#he also sent me one of the sweetest good luck messages before i played a tennis match for my club 🥹

[folkloreguk]

💌🧸 Brother's Best Friend

A/N: Got this request a while ago and now I'm wondering why I've never written this trope before bc this was so fun??? Lmk how you liked it! x

genre: optional bias (m) x reader (f), smut, size/strength kink??, choking, dom!bias (it’s kinda playful tho), brother's best friend!au, sneaking around, play fighting, lowkey getting caught but not directly?

words: ~ 4.1 k

disclaimer: I don’t mean for the age gap to be gigantic…I’m talking about anything from 1-2 years maximum tbh!!! Anything else would be weird and I’m not about that! They’re also both obviously consenting adults!

[H/N means 'his (bias) name']

In youreyes, your first meeting had been a disaster. The new spider man movie had been released only days ago, and you were adamant on seeing it. And to your luck, your older brother and his best friend had already made plans to watch it together. As a little sister, you were treated like the baby of the family, and it didn’t matter that you were far from being an infant anymore. So naturally, your brother had been condemned by your parents to bring you along. He declared his distaste in your presence by attempting to ignore you, but you were used to that. Just like you were aware of his bad moods, you knew he could change within minutes and magically turn into the sweetest, most caring big brother you could wish for.

Whatever. You didn’t need his approval to enjoy the trip to the movie theater, you told yourself. Had it not been for his best friend, who you hadn’t seen in ages. H/N and you had never properly spoken before, and the last time you saw him he had been an awkward, prepubescent boy who had appeared at your door to pick up your brother for a playdate. There was no trace of immaturity now. Instead, it was you who had morphed into an awkward, shy mess at the sight of him.

His ‘hello’ had a warm and deep melody to it which swooped you up in his aura so suddenly, you had no time to prepare. Had his smile always been this stupidly charming? Hell, it was so bright, you had to meticulously inspect the ground every time he sent a grin your way. When before you hadn’t felt guilty for being a bother, you now sure did. What impression would you leave, trailing behind the older boys like a lost puppy? What would he take you for? The annoying little sister who didn’t have friends of her own? The mood-killer, who wouldn’t understand any of the boys’ inside jokes? The anti-social, weird girl who was obsessed with fictional men, like people loved to belittle teenage girls with normal interests?

As things turned out, his initial opinion of you was quite the opposite. If only you could have spied into his brain, it would have saved you a landslide of worry. Although your brother took up all of H/N’s attention before the movie started, he noticed you a good amount. To be precise, you blew him away at first sight. Your cute laugh won him over in a matter of seconds and he liked that your merch sweater could have been stolen straight out of his own closet. He didn’t want to feel too smug, but the way you diverted your eyes away from him whenever he looked in your direction only boosted his confidence further.

Your brother might have warned him. Stay away from her. She’s off limits for you. But not a thousand vicious, older brothers could have kept him from trying to get to you. It was up to you, after all, whether you wanted him around or not, and not to your brother. From that day on, H/N didn’t skip out on a chance to see you, even if it meant merely an exchange of a few words, or a simple greeting. And to his luck, you turned out to be equally as enraptured by him.

There was something about the untouchable, the forbidden, that attracted him to you even more. Plus, you were simply too precious to forget about. One morning, you dropped off a beanie at his place, which he had left at your house after meeting with your big brother the previous day. When he had asked if he could drive you to school as a thank you, you happily accepted. You had marked that day as the first day of your new life. First, it was harmless flirting. To be honest, you were under the impression he was merely messing with you. Because you were the cute little sister of his best friend. Because you would turn into an awkward shell of a person who had lost all ability to articulate, and your cheeks would burn as if they were on fire, whenever he charmed you.

But the flirting slowly reached newer levels, and before you knew it you were discussing your sexual fantasies over text messages and giving him bedroom eyes as you opened the front door for him. “H/N’s here!” you would then shout to your big brother. Then you would watch the two boys walk off to your brother’s room, pondering why life had to be this way for you. It wasn’t fair. Siblings were supposed to share, right? Why did you have to wait your turn until after midnight, when no one would notice, to spend time with H/N?

But to H/N, the sneaking around in the middle of the night and the secret messages you sent to each other, it all added to the excitement. Surely, there were days on which he wished he could just break the truth to your brother. The impact it could have on their friendship was enough intimidation for him to refrain, though. Things were better off this way, for now.

Today was no exception to your usual lies. When your brother asked if you would go out with him to do some shopping, you had played the victim and feigned a stomachache. Your parents wouldn’t be home all weekend. You’d have been stupid to waste a perfect opportunity like that. Who knew when you could have H/N in your bed the next time? Normally, you were restricted to his car, or to his bed in the dark of night. Yes, those places had something enticing at first glance. But the backseat of a car was only enjoyable for so many clandestine meetings. So today you notified him of your golden opportunity before your brother had even walked out the door.

The moment H/N texted you that he was outside your home, you opened the front door and dragged him to your room.

“Are you in control today, little one?” he asked, closing the bedroom door after you.

“Why are you asking that?” you replied, not wanting to talk at all but rather do so much more productive things.

“I don’t know…perhaps because you haven’t let me say a word since I came through the door,” he said.

“Right. Maybe I’m planning on tying you up, blindfolding you, and torturing you with ice and wax,” you joked in a casual tone, despite not usually requesting such graphic ideas.

“I don’t know if I’d let you do that,” he grinned with raised eyebrows. “Besides, I know you’d rather be at the receiving end of that. It’s a sweet idea, though. If we had some more time…”

“Think you could get away from me if I tied you up?” you said, but he was towering over you with the calmness of a king who knew he reigned over the situation.

“We both know I’m stronger than you, doll,” he said. You didn’t like it when boys called you weak. But you’d let it slide, knowing he was only joking and would never underestimate you outside of the bedroom. He put his lips right up to yours, so you felt his breath on them. His fingers came up to cup your face, but then slowly inched to your neck. When they closed around your neck, putting the slightest amount of pressure on your skin, you whimpered quietly.

“Need reminding?” he asked. As much pent-up frustration you had, and as much as your stomach was flipping upside down from how badly you needed him, you just had to play with him. You knew it would make for more fun.

“I think- “ you started, with a grin. Then you grabbed him by the front of his shirt and pushed him backwards, until he was stumbling. Although caught off guard, he was quick to pull you along with him as he fell onto your bed. You landed on top of him with a small squeal.

“Go on, let’s see who can throw the other off the bed first,” he teased with a superiority that only spurred you on. Then again, you would always be in the mood for the oldest childhood game you had ever known. Only now it wasn’t your brother, but his best friend you were playing against. It added a layer of excitement, and after only seconds, giggles had overtaken you as you struggled in his grip.

“No tickling is allowed,” you said. He nodded obediently with a smirk that told you he might not abide by your rules.

At first, you had attempted to hold him down by his arms. But your legs tangled, and he pushed his chest up against yours, like he was about to flip you over. Your plan seemed to be working only momentarily. You groaned a little as he grabbed your wrists swiftly and held his stance against your attempt to pull his upper body to the side.

“Cute,” he said. That’s when you realized, he was barely struggling, barely trying, even. While you were giving your most, he smirked like he was watching a kitten trying to fight a lion. It was child’s play to him, keeping you in check. Literally. With an annoying expression of amusement on his face, he let you have the upper hand for a while. Then, as if you had never had an ounce of advantage, he turned it around and pulled you into him. His eyes suggested he might just send you tumbling down onto the floor any moment now. Nonetheless, you weren’t going to give up so easily. Taking your chances, you let go of his arms and moved sideways, so you could have your go at pushing him towards the edge of the mattress.

“I don’t think so,” he said. Suddenly, he bear-hugged your body and rolled you both over. Before you could protest or defend yourself, your arm was dangling off the side of your bed and if you had moved a tiny bit further, you would have slid off the bedsheets and right onto your carpet. It was his turn to straddle you now. As if his actions hadn’t been enough declarations of his strength, he pinned your wrists to the bed above your head and gave you a challenging smirk.

“I was going to let you win, doll. But you weren’t trying hard enough,” he said. “What are you going to do about it?”

What were you going to do? He had you completely immobilized. “Just let it go, then. We get it, you’re super strong and super big and the coolest,” you said.

He seemed to take an instant liking to your declaration. “Say it again. This time minus the eye-rolling, sugar.”

“You’re stronger than me,” you said, trying to avoid the laughter that was threatening to come out. Could he read in your gaze how badly you wanted him to kiss you already? If he could, he wasn’t acting on it. Instead, he bent to the crook of your neck and spoke.

“Does it turn you on that I can overpower you?” his breath fanned your ear and you had to close your eyes to control yourself.

“Yes. Because I trust you,” you answered truthfully. The corner of his lips curled into a cocky grin.

“You know what? I think I’d rather you stay in bed with me instead of throwing you on the floor. There’s so many things we can do up here, isn’t that right, little one?” His lips brushed over your cheek and then over your lips as he spoke. The nickname had always made you weak in the knees and he knew it. When he finally enveloped your lips in a kiss, you swore you could feel an electric spark jump between the two of you. The mellowness of it turned into hunger rapidly, and as soon as his tongue flicked over your bottom lip, you whimpered like you hadn’t seen him in a year.

“Needy, are we?” he asked, running his hand up your sides and underneath your shirt. He could say that again. “Let’s get these off, then.”

The seconds in which you pulled off your clothes and couldn’t hang on his lips and feel his skin on your body should have been considered a form of torture in itself. Then, time always went by so much slower than usually.

When you had both shed off your clothes, he climbed back on top of you. Instead of straddling your hips he was now resting between your legs. There was nothing separating you from him, and it was apparent not only through the body heat that radiated off him. He reached down and whilst peppering kisses on your chest, slid his fingers through your slick arousal that was pooling in your core.

“You’re so wet,” he said in surprise, but couldn’t hide his approval and self-confidence in his voice.

“I know,” you said, rolling your eyes but simultaneously fighting the urge to moan at the smallest of touches he was teasing your with. “I’m so horny. Can’t we skip foreplay?”

“Poor doll,” he said. “I should���ve come over earlier, huh?”

“You know that wasn’t possible,” you said. With a desperate look, you pleaded him silently.

“I wanna taste you,” he said, but your put your hand on his cheek softly.

“Maybe later?” you said. “Please, I need to have you inside of me. Now.”

“You’re extra cute when you’re this needy,” he smiled. “Are there still condoms in your nightstand?”

You nodded and had never moved so fast to open a drawer in your life. Pretending to have any patience left, you waited for him to roll on the rubber.

“I love the way you look at me,” he said. “When you’re waiting for me. Could watch you for hours.”

“God, I hope you won’t. Come here, please?” you replied, making him chuckle. He lined himself up with your core, but then made no inclination to move ahead. His dark eyes and little head tilt told you everything.

“Don’t mess with me anymore,” you whined, reaching for the back of his neck to pull him closer. “Do it. H/N.”

“Beg for it.” His words twisted something in the pit of your stomach. Although you were burning with hunger, you could never say no to him. Then again, you were curious to see what would happen if you did.

“What if I don’t? Don’t you want to fuck me as much as I want it?” you challenged him. Something glinted in his eyes, and you knew you shouldn’t have even brought it up.

“I can always do this,” he said, and you followed his eyes down his body and to where he had wrapped his hand around his cock. Slowly, he jerked himself off, and you weren’t sure he was biting his lip because of the feeling or to discompose you. His small sigh should’ve been caused by you. This wasn’t what you had wanted. His tip was right by your slit. He could’ve pushed his length in so easily, and yet he wasn’t. Debating what to say, you kept your eyes trained on his hard member that looked so delicious in his hands. His deep groans rang in your ears. It didn’t take long for you to cave.

“Fuck. That should be me around you,” you said. “That should be my pussy you’re fucking and not your hands. Please.”

“Isn’t that right?” he said.

“Yes. Please, fuck me. I would feel so much better than your hands, and you know it. Please,” you whined. “I need you right now H/N. Please.”

You added another ‘please’ – for good measure – because the way his tongue darted out and licked his smirking lips could make you say anything if it would get him to fuck you.

“It’s okay, I’ll take care of you,” he said. “Think you can take me?”

“Yes, yes-, I can! Please, fuck me,” you said in a waterfall of words, and he chuckled handsomely.

“Good girl,” he said, running a gentle hand over your head. “If it’s too much you let me know.”

“As always.”

The tip of his cock gently pushed into your core, making you hold your breath as he entered you slowly. It caused you to feel every inch with every second. Your brain felt fuzzy, and you sighed gratefully at the relief.

“Fuck, you’re so perfect,” he moaned. The carefulness in his thrusts paired with his moon eyes at you only remained that way for a few seconds. Then, he straightened up and grabbed your hips to drag you in closer. You moaned helplessly when he almost pulled out completely, so slowly it almost made you crazy, only to slam his length into you until his tip brushed against the deepest spot inside of you. It was an action he repeated over and over, until you were reduced to a puddle of desperate whimpers, and you clasped the bedsheets in your hands tightly.

“You like it this way, little one?” he asked. He was apparently finding enjoyment in your reaction. How you could barely keep your eyes open, and when you did, your eyeballs threatened to roll to the back of your head. How your fingers clenched around the closest plushie, and you cradled it against your chest in bliss.

“Yes- fuck,” you said. “Feels so good.”

Of course, right as you said this, he had to change things up. His thrusts turned lazy and messy as he leaned backwards slightly. With an equally lazy demeanor, his thumb flicked over your clit, rubbing circles on it.

“Let me hear you. Say my name,” he said, and you quietly moaned his name. You adored the way it sounded, voiced like this, with barely more than a breath underneath your soft tone. Now and then, his cock slipped out of you, making you clench around nothing and furthermore had you going completely out of your mind. When he would push himself into your opening again, it felt as if it was the first time he was entering you today. Except you felt it repeatedly, each time as incredible as the previous. Your mouth hung open, rendered speechless except for the little moans and whimpers sounding from your throat. There was a familiar knot beginning to form in your stomach, tying firmer with each passing minute.

As if he could read your mind, he decided then he was done with his sweet torture of teasing you to an orgasm. You couldn’t be mad at him, though, because what he had planned was just as perfect, if not better. His hands wandered to their original place on your sides, and he began to snap his hips into yours at a faster pace. A small cry of surprise left your lips, while he only smirked at you through heavy-lidded eyes. Impulsively, you lifted your legs a little, intensifying the feeling of his member roughly dragging through your velvet walls.

“H/N, I’m so close,” you whimpered.

“Me too,” he replied, not slowing down for a second.

His broad frame towering over your body was a sight you would never get enough of and his gazes at you were hot enough that they could have stopped your heart in its tracks. A few strands of hair stuck to his forehead and there was a thin sheet of sweat on his neck. It all just made him more breathtaking to you. The slight pain from his nails digging into the skin on your waist was staggering, and you could barely wait to see the masterpiece of marks he would leave tonight.

You were a moaning mess, flying on cloud nine and simultaneously overwhelmed by his treatment of you. It clouded your mind at took over your whole body like you were made for him to fuck you. His length filled up your tight hole and he did it with such force that your whole body rocked into your mattress in a steady, fast-paced rhythm. He let go of your waist then and supported himself on his arm by the side of your head. When his other hand went to your neck you shuddered in anticipation.

“You should see yourself with my hand around your throat,” he said. “So pretty, little one.”

“We can do it in front of a mirror sometime- ,” you suggested, but were cut off at the end of the sentence as his fingers tightened on your neck. Instantly, the effect of it hit you. The lack of oxygen made your head swim in a sea of pleasure and the unrelenting desire to come. Through fluttering eyelids, you peeked up at him. The way he licked his lips and then clenched his jaw, the gorgeous shape of his collarbones and shoulders – you sometimes wondered if he was even real. Every so often he loosened his grip on you. When he did, you took gulps of air and then instantly whined for him to choke you again.

“Let go for me,” he said. “Show me your pretty face when I make you come. I’m fucking you well, aren’t I?”

You nodded as well as you could when he was gripping your throat and you couldn’t breathe properly at the moment. It didn’t matter you couldn’t talk. He was probably not expecting you to answer, either way. In a pleasure-induced trance, you closed your eyes and let it happen, like he had asked it from you. Your hazy consciousness barely registered that he was reaching his high with you. Too overcome were you, with your thighs trembling uncontrollably and your back arching off the mattress. He had let go of your neck and was riding out his own orgasm with sloppy thrusts that only sent you into another frenzy and had you whimpering his name softly. When he had finished too, he slowed down and pulled you into a gentle kiss, rubbing his nose against yours sweetly.

“That was amazing,” he said, and with a blissful hum you nodded. Your lips changed into a pout when he rolled off you and got up. You were tired of sending him back home so quickly. As he discarded the condom in the bin, you put on your most enchanting eyes, so he would have no other choice.

“Stay a little longer, please,” you asked. You knew he wanted to, as well. So although he was aware that your brother could return at any moment, he tumbled back into bed with you.

“Just for a little while,” he said. “Mhm…you’re so perfect to cuddle, baby.” His embrace was warm and his scent comforting, as he hummed a lovely melody. The soft touch of his fingers running through your hair lulled you right into a light sleep. You were awoken rather abruptly, and with half a heart attack.

“Hey Y/N, have you seen my charger- “ your brother’s voice suddenly broke through the silence and you wondered if you would have to pack up and leave the country after this sort of embarrassment.

“It’s not what it looks like,” you said, knowing well enough it was the dumbest thing you could have said. But who could blame you? You had only woken up two seconds ago.

“Really?” your brother asked. “Because I hear H/N sneak into our house so often lately, I’m starting to wonder if his parents threw him out.”

His tone was surprisingly calm.

“I’m sorry. I should’ve told you,” H/N said to your brother. “I thought you’d hate me and that we’d be over as friends.”

“I know I told you once to leave Y/N alone. But now…I guess it’s cool. She’s been in a great mood lately, and if that’s thanks to you, I think I can approve of you two. Although I’m not looking forward to being a third wheel, I think I can get used to it if I try hard enough,” your brother said. You couldn’t believe your ears, and involuntarily smiled like a fool. No more hiding. No more secrets.

“I stole your charger. I’m sorry,” you said then, making your brother roll his eyes. “It’s by the sofa in the living room.”

“Great. I needed a reason to leave anyway,” your brother said. “I might approve of you, but this situation is still too awkward. I’ll see you tomorrow, then, H/N?”

“I’ll see you tomorrow,” the boy in your bed said.

“You’ll see me too!” you added as a joke, as your brother already walked away from the door.

“Unfortunately I will!” your brother shouted, with the unnerving tone only a big brother could possibly muster.

[isthisthingeven0n]

your favourite girl : d.d

brief summary: as well as being one of davids friends, you’re also his fwb. but as time passes by, you can’t help but allow your feelings for him to develop, even if they’ll never be reciprocated. (1.9k)

requested: yes by the sweetest anon, i needed the angst so thank you love! warnings: none that i’m aware of

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(everything on my blog is my own writing. if it is shared on another page or website know it hasn’t been approved me unless specified. all rights reserved. - i have to start doing this as I had some shit on my other blog with plagiarism)

DO NOT STEAL MY WORK - IT IS ALL MY OWN WRITING

“So, David’s gone for the night then?” Your roommate, Gee, stands in your doorway as you exit your bathroom after cleaning yourself up and changing into fresh PJs.

“Yeah,” You breathe out as you tug on your duvet, seeing the indent from where he was less than an hour ago, by your side. “sorry, did I wake you?” You ask, turning your attention back to her as a frown etches heavily in her eyes.

“Y/n,” Gee starts, stepping across the threshold into your bedroom and hovers beside you. “how much longer can you kid yourself with this?” She sighs as you collapse down onto your bed with a heavy heart.

“It’s fine, really.” You lie. “We made this arrangement ages ago, and it works for us.” Another lie, it might work for him, but you couldn’t deny the attachment that was forming in your heart for his.

“Remember who you’re talking to here,” Gee chuckles as she sits down on your bed and you lean against her, resting your head on her shoulder. “just don’t let yourself get hurt, okay? Promise me that at least.”

Gee holds her hand up, sticking her pinky finger out as you loop yours around hers. “I promise.” You mutter, hoping this was a promise you could keep to.

*

“And boom, there she was on the ground cradling her knee!” David laughs, looking through the footage on his laptop whilst Jason and Natalie sit either side of him, you across the room with Ilya.

“It wasn’t my fault, you should’ve warned me you had decided to prank Ilya.” You roll your eyes, catching David’s bright smile briefly directed your way. “Honestly that’s the last time I try and offer my services, David.”

“Come on, Y/n, you love me really.” David jokes, unaware of how heavy those words dig into your heart.

Silence falls for a second as David’s words linger and everyone's attention falls to you. You force a soft laugh from your lips, which seems to please David as he carries on editing, but Natalie remains unconvinced as she keeps an eye on you whilst you scroll through Instagram.

“You wish, Dobrik.” You retort, glancing up from your phone to see him looking back at you with a goofy grin, one reserved for these situations only.

After a while, Ilya shuffles on the other end of the sofa, kicking his feet out and jabs your side unintentionally. “Ow.” You mumble, catching Ilya off guard as he sits upright, rubbing his eyes.

“Shit, did I hit you?” Sleep remains heavy in Ilya’s voice as he reaches out, resting his hand on your arm.

“It’s okay, Ilya, just my side.” You smile, rubbing your side, unaware of the daggers from David being sent in Ilya’s direction.

“Sorry, I’m a wriggler when I sleep.” He winks, and you laugh lightly.

“I’ve had worse, trust me.” You joke with him, nudging his arm away as he lies back down whilst you return to your phone, catching sight of the time. “Oh god, I gotta go.” You quickly rise to your feet, David now averting his focus to you.

“Where you going?” David asks, his eyes refusing to leave you as you gather your things.

“An appointment, but I’ll see you guys tomorrow.” You wave to the others, but David stands up and follows you to the front door.

Holding it open for you, David hovers in the doorway as you take your car keys from your bag. “Wanna come over tonight?” He asks, licking his lips.

“Erm, I can’t tonight, maybe tomorrow?” You suggest instead, and David simply nods.

“Okay,” He comments. “good luck with your appointment.” He waves you off as you get into your car and as you go to reverse out, Taylor appears by the gates.

You wait for Taylor to pass you by with her bright smile as she almost skips over to David.

He always looks so happy to see her as he brings her into a tight hug, forgetting anyone else exists. Taylor walks into the house, and David doesn’t even spare you a glance as he closes the front door, slamming it shut.

*

“Y/n, that you?” Gee calls out as you close the front door.

“Who else would it be? A polite burglar?” You joke back as you kick your shoes off, walking past her room toward your own, but before you reach your bedroom door, you feel a tug on your arm.

Without a moment to react, Gee pulls you into her bedroom, closing the door behind her. “Okay, hi, sorry,” Gee mutters, a wild look of panic in her eyes as she begins to pace around the same ten steps.

“Gee can you stop moving, you’re making me feel motion sick.” You step forward, taking hold of her arms so she finally stands still and faces you. “What on earth is going on?”

“Well, someone knocked earlier and I thought you just forgot your key again, and I answered it and now David is sat in your room waiting for you to come home.” Gee quickly rambles, exhaling deeply as she finishes. “Please don’t be mad at me.”

“I’m not mad.” You tell her as hundreds of thoughts rush through your mind. “I just, I told him tonights not good for me, god, why can’t he get the message.” You groan, wishing you could slam your head against the door in peace without stirring David across the hall.

“What happened earlier today?” Gee asks, now crossing her arms as you sigh under your breath. “Because clearly, something did, based on how both of you are acting.”

You quirk a brow at her remark, how was David acting?

“Nothing really, I just told him tonights not good, and I had an appointment this afternoon.” You explain, and Gee chuckles under her breath.

“Maybe he thought you had an ‘appointment’ if you know what I mean.” She nudges you.

“What? No way.” You scoff. “If I met someone else I’d tell him.” You state, knowing you value his friendship above all else, even if he seems to forget that sometimes.

“Well, you can’t leave him waiting forever in there I’m afraid.” Gee reminds you as she stands aside, allowing you to reach for the doorknob.

“What do I say, Gee?” Your voice softens as you look up to her, pleading for some advice.

Lifting her hand up, Gee sticks out her pinky finger. “You made a promise to me last week, don’t let yourself get hurt.”

“I did, didn’t I?” You sigh, lifting your pinky up and looping it around hers. “Okay, I can do this.”

Opening the door, you close it behind you and take a brief moment as you stand in front of your own door, wondering what will happen the next time you exit it.

Pushing back your worries, you open your door and David rises to his feet, rubbing his hands across his jeans.

“Hey,” He speaks up. “how, how was your appointment?” His voice is soft, almost caring as you quietly sigh, removing your jacket and throwing it on your chair.

“Yeah, it was fine.” You brush it off. “Why are you here, David?” You don’t want to waste any time, and clearly, he’s taken aback by your question as his eyes widen for a second as he composes himself.

“Well, I just wanted to make sure you’re okay. Seemed a little off when you left earlier.” He shrugs it off uncertainly.

“It’s nothing really. But I told you I was busy tonight, so why are you here?” You ask, crossing your arms over your chest as you catch David’s eyes darting to the bed for a fraction of a second. “Course, that’s why.” You scoff. “Well, I hate to say you’ve had a wasted journey, Dave. I’m not in the mood.” You move forward, opening your bedroom door, but David remains still, frozen on the spot.

“That’s not why I’m here, Y/n.” David comments. “Do you really think that’s all I wanna see you for?” He almost sounds hurt as you lower your gaze to your carpet. “You’re my friend Y/n, before all of this,” Stepping forward, David rests his hand on your forearm and pulls you away from your door and over to your bed. “and I just wanna hang out with you, like old times.”

Looking up, you see his classic smile, the one you’ve genuinely missed that causes butterflies to flutter in your stomach and bees to swarm your mind.

“So, you wanna watch a movie with me?” You suggest, and David nods, taking his usual spot beside you on your bed whilst you search through Netflix.

As you pick a movie to watch, David’s phone pings and he picks it up, smiling down at it. You can’t help but sneak a glance, and the bees swarming your mind become reckless as the butterflies begin to fall into the pit at the bottom of your stomach; it’s Taylor.

“Sorry,” David mutters, unable to wipe the smile from his face as he glances up to you.

“I get it, don’t worry.” You whisper as you curl up under a blanket whilst David remains on top of it as you watch the movie together.

Slowly but surely, David begins to nod off, his head dipping away from yours.

You watch as he turns his back to you, lying on his side as the credits play and you’re left alone once more. “Goodnight, David.” You mutter, hearing a mumble from him in response as you lean over and kiss his cheek, brushing his hair out of his face.

Turning your TV off, you creep out from your bed, leaving David fast asleep as you tiptoe over to Gee’s room.

“Y/n?” Gee whispers as you open her bedroom door, thankful she’s still awake as you rush over to her, unable to stop the tears falling from your eyes. “Oh, Y/n.” She sighs, holding you close in her arms as you sob into her chest.

“I just wish I could be his favourite girl, Gee.” You manage to say through hiccups as you lift your head up and Gee wipes your eyes, a sad smile on her face. “But I made a promise,” You remind yourself. “and it’s about time I stuck to it.”

“You’ll be okay, Y/n.” Gee tells you, knowing it’s true. “Just gotta let your heart heal.” You can feel the pit at the bottom of your stomach starting to close up once again, no longer dragging your heart toward it.

“Yeah,” You breathe out. “thanks Gee.”

As you rise to your feet, you look over your shoulder to Gee’s doorway, swearing you heard a floorboard creak. But as you walk out from her room, nothing is out of place, and your door is as you left it.

Creeping back into your room, you close your door behind you, unaware that David is wide awake with a thousand thoughts rushing through his mind.

“Hey, Y/n?” David whispers as you tug on your duvet, curling up into it.

“Sorry, did I wake you up?” You ask softly, thankful for the darkness disguising your puffy complexion.

David shuffles to turn and face you, his hand hesitantly rises and he rests it on your cheek, stroking away stray tears. “It’s okay,” He chuckles. “I just want you to know something, okay?”

“Okay,” You whisper, almost seeing his eyes searching for yours as he shuffles closer, his breath now on your lips.

“You’ll always be my favourite girl, Y/n. Always have been, always will be.” 

[seijorhi]

asks :)

i love you guys, just putting that out there 💕

We stan a supportive dad who hates the miya twins 💅 @lovelyvillainess idk it won’t let me tag you :(

I figured at least one of them should have an ounce of common sense lmao

Holy shit! The Miya twins meet the parents was soooooo good. I've just finished reading it and come here to gush and now I will go re-read it because wow. The tension. The feeling of dread that sinks in when you realize what reader might be in for tomorrow or the next day. But the dad is my hero!! It makes me wonder what Kita and the crew would say because they certainly saw the Miyas bullying their soulmate. We are not worthy of your genius

🥺 dfghgfhkl thank you!! But also yeah, it’s a temporary victory at best and you’re definitely gonna pay for it the next day 👀

🥺🥺🥺 go dad for having our back i feel like its rare for parents to actively support u in yan!fics so like...heart is warmed

so who wants to see daddy dearest go ham on the Miya twins and beat their asses??? 

omg ive never sent a message before but the meet the parents with the twins when her dad protected her i 🥺🥺❤️❤️

He is the only valid parent just sayin (still won’t make a difference in the long run, but at least he tried?)

I'm reading your newest drabble and came across the line, "it’s the pity he’ll give you. He thinks he ruined your life when he left (he didn’t)" I love this reader's energy lmao

Definitely not me projecting one particular ex of mine onto this fic, nope, not at all. But seriously those ex’s are the fucking worst 😒

Hi! Just popped in to say i love ur meet the parents drabble. One of my fave things about ur writing in general is how well you write dynamics between characters and that recent drabble was some good food brah. Thanks!! ❤️

ahh thank you so much, bby! 

Just passing by to say you are an absolute queen and that I love you and your writing very very much !! 💞💗❤️💖💓💘

Hi anon, i’d die for you i just wanted you to know that! 💕

Reread NFWMB again. Idk if you have watched or if your familiar with Bungoy Stray Dogs, Rhi but reading it again made me think of OdaSaku 😅 Idk, it's probably the opening line about kids. So I kind of had this screnaio in my head where Iwa's higher ups and contractors are surprised that he finally agreed to kids but what they don't know is that instead of killing them, he is taking them to the reader.

I have not watched BSD but I’ve heard about it?? it is on my ‘might fuck around one day and actually watch’ list, if i can ever stop re-watching my other faves. I did write Iwa as much more of a morally ambiguous character - he’s not gonna push an old lady in the street but he also probably wouldn’t stop somebody if he saw they were getting mugged kinda guy - obviously with the reader being the exception to that. But I do like the idea of Iwa just bringing home some kid he was supposed to kill and being like ‘this is now our child, we’re a family and i will straight up murder anyone who tries to take either of you from me’

but then i also like the idea of him seeing her be good with kids and just suddenly *breeding kink* ya know?

Okay unironicly??? Nice guy yandere Bokuto is my kink and that last piece hit the nail right on the head. Everyone is cooing that you guys are adorable together, so why does it feel so awful every time he puts his hands on you~ you cant find it in yourself to say no, but you want to get away from him as soon as possible~

Yandere Bokuto makes my heart horny and it is a straight up tragedy that I don’t have more written for him (soon, bby, dw) because he’s all soft and cuddly and needy and incessant, but the moment you start pulling too far away - oop. Now you get to play with an upset Bo 👀

For all the hard work you do, someone should write for you. Depending if you're into the really disturbed, angst, smutty kind where there are no such things as regrets. That's me. I write that stuff all the time. Keep up the great writing beautiful. What's next on your upcoming lists of fanfiction you're going to post? 💋💞😍🤗👀 Love ya! @doloresdaizhamorgan

Ahh thank you, bby! You always send the sweetest asks (and btw I hoped you liked vamp Touya!!) Next up is slasher Bokuto, Akaashi & Kuroo which I am v excited about 🔪

Hi! I was wondering how you think the yandere soulmate pairings would react to the reader favouring one over the other? Would they get jealous of the other—leading to the reader's possible escape route? Also just wanted to say I love your writing so so so much—it genuinely gives me chills in all the best ways :)

I think it would be difficult for the reader to prefer one to the other as they’re all bad in different ways. However as it’s kind of implied that both Oikawa & Iwa and Ushijima and Tendou are also each others soulmates as well, I think they’d find a way to manage it without too much drama between each of them - probably exposure therapy. Say you start to cling a little more to Ushi because Tendou’s being sadistic mean, he’ll leave the two of you to spend some ‘quality time’ together - surely you’ll be feeling better by the time he gets back (you aren’t). Or if you start showing more favouritism to Iwa because he doesn’t go as hard with his punishments, the two of them will agree that next time it’s all up to Iwa, and he’s gonna make it hurt while Oikawa will be there to take care of you afterwards.

It’s all about balance.

If its with the twins, good fucking luck. They’re already bickering over the small stuff - they’ll just take it as an excuse to lord it over the other one - which ill inevitably prompt the ‘loser’ to remind you of exactly why you should really reconsider, especially with how good he’s gonna make ya feel. Basically - it’s a tug of war with you caught in the middle. Have fun tho!

[cursedcursingviking]

A very nice day!

Hello lovelies! These are some very slightly edited messages I sent to the lovely @caffiend-queen, who urged me to share them with the rest of you:) here you go, two amazing stories from my Monday:

Then, about the man. I was walking home from my cello lesson with my cello in its bag in my back, and I walked towards this man who was kind of looking at me. I was a bit <.___.>, but then I came by him, and he asked what I was playing, referring to the giant thing in a vague guitar shape on my back. He was just the sweetest dude, I think he was from Turkey, judging by his looks and accent. He was one of those comfy and very slightly strange elderly men. I told him I played the cello, and he was like “!!!the cello!!!”. “Are you good?” He asked. “Haha I’m okay I guess. I have room to improve,” I said, being VERY baffled at a stranger talking to me but whatever, he was super nice. He kind of just smiled as if he knew I was nervous about my skills but that he 100% believed I was amazing. “You get taught? How long?” Something like that, he asked, and I explained it to him. “Do you play Bach?” “A bit”, “Tchaikovsky?” “Ehhhh, nope, not yet!” He had the cheekiest fucking smile, I swear. “You know Tchaikovsky, with the violin?” “I mean, yeah, I’ve heard of him, he composed a lot for all instruments,” I said. And he had this cheeky little smile again, “haha, I was testing if you knew your composers!” He said, again so cheerful and cheeky, and then he went “ah, one day you will be a famous player!” And I was like “HAHA, naaaah, I don’t think so, it’s just a hobby,” again, me being unable to just take the compliment. And then his smile hit peak cheekiness. He shook his pointer finger at me like he was warning me and went “ahhh, it might start as a hobby, but one day... one day you will be famous,” then he wished me good luck and a good day, and I thanked him and said you too, and practically floated the rest of the way home. I didn’t know how to even process his super-niceness, I felt so humbled, and yet so happy and proud and ahhhhhhhhhhhh he was just so nice

And then! When I was almost home! You know how apartment buildings have staircases down to the basement and bike garage and garden? One on of the staircases, the one just before my front door, sat a lil baby crow. I had seen it when I left to go to my lesson, but I didn’t seem to be in distress and I was running late, so I figured, if it’s still there when I come back (not even an hour later), then I’ll figure something out. And there it was. It wasn’t sick or in danger, and it’s not uncommon for bird babies to be on the ground, and you shouldn’t just move them(FOR REAL! Don’t move birds that can’t fly. They are often just chicks that can’t fly yet, and they are on the ground hiding, waiting for their parents. See if the animal is in obvious distress and call a shelter or a corp for advice) but this staircase (it’s like three steps) sees a lot of traffic(mostly when people come home from work), so the chick couldn’t stay there. So I called the animal protection corp and asked them what to do, just to make sure I didn’t do anything wrong, and the lady told me it was okay to move it to somewhere nearby that was more safe, maybe a hedge or something where it could hide again(which was also why it was down there in the first place). But that meant I got to do one of my most favourite things in the world! Picking up birds! Even a baby bird, yasss. And then I moved it to the shrubbery, four metres away, and at first it didn’t wanna leave my hand, but eventually I got it to sit on the ground again. So cute<3

For a hot flash second I considered taking it in and raising it as a pet crow, because yes please, but then the flash was over and I know that would have been a bad thing to do.

But look at it

It’s so cute”

A few tags:) @nildespirandum @dangertoozmanykids101 @alexakeyloveloki @dianamolloy @devilish--doll @milky-maid

[stateofloveandnegan]

Eighteen Years I - Richard Madden

Requested by: no one

Part one / Part two

“Stop trying, Madden! She’s too pretty for you.” some of the idiots at school yell at Richard. I scoff and shake my head at their words. “Shut up, Graham. I’d much rather spend my time with him, than with you.”

I can tell that it hurts Richard, those guys always know how to get to him, and it pains me to see Richard like this. I take his hand in mine and gently squeeze it. “C’mon, Rich. Let’s go to your place?”

Richard manages a weak smile and nods. I keep Richard’s hand in mine, liking the feeling too much to let go. No one knows, but I’ve always secretly had a thing for him. No, he isn’t the most good-looking guy at school, but I definitely don’t need a guy who’s good-looking, if he is like Graham and his lot. Richard is sweet, talented, helpful, and in my eyes perfect. He’s adorable as well. But, he’s my best friend, and for some reason I’m scared to tell him how I feel.

“(Y/N), why are you friends with me?”

Here we go again. I sigh softly, we’ve just reached Richard’s house. I tighten my grip on his hand a little as I walk into his garden, leading him to the bench underneath the small tree. “Sit down, Rich.” I say gently and sit down myself.

When Richard sits down next to me, I take both his hands in mine, my eyes searching for his. “I’ve told you this a thousand times, but I’ll keep telling you if you need the reassurance. I’m friends with you because you, Richard, are the sweetest guy I know. You are so kind to people, even though they don’t always deserve it. You always know how to cheer me, or anyone, if in a bad mood. You’re never rude, you never even raise your voice, and if you do, it is for good reason. Please don’t let that idiot called Graham and his friends get to you, they’re definitely not worth it.”

Richard sighs softly, but a genuine smile enters his face and he squeezes my hands softly, “Thank you.”

“No need to thank me, silly. I’m happy to tell you those things.” I smile and let go of his hands, only to open my arms, “Give me a hug.”

Richard starts laughing softly and wraps his arms around me, “How about we go and make those cookies now?” He suggests and within minutes, we’re in the kitchen.

-----------------

Richard thinks back to that day, it’s a memory he’ll always keep close to him. The way (Y/N) always managed to make him feel happy and loved, even though stupid guys like Graham tried to bring him down as much as they could.

He wonders how she’s doing now. It’s been almost eighteen years since he’s spoken to her. The fact that he had to move still bothers him, if only he’d tried to stay in contact with her… but back then, all that was on his mind was the stupid moving, and he failed in keeping his best friend.

“(Y/N) (L/N),” Richard mumbles to himself, “maybe she has Instagram?” He takes his phone out of his pocket and goes to the app, opening it and typing her name in the search bar. He scrolls through some accounts, but can’t find her at first. He isn’t even sure if he’d recognize her.

That is, until he opens someone’s profile and his heart does a weird little jump; it’s her. His thumb immediately goes for the follow button, but something stops him. “What if she doesn’t want to know me anymore?” goes through his head. He sighs and thinks about it for a while, but eventually decides he should just do it and clicks on the button, he’s now following her.

The rest of the day goes by pretty slowly for Richard, he doesn’t have much to do. It’s already pretty late when he’s making dinner, just some simple spaghetti, but still delicious. He’s sat at the table by himself, eating his spaghetti with some music gently playing in the background. Suddenly, his phone buzzes and when he unlocks it, it says that (Y/N) has followed him back.

A smile immediately enters his face and he goes straight to the app. Without really thinking about it, Richard opens the Direct Messages section and enters (Y/N)’s name, opening a chat with her and sending her a message.

---

@maddenrichard

Hey (Y/N).

---

As soon as he sends the message, he feels stupid. “I should’ve come up with something better than that….” But, before he can delete it and send something else, she’s already typing her reply.

---

@(Y/N)(L/N)

Hey Richard.

This is a surprise.

---

Richard feels rather bad for taking eighteen years to do this, a lump forming in his throat as he reads her second message.

---

@maddenrichard

I can imagine it is.

---

Before he can send something else, (Y/N) beats him to it.

---

@(Y/N)(L/N)

To what do I owe this message?

---

He sighs, not really having a good excuse for it, he just missed her. He’s always missed her, but never had the courage to contact her. And now that he has contacted her, he feels incredibly stupid.

---

@maddenrichard

Truth be told, I was wondering how you were doing.

It’s been a really long time, I know.

And I’m sorry for that.

----

I look at the message on my phone. When Richard sent me a follow request earlier, I kind of freaked out. We used to be best friends, but I’ve also not seen, or talked to him, for very long.

Richard has become a well-known actor, I never expected him to still know about me, let alone send me a message like this.

I realise it’s been a couple minutes since he sent his last message, so I quickly type something. I’m not sure if it’s a good idea, but I figure it couldn’t hurt anyone.

---

@(Y/N)(L/N)

It has, yes.

What do you say about me giving you my number?

We could catch up on the phone, if you’d like.

---

The dots on my phone, telling me Richard is typing, make me quite nervous. Maybe he realises he made a mistake by texting me…

---

@maddenrichard

That sounds like a good idea :)

---

I let out a breath I didn’t even know I was holding and quickly send Richard the digits of my number. It doesn’t make me any less nervous, though.

After Richard moved away, I’ve always felt an empty spot in my heart. It was only after he left that I realised my feelings for him weren’t just some feelings, I was in love with him. Deeply, at that. It took a while, but they eventually left my mind. But every time I see him, it still does something to me. I don’t know how he does it, I never knew someone could have this much of an effect on a person.

I almost jump up from my seat on the couch when my phone starts ringing. I completely forgot that Richard would call me. My hand shakes a little as I press ‘accept’ and bring it up to my ear.

“(Y/N)?” a gruff voice asks hesitantly. My heart skips a beat or two at how good and grown up he sounds. I swallow quickly before speaking up myself. “Hey Rich.”

I can hear Richard releasing a deep breath, “It’s really nice to hear your voice again.”

“I could say the same about you, but I must admit I probably wouldn’t have guessed it was you if I didn’t know.” I say with a soft chuckle. Richard chuckles as well, a sound that weakens my knees. Gosh, it’s as if no time ever went by and my feelings are still very much alive.

“How are you?” his voice asks very softly, as if something will break if he speaks any louder. I think about all that’s been going on and am not quite sure if I should just tell him I’m alright, or if I should tell him the truth.

I decide to tell him the truth, it would feel wrong if I lied to him. “I’ve been better, if I’m honest. I’ve just been really stressed lately. But it’s nothing I can’t handle, and things will get better soon, I’m sure.”

“I’m sorry to hear that. But I’m sure things will get better as well.” I can just see the sweet and caring smile on his face as he says this. He’s never been one to pry, but he’s always known exactly what to say. “I know we’re practically strangers to each other now, but if you need to talk or just need someone, I’m here.”

There it is. My smile grows fondly, “Thank you so much, Rich. That means a lot to me. How have you been, though?”

Richard sighs softly, “I’ve been well. Been thinking about you a lot.” He scrapes his throat before he continues, “I’m sorry I disappeared like that, (Y/N). You certainly didn’t deserve that. I’ve been wanting to contact you for years, but frankly I always chickened out.”

The fact that Richard is so honest with me, melts my heart. It’s been the same for me, though. I’ve always wanted to get back in contact with him, but I always figured he’d forgotten about me.

“It’s alright, Rich. I’m really happy you did it tonight, I’ve missed having you as a friend.” I smile and I’m sure Richard can hear that in my tone. “I would like to see you again, though.”

Richard’s heart skips a beat as he hears me say that, “Me, too. Where do you live now?”

“I’ve recently moved to Oxford, I’m a teacher at the University.” I tell, a hint of pride in my words. I’ve worked very hard to get where I’m at right now.

“I can come to Oxford tomorrow, if you’re free, of course.” Richard offers and I smile, nodding. When I realise Richard can’t see me, I quickly tell him that I’m free and that I’d like that. “We could have lunch at my favourite restaurant.”

He chuckles, again weakening my knees, “I’ll be there at twelve.”

“Sounds good. Now, as much as I’d like to stay and talk to you, I really need to prepare some classes for next week.” I say, disappointing myself, but if I’m going out tomorrow, I’ll have to do it today, otherwise I won’t have enough time for it.

“That’s alright, (Y/N). I’m really glad to have talked to you for a bit. We can talk all we want tomorrow, yeah?” Richard says sweetly and I agree with him. We bid each other a good night and Richard wishes me luck before we hang up.

I let out a deep sigh, not really believing I really just spoke to my childhood best friend, who I’ve missed so dearly for all those years.

The next morning, I wake up feeling very rested. A smile enters my face when I think about what’ll happen today: I’m gonna have lunch with Richard.

I get out of bed and gather some clothes for the day before going into the bathroom. I take a nice, rather long shower before getting ready for the day. Once I’m dressed and ready, I go downstairs and make myself some breakfast. Nothing too big, because I don’t want to feel full later when I’m with Richard.

Time flies and before I know it, I’m making my way to the train station. Richard and I decided to meet up there, his train will arrive in about ten minutes, so I’m a little early. But I’m rather early than late.

As closer I get, the more nervous I get. Why? I’m not even sure, it’s probably because those feelings I once had for him, are still somewhere inside me. I’m so curious as to what he’s like now. From what I’ve seen on the news, he’s grown very handsome. He did tell me he’s wearing a hoodie and some shades so he won’t get recognized.

Once we’ll be in the restaurant, he can take them off, not a lot of people know about it, since it’s very small. I take my phone out of my pocket to kill some time, and I can’t help myself when I open Instagram and go through Richard’s photos.

Damn, he’s grown reallygood-looking. I can feel my cheeks heat up a little, so I quickly close the app and put my phone away. I can see the train arriving at the platform, a smile growing on my face as the doors open and a couple minutes later, Richard steps out. He looks around for a moment and when his eyes land on me, I send him a little wave, smiling brightly.

A big smile enters Richard’s face and he quickly makes his was to me, placing the bag he’s holding on the ground once he’s made it. “Hey,”

“Hey.” I say back, still smiling big. Richard and I just look at each other for a minute or two before he wraps his arms around me and hugs me tightly. “It’s so good to see you.”

I chuckle and wrap my arms tightly around him, inhaling his scent, which is delicious. “I’ve really missed you.”

A couple minutes later, we break apart and yet again, smile at each other. “C’mon, let’s go to the restaurant.”

Richard grabs his bag and nods. We start walking and as we do so, I still can’t believe it’s really him. After almost nineteen years he’s here.

After a short walk, we reach the restaurant. I take Richard to a table in the back, so we can have lunch without getting disturbed. Richard smiles and sets his bag down before taking his sunglasses and hoodie off. It’s only then that I notice his bright blue eyes. He’s always had beautiful eyes, but they weren’t this piercing when we were young.

“Hold up,” Richard says with a boyish smile on his face. He quickly makes his way behind my chair and holds it back for me, I laugh softly, “And they say chivalry is dead.” I tease, to which Richard laughs and when I’m sat, he joins me at the table, sitting down across from me.

One of the waiters comes by and takes our order for the drink, handing us the menus before he leaves again. I look down at the menu, but am unable to concentrate as I feel Richard’s eyes on me. I look up at him and he smiles sweetly at me. “You look amazing, (Y/N).”

A light blush creeps onto my face, “Thank you, Rich.” My eyes are stuck on his for a moment, “You look very nice yourself.”

Richard smiles as well and eventually picks up the menu laid down before him on the table. “What do you suggest?” he peaks an eye at me and I smile at him before looking down at my own menu. “If I remember correctly, you always used to love a good beef burger. Let me tell you, they serve the best burgers here.”

“A good burger does sound delicious.” Richard grins and puts away the menu, “What are you going to take?”

I put my menu away as well and grin back at him, “I guess it’ll be two burgers for this table.”

A waitress comes by with our drinks and takes the order, smiling at the both of us. “You’re Richard Madden.” she speaks softly to Richard, as if not to be rude. Richard smiles kindly and nods. “I hope you’ll enjoy the food, have a nice day, you two.” She says very sweetly, sending me one last smile before going back to the bar.

“I take it not all of them are as kind as she was?” I say with a soft chuckle and Richard shakes his head, laughing. “No, she was an exception.” He’s silent for a moment, studying my face before speaking up again. “Don’t you feel weird? Sitting here with me?”

I raise my brows a little at his question, shaking my head. “No, not at all. I know you’ve become well-known worldwide, but to me you’re still Richard, the boy that used to be my very best friend when we were young teens.”

Richard smiles at my answer. “Is it weird to you?” He shakes his head, “No. It feels really nice to be here. I’m really glad I finally had the guts to message you yesterday. If I hadn’t, I probably would’ve been sulking about it the entire time.”

I laugh softly at his statement and so does Richard. Lunch goes by much too fast, we talk pretty much the entire time, both enjoying our burgers very much. After lunch, I feel slightly sad, I don’t want this to end yet. I’m having such a great time and I’m so happy to be back in touch with Richard.

“(Y/N)?” Richard speaks up as we’re walking back to the station. I look up at him, “Yeah?”

It looks as though he’s gathering some sort of confidence before he speaks again, “I would like to take you out for dinner tomorrow evening. What do you say?”

A smile enters my face and I smile lovingly at him, “I’d love that, Rich.”

He smiles and lets out a small sigh when he notices we’ve reached the station. “It’s leaving in a couple of minutes. I guess I should get going now.”

“Yeah,” I say, a tone of sadness in my voice. “make sure you get home safely. We’ll be in contact about tomorrow. You’ve got my number.”

Richard smiles and nods. He leans down and presses a soft, sweet kiss on my cheek. “You get home safe as well. I’ll text you when I’m home. I had a great time today.”

The feeling of his lips on my cheek causes my cheeks to turn slightly red and I wrap my arms around him in a short hug, “See you tomorrow, Rich.”

He smiles and hugs me back, kissing the top of my head before walking towards the train and getting in. “See you tomorrow.” He adds before disappearing inside.

[blackhakumen]

Mini Fanfic #404: MDL: Conclusion (RWBY)

2:00pm at JNPRO Residents....

Oscar: (Sighs Relaxingly on the Sofa)

Ren: (Chuckles Softly) Someone's in a good mood today. I take it your whole "Mother's Day List" was a success?

Oscar: Yep. It actually worked out a lot more than I thought it would. (Smiles Softly towards Ren) And I'm sure none of this would be even possible right now if it weren't for you and the others' help.

Ren: I'm not sure I speak for everyone else.... (Gently Ruffles the top of Oscar's Head) but I'm really glad I was able to help you today. I read the letter you gave Pyrrha and Nora after you left and it was so beautiful that it almost moved me to tears.

Oscar: (Chuckles Lightly while Blushing ba Little) Thanks. I did mean every word in that letter, you know?

Ren: I know. And I couldn't be any more prouder. (Kiss the top of Oscar's Forehead) But speaking of which.....Why did you tried keeping this whole list a secret from them and the others?

Oscar: Well-

*Door Closed*

Jaune: (Sprint and Stop Towards the Living Room Sofa and starts Panting)

Oscar/Ren: Jaune?!

Ren: What's wrong?

Jaune: (*Pant*) Just.....(*Pant*) Give me.....(*Pant*) a moment.....(*Pant*).....('Whew') God, I hate running sometimes......

Oscar: Jaune, what happened? Why were you running here like that?

Jaune: I was trying to runaway from an army of moms outside. And they're alllllll looking for you too, bud....

Oscar: Wait-WHA-

*Door Opens*

Group of Female Voices: OSCARRRRRR!!

Once they heard the voices calling his name, Oscar, along with Jaune and Ren, turn to see Nora, Pyrrha, Glynda, Robin and the rest of Happy Huntresses making their way to the living room and staring down towards their Farm Boi, all with... Playfully Smirks on their faces.

Pyrrha: (Places her hands on her hips) You have a LOT of Explaining to do, young man.

Nora: (Simply Nodded While Crossing her Arms) Mmmmhmmm

Oscar: (Almost at a Lost of Words While Panicking inside his inner Thoughts) Uhhhhhh.....

Jaune: You know, as much as I would LOVE to stay and join this lovely Mothers and Son chat....I remember to do something upstairs. Sooooooo....(Immediately Starts Running Away Upstairs)

Ren: Yes....(Got up from the Couch) I suppose this is also my cue to leave.

Oscar: (Grab Whole of Ren's Arm while Whispering to him in fear) Please don't leave me alone with them.....

Ren: Oscar, it's very important that you and your mothers have a very.... somewhat important talk about this. Do I make myself clear?

Oscar: (Sighs in Defeat as he let go of Ren's arm) Yes, sir.....

Ren: Good. Now if you'll excuse, I'll be joining Jaune upstairs. (Gently Ruffles the top Oscar's Hair Once More) Best of luck my son. (Completely Ninja Vanished from the Room)

Oscar: (Took a Deep Breath before Slowly Turning back to his Moms, who are all still staring at him) H-Heyyyyyyy, you guys.....What are you ladies doing here altogether like that?

Glynda: No Reason. Except for the fact that we heard something VERY interesting from you today. About you having this "Mother's Day List" this entire time.

Oscar: M-M-Mother's Day List?! (Chuckles Very Awkwardly) That sounds sooooooo hilarious in hindsight. Cause you see...I....had....no idea what you're....talking about here...(Starts Checking his pockets by patting the outside of each of his Pant Pocket.....only to realize that list was nowhere to be found on both sides)

Robin: (Pulls out the list with a Smug Look on her face) Looking for this, kiddo? Joanna found it on the floor after you left.

Oscar: (Eyes Widened in Horror) Ah shit.

('GASPS')

Pyrrha/Nora: OSCAR EVERLYNN PINES!!!

Glynda: Watch your Language this instant, Young Man!

Fiona: (Starts to Dramatic Faint into Joanna's Arms) Ohhh! The Horror!!!

Robin: (Starts Glaring at Oscar) Hey! We didn't raise you to swear!

Oscar: I'm sorry! I just....('Sigh') really shot myself on the foot in this one.....

Pyrrha: ('Sigh') Oscar, why did you made this list? And why didn't you tell me and Nora you were planning to celebrating Mother's Day with the others as well?

Oscar: I didn't want to leave anyone out on this. So I decided to celebrate it with each and everyone of you here. (Rubbing the Back of his Head Back and Forth) And the reason why I made this list and have Ren and Whitley helped me out on this was because....well....I love you, guys.

Everyone: (Heart Starts To Melt) Really?

Oscar: Yeah. I mean.....at first I thought having multiple moms figures was pretty weird, but....as time goes on, I starting to realize how much I appreciate you guys and how blessed I am to have you all in my life. So that's why I did all of this.... Because I love each and EVERYONE of you ladies in this room so much. And I wanted to show how much you mean to me separately rather than doing it altogether. So what better way to do that than on a day of celebrating Mothers?.....(Looks Down on the Ground in a bit if Shame) Granted, there really wasn't any excuse for me keeping that list a secret like that. So I apologise in advance....

Nora: (Walks Over to Oscar.....Picks him up out of the Sofa and Give him the most Loving Hug she could Possibly Give to him) Seeeeeee? We told you our Baby Boi is the sweetest!~

Oscar: Huh?

Glynda: (Chuckles Lightly) Yes, Nora. We can all clearly see that.

Robin: (Smirks Playfully) Was there really any doubt here?

Oscar: Okay. Seriously. You guys.... aren't mad at me right now?

Pyrrha: (Walks Over to the Duo and Joins them on the Hug) Of course we're not mad at you, sweetheart. We are a bit disappointed that you kept this list a secret from us, but we were never truly upset or anything.

Glynda: Yes. In fact, we're all very happy that you did whatever you could to give each of us the best Mother's Day of our lives.

Robin: (Smiles Sincerely) You've really went out of your way for us today....(Ruffles the top of Oscar's Hair) And we couldn't be anymore happy or proud of you right now, kiddo.

Fiona: And that's why we call you "Precious Farm Boi"......(Smiles Brightly) Because you're precious to us.

Oscar: ('Sighs Happily') Still wondering what I ever do to deserve you guys.....

Glynda: (Smiles Sincerely) By being yourself everyday. We honestly wouldn't have it any other way really.

Oscar: I know....(Smiles Brightly) I just... really love you guys, you know?

Nora: We love you too, Oscar. A lot more than you'll ever know in your entire life. (Kiss Oscar on the cheek while Hugging him) I promise.

Oscar: Thank you. So.....are we done here or-

Robin: (Chuckles Lightly) Not even close, squirt.

Oscar: Huh?

Glynda: Yes. Well, once we found out about the list, we all decided to show our love and appreciation to you by-

Nora: By giving you the Best Mothers-Son Cuddle Pile EVER!~

Oscar: (Eyes Widened) Seriously?

Pyrrha: (Smiles Sweetly) That's right. We told Robin and her team about it in case you were wondering.

May: (Giggles Softly) Not gonna lie, it's pretty cute in hindsight.

Oscar: Thanks?......I mean....As much as I would loooooooove to have ourselves a Cuddle Pile, I'm pretty the whole thing was Ruby's idea in the first place. So I'm not entirely sure she would-

Nora: Oh. Don't worry. She approved of it once we told her. In fact, we have evidence to back up that claim. Show him, teach!

Glynda: I'm not your- ('Sigh') Whatever. (Pulls Out her Scroll and Plays the Video Message Ruby Sent her)

Ruby: (Smiles Brightly On Screen) Dear Ladies......I approved. Now go out there and give Oscar some Motherly Love!

(*Video Message Ended*)

Oscar: .......................Huh. Well I'll be da-

Pyrrha: DON'T! You. Dare. Mister. (Boops on Oscar's Nose)

Oscar: (Blushes) "Darn"! I W-Was going to say "Darn"!

Robin: ('Tch') You better be or we're going have some problems.

Oscar: Yes ma'am.....('Sigh Heavily') You guys taking this whole 'Mom' thing too seriously sometimes.......

Glynda: We only want to set a good example for you, dear.

Oscar: I know. And I love you all for it.

Nora: And We love you too....NOW LET THE CUDDLE PILE COMMENCE!!!

And with that, Oscar and all of his mother figures are all Happily Huddled together in a Cuddle Pile. Before he can enjoy it entirely, Oscar's pulls out his scroll once he heard it buzz on his pocket and Begins to Silently read the message Whitley sent him.

Whitley: I made mother a Macaroni Art. She's loves it. (Message is Follow-Up with a Picture of him Showing the Macaroni Art while getting his cheek kissed by Willow)

Oscar: ('Sigh') (Smiles Lazily) Good on ya, Whitley.....(Turns his Scroll into a Back Screen and Continue his Cuddles with his Moms)

Happy (Early) Mother's Day

@optimisticfruitcup

@albion-93

@keyenuta

@miki-13

@maripr

@ma-lemons

@rozanime

[mingishoe]

I’ll be home for Christmas

Summary: I haven’t seen you in years and I finally go back home for the holidays and oH Frick, I forgot how much I love you

Reader x Jongho

Angst but mostly fluff that’ll rot your teeth

25 days of Christmas; Day 1

Word count~ 4K  I got a little bit too carried away  (Unedited)

12-1-19

____________________________

It was your first time going back to your hometown for Christmas in around 5 years. Of course you’ve been back home but it was only for a day or two before you had to go back to work. You worked for Korea Vogue as one of the editors and to say it was stressful was an understatement. The only good thing about the job is they give you a two and a half week break for Christmas and New Years. You were excited. You were about to board the plane when you got a text from your mom,

[Mommy] Text me when you land so I can make sure all the foods done <3

[Mommy] Also your sister is picking you up, good luck...

Your eyes widen at the last message that was sent. Your sister just got her driver’s license about a month ago and she was picking you up at the airport of all places. You take a deep breath and hand your ticket to the gate agent before stepping into the plane. It’s going to be a short 2 hours to your hometown. You’re never good at being in planes, it’s boring and you’re too impatient. You’d honestly rather drive and have the extra hours just so you could blast your music and be as loud as you want. You’re excited to spend such a long time back home, you haven’t seen so many of your family and friends since you moved to Seoul and you’re happy to see them especially for Christmas time. 

*

The plane is about to land at the gate and you start to gather your things and turn your phone on. The first thing you do is text your mom so she won’t start to worry,

[To Mommy] I just landed, I’m just gonna get my bags and find Min

You head towards the baggage claim and see your two, hideously bright, neon pink bags that you got as a gift before you moved. You’re rolling both of your suitcases along with the backpack and purse you took as a carry on. You get outside the airport and look around for your sister. While you’re looking around and all of a sudden you feel someone run into you and then you’re on the floor. 

“MIN~ What the FUCK are you doing?!” You scream as you see her standing above you laughing. “Ohhh, suck it up, come on get up” she’s holding her hands out so she could pull you up. She pulls you up and takes one of your suitcases and starts walking to what you assume is her car. “Minnie~ if you wreck I’m gonna haunt you for the rest of your life” you warn as you put your things into her car before getting into the passenger seat. “Look, I wouldn’t have passed my drivers test if I couldn’t drive. Plus, mom already gave me the talk” she responded grumbling. The car ride was mostly silent besides some music that was playing softly from the radio, “So, do you got a boyfriend yet?” You look at your sister with a scowl even though she isn’t looking at you. “I don’t need a boyfriend” you mumbled while rolling your eyes. “Are you sure it isn’t because of~” Right at that moment your mom called. You’ve never been more grateful for you mother calling you, “Yes?” You asked. “Are y’all still alive?” Your mom asks laughing. Your sister from the driver's seat starts complaining about how no one trusts her driving skills and you and your mom both start laughing. “Anyway, we invited some people over for dinner tonight, just for a little welcome back party. Don’t worry, you’ll have time to take a nap and a shower before everyone gets here.” You smile while your mom tells you about the dinner they’re holding tonight. Your mom is honestly the sweetest woman you could think of. “We’re almost there, so one we get there me and Minnie can help you finish making whatever you need.” She agrees and hangs up right as you turn the corner to your street. You look out the window and everything just reminds you of when you were younger. Right now you’re only 23 and you moved here when you were 6. Obviously being a 6 year old you didn’t want to move away from all your friends so moving to a whole different place just seemed like the end of the world. Soon enough you made your own friends who became a huge part of your life. You still talk to most of them these days. Y’all were a big group. You were the only girl and yeah, that caused a little bit of tension sometimes and would cause some people to question what you were. You, Hongjoong, Yunho, Yeosang, Seonghwa, Wooyoung, Mingi, San, and you couldn’t forget Jongho. Out of all the boys you and Jongho weren’t really the closest you two didn’t really talk when the rest of the boys were there. He occasionally invited you to watch a movie or go eat lunch. Probably the only reason you two weren’t closer is because you had the biggest crush on Jongho since you met him. You weren’t sure what made you attracted to him in the first place, maybe because he had the cutest smile you’ve ever seen, Maybe it was because he was the quietest out of the bunch but still managed to make you laugh the loudest, Maybe it was because of the one day you got stood up and the first person you called was Jongho and he was on your doorstep waiting before you even got back home, Maybe it was because of the nights you couldn’t sleep and Jongho stayed on the phone with you all night until you fell asleep, or maybe it’s because of the night before you moved to Seoul, Jongho held you all night while you cried because you felt like you wouldn’t make it alone in the city. You squeeze your eyes shut trying to think of anything but that night. 

That night you had a going away party, and of course you were grateful for all the effort your friends put into making this one of your best days back at home but you just weren’t really truly excited about moving to Seoul. You were going to Seoul by yourself, no one was gonna be there to hug you and tell you it’s going to be okay. The party was great and one by one the boys left but Jongho stayed and helped you clean up after them. After awhile you started watching Jongho and tears started falling, you didn’t even realise it until you saw Jongho’s worried eyes going towards you. He pulls you into a hug and tells you everything is going to be okay. At that point your crying harder and holding onto Jongho so hard like you were scared of him leaving you.

He lead you back to your room by muscle memory since you wouldn’t let go of him. “Hey, shhh, it’s okay, you’re okay. Lay down for me okay?” He asked pulling away slightly while playing with your hair. You lay down and he follows after, he pulls you back into his arms. Your faces are levelled and he lets a hand go across your face wiping all the tears off your face. “Hey look, I never gave your present” You look at him and he’s pulling something out of his hoodie pocket. He sits up a little and grabs your arm to put the bracelet on your wrist. He looks shy, you don't know why but he has no reason. It’s honestly the prettiest bracelet you’ve ever seen. It was a thin silver bracelet with diamonds covering it, basically it looked really expensive. You sit up and pull Jongho into a hug, “It’s so pretty Jongho.” “I-it’s nothing much, just a bracelet” you honestly don’t know what took over you at that moment but you kissed him. It was a soft kiss but told all it needed to tell. Your heart slammed against your ribs as he grabbed your face and deepened the kiss. After you both pulled away with your chests heaving, “I’ll never take it off, I promise” After that, you two just layed down, both of y’all holding each other like it was too late. It was too late to tell Jongho how you felt, but after what had happened you were sure he already knew. Right before you got into the car to drive to the airport everyone was hugging you goodbye. Jongho was standing in the back with his hood on looking at the ground. You walk toward him and pull him into probably what was the softest most caring hug he’s ever felt, “I-It’s okay, I’ll come back soon.” You looked at him with the softest look as he buried his face in your neck. You could feel the hot tears against your neck as you forced yourself not to cry again. You heard a honk and Jongho pulled away, “I love you” you whispered before turning around and walking back to the car. The only thing was, you never came back. 

You still have never taken the bracelet that Jongho gave you off. You’ve had it on since you left him. Your only proof is the tan line you’ve gained from it being there for so long. You were messing with the bracelet on your wrist and didn’t even realize you were in front of your house. “Are you gonna get off or?” You heard your sister from outside the car. You curse silently to yourself and step out of the car to grab your bags. As soon as you step inside you get hit with the smell of all your favourite foods. You keep your bags by the entry and go towards the kitchen to where you mom is. Your mom is facing the stove so you take it as on opportunity to go and hug her. She jumps a little bit and turns around so she could hug you. “I missed you so much, stupid girl. Why didn’t you come back sooner?” That hurt. You really feel guilty for not coming back sooner but you’ve been completely flooded with work you haven’t had a chance to come back for more than a few days. “I’m sorry, like actually really sorry. You know how work is…” “I know… It’s okay… It’s just, everyone misses you. The boys, they ask me how you are all the time. I know you talk to them but… Jongho-” You sighed heavy. You know you’ve been avoiding Jongho with special attention never really talking to him unless he texts you. He doesn’t normally text you unless it's a holiday or your birthday. He never forgot your birthday, he always sent you a cute selfie and a cute message. It always said pretty much the same thing, “Happy birthday! I miss you, you should try and visit more but it’s okay because I know you’re busy(I see your name in the magazines;)) but yeah, I miss you. See you next time.” You’ve gotten over Jongho since you were 18 and moved to Seoul, but of course he lingers in your mind sometimes when you get too deep in thought while messing with your bracelet. That's the only one of your promises to Jongho you haven't broken, your bracelet. You didn’t want to get into the conversation about Jongho right now, or at all to be honest. “Look, I’m tired right now mom I’m gonna go unpack and text the boys.” Your mom smiled and nodded at you before you went to grab your bags and head to your room. Your room is at the back of the house, away from everyone else’s. You walk into your room and see it pretty much completely the same. You look around and see an unfamiliar sweater lying on your bed. You pick it up and your heart drops to your stomach, it’s Jonghos. Your eyes start to well up with tears, you missed him so much. You lay down on your bed and hold Jonghos sweater up to your face and just breathe in his sent. You aren’t sure how recently the sweater was left here but it smells exactly the same as he did before you left. You’re laying down with your face in your sweater and you start to feel your eyes becoming heavier. 

*

It has to be hours later when you hear someone laughing and screeching loudly outside your door. You unconsciously put on the sweater your holding and walk out of your room to see what all the noise was about. Your still half asleep so you don’t really see everyone who’s staring at you. “You woke me up from my nap… what’s happening?” You rub your eyes to wake yourself up a little bit. You tense up and widen your eyes when you see everyone who’s standing in your living room. There’s 7 of the 8 boys sitting around on the two sofas along with your grandparents and even some of your parents’ close friends. All of a sudden you get nervous, everyone's heavy stares is on you. Wooyoung is looking at you funny and it’s then you realize your wearing Jonghos sweater. You pull up the sleeves up on the hoodie and start messing with your bracelet. Everyone’s head turns to the door as it swings open revealing an out of breath Jongho. “S-sorry, I was running late and I was running around like… an idiot…” he quiets down as his eyes land on you. You take a deep breath and squeeze your eyes shut attempting to keep your tears at bay. Your still messing with the bracelet on your wrist as Jongho scans you quickly. His eyes linger on the hoodie you're wearing, it’s his hoodie. His eyes soften as he sees the bracelet that you have on, you kept your promise. You muster up a small smile and greet him quietly. You mom comes back from the kitchen and once again you’re saved by the metaphorical bell. “Okay guys, the last of the food is ready, go and dig in.” You weren’t hungry anymore. Everything that just happened made you lose your appetite but you were obviously still gonna get something so your mom won’t feel bad. You let everyone go ahead of you insisting that it was okay. Of course the world said you’re not gonna get away with it that easily because of course Jongho had to be at the end of the line. You stand behind him and just look down at the floor practically abusing your bracelet. He knows you’re there but he doesn’t say anything because he can see how anxious you are. After you get your food you choose to sit down on the floor next to the coffee table. You’re grateful for when you see that Yeosang is who sat next to you and not Jongho. He wraps an arm around you and gives you a side hug before ruffling your hair. You were friends with Yeosang first because when you were 8 you thought he was cool because he had a skateboard. He was a little bit older than you and when you talked to him he kinda ignored you thinking you were just a weird kid. You asked him if he could teach you how to skateboard and he took the offer immediately because he thought it was cute you asked him. After a few lessons you two became really close friends and he introduced you to his other friends one by one. The second one you met was wooyoung and you learned you actually go to school with him but in the other class. Wooyoung is lowkey kinda mean to you but that’s honestly how it is with everyone so you’ve learned to just take it as a joke. But Jongho, you met him last and when you were like 10. He had just moved into the down the street from yours and the boys immediately took a liking to him. They were too sweet for their own good because as soon as they saw the moving truck they dragged you with them to see who was moving in. After you saw the boy you had a crush on him. It was obviously one of those little kid crushes where they just falter in a few days. After you became friends with Jongho you never talked to him because he was really quiet. 

“How’re you doing?” You heard yeosang ask, taking you out of your daydream. “I’m alright, Seoul isn’t as bad as I thought” you responded laughing. You rest your head on his shoulder, “you know that’s not what I mean,” of course you knew but you didn’t feel like being teased right now. “Yeosang~ it’s- I’m- it’s whatever.” Yeosang was the only one who knew how you felt. It was your first week in Seoul and you just broke down and called Yeosang. You told him pretty much everything. From him taking you to lunch for the first time the night before you left Seoul. He knew it was going to be hard seeing Jongho for the first time in 5 years after all the memories you have. You and Yeosang are eating quietly as everyone else is being loud and laughing. You felt terrible for not joining in but you honestly just weren’t in the mood. You’re playing with the rings on Yeosang’s hand and you feel tears start to run down your face. You try to be as discreet as possible and wipe your face with the sleeve of your sweater. The only problem is the tears don’t stop falling and you were starting to attract attention to yourself. All of a sudden you just get up and go to your room while shutting the door behind you. Your heart physically hurts in your chest. You completely forgot how much Jongho affected you and after not seeing him for so long it all just caught up to you. You move to sit on your bed and put your head in your hands as you’re trying to figure out what to do. Someone knocks on your door and you don’t even acknowledge them as they walk in and sit next to you on the bed. You know who it is as soon as they wrap their arms around your shoulder. You start to abuse the bracelet on your wrist as you just break down completely. You turn to wrap your arms around Jongho as he just holds you. “I’m so so sorry, Jongho” you hold him and you don’t want to let go. “Hey, shh, no it’s okay, it’s okay. I promise.” Jongho is playing with your hair as he lays the both of you down on the bed. “Can you please tell them I’m not gonna go out again, that I’ll talk to everyone tomorrow?” you continue after after you calm down and stop crying. Jongho nods as he starts to get up, “But please come back in here?” He smiles at you softly and walks out your door. “Hey, you know, it’s probably best if everyone leaves after your done eating, she doesn’t feel like coming out again. She’s okay though, I got it.” everyone looks at Jongho kinda weary but still murmur their agreements. Your parents look at Jongho and tell them they’re going to go too, just to give her some space and he agrees as he makes his way back to your room. He opens and closes the door and just stands in front of the door looking at you. He was watching you mess with the bracelet you’ve kept on for so long. He missed you so much. His heart aches for you. He tries to shake his thoughts as you open your arms for him to lay in. He lays down next to you as you continue, “I’m sorry, it- it was my fault. I was just scared…” you can feel him smiling against your throat, “I know baby, it’s- it’s not your fault.” Your heart was slamming against your ribs so loud that Jongho could probably hear it. “It is Jongho. I could’ve tried a lot harder. I let my own fear control me and I just shut down.” You just needed to get everything off your chest. “And Jongho, I don't think you understand how much I missed you. How much I still do. I thought it was just a small crush.” He was staring at you with wide eyes, just hoping you’d say what he wants to hear. “Ever since that day you took me to that Diner like 4 blocks away and we got milkshakes. That’s when I started to like you Jongho. Since then I started to like you more and more. Even if you’re an idiot like that one time you broke wrist when we were play fighting, and I told my mom I fell while trying to skateboard.” Jongho is so completely whipped for you. All the words coming out of your mouth are going straight to his heart and making it swell to 10X the size. “And Jongho, the day before I left to Seoul, that night hurt me so bad because it was too fucking late. It was too late to tell you how I felt. I feel like it’s still too late but- I don’t know. Ever since that night I realised I had loved you for as long as I could remember. And fuck Jongho, I still do. I miss you and like, I just want you to be next to be when I wake up, and want you to just be next to me along the way. And- And I know you probably moved on a long time ago, not that you even liked me the same way I did but-” You took a deep breath in. You were rambling so much at this point you weren’t sure Jongho could even understand what you were saying. Jongho pulled you closer and kissed you. You didn’t move for the first few seconds from the shock but soon afterwards you kissed him back just as hard. The kiss was hard but soft as it wasn’t rushed. You could feel every ounce of love and passion that Jongho was trying to give you. He pulls away and laughs when you chase his mouth, “I like you too.” You look at him with wide eyes. “I’ve probably liked you before you liked me. When I first moved here and you and the other boys went to help my mom, I thought you were really cute. Even if you weren’t the nicest to me at that time and you thought I was a weird quiet little boy, I still really liked you. And that first time we went to lunch, it was a date to me. And I had just hoped that you would like me enough to keep doing things like that. And the day I knew I loved you, When you got stood up by Xion. I know that felt like the end of the world to you, but I was just happy you called me first. And when you asked me to stay over because you didn’t want to be by yourself, and how you let me hold you and how we talked all night. That was when I knew I wanted you. And only you. And the night before you moved to Seoul, I didn’t want you to go but I knew that had always been your dream, and I didn’t want to be the one to fuck it up. And when you told me you loved me, I knew what you meant. I said it back but you obviously couldn’t hear me.” he stopped and you two just stared at each other. You rested your forehead on his, “I love you Choi Jongho.”

——————————————————————

Okay so, I wanted to make this a lot longer but my goal was about 2k but this is like double that. I might make it into a series with a longer plot like I wanted to originally. 

N E WAY This was Day 1 of the christmas prompt thing that I may or may not be able to do for each day of December so if not Imma do it into January. 

[ironwoman18]

We found love in a hopeless place part 9

Chapter 9: Our First Kiss

Early that day, while Spencer was with Emily. Max drove to pick up her younger sister, Eloise, because a pipe broke and the principal sent them home for the day.

When her sister got in the car and hugged her she asked "what's up with your car?"

"Oh Dad had to use it. His car is at the mechanical workshop so he dropped me at school and went to buy food and other things" Max nodded.

"Ok. Lucky I was out early today" she smiled at her "want to eat McDonald's?" Asked Max which made her sister smiled big and nodded. Max laughed and drove to the restaurant.

"So how are things with Spencer? The guy we met yesterday?"

"Well things are going good. He's the sweetest guy I ever met, a little awkward but it's cute" she smiled softly.

"You really like him, don't you?" Max nodded "what does he do?"

"He's a FBI agent"

"Really? That's awesome!" Said Eloise with a smile.

"Yeah but I feel like something just happened because he's out of job for a month. He hasn't talked about it and I don't want to make him uncomfortable"

"Why do you think so?"

"He said he had a nightmare last night and the fact that he's not working right now" she said as she parked the car close to the restaurant.

"Maybe he had a tough case. I heard that kind of jobs can cause PTSD"

"Of course I know it and I'm sure that was what brought him to the doctor where we met" Eloise nodded then they got out of the car and walked in the fast food restaurant.

They ordered two cheese burgers with fries and sodas. They sat down and started to eat then Max looked at her little sister "by the way... How did you know about the PTSD and the FBI?"

"Internet. I had to do an essay about the consequences of war in the army so I just made the connection with a FBI agent" she said matter-of-factly.

Max raised an eyebrow but smiled "of course, you always shock me with the information you discovered on internet"

"Internet is the best tool you could have" she laughed and ate a fry. Max also laughed and both ate and kept talking now and then about Max's work or Eloise's classes.

Their lunch was relaxed. Then Max drove to her dad's house and spent some time there.

When they arrived there was Michelle with her son, who hugged his aunts excited "aunt Max and aunt Ellie. I will go to the spelling competition!" He smiled big and both women smiled back and hugged him tight "The school's principal said I will go to a little competition a week after we start classes. It will be against other kids from the school"

"Congratulations buddy" said Max while ruffled his hair gentle.

"You will nail it Sammy" commented Eloise.

"Thank you aunts. I hope I don't lose my first competition"

"Nah you will do it great" Eloise and Max said at the same time.

"You own me an ice cream" said Eloise laughing and Max rolled her eyes but laughed too.

Then their father showed up with some coffee and some cake for his grandson.

They talked while the kid played with a tablet. Then Max got a message from Spencer asking if they could meet for coffee and she answered with a yes and excused herself with her family.

When she was gone the two sisters smirked "do you think this is the one for her?" Asked Michelle.

"I'm sure he is. She is crazy for him. Today she and I were talking and she quoted some of the things he told her. Even some random facts"

"Well, to be honest. I was getting worry after that idiot and her broke up. She hasn't had look luck with love"

"Yeah I will kill Mike if I see his face again" said Eloise with anger in her voice.

"Me too but back to Spencer" said the older sister "do you know about him?"

"Not much. Max kept some details about him to herself" they looked at Sam playing with some cars and making noises.

"He will come this Saturday maybe we can talk to him" suggested Michelle with a wicked smirk.

"I love your ideas!" Said the little sister excited and high-five her.

Meanwhile Max drove to the park Spencer told her to go. When she arrived she looked for him until she saw him sitting on a bench with a kid playing chess.

She smiled and walked to him "hey there" she said to him.

"Oh hey Max. These are Leonard and Patrick. I met them a few minutes ago and they wanted to play chess but didn't know the rules so while I was waiting. I taught them how to play"

"Really? And how old are you two?" Max asked softly looking at them.

"I'm 8 and my brother is 7" said Patrick then he looked at Spencer "is she your wife?"

They blushed and Spencer shook his head "No, we are dating but she's not even my girlfriend" he said looking at him.

"She's pretty. You should ask her. My mom always said that if you want something you should ask for it" he smiled innocently.

Max could see Spencer was uncomfortable, she bit her lower lip holding a laugh but his answer made her blush "I will think about it Pat" said Spencer smiling "ok kids. I have to go" they growled softly "but don't worry. If you want I can return tomorrow to teach you more" they smiled big "goodbye kids" he stood up and high-five them.

The couple walked in silence for a while then Max said "did they liked how you explained the game?"

"Kids understand easily the game. You just need to use the right words. An investigation said that teaching kids how to play chess will improve their social abilities, of course their math, language and logical thought" he told her "chest is easy to understand, the difficulties start when you have to learn strategies to win"

"My dad tried to teach me but I never understood" she blushed softly "I think my artistic brain couldn't handle to much math" she laughed.

"It's weird because I bet you can calculate pretty good" she raised her eyebrow "you know art is about proportions. You need to know the proper angle to draw a human being or know the right place to take a photo so the light show exactly what you want" she rubbed her chin thinking "it's all math"

"I think you are right" she looked up at him "but it's something we don't realize we are doing it"

"Exactly... I do calculations in my mind but I'm aware of that, you do it in automatic"

"Ok I understand" they arrived to a food truck that have coffee. They ordered and paid for it. When they had it they continued to walk "how was your meeting with your boss?"

"It wasn't a work meeting, she wanted to talk about me, ask me how I was and looked at me" he took a sip of his coffee "we met a long time and before she was my boss, we became friends and all the people at the BAU are like my family"

"Amazing, I feel the same about my job at the school. But sometimes I feel like I should be doing something different..."

"Like?"

"Like... Working in a museum because I know I won't be a great painter like Picasso or Van Gogh but I feel I could do more in a place where art is the main department"

"I used to think that. I wished to work in the cure of the schizophrenia or something like that but I ended up with the FBI" he looked at her "but then Emily showed me that I was helping people with my job there and I realized that I'm a better person because of this job"

She nodded and smiled at him "but it's stressful, right?"

"And sometimes dangerous" he said looking around.

"I can imagine" she looked at him. They stayed in silence for a few minutes. They finished their coffees and sat down "you aren't working because you developed a PTSD?" She asked.

He looked at her and sighed "yeah... I was having some symptoms"

"You don't have to tell me what happened"

"I want to but not today" he held her hand "you are becoming an important part of my life even though we just met a month ago" he looked at her "I'm not the kind of person who likes to express his feelings so when I do. It means a lot"

She looked at him "you too. And to show you I trust you, I will tell you why I had to go to the doctor..." She looked down.

"You don't have to Max..."

"But I want to Spencer" she looked around, the sky was getting darker and the park was getting emptier. She looked at him and smiled "it was two years ago... I met this guy... His name was Mike Davis. He was so sweet and kind, he was tall, he had brown hair and green eyes. A handsome man... We started to date and it was wonderful" she looked down "a few months later we moved together. After that he became something totally different. He treated me horrible, he never hurted me with his fists but he used terrible words to me... He made me feel like an idiot" Spencer felt the need to look for him and punched him.

"You had the mentality of an abused woman... No matter if he ever hit you or not"

"Yeah I defended him and he pulled me away from my family. We were always very close but he managed to break us" she had tears in her eyes. He rubbed her back waiting for her to continue "a few months ago I finally ended that after realizing what was happening. He left to New Jersey and then we met at the doctor"

"Did you talk to her? About this?" She nodded.

"Yes and I told her that I met a man who was helping me to move on and realized that not all men are like Mike" he smiled softly "I never talked about this with people outside my family and closed friends"

He held her hand "I promise that I will tell you what happened to me" he promised "maybe in a private place because it's something really bad" she nodded and held his hand tightly.

"Ok Spence" and without thinking she leaned in to kiss him. The kiss was slow and sweet, he rubbed her cheek gently in the kiss. They broke the kiss slowly but left their forehead together and eyes closed, they smiled.

OOooOOooOO

After next chapter I will start watching season 13 and use some events on the fic. In fact I want to add the guy from New Orleans.

[dropsofletters]

action, romance or comedy?

title: action, romance or comedy? pairing: lee jeno/reader genre: cinema worker!au/accidental texting!au/strangers to lovers!au summary: jeno hates college, and loves movies more than he should, so when he is reminded at eleven at night that he has a project to complete and it is worth a big percentage of the final grade—he texts whoever he has been paired up with. two bad things happen: he texts the wrong person and he fails that class, but the good thing that comes from that event is comforting enough. type: fluff

The smell of popcorn lingers in the air, and somehow it is relaxing. The sound of special effects in the background, typical of an action movie, is barely even heard by the two workers of the night shift at the cinema. Normally, the young man with the bleached blonde hair stood by the entrance of the auditoriums, checking tickets and then watching movies without paying for them. At all. However, there is something in the air, like when he knows something bad will happen but all he can do is scroll through his phone. He clicks on the Instagram app, then he checks his texts, he looks through his pictures to see if there is anything new, but he is only met with ridiculous pictures of his best friends.

Lee Jeno would say that he is happy—when he watches a new movie, imagines what it would be like if he would be a very famous movie reviewer with a nice blog and a lot of following, or when he is out with friends feeling like youth lasts forever. Yet, to ever get to be the adult-type of happy, he has to go through college. Sure, he is some film major that adores spending his time catching up with the newest productions in all genres of movies, but he absolutely hates that semester’s professors. All methodical, very lost in theories and theories when film should be all about creation. Creativity, but not the type artists have with pens and colors, or the ones singers have with their voices…the one that comes with a camera-roll and a script normally written by someone else.

He thought it would be fun, you know? But it really isn’t.

With his cheek pressed against his forearm, he rests his upper body on the counter near the snack store. His coworker, Jaemin, is drinking his normal cup of coffee—Jeno, however, calls it monoxide in liquid form, and he barely even pays attention to him, since he is lost in his thoughts…pondering what it is that bothers him. He is not hungry, so that shall not be the problem. He is also not heartbroken, for his latest relationship ended thanks to him. Jeno is also not feeling particularly bad physically. He is healthy, and he is wearing the same uniform as always. Dark cap with the movie theater’s logo on it, a polo that matched it with the same logo and black jeans, along with sneakers. Nothing fancy, but not uncomfortable.

The problem is…that his Google Calendar app pops up out of nowhere, and maybe it is God talking, or destiny, or just Google being his savior time and time again—but it hits him like a piano falling on top of him, like how it happens in cartoons. He has a project to deliver, and he is supposed to be working with this one dude in his class. Ryo…Suke? Maybe, Jeno thinks his name is Ryosuke. All he knows about him is that he wears a very expensive Rolex watch to class and that he is the typical representation of an exchange student. Very rich, extremely cool, and with the most gorgeous car—

The project is worth fifty percent of his grade, and if that is not a red sign to skip the next few hours of work to get to do it then what would be? Nonetheless, Jeno really thinks about it. Ryosuke must be a responsible guy, and he is dating one of the most intelligent people on campus—this one nursery school dude that Jeno does not really know about. Besides, Jeno would actually lose his job if his boss ever did so much as visit the cinema only to find Jaemin alone.

So the only answer to this issue is texting Ryosuke and ask him how the project is doing and if he needs help, right?

The best thing that could happen would be Ryosuke telling Jeno that it is already finished.

An hour passes by, and as Jeno watches another set of people getting out of one of the auditoriums, he picks up his phone to find zero to no messages. He tries calling, but he always goes back to the voice-mail. His patience is wearing thin, and he really just wants to get out of there and make some half-assed project, but he can’t entirely do that for reasons that he already knows. He places his phone down on the counter, sighing deeply and listening to Jaemin say something about how he ‘needs to relax or he is going to get wrinkles early on in his life’, but there is not a single cell in Lee Jeno’s body that seems to mind. All he wants is some kind of response, and to pass that class that has been bothering him with vigorous will.

His phone vibrates, almost in cue, and Jeno thinks that he hears the sound of angels singing in the background when he sees that Ryosuke had replied. His eyes in the shape of half-moons meet the text, his smile dropping entirely when he sees the continuous question marks and then a small: “Uh…wrong number. I’m not Ryosuke. In fact, I’m not a dude haha.”

Jeno does not find it funny and maybe, he should have taken a second or two to think, breathe, understand what is going on—and that he could have made a mistake, over all. Either way, Jeno acts irrationally, typing down on his phone with his thumbs. “It’s not funny. Dude, we have a project due tomorrow and I have not done anything. I can’t do anything, either, because I’m working. Can you be serious and talk about this with me?”

The response comes almost soon after, and when he reads it…he feels the sudden need to throw his cap on the floor and stomp over it childishly. He is angered, fervently trying his hardest not to call Ryosuke and scream directly to his face. “First off, dude, lay off. I’m not that Ryosuke guy, and I think you should really not treat people like this. Good night.”

Jeno’s face softens, imagining who the person on the other end is. The other people is probably confused, just as angered as he is but for different reasons and it is entirely surprising how life has parallels right in front of our eyes and we never truly realize. In the background, he hears the sound of some rap song faintly playing in the distance as he continues the conversation with a complete stranger. “Wait, you’re for real?”

“I am.” This supposed woman replies and Jeno presses his palm to his forehead, with his cheeks tinted in a pretty shade of pink as he thinks of how ridiculous he had been with his spamming messages. Jaemin takes notice of that, taking off his hat and hitting Jeno with it directly on his head, making the man with the lighter hair look up at him with a scrunched up nose.

Before Jeno could speak against Jaemin’s actions, however, his coworker speaks up. “Why are you sulking? If you really need to get that project done, I can steal the boss’ laptop for like a second or two and we can just do some half-assed thing. It’s no big deal.” While Jaemin’s idea is incredible—and he might end up doing such thing so save his grade—he picks up his phone as a response, giving it to Jaemin without much context, only taking a few seconds to start talking about it.

“I thought I had gotten Ryosuke’s number right…and I texted him all these things.” His fingers keep scrolling down on the insane amount of messages he had sent before he got a response. “And finally, this person told me they were not a dude and that I got it wrong and I snapped, so…this ends up badly for me because I was a total dickhead to a complete stranger and I am too embarrassed to keep the conversation.”

Jaemin chuckles, his cheeks lifting up by the action before he starts typing something down on the conversation. “I have the perfect idea.”

“J-Jaemin! Hey, dude, give me my phone back! What are you doing?” Something deep within him tells him not to trust Jaemin, but it is too late. Once he gets his phone back, a text has already been sent and by Jaemin’s boisterous laugh, it must be ridiculous. Jeno squints his eyes, taking his phone in his hands with outer fear. “I swear, Jaemin, if you did something bad—I am leaving you dick-less, right here, right now.”

His coworker can only shrug his shoulders, pointing at his phone with his left hand. “Go ahead. Take a peak.”

Jeno unlocks his phone, welcomed by the sight of the text conversation that he had left abandoned. His eyes widen when he sees something corny, unlike himself, but so much like how Na Jaemin has been in the entirety of his life. “I am so sorry. I must have ruined your night, but thank you for being nice enough to tell me you weren’t my classmate. I hope you have an excellent night as well, dream of the sweetest things, like yourself.” With a deep groan, Jeno pushes Jaemin’s shoulder and the young man can only smirk. “What even is this?! I don’t know this girl—and she wasn’t even sweet to start with.”

“I am trying to get you a girlfriend.”

“Yeah right, like I will find a girlfriend because of an accidental text—”

“You never know!” Jaemin comments before putting on his cap. “Besides, you need something good in your life…because you’re totally failing that project. I can tell you that much.”

The blonde haired guy rubs his temples, letting out an exhausted sigh that mixed in well with Monday mornings where people have to wake up early. “Just tell the boss to lend me his laptop so I can get that project done.”

“That’s my responsible baby.” Jaemin coos to make his friend even more annoyed, running his fingers over his cheek before chuckling as he waltzes away from the counter.

Luckily for him, he finishes the project. And even more luck comes his way when he doesn’t get a response from that unknown girl.

📷

June is just not Jeno’s month.

April had been one of his good months, with nice grades and a good haircut and definitely not a few strands of his hair going dry thanks to his newest hair-color. January had been filled with parties and gathering around with family and friends, eating more than he should with snacks from all over the world—for the first time in a while, he felt like he could finally relax. But June, the damned twin of July, is just getting to his nerves. First, he almost fails that one project that had leaded him to texting a person that he doesn’t even know—and the night before that, Jaemin had decided to awkwardly text said girl—and Ryosuke got two more points than him from some kind of privilege that he does not really know about.

He can’t deny it, that June isn’t his month, when he is riding on his motorcycle—an old thing that can barely keep up with his rendezvous from the college’s campus to the movie theater and then back to his shared apartment, sometimes accompanying him to a party or two, and the pouring rain is falling on top of his helmet. Jeno’s blonde strands of hair stick to his face as he tries his best to go as carefully as possible, barely even moving in the middle of the night after a tiresome day full of tests, and a night filled with movies that he has already seen a hundred times.

The engine vibrates, then he hears some kind of rhythm that leads to his motorcycle coming to a halt. The man gasps, broken and surprised as he tries to turn it on once again, the blinking sign the reminder that he had forgotten to fuel his motorcycle, mocking him with its red color and its constant movement. He gets off the car, turning on the lights so, at least, at the very least someone can see him—a good twenty minutes away from his apartment.

“Okay…okay…it’s okay…” Jeno breathes to himself in a mumble as he takes his phone out of his backpack, using his jacket as a shelter for the screen as he looks through his seas of contacts to see whom he should call. Maybe, he should go for his oldest roommate—Dongyoung, always one to help him with everything that he ever wishes for. He tries to think of someone else, but when he comes up with nothing, he presses the green button under Dongyoung’s contact. His mother is also an option to consider, but the least he wants is a car ride filled with scolding that goes along the lines of ‘You’re already nineteen, Jeno! Shouldn’t you know that you need to fuel your motorcycle?!’

The phone rings twice and thankfully, Dongyoung picks up. “Jeno, dude, uh…sorry…is it anything important?  I’m in the middle of something—”

“Yes! Dongyoung, my motorcycle died on me because I forgot to fuel—”

“What?” Dongyoung mumbles before clearing his throat. “I’m in the middle of class. The professor asked us to come here at nine…and I don’t get out until eleven.”

The phone reads 10:14 and Jeno really wants to cry for a moment. “Oh…no, it’s okay. I will try to push it to the apartment.”

“Sorry.”

“No worries.” Jeno holds his jacket over his head as he speaks before hanging up the phone. A raged sigh leaves his lips until he places his phone back on his pocket, cringing at the feeling of the damp clothing over his body touching his skin and making him shiver. All he wanted was getting home and eating some of his favorite spicy chips…and now he is there, pushing his own motorcycle with huffing breaths. “Seriously?” He speaks to no one before pushing even harder. “Don’t you want to, like, throw a ray at me or something? To make this night even better?”

The muscles of his arms start to become sore with the pushing of his motorcycle, his deltoids taking all the weight before he hears a sound coming from far away. The streets are almost alone, only for that one car that passes by while loudly playing the sound of Sik-K’s song (probably Iffy with how many times the word is repeated). The car passes by quickly, only that it stops when the person behind the steering wheel sees the sight of Jeno pushing his motorcycle. The person hesitates, going back to park beside Jeno before they pull the windows down.

For a moment, Jeno is prepared to scream at the top of his lungs in case it is a robber, but he is welcomed by the sight of a woman that looked pretty, with a flannel on and the heater on that created a warm atmosphere, past her beautiful eyes and her candid smile that is not really there. Her lips are painted a cute shade of red, fading thanks to the drink she is having—something like a Latte, most likely. Jeno widens his eyes in surprise when he gets questioned: “Hey, what happened to your motorcycle?”

Jeno licks his lips and his cheeks burn, perhaps because he is totally going to get sick with the rain that is pouring down on him or because she is really pretty, and definitely trying to help him. “Forgot to fuel it.”

The woman hums, turning off the radio entirely before saying: “Stop there. Let me park correctly.” And Jeno barely has the time to register what she said before he follows her instructions, watching her park in front of his motorcycle before getting out of her car with a raincoat on. She opens the back door of her car, pulling something out before walking towards Jeno. “I have some fuel here. You know what to do, right?”

Somehow, he thinks he has seen a goddess and he can’t help but grin widely at the sight of the bottle in her hands. “Yes! Yes! Thank you!” Jeno takes the product from her hands before doing a half-bow, going over to his motorcycle to finally get out of that hell. “I…I normally fuel it…but I have been having such a stressful set of weeks that I actually don’t know what I am doing anymore.”

She chuckles at that, crossing her arms over her chest to look at the man in front of her, kneeled beside his motorcycle to complete his task. “I get you. We all have those days.” Then, her eyes trail over his figure, soaked from head to toe—even though he is wearing a black polo underneath paired with dark jeans, his jacket is dripping from water and his shoes squeak whenever he moves. Her heart aches, somehow, even when his factions are set on fueling his motorcycle. Half-moons as eyes, lips thin and a tall nose to match. “I think I also have an old raincoat somewhere in the backseat. It’s kind of…not that good, but it could work for you—”

Jeno looks at her with surprise in his eyes. “No! No, this is already enough. Please, don’t bother.”

“It’s a Hello Kitty raincoat. It’s totally not a bother.” The young man chuckles at her words when he gets a glimpse of her body leaning against her car to catch that Hello Kitty raincoat that she was talking about. “I think I have it since high school or something…I never got rid of it. Maybe, it was destined to be for you.”

“I…don’t think so.”

“What’s your name?”

“Jeno.”

“Yes. Definitely destined for you.” She chuckles before taking the raincoat in between her hands. “That’s the name of someone who would love this raincoat.”

“My mom picked it for me. I didn’t know it meant that.” Jeno jokes back and he hears the soft sound of her laughter, mixed with the rain that is starting to die down, like a flower in the middle of winter. He feels the fabric of the raincoat falling on top of his shoulder, folded for him to put on if he feels like it. “You’re too good for a stranger. I’m starting to think you’re going to kidnap me.”

She sighs. “No, absolutely not!” Though, her tone is sincere. When Jeno looks at her, finished with his task that will help him finally going back home, he realizes that her eyelashes are bathed in small drops of rain and that her mouth, although quirked in a tiny smile, almost goes unseen to the people that don’t look from near. He pushes his wet hair back with his hands, putting on the raincoat that stays snugly against his shoulders. “I am a huge believer of doing good and getting something good in return.” His fingers push against the broken skin beside his nails, appearing like ungodly beings to bother his days. Jeno ponders, then, if maybe he is the exception of the rule. He does well in life, and then again he is always welcomed by little surprises that are not particularly excellent.

“That’s a good way of thinking.”

“Hello Kitty stuff is definitely meant to go with you.”

“Huh? Thanks…that’s…that’s a first time. I’ve never heard that.” His hand rubs the back of his neck and then, with a gleeful smile that could be shown in history books as the reason why wars ended, he finishes the conversation. “Gotta head back home now. Thank you. Really. I can totally pay for what you just did—”

“It’s not necessary.” She replies, like a knight in a shining armor for him and he breathes out with a starry gaze. “I’ll just head back now. Please, get home safe.”

Jeno promises, silently and softly, that he will with a simple gaze and a nod. She hides her hands in her pockets after blowing on them, whispering awkwardly the delicate words that mean their departure. “Thank you. Have a good night!”

She laughs at the sight of the guy, cladded in a Hello Kitty raincoat, with a grin that will forever be engraved in her brain and she replies with a similar sentence. Jeno might not be the luckiest guy, he is very far away from being so, but blessed shall the beauty of people be when they still remain happy after terrible encounters, that have smiles that shine brighter than a million golden dust particles that join in a desert. Those people, absentmindedly, make days for other individuals way easier—even if they don’t realize it.

📷

“Jeno.”

“Yes?”

“Jeno.”

“I’m listening.”

“Je to the No.”

“Jaemin, I swear I’m paying attention—”

“Jeno—”

Life is testing Jeno’s patience, and he is starting to run low on a lot of things. Motivation…and that one thing that has to do with time and accepting just how annoying waiting really is, or comprehending people that are clearly a pain in the ass. Jeno’s back is hunched, watching a movie thanks to the half-opened door of the auditorium, and while he would love to concentrate on the thriller that he is watching, Jaemin is calling for his attention. A grin is on Jaemin’s face and when Jeno inspects him, he realizes that there is something different. No—Jaemin is still wearing the same uniform as always, cap and polo that matches Jeno’s, and no…Jaemin has not whitened his teeth or dyed his hair a different color (it is still the same bland brown as last year), but what is unlike him is that he is holding Jeno’s phone. And that doesn’t particularly make him mad, but what angers him is that Jaemin has unlocked his phone.

The man is smiling even brighter, shaking the device in front of Jeno’s face. “You finally got a text back from the mysterious girl that I’m trying to pair you up with.”

The girl whom Jaemin had texted four weeks ago; because Jeno is incapable of doing such an embarrassing thing without getting at least one thing in return: money or a shit load of money. The blond male squints his eyes, taking the phone from Jaemin’s hold to look at the text, but before he says: “How did you figure out my password? You’re totally a stalker, dude—”

“Jeno…using the year you were born as your password is a classic. I just figured it out.” Jeno chuckles at that, because it is better to face life with a smile than living it with a frown. His fingers hover over the screen before he pushes on the unknown number that he had texted accidentally, only that he had changed the contact’s name from ‘Ryosuke’ to ‘Not Ryosuke’. If that is not embarrassing, he does not know what is. He is met with the sight of a text, as if she had completely ignored what he had written beforehand, and that is probably what happened.

“How do you deal with a friend that makes you feel like you’re less but they are your only friend and you don’t know how to get away from them? Hah, sorry for asking, I just really need someone to talk to…and you’re a stranger…so…”

“What does it say?!” Jaemin tries to peek, and Jeno is surprised that Jaemin had not tried to at least get a glimpse of what the text said. Jeno’s heart is aching, however, because he has been lucky enough to have friends that love him, and that he loves back. He has never been in such a position, thankful of not feeling lonely most of the time, though there are some days when it can’t be helped. Jeno shushes him, turning around so his back is facing Jaemin and his phone in trapped between a corner and himself.

“That’s my problem.” He hears Jaemin whining somewhere behind him, but like always, Jaemin does not really care about a lot of things. His fingers continue to stand awaiting for his brain to come up with a response, and he reads the message again. Perhaps, it is something similar to having that one class you really study hard for…and yet everyone else is better than you. Jeno can relate to that, now. Then, he types down: “I think you should pull away from those type of people. I don’t know you, but I know you shouldn’t feel like you’re less than anyone. If a person makes you feel like that, they are not worth hanging out with.”

Perhaps, somewhere in that city, cladded in sheets on their bed while waiting for a response is a woman that needs a friend—a person that is watching a movie with a lost gaze in their eyes while her brain comes up with millions of insecurities and a bad comment to herself along the way. It happens to everyone, and if Jeno is able to help anyone go through that, he will. His assumptions are proven right, however, when he is introduced to a new text almost immediately. “But I won’t have anyone to talk to…and I don’t know, I don’t want to be lonely.”

Jeno frowns at that, typing without really thinking: “It’s better to be alone than to hang out with people that make you feel bad!” He writes that down before he realizes that he feels some kind of sympathy towards this woman, and he feels like he really needs to do something good to receive amazing things in life. For that, he follows the advice from the woman with the Hello Kitty raincoat, and he continues this conversation: “Besides, whenever you feel lonely, just text me! When you’re free, when you’re bored, whenever!”

The answer comes quickly: “Yeah? Then…what are you doing now?”

There are people made to be doctors. There are people made to be nurses. There are teachers that show the importance of concepts, and there are paychecks that complete the tasks of all these people. However, the importance of healing goes past a career, past medicines and shots, it comes from the power of words or visuals. Jeno has seen movies that have healed him, and he wants to be that for someone—even if it is only one person that considers him more than just another mindless person in the world.

He fulfills his promise of talking to her whenever he can, basking on long conversations about their favorite music styles, what bothers them and what doesn’t, what is their favorite season and others things. He learns that she enjoys summer because winter changes her mood entirely, and Jeno tells her about that one time he accidentally let his friend’s phone fall to the floor when it was tossed at him and he had his first fist fight (even though Donghyuck forgave him after he bought ice cream for the two). It is an ongoing conversation, without ‘goodbyes’ or ‘good night’s’. It is all about finding a friend in a stranger, and while people are used to meeting each other by views…either in life or physically, Jeno finds this way of meeting someone a little bit more interesting.

📷

He’s going to say it now: Jeno fucking hates—despises, really—projects. Much more when he has the luck of getting the most stupid of topics, or the worst of days to present it, or simply anything that goes against his will. This time around, a huge project was asked for one of his signatures and they had to be extremely creative—record a video that introduced a place as if it was a movie scene, showcasing edits, colors and filters. Basically, whatever they wanted. Some of his classmates got buildings, or parks, or aesthetic spots like coffee shops to make a romantic type of introduction in the video. Jeno almost felt like he was going to fail when he got told that he got a thrift store as his spot for recording.

He wanted to scream at the professor that it would have been better to assign him the dollar store. It would basically have the same amount of fabric to cut for him to record that video, and movie-style to say the least. However, Jeno sucked it up and wrote down the address to the thrift store his professor had told him about before promising himself that he was going to start on the project early so he could do some kind of magic to come up with something remotely acceptable. So, one day after he gets assigned such place, he picks up his camera and some equipment, placing them inside his backpack and driving as carefully as possible in his motorcycle—after all, he doesn’t want his camera equipment to go flying away from his motorcycle onto the road.

Once he gets to the thrift store, the first thing he sees is a row of clothes, from fluffy coats to long ones to leather jackets. There are old pictures from very old American bands hanging from the walls and he feels like the tacky beige color of the store is what bothers him the most, but he will have to really think about what he wants to do. His ears perk up when he hears a familiar song, the same chorus that he had heard when his motorcycle died on him, something along the lines of ‘iffy’ and his mind is immediately reminded of two people: the girl that helped him with his motorcycle and the girl behind the texts, who also adores Sik-K’s music.

He walks further into the store, rubbing his hands together, cladded in his sweater paws. He whistles softly, trying to catch the attention of the people working there, being met by the sight of a person that he has seen once in his life, but that he would recognize anywhere. She is no different, still with her pretty eyes looking thoughtful and lost in their own will, carrying a bag towards a taller and younger looking guy—his nametag says Jisung, and her nametag has him repeating her name inside his head to remember. The guy by the counter is the first one to notice him, and by the time he turns to look at the now-purple-haired Jeno, he lets the box fall to the floor with a bang.

“Jisung!” She hisses as she hits Jisung’s shoulder with the palm of her hand.

“Sorry, sorry!” He apologizes as he bends down to pick up what had fallen out of the box. She fixes her shirt, lifting her gaze to be met by Jeno—that same guy that she had helped in the road like two months ago. He comes closer, waving at her and by the look in her eyes, she must have thought something about his hair, for she takes a look at it. In his mind, Jeno thinks she has just realized he went from a bleached blonde to a soft lavender, but perhaps she is thinking about how he looks exactly like a bath bomb.

“You’re…wow…hi!” She introduces, leaning forward on the counter and smiling happily at the sight of Jeno. “You’re Jeno, the guy with the motorcycle.”

“I am. I would love to say the same thing with your name, but I don’t really know it.” Jeno adds and she shakes her head with a laugh, telling him her name slowly but he already knew it, given thanks to the nametag on her shirt. He sees the screen of the computer by the counter, a YouTube playlist showing a lot of hits from the rapper that seems to have a lot of fans. If two people he knows are huge fans of him, that is something big. “I take it you’re still not over that song?”

Embarrassment pokes at her cheeks and she sighs. “If I like something, I really like it. It’s rare for me to get over things.” She replies casually and Jeno nods his head, resting his hands on the counter to lean forward. Then, he feels someone’s gaze over his face and he realizes that the other worker is glancing at him.

“That’s good.” He adds with a smile, completely ignoring the guy that is unabashedly looking at him. “Uh…this might sound really awkward, but I have a project to complete. Basically, I have to take some good shots of this thrift store, movie style and I would ask for your permission to record here.”

“That’s fine with me. I don’t think there is a rule against that…” She answers and then, she rests her chin on the palm of her hand, elbow flushed against the surface of the counter. “What kind of project is it? Schoolwork?”

“I’m a film major.” What once Jeno had boosted on—his major and how good he is at it—is now his biggest insecurity. He doesn’t think he is good now, nor does he think he is getting better. He hates the fact that he has lost his confidence in something that made (Makes? Will make?) him happy. “And I really didn’t like the idea of recording in this kind of place, but I think I have an idea now.”

She shrugs her shoulders at that. “Consider me in. I’ll help you with anything you need.”

Jeno smiles at that. “Actually…I do need your help.”

“You do?”

“Yes.” Jeno finishes and then, he takes his camera equipment out of his backpack. He flutters his eyelashes against his cheeks when he smiles, half-moons welcoming her once again and Jeno is starting to feel a little bit heated up when he is around her. Pretty, definitely reminds him a lot of the girl he is texting. “I’m going to do a kind of look-book. I’m going to be my own model, but I need some styling assistance. I want a 90’s vibe, with warm colors and a lot of style references and hopefully you can help me get some nice shots, too.”

She widens her eyes, because it may be too much to ask for someone who should actually be working, but when Jeno thinks that she is going to decline his offer politely, she tucks a strand of her hair behind her ear as she rambles about an idea she had. “I saw these glasses that we have that are so like what you are describing. I think we can put some outfits together and all that stuff.”

“That’s it! You see my vision!” Jeno lifts his hand up in the air and she gives him a high five, the two exchanging smiles in an enchanting way. She pulls away from him, talking about what she is envisioning inside her brain and Jeno listens to her excitement. “You have to turn me into Sik-K.”

She looks over her shoulder, chuckling before shaking her head. “You want me to turn you into my dream guy?”

Jeno gasps at that, placing his hand over his chest in faux offensiveness. “Listen—on a scale of one to ten, that rapper is a nine point seven and I am a nine point eight.”

Her laughter is soft before she bites down on her bottom lip, gently. “I don’t need to turn you into him. I think you’re fine as you are.”

His heart flutters at the compliment, strangely enough.

What starts with one outfit turns into two and three. Luckily for him, they find a good corner of the big thrift store to come up with something good and along the way, she captures a lot of what Jeno wanted in this recording of his. Ripped jeans, flannels, caps, glasses, some band shirts and then onto brighter colors. At some point, along the third outfit, Jeno feels shy—not because he is looking bad, quite the contrary, he looks so good and so done up that he almost feels like he is not himself. She had picked a beige suit that had been there for quite a few years, paired with a black t-shirt underneath, tucked inside the high-waisted beige pants that made his legs look longer. Somehow, the lavender shade of his hair looked good with the colors and for that one shot, he was thinking of going outside. Maybe, a view from underneath that showed more of the sky and less of blank walls and the dim lightning of the thrift store. Something that would make the colors of the suit really stand out.

Once he comes out of the fitting room, he immediately seeks for her approval. Her eyes go up and down his body, a smile appearing on her face at the mere sight of him. Jeno, like a dream that just came out of the nineties, is the type of person that anyone would fall for. “Oh…I made a good choice.” That boosts Jeno’s ego, his hands fidgety at being the center of attention, but he doesn’t show it all that much. “So, what’s your plan?”

“A sky shot…but I brought my tripod. You can go back to work.”

Before Jeno could take the camera away from her hands, however, she shakes her head and that leads her to bring the camera closer to her chest. “Jisung’s got it…besides, it’s too early for people to drop by here and actually take my attention, so let me help you with this!”

Jeno squints his eyes, resting his hands inside the not-so-deep pockets of the suit he is wearing as he walks alongside her. “You’re really a whole angel, with a halo and all that stuff.” He compliments and the sight of her grin is enough to make him continue. He stares ahead, nonetheless, not wanting to look like she has him interested. “I might have to pay you with something. You like movies?”

“I mean…who doesn’t?”

“Exactly.” Jeno says and then, he nudges her side with his elbow. “I’ll give you a ticket to any movie you want once. This offer is only available for a month, though.”

She gasps at his offer, holding the camera up to his face once they are outside. Jeno says something about her kneeling down and as he thinks of his pose, she speaks. “No way!”

“Yes, of course! I work at a cinema, it’s what I can do.” Jeno adds and before she could say anything else—something along the lines of not wanting to accept—he interrupts her. “I want a shot of me kind of covering my face and looking down, you know.” Jeno grabs the jacket that he had brought with himself initially, that she had over her shoulder for some reason, and he talks to her. “Lift your knees up. I don’t want you getting aches.” He says and she does as he ordered, watching as he placed the somewhat fluffy jacket under her weight. “Kay.” He mumbles before he smiles. “Don’t laugh at me.”

“I won’t.”

Anyone could notice that Jeno is comfortable with himself, although his confidence has been vanishing a bit. His eyes are covered from the sun with a hand that splays softly across his face elegantly, moving to his side so the length of his legs can be seen. She moves around a bit, enough to get nice shots of him—not that his angles were bad, in any way—and the last thing Jeno does is smile happily, perhaps because he has finished his project with enough footage to do something, or because it is rare to get help. The acts of kindness he has seen during this year are almost nonexistent,

Sometimes, all we need is someone to remind us that society is not as rotten as it seems to be. That the sun hides, like any of us do, but some time in its life it will come up to remind everyone just how important it is. Jeno thinks that helping someone twice without expecting anything in return is almost impossible, but he can only hope that a handful of good things happen to the woman that seems more like an angel to him. When he is stepping out of the thrift store, changed and holding a bag that kept the suit he had worn—thanks to her, because she says that suit was meant to be worn by him—, he takes his phone out of his pocket before asking:

“Can I have your number? We can talk about that movie thing I offered earlier.”

She nods her head, bashful and tingling with excitement as she dictates her phone number. Jeno writes it down, until he sees there is already one person saved under that name…

Not Ryosuke.

That girl.

“Holy fuck!” Jeno laughs at the own twists and twirls of life, like a ballerina that forgot her steps. She looks at him as if he is crazy, and maybe he is, because in the matter of seconds he is showing her the screen and her expression suddenly turns into one of realization. “I didn’t know we already knew each other. I promise this wasn’t planned.”

“Well…that’s unexpected.” She whispers before rubbing her temples with her fingers. “No wonder you reminded me so much of him.”

“Exactly.” Jeno smiles and then, he changes the contact’s name and licks his lips soon after. “I still keep my promises, though. We’re going to watch any movie you want.”

“Yes—!”

“Hey, there is another box of underwear here and I’m too scared to look. What if it’s dirty?!” Jisung asks in a loud tone from somewhere in the store and she curses under her breath, saying her goodbyes and waving at him before going over to the young man.

Jeno should have known that there will never be two of her.

📷

“Guess what I found.”

“I don’t know.”

“My old Nintendo DS. And I have Nintendogs on it.”

“Ooh, this is going to be a wild night.”

Sometimes, life surprises Jeno. Any of us, really. Think of the amount of times you have gotten bad news on a good day, or vice versa, and you’ll be surprised by the fact that there is no amount of sixth senses that can help you with knowing the future. That is scary, on one end, to not know if you’re going to be happy for the entirety of your life or if there is an abyss of emotions waiting for you. In this occasion, he is not bothered by said facts, because he is with her. The woman whom he had taken to the cinema for free, and he had asked Jaemin to cover him as he watched a movie for the nth time. They talked a lot, getting a few glances from the people who were actually trying to watch the movie, but Jeno works there. What are they going to do? Call the manager on him?

Luckily, they didn’t call the manager.

And now he is there, third date if you may call it—if buying her a bagel when she gets out of work counts as a date—. He thinks it was, simply because he had walked her home after that. Right now, they are seated across one of the prettiest parks in Seoul, a red and white fabric underneath them as a simplistic way of indicating they are on a picnic date, but the food is already gone and he actually wanted to play some games with her. Nintendogs sounded like a good idea. It included animals and definitely not a lot of effort.

They say meeting your soulmate consists of finding someone exactly like you, but be damned the person that created such concept. Sometimes, you just need someone that connects with you—that is the complete opposite of you and yet, they are willing to spend time with one another. Jeno pulls the hood of his shirt up his hair, considering if he should dye it back to black after he heard her say she likes that color on him—thanks to some pictures she had seen—but for now, lavender will do. She gets closer to him, watching the screen as it displays the entrance logo and then, the sight of a poodle welcomes them, along with her laughter. “Oh no, you did not!”

“Did not what?” Jeno asks and then his eyes go to the dog’s name, chuckling along with her at the sight of his poor attempt at an English name. Ducky. “I didn’t know Ducky was like…duck, you know. I thought it was cute.”

“That’s the blandest, most random name for a dog.” She plays around with the screen a little bit, trying to feed the dog only to be welcomed by the zeroes on his account. “And we’re basically at the verge of being poor?! Jeno! We need to find cheats for this game so we can feed the dog!”

“We are going to take him to a running championship and get some cash. Relax.” Jeno looks at her, their faces far too close for two people who have not even gotten remotely close to kissing. Not that Jeno does not want to, but he had kind of forgotten how to take that step. He doesn’t want to seem like an absolute creep, but he would be lying if he said that he does not enjoy the sight of her glossy lips coated in lip-gloss only recently. “Just trust me?” He whispers, his eyes shining like the stars that she has gotten tired of seeing, but they seem brand new on his orbits. She seems to try to find somewhere to look at, like his eyes or his lips or everything, because everything about him deserves to be looked at.

“I trust you.”

“Doesn’t seem like it.”

“And how can I show you that I really trust you?”

Jeno raises his eyebrows momentarily, trying to find the words in him to tell her something, anything, maybe there are no words that could compare to what a kiss would mean. Jeno is a coward, however, bumping his shoulder with hers and saying a simple: “I know you already trust me, silly.”

And anyone could tell, from meters or miles away, that the pair liked one another. Not like how the sun likes the moon, those type of analogues are starting to die down, but like two people who simply knew the biggest meaning behind feeling something. It was meant to be there, to be lived, to be felt, to be embraced because no matter how much sadness or despair, happiness or anger is felt, it should be given time to stay there and coexist with you.

He saves it for later, because it is always more of a comforting blanket to imagine that things will get easier along the way. Someday, he is going to kiss her and he is going to do it right. For now, however, he will keep that action on the low.

📷

He has never told her that he loves the way she looks at him.

It has been five dates, and Jeno is still looking for that perfect moment to finally kiss her, but it is a thought that passes through his brain when they are roaming around a convenience store to get some snacks for their videogame night. Jeno holds the door open for her, and she looks over her shoulder just to thank him in a soft tone, but he is more than glad that someone like her likes him the moment he finally realizes just how she glances at him. There is something in her eyes, as if she sees Jeno as someone that is worth more than a million things. To her, he is a human being that shines his light—not only because of his successes, but for his failures, too. Jeno is strong, in one way or another, not only when he holds her but when he continues for his dreams, even when he feels like giving up.

The air conditioner is quite too cold at the convenience store, and they are taking their precious time to pick their snacks or the drinks they are going to have. She complains under her breath that her t-shirt is too thin to keep her warm, and that is Jeno’s cue to wrap his arms around her waist, bringing his chest closer to her back and his lips to press down on her shoulder. There is also not a single soul near them at the convenience store, only the workers that don’t seem to be paying that much attention to anything but the soccer game that is displayed in one of the TV’s. “Jeno,” She whines, although she leans back a bit as she looks through the packages of ramen she was just looking at. “What do you want? Pork flavored…chicken…seafood?”

“I’m feeling chicken tonight.” Jeno whispers and she giggles when his lips move against her neck.

“You’re tickling me.”

“Cute.”

“Stop it, Jeno. People are going to look at us weirdly.”

“You were cold!”

“And?”

“We need to survive.”

“I’m not going to die from the cold.”

Jeno groans as he pulls away from her, taking a cart from nearby to put three packages of ramen inside the cart, moving forward as they remain in silence for a few seconds, pondering on what they should buy next. “I’m going to take revenge. I’m so going to beat your bum on Just Dance.”

She fakes a shivering motion, as if it is going up her spine. “I am shaking. Look at me.” She replies and Jeno juts out his bottom lip in a pout. She chuckles at the sight, immediately turning to look at him and properly give him all her attention. Sometimes, he wonders if this is the best he will ever feel with someone, because he has had a number of girlfriends…and none of them had made him feel like this. There aren’t butterflies roaming around his stomach, neither a zoo—it feels peaceful, like she is meant to be there and he is meant to accompany her, and they were meant to meet. Through text, or through his motorcycle running out of fuel. “I’m kidding.” She cutely adds before pinching his cheeks, moving his face from one side to the other before sighing. “Let’s keep shopping.”

The best part of the night that is only starting comes when they get out of the convenience store, walking over to Jeno’s motorcycle as they speak about their encounters with videogames. When he gets on his spot, he feels her sitting down behind him, something that she has done a few times already, but the moment she wraps her arms around his waist, bag filled with snacks sounding with the quick breeze, Jeno turns around, placing one hand over hers to ask:

“Are you set in place? I don’t want you falling off the motorcycle or something.” He turns on the motorcycle as he says those words, and she smiles before nodding her head. Jeno, either way, asks once again. “Are you sure? I’m being mad serious.”

Before he knows it, he feels the soft texture of her lips pressing against his in a quick kiss, as if she just needs to remind him that he is the most caring person she has ever met in this world, and there is nothing else she would rather be doing at that moment. Jeno continues the kiss, only pulling away when she does so to open his eyes softly to look at her. She pats his bicep, as if nothing had happened, but then she rests her cheek against his back. “I’ll be fine. Let’s just go.”

“I don’t think I want to go now.” He says, still starting the motorcycle and driving it towards his shared apartment.

“Why?”

“Because you had more balls than me to kiss me and that’s…that’s the most attractive shit ever, oh my God.”

And the sound of her laughter is enough to ease him up.

📷

Jeno has always loved comedy movies, and while he should really get tired of watching hours and hours of footage of both good and bad movies, he never does. For some reason, Jeno thinks that every movie is worth a watch, but when he is feeling down, he likes to have a good laugh when his face is illuminated by the colors of the television screen, wrapped snugly in a blanket, only staring ahead even when his eyes are technically burning from his long hours of movie-watching. Any other day, he would have been accompanied by Dongyoung’s grumbling about how he cannot watch movies in such a high volume, but right now he hears the sound of his door opening, then some heels clicking and finally, the sound of his keys being tossed to his side.

The light turns on, and he is welcomed by the sight of his girlfriend, who takes in his surroundings. Bags of snacks that are left empty, his hair a mess under his blankets, his thin lips plumper thanks to the spicy chicken he had and finally, just finally, she lets out a smile that greets him with a new beginning, telling him that he will be alright, even when life tries to tell him it won’t. “Try to brush your hair at least, okay?” She asks, walking forward to pull the blanket off Jeno and run her fingers through his hair. He closes his eyes, now realizing just how tired he is. Of finally coming to the realization that he has failed that class that he has been fighting so hard to pass, of living his life with his creativity tied to the words in a book, of the insomniac nights and the footage he deletes. He rests his face against her stomach, wrapping his arms around her legs and closing his eyes tightly.

“I was just too lazy to do anything.” Jeno whispers against her stomach, tickling her with the movement of his lips before he rests his chin against the skin, looking up with tired eyes. “I thought you were going to study for a test.”

“I studied earlier because I knew you’d be down.” The answer makes his heart grow in size and he bites his bottom lip, trying his hardest to give her one of those bright smiles that he tends to give away like it is Christmas time, but he fails entirely. Is it his fault that he has only liked two genres in his life: action and comedy, and that he is living through the worst drama that he has ever seen? Maybe, but that is just how life is. She takes a seat beside him, turning off the device in front of them before scoffing. “Baby, I am so proud of you…and you should be proud, too. Sure, you failed that class…but you tried your hardest, and learned a lot, and improved.” He looks at her, finally coming to the realization that he might like a new genre of movies now. Romance, even when he surely gags at how stupid most romance movies are, but theirs…the one they have made…seems to be bound to have a good ending. “That is what is important. Just take that same class with another professor next time and you’ll be fine.”

“Yes. I’ll be fine. Thank you.” Jeno whispers and then, he smacks her thigh lightly, although the sound goes around the living room. “Let me brush my teeth and then we can take a nap, okay?”

“I’d love that.”

When he stands up to go to the bathroom, he takes one last glance at his girlfriend, looking through his selection of movies with a peaceful look on her face and he smiles.

Life is not like a movie, but some things are way better.

[k-popscenxrios]

Didn’t Ask For This Pt 7 (Roommate!JK x OC)

A/N: It’s your local slacker here! Get ready, because this chapter is probably the best yet. I feel like I say that with every post, but I honestly feel that way! Anyway, on with the show! ;p

Summary: “I didn’t know you hated me so much,” he spoke as he grabbed my wrist and once again turned me around to face him, “and quite honestly, I don’t think I’ve done anything horrible enough for you to hate me to the degree that you do.” “You say that like the hate isn’t mutual,” I remarked as he shook his head. There was a bitter smile on his face as he took a deep breath, “I think you are quite honestly one of the worst human beings I’ve had to come in contact with.”

6.3k words | drama ✞ | fluff ♡ | slight mature themes ✗

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | Finale

⇨ Masterlist ⇦

”Hey Tae,” I smiled as I walked in the door. Jungkook walked in behind me as Taehyung glanced up at the two of us. He seemed to be a little more tense than normal, and I felt worry bubble in my stomach.

I walked over to him and sat down on the couch next to him. He tried to give me a smile, but I could tell that it was forced.

“Is everything okay?” I asked as Taehyung took a deep breath. I looked over at Jungkook as he also seemed to grow concerned at his friends sad state.

“Well, work was just plain horrible,” Taehyung bitterly laughed as I frowned and grabbed his hand to comfort him, “it’s my own fault, really. I kinda deserved it.”

“I doubt that very seriously,” I squeezed his hand, “Just tell us what happened.”

…

Taehyung walked in the door to his workplace as he felt nerves bubble in his stomach. He was working a shift with Jennie and Hana.

Hana was one of the sweetest girls that he had ever met. She was an old high school acquaintance, and when he started his job at the coffee shop, she was very nice to teach him all the ins and outs of the store. He already knew what he needed to brew the coffees, so she spent more time giving him tips on how to deal with certain coworkers.

When she started going over what to do and not do around Jennie, the atmosphere between them seemed to shift. Taehyung became more aware of the fact that he was working with Jennie than he was of the words Hana was saying to him.

When he met up with Jennie, she was quick to start flirting with him a decent bit. She was very eager to have a conversation with him, which in hindsight, Taehyung was pretty sure that she just wanted back in Jungkook’s life. It would explain why she seemed so excited that the two of them were not only still friends, but best friends.

Because of being blinded by Jennie and her sudden interest in him, Hana has become a second thought. Taehyung wasn’t even sure if he’d actually properly had a conversation with her after Jennie and him began flirting.

He was determined to not only apologize to the poor girl, but to ask her out on a date. He was terrified that it wasn’t going to go well, but he wasn’t going to flake out of it.

It wasn’t long before he spotted Hana standing in the back near one of their training computers. She was probably tasked with assigning the other new employees their training modules online, as well as running a few of them through a few demonstrations with their machines.

“Hey, Hana,” Taehyung greeted with a small smile as she spun around with a surprised look on her face. He didn’t fail to notice the hint of red in her cheeks over him speaking to her. “I don’t know how to best start this, but I just wanted to apologize to you.”

She slightly frowned and glanced behind him before looking in his eyes again.

“I’ve been pretty rude to you, and I have no excuse for it. I would love to take you out for dinner tonight if you’re free.”

She opened her mouth with a shocked expression on her face. She seemed almost upset over his words, and Taehyung felt himself grow increasingly nervous.

“I’m sorry, Taehyung,” she swallowed and slightly grimaced, “I’ve actually got a date tonight, already. He was the class president in high school if you remember him… Kim Namjoon?”

Taehyung raised his eyebrows and opened his mouth, but nothing came out. Namjoon? That guy? Now that Taehyung thought about it, he didn’t have a clue what that man was up to, anymore. Hoseok has been the Vice President if their class senior year, and that was Taehyung’s only tie to the guy.

“How is he?” Taehyung tried to change the subject, and Hana didn’t fail to notice why.

“He’s good. I haven’t seen him since high school, but I ran into him at the Apple Store. He works there now. He’s actually the one who fixed my phone.” Hana slightly blushed in embarrassment as Taehyung took a deep breath.

“He’s working at Apple? Just as a tech guy or…?”

“Pretty sure he’s the manager there,” Hana looked down. Taehyung bit his tongue as he just nodded and took a deep breath.

“That’s really awesome for him. Tell him Taehyung said hi when you see him tonight.”

Taehyung wasted no time turning around and almost rushing away. Hana reached out and called out his name to stop him from rushing off, but he was out of the back room before her voice left her throat.

…

I took a deep breath and wrapped an arm around Taehyung’s shoulders. He tried to seem like he was okay, but I could see through him easily.

“She’s probably making out with him at his unnecessarily large house that he has downtown,” Taehyung sad bitterly as I ran my fingers through his hair to try and relax him.

“Taehyung, stop,” I spoke softly, “so what if he might have more money than you? Plus, there are plenty of girls out there. You didn’t even mention this girl to me when you were in school.”

Taehyung stayed quiet at that fact.

“She’s not the only person out there. There are so many beautiful girls that are just waiting for Kim Taehyung to fall for them.”

Taehyung looked over at me and smiled sadly. He grabbed my hand that was playing with his hair and pulled it down to rest on his shoulder.

“I love you, Ari,” he squeezed my hand as I leaned in and placed a kiss on his forehead.

“I love you, too,” I responded after placing the kiss. We pulled away from each other afterward just for us to sit in silence.

“I talked to Hoseok about you,” Taehyung spoke up as both Jungkook and I seemed to simultaneously stiffen.

“What’d he say?” I was dying to look Jungkook’s way, but I was not about to freak Taehyung out. He was already upset as it is.

“He said that he was going to text you when he got home tonight. He wants to go on a real date with you,” Taehyung smiled excitedly as I tried to mimic his excitement. It’d be my first real date…

But something in my gut made me feel guilty. What did I have to feel guilty about? This really sweet, really smart guy wants to go on a real date with me!

I gave in to my urges as I looked Jungkook’s way. I couldn’t help but feel my heart being squeezed as I realized that Jungkook was indifferently scrolling through his phone. He didn’t seem to care.

...and who as I kidding? Why did I care what he was thinking or feeling? We hate each other…

I glanced at my phone, but I still didn’t have any messages. I couldn’t help but feel a little nervous about what Taehyung said. Shouldn’t he be home by now?

“Have you gotten a text?” Taehyung asked as I looked up with slightly wide eyes. I was staring at my phone a little too long…

“Yeah!” I lied as I tried to glance at Jungkook discreetly, “I didn’t think anything of it, but he sent one a bit ago. It was from an unknown number, so I didn’t open the message.”

“I’m so happy for you,” Taehyung ruffled my hair as I pouted and moved away from his hand.

“Thanks, now I’m going to my room to change. Don’t bother me.”

“Wasn’t planning on it,” Jungkook mumbled as Taehyung just laughed. I swallowed and glared his way before rushing off to my room.

::

It was weird having a shift without seeing Chaeyoung or Jungkook, but it was actually kind of nice. I was able to focus more on getting the job done in a timely manner instead of being distracted.

I was working the same shift as Yoongi, but he was working concessions while I was, like usual, cleaning.

It wasn’t a very busy day, to my relief, making the shift an easy one. It didn’t take me more than five minutes to clean each theater.

I was about to mark today as a very uneventful day, but when my eyes met the eyes of my old friend, Soomin, my eyes widened. A million emotions flowed within me as a huge smile appeared on her face. She rushed up to me with excitement as I smiled and tried to not freak out on the outside.

“Ari!! It’s been so long since I’ve seen you!” She opened her arms up for a hug as I responded by leaning in and wrapped my arms around her, “How have you been?”

“Pretty good,” I nodded as we pulled away from the hug, “What about you? Are you having fun at college?”

“Are you kidding?” Soomin leaned forward and her eyes grew wide with excitement, “College is the best! I have never had this many friends at once! Not to mention that I have several hot guys that are hitting on me all at once.”

“Wow,” I swallowed as I raised my eyebrows, “Sounds like you’ve been living it up!”

“Hell yeah!” She glanced around and spotted Yoongi behind one of the registers, “I see Yoongi still works here, too. Any luck?”

I shook my head and shrugged, “No. We’ve talked about it, but we’re just not right for each other.”

Soomin pursed her lips in disappointment as she seemed to be racking her brain for another topic to catch up on.

“How’s Taehyung?” she smiled as I felt relieved at her topic choice. As much as I was dying to ask, I was terrified to talk about Jungkook with her.

“He’s great! He’s actually home for the summer,” I informed as Soomin’s expression very subtly shifted to a grimace.

“You wanna know who else is home? Jeon Jungkook. I ran into him while getting groceries. He didn’t even seem to remember me,” she crossed her arms across her chest, “The guy’s an ass, but he’s so damn hot. It’s like he knows I could never hate him…”

“Whoa,” I held up a hand to stop her, “Jungkook… this guy ruined your high school experience and you don’t hate him?”

“Maybe he did,” Soomin nodded and slightly shrugged, “But I kinda see things the way he did now that I’m the one breaking the hearts.”

“That’s not a good thing,” I shook my head and creased my eyebrows. “You don’t want to be like him.”

“But if I am, he’s more likely to give me another chance, right?” Soomin winked as I gave her an incredulous look.

“Have you gone mad? No! He’s not going to have any interest in you just because you might act like he used to.” I shook my head and put a hand on my forehead. This girl was making my head hurt.

“I know there are other guys out there, but none of them have any competition with Jungkook. I mean, if you had slept with him like I did, you would understand that you can’t not live with someone as delicious as him.”

I felt disgust wash over me as I just looked at my old friend with a sad expression. I was relieved at first to see that she was having fun at college, but this was too much. Jungkook was not worth this… and he certainly won’t look her way like she wants him to…

“Soomin, you’re talking crazy here,” I shook my head, “Jungkook is the bane of your existence!” I swallowed as Soomin just laughed and looked away from me.

“I love you, Ari,” she put a hand on my shoulder as I looked down at it, “but you’ll just never understand. Jungkook is just… on another level. I love to love him.”

“Okay,” I laughed and drew a line through the air with my hand, “Screw that. Screw all of this.”

Soomin retracted her hand from me as I tried to calm myself down. Her eyes grew wide as she realized just how… angry her words were making me. “Ari…”

“This guy is literally the worst. He’s selfish and possessive, and he will never admit when he’s wrong even when he clearly is,” I rambled on as Soomin uncomfortably looked behind me. She opened her mouth to say something, but I cut her off.

“No, listen to me,” I glared as she just swallowed and closed her mouth again. Her eyes didn’t meet mine again, but I continued anyway, “This guy ruined you for nearly three years of your life, and he doesn’t even remember what you did! He only sees things in the interest of himself, and himself alone.”

“A-Ari,” she spoke as I sighed and looked in the direction of her eyes. My whole being stiffened when my eyes locked onto the eyes of the man who is just been insulting. “You didn’t mention that he works here.”

I swallowed and felt literal fear in my gut as Jungkook’s eyes pierced into mine. “I know you hate me, but you don’t have to lie about me to girls who are interested.”

I clenched my fist as my nails painfully dug into the skin on my palm. I tried not to back down as I looked at him, but his eyes scared me. He’s never looked at me like that before. “I’m trying to save her from being used by you again.”

“Who said I’d use her?” Jungkook raised an eyebrow and took a few steps closer in my direction. I took a few steps back, but when my back hit the drink counter behind me, I had nowhere to run. “You sure like to jump to conclusions.”

“Don’t you dare,” I whispered at him with a glare on my face. A sadistic smirk leaked into his features as he took a step uncomfortably close to me.

“You can’t tell me what to do,” he eyed Soomin for a couple seconds before looking back down to me.

“You called her a crazy bitch,” I whispered desperately feeling my whole being shake, “You publically humiliated her because of how much you hated her.”

“I humiliated her because she didn’t sleep with just me.”

My eyes widened as I felt rage burn in my chest. I wanted to hit him and curse him, but we were in the middle of the lobby. I was not about to cause people to complain about disgruntled employees arguing while they were supposed to be working.

“Why the hell didn’t you tell me this a week ago?” I felt my voice waver as I tried to stay calm.

“You wanna know who else slept with her?” Jungkook’s sadistic smile was making me increasingly upset. I didn’t like this smile…

I barely even had the brain capacity to realize that his cologne was filling my every sense. He definitely put on two times the amount that he normally does.

“Quite honestly, no,” I spoke as I tried to push the thought of his cologne out of my head. He’d smelled like this when he first got up in my personal space. Why was it affecting me so much right now?

“You wanna tell her?” Jungkook glanced over at Soomin as I looked at her with the same torn and confused look. “If not, I will.”

“Jungkook, just go away,” I slightly pleaded, but he wasn’t having it. He was not just pissed, he was furious.

“I want you to guess,” he looked down at my hands as they started to fidget nervously, “it’s someone my age…”

“Stop,” I shook my head as Jungkook ran his fingers through his hair.

“He’s a little taller than me,” Jungkook continued before placing a hand on the counter behind me.

“Jungkook, this isn’t funny,” I pleaded as he gripped the counter until his knuckles turned white.

“He has the same family name as you. What a coincidence, right?”

“You’re such an asshole,” I whispered as I shoved him away from me. I looked across the lobby to see Yoongi looking my way, and I didn’t hesitate to rush his way. I sent one more glance Soomin’s way as I felt my heart rip out of my chest.

“I didn’t get to tell you who it was, Ari!” Jungkook called out, pulling a lot of attention to the two of us. I was just thankful that there weren’t a lot of people in the lobby at this moment.

“Go to hell,” I spoke as I felt tears about to break through. No, I was not about to cry in front of this man. I was not about to go through him faking concern just to get me to depend on him. I was starting to see through his games.

“So if you have a right to hate me so much for this, it’s only fair to show this other guy just as much hate.”

I was sick of being manipulated by this douchebag.

I opened the door to the back room and spotted Yoongi immediately. I rushed his way, and he let me crash into him, giving him a hug that I really needed.

“Why is life so unfair?” I spoke with a weak voice, “Th-there’s no way that my best friend slept with… with…”

“You don’t have to say it,” Yoongi spoke into my hair, “I’m sure she didn’t do it to hurt you.”

“That explains why she never talked to me about it,” I continued talking into his shirt and I squeezed him to me, “she didn’t want me finding out that she turned around and also slept with her own best friend’s brother!”

Yoongi stayed quiet at my words as I took a deep breath. Some tears leaked from my eyes and I let them soak into his shirt. I needed to calm down before Jungkook decided to follow me back here to shout more insensitive accusations at me.

I lightly pulled away from Yoongi as he continued to look at me. He grabbed one of my hands and ran his thumb against the back of my hand. “I’m sorry, Ari…”

“God, I hate him,” I shook my head and violently wiped away my tears, “I hate that bastard. He’s toying with me and he’s having so much fun doing it.”

Yoongi stayed silent as I moved my hand out of his, “I keep thinking that we can get along and actually be civil with one another, but something always happens to make everything turn to hell.”

“Ari…” Yoongi started, but I wasn’t done.

“I don’t want to be in love with him.”

The room grew incredibly silent at my words as the both of us stiffened. Neither of us could believe what I had just admitted. I was having trouble deciphering what exactly I meant when I said that.

“No, I’m not…” I shook my head and laughed bitterly, “I’m not in love with that guy… I’m in love with the idea of him.”

“That idea?” Yoongi sounded more confused than ever, “When has that guy showed you any redeeming qualities? He just seems like a huge ass to me.”

“When he needs to be, he’s really… soft. He says the sweetest things that make me feel good inside,” I explained, “but those moments are miniscule to the amount of times that he’s pissed me off.”

“So minuscule that I didn’t know those moments existed,” Yoongi commented as I stiffened. The door to the back room was being pushed open, and I hurried to sniff and wipe all my tears away. It wouldn’t take a genius to notice that I had cried a little just by looking at my eyes, but Jungkook didn’t seem to notice.

He stayed silent and walked over to the computer to clock in. I swallowed and looked at Yoongi as Yoongi opened his mouth to say something.

“I didn’t know you were working today.”

Jungkook looked up at the two of us as he eyed me for a little longer, “I’m covering for Jaemi. She called in sick.”

I felt my dread grow as I realize that for the last two hours of my shift, I have to work on cleaning theaters with this guy.

“Great,” I nodded as I spoke through my teeth. It was starting to feel like he did this on purpose. “We’ll just split the theaters or something.”

“Nah.”

Yoongi and I both raised our eyebrows at Jungkook as I dared myself to open my mouth.

“Excuse me? I’m the one in charge, so I make the decisions.” I swallowed and felt my eyes narrow him, “I don’t think we’ll get much done with the two of us working together.”

“How do you know that I’ll actually clean the theaters if you aren’t there to supervise me? If the theaters don’t get clean, it’ll be all on you since, you know, you’re the one in charge.”

...what a manipulative…

“C’mon man, she obviously doesn’t want to deal with you today. Cut her some slack,” Yoongi stood up for me as Jungkook looked at him. He didn’t say anything for several seconds before he took a deep breath and pulled his phone out.

“Fine. I’ll just go ask for my own theater schedule,” he spoke as he turned around and walked out of the room. I took a deep breath and swallowed, trying to calm myself down.

“Thank you,” I smiled Yoongi’s way, but the smile was weak and pathetic.

“No problem,” he nodded, “but I should get back to work. Seokjin has been on my back recently about slacking off.”

“Sounds about right,” a real laugh left my throat as my smile slowly filled out into a real one, “promise me that you’ll wait for me before you go home? You’re scheduled to get off around the same time as me.”

“I’ll wait, don’t worry.”

With that, I made my way out of the back room, only to come face to face with the girl who I used to call my best friend.

“Ari…” she swallowed as I looked away from her, “I’m sorry I never told you… We had gotten drunk at someone’s house and made a huge mistake.”

“But why… why did Jungkook announce it to the whole school?” I felt myself growing increasingly curious for the answer.

“He walked in on Taehyung and I… he got really pissed because I had slept with him the night before. He started yelling and called me a bitch… I don’t remember much else since I was drunk, but I know I made him upset and angry.”

I felt my eyebrows furrow, “He was mad that his one night stand slept with his best friend. Am I right on that?”

Soomin nodded and started playing with the hem on her shirt, “I tried to apologize to him, but he was so pissed that he didn’t listen. He shouted our secret out to the lunchroom because he was mad at not just me. He was also mad at Taehyung.”

I felt my brain having a hard time comprehending why Jungkook would be so mad over something like that. I was justified on why I was upset because that was my brother for goodness sake, but…

“Did Jungkook like you?” I bluntly asked as Soomin bit her lip. She took a deep breath and her eyebrows furrowed.

“I’m not sure… I know that he was the best sex I’ve ever had, but I’m not sure if he feels the same way,” she answered honestly as I took a few deep breaths. “I… told him that I didn’t want a relationship so that he would sleep with me, and it didn’t take me long to cave and tell him that I did want to date him.”

“Obviously he rejected me,” she continued before wrapping her arms around herself, “and I got so upset that I told myself that I was going to sleep with someone else. I didn’t seek Taehyung out, but when I spotted him, I thought…” she swallowed as I looked down and put a hand on my forehead, “I’m really sorry, Ari.”

“Setting all this crap aside,” I took a deep breath and moved my hand to the back of my neck, “why would you want to date him still?”

“I don’t know,” she shook her head and looked in the direction of the office. Jungkook was walking out of it, and I felt nauseous when our eyes locked on to one another’s. “There’s just something about him that has me coming back to him.”

Jungkook continued to look at me as I could have sworn I saw his eyes soften. I thought that he was going to walk back over to us, but when he turned around and walked toward the theaters, I felt my heart drop.

“Ari…” Soomin called as I snapped my attention back on her, “If you can’t forgive me after finding out about this, I understand… but I just want you to know that I’m sorry.”

I felt words coming out of my mouth before I had any chance to stop them, “Don’t touch Jungkook.”

Her eyebrows furrowed as I felt my face heat up. There was no use in trying to cover up my blunder, “I’ll forgive you if you move on from Jungkook.”

Soomin didn’t seem to know what to say to that as she narrowed her eyes into mine. She looked like she was thinking as she pursed her lips.

“Now… why would you care about Jungkook and I?” she continued to keep the same serious expressions on her face as I tried my hardest to not get flustered.

“I just don’t want him messing with you again. He’s done enough damage to the both of us,” I spoke with a steady voice. I felt my expression harden as Soomin seemed to believe me, “He’s not worth it.”

Soomin slowly nodded and looked off in the direction that Jungkook had just gone in. “I guess that’s fair… but I can’t promise you anything.”

I felt my heart drop at her words as she started to move away from me, “But I have to go. I promised to meet a guy somewhere nearby so I thought I’d come to say hi to you…”

I took a deep breath as my eyebrows creased. I hated to end things off on this note with her, but I wasn’t about to hold her up, “Okay… I’ll see you.”

She just nodded and walked out the front doors a couple seconds later. I felt nerves swallow me whole as I thought about the whole situation. I wanted more than anything to change my feelings for Jungkook. I’d prefer Yoongi any day…

…

Jungkook and I had barely seen each other for the entirety of the two hours he’d been here, and it was finally time for me to head out. I was eager to get home just so that I could curl up in my room and watch anything to get my mine off of this.

I had been finishing my last theater when Jungkook walked in to help out. We’d split the theaters up, but Jungkook got done with his before I got done with mine.

We didn’t say anything to each other as we finished up our job and started walking down the steps in the theater.

“Don’t mention any of that to Taehyung,” Jungkook broke the silence with a soft voice. His tone told me that he wasn’t trying to start an argument.

“Why not?” I asked, trying to not snap at him. I was still upset about how… harshly he put everything.

“I wasn’t supposed to tell you,” he confessed as I stopped walking and looked his way. I leaned against the wall behind me as Jungkook stopped walking and turned around to face me.

“Then why did you?” I let go of my broom and dustpan, setting them against the wall behind me.

Jungkook took a deep breath and looked up at the ceiling in distress, “I was sick of you constantly arguing with me over that instance. It didn’t used to bother me back when Taehyung originally told me to never tell you, but it was just getting ridiculous.”

I swallowed and looked down.

“You’ve been hating me so much all this time, and how does it feel to finally know the truth? Your own brother is who this should be directed at,” Jungkook spoke, his voice growing more and more upset.

“Jungkook, just because you weren’t in the wrong for this one instance doesn’t make you a better person in my eyes,” I shook my head as I tried my best to glare at him, “You’ve been excessively rude at me, and quite frankly, you can be really hurtful.”

Jungkook dropped his broom and dust pan and slowly walked in my direction, “You say that like you’ve never said anything hurtful to me or about me before. What was that stuff you were saying to Soomin not even three hours ago?”

“You’re still a playboy, Jungkook,” I laughed, but it was humourless, “You just wanted my best friend for sex, and when she gave it to you, you were done with her.”

“How do you even know that I still do shit like that?” Jungkook slightly glared as he moved suffocatingly close to me again. His feet were only a foot away from me as I swallowed and leaned further into the wall, “If you get to call me a playboy, then does that give me the right to call you a loner?”

“What proof do you have that you don’t just sleep with random girls anymore? You’re off at college for God’s sake! All people do is have sex and complain about high tuition.” I shot back as I tried to not focus on the loner comment.

Jungkook stayed quiet for a couple seconds as his eyes continued to pierce mine. I felt my nerves increase by tenfold as Jungkook took a small step closer to me. His scent was filling all my senses, and my heart was going crazy.

“I guess I don’t have proof, but why do I need to prove anything to you?” he took a deep breath, his voice growing a little softer. “Besides, the only thing I cared about was telling you the truth. Wouldn’t it piss you off if someone went around bad mouthing you because of a misunderstanding?”

“I don’t think I misunderstood you,” I glared his way. I needed to stay strong and not fall for any of his advances. I couldn’t let him win this, “I still have the same opinion of you.”

“Oh, really?” he raised an eyebrow as I nodded and reached out to push him away from me. My hand landed on his chest and began pushing him away. He started to let me push him away, but in one swift motion, he grabbed my hand and pinned it against the wall.

My eyes widened as Jungkook’s grip tightened around my wrist. His free hand reached up and touched my cheek as it took all of my willpower to reach up and remove his hand from me. I looked away from him and once more tried to shove him off me, but he wasn’t having it.

His hand that had caressed my cheek suddenly grabbed my free hand, moving both hands to be pinned beside my head. His body was almost pressed completely against mine as I swallowed and dared myself to look back into his eyes.

“Tell me that you still feel the same way about me.” he mumbled as I felt my heart trying to launch out of my chest, “I want you to spit in my face right now and tell me you hate me.”

I swallowed as he just looked in my eyes. The longer the silence went on, the bigger the smirk on his face grew.

“Cat got your tongue?” he whispered as I took a deep breath. His cologne was the last straw as I swallowed and tried to pull out of his hold.

“I-I hate you,” I spoke in a weak voice as Jungkook just chuckled.

“I’m sure you do,” he was being such a cocky bastard… I wanted more than anything for me to gain super strength to smack the smug look off his face.

His nose brushed against mine as our eyes locked again. His eyes were almost predatory as I felt my nerves spike.

I was not about to become another one of those girls.

“I do,” I spoke, my voice growing in confidence, “I honestly, genuinely hate you.”

Jungkook wasn’t buying it, but he let go of my wrists. He didn’t move away from me as his hands once again moved to caress my face. I felt my heart jump as he held my face with one hand, running his hand through my hair with the other.

This scene felt reminiscent of when we almost kissed yesterday…

Jungkook didn’t say anything as he leaned into me, his lips practically ghosting over mine. His eyes didn’t leave mine as I felt by breaths become shaky. I wasn’t going to let this happen... I wasn’t going to…

“I have to be honest,” Jungkook spoke lowly as his soft and low voice rang in my ears. I didn’t know he could sound so… sexy…

“When I first moved in, I knew you’d be fun to mess with,” he continued as I felt myself growing impatient, “I thought that it would be fun to fight with you since you’re such a child.”

“Jungkook,” I almost whispered, but when his bottom lip ghosted over my top lip, I felt my voice leave me.

“The more I fight with you…” his smirk turned into a genuine smile as I moved my hands to the front of his shirt. He was taking too long. “...the more I think you’re really damn hot.”

Without another second to spare, his lips engulfed mine in a rough manner. He leaned his whole body into me as I pulled him completely against me. I even felt a whimper come from my mouth as Jungkook tilted his head, applying more pressure to the kiss. He pushed me further into the wall, his hands trailing all down my body. I heard a low moan come from his throat as I violently grabbed the collar of his shirt.

I felt myself become slightly clumsy when Jungkook licked my bottom lip, seemingly asking for entrance to my mouth. I’d only briefly kissed one other boy before, and this was completely new territory for me.

“Are you scared of my tongue or something?” Jungkook taunted as I pulled his mouth back onto mine. He let a low growl erupt in his throat as I opened my mouth, allowing him the access that he had asked for before. I felt nerves bubble in my chest as he twirled his tongue around mine, exploring my mouth with his tongue better than I ever had.

His hands that were running up and down my torso were now rooted on my hips as I felt him violently grip at them. He pulled my hips toward his as he leaned into me so far that I started to have to lean back. He smirked against my mouth as I moved my hands into his hair, roughly pulling at his roots.

“Dear God,” Jungkook moaned into me as I swallowed and let a small moan out, myself. His mouth started trailing down my neck as I closed my eyes, running my hands through his soft hair.

“You’re so,” I took a deep breath to hold back from being a moaning mess, “damn annoying…”

“Is that your way of telling me to stop?” Jungkook asked, but he didn’t stop kissing my neck. His tongue even began running along my skin as I felt myself melt into him.

“No,” I simply whined as Jungkook smirked into me. His tongue trialed all the way back up my jaw, and he wasted no time connecting our lips again. I felt my eagerness grow as I daringly wrapped one of my legs around his waist. At my movement, Jungkook pressed himself into me, one of his hands trailing it’s way down to my rear.

“Jungkook-” I felt my face heat up at how desperate I sounded. I felt so embarrassed on how turned on I had gotten, and we were supposed to be working. “Jungkook we’ll get caught if we keep this up.”

“So?” he mumbled against my lips as he captured them yet again. He continued to move his hips into mine as I put my leg back down on the ground.

“K-Kook,” I managed to say through the kiss as he sighed and pulled away from me, “Yoongi might come looking for me if I don’t go clock out in the next minute or two…”

Jungkook took a deep breath and swallowed, pulling away from me. His arms were shaking and he ran his fingers through his hair. I felt my mood shift once he stepped so far away that I couldn’t even smell his cologne anymore…

I was afraid to say anything because what was I even supposed to say after that? I didn’t want to make any good or bad assumptions on what exactly it all meant, and I was embarrassed to think about what would have happened if Jungkook had done this while at home…

I swallowed and shook my head to snap out of it as Jungkook looked my way again.

“I should go,” I whispered and pointed toward the exit, and Jungkook just nodded and waved me off. “I-I’ll see you at home.”

“Yeah,” Jungkook cleared his throat as I noticed his face flush, “See ya’.”

::

A/N: This chapter was so fun to write dslkjfksjh Now to just wait and see where things go from there! Once again, thank you for reading! x3

⇨ Masterlist ⇦

[bluesfortheredj]

Rocketman Pt. 3 - The Conclusion.

“Dancing?” Taron questions with a grimace.

“Dancing?” Richard echoes.

“Dancing,” Dexter nods, “lessons start today.”

“I’ve got two left feet,” Richard states, “I can’t dance.”

“Well that’s why Kevin is here to teach you both. I expect to see at least two correct steps by the end of the day. You’ve got an hour to kill before you’re expected in the studio, so good luck you two!” Dexter grins before leaving the room.

Richard and Taron are left alone giving each other equally bewildered stares as they try to process the fact that they will very much be shoved out of their comfort zones in a whole other way now. Getting naked with one another and rolling around on a bed was one thing, but dancing was something else, and for some reason felt a little more intimidating than getting their kit off.

“So, you heard from (Y/N) at all?” Taron asks, finding a good excuse to bring you up and cut the baffled silence.

“Nah,” Richard lies, knowing full well Taron would also be lenient with the truth, “you?”

“Nope,” he replies, popping the ‘p’ purposefully.

“Liar.”

“So are you.”

It had only been 48 hours since your last encounter with the two of them yet you’d been talking constantly, and it wasn’t an easy task separating the conversations when you had both men messaging you at the same time. There had been more than a couple of near misses with replies being sent to the wrong person but thankfully you’d noticed just in time and corrected yourself. You couldn’t lie, the attention being lavished upon you was exhilarating, but their messages reminded you that ultimately there was a decision to make sooner or later, and right now you still had no idea what to do.

On the one hand there was Richard who was very much for talking about silly things, giving you the sweetest compliments, and you found yourself giggling a lot at your phone when you spoke to him, then on the other hand you had Taron who was more of a stronger personality, didn’t mince his words when he spoke, and certainly let you know just how much he wanted you. Neither of them were making it easy for you, and at this rate you’d have to choose no one rather than try and decide between them.

“Who do you think she’s going to choose then?” Taron asks after a couple of minutes silence as they weigh each other up.

“I don’t know,” Richard chuckles, “not a clue. Why, who do you think she’ll go for?”

“I couldn’t possibly even begin to guess. What do you talk to her about?”

“As if I’m going to tell you that, and as if you’re going to tell me if I ask you the same. Is this even a good idea? Have we taken it too far? What if we’ve just ended up pushing her away with the pressure we’re putting on her?” Richard worries.

“When was the last time you two spoke?” Taron asks as he moves towards his friend and places his hand on his shoulder.

“Last night.”

“Right, well same here. So we’ll lay off for today, yeah? Give her some breathing space. I’m sure this dancing will take our minds off of it all... For at least a couple of hours anyway,” Taron smirks.

The two men make their way to the studio early to get changed into plain tops and shorts, then play some music to try and get into the mood for doing some actual dance moves. They step from side to side then when they catch each others eye a whole lot of laughter ensues.

“Dad dancing!” Taron laughs.

“It’s what I do best!” Richard winks.

“Well… It’s a start,” the dance instructor grins as he enters the room, “nice to meet you both, I’m Kevin.”

After a short chat about the experience, or lack of, that both guys have had with dancing, Kevin gets them doing a simple warm up which includes stepping side to side, then back to front and moving their arms freely to loosen their bodies up. He shows them a basic move of crossing over their feet as they step to the side, then doing a short slide as they extend their arms out, and they begin to copy him slowly.

“That’s it, cross, step, step, slide,” he encourages as they move along the floor.

After a few more starter moves like this he puts them together and arranges their pose to show the strongest hold as they prepare for a bit of ballroom dancing.

“Strong arms,” Kevin reminds them as he pushes against their hold and they wobble a little, “now remember, that’s Taron’s space, and that’s Richard’s space,” he says as he gestures to the space between them, “hold that pose.”

Giggles erupt from the men as they start to step around in a circle holding their frame as rigid as they could, and Kevin rolls his eyes a the red faces that appear as they try not to burst into laughter as one another.

“How on earth did you get through filming intimate scenes if you’re like this when dancing?” he asks.

“There were a lot of takes,” Taron winks.

“We need some drama, some passion, some… Ah!” he grins as he spots you walking along outside the window, “excuse me, hi, hello!” Kevin shouts after you, making you turn around with a confused look on your face, “hey, sorry to bother you, but we need some help in here, would you mind dancing with a couple of very handsome men to help them learn some steps?”

You laugh, then look through the window to see Taron and Richard standing there with expectant looks as they stare at you through the glass, and you nod quietly before following Kevin inside the studio. Was this fate, or just a happy accident? Whatever it was you were more than happy that it happened, and the thought of being close to these two once again causes shivers to run up and down your spine.

“Right, so I’ve got…”

“(Y/N),” Richard smiles, finishing Kevin’s sentence.

“Ah, so you all know each other?” he asks, and you all nod in silence as each of you think about your previous encounters.

“Excellent, so this’ll be much easier,” Kevin grins, “Richard, you’re up first.”

“Hi,” Richard whispers with a shy smile as he walks up to you.

“Hi,” you grin back while Kevin arranges you both into position with your hands up and linked on one side with your elbows slightly bent, and your arms in a shallow semi-circle on the other with his hand on your shoulder blade and your hand resting on his upper arm.

“Perfect,” Kevin nods, “now (Y/N), you’ll be stepping back as Richard steps forward, and vice versa, so whatever I say to him, you do the opposite, okay?”

“Got it,” you smile as your eyes concentrate on Richard’s light blue orbs that appear to be staring into your soul.

He looked good today, hell, both of them looked good today. He was in a tight black short sleeved t-shirt and baggy shorts that stopped just above his knees, and it was a struggle to keep your eyes off of his arms flexing every time you both moved. His face was soft as always, the strong jawline hidden a little by the stubble that had grown over the weekend which made him that much more attractive in your opinion, and his natural curls were bouncing as you followed your steps; that little streak of grey catching your eye every now and again.

Every now and again you could see Taron watching you both intently from the sidelines, his lips in a thing line at the frustration of not being able to touch you yet. He was wearing his blue Rocketman baseball cap to hide his bad haircut and his white t-shirt clung to his body in all the right places, with his shorts showing his strong calves perfectly.

“Ready?” Richard smirks, and before you can ask what for he pulls you against him quickly then dips you down.

“That was… unexpected, but nice improvisation. Taron, you’re next. Are you okay, (Y/N)? Do you need some water or anything?” Kevin asks.

“I’m good,” you nod, “all good.”

Taron strides over to you with purpose and before Kevin can help you get into the correct pose, he grabs your waist and moves you slowly from side to side as his hips press against yours.

“Taron, that’s-”

“Passionate, dramatic, and sexy, right?” he says as he wiggles his eyebrows suggestively and spins you around unexpectedly, “isn’t that what you wanted?”

“Well at least you were listening to me earlier...” Kevin sighs.

Taron continues to make up dance moves with you now that your back was pressed against his chest, and he runs his hands up and down the sides of your body after lifting your arms out of the way.

“What do you think, Kev? Something like this?” he asks as he spins you back to face him and pulls you into his body before slowly squatting down front of you as his hands trail down your front.

“Okay,” you whisper to yourself as you look down at Taron who was now on his knees looking up at you.

It was certainly a sight to see but a small cough from Richard soon grabs your attention, and you’re quick to look up at him and his concerned expression. Taron tuts then stands up again to block your view while Kevin stands there with his head in his hand as he wonders what to do with these guys.

“How about we just take a break?” he suggests, “I think (Y/N) might need some fresh air after all these male hormones going wild in here...”

He gives you a wink and you laugh at his comment, then take your leave and find a quiet spot outside in the courtyard on a bench which sits neatly underneath a large tree to give you some relief from the sun. Taron soon appears in the doorway and heads straight for you, taking a seat so close that your thighs are touching before he’s spoken a word, and he leans into you to give you a gentle nudge.

“You okay?” he asks.

“I’m good. You alright?”

“Yeah, not bad. How are you, uh, feeling about all this? Richard was a little worried earlier.”

“Stuck between a rock and a hard place,” you chuckle, “what was he worried about?”

“Sorry to hear that,” he sighs, “it’s our fault for putting you in this situation. He was worried we were pushing you away.”

You hum in response then look away from him, but he’s quick to place a hand on your cheek and direct your gaze back to his face. He smiles at you and you begin to melt under his touch, then he tucks your hair behind your ear with his free hand, and leans in to kiss you. His lips are soft and the kiss is sensually slow, but you find yourself thinking about how you miss the feel of Richard’s stubble against your skin, and you’re quick to lean back from him.

“Sorry,” you frown, “I… My head is just all over the place. Do I have to make a decision?”

“Not if you don’t want to...” Taron smiles as he leans his forehead against yours, “I’m sure we could come to some arrangement. Why don’t we go find Richard?”

“Okay,” you reply nervously.

Could this work? Could the three of you come to a decision about this and would they really be okay with sharing you? Surely you couldn’t have the best of both worlds, that would be greedy. But then again, they’re the ones who started it all, so must have discussed all outcomes, right? Taron takes your hand as you walk back inside to find Richard walking towards you both on his way to see where you’d got to, and you stand in a slightly awkward silence for a few seconds.

“(Y/N) has a… conundrum. She’s hoping we can help. We should go somewhere to talk,” Taron says, and Richard nods to a room opposite you both.

“What’s the conundrum then?” he asks when you all enter the cramped office and the door is safely shut behind the three of you.

“Well it would appear that we’re both very handsome, exceptional at giving her orgasms, and she can’t possibly make a decision,” Taron smirks.

“I didn’t quite put it like that,” you laugh, “but that’s the general feeling, yes.”

“So I said, why choose? Why not have both of us? We’re all adults here, I’m sure we can come to some arrangement that suits all of us,” Taron says matter of factly.

Richard perches on the edge of the desk as he brings his hand up to his chin while he thinks it over, and you stand by the door as your heart starts to race with anxiety. If it were up to Richard he’d want you all to himself; sure it was fun sharing the last couple of times, but your conversations run deeper than just sex, there were feelings there, and strong ones at that. Then again he’d rather share you than have none of you, so if this really was the only way of doing that, then so be it. As long as he got to wake up next to you more than Taron did, then he didn’t really mind what happened.

“On one condition,” Richard finally says after what seemed like half an hour, but in reality was only a couple of minutes.

“Go on...” Taron says.

“If it’s okay with (Y/N), I’d like the majority of the time with her.”

Taron looks at his friend, the sincerity etched clear as day on his face at the proposal, and he knows that his feelings run much deeper than his own. Richard was the sensitive one of the two for sure, and although Taron was definitely more than just physically attracted to you, he knew that with Richard it was probably considered love already.

“Yep, that’s good with me,” you nod, “we’d better be getting back...”

“I think we can spare a few minutes just the three of us one last time. What do you think, Taron?” Richard asks boldly as he stands up and reaches out for your hand that you gladly give to him.

Taron nods with a smile as Richard turns you to face him and when you meet his green eyes you see that glint of cheekiness that made you quiver when he caught you with your hand down your knickers that first time in the editing room. You lean back against Richard as Taron slips his hand down underneath your clothes and curls his hand around so that his fingers can explore your folds, and Richard leans down to your shoulder to place a kiss against your neck.

“Do you like that?” he whispers, “do you like him touching you? Pushing his fingers inside you?”

“Yeah,” you whimper, “I do.”

“And do you want me to do the same?” he asks, his voice thick with lust and his accent much more pronounced.

You melt into his body further at his question and nod your head vigorously as you find yourself unable to say even one word. Richard smiles against your neck then slides his hand down against your bum cheek after Taron somehow undone your jeans without you even realising, and his hand travels underneath you until he meets Taron’s fingers. You gasp as he pushes them slowly inside you right against the other digits that were currently pumping in and out of your core, and he purposely starts to move them at a difference pace.

“How does that feel?” Richard breathes, his breath warming your ear.

You’re completely unable to form any sort of comprehensive reply, and all that falls from your lips are a string of whimpers and whines as you close your eyes and tilt your head back to rest on Richard’s shoulder. The two men smile to themselves as they watch you lose all self control under their combined touch, then Richard glides his free hand up your top and grabs onto one of your breasts roughly, digging his fingers into the soft flesh and kneading it.

“Richard,” you manage to pant as you feel a slickness spread across the top of your inner thighs.

You were close and they could both tell from the way your breathing had suddenly become erratic and your body was getting heavier as your legs were starting to give way beneath you. Richard pinches your nipple as his arm gets tighter across your chest to help support you, then Taron’s free hand joins the fun as he starts to run a finger over your clit at an unbelievably quick pace. Whimpers turn to loud pants, which then turn to stuttered cries as you clench tightly around all four fingers, and release with a power that leaves stars in your eyes when you finally open them.

“Shit,” you breathe as their digits leave you.

“Good?” Taron asks.

“I think I just had an out of body experience,” you pant.

“Very good then,” Richard confirms as he licks his fingers clean then does your jeans up for you.

“Do you know how hot you look right now?” Taron asks as he studies your flushed face.

Richard’s quick to turn you to face him and when you do, his lips land on yours before you get a chance to take a breath.

“Yeah you’re right, but then she looks hot all the time,” he smirks when he pulls away.

Taron gives your bum a sharp smack before leaving the room to clean himself up, and Richard strokes your hair back from your face so he can press a kiss to your forehead with a smile.

“I think this is going to work,” he says softly.

[zoeygreensimblr]

Paper Rings

I woke up before the crack of dawn, if I am being honest though I hadn't slept much at all last night, my mind kept racing with how the day was going to go. I worried that it may rain, that people may not even show up, that I would get so nervous from all the eyes on me that I would have a panic attack and the whole ceremony would have to be call off. What if Angus got cold feet and didn't show up? That thought alone made me sit up right in my lonely bed. Angus had spent the night at Imogen's, although we were far from traditionalist I had told him that I still believed it was bad luck to see the bride before the wedding, it was a decision I regretted well into the night. I'm an over thinker and he is the one person who can put my mind at ease about all of this but he was in the city and I was stuck here in Brindleton Bay, alone.

As if on cue I heard my phone beep softly telling me I'd received a message, I grabbed it from the night stand and felt the weight lift from my chest.

Happy wedding day my beautiful Princess, I can't wait to see you walking down that aisle. Breathe baby, just breathe, remember that I love you, forever and always.

I quickly wrote back a message telling him how excited I was for the day and how much I loved him before I jumped into the shower, I needed to be ready for when my bridesmaids arrived in an hour, plus the hair and make up ladies.

We should have eloped, it would have been less stressful.

By the time I got out of the shower I could hear Tess in the kitchen, she had taken it upon herself to cook a big breakfast, knowing that we may not get a chance to eat again until after the ceremony.

"Happy wedding day" She greeted me, throwing her arms around me and squealing in my ear, she reaches over and grabs a coffee from the bench, handing it to me, "I called the florist last night to confirm that the bouquets will be delivered at 1pm, Steph is bringing your dress as well as the bridesmaids dresses over at 10, the photographer is due to arrive at 11. Am I forgetting anything?"

Oh thank fuck for Tess, she had everything under control.

"Just tell Brian to make sure Angus is at the Myshuno Meadows" I said to her, my anxiety would subside once I saw Angus at the end of the aisle.

Tess pulls out her phone and shows me the message Angus had sent her only a half hour ago.

Please assure my girl that I will be there, keep her calm, I know she will be a ball of nerves.

I smiled widely reading his words.

The morning progressed as if it were a blur, I can remember getting my hair styled and my make up done, I remember Steph helping me into the dress that she had beautifully created for me and having our pictures taken but it felt like I was on auto pilot, I had zoned out from most of the conversation around me, only occasionally picking up bits and pieces when one of the girls were excited, usually Cassie and I was aware that Tess would check up on me, offering me food and something to drink.

The limo arrived just after 2, making a stop along the way to pick up Don, who took his seat next to me and held my hand.

"I'm so proud of you Zoey" He whispered to me, "I was a bundle of nerves the day I married your Mum, I was scared that you and your sister would hate me and think I was taking Ruthie away from you but instead you two welcomed me and made me feel like I'd always belonged"

Don't cry Zoey, shit, don't cry.

"We love you Don, you've been the best father to us and I'm so happy I get to share my day with you" I can feel the tears pin pricking my eyes but they don't fall, thank goodness.

We arrived at Myshuno Meadows a little after 3, after circling the city a few times to make sure we were not early. There was no one standing out the front but Don had confirmation that all guests were seated.

We lined up in order, with Cassie in front, followed by Tess and Don and I last and made our way to where the alter was. I didn't think it was possible to feel any more nervous than I had that morning but now the butterflies in my stomach had morphed into dragons with their giant wings flapping and hot fire breath.

I heard the wedding march begin to play as we stood at the end of the aisle, all eyes pinned to us but my eyes were only set on one person, my Angus. The crowd stood and we began our slow walk, flashes of lights from cameras going off as I passed by guests, happy, smiling faces, whispers of congratulations and then Don and I finally reached the end of the aisle, where both he and Mum hugged me tightly, tears spilling from my mothers beautifully made-up face, she looked stunning. They stepped aside to allow Liam to come forward and hug me then all three of them took their seats together in the front row.

I'm so grateful I found my father, Liam and over the past few weeks we had been catching up and getting to know one another, Tess had also started going us too. She and Liam are a lot alike, same sense of bold humour.

I take my spot next to Angus, he looks absolutely handsome in his suit with his hair styled. He leans over and kisses my cheek softly and whispers for just us to hear.

"You look gorgeous my Princess"

"So do you" I smile back at him and just like that all my nerves wash away as the ceremony begins.

"The couple has elected to say their own vows today, to reflect on the love that they have for one another" The minister tells our guest before giving me a nod. I hand my bouquet to Tess before locking my eyes with Angus'

"I never thought that my pushy sister would lead me to finding the love of my life but I am so grateful that I gave into her that day back in May and that I entered your gym. People search their whole lives trying to find what we have, you're my soul mate Angus Theodore Mckenzie, you're the person I want to wake up to every morning, fall asleep next to every night and create memories with that will stay with us. I love you, forever and always."

I hear our guests clap and cheer as I place the ring on Angus' finger and I catch a tear rolling down his cheek.

"My beautiful Princess, Zoey Amelia Green, I knew I wanted to marry you after our first date because you are the sweetest, most generous person I've ever met. From the moment that I met you and every moment after you have just brought so much happiness into my life and I'm so proud that from today you will forever and always be my Queen"

He slides my wedding ring on my finger and the minister pronounces us Husband and Wife, telling Angus that he can now kiss the bride. Angus cups my face with his hand as he leans down to me and kisses me soft and slow on the lips followed by a small kiss to my forehead, he then takes my hand and we make our way back down the aisle together.

"I love you Zoey McKenzie" Angus says to me as we climb back into the limbo to go have our wedding photos taken and I can't wipe the smile from my face.

[hepataetis]

ot7- how you met them

request: can you write a "how u met bts"?? like how you met them AND how you two got together? thankies ily more than life 💗

author’s note: thanks for the love and support! i’ll be happy to finish some requests uwu i might do a separate “how you got together” or else this one would be looong (also them boys be looking fly as hell)

gif originally posted by sin-taehyung

jin

        you met jin at a small hole in the wall restaurant in Seoul. you worked there, being a waitress and chef at the same time, and he happened to be there avoiding fans and the press. you didn’t actually have a shift yet you still ate there, working and enjoying the solitude in the atmosphere.

you had definitely noticed jin, it was strange for someone so handsome and rich-looking to be eating at the simple café. he looked immersed in the book he was reading, and you couldn’t keep yourself from glancing at him every minute or so.

you couldn’t help but notice his jawline, or his soft eyes, or the gentle way he held the novel. there was no denying it—he was attractive. so even after you finished your coffee. you hung around, just to keep observing him.

when he finally got up to leave, placing money on the table, your heart sank. all of the time you spent staring you had been encouraging yourself to go over and talk to him. alas, it had been a few hours and you still hadn’t said anything. you felt yourself becoming more and more down about it. that is, until he slipped a napkin on your table with a message before leaving.

“I saw you glancing at me today, it’s hard to resist this handsome face 000-000-000 p.s. i was staring at you, too. :)”

yoongi

        you met yoongi inside a vinyl music shop in America. he saw you and caught your eye, exchanging a smile, since you both acknowledged the fact that both of you were foreign. you separated after that, expecting to never see the other again. then, when yoongi was observing different software equipment, the sweetest piano melody filled his ears.

he was bewitched, frozen, and when the music stopped, he practically ran to the origin. stopping in his tracks, he saw you at the vintage piano at the back, starting to play another infatuating song he didn’t recognize. in any other situation, yoongi would have been too shy to approach someone he was so beguiled in, but since music was his passion, he wasted no time striding to you and interrupting you midway. as he started talking in Korean, you realised you couldn’t really communicate with him. you tried to explain this, and to your luck, he immediately changed to Japanese.

you two talked for hours, finally leaving when the shop owner kicked you out. after exchanging phone numbers, he asked “what was the song you were playing on the piano, by the way?” you beamed, explaining it was your own composition, and his heart practically soared out of his chest.

hoseok

        you met hoseok as a new idol signed with bighit. you were introduced to bts at your first show rehearsal, with hoseok’s sunshine smile and namjoon’s reassuring compliments welcoming you. the boys decided to watch your performance, and to say they were shocked would be an understatement.

your act was different than any other idol, since you dressed, sang, and danced like the boy groups instead of sticking to the cute aesthetic of girl groups. you had a powerful yet feminine voice, and your song intended for debut had multiple difficult dance moves. when the song had reached its climax, with you performing a back handspring, you could hear hoseok’s scream cheering you on, which made you giggle.

after you finished, all of them clapped for you and gave you all hugs. the only one that didn’t flatter you with a remark was hoseok, who surprised everyone by giving you tips on your dancing. you happily complied, wanting to improve before you debuted, so you listened and tried to do what he suggested. the guys exchanged a knowing look before leaving. at first, you were dancing seriously, but after a while, you and hoseok were just being silly and running around the stage. you both stopped when bighit teased you for getting off-topic. as they reprimanded you, hoseok caught your eye and smiled, which practically made you melt, before slipping out.

namjoon

        you met namjoon during high school. he was known to be the class president who was extremely smart and kissed up to teachers a lot. you, on the other hand, were more known by your peers as kind and empathetic.

because of this, you found yourself with many friends. you didn’t, however, have someone who you called your best friend. as an outcome, you found yourself without a partner for a project, searching for someone else. you decided to pick the class president as you never really talked to him and there was no harm in making new friends.

you plopped down next to him. “hi!” you said. he slowly looked up from his text book and stared at you. then he looked around to for someone watching, assuming you came over from a dare or something. that is, until you opened your mouth.

“do you..wanna be partners?” he gaped at you once again. “are you being serious? this wasn’t.... a joke, right?” he thought the situation was too good to be true since you were a bit too popular and a bit too pretty to be talking to someone like him. he looked reluctant, and a lil bit hurt, so you gave him one of you signature genuine smiles. “i want to work with you, honest.”

jimin

        you met jimin after one of your ballet shows. he and hoseok had been dragged along by one of their friends and her boyfriend.

at first, jimin was a little reluctant to go, since his ballet memories consisted of harsh dances and bleeding toes. as they took their seats, he read the programme without any thought. once the ballet began, though, he was enticed by your stage presence.

he noticed you right as you leaped your way on stage, holding positions that he knew would be excruciating. he admired the way you danced, having control over everything your body did yet still maintaining a graceful and beautiful presentation.

to say the least, he was impressed. in fact, so impressed that he started to lean forward in his seat. the entire rest of the show included jimin looking for you and sulking when you twirled offstage. at the end, when everyone went onstage again, jimin was the first to give a standing ovation, catching your eye and smiling.

when everyone was exiting, he was determined to see you again and keep in contact. he grabbed a rose from one of the front decoration shrubs and made his way backstage. once he snuck his way in, he searched the hallways for the door that said your name. verifying it was you from the programme, he opened the door softly. you were sitting at your vanity, letting your hair down, when you spotted him in the reflection of your mirror and whipped around to face him. this boi, smooth as ever, walked over to you in three long strides and handed you the rose. “a beautiful flower for a beautiful performer,” he said with a wink.

taehyung

         you met taehyung when the two of you were in kindergarten. you had been crying because you had to go to school instead of visiting your grandmother in the hospital. since tears and snot were covering your face, everyone steered clear of you.

everyone, except taehyung. he marched right over to you and demanded why you were crying “i can’t visit my grandma and she’s in the hospital.” you said, sniffling. all frustration and confusion was wiped away and taehyung was instantly empathetic to you.

he got you tissues and crayons, trying to distract you from thinking about it since there was nothing you could do at the current moment. you guys played games and made origami together, with you teaching him how to make a paper boat.

at the end of the day, you had completely forgotten about why you were so upset this morning, and your father was shocked when you jumped into his arms with a smile. taehyung decided to walk over since your father looked like he was about to faint. “sir, you should take her to see her grandmother, she was sad this morning.” “yeah, but tae helped me get over it!” you replied. your father was sent into overdrive and practically fell over, thinking how you had found a friend that was a boy. he hesitantly but greatfully offered taehyung a ride home, and tae accepted with much enthusiasm. (I mean, he was going to walk an hour home to the farm, anyways. Better have it be quicker and less tiring)

jungkook

        you met jungkook at a pottery class. after shooting the “bts: run!” episode based on pottery, jungkook decided to take a class to create something for each of the bts members. he signed up for a private class that only had 6 people taking it. one of them, you.

you had only recently gotten into pottery after your friend gave you a handmade plate set. nonetheless, you were talented in pottery, and everyone noticed it. jungkook and the other students were amazed at the way you worked with the wheel, your thin fingers gently pulling up the clay. even the instructor complimented your skill, to your embarrassment.

jungkook had only been planning on watching you from afar until you accidentally made him break one of his pieces. at the end of the class, once the teacher was talking, your phone rang and you gasped, making jungkook accidentally drop his piece. it was the one he made for jin, and his personal favourite. you quickly declined the call and glanced at jungkook guitily, letting the teacher speak once again.

once the lesson ended, you rushed over to jungkook, bowing and apologising again and again. you offered to help him re-make it, and after seeing your talent, he wasn’t going to turn in down. you told him different tips your friend told you, and his final piece ended up being nicer than the one he had before. you apologised again as you took your bags before jungkook shyly offered you his number. you accepted with a dopey grin, leaving the workshop the happiest you had been all week.

(fun fact: jungkook ended up giving jin the piece he made for himself and kept the one you helped him make)

[irphanfic]

Piano Interlude

prompt: I don’t know you, but you grabbed me to help with your audition videos and wow, you’re really good and attractive…Oh crap, stop the camera now? (i changed the prompt a bit, because I got carried away, I’m sorry)

summary: Dan needs help filming his audition for one of the most prestigious music schools in Britain. Will he find someone to help him?

word count: 3.1k

no trigger warnings

I actually have no knowledge about anything related to music schools in Britain, so I did a little research but I’m sorry if it is not accurate enough.

Dan Howell had just started uni. He had always loved playing the piano, it was his passion. Since he was little, he attended to piano lessons his school offered and since not everybody was so keen on learning how to play an instrument, you could say he had personal piano lessons with his music teacher.

Dan had always wanted to make a career out of music, but he knew it was hard to enter the best British music schools. It was expensive as hell to study there, and since Dan came from a pretty normal family, they couldn’t afford it. So, he finally opted for his second best option, to study Law.

You know, Dan really hated law. He hated all of it. Now, Dan found himself studying a career he hated and also trying to keep up doing what he had always loved, but uni was making it impossible. With all the studying he had to do every day, he found himself drowning in a sea of papers and wasn’t even able to escape his desk to even play a few notes. It was horrible.

__________________

It was Friday night, and after being in his desk for almost 8 hours, he decided he was done with studying and was going to torture himself by looking at some British music school programs. He took his laptop, threw himself in the bed and started scrolling endlessly till… WAIT A MINUTE WHAT

‘’Guildhall School of Music & Drama offers you the opportunity to win a scholarship. For that, you will need to send your audition video, where you will need to introduce yourself and also we will need to see you playing the instrument(s) you think you are good on. The video must be, by far, 5 minutes long, no more. You will find more information below…’’

HE NEEDED TO SING UP TO THAT AUDITION. HE NEEDED TO WIN THE SCHOLARSHIP. He ran downstairs shouting, in search of his parents that where sitting in the sofa. ‘’MUM DAD’’ he shouted again one he reached the doorway of the lounge.

‘’What’s wrong, Dan? Why are you shouting like that?’’ said his dad.

Dan proceeded to explain all he had read, what they school said and as he was explaining he could see his parents face change.

‘’Why are you pulling those faces? Don’t you trust me to make it?’’ Dan felt like crying. His parents hadn’t always been the most supportive, but he thought that had changed.

‘’No, Dan… it is just that it is a big school and it’s just one scholarship. Don’t you think it will be worthless to try to get in? Like, you will have to waste time to film the audition that you could use to study and you don’t know anything about filming, how are you even gonna do it?’’ his mom explained.

Dan, not believing what his mum was saying, hardly stared at them and in a loud and firm voice he said ‘’You know? I will make the best audition video you will ever see and I will get the scholarship and I will show you that I can do it even though you don’t feel the same’’. With that last sentence, he turned around and went back to his bedroom while he silently cried at the same time he read all the information he needed to the audition.

‘’The video needs to be perfectly filmed, no blurry camera shots and weird angles that could disturb our judges’’

Okay, so, apparently the video needed to be filmed perfectly, like have real film making skills to be honest. That’s the only thing he couldn’t do by himself. He didn’t even had a camera… Then, he needed to find help. Dan decided to put some kind of announcement in his uni, it wouldn’t be too difficult to find someone who had the understanding of a camera, right? So, with the decision made, he opened a word document and began writing.

‘’PERSON WITH EXPERIENCE IN FILM MAKING OR EVEN KNOWING HOW TO USE A VIDEO CAMERA PLEASE CONTACT ME AS SOON AS POSSIBLE IN THIS PHONE NUMBER OR EMAIL’’

He made about 50 copies on the document, grabbed a roll of tape and stuffed it in his backpack. ‘Well, wish me good luck piano gods’ was Dan’s last thought before going to sleep.

___________________

Dan finished up putting all his announcements two hours ago. He decided to walk home, since he didn’t feel like going to class today. After the fight with his parents he decided he would invest all of his time in this audition and not bothering about law anymore.

He was mindlessly walking when he suddenly felt his phone vibrate. Was it even possible to someone to have contacted him that fast? He rapidly took his phone out of his pocket and YES! IT WAS A TEXT MESSAGE FROM AN UNKNOWN NUMBER!

‘’Hello, my name is Phil Lester and I read that you needed help with filming something? Maybe I could help, contact me back in this phone number and we will arrange something. Bye!’’ it said. He couldn’t believe it, this Phil guy contacted him and seemed super nice.

He opened a new conversation and began typing ‘’Hello Phil, my name is Dan Howell and yes, I need your help. If you are available on Friday evening it would be perfect, thank you!’’

The response came immediately ‘’Yeah, sure. Just name place and hour, I will be there. I will bring my camera equipment so you can notice me since I don’t even know how you look like haha :D’’

Dan laughed at that. He seemed like a nice guy he could work with, so he sent him another message telling him that they could meet at his house perfectly, there was no need to meet anywhere else, so he sent him his address and waited for his response.

‘’Perfect, I’m looking forward to it ;)’’ was Phil’s last answer.  

______________________

Friday evening came and Dan was anxiously waiting for Phil. We was nervous, he didn’t know what to expect from him. What if by text he was the sweetest but in real life was horrible? As more random thoughts ran in his mind, he heard the doorbell ring. Dan, took a deep sigh and opened the door, ready to expect anything.

‘Wow, you could go swimming in those eyes’ was Dan’s first thought.

‘’Hey, I’m Phil as you already expected, nice to meet you’’ with a smile, he extended a hand expecting Dan to take it.

This one, still entranced by the other’s blue eyes, excused himself and proceeded to greet Phil properly ‘’Oh yeah, sorry, I’m Dan, as you already know, c’mon in’’. He opened the door wider so Phil could enter his house with all the equipment he had brought.

The both of them, silently took the stairs to Dan’s bedroom and awkwardly left all of Phil’s equipment by the door before seating in Dan’s bed. ‘’Well, Dan, tell me, what do you need me for?’’

‘’The story is quite long, but to make it short, I want to audition to win a scholarship at Guildhall School of Music & Drama, and they expect the participants to film themselves playing the instrument, but they clearly don’t want any bad quality videos, so, there we are’’ Dan explained as good as he could.

‘’Oh, what instrument do you play?’’

‘’Piano…’’ Dan said, not knowing why but feeling the need to explain the whole story to Phil ‘’I have been playing the piano for as long as I can remember and my dream was to study in one of the best British music school, and since my family can’t afford one, I promised myself I would get this scholarship so I can finally achieve what I have always dreamed for’’ he finished, a bit embarrassed by rambling so much.

Phil, surprised by Dan’s story, looked at him with a small smile and softly said ‘’well, we better get filming then, yes?’’ he stood up and offered Dan a hand, who hesitantly took it, not really knowing Phil’s intentions.

Phil led them to the piano he spotted in one of the rooms of the house while they were climbing up the stairs to Dan’s bedroom. ‘’Mind if you play for a bit, just so I can imagine in my head how can we film this’’

‘’Yeah…’’ Dan, unsure about it, slowly sat in the bench in front of the keys and before playing he turned to Phil ‘’I have never played in front of anyone other than my piano teacher in school, so yeah, I…’’

‘’Not even your parents?’’ said Phil suddenly, realizing what he had said he rapidly apologized ‘’Sorry, that is not my business, sorry’’.

‘’No, not even my parents, don’t worry about it’’ Dan dismissed it with a hand, which then slowly caressed the keys. He took the silence as a go and started playing, hitting the keys like he had learned.

Once he had finished, Dan looked at Phil who in the softest voice whispered ‘’that was beautiful Dan’’.

Dan, now red faced from embarrassment, ducked his head and murmured ‘’Thank you’’.

_____________________

Since Friday was a very busy day for both of his parents, the both of them had arranged that every Friday evening, they would meet up at Dan’s so they could film bits for the video while they were alone. Right know Phil decided he needed to capture Dan’s hand movement from above, so he needed to stand right behind Dan so he could lift his camera above enough to film it.

‘’Okay, I’m ready…’’ Phil waited a beat before loudly saying ‘’Action!’’

With that signal, Dan began gently hitting the keys, like he had done multiple times before, but something about having Phil’s body warmth so close to it, made the atmosphere in the room much intimate.

If that was not enough, the song he was playing was making him sentimental. He decided that he would send an original song he had actually composed. He created the melody few years back, not knowing for sure if it was good enough. But as he learned new things, he improved the song and decided to go for it.

Once he had finished, a few tears were rolling down his cheeks. He was so entranced he leaned back into Phil’s body and rested his head in Phil’s stomach, only looking to be comforted right now.

Phil, quickly noticed Dan was crying, so he left his camera abandoned at the top of the piano, lowered himself to Dan’s level and softly grabbed Dan’s cheek, trying to clean the tears with his thumb. ‘’Hey, Dan… what’s wrong?’’ he asked.

Dan, who was now only whimpering murmured ‘’it’s just that playing this song made me sentimental’’ he took a breath and continued explaining ‘’it’s the first song I had ever composed by myself and just thinking how hard I had worked on it made me put everything into perspective’’

Phil surprised by Dan’s talent, he couldn’t do anything more than to blurt out a surprised ‘’you composed this song? By yourself? That’s the most impressive thing I have ever heard Dan, really.’’

‘’Really?’’ he questioned back.

‘’Really’’ Phil said, sincerity clear in his blue eyes. ‘’Dan…’’ he softly muttered before giving the other boy a hug. Dan, surprised by Phil’s action, decided to enjoy the moment and buried his head into his shoulder.

‘’If they don’t give you the scholarship I promise you I will do everything that is in my hands so you can study there, I promise’’ Phil whispered into his neck.

Dan, taken aback by Phil’s promise he grabbed Phil’s shoulders and separated himself from the hug muttering a loud ‘’What? Phil I can’t let you do that! No! I won’t let you do it!’’

‘’Dan, you deserve that scholarship more that anyone, if you don’t get it I will not forgive myself if your audition video is not good enough’’ Phil confessed. He was actually worried his film making skills would ruin Dan’s chance to get his dream. He was sure Dan’s talent wouldn’t be unnoticed, but if the video was bad…

‘’Hey Phil’’ it was Dan’s this time who caressed Phil’s cheek, ‘’I’m sure your editing will do us justice. I’m sure of it’’ he reassured Phil, hoping he would believe him.

‘’Okay…’’ Phil quietly responded, not quiet believing in himself.

____________________

A week had passed from that, and they had enough footage to make a full length 5 minute video, Dan’s introduction included, so they decided that they would spent the whole Friday editing. They needed to send the video by Sunday night and their plan was to finish it on Saturday or even Sunday morning.

Dan really had no idea of how editing even worked, so he figured he was going to be pretty lost on that. Phil arrived and they both sat on Dan’s desk, checking all the footage Phil had filmed. Let me tell you it was a lot of footage, A LOT.

How did they even manage to get almost three hours of Dan playing the piano? They had no idea to be honest.

To begin editing, they needed to see everything they had filmed, so they could take the best parts and then insert them into the final cut. Before they noticed, it was already 10pm and they hadn’t even finished.

‘’C’mon, I’m hungry, let’s make some pizza and you can stay here Phil’’ Dan mentioned, sitting up from his spot and making his way down to the kitchen.

Phil, too concentrated on his editing, just realised what Dan had said, just rapidly sitting up in his spot and making his way downstairs too.

‘’Dan, I can’t stay here, I didn’t even brought pyjamas and I’m sure your parents will be bothered when they find a boy sleeping in their sofa, don’t you think?’’ Phil explained.

‘’Who said you will be sleeping on the sofa? You don’t even fit there, I won’t let you sleep there so your back hurts,’’ Dan mentioned, ‘’look, Phil it’s fine, I will let you borrow my PJ’s and my bed is big enough to fit the both of us, don’t worry’’.

Dan grabbed the pizza that was already baked and started making his way upstairs, before he came back and shouted ‘’Oh, and also, I’m sure my parents won’t mind if you stay. They are away this weekend so don’t worry’’.

‘’But Dan…’’ Phil said, letting a frustrated groan and making his way upstairs.

‘’Ah, no. No ‘buts’ Phil, it is the least I can do for everything you have done for me’’ Dan sincerely responded. ‘’Now, go, grab a slice while I find some extra pj’s for you’’ said Dan exiting the bedroom.

_____________________

They were lying in Dan’s bed, both completely awake. Neither of them seemed to want to sleep. ‘’You know’’ Dan softly spoke ‘’I didn’t even think of anything to give you as a thank you for this, I could pay you if you want to, but I don’t know… I don’t think I have enough money to pay you for this, you are wonderful Phil. So, thank you so much.’’

Phil, confused, turned around, looking at Dan’s profile and softly replied ‘’Dan, I don’t want your money. I don’t want anything from you, really. I did this because I like helping people, and if I can help you getting that scholarship I will.’’

Dan, turned around, and faced Phil. ‘’Phil no, I need to reward you. Promise me you will think of something I can reward you with’’ Dan took Phil’s hands in his and looked at him in the eyes ‘’Promise me.’’

‘’Okay, I promise’’ Phil responded, slowly closing his eyes and drifting to sleep, his hands still between Dan’s.

_____________________

It was Sunday night, and they were ready to send the video. They were rewatching it again and again, just to make sure it was perfect.

‘’Okay, I’m ready’’ Dan quietly said.

He took the video archive, attached it too the email addressing Guildhall School of Music & Drama and hit send. That was it. He did it.

He turned to Phil and tackled him into a hug, sending them both to the floor. ‘’I did it’’ Dan whispered.

‘’You did it’’ Phil whispered back.

_____________________

Today was the day. Dan was going to finally know if he had won the scholarship or not. He was expecting a phone call and had been anxiously pacing around his room all morning. He had called Phil, he didn’t want to deal with whatever happened alone even if he got the scholarship or not.

Phil arrived and was trying to distract Dan so he wouldn’t focus on his phone every single minute. They were sitting on Dan’s bed watching a movie when Dan’s phone rang.

They both jumped at the sound, Phil rapidly paused the movie and shook Dan a bit so he would get up and grab the damned phone.

Dan cautiously responded ‘’Hello?’’

‘’Yeah… Yeah… Thank you’’ was all Phil could make out form the phone call. Suddenly, Dan hung up and looked at Phil as a tear slid down his cheek. ‘’Phil, I got it. I got the scholarship. I’m going to Guildhall’’

Phil, jumped out of bed and engulfed Dan in a hug while lifting him up and spinning the both of them, both of them laughing ‘’I knew it! I knew you would get it! You deserve it so much, Dan Howell, so damn much’’ he said, stopping them both and lowering Dan to the ground again.

‘’Thank you Phil, I couldn’t have done it without you. Thank you so much.’’ While he gave him another hug.

‘’There is nothing to thank for Dan, don’t worry’’ he answered.

‘’Oh, by the way, did you think of your reward? I cannot thank you enough Phil, really. So tell me, what do you want?’’

‘’Well, you can say no but I was thinking you could allow me to…’’ Phil commented, while rubbing the back of his neck, ‘’take you on a date? I really would like to know you better Dan and I think we could make a good thing out of this’’

‘’You know, Phil, I would love to go on a date with you, but I also thought of something I could give you’’ Dan replied, while biting his lower lip.

‘’Oh, what is that?’’ Phil questioned back, oblivious to what Dan was suggesting.

‘’This’’ Dan whispered, grabbing Phil’s head with both hands and making his lips meet Phil’s while both softly moaned into the kiss.

Now it was time they both composed their own music.  

[ahzrenbooks-blog]

The Alves: Chapter Two

What Jona Didn’t Know

A map was unfolded on the table in the stateroom, not the only ornament, but certainly the most beautiful among the war trophies, empty wine bottles, and frayed tapestries that absorbed some of the coldness of the stone-built room.  The map showed an absurdly detailed drawing of the northern Alves, something the poor artist must have worked on nose-to-parchment for months over.  Hallon bent over the table, one finger circling an area on the map listlessly over and over.  A heavy scowl played on his face, an unavoidable expression even in joyful times.  His lips were stiff from an old ugly scar that blemished one side of his face.

Hallon Beorn, Baron of Telmut, also called ‘The Brightsmith’ had never been vain.  The mark was accepted as a consequence of fighting with his own family.  Back when Telmut was a contested state and the Beorn rule was threatened, his father had chosen to abdicate rather than endanger his family.  Hallon saw this as dereliction of duty, and the moment he was of age he’d returned to Telmut with the support of most of his people.  He’d had to kill an upstart cousin to regain his title, even though he considered himself more of a craftsman than a warrior.  He wore that death now, the blow landed by one of his cousin’s soldiers, although the man had chosen to side with him after the fact.  For some, battles of land and ownership would never be about more than money.  But those that could be bought often favored the strong as security was a greater boon than coin alone, as it ensured longevity enough to enjoy the spending of it.  Since then, because of the guilt he felt and because of the grimace he bore, Hallon spoke gently and carefully.  He chose to discredit his appearance as an ugly and angry man by acting the opposite.

He sipped his wine absently, too nervous to realize that his cup had already run dry.  Without thinking, he growled and shoved his goblet toward his servant.  Then he straightened and sighed, giving his tired eyes a rub.

The servant, at least a decade Hallon’s senior, startled such that he bumped an end table bearing the wine flagon.  It sloshed alarmingly before he picked it up.  “Apologies, my lord.  My mind is not in the right place now.”

“Neither of ours are, Garth.  Don’t worry about it.”  Hallon grunted again, though in a more friendly manner.  “Does it always take this long?  Something could have gone wrong by now,” Hallon said quietly, his speech marred gently by his scar.

“If anything had gone awry we’d have been sent word immediately,” the servant replied.  “My wife was in labor for five hours at least, upon her time.  It often takes longer.”

Hallon gave him an admiring look.  “How did you bear the wait?  I feel like bees have infested my body.  I can hardly stand still.  And what’s pitiful is that I’ve been through this once before.  I can’t recall how I managed a state of calm that time either.”

“I was in Sabry upon my lord’s business, so I was saved the wait.”

“I had you delivering a message during the birth of your child?” Hallon growled with quiet surprise.  “How callous of me.”

“In all honesty,” Garth replied, “I didn’t mind being sent away.  It saved me the anguish you feel now.   I was able to return a week later, and my little girl was handed to me like the loveliest homecoming gift.  There’s nothing like walking in caked with road dirt and sweat, tired and hungry, and having this little person you helped make grin up at you for the first time ever, knowing that she’s yours.”

Hallon’s stomach clenched in fear and warmth flooded his face.  ‘I’m almost a father for the second time.  But it feels like I’m on the eve of battle, facing an army I know nothing of with a dry baguette in place of a sword.  I’ll just have to do as I’ve always done, and make the best of it.’  “Hadna’s tits, I’d rather be back in the smithy.”

Garth smirked in response and refilled Hallon’s cup.  “There’s nothing for you to do, my lord.  This is woman’s work.  And I doubt there are any hands more capable than Miss Phia’s.”

“Aye, but if I lost Lucca it would be the death of me,” Hallon replied fiercely.

“Your Lady is strong,” Garth said.  “She’s a young and hardy-”

There was a brief loud knock and the door was flung open so hard it slammed and shivered against the wall.  Lucca’s smallest lady in waiting stood there, her eyes overflowing and red, her grin bittersweet.  The heaviness of the door, which ordinarily took an armored guard a moment to open, was as naught in the face of her excitement.  “You have another son, Milord!  And Lady Beorn has come through it just beautifully!  I thought you’d hear it straight away - the good parts.”

“Thank the Gods,” Hallon hissed, leaning his full weight against the sturdiness of the table.  He began to pick up the wine cup, then realized he didn’t need it now.  He took a deep breath to collect himself and faced her again, noting how she was wringing her wet handkerchief.  “You said the good parts?  Out with it, girl.  There’s nothing worse than waiting for the hammer to fall.”

“Just one thing, my lord.  There were twins, only…  One was born dead.  But the survivor has got the healthiest of lungs, and started yelling the moment he was birthed.  He’s lovely my lord, and we think he’s going to turn out blonde, like his lady mother!  He’s already got a few strands of cornsilk.  He’s just beautiful, so that’s softened the grief a bit for his mother at least.”

“Thank you, Vanessa.  It’s good luck to have twins.  But I wonder what it means when only one survives?” Hallon pondered.  He swallowed a knot of grief and focused on the good.  “Did Lucca have any difficulty?”

“Much and more, but she’s no longer bleeding.  We’ve had the placenta out and it don’t look like nothing abnormal.  Phia says she’s well out of it,” Vanessa said, tucking her hair behind her ear shakily.  With big dewy eyes she finally asked, “Would you like to meet your new son?”

“I would, dear girl.”  Hallon presented his servants with a rare hideous grin, ten-fold more terrifying than his scowl.  He gave Garth an overwhelming bear hug, kissed Vanessa directly on the mouth, and laughed coarsely.

Vanessa grinned back, curtsied with a little dip of unbalance, and scurried down the hall.  Despite her pace Hallon kept right on her heels the whole way.  Miss Phia poked her head out of the bedroom they’d used as the birthing room and stopped Hallon with a curt wave.  She pressed her hand to her chest and gave him a demanding look.  A Baron, nay, even a God could not pass her unless they obeyed.

Hallon grunted annoyance, but took several seconds and deep breaths to calm himself.  He didn’t want to disturb his wife with overeagerness in her state.  Only then did Phia let him inside.  The babyish burbles reached his ears immediately.  The room took on a soft fuzzy feeling, and odd smells invaded his nose; not disturbing, but very present.  He crept to his lady’s bed, giving her his sweetest smile as she opened her eyes with effort.

“Oh, I missed that scowl,” Lucca murmured warmly.

Hallon felt his chest fill with emotion the moment she looked at him.  He brushed Lucca’s damp hair back from her forehead, content just to rest his calloused hand on her brow for a moment.  He felt his eyes prickle and water, then looked at the child and his wife in awe, his heart thudding with the depth of his gratitude for that moment.

“Oh Lucca…  He’s perfect,” Hallon gasped.  “Look at those tiny fingers!  I forgot babes were this small and defenseless.”  He lapsed into adoring silence, and for the first time in months his fears stilled.  The future ceased to exist, and all time converged on the moment.  He leaned down to kiss his son’s forehead for the first time, and smelled the untarnished sweetness of the babe’s head.  The couple cooed over the baby for a while, and every new movement or adjustment it made sent a new wave of amazed possibility and devotion through them.

While they were distracted, Miss Phia took a tiny blanket-wrapped bundle from the crib where it’d been laid aside and turned to leave, but Hallon rose from the bedside to stop her.  He caught Phia by the arms, then pulled a corner of the blanket back.  The sight of the poor dead twin stilled him for several minutes, as though he had become carved of stone, and finally he signaled for her to remove it.  He scratched his beard as she left, his back turned to the birthing bed.

“My love, a pair of boys would have been a wonderful thing.  But one did survive.” Lucca murmured.  “And Jurick is hale and eager for a brother.  He grows like a weed.”

“I know,” Hallon replied, brushing at his cheeks quickly before he turned around.  He gave Lucca a sad sort of smile.  “It’s just a pity to lose a child.  But we must be thankful for what we have, and not too spooked by what might have been.  I could have lost you with the baby, but here I have you both.  I just wanted… to pay my respects.  You understand.”

Lucca nodded wearily.  “He was much smaller than little Marek.  He’ll have a quiet ceremony with only the closest of heart, but he won’t be buried unnamed.”

“You named them both?”

“I did, love.  I whispered it over him, so he’d know,” Lucca said, and sniffed.  She retained the tears she didn’t want to shed, and instead rested her hand on her living son, cradled sleeping against her chest.

“Marek, is it?” Hallon grinned.  “After the philosopher and wizard, Marek Simeon, who discovered how to craft artifacts out of lodestones.”  Lucca had named their first son as well, giving Hallon no say.  He’d had no argument, and no reason to regret that decision since.

“His face looks wise to me for some reason,” Lucca said.

A shrill voice came from the hallway where the servants waited.  The manner of the voice was Jurick’s unmistakable imperious bluster.  At three, he already mimicked his favorite men, head thrown back and shoulders upright as though prepared to manage the keep right then and there.  It seemed to him that to know a thing or a person was to own it.  He talked constantly to people, interested in everything they had to say, even if little of what he said back made any sense yet.  Now he wanted to know if his brother was here, and if his mother would tell him a story to make him feel better, ignoring the fact that the person he was afraid for was the person he expected to quiet him.  His nurse kept him outside despite him trying several times already to sneak into the birthing room.

The nurse peeked into the room.  “Would you like Jurick in now, my lord?”

Hallon gave his wife the choice.  It was her strength he worried about.  Lucca nodded.

“Bring him, but first tell him that he should keep his voice down and refrain from jostling his mother,” Hallon acquiesced.

There was a quiet conference outside the door.  Then the woman let Jurick lead her in by the hand, straining almost at the edge of her grasping fingertips.  The boy tip-toed along dramatically.  He forgot to be quiet the moment he saw Lucca with her precious bundle.  He pressed his hands to the bedside and jumped up and down, giggling.

Hallon swooped him up, fast as a fisherman’s net, and hugged him tight.  Then he sat on the edge of the bed and held back the corner of the baby’s blanket so Jurick could see Marek’s face.

“He’s pink as a worm,” Jurick said.  “And fat.”

Hallon laughed at the face his wife made.  “He should be fat!  It means he’s healthy.  This is your brother, Jurick.  You’ll help us take care of him, won’t you?  Since you’re the oldest, you should protect and teach him.  You’ll have a playmate and a friend to study your lessons with.  It’ll be fun, won’t it?”

“Yes, papa.  Is mama okay?”

“He heard the screams and was afraid,” the nurse whispered, leaning toward Hallon.  “I tried to tell him it was alright, but he wouldn’t sit still; not for a minute.”

“She’s going to be tired for a few days.  She’ll stay here in bed with babby, but you can visit as much as you like as she feels better,” Hallon said.  “Let her rest, now.”

“I want a story!” Jurick demanded.

“Hush now, quieter than that.  What do you say when you want something?” Hallon asked.  “You don’t just order people around.”

“Please, I want a story,” Jurick demanded, in exactly the same tone, but at a minutely lower volume.

Hallon shook his head, then brought a chair close to the bed and sat so they wouldn’t overcrowd the bedside.  He pulled his son up onto his knee.  “I’ll tell you one.  Mama is too tired.  Then we’ll go outside and ride a bit to clear our heads.”

“Can I ride by myself?  I want my own pony.  I’m old enough, now that there’s a littler boy.”

“Goodness knows, son.  That’s not how it works.  One day you’ll have your own, but for now you’ll ride with papa,” Hallon said.  “Now…  Er…”

“Now and then there comes a great event that we must remember, because it teaches us something about ourselves,” Lucca suggested, as a point to start the story with.  “There was once a grasshopper.”

“Yes, a grasshopper,” Hallon said, taking over now that he knew which story Lucca meant.  “As you know, grasshoppers sing to greet the dusk, and to warn of storms.  But there was once born a grasshopper with a special voice that made all other insects stop and listen.”

***

Miss Phia hummed quietly as she knitted by the hearth.  She rocked Marek’s bassinet gently with her foot, keeping time.  In only three hours the day nurse would take over for her, but until then, she was content to mind her business and feed Marek when he woke to bawl about his hunger.  The newborn had fine strong lungs that filled the nursery with their wails, but for now he was soundlessly asleep.

At least, he had been.

Phia didn’t notice his awakening this time because he didn’t make a sound at first.  Baby Marek looked at the shadows playing on the walls and his new mind stored the information.  He didn’t know what they were yet, but he also didn’t know enough to be afraid.

He felt a telltale wetness, and nearly cried about it, but something else yet made a demand on his attention.  Something else his size, lingering in the light.  Something his shape.  His new mind couldn’t tell if it was a thing that belonged or one that didn’t.  To him, everything belonged and was in its right place.

Only the thing that was him-shaped was not being rocked by a kind lady.  The thing did not have a bed.  It was made of darkness and it moved strangely, flailing arms in a way that meant nothing to him yet.

When Phia finally took note and realized that Marek was awake, she saw him staring at nothing.  Just at the floor close by the hearth, covered by the rug.  She couldn’t imagine what he was looking at.  Perhaps the pretty pattern, although it was a bit ratty and needed to be replaced.  His attention so entirely focused on that one spot gave her a chill up her spine.  She stopped rocking, and at the cessation Marek seemed to realize something new and began crying.  Phia picked him up and found him in need of a diaper change.  The uncanny feeling went away, and she forgot about it when the day nurse relieved her.

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