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dulcesiabits · 7 months

Text

stars you only see during the day.

summary: reo mikage needs a date for his parties, and you need something to do during the summer. What could possibly go wrong when you both enter a contractual relationship?

notes: 11k words, fic, author's notes, fake dating, trying to capture goofy summer fun romcom vibes

Swanky parties like this are so not your style.

Lavishly dressed guests buzz in little groups, sporting designer handbags and miles of silk that cost more than your entire house. Tropical fishes swim in tranquility through the glass tanks of the walls, which cast blue light over the white tablecloths and platters of prime cut roasts and elaborately crafted desserts dusted in gold dust.

Honestly, you wouldn’t normally have been allowed into a place like this; the security guards would have taken one look at your sneakers and chain store jeans and told you to go home. But you’re not here as a guest. No, your sister has hooked you up with a gig as a caterer, so you’re actually one of the invisible waitstaff in a stiff black vest and white collared shirt, drifting amongst the crowd, serving rich people their fancy little foods.

“It pays well,” your sister had pronounced, batting her eyelashes at you. “Come on. You’re always strapped for cash. I promise it’ll be worth it.”

“And if it’s so good, why aren’t you going?” you had asked her dryly.

She wrinkled her nose. “I don’t have the time. Otherwise I’d be hustling with you. Come on, do it for me! It’ll be fun! The place will be nice, promise!”

Nice is an understatement for how decadent the place is. If you were to break something here, you think your family would be in debt for the next seven generations over. But since you’re captive to your need for money, you try to skirt past the pricer decorations.

Still. Your sister is right in that this is a simple, and more importantly, well-paying, gig. Get in, walk around aimlessly with a platter in your hand, and get out. That’s all you were looking forward to, really: the paycheck at the end of this. You vaguely recognize some of the guests– probably from the news or on social media, A-list celebrities and trust fund babies– but you don’t care enough to take a closer look.

It’s been a few hours into your shift, and your arm is starting to cramp from carrying around a silver plate for most of the evening. The little shrimp on your plate are dwindling, and you rotate around the room slowly one last time to tempt people to grab your food. Then, you can take a break and put up your feet, and maybe sneak a little bit of the fancy food to try yourself; after all, you heard that some of the ingredients were imported straight from Europe.

You pass by a pack of guests knotted together near a table, and one of them bumps into you with enough force to make you stumble, some youngish looking man in a white suit and slicked-back bleached hair. He barely spares you a glance.

“Watch where you’re going or I’ll get you kicked out,” he snarls.

“Right. Sorry, sir,” you say blandly, fighting back the urge to strangle him and ask “who the hell do you think you are?” Your sister has warned you to stay out of trouble, after all.

“Don’t bother the waitstaff, Takei-san,” someone says just as Takei sneers, opening his mouth to berate you some more, probably. He looks the type. But Takei’s head swivels back around so fast it makes you dizzy. You crane your head, just in time to catch the owner of the voice: a boy with a flute of fizzy water in his hand. He’s cute, with uneven bangs and a dove gray suit, and probably around your age, if not a little older.

“I wouldn’t dream of it, Mikage-san,” Takei simpers. “Ah, but we have more important matters to discuss, don’t we? What do you think about meeting my sister? She’s lovely, and she’s around your age. Just say the word, and I can arrange a meeting!”

Mikage? Is that the boy’s name? It’s familiar. You’ve seen it on social media a few times; maybe this boy is a lot more famous than you thought. He’s a corporate heir, if you remember correctly. Mikage catches your eye and inclines his head, as if to say you were free to go.

“I would have to think about it, Takei-san,” Mikage replies, turning back to Takei. If there’s one thing you can pride yourself on, it’s how to read people, and there’s plenty to dissect from Mikage’s tense body posture. There’s a smile on his face, but it doesn’t quite reach his eyes. In fact, he looks a little bored, underneath that veneer of politeness. Bored, and strangely vacant, as if the uppercrust of Japan’s society weren’t more interesting than the blades of grass outside of his window.

Normally, you would shrug, go “that sucks for him,” and run back to the break room as soon as you could. The problems of fancy rich boys aren’t really your business. But it’s been a long night, and you’re a little antsy (your troublemaking instinct, as your sister calls it). That, and maybe you’ve watched too many romcoms and dramas with your sister recently, too, because he’s cute. And, well, you should at least try to help out the guy who helped you, right? Tic for tat, and all that, even if it was a small thing on his part.

But none of your justifications to yourself really matter, because you’re already sliding your way into the crowd until you’re at Mikage’s elbow, saying, “sir?”

He inclines his head at you without really looking at you. “Yes?”

“There’s someone looking for you,” you say blandly. “They were impatient. It seemed important.”

“Hm? Did they tell you their name?” Mikage asks.

“Didn’t quite catch it, but it’s urgent,” you stress.

Mikage’s eyes widen, just slightly, and you can see the puzzle pieces coming together in his head. He must have picked up on what you were doing, because he nods gravely, and says, “I should head over, then. It’s probably Yasuhiro-san. Can’t keep a board member waiting.”

“Ah, but Mikage-san–” Takei’s mouth is slightly slack, and he glares at you when you catch his eye. What did you even do to him? Is he mad that you’re taking Mikage’s attention off of him?

“I should go.” Mikage extracts himself from the crowd, who all groan in disappointment. As the two of you leave, you make sure to subtly dig the heel of your shoe onto Takei’s foot, who yelps.

“What the– Did you just step on– Hey! Stop!”

But you’re speeding off with Mikage at your side, and you try not to grin when you imagine Takei’s red, angry face.

Mikage snorts, but when you glance at him, he’s passed it off as a cough, turning his face into the crook of his elbow. “You’re a bit clumsy, aren’t you?”

“I have no idea what you’re talking about,” you say primly, and this time, Mikage doesn’t hide his laugh. To keep up your ruse, you lead Mikage into a hallway, where rows of imported European impressionist art stretch along the walls, your footsteps sinking into the plush burgundy carpet.

“So… I have to be honest,” you say. “There isn’t someone asking for your presence. I made it up to get you out of there. Surprise!” You wave your hands.

Mikage crosses his arms. “So why did you do that, then?”

“You helped me, so I helped you,” you say simply. “Besides, you looked bored.”

In the darkness, Mikage is reduced to shadowy shapes, but you can still feel the force of his gaze, like a lighthouse cutting through the darkness. He’s appraising you, and it sends tingles down your spine.

“Huh.” That’s all Mikage says, and you wonder if you passed whatever mental evaluation he was doing.

The platter is still in your hands, and there’s still a few shrimp left, so you grab one and shove it into your mouth. You chew, savoring the freshness, and the tangy sauce it’s coated in.

Wait. It’d be rude to just eat in front of someone, without even asking if they’re hungry. You offer Mikage the plate. “Want one?”

“S… sure,” he says, carefully plucking a shrimp between his thumb and forefinger, before placing it on his tongue. The two of you pass the platter back and forth between each other until it’s empty.

“That was good!” You stretch your arms over your head. “I wanted to try at least some of the food at this party before I went home. There’s nothing else really going for this place. No offense,” you add.

“None taken. You’re… huh.”

“Weird? Bold?” you supplement. “I’ve heard it all.”

“No, I was going to say you’re interesting,” Mikage says quickly.

You roll your eyes. “Interesting? Like a dog?”

“I would say you remind me more of a hamster,” Mikage says.

“A hamster? Really? What if I bit you right now?”

“I’m not sure you could do much to me.”

“I wouldn’t want to damage my teeth, anyways,” you quip. The noise of the party leaks into the hallway, and you glance back through the door. “I should get back. I don’t want to give anyone an excuse to dock my pay.”

Before you can move a step, Mikage holds out a hand. He takes a breath, as if coming to some sort of internal decision. “Wait. What if… I hired you for something else?”

“For… what?”

“What if I hired you to stand around and talk to me?”

You take a step back. “Um… I’m a first year in high school, just so you know. I don’t want to do anything weird.”

“Wh– No!” Mikage says, his veneer of poise sliding right off and shattering onto the floor. “I didn’t mean it like that! I’m not asking you to– I just– I’m only a second year!” he adds.

“Takei did offer to introduce you to his sister back there,” you say wryly, jerking your thumb towards the party. “And, like, I don’t know much about your life, but if you’re desperate enough for company, there’s dating apps. Just… uh… hang in there.”

Mikage runs a hand along his face. “I’m not desperate. I’m the most popular guy in my class, just so you know.”

“Okay…”

“I wanted to ask if you would date me,” he says, “Fake date me. Because people like Takei keep trying to jump down my back and draw me into political marriages. We can draw up a contract to make it official,” he adds hastily. “I just need someone to come with me to parties like this as my partner.”

“And why would I do that?”

“Because you’re interesting,” he says simply. “Besides… you would get to eat as much shrimp as you want. Without having to sneak them off of plates.”

“I don’t know,” you say coyly, looking down at your fingers. “I don’t really like doing boring things.”

“It won’t be boring.” Mikage takes a step towards you, confidence in his face, a hand on his chest. “I’ll ensure everyday is fun for you.”

You can already imagine what your sister will say when you tell her what happened today. No doubt she and your older brother would both groan at your carelessness. What if this is some sort of prank, or fancy trick? Oh well! You’ll just have to take your chances.

You stick out your hand. Mikage takes it without hesitation. “Okay, you’ve got yourself a deal. But if it’s boring, then I’m going to leave you, Mikage,” you warn.

“Hah. You’ll never have a reason to,” Mikage says confidently. “But call me Reo.”

You raise an eyebrow. “We just met, and you want me to call you by your first name? Moving fast, are we?”

“I’m going to be your fake boyfriend,” Mikage says. “Don’t tell me you’re already getting cold feet.”

“Not at all. You can call me by my first name too, Reo,” you emphasize. “I’m looking forward to working with you.”

Reo smiles, squeezing your hand once before firmly shaking it. “Likewise, partner.”

Well. This certainly isn’t what you expected to get up to when your sister offered you the job, and there are a thousand ways this could blow up in your face. What if Reo is actually a bad person, and tried to sell your organs? Or his mother threw money at you and told you to leave her son because you aren’t good enough for him, just like in every drama you’ve seen?

But this is the most exhilarating opportunity you’ve been offered in a long while. Exciting experiences, and fun opportunities: you’ve always been the first to jump onto those. Besides, Reo is cute, and this deal will definitely be a good story to tell your friends about later. There’s no way this could go wrong.

—

You’re usually never up before 10am, but somehow, at 8am a few days after the party you worked at, you find yourself at a little cafe in Shibuya, blinking blearily in the pale light. Reo, sitting across from you, has a cup of coffee steaming at his elbow, and you privately curse his poise and his nice polo and slacks. How dare he look so put together, especially when you just threw on some clothes from your floor.

“So,” you say, propping your elbows on the table, your cheek pressed against your hand, “What was so urgent that you couldn’t wait for a more decent hour to call me?”

Reo raises an eyebrow. “This is a decent hour. But I wanted to discuss the terms of our contract.”

You stare at him blankly. He snaps his fingers. “Remember? Our deal?”

“Right.” You yawn, and Reo pushes his cup of coffee towards you.

“I haven’t drank any of it yet,” he says. “Have some.”

“So no indirect kiss for me?” you tease, but take a tentative sip of the brew. You wrinkle your nose; it’s bitter and dark, and it stings your mouth as it goes down. “You didn’t put cream in this.”

“I like the way coffee tastes naturally. Besides, the coffee they brew here is through a special drip pour method, to allow the beans to retain maximum flavor…” You take another sip as Reo rambles, and shudder. Well, you were definitely more awake now.

“So, what is this about a contract?” you say.

“I want us to establish some ground rules for our deal, just so we’re both clear on the expectations and procedures for what we’re about to undertake,” Reo begins. He slides a packet of paper across the table, the kind that’s made with cardstock, thick and creamy. It’s neatly formatted, but your eyes glaze at the professional tone and the dry language of the text.

“All right, hit me with it, rich boy,” you say, slouching back in your chair.

“Well, I wanted to establish a basic time frame for our operation, as well as some ground rules, and cover some of the various scenarios you might encounter–” You put up a hand, and Reo pauses.

“Do you have a pen?” you say bluntly.

Reo fishes out a fountain pen from his bag. “I do, but why do you–”

You flip over the packet to the blank backside, and write down a number one. “So! I think it’s really nice of you to get this entire thing prepared for us, but this is too much. We’re high schoolers, and your rules are 15 pages long. Why don’t we make this easier on ourselves?”

Reo purses his lips. “I guess. For the sake of fairness, it’s probably better if we come up with rules together.”

“Great! So, rule number one. We’re going to be fake dating until you stop needing a date to your parties. That’s probably going to be when summer ends, so that’s when our contract ends. Rule number two. I’ll go with you to all your fancy parties, but you have to help me with, like, etiquette and clothes and what to say. I’ll just be your eye candy. Which I absolutely excel at, by the way. Rule number three. I’ll go to as many parties as you want, but you need to give me at least two days’ warning in advance. I have my own life, you know.” You scribble as you talk, and Reo nods at each of your rules. When you pause, you look up to see Reo with furrowed eyebrows.

“Add another rule,” Reo says seriously. “No falling for each other.”

You burst out laughing, dropping the pen in surprise. A few early morning workers stare at you as they walk past, but you can’t bring yourself to stop. “Seriously? Do you think this is a drama?”

“It’s a necessary precaution,” he insists, but his ears are red. “I just want to make it absolutely clear: this is all for show.”

You snort, but move to jot down the rule anyways. “No offense, but you’re not my type at all. That’s not going to be an issue. You’re kinda full of yourself, huh?”

“I’m not! I’m just saying with my specs, it wouldn’t be weird if you–” Reo falters at your pointed stare. “Listen. I’m used to all sorts of people coming up to me. It doesn’t hurt to be careful, okay?”

“Maybe you’re scared of falling for me, Reo,” you say, leaning forward and batting your eyelashes at him. “I understand, though. I’m pretty cute.”

Reo purses his lips. “And no offense to you, but you’re also not my type at all. I prefer people who are more mature.”

You throw your hands up in mock offense. “Wow! Only five minutes since our fake relationship began, and you’re already hurting my feelings.”

“My apology, baby,” Reo says in a cloying tone. “How on earth shall I make it up to you?”

You shudder. “For starters, don’t call me baby ever again. Ick.”

“I don’t–” Reo begins indignantly, but you quickly scribble your signature under your list of rules, before thrusting the paper at him. “What?”

“Sign your name,” you say, “So it’s official. Isn’t that how you business types like to do things?”

“We’re minors. Our signatures don’t count. But if you insist,” Reo says, signing his name with an elegant scrawl.

“Perfect! Now that we’re officially dating, what do we do?” you say.

“What about a date? A practice one,” Reo says hastily. A pity, because now you can’t tease him about how enamored he is with you. “It’ll be easier to act like a couple at parties if we’re more familiar with each other.”

“All right. Come pick me up in two days, then. And at noon,” you add, “Because I don’t want to do an early morning date.”

“What about right now?” Reo protests.

You throw him a withering stare. “First, I’m not dressed for the part. Second, neither of us are prepared. And third, what did I just say about early morning dates? We need a bit of planning time, rich boy, because dates are serious business.”

Reo holds up his hands. “Okay, okay. I got it. I’ll run our plans with you by tomorrow, at the latest. Sounds good?”

You smile. “Great! Sounds like you’ve already got being a good boyfriend down pat. See you in two days, boyfriend.”

—

If there’s one thing Reo is, he’s meticulous. After you part ways, you exchange phone numbers, and true to his word, he blows up your phone with a detailed plan of your first date. He’s so overzealous in planning that you remind him it’s just a practice date, and that it’s better to keep things casual, rather than the boating-fancy restaurant-live musicians extravaganza he has planned.

Two days later, when you ascend from the subway steps into the sticky summer heat and walk a few blocks until the concrete turns to greenery, you find Reo waiting at a nearby park, sunglasses on his face and a wicker basket under his arm.

“Welcome,” Reo says, making a half-bow. “I hope you’re ready for the date of a lifetime.”

“I’m giving you three stars of five,” you say.

“Wh– We haven’t gone on it yet! How can you rate me that low?”

“Two out of five,” you say. “Just for talking back to me and questioning my review.”

“Let’s just hurry up and go,” Reo grumbles.

The two of you glide alongside blossoming trees, white flowers perfuming the air, and cross a stone bridge stretched invitingly along a river. The water rushes cold and clear across gray stones, a weeping willow trailing its graceful limbs on the opposite bank.

When you reach a narrow glade, Reo gallantly unfurls a blanket and spreads it along the grass. From the wicker basket emerges a rainbow of sandwiches, freshly cut fruit slices, and a thermos of tea.

He pours you a cup, and you take a sip as Reo settles down with a sandwich.

“You went through a lot of trouble to set up this contractual date,” you say, picking up a slice of skewered mango. “What’s the point? Couldn’t you just hire someone else?”

“Do you think I could set up an ad, announcing to the world that the Mikage heir is looking for a partner?” he says dryly. “Any of the other people I could have asked run in my parents’ business circle, too, so it wouldn’t have been convenient for me. And I’m not risking my own social standing at school by asking a girl from there. That leaves you.”

You twirl the mango around. “What if I was, like, a bad person, though? And I leaked your personal information or something?”

“I ran a background check on you. You came up clean.”

“What? Hey! That’s not fair. I didn’t get to run one on you,” you protest.

“I’m someone in the public eye,” he says. “Anything you want to know about me, you can look up online.”

To be fair, you had googled his name when you got home after your morning meeting, and scrolled through his various public social media accounts. Not that he needed to know that. Wait, maybe he already did, if he ran a background check on you. Did he have access to your internet history? Okay. Maybe it’s better to stop thinking about that before you drive yourself insane.

“But that’s not the same as getting to know you. The person Mikage Reo is in public, and the person he is in private are two different people. Tell me something juicy. Like, why don’t you just reject any proposals thrown your way instead of getting a fake partner?” you say.

Reo spreads his hands. “Social maneuvering. It’s better to ward off people from sending proposals to me in the first place than it is to reject each and every person who approaches me.”

“Sure. That makes sense. So… then… Haven’t you ever been in love before?”

“What sort of question is that?” he says.

“I’m trying to get to know you,” you declare, “And I’m curious. You can ask me a question like that, too, if you want.”

“I can answer your question. It’s fine.” Reo pours himself a cup of tea. “Being in love… I haven’t. Not yet. I’ve never been interested in romance. Why, have you?”

“I wouldn’t call it love, but I did date a boy back in middle school. Not because I really liked him, but because he thought I was cute, and I liked him well enough as a friend. Didn’t last too long, though. Your turn for a question,” you add.

Reo takes a sip. “Well, I was wondering… do you have any hobbies?”

“That’s a pretty simple question. But I like scrapbooking and volleyball. I like making memories, and I like sports.”

Reo leans forward, a keen interest in his eyes. “Do you like football, then? I run the school’s football club.”

“I’ve only ever played a little with my older brother. He’s the bigger fan,” you admit. “Do you want to play a game one day? I bet I could demolish you.”

“Hah. As if. I’d like to see you try.”

“Don’t regret it later,” you warn, and he laughs. “What do you even like about football?”

“I want to win the world cup,” he says simply. “It’s my dream.” His eyes are reflective, and there’s an edge of seriousness to his tone, an intensity he’s never had before.

You pick up a cucumber sandwich, taking an experimental bite. “When you do, give me an autograph. I can sell it for a million yen.”

“No jokes? I thought you would tell me it’s silly.”

“Well, it sounds like it’s important to you. I’m not going to make fun of something you care about,” you say, amused, shoving the rest of the sandwich into your mouth.

Reo scratches the back of his neck, though there’s a pleased, cat-like smile curling on his face. “Thanks. Do you have a dream?”

“I don’t know if it counts, but I just want to have fun. I want to see new places, and to meet new people, and to experience all sorts of fun things. Isn’t that enough?”

Reo picks up another sandwich, handing it to you, which you demolish in one bite. “I think it is,” he says. “It sounds like you.”

You lick the crumbs off your lips. Reo is a lot more… different, than you thought a corporate heir would be. But it’s nice that it’s easy being with him. Easy, and fun. “I should thank you, actually. This contract is pretty exciting. I’ve never done anything like it before. Thank you, Reo.”

“I don’t know if this is something you should thank me for. But you’re welcome. Thanks for agreeing to go along with me,” he says.

You smile at him, sunshine warm on your shoulders. “So, when’s the first party, boyfriend? I’m pretty excited for it already.”

“Straight to business, huh? Well, it’s in a few days. I’ll text you more details later, and I’ll come pick you up. But hey, before that…” Reo offers you his hand. “Do you want to take a walk? Weather’s nice.”

“Oh! Make sure the car you come in to pick me up is real fancy, okay? My family’s going to be home, and I want to rub it in my brother’s face,” you muse.

“That’s easy. Who do you think I am?”

You don’t hesitate as you slip your hand into his. His grip is soft but strong, and when he pulls you up, for a second, all you can see is Reo, outlined by the glow of the sun.

—

When the sleek black car pulls up to the entrance of your house a few days later, your older siblings are crowded around the window, peeking through the curtains to catch the first glimpse of your date. Your sister whistles, while your brother’s jaw drops.

“What is this?” he says. “What–”

“It’s my date,” you say smugly.

“Your date? Someone wants to go out with you?”

You smack him on the shoulder. “Yeah, unlike you!”

“Does he have money?” your sister asks. “Because good going. Make sure you milk him for what he’s worth.”

“I just– what the hell? No way you got a date before me. And not in that– that car!” your brother complains, rubbing his shoulder, but you’re already skipping out the door.

“Great work, boyfriend,” you say to Reo, blowing him a faux kiss. He’s waiting for you outside the car, already dressed in a navy blue suit.

Reo has an irritating little smirk on his face. “What can I say? My wonderful partner told me to bring a fancy car, and I just had a hard time choosing which one.”

He pulls open the side door for you with an exaggerated flourish, and you slide in. The seats are smooth leather, and the AC is cranked to a cool temperature. There’s more than enough room for a dozen other people, and there’s a mini fridge in the corner that, when you open, is stuffed full of drinks. The windows are tinted, but that doesn’t stop you from rolling it down to wave at your flabbergasted brother before you go, your sister the only one to wave back.

“What do you want me to do at the party?” you say, settling into the supple leather.

“Just stick by my side,” Reo says. “And try not to offend anyone.”

“Done, and done,” you say, throwing him finger guns.

After half an hour, you and Reo chatting to pass the time, the limo pulls to a smooth stop at the end of a gravel-lined driveway. It’s lucky that Reo is the one who helped to choose and sent an outfit to you prior to the party, because all the other guests lounging in the gardens or spilling out the wide open doors are dressed to the nines. You don’t even want to think about the costs of some of those clothes. The inside of the venue is sparkling so brightly that you almost can’t make out any of the decorations; it’s just gold on top of gold on top of gold, but there is, luckily for you, a buffet table in the corner.

As soon as the two of you step foot through the door, you’re swarmed by a pack of guests with glittery smiles. Reo swiftly takes your elbow, pulling you closer to him, and you discretely loop your arm around his.

“Who is this, Mikage-san?” someone says. An actress, you’re sure. Is she eying you with… envy? Okay, that is weird. Wow. You’re pretty sure she’s been nominated for several different awards.

“They’re my date for the night,” he says smoothly.

“How sweet!” the actress says, and after giving you one more side-eye, turns her attention back to Reo.

The rest of the night goes mostly like that, actually. People are curious about you– watching you with a mix of jealousy, judgment and disdain in their eyes– before marking you off as a non-threat and turning back to Reo. It’s exhausting, frankly. How does he deal with it? You’re no chump when it comes to social situations, but this is on a different level. All the fake smiles, the pointed lines, the constant appraising. It’s like being under an endless spotlight; everyone is waiting for you to slip up, just once, to tear you down.

When you glance at Reo, his eyes are distant again, just like they were at that first party. It’s not the Reo you’ve come to know, the Reo who teased you at the picnic and talked about his dreams.

“Cheer up, boyfriend,” you whisper in his ear, resting your hands on his shoulder to speak solely to him. “I think they’re serving shrimp tonight.”

“Oh, your favorite. This time, you don’t need to hide in a hallway to eat them,” Reo whispers back, the ice in his face cracking to reveal a genuine smile. “Let’s go get some.”

After waving off his admirers, the two of you head to the buffet, where you immediately pick up a plate and begin piling up food. Reo wanders off to grab the two of you some drinks.

“Hah? It’s you. They really just let anyone in,” you hear a sneer when you’re halfway through picking up a little chocolate pastry. You glance up, to see a man with slicked back, bleached hair glowering at you, disturbing your little food paradise. Hm? He looks somewhat familiar.

“Who’re you?” you ask, plopping the first pastry on your plate, and grabbing a second pastry just to be safe. Maybe Reo will want one.

“You really don’t remember?” he hisses.

“Huh?”

“You stepped on my foot at a party!” he whispers furiously.

“You were being rude,” you say tartly. That’s enough food. You try to step past him, but Takei jostles you with his shoulder, forcing you back in front of him.

“You were just a server. How the hell did you get in here?”

What the hell? Did Takei think he’s all that, with his self-satisfied smirk and crossed arms?

“I’m on a date, actually,” you say pleasantly. “I was invited here.”

“Hah? Who would be crazy enough to invite you? If you’re lying, then I’m going to get you kicked out of here, just you–”

“Hi, Reo!” you say loudly, cutting Takei off, waving at Reo, who, with perfect timing, has shown up with two sparkling peach-colored drinks in hand.

“Hm? Takei-san, when did you get here?” Reo says.

“Ah– Mikage-san–” Takei’s face pales as he looks from you to Reo, and back to you. “Is… is this person… your date…?”

“Yes,” Reo says, wrapping an arm around your waist and pulling you close.

You bat your eyelashes at Takei, who looks like he wants to melt into the floor. For good measure, you turn to Reo with a fake little pout. “Reo, I think Takei-san was just saying something about only someone crazy would invite me here. How funny, don’t you think?”

“Very funny,” Reo says coolly. “But I think it’d be best not to make jokes like that about my date, don’t you think, Takei-san?”

“Right– of course– my apologies, Mikage-san,” Takei stammers. “I, ah, I would never think of… I won’t do it again.”

You pluck one of the pastries off your plate and offer it to Takei, who takes it with a twitching eye. “Enjoy the party, Takei-san,” you say in a syrupy sweet voice, watching as Takei stumbles off.

As soon as he’s out of earshot, you elbow Reo. “Nicely done, boyfriend,” you say.

“Takei has always been like that, but you shouldn’t have to put up with it,” Reo says. “Did he bother you?”

“Not too much!”

“I see.” Reo hands you a drink, but there’s a tiny frown twisting at the corners of his mouth as he watches Takei go.

There’s no more incidents after that, thankfully, but there’s a pensive look on Reo’s face that he can’t quite wipe off. What is he thinking? Should you ask? It’s not until the limo pulls up that Reo finally speaks to you.

“I’m sorry Takei was rude to you,” he says.

“It’s okay! It’s not your fault. Unless… you hired him to get on my nerves?” you tease, gravel crunching underfoot.

Reo looks uncharacteristically chagrined as he helps you into the car. “Why would I do that? Still, I put you in that situation, so… what can I do for you as an apology?”

You pretend to purse your lips in thought, tapping your finger against your chin. It’s cute how seriously he takes everything. “Well, Reo, have you ever heard of a little thing called grocery shopping?”

His eyebrows float upwards. “I’m not that out of touch. I do know what grocery shopping is. Do you think I was raised in an ivory tower?”

You grin. “Oh, we’ll see about that, Reo. Come pick me up on Saturday. 9am. Be sure to dress casually.”

—

Just as promised, Reo shows up outside your house at 9am sharp, dressed in a casual button up rolled up to his elbows and pressed slacks. He’s even smart enough to replace the usual limo with a more middle-class car, though it’s as sleek and polished as if it was bought fresh off the lot… which, now that you’re thinking about it, maybe it was.

You snort as you size Reo up, flicking a glance up and down. You’re dressed much more casually, in shorts and flip-flops, and the tote bag you always bring to hold your groceries. “Slacks, Reo? Really?”

He holds up his hands in defense, a golden watch gleaming on his wrist. “What? You said dress casual. So I did.”

You roll your eyes, and when Reo opens the car door for you, you shut it. “That’s like business casual at best. You don’t have jeans? Sweats? You look like you’re taking a break from an office job.”

“Hey. I can’t help it if my standards are higher than other people.” Reo puts his hands in his pockets as you stride confidently down the pavement, and he falls into step beside you. “What are you doing?”

“Taking you grocery shopping,” you say expertly.

“... And you don’t want to drive there?”

“Most people do not drive the car to get groceries, rich boy. There’s a little thing called public transportation, you know. You’re going to learn to do it the old-fashioned pedestrian way.”

“Rich boy…” he mutters. “Can’t you just call me by my name? We are technically dating, you know?”

You stick your tongue out at him. “Exactly. We’re technically dating, so I’m just giving you an affectionate nickname.”

At this, he laughs ruefully. “Affectionate, huh?”

Maybe you’ve been a little too mean to him. You are fond of Reo, even if he makes it a little too easy to tease him. At the next opportunity, you casually loop your arm around his. Reo falters, but doesn’t break step, before pulling you closer. He smells pleasant, a warm citrusy scent, and he’s careful to match his pace to yours so neither of you pull too far ahead or behind.

Without turning to him, you say, “I am affectionate, you know. I know how to spoil my boyfriend.”

“Really, now? Looks like I lucked out by asking you out.” There’s a genuine warmth in Reo’s voice that spills a sunset in your chest. It’s almost like he really likes you, and you’re really dating— but the contract. Don’t forget. You can’t let yourself get too carried away. This is a business deal, nothing more. Also, he would be so obnoxious if he knew how much his words affected you, considering all the crap you said about him not being your type. Still, the traitorous glow in your heart doesn’t go away, no matter how much you try to clamp down and extinguish it.

The market is surprisingly crowded when the two of you arrive. You pick up a basket as Reo stands at the entrance, drinking in the rows of cardboard boxes and tin containers and fresh produce, the housewives strolling down the aisles with children in their carts, the scuffed floor and the gleaming lights.

“We don’t have all day,” you tease. “Come on, Reo. Are you scared?”

“I’m not. It’s just… different,” he says. His eyes are still roaming the store, and you loop your arm around his again. Reo lets you pull him along without stumbling a step.

“It’s better to experience it in person,” you affirm, dragging him to the vegetables. “Help me pick some out.”

Reo’s hands hover a row of brown yams, dirt still clinging to their fuzzy roots. He picks one up for you, and you place a hand on his wrist. “What? Is it not good enough?” he asks.

“You need to put them in a plastic bag first,” you say, pointing to a dispenser roll at the end of the aisle. “You can’t just put the vegetables in the basket!”

Reo sighs in a long suffering way, but leaves and returns with a plastic bag, which you shake open and he drops several yams in, after careful consideration of their size and form.

“Good job, Reo,” you cheer.

“What can I say? I’m a natural,” he says smugly, and you bump him with your hip.

Reo follows you around the grocery store, shadowing your steps like a baby chick. You choose several more vegetables, before moving to the meat aisle and examining the frozen, plastic wrapped cuts. Reo peers over your shoulder as you point at the different cuts of meat, so close that you can feel his warmth despite the chill of the coolers, his breath brushing your cheek every time he talks.

“Which one do you want?” you ask. Normally, you wouldn’t find his closeness a big deal. You’re used to skinship with your friends and family, and Reo is your boyfriend, albeit in name only. But something about his presence makes you feel hyper-aware of his every move. Not that you could ever let him know that.

“What do you think is best?” he muses.

“You can choose,” you say.

“What about that one?” Reo points to a hunk of pork, and you drop it into your basket.

“Sounds good,” you say, quickly moving away from the frozen meat, but the memory of Reo’s warmth isn’t as easy to shake off.

You skim through the aisles of dry goods, picking up items that you remember were running low in your kitchen pantry. Reo follows, and he pauses in front of a row of glass bottles.

“There are so many different brands of soy sauce,” he says. “The chef usually just gets the highest quality brand.”

“Show-off,” you say.

“Hey! I’ll send you some, too!”

It’s not until you’re in front of the snacks that you stop, and spread your arms, as if presenting the rarest of delicacies. “All right, Reo. In exchange for your cooperation for today, you can choose one snack.”

“One snack,” he repeats.

“Yup! That’s what my mom used to say when we went grocery shopping. So I’m extending the honor to you. I’ll pay for anything you choose,” you emphasize. “So choose wisely!”

Reo’s hand skims over the row of snack boxes. “Which one would you recommend?”

“The chocolate mushrooms,” you say immediately. “I got them all the time as a kid, and my sister and I used to fight over who got to eat them, since our mom wouldn’t buy more than one box.”

Reo neatly slides out a yellow box with dancing chocolate mushrooms. “Then this is the one I want.”

“Are you sure?”

“My partner recommended them,” he says primly. “Why not?”

It’s only until you’ve paid for everything, stringing plastic bags alongside your arms (Reo valiantly offers to take a few after failing to persuade you to let him pay for the groceries with his card), that you can slide out Reo’s snack and proffer it to him.

“Thank you, my lovely assistant,” you say, “For braving the perils of the grocery store for me.”

“It was fun. I’ll come with you again, if you want.” He rips open the box, then offers it to you.

“What are you doing?”

“Take some.”

“But it’s your reward,” you protest.

Reo snorts, then shakes out a single chocolate mushroom onto his palm, pinching the biscuit stem between his forefinger and thumb, holding it in front of your mouth. “It’s my reward, so I can do whatever I want with it. And I want to give some to you.”

Without hesitation, you open your mouth, and Reo throws the mushroom in. A familiar chocolatey flavor spreads inside your mouth. Somehow, it tastes sweeter than it usually does.

—

Over the next few weeks, you and Reo settle into a comfortable rhythm. He comes to pick you up every evening, though your brother still has a habit of pressing his face to the living room window to ogle Reo’s various cars. Most of the time, your job at parties is just standing by Reo’s side, occasionally intercepting when someone asks him an uncomfortable question and pulling him away. People tend to ignore you, too, treating you as Reo’s tagalong– which, to be fair, you are. Still, any insults are soothed over by the delicious food you pile up high on your plate, though Reo will steal a bite or two if you’re not careful, despite you pestering him to grab his own plate.

Sometimes, you and Reo exchange glances out of the corner of your eye when someone says something particularly weird. It’s startling how fast you’ve learned to read him and pick up on every little change in his expression. He’s emotional and expressive, and though he doesn’t wear his heart on his sleeve, his moods are still easy to read. He’s a little petty, sometimes, and he holds an assured view of his own success. But he’s easy to tease. You like him, a lot more than you want to admit.

However, one particular party in August shatters the routine you and Reo have set.

For one, this party is held in a mansion, a multitiered decadent cake of a building, with famous paintings and expensive statues dripping from every corner. Hell, the guest list is more famous than you’re used to: celebrity actors and prestigious families from old money, and bodyguards hovering at every angle. Even you can feel the oppressive atmosphere, as much as you try to joke it away.

“Be right back,” Reo says, sighing. He flicks his head at an old man trying to catch his gaze. “One of my father’s board associates.”

“Make sure to bring me a plate of food,” you tease.

“Right. Otherwise, you might go so hungry you’ll start nibbling on me.”

You glower at him, and Reo sticks out his tongue at you, before a professional expression rolls down his face, like a shutter slamming closed.

You don’t have much time to spend alone, though. Because just as Reo steps away, a couple draws closer to you, clad with matching crimson jewelry, and with a posture so uptight and rigid you wonder if they would topple to the floor if someone were to bump into them. It’s uncanny timing, as if they were waiting for Reo to leave, but you smile politely.

Neither attempt to smile back at you. The couple’s eyes gleam like the sheen of a shark’s. Ah. They’re looking for trouble. There’s nothing to protect you from their sharp toothed smiles and narrowed gazes. Reo has vanished out of sight, and no one else seems particularly interested in your predicament.

“So, you’re Mikage-san’s date?” the woman asks politely. “How… quaint.”

“Yes,” the man butts in. “He rarely brings anyone to dinner with him, in all the time we’ve known him, and his parents.”

“My endless charm must have captivated him,” you joke, but the couple only raises their eyebrows.

“Hm. Well, it’s just strange that he would take a liking to… you,” the woman sniffs. “What family are you from?”

“I… My family? Well, I don’t think you would have heard of them.”

“I see,” the man says, with enough disdain that it shreds your bravado to pieces. “I’m not surprised you approached Mikage-san, then. Flies are always attracted to honey, eh? What I’m curious about is how on earth you managed to sink your hooks into him.”

“My hooks?” you say. “Well, no hooks were involved. We just hit it off, and–”

“No need to lie,” the woman intones. “It’s quite unbecoming, though I understand that people of your class can’t help themselves. No manners. No grace. To think Mikage-san would pass up an engagement with our child to chase after… you.”

“Ma’am, I think there must be some kind of mistake,” you begin, but then falter. They were still watching you with keen interest, and your chest tightens. They want you to slip up so they could twist whatever you say and humiliate you, like cats toying with a mouse.

More than that, whatever you say could be used against Reo. What was their relationship with him? It sounds like they’ve known him for a long time. Were they people he couldn’t risk offending? These people aren’t like Takei, a bumbling man trying to suck up to people wealthier than him. You could snark back, consequences be damned, but what if that hurt Reo somehow?

“What mistake are we making?” the woman prompts. “Do tell me.”

You select your words delicately, like you’re stringing pearls along a necklace. “Mikage Reo is a wonderful person. He’s a partner far better than I deserve, and I know this. And he’s cleverer than you give him credit for. I don’t think he would fall for cheap tricks or flirtations. No matter who I am, or what you think of me, I would like it if you didn’t imply that Mikage Reo is any less than what he is.”

The couple pales suddenly. Did your speech have such an effect on them? But a hand lands on your shoulder, and Reo’s voice echoes from behind you. “I hope I’m not interrupting anything, but I need to discuss something with my date.”

“Of course, Mikage-san,” the man stammers, all of his previous aggression gone. “By all means.”

There’s an uncharacteristically tight set to Reo’s jaw as he guides you to a balcony, arm pressed protectively around your waist. It’s not until there’s a layer of glass doors and gauzy curtains between you two and the rest of the party that he whirls around, eyes turbulent. His arm hasn’t moved an inch from your side.

“Why didn’t you say anything?” he grits out. “Why didn’t you say anything?”

You shrug your shoulders. “Oh, you know. I love when people are rude to me.”

“Stop joking around,” Reo says softly. “I’m serious, okay? You just– You could have said something! You’re my date. No one would… I could have said something. If you wanted me to.”

You let out a long sigh. Reo’s arm is still wrapped around your waist, and you impatiently shrug it off. Reo stares at the spot where his arm had once rested, as if not being able to touch you is the worst thing in the world. The fact that he’s sad for your sake– for you, his partner, his fake partner– makes you upset in ways you can’t begin to articulate. It was fine before. It was fun before, to mess around, to play in a world that isn’t really yours. Whatever you have isn’t real, so why does he act like it is? You even promised not to fall for each other. He was the one who suggested that clause.

“Are they people I can afford to offend?” you say tartly. “What sort of relationship do you have with them?”

“I would have covered anything you did–” Reo begins, but you shake your head.

“That isn’t the question. Are they people I could offend to afford? Are they people you need a good relationship with?”

Reo turns his head, and you have your answer.

“I’m not playing the same game as you, Reo,” you say. “This is your world. I’m just a regular person, and I don’t have family or connections or wealth to protect me. All I have is you, and conversely, anything I do can be reflected back on you. If I act out, then they would use me as an excuse to talk badly about you. I didn’t… want that.”

“So it was because of me?” Reo whispers. “ That you had put up with all of that?”

“I didn’t do it just for you,” you say hastily, “So don’t feel bad, okay? I was also looking out for myself, too. Come on, Reo, don’t make that face–” But before you can crack a joke to lighten the atmosphere, Reo pulls you into his arms.

For a few seconds, all you’re aware of is his cologne, some sort of calm, gentle fragrance, and his arms pressed tightly around you, as if he could shelter you from the world by pulling you as close to his body as he could. His hands, resting assuredly on your back. His chin, dipping into the crook of your shoulder. “Wh– What are you trying to pull, Reo?” you squeak, all witty comebacks and jokes fleeing from your head at his touch.

Reo pulls back, just enough so you can see his face, but his hands are still on your shoulders. And– Reo, confident, clever, level-headed Reo– doesn’t look like a self-assured CEO heir or your usual partner in crime. He looks exhausted. Sad. In a way that someone as beautiful as Reo should never look. “I’m sorry,” he says quietly.

“Don’t apologize,” you say gently. You lightly tap his chest with your fist. “Come on. You didn’t do anything wrong. You weren’t the one who insulted me, right?”

“No, I am in the wrong,” Reo says, and before you can move your hand away, Reo cups his hand over your fist, keeping it trapped against his chest. “I thought I could protect you, but that wasn’t what happened. You were the one protecting me.”

“Don’t be so self-deprecating. You’ve helped me a lot,” you scold. “Mikage Reo, we’re partners.”

“Right. Right, partners. We’re partners.” His lips curve into a smile, like the first rays of dawn breaking over the horizon. Reo is so unfairly beautiful, and why does he look especially beautiful when he’s looking at you?

This is dangerous territory. The world is shifting beneath your feet, and you don’t know if you’ll like where you’ll end up when it stops moving. You open your mouth and hastily add, “Because of the contract, you know? We made a promise.”

“The contract. Off course. We did make an agreement,” Reo says, but the warmth in his smile has burnt out, and no longer reaches his eyes.

“Right.” You shiver, and without a word, Reo shrugs off his suit jacket and drapes it across your shoulders. “Reo, you don’t have to…”

“It’s chilly during the summer,” Reo says simply. “I can’t have my… partner getting a cold. Let’s just call it a night.”

You crumple the silky fabric of his suit. It’s still warm from Reo’s body heat. “But the party–”

“Forget about it. You’ve already done your part. Just get some rest, okay? I’ll send you home.”

Reo ushers you through the party, warding off guests with a perfectly placed “my partner isn’t feeling well” and a pleasant smile– his business smile, nothing like the ones he shows you– and then you’re in Reo’s limousine. The two of you are silent on the way back. The streetlight flashes stripes of golden light across his face, but you still can’t tell what he’s thinking. For your part, outside of these quick glances at Reo, you stare out the window, at the lights of the city smearing across the glass.

When you stop by your house, it’s Reo who runs over to hold open your door and to offer you his hand as you step out. His hand lingers for a second longer than it has to before he pulls away.

“Have a good night,” Reo says.

“You, too. Wait, don’t you need your jacket back?” you ask, as Reo turns to go.

“No. You look nice in it. Just give it back to me next time.”

You open your mouth to make a joke about footing the bill, and how you don’t think you could afford the cleaning fees for his name brand clothing– but something in Reo’s gaze makes you bite your tongue. Instead, you wave. The last glance you have of Reo is of his silhouette, leaning against the car door, carefully watching you enter your house before he gets into his car and drives away.

—

For the next week, you keep staring at your phone, waiting for it to buzz. But there’s nothing but radio silence from Reo.

You’ve never felt more restless. Why hasn’t he called you? What do you do? Should you contact him first? Was he mad at you? He was definitely mad at you. You hurt him somehow, with your big mouth. But what were you to each other, really? Strangers? Not really. Friends, maybe. A couple? Definitely not. Somehow, your relationship has slipped out of the neat boundaries you’ve set at the beginning of the summer. It’s uncontainable, something formless and vague, neat labels sliding neatly off of it.

This was supposed to be a relationship of convenience, just a summer fling at most. Two strangers, helping each other out. There was a clear expiration date. Did you have any right to push him? To call him? To mend this?

You just wanted to have fun. Fun wasn’t supposed to come back and bite you in the ass like this. Fun wasn’t supposed to lead to either of you getting hurt. Fun wasn’t supposed to be Reo looking at you like that, like he… cared about you, more than he had to. It was supposed to be easy. Why wasn’t it easy?

He was the one who said that you weren’t his type. To be fair, he wasn’t really your type either. He wasn’t, but… his smile. His teasing words. His hug, tight and desperate, as if he never wanted to let you go. You said you weren’t going to fall for each other. You weren’t supposed to. You aren’t supposed to like him, not in this way. It was even in the stupid contract.

You pace around the living room, thoughts spiraling unendingly in your head, wearing a hole in the carpet as your siblings stare at you, unimpressed.

“Can you stop? I’m getting dizzy,” your brother complains.

Your sister slaps him on the arm. “Stop it. Their boy toy ghosted them, so now they’re sad. Let them mourn.”

“Eh? How’s that my business? Just call him, dork,” your brother commands. “Or show up at his house with flowers or something. Just stop moping.”

“You are so tactless. What the hell is–”

You skirt out of the living room, your siblings’ voices trailing behind you as they bicker. It’s not as if Reo needs to text you. It’s not a big deal. He could just be busy. It’s not as if you’re really his partner or something. You’re just– some person he hired for the summer. That’s all your relationship is. You can’t get disappointed now, not when you drew the line in the sand first.

You sigh, falling into a crouch, staring morosely at your phone screen– before it lights up with an incoming call, and you press answer so fast there’s no time for the ringtone to go off.

“Reo?” you breathe.

“Hi.”

“I thought you were dead! Why didn’t you call me? Or text? I mean, I know you’re busy as a corporate heir, but–”

“I’m sorry,” he says softly. “Are you free right now?”

“Yes? Why?”

“Can you come outside?”

“Uh, yeah. But why didn’t you just text me if you were coming to visit?”

“I wanted to hear your voice.” A pause. “Just forget I said that, okay? See you soon.”

Your heart pounds as you stare at the disconnected call, before you dash up the stairs to check your appearance in the mirror and maybe change to a cuter outfit. A few seconds later, you’re out the door, shoes still half on, and sprinting right into Reo, his car pulled right up to the curb.

“What’s up? Is there a party you want to talk about?” you say, breathless.

Reo opens his mouth, closes it, and then fumbles for the handle of the car door. “Do you want to go somewhere else?” he says, avoiding your eyes.

“Sure,” you say easily. You can sense more than see your brother and sister pressing nosily against the window. No doubt they’d pester you about what was going on when you got home.

The car ride is tense. Reo doesn’t talk to you, and instead stares outside the window the whole time. Is he steeling himself up for something? He glances at you occasionally, then glances away. You circle the same block twice before you impatiently ask the driver to simply drop you off at a random street.

The heat is like a heavy blanket over the city, the perfect embodiment of summer. Somehow, you end up in a nice little plaza. There’s a fountain gurgling behind you, and children playing in the shade under the trees. People stream by, and it’s only you and Reo who are frozen in place.

“What is it that you called me for?” you say.

“What?”

“You have something to say, right?”

Reo looks uneasily out at the sea of people under the blistering sun. “Let’s end our contract,” he says quietly.

You must have misheard. The heat is warping the air in front of your eyes. “Why? There’s still a few weeks left, right?”

“I’m terminating it early.”

“You can’t decide that on your own,” you say indignantly, but your hands are clammy. Your voice comes out reedy and thin, even to your own ears.

“It was going to end eventually. Ending it a few weeks early is no big deal,” he says curtly.

“Why now, though? Is it because of what happened at the last party?” you break in. “That’s no big deal. I can handle people like that.”

“You shouldn’t have to,” he snaps.

“Huh?”

Reo runs a hand through his hair. “You shouldn’t have to put up with people like that.”

“I don’t care.”

“I do,” he says. “I don’t like– I don’t like seeing you hurt.”

“But–!”

“And you’re just doing this for fun, right? It’s not like you have to go with me. If it stops being fun… if it starts making more trouble for you than what it’s worth… you should just leave. It’s like you said,” he says. “This is a contractual relationship.”

What can you say? You and Reo are just… what, exactly? Strangers in a business relationship? Friends, who only came together out of a twisted coincidence? He wasn’t your real boyfriend. You were just acting in a play, and at some point, the curtains had to fall.

“I won’t bother you with something like this again. Just… consider our agreement over, okay? You don’t have to pretend to be my partner anymore.”

He turns, and overwhelming desperation seizes you. If you let him go now, something will change forever, and you’ll never see him again. You’re certain of it. Reo is doing this out of consideration for you. It’s a kindness on his part, but you hate it. You hate it so much you can barely breathe.

“Wait!” He stops. All you can see is his back. What can you say? What sort of joke, or clever remark? What easy thing can repair your relationship? Nothing comes to mind. There’s nothing left, nothing but the truth. “I… I like being with you, Reo. I know I said I want to do whatever is fun, but… the most fun I’ve ever had is by your side. So don’t just… don’t just say it’s over. Was it not fun for you?”

You take a step closer towards him. He doesn’t back away. Another step. All you can hear is the gurgling of the fountain now, and all you can see is Reo. Reo, as beautiful as the sun.

His ears are red. Reo finally turns towards you, averting his gaze from yours, his hand covering his mouth. “Of course I like being with you. I just can’t be your fake boyfriend. I can’t do that anymore. I’ve already broken the contract. I… About you, I…”

Call it fate, or a coincidence. But at that moment, a passerby bumps into you, causing you to stumble. You yelp, your knees hitting the edge of the fountain, and Reo, alarmed, tries to grab you– you only manage to grasp his arm before you tumble over. Reo goes down with you. A wave of water splashes over the fountain as you flail, you and Reo fumbling for purchase. The two of you end up more soaked with every attempt to straighten yourselves, and it’s all just so ridiculous.

Laughter bubbles up out of you, and you can’t stop, even though everyone is staring at the two of you. You’re drenched, water streaming down your face, dripping from your clothes. Maybe this is what your hoodie feels like when you run it through the washing machine.

Reo lies beneath you in a pool of fountain water, your arms on either side of his torso. You’re sheltered in the circle of his open legs. His hair is plastered to his face, his expensive cotton shirt clinging to his body, and you carefully tuck a strand of hair behind his ear, but it’s all in vain.

“I can’t believe this,” you snicker. “Imagine the headlines. Mikage heir, found diving in a Tokyo fountain!”

“Oh, shut it,” he mutters, but you only laugh harder.

Suddenly, his hand cups your face, a tentative gesture. His thumb is so close to your lips. If he moves an inch, he’d brush them. Your laugh quiets. “What’s wrong, Reo?” you say, but your heart is pounding like a flock of birds lifting up in flight.

“You’re beautiful,” he says simply, as if it’s the only truth in the world. “Tell me if you don’t want this.” He’s face to face with you now, and you’re acutely aware of the way his gaze lingers on your lips. “Tell me if you don’t want me. Push me away right now.”

Oh, to hell with it. You lean forward and crash your lips onto his, urgently gripping his face with both your hands. It’s a terrible first kiss. There’s the taste of rusty water, and he’s slack at first, awkward, as you try to move against his lips. But then Reo circles his arms around your waist and pulls you closer, and now he’s kissing you back. He breaks apart only to connect again, desperate as if this is his one and only chance. Like stars colliding, all you can think of is this. Of him. Of the summer heat, lingering even when you part.

“Reo. I like you,” you say, simply. “I want to date you. For real, this time. No contracts, or anything. Even though I’m not your type, apparently.”

He rests his forehead against yours. “Forget about my type, or the contract. I don’t care anymore. I like you, too. I’ve liked you for a while now.”

“If you liked me, then why did you ignore me for a week?” you say indignantly.

“I was… I was nervous, okay? I mean, you shouldn’t have said our relationship was just a contract! I thought you didn’t like me!”

“Sorry, sorry. Both of us messed up, huh?” you ask. “Is there any way I can make it up to you?”

“Yeah, I can think of a few ways,” Reo mumbles.

He leans forward to kiss you again, and– “Hey! What are you kids doing in that fountain?! That’s public property!” A policeman yells.

Oh, shit. You totally forgot you were still in public, in the middle of a fountain. But there’s no time to think. Reo grabs your hand, and the two of you scramble up, splashing water everywhere as you jump out of the fountain and run down the streets. Everyone is staring at you, but who cares? Summer is almost over, and you deserve to have some fun with your boyfriend.

#liya writes #blue lock #mikage reo #reo mikage #blue lock x reader #mikage reo x reader #reo mikage x reader #blue lock reo #bllk #x reader #bllk x reader #3rd entry for my bllk seasonal shoujo fic!!#longest one ive ever posted. reo im going to kill u for making me write so much

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postoctobrist · 2 years

Note

hey I'm moving to a state with lax knife laws, and I use a cane. it's clear I need a sword cane, any recs?

I don’t have any because a sword cane is a special, even more different kind of illegal in the UK. This is because in 1988 the Thatcher government was psychologically obsessed with scary VHS movies and therefore banned every possible cool kung-fu movie weapon. Here’s the complete list of cool illegal weapons:

a knuckleduster, that is, a band of metal or other hard material worn on one or more fingers, and designed to cause injury, and any weapon incorporating a knuckleduster;

a swordstick, that is, a hollow walking-stick or cane containing a blade which may be used as a sword;

the weapon sometimes known as a “handclaw”, being a band of metal or other hard material from which a number of sharp spikes protrude, and worn around the hand;

the weapon sometimes known as a “belt buckle knife”, being a buckle which incorporates or conceals a knife;

the weapon sometimes known as a “push dagger”, being a knife the handle of which fits within a clenched fist and the blade of which protrudes from between two fingers;

the weapon sometimes known as a “hollow kubotan”, being a cylindrical container containing a number of sharp spikes;

the weapon sometimes known as a “footclaw”, being a bar of metal or other hard material from which a number of sharp spikes protrude, and worn strapped to the foot;

the weapon sometimes known as a “shuriken”, “shaken” or “death star”, being a hard non-flexible plate having three or more sharp radiating points and designed to be thrown;

the weapon sometimes known as a “balisong” or “butterfly knife”, being a blade enclosed by its handle, which is designed to split down the middle, without the operation of a spring or other mechanical means, to reveal the blade;

the weapon sometimes known as a “telescopic truncheon”, being a truncheon which extends automatically by hand pressure applied to a button, spring or other device in or attached to its handle;

the weapon sometimes known as a “blowpipe” or “blow gun”, being a hollow tube out of which hard pellets or darts are shot by the use of breath;

the weapon sometimes known as a “kusari gama”, being a length of rope, cord, wire or chain fastened at one end to a sickle;

the weapon sometimes known as a “kyoketsu shoge”, being a length of rope, cord, wire or chain fastened at one end to a hooked knife;

the weapon sometimes known as a “manrikigusari” or “kusari”, being a length of rope, cord, wire or chain fastened at each end to a hard weight or hand grip;

a disguised knife, that is any knife which has a concealed blade or concealed sharp point and is designed to appear to be an everyday object of a kind commonly carried on the person or in a handbag, briefcase, or other hand luggage (such as a comb, brush, writing instrument, cigarette lighter, key, lipstick or telephone);

a stealth knife, that is a knife or spike, which has a blade, or sharp point, made from a material that is not readily detectable by apparatus used for detecting metal and which is not designed for domestic use or for use in the processing, preparation or consumption of food or as a toy;

a straight, side-handled or friction-lock truncheon (sometimes known as a baton);

a sword with a curved blade of 50 centimetres or over in length; and for the purposes of this sub-paragraph, the length of the blade shall be the straight line distance from the top of the handle to the tip of the blade;

the weapon sometimes known as a “zombie knife”, “zombie killer knife” or “zombie slayer knife”, being a blade with—a cutting edge; a serrated edge; and images or words (whether on the blade or handle) that suggest that it is to be used for the purpose of violence.

the weapon sometimes known as a “cyclone knife” or “spiral knife” being a weapon with—a handle, a blade with two or more cutting edges, each of which forms a helix, and a sharp point at the end of the blade.

#no fun allowed

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slaymitchabernathy · 3 months

Text

Pretty

“I like that dress,” Coriolanus says, champagne glass in his hand. He’s spread out on some velvet sofa in probably the tenth boutique they’ve gone to today.

Looking for a dress for Soarynn to wear to the ball.

He’s not some heartless monster, and he did say he’d take her shopping. She looks entirely overwhelmed as she stands on the circular pedestal surrounded by both mirrors and employees trying to make this work.

Everything Soarynn likes, Coriolanus hates. She’s drawn to simple, boring, underwhelming gowns. He’s drawn to ornate, exciting, over-the-top gowns. And expensive gowns on top of all that. Coriolanus wants everyone to know that he can afford to buy his pretty girl the prettiest dress.

She looks so pretty right now.

One employee is grabbing all the excess fabric that’s gathered at Soarynn’s waist, “If we bring it in at the waist…adjust the straps…”

He can tell Soarynn’s over it, that she’s beginning to grow tired and he hasn’t ever seen a more irate side of Soarynn but he’s willing to bet today will be the day.

“Okay,” she says softly, causing everyone in the establishment to freeze, “I’ll take this one.”

It’s a fucking celebration.

Soarynn goes back to the dressing room to change while Coriolanus settles the bill, chatting with all the ladies about how he’s such a good boyfriend for taking his pretty girl shopping. “Well my girl deserves the best,” he says, feeling a much smaller body come to stand next to his, her small hand grabbing his large one. He lets everyone fawn over them before they’re instructed to come back in one week to see if any more alterations need to be made.

“I think you made an excellent choice,” he tells Soarynn as they walk outside. Soarynn shrugs, pulling her handbag onto her shoulder, “I just didn’t want to try on any more dresses,” she mumbles, “can we go to my house?”

Coriolanus hums, knowing not to push her to go to his house. She’s had a long day his pretty girl, trying on dresses, socializing with so many people. It’s a hard life she has.

꧁ ꧂

They’re greeted by a meow when they walk into the Nightingale’s townhouse.

Soarynn drops his hand instantly to scoop up her cat, smiling while she spins the two of them around, “Oh, Petunia I missed you.” Coriolanus watches his girlfriend fawn over her cat while he shrugs off his coat, his eyes scanning the foyer of the home. Her father isn’t here right now, he’s at work which means it’s just them in this large townhouse.

Coriolanus would describe Glen Nightingale as a quiet man but one whose word is law. He hasn’t realized how smart the man would be, how unlike his daughter, he’d pick up on Coriolanus’s intentions. He’d drilled Coriolanus the first time he came over for dinner.

“So what are your intentions with my daughter?” He’d asked, sipping his whiskey while looking Coriolanus in the eye over the brim of his glass.

Coriolanus had swallowed his food before flashing him a smile, “I think it goes without saying that I’m very fond of your daughter sir, I simply wish to make her happy.” He’d only practiced saying that in the mirror a hundred times before coming over.

Glen didn’t buy it.

“So you can promise me that you have no other intentions with my daughter? That you two haven’t engaged in any type of intercourse in the short week you’ve been seeing each other?”

Soarynn had turned pink and let out an embarrassed whine, “Father don’t ask questions like that,” she’d mumbled, poking at her food. She’d barely eaten but Coriolanus could’ve guessed why.

She was nervous.

But Coriolanus wasn’t nervous. No, he was prepared. He took her hand from under the table and pressed a kiss onto it before looking back at Glen, a man who posed no threat to him or his intentions with Soarynn.

“We haven’t done a thing, sir.”

Now their dynamic had drastically changed since they’d both uttered those three words to each other the night he took her virginity.

“I love you.”

She might as well have locked a chain around her ankle and given him the key because she was never leaving now.

He’d said it to her just the other night in front of his parents. Both gave very different reactions. His mother was ecstatic of course, she’d always been a romantic at heart. She adored Soarynn and thought she was the perfect match for her darling son.

His father on the other hand simply rolled his eyes, all too removed from his son’s life to truly keep up with who he was in love with. “It’s awfully soon to be saying things like that,” he’d grunted.

Crassus Snow was a man who never held back when it came to his opinions and he made sure to let Soarynn know exactly what he thought about her and the relationship she had with his son. “I assume you’ll be willing to bear my son's children if you feel comfortable expressing your love for him,” he’d said, pinning her down in her seat.

Soarynn had turned into a deer in headlights, truly petrified by the cold demeanor of the head of the Snow family. Coriolanus had come to her rescue though, placing his hand on top of hers and giving it a reassuring squeeze, “Children are far in the future father,” he’d said calmly, “right now we just want to focus on the present.” If only he could tell his father the truth, how Soarynn bled on his cock and the only way to keep her in his pocket was to utter those three powerful words.

Coriolanus glanced at the outfit Soarynn was wearing today. It was a short dress with ruffles and she had a ribbon tying her hair back like usual. He loved to pull the ribbons out of her head, slip them into his pocket. Soarynn would frown sometimes when he did it, but she never commented on it.

She was so quiet his pretty girl.

“Why don’t we go upstairs?” He suggests, wanting to get off his feet for a while. Soarynn nods and leads them up the grand marble staircase.

The Nightingale’s townhouse was most impressive. Although they didn’t live on the Corso like Coriolanus, they were still very wealthy and their home was a sure sign of that. They had a backyard, two floors, and Mr. Nightingale had mentioned buying Soarynn a car in the near future.

As if Coriolanus would ever let her drive anywhere.

Soarynn’s room was the opposite of his. It was full of color and personality. Although it lacked photographs of her and her friends. Probably because she didn’t have any.

Her bed was a canopy and several stuffed animals sat on top of the covers. Coriolanus sat on the edge of the bed, taking one shoe off and then the other. He watches Soarynn continue to play with Petunia, giggling when the cat does something that amuses her.

Soarynn had told Coriolanus one night that Petunia was her best friend. How tragic he’d thought, to have a cat be your only friend.

But Coriolanus would change that. Introduce her to the right people, make the right connections. With his guidance, Soarynn could flourish.

Once his shoes were off he made himself more comfortable on her bed, moving a few stuffed animals to the side. It took Soarynn a moment to join him, she was always more timid about showing affection and so blatantly at that.

But eventually, she crawls onto the bed, into his strong hold. Coriolanus places a kiss on the top of her head, appreciating how domestic this all feels. Sometimes he forgets how this all began, his obsession to make her his, how he made her his, what he did to her.

He often wonders if she thinks of it too, how he took her virginity, what he did to her. If she does then Soarynn doesn’t mention it. Probably too nervous to bring it up. They simply moved past it.

They had sex, no need to make it into something bigger than what it already is.

"Thank you for buying my dress," she whispers, her legs tangling with his. Coriolanus smiles, at least she's grateful. Even if she hates it she'll still thank him. "You're welcome," he replies, his hand slipping under her dress. He hears Soarynn's breath hitch but she doesn't stop him.

She tried to in the beginning, insisting that once was more than enough. He'd chuckled at her way of thinking, thinking that he could get enough of her and her cunt after only one time. No. He needed her every day. And he'd take her every day if he could if they weren't so busy with school and their lives.

"I think I'd like you on top," he says, squeezing her ass.

Soarynn whimpers, her legs pressing together as he continues to feel her up from underneath her dress. It's a pretty dress. A pretty dress for a pretty girl. "I've never been on top Coriolanus," she whispers, her hand clutching his shirt. It's true. Coriolanus has taken her in many positions but he's always been on top, in charge. He still will be, but he wants to watch her take him inch by inch.

"You'll be my good girl," he tells her, sitting up, his hand slipping between her legs, "take it like you should hmm?"

Soarynn's need and want to be good, to be praised was something Coriolanus used to his advantage. If she pleased him, listened to him, she was rewarded with soft kisses and kind smiles. If she didn't, well, she hadn't gotten to that point yet although he knew she would eventually. Sooner or later Soarynn would grow a little defiant, push back, snap at him. And he'd be quick to correct such bratty behavior.

“Yes,” she whispers, her head slightly dropping in shame.

Coriolanus had expected her to be upset with him after taking her virginity, maybe even a little bashful but he hadn’t expected her to be so…ashamed.

She begged him not to tell anyone, especially her father. And he didn’t. Well, he didn’t tell her father at least. He hadn’t planned to but he did tell his friends about how tight of a cunt Soarynn Nightingale has.

He smiles and presses a kiss to her temple, “Good girl.”

He’s quick to get her undressed, he wants to see all of his pretty girl. She’s wearing some of the lingerie he bought her, something he smugly notes. If he buys her something, she’ll wear it. She wants to please him, make him happy. She’s so thoughtful his pretty girl.

His lips are moving against hers while his bulge grows bigger and bigger to the point where she can feel it and lets out a whimper. “You know what to do pretty girl,” he whispers, his hands grabbing her waist.

It’s been a rather tedious process, teaching Soarynn exactly how to please him. Coriolanus selflessly took it upon himself though, knowing how well it would pay off in the end. Since then Soarynn has been much better in the bedroom. Coriolanus wasn’t a monster, he wanted her to enjoy sex.

But only with him.

She would only know what it felt like to be stuck on his cock, no one else’s. The mere thought of another man seeing her like this pushed him past anger and into obsession.

Soarynn’s shaky hands unbuttoned his pants, grabbing his hard bulge through his boxers. Coriolanus groans, slightly bucking into her small hand, “Don’t tease me, love, do what I showed you.”

Soarynn pulls away from the kiss, breathless as always while she pulls down his boxers with her other hand, letting his hard cock spring out. She swallows and looks into his eyes, she’s nervous.

Coriolanus nods and Soarynn begins to stroke him up and down with her hand, getting him nice and ready to fuck that sweet little cunt of hers. Coriolanus moans, throwing his head back while she pleases him, and then he feels her warm mouth on him.

As much as she’d hate to admit it, Soarynn can give a good blowjob. She always manages to get him to his peak and she does it without complaint. Although she rarely ever complains.

He grabs her hair, bobbing her head up and down at the pace he wants, swearing at how well she takes him, “There you go,” he says, “taking me so good. Always gonna be my little slut huh?”

He can picture it now. Their future. Soarynn swollen with his child, on her knees while she pleases him, those beautiful eyes looking up at him like he’s the greatest thing in the world. They’ll have a good marriage, she’ll make him happy and he’ll buy her whatever she wants.

They’ll be happy.

꧁ ꧂

Her skin is so soft. Coriolanus can feel how well Soarynn takes care of her body while he traces his finger up and down her arm. He appreciates that about Soarynn. She’s soft, she’s clean, and she’s hairless. He had worried how she maintained everything for a moment before he had her in his clutches but Soarynn was just full of surprises.

“That’s pretty,” Soarynn mumbles, pointing at the television. It draws his attention back to the screen and away from her, “Hmm? Oh, that dress she’s wearing?” Soarynn hums and nuzzles back into his chest, letting out a content sigh.

They’re in her living room watching television. It’s so domestic. And ironic considering he just fucked her until she was crying less than an hour ago. But she wanted to watch Lucky Flickerman’s show and Coriolanus was happy to oblige.

She’s curled up against him while he’s laid out on the sofa, a blanket covering them, his arms wrapped around her, providing security.

The dress she’s so fascinated with is light pink. Whoever Lucky is interviewing can barely pull the dress off but Soarynn certainly could. Coriolanus made a mental note to buy it for her so then he could be the one pulling it off.

“Do you ever think about the future?” He asks, staring out the window into her backyard. Soarynn lifts her head up to look at him and she looks so pretty with her hair all messed up, a few bruises on her neck. “The future?” She repeats, her brows furrowing. Coriolanus nods, absentmindedly brushing her hair from her face, “You know, getting married, having kids. All that.”

He begins to wonder if he’s the only one thinking this far ahead because Soarynn frowns, “I think most people are just focused on graduating,” she tells him softly. She has a point. It’s their last year, the last few months. Best not to get ahead of himself.

“We would have cute kids,” he decides, ignoring how surprised she looks at his statement. “They’d look just like a Snow,” he continues, admiring her blonde hair and blue eyes, making her the perfect candidate to have children with to ensure they look just like him.

Soarynn bites her lip but doesn’t say anything. She just lays her head back down and they sit in silence, watching Lucky Flickerman’s television show.

꧁ ꧂

"Now your professor left me with some worksheets for you to complete. Please don't forget to write your names at the top," the substitute says somewhat exasperatedly. Their professor was sick today which meant their literature class was stuck doing busy work. Coriolanus didn't mind though. It meant he got to mess around with his friends and he got to bother Soarynn.

So it was a win-win.

Coriolanus was quick to finish his assignment, wanting to get it out of the way. Soarynn had finished slightly before him but then again she wasn't the one socializing. He tried to get her engaged in the conversation between him and Festus but she was so enamored by her book so he settled for holding her hand under the table.

"My mom won't get off my back about this stupid ball," Festus says with a groan, tossing his pencil onto his desk. Coriolanus smirks, happy he already has his tailored suit prepared for the upcoming ball, "Why? Is she scared you might drug some professor's daughter again trying to get into her pants?"

Festus rolls his eyes and shakes his head, "That only happened once and it was a mistake," he defends. Coriolanus glances to his left to see Soarynn so deeply invested in her book, leaning against her hand as she reads, "Ask one of the girls," he says, still watching Soarynn, "Like Clemmie or Arachne."

He knows neither of the girls is the ideal date for Festus but you can't be too picky this close to graduation. Almost everyone is beginning to couple up, truly commit. Coriolanus and Soarynn seem to have set off a trend and everyone else has followed.

Festus sighs, carding his hand through his curls, "Easy for you to say Coryo, not everyone is in love like you two are." He can feel Soarynn slightly tense next to him, listening to their conversation, "It's not my fault I'm an overachiever," Coriolanus retorts before changing the subject.

They talked about other things before the bell rang dismissing them for lunch, "We'll be right there," he says to Festus, pulling Soarynn in the opposite direction of the lunch room with him. Festus throws him a smirk and walks off to lunch. "Where are we going?" Soarynn whispers, aimlessly following him into a supply closet. Coriolanus shuts the door and locks it, turning on the shitty overhead light, which is quite literally just a lightbulb.

Coriolanus doesn't answer her question, instead, he pushes her against the door, capturing her lips in a heated kiss. Soarynn whimpers but returns the kiss, her satchel falling to the floor along with her book. Coriolanus didn’t know why he brought her into the supply closet but he wasn’t going to leave now, not when he could have some fun with his pretty girl.

“Just wanna have a little fun,” he whispers against her lips, his hand slipping under her skirt. Soarynn gasps and tries to push him away, “Coriolanus we can’t,” she says, her voice desperate and her eyes pleading.

Coriolanus has to hold himself back from rolling his eyes at his girlfriend’s apprehensions. He’s done much worse in public places if he’s being honest, if anything the supply closet is a step up from the other places he’s fucked girls.

At least this one had a door.

But he’s not having any of her attitude or protests and he’s swift to wrap a hand around her neck, applying a slight pressure, “Don’t you wanna be my good girl baby? Make me happy? Make me feel good?” Soarynn whimpers when his hand slips under the waistband of her lace panties, getting oh-so-close to her sweet little cunt. “Or do you want me to go find another girl who will listen to me? Someone who will love me better than you do?”

He knows he’s laying it on thick, being a little mean. But Soarynn can be so dumb sometimes and when it comes to sex she’s a fucking idiot. He knows she’ll do anything to please him because even if she won’t admit it he knows she likes dating him, being with him, letting him touch her. Why wouldn’t she?

“No,” she whispers frantically, “I…I can be good for you I promise. Please don’t go find some other girl.” He can hear her voice tremble, how scared she is at the prospect of him leaving her. He’s thankful for how easy she is to manipulate and the groundwork he laid down the night he took her virginity. Convincing Soarynn that no one would love or want her now that she was used was probably the best thing he’d ever done.

Because now she was his.

Coriolanus hums and swipes his fingers between her folds, groaning when he feels how wet she is despite her protests. “Okay pretty girl, then why don’t you let me make you feel good hmm? Since I love you so much.” It’s almost comical how quickly Soarynn spreads her legs for him. He knows she wouldn’t ever outright say it but she likes it when he goes down on her. And he likes the way she tastes, the way she sounds, the way only he can see this side of her.

It’s a win-win.

And it’s so cute watching her try to be quiet while he’s on his knees, his mouth on her cunt and his hands gripping her thighs, keeping her spread apart for him. “Oh please,” she whispers, her hand grabbing his curls. Coriolanus slightly winces when she pulls on his curls but he finds himself strangely liking it. Because it means she likes it.

He might as well fuck her since they’re here and he wastes no time getting back on his feet and flipping Soarynn around, pressing her chest against the door, effectively pinning her against him. “Look at you,” he whispers, his hand quickly undoing his pants. Soarynn lets out a small moan when she feels his growing problem press against her ass and he chuckles, “You want it? You want me to fuck you stupid Soarynn?”

Coriolanus finally gets his pants off and his boxers follow suit, his cock springing out and resting against her perfect little ass. He lifts her skirt up to ensure he can see everything. One thing he’s always been adamant about is having the perfect view of Soarynn taking his cock. It’s a sight he simply can’t pass up. “Yes please,” she whispers, her back slightly arching into him. Coriolanus smirks, he wonders if Glen Nightingale is aware of the absolute slut he’s turned his daughter into.

His beautiful, sweet, timid little daughter. Taking the cock of Coriolanus Snow in a supply closet.

He lets out a low moan when he sinks into her cunt, never tiring from how tight she is. Soarynn moans too and Coriolanus is quick to shove two fingers in her mouth to keep her quiet. As much as he loves the risk, he doesn’t love the idea of someone finding them. Someone finding them and getting an eyeful of what’s rightfully his. His obsession with Soarynn fuels his thrusts as he pounds into Soarynn, hitting her sweet spot every time.

Soarynn is taking him just like she should and he can feel her walls quivering around him. If only he could get deeper. It’s not ideal, their position. “Lift your leg up for me,” he pants, pulling her right leg up and pinning it against the door. Soarynn being the good girl he’s trained her to be holds it and he can finally fuck her deep and fast.

“There you go,” he says, listening to her small, gagged moans, “trained you so good huh? You’ll just take it anywhere won’t you Soarynn? I should tie you up and leave you in here, let everyone take a turn on you, and see what a slut you are.”

He shoves his fingers deeper and she gags on them, tears spilling from her eyes as they roll back, finally giving her that look he loves on her. Coriolanus loves when she looks so fucking dumb, so stupid while stuck on his cock, with nothing to do but take it over and over again. She looks so pretty like this.

But he knows they don’t have much time so he picks up the pace and pulls his fingers from her mouth to bring them to her clit, rubbing it in tight circles. Soarynn lets out a squeal from the stimulation and her body begins to shake.

Coriolanus nearly finishes when thinking back to a few nights ago when he had her in the shower, pinned against the wall much like now but instead, he used the shower head on her. He’d never paid too much attention to his removable shower head until he and Soarynn were showering the night off. He didn’t hesitate to adjust the jet stream and point it right at her clit, making her take it over and over again until she was sobbing.

He bites into her shoulder when he feels her walls begin to flutter around him, her orgasm hitting her full force. “Oh!” She gasps, her body going limp in his hold. Coriolanus doesn’t let up until he finishes though, watching with a smug look on his face when he finally pulls out to see his cum dripping from her puffy cunt. Soarynn pants and rests her forehead against the door, catching her breath.

Coriolanus presses a kiss to her neck while he calms down as well, his mind still buzzing with adrenaline. Soarynn reaches down between her legs and whines, “I…I need to go to the bathroom and clean up,” she tells him softly as she turns around. Coriolanus tilts his head and places one hand next to her head so he can lean down, getting eye level with her, “You’re not cleaning up anything pretty girl.”

꧁ ꧂

“What color is your dress Soarynn?”

Arachne’s question pulls Soarynn from her haze and she lifts her head off of his shoulder, “Oh, um it’s red she says, her hands tugging on her skirt.

Coriolanus smirks and places his hand on her thigh, giving it a squeeze. Arachne nods and looks to her left where Clemensia is sitting, “We definitely need to go dress shopping this weekend then or all the good dresses will be gone.” Coriolanus tunes the girls out while he looks down at Soarynn who’s already gone silent again. Her eyes are shifting over the table, watching everyone in their conversations.

He knows why. It’s because she’s embarrassed.

They’d showed up to lunch late for obvious reasons and Festus and Felix greeted them with a plethora of questions and shared smirks. Coriolanus smoothly answered all of their questions while pulling out a chair for Soarynn who looked like she wanted to disappear for the rest of her life.

It was so cute how she sat down, careful to pull down her skirt. Wouldn’t want to flash anyone since she wasn’t wearing any panties.

Coriolanus nearly got hard again just thinking about how he’d stuffed her panties up her cunt to keep his cum inside of her. Knowing she’d been filled with him all day brought him a feeling of satisfaction and ownership. Soarynn was clearly uncomfortable but he paid it no mind.

He gently kisses her temple before whispering in her ear, “You’re coming home with me after school.” He reaches into her satchel and places the book she was reading on the table, a silent way of permitting her to read it while he talks with his friends.

Soarynn’s breath hitches and her eyes flit from the book to his hand on her thigh. He knows she’s sore but he doesn’t quite care about that. And he knows how desperately she just wants to read and tune everyone out. “Okay,” she agrees, her voice so soft.

Coriolanus grins and leaves her to read her book while he talks to Festus.

Soarynn just reads her book, quiet as a mouse. So sweet and obedient, always wanting to please him. He’ll keep her around, get her pregnant, marry her. Coriolanus will do all the things to his pretty girl.

꧁ ꧂

It's an ungodly sight to see Soarynn's tight cunt filled with something that shouldn't be in there. He's got her lying on her back, legs spread while he finally pulls out her bunched-up panties from her tight little cunt. Coriolanus knows how eager she's been to get it out, but he didn't let her off that easy. No. His pretty girl also had to be his good girl which meant sitting through dinner with his parents and it was a slow dinner tonight.

His mother had all sorts of questions for Soarynn who she adored, finding the timid girl a perfect match for her charming son.

"Coriolanus says you found a dress for the ball, are you excited?" She'd asked Soarynn who'd been poking around her plate. Coriolanus had given her thigh a gentle squeeze, reminding her that she can not opt out of every conversation she's presented with. Soarynn nodded, giving his mother a small smile before answering.

"Yes I'm very excited, Coriolanus helped me pick out the dress." Mother had fawned over that piece of information for a good minute before turning to his father who was nursing a glass of wine, "You know, Crassus and I met at a ball thrown by the Academy." Coriolanus couldn't stop his eyes from widening when he heard that. His mother was never shy to bust out the photo albums from their glory days but he never knew how they met.

His father merely grunted, "Yes, we were about your age, ready to leap into the world of adulthood." His eyes settled on Coriolanus as if he saw him unfit to join that said world. Coriolanus chose to ignore it and slipped his hand further up Soarynn's thigh until it rested on her cunt. He felt her stiffen next to him but he paid her no mind as he acted so very interested in what his mother was saying.

His pretty girl had been so good for him at dinner, acting as if nothing was happening while he rubbed her clit under the table in front of his parents. The best part was that she didn't even attempt to stop him. Coriolanus was quite pleased with that, how she knew how to behave, and that his training was paying off.

꧁ ꧂

"Such a pretty little cunt," he says, blowing air onto her clit. Soarynn whimpers and tries to lift her hips but his arm keeps her pressed to the bed, "do you want something else inside of it Soarynn?"

He knew she was horny, even if she didn't like it she was still horny. He nearly worked her into an orgasm at dinner before he pulled his hand away, leaving her to feel unsatisfied. "Please," she gasps, "please."

Coriolanus chuckles and glances back at his bedroom doors, his locked bedroom doors. After she slept over the first time he found it quite easy to convince both his and her parents to let them spend the night. As long as an adult was home with them, no harm could be done. How foolish of them to think that.

His eyes wander to his desk, to the drawer where he keeps those oh-so-special pills and he smirks before giving her thigh a squeeze, "Stay here," he says before standing up. He knows she's on edge, the closet sex, the panties, dinner, his cock, it's been a lot for her today.

Too bad he's just getting started with his pretty girl.

He chooses to go with two pills tonight, ensuring that Soarynn won't give him any problems while he has his fun with her. Soarynn's still lying on his bed, staring at the ceiling while she moves her hips ever so slightly. If she's this desperate to be fucked then she's in for a real treat tonight. "Close your eyes, pretty girl," he orders, climbing back onto the bed. Soarynn shoots him a hesitant look but he returns it with a stern look that leaves no room for arguing.

So his submissive, dumb, pretty girl closes her eyes.

Coriolanus leans down and presses a kiss to Soarynn's soft pink lips, his tongue pressing against them for only a moment before gaining entry to her mouth. Soarynn doesn't particularly like tongue but it's not really about her now is it? He kisses her for a moment before bringing his fingers to her lips, the two pills in his hold.

It's easy to slip them into her mouth while they kiss although he pulls away immediately. If he accidentally swallowed one then things would be very, very bad. Soarynn lets out a whimper and furrows her brows but Coriolanus is quick to cover her mouth with one hand and pinch her nose shut with the other. Soarynn's eyes widen and she tries with all her might to push him off but his pretty girl is so small and weak compared to him.

"Swallow them now before I force them down your pretty throat," he grits out, squeezing her nose tighter. If she doesn't swallow them she'll just pass out but that's only half the fun in his opinion. Soarynn tries to scream but it gets muffled by his hand and he shoots her a murderous glare, "Don't be a fucking brat Soarynn, swallow them, now."

He can see her beginning to panic, trying to decide what to do and tears form in her eyes before she finally swallows. Coriolanus grins and pulls both hands away, watching her roll to her side as she sucks in as much air as possible.

Then she starts to cry.

Coriolanus sighs, he really doesn't have time for this right now but he knows how fast the pills will work so he'll let her have this moment. "Why...why are you doing this to me?" She chokes out, barely able to look up at him. Coriolanus tilts his head as he stares down at the pretty girl below him, "Because I love you."

Soarynn lets out a bitter, hollow laugh that tells him that she doesn't believe those words for a second, "You don't hurt people you love," she spits back, her voice as loud as he's ever heard it before, "you don't take advantage of people you love and fucking drug them."

He can't help but laugh at the current state of her and also her sudden feistiness. Naked on his bed, drugged all while trying to fight with him. The poor thing clearly needs to be put back in her place and tonight will be the perfect time to do so. Coriolanus gives her a smile all too kind to be genuine before he reaches down and grabs her throat, pulling her up like a ragdoll until they're face to face.

"Listen to me once and only once darling because I don't like repeating myself," he says in a low, measured voice, "if you ever try to speak to me like that again I'll make sure all you know is what it's like to be drugged up and trust me when I tell you, there are much worse drugs than the ones I gave you. And if you ever want to see the type of man I can become as someone who doesn't love you then I can easily arrange for that."

Her eyes hold fear in them but he can still see a glimmer of defiance and Coriolanus has to kill that now. "I will let my friends run such a fucking train on you that once they're done you'll be begging to take my cock and only my cock, do you understand Soarynn?" He shakes her neck for emphasis and smirks when it lolls to the side, the drugs finally taking over, "You have no idea how many boys would love to split your sweet little cunt open and yet I keep them all away. All because I love you."

He releases her throat and watches her fall back onto the mattress. Limp and starry-eyed. Good, she looks prettiest when she's helpless.

Coriolanus spends a few minutes getting the things he'll need, a belt, a necktie, and a binder clip from his desk.

When he comes back he finds Soarynn completely out of it. He starts with the tie, wrapping it around her head, securing it in her mouth, and gagging her. He doesn't need any screams when she wakes back up. Not like last time when she lost it. Then he binds her hands with his belt, can't have her running off. Lastly, he grabs the binder clip, smirking when he notices Soarynn warily eyeing it, "This is what happens when you talk back to me pretty girl," he drawls, pressing it open and bringing it down to her clit.

The gagged scream Soarynn lets out only makes him grow harder and harder in his pants as he watches her writhe on his sheets. He looks at her cunt, still stuffed with her panties, her clit now clamped with a binder clip all while she drips onto his sheets.

She's crying again, trying to take deep breaths but it's hard and the drugs are making her more and more lucid. "I think some spanks are in order," he decides, picking her up by her waist. She's like a ragdoll now, his personal little fuckdoll as he sits on the edge of the bed and lays her across his lap.

Her limbs sag letting him know she's completely at his disposal before he lands a hard slap on her ass. Soarynn makes some noise but he pays it no mind and continues bringing his hand down on her ass. "You've been such a good girl for me Soarynn but I suppose all sluts throw a temper tantrum eventually."

Coriolanus spanks her until her ass is bright red, sure to bruise by the morning. Good, he wants her to remember what happens when she tries to talk back to him. He tosses her back onto the bed and spreads her legs wide, getting another view of her perfect cunt stuffed with her panties. "Now let's take these out, hmm?"

It's an erotic sight as he slowly pulls her soaking wet panties out from her cunt, both her cum and his cum mixed into the fabric. He groans when he sees her gaping little cunt, still coated with his cum from this afternoon. He flicks the binder clip and Soarynn jolts, letting out a gagged wheeze. He loves her like this, helpless, vulnerable, all his.

So pretty.

"My little fuckdoll," he says, pulling down his pants and then his boxers, letting his cock spring out. "Are you ready to be good for me now? To take whatever I give you?" He grabs a fistful of Soarynn's hair, pulling it up and down, making her nod like a puppet, "That's my good girl," he says, half-mocking, half-praising her. He knows how it gets to Soarynn when he degrades her. She's still got tears in her eyes but now she looks entirely afraid of him.

Coriolanus moans when he sinks into her cunt, feeling her walls wrap around him. They've been molded to fit his cock by now. "There you go, I wish you could see yourself all spread out for me, so dumb with it," he taunts, beginning to fuck hard into her. Her pleasure isn't a priority for him tonight but he plans on fucking her until she gains her mobility back, until she can repeat every rule he's given her.

Soarynn's body rocks back and forth as he fucks her, his hands holding her thighs down and apart, bearing all of it to him. "I own all of this Soarynn," he grunts, "this cunt, this clit, this ass, that mouth, all of it. And when we're married, I'll truly own all of you."

Soarynn's making some more pitiful noises but he pushes through and fucks her through his first orgasm, painting her walls with his cum. Soarynn already looks fucked out but it seems like a personal problem where he's concerned, "You're in for a long night pretty girl."

꧁ ꧂

"I can't," she gasps, her head dropping in exhaustion. Coriolanus has come to the conclusion that Soarynn looks best like this. Covered in bruises, tears, sweat, and cum. She's entirely fucked out and exhausted but Coriolanus needs to drive this message home even if it's at her own expense. Her body is still weak and pliant but she got her voice back around an hour ago and it's horse and scratchy.

He rubs at her clit causing more tears to surface since the clip is still on it, "Yes you can baby, give me one more and we're done."

Soarynn chokes down another sob, and he gives her throat another squeeze as he fucks her from behind, her upper half folded and pressed against his marble bathroom counter. Fucking Soarynn in front of a mirror is an image he wants to burn in his mind forever. This way he can see how pathetic she looks wrapped around his cock.

"You promise?" She croaks, looking into his eyes with desperation. Coriolanus nods and presses a kiss to her temple, "One more, I promise." He means it too, especially since he's getting tired too. He doesn't even know if Soarynn can give him another orgasm but she's his good girl and he knows she will. And he knows just how to get it.

He reaches down between her legs without warning and presses the clip open and that's all it takes to get her to cum. She doesn't even cum, she squirts all over him, her eyes rolling back, her tongue sticking out. His little fuckdoll.

"There you go," he praises, still fucking her as he reaches his own orgasm, "such a good girl. My pretty girl, can you say that for me? Tell me you're my pretty girl?"

Soarynn closes her eyes when she feels him filling her up, her legs are shaking, all of her is shaking but he won't let up until he gets what he wants. She should know that by now.

With tears in her eyes, Soarynn lifts her head up and looks into the mirror, looking into his eyes, the eyes of the man she'll belong to for the rest of her life, something she's come to terms with now.

"I'm your pretty girl."

| Part 3. | Final Part |

| tumblr oneshot/drabble |

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the-fiction-witch · 10 months

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Mademoiselle

Media The Queens Gambit

Character Benny Watts

Couple Benny X Reader

Rating Flirty

Requested: Anonymous asked:

Ahhhhh okay okay!! So hear me out but hear me out So imagine Bennys dating a famous singer, Think like Jessica rabbit aesthetic type dresses performing in clubs or at some of his chess matches as a way to entertain the people who aren't there to watch and she's french (sue me lol) so calls her stuff like Mademoiselle, Ma cherie and she calls him Monsieur or something like "Perverted American!" as a joke but they're really really in love with each other and everyone totally knows bennys dating this Famous French singer and he just gets a kick out of watching her perform and she has this this Audrey Hepburn type vibe and song voice, So like a TONNNNN OF FLUFF BUT WITH SOME SMUT AT THE END I BEG OF YOUUUU FICTION WITCHH🎶 TO LET THIS HAPPPENNNN POR FAVORRRR

I sat on the small stool with my elbows against the bar, a blue ribbon in hand watching people mill about the hotel lounge. Little light came through the windows now as it was getting late but the city of Vegas outside was still lit with its flashing colours. The lounge is busy with competitors and press for the tournament as well as the typical Vegas hotel guests. Many of the chess boys were nursing their egos with whiskey and martinis. The small stage across from the bar where a band is playing some gentle jazz is barely even audible over the muttering of people in the lounge. Even if I couldn't help but check my watch for the time knowing how soon it would change. I noticed a familiar sight saunter over sitting on the stool beside me setting his pad and pencil on the bar top as he ordered himself a drink

"Watts"

"Towns"

"Do I really need to ask or should I just copy and paste your usual stick?"

I chuckled "Beautiful venue, impressive crowd, the fourth round was a struggle but nothing I can't deal with." I explained and he noted that down "What do for you?"

"That's fine, you okay?'

"Fine, thinking what to spend my prize money on"

"You know what I mean"

"I'm fine," I shrug

"How's that girl you were talking about?"

"Girl?"

"That girl you were… seeing?"

"Ah, you mean y/n."

"Yeah that girl"

"Ah ah, woman. She's not a girl." I corrected

"You actually brought her this time?"

"Ohh she'll be around here somewhere" I smirked

The moment I uttered those words a woman drifted in right on time, from the long corridor leading to the front desk and casino floor through the glass doors into the lounge as if in slow motion. Her black dagger pumps with a strap around her ankle stepped onto the carpet skin tone stockings without a single ladder blood red seams up the back of her legs the left slightly crooked, She wore a skin-tight red dress with a sweetheart neckline and the hem sitting just above her knees even from here I could see every curve of her body in that dress, around her waist a black belt perhaps an inch thick tied in a small bow at her back three buttons from her waist to her neckline and then off the shoulder black straps that caressed her breasts and settled so perfectly across her arms, she wore black gloves that reached her elbows, in the crook of her elbow a small black leather channel handbag with a golden chain. Her lipstick was perfectly highlighting her Cupid's now the colour matching her dress perfectly, a dagger-like flick of eyeliner and I'm sure more that I couldn't see or name, her long y/c/h sat hovering above her shoulders where it has been tightly curled likely sat on rollers for hours giving her this sculpted but still fluffy curls of hair. Many turned as she entered the room a few conversations stopping short even more so as she stepped to the stage walking up setting her bag down and whispering instructions to the band. She walked to the mic giving the stand an adjustment. The room silenced as people found seats to watch as the band began their music and the moment she opened her lips it was like time froze.

I smiled no matter how many times I'd heard her she still sounded like an angel, Everyone watched her but even in this crowded lounge I still felt as if she was just singing to me, My heart fluttered unable to prevent my smiles, people had even now gathered at the door from elsewhere in the hotel many who were walking past but so captivated by her they had to stop. After a few songs, her set was over and she ended it the way she always does blowing a sweet kiss.

Immediately applause erupted and she began getting set to leave

"So? Where is your lady then?" Towns asked

I saw her grab her back so I set my beer down "Do excuse me a moment towns" I told him getting up fixing my jacket and heading over to the edge of the stage I wasn't alone several boys lingering there She went to step down the stairs but I offered her my hand which she smiled at and happily took sliding her hand into my own I guided her down the steps

"Mademoiselle" I smirked

"Monsieur" she smirked back giving my cheek a kiss and fixing my hair before she headed to the bar on her own I smirked and followed her as she took my seat at the bar

"My my I never thought I'd be in the presence, miss y/n y/l/n" Towns smiled taking her hand to give it a kiss "I've a lot about you"

"Humm all terrible I hope" she smiled

"No, no All remarkable. Mostly from Benny"

"Awww, my sweet little promoter" she smiled

"Really though I think half the hotel's just here to see you" Towns explained

"You flatter me too much really" she smirked "Monsieur Watts? Mind fetching me something"

"You're usual?"

"Yes please" she smiled

so I ordered her, her usual drink a Black rose having to explain to the barman how to make it as it's not a common drink here, Once he handed it over I paid and sat down beside her "You're drink mademoiselle" I smirked

"Why thank you" she smiled happily taking it and giving it a test sip immediately grabbing the rosemary sprig to stir it a little more

"Don't I get a tip?" I asked her

She smiled and gave my cheek another kiss "Thank you Ma cherie"

"I would love to know how in all the wide world you two ended up near each other let alone actually together?"

"Come on Towns you all don't care how, you're all just jealous I got her" I smirked wrapping my arm around her waist

"Still, very interested in the how," He says glancing between me and her

"You want to tell the story or shall I?"

"Go ahead" she smiled "You so enjoy it" she smirked getting her handbag open and plucking out her square matt black Chanel compact mirror that matched her handbag, and the small golden tube clicked open the compact holding it in her palm as she twisted the tube to reveal the red bullet lipstick inside so she could begin to touch up her make up

"Alright" I smiled "Well I headed over to Paris for the tournament as usual, and after the tournament, I went to the hotel bar and met up with a friend of mine, Clio. We sat and had a drink and a chat same as usual and she told me her sister was doing a performance at a bar a few blocks away. So we headed down and got a table and a couple of drinks. And there she was." I explained resting my hand on her thigh "She started her set and even if I could barely understand any of it, I was smitten. Never been so captivated in my life"

She put her mirror away and smiled "I came to sit with them but never even bothered to get a drink, I talked his little ear off."

"Well I wasn't exactly going to stop your beautiful voice was I, Ma cherie?"

"We talked so much Clio went home and we hadn't even noticed. We were in there all night the owner kicking us out when he wanted to go home,"

"I even ended up staying in pairs an extra three days just to spend more time with her, But when I went home I missed her badly, I kept calling you every other night because I missed you so much" I smiled taking her hand

"So I had a little word with my manager at the time as I was due to start a North American tour in a few weeks anyway, added an extra week in New York" she smiled squeezing my hand "We spent every day of that week together he showed me all the lovely new york spots, we went out for dinner every night, even took me to the king and I on broadway"

"That cost me an arm and a leg I can tell you, but it was worth it a thousand times over to see how happy it made you, and to hear your own rendition in the car on the way back to your hotel you were twice as good as her"

"Don't over-flatter me Monsieur" she smiled

"She was fantastic, I half told her to go audition herself. we had a lovely week but It was almost too nice"

"I had a little tag-along for my tour, from New York to San Francisco. My the loudest applause at every show. One could say I've had a little tag-along ever since"

"Or maybe you've tagged along with me ever since"

"Well that's certainly up for debate" she laughs "But I just found it all so perfect here, wasn't a month or so later I packed up my things and came to New York to stay"

"You left Paris? for that grey basement?" Towns asked

"It's not that bad" I argued

"I like it, very nice acoustics. Now if you'll excuse us Monsieur Watts and I need to get up to our room if we're going to be on time tomorrow"

"Of course, you two have a good evening" Towns nodded

We finished our drinks, and she offered her hand "Monsieur" so I happily took it

"Mademoiselle" I gave her hand a kiss as I helped her up from the barstool and we headed out hand in hand. I couldn't help but smirk keeping her on my arm always kinda felt like showing off as we headed out and up to our hotel room.

"Quiet a show tonight" I smirked as I locked the hotel door

"I think it went alright, but I think my second song wasn't the best," she says immediately kicking off her heels and bag, sitting at the small vanity in the hotel room pulling her hair up into a bun and slowly removing her make up

"Don't be stupid you were perfect Ma cherie" I smiled throwing my jacket and hat, sitting on the bed to kick off my own shoes and getting up to give her head a kiss as she worked "Same as you always are"

"Nothing is ever perfect, we can always improve. Would you say any of your games were perfect?"

"No, but you should see you sing from this side" I smiled wrapping my arms around her shoulders

"And you should see you play from this side" She smiled leaning back to give my lips a little kiss I went and continued to get changed for bed grabbing a book to read as I got comfy, but I never even opened it as I merely watched her stripping away the makeup and beauty that she had worked so hard to create leaving her as this sweet little face that she so often hid, all the little parts of her face that she hid with her makeup and glamourous clothes and watching it all peel away made me so happy seeing her in this way that only I got to see. and I suppose as I glanced down at myself without my intense clothes, and attitudes that frighten the chess boys. I suppose she too saw me in ways only she ever gets too. That and our shower is in our living room, she has definitely seen me in ways no one else has. Once she was done slipping on her little black nightie and climbing into bed "Hi"

"Hi," I smiled wrapping my arms around her "Ready for bed?"

"Ummm not quiet"

"No?"

"No, I figured as we're surrounded by your chess colleagues, I thought you might... want to show off a little" she cooes nuzzling into my neck

"I think I did enough of that in the lounge I was getting daggers stared into my back"

"True, but wouldn't you like to annoy them even more" she cooes "Je veux que tu me fasses crier, toute la nuit. Monsieur"

It took me a moment as I was still not that great with French, "ooh, yeah?"

"Umm,"

"To uhh gardez tout le Monde eveille Ma cherie?"

"Most definitely, so shall we?"

"Absolutely Mademoiselle" I smirked pushing her down onto our bed

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vrtoys · 1 year

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#braided #crossbody #chain #strap #ladies #shoulder #bag #quilted #flap #handbag #c8121

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linengalaxy · 1 year

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#women #shoulder #chain #strap #folded #clutch #handbag #flap #zip #pocket #travel #bag #1076

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museumgiftshoperaser · 5 months

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Nancy and Eddie and the girls who haunt them

Nancy/Eddie | Rated E | AO3 Link

Nancy swallows her pride and returns to Hawkins when her carefully crafted life in Boston falls apart. In the five years since she abruptly cut everyone off and skipped town, all the people she once knew have left for bigger, brighter futures. Everyone except for Eddie Munson, local drug dealer turned reluctant mechanic who is willing to help Nancy out after her car breaks down. They build a careful friendship over shared trauma and a mutual refusal to talk about their reasons for ending up in the same town that nearly killed them. Feelings grow, cars get fixed and Boston looms on the horizon.

This is a rarepair, mixed with my most depressing headcanons, two characters on the aromantic spectrum and an ending that could maybe pass for bittersweet if you squint. It’s really just for me, but you guys can read it if you want I guess <33 Got a little snippet for you under the cut or you can go read the whole thing on AO3 (just mind the tags if you do!!)

“Hello?” Her voice gets lost in the big empty space. “Anyone still in here?” “Do my eyes deceive me?” Nancy whips her head toward the sound. A familiar drawl and a deep voice. “Or is that miss Nancy Wheeler?” The man approaches from an obscured door in the back of the shop. It’s been years but she can tell it’s him right away. Eddie Munson, in the flesh. It’s the eyes. Warm brown and wider than they should be. It’s gotta be the eyes she recognizes because everything else about him is different. His hair is cut right above his shoulders with most of the layers tied back in a careless bun. No chains, no ripped jeans. Just navy blue coveralls with the company logo zipped all the way up. He’s traded in his white sneakers for steel toed boots and his wild smile for a deep set exhaustion that glistens on his face. He looks older than he should, but then again, so does Nancy. Last she saw him, he was still dealing weed out of his uncle’s trailer with big talk about Indianapolis. Chicago. New York. That was five years ago. “What are you doing here?” she asks. He grins and grabs a bandanna from his back pocket to wipe the sweat off his forehead. His face is slimmer, the last of his baby cheeks well and truly gone. A small tattoo peaks out over his collar and thick black lines disappear into his his curls. A tiny part of her, the eighteen year old that’s burrowed in the back of her brain, refusing to grow up, wants to close the gap and hug him. Her body remembers Eddie. His comforting grin and the tight fit under the curve of his shoulder. But the guy in front of her might as well be a stranger. “You know, most people would just say hi.” Nancy rolls her eyes. They should be past small talk, right? Doesn’t a joined trip to hell earn you that comfort? Or does the privilege dwindle with every year away? “Hi, Eddie. How have you been?” She scrunches her nose in a sticky sweet smile. “Lovely weather we’ve been having. You defeat any monsters lately?” Eddie doesn’t say anything, but he doesn’t look away either. The tip of his tongue traces the back of his teeth, just shy of amused. “Now what are you doing here?” she repeats. Still. That’s the unspoken part. What are you still doing here? You were supposed to get out of here. “I could ask you the same thing.” He folds his arms.“We all gave up on you ever coming back, Wheeler.” There’s just the slightest hint of bitterness in his voice. Nancy clutches the strap of her handbag and purses her lips together. Yeah. So did she. They didn’t exactly leave on good terms, her and Eddie. There’s barely anyone in Hawkins who she didn’t burn her bridges with. Not on purpose, but not not on purpose either. Somewhere after the third missed Christmas, the silence becomes intentional. Every missed phone call adds up on the other end of the line, until the invisible tally reaches a tipping point and people stop reaching out. Or until she changed her phone number. “I work here,” Eddie adds when the silence stretches. He points at the logo on his coveralls. “Past four years.” That’s a long time. Almost the entire time Nancy was away. It almost certainly means he never got out. “Well my car is broken.” Eddie’s mouth drops slightly before he cackles out a laugh. Loud and booming in the big empty space and theatrical as ever. He makes a show of it, hands on his knees and everything. “Are you… Are you laughing?” “Come on, Wheeler…” He wipes at an imaginary tear in the corner of his eye. “You gotta admit this whole thing is a little funny.” Read the whole thing on AO3 (again, please mind the tags if you do!)

#Eddie Munson #Nancy Wheeler #eddie x nancy #edancy #remember 500 years ago when i briefly mentioned I was writing something for these two??#well it's here!!!#my most self indulgent fic yet!#aromantic nancy wheeler #aromantic eddie munson

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wildbeautifuldamned · 29 days

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Antique Victorian MICRO Bead Purse handbag metal frame chain handle as found ebay smsithacany

Vintage Milleni beaded satin purse in dusty pink with chain crossbody strap ebay love me 2 times bazaar - piddlefart1357 - ebay fauxstar

Vtg Sm Black Drawstring Reticule Victorian Flapper Purse Silver Beads Crocheted ebay Patti's Garden & Vintage LLC

French Atq Micro Seed Bead Crewel Purse Handbag Metal Hinge Kiss Lock Strap READ ebay Patti's Garden & Vintage LLC

#beaded purse #purse #rose

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gilbirda · 2 years

Note

I keep refreshing your blog hoping for more Anger Management content because APPARENTLY that's what's lighting my brain on fire recently so. Uh. I hope you update soon! :) (THE LYRICS TO VERONA ARE KILLING ME AFTER CHAPTER 11 THANKS I LOVE IT.)

Fam I have a lot of Anger Management on the works. Like, you have no idea. Like I have a mighty need to finish all and publish it at once. But, alas, life gets in the way and inspiration comes and goes.

Also this has been one of the nicest “update soon” comments I’ve gotten? Like, my rule is “for every ‘update please’ i will take an extra month” but this was so funny that you are getting a preview of chapter 12 of Neighbors:

“What are you thinking about?” Her voice cut through the silence. Has he really been this quiet?

“Uh. I’m… nervous? I guess. And you look really pretty.”

She giggled. “I wanted to look nice, because I’m also nervous.” She did the head tilt, her hair moving with an extra bounce. Had she done something to it, too? “It's silly, we had hung out before, but still I feel like my heart is trying to fly out of my chest.”

They reached the ground floor and started walking towards his parked bike.

“But this feels different,” he shrugged. “Not a bad different, though.”

“Yeah. It’s different,” she gripped the strap of her little handbag, sighing. “I just don’t want you to have a bad time. Or be weird.”

“I already know you are weird, don’t worry about it.”

Finally, she laughed and softly hit him on the arm. “Well thank you, babe.”

“Babe?” He lifted an eyebrow.

“Too forward?” She winced, stopping in front of the bike.

“I don't mind it,” he shrugged, uncovering the bike and chaining it to its spot. Then he picked up the helmets and gave her the extra one. “Um, can you ride with a skirt?”

She looked down at her outfit and smirked. “Not a skirt.” Jazz jumped and split her legs enough to show that it was actually short pants that looked like a skirt. “Ha! You got bamboozled!”

He laughed, snaking a hand around her waist to pull her into a quick kiss. He couldn’t help it.

“Not that I hate kissing you,” her smile was radiant and her cheeks pink as they parted, “but now you have glossy lips as well.”

“Do I look good with it, at least?”

“Very handsome,” Jazz giggled as she wiped the lipstick off with her thumb. He didn’t miss her eyes lingering on his lips longer than necessary, but they needed to get going if they wanted to do this date thing for real.

(this is unedited so ignore if it doesn’t sound good in some parts)

I’m currently halfway done with the chapter and have plans for chapter 13 as well so I hope I can write them quickly.

The Verona lyrics fit more what I have for chapters 13 and 14. Take a closer look to:

Take off your clothes and take off your mask It's not over now, I won't leave you in the dark Because I need you so

(this is more chapter 12-13)

You and me Throw caution to the wind And I will risk everything just to feel the warmth And the voltage from your skin If this is my last day on Earth, I just want to be with you You are all that's true

(this is more chapter 13-14)

the numbers are tentative, but you’ll know which scenes I’m talking about haha

Thanks for the support!!! This makes me so happy and write more and faster 🤗

#gil answers #chromatographic #neighbors au #friendly neighborhood vigilante #anger management ship #danny phantom #batman #dpxdc #dp x dc #batpham #jazz/jason

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lynn-m · 2 years

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SASH BASH: Button-Back Blouse with Reverse Collar and Mesh Insert at V-Neck in Pearly White; Straight Knee-Length Skirt in Black with Sash-Tie Belt; Black Leather Handbag with Chain and Leather Strap; Black Sandals with 2½" Heels and Ankle Straps

#blouse #pearly white #straight skirt #sash-tie skirt #high heel sandals #leather handbag #lady #pretty girl #brunette #long hair #beatiful

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aceofyugioh · 11 months

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Thanks everyone for the lovely birthday wishes (and this lovely fanart that will stay my icon for a long time) !

My mom gave me a nice spring floral print handbag with a crossbody strap, because all I use is crossbody. Beautiful, I love it.

But honestly the irl gift win goes to my brother, who gave me a Pandora metal hoop pendant for putting charms on to wear as a necklace. The context is my mom has had one of these things for months now and I legit really wanted one for myself (I have a massive collection of charms I want to wear via necklace) though never mentioned it. So points to my brother for that. He even got a bundle that came with a chain(which sadly I am not using as it is too short, I tried to get it on the way I do those and the pendant fell off due to its weight so I have the pendant on my old reliable snake chain instead) and a knot charm with my birthstone in it.

And that was PART 1! This weekend, weather permitting, both my brother and I get a combined birthday party from my Aunt! For the first time since COVID! Just has to be nice enough to sit outdoors, which I think at least Sunday will be. This shall be fun.

#personal junk

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rivetsvaishali · 8 months

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Split Rivets

I. Introduction

Are you ready to embark on a journey of discovery into the world of split rivets? Prepare to be amazed by the versatility and potential of these seemingly humble fasteners. Split rivets, also known as bifurcated rivets, have long been used in traditional applications such as joining metal components together. However, their true potential goes far beyond that. In this blog post, we will delve into the world of split rivets and explore creative and unconventional applications where they can be utilized. Get ready to have your mind blown as we uncover the hidden possibilities that lie within these tiny but mighty fasteners. So, strap in, and let's dive into the fascinating world of split rivets!

II. Unconventional Uses in Crafts and DIY Projects

A. Upcycling and Repurposing

When it comes to repurposing old materials, split rivets are a game-changer. These versatile fasteners can breathe new life into discarded objects, transforming them into unique and functional items. Imagine turning an old bicycle chain into a fashionable necklace or repurposing a vintage license plate into a quirky wall decoration. With split rivets, the possibilities are endless.

One of the remarkable aspects of split rivets is their ability to add an artistic and practical touch to crafts. In jewellery making, for instance, split rivets can be used to create captivating designs by securely attaching different materials together. The contrast between metal and other elements like leather or fabric can result in stunning pieces that are both fashionable and sustainable.

But it doesn't stop there. Split rivets can also be employed in decorative wall hangings, where they bring a touch of rustic charm and lend a unique character to any space. By combining various materials such as wood, metal, and fabric, split rivets can securely unite them, resulting in eye-catching wall art that tells a story.

Furthermore, split rivets can be utilized in creating stylish and functional planters. By attaching handles or hangers with split rivets, you can easily transform vintage tins, wooden crates, or even discarded industrial objects into beautiful plant containers. This not only adds a touch of greenery to your home but also contributes to sustainable living by giving new life to objects that would otherwise end up in landfills.

In summary, split rivets offer endless possibilities for upcycling and repurposing old materials. From jewellery to wall hangings and planters, these fasteners add both an artistic flair and practical functionality to your DIY projects. So, grab your toolbox and let your creativity soar as you explore the world of split rivets in your next crafting adventure.

B. Fashion and Accessories

1. Incorporating split rivets into fashion design opens up a world of possibilities for creating unique and eye-catching clothing embellishments and accessories. These tiny fasteners can add a touch of edginess, industrial elegance, or even a hint of vintage charm to any fashion piece. Whether it's a dress, a jacket, or a pair of jeans, split rivets can be strategically placed to enhance the overall aesthetic and make a bold fashion statement.

In the realm of accessories, split rivets can truly shine. Handbags and purses adorned with split rivets exude a sense of craftsmanship and individuality. These fasteners can be used to secure handles, straps, or even add decorative elements to the bag itself. The combination of different materials, such as leather, metal, or fabric, along with the strategic placement of split rivets, can elevate the design and create a visually captivating accessory.

Shoes are another area where split rivets can make a fashion-forward impact. From boots to sneakers and sandals, the addition of split rivets can transform ordinary footwear into extraordinary pieces of art. Whether used as decorative accents or functional reinforcements, split rivets can add an element of uniqueness and personality to any pair of shoes.

2. The innovative use of split rivets in fashion design has been embraced by many designers who seek to push the boundaries of creativity. Renowned fashion houses and independent designers alike have incorporated split rivets into their collections, creating stunning pieces that captivate both the runway and the streets.

One example is the collection of a prominent designer who incorporated split rivets into a series of couture dresses. By strategically placing split rivets along the seams and edges of the garments, the designer added a modern, industrial twist to the traditionally elegant silhouettes. The juxtaposition of soft fabrics with the hard edges of split rivets created a captivating visual contrast, making each dress a true work of art.

Another innovative use of split rivets can be seen in the handbag designs of an up-and-coming accessories brand. The brand's collection features handcrafted leather bags adorned with split rivets in intricate patterns and designs. These rivets not only serve as functional reinforcements but also add a touch of uniqueness and sophistication to each bag. The combination of expert craftsmanship and the creative use of split rivets has garnered attention and praise from fashion enthusiasts worldwide.

In conclusion, split rivets have found their way into the world of fashion and accessories, offering designers a new and exciting way to express their creativity. From clothing embellishments to handbags and shoes, these versatile fasteners can elevate any fashion piece and make a bold statement. The innovative use of split rivets by designers showcases their endless potential and highlights the fusion of craftsmanship and fashion-forward thinking. So, embrace the power of split rivets and let your fashion imagination run wild!

III. Innovative Applications in Industrial Design

A. Interior Design and Architecture

1. When it comes to interior design and architecture, split rivets offer a unique and visually appealing way to incorporate metal elements into various structures and spaces. From metal screens and room dividers to decorative accents, these versatile fasteners are becoming increasingly popular in creating stunning architectural features.

Metal screens and room dividers serve both functional and aesthetic purposes in interior design. Split rivets can be used to securely connect metal panels, creating intricate patterns or designs that allow light and air to pass through while maintaining privacy. Whether used as room dividers in open-plan spaces or as decorative screens in commercial settings, the addition of split rivets adds a touch of industrial elegance and modernity to the overall design.

In addition to screens and dividers, split rivets can also be utilized as decorative accents in architectural elements. By strategically placing split rivets on metal surfaces, such as stair railings, door frames, or even furniture pieces, designers can create visually striking focal points that add a sense of texture and depth to the space. The contrast between the sleek metal surfaces and the exposed rivets creates a captivating visual impact, making these design elements truly stand out.

2. Numerous examples of visually striking structures and installations showcase the innovative use of split rivets in interior design and architecture. One notable example is a contemporary office building that features a stunning metal facade adorned with split rivets. The rivets are strategically placed to create an intricate pattern that not only adds visual interest but also serves as a functional sunshade, reducing glare and heat inside the building. This design not only showcases the versatility of split rivets but also demonstrates their ability to seamlessly integrate form and function.

Another remarkable example is an art installation in a public space, where split rivets are used to create a dynamic and visually engaging sculpture. The rivets, connecting metal rods of varying lengths and angles, form an abstract structure that invites viewers to explore the space and interact with the artwork. The use of split rivets in this installation highlights their ability to transform raw materials into captivating, three-dimensional forms, blurring the lines between art and design.

In summary, split rivets have found a place in interior design and architecture, offering a creative and visually appealing way to incorporate metal elements into various structures and spaces. Whether utilized in metal screens, room dividers, or as decorative accents, these fasteners add a touch of industrial elegance, modernity, and depth to the overall design. The innovative use of split rivets in visually striking structures and installations further showcases their potential as a design feature that seamlessly integrates form and function. So, embrace the versatility of split rivets and let your imagination soar as you explore their innovative applications in industrial design.

B. Automotive and Product Design

1. Split rivets have proven to be a valuable asset in the world of automotive and product design, enhancing both functionality and aesthetics. These versatile fasteners offer a reliable and efficient method of assembly, ensuring the secure attachment of various components. Additionally, they can also contribute to the visual appeal of automotive parts and consumer products, adding a touch of sophistication and craftsmanship.

In automotive design, split rivets are commonly used for assembly purposes. They provide a strong and durable connection between different parts of a vehicle, ensuring structural integrity and safety. Whether it's attaching body panels, securing interior trim pieces, or assembling engine components, split rivets offer a reliable solution that withstands the demands of the road. Their ability to provide a secure bond while maintaining a low profile adds to their appeal in automotive manufacturing.

Moreover, split rivets can also play a significant role in enhancing the aesthetics of automotive components. From decorative accents on grilles and badges to functional details on interior panels, these fasteners add a touch of elegance and attention to detail. Their presence can elevate the overall design, creating a sense of cohesion and visual appeal that distinguishes a vehicle from the rest.

2. Numerous examples highlight the use of split rivets in both consumer products and automotive design. In consumer products, split rivets can be found in items such as furniture, electronics, or kitchen appliances. For instance, a high-end furniture brand incorporates split rivets in their sleek and modern designs. The rivets not only provide a secure connection between different parts but also serve as decorative elements, adding a touch of industrial sophistication to the furniture pieces.

In the automotive industry, split rivets can be found in various vehicle parts. One prominent example is the use of split rivets in the assembly of automobile door handles. These small but mighty fasteners ensure a secure attachment of the handle to the door, withstanding the frequent use and ensuring smooth operation. Additionally, the exposed split rivets on the handle's surface add a visually appealing detail that enhances the overall design of the vehicle.

Another example is the use of split rivets in the assembly of motorcycle fairings. These fasteners securely attach the fairing panels to the bike's frame, ensuring stability and aerodynamic performance. In this case, the exposed rivets not only serve a functional purpose but also contribute to the rugged and sporty aesthetic of the motorcycle.

In conclusion, split rivets have proven to be valuable assets in automotive and product design, enhancing both functionality and aesthetics. Whether used for assembly purposes or as decorative accents, these fasteners provide a reliable and visually appealing solution. From automotive components to consumer products, split rivets play a significant role in ensuring structural integrity and adding a touch of sophistication to the overall design. So, the next time you admire the sleek lines of a car or the sleek design of a consumer product, remember that split rivets have played their part in making it a reality.

IV. Exploring Uncharted Territory: Experimental Applications

A. Art Installations and Sculptures

1. The world of art installations and sculptures has seen the emergence of artists who have embraced split rivets as a medium to create impactful and visually stunning works of art. These artists push the boundaries of creativity and explore the possibilities that split rivets offer in their large-scale installations and sculptures. By incorporating these fasteners into their art, they create captivating pieces that captivate viewers and challenge traditional notions of artistic expression.

One notable artist who has utilized split rivets in their installations is renowned for their immersive and interactive artworks. In one particular installation, the artist employed split rivets to connect metal panels of varying sizes, forming a maze-like structure that viewers could explore. The rivets not only provided structural support but also added an industrial element to the installation, highlighting the artist's intent to convey a sense of urban exploration and transformation.

Another artist has incorporated split rivets into their sculptures, creating dynamic and visually striking pieces. By strategically placing the rivets along metal rods of different lengths and angles, the artist was able to create sculptures that appeared fluid and in motion. The exposed rivets added a touch of industrial elegance to the artwork, enhancing the overall aesthetic and inviting viewers to contemplate the relationship between form, material, and movement.

2. Split rivets can add a dynamic and industrial element to art pieces, transforming them into visually captivating and thought-provoking works. The presence of split rivets in art installations and sculptures creates a sense of texture, depth, and rawness that draws viewers in and sparks their imagination. The contrast between the sleek metal surfaces and the exposed rivets evokes a sense of tension and juxtaposition, adding an intriguing visual impact to the artwork.

Additionally, split rivets offer artists the opportunity to explore the concept of transformation and connectivity. By utilizing these fasteners, artists can connect different materials, shapes, and forms, creating a dialogue between disparate elements and inviting viewers to reflect on the interplay between unity and diversity. The act of riveting becomes a metaphorical representation of joining, bridging, and transforming, adding multiple layers of meaning to the art piece.

Furthermore, split rivets can also serve as a medium to express the artist's intention to explore the intersection between art and industrial design. By incorporating these fasteners, artists blur the lines between traditional artistic mediums and industrial materials, creating a fusion that challenges conventional notions of what art can be. The presence of split rivets in art installations and sculptures becomes a statement in itself, highlighting the artist's embrace of experimentation and their willingness to push the boundaries of artistic expression.

In conclusion, the experimental applications of split rivets in art installations and sculptures have opened up new avenues for artistic expression. Artists who incorporate these fasteners into their work create visually captivating pieces that challenge traditional notions of art and engage viewers on multiple levels. By adding a dynamic and industrial element, split rivets contribute to the overall aesthetic and conceptual depth of the artwork. So, the next time you encounter an art installation or sculpture, take a moment to appreciate the presence of split rivets and the unique artistic vision they bring to the piece.

B. Technological Advancements

1. As technology continues to advance at a rapid pace, split rivets have found their way into various emerging fields, playing a crucial role in the development of cutting-edge technologies. From robotics to wearable tech and renewable energy systems, these fasteners have proven to be essential components in pushing the boundaries of innovation and functionality.

In the field of robotics, split rivets are used for the assembly of robotic components. They provide a reliable and secure connection between different parts, ensuring the structural integrity and smooth operation of robotic systems. Whether it's assembling robotic arms, joints, or other mechanical components, split rivets offer a practical solution that withstands the demands of complex robotic movements.

Wearable tech is another area where split rivets have made significant contributions. These fasteners are used to securely attach sensors, circuit boards, and other electronic components to wearable devices such as smartwatches, fitness trackers, and augmented reality glasses. The reliability of split rivets ensures that these devices can withstand daily use and movement while maintaining their functionality.

Renewable energy systems also benefit from the use of split rivets. In the assembly of solar panels, for example, split rivets are employed to connect the individual cells and secure them to the frame. The strength and durability of these fasteners ensure that the panels can withstand harsh weather conditions and maintain optimal performance over time. Split rivets are also used in wind turbine assembly, providing a reliable connection between various components and contributing to the overall stability and efficiency of the system.

V. Conclusion

In this blog post, we have delved into the world of split rivets and explored their innovative and unconventional uses. From fashion to interior design, split rivets have demonstrated their versatility and ability to elevate various projects.

Throughout this post, we have seen how split rivets can be used in unexpected ways, such as embellishing garments and accessories with a touch of elegance and uniqueness. We have also discovered how split rivets can be utilized in interior design, offering an unconventional way to add personality and style to furniture and home decor.

As we wrap up, I encourage you, dear readers, to think outside the box and experiment with split rivets in your own projects. Let your creativity soar and explore the endless possibilities they offer. Don't be afraid to push boundaries and challenge traditional norms – split rivets are here to help you break free from the ordinary.

In conclusion, split rivets have proven to be much more than just a functional fastening solution. They have become an artistic tool, allowing individuals to express their creativity and add a touch of flair to their creations. The beauty of split rivets lies in their ability to transform the mundane into something extraordinary.

As we look to the future, it is exciting to imagine the potential applications of split rivets. With their unique combination of strength and style, they could find their way into even more industries and disciplines. From architecture to automotive design, the possibilities are truly limitless.

So, let's embrace the unconventional and welcome split rivets into our creative journeys. Let's dare to experiment and let our imaginations run wild. Together, we can unlock a world of innovation and redefine the way we perceive and utilize split rivets.

In the end, it is not just about the split rivets themselves, but about the transformative power they possess. They have the ability to turn ordinary objects into extraordinary works of art. So, go forth, dear readers, and let split rivets be the catalyst for your next creative endeavor. The world is waiting to witness the magic you can create with these humble yet remarkable fasteners.

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