#but this is a nice freshening up of the angst train

[captainthisshipinmyhead]

Terms of Agreement

Giyuu x Fem!Reader

You'd agreed to a friends with benefits type of situation with Tomioka, thinking that it would be easy to keep feelings out of it. How stupid of you.

Warnings: SMUT, slight angst, fluff, possibly basic and overdone plot, poorly written fight scenes, use of y/n if you don't like that, Giyuu is cold to you but not too mean bc he is a sweetie :(

WC: 5,262

!! This contains SMUT!!! DO NOT INTERACT if you are a minor!

A/N: Hi hi, as I said in my previous post this is my first fanfic in like 11ish years and only my second fanfic ever so I'm excited to post it. I've never written smut or combat scenes before, which... may be obvious lol. I'm open to feedback, but please be nice. I hope you enjoy. <3

“If you insist on this, it has to be without meaning.” 

Those were the words the Water Hashira spoke to you just before you agreed to a friends with benefits situation with him. Your attraction to each other upon meeting was practically palpable; something had to be done about it. It clearly wasn’t a one-sided attraction either, as the typically elusive Pillar never fled from a room you were in, seeking your eyes at corps meetings, and seemed to be content conversing with you when you decided to chat with him over meals. His eyes rested on your lips when you spoke, and when he thought you weren’t looking they dipped lower. This continued until you finally ran into him outside of a secluded onsen and, figuring bluntness would be the best way to approach this subject since it would pretty much be awkward either way, blurted out that you would like to sleep with him if he were interested. After a stunned silence, he nodded his head, wide eyed and pink-cheeked.

Tomioka’s original terms of this agreement were simply that no feelings were involved and that you kept this arrangement a secret from the other members of the demon slayer corps. Terms you agreed to without hesitation as you assumed that they would be easy to uphold, and the both of you were wound up tightly with need of an outlet. Unfortunately, it seems that any similar instances in the past that you were reflecting on when making this decision were not at all similar to the one you found yourself in with Tomioka. With Tomioka, your growing feelings for him became undeniable quickly. 

All it took was your first night together for you to become putty in his hands- his soft caresses, gentle words, and deep eye contact throughout the whole encounter had you breathless. You had never experienced such tenderness from any romantic partner in the past. You had to practically repeat a mantra to yourself the entire time- no feelings, no feelings, no feelings. It had been futile, proven the next morning when you roused from dreams of being lovingly held in Tomioka’s arms in front of a golden sunset. Ever since that night six months ago, you had been hooked. Try as you might, you couldn’t shake the near-constant thoughts of being more than a hookup with him. You blushed when he made eye contact with you at training sessions, and when he entered a room you had to excuse yourself for fear of him being able to hear how embarrassingly loud your heart was beating. At least in your nighttime trysts, that could be chalked up to the physicality you were experiencing...

You managed to keep your arrangement a secret from other demon slayer corps, though you had run into Shinobu a few times as you returned in the early morning to your room in her mansion to freshen up for the day. She sometimes questioned your whereabouts, sometimes just gave you a sly smirk, though she never asked too many intrusive questions, so you were able to remain tightlipped.

As you walked leisurely back toward your room at the butterfly mansion to retire for the evening you were confronted with Tomioka’s crow stopping short in front of you, flapping to stay upright while he delivered a simple message:

Please report to the Water Hashira residence. One hour.

As quickly as he had come, he flapped off into the direction of his master’s mansion, where you now knew you’d be heading to shortly as well. You continued you way to your room with a quickness to your gait that wasn’t present before. Once you’d had some time in your room to freshen up and gather a few essential items you wished to take with you, you hurried on your way to Tomioka’s mansion.

When you arrived, the front gate of Tomioka’s estate was unlocked and you let yourself in. He stood waiting to greet you on his engawa with a pursing of his lips (meant to be a smile) and a nod. You blushed and cast your eyes downward as you crossed his courtyard.

“You look pretty.” 

You raised your eyes to Tomioka as you heard his words, now only a few steps away from him. It wasn’t uncommon for him to compliment you when you were alone; after all, of course he found you attractive if you’d entered into such a situation with him.

“Thank you,” you practically whispered, a blush gracing your full cheeks.

Seeing your reaction, Tomioka’s smile that resembled more of a grimace relaxed into something genuine. He gently looped his pinky in yours and tugged you toward the direction of his bedroom.

As soon as you stepped through the doors and slid them shut behind you, his lips were on yours.. Your eyes fluttered closed, and he softly cupped one cheek as his other arm pulled you in tightly by the waist. Sweet pecks gave way to sensual kissing, as his tongue began to prod at the seam of your lips. You opened up for him without hesitation, just like usual.

He kissed you like he’d been waiting for you much longer than three days, when you’d last been a nighttime guest at his residence.

He kissed you sometimes as if he were making love to you—all your clothes were on but the sensuality of his lips and tongue pulled moans from your throat and goosebumps to the surface of your skin as if you were already naked beneath him.

You’d never get tired of this, not as long as the two of you had this arrangement. Kissing him was sometimes almost better than the sex itself. Almost.

He pulled back, breathless, and looked you in the eyes, giving you another shy smile. You returned his expression, unable to resist his kind face. You nodded toward his futon and began taking steps toward it.

Back hitting the mattress, Tomioka leaned down over you once again in search of your lips. As you made out, you hands pushed his haori off of his shoulders, and his fingers deftly pulled at the ties to your yukata. You both made quick work of each other’s clothing and soon enough his fingers were traveling down, down, down until they reached your sex and teasingly ran up your slit.

You gasped into his mouth as he circled your clit, and he ducked his head down to suck on the sensitive spot beneath your ear.

“To- Tomi-,” you tried to gasp out, but he quickly kissed you again, shutting you up.

“What did I tell you to call me?” He rasped, continuing to rub your clit.

“Giyuu, Giyuu please,” you corrected.

“Please what? What do you want baby, say it.”

“Y-your mouth. Please Giyuu, I need you there. Please,” you continued to beg, but he kissed down your neck between his responses, clearly not intending on granting your wish.

“C’mon sweetheart, you know you’ve gotta say it. Where do you want my mouth?”

You were practically whining; you were embarrassingly close already.

“Please eat my pussy Giyuu, please, I need your mouth.”

“Good girl.”

Then he was down at your core, mouth on you faster than you could blink. He pushed your thighs apart, devouring your wetness as if it were water and he’d been in the desert all day. His tongue expertly flicked between your clit and your entrance, and your eyes rolled back in your head at the sensation. There was a reason you’d beg for his mouth-- he knew how to please you this way. Your hips wriggled without any sort of rhythm, unknowing what it is they were in search of-- just wanting more more more… He pulled your legs on top of his shoulders, caging his head in, and pressed a palm flat and firm against your lower stomach to still your frantic movements. His other hand tickled its way up your sensitive stomach and pinched a nipple, rolling it between deft fingers.

“Giyuu I- I’m gonna-“

“Go on,” He mumbled against your clit, lips brushing against it with every word.

The timbre of his voice sent you over the edge. He continued to lap at your entrance through your release. As your shivers of pleasure subsided, you reached out to him, curling your fingers toward your upper half in an indication for him to come back up to your face. He complied, once again sealing your lips with his, now coated in your flavor. He sighed and you moaned into the kiss, both grinding your hips into one another, always aching for more.

You pressed your fingers tips onto his chest and dragged them downward, until you reached his belt. When you got it unbuckled he helped push his pants down his hips; just as eager to feel you as you were him. He positioned himself at your entrance and looked into your eyes as if asking if it was okay. You nodded and surged upward for another peck to his lips; you couldn’t help it. He pressed in- you didn’t feel any pain; only pleasure despite his girth. You’d long ago been carved out to the shape of him, as your nighttime visits never went longer than maybe 5 days between.

Your breath caught in your throat as he sank all the way in, cervix stopping his tip. His eyes squeezed shut as he muttered,

“Y/n….you’re s-so tight, so wet f’me.”

You didn’t try to hold back your moan at the praise, and his head sank into your shoulder as he began to move.

His thrusts were languid and deep, you were whimpering each time he bottomed out. Your legs wrapped around his waist and pulled him closer. Though missionary was basic, you both enjoyed being like this; faces buried into each other’s hair, chests touching as you both breathe heavily in each other’s ears. The intimacy of it all was something you both craved, though you don’t think either of you would admit it out loud.

Giyuu rose up briefly to hook the back of your knees with his arms, planting his hands on the bed and folding you up nearly in half. He got even deeper inside you this way, and you couldn’t help the pathetically loud moans at the new angle.

His groans next to your ear while he fucked you in this new position caused you to tighten around him, building you toward your second orgasm. He took notice of the way you clenched tighter than before, a dead giveaway you were going to finish soon. He increased his speed and worked a hand between your tightly pressed bodies to circle your clit again, just the way you like.

Your hands flew to his shoulders, gripping him tightly at the stimulation. You couldn’t help the way your nails dug into his skin, probably leaving marks; everything felt too good.

Your peak hit you, causing you to tighten your legs around his hips, though he didn’t slow the pace of his thrusts or his fingers. As you came, you could only make garbled noises of praise, whispers and whimpers combining his name with affirmations of so good sprinkled in.

Giyuu, who had been holding his own orgasm off with great effort on his part, began to nearly whine as he came deep inside you, giving a couple more thrusts before he went limp above you and nuzzled into your warmth.

You savored this: Giyuu breathing into your neck and your hearts beating against each other’s, both of you coming down from your high, arms and legs tangled…. It was routine to lay together like this as both of your breathing slowed back down, and though it was truly just a resting period meant for recovery it felt like love. Knowing that it wasn’t an embrace with real emotion behind it sucked, but you took it selfishly each time all the same.

After a few moments your breaths had slowed, and Giyuu removed himself from you and went to fetch a warm cloth to clean up the remnants of both of your releases from between your legs. He tossed it to the side when finished, returning again to your side as he pulled you into an embrace.

This part was what really made you feel like maybe there was some emotion behind what the two of you had. Surely if he didn’t harbor feelings for you as well he would send you on your way back to your residence, right? In your experience with guys before him, they didn’t care so much about aftercare once they finished. They made it clear that your shared night was a one night stand and that you were not to get comfortable enough to stay until morning. You pondered this as Giyuu nuzzled his face further into your neck, pressing kisses lightly to the skin there. His arm lay across your chest, and his hand tanlged in your hair on the other side of your head. He twirled strands lazily around his fingers—the picture of contentment.

Surely... surely this level of comfort is only achieved with someone who you feel romantic emotions toward, right? Since your directness is usually a trait of yours that your value, and what had gotten you into your current position, you made your mind up that it was once again the best course of action to speak up and say what was flitting across your brain.

“Giyuu...”

“Hmmmm?” He hums lazily in response, not loosening his grip on you.

“I... I think I, well... Um, I think I maybe have feelings for you. Like, romantic feelings. I mean like, I’m sure that’s kind of obvious, given.... y’know, but I mean I want-“

You’re cut off by Giyuu sitting up sharply, head turning away from you to face the small windows letting in moonlight from high on his bedroom wall. You immediately miss his warmth and your mind floods with worry, knowing that you said something wrong.

“We can’t do this anymore.” 

He said it with such finality, your heart sank low into the pit of your stomach. This is why you worried- Giyuu, such a hard person to get to know, hard person to read, can easily cut ties at a moment’s notice. You figured it’s probably for this reason that he kept himself at a distance from others; it makes everything having to do with emotions so much easier.

 “N-no, Giyuu- Giyuu why? I don’t- I don’t want to-“ you work on stammering out a reply, while he shakes his head and begins to turn back toward you, wearing a stern expression.

“We have to, y/n. This isn’t healthy for either of us. I think I may have given you the wrong idea about what this is and I.... For that I apologize. But this can’t continue any longer.”

His eyes never met your face as he said this. Your mouth opened in response, but no sound came out.

“Y/n... I think it’s best that I take you to my guest room. I won’t let you leave now in the middle of the night, but I don’t think it’s wise to share a bed tonight considering these circumstances.”

He stood, pulling his pants back on and folding the blankets back so that you could get up too. Your legs somehow felt like lead and like jelly at the same time so it took you a few seconds longer than it normally would have to stand and re-dress yourself. Giyuu stood by silently, facing the door to the room, waiting for you to follow him out.

You walked without speaking, without hardly breathing even, not wanting to make any noise for fear of upsetting him further and making him change his mind about letting you stay. Not like you couldn’t hold your own, but you’d prefer not to go toe-to-toe with any demons tonight given how fragile your emotional state is. Giyuu stopped in front of a door and slid it open, gesturing for you to step inside. You stepped past him, trying not to tear up as you looked at the floor.

“Please don’t hesitate to come get me if you need anything tonight, Y/n. I don’t want you to be uncomfortable, or at least not any more than you probably are.” You could feel his eyes boring into your face.

“Y/n, please say something. Anything you want to say to me, I’ll take it. If you’re angry, I understand.”

You still stood silently, trying to regulate your breathing and formulate a response. You finally came up with something to say, but it wasn’t anywhere near all that you wanted to express to him.

“After tonight, please just leave me alone. I can’t be friends with you after this... after all of this. Thank you for letting me stay. I’m going to lay down now.”

“Y/n....” he trailed off, his expression having softened as you spoke.

“It’s probably best that you don’t address me that way anymore. We don’t know each other intimately anymore and we won’t be able to remain friends, so please address me accordingly.”

Giyuu’s eyes dropped before he nodded and turned his back to you, making toward the door. If you didn’t know any better, you’d think his eyes glistened with emotion. He paused briefly on his way out, to say once more to come get him if you needed anything tonight, then he slid the doors to your temporary residence shut.

As soon as you lay your head onto the pillow of the plain and neat futon you began to cry. You cried until you exhausted yourself and fell into a deep sleep.

It had been two weeks since you’d left Tomioka’s house in the early morning, holding back a fresh wave of tears. You hadn’t seen him except for a couple of brief sightings of him at group training sessions at the houses of other hashiras. You did well at avoiding his gaze, choosing instead to channel the anger and hurt you felt over how you had ended into maximizing the power of your attacks. You had received a few letters from his crow within the first week of your separation, but you tossed them into the fires needed by Aoi to cook dinners since you often helped her prepare the kitchen in the evening for meals.

Shinobu was the first to notice that you weren’t staying out all night at some mystery location anymore. “No midnight rendezvous tonight?” She questioned you cheekily after the first few days, an eyebrow raised teasingly. You had tried to respond with a short no, but you were so choked up at the wave of emotion that ensued that you could only look at your feet and shake your head. Shinobu became concerned as you stayed shut in your room night after night, sometimes skipping dinner with everyone. The other girls in the mansion noticed that you were not acting as your typical chipper self and tried to get you to confide in them in attempts at easing your sadness, but you refused to speak about the source of your heartbreak.

By the third week, the pain lingering in your heart had subsided to a dull ache that only turned stabbing at the sight of him, or the thought of him, or the mention of his name. You were relieved when you received word that you were being sent on a mission to a nearby village with reports of children being stolen from their beds at night. Your strength and agility had improved with the increase in your training intensity, so you felt more than ready to take on this task and save the lives of the innocent village children.

You had been on the mission for 2 days without finding any trace of the demon. This confused you; this was a low level demon and they often were clumsy and unable to disguise themselves cleverly from slayers. You strolled seemingly aimlessly, twisting and turning down paths between homes and shops that were all locked up for the night, seeing nothing with each survey of the streets. As you turned what felt like your thousandth corner, you froze.

There was a demon standing at the end of this alley, back turned to you. He was just standing, like he were waiting for someone. How hadn’t you sensed it? You knew it had to have heard you approaching, but you still took slow and quiet steps to close the distance between the two of you. Your body was tense as you prepared to launch into an attack, hand at the ready on your nichirin blade.

Just as you got within blade’s distance of the towering figure, it whipped around, long taloned hand stretched to you, and slammed your body into a nearby wall.

Ouch. You mentally scolded yourself for not being faster on your feet, but then again you’d never fought a demon with such speed before either. You couldn’t even take a breath as you stood up because it already had its claws wrapped around your torso, lifting you high above his head. You had somehow managed to hold onto your blade, so you slashed with all the force you could muster at the demon’s head and neck. You were able to inflict a deep wound in the creature’s face, though of course not fatal. Its grip on you loosed, and you were able to wriggle out of its grasp and drop back down on your feet to the ground below.

At this point, you locked in and began fighting the demon with a vigor you’d never had on missions before. Your recent heartbreak fueled a new passion in you that strengthened your grip on your sword and sharpened your mind to form battle strategies. You were able to slash wildly and accurately enough with your blade that you had backed the demon into a corner in its retreat, crouching as it reformed the arm you had slashed off seconds ago. It appeared you had the upper hand, so you raised your sword for the killing blow while the demon was looking at his new limb regrowth.

Suddenly, a scorching hot pain consumed your left side. The demon had scored large and deep cuts across your torso while you had been too focused on its other arm and hitting its neck. You muttered a curse—both at the demon and at yourself for your failure—and fell to the ground. Your ears rang and your eyes blurred, mouth filling with cotton as you lay on the ground. You thought you heard your name being called faintly, but as your eyes drifted closed, you couldn’t find the will to care.

Blinking against harsh light, you hissed at the brightness of the room you were currently lying in. You felt groggy and exposed at the same time, beginning to move your head side to side in search of someone else nearby who could answer some questions that were slowly populating in your mind. It looked like you were in the infirmary at the butterfly mansion, but why would you be here as a patient? Nothing had happened to you that you could remember....

To your left, you noticed that there was a pillow and blanket draped across a chair in the corner of the room nearest your bed. A book lay open on the side table, a half empty cup beside it; clearly someone had been sitting with you and hopefully they were coming back before too long to retrieve their things.

Movement caught your eye on the other side of the room, and looking over you saw Shinobu step through the doorway. Her eyes were already on you as she crossed the room’s threshold, and you noticed the falter in her step and the widening of her eyes as she registered that you were awake.

“Y/n! I’m so happy to see that you are awake. I was just about to re-check your vitals while you were asleep, and I’ll proceed to check them now that you’re awake. Once I get them, I will go fetch Tomioka and let him know that you’ve woken up.”

“T- Tomioka?” Your voice was rough as you questioned the mention of his name. Why would he come see you? He didn’t even like you really, he had cut things off with you with such detachment he surely didn’t care about your wellbeing too much. Bitterness flooded your mind at the memory of your secret relationship with him and how hurtful the end of it had been.

“Yes of course! He was the one who brought you in; he found you on your last mission greatly injured- it turns out the demon we had thought to be a lower level threat was a lower moon. He’s been sitting with you every day since you’ve been recovering here in the infirmary. He even denied a mission that he had been assigned so that he could remain here to watch over you.” Her eyes sparkled as she told you this, as if she knew something that you didn’t quite yet.

What? Surely you were still unconscious. There’s no way that this was true. Tomioka had never refused a mission for any reason, especially not a reason as trivial as a.... friend.... being injured.

Shinobu had already left the room before you could ask further questions, so you settled back against your pillow as your mind raced. Not even two minutes later, Tomioka rushed through the door with a quickness normally reserved for battle.

“Y/n, are you feeling alright? Do you hurt anywhere? I can ask Kocho to bring you something for pain...” He trailed off, looking back toward the door he had come through, already having kneeled by your bedside.

“T- Tomioka, I’m confused-“

“Giyuu. Call me Giyuu, y/n, please.”

Your brow furrowed further than it had been already, Giyuu’s eyes finally having reached your face and registering your expression.

“Okay, Giyuu. I greatly appreciate you saving my life of course, but I’m confused about why you are here. Shinobu said you’ve been here the entire time I’ve been unconscious also, which is... actually I’m not sure how long, but-“

“A month,” he answered matter of factly.

“A month?! You’ve been by my bedside for an entire month? Tomioka, you-“

“Giyuu.”

“Giyuu, you don’t even like me to my knowledge. Please don’t interrupt me anymore, by the way. You cut things off between us with hardly an explanation as to why. I was perfectly content with the arrangement we had but you cut me off, quite coldly. I was hurt by it, deeply.” You couldn’t help the way your expression arranged into a scowl at the memory of the pain you’d felt.

“And I saw that. I’m so sorry, y/n. I never meant to hurt you, I thought that by ending things with you I was doing you a favor. That last night with you, when you ........., I realized that the feelings on your end were real also and I didn’t want to hurt you further by denying you later on and leading you on.” He reached for your hand as he said this, grasping your cold one in his strong, calloused warmth.

“Wait, also? What do you mean by also?”

“I... Y/n, I thought it was obvious. I love you. I have loved you since the first time we spoke, and I’ve been terrified of you finding out when we would see each other in the night. But how could you not know? I called on you so much, I... I thought I was being transparent, but I couldn’t make myself resist you if you were willing to be with me that way. I’m sorry, Y/n, I’m so sorry to have ever hurt you.”

Your brows remained scrunched in confusion. He loves you? Then why...?

“But, that last night, you told me we couldn’t see each other anymore. I don’t understand why you did all that if you felt the same way.”

“Honestly, as scared as I was of losing you, I was more scared of truly being with you in a relationship. I didn’t think I could give you what you need, what you deserve....” He cast his eyes down. “Y/n, you deserve better than me, and I thought that by cutting you off before things got too real I could spare you.”

Your mouth hung open in disbelief at what you heard, a laugh without humor bursting forth from your lips before you answered.

“Spare me? The pain I felt was unbearable, Giyuu. I fell for you long before that night. It was way too late at that point. You should’ve talked to me.”

“I know that know. But when I found you with that demon, there was so much blood and you looked so hurt I... I didn’t know if you’d make it, and it scared me more than anything else I’ve ever gone through. And though I still think I’m undeserving of having the privilege of calling you mine, I can promise you that I will try every day to be the man you need me to be. I want to be worthy of you, I just.... I just want you, Y/n.”

His eyes met your gaze with an intensity that made your heart leap in your chest. Or maybe that was the weight of his words, or the warmth of his hand covering yours, or a million other tiny perfect aspects of this moment that you shared with him. You couldn’t fight the tears that flooded your eyes, your lips turning up into a watery smile. All you could muster was a nod, a confirmation that you wanted this with him, that you wanted him just as badly. Unable to refrain any longer, you reached your arms out and looped them around his neck, pulling him into an embrace that he was more than happy to return, wrapping his strong arms around your waist and burying his face into your neck. After a few moments of holding each other Giyuu pulled his face back slightly, a question in his gaze as he glanced between your eyes and your lips. Without hesitation, you brought your mouth to his and sank into his kiss. You could feel his lips turn up into a smile as they moved against yours, and your body relaxed further into his embrace as your fingers reached around to tangle in his hair. You’d missed this so much, and now you’d never have to be without it.

Someone cleared their throat and you both broke away, turning to look at who it was, though neither of you broke your embrace. Shinobu stood holding a tray of varying medicines along with some food and water. Her ever-present smile adorning her face held a genuine warmth looking at the two of you.

“I apologize for interrupting, but Y/n, I need to administer your medications. It won’t take very long. Tomioka, you can stay if you’d like.”

He backed from your bedside, though his fingers remained tangled in yours and his lips remained upturned. His hand stayed locked in yours through the administration of your medications, and after that, your meal and your nap was well, and when you woke up from it he was still at your side, brushing the hair back from your forehead and smiling down at you tenderly. He gave you a peck right above your eyebrow before pulling away.

“I love you, y/n. I’m here now, I always will be.”

[nanaminokanojo]

ACCIDENTALLY IN LOVE | part 61

-meet cute? a cheesy musical number? forget it! love makes itself known to you through a minor car accident, a broken arm, and a treacherously charming temporary chauffeur

CHARACTERS: sukuna x you/reader | jjk characters

GENRE: full-length smau + prose | bad boy x good girl | college au | a lot of firsts | aged-up characters | strangers to lovers | smut | fluff | angst | ooc depictions - soft sukuna ftw

TW/CW: strong/mature language | adult content so mdni on some parts | mentions of alcohol and/or smoking | mentions of injury, promiscuity and bullying | pet names because they're cute with 2D men | toxic behavior | will add more if something arises

MASTERLIST | CHAPTER INDEX

<<prev part 61 next>>

A/N: Narrations after the 7th panel. Also, I've updated Parts 56 and 60. The video is working on the former and I forgot to add the narrations on the latter prior to the video. Idk what I was thinking with this last update. Sorry for that and for this very brief update. Smutty things to come in the next chapters!

You were left to think of what Uraume told you, said in such an unsentimental manner that one would have thought that they were just talking about something trivial. But it got you thinking of so many things all at the same time, perplexed about the meaning behind those simple words, thrown out in the wind, free for interpretation.

However, you were no longer able to ask as the others returned, Choso immediately slinging an arm over your shoulder and asking after you. “You look flushed. Are you okay, Y/N?”

“Y-yes, thank you.” Your eyes immediately flicked to Sukuna who was standing beside Uraume, and you felt your face heating up all the more when he smiled at you. “It’s just really hot.”

“You sure?" he asked, snickering. You knew what he was getting at, but you didn't say anything.

“Hi, princess,” Naoya greeted, blocking your view of Sukuna.

You thought he was nice although he could be rather full of himself. It wasn’t in an annoying way, just in a funny, disarming way. Noisy, too. “Hi.”

“Call me Naoya.”

You nodded but you did not say it, suddenly remembering your confliction about what Uraume told you. You did notice it, too, the way everyone called Sukuna by his last name. Everyone just referred to him as “Ryomen,” and you pondered on whether it meant anything that you’re the only one who called him by his birth name.

The thoughts plagued you even as you sat in the car, your eyes remaining trained on him in the tense silence that seemed to have followed your last words when he asked you if you were ready to go home. You still couldn’t shake the same feeling you had earlier when you were watching him play, your senses seemingly hyper-aware of every single detail of him. Your heart felt full as the afternoon sun shone through the windows, touching his being that you thought, if you blinked, he’d disappear like a mirage.

It was the case up to the moment he parked on the spot next to where your own car had been sitting in the garage since the accident. It was gathering dust, but you have grown accustomed to the passenger side of Sukuna's car, the apple-cinammon air freshener he used and the feeling of having someone to talk to and laugh with while going places.

You didn't like the idea of driving on your own anymore, always alone inside your car.

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© ORIGINAL WORK BY nanaminokanojo. CHARACTERS ARE INSPIRED BY GEGE AKUTAMI’S “JUJUTSU KAISEN”. [20240625]

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[babygirl-riley]

Change of Plans Pt 2

You have been with Shadow Company for a couple of months. When you get orders to help with Los Varqueros and 141.

A/N: Sorry I haven’t posted in a while. I got very sick with some cold flu thingggg. But here is the 2nd part of Change of Plans. 👀

Taglist:

@glitteryeggalmondherring @notyourlittlesunshine

“Swtichin’ the positions for you. Cookin’ in the kitchen and I’m in the bedroom.”

Warnings: talks of violance, not too bad of angst, fluff, smut, reuniting sex, quick sex, PiV, swearing, soft!simon, former141!reader, shadow!reader

Pt. I Pt.III

simon x reader guide

simon x reader fluff/angst

You anxiously waited on the plane as you landed on Alejandro’s base. When you heard his voice, your body reacted immediately. Your heart fluttered and your pussy clenched. You haven’t seen him in months, you haven’t seen your old team in months. “Remember this is business first. After that, you can say ya hellos.” Graves said smiling at you.

He knew that with your former team, you were all close. So once he told you that they were working along side 141, he saw the gleam in your eyes. “Yes sir.” You said smiling at him as you felt the air craft land.

Graves patted your shoulder as the doors opened. Your heart pounding in your chest as you followed him out. “I have to meet them where they have Hassan,” You frowned as you walked next to him. Graves turned to you. “Don’t worry kiddo they will be back here soon. Just stay with the men and get them acquainted with Alejandro’s men,” You nodded stopping in your tracks he kept walking before he stopped and turned to you. “Also make sure we get a tour of the base.”

“Yes sir.” You said as you watched him walk towards a humvee.

Disappointment surrounded your chest to your mind. You were excited to see all of them, especially Simon. You have been thinking about where he has been, if he was alright. All the 9 yards of missing someone you love. You inhaled as one of your team mates came behind you asking for instructions. “Hello Lieutenant,” You turned to face one of Alejandro’s men. “My name is Rudy, Alejandro wanted me to come back to see if there is anything I can do.”

You smiled and reached your hand out. “Just call me y/n. I am hoping we won’t be here long enough to be too comfortable Rudy.”

He smiled in response. “As would I hope as well,” He paused and gestured out towards the base. “Come on let me show you around.”

Rudy was a nice solider, he was respectful and kind. He talked highly on his Commander and his troops. He would smile and crack some jokes around that made you even laugh at times. You really enjoyed him, seemed like he would be someone you would get along with. He made sure there was a barrack that your men would sleep in however, you and Graves had separate rooms. He stated that the higher ranking officers have their own space.

It took a couple of hours to tour the whole base which eventually turned dark. You thanked Rudy as you excused yourself to bark more orders to the men. Have some routine going, making sure that they had rest and tasks to do. You rolled your shoulders as you watched your men move from one end to another, helping Alejandro’s men with tasks.

“Sargent,” You yelled as one of your men’s head turned. “I am going to freshen up, I will be out here at 0400 keep the men in line!”

He nodded as he turned to another solider talking to him. You inhaled deeply as you walked back into the base. Walking past rooms and hallways, you were tired. Beat tired. Graves and Shepard have been on high alert for a while, reasoning? You didn’t know, it made you on high alert as well. More stressed and more duties that Graves made sure to give you. Making sure that all the men were properly accounted and trained.

You opened the door that was your temporary room. It had one bed and a dresser, it was a white room with no window. It did have a bathroom, when you looked inside it just had the sink, toilet, and shower. You thought it was a good place and happy as hell that you didn’t have to share showers. Your bag was already in the room as you started to unzip the bag.

You started to take your gear off placing them on the dresser, neatly. You have always been particular on how your gear was laid out. Due to your first Captain, snapping his men on how your equipment should be handled. You started to unbutton your pants until your door had a knock.

God damn it, the Sargent better not have fucked up something. He always had since you joined and it made your blood boil. You stomped to the door. “I swear to fucking god Olsen if you,” You opened it to lay eyes on a much bigger and taller man but what made him distinctive was the skull mask. You shut your mouth as your body relaxed. “Simon.” You whispered.

Simon stepped forward as you backed up silently accepting him into the room. He shut the door and locked it, he walked up to you and placed his hands on both sides of your face. “Fuck ya have no idea how much I missed ya,” He whispered placing his forehead against yours. You leaned into his hands. “I want to hear everythin’, how you been. However, I really needed you right now.”

Your heart fluttered as you places your arms around his neck. Tippy toeing to his ear. “I need you too Simon please.”

That’s all it took, his mask ripped off and thrown somewhere as he latched his lips on yours. It was a heated and neediness kiss, pent up months of not being around each other. Your skin burned of wanting to be touched by him. “Clothes off.” You mumbled in between kisses.

He smiled against your lips. “Get all promoted now makin’ you demanding love?” He asked as he kissed down your jaw to your neck. He started to lift his sweatshirt to take it off as you lift up your shirt. You both desperately ripped off your clothes just to feel each others skin. You moaned as he backed you up to the small bed. “Oh shut it Riley.” You teased, he chuckled lowly as he hovered over you kissing down your body.

You bite your lower lip as he sucked and bites your skin. You moaned as you rolled your hips up. “Si please, I just need your cock now.”

Simon chuckled as he crawled back up to you. “No foreplay doll?”

You shook your head, you placed your hand on his cheek. He leaned into it kissing your palm, his beautiful brown eyes looking at you. “No please Simon.”

Simon pulled his boxers off and gripped your panties. You lifted your hips up so they were easily pulled off. You both were so quick and needy, both of you not teasing each other about it. Simon wanted you so bad that it was driving him absolutely insane. All the frustration and anxiety of the situation with Hassan. Have both of you in a tense feeling, needing it to be released.

You watched as he pumped his cock, precum coming out of his tip. You will never forget how large he was, his length was average but his girth was what made him hard to fit in. Made it feel fucking better than your fingers. You licked your lips as he looked down at you. “Ya lookin’ at it likes it’s candy.” He teased as he leaned down, guiding his cock towards your entrance.

“It’s my personal can…” Before you could finish he pushed in, making you gasp. Simon groaned, feeling how tight you were. He looked down as he watched his cock being sucked more na more in. Your pussy fitting him like his cock was made there. God how you missed the stretch that he made with his cock. Love to watch his cock fit into so perfectly, like god made you just for him.

Your mouth was left agape as he kept pushing more in. “Relax babygirl I have-fuck…I have ya.” He whispered, as he felt you slowly taking him in, relaxing more and more until he settled near your cervix. “God you take me so well. So fucking beautiful. All fucking mine.”

You moaned feeling him settle more inside. You loved how it felt being so full and warm when he was inside you. You both sat there for a minute panting, taking in the moment. Simon placed his forehead against yours, looking in your eyes. You placed both of your hands on his cheeks rubbing your thumb up and down his cheek bone. “I missed you.” He whispered leaning down to kiss you.

You kissed him back, it was gentle and passionate. His tongue dancing with yours, you gasped as he pulled all the way out and snapped back into you. At first his hips movements were slow, taking his time, with hard thrusts. Making sure you were ready for the hard pace he was going to do. You mewled as you gripped his shoulders kissing him.

“You feel so good Si,” You whimpered hooking both of your legs around his waist. “Need-ah-I need you to go harder-faster please.”

Simon grunted as he started to pick up speed. Which made you gasp, Simon smirked and kissed down your neck. “God-‘ve missed the way you moan my name sweeathear’.”

He placed his forehead against yours as he rutted into you more. The room sounding obscene, both of your skin slapping against one another, moans and grunts filling the air. God you missed this, missed Simon. Missed being this close to him. Miss feeling his skin. His breath. You could feel your orgasm building up, Simon’s cock hitting the right sponge spot.

“Oh fuck.” You whined squeezing your eyes shut. Scratching your fingers down his tattooed arm. Gripping it at the end. You felt his thumb placed on your lips making your eyes open.

“Keep ya eyes on me,” He grunted sitting up more and gripping your hips. “I want to see you cum around my cock. Cum-Ugh…cum with me.”

You gasped loudly as you opened your eyes, his face contorting to pleasure. His lips parted as his grunts left his mouth. The sweat that built on his forehead. The sweat layering his body. You loved his scars, his toned body. Fuck, it made him look like a fucking god. You inhaled deeply as you let out a high pitch moan, your orgasm hitting you like a train. Your hand went to grab the back of his neck as your other hand went to your clit. Rubbing fast as the pace his cock going in and out of you.

Simon growled as he felt your pussy clench around his cock. Milking him for all his worth. His spine shot up with pleasure as he felt his balls empty into your pussy. Coating your walls with his seman, he thought of his cum traveling into you. Simon placed his head in the space between your shoulder and your side of your head. Groaning lowly, he twitched when you rubbed your fingers lightly up and down his back.

Simon was still inside you feeling his cock soften inside. “I missed you so much,” You whispered raking your fingers up through his dirty blonde hair. “Thought wasn’t going to see you for a while.”

Simon hummed lifting his head up to look at you. God he thought you were just an angel, the thin sweat layered against your skin, your beautiful eyes that he couldn’t stop staring at. It made him lost into it. Never did he think that he would feel empty without having someone near. Having you near. Simon thought the last time he saw you would be the last. At least for a long time. Yet you are here. With him.

“Same here love,” He whispered bringing up his hand to brush a strand of hair away. “I’m just happy to see ya here.”

You smiled as you kissed him softly. Feeling his soft lips against yours. He rolled off of you, still having his dick inside, and placed your head in his chest. Simon sighed as he played with your hair, soothing both of you to sleep.

[sammyspreadyourwings]

A weirdly out of season prompt (I don’t think it was prompted in February either), but hey. There aren’t any rules here! It’s a little less wacky than the prompt suggests, but I like it!

Circa Modern Era

Roger loves Brian with his entire being, but he’s not exactly thrilled that they started dating March. It means they’ve been together near a year, and haven’t had a single Valentine’s Day yet. The expectations are incredibly high for something Roger doesn’t exactly care about. He isn’t heartless the think-pieces about love and romantic movies do strike a chord with him, Roger just doesn’t get the point of having to buy his significant other a chocolate diamond every year.

“Deaks?”

“Yeah?”

Roger wipes the grease from his palms, “where’d you take Ronnie for your first Valentine’s?”

“Taking Bri out?”

“Something like that, it wasn’t too decked out with the hearts, right? Just a special on wine?”

John stands up and tosses a dirty rag at him, “romance is alive and well with you Rog.”

“Oh, come on, Bri doesn’t care to be romanced. He’d be just as happy freezing his ass off staring at stars.”

“With you,” John replies.

“What?”

The bassist looks guilty but sighs, “Bri’s never had a proper Valentine’s.”

“So?”

“Right, of course he wouldn’t say anything to you. It’s not like you two have been insufferably in love this entire year.”

Roger frowns, curiosity and nerves pricking at the back of his neck, “what’s wrong with Bri?”

“You haven’t noticed? How upset he gets around this time? Come on Roger, he never has a partner for holiday season.”

He doesn’t want to admit he’s noticed the partner thing. Mostly because that’s how they got together in the first place, a spike of jealousy and too much wine. Roger knows Brian has never said anything to him about it.

“Listen, I know you hate it and the tacky hearts, but try to make this one special for Bri? He’s special to you, right?”

Roger nods mostly distracted because checked his watch and noticed Brian is going to be home in five minutes. John looks at the clock and rolls his eyes.

“Be the Casanova you claim to be for one day,” John sets the tool kit aside, “if nothing else, the sex should be fun.”

He sticks his tongue out and closes the hood of the van. The leak can’t be fixed until they get proper sealant but everything is cleaned now.

“Roger? John?”

Roger grins and pushes past John to the back yard. Brian is leaning against the door frame to their flat. He’s bundled up still, and Roger sighs happily when he sees Brian has taken his scarf again today. John gags behind him.

“Hello, Bri.”

Brian kisses him on the cheek in greeting, “hello.” “How was your day?”

“Good. Fix the van?”

“Not yet.”

John moves through him and he shoots Roger a glance in reminder.

“Uh, Bri?”

“Hm?”

Roger inhales, John said to be a Casanova, he can suck it up for a night. Especially if it makes Brian happy. God, he’s whipped and thrilled to be so.

“Did you want to make Valentine’s Day a Thing? I know it’s a full two weeks away, and a Wednesday.”

Brian lights up. He’s going to have to buy John coffee for the next month.

“You want to?”

“I want to spend it with you.”

“What do you have in mind?”

“It’s a surprise.”

It isn’t a lie, because it’ll surprise him too what he comes up with. Brian gives him an excited peck on the cheek.

“You know, I’ve never had a proper Valentine’s Day.”

Roger smiles and hopes it doesn’t show his worry, “low standards then. Excellent.”

Brian raises an eyebrow.

“Which means I get to wow you so hard that you’ll never want to have a Valentine’s date with anyone else.”

Nice save, Roger!

~

Brian has class until eleven on Valentine’s Day. Roger glances at the clock and sees that it’s a quarter past. He’s already dressed, and his hair styled. His present is hidden in the bag he’ll be talking with them. Everything is planned. John double-checked his reservations.

Roger’s hands won’t stop sweating and he debates yanking down the taking heart decorations Freddie helped him hang up. It’s too late to salvage the goo-stickers on the window. The door opens and Roger inhales sharply. He had told Brian to be ready to go when he got back.

“Roger?”

“In here!”

Brian turns the corner and his face softens at the pink and red mess Roger made of their living room. Freddie had claimed that their streamer fight had made things feel organic. Roger smiles as Brian approaches, then blushes when the guitarist pulls off a strand of confetti.

“There is nothing more romantic than you doing chores.”

“Oh, the day is still young! You’ll be in love with me forever after today.”

“Bold words.”

“Good planning.”

Brian laughs and kisses him on the lips.

“Ready?”

“Am I dressed okay?”

Roger looks Brian up and down. He’s wearing a short-sleeve button-up, dark blue with dots all over it and a pair of dark pants. The clogs aren’t exactly sexy, but Roger finds that he can let them go this one time. Besides, he’ll get to test the claim that clogs are the best walking shoe.

“Yeah.”

With that he leads Brian out of the house onto his Valentine Day extraordinaire. Roger hadn’t been able to pick out one thing, wanting Brian to experience everything, so they start with a picnic at their favorite spot at the park. As predicted, Brian stares at the ducks longingly.

“I’ve got actual birdseed,” Roger digs in the basket, “y’know to feed them because of your whole bread rant.”

Roger smiles at the kiss he earns in reward. Even if he regrets giving Brian the seed because now they’re going to be surrounded by ducks, geese, swans, and other nasty birds. Brian is happy and that’s the goal for today.

Once the seed bag is half empty and the rest of his badly made lunch (okay some of the sandwiches got soggy because he didn’t think about how long they’d have the condiments on them and the tea thermos spilled out) eaten, Roger takes Brian on a long romantic walk through a nearby flower garden. Brian takes several pictures, regular and with that stereo 3-D app thingy, Roger indulges him with smiles. Then Brian demands that they get a selfie in front of the rose bridge.

He’s pretty sure the smile hasn’t left Bri’s lips.

By the time the garden walk has ended, they exit perfectly in front of one of Brian’s favorite pastry shops. It’s packed with last-minute gift-buyers, but their table is in the back thanks to Freddie reminding him that this was going to happen. The clerk waves them in, and minutes later the pastries at tea are set in front of them.

The icing is ungodly bright red, and there are too many hearts. Brian doesn’t seem to mind, taking photos of them and then sneaking pictures when he thinks Roger doesn’t notice.

“Not done yet?”

“Are you irreversibly in love with me yet?”

Brian hums and bites down on a biscuit, “not quite.”

“Then there’s more to do.”

Another walk, this time along the river. Plotted so that Roger walks by the flower vendor he ordered from earlier. The true bouquet is on their nightstand at the flat, but it’s Brian’s final surprise of the night, but for now he hands Brian the solitary rose.

Someone in the distance mutters about him being cheap, but Brian holds it like he would a star.

Their river walk takes them by the shore, where Brian once more gets to feed the various urban birds. He gives the seeds to two little girls who have taken to Brian’s animal factoids as though he’s telling them he’s one of those cartoon princesses. Roger blinks.

Loves animals? Check. Pretty? Check. Amazing singing voice? Check. In love with a handsome prince? Check.

“Oh my god, you’re a Disney princess.”

Brian gives him a bemused smile, “uh, thanks?”

Roger smiles and grabs his hand, “more to do!”

They finish the walk by Roger’s restaurant of choice. Lowkey and not very “love” themed but they have a decent salad and couples eat half off today. Besides the folksy feeling of the building is far removed from London’s usual bustle. He knows he made the right choice when Brian reaches over and laces their hands together.

“Three more things.”

Brian laughs, “Rog, you didn’t need to do all of this. I’d been happy with anyone thing from your list.”

“You’re my songbird,” Roger looks down at their entwined hands, “I wanted to do all of this.”

He’s having fun, but it’s more because Brian looks so incredibly happy. His face must hurt from smiling so much.

Dinner is a quiet affair, both chatting aimlessly about everything. Every couple here seems to be wanting to wax poetic about their partner, and Roger doesn’t know what it says about him that when Brian tangles their legs together, he nearly melts. They leave the restaurant hand in hand, it’s cooled significantly now that the sun is fully away. Brian’s eyes are predictably drawn to the heavens.

Roger wonders what it’d be like to love something you can never touch. Brian flicks his eyes down and softens, and Roger decides he doesn’t want to love something he can’t hold. He swings their hands as they take a short walk to the spot.

It’s absolutely ridiculous what Roger is doing.

“Roger?”

The building is the studio Tim and Brian had rented out for Smile auditions all those years ago. Where this truly started. Roger tilts his head towards the door.

“It’s closed.”

“I made a call. Tim still knows the guy who owns it.”

“Wow, you broke your vow of silence to Tim for me?”

“Impressed?”

“Getting there.”

Roger tugs him and they enter the building. The owner, an older gentleman who was part of the Free Love movement in America, nods at them. Brian follows him up the steps to the room. It’s set up like it was that day. Drums in the corner and the Red Special opposite. Brian tenses when he sees her.

“I know. Freddie stayed with her until just a few minutes ago,” Roger says, “see?”

Brian reads the texts and relaxes. As if Roger would willingly risk that guitar. He likes having his balls, thank you, and more importantly he likes having Brian.

Like a well-rehearsed dance Brian picks up the Old Lady and Roger sits behind the drums. They tune their instruments in silence, the old kit can’t hold the sound he wants, but it’s close enough. Brian nods at him and Roger counts in before starting a rolling rhythm. They play with each other, urging the other to compensate for a change in the music. It’s a constant give and take.

Playing with Freddie and John makes their music better, but Roger can’t deny that thrill that runs through him when it’s just him and Brian. The Start.

Eventually they have to take a break, Roger sweaty and Brian getting that familiar tick that means his hand is about to cramp. Roger bends down to slip the box into his pocket before wandering over to his love. Brian offers his hand and Roger automatically begins to massage out the strain.

He takes a deep breath. The mood is right. Brian’s got that smile on him that means he’s completely content. Roger has done everything perfectly.

“This is when you propose, right?”

Roger wishes the noise he made was a little suaver. He’d done everything perfectly, until now.

“I swear to God if you say you were going to as well.”

“No.”

“Good.”

“Are you going to ask?”

“I have a speech dammit.”

“Are you sure drumming is for you? I think you have a career as a poet or maybe a marriage counselor.”

“Brian,” Roger whines, “let me propose!”

“Sheesh, all you had to do was ask.”

“Brian!”

The guitarist smiles indulgently, but the little exchange has eased out any tension he has in his body.

“If I had known walking in here that day would lead me on the most fantastic adventure, I don’t think I would have bitched once about the auditions being so far our and at such an inconvenient time.”

Roger inhales, “because I walked in here and was greeted by a musical poodle with a complex.”

Brian snorts.

“And somehow, I fell in love with you, Brian May. The way you love your stars, with all that endless passion and curiosity and simple want? That’s how I love you.”

“So, considering I know this is it for me,” Roger slides down onto his knee, cheering when he doesn’t drop the box, “I was wondering if I was it for you? Brian May, will you marry me?”

“Do I need to give you a speech?”

“My ego could use it.”

“If I had known that the first person we auditioned that day would be the only, I can’t say as though I would’ve come. But had I known it would be you, the man I am irrevocably in love with? I’d come at 4 in the morning.”

“A steep sacrifice.”

“I let you finish!”

Roger smiles.

“There aren’t enough words to describe how I feel for you. It’s like we’re in a binary star system, tangled permanently together by forces we can’t explain and frankly I’m okay with this mystery. So yes, I will marry you.”

He pulls off the lid of the box. A ring had been far too traditional for him, not to mention the fear of it getting lost while they’re on tour. Instead he holds out a singular silver chain. Blue and white crystals are spread sporadically all leading down into a quarter note with a diamond as the note head.

“It’s beautiful.”

“It’s yours.”

Roger stands and Brian turns so that Roger can clasp the necklace. It disappears under Brian’s shirt, the barest glimmer peeking out. They kiss. Slow and methodical (not at all what Roger used to crave in kissing). When the break apart Brian keeps their foreheads pressed together.

“What’s the third surprise?”

“Ah, yeah,” Roger laughs, “either a very long and overdue session of lovemaking or you can stare at the bouquet I bought you all night.”

[hoe4hotchner]

Chapter 9 - Brunch at the Walton’s

Pairing: Aaron Hotchner x Fem!Reader

Summary: In an upper-class residential Virginian neighborhood, monogamous values rarely get broken. A dangerous serial killer chooses to lay into dormancy exactly there for the next five years with his latest victim. Or for as long as it takes to catch him. Two highly trained and widely different agents go undercover, posing as a married couple to scope him out and make the arrest. They’ll be nothing more than professional for months, working under the same roof.

Word count: 3.6k

Warnings: Gun shots, loneliness and kind of angst in general at the end of the chapter.

Masterlist

Gif credit: @brilliantbimbo​

Sunday mornings had always been your favorites, the way that you got to lounge around, charging your batteries for the oncoming work week. You loved spending them, walking around in nothing but big sweaters and fuzzy socks, genuinely enjoying spending the time alone in your apartment. You used Sundays to nurture your hobbies, knowing that you rarely had the time to otherwise. And some days, you just sat in front of the tv all day, catching up on the shows that you’d missed out on during your work calls and out-of-state cases. It was nice to just be able to be yourself that one time a week whenever you managed to get it off.

The sun was shining through your curtains as you woke up, a little later than usual, but who cared, no one was there to complain. Except for Aaron, but he was still in bed, sleeping away as he let his body regain its strength. There had been a certain lethargic atmosphere surrounding him the past couple of days. You couldn’t tell if he was fed up with the slow work that this mission had become or if he was slowly losing the spark to continue working. Whatever it was, he seemed dangerously close to breaking, and so were you.

With a nudge to his shoulder, you woke him up. He was confused, barely able to keep himself up as you reminded him of your breakfast date across the street. Aaron groaned in response. He couldn’t bear to hear another word coming out of Martha in that shrill tone that happened to be her natural voice. Although she had done nothing wrong, he hated her with all of his soul and body, more than he could ever say that he had done with you. He rubbed his face, trying to get the sleep out of his eyes as you got out of the bed and headed straight for the shower to freshen up. Knowing Martha, she’d judge you for your appearance. She always did. Not just with you and Aaron, but with everyone around the neighborhood. You made sure to look your absolute best whenever you knew that you would have to spend time with her and Jerry. Jerry was way more approachable and chill than Martha. Sometimes you wished that you were a man when cases like this landed on your desk. With Jerry, all you had to do was mention golf or hunting, and he could go into hour-long conversations about his hobbies. It was never about gossip and calling out the other females in the Hills like it was with Martha, and you were tired of it.

It had become an almost weekly occurrence by now that you ate brunch together with the Walton’s. Martha always insisted that you guys got together, that you were destined to be best friends because of how much the four of you resembled each other. When in reality, you’d been mirroring their way of life for months now, nothing more than that. If she knew the real you, she would’ve been disgusted by your personality. Your lifestyle and even your job. Martha had mentioned that she despised the government during your last brunch, how you had to pay taxes to them just to fund all their branches. She was sick of it. All you had done was bounce your leg under the table. Aaron had placed his hand on your knee, stopping the movement. He could sense your rage. As much as he wanted to let you explode at her, you needed to calm down. Aaron loved how passionate you were when it came to your job and the work that the government did for your country. And he couldn’t lie when he said he admired your passion, but it was not worth it to risk the case. Although he too was fuming at Martha’s words, he just sent Jerry a look of: “Wives am I right?” which was returned with an “I know” roll of the eyes and raise of the brows. You’d noticed the exchange between the two men, pushing Aaron’s hand away from you gently to not raise awareness of your real relationship status.

“Oh, the buns are done.” Martha squealed as the timer on the oven went off.

“I’ll help.” You offered, following behind her into the kitchen. You needed her alone, needed to figure out if she had heard anything about Corbin and Anna since the last time you had lured something out of her. Gathering the cutlery, plates, and mugs on the island, while Martha took out the buns from the oven, you leaned against the counter next to her, waiting until she was ready.

“Have you seen Ben and Michelle lately? I feel like they don’t like us.” You tested, hoping that she knew more than you did at the moment. Martha started pulling out the rest of the food that she’d prepared before your arrival as you asked her the question.

“You know now that you mention it, I haven’t seen them in a while myself. You’d think that I’d at least see them out in their garden or walking past the house on the street, but I’ve seen nothing. I did hear them arguing last night. I don’t think that they noticed their bedroom window was open. Michelle sounded upset, and well, you know Benjamin. I think he’s holding her back, trying to isolate her from us girls.” You nodded your head as she paused, searching for something for a brief moment before she picked up her observations again. “I honestly don’t think that they fit in here, not like you guys do. I think it’s best if we start a petition to get them out of the neighborhood as fast as possible.” Martha’s proposition bounced off of you as you mindlessly agreed to sign your name on the waiver after she had spoken to the rest of the neighborhood board or whatever they really called themselves. You couldn’t care less actually. All you hoped was that you managed to catch Corbin before he was forced out of the Hills with Anna, rendering your mission and the intel you’d gathered utterly useless.

You helped Martha carry in all of the delicious items she had prepared for your brunch. The freshly squeezed orange juice and the rich coffee that she always insisted on buying and having imported from some foreign country, because the cheap brands from the local grocery stores were too weak for her liking. The still warm buns and bacon and eggs, everything that you could dream of were there.

“Martha, you’ve done it again.” Aaron smiled as he praised her cooking, it was best to stay on her good side, and Aaron always made sure of that. Complimenting her, praising her, even offering to help with projects that she complained about Jerry not wanting to do, all in the spirit of keeping her as a close ally when they needed more information about the neighborhood and its residents.

“Oh, Nick! You’re too good to me.” She gestured her words with her hand, kind of pushing away the nice words Aaron had delivered at her. You just smiled at the exchange. It was nice. Having a quiet morning like this. It wasn’t filled with work like most of your mornings were. Cruz never called on Sundays, although you still observed and assessed every single little detail that you came across. It was nice to somewhat relax, and who could complain when delightful, organic, and fresh food was involved. You surely couldn’t and wouldn’t. Your hand was resting against your thigh, thumb swirling your fake wedding band around, anxiously thinking about what Martha had said. You couldn’t push the mention of their argument out of your brain, wondering if Anna was alright. Hotch smoothly interlocked your hands under the table, apprehending you from playing with the ring anymore. Over the cause of the mission, he had noticed you playing with it a lot. He had deemed it one of your tells, picking up on your nervousness or feelings of being overwhelmed each time. He gave your hand a gentle squeeze. It was moments like these you cherished with him. Moments where you were able to lay your differences aside and lean into the roles of Nick and Amy completely, nothing stopping you from appearing like newlyweds. 

“Can I just say how sweet the two of you are?” Martha smiled at you, having seen Aaron’s hand sneakily wrap around yours. You send her a small smile, cheeks flushing at the sudden realization that you’d been caught. You were about to answer her. Thanking her for the kind words as you pulled your interlocked hands towards your lips, pressing a small kiss to Aaron’s knuckles. It was an attempt to sweeten the idea of your relationship, when suddenly you heard the loud BANG of a gun being fired. Your head instantly whipped up at Aaron’s, seeing the same wide-eyed expression that you were giving him. Instantly, you were on your feet, leaving the older couple confused as you stormed out of their house, upholding your duties as law enforcement. That gunshot was definitely not supposed to resonate within the Hills. It was a warning you noticed. Why else would there only have been one? 

When a loud scream caught you off guard, you knew the time had come. It was weird being ripped out of the safe and secure environment, you’d been living in for so long now. Barely even remembering how you functioned as a human outside of the Hills, and now plunged back into the mindset of being a Federal agent on a mission. Alongside Aaron, you rushed back inside your base, frantically searching for your Kevlars hidden in away in the nooks and crannies of the living room, while Aaron found the phone only embedded with Cruz’s direct line of contact. You heard Aaron’s side of the mumbled conversation between him and your section chief, calling in the troops for backup, signaling that the case was over and that your killer had decided to wake from his slumber again. You couldn’t be sure that Anna was still alive as you found Aaron’s vest hidden under the slats on the underside of the couch. You quickly threw it to him before he started loading your Glocks, preparing you to take down Corbin if it came to it. You were quick to find your own and strap yourself in, grabbing your gun off the table and storming back out on the street where people were starting to gather at the commotion. You caught a quick glimpse of Martha’s shocked expression, seeing the big bold block letters on your Kevlar that spelled out FBI. She had never thought that her “best friend” would betray her like that, lie to her face about who she was, but there was nothing you could’ve done to save her from the surprise, especially not when you were the essence of the thing that she despised.

“Michael Corbin! This is the FBI! Come out with your hands where I can see them!” You yelled, pointing your gun towards the front door after having seen the curtains in the window move. You stopped in the middle of the street, hearing Aaron emerge from your house, while the handle on Corbin’s front door simultaneously was pulled down. He had a strong grip around Anna. Her knees bucking under her, as he forced her out of the house with a gun pointed at her head. You watched her struggling in his arms out of fear, trying to get free.

“Get away from us! All I wanted was a nice life, a nice wife, and to be free of my mother’s wrath. And then you have to waltz in here and ruin everything. I don’t think I’ve ever met someone as fake as the two of you! I knew something was up from the minute I stepped foot in this neighborhood. How could someone as smoking hot as you, love someone so old and grumpy as him!” Corbin yelled back, confronting you while you had your gun pointed at him. It only took the sound of the sirens blaring in the distance before his gun was aimed at you. His hand trembled immensely as he tried to focus on his task, getting away alive from the situation. Corbin knew that he was about to be surrounded, knew that he had to take to drastic measures to get away alive and start new somewhere else.

When Aaron noticed the gun pointed at you, he instantly sped up to a run, managing to push you away from the line of fire right as the flash of the gun rang through the air. It was like everything went into slow motion, your body launching to the ground, hands stretched out in an attempt to catch your weight and not ram your head against the asphalt. The bullet spiraled through the air with a small trail of smoke following it. Anna, who managed to yank herself out of Corbin’s grasp, bolting away from the scene, finally escaping his claws after being locked away for as long as she had. Aaron managed to fire his gun at Corbin before he was sent flying back by the bullet Corbin had fired.

“AARON!” You screamed, watching him tumble to the ground in a flash, body gliding across the ground as he was pushed back by the force of the bullet. Everything seemed to speed up again once you were on your feet. Before anything else, you spotted Anna being pulled to the side by the Walton’s, making sure that she was unharmed. The next thing you knew, you saw Corbin’s body, writhing around on the steps to his porch in pain. The bullet had hit him in his stomach. He was sure to stay put as you bolted towards Aaron. You had heard the confused murmurs of Aaron’s name being repeated by your neighbors, right as you had said it, their expressions scrunching up in an attempt to comprehend everything that they were experiencing in their small closed-off circle that they'd opened up to let you into. How they’d managed to let a serial killer and a victim, and a couple of FBI agents into their closed-off community. You knelt down next to Aaron’s body, frantically trying to strap off his Kevlar to see where the bullet had hit him. Before you could make sense of the situation, Aaron grabbed your wrist, trying to assure you that he was fine, that nothing had happened except having the wind punched right out of him. He ordered you to go cuff Corbin, just in case, as you heard the screeching tires of several large vehicles pulling up, their sirens being turned off to not make any more disturbances in the neighborhood.

You watched Morgan and Rossi scramble out of the SUV first, Morgan darting straight for you and Corbin to take over the arrest. He could see the look of despair in your eyes as you practically begged him to take over. Rossi had run towards Aaron, who was slightly starting to push himself up from the ground. The bullet had lodged itself in his vest, stopping it from penetrating his skin and harming him. The first SUV was quick to drive off, probably the one where Corbin was held in, as the interrogation process would be rushed to start as soon as possible and get his case over with. You spotted JJ trying to calm down Anna out of the corner of your eyes as you stood in the middle of the street, completely numb from the feeling of everything coming to an end as you had caught your guy. Every sound muddled together to a ringing in your ears. Looking around, you saw Aaron barking orders at your fellow agent's, but you couldn’t hear what he was saying. By the outline of his lips, you figured that he was complaining about not needing to go to the hospital to be checked over, but the medics were already here. Snapping you out of your trance, Cruz’s hand clamped down on your shoulder, gently shaking you a bit.

“Are you okay, agent?” He asked, waiting for your eyes to focus on him. You could see the look of concern spread across his features as he waited for your response.

“Yeah. Yeah, I’m good. Just a little overwhelmed. Is Hotch okay?” You directed the attention away from you, not wanting to come to terms with your own emotions, not yet, maybe when you were alone, maybe not. Everything was just too fresh right now to deal with.

“When isn’t he fine?” Cruz’s laugh bounced off of you, something that you would’ve found funny before this journey started, somehow made you annoyed with your section chief. “They’re only taking him to make sure he didn’t get hurt in the fall. The bullet got caught in the vest. Safe to say that he’ll need a new one of those.” You let out the breath that you’d been holding, hearing the words that you’d needed to hear. “You’re lucky, agent. Not many people would’ve risked their lives taking a bullet for another. You did a tremendous amount of great work on this case, and we finally have our guy. No more Morning Murderer. He’ll be behind bars for a long time. Agent, could you pack up everything before you leave here. I expect you to be in at 8 am sharp for a debriefing. I’ll go inform agent Hotchner. Once again agent, great work.” Cruz left you with a pat on your shoulder before he hopped inside the back of the ambulance to tell Aaron about the following day’s work. Something about his words kept lingering in your head. He was right. You were incredibly lucky. If it hadn't been for Aaron, the bullet would've penetrated your shoulder and left you to bleed out on the ground, or at least until the ambulance would arrive. Aaron's height had come to an advantage, and you both knew that. Something within you wanted to believe that he had done it out of his need to protect you. When in reality you knew that he had acted on his instincts, and quickly assessed the situation.

You watched as the team one by one left you in the Hills, driving back to Quantico to start working on the administrative part of the case, or at least what they could do from the number of files Spencer had brought back, and the details they’d be able to draw from Corbin during his interrogation.

When everyone was gone, and you were standing completely alone in the street, left by your friends and co-workers, you turned around, heading straight for the house.

“I guess it was all a lie, huh?!” Martha’s shrill voice pierced through the air behind you as you caught the sound of her steps coming nearer. “Your real name is not Amy, is it?! How much of it was a lie, huh?” She yelled angrily at you as she finally caught up to you. You stopped in your tracks, still feeling the numbness, the emptiness of everything.

“Everything Martha, everything was a fucking lie okay! We played you, our mission was to catch that guy, and so we did. You were merely a sheep in the herd of people that got caught up in this drama, okay! I’m not Amy and he is not Nick! My real name is (Y/N), are you happy now?! I’m sorry you got caught up in this okay! But I was forced into this just as much as you guys were. The only one who knew and got a chance to say goodbye to his real-life was Aaron.” You raised your voice at her in the heat of the moment, before stomping inside your house and leaving Martha in shock out on the curb. Her jaw hung below at the audacity you had had when talking to her like that. It was simply unacceptable.

Once behind closed doors, you sunk down on the floor between the two couches, your head felt like it was spinning and all you wanted to do was cry. You had to come to terms with returning to your own life again, and you didn’t know if it was something you could ever do. Something would be missing, the comfort he had brought you every night as he unconsciously cuddled into you in bed, the feeling of not being alone anymore. You never wanted to feel alone like that anymore, not like before. 

Collecting yourself, you stood up, checking yourself over in the mirror decorating the foyer of the house. You looked absolutely horrendous, large bags under your eyes, a vague expression on your face, you looked sad, depressed even. With a sigh, you started gathering all the files you had stashed away between books, taped under the drawers of your dressers and bookshelves, between table clothes, everything you could find. It needed to be done. And now was the time before you eventually would feel another rush of sadness wash over you. You wanted to go door to door and apologize for how you’d deceived them, but this was part of your job. You had just done your job. And they would have to live with the fact that they weren’t as good at reading people as they thought they were. You just wished that Aaron could be here, help you close up the cage, and turn the page to the next chapter in your lives. But he wasn’t, and you had to do this all alone, yet again.

Tag list: @bitchwhytho​ @ashhotchner​ @ssahotchslover​ @witchybitch2​ @wheelsupkels​ @red-red-rogue​ @katiehall99​ @mintphoenix​ @slytherinprincess00​ @skylar666​ @skyewardolicitycloisdelena91​ @cheyxfu​ @hotchnerxo​ @rousethemouse​ @honeyofthegods​ @ssamorganhotchner​ @mayasreadingnook​ @avatarkanemi​ @mischiefmanaged71​ @fullmoonshadowwrites​ @chelseagirl77​ @itsmytimetoodream​ @isa-the-butler-simp​ @marvel-mars​ @blacksstarrynight​ @lethological-clara​

[broodingboysimp]

Is It Really For the Best? - pt 3

Part 1 Part 2 Part 4 Part 5

Azriel x female!reader

Summary: The mating bond between the reader and Azriel clicks into place, but with the potential war with Hybern on the rise, the risk of having that bond fall into the enemy’s hands has the reader and Azriel questioning their partnership.

*takes place after the events of ACOTAR/ACOMAF*

Warnings: angst, drinking, slightly suggestive content?

Author’s Note: Do other types of alcohol besides wine canonically exist in this world? Lmfao they do now lol

You didn’t dare talk to Azriel that evening as the Court of Dreams gathered for dinner, didn’t even look at him. You stared down at your plate of food, piled high with fresh vegetables and delectable looking meats, but all you felt was queasy. 

After training, you had retreated to your room to freshen up, using the cold water to ease your steaming anger. You felt embarrassed, but a tinge of sympathy sat in your chest. You had denied the mating bond, you had also understood what that meant. All his senses, already keen, had been heightened towards you. But you also understood that an acceptance of that bond would make it even worse, that Azriel would be thrown into the Frenzy. He needed to learn to control his emotions, especially with whispers of Hybern’s forces on the rise again. 

You felt it too, though. The pull, the almost drowning need for him, his presence. But you were a warrior above all, and you were determined to keep yourself in check. Why couldn’t Azriel, warrior and spy himself, do the same? You didn’t know. 

You had assumed Cassian had revealed the source of his injuries prior to you joining everyone, as not one mention of it was made. You thanked the Mother for that. 

“So,” Mor’s knife clanked down on her plate as she leaned forward in her chair from across the table, her eyes meeting yours, sparkling, “I think this whole band of misfits could use a nice little pick-me-up. I’m thinking some wine, maybe some dancing?”

“So you’re just thinking of Rita’s,” Rhys said dryly, eyes focused on his plate blankly, as if his thoughts wandered elsewhere. 

“She’s always thinking of Rita’s,” Cassian snickered. Mor shot him a look.

“For once I agree with Mor,” Amren suggested, earning another snicker from Cassian, and one from Rhys as well, whose eyes seemed to come back to our conversation. “I think we could all use a little alcohol-fueled entertainment.” She smiled wickedly, sending a chill down your spine.

“Then it’s settled, we leave in an hour.” Mor grinned, pushing out her chair and immediately heading towards her room to prepare. 

You looked across the table and met Rhys’ eyes, sending your weariness down the look. He gave you a small smile.  It will be fun, you deserve this. His voice filled your mind for the first time since Under the Mountain, talking through these messages being the only way you could communicate under Amarantha’s keen eye. 

You returned the smile, pushing out your chair and standing, having not touched a bite of your food. As you turned, you caught a glimpse of Azriel, who seemed to have read your entire conversation with Rhys through your smile. His face seemed solemn. 

You headed towards the door and down the hall, swaying your hips, fully aware that you were being watched. You were still upset with Az, still angry quite frankly at the world, but Rhys was right. You did deserve this. 

✦✦✦

It had been a very long time since you had an excuse to get dressed up, Illyrian leathers having been your go to for the past 500 years. You shuffled through your wardrobe, which to your delight, had been filled with stunning gowns, no doubt the generosity of Mor after you had returned. 

And boy did she have good taste. It was almost impossible to decide, but after trying on every single intricately designed piece, you finally found the one. A below the knee cocktail style black gown, the material such a fine silk that it shifted like water. The top was a plunging V neck, hugging tightly to your breasts. The skinny straps doing all the work to hold it up. The waist hugged your curves in an unreal way. 

You dug through your vanity and pulled out a pair of dangling crystal earrings, of which a pattern of stars seemed to cascade from your ear. You tied your hair back into a loose top knot, letting the stray strands frame your face. 

You took one last look in the mirror after dabbing some rouge on your lips and cheeks. For the first time in a long time you felt powerful in a different way, powerful in a divinely feminine way. 

Rhysand and Cassian’s voice floated down the hall as you walked into the room, both in a seemingly cheery mood. As soon as you entered, their conversation halted. 

They stared, practically drooling, as you swayed over to lean against the balcony, looking across the city. You leaned forward and placed your elbows on the cool stone, knowing the motion put one of your best assets on prime display. 

“Wow…” You heard Cass breath behind you. 

 Wow, you heard Rhy’s voice echo in your head. A smile crept across your face as you turned towards the boys. 

“You’re drooling,” You snickered, snapping the two back to life. Your body warmed as you felt the flattery finally register, cheeks tinting with a blush. 

“Eeeek, you look STUNNING Y/N,” Mor shrieked, causing everyone to jump slightly as she shuffled quickly to where you were, giving you a tight squeeze. You gave her one back.

“I couldn’t have done it without your impeccable taste,” You gave her a wink. Amren had followed in behind her, looking even more captivating than usual. She gave you a teasing smirk, which you returned. 

Azriel was the last to enter the room, dawned in an all black suit and button down that matched that of his two brothers, all three of them a perfect picture of Night Court beauty. Tonight, you noticed, Rhys had his wings out. He stood with pride next to his fellow Illyrians. 

Azriel didn’t so much as glance in your direction as you smiled at everyone, feeling excited. You deserve this. The words echoed in your head. 

Cass crossed the room over to your side, putting an elbow out. “Shall we,” you smiled, looping your arm around his. You winnowed, the two of you stepping out directly in front of Rita’s. It was late already, the streets sparkling with the reflection of the stars. The rest of the group appeared behind you. You didn’t release Cass’ arm as you walked through the doors of the venue, the faeries at the front door giving you a casual nod.

Inside, music blared and lights flashed to the rhythm. It smelled vaguely of sweet perfume and the sharp smell of gin. Cass pulled you with him towards the bar, gesturing to the worker to pour out two shots of tequila. You scrunched your nose. 

“What?” He looked down at you, his towering height just as evident even as you wore heels. 

“I haven’t drank in what? 50 years? Starting a bit strong don’t you think?” But even as you said it, you knew you were kidding. You couldn’t resist a good time, especially not one fueled by tequila. You picked up the shot, Cass following your lead, clicking the classes and downing the clear liquid. You didn’t flinch, though Cass did let out a pretty hefty gag. You giggled. 

Rhys and Mor wandered over to where you both stood, Amren and Azriel no doubt in search of a table to secure. 

“I’m impressed,” Rhys laughed, slipping a hand down to your lower back to move closer to the bar. 

You can have as much fun as you need tonight, I’ll make sure you get home safe. We all will. Rhys spoke into your mind, and Cass smiled at you, no doubt having gotten a stern talk earlier. 

And what about you? You’re back as a High Lord and suddenly you don’t get to have any fun? You replied. He responded by handing you another shot, taking one into his own hand as well.

That’s the farthest thing I’ve ever heard from the truth. He grinned widely, eyes sparkling under the flashing, colored lights. Besides, tonight my fun is seeing just how drunk I can get you.

You laughed, prompting a clink of glasses and the downing of shots by both of you. 

“Will you guys stop mind-fucking and get on the dance floor already?” Mor yelled over the loud music. You and Rhys almost spitting out your shots. 

She grabbed your hand and dragged you to the center of the room, spilling some of your rum and coke on the floor as you practically flew behind her. The lights were all around, the thrum of the music filling your bones. It was packed, high fae and fairies enjoying their night as they moved to the beat. A wave of anxiety swept over you, suddenly feeling suffocated by the crowd. 

You felt a surge of comfort from the other side of the bond, tendrils softly pawing. You immediately pushed against them, countered them with anger, as you chugged the rest of your drink. If Az thinks that he’s going to get off without a real apology, he was SORELY mistaken. And you were determined to make that known. 

You directed all the confidence you had into your steps towards the center of the floor. Mor, Rhys, and Cass followed. The crowd swallowed you up, but up on the balcony you spotted Azriel and Amren both leaning over the side, drinks in hand as they watched the crowd. His eyes scanned, then froze as they met yours. You grinned, filling every inch of it with sinister intent. 

You swayed your hips, moved your arms up and down your skin, as if following the movements of an invisible partener. You let the drinks take over your body, closing your eyes as the pleasure of being drunk washed over you. A song went by, then two, and as the music played, you and your friends only getting more sloppy. You couldn’t remember how many drinks you’d had at this point, and you could tell your dancing partners couldn’t either. Az’s eyes bore into you with each movement, yet again feeling his presence down the bond, this time more intense and rich. 

The flashing lights were as intense as ever, but you were aware enough to notice a good looking high fae in front of you, coming your way. He was tall, light brown hair and light eyes glistening with the reflection of the strobes. He inched closer, placing his hands on your waist. You let him guide you, moving his body in unison with yours. He turned you around, pressing his back gently into you as you continued to dance. 

By this time, your friends had all migrated to the table at the balcony, no doubt all watching from above. 

Your dance partner’s hands roamed all over your body gently, still swaying his hips against yours. The music continued, as did your dance, and with every beat of the song, you felt rage inch further down the bond. 

You smirked, opening your eyes for a fraction of a second to glance at the balcony. Azriel’s eyes were fixed on you, white knuckles gripping the railing as tentacles of darkness whipped all around him. The rest of the group stood displaced to the side, casually talking. Rhys and Cass had an eye on Azriel as they spoke. 

Your dance came to an end, and before your partner could get a word in, you had already shimmied through the crowd in the direction of the balcony stairs. The back of the room got darker as you stepped away from the flashing lights, your drunken state not helping your impaired vision as you walked towards the dark hallway that led to the upper area. 

Out of nowhere, from a hallway leading off the one you were in that you hadn’t even noticed, a hand gripped you tightly, pulling you in. You stumbled into the darkness, attempting to scream, but a hand was over your mouth. A hand rough with calluses and scars. Familiar. 

Your eyes adjusted enough to the darkness to find yourself peering into Az’s eyes, hand still over your mouth as he held you against the cool wall. The other hand was resting on your hips, holding you firmly. His hazel eyes were sharper than ever as they stared at you, digging deep inside. Your breath hitched as you noticed the intensity of his stance.

Azriel’s eyebrow raised, a curious tease. 

You seem tense, he cooed down the bond, not an ounce of faltering confidence.

You just grabbed me, covered my mouth, and shoved me into a dark hallway. So please, pardon my disposition.

Fair enough, he countered, releasing his grip on your mouth and taking a step back, sliding his hands smoothly into his pockets. He held his gaze.

“Mother above, Az, what the FUCK was that?” You stood up straight, your drunken state starting to wear off as the adrenaline of the situation surged through you. 

“I thought you were a fan of getting handsy, or do my eyes deceive me? I’ve been a spy for centuries, could I finally be wrong for once?” His words were sharp and directed, backed by a rage that he allowed to work its way down the bond. 

“Grow up,” You rolled your eyes. “Just because you can’t keep your emotions in check doesn’t mean I can’t. I’m trying to have some fun.” Your arms were crossed, legs squared intensely. 

“Have fun? Or play games?” He leaned in once again, hand placed against the wall next to your head as he pushed you against the cold wall. He spoke inches from your face, and even with the thrum of the music you could practically feel the huskiness in his voice. A dull ache crept into your stomach “If you want to play games, I’ll happily participate. You know I love a good challenge.” 

He grinned wickedly, and held your gaze as he pushed off the wall and made his way to the dance floor. You stood, stunned, as you watched him make his way to the middle, grabbing the first semi-desirable woman he could get his hands on. He mimicked the movements he had seen your previous partner make, only he was closer, practically touching his lips to the fae’s neck. 

You shot fire down the bond, seeing Az flinch on the dance floor. But when he looked back from where he had left you, vulnerable and against the wall, you had disappeared. You were halfway down the street before the cold of the evening finally sobered you up enough so you could winnow home. You didn’t care about where your friends were, didn’t care what they were up to. All you wanted was to be miles away from where you were. 

You reached home, storming to your room and slamming the door. You  paced around, undressing, making a mental note to burn that dress that he had placed his hands on. You collected your thoughts, practically laughing out loud at yourself. 

You were better than this, better than this stupid fued-like relationship between the two of you. You had told Az to grow up, but to hell with that. He wanted games, well you played pettier. 

[mysticalrambling]

Hi!!!!!!! I have a request for you😋

Its something to do with the recent Chris and Lizzo interaction(no hate to her). Can you write something about their recent interaction, like chris and lizzo talking about the baby joke and the internet goes nuts. But what chris doesn't know is that his girlfriend feels hurt, that he is disregarding her feelings, like its kind of humiliating to the reader, that chris her boyfriend is talking about baby with other person when he has his own girlfriend and she is hurt by him. She confronts Chris but he just gets mad and calls her jealous and insecure, which hurts her further and she just gets mad and leaves his house. Later when Chris mom sees the news she scolds him about joking of having a baby with someone else and hurting his partner then he understands how his girlfriend must have felt and they recincile. I hope you're getting what i m saying sorry if it sounds confusing, but can you write it? 🤗

Facing Realities (C.E)

A/N: Thank you so much lovely and I loved the plot line. I loved writing about it and I made a few additions to the story. Hope you like it and I am open to more requests.

Chris Evans Fanfiction (Fanfiction Master List)

Summary: You feel unimportant when Chris can easily discuss about having a child with Lizzo in public but will always dismiss you when you bring up the topic. Getting in to a fight, you leave him and he eventually realises his mistake because of his mom.

Warnings: Angst but eventual fluff.

._._._._.

“The fans want to know about the Instagram dms between the two of you.” The reported quizzed Lizzo and Chris as they both sat in front of him on the couch.

“Well, our baby is going to be the best.” Lizzo spoke with amusement clear in her eyes.

“The world is going to have a little Captain America at their hands soon, right Lizzo?” Chris chuckled.

“Right. And how is your new movie coming along?” The interviewer started asking different questions and soon it was all over.

“Will see you soon Cap. Say hi to (Y/N) for me.” With a quick hug, she left the studio with her usual power walk. Chris just shook his head slightly when he heard all the fans asking her about the baby. They were all truly something and Lizzo just went through them without giving a response.

You didn’t have anything against Lizzo because you knew that everything between her and Chris was platonic. The fact that Chris was so open to discuss about having a baby was what bothered you. He always dismiss you when you wanted to talk about your future and extending your family. It felt like you were the only one in this world that Chris did not want to talk to regarding this topic. This made you feel worthless and pathetic.

You knew that jealousy wasn’t the right word to describe your emotions right now but that’s what it felt like. Confronting people was never your thing and you always did what they asked instead of arguing. It was much easier but you knew that you couldn’t get away with this. This was in regards to your future and so when Chris was going to come home from his interview, you were going to talk to him about it.

“Honey, I am home.” Losing his jacket on the love seat, he made his way towards the kitchen because it was dinner time and he could smell the delicious food from the hallway.

“Hi babe. I am making your favorite. Just go and freshen up.” You stated not turning back because you knew you would break the instant your eyes landed on your boyfriend.

He came to the dining table in his sweats and dived into the food immediately because he was starving. “So…” You tried starting up a conversation but backed down when you saw his questioning gaze trained on you. “Um how was the interview?”

“It was nice. Lizzo and I talked about the baby. God, I just love that woman.” The self doubt in your mind was growing by the minute because he was casually talking about a baby with another woman. He didn’t realise that he was hurting your feelings and he just kept on talking about how amazing it would be to actually have a baby with Lizzo.

“So have you ever thought about extending our family?” You finally mustered up some courage to ask him the question.

“No, I haven’t. We can talk about it another time. So what did you today?” The dismissal in his tone was enough to break your heart into tiny pieces.

“But we have too, Chris. We have been in a relationship for the past three years.”

“I do not want to discuss it today so just drop it (Y/N).” The stern look would have made you back down in a normal situation but not today.

Dropping your fork on the plate, you spoke with irritation, “You never want to have this discussion with me but you would gladly do it with Lizzo.”

“I knew it had something to do with her. Why are you so jealous?”

“I am not jealous. It’s just that you are willing to discuss about your baby with everyone except me.”

“There is nothing going on between Lizzo and I, if that’s what you mean.”

“I know that. I just want to know if you have ever thought about having kids with me or am I just a fling to you?” You we’re absolutely done with him at this point and you dreaded his answer.

“(Y/N), I have told you a million times that you are not a fling. What are you on about?”

“It just seems that I am no longer the person that you want to discuss things with. It’s just not about the whole kid thing but you didn’t even tell me that you are starting in a new movie. I had to find it from the fucking paparazzi.”

“I was going to tell you and I am just not ready for a family yet.”

“Well instead of ignoring me every chance you got, you could have told me about it.” The frustration in your eyes was clear but Chris chose to ignore it. It was as if he was totally immune to all of your emotions.

Whenever the topic of children came up, Chris didn’t tinker why he acted like a jerk. He had always thought about expanding his family but when you came in to the picture, he was so terrified of losing you that he couldn’t even think what a baby would do to your relationship.

“I am not good with all this and you need to be patient with me.”

“All I have ever been is patient for you. Not anymore.”

“What do you mean?” Sudden realization dawned upon him and he was left speechless.

“I need a break from you. Call me when you figure everything out.”

“(Y/N), you are doing this because of Lizzo. Stop acting like an insecure and jealous bit-” Stopping mid sentence, he looked at you in horror.

Tears sprang in your already damp eyes, “Why are you stopping now? Finish the sentence, Chris.”

“(Y/N), I-”

“Good bye, Chris.” Walking out of your once shared home was the most difficult thing that you had to do in this life but there was no other choice. You both were at an impasse and you needed time to sort it all out. Hailing a taxi, you went to your friend, Scarlett’s house. She was a mutual frond of you both but she had become your best friend in the past three years.

Meanwhile, Chris downed a whole bottle of scotch and sat in your shared bedroom with your picture in his hand. He didn’t want to lose you to a stupid argument but he failed to see that he was at fault. Sleeping without you proved as a heinous task and he gave up after two hours. He just sat in the bed alone and hoped to God that you will come back to him. A life without you wasn’t a life at all. However, Chris would not be the one to apologise because in his opinion, he didn’t do anything wrong.

The passing few days, you absolutely refused to get out of the house and stayed holed up in Scarlett’s guest bedroom. “(Y/N), you need to eat something.” Your friend barged in with a tray full of food and you instantly felt nauseous.

“Not in the mood, Scar.” Your eyes had been red and puffy for the last week but you didn’t care. Chris was the only one that you cared about. However, you could not be in a relationship that had no future. You deserved better than that.

“You need to eat and get out of this mood. It’s making me depressed.”

“I don’t care. Leave me alone.” Snapping at her was never your intention and you instantly regretted it. “I am sorry. I am just not in the right frame of mind.”

“It’s okay. You want to watch something.”

“Yeah, F.R.I.E.N.D.S.”

Chris was no better than you or maybe even worse. He hadn’t changed out of his sweats for the past two days and had a slight scruff covering his face. Empty bottles of alcohol laid around the whole house and rotten food was placed on the kitchen counter. The whole house was a mess and he didn’t care about anything. Except you. Everything in this house reminded him of you and he hated it. From the bedroom walls to the well groomed garden.

The phone rang for the millionth time and he picked it up from the nightstand. It was his mom. Sighing, he finally picked it up. “Christopher Robert Evans, where the hell have you been?”

“I was at home, mom.” The loose thread on your pillowcase suddenly seemed more interesting than the phone conversation.

“With (Y/N)?”

“She left me, mom.” Chris didn’t want to talk about it but he figured that his mom wouldn’t leave him alone otherwise.

“Serves you right. You left her no other choice.”

“How can you say that? I haven’t done anything.”

“I saw the interview, Chris. Have you ever talked with (Y/N) about extending your family?”

“No but I was just joking with Lizzo.”

“It doesn’t matter. She would have felt unimportant because this is a very private matter and she was not a part of it.”

“But-”

“Imagine if the roles were reversed.” Realisation dawned upon him and he quickly said goodbye to his mother because he had a girlfriend to win back. Every second spent without you was agonizing and he never wants to experience it.

“(Y/N), Chris is here to see you.” Peeking her head through the door, Scarlett informed you about your boyfriend. You quickly untangled yourself from the sheets and ran to the washroom. You wanted to look presentable but Chris could see the dark circles under your eyes and your thin figure. There was a sudden pang in his heart because he knew this was all his doing.

“I am sorry, baby. I shouldn’t have said anything. I am a fool. Please forgive me.” He started ranting as soon as Scar left the room.

“Chris, have you thought about what I said?” Your calm aura was scaring his wits so he quickly answered with a yes. “Please elaborate.”

“I have realised that I was at fault and I am going to be more open about the future of our relationship from now on.” The sincere look in his eyes was hard to miss.

“Promise?” Gone was the calm and collected exterior, and stood before him was a vulnerable young woman.

“I promise, baby. Now, will you come back home? I have missed you.”

“Yes and I missed you too.” Kissing him on the lips, you sighed because this was your heaven and you wouldn’t want to leave it for the world.

Hope you guys enjoyed it!!

._._._._.

A/N: I love Chris Evansand I was happy to write a fanfiction about him. If you guys have any more request, I will be happy to write about them and message me if you want to be added to the tag list.

Taglist: @justile 

Like, comment and reblog.

._._._._.

[driftward]

Fashionably Late

Title - Fashionably Late Rating - Teen Summary - Zoissette, the Gage Acquisitions lawyer, likes to make sure her clients have plenty of time to review the case with her before appearing in court. That's... nice. Notes - Inspired by hearing my FC mate mutter about her fashion choices under her breath while on voice. Also getting a nice fluffy piece out now before starting the angst train. This is Zoissette Vauban, Gage Acquisitions Lawyer, and not part of her WoL story.

Zoissette Vauban flipped idly through her grimoire while waiting in the lobby at Gage Acquistions' headquarters. She was there in the capacity as their chief counsel, and she was currently preparing to be on the clock.

("Whatever you want, we can get, for a reasonable price!" Was their slogan; really, what Zoissette had learned was that their primary service was 'Echo blessed adventurers on demand', but whatever the slogan was, the job paid well, and it beat working as an assessor at the Limsan docks).

She glanced up as Aeryn Striker strode into the main lobby, trailed, surprisingly, by one of the Scions of the Seventh Dawn.

Well, she hadn't been expecting him, but that didn't really make a difference to her doing her job.

"Ah! Madam Striker, thank you for coming on by," said Zoissette, smiling broadly at the Hyur midlander. "Just need to prepare for our trip to Thavnair. I have the legal documents all here, but if you need some time to freshen up or get changed, we've got a bit before we have to be there."

Zoissette ignored Thancred's sudden coughing fit. She was smiling, instead looking directly at Aeryn. Being polite. Being professional. She did notice, however, that near the end of what she was saying, she appeared to kind of lose Aeryn's attention. The Hyur woman had gotten a distant look in her eyes, seeming to be looking through and past Zoissette.

She resisted the urge to turn around and try to see whatever Aeryn was looking at.

"Oh yes. I should be dressed appropriately for the court," said Aeryn, her look still distant.

Zoissette adjusted her grimoire under her book, suddenly feeling a bit out of sorts.

"Uhm. Well. Yes," replied Zoissette, raising an eyebrow and tilting her head.

"I'll be right back," said Aeryn, heading for the door. Zoissette looked quizzically after her as she left.

Thancred crossed his arms, and laughed quietly to himself. He walked over to Zoissette, and clapped her on the shoulder.

"I really hope you're the patient sort," he said, giving her a wink, before following Aeryn out.

"...ah?" Said Zoissette.

***

Zoissette stood in the lobby and looked at the chronometer. Surely she'd be back soon.

***

Zoissette sat down and reviewed her legal documents. A few clients came and went, but she ignored them, for the most part.

***

Zoissette paced the lobby a bit. She considered jumping lightly from furniture piece to furniture piece. She decided against it. She -liked- working here, for the most part. Usually.

***

Augustine walked into the lobby of Gage Acquistions, heading for his brother's office.

"Hello, Augustine!" Said the underside of the front desk cheerfully.

"AUGH - what!?" He exclaimed, jumping back and looking at the desk. The manservant standing behind it just shrugged as Zoissette stuck her head out from under it.

Zoissette wiggled her fingers at him. "I was curious if I could fit down here."

"... why?"

Zoissette looked confused. "I forget why."

***

Zoissette was woken up by someone touching her shoulder. They didn't have a chance to start shaking her before she had sat bolt upright, her hand instinctively going for her grimoire, her eyes wide.

Aeryn stood there, smiling brightly, and waved. "I'm ready to go!"

Zoissette blinked at her. The woman's appearance had changed significantly since last she'd seen her.

When did she last see her?

And why?

"Why are you here?" She asked dumbly.

"I thought you needed me to go to Thavnair with you for some court matter or another...?"

Zoissette blinked, and looked at the chronometer on the wall.

Oh, right, it was all coming back.

She decided that now was definitely the time for Ishgardian politeness. Her face shifted to neutral, and she stuffed down a rising feeling of indignant incredulousness.

"Well, uhm, yes, of course," she said, standing up and dusting herself off. She'd apparently fallen asleep on the round bench that was kept in the lobby. "Well, let's be off, then."

***

Zoissette was waiting in the lobby of Gage Acquisitions (an attempt to talk Erick into changing the slogan had been shot down by Dark Autumn; just as well, really, it wasn't as though Zoissette had any better ideas). She flipped idly through her grimoire, once more checking court documents. The Thavnair expedition had gone off without a hitch, despite the... delay.

Today she was waiting for a different client, however. She reviewed her notes; today, she'd be working with the adopted ward of Count Edmont de Fortemps. A distinguished high house from her homeland.

Surely, this one would know the value of time.

Zoissette looked up as Riven Fortemps walked into the lobby, Estinien in tow. It never ceased to amaze her just how often she met honest-to-Halone heroes in her new line of work, and Estinien was more heroic than most. She never thought she'd see the Azure Dragoon, much less share a room with him.

And his beau, she thought to herself. Have to stay professional.

"Hello, Lady Fortemps!" Said Zoissette cheerfully. "Thank you for agreeing to come to Sharlayan with me. We just have some legal matters to clear up with Sevestre, and hopefully we can keep him off your, and our, case for a while. We've got some time, though, if you need to freshen up or, ah... change your outfit."

Zoissette had very purposefully put the word 'outfit' last in the sentence, and she watched Riven carefully.

Riven lit up, and then got a mischievous look on her face.

"Oh, I should look my best for the Sharlayans, shouldn't I?" She said, turning and heading for the door.

This was going wrong faster than Zoissette had been prepared for.

"Oh, yes, well, I mean, uhm, we DO have a few hours, but I'd -"

The door closed. Estinien crossed his arms and made a little 'hmph' noise at Zoissette, shaking his head, before following after the Hyuran woman.

"...like... to... review... our..."

Zoissette sighed. Foxglove, her fairy familiar hovering nearby, made a cute little jingling noise that sounded like laughing. Zoissette glared at her.

***

Zoissette reviewed her court documents, and watched the chronometer as it slowly wiled the time away.

***

Zoissette discovered, much to her surprise, that it only took about an hour to learn the basics of Doman paper art.

***

Zoissette learned the intermediates of Doman paper art.

***

Zoissette threw a small aerodynamic paper cloudkin to Foxglove. The little fairy chased it for a bit before grabbing it with her tiny hands, pulling up, and eventually swinging it around to send it back to Zoissette. She caught it out of the air, and sent it back.

***

Zoissette was considering the inside of her grimoire through the far side of her eyelids when Foxglove made a loud chiming noise. She sat up, looked quickly at the chronometer, and groaned when she saw how far it'd advanced. Her fairy flitted over from the window to hover near her shoulder as the door to the lobby opened.

Riven walked in, in a severely professional outfit, with a triumphant look on her face.

"Okay I'm ready," she said, grinning at Zoissette.

Zoissette reminded herself, yet again, that when in doubt, Ishgardian politeness rarely failed, and she smiled at Riven with a distant yet pleasant expression.

"Well then, let's be off." She said.

Inwardly, she resisted the urge to be very rude.

***

Zoissette was standing in the lobby waiting for Erick to come out of his office. They had a meeting with one of the courts of Ul'dah regarding Gage Acquisitions' business charter.

Erick strode breezily into the room, with his usual swagger. Zoissette smiled and laughed to herself. She wasn't sure how you squeezed so much utter smug self-confidence into a single Hyur.

Being the realm's premier source of Echo-blessed adventurers probably helped.

"Hello, sir," she said. "Thank you for your time. As you know, we've got a meeting with the authorities in Ul'dah regarding the renewal of the Gage Acquisitions charter, as well as some outstanding questions regarding tariffs on some of the work-on-behalf-of we have been doing, and some real estate questions as well... I have prepared a package for your review," and here Zoissette stepped around Erick, hoping her movement was subtle as she put herself between him and the door, "...and we have some time before we need to go if you need to freshen up or get changed."

Erick stepped around her just as deftly as she had stepped in front of him and she groaned inwardly. To get in his way again would come off as rude.

"Okay great let's get going," he said.

Zoissette startled, and trotted after him quickly.

"Oh. Oh. Uhm. I thought, you know, since you care so much about your appearance and all, I had anticipated that you might want to, I don't know, uhm, fix your hair or get changed or something."

"Why? I'm already awesome, and I got a meeting with Godbert in four bells."

He strode confidently out of the Gage Acquisitions lobby, calling back over his shoulder, "Come on chop chop, we can talk while we walk."

Zoissette felt simultaneously disappointed and relieved as she followed quickly after him.

Maybe he -did- deserve some of that confidence he carried around so casually.

In her rush, however, she did forget about a favor she had asked for.

***

Mathye appeared in the lobby of Gage Acquisitions with a pot of tea and some Ishgardian candies. He looked around, and noticed the room was empty. He looked to the manservant at the front desk.

"The Lady Vauban asked if I would keep her company while she was waiting for one of her clients. You haven't seen her, have you?"

"You just missed her, sir," the manservant said dryly. "Apparently, Master Gage has rather more respect for punctuality than was anticipated."

"...oh." Said Mathye, somehow looking a little gruffer than usual. "Well then."

He disappeared back into his office.

***

EPILOGUE:

"So, the time you spend waiting on clients in the lobby...?"

"Billable hours now."

"...wow."

"I think I'll buy a new outfit."

[yeongwvnhi]

ᴸᵒᵛᵉ ᴬᵍᵃⁱⁿ

Pairing - Baekhyun x fem reader -> exes to lovers | Genre - Angst, fluff | warnings - none | taglist - @twancingyunhoe @trashlord-007 @tiddy-boys | synopsis - when Baekhyun and you broke things off a year ago, it felt alright, but you came to the painful realization that nobody could ever replace him or love you like he did | word count - 2.1k | thanks to @tiddy-boys for beta-reading ♡

》><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><《

It's days like these, rain hitting the window in harsh taps and angry wind blowing, when the nostalgia hits the hardest. After all, you were always one to dwell on the past. It's just what you do. 

Every day felt the same after the two of you broke things off. You don't even remember why exactly you even ended it in the first place. The pain still sits deep, coming to haunt you when you least expect it. 

Rainy days like those just trigger the nostalgia, the memories and bygone feelings. 

It's 12pm when you check your phone, yet you're still laying in bed. The lack of motivation due to this sudden wave of sadness is something you're not experiencing for the first time. 

And it's killing you slowly. These feelings are eating you up from the inside out. 

Without even realizing, tears are running down your cheeks in even, salty streams. 

"Why am I even crying…" You mumble and lift your arm to cover your face, trying to make it stop. "God, I'm so pathetic" 

You try to manage to stop your tears, wrist harshly rubbing your eyes. After a minute or so, you succeed in stopping them. 

instead pick up your phone, unlocking it and opening Instagram. 

One peek won't hurt, right…? 

His name at the top of your searches seems to be mocking you as you hover your finger above it. Should you really do it? What if he found someone new and his profile is filled with couple pictures? Or what if he feels nothing and is glad to be alone? What if, what if, what if…

"Fuck it" you hiss and tap on his username, his profile popping up after a brief second of loading the page. 

He… hasn't posted anything for a few months, his last post being from October last year. 

Oh for fucks sake… is this a good sign or not? It could mean he's been seeing someone new, but it could also mean he's just been living his life like usual. 

So many possibilities, yet no resolution seems to be in sight. 

"This is so annoying, oh my gooood" You groan and smack your head into your pillow, laying sprawled out like a star with an annoyed pout on your face. 

"It's been a god damn year," You grumble, "why do I still feel like this?" 

The sound of your fist hitting the mattress of your bed is dull, not the way you wanted it to sound. "I hate this, UGHH" The frustration in your voice is for sure loud and clear, accentuated well by the 'ugh'. 

This whole situation is stressing you out. "I need a shower.." You mumble, absent-minded, as you fling the covers back and swing your legs over the edge of your bed. 

—

Despite the gloomy weather, you decided to take a walk outside. The rain still hasn't let up, droplets of it occasionally hitting your face. 

"Why is it so cold today? It's already spring…" You mumble quietly to yourself, eyes strictly trained on the path in front of your feet and head held low. 

You're so lost in your thoughts, you don't see the person headed your way. 

And apparently, the person doesn't seem to notice you as well. So your shoulders collide and you stumble, umbrella falling out of your hand and fast quick steps to regain your balance. 

"I'm so sorry! Are you al-" The man rushes to apologize, but his words get stuck in his throat as he takes in who he just, quite literally, stumbled into. 

Rain has hit you mercilessly, soaking you from head to toe within seconds as you stand there, paralyzed. "Baek…Baekhyun?" 

His eyes are wide and mouth slightly open in shock as he doesn't know what to say or do. 

He hasn't seen or talked to you in at least nine or ten months for sure. What is he even supposed to say? "Yeah… it's- it's surely been a while" he dumbly answers. "Ah! Your umbrella!" Baekhyun rushes to pick it up and hold it over your figure. 

But the damage is already done. 

You're shivering, dripping with water but still you've a tiny smile on your lips at the sight of him. 

You delicately take hold of the handle, fingers gently enclosing around the man's hand. 

He doesn't move to let go, just standing there and staring into your eyes. "I-" 

You cut him off by mistake with a sneeze, the cold creeping in deep. It feels like your bones might freeze, grasp around both Baekhyun's hand and the handle of your umbrella tightening, muscles contracting to desperately stay warm. "S-Sorry for interrupting you" You say, teeth clattering and eyes averting. 

"No no don't worry about it!" He insists, "but we should get you home, your hand is cold as ice, Y/N" 

"Ah… you're right" You nod and he flashes you a warm smile. 

"Do you still live in the same apartment or did you move?" Baekhyun asks, back to being concerned about your wellbeing now. 

"I- I still live in the same place" You reply, your free hand holding onto your jacket for warmth, but in vain. 

"That's too far away, my place is way closer" He objects and gently pulls you along, "come on, let's get you freshened up before you really get sick" 

You only manage an awkward nod and let him lead you along, a surprisingly pleasant silence engulfing you two. 

—

Baekhyun unlocks the door to his apartment and firstly puts both of your umbrellas away, taking off his wet shoes in the process and you follow along. 

"Come on, I'll show you the bathroom" He says and you tag after him. 

He opens the door, turns on the light and quickly pulls out two towels for you. "You can just use my shampoo, I don't have anything suitable here for you, sor-" 

"Thank you" you break his rambling. "You wouldn't need to do this, so thank you" 

Baekhyun smiles softly, although his eyes tell a different story. "I'll bring you some clothes in a bit, okay?" 

"Mhm" you nod and give him a curt bow before he leaves the room, shutting the door behind him. 

You waste no time in stepping out of your soaked clothes and into the shower. 

You set the water to a nice warm temperature and rinse off the cold first, feeling relieved. 

Then there's a knock. "Hey Y/N, I'm putting some clothes on top of the washing machine for you now" he announces before opening the door, doing as he said and then leaving just as quickly as he came. 

"Still the considerate guy he always was…" You mumble with a sad smile, old memories coming back to haunt your mind with sweet images of the two of you. Him always knocking before he'd enter a room you would be in to announce himself. 

You loved that about him, he was always mindful of others and you're happy to see it hasn't changed at all. 

—

You finished quickly and put on the clothes he gave you. Some boxers and a way too big on you, black shirt. You dried your hair as best as you could with the towel he gave you and made sure you don't look like a lion by patting down your hair a bit. 

"Baekhyun?" You timidly call out after opening the door a bit. 

"Yeah?" He replies and you hear his footsteps approach. "What is it?" 

"Uhm- Where to put my wet clothes?" You ask. 

"Oh- Hold on, I'll put them in the washing machine" He says with big eyes and opens the machine for you to put them in. "I'll dry them after they're washed so you can change back, alright?" 

You nod quickly and thank him quietly. He opens the machine and you put your clothes inside, him doing the rest. 

"So, uh-" 

"Do you want some water?" He quickly asks, ears flaring red as he avoids your eyes. 

"Sure" you squeak back and follow him into the kitchen. He gets a glass out of a cupboard and fills it with water before handing it to you. 

You nip at the liquid as Baekhyun leans against the countertop adjacent to you, eyes taking in your figure. 

He missed seeing you in his clothes, you always looked so good in them. He just missed you in general. 

The reason why the two of you broke up a year ago? 

Baekhyun remembers it all too well. 

It was a work related thing actually. The two of you worked in different shifts and barely saw each other, yet alone had time for any couple stuff. 

Free days? Spent alone or arguing about never seeing each other. 

And at one point you had said to just break up. In that moment Baekhyun felt like he was hit by lightning, body stiff and eyes wide. He couldn't believe what he heard. Baekhyun felt anxiety cursing through his veins as his brain processed your words.

You had told him that you wouldn't hate him, but that your situation at that time just didn't allow any dating. The two of you never had hard feelings about the outcome, but it was hard to suddenly go back to being alone. 

And now you're here, in his apartment, wearing his clothes and smelling just like him. He can't believe this is happening. 

"Uhm, so" You speak up after setting the glass down on the other counter behind you. Your hands come up to grab the surface besides your waist and you avoid the man's eyes. 

"Yes?" Baekhyun can't help the hopeful hint in his voice as he urges you to continue your thoughts. 

"How has life been for you?" 

A chuckle escaped his lips at your question, shoulders jumping up and down in the process before he answered. "It's been rather boring but nice, if you get what I mean? I found a different job and work from home now" 

You nod quietly, "I've also found a new job and my shifts are less hectic" 

"Have you… found someone new?" 

You halt at his inquiry, gears in your mind temporarily stopping and he seems to take the lacking answer the wrong way. A frown pulls at his normally friendly and soft expression, making him look grumpy and bothered. "I see" 

"No, no! I- I haven't found anyone!" You quickly say, "I just… I couldn't move on" 

His expression changes to a sad smile, although he's kind of glad you're still somehow his. "Me neither" 

You scoff lightly, a cheeky smirk suddenly on your face. "No wonder, nobody could put up with your annoying ass anyway" 

"Hey!" He exclaims in shock. 

"I'm joking, I'm joking!" You insist, holding your stomach and laughing. "You're bearable most of the time" 

"That doesn't make it any better!" Baekhyun whines and you laugh out loud, hand flying up to cover your mouth. 

"Still the cocky little girl you've always been" He fires back and you snort. 

"Like you're one to talk" You roll your eyes at him and he exhales through his nose. 

His hands grab you by the collar of his shirt you're wearing and unexpectedly pull you into him. You squeal, hands shooting up to brace against his broad chest and you look up to be met by his cocky smile. "You never knew when to stop, no change at all there" he playfully nags. 

"Shut up" You weakly fight back. 

Baekhyun chuckles and you feel the rumble drumming against the palms of your hands. "How come you haven't moved on?" 

You lower your head, hands fumbling with his shirt. "Well… I came to the conclusion that just nobody could replace you. Nobody could love me like you did…" You mumble against his chest and Baekhyun feels a smile creeping up on his face. 

"I felt the same" He whispers back and his arms move to pull you into him more by your waist. 

After hearing that, you look back up at him with big eyes. "Really?" 

He nods and flashes you a bright smile. "Even though we fought a lot and barely had time for each other, I never stopped loving you" 

"Shut up" You almost whimper and move your hands to pull him closer by the back of his neck, lips meeting in the middle. 

Baekhyun's eyes almost fell out of their sockets before he came to his senses. 

One of his hands found its place on the back of your head as he moved his lips against yours with fervor. He greedily breathes you in, not wanting this to end as moves his mouth against yours. 

You shiver when his tongue meets yours and that's when you draw the line… for now. 

He chases after you for a second and you chuckle, dazed eyes meeting yours. "Slow down tiger" you say and peck the corner of his mouth. 

"Okay, okay" He smiles and pulls you in for a hug, "will you let me love you again?" 

"You bet" 

[thefallennightmare]

Amnesia

Pairings: Sebastian Stan x Reader

Words: 2551

Warnings: A few swears, ANGST(lets be real, what else is new?), and some fluff. 

Summary Request: Sebastian and reader broke up like a year ago and one day she receives a call from the hospital and they tell her that Seb had an accident and she’s still his emergency contact so she goes to see him because she still loves him. And when he wakes up he has amnesia and he doesn’t remember they broke up, so he thinks they’re still together and the doctors tell her she has to play along because telling him the truth can be damage for his brain and he has to remember on his own?

A/N: Here is the very long awaited request someone sent in. I’m so incredibly sorry this took SO LONG to write but life got away from me. I really hope you like it and it was well worth the wait. 

The double doors in front of me opened with a breeze as I quickly walked up to the small lady behind the front desk. She was chatting with another girl but the conversation immediately ceased when I walked up. 

“Hi, can I help you?” Her tired voice asked. 

Guilt raked me when I realized exactly how late it was but knew that this was normal for them. 

“Uh, my name is Y/N Y/LN. I got a call from Dr. Stone that someone was admitted to the emergency room,” I stuttered over a few of my words.

“Can I have the patient's name?” The nurse clicked at her computer.

“Sebastian Stan.” 

I hadn't muttered that name in so long that it sounded so foreign on my lips. 

The nurse's ears perked up and she crossed her arms over her chest. “I’m going to need to see some I.D.”

Muttering some not so nice things under my breath, I slid my I.D over to her and smirked in triumph. “Can I go see him now?” 

“Room 5 on the right,” she nodded behind the desk, where the doors to the emergency room opened. 

A large breath left my lips as I slowly walked towards the room, preparing myself for what I was about to see. The phone call I received said that he had fallen while doing a stunt, hitting his head hard on the mat below him. Thankfully he wasn’t severely injured but what worried me was what the doctor had stressed on the phone. 

He thinks it is April of 2019. 

That was over a year ago.

He had amnesia but the doctor was very optimistic that it was temporary and that he would remember everything soon; I needed to be the one to help him with it. 

“Y/N?” 

My feet came to a halt at the deep voice behind me and I gave the man in a leather jacket a soft smile. “Hey Anthony. How is he?” 

Mackie smiled. “He’s good, all things considered. He still thinks it's April of last year.”

“So he thinks?” I trailed off.

Anthony nodded. “The docs think it’s going to help him if you play along, pretend you two are still together.” 

I let out a soft sigh. “I don’t think I can, Mack. We exactly didn’t have the easiest break up.” 

“I know but anything to help him get better, right?” 

I nodded, agreeing, and with a quick hug goodbye to Anthony, I entered the room trying to ignore the doubts that filled my mind. 

He laid in his bed, the T.V in the corner playing a soft tune of FRIENDS reruns but his eyes weren’t watching it; they were trained on me. 

“Hey babe, I was wondering when you would get here.” He went to sit up in bed but hissed in pain. 

“Seb, relax. You don’t need to sit up, you should be relaxing,” I chastised him. 

Pulling the chair next to his bed, I sat down and hesitated before taking his extended hand. His hair was much poofier than I remembered and the amount of grey hair in his beard had doubled. The bags under his eyes were deeper than the last time I had seen him, his work schedule weighing him down. 

“What happened?” I questioned. 

Sebastian squeezed my hand. “I fell while doing a stunt. Doctors said I smacked my head really good.”

“Did they say when you could leave?” I asked. 

“Tonight. They suggested that you watch me closely, in case I do have a concussion.” 

My heart sank. We had to spend the night together? 

Biting my lip, I quickly nod. “Of course, Seb.” 

Silence fell between us and it took him a second to notice something was wrong.

“Are you okay?,” he questioned while lifting my gaze to meet him. “You seem distant.”

Swallowing the large lump in my throat, I tried my best to reassure him with a nod. “Yeah, I was worried about you, that’s all.” 

My heart hammered in my chest when I felt his soft lips graze across my forehead. “I’m okay, babe. I’ll be even better when we're back home in bed.” 

I felt my body stiffen at that thought of us in bed together. How could I play it off that we were still together and in love when truthfully, we should hate each other? We broke up over a year ago and it was the nastiest one I had ever experienced.

We hadn’t spoken one word to each other since that night but I couldn’t help but feel warmth fill my heart knowing I was still his emergency contact. 

Tonight was going to be fun. 

“Need anything else, Seb?” I questioned after getting him set in bed. 

The flat we used to share looked exactly the same, as if I never left. The clean pile of clothes still had a permanent residence on the large grey chair in the corner of the room; Seb never having the time to put them away. 

The light from the moon still cascaded it’s way through the bay window, causing beautiful shadows across the hardwood floor and across Seb’s face. 

“Just you in bed with me,” Seb gave me a cheeky grin. 

I couldn’t help to mirror it before nodding. “Give me a few minutes, I want to freshen up before bed.” 

Eyes followed my every movement as I rummaged through the dresser drawers, remembering where Seb kept his shirts and sweats. My body froze when I saw the picture that sat upon the dresser. It was one of us when we were vacationing in Greece and we were standing in front of the Acropolis. 

I couldn't help but pick it up, smiling at the fond memory. 

“We should go again,” Sebastian's voice said from behind me. 

I nodded. “It was a great trip, wasn't it?” 

Tears brimmed at my eyes but before he could say anything about it, I scurried into the master bath, letting the door quickly shut behind me. While I freshened up, I tried everything to not let this whole situation bother me. 

How could I pretend to still be with Sebastian, knowing what I know. There was a point, long ago, that we were happy. We loved each other, more than anyone knew, but the love wasn’t enough for the doubt that weighed us down. 

“Y/N?” 

A soft knock tapped against the door. 

With a quick sniffle and wiping away my tears, I quickly opened the bathroom door. “You okay?” 

Sebastian looked at me with a worried look. “Were you crying?” 

I shook my head. “No, I’m fine.” 

“You shut the door. You never shut the door,” Sebastian noted. 

“Oh,” my fingers gripped the dark wood, forgetting that I always used to keep the bathroom door open when we lived together. 

Sebastian's fingers laced with my own and with a gentle tug, I followed him to the bed. Before I knew it, my head was on his chest and his strong fingers raked through my hair. The familiar feeling made my stomach flip and I bit my lip, hoping the tears didn’t force their way out. 

“I know you were scared from my accident today but I promise babe, I’m okay.” Seb’s soft voice comforted me. 

No words were finding their way through my throat so all I could do was nod. I allowed myself to look in his gorgeous green eyes and with one quick look, I told myself that this was going to hurt like hell when this was all over. 

Just like it did when we broke up. 

The domestic bliss found its way between us and I allowed myself to melt into his embrace. My finger traced circles on his bare chest while he rubbed my back. 

“You know what I noticed,” Seb’s voice spoke. 

“Hmm?” 

“You haven’t given me one kiss tonight,” He pouted. 

My body froze in his embrace and he immediately noticed. I sat up in bed while Seb reluctantly let me go. 

“I’m sorry, I can’t do this,” I cried while getting out of bed and starting to collect my things. 

“Y/N, what is going on?” Sebastian questioned. 

“You honestly don’t remember anything?” I asked after taking a quick pause while putting on my shoes. 

When he shook his head, I couldn’t stop the word vomit that spit out of my mouth. 

“We broke up, Seb! Over a year ago!” 

He shook his head. “What?” 

Pinching my eyes together, I let out a large sigh. “The doctors said you had amnesia and the last thing you remembered was April of last year. We broke up last July.” 

“I’m confused. Then why are you here?” 

“The doctors thought it would be best if I played along, to help you remember on your own but I can’t do it anymore. Knowing how we broke up and why; I can’t pretend that we are in love when you actually don't anymore.”

I could see in Sebastian’s eyes that he still wasn’t believing what I was saying so I pulled out my phone, letting a voicemail play on speaker.

“Y/N, I know that we’re not in the same city right now and this is a terrible way to do this but I can’t do it anymore. We’ve been apart for almost a month now and I’ve come to realize that I can’t keep stringing you along. I need time to grow and focus on my career, I can’t have someone waiting for me back home when I don’t even know when the next time I would be coming home. It’s not fair to you to wait for me; for someone that can’t keep his promises. I’ll be home next month so that gives you time to move out. I’m sorry.” 

Silence fell throughout the flat, the sudden look of remembrance flashing across Sebastian’s face. 

“Oh fuck,” he breathed. “I remember.”

“You broke up with me with a fucking voicemail. A three year relationship ended with a goddamn voicemail!” I yelled. 

“I was scared,” Seb defended. 

My eyes doubled with anger. “Don’t give me that bullshit again, Seb. We went through this already. I just want to get my things and go home.” 

I went to run down the stairs away from him but he stepped in front of me, stopping me. 

“I never meant to hurt you, Y/N. It wasn’t fair to you for me stringing you along. I was only thinking of you.” 

“Give me a break, Sebastian! You broke up with me then a week later you were seen with some blonde chick!” I yelled. 

Sebastian ran a hand through his hair and his shoulders fell. “It wasn’t what the media made it seem like.” 

“Did you sleep with her?” I asked, the same question that I had asked him the last time I saw him. 

“No,” Seb answered without hesitation. 

The same answer he gave me last time. 

“I can’t keep having the same fight, Seb. It’s exhausting. I was finally in a good place with myself. I was getting over you then got a phone call telling me you had an accident. My world stopped. I thought you were seriously hurt, Sebastian. The second I saw you, all those feelings came back.” 

He stuffed his hands deep in his sweat pockets and shrugged his shoulders. “I don’t know what you want me to say, Y/N.”

“Do you think we could ever go back to how we used to be?” I asked. 

This time, Sebastian hesitated. “I don’t know. My brain is still so fucked from my fall today. It’s hard remembering some things.”

I nodded, reluctantly getting my things together before walking away. “Let me know when you do know, Seb.” 

The same heartbreak I felt a year ago resurfaced as I realized that Sebastian was letting me walk out of his apartment and out of his life; again. 

My T.V played a soft tune in the background as I browsed through my phone, trying to let another boring day pass. My fingers had a mind of their own as I typed away a certain username on Instagram, wanting to know what he was up to. 

Nothing new. 

No posts or stories. 

Sebastian had been M.I.A on instagram for over a month now, since before his accident. 

And since the last time we had seen each other. 

We both had no contact with each other, not knowing where we stood. Or even in there was something between us to hold us together. I knew it in my heart that even though how we ended was terrible, I still wanted to be with Sebastian. I wanted to be like how we used to be but there was a doubt lingering in my mind; would he want the same? Would he even feel the same? 

The clock on the wall struck midnight, the chimes sounded loud bouncing off the walls of my small apartment. 

A soft groan left my lips as I stood up and started making my way towards my bedroom, however, a persistent knock on the door locked my feet in place. 

My eyes darted to the bat that laid against the wall next to the door. Who was at my door in the middle of the night? 

“Y/N?”

His deep but yet soft voice immediately eased my fear. Before I could even second guess my decision, I found myself opening the door. 

Sebastian stood in front of me, his hair way more fluffier than the last time I saw him. The stubble on his face had grown in and I smiled at the few grey hairs peeking its way through. He looked distraught, his thoughts keeping himself up the last few nights. 

He let out a few deep sighs, hesitating a few times, something deep on his mind. 

We both stared at each other for a few moments, the lust and love that we felt when we were together clouding around us. It encased us in our own bubble and without a second thought, Sebastian was crossing the threshold attacking my lips with his own. 

My hands gripped his hips while his own found their way through my hair, gently pulling on the roots. The kiss was one of those ‘hungry, teeth smacking, and lip biting’ kisses; the kind that made your head spin and insides melt. 

Reluctantly, we broke apart to take a breath but not before Seb placed another chaste kiss on my lips. 

“I know the way I ended things was a dick move and I should have broken up with you in person.” 

My vision was still blurry from the kiss so all I could do was nod. 

“If you still want me, I’m here. If you want me out of your life for good, just say the word and I’m gone. But if that kiss means anything to you as it did to me, I know that I’m right where I need to be.” 

“Lock the door,” I mumbled against his lips. “We have a year of catching up to do.” 

My giggles sounded throughout the apartment when I felt Seb toss me over his shoulder, carrying me up the stairs towards my bedroom. 

[honeydh]

PURPLE HYACINTHS

NA JAEMIN

GENRES: angst, hanahaki au, cheating-ish

REQUESTED: Can I request something 👉👈 anything with hanahaki disease will do 🥰😌

It started as a dull ache in your chest. You paid no mind to it for weeks, until finally caving and going to see your doctor when it turned sharper. The starting of hanahaki disease, she said. What?, you laughed off. It couldn't be. The trained professional made a mistake. You were in a happy relationship with your boyfriend, had been for over a year! No one else even came near to catching your eye besides him. You did not have hanahaki disease.

You couldn't.

Absolutely improbable.

"How did your appointment go?" Jaemin asked, eating a piece of steak and chasing it down with his drink.

You shrugged, pushing your food around. Jaemin noticed, setting his fork down to hold your hand in his. The feeling of his thumb rubbing the back of your hand usually comforted you, but not this time. To your horror, the feeling of bile rising to the back of your throat accompanied his touch. Quickly, you jumped from the table and rushed down the hallway to the bathroom, bumping off the wall in your hurry.

Hunched over the toilet, tears escaped your eyes as you threw up. Fear coursed through you as you stared down at the single purple hyacinth sitting atop the toilet, stained red with your blood.

"Baby? Are you okay?" The knock on the door startled you, your eyes flying away from the toilet to the door you had subconsciously closed and locked.

As if you were hiding something.

Was it your fault? Had you unintentionally fallen in love with someone else? You wanted to curl into a ball on the cold bathroom floor and cry.

"I'm okay," you said shakily, clearing your sore throat when your voice caught, freshening your cheeks with more tears. "I must've ate something bad at lunch."

Jaemin hesitated. "...Okay. Do you want some water? Anything?"

You stifled a sob behind your hand. "Yeah, some water would be nice. I'm just gonna take a bath and then go to bed."

"Okay baby. I'll get your water and clean up the kitchen."

"Thank you."

Once his footsteps faded, you collapsed fully to the floor, empty cries shaking your body.

You kept the news about your new disease to yourself. Jaemin knew something was up, you could feel his eyes following you in concern every time you were in the same room together.

“Are you pregnant?”

You startled at the sudden question. “What? What makes you think I would I be pregnant?”

“You’re always rushing off to the bathroom to throw up lately. Is it morning sickness?” You averted your eyes to the counter after retrieving the cup you’d come to the kitchen to get. “Are you afraid I don’t want kids?” he asked.

You had to huff a laugh at that. Jaemin wanted kids, if you were pregnant you knew he’d be more than thrilled. “I’m not pregnant Jaemin. I’m… not sure what’s wrong with me,” you lied. I have another doctors appointment tomorrow though.”

Jaemin nodded, coming up behind you to pull your back into his chest. “I hope they can figure out what’s going on,” he whispered into your neck.

“It’s progressively getting worse. I’d say you have half a year.”

You stared in shock at your doctor, hoping she was joking. Not a single bit of mirth was present on her face.

“But how can this be?!” you exclaimed, finally at your breaking point. “I’ve been with my boyfriend for almost two years now, I love him!”

The pity on the doctor’s eyes almost had you seeing red. “…Is there a chance he could be cheating on you?”

“Never!” you exclaimed, chest tight. Tears sprung to your eyes. Jaemin was beyond loyal, he would never!

“You know… it happens more than you think. Unintentionally falling in love with someone else. Some don’t even notice, still holding affection for the partner they’re already with,” she explained gently.

“No way,” you denied, shaking your head as you fell into tears. “No way.”

No way.

You repeated it in your head, over and over, like a mantra. You just wanted to go home and curl into bed and sleep this whole nightmare away. But stepping through the door, you were met with the once comforting smell of your apartment, the smell of Jaemin lingering everywhere. Now, it just sent another wave of nausea and you raced to the room you were most acquainted with recently.

Denial had been your best friend through the whole thing. But denial would work no longer when you accompanied Jaemin to a work party a couple weeks after your doctor’s visit.

Managing not having to rush to the bathroom to throw your insides up for a while now, you stayed clung to Jaemin’s arm as he made rounds around the room.

Thirsty for the first time that night, you left to retrieve drinks for both of you. You took your time; coughing flowers into the toilet multiple times a day really exhausted one more than you’d think. Your lethargy played a role in the small collision you had had with another person, half of one drink spilling on the floor and splashing your shoes.

“Oh my goodness, I’m so sorry!” the man exclaimed, quickly grabbing your arms to keep you balanced. You smiled tiredly at him.

“No, it’s my fault, I’m sorry.”

“Not at all! I should really watch where I’m going. I… haven’t seen you before. Do you know someone who works here or…?”

“Oh,” you lightly laughed. “My boyfriend works here.”

The stranger’s eyebrows went up. “Really. Lucky man.” Your gut turned sour at what he thought was a compliment. “Well, I’ll see you around!” And he was gone. You remained there though, staring down at the small puddle of juice until a server walked by and you could inform them of the small mess.

One refill later, you set out to find your partner in the crowd of unfamiliar faces. For once, your chest didn’t stir uncomfortably at the sight of Jaemin. That realization alone was almost enough to send you over the moon. Maybe the past three months had all been a mistake. You even felt warm as his face brightened for your arrival back to his side.

Until you realized, it wasn’t for you. You stopped dead, watching as a pretty woman made her way to your boyfriend, the same happy look on her face as his. She lightly grabbed his forearms with her slender fingers, leaning up to kiss him on the cheek. The same coworkers that had been with Jaemin when you left to get the drinks didn’t even blink an eye, telling you everything you needed to know.

Vaguely, you could feel more juice splash onto your ankles, feel the glass bounce off your skin.

But really, all you remember is the cold swing door against your uncomfortably hot hand.

The cold, grouted tile under your knees.

And there, in the bowl of the toilet: a dozen bloodied hyacinths.

[atlafan]

Office Neighbors - Part Four

a/n: alright, the angst in this is...ANGSTY, so please be careful lmao, I think the smut and fluff makes up for it though, but you tell me. enjoy! (reblogs and feedback are helpful!) (not proofread, I’m sorry) 

warnings: fluff, angst, smut

words: 17K

masterpost

You were in a large t-shirt, underwear, and a pair of socks, getting your things packed for the conference. Harry would be picking you up around eight to hit the road for New York so you wanted to make sure you weren’t scrambling in the morning. You had your A/C cranked as you were running around so you wouldn’t be sweaty before bed.

The buzzer for your door goes off, and a shock goes through your system. You look out the window towards the street and you see Harry’s car lit up by the street light. You rush over to your door to buzz him in. You don’t even have time to consider putting something cuter on by the time he’s coming in through your door.

“Harry, what are y-“

He drops a small bag he brought with him, and pushes you up against the wall crashing his lips to yours. His hands drag down your hips and to your thighs to hoist you up. You instantly wrap your legs around his waist and tug at his hair.

“Wh-what’s happening?” You breathe.

“I didn’t want it to happen at the hotel.”

“What?” He gives you an almost pained look. “Oh!” You look down at yourself. “I looked so much cuter for you the other day, though.”

“I can’t tell you how cute I think you look right now. Can I please take you to your bedroom?”

“Yes.” You kiss on his neck while he walks you down the hall to your bedroom. “I want you so bad, Harry.”

“I know, I want you too, I was being silly the other night.” He gets you onto your bed and kicks his shoes off before settling on top of you. “I want this…with you.”

“Me too.” You arch up to kiss him.

“You’re okay with all this? Me being here right now?”

“Yes, Harry.” You reach for the hem of your shirt and lift it off, revealing your breasts to him.

“Do you have condoms?” He says as he licks over one of nipples.

“Y-yeah, in my bathroom.”

He hums his response as he kisses down your stomach. Everything felt hazy. When he looks up at you to speak, a buzzing sound comes out of his mouth.

“Huh?”

Your eyes flutter open to the sound of your alarm, and you nearly start crying from anger.

“Oh, for the love God!” You groan as you kick your blankets back.

It had been a couple of days since you were intimate with Harry. He called you the next morning to see how you were, ever the gentleman. He had a chance to see Andy before the conference, so he took it, not that you blamed him, but you were sort of hoping he’d come by and rail you.

You take a very quick shower, and make sure your things are together before he comes to pick you up. You had been up late getting everything packed, and clearly the stress from that had gone into your dream, and dream Harry came to relieve you of that stress. You just wish the real Harry would. Not that the other night wasn’t amazing, because it was, you were just sort of hoping to fully have sex with him. You understood him and you didn’t at the same time. What was the difference between having his dick in your mouth or having it in your vagina? You knew have sex was serious, and he probably had to be careful about who he got into relationships with because of his son, but he’s known you almost a year…doesn’t he trust you?

You’re taken from your thoughts when you hear your buzzer. You perk up a bit, and grab your backpack, and rolling luggage, and head out the door. Harry’s waiting outside his car with his trunk open. He looked really handsome. He was wearing a pair of light blue shorts, a white t-shirt, and a pair of sunglasses.

“Morning!” He says. “Got coffee and a breakfast sandwich for you in the car, I stopped off at Dunks.”

“Thanks, you’re the best.” You kiss him on the cheek and he puts your luggage in the trunk. You keep your backpack with you in case there’s anything you may need.

“So, it’ll be roughly four and half hours. We can stop anytime you want, don’t be afraid to speak up.”

“Do you…drive through the city often?”

“Not really, why?”

“Well…it’s just…do you mind if I do the first half of the drive? I’d like to gets us through Boston.”

“We don’t need to go that way. We’re going to take 93 to 293 and go through Manchester, and then eventually we’ll switch to 95, no need to go through Boston at all, love.”

“Oh…alright then.” You get the passenger seat and buckle up. He gets in the driver’s side, and pulls onto the street.

“That’s not to say you can’t drive, we can take turns. Or I can drive there and you can drive back, it doesn’t matter to me.”

“I just…sometimes I get road rage and I can be sort of a back seat driver, especially when it comes to driving in the city, but if we’re not going through Boston we shouldn’t have a problem.”

“Don’t forget, I do go to London quite a bit, people drive like wankers out there just the same, so I know what I’m doing.” He smirks at you.

“Mhm.” You nudge him.

“Did you sleep well? I feel like I never sleep well before big outings like this, no idea why.”

“Yeah, um, I slept alright.” Your face flushes a little as you remember your very vivid dream. “Slept like a rock, really.” You clear your throat. “What did you do with Andy?”

“I took him up to the cabin for some alone time. Went kayaking, made a little fire, it was fun.”

“Oh, that’s great!”

“Yeah, he says hello by the way.”

“Aw, that’s sweet.”

“He asked a lot of questions about you, he’s so nosey.” Harry chuckles.

“Probably just wants to make sure you’re not going out with a crazy person.” You laugh and open up your breakfast sandwich. You take a bite, and then have a sip of coffee. “Thanks again for breakfast, so nice of you.”

“Oh, don’t even worry about it. I have a little cooler in the back seat as well with other snacks if you get hungry.”

“Gee, thanks, Daddy, did you pack capri-suns? Those are my favorite.” You grin at him as you tease him.

“Make fun all you want, but when you get hungry or thirsty, you’re gonna be happy I prepared.” He side eyes you. “I have a tough time taking my dad hat off sometimes, alright?”

“No, no, it’s nice that you think ahead. I appreciate it.” You put your hand on his shoulder and give it a squeeze. “You just make it very easy to tease you sometimes.”

“Glad I can be a source of entertainment for you.”

“Hey, someone has to be on this long ass ride.”

“Long ass ride.” He chuckles.

“Yeah, it’s mad long.” You say as you look out the window.

“Mad long kid.” He says in a horrible Boston accent and you slowly turn to face him.

“Was that supposed to be me?” You laugh. “I don���t think you want to play the accent game, pal.”

“I think it’s cute when you let it out a little. I think you said ‘wicked’ in one of the classes I observed and I had to try not to laugh, or like any time you say ‘pissed’.”

“Everyone uses those words! It’s not like I’m sitting there going, ‘that’s wicked pissah, guy’, give me some credit.”

“See, again, I just think it’s cute.” He smiles. “Say more super-Boston words, what’s another good one?”

“Umm, god, I don’t know.” You giggle. “Is dungaree one?”

“What in the fuck is a dungaree?” He laughs.

“It’s another way to say blue jeans.” You laugh. “My parents and grandparents used to say it all the time. I don’t know if it’s a Boston thing though. Umm, spuckie is like a sub sandwich…sort of an East Boston thing though, so not everyone says it.”

“I notice you dropping your R’s a lot towards the end of the day. You don’t really have much of an accent otherwise.”

“I sort of trained myself not to have one because it’s fucking annoying. You sound like a moron. I think it just comes out more when I’m tired.” You shrug. “Do you mind if I connect my phone to the Bluetooth? Listening to NPR the entire time doesn’t sound like fun…”

“Not into morning radio, huh? Sure, you can just use my phone since I have the GPS going.” He grabs it out of the cup holder and unlocks it for you.

“Thanks.” You go into Spotify and slightly snoop at his Daily Mixes. You didn’t listen to a lot of the same stuff, but you did some similarities.

“Anything but top-40 is fine with me.”

“Don’t like pop?”

“No, I do, I just hate listening to the same shit that’s always on the radio.”

“Fair enough.”

“Put on…put on music you would have listened to in college or something.”

“I don’t know if I’m ready to expose myself like that!” You giggle. “I listened to a lot of degrading RnB.”

“Ha!” He shakes his head. “Please, find a playlist and put it on, I’m dying to know.”

“Alright.” You find a playlist with RnB songs from the later 2000’s and figure that will suffice. Rude Boy by Rihanna plays first, a great start. “Ugh, love this song.” You say and put his phone down.

“This is what you’d party to?”

“Sometimes.” You shrug. “It’s just a good song in general. I like Rihanna…do you?”

“She’s not bad.” He shrugs. “I probably wouldn’t let Andy listen to her.”

“Oh, but that’s half the fun! Being a kid and listening to really inappropriate music in your room, pretending like you know what they’re talking about. Used to do it all the time with Eminem.”

“Same here, actually.” He chuckles. You sing softly to yourself and he smiles. “Don’t be afraid to belt it out, I sing in the car all the time.”

“Really? Because you haven’t done it once since I’ve known you.”

“Good point.” He turns the music up and sings along with the chorus and you start laughing. “Come on, Y/N!”

You start singing with him, and that continues on a lot throughout most of the car ride. Around the halfway point, you stop at a rest area to use the bathroom and freshen up. You both grab a slice of pizza for an early lunch, and then head back to the car.

“Do you want me to drive, Har?”

“No, I’m fine…unless I’m making you car sick…”

“No! I just didn’t know if you needed a break.”

“I’m really all set, but thanks.” He pecks your lips quickly and then you both get into the car. “What do you feel like listening to now?”

“You pick.” You smile.

“No I want you to…I like knowing what you’re into…” He blushes.

“Do you like rock music at all? My mom used to listen to all those 60’s, 70’s, and 80’s bands. Might be night to take a break from the profanity.” You chuckle.

“Rock works for me.”

“Eddie Money?”

“Crank it.”

You both giggle and you put on some music. You feel like the two of you have been putting on a concert, and it’s been so much fun.

//

You arrive at the hotel for the conference, and head right into the garage to park it. Harry gets a ticket that he’ll be able to get validated inside. He helps you with your things, and then you both head inside to check in.

“Harry Styles.” He says to the woman at the desk. You go to the person to her.

“Ah, Dr. Styles, great to have you for the CMT conference. Did you take a ticket for the garage?”

“Yes, here it is, thanks.” She takes it and stamps it.

“Right, and you’ll be here three days, correct?”

“Yes.”

She types on her keyboard and makes some rapid clicks.

“Alright, you’ll be on the twenty-fifth floor, here are two room keys, Wi-Fi is included, and there’s complimentary breakfast every morning.”

“Wonderful, thank you so much.” He looks at you and steps back to wait until you’re given everything. “What floor are you on?” He asks as you both head to the elevator.

“The twentieth, you?”

“Twenty-fifth…I think they gave me a suite or something.”

“Oo, fancy.” You smile. “I asked for a room with two beds so I wouldn’t be shoved into a closet sized room.”

“Smart.”

You both head into the elevator, and Harry follows you out once you’re on your floor. You raise an eyebrow at him.

“I just wanna get you in your room in case there are any creeps watching through their peep holes.”

“Harry…I’ve been to a hotel alone before.”

“I’m sure you have…it’s just for my own peace of mind, humor me?”

“Alright.” You shrug. You key in and he comes in with you. “Still tight, but definitely more floor space with two beds.” You hoist your luggage on top of one of the beds and sit down on the other. “I think I’m gonna relax, get settled for a bit, but do you wanna get dinner later? We could just go to the hotel bar.”

“Yeah, that sounds good. Wouldn’t mind a quick nap, honestly.” He yawns. “See you soon.” He leans forward and kisses your forehead before heading out.

You end up falling asleep for a bit, and then you put on a bit of a nicer outfit for dinner. Harry tells you he’ll meet you outside your room for dinner. He looked a lot nicer too.

“Hey.” You smile and hug him.

“Hey.” He kisses the top of your head, and holds your hand on your way to the elevator.

“Are you happy you get your presentation over with tomorrow?”

“Oh, definitely. Then I’ll be able to enjoy the rest of it.” You both find a spot at the bar and order a couple of drinks while you look over the menu. “Did you want to split something? I’m not starving.”

“Me neither, yeah, that sounds good.” You furrow your brows at the menu and gasp. “Har! They have vegan Buffalo wings, can we please get that?!”

“Yeah, that sounds like it’ll really hit the spot.”

“And curly fries, gotta have curly fries.”

“Agreed.” He smiles.

You both order the food and clink your cocktail glasses once they come to you. The Buffalo wings really did hit the spot because you both scarfed the down.

“I wonder if we’ll run into anyone we know here. I’ve been to this conference once before, but it was a couple of years ago.”

“We all sort of go to different ones, like, our faculty. Plus, not a lot of people go to ones in the summer because they don’t want to think about work, but I like it. I feel like it keeps me fresh for the school year, you know?”

“Mhm.” You smile and just listen to him talk for a little bit. Harry was so incredibly intelligent, and you always liked listening his thoughts on things.

After a couple of drinks you both decide to call it a night since Harry would need to be up early in the morning to prepare for his presentation. He walks you to your room, just as he did earlier.

“Well…goodnight.” He says.

“Did you want to come in?” You nod towards your door.

“I do…but…I probably shouldn’t. I need to get to sleep…”

“Okay.”

“Sorry.”

“It’s really okay, I don’t wanna be the reason you’re tired tomorrow.” You wink at him and peck his cheek. “See you for breakfast?”

“Definitely.” He smiles and waits for you to go inside before walking back to the elevator.

//

You wake up feeling refreshed the next morning. You take a quick shower, and put on a pair of grey slacks paired with a pink blouse and navy blazer. You liked looking nicer at these types of things. You put your hair up into your buns, just so you still looked a little fun, and head down to breakfast with your laptop bag slung over your shoulder. Your jaw nearly drops when you see Harry down at the breakfast restaurant. He was wearing a suit…you had never seen him in one before. It was brown, and he was wearing a purple button up underneath it.

“Y/N!” He snaps you out of your trance as he waves you over.

“Hey.”

“Morning.” He smiles and kisses you quickly. “You look nice.”

“Thanks…so do you, I mean…you look…so handsome.”

“Oh, stop.” He swats a hand at you. “It’s just dress pants and a matching jacket.”

“No…it’s more than that. I mean, look at all the other people. Blue or black slacks, white button ups. You’re very fashion forward.”

“You’re just now realizing? Well, how nice of you to come out from under your rock.” He winks at you, and you put your bag down so you can go up to the buffet with him.

“Yours it at ten, right?”

“Yup. Which session are you going to first?”

“There’s a working session about advising that I wanna go to, just to get some tips since I’m advising this year.”

“That’s a great idea.”

“What about you?”

“I’m not going to anything this morning, just so I can focus. I’m gonna practice my presentation again.”

“I’m excited to see all of your data. I hope more schools will see they should be offering wellness courses.”

//

Your first session was extremely eye opening for you. You head to bathroom quick, and then go to where Harry’s lecture will be. You weren’t sure where to sit. You knew he hated when people sat in the back of his class, so you knew not to sit all the way in the back.  You decide on the fourth row. Not too far back, but not right up front either. You didn’t want to make him nervous. Seats were filling in here and there, which you were happy to see. Harry loved an audience.

“Y/N, is that you?”

“Dr. Pierce!” You gasp and stand up to hug your old friend.

“Please, you know you can just call me Arthur.” He chuckles.

“Old habits, would you like to sit with me?”

“Not saving it for anyone else?”

“No, the person I would be is going to be presenting.”

“Ah!” He says, sitting down next to you. “You know Dr. Styles?”

“I do, we’re colleagues actually. Office neighbors, in fact.”

“Good for you, he’s very bright. I’ve read a lot of his work, it’s refreshing.” He looks you up and down. “You look wonderful, your new institution is treating you well?”

“Very well! Thank you.” You smile. “You don’t look too bad yourself.”

“You’re just saying that.” He runs a hand through his hair. “This kids today are turning my hair white.” He laughs. “That’s why I wanted to check this out. Maybe if I can find a way to make them less stressed, I’ll be less stressed.”

“You’ve definitely come to the right place, Harry is the king of no stress.”

Harry could see the audience filing in from behind a curtain. He smiles when he sees you, and then squints when he sees you speaking with the man next to you. It was clear you knew each other and it wasn’t some stranger sparking up a conversation. He could tell because you nudged him after he made you laugh, something you would only do with a friend. He sighs and pushes his glasses up his nose. He can hear himself being introduced, and then he walks out. The room claps and he nods his head once he’s at the lectern. He was given a lapel mic to wear so everyone could hear him, and a remote to turn his slides. This was he could easily walk around the stage.

“Good morning everyone, I hope you enjoyed your first sessions…or an extremely long breakfast, whichever.” He shrugs and the crowd laughs. “I’m Dr. Harry Styles, and I’m so happy you’ve decided to spend your time with me this morning.”

You smile as he says this. You remember him saying this to his wellness class when you observed it. He said it to them everyone morning.

“I say this to my students every time we meet because even though, much like you, they’ve paid to be there, they still have to make the choice to get up and come to class.” He changes his slide. “I teach a class called Communication, Media, and Wellness, it’s just one of the few I teach, and I only offer it at eight in the morning.” He hears some people make comments and he grins. “My attendance rate is one-hundred percent throughout the semester, wanna know how I do it?” He changes the slide, and shows a picture of his classroom with students, desks in a circle, heads down on the desks. “We take the first ten to fifteen minutes to meditate, and then we do the same with the last five minutes. I give them time to settle in and clear their minds. Some fall asleep, some work on their breathing, and some just listen to me speak.” He changes his slide. “We talk about a lot of things in this class. We talk about what we see on the news, social media, and everything in between. We talk about how those things make us feel. We talk about tactics to help ease our anxiety, and if I’m noticing a particular energy, we break out the yoga mats and do some stretching.” He changes the slide again. “Students today are anxious about everything. They’ve grown up during some really tough times, never truly feeling safe. I’m here to help them learn how to cope.”

Harry goes over some data he’s collected over the last few years. He sends surveys to his previous students every semester until they graduate, and then twice again after they graduate. Everyone that’s taken his class thus far has graduated, and those that haven’t graduated yet all had high GPA’s. He shows comparisons of their GPA before the class (it’s only offered to sophomores and up right now), and their GPA after taking the class. There were only improvements.

“These students are able to take what they’ve learned with me and apply it in other classrooms and in their lives outside the classroom. The biggest thing I explain to them is to not be on their phones before bed, to not even watch TV really. It’s too stimulating, and sometimes it causes anxiety and then you can’t fall asleep.” He changes the slide and the crowd laughs. It was a picture of students presenting Harry with a sign that says ‘NO SCREEN BEFORE BED’. “This group made me this because I must have said it a hundred times that semester. I keep it hung up in my office.” He changes the slide to show students in their place of work after graduation. “Many of the results I got from my graduated students are that they’ve taken things with them. I have students have fallen in love with reading before bed, or they listen to a podcast, or use some type of app that tells them a story at night to help them fall asleep. They they’re able to wake up refreshed and ready for the day. Many of them even wake up and mediate to help them really become alert.” He changes the slide again to a picture of him giving a yoga lesson outside on the quad. “I know this may seem silly, but it really does help these students. Offering a class for credit on this allows them to already build it into their schedule, rather than offering classes at the gym that they really have no obligation or incentive to go to. This is a CM course, but it also counts towards our school’s general education requirement. We call it a Wellness Connection, so any student can take this course. I’ve had such a mix of students take this course, and they’ve all come out better for it. Offering something like this in today’s age is extremely important for our students who are facing so many hardships. I hope you’ll consider implementing some of this into your classrooms.” He looks out to everyone and smiles. “Thank you.”

Everyone claps, and someone else comes out and tell everyone that there’s about fifteen minutes for questions. Harry gets a few and is able to answer them best he can. Once it’s all done he takes a deep breath and sits on the stage. He knew some people would want to come up to him afterwards.

“Will I see you later?” Arthur says to you as you both stand up.

“I’m not sure…I doubt we’ll be at all of the same sessions.”

“Maybe at the bar later then?”

“Maybe.” You smile. “If not…it was really good to see you.”

“You too.” He hugs you again. Harry sees this and furrows his brows.

You grab your things and walk over to him.

“Excuse me, Dr. Styles, I have a question.” You grin.

“And what might that be?” He says, taking his suit jacket off and rolling his sleeve ups.

“How are you so incredible?”

“Y/N.”

“I mean it! I was floored. What incredible data, and it’s all true! It’s all things we notice in our classrooms. I really need to implement that no screen thing into my own life, to be fair I tend to read on my phone, but-“ You realize how fast you’re talking when he raises his eyebrows at you. “Sorry…just a little excited.”

“I’m glad you got a lot out of it.” He smiles. “Who, uh, who was that guy you were sitting with?” He asks as you both walk out of the room.

“What guy? Oh! That was Dr. Pierce, he teaches at my previous institution. It was a nice surprise to see him. He spoke really highly of you too. He said he’s read a lot of your work, which is incredible because I’ve never once heard him say he likes anyone’s work but his own.” You laugh.

“Was he one of your professors?”

“Not necessarily…he was, um, a colleague…” You blush slightly. “I’m headed to the session on…what?”

“Was he the professor you-“

“Harry, now really isn’t the time, okay?” You say quietly. “It was before you and I even knew each other, it doesn’t matter.”

“It does matter when you were sitting with him.” He frowns.

“He’s just a friend.”

“A friend that you-“

“Not the time.” You snap. “You’re not my boyfriend, check yourself.” You huff and walk away from him so you’re not late for your next session.

His mouth falls open, silence coming from him when he tries to call after you. He shakes his head and heads to his next session.

You were so pissed you skipped lunch and went for a walk outside instead. You were barely able to concentrate during your session, and you didn’t answer any of Harry’s texts. Were you acting childish? Maybe, but you hated when men got like this. What the fuck did it matter if that was the professor you slept with? It was so long ago, and the two of you were friends. You didn’t want to sleep with anyone but Harry, couldn’t he see that?

By the end of the say you had calmed down, and you finally answer his text. He had asked you to come up to his room before dinner so you could talk. You knock on his door and he lets you in. He had changed into a pair of jeans a t-shirt, you were in still in your nice clothes.

“Harry, I-“

“Let’s get something straight.” He cuts you off, and you’re a little shocked by his tone. “You were right earlier, I’m not your boyfriend. In fact, I think it would be too soon for a label like that considering it’s only been about a month since we started all this.” He steps closer to you as you had backed away when he started talking. “But what I am is the person that you’re seeing, right? I’m the one who had their head between your legs just a few nights ago, so I don’t wanna hear it. It’s a stupid fucking word that people use to put some type of seriousness on their relationship, and I’ve never really understood it. You’re either with a person or you’re not, plain and simple.” He looks at you. “You acted like a fucking teenager earlier, you realize that right?”

“I was upset.”

“So you ignored me? You said something purposefully hurtful and then walked away? Is this how you handle things? You don’t like when someone says something to you that you don’t like so you shut down?”

“I didn’t shut down! We’re at a fucking conference and you were starting something with me that I told you wasn’t the time to start. We each had a session to get to! Unlike you, I paid to come here, Harry.”

“You still acted like-“

“Do you know much you disrespected me back there? Do you even care? There I was, amazed by you, and all you could care about was the fact that I used to sleep with someone, and I was polite to them. He asked me when he’d see me again and I totally brushed him off because I came here with you and I wanna spend my time with you!”

“You don’t even think it’s a little weird that a guy that much older than you wanted to sleep with you?”

“That’s society! Older men like younger girls, what can I say? Is it sickening at times? Sure! But at the time, when I was twenty-three, I wanted it. I was attracted to him, we got along really well, and I made a move, okay? Me, I made the first move.”

“He should have told you no.”

“But he didn’t! I rode that dick for an entire semester, and then summer happened, and he went across the country to go on sabbatical. It was a brief stint, okay?”

“You’re being vulgar.” He shakes his head.

“That shouldn’t be new to you. You’ve been out with Janette and I enough times to know how I talk. You’re making a big deal out of nothing, and for what? Are you jealous? Is that it? He’s fucked me and you haven’t?”

“I’m not jealous of that.”

“Oh.”

“I’m not jealous of anything, I just didn’t like watching you flirt with him from backstage.”

“I wasn’t…” Your eyes start to water. “I wasn’t flirting with him…I was just being nice…cordial.” You blink a few tears away. “I…need to go, I’ve lost my appetite.” You brush by him as you walk towards the door.

“Y/N.” He sighs. “Don’t go, we can work this out.”

“You basically just said having sex with me wasn’t anything special, so…yeah, I’m leaving.”

“I didn’t say that.”

“You said you weren’t jealous of it!”

“Because I’m not! It would be a stupid thing to be jealous over. I may not have fucked you with my prick, but I got in there, I made you orgasm – twice! My main problem-“

“Well, I hope you enjoyed getting in there because it’s not happening again.” You were livid now. “Here I was, putting you on a pedestal for so long, but you’re just like every other guy. You’re an asshole!” You huff and turn towards the door again. “And if I’m acting like a teenager, then that makes you the tallest fucking baby I’ve ever seen in my life!” You leave and slam his door shut.

//

“You said what to her?!”

“Don’t yell at me! I called for help, Paige, not-“

“No, no, I will yell at you. Where do you even get off getting upset that she was talking to an old colleague?”

“I told you, they used to hook up, and he’s like fifteen years older than her, it’s gross, and I see it as him taking advantage of a young girl.”

“Harry…” Paige sighs. “It doesn’t matter how you see it, it’s how she sees it. She clearly didn’t think anything was wrong with it at the time, you can’t get mad at her for it. It was before you even knew each other. Ugh, this is just like when you punched Ryan Green at that party when you saw him talking to me.”

“Because he was the guy that dated you before me! He shouldn’t have been talking to you in the first place, he knew we were going out.”

“It doesn’t matter, it’s about trust, and not jumping to conclusions. I don’t think I had ever been so mad at you.”

“Yeah…but…you forgave me…”

“And nine months later we got Andy, I know, I know.” She sighs. “You said some real hurtful shit to her. What happened to deep breaths before speaking?”

“I couldn’t help it…”

“You and your green eyed monster.”

“I have to apologize…I feel terrible. I put up a front, and it was like I had no control over anything I was saying. What if she doesn’t want to date me anymore?”

“Then it looks like you’ll have a really awkward drive home in a couple of days.”

“Not funny.”

“I’m not trying to be, that’s the reality you’re facing. Now, from what you told me she said…it sounds like you both have some sorry’s to say. I agree she shouldn’t have ignored you all day, but maybe she just needed to cool off.”

“True…fuck, I really hope I didn’t fuck this.”

“You won’t know until you go down there and talk to her. Bring a peace offering, she’s got a sweet tooth, right?”

//

Harry taps on your door with one hand, and a boxed Oreo cheesecake in the other. You were in your pj’s already, just a large t-shirt and shorts. You sigh when you see him through the peep hole. You open the door, but only enough for the chain to stay latched.

“Hi.” You say softly.

“Can I come in?” He says just as softly. “I know it doesn’t make up for anything, but I brought cheesecake…”

“What kind?”

“Oreo.”

You close the door and at first he feels defeated, but he hears you slide the latch and you open the door all the way, letting him in.

“Thanks.” He hands the box and the plastic fork to you. He sits down on one of the beds, and you sit across from him, taking a bite.

“Is this from downstairs?”

“No, I went one of the restaurants close by and got it.”

“Oh…thank you…it’s delicious…”

“Good.” You take another bite and set it aside. “You’ve been crying?” Your eyes were red and puffy.

“Balled my eyes out, actually.”

“I’m sorry, I feel terrible.”

“So do I.”

“It was my fault…I did disrespect you, and I lied…I was jealous. I know I have no control over anyone you’ve slept with previously, I just didn’t think I’d be in the same room as them with you acting all buddy-buddy. Why should a guy like that have the privilege of knowing you?”

“Why should you?” You scoff.

“Touché.” He smirks. “Suppose I don’t really deserve that privilege right now.”

“I didn’t know you could say such hurtful things to someone…is that how you are when you’re angry?”

“Not when I’m angry, but…I’ve sort of always had this problem with jealousy. I’ve tried everything to work on it. Believe it or not, I’m way better than I used to be. One time I punched one of Paige’s ex-boyfriend’s right in the face because he was talking to her at a party.”

“Yeah? And how’d she handle that?”

“Um…” His face flushes. “Well…she has her own issues so…uh…well…we got Andy out of it, let’s just leave it at that.”

“Aggression isn’t exactly a turn on for me. I don’t like macho guys who need to assert their dominance like that.” You look down. “I’m sorry I ignored you all day, I’m sure that didn’t feel good, and you probably didn’t like seeing how bratty I can be.” You sigh. “And I cried more so because…I don’t want this to be over, and…-“

“I don’t want it to be over either…it’s barely started.”

“Were you really just trying to look out for me?”

“It was a mix of that and being jealous. I mean…I can’t wrap my head around a forty-one year old guy being able to rock your shit.”

“Harry.” You chuckle. “He was in his late thirties at the time, give him some credit. Besides, who said I was getting my shit rocked? Maybe I was rocking his.” You smirk.

“Y/N.” Harry sighs and lets his head fall back.

“You need to know something, you’re, like, all I think about.”

“Really?” He looks at you again.

“Yeah…I don’t want anyone else, I don’t even know who else I could want, honestly.”

“I really am sorry for how I acted earlier.”

“Me too.” You bite your bottom lip. “But…I don’t wanna be spoken to like that again. I’m not your kid, Har.”

“I know that.” He says defensively.

“You, like, had your dad voice on.”

“I was just speaking sternly so you’d take me seriously.”

“I felt like I was getting a lecture from my father, I don’t need that from you. I think if something goes wrong we need to try to find a way to properly talk about it. It’s not just on you, it’s on me too, obviously. It’s something we can both work on.”

“Okay.”

“Do you wanna get cozy and split the rest of this with me?”

“Thought you’d never ask.” He perks up.

Harry kicks his shoes off and gets on the bed with you. You had some random movie on the TV, and you cutely feed him bites of the cheesecake off your fork.

“Just so you know, sweets can’t buy my affection.”

“It was a peace offering.”

“Oh really?”

“Yeah…Paige gave me the idea.”

“What?” Your eyes grow wide. “Harry, you told her we had a fight?!”

“I had no one else to call for help!” He pouts. “Please don’t be mad.”

“I don’t want her knowing anything bad about me…I her want her to trust me with Andy.”

“She does.” He shrugs.

“She does?”

“Yeah…because I trust you.”

“Oh…well, I don’t want you running to her every time we have a disagreement.”

“Well, I was thinking this could be the only one we have.” You laugh at that and so does he. “Sorry, she’s still, like, my best friend, and I sure as hell wasn’t going to call my sister about this.”

“And notice…I’m not all jealous because you’re best friends with your ex.”

“It’s a little different, I’ve got a kid with her.”

“Most people I know who are divorced with kids aren’t as nice to each other.”

“We’re not divorced, we never got married, didn’t I tell you that? Maybe that’s why we don’t hate each other, nothing on paper that legally needed to be divided up.”

“Oh yeah…you did mention that once I think.” You set the box aside since there were only crumbs left, and look up at him. “I think I prefer when we disagree as colleagues better. I feel exhausted.”

“Same here.” He chuckles. “It’s also been a really long day. I should let you get to sleep.”

“Can’t sleep now, I just had all that sugar!” You laugh and crawl into his lap. You sigh as he starts to rub your back. “Can we just stay like this for a little while?”

“I’d like that.”

You nuzzle into his chest, and he rests his chin on the top of your head. You hear him take his glasses off and you look up at him again. You both slowly lean in, lips ghosting over each other, and then you’re kissing softly and slowly.

“Mm, you taste like Oreos.” He smiles against you and then bites down on your bottom lip, sucking it gently. You groan into him and he holds you closer.

“Please.” You breathe. “Can we-“

“I’d like to wait until we get home if that’s alright…we have another day of sessions, and then we’re heading back…we’ll get back late…and I might too tired to even get back to my place, so…”

“So then you’d have to come up to mine, just to be on the safe side.”

“Exactly.” He grins. You groan and then give him a lip smacking kiss.

“Okay, get out of my room.”

He laughs at you and you get off of him. He kisses you again before leaving. He was going to be the death of you.

//

Things were much better the next day. You both even went to some similar sessions. Luckily, Dr. Pierce was nowhere to be found, so you didn’t run into him. You both decide to skip the awards ceremony since it was mostly for board members anyways so you could hit the road.

“Alright, I’m driving.” You say. “You good with that?”

“Go for it.” He hands you the keys and you get into the driver’s seat.

You didn’t lie when you said you had road rage. Harry nearly had a heart attack every two seconds watching you weave in and out of lanes as you got out of the city.

“Get out of the left lane you fucking asshole!” You yell. “Look at this guy, can you believe it?” You look at Harry. “Let’s go!” You yell before he can say anything.

“Babe! Babe, relax, there’s no rush.” He says, putting his hand on your thigh.

“Wh-what?” Your features soften.

“I know you’re eager to get back, but let’s get there in one piece, yeah?”

“I…” You look at him quickly and then back to the road. “Yeah.” You swallow. Had he not realized that was the first time he called you babe? “Sorry.”

“It’s okay.” He chuckles. “Didn’t realize how badly you wanted to fuck me.” He smirks.

“Shut up.” You roll your eyes as he gives your thigh a squeeze. “You just called me babe…”

“I know.” He nods. “Is that alright?”

“Yes.”

He leans over the console to kiss your cheek and then he sits back. He was really glad nothing got too fucked up between you. He liked you so much, he wanted to keep seeing where this was going.

//

It was dark by the time you pulled up to your apartment. You had stopped off at the same rest area and had a quick bite. You were sort of shocked that Harry let you drive the whole way, maybe he was saving his energy. You turn the car off and swallow.

“So…you’re coming up?”

“You want me to?”

“Yes.”

He nods and you both get out of the car. He opens the trunk to grab yours and his bags and then he locks the car. He follows you up to your apartment.

“If I could just have a second to go, um, freshen up…feel free to use the hall bath if you need it.” You were blushing, perhaps a little flustered at the prospect of what was to come. He simply nods at you before going to use the other bathroom.

You rush into your own bathroom with your things. You weren’t sure what you should do. Should you bother with a fresh pair of underwear? It was only going to come off…was Harry the type to even care about that sort of thing? Something tells you probably not. So, you just freshen up your deodorant, and put on a little perfume before going back out. He was bent over one of his bags putting his glasses away. You come up to him and slide your hand up his back. He stands up straight and looks down at you.

“You want this?” He asks softly.

“I want you, Harry…”

You wrap your arms around his neck and pull him down to you. Your lips find his and his hands find your hips. He nibbles on your bottom lip, getting a soft moan from you. One of your hands slides up to his hair as he starts walking you back into your room. You both get on the bed and he hovers over you.

“I had a dream sort of like this the other night.” You smile up at him and he smiles back.

“Yeah?”

“Mhm, but I’m already liking this better.”

“Why’s that?” He asks as he takes his shirt off.

“Because this is real and not something I can wake up from.” You run your hands up and down his torso and it sends a shiver up his spine.

He tugs at the hem of your shirt and you sit up so he can take it off. He immediately unhooks your bra to let your breasts free and attaches his hands to them. As he leans back down to kiss you, your hands work to undo his jeans, and you toe them down his legs so he can kick them off. He kisses down your chest, licking over both of your nipples, sucking on one, before kissing his way down your stomach. He undoes your shorts and tugs them down your legs, leaving you in your underwear. It wasn’t your sexiest pair, but he didn’t seem to really care as he started kissing you over them. Your hips buck up. No one had ever really done that to you before. You watch as he watches the wet spot become more damp and he presses his thumb into it. He looks up at you when he hears you gasp.

“I know, you want these to come off, right?”

“Please, Harry.”

He nods and hooks his fingers into your underwear to drag them down your legs. Once you’re fully naked before him he licks his lips like you’re a buffet ready to be devoured.

“There’s something I’d like to do…if you felt comfortable with it.” He says and your eyes light up. You were sort of hoping he was a little freaky.

“What?” You bite your bottom lip in anticipation.

“I’d like to eat you out from behind, can I do that?”

Okay, not as freaky as you thought, but definitely not something guys offered to do often.

“Sure.” You shrug, and roll over onto your stomach. You get up on your knees and elbows and look back at him.

He comes closer to you, holding you close as he kisses on the back of your neck. He works his way down your back, biting you occasionally to get you a little riled up. He bites into your left ass cheek and you grunt. You feel him spread you apart, and you buck forward when you feel his tongue slide between you folds.

“Stay still for me.” He says as he grips your hips, diving back in for more.

You grip at your blankets as you feel his tongue sliding up and down your slit. He adjusts you a little so he can briefly suck on your clit. You moan out when he does so, not wanting him to stop, but he does. His tongue enters you, going in and out, only briefly. You feel his fingers start to rub on your clit as his tongue slides back on your slit, back further, and up to your other hole. Your eyes widen when you feel his tongue there, he doesn’t enter you this way, but he was certainly getting a good lick. You couldn’t find it in you to care because his fingers were sliding into your cunt.

“Oh, fuck.” You groan as he pumps them in and out of you.

You couldn’t remember ever feeling so stimulated before, everything he was doing felt incredible. His tongue stays lapping around your other whole while his fingers fuck you from behind, his thumb rubbing circles into your clit.

“Oh my god, Harry.” You moan. He grunts against you, not letting up for a second.

Your body starts to feel warm all over, and you feel your stomach start to tighten. Your breathing is getting heavier, and you could feel sweat forming on your forehead. He was getting in so deep with just his fingers, and what he was doing with his tongue was sending you.

“H-Harry, I’m gonnaaaa-“ You couldn’t finish your sentence. Your eyes roll into the back of your head as you come around his fingers.

He retracts them and brings his tongue back around your folds to lick you clean. He sucks his fingers into his mouth as you slowly turn around to face him. You were shocked.

“Good?” He smirks.

You grin and tackle him down onto the bed, pinning him down and crashing your mouth to his. You sponge kisses to his jaw and neck and down his chest. He groans when you start grinding over his still covered cock.

“I think these should come off now, don’t you?” You say, already tugging at the band of his boxers.

“Yeah.” He lifts his hips to help you as you tug them the rest of the way down. Just as you’re inching your way down his body he grips your hips and pulls you back up.

“What are you doing?”

“M’not done with you yet.” Yup, he was definitely resting up in the car earlier. You get the gist and raise yourself over his mouth, and lower yourself so his tongue can be on you again.

“Fuck.” You breathe as he sucks on your clit.

You reach behind you to pump his hard dick, and he bucks up into your hand. You use your other hand to tug at his hair. He was moaning against you from the way you were jerking him off and it just added to the sensation on your core. His tongue slips inside you and you essentially start riding it.

“Fuck! Oh my god.” You groan. No one had fucked you like this in a very long time, and he hadn’t even put his dick into yet.

You have to use both hands to grip at your headboard when he starts sucking on your clit again, and slips two of his fingers inside you from behind. You were a mess above him, crying out and whining about how good it felt. You release onto his tongue and he sucks on you until you’ve ridden it out completely. You slowly get off of him and sink down onto the bed. You look at each other for a moment.

“You’re wild.” You chuckle.

“I told you…I can get a little excited.” He leans forward and kisses your forehead. “Do you have any condoms handy? Mine are all packed away…”

“You packed some?” You look up at him with wide eyes.

“Well…I just wanted to be prepared in case anything happened…and then I went fucked it so-“

“Hey.” You cup his jaw. “It’s all good now, okay?” He leans into your touch and kisses your palm.

“Okay.”

“I keep them in the bathroom, just give me one second.” You get up and wobble slightly. Your legs felt like jelly after all that. You rummage through your cabinet below the sink and grab a few…just in case.

“How come you keep ‘em in there?” He asks as you come back out.

“I…don’t need them as often and I keep other things in my night tables.” You shrug and get back on the bed.

He cups your cheeks and brings you back down to him to kiss you. You hand him one of the condoms and toss the others on the night table. You lay on your back and lick your lips as he rolls it on.

“Is this the only form of birth control you use?” He asks as he shuffles to hover over you.

“Yeah…I got off the pill last year.”

“Oh, how come?”

“I just didn’t like the way it made me feel.” You clear your throat. It was the truth, but you also got off it so that if you met someone and got serious you would have an easier time getting pregnant when the time came, but you certainly weren’t going to say that to him. “Is it okay that we use condoms?”

“Yeah, I don’t care, I just don’t know if we had a backup is all.”

He slots his lips over yours and opens your legs up. He runs his fingers over your slit to make sure you’re still wet. He looks down to line himself up with you, and you push his hair away so he can see better.

“You sure?” He asks.

“Yes, Harry.”

He smiles at you and slowly start to push in. Your mouth falls open at the feeling. He was thick, obviously, but holy shit. Not only is he really good at eating out, but his dick felt amazing. How any woman could have ever let him go was beyond you. He grunts once he’s all the way inside you. He gives you a second and then he starts to thrust in and out of you. He props himself up with one arm, and uses the other to hook under one of your legs to drive in a little deeper.

“Oh! That feels good.” You moan as your head rolls back. Your nails dig into his biceps.

“Yeah? Like feeling me this deep? You feel so good, Y/N.” He says into your ear and it makes your eyes roll into the back of your head.

“God, keep talking.” You tug at his hair.

“Could barely concentrate during my presentation the other day.” He says between kissing on your neck and shoulder. “You looked so beautiful.”

“Your confidence up there was so sexy, I was about ready to find a closet or something to blow you in afterwards.”

“Jesus.”

“Would you have liked that? If I just tugged in you somewhere discrete and made you feel good?”

“Yes.” He grunts. He sits up and puts both of your legs over his shoulders and fucks into your hard and fast.

You look up at him wide eyed and reach to scratch at his stomach before your hand lands on your clit. You rub circles into yourself as you both continue making eye contact. With each thrust you could tell he was looking for your g-spot, watching your features to see what feels good. When he hits it you gasp.

“Ha! Right there?”

“Yes, keep doing that, I’m close.” You whine and rub yourself faster.

“Should make you wait, you already had two, greedy.”

“Don’t be mean.” You pout. “Please, Har?”

He grins at you and continues to hit the spot over and over. He could feel you tightening and squeezing around him. You definitely were close.

“Oh! Oh my god! Harry, Harry!” Your back arches and squeeze around him especially hard. When you become too sensitive you pull your hand away from yourself. You thought he wouldn’t be much longer but there he was…rocking in and out of you.

He comes closer to you, burying his face in your neck, slow, precise thrusts. You dig your nails into his ass and he groans. Alright, he liked feeling your nails, this was something you knew for sure now.

“Can I get on top?” You nearly beg.

“Yeah.” He breathes.

He pulls out of you carefully and gets on his back. You swing a leg over him and sink down with ease. You raise and lower on him until you get a groove going. His hands slide up to your breasts and he kneads them. You were surprised he was letting you just ride him and that he wasn’t thrusting up into you, but you appreciated having the control. His hands move your hips and ass, squeezing at different locations. You smirk down at him.

“Can’t decide where I wanna touch you most.” He admits.

“Wanna feel you all over.”

His hands move up to your back and he pulls you down to him so your chests are flush together. He bends his legs at the knee and digs his feet into your bed so he could thrust into you, moving you up and down on him. You kiss on his neck and move to his mouth as you grind on him. You both were moving in sync, and you were getting the best friction against your clit. You weren’t sure if you’d be able to come again, having never had four in one go, but you both were up to the challenge. He moves you faster and faster on him. You have to detach your lips to breathe when you start panting.

“Shit!” You cry out when you feel your release. You rest your head on his chest, and gives you a moment to regain yourself before pulling out. “You…you didn’t come yet.”

“I know, we’re not done.” Your eyes widen at him. “Don’t tell me you’re tired, babe.” He smirks.

“Nope.” You shake your head and grin. “Gimme all you got.”

He flips you onto your stomach, and has you lay flat as he slides in, almost his full weight on top of you. You almost sigh with relief because this was something you had been craving for what felt like ages. Just feeling him full on you, almost crushing you, but in the best possible way. He rocks in and out of you slowly and kisses on your neck and shoulders. It was needy at first, but now things just felt sensual. You feel a little bad he can’t really feel how soaked you are around him.

He slides an arm under your chest to grip one of your breasts, and his other hand snakes just under your pelvis. You gasp when you feel his fingers on your clit. You were overly sensitive now. He was just pressing down, not moving, and applying pressure. His hips move in circles and your mouth falls open. He was really stretching you out now. Your hips move with him, and he starts moaning softly.

“Love feeling you like this.” He says into your ear.

“Me too.” You whimper. Now his fingers rub circles into your clit with same motion as both of your hips, big and slow. “Harry.”

“Shh, I know you’ve got one more in you. This time we’re gonna do it together, how does that sound?”

“Sounds good.” You groan.

Between his breath in your ear, his fingers on your clit, his other fingers tweaking your nipple, and his cock working wonders inside you, you had no idea how you hadn’t melted into a puddle on your bed and evaporated into thin air.

“H-Harry, I-“ You squeeze around him and he bites hard on your shoulder.

This sends you over the edge you cry out loudly. You practically scream his name, which helps him meet his own end. It was so hot, you could feel his come through the condom. He kisses down your back as he pulls out, and you wince.

“Sorry.” He mumbles as he gets off your bed. “M’just gonna take care of this in the bathroom.”

“Be my guest.” You breathe. You push yourself up and waddle to the hall bath. Your shit hadn’t be rocked quite like that in a long time, if ever.

When you come back into your room he was grabbing a fresh pair of boxers from his bag and sliding them up his legs. His glasses were back on his face, and he was rummaging for his toothbrush.

“You have toothpaste I can use?” He asks, pushing his glasses further up his nose.

“Mhm.” You nearly squeak. Your voice was hoarse. “Just let me do my thing and then it’s all yours.” You sounded like you had gravel in your throat it made him beam at you.

Harry goes into the bathroom after you, and you throw a large t-shirt on and get into bed. You were nervous, a guy hadn’t stayed over with you in this apartment yet. And you had been living there a year! He comes out and slides into bed with you.

“It’s alright I’m staying?”

“Yeah, why?”

“You’re as stiff as a board.” He chuckles. “Here I was thinking I loosened you up.”

“Harry.” You breathe. “Please, I’m exhausted.” He laughs at that and leans over to turn your light off. He pulls you to lay on his chest.

“You don’t do this often, do you?”

“No…I get nervous sleeping next to people.”

“Why?”

“Because, like, what if I roll over too much and wake you up, or snore, or talk in my sleep, or what if I…don’t look cute when I wake up.”

“Y/N.” Harry laughs. “You’re talking about things that all people do, it’s okay.”

“I also really like to get wrapped up in my blankets…like a burrito.” You mumble the last part.

“Well, you know I like holding onto something, so why don’t I be your burrito tonight?”

“Really?”

“Yeah, let me wrap you up, we’ll get all snug.”

You smile and peck his lips before turning over. He spoons you nice and tight to him, his limbs slung over yours, blankets cozy around the both of you. You sigh happily.

“This is nice.” You whisper.

“I agree.” He whispers back.

“You…have a lot of stamina.”

“Surprised?”

“A little.” You chuckle. “Good surprise though.”

“Did you like everything I did?”

“Yes, very much.”

“Even the stuff at the beginning.”

“I was very surprised by that, but it felt good with everything else you were doing.”

“Good, so you weren’t freaked out?”

“Nope.” You adjust closer to him. “I’m pretty open to trying things. I would have told you if I didn’t like something.”

“Everything just felt right with you.” He nuzzles his face into the back of your head.

“I feel the same way.”

Everything would be different now, but that wasn’t necessarily a bad thing. You had never connected physically like that with someone before. You were falling for him, hard, to say the least.

//

You wake up just as you did the night you went camping with Harry. His body pressed close to yours, and his breath on the back of your neck. You could hear light snores coming from him. The clock on your bed side table reads 9:30. You sigh and adjust against him, hoping to maybe fall back asleep. His arm pulls you closer to him, and you turn onto your back to look up at him. He blinks a few times before looking down at you. He smiles and opens his mouth to speak, and as if on cue, his phone starts buzzing.

“It’s Andy.” There’s a slight sigh. “Do you mind if I take it?”

“No, go ahead.” You giggle. That kid sure had impeccable timing.

“Hello?”

“Hey, Dad!”

“Hi, buddy, why you calling so early?” He knuckles at one of his eyes and sits up.

“Says the guy that gets up before sunrise every day.” Andy scoffs. “How was New York, did your presentation go well?”

“It was good, yeah, a lot of people showed up, I was surprised. Got asked some good questions.”

“Did Y/N come?”

“She sure did.” Your jaw drops and you smack Harry’s chest. He chuckles softly.

“So, is she your girlfriend yet, or what?”

Harry’s face loses all color and he clears his throat.

“Uhhh, I don’t know yet, um, could I call you later, Andy?”

“Why, are you busy?”

“A little.”

“Doing what?”

“I’m just tired, we got back late last night, and then…I didn’t fall asleep until later. Not really awake enough for a full conversation.”

“Fine.” He sighs. “Call me later, love you.”

“Love you too.” Harry puts his phone down and looks at you. “Sorry, he doesn’t understand how this stuff works…”

“What stuff?”

“Like…dating timeframes. You know how kids are, they think you go out on one date and that makes someone your boyfriend or girlfriend.”

“Labels really scare you, huh?” You sit up and look at him, covering your upper half with the blanket.

“No, that’s not it, I just don’t want you to feel rushed or pressured.” Your features soften at that.

He was right, it had only been a month, it was probably a little soon to rush into the boyfriend/girlfriend label. You shuffle over to sit in his lap, and you lay your head on his shoulder. He holds you close and rubs your back. You start laughing.

“What?”

“I can’t believe you said that to him.”

“Oh, he didn’t pick up on the innuendo, s’fine.” He kisses the top of your head. “Sleep alright?”

“Mhm, did you?”

“Yeah, like you a lot better than my body pillow.” You both laugh at his dumb joke. “What are you doing today?”

“Hmm.” You look up at him. “Laundry for sure, grocery shopping…I’ve got some reading to catch up on, you?”

“Bout the same. Could we have a shower and some breakfast? Then I’ll get out of your hair.”

“That sounds great.” You kiss his cheek. “But no hanky panky in there, I’m throbbing and not in a good way.”

“Sorry.” His cheeks grow red.

“No! It’s okay, I just...you had me all over the place, and your dick is really big. Not complaining at all, it was just a lot all at once.”

“I…may have been a little excited.”

“No skin off my nose, I’d rather have it like that anyways.” You kiss his nose and get off of him. You extend your hand out and lead him to the bathroom to start your shower.

//

“You bitch! You can’t just say he spent the night and not give me details!” Janette says over FaceTime later that evening. “I’ve missed everything!”

“When you get back we can go out for drinks. I don’t think he’d like it very much if I spilled the beans. I’m not sure what we’re telling people…if we’re telling people.”

“It’s been about a month, right? You could tell people you’re seeing someone.”

“Other than my brother you’re the first person I’ve told.”

“Please, just tell me this…did you go to sleep happy?”

“Very.” You smirk and she squeals.

“God, I’ve missed you.”

“I miss you too.”

//

A few days pass, and you end up going to Boston for your birthday. You and Harry have spoken, of course, but you haven’t been able to see each other. He was really bummed because he wanted to take you out to dinner.

“Can I take you out for a night on the town when you get back?”

“I’d like that.”

Harry was one of the sweetest guys you had ever dated, and you felt really lucky. Your parents and brother and Julian were all taking you out for dinner at one of your favorite Chinese food places in the city.

“How was New York, honey?” Your mom asks.

“It was great! I learned a lot. I’m really glad I went, there were so many good sessions.”

“And you went with one of your colleagues?” Your dad asks.

“Mhm.” You say, sipping your drink. You and Phil make eyes at each other and you swallow hard. “We’re…well, we’re sort of seeing each other.”

“Oh?” Your mom gasps and then she smiles. “Where the hell is he then? You didn’t invite him o your birthday dinner?”

“Mum…it’s a bit soon for him to meet the family, it’s only been a little over a month since we’ve started going out.”

“How long have you known him?” Your dad asks.

“Almost a year. He’s my office neighbor, so we’ve been friends a while.”

“Well, I’m just tickled pink! It’s been ages since you’ve had a boyfriend.” Your mom beams.

“He’s not my boyfriend, not officially, anyways. We’re just dating, seeing how it goes.”

“What’s the problem? He should want to snatch you up.” Your dad says.

“He needs to be really selective with who he gets serious…he sort of has a kid…” You mumble.

“A kid?!” They both say.

“How old is this man?” Your mom asks.

“Only thirty-two, Phil’s age.”

“How old is the kid? Must be young.” Your dad says.

“He’s eleven, actually…they had him young. I’ve met his mom, she’s really nice. She has a serious boyfriend who has a daughter. Harry’s son’s name is Andy, and he’s very sweet.”

“So, you’ve met him?” Your mom asks.

“Oh, sure. Harry has to bring him to work sometimes. I’ve gone hiking with them too.”

“Yeah, Y/N went camping overnight with them.” Phil says with a grin. “Think that was when he finally had the balls to ask her out. Shared a tent and everything.”

“I’m never telling you anything ever again.” You groan.

“I think next time we come up for a visit we should meet this man. I mean, you really want to get involved with someone with a kid in middle school? What if things get really serious, and then you find out he doesn’t wanna deal with having a baby again? I know it’s your choice, but you’ve always said you wanted a baby, I don’t want you wasting your time with someone who won’t give that to you.” Your mom says.

“Wow, a lecture on my birthday, what a gift.”

“We just want to make-“ Your dad starts but you cut him off.

“Look, I get I’m the baby of this family, but I’m not stupid, I know what I’m doing. It’s taken me a year to open my eyes and heart up to him, and I can’t believe the time I already wasted not being with him. He’s…he’s amazing, and kind, and exactly what I want in a guy. If things get more serious then I’m sure the topic of babies will come up, and we’ll talk about it then. I’ll let you meet him when I think it’s time, not when you do.” You huff. “Now, can we please enjoy this lo mein? It’s delicious.”

Phil invites you to spend the night at his place after dinner, which you’re thankful for. You didn’t want to be lectured anymore. Just as you’re crawling into bed you get a FaceTime request from Harry.

“Hey!” You say a little too excitedly.

“Hey, birthday girl. Have I said happy birthday enough times to you today? How about one more: happy birthday, Y/N.” You bite your bottom lip as you smile.

“Thank you, Harry. You’re so sweet.”

“I can’t wait to see you, I think you’ll like what I have planned.”

“I can’t wait too.”

“Andy made you a card, I saw him today and he gave it to me to give to you.”

“Aw, he’s so cute. He’ll be home with you pretty soon, huh?”

“Yeah, couple more weeks.”

“Listen, um…I sort of told my parents about us tonight…I hope that’s alright.”

“You did?” He perks up.

“Yeah, they wanna meet you soon, is that weird?”

“I don’t know, is it weird that my mum and sister are dying to video chat with you?”

“You told them about me?” You swoon.

“Course I did…a little while ago, when I was still keeping how I felt to myself…think it was after Andy’s birthday party.” He rubs the back of his neck.

“You’re so cute, Harry.” You smile. “What are you doing tomorrow?”

“Noah asked me to lunch…for some reason. Should be interesting. What about you?”

“Phil’s cooking for me all day to try out some new recipes.”

“Lucky duck.” You giggle at that.

“I’m tired so I’m gonna go to sleep, but I’m really happy you called. It’s nice to see your face.”

“It’s nice to see yours too. See you in a couple days.”

“Goodnight.”

“Goodnight.”

//

Harry met Noah at a casual seafood place for lunch. They sat outside, and both ordered a beer with their lunches.

“So…not that I don’t like hanging out, but usually we do it with the kids around. What’s this all about?”

“Getting right to it, huh?” Noah chuckles. “Well…I guess, how do you feel about me, H?”

“How do I feel about you?” Harry laughs. “Well, if I were a prick I’d say you annoy me because you’re the guy fucking the mother of my kid, but I’m not so I won’t say that.” He smirks as Noah’s face falls. “Jesus, relax, mate, I’m teasing. I like you, obviously. You’re good to Andy, and to Paige.”

“You scared me for a second there.” He clears his throat. “We all have a nice thing going, this blended family thing.”

“Yeah, I’d say it’s all working out as well as it can.”

“Paige and I have been together for three years now, and we live together, and Rachel loves her to pieces, Andy too.” Harry hums his response and takes a sip of his beer. “We’ve chatted a bit, I know what she wants, so…I’m planning to propose next week.” Harry nearly chokes on his drink just as the waitress comes over with his food. “Sorry…”

“No, uh, no, uh, you just caught me by surprise.” He clears his throat. “Why are you telling me this? You want my blessing or something?”

“Sort of…look, after my wife, well…” He tears up slightly. “I never thought I’d fall in love again, and I love Paige so much. She’s been a great mother figure to Rach, not that I would let her forget her actual mother. If I’m going to be Andy’s step-dad, I wanna make sure his actual dad is okay with it.”

“Y-yeah, I’m okay with it.” Suddenly the food he was starving for made him feel sick. “Um, thanks for letting me know.”

“Of course!”

“Have you talked with her father?”

“God no.” He scoffs. “Would rather ask for forgiveness instead of permission with him. Besides, I think your blessing would mean more to her than his. I know how much she cares about you still, H.”

“Right.”

Harry does his best to make it through his lunch, but he gets most of it wrapped up, assuring Noah he just wasn’t that hungry. When he gets home, and puts his food in the fridge, he grips the counter and starts crying. He wasn’t sure what suddenly came over him, but there he was, alone in his kitchen, sobbing. It wasn’t that he wanted to be with Paige in that way, it just felt like a kick to the gut. He knew she would say yes to Noah, but she had said no to him. She didn’t love him enough to stay. She loved Noah more than him. Harry had you now, sure, but what if you’d never love him, or if you did, would you love him enough to stick it out?

//

You were very excited for your night out with Harry. You weren’t sure where he was taking you for dinner, but you wanted to look nice, so you go with a black dress that flows around your thighs. Your hair is down and wavy, and your make up is just on point tonight.

Harry: I’m here

You’re a little surprised that he didn’t ring your buzzer like he’s been doing, but you shrug it off. You’re even more surprised that he’s sitting in his car. Since you started dating he’s been waiting for you outside. You open the car door and get in.

“Hi.” You say brightly and kiss his cheek.

“Hey.” He gives you a soft smile.

“Are you alright?”

“Yeah, I’m fine, why?”

“No reason…”

He pulls onto the street and heads towards the local movie theater that wasn’t really used for normal movies. It was a place for live bands, dinner and a show, sometimes they’d show old black and white films and someone would come to play the piano live, that sort of thing.

“We’re going to the Flying Elephant?” You ask excitedly.

“Yeah, I thought it would be fun to eat and listen to some music.” He mutters.

He was off, you could tell he was trying to seem happy and excited, but something was definitely wrong. What could have happened in the last twenty-four hours? Your eyes widen you remember he had lunch with Noah yesterday, did they get into an argument?

Harry parks the car, and this time he opens the door for you like he usually would. He gives you a peck on the lips and smiles.

“You look really nice.” He says.

“Thank you.” You smile.

He leads you inside and one of the workers scans the tickets he got for the show. You follow him up to the small balcony where your table was. You had never been to an event at the Flying Elephant, but you had mentioned a couple of times that you would like to, so you thought this was very thoughtful.

“What kind of music is it tonight?”

“Jazz I think, but, like, the fun kind, big band style.”

“Oh, fun!”

A waiter comes over with your favorite bottle of white, two glasses, and a basket of bread. He says he’ll be back soon to take your order. Harry had clearly planned a lot of this out, so what was his problem?

“Got your favorite.” He smiles as you clink your glasses. “Happy birthday.”

“I see that, thank you, Harry.” You each take a sip, and then look at the menu. “Oh! They have a tofu marsala, that sounds nice.”

“I’ve had that here before, it’s really good.”

The waiter comes back and you both end up ordering the same thing. You take another sip of your wine and look around at the other people filling in. Harry’s quiet more than usual, so you decide to speak up.

“How was your lunch with Noah yesterday?”

“Huh? Oh…um, it was good.” He shrugs. “Nothing really to report.”

“So, did he just wanna hang out or something?”

“Yeah.”

“Harry…” You reach across the table and take his hand, giving it a squeeze. “Are you sure everything’s okay? We didn’t need to come tonight if something’s going on…”

“No! No, everything’s fine…I’m just in a funk I guess, I’m sorry. It has nothing to do with you, but I don’t really wanna talk about it.”

“Alright.” You sigh.

“I’m glad we’re here tonight, together.”

“Are you nervous about classes starting soon?”

“No.” He chuckles. “That’s, like, the least of my worries right now. Really, it’s fine, I’m just in my head about something stupid.”

“Well…if you feel like talking about it I’m here for you.” You smile softly.

“Thanks.” He gives you’re a hand a squeeze.

Luckily when your food comes out the music starts, and the tension breaks a bit. The band sounded incredible, and you both were having a wonderful time. A couple of the performers told jokes between sets, which had everyone in the audience hollering. Harry had the waiter bring a cupcake over to your table with a little candle in it for dessert. Birthdays weren’t really a bid deal to you, but it meant so much that he put so much effort in. You blow your candle out and split the cupcake with him.

“That was so much fun, thank you so much.”

“I’m glad you had a good time, babe.” He puts his hand on your thigh as he drives you back home.

You relax a little at the pet name. You desperately wanted to know what was bothering him, but you didn’t want to push him since he said he didn’t want to talk about it. He pulls up to your building and turns the car off with a sigh.

“If you don’t feel like coming up you don’t have to…”

“No, I want to. I wanna spend time with you.” He smiles and gets out of the car, and opens your door for you.

“Can I get you anything?” You ask as you get into your place.

“Just a glass of water would be great.” He says, sitting down on the couch. You fill a glass for the both of you and him his when you come to sit with him. “Thanks.” He says as he takes a sip.

“The band sounded great, I’d like to do that again sometime.”

“Definitely. They show film festivals there sometimes too. I usually give my classes extra credit if they go.”

“Fun! I love a good film festival, what do they show?”

“All of the shorts nominated for Oscars usually. All of the animated ones too, it’s great. Although, usually they’re all really somber for whatever reason.”

“People probably figure sadness will get them the nom.” You roll your eyes. “I think it takes more skill to make someone laugh, but that’s just me.”

“A lot of the comedies I’ve seen have had some of the darkest or saddest moments.”

“That’s what I’m saying! Comedies can be really gut-wrenching.” You sip your water and set it down on the coffee table. He does the same, but twiddles his thumbs.

“Har, you’re killing me.”

“Why?”

“Because something’s wrong and you’re making me nervous.”

“It doesn’t have anything to do with you…”

“I know, but you’re here with me now, and you’re not all the way here. Just talk to me, please?”

“I…it’s stupid.”

“It’s not if it’s making you feel bad.” You put your hand on his shoulder. “Whatever it is you can tell me.”

“At lunch yesterday Noah told me that he’s going to propose to Paige. He invited me out to get basically get my blessing or some shit.” He runs a hand through his hair. “Apparently they’ve spoken about it, so she’s going to say yes, which is good, they make a great couple.”

“So…what’s the problem?”

He looks at you, eyes glossy.

“I don’t know.” He whispers and shakes his head.

“Are you…sad that things are going to be so official between them?”

“Maybe…I mean, I don’t want her in that way, you have to know that, Y/N. I’m not sad because I’m in love with her or anything, those feelings have long since left, but…it just sucks, like, it’s just a reminder that I wasn’t worth sticking it out for or something. It brings back to such a shitty time in my life, you know?”

“Oh, Harry.” You rub at his back. “I’m so sorry…”

“it didn’t work for a reason, we were both really young, and she…she told me she wasn’t in love with me anymore, for whatever reason, I mean Andy was a total accident, I don’t know if she and I would have lasted with or without him. It’s not like we were a perfect match. I think we were always better as friends, but I was stubborn about it. When we hooked up those few times after things ended, that was me going to her, not her coming to me. I was so lost, you know? Look at me, it’s been over ten years, and it feel likes it happened yesterday all over again.” He sighs and pinches the bridge of his nose.

“I get it, this is a big change that’s going to happen.” You chew your bottom lip. “I had a high school sweetheart, the kind that I thought I was going to be with forever and marry and have kids with. But when it came time for us to go to college we ended it to give ourselves some freedom. Well, about a month into school I go on Facebook and see he’s in a relationship with this girl that he had started talking to over the summer while we were still together. It crushed me. Now he’s married to her or whatever. It sucks when you thought you were someone’s number one, and it turns out you weren’t…but I also believe that things happen for a reason. I wasn’t meant to be with him, and maybe you weren’t meant to be with Paige. I think we all go through things on journeys that lead us to the person we’re supposed to be with.” He looks at you and blinks. “Sorry, I hate when I’m feeling like shit and someone tries to use their own story to relate because we all know that doesn’t do anyone any good, and I know I could never really know the feelings involved with having a kid with someone, but-“

He cups your cheeks and brings you close to him. He slots his mouth over yours and your eyes flutter closed. He gently sucks on your bottom lip and you groan into him. He lets go of you and smooths some hair away from your face.

“Thank you.” He smiles. “What you said did make me feel better.”

“Your feelings are valid, Harry, don’t discount them. I know it’s sort of awkward to talk to me about, but I don’t want you to feel like you’re going this alone.”

“The more I talk about it, I just feel silly. I’m happy for them, truthfully. He just sort of sprung it on me, but it all makes sense now looking back on it, like, why he’d wanna meet up alone.”

“Pretty respectful of him, not everyone would check in with the ex.”

“I know, it was really kind of him to consider my feelings. I’m sorry it put me in such a funk, I hope I didn’t ruin our evening.”

“You didn’t, it was really nice. Clearly you put a lot of effort in.” You cup his cheek and rub your thumb over his cheekbone. You peck at his lip and smile. “I think I’m too full to do anything, but if you wanna stay and cuddle…”

“I’d like that.” He smiles. “Sure you don’t mind?”

“No, I want you here. We can get cozy, watch a little TV, and pass out.”

“That sounds amazing.”

//

A couple of days later.

Andy stood there inside with Rachel watching through the glass door as Noah got down on one knee and proposed to Paige. He grimaced as he heard her squeal and nod her head yes as he slipped the ring on her finger.

“Can you believe it?! Now we’ll really be brother and sister.” Rachel beams at Andy before running outside to congratulate the two.

Paige looks around and frowns when she sees Andy walk away from the glass and further into the house.

“I’m gonna go talk to him, one second.” She says to Noah and Rachel. She goes upstairs and taps on his door before entering. “Hey.”

“Hi.” He was sitting on his bed hugging a pillow to his chest. Harry used to do the same thing. She sighs at the sight, and sits on the edge of the bed.

“Wanna tell me what’s going on? You’re not happy for me?”

“I just don’t understand how all of this works.”

“How what works, honey?”

“Being in love. You didn’t wanna marry Dad, but you wanna marry Noah? What’s wrong with Dad?”

“Oh, Andy, nothing’s wrong with Dad. I love Dad, but…we were so young when we had you and-“

“You say that like you were sixteen, you were twenty-two mom, almost twenty-three, it’s not that young.”

“When you get to be that age maybe you’ll see that it is actually a really young age to have a baby.”

“Whatever.”

“Andy.” She sighs. “I don’t really know how to explain it, I just didn’t see a future with your Dad. I didn’t wanna be the wife of a college professor. At the time, Dad put his studies over everything and I just couldn’t see the light at the end of the tunnel. I became resentful, and I fell out of love with him. I wanted something else. Noah and I have a much better connection. Dad and I are good friends, which is great and helpful when it comes to you, but I haven’t seen him as anything more in a long time. Did you think we were going to get together?”

“No, I knew you and Noah would end up getting married, I just didn’t think so soon.”

“It’s a big change, I know…but really not a lot is going to change. He’s just gonna be my husband instead of my boyfriend.”

“He’s gonna be my step-dad.”

“Sure, but you can still just call him Noah. He doesn’t expect you to call him Dad or anything.”

“Good, because Dad is who I call Dad.” He huffs. “Rachel refers to you as Mum sometimes.”

“Does that bother you?”

“It doesn’t bother you?!”

“No…I told she could call me whatever she wants. I don’t mind it. I mean…I am sort like a mom to her. Is this why you like living with Dad more? You think we’re becoming a family without you?”

“No.” He mumbles. “I like being in school with Brandon…and Dad…like, Dad knows how to do my hair the way I like, and he takes me on fun trips, and he helps me with my homework.”

“I help you with your homework.”

“Yeah, but you’re not a teacher. He knows how to explain things to me better than you, and as much as I’ve liked swimming all the time, it’s boring just going to the lake every day. I’ve barely been hiking this summer.”

“You could have told me, I would have had Dad come get you for a weekend.”

“Yeah, just for a weekend. I hate going back and forth, Mum, I hate it so much. I just wanna live in one place.”

“Well, I’m sorry, that’s just not an option. I’d miss you too much. I missed you so much last year only seeing you on weekends.”

“Yeah? How do you think Dad felt before I got to live with him?”

“Andy, don’t speak to me like that. I’m trying to-“

“Well, stop. Just stop trying.” Tears well up in his eyes. “I wanna go home now, I don’t wanna stay here for another two weeks, I wanna go home now.” Tears were streaming down his cheeks.

“Honey…I don’t know if Dad can-“

“Then call him.” He wipes tears from his eyes. “I don’t wanna be here anymore.” He looks away from Paige and it breaks her heart.

She wasn’t sure what to do. Should just give in and let him do his thing, or should she just give him what he wants. She didn’t want him to resent her, or make him think he was held hostage here.

“Okay, I’ll call your father.”

She stands up and leaves the room. She goes downstairs where Noah and Rachel are.

“Where’s Andy? I thought we could all go get ice cream to celebrate.”

“Andy wants to go home, I need to call Harry.” She grabs her phone off the counter and goes down the hall to the office.

You and Harry were out for a walk by the river to watch the sunset. It was really romantic. You had stopped to kiss each other when he felt the buzzing in his pocket. He sighs and rests his forehead against yours as he fishes his phone out of his pocket.

“It’s Paige, do you mind, babe?”

“No, go ahead.”

“Thanks.” He swipes to take the call. “Hello?”

“Hi.” She sniffles.

“Hi…um, are you alright?”

“No.” She swallows. “Andy wants to go home, to your home. He doesn’t want to wait two more weeks.”

“What happened? Is he alright?”

“He…he’s not happy with me. Um, Noah proposed…and I said yes.”

“Congratulations.” He says it sincerely, but he rolls his eyes.

“Thanks.” She sighs. “Andy and Rachel saw from inside the house, and he went right up to his room, and then he started saying all these things, and then he started crying and now I’m crying, and I…I don’t know what to do Harry, he hates me!”

“He doesn’t hate you.”

“It’s like he doesn’t want me to be his mom anymore. He doesn’t want me.”

“He wants you, he just…might not want everything else.”

“That’s not fair. I deserve to be happy too. Ugh, you should have heard him. ‘Dad’s better at helping with homework. Dad takes me on fun trips’. I felt like a piece of shit.”

“You do plenty of fun things with him. He’s just…it’s a lot that’s changing.”

“Not really. The living situation is staying the same, I’ll just have a husband instead of a boyfriend. God, I wonder if he’s scared I’ll want another baby…”

“I mean…do you?”

“No! One was plenty, I’m too old.”

“You’re only thirty-four.”

“The store’s closed.”

“Okay, Paige.” Harry rolls his eyes again. You find a bench to sit down at to give him a little more privacy. “What do you want me to do, do you want me to come get him?”

“I guess so, I’m not gonna make him stay here if he doesn’t wanna be here, but I can’t not see him, Harry. We have to keep the weekend arrangements.”

“And we will. Maybe once he’s with me for a bit he’ll calm down. He’s a preteen now, maybe his hormones are starting to act up.” He runs a hand through his hair and looks over at you. “I can be there in like forty minutes, tell him to get his shit together. He’s gonna get a stern talking to, I can tell you that much.”

“Don’t angry with him.” She sniffles again.

“I can’t have him making you cry.”

“But he was crying, and-“

“You just got engaged, he could have acted better. He’s too old to be acting like that. I’ll be there soon.”

“Thank you, Harry.”

He sighs and comes over to you.

“I’m so sorry, I have to go pick up Andy, do you mind if we go?”

“Of course!”

You and Harry jump into his car and make your way to Paige’s house. When he pulls up he leaves the car running.

“Do you mind just waiting here a moment?”

“Not at all.” You smile and he nods.

He goes up to the front door and rings the bell. The door flies open and Andy practically flings himself onto Harry.

“Start putting your things in the trunk, I need to speak with your mother.”

“About what?”

“Andy.”

“Great, so you’re mad at me to?!”

“No one’s mad at you.” Paige says as she comes into view.

“Go put your things in the trunk, and then come back into the house the three of us are gonna have a chat.”

“Here, I’ll-“

“Let him do it, he wants to come home so bad, he can load his shit up.” Harry huffs and goes inside.

Andy was stunned, but he does as his dad says. When he opens the trunk he grins.

“Hi, Y/N!”

You turn around and give him a smile. A smile that says it’s good to see him, but he better not lollygag. Once Andy gets all of his things in the car, he goes inside and down to the office where Harry and Paige were waiting for him. Harry was leaning against the desk with his arms crossed, and Paige was sitting on the couch.

“I’m very disappointed in you.” Harry starts. “Your mum just got engaged, and you couldn’t even say congrats?”

“Right, because you look thrilled.” Andy scoffs. Harry and Paige look at each other and then back to Andy.

“You better check your attitude, or you’re gonna wish you were staying here. You can’t run from your problems, Andy. I’m glad you’re coming home, but it doesn’t change anything. Mum’s still marrying Noah. He’s gonna be your step-dad, and Rachel’s gonna be your step-sister. That’s just the way of it.”

“Noah loves you, Andy, and so does Rachel. I don’t understand, I mean, it’s been three years…”

“He’s not my dad, and she’s not my sister.” He huffs, crossing his own arms. “I don’t love them.” He could feel tears forming in his eyes again.

“I think…” Harry starts. “Maybe it’s time you start seeing Dr. Gardner again.”

“No!”

“Andy, you clearly have things going on that you can’t articulate to us, maybe talking to someone else could help.”

“I agree with Dad.” Paige speaks up.

“Of course you do, you’re always quick to pass me off so I don’t have to disturb your perfect life!”

“You said you wanted to go to Dad’s!” She stands up. “What did you want me to do, say no?”

“I don’t know! Even when I said I wanted to live with him you just let it happen!”

“Because you put up a fight when I even thought about saying no!”

“Whatever, I like living with him better anyways. I had the best year at school I’ve had in a long time, I have way better friends, and I can actually have a conversation with him.” He hands ball into fists. “I…I…I ha-“

“Don’t, Andy.” Harry interjects. “If you say that, there’s no taking it back.”

“God, fuck this!” Andy storms out of the room. Noah had taken Rachel for ice cream, so luckily they weren’t witnessing any of this.

“Andy!” Paige and Harry say at the same time.

“Hey!” Harry grabs Andy’s arms. He tries to yank it free, but Harry’s much stronger. “We don’t speak like that, do you understand me?”

“Stop talking to me like I’m a baby!”

“Then stop acting like one!”

“Harry.” Paige says. “Stop yelling at him. It’s not going to solve anything. Andy, you can’t speak like that to us, it’s not right. Dad and I have been breaking our backs trying to do everything we can to make you happy. We haven’t asked for much in return. I really want to marry Noah, but I won’t if it makes you that upset.”

“What?” Andy’s features soften and Harry lets go of him.

“I won’t marry him if it upsets you that much.”

“Paige…” Harry says.

“But…then you’d be unhappy, Mum.” Andy says. “I don’t want that.”

“We should have talked more about what it would mean if he and I got engaged and all that, I’m sorry I didn’t include you in those conversations.”

“I’m just confused about a lot right now…” Andy looks away. “I’m sorry for how I acted…it’s great that he wants to marry you.” He looks at Harry. “Can I still come home with you?”

“Yes.” Harry sighs. “Go get in the car, I’ll be out in a minute.”

Andy gives his mother a hug quickly, which surprises her, and then out the door he goes. Harry and Paige look at each other.

“What else do you think is going on with him?” Harry asks.

“I have no idea. I wish I did. I try to talk with him, get him to open up, but he’s very selective.”

“I’ll see if I can have a more relaxed chat with him. He’s only going into sixth grade, he shouldn’t be this moody.”

“Let me know when he wants to come back next…”

“I will. I’m sorry he spoiled everything.”

“He didn’t, they’re bringing me back a big old sundae, and I’m gonna stuff my face.” She smiles. “Look.” She holds the ring up. “Got my style just right.”

“It’s beautiful.” He smiles. “You know, Noah had a chat with me about all this, wanted my blessing and everything.”

“Really?” Her eyebrows raise. “Well, thank you for telling him it was okay.” She says facetiously. “Do you know if he spoke to my father?”

“He did not.”

“Good.” They both laugh. “Thank you…I don’t know how I’d handle him without you sometimes.”

“What are co-parents for?” He hugs her. “I’ll call you in a couple days, yeah?”

“Sounds good.”

Harry comes out to the car where you and Andy were sitting in an awkward silence.

“Sorry bout that.” Harry says as he buckles up.

“No worries.” You smile.

“Do you mind if I drop you at your place, need to have some alone time with that one.”

“Yeah, that’s fine.”

Harry looks in the backseat, and sees Andy with his chin resting in his palm. He sighs and faces forward again. He pulls onto the street, and makes his way home. Harry drops you off, and walks you to your door.

“I’m sorry about all this.”

“Hey, it comes with the territory.” You shrug. “Shit happens.”

“I’ll have less time to spend with you sooner than I thought…”

“Harry, don’t worry about me. Once school starts we’ll see each other every day. We’ll make time for date nights later, go take care of things with him. Seems like he really needs you right now.”

Harry kisses your cheek and gets back in the car. It’s silent until they get home. This time he helps Andy with his things. Once it’s all settled, they both sit in his room to chat. They each sit crisscross, holding pillows to their chests.

“Whenever you’re ready.” Harry says softly. “I know there’s gotta be more to all this.”

“There is.” He sighs. “It’s just…I feel like everyone around me is finding their true love.”

“What do you mean?”

“Mom has Noah, you have Y/N now, and…Brandon, ugh, Brandon started dating this girl Molly…she’s in our class, and they go to the same camp, and he told me they, like, kissed, and…now I feel like he’s never gonna make time for me anymore. I always thought relationships were for adults…I didn’t know he liked girls…I don’t like girls like that…not yet anyways.”

“Oh, Andy…it’s okay that you don’t like anyone yet, and this Molly girl isn’t Brandon’s true love. Odds are they won’t last long. You’re only eleven.”

“When he called me to tell me he was so excited he had his first kiss…and I felt…sick.”

“Sick?”

“Yeah, like, my stomach felt weird like I was going to throw up, and my chest started to hurt. I thought it was my asthma, so I took my inhaler, but it didn’t help.” Harry’s eyes grow wide. Andy was describing heartbreak.

“What did you say to him when he told you?”

“I told him that it was cool or whatever…but that was a lie.”

“It made you feel achy, huh?”

“Yeah, but I don’t really know why…”

“That’s okay, you don’t need to have it all figured out right now.”

“But what if when I see him next he wants to talk about her, or he wants to invite her everywhere?”

“You just need to tell him that you’re not comfortable with it, and that you’d prefer the one on one time. If he’s really your friend he’ll understand.”

“I just wish I knew what was wrong with me.” He starts sniffling. “I hate that I’ve been so mean to mum, I feel like I’ve been taking things out on her, and I know I hurt her today.” He starts crying, and Harry pulls him into his chest.

“Come here.” Harry lays him down with him, letting Andy cry into him and so he could cuddle him easier. Arms wrapped around him tight. “When you feel up to it you can call her to apologize.”

“She must hate me.” He hiccups.

“She doesn’t, I promise.”

“I don’t want her to know about why I’ve been upset.”

“Okay, it can stay between us.” Harry rubs Andy’s back with one hand and scratches his scalp with the other. “When does Brandon get back from camp?”

“In a few days.”

“Is that why you wanted to come back here? So you could see each other?”

“And because I missed you.” He snuggles further into Harry, and it nearly breaks his heart. He couldn’t remember the last time his son let him hold him like this.

“I missed you too.”

“Are things with Y/N going well? I feel bad, I know I messed up your date.”

“Things are good, and it’s okay. We were just out for a walk by the river, nothing special.”

“Is she your girlfriend yet?” Andy yawns. Poor kid’s had a long day.

“Not exactly, but soon I think.”

Harry lays with Andy until he’s in a deep sleep. He goes to his own room and texts Paige that Andy will call her tomorrow to talk some things through. Just as he’s about to put his phone down your name pops up.

You: I know it’s none of my business, but I hope Andy’s alright…is he?

Harry: thanks for checking in, he’s doing fine. We had a good talk, he even let me lay with him a bit. Poor kid felt bad about cutting our date short

You: you’ve raised such a sweet boy, honestly

Harry: maybe you could join us for dinner here some night, I think he’d like that

You: I’d love to, just name the night and I’m there

Harry sighs happily. Other women he’s dated in the past always thought it was cute he had a kid at first, but none of them ever understood that Andy came first. You were so cool about it, and he adored you even more for checking in.

Harry: hey…I like you a lot

You: hey…I like you a lot too

[lebguardians]

Part 3

Warnings: some angst, fluff, cussing

Eskel let out a deep sigh and glanced at y/n across the fire. It was a cool evening and he was grateful for the break from the heat.

Y/n was laying on her bed roll with her back to him. It had been a long couple of months and they would be getting back to Kaer Morhen later than he normally did. But they were at the foot of the blue mountains now and should be arriving at the keep within the week. Eskel wasn’t looking forward to the lecture Vesemir was going to give him, and he new Lambert was going to absolutely loose his shit. Not that he blamed the prickly Witcher seeing that he was also bound by the law of surprise.

They stayed at the inn for a couple weeks to make sure she was healed enough to travel. However, y/n made it extremely clear just how unhappy she was to be bound to him and he couldn’t blame her. He was still beating himself up for his choices 25 years ago. She had barely said two words to him the entire journey and only spoken when she absolutely had to. Even then it was only one worded answers. Eskel knew y/n wasn’t sleeping. Her heart beat quicker than it is when she sleeps.

Y/n was staring off into the forest. The fire warning her back. She ran from her home to finally be free to be whatever she wanted and now she somehow managed to stumble upon the person she was forced to be bound to. To say y/n was pissed was an understatement and some days she wished the kikimora would have finished her off, but mostly she was scared. She heard rumors of Witcher’s of course. Eskel seemed nice enough but she knows there’s no female Witcher’s so why was he taking her to Kaer Morhen? Her thoughts started racing, as did her heart beat and breathing, tears gathering in her eyes. Maybe she shouldn’t have left home. Or stayed in skelliege and tried making a life for herself there instead of coming to the main land.

Eskel was lost in though as he sharpened his blade. His head snapped to young woman when he heard her heart racing. He didn’t know what to do. Comforting wasn’t in his realm of experience. Well really he has no experience with women other than sex. He set his sword down in the grass next to the log he sat on and made it way to the girl, taking off his gambeson and drapped it over her shoulders before taking a seat next to her. Eskel decided not to say anything, hoping she would open up to him. They sat in silence for a few minutes.

Y/n froze when she heard Eskel stand up and walk towards her. *shit* she thought to herself. She was really hoping he thought she would be sleeping. She was surprised, however, when she felt him put his gambeson over her shoulders. She melted into the warmth of the gambeson, and curled herself into it. It smelled like him to, a mix of the woods, grass, and leather with a hint of whatever soap he had used when they freshened up in a stream they had found around noon. Y/n was really surprised by the gesture and rolled to her side to face him. She really appreciated the added warmth since the it was a cooler evening. “I’m scared” y/n whispered very softly, half hoping he wouldn’t hear it. Seeing that Eskel has sensitive hearing due to the Witcher mutations he heard it.

“Of what, y/n”. He replied softly, glancing to the side to her. The camp fire making his amber eyes glow. Eskel knew she had been afraid since woke up after the kikimora attack. She always smelled a bit of fear but her response surprised him.

“What’s going to happen to me at Kaer Morhen? I thought they didn’t make female Witcher’s” she asked, fear lacing her voice.

Eskel froze. He cursed at himself. He should have had this conversation when he decided to bring her to Kaer Morhen. His jaw clinched and he cursed himself. No wonder she hadn’t said shit to him. She was scared of him, of what her future would be. “They don’t. They don’t make Witcher’s anymore period. It’s not possible to create more of us since the sacking of Kaer Morhen.” He let out a deep sigh and ran a hand over his face. “Truthfully I don’t know y/n. But you have nothing to be afraid of. If you want to we could train you to use the sword. Honestly it’s painful to watch you attempt to wield it.” He jested trying to lighten the mood, the corner of his mouth lifting in a smile.

Y/n scoffed and threw an arm out to smack him on the stomach which he expertly dodged and lightly grabbed her wrist. His thumb brushed her wrist in a soothing fashion. “Listen, y/n. I know you don’t trust me. I don’t blame you. I shouldn’t have called for the law of surprise all those years ago. But I did and I can’t change the past. Either way, it’s my job now to keep you safe like it or not. I’m not here to tell you how to live your life or turn you into a Witcher. It’s not an easy life and I don’t wish that on you. However, I’d like to at least be able to train you, give you tools you need to survive in this shit world. Then, if you decide to leave and never talk to me again, that’s fine. It’s your decision.” His baritone voice trailed off, and he turned his gaze back to the forest. “Kaer Morhen is my home. The only one I’ve ever known. The people there are good people. Well except lambert, he’s just a prick. But, you’ll be safe there and I hope one day I can earn your trust.” He turned back to y/n and gave her a soft smile.

Y/n gave his hand a squeeze and gave him a small smile in return.

“Get some sleep, y/n” he whispered before heading back to his bed roll to try to get some sleep.

1 week later

Things had been better between the pair. Slowly but surely they started having small conversations and getting to know each other.

Y/n was starting to like Eskel. He was kind and gentle. Which was surprising to her because his large stature and scars on his face.

She sat behind him on scorpion, holding lightly to his waist. The sun was on her face and the gentle motions of the horse were slowly lulling her to sleep. Eskel smiled when he felt her head hit his back every once in a while. He turned his body sight to look at her “you can go to sleep, y/n I’ll wake you when we get close”

She didn’t say anything but nodded her head and laid against him, falling asleep. Eskel kept a hand on her to make sure she didn’t fall off and slipped into a medatative state knowing his horse remembered the way to the old keep.

Y/n awoke a little while later. Picking her head up and taking in her surroundings. She absolutely loved the views. The valley was gorgeous. As the horse came over the hill she finally saw the massive keep that was tucked into the mountains. “Is that it?” She asked the Witcher.

Eskel came out his meditative state and looked to where she was looking to and gave her a nod “this is it. Welcome to Kaer Morhen.”

[that-little-zebunny]

Skin to Skin (First Meeting)

Pairing: Loki x Avenger!Reader

Warning: a litol Angst and Panic attack if you will. Brooding God of mischief thats it for now I think.

WC: 1,188

Summary: You're new to the team and end up messing it up with the God of mischief on your first day in. Knowing his reputation you're up for a fun time in the compound.

Note: this is my entry for the HBC's Week of Love event and it'll be for the @the-th-horniest-book-club 🥰 hope you'll enjoy this. Comments and reblogs are very much appreciated. Hugs&Kisses, Zephy

Excited is an understatement of what you're feeling today. You're about to lose your mind most likely. You just got yourself labeled as an Avengers and are now in the compound where other Avengers like yourself-you giggled at that thought- are living.

You got there last night and were able to settle in and fix your room. You decided to wake up super early to try and bake some treats to give your new housemates and give a good first impression. You're already prepared for that you've bought all the things you'll need to bake some chocolate chip cookies so starting early is not a problem.

It was still dark out when you began mixing ingredients humming with the tune of your music blasting on your earpods.

You've always enjoyed baking. Your granny taught you the art of it and how it helps calms your emotions and it just became your favorite thing to do.

You're busy folding the cookie dough when you feel it. The hair on your nape stands. Someone or something is behind you…

You slowly turned and gasped on how close the person is to you and you accidentally touched his bare chest making you gasp as loads and loads of emotions came rushing to you. You stared at him, hands glued on his chest as tears started flowing from your eyes. He frowned at you and grabbed your arm to remove it from where you are touching him.

You tried to calm your brain by turning towards the counter holding both hands on its corner breathing in and out continuously as you counted silently in your head.

You hate this. You hate being surprised by your own ability to feel other beings emotions and thoughts through their skin. You would have been wearing your gloves but you really thought you'll be alone in the kitchen. You didn't even hear him come in. You tried to remember in your brain who it was.

Lean toned chest, smooth light skin and long raven ha….ir. your eyes went wide upon realizing who you terrorized by your ability. Freaking Loki of Asgard! The god of mischief, the god that almost destroyed the earth.

Omg! Omg! Omg!!!

You hurriedly turned to apologize but saw no one. It was as if you've been alone the whole time. You wiped your tears and took a deep breath. This is not the 1st impression that you want with anyone on the team.

You finished baking by 5am and had a lot of time to freshen up on your room before you went to the conference room to meet everyone as per The AI Friday's advice. You went in with a bowl of cookies. Scenarios playing in your head on how this will go and your brain automatically went on how a certain raven haired God will react to you.

You entered the room and felt super small seeing as everyone is around. From the Iron man to the Hulk. You swallowed thickly when your eyes landed on the person leaning on the wall in the farthest corner of the room. He's looking at you sharply as if you're some kind of a ticking time bomb. Crap you already made a very bad impression on one of the most powerful beings in the room.

Tony Stark urged you to come stand next to him and you did. You stiffly walked towards him like a little girl on her 1st day of school hugging her backpack but in your case you're hugging warm stocks of cookies in a glass bowl.

"Good day Y/N." Tony greeted and offered a hand. You accepted it with your leathered covered hand and shook his. "It's been a while. I hope you're able to settle in nicely. We're very excited to have you on our team." He said. Frowning as he saw what you're holding. He lifted the cloth covering you cookies using the end of his sunglasses and gasp. "Well color me whipped. She brought us cookies. You should all taste this, you'll die happy." He excitedly took the bowl from your hands and placed it down in the middle of the huge table. You heard everyone's excited comments as they all took some for themselves except one. Loki is still where he was when you came in and still is staring at you.

"You should taste this brother. It's like Valhalla is in my tongue." Thor commented as he walked back next to his brother holding at least 6 cookies in his right hand and munching on two more on his left.

"I do not eat rubbish." He said. You nervously looked away from them and started your introduction. Everyone was very nice and listened intently as you talked which calmed your nerves.

"What's with the gloves?" Asked Sam Wilson.

You looked down on your hands and smiled. Tony talked for you trying to explain as better as he could. Because you would have done it badly. You're a great fighter, skilled even, you've ranked near Natasha and is very good with techs though as far as you know you're here because of what your hands can do.

"So she's an empath?" Asked Captain America.

"Close." Tony answered back. "She's better than an empath, she can absorb and transfer emotions and thoughts through physical contact. She's going to be a great asset in recovering information from enemies." He grinned. "They can say no all they want but with one touch from Y/N they're a gonner and we, the winner."

"That's very interesting. It's like she's a human lie detector." Bucky Barnes said.

"Kinda..you answered back. Though I can be a lie maker if I want to." You joked. Well day one went on nicely...ish. everyone liked you except for the quiet God. He's been looking at your every move.

You went back to your room and happily reminisced about the happenings with your new team. You can't believe you're able to joke and laugh with them.

You're about to go change so you can go to the gym and train when you see him. He's standing in front of your floor to ceiling window looking away from you.

"You felt something when you touched me." He said emotionless. You stared at his back as you walked further in.

"I-I would really like to apologize for that. I would never want to do that. I didn't expect to see anyone that morning." You said.

"No one will know of this." He said turning around now. You couldn't help but appreciate him even though he makes you super nervous with all his staring. He's very very beautiful.

You didn't realize how close he got until you felt his breath next to your ear making you shiver.

"Speak of this to anyone and I will make your life here miserable." He said before you saw green mist and he's gone. Well there goes your plan on making your stay in the compound as great as it can be. Your knees give out and you end up sitting on the edge of your bed.

Tag list

Skin to skin: @delightfulheartdream @victias

Tom Hiddleston and characters:

@jewels2876 @CurlyRed2020

[vemuabhi]

Insecurities - Benn Beckman X Male Reader

Requested by Sletza147 (wattpad)

Pairing : Benn Beckman X Male! Feminine! Reader 

Word count : 2.1K

A/N : There are a lot of people who are not truly accepting who they are because of this judgemental society. Everyone needs to be given a chance and be appreciated for who they are. I loved writing this request because it was really meaningful and lovely. If a person reading this is not accepting their true self because of this society, I just want to let you know that you are amazing and you are worth everything. Stay strong and love yourself!

Listen to  Scars to your Beautiful (Clickable). Its a song I really love which show the worth of every person. I was thinking about this song as I wrote this.

Warnings : Angst, Alcohol, Comfort and then happy ending.

You sit in the corner table of the bar as you chug the glass of beer in front of you. Was it the 7th or the 9th glass? You didn’t know. You didn’t care. All you wanted then to do was to drink away all your problems.

‘Why should it happen to me’, you thought as you clenched your wrist. You placed the glass on the table with a thud and walked towards the podium where some musicians played music. The bar seemed livelier now. You stood on the podium and turned around. Took the mic in your hand and started to sing a song as the musicians played music. You were singing a popular song so everyone cheered you and some even joined you while you sang. This time this lively group were really nice too.

After the song was finished, everyone clapped for you and you bowed. You tried to get down the podium, but as you were drunk, you slipped. But in an instant strong hands stopped you from falling.

“Ah! Thanks”, you said as you looked at the person. He was a tall man with raven black hair. He had a cigarette in his mouth and sharp black eyes.

You pulled away from him and made your way back to your spot. Other people started to sing and dance. Another glass came to you. You this time slowly sipped it. Then the same man with black hair came towards you.

“Is this place taken?”, he asked.

“No. As if anyone would want to sit and drink with me”, you answered as you gave him a weak smile. He sat in the chair and asked, “Why wouldn’t anyone want to sit with you? You seem like a really fun person”

You laughed at his words and asked for the bartender for another glass. “Well, lets see why not”, you said as you straightened your back. He sipped from his glass as he closely listened to you.

“I am a guy and I walk in a way everyone thinks is wrong for a man, to walk like that. I talk in this high pitch voice of mine, and everyone considers it as wrong, for a man. I try to look a bit colourful, and everyone says its not manly, for a guy. In simple words, everyone says ‘I’m not normal’. Now, tell me who would want to sit with me”, you said as the waiter placed another glass of beer in front of you.

“You are drinking too much”, he said only for you to scoff in return.

You sip it slowly and then continue, “People are really mean. They just don’t care what the other person is feeling. If you want to live, you either have to be rich and powerful or super perfect in every way”, you said and looked at him. You thought he wouldn’t care or would stop listening to you, but he kept listening.

You sighed and said, “Many said I was too feminine for a guy to be. Even my family. Also my ex-boyfriend”, you drank some more beer and added, “People love to bully others and especially, when they find someone like me, they won’t hold their horses anymore. You know how hard it is being a gay person. It would become even harder for feminine gay person like me. Where ever you go, people judge you. So, here I am, just like every week. Drinking to reduce the pain in my heart”, you smiled at him as you finish your glass.

“Sometimes, I wish I was normal”, you end with a fake chuckle. The man in front of you listened to every single word of yours carefully.

He drank his beer and placed the glass on the table. He looked sternly at you and said, “You are normal. You are, even if you agree or not”, he said as he indicated for another glass to the waiter.

He turned towards you and said, “There is nothing in this world, which is perfect. Yes, people judge, talk and bully. But if you prove, not to them, but to yourself about how amazing you are, you won’t be sad and drunk like this. Most people are trash and talk bad of one who is hard working, talented and good hearted. That’s hoe people are. If you want to become strong, work hard for yourself. If you want to achieve something, achieve it for yourself. Not for the sake of others. You are worth of many things”, he said as he smiled at you.

“You are already perfect. If you want to become even stronger, come join our Red hair pirates. We won’t judge you”, he said as his hand wiped your cheek. That was when you noticed that you were crying. He was a man who said you were worth it. He got up and placed some cash on the table.

“My treat. Don’t drink too much from now”, he said and left to his original group.

‘He was… he was a pirate and said all those nice things to me’ you thought as you took your belongings and left the place.

The next day you got up with your head killing you. This time, the hangover was worse than previous week. You remembered the man from last night and even if your head was in immense pain, you freshened and went towards the port for any pirate ship. ‘I don’t want to stay here. No person would even care if I leave. I’d die having a fun adventure rather than live with toxic people around me’, you thought as you searched for the ship.

After a while you saw a ship of the red hair pirates, which the man mentioned last night. You saw the man with red hair from the night before. ‘If I remember correctly, he is the friend of the raven haired man’, you thought as you made your way towards him.

“Excuse me, can I talk to you”, you asked the man as he smiled at you and stopped in his tracks.

“Hey! I saw you last night. You are the singer right”, he asked making you chuckle. The intense pain returned back to you and you winced in pain.

“Are you okay?”, he asked and you nodded as you still held your head.

“I saw your friend last night, can I please speak to him”, you asked the man who nodded as he placed his hand on your shoulder and said, “You really don’t seem ok, just come onto the ship. I’ll make sure someone gives you a medicine”, he said. You could only nod at that pain.

He led you towards the pirate ship and took you inside. It was your first time inside a pirate ship and you looked around even though you were in pain. He took you towards a room which looked like a medic room. He told you to sit on the bed and you obliged. He then looked out of the room and said, “Ah! Benn, come here! I need your help”, he said and the same man you were looking for came in. He was surprised to see you there.

“Oh my! You really came! And you met the captain himself”, he said

“What!”, you looked at the red haired man and said, “You are the captain. I… I’m sorry I didn’t even introduce myself”

“Haha, Its fine. I’m Shanks. Benn told me about you last night. So, do you want to become a pirate?”, he asked and you said, “Yes sir, if its ok, can I join your crew. I’ll make sure I’ll get stronger”

“That’s the sprit! Good. Welcome to the crew!”, Shanks exclaimed and continued, “Benn, could you give the newbie medicine, I’ll be back”, the captain left with that leaving you and Benn alone.

“I told you, you shouldn’t drink that much. See what happened now”, he said as he took a medicine from the cupboard and gave it to you.

“Take this. You’ll soon feel better”, he smiled and sat beside you. You took the medicine and it was sure horrible.

You looked at him and asked, “Why did you invite me to be one of the crew? Don’t you think, I may be a spy or a secret marine? How could you trust a stranger like me, not to say was drunk too at that moment?”

He smiled at you and said, “Yeah that’s a good question but, when I saw your tears just because of some words from a stranger. Your tears… they were pure. So, I offered you to come to the crew, to become even stronger”. You blushed at his words and he laughed seeing your red face.

Then began your journey as a member of the Red hair pirates group. The beginning wasn’t easy. The training was really tough. But you didn’t give up. You wanted to make your captain proud of you. He gave you the opportunity to join them. So you were really grateful to him. You trained with all the members but especially Benn. He gave you special attention and made you stronger. You loved visiting the new islands. They were all so different and unique. While you were on the ship, you noticed that the crew had zero sense of money. Getting to one island, the dorks would spend money on every useless thing and be broke for a lot of time.

As you didn’t want that to happen you took the matter in your hands and started to take care of the money. You started to make sure to give everyone equal share and save some for future. And due to your doings, they at least didn’t be too poor. You really had a hard time make sure to keep their sneaky hands away from the money. Fighting them while they tried to take money made you to become more will powered and stronger.

After 3 years, you showed a real improvement in your combat skills and made Benn and Shanks really proud of you. This crew didn’t once treated you differently. They respected you and treated you as one of them. They never mocked you. If anyone ever tried to make fun of the way you are, they beat the crap out of them.

You loved your crew. But especially… one person even more. That was the first mate of the crew. You always had feelings for him but never expressed them. But one night at a bar on an island, a guy suddenly stated to hit on you. You tried to reject him but he wouldn’t budge. As he was becoming creepier, you had no other choice but to search around for any of the members who weren’t completely wasted. You saw Benn was looking at you. It was as if he was waiting for a signal. “BABE! OVER HERE!”, you called Benn. His face slushed red at how you called him. He came towards you and sat beside you with his arm around your shoulder. Just one glare from Benn, made him to run away.

“Huff… Thanks for coming. He just wouldn’t leave”, you said as you drank the beer and continued, “I wish I also had a boyfriend or just be in a relationship. Makino san and Shanks are always making me jealous”, you fake chuckled and placed the glass on the table.

“Do… Do you like someone?”, he asked making your heart skip a beat.

“What if I say I do? What will you do?”, you asked but the latter didn’t even look at you. ‘If I tell it now, I can blame it was a joke right, since I won’t find a chance like this to play it off’, you thought.

You took the beer glass from his hand and said, “What will you do if I say, I like you? Would you then go out with me?”. Everything was silent but as soon as you said that, he looked at you with a stunned expression. You could see the pink hue on his cheeks.

“Yes, i… I’d go out with you”, he said as he turned his gaze away from you. ‘He is blushing! Oh god… is.. this happening? Is this a dream’, you thought as you looked at him with your eyes wide open.

“Wait, were… were you joking”, you asked him but he looked at you more seriously and said, “Why would I joke, in a moment like this?” he exhaled and turned towards you as he took your hand. “Y/N, will you go out with me. I promise I won’t let anyone or anything hurt you. Please be my boyfriend”.

You had no words to answer to his confession. All you could do was nod rigorously as tears slid down your face. He pulled you close to him and you wrapped your arms around his shoulder. 

After a while you went ahead to the podium space where people sing sometimes and took the mic. You took a deep breath and started to sing as people turned their focus on you. This time, you only looked at one person as you smiled and sang.

You don’t have to change a thing the world could change its heart

The scars to your beautiful 

We’re stars we’re beautiful

XOXOXOXO

I hope you liked it! Please forgive me for any mistakes.

Tell me how you feel by giving me a Like, Comment and Reblog. Thanks for Reading!

[halcyonstorm]

My second submission for LH Drabble Week! I hope you enjoy <3 @levihan-drabbles

Chapters: 1/1 Fandom: Shingeki no Kyojin | Attack on Titan Rating: Teen And Up Audiences Warnings: Graphic Depictions Of Violence Relationships: Levi Ackerman/Hange Zoë, Levi Ackerman & Hange Zoë Characters: Levi Ackerman, Hange Zoë Additional Tags: War, Commander Hange Zoë, Captain Levi Ackerman, Fluff, Light Angst Series: Part 6 of Short Fics Summary:

"Don't you have a country to run?"

"My favorite person is in the hospital, the country can wait.”

"I don't think it works like that. "

"I run the country, so it does.”

Levi hated to admit it, but he was in love. It wasn’t his first time, but it was the first time he expected it may work out; that maybe, just maybe he had a slight chance. It wasn’t that the person didn’t know him, it was the opposite. Levi was the Ruler’s right hand man. Their protector. Their soldier. Their guardian. Levi was at their side at all times.

Levi fell for them slowly, then all at once. At first, it was mere attraction. He enjoyed seeing the Ruler command soldiers into the battlefield as they stood back. Then, he was promoted to be Captain of a group of rowdy soldiers. He was able to whip them into shape so fast that the Ruler was impressed. Within a year of joining the army, Levi was promoted to protect the Ruler of their country and the Army’s Commander, Hange Zoe. He expected them to be uptight, strict, and bland. Turns out, it was the opposite. Ruler Hange was messy, bright, and annoying behind the scenes. They would ask him too many personal questions and talk too much. It should’ve turned Levi off, but it didn’t. He couldn’t hide how he felt when they would talk about their plans for battle. How their whole face lit up once they began to talk. It left him wonderstruck.

Levi was also Ruler Hange’s security guard. He would be the first one to pass and allow Hange through crowds, the first one to taste their food or drink their wine, and the last one to bed each night. His first expectations were that it’d be easy, but he was dead wrong. Hange was sporadic, wandering off at inconvenient times, disappearing before big speeches, drinking too much alcohol and ruining their image. Levi almost became a drunk himself trying to keep tabs on them. Nevertheless, he fell for them.

One night, he decided to confess his feelings. It was the night before a crucial battle against Marley. Hange said it themselves they may lose more men than they ever did before. The army was going over battle plans and positionings and began preparing weapons and armor. He wouldn’t have any other time to say it; Tonight was the night. He had to tell them, just in case he died tomorrow.

He went to the restroom to freshen up for bed (and for a pep talk) and then knocked on Commander Hange’s bedroom door. 

“What’s the password?” Hange’s voice yelled. That’s right, Levi remembered. Each morning had a new password. No password, no entry. It was not fool-proof of course, but it did help from unwanted visitors.

“Cherry.” A few moments later, a hand turned the knob and the door opened. Hange’s face poked out. They looked exhausted. They opened the door wider to allow Levi inside. Levi shut the door once he walked in. He wiped his sweaty palms on his pants when Hange faced the other way. Hange’s bedroom was the finest in the entire building. It had lamps and a chandelier inside, no candles needed. One of the lamps on the bedside table was lit, the room dim. The carpet was dark red that encircled their white bed. There was a grand wooden desk at the opposite side of the room. Huge windows allowed the moon to shine through into the room. There was a balcony that led outside. Hange ran a hand through their messy hair as they walked to shut the curtains. It wasn’t in its typical ponytail or half-up, half-down style. It was completely down, which was a rare sight.

“What is it, Captain Levi?” Hange asked, now walking towards the closet. They opened it, pushing their hung clothes to the right to retrieve the pajamas.

“I wanted to tell you something,” He began, standing at the center of their room. Hange began to take their top off facing away from Levi. He felt his cheeks go red. 

“Well, I wanted to tell you this before Sunday comes,” He procrastinated again, forcing himself to look at the beautifully painted ceiling. When they took their top off, they had bandages tightly wrapped around their chest. Hange turned around.

Eyes up, eyes up, eyes up! Levi told himself.

“Spit it out already.” He could tell they were tired. Everyone has been awake since 0600, now it's 2300. He doesn’t blame them.

“I like you,” he muttered. He felt like he was 13 again, confessing his love to a crush for the first time. This is the first time he hoped the feelings would be reciprocated. “More than like you. I think I’m in love with you-”

“Levi,” Hange interrupted. Just Levi. He finally met their eyes. Those beautiful, rich chocolate brown eyes. He saw their cheeks were red. “Are you serious?”

“I know it's unprofessional, but I had to tell you how I feel before I die. I know you have a lot going on right now so I don’t expect you to reciprocate the feelings, but I just had to tell you.” He was rambling now. He had to force himself to keep his mouth shut before he said too much more. He turned around to head towards the door. “That’s all I had to say. Goodnight.”

“Wait,” Hange said quickly, walking up to him. Hange grabbed his wrist and Levi turned around. They grabbed his face and kissed him. It was a soft kiss but it sent Levi to heaven and back. Levi was stunned for a brief moment before kissing Hange back. He couldn’t believe what was currently happening. Hange pulled away entirely, admiring Levi’s face. 

“What was that about?” Levi said softly, definitely not complaining.

“Did you not like it?”

“I didn’t say that.” Hange smiled at his comment. They walked to the door and locked it.

“Do you want to stay with me tonight?” Hange asked casually. They faced away to undo the bandages on their chest. Levi agreed. He hesitantly sat on the edge of their bed.

“Lay down,” Hange commanded, buttoning up their pajama top. They pulled their pants down to change those too, Levi got a nice view. Hange changed their bottoms, then turned off the lamp on the bedside table. The room was dark, the moon’s light peaking through the curtains. Hange lay on their side, pulling Levi closer to them. He turned on his side too, burying his face in their chest. Hange smelt fresh (for once). The clean linen scent of their pajamas made Levi drowsy. He could hear their heartbeat. Thud, thud, thud. Hange was alive. Levi was alive. Hange buried their face into the crook of Levi’s neck and closed their eyes. They placed a soft kiss on his neck.

“Don’t you dare die on me tomorrow,” Hange murmured, pulling him closer. “I won’t allow it.” Levi picked his head up to look at their face. The moonlight that shone through the curtains hit their eyes perfectly, making them glisten. Levi placed his hand on their cheek, kissing them passionately again. He couldn’t die. Not when Hange commanded him not to. 

--------------------------------------------------------------

The next morning came fast. Hange woke up on cue at 0500. They shook Levi to wake up. The moon was not peeking through the curtains anymore. Hange started to derobe, getting changed. They put on their black uniform, tying their eye patch tight. This time, Hange put their hair up in a ponytail. Hair out of their face for battle. It was only when they were putting their boots on that Levi woke up. 

“Get up,” Hange whispered, kissing his forehead. “We gotta get going.” Luckily, Levi’s room was just down the hall. When he woke up, he realized how he hadn’t slept this well in months. The bed next to him was still warm and indented, but the body that occupied it was missing. Levi snuck out of the Commander’s room without getting caught. In his room, he got dressed in his uniform, put on his hat, and knocked at Hange’s door again ten minutes later. Hange asked for the password again, he said “cherry”, and they opened it. He was taken aback. He always adored how they looked in their uniform. So professional, so strong, so handsome. He was honored to be their guard. Hange didn’t seem happy, nor did Levi. They knew that the war ahead of them was bound to be bloody. They were both prepared, though. They’ve been down this path before.

Levi led Hange outside. The air was humid and the sky was cloudy. Levi felt sweat trickle down the nape of his neck as they prepared to meet to go over final battle formations. They received a tip from an ally of the Ruler’s saying how Marley would be attacking Paradis soon. As soon as Hange heard this, they began telling their soldiers and getting weapons ready. They didn’t care if it was false or not, they had to be prepared. Marley had attacked Paradis without warning one too many times. Therefore, they lost one too many men each time. Hange was not taking a chance this time around. They went inside one of the pitched tents. Inside was a table with a map of the battlefield on top. Hange leaned forward, pointing around the map as they spoke.

“Alright. We are prepared and ready for battle, soldiers. We have planned for weeks, perfected the Thunder Spear prototype, and it’s ready for battle. Each and every one of you have been trained to use them, I expect you to put it into work today!”

“Yes, Sir!” the soldiers commanded in unison. 

“Our goal is to lose as few men as possible. So, use your fucking brains! Don’t be rash! Remember the formations!”

“Yes, Sir!”

As Hange opened their mouth to speak again, the ground started to shake vigorously. Murmurs dispersed amongst the crowd.

“You’ve gotta be fucking kidding me,” Hange muttered to themself. “Go, go, go! Let’s win this thing.”

The soldiers began to scatter in an orderly manner. Levi hung back a second with Hange as they quickly fidgeted with their sword. He struck his fist to their chest.

“Dedicate your heart.”

Hange’s tough expression softened. “You, too.” Then the battle began. The two of them ran outside the tent, they saw black smoke contaminating the air, nonstop gunshots firing, and it was starting to rain. Hange ran into the battle, beginning to slash their sword, forcing themselves to kill their enemy. They hated that things had to end this way. Had to end with long swords sticking out of rib cages, body parts scattered on the ground, or moans from injured soldiers drowning out every other sound. Hange and Levi were doing a good job protecting themselves. Suddenly, someone started to yell as they charged toward Hange. As Hange turned around, they noticed their head was about to fly. That was when Hange ducked, slashing the back of their opponent’s knees, causing them to fall. As they fell, the man’s sword sliced into Hange’s ally’s abdomen. Levi’s abdomen. Without hesitation, Hange stuck their sword into the enemy’s back, ending his life. Levi fell to the ground. 

“Oh, no you don’t!” Hange yelled, picking him up in their strong arms. Hange scoped the terrain. They had a clear view of the hospital tent. They started to book it. They had ventured quite far from the tents. Hange’s quad muscles were burning, fighting themself to help get their most prized soldier to safety. Finally, Hange made it.

“Captain Levi has a laceration in his abdomen. He needs attention ASAP!” Hange commanded. The doctors were on it, starting to prep the suture tools. Levi was still awake. 

“I’ll be here the whole time,” Hange said softly to their partner. Levi met their gaze; Their face was contorted with worry. 

"No way. Don't you have a country to run? A war to fight?" Levi asked, coughing up blood. Hange smiled sadly.

"My favorite person is in the hospital, the country can wait,” They replied, squeezing their hand.

 "They need you. Besides, I don't think it works like that. " 

"I run the country, so it does.”

Levi was given sleeping gas, and within a minute, he fell asleep. Hange swore they heard him chuckle before losing consciousness.