deep, you don’t need to write a ten paragraph essay on why grooming is okay (although tbf that made my night. Still waiting on a reply, bb)

With that out of the way, let’s get into it.

I’ll be honest, I’m not a fan of most Kevin ships. I only like two of them, so we’ll save those for last.

1. First up we’ve got Kevandriel, Kevneil, and Kevandrew (pls dont @ me, i’m not 100% on those names)

I hate it. Despise it. Just so bad. Ew.

I made a whole post on why I have Kevandriel, read it if you want.

Kevandrew (Kevin/Andrew) just doesn’t make any sense. Their personalities don’t mesh at all. Kevin doesn’t take no for an answer, which is something that is so important for Andrew.

Kevneil (Kevin/Neil) is one I just don’t like because, as we all know, I am a petty bitch. I don’t have a reason for disliking it, really. It just... idk, gives me the ick.

2. Moving on, Kevin and Thea.

I made a post regarding this one too, check it out (or don’t).

I don’t feel like rehashing all of that tho, honestly. (but pls feel free to read the reblogs, some were v good and others just made me cackle. Still looking at you, grooming guy)

3. Now, onto the ones I haven’t discussed. We’ll go with Kevjean first.

So, I mean... it’s not impossible that this actually happened in cannon, however. Just judging by the reactions these two had to each other once Jean was out of the Nest, them sustaining a healthy relationship would be nearly impossible.

Also, I am a diehard Jerjean fan (thanks gus_47, I blame you and the masterpiece that is Hoax for this) so I just... can’t bring myself to picture Jean with anyone else.

4. Kevin and Jeremy!

Listen, I don’t hate this one. I simply adore those fun lil fics where Kev is tripping over himself cause he’s in love with Jeremy (looking at you, quicksand). They’re so fun! But, Jerjean owns my soul (again, thank you Hoax) so it’s gonna have to be a no from me.

5. Kevin and Matt

I’ll be real with you, I didn’t know this existed until yesterday, and I am shocked.

I haven’t stopped to think about it much, and I probably won’t, because Dan. I just- that is her husband, excuse you.

6. Kevallison (Kevin/Allison)

I don’t mind this one, honestly. I sorta get it, tbf.

HOWEVER.

Diehard Renison fan. Enough said.

And now, at last, we come to the two Kevin ships that I can (and do!!) suport whole-heartedly.

7. Kevaaron !! (Kevin/Aaron)

Listen, I just love their personalities. I love the idea of these two assholes healing together. Simply adore.

Before you say it (you know who you are, and yes I’m still salty ab this) I. Don’t. Ship. It. Because. I. Want. Andrew. And. Kevin. Together. ffs, people. What kind of person do you think I am?

8. Kevin and... (drumroll please)

Himself!

I am 100% in support of aroace Kevin living his best life with his friends and family.

I mean, it’s lovely. Spectacular. 10/10, adore it.

Okay okay I’m done (for now)

Let me know what other hot takes you’d like to hear!

And as always, if you disagree with anything I’ve said, fight me! I mean that, i love a bit of lighthearted discourse. (unless your opinions are truly heinous, in which case I will verbally punch you in the trachea.)

Blah blah hitman, blah blah death threats

#aftg #aftg textpost #all for the game #tfc #the foxhole court #kevin day #splishsplash originals

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soul-dwelling · 1 year

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Would FF have been improved by the White Clad members having better motives? Atleast some of them? But I guess with the endgoal being death it wouldnt really work without them being "crazy". Maybe leaving it ambigious if merging with Adalla would just be a global suicide and not some transformation or transcendece would have improved it? Dunno, maybe this was the only way to archieve the theme (if it wasnt changed in the middle)

I think any motivations would have helped make these characters more memorable and engaging--not even sympathetic, just someone whose story I want to read.

What was Haumea’s motivation? It is defined so late in the story that I still, when re-reading, feel almost zero empathy for her. I wish there was a choice made to better show that she can hear too many thoughts, the thoughts being so much about dying just depressed her, so she wanted to stop hurting--and instead we have another potentially disablist “mad” character. This isn’t Stein where you see Stein still lives his life regardless his condition--this is just “insane character, so villain” trope.

It’s why your remark, that the goal being death wouldn’t work without them being considered insane? Yeah, that’s because that seems to be the actual plot of this series, that these characters are just losing their minds, thus that death is preferable.

But the story doesn’t do enough to make that seem like the option, for two reasons.

First, you can see that Haumea is the only one obviously feeling his death drive--and, not justifying her desire for death, but at least you understand, with that much pain, why ending her suffering is preferable, however insane it comes across.

But second, on the flip side to this, the way Haumea was defeated was by Shinra doing toxic positivity talk--because things weren’t so bad for him, so they shouldn’t be so bad for Haumea, so stop being “crazy”!

…That’s not how this works.

Haumea is in pain. The way to address her mental illness is not to say, “Things are great for me, I don’t get why they aren’t for you, just listen to me and your parental figure Charon and stop destroying things!’ At best, Shinra just finally says, “Look, I’ll re-make the world where you don’t have your ability, Haumea, and that will stop your suffering and somehow ‘cure’ your decades of trauma!” That is not how responding to trauma works. (Please forgive me for conflating insanity and trauma--these two are not the same.) Living after trauma is a lifetime of adjusting each day to that trauma--and this shonen just takes the most cliche approach to act like Haumea just gets better from it.

What was Charon’s motivation? Again, I wish it was telegraphed more clearly that he saw himself as Haumea’s parent, because until we see him tending to a baby Haumea, he just came across as the guy who has to hang out with a younger coworker. (I am avoiding discussing that last scene of the two, given how people read that romantically--which, blech, no.)

What was Lisa’s motivation? We know Lisa got here because she didn’t want to become an Infernal like her parents--so…she gets bit by one of Giovanni’s bugs on purpose to unlock her powers, when said bug could have infernalize her anyway, and…I guess she was fine with the blame to turn the world into a new Sun, killing everyone?

At least Sho was raised in a cult, so that is easy enough to bypass. What was Arrow’s origin story? Was it the same?

Honestly, given what my friend and I write, you can have enough original characters and the explanation just be, “This is a cult, they are desperate to belong,” and have that be enough motivation to work. The problem is, once you have those cultists learn this plan is going to kill them, there is no way you don’t have some characters bail on this plan, whether because that is realistic (“I don’t want to die, I just wanted to belong”) or because that makes your story more interesting (it introduces conflict within the ranks of the Clads, it potentially weakens them to help it make sense how the good guys can manage some minor victory against a conspiracy that includes the entire government and the entire state religion).

I think that ties into your point, that maybe leaving it ambiguous what the Clads had planned would have been better--because then you are just kicking that can down the road until the big reveal. But to make that work, you need to show that the Clads were a place that you get why these people were here. My friend does a great job writing Clad original characters where you get why they are here and feel that sense of belonging--you don’t have to agree with their actions, but you get how this is a found family, however toxic it is. It’s like the first live-action Ninja Turtles: you get how the Foot was able to con these teenagers into committing crimes, because the Foot was targeting wayward youths like Daniel who felt they didn’t belong.

#dwells whines about fire force #long post

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ghostofbambifanfiction · 3 years

Text

Part 1 of ?????

Started writing this fic a while ago and then lost faith in it. Should I continue? Feel bad for not posting much lately so I thought I'd share this. Read on and weigh in.

COME OUT TONIGHT

You don't have to fucking shout?

Said the pot to the kettle?

Oh you grandmother The caps were an accidental by-product of voice-to-text Blame Siri if you're going to blame anyone

You have a Samsung Galaxy S20.

HAD. It got smashed. Worst luck. Listen, come out with me tonight.

Urghhhhhhhhhhhhhh I'm tired!

https://www.boots.com/wellness/vitaminsandsupplements/vitamins-supplements-shop-by-ingredient/echinacea

Hah (indifferent)

Just come out with me! Isaac has to go see some godawful student performance of the Antigone in wherever the fuck Chichester is and it's Sirius's flatmate's birthday party so I have to go and I don't know any of his weird mates

You don't HAVE to go.

Have to/want to Semantics

I'm not in a birthday party mood. I'm having a stressful week. My arse has been tense since Tuesday.

I will wade into the deep and massage your arse if I have to, just come It's a swank pad in Belgravia! I bet they'll have all sorts of expensive nibbles!

I read that as expensive nipples.

Those too!

Partying it up with the children of wealthy Tories. Sounds super fun.

Just come out with me, for fuck I'll pick you up at 7 and we can steal their silverware if it's boring as the grave

URGH I'll go but I'm NOT dressing up!

You don't have to dress up!

FINE!

take the drawings down please i'm begging you i'm actually begging you

Nah mate

siriusssssssss pleeeeeease

Nah

PLEASE

Nah

PLEASE ffs it's MY birthday!!!! there are going to be PEOPLE there! standing around! AT EYE LEVEL

I don't see what the problem is.

EVERYONE will see what the problem is! they literally will not be able to IGNORE what the problem is!

Sounds like a recipe for lively discussion to me tbh

that is NOT what i want people talking about at my birthday!

If I take them down, I'll have to take all the nails out and that'll leave nail marks all over the walls. It would be unsightly.

MORE UNSIGHTLY THAN YOUR DICK, SIRIUS?

My dick is bewitching.

DIE

She walks in expecting to find herself the infiltrator of a Made in Chelsea/Royal Ascot/Henley Regatta netherworld, filled with a gaggle of giggling, SW-postcode socialites wielding suspiciously powder-edged Harrods Amex cards in the place of horses and boats, but that's not what actually greets her on the other side of the lacquered front door.

What greets her is really quite ordinary.

Aside from the naked drawings of Kingsley's mate, which aren't.

Otherwise, the whole affair is pretty relaxed. People her age are clustered in their small groups, swigging beers. There's a table of oven-heated party foods, salty snacks and rapidly depleting ramekins of guac. She spies more band shirts than there are dress shirts. There's a round of Fortnite in full swing on the TV.

It's all just...startlingly normal. A normal birthday party.

And that's sort of embarrassing, really.

Where are all the visible Tory toffs, she wonders? Where is the braying laughter? The Eton alumni reunion? The glimpse of hunting-happy tweed and shotgun barrels as a coat cupboard door swings shut? Where's the indelible air of sneering superiority, of "we're richer and more privileged and better than you, so fuck the NHS and death to foxes!" that she'd been expecting? There's a fucking Henry Hoover in the corner of the hall, for Christ's sake. Lily came here to smile through her teeth at them all, to listen to the champagne problems privilege that bubbled from their lips and tell herself that she was the one who knew better, who thought better. Her plain white tee and skinny jeans and scuff-toed, high-top trainers were supposed to be a statement, a subtle setting-apart, but she's not even the most underdressed person in the room.

She pre-judged a house full of people. What's that about?

There's a lesson to be found in this. Perhaps.

James covered all of the dicks in Paw Patrol stickers that he bought from the newsagent on his way home from his mum's, but Sirius peeled them all off while he was taking a soothing lavender bath, so what's the bloody point in birthdays anyway?

It's early in the evening, and he's wedged—against his will—between the dining room bar and Shane Ruttle, who has just pointed at one of the many lamentable dicks and asked, "Is this one of yours?" which James kind of wants to thump him for. It's bad enough that he looks like a madman who stuffed his house with naked drawings of his brother, now people are actually assuming that he drew the damn things, even though most of the compositions are appallingly far beneath his skill level. He's a professional illustrator, for the love of god, and Shane is really standing before him like the posturing prick he is, asking him if he's the one who drew Sirius with one arm disproportionately longer than the other.

He knows that he should cheer up.

It is his birthday. There is cake.

Good cake, too, not the kind that gets buried in too-thick fondant that he has to pick off before he can eat what's underneath.

The problem is, there's also a party, and his friends are his friends, Peter and Sirius included, and Peter and Sirius can both get drunk much faster than James can. When Peter and Sirius get drunk, serious injuries tend to follow, Remus tends to fuck off in a flash and James tends to be the one who calls for an ambulance or mothers them back to health—physical, mental or otherwise. He has just turned twenty-six, and these repeated, drunkenly dramatic medical emergency scenes are starting to wear a little thin.

Can't a man get comfortably drunk and have a laugh at his own birthday party?

No, he can't, because Peter's already halfway to trashed, wobbling unsteadily towards the French doors that lead to the terrace, wearing that look on his face that says I'm definitely going to vomit or maybe even shit myself like I did on that one night we all spent in Munich with the Belgian handball team and the creepy tour guide who couldn't keep his sleazy hands to himself. For the sake of sparing the lawn such a punishment, James hastily removes himself from Shane, grabs Peter by the collar, shoves him in the direction of the downstairs loo and retreats to the safety of the living room, where there are, at least, no naked drawings of Sirius gracing the walls.

Most of the people in here are transfixed by Saffy Stephens, who is down to the last three in her Fortnite game and cursing like a sailor, but there are a small pile of birthday cards on the end table where James and Sirius normally keep their keys. He perches on the sofa arm, sets his half-drunk beer bottle on the carpet, pushes his dark, disheveled hair away from his forehead and begins leafing through them. It's a necessity when one lives with Sirius, who thinks nothing of swiping gift cards when the mood strikes him and he's had enough to drink.

They're mostly from his female friends, and all pretty standard, until he reaches the middle of the pile and finds a card bearing a picture of a moustached tabby and the caption: Have a Purr-fect Birthday!

The inscription inside is written in a lovely, swirling hand.

To Jasper/Jack/Jason/maybe Ja Rule?/J-something idk

(see above: everything I've learned about you from the friend* I came here with, verbatim)

(*who can't remember your name)

Happy Birthday! Thank you for (not) specifically inviting me, a stranger, to your party to celebrate this momentous event in your life. Please enjoy this festive card/social nicety/convention from me to you. My friend brought rum which you may prefer.

I'll be around. Not that you'll know.

James lowers the card and twists on the sofa arm at once, eyes darting around the room in search of its author, as if they might be laying in wait to watch him read it and see how he reacts. Nobody appears to have ducked behind the couch, however, so the situation merits further scrutiny.

Obviously, he needs to meet this person.

A mystery! At his birthday party!

He perks right up after that.

She's coming out of the downstairs loo when a short, blonde man in a garish Hawaiian shirt barrels past her and pukes all over the chequerboard tiled floor, narrowly missing her jeans.

"Oh no," he moans into his wet hands. "Oh no—"

"There there, mate," says Lily consolingly, never one to judge somebody for getting drunk early at a party. She pats him on the back before squeezing past him and rejoining Kingsley, who is standing in one of this meandering Georgian house's many hallways, chatting to a bloke in a houndstooth sweater vest and holding two glasses of something very, very sparkly that she must try at once.

"It's like...it's like everything and nothing at the same time," Houndstooth Bloke is saying when Lily draws close, gesturing to a huge canvas painting of a rain-soaked fairground at night.

"Is it?" Kingsley asks.

"Mmm. Very." Houndstooth shakes his shoulders like he's slipping out of a robe. "Meant to be esoteric, I suppose."

That sounds suspiciously like pretentious bullshit to Lily, who doesn't find the concept of a merry looking fairground all that difficult to absorb. Kingsley knows more about the art world than she does, but he must agree with her assessment because he grunts and shoves her glass into her hand when she stops beside him, and more roughly than she deserves, as if she's the one who landed him in this mess of a conversation to begin with.

Trust him to find himself stuck with the only dick (not etched by a 4B Steadtler graphite pencil) in the building, and trust her to be stuck with the person who got himself stuck with King.

"What are we talking about?" she asks brightly, just to fuck with him.

"Drink your champagne, there's a good little hen," King mutters, his teeth clenched together, hallway lights bouncing off the smoothly waxed dome of his bald head.

"We've been discussing this piece." Houndstooth nods to the painting, but his limpid eyes narrow on Lily's face. "Christ, you're very redheaded, aren't you?"

It's decided. She'll wait 'til Houndstooth is drunk and trip him up with Henry Hoover's hose.

"Ergo soulless, yes," she agrees.

"And you...enjoy that?" he asks, as if being redheaded is her profession.

"Very much, thanks."

"Hmmp. Well. I came here with Saffron," he announces, pronouncing it Sef-ron. As if Lily is supposed to know who that is. "Platonically, of course. Actually, we're some sort of cousins, I think. What do you think the artist is trying to convey?"

He's very pointedly asking her, so Lily blinks at the painting, her eyes on the outstretched arm of a child on the carousel.

"I like the pretty colours," she decides aloud.

"Right," says Houndstooth, "but that's not—"

"And the lights, too. The lights are really pretty."

"But—"

"I love funfairs, actually," she brightly continues, finding a strange satisfaction in playing dumb in front of Houndstooth and his overbleached fade. Although she does really like the colours. "Haven't been to one in years!"

"Yes, good, whatever, but what is the artist trying to convey?"

"What artist?" comes a voice from behind them.

Lily glances over her shoulder and finds herself looking up at the man whose penis she's spent the past thirty minutes avoiding eye contact with, though he is taller, better proportioned and infinitely more beautiful than any of those crudely drawn depictions could possibly convey. He is also beplumed and bejewelled like a pirate, wearing a sumptuous velvet jacket over a loose white shirt, numerous rings on his fingers and an assortment of silver chains around his slender neck, while his grey eyes and elegantly high-set cheekbones are framed by a tumble of black hair that genuinely looks like silk.

The man is so beautiful, in fact, that Lily immediately wonders why he's been taking sketches home from the life drawing class that he and Kingsley pose for—hence their acquaintance and Lily's presence at this party—when nothing she's seen tonight has done him any justice.

Most happily, his penis is tucked safely out of sight.

"Alright, Sirius?" says King.

"Alright, Marvel?" Sirius claps a hand to the taller man's massive shoulder. Kingley's muscles bulge in a way that cannot be hidden by modern habiliments. "What are we talking about?"

"Not much." Houndstooth looks put out by the arrival of yet another person. "We were just mesmerised by this piece."

Lily refrains from gesturing to the painting with both hands and a "ta-dah!" choosing instead to sip her champagne.

It's very good champagne. Mmm. Yes.

"Oh, yeah, it's really something," Sirius agrees. He brushes past Kingsley and runs a finger over the illegible squiggle of a signature on the canvas. His nails are beautifully manicured. "Local guy, young up-and-comer. I assume you've heard of Algernon?" he asks Houndstooth, fixing him with a steely-eyed stare.

"Er, yes." Houndstooth's gaze slides from Sirius to the painting. "I know him."

Sirius's eyebrows lift. "Know him personally?"

"Well—"

"That's so weird, I heard he never speaks to people."

Houndstooth chews on the inside of his cheek, weighing up the challenge. "How…funny."

"Funny?"

"Oh, nothing. It's just, I know I've spoken to him before, and since you've bought his painting I assumed that you'd have—"

"That is funny, actually," Sirius interrupts, "because the artist is my brother, and Algernon is the name of his cat."

Kingsley has been tugging on his earring and almost rips it out of his ear as his body convulses, champagne spraying from his nostrils, while an alarming red flush sweeps across Houndstooth's face and he begins to sputter on his own self-importance. Sirius has clearly decided that he's done with all of that noise, however, because he turns back to Lily instead, looking her up and down with great and sudden interest.

"Who's this then?" he asks Kingsley, cocking his head to one side. "James's present?"

The champagne glass swings down and Lily fixes him with a deadpan stare. "Excuse me?"

Sirius slants a grin at Kingsley, a quick flash of teeth. "This one's queenly, isn't she?"

Kingsley wipes his nose with the back of his hand and laughs again. "Hardly."

"This is Primark, mate," Lily retorts, tugging on her t-shirt.

"Queenliness is a state of mind," says Sirius, "not a state of wardrobe."

"You had me marked down as a prostitute not ten seconds ago."

"Oh, that. I was only joking," he sighs, and grips her arm at the elbow, his long fingers cool against her skin. "But still, you're far too attractive to stand here talking to this clown. Come with me and I'll find you someone better."

James's friends are useless.

And drunk. Useless and drunk—or sort of drunk, in Saffy's case. Remus is certainly already pissed, but Remus is on meds so often that he drinks but once in a blue moon. One cocktail is usually enough to set him off, and he's been hard at the gin since he turned up with Peter at six.

"I don't know anyone with those initials," Saffy declares, once she has read, examined and even sniffed the birthday card for clues. "Except for Lisa Edelstein."

"Who's Lisa Edelstein?"

"Cuddy from House," says Remus, lowering the negroni from which he has been drinking deeply.

James pulls a face. "What the fuck is a Cuddy?"

"Oh, actually, it could mean le?" Remus suggests.

"Yes!" Saffy points at him like he might be onto something. "Like the French word for the?"

"Exactly, like—"

"It doesn't mean that!" James interrupts, unwilling to allow such profanity in his home. "That doesn't make sense, why would somebody sign their name as the?"

"Now you're asking me to explain how French people think?" says Saffy derisively, adjusting her bra strap beneath that burnt orange waistcoat she loves, the one that makes her look like she's directing a pornographic movie in the 70s when she pairs it with her tortoiseshell-framed aviators. It clashes wildly with her electric blue buzz-cut. "Am nooooo drunk enough for that."

"They could be one of those one word moniker pop stars, I suppose," Remus pipes up, smiling slyly. "You know, like Madonna?"

They think James doesn't realise that they're taking the piss out of him, but neither of them are sober enough to attempt their gambit with any kind of subtlety or grace.

"You know that's actually her real Christian name?" says Saffy.

Remus turns towards her with interest. "What, Madonna?"

"Yeah!"

"Really?"

"Yeah!" Saffy repeats. "I thought it couldn't possibly be her real name because, I mean, Madonna, yeah? But then I looked it up and apparently that's the name her mummy gave her, just goes to show—"

"I'm sorry," James interrupts, "but is Madonna relevant to this conversation?"

"Yes, always," says Saffy.

"She's an international pop megastar," Remus seconds.

James stares at his friend incredulously. "Drinking really chips away at your wit, y'know?"

"Does it?" Remus grins lazily and jiggles his cocktail in the air. "Oh, well, I'm negronly joking."

Saffy does a spit-take without the spit and clings helplessly to Remus's shoulder as she laughs, knees buckling, bangles tinkling, but James fights his own urge to start snickering.

"It's not that funny," he lies, and Remus eyes him with an alarmingly teacher-like shrewdness, despite the tellingly intoxicated flush that has crept into his thin, freckled face.

James's love of puns is tragically well known.

"You didn't get it." Remus points at his drink. His speech is starting to slur. "This is a negroni, what I said was—"

"Yeah, I got that part, I just—"

"Jesus fuck, look at her!" Saffy suddenly hisses, staggering sideways into Remus and sending him into the wall in a flurry of giggles—Remus giggling?—her voice hushed and urgent. "Who the hell is that?!"

James does look, following the direction of Saffy's gaze. Sirius has just entered the living room, casually clutching the elbow of a……

……goddess.

An actual. Like. Goddess.

A goddess. In James's house. In his living room. In the place where he eats his chocolate boulder cereal and rewatches Scrubs (even season 9, which is hilarious, and very unfairly disparaged by Joe Public) on Saturday mornings.

She's a goddess. A real one, and cleverly disguised as a mortal, sure, with her slouchy white t-shirt and her big hoop earrings and her light blue jeans that are torn at the knees, wearing her shoulder-length red hair half up, half down and slightly messy, but that doesn't hide what she is.

"Oh my god," he murmurs. His heart is pounding all of a sudden, which is so...utterly bloody stupid, but Saffy's right, bloody look at her, Jesus fuck.

"Surely she can't be with Sirius?" Saffy murmurs back.

"No, she—" He watches Sirius lean down to mutter something in the redhead's ear. A ghost of a laugh flits across her beautiful face. "She's not his—he isn't—"

"D'you think—"

"No, I—"

"Good," says Saffy firmly. She lets go of Remus and rises, lengthening her spine. It is a battle stance of some sort, presumably. "Because I saw her first."

"No!" James cries, wounded, and the redhead shoots him a curious look with a pair of eyes that are startlingly emerald green, even from all the bloody way over here. He spins to face Saffy and lowers his voice, face burning. "It's my house!"

"What are you arguing here, ownership rights?"

"No but it—it's my birthday!" James retorts, jabbing at his own chest. "And, actually, and—"

"It's in the bloody post!"

"—you didn't get me a present!" he finishes in triumph, not that he knows what he's arguing for, because the likelihood is that his tongue will glue itself to the roof of his mouth if he even dares to look in her direction one more time. "Plus I set you up with Vanya Petrich, with whom, as I recall, you enjoyed four years—"

"Stop throwing that in my face!"

"—four blissful years—"

"Is it my fault that you've never fancied any girl I've set you up with?!"

"—promised me an Easter ham for setting you up with her and I never got it—"

"So now you'll trade a woman for a ham?" Saffy accuses, though her face is too lit up, her brown eyes too crinkled at the corners—she's having fun with this and she isn't going to fool him and she knows it. "That's so low, even—"

"Don't start with that," James scathingly cuts in. "You offered me Sean Connery's autograph for Bonnie Grogan's number—"

"Which you never gave me!"

"Because you forged the bloody signature!"

"And now she's bloody married!"

"Yeah, well, Isabella wouldn't give me a counterfeit present, would she?" he retorts, and Saffy lets her shoulders drop, smirking. "This is pointless, Saf, we can't—"

"She's just left with Sirius," Remus informs them, and burps.

#Jily #Part 1 #Of 3?#Honestly I just wanted to give you guys a treat

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therealtsk · 3 years

Note

tsk i’m DYING to hear your play-by-play on which worm characters have dumb fanon interpretations

UH OH YOU JUST OPENED THE FLOODGATES so the short answer is pretty much every major character but I am a high-effort bitch so let's do this: Taylor Hebert: jfc, I could probably hit a word count limit talking about Taylor alone. First you have the dumb as shit TINO (Taylor In Name Only) phenomenon where people just straight up SI as Taylor but pretend it's her and she's basically a different person wearing Taylor's skin like an ill-fitting suit. Then there's the Memetic Escalator Taylor interpretation where Taylor's Warlord era characterization is flanderized so hard that she turns into her world's version of Doomguy where her response to literally everything is ultra violence, mutilation and torture and she can totally beat up anyone you guys hahah coin sock goes brrrrr you go brutalize those totally deserving victims queen. And then there's shy, stuttering, soft spoken "useless lesbian" Taylor which is not as common but still, fuckin straight men and the way they infantize gay women. Taylor is perhaps the most consistently inconsistent characterization I've seen in fandom, it's fucking wild Lisa Wilbourn: Has two fanon settings. Taylor's best friend who exists solely to give exposition and get the "Stop Coil" subplot rolling (occasional gay subtext will be added in a way that feels fetishy) Or, the evil bitchy blonde who is first target of the SI. I constantly wonder if the people who write the frankly masturbatory SI's are aware that we can tell they're still bitter about girls not dating them in highschool. Brian: basically does not exist in fic aside from the occasional joke cause racism and also because of how popular wlw ships are in Worm fandom. you deserve better dude Alec: has a few token appearances in wormfic fandom that usually have him as the comic relief alongside Aisha, which might actually be for the best considering he's a rapist and the Worm fandom's uhhhh tendencies. Moving on- Aisha: prankster girl that alt!Taylor will adopt as a younger sibling. hopefully is not part of the totally-not-a-harem considering she's even younger then the rest of these teens Bitch: Another girl to fall into alt!Taylor's definitely-not-a-harem, but with more butch tendencies. Basically has no personality in fanon outside of her dogs Parian: SHE DOESN'T HAVE A SHOP FFS also another member of Taylor's totally-not-a-harem Flechette: yeah it's a harem Sophia: holy shit you think Brian's bad? The racism in pretty much every fanon depiction of Sophia is off the charts. Hyper-violent, super edgy, "predator/prey" speech inbound, will get humilated/killed in some new, supposedly satisfying but actually just deeply uncomfortable way, probably throw in some E88 shit too just because Emma: again, do the writers know we can tell they're still malding over the fact that the pretty girls in highschool didn't date them? fanon emma is pretty much a cardboard cut out of whoever was mean to the author. something something bitches three Madison: in fanon has a C53 fetish, occasionally is also Browbeat. don't ask why Victoria: gets hit with the blonde stereotypes even harder then Lisa, "Collateral Damage Barbie" is one of the phrases that activates my flight or fight responses. she basically is an entirely different character in fanon. bubbly dumb blonde girl with a massive temper and well other sexist bullshiit Amy: I hate even touching this character with a ten foot pole but basically is hit with the "soft useless lesbian" trope hard enough to make her into a completely separate person from her canon self. whether or not this is a good thing is still up for debate Carol: in fanon, an evil bitch who exists solely to bully Amy Mark: who? The rest of New Wave: cannon fodder for Leviathan Danny Hebert: literally stale milk instead of a personality, will probably die before the fic is over but we won't care because the author did not care either Armsmaster: hahaha robotman go brrrr or is an arrogant self-aggrandizing shit, can't interact with people without Dragon helping him 24/7 Miss Militia: fanon bat'd into team mom,

idk where this came from considering her first instinct upon seeing children is to pull out a gun holy shit wait is she actually Taylor's true mom- Velocity: canon fodder for levi Battery & Assault: sitcom wife, sitcom husband! please ignore how fucked up this relationship is if you look at it for more than two seconds Dauntless: haha armsy is JEALOUS also cannon fodder for levi Triumph: who? The BB wards in general tend to be incredibly bland, the only ones who have fanon personalities of note are Clockblocker and Vista. The former being such a huge prankster that every other line is a joke- or him complaining about how BULLSHIT Alt!Taylor's powers are. Vista is an angry kiddo who says that Shadow Stalker doesn't count as being a girl on the team The E88: no personality for any of them except that Kaiser is noble and really isn't that bad and also Purity did nothing wrong totally she's just a hot mom trying to do her best, please ignore how she exclusively targets characters of color and literally calls white criminals more civilized than miniorities- the worm fandom has something of a nazi problem i hate it here The ABB: racism and honorable samurai lung even though that has no canon basis so again, racist stereotypes The Slaughterhouse 9: This one makes me just as sad as the Lisa shit because dear god this is such a good cast of villains that fanon completely flattens to bowling pins for the Alt!Taylor of the week to mow down, why does this fandom suck so much. Anyway Jack is just the Joker, Crawler is masochistic, etc i'm moving on now The PRT/Protectorate as a whole: They are an evil paramilitary organization that pressgangs kids into signing up to become child soldiers, and somehow at the same time, they are a bunch of idiots who listen to the PR department and have stupid things like RULES that prevent capes from COMMITTING VIOLENCE. Being called "the biggest gang of all" is common and some shit like "at least the criminals are honest" is a likely statement. Cauldron: whoo boy this one really boils my blood but fanon Cauldron are just a bunch of evil idiots who can't even tie their shoelaces. basically a bunch of dudebros are upset that women run the world and that two of them essentially have "I win" powers so they have to make them lose to their SI- er, Taylor in fics so they can assuage their masculinity, which totally isn't pathetic Scion: Is at once the end all be all of worm you can't write a wormfic without scion or else it's TOTALLY MEANINGLESS because what is the point of a story if all the characters are going to DIE in a few years anyway, and at the same time is incredibly easy to defeat- this ties into how Cauldron is stupid. Scion Truthers pls shut up and go read something else okay I think that's everyone I would apologize but the only thing I'm sorry for is how messy this is

#Worm #Parahumans #Worm Fanfic #Worm Fanon #if you can't tell #I'm a little annoyed with the worm fanfic fandom #dear SI writers stop being such creeps #and nazis pls fucking leave we don't want you here go away

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btsmutimagines · 4 years

Text

Our Future

Look, I suck at titles, y’all and I’m a day late ffs but happy birthday Kookie

Arranged Marriage AU

Word Count: 7.5K (I really need to stop)

Grey skies arched above you as you walked home, kicking a small pebble along with you until it got caught between a crack in the sidewalk.

You audibly sigh, enjoying yourself as you kicked it further and further each time. It was almost like you were that pebble, your life seeming to be pushed by something until it stops.

You were stuck, just like your little pebble.

You finally reached your house, unlocking the front door and noticing the familiar shoes. They were shined up and as uninvited as usual but their owner paid no mind to what you thought, clearly.

The back of your father’s head greeted you as you stepped into the living room and he put down the newspaper he was reading.

You brace yourself, knowing he came to talk to you about something. He never really looked for a conversation, just a breathing punching bag.

“Hello, father.”

“I expected you to be home sooner.”

“I hadn’t expected any guests.”

“Maybe if you answered my phone calls once in a while.”

“You don’t pick up when I call back.”

“I’ve been busy, Y/N.” When are you not? You silently retorted in your mind.

“What did you need to say, father?”

“I’d like you to come to dinner with me tomorrow night.”

“I rather not.”

“Tell me why? Is there something unpleasant about a father and daughter enjoying a nice dinner together?”

“When have we ever done anything ‘nice’, father?” He cocked an eyebrow, he knew damn well that your relationship was far from any loving familial ties.

If you had it your way, he won’t ever know where to find you.

“The Blanche, seven o’clock. I’ll have Hyunjin pick you up.” He adjusted his tie, standing up to walk away and you clenched your fists.

You wanted to yell, at least tell him off for coming over uninvited to force you into some weird dinner. But you merely stood as he brushed past you, you standing in your spot until you heard your front door shut.

───✱*.｡:｡✱*.:｡✧*.｡✰*.:｡✧*.｡:｡*.｡✱ ───

This morning, you found a box with a card attached in front of your door.

You could tell from the intricate design on the card, it was from your father. Inside was a gorgeous red dress, the off-shoulder design along with the leg slit satisfying your tastes.

You held up the dress, looking in the full-length mirror and imagining yourself in it.

“As if he would know what I liked.” You scoffed to yourself, pulling the dress back on your bed. He probably just sent off one of his servants to find something for you.

Even so, what would be so important that he would send you something to wear? You were his well-kept secret, him wanting you to keep yourself hidden from his life for appearances.

He couldn’t afford to be distracted, he said. In exchange for you disappearing from his life, he sends a weekly allowance that you’ve been saving in a separate account.

Maybe one day when you’re finished, you can pack up your things and truly disappear. Nothing was tying you down to this city anyways.

Bzzt.

You heard your phone vibrate, a text notification appearing on the screen.

Incoming in 5, 4, 3, 2…

“One!” You heard your friend, Yeseul entering your apartment and you put to the dress back into its box hastily.

“Where are you?”

“Bedroom.” She wandered in, quickly embracing you in a hug and you stood still. You’ve been friends since freshman year, Yeseul being the only one who put up with you.

You didn’t mind hanging out with her but you didn’t put your eggs into her basket yet.

Memories of your ‘friends’ asking you to hang out, racking up a huge bill and then making excuses to leave you to pay each time. Your dad even got on your case, interrogating why you spent so much each week. He cut you off, only giving you enough for lunch and your so-called friends were suddenly too busy for you.

How naïve.

“You’re doing that thing again.”

“What thing?”

“Zoning out, burning imaginary holes into the last thing you looked at. You know, the usual.”

“I was just thinking, Seul.”

“Well stop that, we got other things to do.”

“We? What are you roping me into now?”

“Why do you say that like I only get you into trouble?”

“Because you do.” You deadpanned, you haven’t forgotten the time she thought it was a good idea to stay for after-hours when there’s a curfew in place. You had to dip into the savings to pay off the ticket you got.

“It’s harmless fun, Y/N.”

“That citation definitely harmed my savings.” You muttered.

“Anyways, listen. You and me, dancing and drinking at Hoseok’s party tonight. Sounds like a dream, right?”

“A nightmare, actually.”

“Come on, Hoseok was gracious enough to invite me with a plus one, meaning you.”

“I have to pass.”

“Why?”

“I have plans. Dinner plans, actually.”

“Who’s the mystery man? He must be worth your time since you’re passing up an offer from me.” She knows damn well you would pass up any party with or without plans.

“That’s not important. I just don’t think I can miss this dinner. Sorry.”

“So secretive. I expect no less though.”

“I’ll tell you about it later.”

“It’s fine, Y/N. I’ll take enough shots for both of us.”

“Remember to drink water in between and eat something too.”

“Okay.” She pursed her lips, leaving your apartment right after and you sat on your bed. You shook off the tension, checking the time and preparing yourself for this dinner.

Whatever it’s about, you had a feeling you wouldn’t like it.

You were adjusting your necklace when you hear a knock at your door. Opening the door revealed Hyunjin, one of your father’s drivers. He was newer than the others but devoted to your father like the others.

“Miss Y/N?”

“Y/N is fine. Take me to where I need to go, please.”

“As you wish, Y/N.” You took his arm, locking your door behind you and followed him to the car. The unease settled in when he started driving, part of you that you just went to that party with Yeseul.

Maybe she wouldn’t make that pointed comment and you would send your father a message.

Alas, here you are, walking into the Blanche like the little good girl he expected you to be. Wearing the dress he picked for you, even putting in the useless effort of making yourself presentable to only be met with him scowling at his phone.

“Hello to you too.”

“Ah, so you did come. Glad to see you have the decency to clean yourself up.”

“I rather you tell me why am I here instead of having this conversation with you.”

“First, sit.”

“I don’t plan on staying.”

“Then, change your plan. I have very important people that you have to meet arriving soon and it would be rude to stand there as you are.” You grit your teeth, sitting across from your father and crossing your arms.

A waiter braved his way to your table, filling up your water glass while you shot daggers at your father. Bastard didn’t even have the decency to even hint at who these ‘very important people’ are and why it should somehow matter to you?

You thought the deal was you wouldn’t even say your father’s name in passing and he could live his life freely. No burden of you.

“Ah, Younghee.” Your father got up, making you turn your head to look at a woman who was walking towards your table.

God, was he going to tell you that he was marrying this woman? Why would you even care if he gets remarried?

“I’m terribly late again, aren’t I?”

“Hardly. Is he here as well?” He? Was there a man accompanying her? Her son?

“Of course, he’s an important part of this conversation.”

“That is right. Oh, I almost forgot, this is Y/N, Younghee.”

“Nice to meet you.”

“How polite. Ah, you’re more beautiful than I thought.”

“Thank you very much.” Currently wishing the ground would swallow you whole, right about now. At least before this other guest shows up.

“Oh, Jungkook, darling, over here.” She waved someone over you, this time you stared forward. You froze as this man took a seat next to you. Fuck, you should have ditched when you still had the chance.

“Pardon my mother and I’s tardiness, sir.”

“It’s quite alright, Jungkook. All that matters is that we are all here now. Before we start, we should actually order something. Breadsticks will not get me through the night, I’m afraid.” This fucker is just going to keep dancing around the real topic for as long as he can-

“Um, I’m Jungkook. Y/N, I presume.” You looked at the man, quietly taken aback by how attractive he was. His hair was slightly parted, each hair perfectly in place. His shaped jaw highlighted his face, his pink lips were a perfect hue and he was just… perfect. But he was going to be your stepbrother, right? You shouldn’t even look at him in any other way.

“You would be right, Jungkook.”

“See, they’re already getting along.” You wanted to roll your eyes, all you did was introduce yourselves.

The waiter took your order, you quietly tapping your foot while your father acted jovial with his two guests. You only answered when addressed, quiet otherwise and hoping your food would arrive soon.

“So, Jungkook, your mother says you’re a game developer.”

“Yes, sir. Currently developing a sequel to one of my first projects.”

“My Jungkookie’s project has sold almost one billion copies globally. I’m lucky to have such a successful son.”

“Mother.”

“That’s impressive, right, Y/N?”

“Yeah, sure.” You were more interested in swirling the rich wine that sat in the glass you held in your right hand than whatever this conversation was about.

“Y/N’s in university, right? I’ve heard from your father that you have multiple companies scouting you.”

“That’s really cool.”

“Yup.” You said, taking a large swig and placing your glass on the table.

“Alright, enough of the small talk. Why are we really here?”

“Forgive her, Younghee, I’m afraid alcohol tends to loosen her lips. But I don’t mind cutting the chase.”

“It’s quite alright, I’m sure she wants to relax. After all, to be married so young in this day and age is a rarity.”

Married?

“Wait, excuse me. Who’s getting married?”

“You and Jungkook are getting married. Engaged for now.”

“Are you joking? This is a joke, right?”

“Had you not tell her? This is a lot to load on the child.”

“She could have seen it coming.”

“You’re too mean.” You got up, walking away from the table as you glared at your father. Of course, he would pull some shit like this with you now and then he has to remind you that he was in control.

“Y/N!” You didn’t look back, not caring about who was following you.

“Y/N, please.”

“Just leave me alone.”

“I can’t. Not when you’re like this.” You stopped, turning around to face Jungkook. He loosened his tie, his coat over his shoulder as he caught his breath.

“You know you walk fast in heels.”

“Why did you follow me anyways? Did your mom send you?”

“I came on my own. Your dad made some excuse about you being drinker than he thought, and my mom just accepted it. I figured it was more than that.”

“Even if it was, it’s none of your business.”

“Hard to say when we’re engaged now, Y/N.”

“I don’t want to get married to you, Jungkook.” He looked down, running his hand through his hair.

“Are you really okay with this, having everything in your life dictated by someone else? Don’t you want to know what it’s like to choose?”

“All I ask is that you give me a chance.”

“Jungkook.” How strong is his mother’s hold on him?

“I know that this is probably the worst thing that could happen to you, being forced to be stuck with someone like me but I want to show you who I am. Show you that I’m someone that you can fall in love with. If we don’t work, I’ll break the engagement myself.” You looked at him, his hand clasped together as he pleaded with you.

He looked so sincere, something in his eyes made you feel like he meant it.

“I’m holding you to that.” You replied, looking away from him and he pulled you into a sudden huh. Your body stiffened, not expecting the sudden skinship. He felt warm, the scent of his cologne making it hard to think of a better adjective.

“Thank you.”

“You’d be welcome if you let me go.” You blurted, not wanting to linger around him any longer.

“Sorry. Got a little too excited.” He cleared his throat, you avoid his eyes while you fiddled with your dress.

“Can I take you home?”

“If you’re okay with a few blocks.”

“Why not call a taxi?”

“Easier to walk.” You asserted, beginning to walk in the direction of your apartment and Jungkook could only follow you.

───✱*.｡:｡✱*.:｡✧*.｡✰*.:｡✧*.｡:｡*.｡✱ ───

You made it home, Jungkook awkwardly bidding you goodbye while you muttered a good night before slipping inside. Thankfully, you had classes to distract you but all you could think about how your dad decided to basically sell you off for his best interests. Someone like Jungkook probably had a monopoly on the gaming industry and your father wanted to venture into technology.

Regardless of how good looking he was, how successful he is, you couldn’t shake the feeling that it was mainly your father’s and his mother’s influence that is driving him. How long can he put up this earnest act?

Give me a chance.

“Ugh.” You groaned, his words repeating in your head and you felt someone poking at your head.

“Quit it.”

“It’s only Monday.”

“That’s part of the problem, Seul.” You looked up to see her sitting next to you, she didn’t seem upset anymore.

“Then what is it? Mystery date was a dud?”

“Something like that.” More like mystery fiancé.

“What happened?” You came up with a lie, telling her that your father arranged your marriage overnight would result in questions you didn’t want to answer.

“I agreed to a second date and I’m not sure if I’m still up for it since we didn’t start on the right foot.”

“What do you like about him?”

“He’s loyal to a fault, he puts in the effort, ambitious…”

“Sounds like things you put on a resume.”

“It wasn’t the best first date.”

“But you said yes to a second one.”

“But he said some sweet things when he did. It sounded like something out of a drama.”

“Aw, he melted your heart a bit, didn’t he?”

“Shut up.” You snapped, embarrassed that you admitted that part of what he said actually affected you.

“I think you should give it a shot since you saw something in him. Plus, you could always dump him if he’s not what he seems.”

“I guess, you’re right this time.”

“What do you mean ‘this time’? Aren’t I always right?”

“You wish.” She nudged you, you were laughing in response.

After your talk with Yeseul, you felt better about the bombshell. But you figured you would have some time before you would see Jungkook. Not him standing outside of your apartment building with his hands in his pockets.

He looked formal, wearing a waistcoat with a dress shirt. You could see gloves covering his hands and you cursed yourself for immediately thinking of how hot he looked.

“Y/N.”

“At my pace, my ass.” You muttered as you tried to pretend that you couldn’t know him, but he started to jog towards you. The two of you ran in the opposite direction of your apartment until he caught you, your back pressed against his chest as he wrapped his arms around you.

“Caught you. Part of me is starting to think you like the chase.”

“I like space, which you’re invading.”

“Right, no hugs. But can we talk face to face?” He let go and you obliged to his request, currently giving him a hard stare.

“I really came because I don’t have your number, can’t give our relationship an honest try without each other’s number.” You gulped, even the word ‘relationship’ made you feel weird. He was right, you thought to yourself, you had to give this an honest try, so you could properly reject him and break it cleanly.

After all, how could you fall for someone like him?

“Y/N?”

“Huh?”

“Having daydreams about me?”

“Ha, you wish, Jeon.” You started to walk back in the direction of your house, not wanting to stay out for long.

“Not even my first name, I thought we were closer than that.”

“You have to work for it.”

“I’ll do whatever it takes.” How do you say things like that so casually, ugh? You pulled out your phone, handing it over to him to enter his number before he turned it over.

“Kookie?”

“It’s cuter hearing you actually saying it out loud.”

“I’m literally never saying that again.”

“Aw, come on Y/N, I can make up a cute nickname for you too.”

“Please don’t.”

“You seem like a sugar plum.”

“What kind of nickname is that? Sugarplum? I don’t even know what that is.”

“Have you never tried them?”

“I think your terrible nickname counts as a deterrent.”

“Why wouldn’t you want to be compared to a candy?”

“It’s not exactly something I want to hear, to be honest.”

“I promise to come up with something better.”

“A promise I wish you can’t keep.”

“I’m not giving up.”

“This is a weird hill you want to die on but by all means, go ahead.”

“At least it’s earned me a smile today.”

“You talk like the main lead in a romance drama. Just awfully cheesy.”

“I hope you’re not lactose intolerant.”

“Seriously, stop it.” You reach your apartment, the two of you talking while walking up flights of stairs until you were at your door.

“Time flies, doesn’t it?”

“Indeed.”

“I wish it would stop, kind of liked talking to you.”

“Mhm.”

“Ouch, you didn’t feel the same. I thought we had a good chat.”

“Maybe I did, maybe I didn’t. Can’t play all my cards, can I?” You unlocked your door, letting yourself in but leaving it open enough that you could still see him.

“If this is a game, hope you don’t mind losing. I play to win, Y/N.”

“We’ll see about that. Good night.”

“Night, Y/N.” You shut your door, walking into your bedroom and plopping on the bed.

I play to win, Y/N. Not on my watch, Jungkook.

───✱*.｡:｡✱*.:｡✧*.｡✰*.:｡✧*.｡:｡*.｡✱ ───

“If you stare at your phone that hard, you might actually shoot laser beams at it.”

It’s been two weeks since you and Jungkook had met, the man semi occupied your thoughts. He kept his distance, probably leaving the ball in your court in terms of whether you wanted to talk to him or not.

And you hate to admit it but you did want to talk to him at least.

“Har har.”

“Is Mystery Date on your mind again? Did you have your second date?”

“I guess you could say so, it went so much smoother like I could say anything, he would know what to say back. It was nice.” God, you sounded like a high schooler in their first relationship. And you can’t even see you and Jungkook beyond acquaintances.

“So, he wasn’t a waste of time but what’s wrong now?”

“I don’t know what to text him.”

“Wait, you weren’t already texting?”

“I met him off Tinder and he wanted to delete the app so we exchanged numbers.” You lied coolly, Yeseul humming in response.

“What are you hoping this message sends to him? Not literal, like do you want him to be more enticed by you or like you’re playing a hot and cold thing with him.”

“Just that I’m open to texting.”

“Oh. You’re not ready for sexting anyways.”

“What?”

“Just send him a simple ‘hey’.”

“Isn’t that too simple?”

“But you’re just opening a conversation, you don’t need much.”

“Are you sure?”

“Y/N, do it before I do it myself.”

“Okay, okay.” You murmured, typing it out and hitting send. He must have seen it, the familiar three dots appearing on your screen before his message came.

I didn’t think you would actually text me, I was preparing to camp out your apartment door.

I would totally call apartment security if you did.

So mean, honey bun.

Honeybun? I think you should retire from this nickname thing, it was funny the first time and now it’s just sad.

No good, huh? I have gotten plenty more to try out.

I swear I’m going to block you if you do.

Fine, I won’t try them out here. But believe me when I say that I’m going to have the perfect nickname for you and you’re going to love me for it

Sure, Jeon.

You do realize my name is actually Jeon Jungkook, not Jeon?

I am aware

Man, you play hard to get on the hardest mode, but I’m not giving up. I’m going to capture your heart.

“Oh my gosh, he’s going to ‘capture your heart’. He found your weakness, sappy lines.”

“They are not my weakness.”

“Please, all I have to say is ‘Don’t let go-”

“It’s too soon, Yeseul. Okay, too soon.”

“Are you sniffling?”

“Shut it.”

Great, you got my friend in on your corny lines

Aw, you talked about me to your friends? Can’t keep us a secret, babe? ;)

I rather keep it a secret but I need advice.

Advice?

Yeah, how to deal with such a shameless man.

Hey, I have some shame. It take a lot of confidence to talk to a girl like you, I feel like you can see through me

So, you know to not waste my time.

Time with me is always worth it, trust me.

Mhm

Somehow that hurt more than when you do that in person.

Hey, Y/N, I’m really happy you texted me but I gotta go? Talk to me later or something.

Don’t play too hard

That’s literally my job, Y/N but seriously bye J

“He sounds cute.”

“He’s something else, really.”

“I know you like to keep people at an arm's length but it really looks like he wants to be centimetres apart if you catch my drift.”

“We’ve been out twice, I’m not going to sleep with him.”

“Is he hot?”

“Objectively.”

“What kind of answer is that?”

“I’m not sure where you’re going with this.”

“I’m going to tell you to bag him.”

“You’re nuts.”

“No, it’s been two weeks since you met, he seems pretty decent and he’s objectively hot, whatever that means.”

“I still need to get to know him.”

“Just take him for a test drive.“

“Yeseul!”

───✱*.｡:｡✱*.:｡✧*.｡✰*.:｡✧*.｡:｡*.｡✱ ───

You were scrolling through your twitter feed, reading some thread exposing another influencer when you heard a knock on your door.

“Coming.” You said, walking over and opening it to Jungkook.

He lost the business attire, wearing a simple black shirt and jeans. Fine, so it wasn’t the suits that made him look so hot.

“Wow.”

“Is there a reason you showed up on this fine Saturday?”

“Because I want to take you out. Plus I got to see you in shorts.”

“My eyes are up here, Jeon.”

“Wait, let me admire them a bit longer.” You were about to swing the door shut when he stopped the door.

“I was just joking, Y/N. But would you like to go out with me?”

“You don’t mean like a date, do you?”

“Whatever you want it to be.”

“Then we can hang out, Jungkook.”

“You said my name.”

“Did I? Must have been a slip of the tongue, Jeon.”

“Shoot, I should have enjoyed it while it lasted.”

“You can wait in the living room. Touch anything and I’ll have your head.”

“You’re joking, right?” You smiled in response.

“Oh.”

“So where are we going?”

“Somewhere fun, casual.”

“How descriptive.”

“It’s no fun if I tell you everything. You’ll know when we get there.”

“Of course I would because we would already be there.”

“Just get changed, Y/N.”

“Bossy.” You teased, going into your bedroom to change.

Should I dress up for him? But the most we are is friends and since when did friends have to impress each other? Gosh, why are you even thinking about this? Just toss something together!

You put on a crop top and some shorts, joining Jungkook in the living room after brushing your hair.

“Let’s go.” You clapped your hands together, getting Jungkook’s attention and walking towards the front door.

You thought you heard Jungkook mutter under his breath, making you quietly smirk before turning to look at him.

“Is something the matter?”

“Of course not. After you.” The two of you opted for the elevator, you listening to Jungkook hum melodically. He led you to his car, opening the door for you and you sat with a quiet ‘thank you’.

“Are you really not going to tell me?”

“I’ll give you a hint. It’s a building in this city.”

“I see you can be mean too.”

“Taste of your own medicine. A bit bitter, isn’t it?��

“You’re enjoying it, aren’t you?”

“A bit.”

“Hmph.”

“Sounds more cute than angry.”

“You’re a strange man.”

“Only to you, Y/N. Mother says I’m the most perfect person in the world, you’re a close second though.” You rolled your eyes, you’re surprised he went so long without mentioning his mother and chose now to bring her up.

“Of course she does. You’re her baby boy.”

“Oh shit, forgot about your father.”

“Let’s keep him forgotten.”

“Alright.”

“I’m surprised you know how to drive.”

“What a weird comment. Why wouldn’t I know?”

“You seemed like the type to have drivers, mommy won’t want her baby to get into an accident.”

“I’m not that much of a momma’s boy. I have a motorcycle license, I’ll have you know.”

“You? On a motorcycle?”

“I was 18 and feeling rebellious. It explains the earrings too.”

“They suit you actually.”

“Thank you.”

“Now, I have to see you on a bike.”

“Depends, will you take a ride with me?”

“You just want an excuse to get me to hug you, don’t you?”

“Damn, nothing gets past you. But I miss the night rides and it’s nicer with company.”

“I might take you up on that.”

“I guess I better dust off the old bike, then.”

“It’s not a date, remember that.”

“I know, I know.” He pulled into a parking lot, smoothly reversing into a spot before the two of you getting out.

“This way.” You followed him, the sign a dead giveaway and you smiled.

“I could have guessed that you would pick an arcade.”

“It’s fun and casual.”

“Hey, Ms. Han.”

“Oh, Jungkook honey, you came! Who is this lovely woman? Your girlfriend?”

“No, she’s just a friend, Ms. Han.”

“It’s nice to meet you, I’m Y/N.” You bowed to her and she waved her hands.

“No need to be so formal, a friend of Jungkookie is a friend of mine. This rascal has been coming to this arcade for years, even skipping classes to beat the high scores on most of these machines.”

“Is that so? What a bad boy.”

“Hey, don’t gang up on me. I still did well, didn’t I, Ms. Han?”

“With the skin of your teeth. You’re lucky you were a talented kid, now a big name game developer.”

“I’m still the same Jungkook.”

“You are the reason I still have banana milk in my fridge.”

“My favourite. Thank you, Ms. Han.”

“Ah, you.” Jungkook cheekily smiles before laughing, soon enough the three of you were. You took a seat at a machine, Jungkook sitting next to you and playing.

“Wanna make a bet?”

“Depends, what do I win?”

“Your most embarrassing baby photo.”

“Blackmail material, huh? Won’t put it past you.”

“Humour me with what you think you’ll win.”

“You let me take you out on a real date.”

“Aiming high, aren’t you?”

“Of course, the greater the risk, the greater the reward. You in?”

“Better be ready to hand that picture over tomorrow.”

“Don’t count on it, babe.” There’s the damned nickname, hearing it in person has the same effect as it does typed out. You didn’t let it seem obvious, focusing on the machine and the two of you playing a single round.

“I win. I can’t wait to get my hands on the sweet blackmail material.”

“Sure, after our date.”

“That isn’t part of the deal.”

“Check the scores again, Y/N.” You looked at the two screens, Jungkook putting his arm around your shoulder with a smile on his face.

10660 to 1066…5. He beat you by 5 points.

“How.”

“I’ve been playing since high school, I think I’m losing my touch. I have the high score on this game, I think.”

“I want a rematch.”

“If that’s what you want.” You tried different combos, putting all your focus on your character and finishing with a better score than the first time.

“Beat you by 10, this time.”

“Are you cheating?”

“I think it’s a classic case of sore loseritis.”

“I am not a sore loser, just can’t wrap my head around you beating me.”

“Well, I am a game developer. If I were horrible at games, that would be ironic.”

“This isn’t fair.”

“Wait here, I’ll get you some banana milk.” You frowned at him, watching him go into the back and Ms. Han hit you with a rag.

“He looks really happy with you.”

“I think he just likes winning games.”

“This is a different kind of happy, the smile on his face looks different than when he sees me coming into the arcade with a carton of banana milk or hearing about how the neighbourhood kids talked about his game.”

“It’s like he’s in love. Just like that girl he used to talk about in high school.”

“Jungkook had a crush?”

“But he has you now. Keep your eye on him for me, will you Y/N?”

“I-”

“Ms. Han, you’re running low on banana milk.”

“Ya, you punk, you should supply your own.”

“I promise I’ll buy some next time. Y/N, here.” He handed you a bottle, the straw already inserted and you took a sip. It was really sweet, you never thought he would like something like this.

“Can we book a karaoke room?”

“For how long?”

“An hour.”

“Jungkook.”

“I want to hang out with you a bit longer.” That innocent comment led to the two of you singing the opening to Naruto three times and you two belting Unravel on the top of your lungs.

You took a seat, tired and Jungkook sang on his own. He had such a pretty voice, each note sounding perfect in your ears. Is there anything he can’t do?

“One more song?”

“You’re totally going to lose your voice.”

“I’m dedicating this song to you, Y/N.”

“Oh my god.” You covered your face, laughing as he dramatically pointed at you and he entered the code.

The gentle piano played through the speakers and he kept his eyes on the screen as he sang. It was a simple love ballad, it felt like he was truly saying these words to you.

“Are you crying?”

“Shut up, that was beautiful you ass.”

“I’m not sure whether to be offended or flattered.”

“It’s a compliment, you jerk.”

“Okay… let’s take you home.”

You followed him out to his car, going back to your apartment.

“Are we really going on a date?”

“Why? Can’t wait?”

“I rather not.”

“But we had so much fun today.”

“But it wasn’t a date.”

“I know. But it was a test run for our real date.”

“You planned this out, didn’t you?”

“No comment.”

“I can admire the sneakiness.”

“I planned the whole thing, except for the little chat between you and Ms. Han.”

“Did you eavesdrop?”

“No, I thought she would say something embarrassing that I rather not relive.”

“Really, not even the girl you had a crush on?”

“She didn’t tell you her name, did she?”

“No, but now I’m curious. A girl that got your attention, wonder what she was like? Could she be the reason you got all rebellious?”

“Hey, save these questions for our date.”

“You’re serious about that?”

“Of course. Let me walk you up.” He locked his doors behind the two of you, taking you up to your floor while talking with you more.

“Just what I wanted to see.” You looked at your father standing out of your apartment, Jungkook stopping behind you. He smirked at the two of you, your blood boiling as he adjusted his cuff links.

“Why are you here?”

“Is there something unusual about a father caring about his only daughter?”

“You? Care about me? When did that start? When I became an asset to you to use?”

“Watch your words, girl. Do you realize who you’re speaking to?”

“A deadbeat father who chose money over me.”

“You-” You shut your eyes, knowing what should come next but it didn’t. Opening your eyes, you saw Jungkook holding your father’s arm and he let go.

“Remember this, Y/N, your life was never yours. Never.” He spat, walking off and Jungkook turned to you.

“He’s done that before, hasn’t he?”

“I push his buttons a lot, don’t I?”

“You don’t have to tell me but I won’t let him get away with it anymore. Okay?” You let him hug this time, holding onto a piece of his shirt for a moment. He didn’t make you say it, thankfully but he knew what your father truly was at least.

His hand patted your hair, the soft gesture melting your heart a bit. Your mother used to do the same thing when you were scared at night before you’d fall asleep she would say these words:

“I’ll protect you.”

───✱*.｡:｡✱*.:｡✧*.｡✰*.:｡✧*.｡:｡*.｡✱ ───

Yeseul came over, tossing dresses in your direction and currently spazzing while you dodged.

“Oh my god, how come you have like nothing to wear?”

“We’re standing in like a hill of my clothes right now.”

“And yet you still have nothing to wear.”

“Maybe I should get a raincheck.”

“Oh hell no, I can finally meet this mystery man tonight and you can’t take that away from me.”

“Yeseul, calm down.”

“I am calm.” So not calm. You sighed, just fishing through the clothes that Yeseul chucked and finding a simple little black dress.

“That is it. Simple, chic and elegant. My tossing abilities have never failed me.” You rolled your eyes, knowing better than to argue with Yeseul about her not noticing it when she initially tossed it at you but there was no point being a dead horse.

After putting on the dress and Yeseul becoming an impromptu hair and makeup artist, you waited for Jungkook.

You heard him knock and Yeseul sprinted to the door before you could make three steps.

“Oh my god, he’s hotter than I imagined.”

“You must be Yeseul.”

“So you have talked about me.”

“Yeah, just the usual, you being annoying and slightly overbearing. Everyday things.”

“Sometimes I wonder how Jungkook managed to get through 2 months of you without even thinking he needs a break.”

“I think about it every day, try me.”

“Oh yeah, you can start right now.”

“Oh no, missy, and pass up on this date when you’ve dressed up so beautifully? I’d would have to be locked up in an asylum.”

“I told you you looked hot.” Yeseul boasted.

“Hush.”

“Now, I’m stealing Y/N for the night. Not sure if I’ll get her back by morning.”

“By all means, take her.”

“Gee, Yeseul, some friend you are.”

“Have fun, lovebirds.” She rushed you both out, giving you a thumbs up and wink. You cocked an eyebrow, Jungkook leading you away and you were met with a midnight blue motorcycle.

“You weren’t joking.”

“I’d never joke about my Harley. Come on.” You took the helmet from him, placing it on your head and sitting behind him.

“Trust me and hold on.” You listen to the bike roaring to life before purring as he began to ride. He weaved through traffic carefully, probably because of you and parked at a restaurant.

“Can I..um…hold your hand?”

“Yeah.” You breathed, Jungkook quietly lacing his fingers between yours and leading you into the restaurant.

“Reservation for Mr. Jeon.”

“Right this way, sir.” The host led you to your table, an intimate booth with virtually no one in sight.

“A waiter will be with your shortly to take your orders.” He said, walking away and leaving you with Jungkook.

“Are you nervous?”

“I wasn’t expecting you to look this beautiful, it’s kind of distracting.”

“Should I be offended or flattered?”

“You’re beautiful.”

“You’re pretty handsome, I guess.”

“Compliments with you are like pulling teeth.”

“At least you know how much I mean it when I say one due to their rarity.”

“Point taken. But I’m going to keep telling you how beautiful you are until it sticks.”

“You might give me a big head.”

“Even so, you would be beautiful.”

“Charmer.”

“I aim to please, babe. Since you like it when I call you that.”

“When did I-”

“Didn’t think I would notice how you gulp anytime I said it and you look to your left?”

“Okay, that’s weird for you to notice.”

“It’s because I’m always looking at you. It’s hard to keep my eyes off you.”

“Sap.”

“But you drink it up like syrup.”

“Doesn’t make it any less sappy.”

“Fair enough.” The waiter came by, the two of you placing your orders and once again were left to each other.

“What was your childhood like?”

“Always with the hard questions, Y/N. Dad was busy expanding his empire and legacy, Mom took care of me and my older brother. My older brother started working for our dad, spending more time with the company then getting married and putting any other free time into his wife.”

“It was me and mom for a while, but my dad would come back to remind me that I was his son and he’s the one calling the shots.”

“I remember the day I ran off after turning 18, spending countless nights mindlessly riding through cities, spending nights in bars and crashing at random people’s houses to get by. My mother came for me with two men to drag me back home, my father was gone. Fucked off to god knows where.”

“Mom was lonely and so was I, so we lived together. I put my time into game development, being one of the lucky ones to hit big with my first project and here am I.”

“I guess a power-hungry father is a trope we share.”

“You’re right.”

“But you’re conveniently forgetting this mystery crush from high school.”

“She was so carefree, always doing what she wanted but never in the way of others. Like a bird. She flew away, out of my life for years.”

“Do you know what happened to her?”

“I.. don’t, could only guess she’s happy now.”

“I’m surprised your crush wasn’t a video game character.”

“Lara Croft is still my number one.”

“I see, that’s why you like shorts so much.”

“It was an awakening.” You tittered, he’s such a goofball.

“Your turn.”

“It was just me, my father and mom. My mom died in my first year of middle school, dad starts nosediving into work and I had to raise myself. Dad came home one day and told me that we shouldn’t be associated with each other anymore. Sent me away after high school and occasionally pops in to make me feel like I’m nothing without him.”

“You’re more than what he could ever be. He’s just a grumpy piece of shit.”

“It’s nice to hear someone else finally say it.”

“Glad we’re on the same page.” He reached for your hand, his thumb stroking the back of your palm.

“Yeah.” He caught your eyes, the two of you having a quiet conversation through eye contact. You didn’t know what to say next until Jungkook started to wiggle his eyebrows at you.

“God.” You started to laugh, breaking eye contact.

“I win.”

“When was this a competition?”

“Since I said it was.”

“Is everything a game to you?”

“Not when it comes to like… serious stuff.”

“How profound, Jungkook.”

“I should be a philosopher.” You shook your head, him chuckling to himself. The waiter came around with your food, appreciating the arrangement before taking a bite.

It was silent yet comfortable. The quite clatter for utensils against dishes left you to think about this moment in time.

You would have never thought that you would be able to sit across Jungkook, being about to joke around with each other and just feel happy in each other’s company.

Didn’t think that you’d find yourself talking every day, hanging out whenever you were free, sometimes even missing him- Wait, when did things become so different?

“Y/N?”

“Yeah?”

“Are you okay?”

“Why wouldn’t I be? It’s just you got a little something on your cheek.” You took a napkin, gently wiping his cheek before he could. He watched you, those brown eyes drinking the sight of you and you felt like you were drowning.

His hand came to cover yourself when you were about to pull away. Your face grew hot, his large hand clasped over yours against his cheek while he gazed into your eyes. You were slowly becoming his leading lady and you hadn’t even realized it until now.

“I like you.”

“What?”

“I like you, Y/N. Not because of our parents, but because I got to see parts of you that I didn’t know existed. You’re witty, competitive, smart, beautiful, everything I could ever want and need.”

“Jungkook.”

“Tell me I’m not crazy for feeling like this, that I’m not the only one.”

“You’re not crazy.”

“But how do you feel about me?”

“Promise me you won’t grow a big head.”

“I won’t grow a big head all of a sudden.”

“I think you’re different from who I thought you were.”

“Good different?”

“Good different. Maybe more than that.”

“I’ll take it.”

───✱*.｡:｡✱*.:｡✧*.｡✰*.:｡✧*.｡:｡*.｡✱ ───

You took off your helmet, fixing your hair and Jungkook getting off after shutting his bike off.

“You totally rode slower this time.”

“It’s the only time you’ll hold me.”

“That’s because…you’re the affectionate one.”

“And I’ve been deprived, you know.”

“You have my permission now.” He took a step closer to you, his hand gently smoothing over a strand of your hair before tucking it behind your ear. His hand swiftly moved to hold your cheek before he looked into your eyes.

“I want to kiss you so badly.”

“Please do.” You breathed mindlessly before he leaned in.

He was gentle, your kiss barely touching before you pulled on his tie to reel him closer. Your mind was racing faster than your heart, the softness of his lips blocking out any other thought beside Jungkook.

He tasted like the champagne you two shared, the sweet taste more intoxicating than the actual alcohol. You melted, him wrapping an arm around your waist and temporarily breaking your kiss.

You dived back in, not wanting to let go the feeling his lips gave you. It hadn’t occurred to you that you were waiting for this for so long, holding back for what?

You pulled away, needing to breath and he held you close. His heart was pounding as hard as you was while you quietly listened against his chest.

“Give me your hand.”

“Now, close your eyes.”

“You’re getting bossy, you know.”

“Sometimes I like to wear pants, you know.”

“Don’t get used to it. I like control.”

“Then I’m all yours. Open them.” You looked your hand, seeing a ring on your ring finger.

It was a silver band with red heart crystals embedded around it.

“It’s just a promise ring. A promise that I’ll be by your side… as your boyfriend.”

“Jungkook.”

“Will you be my girl?”

“Of course, I will, Kookie.”

#bts #jungkook fluff #bts fluff #bts scenarios #bts x reader #jungkook x reader #bts reader insert #reader insert #fluff #bts jungkook #bts fanfic #jungkook fanfic

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wefoundloveunderthelight · 3 years

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Skyline Manor by GleefullyCaptainSwan Chapter 13/13

Or on FF

Stacy's Tortured Crew: @teamhook @kmomof4 @stahlop @lfh1226-linda @ilovemesomekillianjones @itsfabianadocarmo @mariakov81 @qualitycoffeethings @zaharadessert @jrob64 @jonesfandomfanatic @natascha-ronin @tiganasummertree @xarandomdreamx @therooksshiningknight @batana54 @superchocovian @onceratheart18 @ultraluckycatnd @snowbellewells @karlyfr13s @the-darkdragonfly @xsajx @deckerstarblanche

Notes:

I want to thank everyone so much for following along on this tale, I truly enjoyed creating a tale within in a tale and I enjoyed the comments every week about the meddling Yenta Henry. I think I will never ever look at this fic again without seeing gif's of Beverly Goldberg. It made my day every week. You guys really are the greatest cheerleaders ever. I love our fandom.

Chapter 13: Happily Ever After

Emma stared at Killian; her mouth slightly open. “Is that so, brother?” Liam was speaking but Emma couldn’t take her eyes off the man beside her.

“Aye.” He said, his eyes locked on hers, a tentative smile on his face as he turned to his brother.

“We have food, would you care to join us, there’s plenty. Killian always cooks for a family of six when he makes food.”

His brother laughed. “That’s because he always eats enough for four.” He turned back to his brother. “I would hate to impose.”

“And miss the chance to hear all about Killian from his brother. I insist.” Emma demanded, leading the way back to the dining table.

Emma didn’t miss the look shared between the brothers, nor could she quiet the pounding in her heart at Killian’s introduction of her as his girlfriend. She was trying to pretend that everything was normal, that his admission didn’t cause her so much joy that she wanted to launch herself into his arms and kiss him silly.

Emma knew that this was a huge step for Killian. They agreed when they started dating in secret that they wouldn’t label it, it wasn’t easy, she wanted more than anything to be the one to break that wall with him, but she knew she needed to give him space.

They hadn’t defined anything with Henry or their friends. They simply spent their time together. Killian came for dinner most evenings, they would take Henry to the park or out sailing. But now…

He called her his girlfriend. Would this change things with their friends and family too?

“So can I ask, when did this pleasant surprise begin?” Liam brought her out of her thoughts.

Emma laughed and her eyes met Killian’s, she shrugged. “Emma and I have been seeing each other for a few months, actually.”

“I’m happy for you.” His brother said sincerely. “Emma, you must be made of magic if you could turn this man around. I did not think I would see the day.”

She chuckled, her eyes glassy, trying to avoid Killian’s gaze. “He only dates me for my son. I swear they are the same person sometimes.”

“Emma and Henry are very special.” He said softly beside her.

The dinner with Liam stirred emotions in Emma, listening to the stories about Killian and Liam’s childhood, their adventures in the Navy together, things that Emma had never known about Killian Jones she soaked up like a sponge. His interactions with his brother only made her care even more deeply for the man next to her.

When Liam announced his departure, Emma stood from the table and accepted a hug from the man. “I’m sure I’ll be seeing more of you, Emma. Perhaps you can convince him to come and visit us in Maine. Elsa misses his face, and we would love to take Henry sailing.”

“I’ll see what I can do.” She whispered jokingly.

“It was a pleasure meeting you officially.”

He followed his brother out of the room and Emma dropped down to her seat, adrenaline suddenly taking over, tides of change were coming.

~*~

“Elsa does miss you.” His brother said as he placed his hand on his shoulder.

“Aye, I’ll work on being less of a stranger.”

“I’m happy for you brother. She’s lovely.”

“I’m over the moon for the woman, I can’t deny that. Sometimes I feel like a lovesick puppy dog just because she smiled at me. It’s all quite ridiculous.”

“Sounds like you’re in love.” He said with a rise in his brow. “You know you owe me a hundred dollars.”

“I what?”

“When you told me you’d never have another relationship, I called you a liar, you bet me a hundred dollars.”

“I don’t remember that.”

“You had a lot of rum that night, brother.” He stepped through the front door. “I prefer large bills.”

“Out you go.” He lightly pushed him out the door. “I’ll talk to you soon.”

Killian closed the door and exhaled as he leaned against it. He walked slowly back to the dining room, stopping in the arch to stare at the woman sitting at the table in front of him.

“I hope I didn’t overstep.” He said softly as she made eye contact with him. “We didn’t actually discuss that change in status.”

She stood up from her spot at the table and walked over to him quickly, wrapping her arms around his neck, her lips greedily seeking his. Killian barely had time to think much less react as he took a step back, colliding with the wall behind him. “Woah love, we have all night.”

“We could get interrupted again.” She moaned against his ear, and he couldn’t stifle his laughter.

“Do you think we should talk…” He let the question hang in the air and she pulled away from him.

“Unless it’s filthy, dirty, or full of those innuendos you’re so good at providing at the most inappropriate time, we can talk later.” Her mouth continued its assault on his neck, her fingers making quick work on the buttons of his shirt.

“You did hear me earlier with Liam, didn’t you?”

She pulled her face away from his neck, her hands resting on his cheeks. “Killian, you’ve been texting me for months telling me all the things you were going to do to me when we were alone. And now, your girlfriendwould really like to experience them.”

“So, you’re ok with what I said.”

“Are you having a panic attack now that you’ve said it?” She asked him, her face full of concern.

“No, I meant it, I just wanted to make sure that you were ok.”

She laughed. “Babe, you’ve been my boyfriend in my head from the moment I laid eyes on you, leather jacket, sexy accent…” She ran her hands through his hair. “The sex hair.”

“Sex hair? I beg your pardon.”

“You always look like you’ve just been fucked. It’s sexy as hell.” She growled into his ear, her teeth nipping at his lobe. “And I’ve always wanted to be the cause of it looking like that.”

“Alright, you have my attention, love.” He reached down, grasping her by her thighs and wrapping them around his waist as he spun himself around, dropping her onto the counter beside him.

“Do I finally get a ride on the Killian Jones express?” She teased, his mouth sucking at the pulse of her neck.

“Express?” His mouth pressed together in indignation. “It’s an insult to insinuate that a night with me ends expediently.” Her head fell back in laughter, and he frowned, pulling her hips hard against his groin, causing her to look up suddenly. “I intend to make all those naughty little dreams of yours a reality tonight.”

“Who said anything about naughty dreams, Jones?”

“Shall I retrieve the text messages?” He reached for the phone at the end of the counter as she grabbed his hand, pulling it back to her hip. His eyes grew dark as he dipped his head to her ear, growling against her skin. “Enough talking, I think it’s fine time I had my way with you, woman.”

“Promises, promises.” She said, her voice deep, full of all the want and desire he could ever hope to have.

As he lifted her from the counter, her lips soft yet inviting again his, he carried her to his bed. The first time with Emma was different than his previous conquests, times he spent with women who only captured his attention and not his heart.

But the moment their bodies connected in a mess of sweat and limbs, Emma’s name falling from his lips as she screamed into the open void of his apartment, he knew that he would never let her go.

As they lay together in the dark, her head against his chest, her fingers twirling the hair on his chest, Killian knew he was finally ready to step out of the shadow he had been living in and move forward with his life.

“Is my sex hair satisfying enough for you?” He teased as her nails scraped along his scalp.

She bit her lip and smiled. “Maybe after a few more times.”

He kissed her again, pressing her back into the mattress as she giggled against him. “I think we should talk to Henry.” He announced as he stared down at her.

She smiled softly. “I’m sure he suspects something already. You practically spend every moment with us.”

“Are you complaining?”

“Just stating fact.” She leaned up, pressing a kiss to his cheek as he rolled onto his side. “But I agree, we need to talk to Henry.” He brushed her hair out of her face, smiling up at her.

“You saved me.” He whispered. “Meeting you and Henry changed my life.”

“That’s the orgasm speaking.” She teased and he felt the emotion pour out of him the way her eyes sparkled as she joked with him. He’d never felt so at ease in all his life. It was as if she was made only for him. He couldn’t help the smile that formed, hearing Henry’s voice in his head.

That’s because she’s your true love.

“What?” She asked, a curious expression on her face.

“I love you.” It was only three words, but they were the most important three words he had ever uttered. He never thought he would speak those words to another woman again. Yet when they left his mouth, it was as if his entire world made sense.

She pushed up on her elbows, leaning forward and pressing her lips to his. “I love you too.” She breathed against his mouth. “Thank you.”

“For what, love?”

“For trusting me with your heart and opening up your life to Henry and I.”

He kissed her with every emotion that was building inside of him, rolling her over onto her back as he drove into her once more.

~*~

“So, kid, is your mom dating this Killian guy now?”

“Yeah, they’re trying to keep it quiet, but I’m pretty sure it’s happening.”

“Why do you say that?”

“Because I know when mom’s happy, and she’s really happy when Killian’s around.”

His dad grunted. “Yeah but it’s not just about your mom’s happiness, I mean your opinion matters too, kid. If you don’t like the guy, that should factor in.”

“I love Killian, I’m the one that set them up after all.” Henry replied with a huge grin.

“Oh.”

“Look, I’m gonna be really honest with you dad, because Killian told me that the only way I’m going to feel better about you and me is if I tell you the truth.”

“You talked to him about me?”

“Before you go getting all jealous, let me just say this.” He paused and his dad sat back at the table. “I love you, you’re my dad. And you’re always going to be my dad, but I don’t like coming over here.”

His dad frowned angrily. “Kid…”

“Wait, I don’t like coming over here because I feel like you only want me here because it gets me away from mom or attracts those women who want to pretend like they’re my mom.” His dad started to speak, and Henry pressed on quickly. “If I come over here, I want it to be because you want to hear about my day, or you missed me, or you want to hang out at the park. And you gotta be there, you can’t keep disappearing on these business trips that have nothing at all to do with business. Either I’m your priority or an acquaintance you see once a year. Your choice.”

“Is this you speaking, or your mom?”

“See, you can’t keep saying things like that. I’m almost twelve years old, I’m not six anymore dad, you can’t keep lying to me and not expect there to be consequences. I love you and I want to spend time with you, but I’m not a pawn in your game to get back at mom.”

“Henry, I’m not trying to get back at your mom.”

“Maybe not, but you see her as the bad guy in this and all I see is my mom and dad. I don’t want to make you the bad guy in my life. But you don’t make it easy.”

His dad exhaled. “I’m not good at this dad thing, am I?”

“Not really.” He said with a laugh.

“I’m never gonna be able to handle things like your mom does, she organizes everything, knows what she’s supposed to do or not do. Even Killian seems to understand you better than I do. I don’t know if I can be what you need me to be, kid.”

“I don’t need you to be good at it. I just need you to be my dad.”

Henry felt relieved as his dad drove him home that evening. Killian was right, talking to him about how he felt made him feel better. All the anger and disappointment he had been holding inside about his dad had only led to him resenting his time with him.

He knew it would take time, and he was sure that his dad would not always succeed in his promise to do better, but at least he wanted to try. That was all he could ask for right now.

When he returned home, his mother was acting odd. Fidgety almost. He asked her if something had happened while he was gone but she assured him that everything was alright. When he asked if he could visit Killian, she told him that he had some errands to run and would be over for dinner.

“How was your dad?”

Henry bit his lip, he hated this part, coming home from one parent and having to decide which information to share with the other one. It was honestly why he found confiding in Killian just made more sense to him. “Fine. I got to try that new restaurant down by the water. Good fries.”

“That’s nice. So, things went ok?”

“Yup.”

The front door opened, and Henry was relieved when Killian walked through the door with a bag of groceries in his arms. It wasn’t exactly a new thing; Killian had often bought his mom groceries for dinner. However, walking in the door unannounced was not something he did. Usually he knocked, his mom would answer, they would act surprised that the other was stopping by. It was a game he let them play.

“I found everything to make the pasta, but they didn’t have that wine in stock that you love so much, but I got that one we had last week at the diner after work when...”

His mother cleared her throat beside him, and Henry had to conceal a grin from his face. Who did they think they were fooling with any of this? “Looks who made it home.” She said, her eyes narrowed in his direction.

Killian paused in his steps and turned toward them. “Lad, I didn’t think you’d be home for another hour.” He pointedly stared at his mother.

“Neal dropped him off early.” Henry just shook his head and continued reading his book. “So, I was thinking we could talk to him, about that thing you wanted to talk to him about.” Henry slowly put his book in his lap. Finally, they were getting somewhere.

“What’s going on with you two? You’re acting weird.”

Killian came and joined them on the couch, his mother scooting over to allow him room next to her. “So, Killian and I wanted to talk to you about something.”

They looked so serious, in fact, Killian looked like he may vomit at any moment, his mother was almost green around the edges. “Are you having another baby?”

“What?” His mother exclaimed loudly. “Oh God no, why would you think that? Of course, I’m not having a baby, Henry.” She stuttered. “Not that that’s a terrible thing, I just, not now, and…”

Killian reached over and put his hand on hers. “Henry, what your mother is trying to say…”

“You’re dating.” Henry added quickly, putting them out of their misery.

“Wait what?” His mother replied, her face sincerely shocked.

“Mom, everyone knows.”

“How, we’ve been so discrete?”

“Really? With the way you two look at each other, Killian practically trips over himself to help you do the dishes just so you can go to the other room and kiss.”

“Wait, everyone knows?” Killian finally joined the conversation.

“Yeah, Will and I have a joke about it actually. That’s why he always says he’s going home to do the dishes with Belle.”

“Oh my God.”

“Look, it’s cool. I love you both, I’m happy you guys finally figured it out, and having it all out in the open will make everything so much easier.” He stood up and kissed his mother on the cheek and patted Killian on the shoulder. “I’m going to go take a shower.”

~*~

“So, you guys just let us carry on and never said a word.”

“Of course, I wasn’t going to bloody scare off the first man you’ve truly seemed happy with. Besides, there’s nothing wrong with a little sneaking around.” Will reached over and squeezed Belle’s knee, earning a slap on his shoulder from the brunette.

“I’m really happy for both of you.” Belle said softly and Emma saw the exchange between Killian and the woman. It was soft and sincere, and she was happy that Belle continued to be friends with him.

“If Henry hadn’t locked the two of you on that roof we might still be waiting for some sense to be knocked into you.” David joked.

“My brother may be stubborn but once he becomes attached to something, there’s no taking it away from him.” Liam added.

Emma leaned her head on Killian’s shoulder, wrapping her arms around his waist. She had everything she could ever have wished for in her life. She felt his lips press against her forehead. “It seems our brothers are enjoying taking the piss out of us.” Emma laughed loudly.

“That’s what family is for.”

~*~

Killian never imagined that his life could change as much as it had in the past year. Emma and Henry had become a vital part of his life. At one point, he had reconciled with the fact that he would spend his life alone, now he felt as if he never had to worry about being on his own again.

Having a teenager was an adjustment in their life. Henry suddenly became more interested in girls and less interested in video games, but he continued his interest in writing and his imagination came in handy when the day arrived that he knew it was time to have the conversation with Liam. His brother had grown fond of Emma and handed over his mother’s ring before he even had the chance to recite the speech Henry had helped him write.

Henry assisted Killian with all the planning, decorating, and gathering of their family and friends. And when he got down on one knee in front of everyone they loved, Henry standing by his side, all his nervousness that had followed him through the planning was gone the moment he looked into her eyes. He knew her answer before she spoke, she was an open book to him, the only answer he needed was the love shining back at him in her eyes.

She was his true love, and he would remain devoted to her until the day he died.

~*~

“What time do you have to be back at the apartment?”

“I told Killian I would be there by 5. I think he’s nervous so I should probably be there before 4, just to be safe.”

“When I married your mom, I threw up right before I walked out.” His father said with a slight chuckle. “He’ll be fine.”

“What time are you picking me up tonight?”

“Take your time, just text me when the festivities are over.”

Henry was excited to get to spend the next few weeks with his dad, they were going on a road trip while his mom and Killian flew to the Caribbean for their honeymoon. Things weren’t always perfect between his mom, dad, and Killian, but they were all trying to be there for Henry, and he appreciated the effort.

Later that evening, his mother dressed in white, Henry held on tightly to her, guiding her up the stairs arm in arm as he walked her toward the roof of Skyline Apartments. Killian barely held it together as he passed her hand to his, tears coming to everyone’s eyes when they spoke their vows. By the time the fireworks exploded over the harbor, with his mother now officially Mrs. Emma Jones, Henry felt like the luckiest kid in the world.

His mother found her happy ending, her true love, and Henry had the adventure of a lifetime. Henry’s adventure became a quest to find his place in his family, and now he had a mother, a father, and the best stepfather he could ask for. A woman who gave everything to motherhood who thought she had lost her chance to find an extraordinary love, a father who learned to love his child more than himself, and a man who thought he was a villain who turned out to be a hero when he opened his heart to possibilities. Henry wouldn’t want his story to end any other way.

~*~

Henry had set sail on the Jolly Roger with his mother and Captain Jones a year prior. They had seen the world, conquered dragons, and been to exotic lands.

Henry finally learned how to sword fight after many lessons between Captain Jones and his mother, he rescued a fair maiden from a sorcerer, earning his first kiss, and learned to sail a ship as grand as the Jolly Roger.

Princess Emma sailed alongside Captain Jones, earning the honorary title Captain Swan from the man who took her under his wing and his crew. True love always guiding them on their adventures throughout the realms.

For Henry, he had unfinished business to tend to, and the first time they docked in Bostonia, he visited his father, Baelfire in prison. Captain Jones had convinced Master Henry that everyone, even a villain deserved a second chance. And so, every time they stopped in port at Bostonia, Henry got to know the man who abandoned him as a child. While it was not the same as the bond formed between him and Captain Jones, he found enough in common with Baelfire to create an understanding with the man and eventually a friendship that would last a lifetime.

As for Princess Emma and Captain Jones, they lived happily ever after.

The End.

#skyline manor #stacy's fics #killian jones #emma swan #captain swan fics #captain swan au #captain swan #captain swan modern au

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xoxo-bunnydumpling · 3 years

Text

Had dinner with Allie tonight, in the bakery after we closed. I like that I'm in charge enough to have a key, it kills two birds with one stone a lot of the time. She meets me here every Thursday, and helps me put away the remaining pantry stuff that I don't feel like dealing with after delivery on Wednesdays. Which is everything that doesn't require refrigeration. She actually cooked me something today, instead of the usual pizza with increasingly strange combinations of toppings. (Which is the way I always order pizza...I will often ask what their least ordered toppings are and build from there.)

So I've got my mouth stuffed with an admittedly EXCELLENT bite of eggplant rollatini when she asks me about the hot librarian. "How are you and Fargo getting on?"

"Fargo?" I considered for a moment whether I really needed to tell her that Minnesota and North Dakota are not the same place like, at all.

"He didn't mention that? Yeah I just started calling him yankee stuff and Fargo just stuck." She told me she's called him Prairie Home Companion, Northern Exposure, and Poutine before as well. "You like him?"

"Of course I like him. What's not to like?"

"No but...do you actually like him or is it just?" She then proceeded to mime a BJ until I spit out my food lest I choke to death laughing.

This bitch cannot possibly be insinuating that this is purely a sex thing.

"Look, I didn't sleep with anyone for years so having someone to...it's a welcome change." I meant that to sound better than it did. She didn't really let me fix it before she continued.

"I have to confess something."

In my head, my anxiety peaked and then somehow still kept spiking. I imagine that they did sleep together, that he fell in love with her, that she's in love with him and has decided to collect him. My best friend becomes the Jolene to my Dolly and I wouldn't blame either of them for letting it happen. They're the same kind of hot and that's how it works, right?

"I let him read your book. I'M SORRY."

"Oh."

"Why is your face? What did you think I was gonna say?"

I didn't say anything, just stared down at my plate but eventually she needled me enough that I told her.

"Youuuuu get on my NERVES. Fuck it, I'm calling him."

RED ALERT. HE CAN NOT KNOW HOW DEEPLY INSECURE I AM. HE CAN NOT KNOW THAT I THINK HE'S TOO HOT FOR ME BECAUSE HE MIGHT NOT HAVE CONSIDERED THAT YET AND I DON'T WANT HIM TO GET ANY IDEAS.

I got up and headed for the bathroom. I'm a nervous pee-er. I could hear her through the thin bathroom door. "Don't listen to me pee!"

"FARGO! We need your help at the bakery. No, we're fine. No, she's fine...wow though. Something's just heavy?" He can't be buying this. I wouldn't, even if I didn't know Allie is full of shit pretty much always. "Great, see ya soon okay bye."

FFS.

She's just trying to help. That's what she does. She sees us all as helpless. Not even maliciously, she just does. She thinks she knows the best route always and I let her do this because most of the time she does.

I also have not figured out how to stop her yet.

He showed up some time later in distracting grey joggers. I've been trying really hard not to objectify him thus far but FUCK MY LIFE, Y'ALL. He looked very happy to see me, but when he completely bypassed Allie to get to me and kiss me, I stopped him.

"I've had marinara."

"Oh please, I'm an adult."

Allie then mentioned the eggplant, offered him some, would not take no for an answer, and pushed him into the kitchen before he could even think of giving her a no to begin with. When he got there, he asked what was heavy and she waved him off. So much for her grand plan for...I don't know.

After a few bites, he leaned forward, his elbows planted on the prep table. "I'm also marinara'd now. Just saying." He has been kissing me for days, I have instigated not one kiss so far. So I got on my knees on the seat of the stool I was sitting on (y'all I'm only 5'2", so sorry) and stretched myself across the table...

"Are you gonna make it, honey?" He teased me, before kindly meeting me halfway.

"I really hope so."

#misha collins #not actually misha collins but close #dating is weird #none of you care about this follow up #hot librarian chronicles #too hot for eggplant #grey sweatpants

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not-poignant · 4 years

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I've been reading ffs and absolutely loving it, but I do keep wondering is it possible to find someone who could care about me as much as arden? Are there any therapists as good as dr gary? Sorry for dumping this in your inbox no need to reply if not comfy. Is ffs based much off people you've met? I find it so impossible that people could like awful boring me or that there's a theralist that can help me after so many. Sorry about this and thank you for the joy that all your stories provide

Hiya anon,

It’s hard to give this a simple answer because ultimately, Falling Falling Stars is a fictional story that 100% revolves around Efnisien which means, to a degree, the characters that care about him most have wish fulfillment elements.

That being said, good therapists and good friends do exist. People who will care about you a lot exist, and people who will care about you too much (to the point that it’s unhealthy) also exist. (Sadly, on this axis, it also means that people like Crielle and Lludd exist too, which is less fun). Most importantly, there are people in the world that just like other people, sometimes a lot. Even if you have depression, even if you have low self-worth, even if you have a low self-esteem and say hurtful things about yourself on a regular basis.

A question to ask yourself is: Are you also looking for someone to care about a lot too? While a certain amount of ‘I want someone like that’ is necessary in life, you...don’t always get it unless you’re willing to reciprocate. Are you wanting to be the Arden for someone else? I don’t mean the cheeriness etc, I mean the...wanting to care for someone, wanting to find someone special to you, that you want to also listen to and spend time with. Because bonds like that don’t really happen without reciprocity. Even if you have almost no energy, some degree of reciprocity within your limits is necessary.

Arden’s not really based specifically on anyone I’ve met. Dr Gary is also not really based on anyone I’ve ever met (I flat out don’t like to base characters on single people in my life), though elements of his reactions and his bond with Efnisien is drawn from bonds I’ve made with therapists. And plenty of people have made meaningful, healing, important bonds with therapists that have helped them go on in their lives in a healthier way. To be honest, I think Dr Gary can be a pretty unhealthy and pushy therapist for many people, and he’s designed to match with Efnisien. I would hate a therapist like Dr Gary lmao, and probably fire him. I like elements of the way he practices, but not the whole.

As for therapists, I saw 17 therapists until I found the first one that genuinely helped me. Before that, two were outright toxic and abusive, four were useless, and the other eleven were very ‘middle of the road’ and not equipped to handle my case, which was not their fault, and I recognised that very quickly and we didn’t waste much time with each other. By the time I saw the 18th, I was extremely damaged partly because of abusive therapists (and abusers in general), and it took months and months just to unpack that before we could even work on other stuff. In fact, I didn’t actually like the 18th therapist very much at first, but I did recognise that the things she was helping me introduce into my life were helping me. So I stuck with her.

Sometimes it’s hard to find a good therapist, but additionally, a therapist can’t help you until you’re also ready to help yourself. It’s a kind of partnership. Again, as with friendship, it’s about reciprocity. What are you willing to bring to that partnership? What are you ready to bring to your therapist? Are you, for example, wanting to stop thinking of yourself as awful and boring, even if it feels natural to do that? It’s really hard to heal from something or repair something, if - as an example - you’re not ready to repair it yet. (These are rhetorical questions, but they can be good ones to check in on sometimes - I have stuff I’m just not willing to work on in therapy yet, they are zoned off, I know already I will not participate or help a therapist and flag it for them as ‘I’m not ready for this yet’ - and it’s fine, because there is stuff I’m ready to work on: But a therapist’s job isn’t to fix you, it’s to help you heal yourself, because you want to heal yourself).

It can take time, too. I would say I didn’t actually start to find really good friends until I was much older. It’s one of the reasons Kadek and Arden themselves are older people than Efnisien; because sometimes you don’t actually learn how to have better friendships until you’ve had experience communicating your emotions and being more honest and authentic and working on your own boundaries and knowing that no one else exists to fix you, nor should they, but that doesn’t mean you can’t reach out for help or lean on someone in a crisis.

It’s worth keeping in mind that people generally grow into their strongest therapeutic relationships and their strongest friendships and relationships. It can take time, and sometimes it takes years. Remember, we’re not seeing the first three years with Dr Gary, we’re seeing Efnisien three years on, after three years of hard work with Dr Gary. Likewise, Arden and Efnisien are on an accelerated track that’s a bit unnatural, most friendships take time, trust, honesty and reciprocity to build. They can be awesome in the beginning, but most become better over time. How you feel about your therapist in the first 3 sessions or so of therapy - if they’re not say, outright a bad fit - doesn’t actually indicate how helpful that therapeutic relationship is yet for many people. Especially if trust is hard to establish.

Efnisien flat out disliked Dr Gary for many, many months, and it’s important to remember that. They worked reciprocally for a common goal, and it took a long time to develop the camaraderie they have now, and it’s still not always a good time for Efnisien.

I would say that people better than Arden and Dr Gary exist, partly because I know them, and partly because those people are real. But in the meantime, fiction helps us locate the things we want from the people we want to be caring for us, and that can be useful to know! But it’s worth asking yourself how you want to care for those people as well.

#asks and answers #personal #falling falling stars #arden mercury #dr gary konowalous #but yeah anon i get how easy it is to think of yourself as boring and awful #because i also think of myself as boring and awful #having a low self esteem and self worth is sadly pretty common #but relationships of any kind (including friendships etc.)#don't happen without reciprocity #and when thinking 'how do i get someone like this in my life'#it's also worth thinking #'how do i be someone like this for other people'#obviously you don't have to be exactly an arden #but even efnisien is working really hard to learn how to be #a *friend* to arden #and thinks more and more about how he can be better for him #and that's not always easy #anyway i stand by it #people better than arden and dr gary exist #but that also #falling falling stars is fiction #and efnisien gets to be the centre of his reality in the way that #people probably shouldn't in real life #all the time #that's what can be cathartic about reading it #but reality does sometimes need to be...reality #Anonymous

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flutterji · 3 years

Text

anything| renjun ff

hi! this is my first ff on tumblr so hopefully it all works out well. hope u enjoy!

desc: y/n and renjun have only been friends for about a month, but renjun was in too deep. whipped renjun, gender not specified reader!! semi drabble, high school au (like all my stories hhh), very fluffy ! barely edited, its a bit long too but whatever

word count: 2103

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y/n and jisung briskly walked the halls of their oh-so-dreadful high school, talking about, of course, absolute nonsense. ‘i mean, like, salamanders are so cute, right?’ y/n questions the tall boy, and jisung nods enthusiastically. “right! so then why would they eat each other?” jisung added. “as babies, too! it doesn make se-” cut off from their sentence, renjun snaked his arms around the both of them before yelling, “hey guys!” “renjunie!” y/n exclaims, and a wide smile paints renjun’s lips. “whats up shawty?” jisung says before making The Fuckboy Face™. “eh, not much, just absolutely dreading and stressing beyond human compacity about the calc exam tomorrow.” renjun says, pulling his arms away and shoving himself in between the two. “maybe we can study? i- honestly i wont be any help, but i have some pretty cool notes i could share?” y/n proposes. “sure, when?” renjun says, without skipping a beat. jisung looks at the two and then looks away in disgust. “you oldies.” he says, before sticking out his tongue in a teasing manner. “whatever, loser!” y/n says, emphasizing the ‘loser’. jisung pretends to cry and is all but payed attention to when renjun bothers y/n for an answer. ‘we cant study if you dont tell me when!” “well if the exam’s tomorrow then obviously we study today! what are you, an idiot?” y/n says, lightly teasing the poor boy. “right, but like, when today?” “you annoy me.” y/n responds without really responding, traveling away to meet their other friend group. “haha, y/n hates you!” jisung says. renjun then nudges jisung not-so-gently before sighing. “i dont get it. i would do anything for them and they just brush me off like im... i dont know, what am i?” he asks, confused. “an idiot. a complete idiot.”

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as soon as school ends, renjun sends y/n a text. ‘library?’ is all he says, and y/n answers quickly. ‘get here quickly pls,,, i dont wanna waste time” y/n sends back shortly after. renjun walks to their schools library, and sees his study mate. “hey jun, hurry up before i start growing grey hairs.” y/n whisper yells from one of the tables. he had taken longer than he wanted to, so he rushed to the table and scurried to get out his notebook and a pencil. ‘right, so, show me your notes.” y/n says, half distracted by the drawing they were creating in the corner of a scrap piece of paper. renjun opens his note book, revealing his subpar notes. “dude, what-- how much time do you spend actually taking notes?” y/n asks before revealing their organized notes that definitely weren’t the best, but better than renjun’s. “i look out the window more than i pay attention, ha...” renjun admits with a sheepish smile. “sure, just read my notes and copy whatever you need.” y/n says nonchalantly. “thank you so much, you’re a life saver, y/n!” renjun exclaims. “of course i am, i’m me.” y/n says unexpectedly, before ‘posing’ and rolling their eyes.

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after some time had passed, renjun had gotten distracted. “junie, can i tell you something?” y/n asked, looking at renjun’s renovated notes. “sure, whats up?” renjun responds while flipping his pencil between his fingers. “there’s this girl that likes me, but i don’t like her back. it’s kinda so awkward, but i don’t want it to be. ugh, its so frustrating!” y/n whines as they drum their fingers against the table. “oh? who is it? can i know?” renjun immediately asks. “she told me tot to tell anyone. so i’m kinda already not listening, but as long as i don’t tell you her name that should be fine, right?” renjun whines and begins asking more questions. “is she nice? do i know her? when-” “shut up.” y/n cuts him off and runs their temples. “she’s... its not like she’s not nice, and you don’t know her, okay? ugh, i shouldn’t have even tried telling you about my love life.” y/n grumbles. “love life?” renjun asks. “maybe you could repay me by telling me something.” y/n offers, a smirk growing on their face. renjun tries hard not to blush and looks away quickly. “there’s, uh, nothing to talk about, ha.” he explains half heartedly. “sure there is! maybe not recent, but tell me something at least a little interesting.” y/n persuades. “uh, well, last year i made friends with this... person, and i liked them. they, uh, they moved away. yea.” renjun cant help but blush as he struggles to find literally anything else to do. “yea, sure.” y/n takes note of his blush and can’t help but wonder if he’s lying.

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y/n begins packing up and renjun looks at them in confusion. “you have to go?” he asks, trying to hide his disappointment. “yea, im sorry. you got everything you needed, right?” y/n responds. y/n has a knack for ignoring renjun, the way he blushes, the way he often looks at them with wide eyes, the way he looks around aimlessly when he thinks, the way he throws his head back when he laughs, the way he bends his knees when he screams into the air when he’s frustrated or flustered, and... maybe they didn’t ignore renjun. maybe they didnt ignore him at all. “yea, thank you so much!” and he smiles the cutest smile and starts packing up his things as well. “you have a ride home? i’m taking the bus.” y/n asks. “i’m taking the bus too! maybe we should get a snack for the ride?” “YES.” y/n answers right away. renjun laughs and throws back his head, just like how y/n was just thinking about. a small smile creeps up y/n’s face and a boldness takes over. “you’re adorable, you know that?” y/n asks, swinging their backpack over their shoulder. renjun blushes, and hard. his heart races and he struggles to come up with a reply as his hand thoughtlessly covers his smile. “adorable, ha.” he says quietly. y/n internally yells and waits for him. “yea. so what type of snack do you want?”

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on the bus with chip bags on their laps, the silence is almost comforting, right before it’s not. the bus stops to let in more people, and renjun looks at y/n. y/n pops more chips in their mouth before looking back, and renjun swiftly looks away. they’re sitting next to each other, and renjun has never been that close to y/n. he starts noticing their more delicate features up close and feels his chest tightening. after y/n swallows the chips, they look at renjun’s hand, a single ring on his pointer finger. mindlessly, they pick it up to examine the ring. renjun’s heart starts beating louder at the contact, and he looks out the window without knowing what else to do. “pretty ring.” y/n says. “thank you, chenle gave it to me.” he says, smiling shyly. “so you’re married?” y/n says, a single brow raised. renjun takes back his hand and and looks at his ring. “its not like that! besides, i dont like him.” he says. “do you like someone else then?” “maybe.” renjun mutters so quietly that he can barely hear himself. “HA! I KNEW IT!” y/n celebrates their small victory and renjun looks back towards the window with a stupid smile on his face and a blush on his cheeks.

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once renjun reaches his stop, he stands up. “this you?” y/n asks. “yea, bye!” he says, almost sadly walking in front of y/n to get out of the aisle. “no, not bye, lemme walk with you the rest of the way.” y/n says and gets up, walking out and away from the bus shortly after. renjun smiles to himself and walks towards his street, leading the way. “so... who is it?” y/n asks. renjun blushes and covers his face. “i can’t tell you that!” he says. “why not? huh? i’ll tell you mine.” y/n says. “yoU HAVE A CRUSH?” renjun practically screams. “yea, it’s not a big deal.” y/n says, right before pulling two lollipops out of their pocket and handing one to renjun. “fine, but, please don’t hate me.” renjun pleads, putting the wrapper into his pocket. “i promise i wont hate you. who is it?” “well, we only started being friends recently, but they’re just so.. i don’t know. and i’ve told jisung this, but i would do anything for them.” he says, trying hard not to stutter and even harder to not get a heart attack. y/n puts the lollipop in their mouth, and renjun follows. “anything?” y/n asks playfully. “yea, pretty much. i don’t even know why i like them so much, they act like... i don’t know, they kind of ignore me.” y/n secretly wondered what type of human would be able to ignore someone as nice and as attractive as renjun. “ignore you? it’s hard to do that with how whiny you are.” y/n laughs and renjun whines. “see, i told you!” y/n says and smiles around their lollipop. “anyways, do i know them?” y/n asks shortly after. “yea, kinda... hah, all of a sudden i dont really wanna talk about it anymore, so, bye?” renjun forces his hands into his pockets. was he really ready to confess? “fine, i’ll tell you about mine then. he’s really charming in his own way, and i just realized that i liked him recently. we also haven’t been friends for long, ha. i don’t know why, there’s just something about him, his cute little habits are so endearing to me. ew, i sound gross.” y/n pretends to vomit, and renjun sighs lowly. “you really do like him, huh?” he asks, defeated. “yea, i guess i really do.” y/n smiles to themselves and nudges renjun.

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renjun kicks at a rock before stopping in front of a house. “well, this is my house, so...” “right.” y/n nods and presses their lips together. “hey, could you do me a favor?” y/n asks, right before renjun goes to walk up to the door. “sure, anything you want?” “anything?” y/n asks with a smile on their face. renjun lightly blushes, before saying quietly, “yea, anything.” he sends a small smile and y/n can’t help but walk closer to the boy. renjun’s heart starts pounding inside his chest. did he just confess? y/n reaches out to him and gives him a hug. renjun frantically tries placing his hands on y/n’s back multiple times before finally resting them in one spot, placing his head in the crook of their neck. to him, it felt like they fit together perfectly. a giant smile paints his lips and y/n starts retracting their arms. ‘it’s you, renjun.” y/n faulters with their words. renjun’s eyes go wide and his lips part to let in air. he felt like he couldn’t breathe. “me. i am? it’s… what? he says, absolutely speechless. “you’re the guy i was talking about earlier. not that it matters.” y/n shrugs, trying to hide the fact that their heart was absolutely racing. “it does, uh, to me, because, you’re the person i was talking about earlier too, so…” he hides his face with his hand and looks away. ‘you think i ignore you?’ y/n says, surprised. ‘uh, a little bit…” he admits, shyly. he felt like he was going to explode, he was so flustered. “sorry, i’ll try to pay more attention to you?” y/n offers, paired with a crooked smile. renjun bends his knees and screams into the air, making y/n smile and laugh shortly after. “sorry, and, yea, that would be nice.” y/n hesitates before stepping forward and planting a quick kiss on renjun’s cheek, sending the poor love-struck boy’s heart to heaven and hell at the same time. a wide goofy smile is shared between the both of them. “ill text you?” y/n offers, hands trying to find a place to stop before finally landing in their pockets. “yes, great! i mean, uh, cool. very cool.” renjuns fails to hide his excitement as he practically floats on air and lets out a sigh, shooting y/n a thumbs up. “very cool, yes.” y/n laughs and finally leaves the boy to go inside, and he automatically starts jumping in a circle and clapping out of happiness.

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the end!

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slytherinnbitch · 4 years

Text

Prompt #10

Prompt #10- Secret Relationship

Pairing- Pansmione

Background- Hogwarts Sixth Year. They’ve been dating for the past four months now. Drarry are also dating (not relevant but there is no way, Harry and Ginny are dating so deal with it. This may not follow much cannon because I read the books eons ago and mostly depend on ff nowadays.

Thank you for submission <3

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“Parkinson, what are you doing?” Hermione asks as soon as she is cornered in the middle of an empty corridor by Pansy Parkinson.

“Oh you know? Just kissing my beautiful girlfriend.” she says haughtily as she presses her own lips to Hermione’s in a whisper of a kiss.

“Girlfriend? And yours? Never!” she laughs and presses her lips more fiercely to hers, “But seriously, what are you doing? We talked about this babe.”

She attacks her jaw and throat next, leaving small kisses all over making Hermione almost forget what she was saying. “I just....I was just--ugh why is this so hard!” Pansy closes her eyes before rushing out the words, “I was bloody jealous of our best friends, alright?”

“Jealous? Darling, I’m sorry but I don’t think I get you.” She pulls away and looks down at her girlfriend.

“It’s just they are out and we are not and it’s my fucking fault because I'm such a coward that I can't even--" She is cut-off by Hermione who firmly places her hand over her mouth to stop her from speaking and it absurdly works.

"Now, love. You listen to me okay? And listen properly. It is not your fault anyhow that we aren't out. It's my decision as much as it is your decision so just don't. And so what Harry is out about his relationship and we are not? How does it effect us if the public whom we don't even care about knows or not? We know and that's enough. Don't you agree?" She says it such a way that Pansy is left absolutely stunned, so she just stares at her lovely, caring and such understanding girlfriend in complete silence; searching her face for any kind of emotion that would betray her words but she finds none. Hermione Granger is as genuine as the words she just said.

It makes Pansy want to kiss her silly until she forgets everything but her, unfortunately for them she hears footsteps coming from the end of the hall and they hastily scurry away to one of the secret passages Hermione told Pansy about. She had gotten to know about it from Harry's map and she was very grateful for the map nowadays if she was being completely honest.

"That was close." Pansy says but she is grinning so Hermione can't help but join her.

"It was your fault!" She says and is immediately silenced by a deliberate kiss.

"Was not." Pansy says, knowing full well that it was.

"Distraction by kisses is cheating!" Hermione says.

"You love it though."

"That I do" She says and they forget about everything around them for the next hour or so, except each other.

.............................

"I want to come out." Pansy says, three days after their corridor incident. They are sitting in the library studying together. It's perfectly fine because now that their friends are dating, they are being 'civil' to one another and studying in the library is just that. Also they aren't particularly alone, it's just that Draco had disappeared almost an hour ago with Harry following him just a second afterwards.

"Are you....are you sure, babe? You know you don't need to." Hermione asks tentatively, she wants to come out, wants to show their relationship to the world and how much she loves, yes loves Pansy Parkinson but to her Pansy's comfort comes way before that so she supports her without even a second thought. They'll get there one day, she knows that so she doesn't give much thought to it if she can help it.

"Completely. I've given it quite a lot of thought and I think I'm ready to do it. Atleast to our friends, I'm not sure about the whole school though."

"That's completely fine. Why don't we do this, we tell our friends and don't actively show or hide our relationship from the rest of the school?" Hermione asks, hoping that she doesn't sound much eager.

"That's a amazing idea, Mione! This is why I love you so much." Hermione blushes at that but focuses back on her homework. She knows they haven't discussed a how or when but that can wait until later. She is just happy that they are going to do it soon!

Harry and Draco arrive a few minutes later, with flushed cheeks and red lips, "So did you guys have a nice time studying alone?" Pansy asks as they sit down.

"Shut up, Parks" Harry says, he has taken up making a nickname out of Pansy's last name because calling her first was too weird to him. To be honest, Hermione likes it suits a lot.

"Did you not have a great time studying, Pans?" Draco counters back and Hermione doesn't even date look at him. She is sure she will reveal much more than she wants.

Pansy just looks shell shocked at Draco before responding, "It's not like I have a boyfriend to do studying with, do I?"

"Why Pans, you've Hermione right here. Topper of our class and probable future Ministress of Magic with you. You won't need anyone else would you?" Hermione is sure that Draco knows. How? She doesn't know but he does. It is quite clear or maybe he just suspects.

She looks up at Harry who is looking back and forth between Draco and Pansy, trying to decipher in between the lines, his gaze moves to Hermione, questioning her silently. She just shrugs and Harry buys it and shrugs himself before grudgingly getting back to his own homework.

............

"I like to say something." Pansy says after all their friends have come. They are sitting in the Room of Requirement, called there upon Pansy and Hermione's request.

Hermione looks around the room, Blaise looks bored , Draco appears weirdly smug as if he knows what's coming, after the library thing she suspects he does. Harry is looking intently at Pansy while Ron looks uncomfortable being here and being addressed by Pansy like this. Nott has a neutral expression as he stares at Pansy, Neville keeps fidgeting in his seat while Luna looks calm and Ginny is basically grinning like a cat at Hermione and Pansy at turns. Quite a group they have.

"Please continue." Draco tells her and smirks slightly at her.

"Yeah so I'm gay." She states bluntly.

"No you're not." It's Luna who speaks up and every one collectively looks at her. What is she saying?

"You're a lesbian, not gay." She explains and she breathes out in relief. She doesn't know what she would have done if Luna had just refused to recognise her as ..... herself?

"Yeah okay, that." Pansy agrees.

"Yeah we already know that, Pans. What is the news though?" Nott asks.

"What do you mean that you already know?"

"Everyone does, but this just can't be you coming out?" Blaise says matter-of-factly.

"Oh it's not. Just wait." Draco quips in, clearly enjoying this way too much.

The Gryffindors are weirdly silent through all of it, as she supposes she would have been as well if any other Slytherin would have just called them all to just come out to them, might even be a bit awkward.

Pansy just looks at her, silently asking her to take the lead from there. Which she does, "So....the thing is...."

She has no idea where her Gryffindor courage has suddenly vanished but she can't speak, not infront of all her friends. The what ifs suddenly come to her mind and she tries her best to keep them at bay. She looks at all them, looking expectantly at her. She has addressed so many people before but somehow this just feels so different. She glances at Pansy who gives her a sma bit encouraging smile.

She takes a deep breath and continues, going the straightforward way just like Pansy, "We are dating."

There is long deafening silence as everyone soakes in the news. She looks at their faces and finds identical yet different expressions. They all looked either shocked or surprised all on different levels, while Draco and surprisingly, Luna just smile at them. Although Draco's is a lot more smug.

"We are so happy for you guys," Luna breaks the silence as she gets up to hug them both, "Thank you for trusting us enough and being brave enough to come out."

After that, it's all smiles and jokes and teasing, except Harry who looks strange.

She mentally notes to ask him later, but for now she just enjoys sitting next to Pansy and being able to kiss her without any hindrance.

........

"Haz...." Harry looks up from his broom which he is polishing for the last half an hour.

"Yes, Mione?"

"Are you alright, you know with me and Pansy?"

"Yes of course. I'm really happy that you found someone who makes you happy, she makes you happy, right?"

"Immensely."

"Why do you ask then?"

"You looked strange when I told all of you this morning."

"Oh that! It's nothing to do with you, Mione. Draco has been leaving me clues about you both which I wasn't able to get and they all just suddenly clicked in place and I realized how oblivious of me to not notice. The all the time studying in the library, coming to class late and even skipping class-"

"That was one time!" She injects.

"One time of Hermione Topper Granger not attending class is enough for me."

She smiles fondly at him, relieved that he is okay about it. He is one of her best friends after all and his opinions matters greatly to her.

"So we good?"

"Absolutely!" He answers and hugs her tightly, "No matter what, you'll obviously be my best friend. Nothing would be changing that, Mione."

His words are whispered into her hair, but she knows Harry means them and she feels the same so she just hugs him back and thanks Merlin for giving her someone as Harry as her best friend.

#hermione granger #harry potter #hogwarts #ron wealsey #draco malfoy #pansy x hermione #pansmione #pansmione au #blaise zabini #theodore nott #luna lovegood #ginny weasley #hogwarts sixth year #love #lesbians #coming out #secret relationship

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ladylynse · 4 years

Text

Chapter 4 of Forewarning [FF | AO3]

All Dipper knew was that there was something buried in some special thermos behind the shack; all Danny knew was that he had no idea how he’d gotten here.

Inspired by this artwork by @hashtag-art

(beginning | previous)

-|-

It wasn’t an ordinary net. Danny could see that much even as he phased through it. There were different kinds of metal woven in with the other fibres, though whether that was to strengthen the net or stop some other kind of creature, Danny really didn’t know at this point. With these kids using magic and now some secret lab in a hidden basement, he really wasn’t—

Somehow, the water that Danny hadn’t even seen follow the net hit him square in the face and shocked him back to tangibility.

He wasn’t recovered enough to go intangible again by the time the first punch came.

Instinct was the only reason he evaded the second, a wicked uppercut that would’ve hurt. Danny slipped out of the crazy guy’s grasp and hovered a safe ten feet in the air, rubbing his jaw and being very thankful that he’d been in ghost mode for that punch since he was half convinced this form was more resilient. Not knowing what else might come, he stayed visible but didn’t go tangible. “Dude, what the heck?”

It hurt to talk, but that would go away soon enough. And it was worth it to get answers. Assuming the guy would give him answers.

“You think I’m ignorant enough that I don’t know what this is?” the guy shot back, as if that helped in the slightest. He was still holding a water gun—not a teensy little pistol but one built to soak people and soak them good. It looked…out of place. Especially somewhere with electronics that were probably expensive. At least, the stuff down here looked more expensive than anything else Danny had seen around here. It didn’t look new, exactly, but it still looked high tech, all sleek surfaces and bright screens. It didn’t have that same sterile feeling as his parents’ lab, but despite the hazard line chalked on the floor in front of the portal that was all too familiar, some of the equipment in here just looked alien to him.

“Um. Is there a safe way for me to answer that question?”

Danny expected something to be thrown at him for that response, but the old guy just kept him in his sights as he edged toward the computer console.

Towards the blueprints.

And whatever else was contained in that book.

Granted, letting him get closer to whatever he intended to reference probably wouldn’t be a good thing. At least, not unless Danny could convince him that he wasn’t the bad guy. His track record wasn’t great with that, but….

“Okay, look,” Danny said quickly, dropping a couple of feet but still remaining out of arm’s reach, “I swear I’m not here to harm you or steal something or anything like that, okay? Can you just…not do whatever you were going to do and instead tell me what you think this is? Since I’m pretty sure it’s not what I think this is? Because I don’t know what’s going on?”

“You won’t stop me from saving Sixer.”

Well, that didn’t help at all.

“I’m not trying to,” Danny said, which he hoped was true. Clockwork really could’ve told him more. The line between interfering and not was already blurred; a bit more smudging would’ve made Danny’s life a lot easier.

The guy squirted him with the water gun. The pressure on that thing was impressive. And annoying, since that meant it reached farther than Danny had anticipated.

Danny wiped the water from his eyes with one arm, still trying to figure out how water, of all things, was messing with his ability to go intangible. Maybe this was actually an alternate dimension and not the future, whatever Clockwork had told him. Or let him think? Danny couldn’t even remember anymore. Or maybe this place was just weird. The water didn’t sting, so it wasn’t like it was laced with blood blossom extract or something like that. Of course, that didn’t rule out it containing something else that managed to affect ghosts without causing them horrendous pain.

“I’m not whatever you think I am,” Danny said instead of puzzling over the water further, “and I’m not doing whatever you think I’m doing, because I don’t even know who or what Sixer is. I was….” Admitting the truth probably wouldn’t help him, but at this point, things weren’t going to go worse for the telling of it. “I was stuck in a thermos because a ghost of time itself wanted me to deliver a message to you.” That wasn’t quite true, but it was close enough. “If I come back down there, will you hear me out without attacking me?”

The guy’s expression didn’t change. It was still a glare, sharp eyes watching Danny’s every move. Danny dropped slowly, keeping out of easy punching range, and the guy didn’t advance, which was probably as good as Danny was going to get right now.

“Ghost of time, eh? Didn’t think the big baby was a ghost.”

Danny let his feet settle on the floor and rubbed the back of his neck. The guy hadn’t lowered the water gun, but at least getting squirted was only bothersome and not painful. “He’s not a baby all the time. I mean, it’s more kid than baby at the youngest stage anyway, and….” Danny hesitated. Clockwork had said that these guys—or at least someone in this area—had already messed with time. He had not specifically said that he’d been involved, or at least more involved than whatever involving Danny counted as. “Never mind. I don’t even know if we’re talking about the same ghost.”

The water gun didn’t waver.

The old guy still said nothing.

Danny wasn’t used to people who didn’t banter. Or monologue. Or otherwise talk to him, even if it was just to yell insults and threats.

“I already talked to the kids upstairs.” That got a reaction, a hardening of the face and tightening of the grip on the gun before a pointed relaxation. This guy was good, which meant he would also be very scary if Danny couldn’t convince him that he wasn’t trying to stop him from saving Sixer.

This would be so much easier if Danny knew what that meant.

“The message I have for all of you is, um….” Danny risked a glance towards the portal. “If you stay on this road, you’ll find yourself on a path you can’t turn away from.”

“You think I don’t already know that?”

That was not the response Danny had expected.

If they knew that, then why did he have to say it?

“I’m not going to stop, and I’m not going to let you try to stop me. I’m going to save him.”

Danny held up his hands quickly, flying back as the man lunged forward with a swinging fist. “I’m not trying to stop you, I swear!” Despite the miss, the man recovered faster than Danny expected and stood at the ready. He might be an ordinary human, but Danny got the feeling he really didn’t want this person as an enemy. “I just…. You need to know what you’re getting into.”

“I already do,” the man said softly.

Before the man schooled his features again, Danny read the guilt on his face.

“Let me help you,” Danny said.

That was apparently the wrong thing to say, if the deadly stillness that settled on the man was anything to go by—which, in Danny’s experience, it was.

“You delivered your message,” the man growled. “Now get out of here.”

“Just…just…hold on a sec,” Danny said, not sure why he was trying to push this. Not sure why he was stalling. Not sure why he wasn’t leaving, even though instinct was screaming at him to get out of there while he still could. Except….

Except he couldn’t go home until he’d done something, something Clockwork figured he’d do even without telling him what to do, and Danny was realizing very quickly that he’d be more likely to survive this entire venture if he told the truth than if he didn’t.

Assuming they listened to him, anyway.

“I…. My name is Danny. Danny Phantom. Fenton. I…. There was an accident, with a portal, kinda like what you’re building, and I…. I think that’s why Clockwork picked me as the messenger boy. So it doesn’t happen to any of you guys. I think I need to help. If you’ll let me.”

“I’m not making a deal with any demon, so you don’t need to waste your time.”

“I’m not a demon. I’m a ghost. And…human.” Danny felt like a fool saying all this. It seemed so counterintuitive when he’d been so careful before, but…. But this wasn’t Amity Park, and these people weren’t exactly like his parents. His time here had made that abundantly clear, so maybe, if he tried to talk, they’d listen. Even if they didn’t, he was safer facing down the barrel of a water gun than an ecto-gun. This was still less of a risk, wasn’t it? He was in the future; he couldn’t accidentally destroy the past or throw himself into a different timeline or wake up back home and realize that the entire world knew his secret because of what he’d done.

Anything he did now might change their future, but it wouldn’t necessarily change his. Besides, for all that a part of him was sure he shouldn’t be saying all of this, telling this guy everything, especially when he hadn’t started with that, the rest of him, well….

The rest of him was ignoring the cautious part because he had a feeling that he knew what had happened.

There had been an accident.

Something had happened to Sixer.

This man blamed himself, and now he wanted to fix it. Even if it meant ripping a hole in time or reality or whatever to do it.

He didn’t intend to stop because he didn’t want to give up on Sixer.

Danny could understand that, doing whatever you could to save your friends and family. And he also knew that, sometimes, you couldn’t do that without help. If Clockwork hadn’t stepped in for him—

“Just look at me,” Danny said, as if the guy weren’t already focused on him. Talking seemed to help. To steady his nerves when he was doing something that could very well get him killed. These people had magic, had technology, had a very good awareness of what was out there—

Danny changed, letting the light wash away his ghost form and leave him as Danny Fenton.

“My friends and I have been studying my parents’ portal since my accident,” he said. “I can…. Let me help you save Sixer. Please.”

-|-

The kid looked human enough, but he obviously wasn’t, and Stan had seen a lot of things since coming to Gravity Falls.

He’d been awfully solid for a ghost. Stan’s knuckles were still a bit sore from that; he hadn’t slipped on his brass knuckles. Still, nothing broken, on either of them, which might be saying something, too. It hadn’t been a bad punch, and it had barely slowed the kid down. Heck, Stan wasn’t entirely sure it had slowed him down at all. It had just made him back off.

Granted, demons weren’t solid in this dimension, either, unless they’d been given form.

So either this kid was possessed by a demon who thought Stan was a complete idiot and assumed Stan knew nothing or there was a modicum of truth amongst what was probably still a slew of lies.

Thirty years, and Stan had spent too much of that time with only one journal, one part of the story. He’d done as much as he could with guesswork alone, but it wasn’t enough. He’d need to get his hands on all three. As it was? His journal didn’t exactly go into detail about demons.

Heck, ghosts were only a passing mention in his journal, hardly more than a promise to follow up on it later.

Stan knew he was missing information, valuable information, but without the next two journals, without the final pieces of the blueprints and last two-thirds of the story to tell him exactly what Ford hadn’t….

Well, without the missing journals, he’d just have to go with his gut.

His gut told him this kid was dangerous. Of course, the fact that the kid hadn’t been fazed by anything woven into Stan’s net ruled out a lot of what he could be, but Stan wasn’t convinced it would slow down a demon or a powerful ghost, anyway. It was designed to counter more earthly threats. Might hold the kid now. Might not. Just because the kid wasn’t glowing anymore, didn’t mean Stan was willing to risk it. Attacking again with another net and having it be just as effective wouldn’t gain him anything right now.

The anointed water wasn’t doing much, either, but if the kid thought this was all Stan had aside from his fists, then he was better off letting the kid make that mistake.

It didn’t seem to hurt him—didn’t seem to do much more than annoy him—but it had gotten him back on the ground. That counted for something. It had also forced him into a human guise. Well. Maybe not forced. Encouraged. Truthfully, that had probably only happened because the kid wanted Stan to trust him. That might be a strike against him being a demon, really. Most demons were smarter than that. They didn’t change right in front of you and expect you to believe that they were just misunderstood or whatever.

Stan wasn’t new to the con game.

This kid’s earnest awfulness at it reeked of him being more genuine than Stan would’ve expected, though.

“I know what this looks like,” the kid said, even though everything else he’d said and done pretty much proved that he didn’t. “I know you don’t think you have any reason to trust me.” That was the one thing he’d gotten right. “I really think I can help, though, if you’ll let me. And listen to me. And, uh, not shoot me.”

Stan debated giving him another squirt for that crack, but he resisted the temptation.

“I just…. I’m an example of things going wrong when people mess with stuff they don’t know enough about. Well, I mean, I guess not wrong wrong, because I survived, but I don’t want this to happen to you. Or the kids upstairs. Or the crazy teen working the checkout. I, um, definitely didn’t leave a good impression on her, either. I’ve messed up a lot. But that doesn’t mean I can’t help!”

A demon might feign ignorance. A demon might claim to be something it obviously wasn’t to try to throw him off the scent. A demon might say anything it could think of to get Stan to shake its hand, to accept its help, to make a deal. A demon might pretend to care about others.

But Stan wasn’t so sure a demon would make so many simple mistakes. So many human mistakes. Stan, certainly, wasn’t any stranger to mistakes.

And if this was a demon who just wanted to strengthen his foothold in this dimension, why not go after Wendy if he’d already run into her? Teens made stupid mistakes all the time. Stan had made more than twice his due, some of them the worst of his life. It shouldn’t have been hard to get Wendy to agree to something, especially if she didn’t know what she was agreeing to.

And every demon knew how to twist words to craft a deal in their favour, however nice it might sound to their victim.

This kid? Not displaying that skill.

“I just…. I just…. I want to go home.” The kid’s voice was quiet now, and he’d dropped his gaze to his shoes. Possibly a lie. Possibly trying to make said lie harder to detect. But also possibly genuine homesickness, longing, and loss.

Stan was no stranger to any of that, either.

“I need to do something before I can go home, and if it’s not helping you, I don’t know what it is.”

There was a ring of truth in those words—if only because it explained something Stan hadn’t been able to put his finger on before.

This kid, whoever he was, whatever he was, was being manipulated, plain and simple.

Someone, something, this ghost of time maybe, was holding him hostage here until he completed his task, even if that task was being left to his own devices long enough to, say, accidentally destroy all the work Stan had done in the last thirty years.

Or destroy the journals that had long been Stan’s only hope of getting his brother back.

But if he was a lackey and not the mastermind, then that changed things. He might’ve played at just being a messenger boy, but he wasn’t just here to deliver a message. He’d been put here to do so much more than that.

They both needed to figure out what that was, and Stan needed to figure it out first so he could stop the kid if he had to.

Stan lowered the water gun, letting its point fall toward the floor, and said, “What do you prefer, then? Danny, Phantom, or Fenton?”

The kid’s head shot up. “You believe me?” he squeaked, staring with wide blue eyes that held no hint of otherworldly green. “And, um, Danny, I guess. Phantom as a ghost, to people who don’t know my secret, but you know it now, so….” His shoulders rolled in a shrug. “I didn’t know if you’d believe me. Thank you. For trusting me.”

Stan had never said he trusted the kid, but he was fine with letting him think that for now.

“Your portal isn’t like the one my parents built,” the kid said as he walked over to it. He knocked on the frame, floated up a few feet and knocked again, and turned back to Stan with a frown on his face. “I don’t even know what this is made out of.”

His eyes were still the same clear blue, even with that little display.

“It was scavenged,” Stan said as the kid’s feet hit the floor again with a nice, solid thud that proved once again that there was weight to him. He kept poking around and asking questions, which Stan answered with one vague comment or another. If the kid noticed, he didn’t let on. Most likely, he assumed Stan didn’t know everything, and that’s why he needed to be here. To help, for whatever value of help that would turn out to be.

The kid would ramble on every once in a while, striving to fill the silence between them, and Stan was happy to let him do it. He could outlast whoever he was up against in an interrogation, so the silence didn’t bother him as much as it bothered the kid. He didn’t strike Stan as someone who was as chipper as Mabel, but the rambling certainly proved he could be as awkward as Dipper in some social situations, this one included. It wasn’t that the kid liked the sound of his own voice; he just didn’t know what to do with silence.

That suited Stan perfectly fine. It meant he found out more about this kid than was meant to be said, and that was useful. While Stan was all too aware of the old trick of playing at something, this didn’t feel like that. He’d fed enough people stories—and lived enough lies—to have a pretty good idea of when it was being done to him.

Keeping quiet meant he learned a bit about how much trouble Danny Fenton had had when he first became Danny Phantom.

Keeping quiet meant he learned more about Clockwork, this supposed Ghost of Time. The guy—ghost—pulling the strings, for reasons Stan had yet to figure out.

Keeping quiet also meant he learned that Dipper had a journal. More specifically, a journal written by some mysterious author. A journal that was, among other things, full of some questionable ideas about ghosts—according to the self-proclaimed ghost expert who was telling him this, anyway.

Dipper had found one of the journals.

One of the missing pieces.

It was likely that journal contained some more information on this kid, whether he knew it or not.

Which meant Stan needed to get his hands on that journal, and not just for the blueprints it surely held.

-|-

“Keep Dipper and Mabel busy out here,” Wendy said to Soos in a low voice. She’d caught him coming out of the woodshed and crossed the yard in quick, long strides. No lolling about today, or at least not anymore; now, she meant business. “There’s something inside the Mystery Shack, and I haven’t figured out what it is yet.”

Soos blinked, not sure why Wendy was so concerned about keeping the twins out of it, and then he remembered that Wendy hadn’t been there for half of the crazy adventures he’d been on with Dipper and Mabel. She knew about the stuff out there, of course, the stuff that no one talked about; you couldn’t work in the Shack and not have some knowledge of that. There was a lot of real mixed in with the fake, even if you squinted and pretended you didn’t see it. “They might already know about whatever it is,” he offered. “Dipper’s always looking for that sort of thing.”

“I’ve seen him handle ghosts,” Wendy said, “but this feels…. I dunno, different somehow. I don’t think this thing is just a ghost.”

“So it’s like a ghost but not?”

Wendy nodded. She had that look on her face, the one that meant she was ready to fight and wrestle something into submission—which was especially funny when her clothes were covered in a light dusting of white powder. Soos wisely decided not to comment on that; he didn’t look much better, considering his own clothes were covered in bits of dirt, dried leaves, and flakes of bark. Still, Wendy had thought this important enough to come out and talk to him rather than clean up whatever disaster had happened with the powder before Stan saw the place—or a tourist stopped by, since if they left because of the mess, Stan would talk about taking the fare out of Wendy’s pay. (He never had, but he liked to talk as if he would. Soos figured that was one way he kept Wendy from just inviting her friends over to hang out while she was working.)

“If Dipper and Mabel know,” Soos said, well aware that he was toeing a line but willing to push it for the twins’ sake, “then they can prepare themselves. In case it’s something they need to be prepared for.”

“They do not need to be sucked into every black hole of a mystery that exists in Gravity Falls,” Wendy countered. “I mean, they’re supposed to be here for a boring summer holiday. I want to pretend that exists for them, y’know? They can’t fix what’s wrong with this town.”

Soos wondered if she could feel it. The hair standing up on the back of your neck. The sensation of being watched. The feeling that the trees had ears, that nowhere was safe to talk about secrets.

There was so very much wrong with their little town, if anyone happened to look below the surface.

But if you never talked about it, nothing ever happened to you.

Probably.

Soos wasn’t wholly sure on that, but he was pretty sure nothing had ever happened to him, beyond what he’d gotten into with Dipper and Mabel. At least, Wendy had never brought up the fact that he’d just stopped talking about something crazy that had happened to him. To be fair, though, he wasn’t sure if she would. It was just something you didn’t do here.

“I think Dipper would try to run headlong into whatever it is anyway,” Soos said. “You know how he is. He’ll find out even if you don’t tell him. He might even find out faster if you don’t. He manages that sometimes.” It was almost a subject change. It might be enough of a subject change to make that feeling go away.

Wendy frowned.

Soos forged ahead before she could come up with a half-decent argument. After all, it was hard to argue safety when not knowing could easily go the wrong way, turning on you as a dagger instead of acting as a shield. “I mean, he’s got that book now. The one he’s always trying to hide, shoving behind his back when you walk unexpectedly into a room? I don’t know if he’s told you yet. I don’t think he’s told Stan. But it’s full of information on this stuff. It might include your whatever-it-is.”

“Ghost stories after marshmallows, then,” Wendy said. “Keep the twins on the wood gathering for as long as you can. Just…in the areas where you know it’s mostly safe. If you can. Until we figure out what this is. I should warn Stan first, anyway. And head into town to actually buy some marshmallows. Is he back yet? Have you seen him?”

“No, but he doesn’t believe in any of this stuff. You know that.”

“If it doesn’t look like he’s going to take it seriously, I’ll just play it off as a gimmick I thought of. If he likes it, he might give me a bonus.” She cracked an easy smile. “The internet is bound to be full of ways for us to pretend the Mystery Shack is haunted, and that’ll rake in a lot from a crowd of gullible tourists.”

“And in the meantime, we try to find something that might give us actual protection and pretend we think it’s fake?”

“Exactly.”

(see more fics | next)

#gravity falls #danny phantom #crossover #phantom falls #fanfiction #gf fanfiction #dp fanfiction #danny fenton #stanley pines #grunkle stan #soos ramirez #wendy corduroy #my writing #ladylynse #dp snippet #gf snippet #crossover snippet #snippets #I never said I was fast

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wefoundloveunderthelight · 3 years

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Mystery Of Pixie Hollow by GleefullyCaptainSwan

Chapter 1/11

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Chapter 1: Neverland

Emma stood at the register, a pile of coins and dollar bills sitting in front of her as she began counting her tips. She had been working nonstop for the last three weeks to save every dime she earned in order to take Henry on a special treat for his birthday. He had seen the flyer in the window of the diner after school one day, immediately calling the carnival to her attention. A traveling amusement park themed to the story of Peter Pan was visiting their town. Henry hadn’t stopped asking questions about it since.

Do fairies really exist?

Can Peter Pan actually fly?

If I really believe do you think I can fly when I’m there too?

With his birthday approaching, Emma knew the best birthday gift she could give him was a trip to the park when it came to town. It was only visiting for three days, and Henry had been completely gutted when they fell on Emma’s weekend at the diner. He had been putting on his best face when she got home from work, her feet tired from standing all day, reciting to her his day, and trying to pretend that he wasn’t disappointed after sitting all day listening to the sounds of the park lofting through his window.

She could barely contain her secret last night when she tucked him into bed, and he told her that he got to spend the day watching Peter Pan skip through the park and it was just as good as being there.

Henry was such a sweet boy, he never asked for things he knew he couldn’t have. He knew that money was tight for them. Emma had been on her own ever since she gave birth to the boy, his father was long out of the picture before he was even born. It wasn’t that the boy was ever without something important, Emma made sure that she saved her money to spend it on things he needed, and when she couldn’t afford it, her best friend, Will Scarlet always pitched in to help her out.

Which was what had happened with Henry’s birthday gift this year. Emma had saved almost enough for the admission price but knew that Henry would want tickets to ride the rides and play a few games, and of course Will tossed some money into the pot, so that the three of them could enjoy the last day of the park together.

“Did you save enough?” She turned to see her boss Mrs. Lucas approach her from the kitchen.

“I made $25 bucks today, I should be able to get him some dinner while we are there.” She said with a smile.

“Get him something from me too while you’re there.” She responded as she held out her hand, a white envelope in her palm. “It’s his birthday after all.”

Emma tentatively took the envelope, lifting the top to see a crisp $20 bill tucked inside. “Gran, you didn’t have to do that.”

“I know, but it’s his birthday, just be sure to tell him it’s from Gran.” She reached out and hugged the woman, a smile growing on her face. The bell above the door made a sound and they both turned to see the customer walk into the diner. “Get out of here, you’re off the clock.”

Emma looked at her watch. “I still have ten minutes left in my shift.”

The woman shook her head and pulled out her notepad to assist the man who sat down at the counter. “Clock must be slow.” She said with a grin. “Get out of here. Take that boy of yours on an adventure.”

“Thank you, see you tomorrow.” She hollered back as she ran out the door to her yellow bug parked outside the diner. She couldn’t wait to get home and tell Henry they were going to Pixie Hollow.

When she opened the door to her apartment, Henry was running circles around the couch as Will chased him through the living room. “You can’t get away from me, mate.”

“You’re too old to catch me.” Henry hollered and Will stopped in his tracks and grabbed his chest.

“Oi, that was quite rude.” He said in a feigned outrage. “I’m not that old.”

Emma laughed and they both turned toward her. “Mom!” Henry ran and wrapped his arms around her waist.

“The lad is being hurtful on his birthday.” Will scoffed.

“Tell your Uncle Will that you’re sorry for calling him old.” She leaned over and whispered. “But say it loudly because his hearing isn’t what it used to be.” Henry fell to the ground in a fit of giggles.

“You know he gets his mean spirted nature from you, right?” Will complained.

“We love you.” She teased as she ran her hand through his short locks and pinched his cheek. She turned and faced Henry.

“Why are you home? I thought you had to work tonight.”

“I wanted to surprise you!” She grinned. “Thought maybe we could go see this Peter Pan you keep talking about.”

Henry’s face brightened. “Seriously? Oh my God.” He squealed “You mean it?”

“Happy birthday, baby.” She smiled. The boy launched himself into her arms. “Ok we gotta get ready to go, get your jacket in case it gets cold after the sun goes down.”

Henry disappeared in a fury to his room to collect his jacket, just as Will’s phone rang.

“Don’t answer it.” Emma protested as he held up the phone and Will groaned.

“It’s work, I can’t ignore it.” Emma groaned as he greeted his boss, a chorus of “Yes, sir” “I know, sir” “Of course, sir.” Carried through the room.

“Yes but I was planning to…” He frowned. “I understand, of course, I’ll be there as soon as I can.” He said sadly. Henry came bounding into the room as he disconnected the call.

“You’re going in to work now?” Emma complained.

“I’m sorry Em, it can’t be helped. They had some sort of emergency, and they need me there right away.”

“So, we aren’t going?” Henry said sadly, looking up between them. Will hesitated, staring between the two. Emma knew he wouldn’t disappoint Henry if it couldn’t be helped.

“I’m sorry lad, I don’t have a choice.”

“We’re still going Henry.” Emma announced.

“Emmie, you can’t go alone.” Will began to protest.

Emma rolled her eyes. “Stop it, I’m an adult. I don’t need you to babysit me everywhere we go.”

“I’m not there to babysit you, I just don’t like it when you and Henry are out late at night without someone else with you.”

“Without a man with me, you mean. I don’t know if you realize this yet, but I don’t need a man, I’m perfectly capable of taking care of myself.”

“Are you sure you two will be alright?”

Emma chuckled. “I think I can handle a carnival for children on my own.”

“Alright, but text me when you get there, and again when you get home.”

“Ok dad.” She teased and he slapped her playfully on the arm.

“Happy birthday, Bub.” He picked the boy off the ground and squeezed him. “Don’t have too much fun without me.”

“That’s impossible.” The boy replied.

“Did I tell you that you’re my favorite six-year-old out of all the six-year-old kids out there?”

“But I just turned six. You don’t even know all the six-year-old kids.” Henry wined with a playful smile.

“I don’t have to because you’re still my favorite.”

“You said that when I was five.”

“And I’ll say it when you’re seven or fifteen.” Will said as he sat the boy back on the ground.

“I love you, Uncle Will.”

“Love you too Bub.” He raised his hand, and they exchanged their ridiculous handshake that they had made up when Henry had turned four.

Two taps, spin around, tap down low, shake your booty, tap up high.

It was ridiculous and heartwarming and a reminder of how lucky she was to have such an amazing best friend. Even when she showed up on his doorstep, a positive pregnancy test in her hand, tears streaming down her face, Will simply pulled her into his arms and promised he would always be there for her. Over the years he had been her shoulder to cry on, her Lamaze coach, her sounding board, and her support system. Even with the one drunken misstep that neither of them ever spoke of again, there wasn’t anyone that Emma relied on more than Will.

“Ok I’m off, have fun tonight.” He smiled and left through the front door. As soon as the door closed Henry jumped up and down in front of her.

“Can we go now?” Emma chuckled and pushed him toward the door.

“Of course, let’s go.”

“You have to say it mom.”

“Say what?” She asked, confused on what he was meaning.

“Second star to the right.” He began excitedly.

“And straight on til morning.” She continued as they closed the door to the apartment and made their way to the park across the street. The lights shone bright into the sky with all the rides and attractions that had their own music playing all around them as soon as they entered the park.

Henry could barely contain his excitement as he bounced about from ride to ride. More than once Emma had to remind him to stay close by, not to get too far ahead of her, but the boy was hard to be contained.

“Mom, look, it’s a house of mirrors, can we go, can we go?” He jumped up and down in front of her.

“Ok, but don’t get too far ahead of me.” Emma laughed as he handed his ticket to the man at the front of the attraction. She didn’t like the way the man glared in her direction, there was something about him that made her uncomfortable in a way that caused the hair on the back of her neck to stand on end. Henry ran ahead into the building and Emma yelled for him to wait as the man seemed to take an extra-long time to allow her to enter behind her son.

When he finally raised the gate, she ran toward the fun house, entering the building and exhaling when she saw Henry standing at the corner waiting for her. “Come on mom, this is so cool.”

“It’s very cool.” Emma replied, looking around the disorienting room. The mirrors at all angles making it appear that Henry was in more than one place in front of her.

“You could get lost in here for days.” He joked as he stepped into the room, his arms outstretched in front of him to avoid running into anything.

“Let’s try and avoid getting lost, I’m starting to get hungry.” She joked.

“Come on mom, I bet you can’t find which one is really me.” Henry yelled, rushing forward, and turning a corner until she couldn’t see him anymore.

“Don’t get too far ahead of me.” She warned, turning the corner he was just at and seeing three versions of him in front of her. “Ok which one is my Henry?” She questioned as she stepped forward, her hand coming into contact with a mirror. She then touched the one next to her but that was a mirror as well.

“I’m right here.” Her son mimicked, before running around the corner again.

“You’re too good at this.” She chuckled, turning, and chasing after him until she ran into one of the glass mirrors. She really hated this attraction. “Ok Henry, I’m really getting hungry. Which way did you go?”

“I’m over here.” She heard him toward her left and she turned to stumble in that direction as she caught a glimpse of him just as she turned the corner.

“Henry, can you just stay in one place until I get to you.” Her tone was starting to sound agitated as she felt her way through the glass around her, dipping in and out of the crevices until she reached a dead end.

“Henry, where are you?” She yelled.

“Mom.” She heard him shout and then it got quiet.

“Henry?” She hollered toward the last place she heard his voice. She felt her way through the attraction until she heard music and felt the breeze of the outside, stepping through the small doorway, she found herself on the other side from where they entered. She looked around for Henry, but only saw other children, families standing around the exit area.

“Did you see a little boy come out of here?”

“I’ve seen a lot of little boys.” The guy grumbled and wandered away from her.

“Henry, where are you?” She yelled, trying to control her voice as the terror started to race in her heart. “Henry?” She ran toward the entrance and the man who took her ticket. “Where is my son, did he come back out this way?”

The man frowned, “No one comes back out the front ma’am. Did you check the exit?”

“Of course, I checked the exit, you idiot, how else did I get out here!” She yelled and he turned to take a ticket from another family.

“I need you to find my son.” She grabbed at the lapel of his jacket and turned him back toward her.

“Hands off lady.” The man warned. “I’ll get my manager.”

“Good, get your manager. I need to find my son.”

The family tried to push past her, and Emma stood in front of them, blocking the exit. “My son got lost in there.”

“It’s not my problem that you can’t keep an eye on your boy, get out of my daughter’s way.” The man pushed around her, leading his daughter into the entrance of the attraction.

Emma ran after them, and the ticket idiot was on her heels. “You can’t go in there without another ticket.”

Emma shoved his hands off her, “Get off me, I’m going in there until I find my son.” She screamed, wandering back into the fun house, her heart racing as she turned in every direction screaming her son’s name. “Henry, where are you?” She yelled, pushing forward through the maze. There was no response except for the grumbling of the people in front of her who she continued to push aside in her quest to find her son.

When she reached the exit again she immediately screamed his name, grabbing at random strangers to ask if they had seen her son, a photo of him pulled up on her phone. Suddenly she was grabbed from behind and she turned quickly to see the ticket asshole with a man. “You can’t go around grabbing our customers.” The man sternly growled at her.

“My son is missing. He went in the hall of mirrors, and he didn’t come out.”

“That’s impossible. There is only one way in and one way out. He must have come out; you’ve just lost him.”

“I didn’t lose him.” She cried. “Don’t you have something you can do. Call the cops, make an announcement, just find my son.”

“Of course, I’m Felix. I’m the assistant manager. Let me make a few calls.” He said with a grin that certainly didn’t set her at ease. There was something off about the man, something menacing and scary, and Emma just wanted to get her son and get the hell away from all of them. “Come with me.” He didn’t ask but tugged at her elbow. “Nothing to see here, she just lost her child.” He announced to the people who had suddenly taken an interest in the commotion.

Emma was too concerned about her child to admonish the bystanders for gawking at her, their looks of contention and disappointment apparent on their faces as if they just watched an irresponsible parent simply leave their child by the side of the road instead of the fact that her son vanished without a trace.

“Ok ma’am can you explain to me what you think happened to your son?” The man closed the door to the trailer and gestured for her to take a seat in the dingy office.

“What I know” she paused, “was that my son and I went into the Hall of Mirrors and when I got to the exit, he wasn’t there.”

“Do you normally let your son run off without you?”

“Excuse me?” She stood up from her seat. “He did not run off without me, he was playing in the goddamn funhouse with me in the room.”

“Yes ma’am so you said, however if he was simply playing with you, then you would know where he was, isn’t that correct?”

Emma was done with this man’s treatment of her, she was done with people not ripping that god forsaken fun house to the ground until they came upon her little boy. She pushed her way past the man and shoved the door open, ignoring his plea for her to stay put. As soon as she stepped out of the trailer, two men approached her.

“Are you the woman who lost her son?”

Emma recognized their badges and the names on them from the Sherriff’s station. “Thank God you are here, these idiots won’t do anything to find my son.”

“I’m officer Nolan, and this is officer Locksley, can you tell me what happened?”

Emma took a deep breath, “My son, Henry, he just turned 6, it’s his birthday today.” Tears started to fall down her cheeks. “We went into the Hall of Mirrors, he was playing hide and seek and trying to get me to find him, but then he called out for me, and I couldn’t find him anymore. When I got to the exit, he wasn’t there, and no one can tell me where he is.”

“So, he wasn’t with you in the Hall of Mirrors?”

“Did you just hear me? I told you we went in together. He was only a few feet in front of me, it’s not like I let my fucking kid just run around alone.”

The man held up his hand. “Alright ma’am, there is no need to get upset.”

“No need to get upset.” She stated, shocked at the audacity this man had standing in front of her like everything was normal that was happening to her. “I lost my son. My baby is out there somewhere, and no one will fucking help me.”

Officer Nolan stepped forward and took her by the elbow. “Ma’am, if you keep cursing in front of the children here, we are going to have to take you down to the station to discuss this matter.”

“Matter!” She yelled. “My son is missing; I don’t give a fuck what you think about my goddamn cursing. Find my son!”

“Is it possible that he simply ran away?” The other man asked.

“Ran away? Why would you even think he would run away?”

“Is his father here with you?”

“Why does that matter?”

“I’m simply asking if the boy could be with his father.”

Emma shook her head. “No, his father isn’t around. He’s most definitely not with that asshole.”

“So, the situation with the father, it’s contentious then?”

Emma couldn’t believe the crap she was hearing. “This has nothing to do with his father. He’s lost, he’s probably scared and all you can do is sit here and ask me stupid questions that aren’t doing anything to find him.”

The men looked at each other and nodded, Officer Locksley stepped into the trailer and shut the door behind him. “My partner is just going to talk to the manager and find out if they know anything else.”

“He’s the assistant manager and he knows jack shit.” She said as she rolled her eyes.

The door to the trailer opened and he gestured for his partner to join him. They whispered at the door for a moment and then returned in front of her, closing their notebooks. “Ma’am, I’m going to give you my business card, we can’t do anything about a runaway until after 24 hours. If he still hasn’t come home by then, give us a call.”

“I already fucking told you he’s not a goddamn runaway.”

“Ok ma’am, we’re going to have to take you down to the station if you can’t control yourself.” She felt their hands on her arms and she pulled away from them, holding her hands in the air.

“I’m not going anywhere with you.”

“Well, you can’t stay here.” He announced, looking back at the ridiculous assistant manager who was glaring at her.

“So, I’m supposed to just leave my kid?”

“Most times, they show up in the morning, a little scared, hungry, and apologetic for causing a scare. Go home and get some sleep, they usually show back up at home.”

Emma couldn’t believe this was happening, that she was just supposed to go home and leave Henry out here, lost. She looked toward the fun house, wanting to make a run back to it, wanting to search frantically for anything she could find, but she knew he wasn’t there. Something had happened to Henry.

“Ma’am. We need you to leave or come with us.” They stepped toward her, and Emma backed up from her spot. She surveyed the crowd and then paused.

“I’m going.” She announced, turning on her heels and storming toward the exit. When she got to her house she climbed the stairs, screaming her son’s name, hoping he would answer and explain that he got lost and simply went home, but the house was still, dark, and ominously quiet. She went into Henry’s room and pulled open the curtains, the lights from the fair spilling into the window. She pulled the chair over to the wall and sat down, staring at the scene in front of her. She would wait there until she found him, until he made his way back to the house.

Looking down at her phone, she sent another text to Will asking him to call her immediately. Pulling a blanket around her she sat and waited.

Henry, where are you?

~*~

Henry woke with a start, a painful beating in his head. He reached up and winced at the swollen knot on the back of his skull. He looked around in the dark, trying to figure out where he was. Just moments ago he was in the Hall of Mirrors with his mom, they were playing a game. He remembered seeing her, just a few feet away and then his back hit something solid and then it moved. Arms reached out and grabbed him and then everything went black.

He felt around on the ground below him, dirt digging into his fingernails. There was a small light coming in from a tiny opening up high in the room. He groaned as he tried to sit up.

“Don’t sit up too quickly, I’m sure you’re dizzy.”

He jumped at the sound of a female in the room. “Who’s there?”

A face came into view, the light streaming into the dark onto her golden hair. “It’s ok, just give it a minute. You can see in the dark after you get used to it.”

“My head hurts.” He groaned.

“It will only hurt for a couple of days. Then it will go away.” The girl moved closer to him, sitting down next to him.

“What do you want with me?”

“I’m a friend, I’m not going to hurt you.”

“Where are we?”

“Underground. I don’t know really. We move around a lot.”

“Who’s we?”

“Pan’s crew.” The girl said softly, and Henry almost started laughing.

“As in Peter Pan? I must be dreaming. That’s what’s going on. This is a nightmare.”

“I wish it were, but sadly this is real. What’s your name?”

Henry peered at the girl in front of him. “I’m Henry.” Suddenly the shadows moved behind her and he pushed back against the wall.

“Don’t be afraid, they won’t hurt you.”

Henry stared at the faces of the children staring back at him. “Who are you people?”

“We’re the lost ones. Just like you.” She said sadly.

#mystery of pixie hollow #stacy's fics #killian jones #emma swan #captain swan fics #captain swan au #captain swan #captain swan modern au

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