#fic: Masquerade

[huihuiheart]

Masquerade - Mafia! Jongho

Navigation

Ateez Masterlist

Pairing:  Mafia! Jongho x Fem! Reader

Genre: Angst, Fluff, Smut, Mafia AU

Summary: Jongho was the love of your life, and you his. Just because someone was that kind of love though doesn't mean they didn't keep secrets. The deepest darkest kind.

Warnings: Mafia themes, betrayal/lying, bullying ( a little briefly in the beginning), cursing, pregnancy of a side character, guns, kidnapping, death, blood, hospitals, poisoning, slight body worship, soft hard sex, oral, teasing, overstimulation, unprotected sex, cumming inside, foursome (with Wooyoung and San), some mxm action, possessive sex, hair pulling (Wooyoung’s), marking, slight degradation in dirty talk (called little slut by a bratty wooyoung). Let me know if I missed anything.

Additional Warnings For the Two Patreon Exclusive Smut Scenes: Appreciation sex (reader thanking Jongho for something - by choice), 69, cowgirl, bondage, mating press, breeding kink, spanking, sir kink, fingering.

Word Count: 15,248

Being a new student at a school was never an easy adjustment, especially for Choi Jongho. His family resettled often, that was the nature of his father’s business. Though now that he was older, they sent him off, a transfer student in a high school where he was sure his father was holding something over, most likely money. Still, the way that those higher up in the school treated him shined an even brighter spotlight on the new student. That and he was somewhere where no one knew who his family was, so instead of cowering away from him whenever they saw him as an easy target. Finding himself pinned harshly to the lockers his very first day, eyes wide as he looked at the male looming over him until his fist slammed into the metal next to Jongho’s head to let him know that wasn’t a good idea.

“Let me tell you how this works, new kid. I run this school, and if you don’t do everything I fucking tell you when I tell you … well, let’s just say you and the floor will have quite the relationship.” He sneers at Jongho, the others behind him snickering. 

Jongho keeps his head down and cowers away slightly, only to be jolted as someone rips the man off him. A shorter, feminine figure between the two of them now.

“Fuck off before I tell Nakamoto you’re telling everyone you run things.” You hiss at the man who just had Jongho pinned to the lockers. Jongho’s eyes widen as you don’t hesitate to square up to the much taller male. It works though, as he seems to flee like a dog with his tail tucked. Jongho, backing up slightly when you turn to him now, making you chuckle, “Don’t mind him, he is just overcompensating. Just threaten to spill his ego to Nakamoto Yuta, and he’ll leave you alone.” 

Jongho watches you walk away for a moment before snapping out of his shock and following behind. His footsteps gave him away even if he hadn’t said a thing. He stops abruptly when you stop and glance at him over your shoulder.

“Do you need something else?” You ask, raising a brow, but he simply shakes his head, “Well then... first-year classes are all down there.” 

He glances towards where you pointed and nods, speaking in just a whisper as he shyly looks at his feet, “I know.” 

“Then why are you following me?” Your question makes him shift uncomfortably as he doesn’t have an answer for you, stunned again when he feels you lightly ruffle his hair, having to reach up to do so, “Do you need a friend? Is that it?”

His silent nod makes you smile, leaning in to look him in the eyes, “Well, we can’t be friends if I don’t know your name. So what is it, new boy?”

“Jongho.” The way that you smile at him makes Jongho even more timid than your bold actions had. The thought of that alone made him argue with his father later to let him stay in this school once he found out what had happened to Jongho that day. 

“Nice to meet you Jongho. I’m Y/N.”

That’s how it all started for you two. Jongho seeks you out between periods to follow you and your friends around, often quietly. Only coming out of his shell in more private settings. Not one to use his father’s power often, but doing it now to make sure your lunch and free periods matched up so he would have more time with you, his new friend. Even if his father sent some others to keep an eye on him. Something that ended up being beneficial seeing as how there was one person who knew he was, Nakamoto Yuta. To him, Jongho was nothing but a threat. The two quickly become rivals, Jongho feeling more confident to stand up to him now that he has you and a few others there to back him up. Your friend group grows over the year, a mix of those from different years coming together to stand up for each other. 

You raise your eyes at one of the other girls in the group, “You want me to get someone from our group to ask you to the dance?”

“Well, not just anyone, someone specific.” She rolls her eyes playfully, before laughing with a little smirk at the way you seem to bristle at that, “Relax it’s not your Jjongie.”

You flick her off at the teasing but pause at her next words.

“I’ll get him to ask you if you help me.” 

As much as you loved the girl, you wanted to wipe the smug look off her face, “... who is it?”

“Mingi.” She chirps, and you raise a brow, that would be easy.

“Deal. I’ll get Mingi to ask you, just make sure no one else gets Jongho.” You agree, and she laughs a little saluting you before you turn to leave the room.

What you didn’t know however is that she had set you up, not the other way around, calling Jongho as soon as she knew you were far enough away. Convincing him to ask you out before the day was up before meeting up with Mingi.

“Does she know?” He asked her, to which she shook her head with a smile. 

“They’re both clueless even if they refused to go with anyone else.” Her words make Mingi chuckle, leaning down to kiss her forehead in the empty hallway.

“Well done Mini,” She preens at his praise, watching him walk away. 

Only their plan didn’t work out quite as planned when you both kept things as friends throughout the whole dance. Trying time and time again to get either of you to say something before your graduation, to no avail. Mini setting you up at Jongho’s tutor over the next few years outside of your friend group still getting together on occasion. All of high school passed for everyone and still nothing between you two. Mini’s head falls to the table rather harshly, making Mingi wince across from her.

“I’m out of ideas, they're hopeless.” She whines making Mingi chuckle.

“You know what he’s afraid of better than anyone else.” He reaches out to pet her hair, “But trust me this time. I’m not out of ideas yet.”  

She hums, letting Mingi plan the next few attempts. Realizing rather quickly that maybe she should have let him do that from the start when a few weeks later he proposes to her with the help of you and Jongho who excitedly hug off to the side. You get a little emotional as Jongho chuckles, keeping an arm around you while his free hand comes up to gently wipe away the tears. It’s then that you begin to realize he’s no longer the shy little first year you saved, but a man now. Someone much more sure of himself… and much more firm than he had been in years past. A thought you distract yourself from by going to hug your other friends, congratulating them and already gushing with Mini about wedding plans. Mingi smirking at Jongho’s dazed look. 

“Man up and make a move already.” He whispers to Jongho, laughing when it earns him a smack even if the younger hurts when he does so.

The two of them call up you and Jongho at every turn of the way leading up to the wedding. Leading you and Jongho to spend even more time together. Only when it comes to who is walking together the two of you aren’t paired together. Instead, they put you with San, resulting in Jongho being slightly passive-aggressive with the friend paired with him. Not putting together that this was all a part of their plan. Not even when the rest of you went to the hotel that night only to be faced with a rooming mishap that Jongho was quick to rescue you from when suddenly you were without a place to stay that night. Jongho took your bags and led the way to his room, only to step in and remember that there was only one bed. Jongho is antsy at the thoughts it results in, biting his lip.

“What’s wrong Jjongie? Are you uncomfortable?” You ask, gently placing a hand on his arm. However, his pride quickly leads him to shake his head in denial. 

“Not at all.” He insists, shirt stripping off as he moves to change into sweats in front of you, still shirtless. Getting in bed as you gawk at him, “What, are you uncomfortable? If so, you can always join San in his room.” 

The way he hisses out the other man’s name makes something click for you as you crawl onto the bed towards him, “Choi Jongho. Are you jealous?”

He huffs looking away as a flush takes over his exposed skin, “Maybe…”

“You have no reason to be. Not when there’s only one man I want and it’s you… it’s always been you.” 

The two of you found yourselves tangled in the sheets together that night, and that’s when your relationship changed. No longer just the friends who always had one another’s backs, but something more now. Something you both had wanted longer than either of you was likely to admit, even if everyone else in your friend group knew it.  One night turned to two, then two became more, before becoming a date, and so on. Jongho is attentive to your preferences even if not verbalizing so. It is apparent in how you always had fresh flowers at work and at home. Never the same bouquet as previous, but always combinations of your favorites. Date night snacks are always your choice over his, no matter how often you told him to get his. Still, there was no denying the fuzzy feeling it gave you when he remembered such things. Besides, it gave you a reason to spoil him in return, loving gift-giving, especially to your sweet Jjongie. Often finding yourself giggling at how intimidated of him others often were when your boy couldn’t even hurt a fly.

Time flew by until Mini and Mingi were helping you two move in together. In awe at the place Jongho had gotten you both. A new place, a penthouse with a floor of its own in a high-security building with all the amenities and even its own formal restaurant. It dawned on you more fully that Jongho really was a business heir. The man smiling bashfully at you when your stunned gaze makes it to him.

“Surprise?” He giggles going over to kiss your cheek, “I hope you like it, I looked over your wishlist before choosing it.”

“I do. I love it, but isn’t it a bit much?” You inquire as he takes the box from you.

“Not at all, though I do want to get your signature on the paperwork and all,” Jongho adds, making you furrow your brows.

“But you wouldn’t let me help pay.” 

“So? That doesn’t mean I don’t want your name on the paperwork. I didn’t do it for some power over you, I did it because I wanted to for you… for us.” He assures you with a soft smile.

Not to say that you didn’t know you loved him before, but in that moment you realized just how deeply you felt for him. Something you were intent on showing him that night once everyone else had left, no matter how the move had exhausted you. Your bold actions at the start make Jongho giggle as a flush creeps up on him. 

You didn’t stay with Jongho to be spoiled, just like he didn’t stay with you for that reason either. It was merely a side effect. Though the deeper into the relationship you got the more that began to shift.

“Love, I think that you should quit your job.” Jongho brings up out of the blue over dinner one night.

“What? Why?” You inquire stunned by the suddenness and wondering if there happened to be a cause.

“You hate your job and we don’t need that income to survive. I’m not opposed to you working at all, but if you’re going to, I want it to be doing something that you love.” His words stun you further, leaving you to stare at him for a while. 

“But that will be a lot, I’ll need schooling and there aren’t a lot of locations here to hire me after.” Your practical side finally speaks up. 

“I know, but if that’s what you want then do it. I’ll help you through school and we’ll get you a nice storefront. Baby, we can make your dream happen, so why shouldn’t we?” Jongho insists, not knowing how dangerous the fluttering in your heart had become due to him at this point.

“Are you serious? You think I should?” You feel the need to confirm yet again. He chuckles but nods without an ounce of hesitation and that’s all that you need, “ Well if you are sure, I’ll look into it and let you know.”

Which is how you ended up in business classes despite Jongho's offering to help you get a handle on that. Though you would allow him to be your in-home tutor. You did also allow him to connect you with the resources he had to find a place and remodel it in preparation. Your shop soon takes shape with a few walls of shelves. Also, shelves hung from the ceiling, lined with books, and cornered with hanging greenery. The tables set below are a good place to settle with your new book and a hot coffee from the bar along the one wall. Jongho supported your business as it took shape. Soon it became a hub in the city, a warm space to retreat to and catch your breath.

With your lives and businesses thriving, Jongho felt he couldn’t wait any longer and soon he was down on one knee. Mingi and Mingi are excitedly on the other side of such an occasion now. Mini is ready to step up for you and your plans the way you did for her during wedding planning. As if you hadn’t already planned the whole thing in your mind long ago. Jongho letting you take the lead with that while he covers the honeymoon preparations. Something he kept a secret from you to the point that Mini had to be the one to pack for you ( something that you would have to get her back for when you took note of just how many scandalous items of clothing there were). A month traveling across Europe with your husband is exactly the romantic, refreshing trip you would have hoped your honeymoon to be.

Coming home to adjust back to daily life when Mini busts through the doors of your shop, startling a few new patrons, but not the regulars or employees used to this from her every so often. 

“I need to talk to you!” She announces marching her way into the back and missing how you roll your eyes before following with a fond smile. 

“Yes? What is it?” You take a seat waiting for the dramatics.

“I need your help… I’m scared to tell Mingi.” She’s a little shaky now which you aren’t used to. Watching as she pulls something out of her purse only to reveal a positive pregnancy test a second later. 

“Well did you -”

“This is the third one, all positive. Yes, I checked.” She tells you a lip between her teeth.

“Okay, take a breath. Then when you’ve figured it out tell me why you’re scared to tell Mingi.” You sit her down, trying to get her breathing to settle.

“I’m scared that things will change.” She finally answers softly.

“Of course, things will change, you’re fucking pregnant. That doesn’t mean that Mingi will go anywhere. You both want this even if it’s sooner than planned. So you don’t need to be afraid. Schedule to see the doctor and then tell Mingi so he can go too. All the other steps can wait alright?” You assure, moving to hug her until she calms down more.

“Okay, I’ll make the appointment before he’s back from work. Then I’ll tell him tonight.” She agreed after a few moments.

“Good, let me know how it goes, and if you need something then just call.” You remind her before helping guide her out now.

Shaking your head with a small chuckle knowing that it would be an even more interesting nine months now. If only you knew how interesting it would truly turn out to be seeing as how four months later Nakamoto Yuta walked in as you were preparing to close up. You not having seen him since high school. You hadn’t fully recognized who he was at first now that his look had matured. His smug nature and smirk were just how you had remembered however as he walked up to the counter.

“Can I help you?” You ask, raising a brow as he leans against the surface you had just cleaned.

“Oh, no sweetheart. See, I’m here to help you.” He licks his lips as if it would hide the mischief in his smirk, pulling out a manila envelope, “After all your beloved husband has been keeping secrets.” 

You scoff and roll your eyes, “Am I supposed to believe that?”

“Not my words, but the evidence yeah. If you decide not to though, that’s on you.” He shrugs, tossing the envelope onto the counter as he stands full height again, hands in his pockets, “If you decide you want to know all of the truth though my number is in there.” 

Despite how you scoffed and returned to cleaning something in your gut refused to allow you to throw out the envelope. This weird, anxious, gnawing feeling. Assuming that it would pass though you stashed the envelope in a locked drawer of your desk, waiting it out. Only instead it drove you crazy. After two weeks of restless nights, you caved, and out came the envelope. You took a deep breath before opening and dumping the contents. Only where you had expected simple documents, hopefully, fabricated, there were pictures and more. Pictures of Jongho at the docks with shipments, but not of claimed business goods. Instead, it was weapons and more. Documents show how the family company was a front for much more illegal activity. Not just that though, Mingi was transferred to your school all those years ago because he was involved. Evidence of Jongho recruiting your friends one by one littering the table. The only one not directly recruited is Mini who became involved late in her relationship with Mingi. It dawned on you that the entire group knew. Everyone knew. Everyone except you. 

The realization that everything was built on a lie hit you hard. Hard enough to throw off your usually level-headed mind. Once you had settled slightly again you noticed an address with most of the meeting pictures. Packing the envelope back up and heading there. Hesitating when you didn’t notice a single familiar vehicle. Still, you were determined and so into the building you barged. Which likely wasn’t the smartest decision in hindsight, but you were pissed.

The sudden sound startled Yunho there enough that he pulled his gun on you, only to nearly fumble it in shock a moment later. The man stammered as he put the weapon up, not sure what to say next, but you’d deal with him later. For now, you saw red focused on one person in particular. Yunho’s point directs your rage toward your current target. Those in the upstairs room turn to look at you as you enter. Jongho went from looking as though he was going to tell someone off to having had seen a ghost in a split second. 

Mini shakes her head as she leans back, arms crossed, “ Oh you’re so fucked.”

Jongho shoots her a glare before turning back to you, “Baby-”

“Don’t you baby me Choi Jongho! What is all of this?” You demand answers as you slam the folder down onto his desk.

“I just wanted to keep you safe, love.” Jongho softly tries to appeal.

“ No, you don’t get to do that Jongho, not after treating me like a joke. What, have all of you been playing me this whole time? Wanting to laugh at the one clueless girl who couldn’t put it together?” You see Jongho going to counter, but beat him to it, “If you’re gonna say something then you better choose your next words very carefully.”

“Sweetheart, you’re too good for this world. I wanted to keep you out of it… far away from it.” He tries again only to see you’re still unwavering.

“Our whole life. Our whole relationship. Everything was all built on a lie and you think that that is enough? Cause it’s fucking not.” You scoff, shaking your head.

“I warned you that you couldn’t keep it a secret forever. Besides it’s fucked up.” Mini finally speaks up from her spot, making you turn to her and miss the look Jongho shoots her.

“And why didn’t you ever tell me after you found out?” Your frustration gets redirected for a moment, watching how guilt eats at her, but also how she keeps nervously glancing at Jongho, “Oh my god, did you fucking threaten our friends?”

“He-” Mini starts before getting cut off.

“Don’t you fucking dare!” Jongho hisses out making Mini shrink back some and Mingi shifts his body to put her behind him now.

“Jongho… did you threaten our friends?” You ask again more forcefully now.

“I mean… It’s not like that… It’s just that I told them there would be consequences for telling you.” Jongho tries to pick his words carefully, but it does him no good.

“I can’t fucking believe you Jongho. You’re not at all the man that I thought.” You shift to leave only to jerk away faster as he reaches out to you, “Don’t you dare touch me! I’m leaving and until I come to you, you better stay the fuck away. That and you better come up with a good fucking explanation if you ever actually want anything to do with me.”

“Y/N.” Jongho tries again, but you’re already walking out the door. Only to hear him then yelling at someone else.

“Y/N.” It’s Mini’s voice this time and you sigh, but stop for a moment.

“Don’t try to convince me to stay.” You tell her, heartbroken but firm.

“I won’t try to do that to you. Here, take this.” She hands you a phone and chuckles at the confusion on your face, “It’s a burner, Jongho can’t track it. Not without my help anyways. So everything can be on your terms for sure. Get things in order and if you need a place to hide out let me know. I got one Jongho won’t find. Well not easily anyways.”

“Oh…” You’re stunned for a moment, overwhelmed by such concepts still, “Thanks Mini, I’ll think about it.”

Think about it you did, finding yourself texting her to take her up on the offer once you had settled business stuff. Mini quickly comes to pick you up and take you there herself in yet a different vehicle. 

“So make it your own, just ignore the mess I left. I’ve been taking advantage of this place more than usual too. Also for safety reasons now that you know stuff, do not open the door for anyone you don’t know. There’s a gun in both bedrooms in the bedside table and one by the door. Point. Shoot. Don’t hesitate if you need it.” She tells you, handing you a key, “We’re the only two with keys. I’ll leave this car here, don’t trust taxis or Ubers. Don’t get things delivered. It’ll be dangerous and let him find you.” 

Your eyes widen at all the information, “Is it really that dangerous of a lifestyle?”

Mini sighs and nods, “It is, that’s why even though Jongho’s actions were fucked up I agreed with wanting to keep you away. Especially now, because as much as I hold my breath every time Mingi goes to handle something I’m even more terrified to have a child involved in this. It’s not something you want people you care about a part of. Of course, I’ve also just gotten good at disappearing since Mingi has been an absolute menace lately and it’s been driving me up a wall.”

You can’t help but chuckle at that, “Well you don’t have to stay away 'cause I’m here. If you still need to hide away just pop in. Though you probably shouldn’t scare Mingi like that so often.”

“Meh, he deserves it.” She brushes off with a wave of her hand and a teasing smile.

“You know… I’m not even going to ask.” 

You stayed at Mini’s safehouse for quite some time. Her being the only one in and out for anything you needed, along with all the communication with you and the business. The pregnant woman crashing there along with you yet again tonight.

“Why did you do it?” Your question shocks her out of settling in a spot in the home. Though you get up to help her before pushing it anymore.

“I don’t think it was for any one reason. I wanted you to know and I knew it was wrong, but I was scared. I didn’t want him to give Mingi more dangerous tasks because I had spoken up. Plus, he said it was to keep you safe, and so I thought that if I said something and you got hurt then it would be my fault. It also felt like something you deserved to hear from him and he kept saying that he would tell you.”  Her answer makes sense to you even if upsetting, but raises another question.

“How many times did he say that he would tell me?” You’re almost scared to ask but need to know. 

“At least once for every milestone and it's always the same excuse, but we all know the truth. He’s not scared you’ll get hurt by others. He’s scared the truth about him with scare or hurt you. He couldn’t ever live with that I don’t think.” You hate the way her words make you soften a little, but it doesn’t change the way you currently feel about him.

“It couldn’t possibly hurt as much as knowing that everything was a lie.” You sigh with a shake of your head.

“Who says that everything was a lie? We didn’t tell you like we should have, but that doesn’t change the fact that you’re my friend. You have been this whole time. We all feel this way. Plus Jongho isn’t the soft man who married you unless you’re in the room. Not because it’s a lie, but because that man is mush for you.” Her words make you feel warm deep down and a part of you hates that with how angry you still are. 

“Doesn’t make keeping things from me right.” You cross your arms, pouting a little in a sulky way.

“Oh, absolutely not! And should you decide to give him the opportunity to make it up to you then you better make him work for it after all of this.” Her words make you chuckle, but you know that she wholeheartedly means what she said. “Now let’s forget about the way these men be driving us up a fucking wall and eat with some movie with hot actors, yeah?”

“Nope not yet. I’ve had my therapy session and now it’s your turn. You’ve been showing up more and more so what’s the deal with you and Mingi?” You prod, your maternal instincts driving you to look into this with how often she has been coming at six months pregnant when she should be home resting.

“Mingi doesn’t understand that I’m pregnant, not bedbound. I get that this is new for both of us and he’s worried, but he’s taking it way too far no matter how many talks we have. I’m trying to meet him halfway, but some of it is just ridiculous.” She sighs, leaning back and running a hand through her hair.

“It can’t possibly be that bad, what is he insisting on?” You inquire, stuffing down your laughter at the incredulous look she gives you.

“Listen at first it wasn’t. Like he asked me to bathe instead of shower so I wouldn’t slip and fall, and he wanted to help me out when I was done. Fine. Makes sense. Now it’s like… I’m banned from the entire kitchen because there are too many risks. I was using a butter knife the other day and the man about had an aneurysm. I couldn’t help paint the nursery, the one task I wanted most. Not because of fumes, but because he didn’t want me on a step stool, which I already had agreed I wouldn’t do. Like I get that he means well, but he’s going too far.”  She tells you and you find yourself agreeing with some of her frustrations.

“Okay, but how many times has he called since you left the house?” Your question makes her feel slightly guilty.

“... 76 times and he’s texted over 100…” She admits quietly.

“Worrying him more won’t help with anything. Why don’t you have him come and try another talk, and this time tell him if he can’t take a breath I’ll be helping you through the last three months. That should get his attention.” You offer and she nods, sending Mingi a message. 

It took Mingi some time to get there, not because it was far, but because he was being careful not to expose the location, or so he thought. However, when there was a knock on the door not long after you all finished your talk everyone tensed. Mingi puts a hand on his gun as he goes to check it out, Mini following behind his form much to his displeasure. Though she seems to put together who is at the door first, slipping out from behind Mingi to throw the door open.

“What do you think you’re doing here?” Mini’s question is firm and you tense at the implication behind it.

“Let me see her!” Jongho is demanding, nearly pushing Mini out of the way before Mingi moves her behind him and takes the force of it.

You move to settle her before peaking around at Jongho, “I told you it was on my terms not yours, now go away.”

His bloodshot eyes widen drastically at the sight of you, “Wait! We don’t have to talk, just please let me see you. I need to be sure that you’re okay.”

The raw distress and sleep deprivation on his features has you nodding at Mingi who moves to let Jongho take you in. The man visibly relaxed some at the sight of you.

“Thank you … I love you.” He says softly before conceding and moving to go back to his car. 

Mingi moves to kiss Mini’s forehead, “ I’ll go make sure he goes home.”

Mini nods and locks up before the both of you go back to settling in for the evening. Only to be startled by a loud bang on the door not even a half hour later.

“Oh ladies~ Open up!” A mocking voice that you haven’t heard since high school calls through the door.

“Is that Jeno?” You whisper hiss at Mini who simply nods in response. She’s quick to cut the lights and grab the gun from by the door, tossing the keys towards you.

“Message the boys and follow their directions on where to go. I’ll make sure the back is clear and we can slip out that way.” She whispers to you, leading the way, only as she’s peeking out the back they bust down the front door, “ Run and get the car as fast as you can.”

You follow her directions knowing that she’s the only one who understands what to do in this situation. Jumping at each gunshot that is set off. You pull the car over only to see them shoving her into a van, one you could easily hit to deter them, but not a risk you were willing to take while your friend was pregnant. If they had her alive though then Jongho could send a rescue after her. So you speed straight to the address the boys sent and follow Yunho’s directions into another car to get to a safe house. Jongho and Mingi are already waiting there. Watching Mingi’s heart shatter as he notices Mini isn’t there and pushing past Jongho to him, pulling him into your arms. 

“She’s alive and unharmed. We’ll get her back because Jongho is going to have a rescue happen.” You assure him, stroking his hair despite the stretch as he cries in your arms.

“Wait, I-” You cut Jongho off before he can counter at all.

“It is his number one priority.” You say, shooting Jongho a look as if daring him to argue. It effectively shutting him up. 

“Yeah … we are gonna do that as soon as the intel on them gets back.” He meekly agrees.

“I want to be involved.” You insist, shooting Jongho another look when you see him open his mouth, “ You lied to me and then led them to us so that I had to witness my friend get taken. Keep your mouth shut.” 

“I just want you safe.” He whispers and you’re one of the few who hears.

“I’ll stay around you guys and not do dumb shit, but I’m not about to sit here like nothing is happening. Those days are over Jongho.” You shut him down yet again.

“Well, I guess we better make use of the time we have then.” Jongho sighs, firmly grasping your wrist and leading you off to a stash of weapons and a gun range in the basement, “If you’re insisting then you will have to learn to use one of these.”

The new two hours were spent practicing, with barely any progress. So Jongho came up behind you, putting his hands over yours.

“Slowly squeeze as you breathe out, a calm, smooth motion.” His direction had you finally nailing the target, “Good, just like that at whoever is your target.” 

You must have hesitated too long, because he sighed, “I know you don’t have this in you. To kill a man if it comes down to it. Remember you don’t have to do this.”

“If it comes down to it, I’ll do what I have to to protect the people I love.” You counter firmly before nailing the target with a shot entirely on your own, “Now tell me how we’re going to get Mini back.”

“Yeosang is across the stress with a drone right now getting thermal. Let’s get you a vest and stuff and we’ll go.” Jongho goes to get you ready, making your brows furrow.

“What about your vest?” You ask and he chuckles.

“I don’t use one. I hate the feel of it.” He shrugs before jumping when you smack his arm.

“Jjongie put one on.” You watch how he practically melts at the soft nickname, too stunned to move at the moment, but you snap him out of it quickly, “ I’m not about to watch you get fucking shot out there.”

“I won’t get-” All it takes is one more look and he shuts up, grabbing another vest. Putting his hands up in surrender with a chuckle when you check his the same way he checked yours.

With that, you’re all loading up to go. Hongjoong is with Yeosang on the rooftop across the way. Usually, that would be where Mingi was, but Hongjoong replaced the jittery man as a snipper so that he could go get his wife personally. Mingi finally seems to pull it together when the car stops, taking this very seriously now.

“Y/N you stay with Wooyoung and Yunho clearing our escape. The rest of us know what to do.” Jongho tells you before turning to Mingi, “Stay focused and go get her back, the rest of us will bring them hell.”

That’s all it took for Mingi to be out the door of the van and rush in. Gunshots came shortly after that.

“Come up to the passenger seat with me and keep an eye out. Yunho can wait for them by the back door,” Wooyoung encourages you, putting his hand out to help you up, “It’s kinda gross back there anyways… because of San and stuff, not me. So anyways, since you’re pissed at Jongho and all. Just so you know you can call me if you ever need a … release.”

“Is now really the time, Woo?” You raise a brow, “Besides, he’s still my husband and don’t you usually go home with San?”

“Well, I mean like if y'all are on break or something. San likes mixing people in, it is purely a physical thing after all.” Wooyoung shrugs, “As for the timing… This is as good a time as any in this line of work. Especially if it keeps your mind from overthinking everything.”

“That is Wooyoung’s specialty. Distractions.” Yunho chuckles from the back of the van reminding you of his presence. 

Wooyoung’s antics helped for sure, but not enough to stop you from being antsy in the passenger seat. Easing a little more when San comes through the door, followed by Mingi holding Mini against his side, Seonghwa close behind, and finally Jongho. Yunho slammed the doors behind everyone as you climbed into the back right before Wooyoung floored it. Needing to pull Mini away for a moment to see for yourself that she was okay before turning to do the same with Jongho. The man made a poor attempt at hiding the smile that the act brought to his face.

“Where are we going?” You ask Jongho quietly, leaning against him as the adrenaline wears off and the van jostles you around. 

“Another safe house, farther out and more well hidden. Big enough for everyone though. It’s safer like that for a few days after something like this.” He tells you, hesitantly reaching up to massage at your nape, gently playing with your hair. You knew internally that you should put up a bit more of a fight over it, but as it lulled you to sleep you found that you didn’t care much.

Waking later to the smell of food, finding yourself in a bed. Stretching you get up to follow the smell. Finding Jongho sleeping on the couch along the way. Then seeing Hongjoong placing pizza on the counter. Gently shaking Jongho to wake him so that he could eat as well. Snickering as Mingi frets over Mini moving to stand and insisting that he’ll get it for her.

“Let Mingi spoil you for now. You and the baby have been through a lot, so just focus on recovering from that.” You side with Mingi, shaking your head while Mini playfully rolls her eyes at Mingi’s proud smirk in response.

“You’re going to feed the complex.” Mini laughs softly but doesn’t argue. 

“We all will be for a while after what happened.” Seonghwa counters, ruffling her hair in passing only to chuckle at her complaints.

The interactions remind you of Mini’s words about how not everything was a lie. Seeing the same interactions as always, just with the knowledge of their true work situation now makes you believe her words. Most things were the same, just more dangerous than you thought. Not who they were as people though. Sure, you still needed time, and to build trust, but knowing that not everything was fake felt good. In a way, it reassured you as well. Maybe, here, with all these people could still be your home. Maybe you could still have that future that you always envisioned. That was something that you could discover with time though. For now, you were going to enjoy this moment after not being around people much.

Wooyoung smirking cheekily as you passed by to go to bed, that was enough of a sign that something was coming, “If you get lonely remember my offer.”

You notice Jongho tense at the words and wink sent your way. Shooting Wooyoung a glare and following behind you as you shake your head at Wooyoung’s antics. 

“Do you need anything else? Or?” Jongho awkwardly asks from where he’s standing just within your doorway.

“I’m okay Jongho.” You assure him, starting to get yourself settled in for the night.”

“Oh… okay… well um if you need anything… I’ll be on the couch.” He hesitates and you sigh, stepping closer to take his hand. 

“Don’t pay any attention to Woo’s antics. Unless you were down for something like that I’m not about to let him in my bed just because I’m pissed at you.” You assure him, “Especially not when I’m still trying to comprehend this whole situation. Just …. Give me some time.”

“As much as you need,” Jongho speaks softly, kissing the back of your palm before finally leaving the room.

In three days when it was finally time to leave the safehouse, you took a deep breath trying to settle your heart and mind as you walked up to Jongho.

“I think I’m ready to go home. I’m not ready for things to go back to how they were, or to stay in the same room again yet, but I’m ready to go home. I want to go home.” You tell him, watching the man who had been intimidating and scowling at people this whole time nearly cry at your confession. 

“Yeah, of course!” He agrees verbally as if there had been any doubt that he would, though he does decide to test the waters a little as well, “Would you be comfortable having dinner together?”

“Like a date?” You raise a brow at the bold question.

“Yes, like a date, but I promise not to push anything.” He insists, no, pleads. Willing to agree to nearly anything if you’ll just say yes to him now.

“I thought you said everyone would still need to be careful about going out for a while?” You continue questioning him, in part to see his reaction.

“I did. Leave the details to me. I won’t put you at risk just to fulfill this desire of mine.” Jongho assures you, moving to try and get your things into the car for you.

“Fine, we can have dinner.” You agree, getting into the car with a smile as the man tries to contain himself.

When he gets you both home later he gets your stuff into the bedroom you had been missing. Then getting his stuff and moving it into a guest room. The closest one told himself it was in case you needed anything even though it was really for him. 

The rest of the day though Jongho seems to be pretty much gone. Only catching occasional glimpses of him every so often. Until about 6 pm when he’s in the doorway dressed in all black, a few of his buttons undone and his sleeves rolled up.

“Dinner should be ready in a half hour.” He tells you with a smile, making you raise a brow at how quickly he ran with what you had agreed to.

“Am I supposed to dress up?” You can’t help but mess with him a little.

“Only if that’s your desire.” He answers like he always would whenever you ask if you should dress up for a date. Which was sweet if not a tad infuriating of him. 

You find yourself humoring him a little and putting on something nice, and not black to specifically avoid matching. You instead go for something pastel, avoiding the colors he adores you in for being sexy. Going for something soft in comparison to his look. Waiting for him to come back to lead you to dinner. Going out the front door only to go up in the elevator instead of down. Confusing you even more as to what he had in mind. You’re quick to put it together upon arriving at the rooftop though. A single table set up overlooking the city while your flower bushes surround it, them having been perfectly maintained in your absence. A skill you were not aware that Jongho had. Roses and candles decorate the table as wine chilled beside it. You let Jongho pull the chair out for you, taking the lid off the plate before you to show your favorite meal from your favorite place to go. Something you hadn’t realized you missed so much until it was here before you again. Jongho poured you a glass of wine before taking his seat across from you. Jongho seemed very content in your presence while you ate happily. 

“I knew you must have missed that.” He smiles around the rim of his glass, rather proud of himself.

You put your fork down, raising a brow, “Show me your hands.”

Jongho is confused but does as you ask. Letting you look over them until you find what you’re looking for. 

“I knew you must have had no idea what to do with these plants.” You muse back, gently rubbing your thumb over the thorn pricks you find. Watching how the man flusters, shyly pulling his hands away only to instantly miss your touch.

“I figured it out.” He counters even if it isn’t firmly.

“I can tell, they look amazing.” You admire the plants for a moment before going back to the meal while Jongho preens at the praise.

The rest of dinner was filled with a few light, carefree conversations. Jongho is true to his word about not pushing anything. Still, he was working to be attentive to your needs throughout the evening. A blanket wrapped around your shoulders when the wind starts to pick up. Jongho eventually led the way back inside and to the bedroom. Nearly fainting when you kiss him before calling it a night and closing the door. 

This slowly becomes a routine for you guys. Dinner once a week on the rooftop and then when safe, out again. You find him caring for your plants on more than one occasion. Not saying anything about it for quite some time, until you finally grow too curious not to. 

“Jongho, what did you decide to take care of them?” You’re watching him trim one from your seat appreciating the warmth of the sun.

“Because it’s a piece of you. Caring for them felt like caring for an extension of you. It helped me feel that I could still do something for you. It was a way of having you here… especially when I was missing you.” Jongho speaks softly as if he’s afraid to admit that vulnerability to you. Not knowing that it was melting your heart to see that side of him.

“You did good taking care of that part of me.” You praise softly, only it allows him to tease a little bit.

“I took good care of the cats too!” He sounds playful, but you have a feeling that he’s looking for more praise.

“I’m sure you did. You’re a good cat dad.” You feed right into it giving him the praise he wants. Only to miss how he pouts when you get up a moment later. Coming back with lemonade and water after a few minutes, “ Here Jjongie, make sure you don’t get too hot.”

“I thought you liked me hot though.” Jongho teases getting up to get a drink, only laughing more when you smack his arm in response.

Only the atmosphere changed drastically in a few moments. Jongho’s cheerful nature disappears, changing to something more stoic.

“Get in the car. I’ll be there in a minute.” He says firmly, making your brows furrow.

“What? Why?” You ask, not moving yet, even if you’re on edge, flight response starting to kick in.

“Mingi texted a 911 message. He’s taking Mini to the hospital.” He tells you already moving, and now you are too, knowing that it has to be bad if they’re on the way there.

You wait rather impatiently for Jongho in the car. The man did not take long, just enough time to grab a bag and his gun.

“Do you know what’s wrong?” You somehow bring yourself to ask while he drives you both, but he only shakes his head.

Mingi jumps when you and Jongho call to him from behind. The man is struggling at the reception desk, making Jongho sign.

“Y/N, you and Mingi go to the room. I’ll get things sorted out here.” Jongho insists ready to pull whatever strings are necessary at this moment. Your heart hurts that such a thing might be necessary, but it shows you that Jongho does care about them as part of the family, even if he had threatened them in regards to sharing too much with you.  Not that you had time to analyze such care when your friends needed you right now.

Your heart nearly stops at Mini’s pained expression, tears welling in her eyes as she holds her stomach. You’re quick to go to her side and take her hand, brushing her hair out of her face, before looking up at Mingi.

“Take a deep breath Mingi, what’s going on?” You try to calm the man enough to share the details with you, but he’s too far gone.

“I’m having contractions.” Mini grits out, but you know it’s too soon for that, at least in ideal circumstances. Staying by her side as doctors and nurses buzz around. Watching in concern as Jongho and Mingi talk with one right outside, trying to keep your friend calm as little they have done has brought her relief. Mingi comes in after handing Jongho his keys, the other man calling someone on the phone now as Mingi takes your place beside his wife.

“They’re gonna give you something to help you sleep soon love, it’ll make you feel better.” Mingi assures her, before looking at you, “Go get some air and anything else you need, I got her.”

You reluctantly nod, before slipping out, waiting for Jongho to get off the call, and then the two of you head for some coffee, “So, what’s going on?”

“Her bloodwork came back and there were drugs in her system, but there’s no clue where it came from. The boys are on the way to the house to test everything, and see where it came from.” Jongho tells you in a hushed voice.

“You think someone snuck it in somehow?” You gasp before quickly hushing yourself again as others are around.

“Not sure, but it’s been too long for it to have been from when she was taken. So it’s gotta be from something more recent and something subtle enough to be undetected until now.” Jongho sighs running a hand through his hair, “They’re going to try and get her system back in check so she doesn’t have the baby too soon, but with all that’s happened it’ll be a miracle.”

“If someone did have a way into their house though, won’t they be able to tell something is up when they’re not there and the boys are?” You inquire innocently, but the way Jongho freezes you can tell that’s something he hadn’t accounted for.

“Fuck.” He pulls his keys out, “You should go home and lock in until we’re sure it’s safe again.”

“Like hell, I will Jongho.” You counter and Jongho sighs pulling you around the corner into a blind spot.

“You know that if this was intentional they could show up here and make things get messy real quick, right?” Jongho assures that you fully understand the situation.

“I do. I also know that if I’m anywhere else when shit goes down, I’ll never be able to live with myself. Besides, Mini is gonna need a woman around to help her with some of this.” You insist, watching Jongho’s internal struggle before he hands his gun over to you.

“Don’t let anyone see this and don’t leave it anywhere, but should something happen I need to know you have a way to protect yourself.” He takes a breath as you nod and carefully hide it away with your clothes.

“Why don’t you head back up? I’ll wait down here for the call from the boys.” Jongho encourages, knowing you’ll be antsy if you’re away from the situation for too long.

They soon get Mini calmed and settled, confirming that it was simply Braxton Hicks and not something more urgent. However, they decided to keep her for monitoring considering the most recent discovery. You and Mingi wait on edge while she sleeps, Jongho eventually and almost silently slips in.

“Her vitamins were tainted.” He whispers to you both, “The boys are trying to determine if it was at home or not.”

Mingi sighed, running a hand through his hair before sitting diligently beside his wife again, “When they find out who it was I want to know.”

“Of course, but for now leave that to us and focus on her.” Jongho assures his friend as he sits beside you, “And why don’t you try and get some rest, hm?” 

You nod feeling exhausted at the mention of rest now. Finding yourself dozing in the chair and leaning against Jongho’s shoulder in the process. Jolting awake when the man suddenly gets up. You feel somewhat rested, but still groggy as you attempt to piece together what’s going on. Looking around to notice that the power is out. 

“Stay here and stay quiet,” Jongho whispers before he and Mingi sneak out of the room armed.

“Y/N, come help me up.” Mini insists, calling you over. 

“You need to be resting!” You quietly hiss at her.

“Okay, and if they come through that door then I’m a sitting duck. Now help me up so that I’m ready in case something happens.” She counters and you sigh, but recognize that she has a point and so you move to help her. The woman then looks in Jongho’s bag to find a gun, something that makes you reach for the one you have hidden and pull it out too.

Mini quietly padded over to the door to listen and peak, only for her eyes to widen a moment later. Motioning to stay quiet and follow her as she sneaks out and across to the nurse’s station. Hiding you both under the table as you hear voices enter the hall.

“Check all the rooms, they have to be here somewhere.” You hear Yuta’s voice shouting through the hall before the click of a lighter a moment later, “Why don’t you girls go ahead and come out? We don’t bite. Well… not usually.”

“Just poison pregnant women then?” Jongho’s voice enters now, easing your anxiety some, but it also concerns you knowing how outnumbered he likely is.

“Ahh Jongho… you came too early! Spoiling the fun as usual.” Yuta muses, but what gets you to move is hearing the click of a gun safety. Standing and quickly putting the man behind Jongho in your aim.

“Y/N how good of you to join us. Now put that down before you hurt yourself.” Yuta tsks as if speaking to a small child.

“Not until he puts his down.” You counter firmly, making Yuta raise a brow.

He sighs looking at the man next, “Go ahead, she doesn’t have the guts to do anything anyways.” 

The next few seconds are a blur, so many gunshots ringing out. The gun was hot in your shaking hands as the man behind Jongho crumpled, but not before getting his own shot off. That bullet grazed Jongho’s shoulder, setting off a chain reaction. The other boys raced in moments later to ensure that they had control of the situation. Jongho’s focus is on your trembling form. Cautiously taking the gun and pulling you into his embrace. Laughing a little when you snap out of it just long enough to scold Mini for standing so long and involving herself in the danger.

“You always have to be the mother, huh? Even when you’re in need.” Jongho tries to ease the mood some, rubbing your back and waiting to move you until the mess in the halls is cleaned up.

“You’re one to talk, you got shot.” You counter and he can’t help but kiss your pout.

“It’s not bad, besides better to wait for the power to be back to ask for help with it.” Jongho counters before seeing the concern still on your face, “It’s okay, just barely got me thanks to you.”

You nod silently, letting him move you back to Mini’s room. Only leaving your side to get patched up and then he’s back to sticking to you like glue. Mingi somehow gets you time to process everything later on by getting Jongho to go with him to get you all some food.

“Does it ever get easier?’ You finally ask Mini, a tremble still in your voice.

“Despite what the boys would say, no.” Mini answers with a soft sigh, “You learn that sometimes it's unavoidable in this world, but it never gets easier.”

“How do you live with it?” You watch as this time she struggles to answer.

“Realize that we do what we have to to keep our family safe and avoid it as much as possible.” Mini eventually finds a response for you, making you hum as you consider it, “Why? Do you regret it?”

“A part of me does, but I absolutely don’t regret protecting Jongho.” You answer her even if you’re confused about such emotions.

“Exactly, whether you pulled that trigger or not someone was going to die. You just made sure it wasn’t someone in our family.” Mini shrugs, “I won’t say that makes killing right, but unfortunately that’s a part of this life. That’s why Jongho wanted you away from this.”

“I’m still pissed about that, but I think I’m starting to comprehend the reasons now.” You admit.

“Don’t tell him that yet. Speaking of though, what has he done for you? Anywhere near enough yet?” She asks, eager for the details and making you chuckle at her antics.

Still, you give in, thinking that you both could probably use a change of topic for your emotions. Updating her on things between you and Jongho now. Trying not to laugh at her reactions to everything.

“Ooo you should get a Fiddle Leaf Fig and see how he handles that.” She muses and finally gets you to laugh as well.

“Don’t be a menace.” You shake your head, knowing how much you both have struggled at attempting that plant. 

“No! You don’t understand! This is exactly the time to be a menace! Test that man’s patience! Get him the hell back!” She counters, making you laugh even harder.

“I think you need to calm down before you stress the baby out again.” You tell her, still chuckling along with her. Watching as she puts her hands up in surrender. 

The boys soon returned with food. Mini raises a brow and mouths ‘simp’ to you when she sees you resting on Jongho’s good side. Making you stick your tongue out back, even if you can’t deny it. It seems to get late fast and soon the three of them are urging you to let Jongho take you home to get proper rest. Allowing some of the others to stay guard for the night while you recover from the events of the day.

Only it couldn’t be that simple, because that scene replays in your mind whenever you close your eyes. Leading you to finally concede and fight it to sleep. Going to the room that Jongho was staying in, stunning him. 

“Can you come stay with me please?” You meekly ask, watching how Jongho scrambles and stumbles to come over to you.

“Of course,” Jongho tries to keep his excitement down knowing you needed comfort right now, not for him to add to the emotions. Letting you take the lead back to the bedroom and under the covers. Pulling you into his arms and against his chest, He even hums softly to try and help lull you to sleep even more. It is effective in getting you to do so for a while, eventually though you’re back to tossing and turning before you wake with a start from another nightmare. Jongho pouts at your panting, distressed form, getting your attention when he strokes your hair softly. 

He lets out a little shocked sound when you practically lunge at him, lips pressed frantically against his. He’s not one to complain, however, eagerly returning the kiss after being deprived of your touch for so long. Letting you take the lead for now, after all, he did say he wouldn’t push anything, and that included this as much as it made his head spin and his logic fade away. Looking into your eyes very dazed when you break away to catch your breath.

“What was that for?” He finally decided to ask, though quickly panicking as your eyes started to well with tears.

“It’s haunting me… not that man I shot, but that it could have been you. Every time my eyes close it’s you like that instead of him. Jongho… I… I need you to prove something to me.” Your hand finds his cheek as a few tears fall onto his cheeks from where you are slightly hovering over your form.

“Anything love. Anything at all.” Jongho agrees without an ounce of hesitation.

“Prove to me that you’re actually here. I need you to show me… to feel you… and to know that should anything happen I didn’t miss out on the chance we have right now. I don’t want any regrets looming.” Your words have Jongho’s eyes widening, but he’s quick to recover. Carefully he flips both of you around before leaning down to kiss over the few tears still on your face.

“I’ll do all of that love and more… I’m going to show you how truly I love you. I know I was wrong and that I still have so much to make up for, but I refuse to let you live with any doubts about how deeply I feel for you and after tonight you won’t.” He assures so certainly that you felt something already starting to bloom in your heart. Jongho is the one initiating the kiss now though it’s no less desperate or breathless. His hands are delicate as they start to trace under his shirt on your form, something he swore was sexier than any lingerie. Still, it had been some time and emotions were high, so he wanted to pace himself, truly revel in this moment as he took his time with you. 

Jongho breaks away from your lips to lean down and leaves a string of kisses over the skin he is slowly exposing as if mapping every inch of your skin with his lips. His touches are the softest you have ever felt in an intimate moment with him, not that you would complain about it ever, especially in such an emotionally vulnerable moment in which you both needed such reassurance. Eventually, he crosses the expanse of your skin and leaves to fully remove your shirt. He moves to trace his way back towards your bra, moaning against your skin when he feels your hands under his shirt. Taking his place as the one with a possessive touch, fingers digging in slightly as if you fear he’ll slip away, something he hopes leaves marks behind for him to admire. Hoping that it leaves him something that will prove your love for him hasn’t disappeared. Jongho decides that he wants to leave a few reminders for you as well. Leaning in with a purpose after removing your bra to reveal everything to him now. The most beautiful blank canvas just waiting to be painted in an array of warm and meaningful colors. 

“Jongho you’re going too slow.” You whine, squirming impatiently.

“No such thing sweetheart, not when I’m doing it to remind every inch of you of my devotion.” Jongho counters, chuckling darkly at the whimper you let out.

He seems to show you some mercy though, that or he can’t deny you after the way he had been craving you. Either way, you’re not complaining when his hand slips into your pants, his middle finger finding your clit and rubbing with light pressure. Enough to give you a taste of relief, but not nearly enough to get you where you wanted. Jongho visibly shudders at the sounds you’re making.

“Jongho I’m not gonna cum like this.” You complain softly between little panting moans. 

“Love it’s not supposed to make you cum. It’s just supposed to make you absolutely dripping before I have a taste.” He tells you, loving how you gasp at the lewd explanation of what he wants to do and the implications behind it.

“Okay, but … please… I’m so touch-deprived.” You admit in a quiet voice, flustering at the admission.

“Oh? You didn’t take Wooyo up on his offer?” He muses, nipping at your breasts again before starting another mark. 

“No. Never. You know I’m a good girl. I didn’t even touch myself.” You admit looking up at him with misty eyes.

Jongho feels his cock twitch, but he doesn’t know what affects him more, your revelation or your tears, “ You are a good girl. The best girl.” 

The praise affects you so much, and Jongho can feel it go straight to your core. He pulls away just to remove the rest of your clothes, letting you remove his shirt almost aggressively. Then he’s between your legs, giving you little time to admire his chest. Instead, you get his back and his face, well the part of his face that isn’t occupied. Jongho is very content to be between your shaky thighs as he worships your cunt. Intent on getting up every last drop of you as if he’s been deprived of water for days. The switch from nearly no stimulation to an overwhelming amount is almost unbearable, but this is what you asked for. Though it is so much after so long without and soon Jongho is trapped between your thighs as you hold him in place feeling your release hit. Jongho cooing softly when you finally release him from your trembling thighs.

“Oh love, I’m not done with my meal yet.” Jongho smirks at you before licking his glistening lips, “After all, we do have to make up for lost time, but don’t worry you’ll sleep once I’m done with you.”

Three hours. That’s how long Jongho was content eating you out. You’d feel more flustered at that level of attention on you were it not for how far gone you were. That and how Jongho came untouched after your third orgasm. It was all just too much for him to handle. He had paused just long enough to undress and let you catch your breath. Jongho leans in to kiss you softly now, bringing you back to reality and him, if not only to change that back in a few moments. His tip prodding at your sensitive entrance, slow to push in due to your sensitivity, and his even if he would deny it should you ask. 

“So good Jongho.” You moan out, drooling a little in your daze at the stretch. 

“Take it all in sweetheart, this is all for you. Always.” Jongho assures, leaning down onto his elbows on either side of you. He places a few sweet kisses on your neck before starting to move.

Jongho always fucks you with a purpose, but today his thrusts are a different kind of precise, a different kind of purposeful. As if he’s trying to prove that he still remembers everything about you even now, even after your time apart. The thought makes your head spin.

“Am I already losing you, love?” He asks, seeing how dazed out you are as you look up at him, lost in the feeling as he speeds up his thrusts. Fingers finding your clit again and you swear you’re seeing hearts when he leans down to lick away your drool.

“Oh my god Jongho! I love you!” Your words urge him to do even more, the pace picking up further as your confession sends him hurtling towards his end.

“I love you too… so much it’s crazy.” Jongho returns the sentiment. Spiraling as he sees tears glistening on your cheeks now, chanting out a mantra of love confessions and his name. It’s too much for him and he’s cumming before you, fingers moving intently on your clit to bring you over the edge too, though really the feeling of him stuffing you full of his cum is your demise.

You feel Jongho move to pull out, but you’re faster, securing your legs around his hips, “ Don’t you dare, stay with me like this all night.”

Your demand makes him chuckle, tapping your thigh, “At least release me so that I can make us more comfortable.”

You give in letting him go so he can carefully flip you both around, staying inside. Settling you against his chest before pulling the blanket over you both. Gently rubbing your back and humming, planning for that to calm you enough to settle in for some sleep finally. Chuckling when he realizes that you’re already asleep.

“I told you I would tire you out.” He whispers, kissing your forehead, “I love you.”

The rest of your night is blissful and allows you to rest enough to feel refreshed. Only to wake up and feel Jongho still inside of you, definitely with more than just morning wood. I guess that was to be expected though after a night of cockwarming.

He smirks up at you with a playful glint in his eyes, “Round 2?”

“Fine, but this time I have something to prove.” You say, pushing up off his chest to sit in his lap.

“I’d like to see you try.”

____________________________________________________________

“Okay, what’s that look about?” You finally cave and ask Mini.

“You’re practically glowing. This is the happiest you’ve been in months.” She tells you, grinning a little from her spot, “I bet Jongho made it up to you real good.”

Her wink makes you blush, “Pfft…” You go to play it off until seeing her face, “Is it really that obvious?”

“Oh painfully so. You really needed to get dicked down that bad, huh?” She can’t help but take the opportunity presented to tease.

“Excuse me! Which one of us is currently pregnant? And you have the audacity to comment on my sex life.” You counter, though it only seems to make her laugh more. You go to say something else, but get quiet as the boys enter.

“Hi love, what are you talking about?” Jongho asks as you and Mini exchange a look.

“Just life.” Mini saves you by answering, to which you are quick to nod in agreement. 

“I’ve got to go. We got a lead on Yuta’s group and they’re pissed we have him. Stay here with Mingi and Mini. I’ll pick you up later.” Jongho tells you, smiling at your quiet okay before kissing you and leaving. 

“He’ll be fine,” Mini assures you after Jongho leaves.

“Will you stop making me feel obvious!” You sigh looking at her as Mingi chuckles and shakes his head.

“No, but if you insist on a change in topic I can give you one.” Mini offers, smiling as if she doesn’t constantly try to drive you crazy.

“What is it now?” You ask, but you can’t help but smile at your friend’s antics.

“We’re moving, someplace with better security, but I don’t trust the hooligans to do anything but the grunt work. Which for the most part is fine, but can you just make sure that the nursery ends up the right way, please? That way if I am here until little one comes there’s a place set up.” Mini’s words hurt your heart a little, but you nod assuring her it’ll be cared for.

“Of course, when do you need me to do that?” You ask and now Mingi answers, urging his wife to try and rest.

“Jongho is coming to the moving day, so he knows. I’ll be there too, so I know how it’s supposed to be.” He tells you, but that makes your brows furrow.

“Then who will be with Mini?” You worry looking over at your drowsy friend.

“Hongjoong. He’s good at keeping her occupied and he doesn’t want to do heavy lifting or install security, so.” Mingi tells you and you nod. 

“Should have known.” You chuckle, debating saying more but stopping yourself.

“I know Y/N. You don’t have to say it.” Mingi snickers.

“God damn it, not you too Mingi!” You huff at his ability to read you too, just as easily as Mini could.

Their moving day was the following week, meeting all the boys at the house early in the morning. Noticing Mingi’s conflicted feelings and going to hug him. You knew they loved this house, but also that their safety was more important. Helping load up the first car before heading to the new place and taking over there. Having Yunho help with the few rooms needing paint and unloading the necessities as they came. Wooyoung insists on helping in the nursery if not just to constantly be bumping into you.

“So I heard you and Jongho made up. Guess that means my offer needs to be revoked.” He muses, playfully batting his lashes at you. 

“Maybe you should make me an offer, it might get you somewhere,” Jongho says, entering the room just in time to hear Wooyoung and make him jump.

“I was just joking, boss.” Wooyoung chuckles nervously as he speaks.

“I wasn’t,” Jongho responds without missing a beat, settling down to start constructing some furniture. 

“You mean it’s a possibility?” Wooyoung asks as both of you look at Jongho rather stunned.

“It just might be. Though there is only one way for you to find out, isn’t there?”  Jongho doesn’t even look up from his task, speaking as if this is the most commonplace conversation.

You and Wooyoung are speechless as you go back to your tasks, not quite sure how to react to that. Not bringing anything about that up the rest of the day, or so you thought. What happened coming up as you and Jongho drove home that night? 

“Love, how would you feel about others joining us in bed?’ His words almost make you choke as you sip on some water.

“Oh my god… did Wooyoung actually ask?’ You look at him incredulously. 

“No.” Jongho chuckles, smiling as you breathe out a sigh, untensing slightly, “He had San do it for them, but I think it’s time someone teaches Wooyoung something.”

You gawk at him, “I mean they’re hot and I don’t know that I’m opposed. It’s just the thought had never crossed my mind as I was always happy being yours.”

“Well they’re on their way to our place, so if you change your mind then send them home, but otherwise.” Jongho glances over to take in your look of disbelief.

“What are you doing to teach Woo?” Your curiosity gets the better of you.

“That he can look, but not touch what’s mine.” Jongho almost growls out and that’s the final nail in your coffin. Now you have to see how this plays out.

You tried to settle in somewhat at home, despite knowing the boys would be arriving soon. Wooyoung is giddy as soon as he sees you, his smirk falling when San stops him from going to you. San and Jongho exchanged a look that made you feel like they had had a separate conversation. 

“You see Wooyoung… if you’re going to be here then you’re going to play by my rules,” Jongho speaks up and you hear him getting closer before you feel him against your back.

Wooyoung nods eagerly, eyes barely flicking to Jongho as he watches you, “ Yeah, of course. What rules?”

“No touching. Oh, and you won’t be cumming inside.” Jongho lays out the few, but powerful rules. 

You watch as Wooyoung processes what Jongho has said, jaw-dropping, “ I - what?”

“You heard him.” San is behind Wooyoung as he speaks in his ear, hand gripping his jaw, “You can’t agree to those rules? Then we’re leaving and you get nothing.”

You don’t feel like you should be as turned on by them as you are. Jongho seems to pick up on it though, chuckling as his hands run up and down your waist.

“It would be a real shame if you left, someone is all excited.” Jongho shares, smirking at how Wooyoung looks between you all biting his lip.

“I-I can follow those rules.” Wooyoung agrees quietly even if everyone can tell that it’ll be a challenge for him.

“Good. Then why don’t we all go to the bedroom?” Jongho kisses your temple, “ Go get settled love.”

You go off slightly ahead of the others, removing some of your clothes along the way. Sitting on the bed in just your bra and panties, taking a breath to settle some of your nerves. Only to tense when San enters the room first, the man coming over and offering his hand to you, which you take after a moment.

“You seem nervous. Is it the good kind? Or?” San asks, trying to gauge how you are feeling.

“No, it's the good kind. I just… I’ve never done something like this before. I never expected this from Jongho either.” You admit flustering when he chuckles in response. 

“Just because someone is possessive doesn’t mean they’re opposed.” San tells you with a chuckle, “I’m a prime example of that. I mean have you seen how I am with Woo?”

That makes you laugh a little, breaking some of the tension. Jongho and Wooyoung enter as you do. Jongho and San smiling as you ease up, but Wooyoung seems like the jittery one now. Not that it stops him from immediately blurting out what he wants.

“Can I eat her out at least? I’ll keep my hands to myself.” Wooyoung whines, squirming under Jongho’s gaze as San raises a brow at the interaction. 

Jongho removed his shirt before settling behind you and leaning you back against him, “Go ahead, but the second you touch her you’re done.”

That’s all Wooyoung needs to hear, crawling onto the bed to get between your legs as Jongho holds them open. Jongho only moves his hand to rip your panties off, Wooyoung whimpering at how soaked you are. Wasting no time to lean in and start lapping you up.

San tsks, joining you all on the bed, gripping Wooyoung’s hair earning a moan from him, “This isn’t about you slut, this is about her. Now make her actually feel good.” 

Wooyoung’s motions become more concentrated, and less sloppy, under San’s guidance. Jongho kissing over your neck as he keeps you still as if that would help stop your squirming. 

“Look at all the pretty marks Jongho left on her Woo, I bet you wish they were yours.” San gets under his skin, making him whimper against you. A feeling that you’re quickly getting addicted to. One that gets replicated a moment later when San pins down Wooyoung’s hand as it snakes your way.

“San just saved you from having to be stopped.” Jongho chuckles and you feel it deep in his chest as you lean against him. Reaching back to practically claw at him looking for something grounding.

“She’s losing it Woo, don’t break the rules now. We wouldn’t want to deny the good girl because of your bad behavior.” San eggs him on, Wooyoung squirming as he attempts to respond only for San to tsk and bury him deeper between your legs with a growled out ‘focus’.

Wooyoung’s whimpering and moaning send you over the edge quickly after. San gives him a moment to ride you through it until he’s tightening his grip on Wooyoung’s hair and ripping him away from you. Wooyoung looking just as dazed out as you do.

“She’s sweet.” Wooyoung practically moans out, squirming in San’s grip.

“Yeah? You gonna share?” San asks him with a smirk and Wooyoung doesn’t need to be asked twice, he’s quick to lock lips with San, sharing your taste with him. Making you moan quietly at the sight, already getting worked up again.

“Sweetheart, shouldn’t you thank San for making sure Wooyoung was good?” Jongho tucks your hair behind your ears, nodding at San who quickly undresses.

“What about me?” Wooyoung whines, picking up on where this is going.

“You can sit down, shut up, and enjoy the show. If you’re good, maybe I’ll be generous enough to let you cum on her face.” Jongho’s words motivate Wooyoung to listen. Well, for the time being anyway. The antsy boy moves to sit down and watch as you lean forward to get a taste of San. Easing him into your mouth, letting you both settle into the feeling. Jongho waits until you’ve fully taken San before his fingers ease into you, slowly working to stretch you out while you suck San off.

“Look at you please me so good while Jongho makes you feel good and gets you ready for his cock.” San praises, hands weaving into your hair, making you moan, but also alerting you to a trend of his, “Oh baby girl likes praise, huh?” 

“She’s obsessed with it actually,”  Jongho answers from behind you with a deep chuckle.

“You hear that Woo? Why don’t you tell her how good she’s being? Make yourself useful.” The way they would switch up, especially San between how they treated you and Wooyoung was giving you whiplash.

“You look like the prettiest little slut for them.” Wooyoung gasps out, gripping at the armrests to ground himself, or at least attempt to.

“Yah! Nice words Wooyoung!” San scolds, but doesn’t sound as firm as before with how you’re making him feel.

“That one is alright, it makes her feel a certain way. She is a little dirty after all.” Jongho smirks having felt how the word affected you as he torments you just a tad with his slow pace.

“See she’s being good, but that doesn’t mean she doesn’t like it filthy. I bet she’d love it if you made a mess of her San. It would be so pretty if you painted her face.” Wooyoung is leaning forward now, barely holding himself back. Lip caught between his teeth when San throws his head back in a moan, “You’re gonna make him cum Y/N. Go on, drive him crazy, make him lose it.” 

You miss the look Jongho throws San from behind you, but it has San regain enough control to pull out of your mouth, cumming over your face instead.

“Well Woo, this is what you wanted, so why don’t you go clean that up for her?” San words it as a question, but his tone gives you the feeling that it is more of a demand.

“Of course.” Wooyoung leans forward to playfully lick San’s tip before he pushes him away with a growl. Wooyoung standing to come to you now. Still heading the no-touch rule as he licks up San’s release, not leaving a drop behind. 

“Oh, so you can follow the rules.” Jongho quips, stripping behind you.

“Only when I want to,” Wooyoung smirks back, reaching out only for San to stop him. Pinning both of Wooyoung’s hands behind his back in just one of his. Meanwhile, Jongho is getting you on your hands and knees in front of them. 

“We’re here to enjoy the show. Don’t forget your place, Wooyoung.” San growls into Woo’s ear. Freehand gripping his jaw and making him watch your face contort in pleasure as Jongho bottoms out inside of you. 

“Such a pretty sight isn’t it?” San continues to goad Wooyoung, hand leaving his jaw to slowly pump Wooyoung’s cock, “Jongho making his girl feel so perfectly good. I bet you wish that it was you, don’t you?”

Wooyoung nods dramatically as he whines, “ Yeah, but she’s not mine.”

“Whose is she Wooyoung?” Jongho growls out the question, hands firmly gripping your hips. Thrusts hitting all the best spots as they talk over you, about you.

“She’s yours Jongho.” Wooyoung cries out in desperation, though you think that is mostly due to San’s actions.

“And who do you belong to Woo?” San asks firmly, picking up his pace to match Jongho’s. The two wind up both you and Wooyoung at the same time, at the same pace.

“You Sannie! Please!” Wooyoung whimpers, sniffling a little bit.

“You’ll cum when she cums.” San insists the two watch as Jongho brings you over the edge by adding his fingers to your clit, making you cry out, “Go ahead, Woo.”

That’s all it takes for Wooyoung to cum on your face. Jongho cumming only seconds later. All of you feel rather spent after that.

“Guest room.” Jongho nods in a direction as well in answer to the silent question San had asked. San nods and gets Wooyoung out and over there. Jongho’s full attention is on you now, carrying you to the bathroom. He gets into the shower with you, keeping you stable while your legs are still shaky and massaging out any potentially sore muscles. Cleaning you up to get ready for bed.

The night full of restful sleep, at least until Wooyoung barges in at crack ass o’clock giving you both a fucking heart attack, “EVERYONE GET YOUR ASSES UP! WE HAVE TO GO! THE BABY IS COMING!”

The way Wooyoung is losing his mind you would think it was his child coming. Still, you’re all awake now, scrambling to get everything you need in order and get to the hospital as quickly as you can. Finding most of the other guys already in the waiting room.

“She’s in labor, but last we heard the baby was looking healthy, just a little small since it's still kind of early.” Seonghwa updates you, smiling when you go to ask a follow-up question, “No complications with her either last we heard.”

“Thank god!” Wooyoung sighs out flopping down in a chair, “If my little niece or nephew comes out hurt those fuckers will be in for it.”

You chuckle, but feel similarly, knowing the danger they were just under. You may have stepped away for a while to process the truth, but they were still your family.

A few hours later, coffee runs later, and Mingi comes out, beaming. Clearly, he’s happy, so not too much to worry about, but you’re still holding your breath waiting for the actual news.

“Well you all officially have a nephew,” Mingi says, giggling a little from how giddy he is right now.

“I knew it! Pay up!” Wooyoung cheers, holding his hand out to San who’s pouting a little. A few of the other boys followed suit and collected bets.

“How are they?” You ask Mingi while they celebrate a little.

“They checked him out and he seems fine. They want us to stay for about a week right now to make sure he puts on weight and everything. She’s tired and will probably be ready to eat soon, but her focus is on him right now.” Mingi tells you, bringing you some relief, “You guys can go in, but we just need to keep the volume down. 

The words are barely out of Mingi’s mouth before Wooyoung is heading in, loud down the hall, but quiet the second his hand is on the door handle. The rest of you are not far behind. Smiling at the sight of the baby boy lying on Mini’s chest, all swaddled up and sleeping. Wooyoung stopped by the bed to stare at him in awe. 

“What’s his name?” Wooyoung whispers his question making Mini chuckle a tiny bit.

“His name is Hajoon.” She tells you all, proudly looking at the baby boy.

“I love him. I’m going to be his favorite uncle.” Wooyoung determines, making you laugh and moving him away a little so you can go to Mini’s side.

“How are you doing?” You ask checking in on her.

“I’m exhausted, but I want to hold him some more before I sleep.” She tells you and you nod figuring as much.

“Do you need anything right now then? Food or anything?” You change your question and she thinks this one over more before nodding.

“I kinda want something bad for me. I’m tired of hospital food …. Another blanket would be nice too. The IV they have me on is giving me chills.” She answers and you nod.

“I’m on it.” You head out, Jongho and Seonghwa tagging along.

“I’ll get the blanket,” Seonghwa says before heading off, leaving you and Jongho to handle the food.

Jongho handled the driving since you were the one who knew her orders better after the time together in the safe house. Doing the food run as quickly as possible to get it back to her. Laughing a little at how excited she got just at the sight of food. Mingi was going to take Hajoon from her so she could eat.

“Can I hold him?” Wooyoung asks, noticing the opportunity. Mingi laughs and hands his son over, only the boy wakes up and starts to cry making Wooyoung pout. A few of the other boys were scared of trying then.

“I’ll hold him.” Jongho surprises you a little by speaking up, delicately taking the baby who slowly stops crying as he looks up at your husband.

Jongho smiling at your stunned look, “What?”

“Just didn’t expect this is all.” You admit, watching them fondly. 

Jongho shrugs, leaning in, “Well if I’m going to make comments about breeding you all the time I should get some practice in with babies.”

He winks after whispering that to you, laughing when you gasp looking at him incredulously, and smack his arm.

“Oh, you’re done now. Give me the baby. You’ve lost privileges.” You say taking the little boy from him, but he doesn’t argue enjoying seeing you with the baby.

Sitting there all together in the hospital you realized you had forgiven them. Sure there was still a mix of emotions and an upset over some things, but you held no grudges.  No, you weren’t going anywhere anymore. This was your family, no matter what they did. You had to settle into this life still, and you had to repair bridges of trust and communication, but they would always be your family. Laying your head on Jongho’s head as you hold the baby, content at this moment. Content in this. Content having a home in them, in Jongho.

[hazbinarchives]

Masquerade (Hide Your Face So The World Will Never Find You)

Characters: Angel Dust, Charlie Warnings: panic attacks, mention of violence and abuse, abusive relationships Ship(s): briefly mentioned Chaggie (charlie x vaggie), implied HuskerDust (angel dust x husker) Set: S1 E4 Tags: soft, charlie/angel friendship, abuse, hurt/comfort, pre-huskerdust, established chaggie Words: 1805 ❂~❂~❂~❂~❂~❂~❂~❂~❂~❂~❂

Angel had known it would be a rough day from the moment he had woken up that morning. Val had already been giving him shit for the past week since he moved into the hotel and hearing the constant love bombing and death threats were starting to get tiring.

An emergency shoot was the last thing he needed on his plate.

Then, of course, there was Charlie.

There was something so utterly terrifying about seeing Charlie in Valentino's studio. The way she looked around so innocently clashed violently with the naked bodies walking around and the smell of cigars and booze.

Angel felt his body move almost as if on autopilot. He was shoving the demon pinning him to the bed and scrambling to grab his robe, Angel's eyes seeming stuck on Charlie.

All he knew was that he desperately needed to get to Charlie before Val did.

Angel snatched Charlie's wrist as soon as she was within reach, looking around in a blind panic.

"What in the ever-loving-fuck are you doing here?!"

"I am the Princess of Hell, Angel! And I will go where I please!" Charlie had said in a snooty royal accent. Angel, who normally loved her antics though he'd never show, could feel his eye twitch and his heart race as he tried to usher her out of the studio. "I'm here to get you some time off for the hotel. Now where's your boss?"

Of fucking course.

Angel took a shuddering breath, pulling Charlie back to where she entered from.

"You are going nowhere near Val--"

The thought of her this close to Valentino made Angel feel physically ill. He could throw up. Probably would later. He just needed to get Charlie out of there.

But then again, when has Angel ever gotten anything he wanted.

Val was as impatient as ever and soon locked eyes on the princess.

Angel's breathing picked up and he felt something sharp and angry claw through his rib cage. Fear was choking him so viscerally as Val swooped close and examined Charlie like he was checking her quality.

Angel winced, anger pricking inside as Val's tongue slithered along Charlie's arm in place of a greeting like a fucking normal person.

"I just wanted to come to aggressively kindly talk to you about Angel--" Charlie had started and Angel flailed, not even sure if he was breathing at this point. "Later! Of course. I wouldn't wanna stand in the way of your work!"

Angel froze as Valentino turned to face him, feeling ice drip into his veins at the rage simmering off of the overlord. No one was allowed to get in the way of Valentino's work, Angel knew he had killed for less.

But...Val didn't do anything. He just went back to directing.

Still, Angel didn't breathe.

And it only got worse and worse.

Charlie was just trying to be helpful and Angel knew that but she always got into things she had no business being a part of. She never should have been here, she never should have gotten on Val's radar.

Angel felt his lungs seize and he was forced to inhale, a wave of dizziness washing over him. Val's red glow was intimidating as he dissipated all the fire Charlie's clumsiness caused.

"Angel~ Can I see you in your dressing room for a moment?" Valentino was already walking towards Angel's room and Angel was hot on his heels, not even able to give Charlie a second glance.

Fear rippled through him as words spilled from his lips hoping to explain.

Of course, Valentino didn't want to hear his explanations. He just wanted another guarantee that Angel's body and soul were whole-heartedly his. It was a sickening gesture of something that should feel intimate.

Angel could hear his heart pounding in his ears as an electric buzzing flooded into his limbs making it hard to resist Valentino tossing him about, all he could think of was getting Charlie out of there.

"Look, V-Val, she just gets involved in everything. I-I'll tell her to leave! Just don't hurt her..."

Valentino acting violently in response wasn't out of the ordinary. Keep Charlie safe was running on repeat in his head. Angel knew how to get her out.

He grunted as he was tossed to the bed and his heart ached fiercely at her justified anger but Angel had to do what he could to keep her safe. He needed her to be safe

"You actually wanna help me? Get the fuck outta here right now...and let me finish my work."

Angel felt his aching heart crack as Charlie's eyes filled with tears. He stayed unempathetic to her. He couldn't risk faltering or it would put them both in danger.

When Charlie ran out the doors, sobbing, it took everything within Angel not to cry as well.

I'm sorry I'm sorry I'm sorry I'm so sorry Charlie

It wasn't until after arguing and making up with Husker that Angel remembered how he and Charlie left off. They had walked into the hotel talking and laughing after the whole fight outside the bar when he saw Charlie heading up the stairs

She had looked down and spotted him, eye contact freezing them both in place. Charlie was the one to break it first, looking away before giving them both a wave and turning back up the stairs.

Angel watched her go, chest suddenly full of an overwhelming ache.

"You gonna go talk to her?"

Angel blinked and saw Vaggie leaning against the bottom staircase column.

"Isn't checking on the princess your job as her girlfriend or some shit?" Angel tried to play it off, rubbing a hand across the bridge of his nose.

"Yeah, it is," Vaggie agreed. "But, I feel like you both could use a friend right now instead."

Angel stared at the ground, his hand flexing as Vaggie and Husk seemed to watch him. It didn't make him want to cringe and hide though. It didn't make him feel scared like he does with Val. He felt safe.

"I wouldn't go that far," Angel coughed, stepping up the first few steps. "I have to check on Fat Nuggets anyway. Might as well see if Her Majesty is okay. Raincheck on those drinks?"

Husk winked and headed to his bar, whistling with a little hop to his step which made Angel smile fondly.

He quickly shook himself out of it, ignoring Vaggie's knowing gaze, and walked very pointedly up to his bedroom first. Angel did actually have to check on his little piggy and grabbed a good amount of lettuce and some apple slices as well before scooping up Nuggets and heading to Charlie's room.

It was empty because of course it was empty.

Angel groaned and scratched Nuggets under his chin, walking up the stairs till he reached a dead-end hallway. It did, however, have a pull-down ladder from the ceiling that led to a little platform on the roof of the hotel. The ladder was already down which gave Angel hope that he had found Charlie.

He climbed the ladder and peeked his head up outside. Sure enough, Charlie was on the roof, watching the Pentagram as the sky's magenta started to turn to a dark plum color.

Fat Nuggets squealed happily as he saw Charlie and wiggled out of Angel's arms to run up to Charlie and give her a nuzzle.

Charlie jumped in surprise before cooing at Nuggets, giving his little head scritches. She turned and gave Angel a small, gentle smile as he climbed up and sat beside her on the roof, also watching the transition into Hell's Night.

"I'm sorry I made things hard for you at work today," Charlie spoke softly, almost like she was telling him a secret. "Something didn't feel right when you answered the phone. You didn't look like you wanted to go. I just...I wanted to make sure you were okay."

Angel stared at Charlie half in awe at her big heart and half in fond exasperation.

"Charlie," He started, sighing. "My mess with Val? That's my mess, okay? It's not ideal but I'm working it out. It won't be like this forever."

Charlie sighed and leaned her head against Angel's shoulder. He froze in place, eyes wide and panicked as he looked down at her. Vaggie wasn't here so he didn't know what to do. He bit his lip before slowly reaching down and patting Charlie's head.

Angel didn't know how long they sat there, himself running his fingers through her blonde hair and Charlie leaning against Angel, her soft breathing and at-ease body language, as they fed Nuggets his dinner, showed him how much she truly trusted him.

He smiled down at her, feeling truly accepted by someone for the first time in a long time and now twice in one night. Angel knew he didn't want to disappoint her and felt that he truly had something to work towards getting out of his deal.

"Come on, Char," Angel soothed, his arms helping her sit up while two others picked up Fat Nuggets and tucked him against his side. "Time for bed."

Charlie whined at him, nuzzling into Angel's fluffy chest causing him to chuckle and scoop her up with his available arms.

Carefully, with his precious cargo, Angel made his way down the ladder. Vaggie was waiting at the bottom with a fond, knowing look in her eyes.

"She got you too," Vaggie teased him as Angel gently transferred Charlie into her partner's loving arms.

"I don't know what you're talking about," Angel scoffed, not able to stop the soft look on his face as Charlie snuggled into Vaggie, continuing to sleep. "How does she care so much?"

"I wish I knew," Vaggie chuckled, starting to head to their bedroom. "But she has plenty of love to give. You're her best friend, Angel. Never be afraid to reach out to us for help."

"Us?"

Vaggie paused at their door, turning her head to look at him. "I trust you with her, Angel. You are my friend too. If you need help, I am here."

Angel felt the stinging of his eyes and quickly looked away. It has been such a long time since he's had someone to rely on. Something that wasn't a substance but a person who genuinely wanted to see his improvement.

Angel walked into his own room, collapsing onto the bed with Fat Nuggets beside him, his body aching from all the work and abuse Val put him through. He curled up, facing his dresser where a picture of him and Cherri was tucked in the mirror. The other side had a picture from Sir Pen's first day that Angel secretly snatched.

What could he say? He loved his little family.

This time, they love him too.

[cloudcountry]

water whale sees that requests are open for rsa and rollo, it's great that you are getting into writing again! they are very proud of you :))

may they ask of cozy autumn days with rollo?

(they also apologise if you already got this ask, their tumblr was being a bit weird.) 🐳

SUMMARY: cuddling with rollo on a crisp autumn morning.

WARNINGS: none!!

COMMENTS: water whale anon im not kidding when i say that ive been thinking about your "they are very proud of you" every day after you sent this request. thank you so much :C i needed to hear that <3

rollo is WHIPPED. its fun to make him in love C:

TAGLIST: @axvwriter

“Rollo, dear, you look absolutely adorable in that sweater.”

“Please don’t say that.”

You laugh at his reddening face as he fidgets with the loose thread on his right sleeve, looking completely comfortable and so uncomfortable all at once. You think it has something to do with your matching sweaters or the way you’re beckoning him under the blankets, because even though you don’t like to brag you’re well aware of the effect you have on him.

“Come here.” you coax, holding the blanket up and patting the spot beside you.

Rollo jerks his head away, lips twisting into a frown. You can tell by the pink of his cheeks that he doesn’t mean what his face is saying—and you're further proven right when he starts walking over to you, slowly and carefully.

He sits down stiffly, hands gripping his thighs as he stares straight ahead at the wall. You sigh and snuggle up to him, draping the blanket over him and tucking it around his shoulders.

His eyelid twitches.

Your thigh brushes up against his and your head falls on him, just like you fell for him all that time ago. You shut your eyes, reaching for the hand that's gripping his left leg and brushing your fingers over it. You feel him tense up before he relaxes, allowing your fingers to fit into the slots of his.

“Thank you.” you whisper.

He grunts.

It’s hard for him to relax and show affection. You know this, and you’re aware of how it looks to the public. You’re no stranger to students asking you why you were with the student council president, but you always explained all of Rollo’s good points without a moment's hesitation. Even if they didn't listen to your list of all the reasons you adored him, it didn’t matter.

Because you know, just so long as his head can eventually fall against yours and his hand can reach out and hold onto you and his legs can press against yours as he shuts his eyes and rests with you, nothing matters except for the two of you.

He loves you. And he proves it every day.

[mayhemspreadingguy]

I did these illustrations for @beholdingthegaytimes 's fic 'It's Only Forever, Not Long At All' which is a part of The Endless Big Bang 2023.

[littleraeofsunshineda]

Do you ever see a ship where you're like "yeah every time they fuck they're gonna spend the first ten minutes fighting over who tops?"

[bluemoon1331]

Lore and talks

[feroluce]

Lucid Dreamer (1/2)

part 2

Gepard notices that it's been. Quiet lately. Like weirdly quiet. TOO quiet. He hasn't seen Sampo Koski in almost a week, which is about the longest he's ever been absent. And he is NOT worried. He's not! So what if they've been getting along more lately! So what if Gepard sometimes looks for him in his favorite hiding places! So what if he's been dreaming about blue hair and green eyes! It's nothing!!

But they're….strange, these dreams. Gepard doesn't usually remember what he's dreamt. It's out of his mind seconds within waking up. But these stick with him, they won't leave him be, they feel different somehow.

He dreams of Sampo bringing food to the frontlines and eating breakfast in his tent with him. Sampo always sneaks him extras. He dreams of chasing Sampo through the alleyways, Sampo sometimes letting himself be caught, Gepard sometimes catching him, and trying to ignore how it feels more like a game now more than anything else. He even dreams that Sampo tags along with him on one of his few civilian days. Sampo runs errands with him, prattles about inane bullshit while Gepard picks out groceries for the week, drags Gepard into some bakery he's never been to but he thinks Serval mentioned once.

And sometimes, it feels so close to reality, that Gepard half expects to see Sampo, shamelessly swaggering into the frontlines with all the guards' breakfast like his wanted poster wasn't only recently taken off the walls of Belobog. He's disappointed when it's always someone else instead. He tells himself his disappointment is ridiculous and if Sampo wants to go prowl around the Snow Plains or wherever he is, then fine. It's not any of his business.

…But it IS his job to investigate any unusual criminal activity relating to the frontlines. And the frontlines are Sampo's usual haunting grounds, and this is unusual activity, and Sampo IS technically a criminal, so it is absolutely part of his duty to look into this - is what Gepard tells himself the entire tram ride down into the Underground.

Natasha tells him he's gone, and Gepard has to steel himself. He knew Sampo made enemies wherever he went, there are a lot of people who would love his head on a platter, but he didn't think-

Natasha corrects him that she means literally gone. As in off-planet. Sampo always leaves her a note before he goes anywhere, so she knows not to expect any supply runs from him. He should be back in exactly two weeks. Thank the Preservation.

Gepard goes back home. He waits.

The uneasiness doesn't leave him.

"Where did you go?" Sampo stops dead in the middle of some story about Seele, and how you'd think someone with as blunt a mouth as her wouldn't have so much trouble asking a woman out, even if that woman IS the Supreme Guardian, and stares at him. He nearly fumbles his cigarette.

"Ahaha, what do you mean, I'm right here?" Sampo smiles at him the same way he always does. Gepard has no idea why he asked. It just popped out. He can never tell when Sampo is lying, anyway.

"I don't know. I feel like I haven't seen you in a long time." Gepard idly mouths at his own cigarette. He almost never smokes, but he wants to ration their stocks of Blizzard Immunity, and it helps with the cold. It's seemed colder lately, for some reason.

Gepard flicks his lighter once, twice, sighs at the third time because a metal prosthetic and thick gloves make the damn things so difficult. Sampo reaches over and wordlessly kisses the end of his cigarette to Gepard's, lighting it. "Thank you."

Nothing happens for almost a full 30 seconds. Something churns behind Gepard's ribcage. Because Sampo never leaves a "thank you" hanging. This is the part where he gives his spiel about how helpful and kind he is and Gepard either brings up how long his rap sheet was before Bronya helped clear his name, or just stares deadpan because seeing Sampo squirm is weirdly satisfying.

"…I'll be back in one more week."

Gepard jolts awake in his cot, mouth dry and eyes bleary.

The hell.

The next dream he has, Sampo looks tired. Sometimes he seems normal. Sometimes he says strange things, like how he wishes he'd gone to some restaurant in Belobog. Ate his favorite food more recently. Brought something with him. Gepard asks why he can't do that now. Where would he bring something? Sampo only shrugs. His rebuttals have less energy.

Gepard doesn't know if he wants to dream more, or less.

He ticks down the days on his calendar. Natasha hasn't told him any different. She promised she would if she got any kind of message. Sampo returns tomorrow, from whatever vacation or seedy business dealings he's been off having. He is not excited about it. He is not looking forward to it. He's not!!

Gepard falls asleep late that night, unable to settle. He dreams again.

He's alone. There are tons of people everywhere, the frontlines are always crowded. But he's alone. They all pass right by him as though he were a ghost. Gepard starts to walk before he realizes his feet are even moving.

He checks the trashcans in the dead end alley. He checks the supply crates that someone always stacks too high because they don't feel like finding more space for them. He pauses to check the soldiers that march past him, watching their footprints in the snow.

He finally finds Sampo on the rooftop along the northernmost wall, the one that looks out over the plains, towards Everwinter Hill, towards where the Stellaron had once been kept. With a full moon and an entire land of white snow, Gepard can almost see clear out to the horizon.

"Found you." Sampo stiffens, and Gepard is almost prepared for him to sprint off the roof. He doesn't. But he doesn't relax either. Gepard sits down next to him and stares out at the wastelands.

"…I fucked up." It wasn't what Gepard had been expecting. Sampo never 'fucks up,' Sampo just gets into incidents that are entirely, supposedly, not his fault and that he just happens to always be within the vicinity of.

"What did you do now?" It must be really bad if Sampo is coming to the Silvermanes for protection.

Instead, Sampo ignores his question completely. "See out over there? Right on the other side of that mountain. There's a safe house that way. It's hidden under a lot of snow and dead trees, but it's there. And in that safe house is a box full of letters. I need you to deliver those letters for me."

Gepard's brow furrows. It's a weird favor to ask. Sampo would never tell anyone where his hidden safehouses were. It defeated the whole purpose of a hidden safe house.

Something is wrong, something is really really wrong.

Gepard turns back to look at him again and startles, all of his questions dying in his throat, because the entire left side of Sampo's head is suddenly matted down, dark and sticky, his skin is dyed red red red-

"In three more months, there's gonna be something big happening." Gepard grabs Sampo's hand and it feels slick and warm against his palm. "I won't be here. So I need you to do my end of things for me." Gepard tries to keep hold, but something is fading, something is slowing, the sun is coming up but the colors are all wrong, everything feels like encroaching fog, Sampo's hand slides right through his. "I was gonna come back with my mask to finish setting the stage, but…" Gepard makes a frantic grab for Sampo's wrist, the air twists, he comes back empty-handed. "They have you. And you're the Iron Wall of Belobog. So it'll be ok."

Gepard finally manages to find his grip, snatches the front of Sampo's dark wet jacket and yanks him forward to hold onto him, and this close up, he can see it better, his colors are bleaching out, leaking outside the lines as if Sampo will become part of the background, as if he's fading into the strange fog that's been closing in on them. His fingers are already starting to feel empty again.

"Wake up."

Gepard jolts awake, uncurls his hands from where they're fisted in the blanket, scrubs the dampness off his face. Breathes. Breathes. Breathes. Today is supposed to be the day.

He throws on his civilian clothes, and he goes down to the shipyard the IPC had built. He finds a spot where he can see every person that returns to Belobog, and he waits.

And he waits and he waits and he waits.

No one he recognizes appears.

[sweetaprilbutterfly]

When he catches word Sansa is set to entertain a certain Daario Naharis, styling himself as the “Prince of Meereen,” in Winterfell, Jon finally decides to return from beyond the Wall.

always loved a queen by @jade-masquerade

[sam-loves-seb]

span the distance (bridge the border)

“Mick,” Colin starts. “We really just came here to see you.” Mickey scratches his eyebrow with his thumbnail, then turns to Ian. Ian just shrugs. “You’re the one that gave them our address.” A look of recognition passes on his face. At least that part was true. Mickey blows out a breath and his shoulders drop. He sits on the arm of Ian’s chair, and his voice is a little softer around the edges when he asks, “Where the hell have you guys been?” Ian figures that’s as good a starting point as any. “I know they knocked the house down,” Mickey says, “and you weren’t with dad when he moved in next to the old Gallagher house.”

// post-canon: mickey’s brothers visit him on the westside

[ ao3 | ko-fi | etc ]

[sickness-health-all-that-shit]

The man in the van

“Suppose I should thank you for the compliment then,” Ian teases, smirking a little. The guy snorts. “Don’t mention it, Red. I just call ‘em like I see ‘em.” He proceeds to shamelessly check Ian out again, licking the corner of his mouth as he does. or Ian Gallagher wouldn't mind some excitement in his life. Enter one Mickey Milkovich, ready to oblige.

read here

now that the masquerade collection has been revealed, I thought I'd make a lil' post for my fic :)

thanks so much to @gallavichthings for organising this wonderful event!!! 💖🥰

[huihuiheart]

Got a new fic coming soon, here's some teasers for you:

-Mingi's sperm gets shit done

-San loves pulling hair

-Wooyoung is a little shitty brat

[nookisms]

Okay. So I'm watching KRBAY and I think it would be so funny for the GSA to exist in some form in the gamesverse and Meta Knight is technically the most successful member. Even though Kirby has done most of the work over the past thirty years. And they finally check in like "hey man how you doing sorry things have been crazy over here"

And Meta Knight, who has changed significantly since he last met up with them, is like "yeah it's been crazy here too. The universe almost ended at least five times but don't worry I have it under control" (he doesn't)

I don't have anything further than that but it's rotating in my brain

[cloudcountry]

Rollo seeing reader or smth in a back less dress and imploding or like premarital hand holding and him just being to serious I want to see this man suffer ♡♡♡

SUMMARY: you're wearing a backless dress AND holding rollo's hand, the audacity.

WARNINGS: none!!

COMMENTS: oh you will amari. you will see him suffer. also i whipped this up in like five minutes so maybe i can write again!??!?!?!

Rollo feels his hand burning where it intertwines with yours, but he doesn’t dare pull away. Your masquerade attire is beautiful, not unlike the other students of NRC and yet unlike them in every single way. He can’t seem to pry his eyes away from the swishing fabric of the skirt, or the delicate details of your mask, or the long strip of your bare skin that’s revealed by the backless dress. He clenches your hand tighter and squares his jaw, ripping his eyes away from you and to the two students talking to you.

His palms grow sweaty as you smile, leaning into Rollo’s touch as they compliment your outfit. You look up at him with bright, affectionate eyes and a soft smile, murmuring something about how the design fits you just right. He feels like squirming under your gaze, but he suppresses a hard shiver and places his handkerchief over his blush.

You guide him away from the students with a gentle tug and an elegant wave goodbye, practically dragging your dazed partner out onto the balcony.

“You’re so cute, getting flustered over things like this.” you say, a giggle trailing off at the end of your sentence.

“What are you talking about?” he spits out, face twisting into a frown.

His breath catches in his throat as you yank him against you, hugging him tightly. Rollo makes a strangled noise when you place his hand on your bare back, but he can’t stop his grip from tightening the second he feels the warm skin there.

“That.” you smile, poking his nose, “You’re all pink.”

He supposes he is. His face feels warm, he must be flushed, but...

Rollo buried his face in your hair, smelling your sweet shampoo and the night air. He hears you giggle and he almost can’t stand it, but he tries his best to breathe you in and relax.

His body is never his own when he’s with you, you clever thing.

[anekogiawritings]

I rewatched the scene from Maleficent 2, where Maleficent fixes Aurora up for her wedding and she and the other fairies turn Aurora's dress into her wedding gown, and it gave me some what of an idea.

After stopping Rollo's plan and grouping back together at NBC, Malleus realizes that Yuu's clothing is a bit tattered and their cape is missing. Yuu explained to him that while aiding the people of the City of Flowers, they use some of the fabric from their clothes to use as make-shift bandages for those who got injured.

Impressed and amazed by their selfless action, Malleus offers to help repair their clothing, not wanting them to feel left out from the party.

"For your selfless act and kindness, this is my gift to you."

And with his magic, Malleus Transforms Yuu clothing with ones more beautiful than the one they wore. A very Cinderella-eque moment happens, captivating everyone present, including Rollo.

(^Off topic, but I LOVE this scene so much)

Yuu stares down at their new outfit, thoroughly amazed and extremely grateful.

Yuu/MC: It's beautiful. Thank you, Tsunotarou.

Malleus: Hmm, for you, my dear Child of Men, anything.

[madin-writes]

It feels like the entire Camp is out here tonight. Nico lets himself go with the flow, moving with the other bodies deeper to where all the excitement is. There’s lively music blasting from speakers somewhere, clusters of children all dressed up and running around and finding different ways to let loose. Chiron, on standby off to the side, looks slightly overwhelmed. Everyone else is having the time of their lives.

Not for the first time, someone collides into Nico. He, in turn, stumbles and bumps into the person on his other side, wincing as they make contact.

“Sorry, sor—” The boy pauses, blue-green eyes blinking behind the mask. His outfit is thin and free-flowing, the sleeves rippling in the breeze like waves. “Oh, Nico, hey. Almost didn’t recognize you there. You look good.”

Warmth bursts in Nico’s chest, an echo of past feelings rekindled. It’s nothing new; he’s come to accept that Percy Jackson is always going to have some kind of effect on him. But a year ago, the compliment would’ve meant everything to Nico. A year ago, it would’ve been devastating. Now, though—

He catches a glimpse of someone off to the side. A flash of curious eyes hidden behind a mask embellished with flaming red feathers. And Nico smiles, feeling himself immediately gravitate.

Turning back to Percy, he waves a hand, already starting to pivot away. “Thanks. You look pretty good yourself, Jackson.”

Then he leaves, pushing his way through the crowd. Nico chases after the image he saw, trying to catch up to the boy from earlier. He makes it all the way to the far end of the cabin grounds, nearing the Big House, before a tap on his shoulder has him swiveling around.

“Looking for me?”

[samirant]

I’ve been hopping back and forth between tumblring through the Bridgerton and Polin tags and then listening to The Butcher’s Masquerade and I’m telling you, the whiplash is intense.

Having a great time, though.