#hes supposed to be all scary and serious but hes just this lil adorable person

[euphoricsunflowers]

like you love me — chae hyungwon

request: Could you do a best friends to lovers fic where the idol hasn't had his first kiss so when the reader is explaining to him how it's usually done he just leans forward real fast with a lil smooch like "like that 🥺😖" and both of them get shy but when reader snaps out of it they just think he's so cute and can't resist just pouncing on him (this got longer than I though it would lmao) - sub-hoshi-enthusiest

a/n: hi jazzy!! thank you for this request!! i hope you like it 🥺🥺

word count: 0.6k

content: fluff, kissing, honestly just as a general thing please don’t request stuff that is purely fluff for this blog (but i make an exception for jazzy because i love them☺️☺️ and i was complaining about only getting kihyun asks whoops)

summary: chae hyungwon, the pretty but unfriendly boy from your english class, was especially pretty with red cheeks.

you were supposed to be studying. he asked you over because the poor kid didn’t know the difference between subordinating conjunctions and coordinating conjunctions, and you both had a big test the next day. and instead, you’re both discussing entirely unrelated topics. no one would believe that the sharp-tongued pretty boy was so open and talkative with you. he might as well be a different person. it’s mostly lighthearted fun, until he asks, “do you think i’m pretty?”

your heart stops for a second, before you clear your throat, “everyone does.”

“does everyone include you?” he presses, leaning in a bit. not enough to do much more than give you a heart attack.

“do you want it to?” you retort back, and he smiles, seemingly deciding to drop the subject, so you ask, “do you want to actually study?”

“no, not really,” he smiles, “i think i’ll let that be a problem for future me to deal with,” he stops for a second, with a hesitant look on his face, before continuing, “hey, y/n?”

“yeah?”

“you’ve kissed someone before, right?”

“you know i dated changkyun for two months, of course i have,” you say, and it annoys hyungwon. he’s more annoyed at himself being so annoyed. he can’t seem to keep his feelings at bay for more than a few moments. he remembers the day you told him you were dating changkyun. those two months were rough for your friendship, and though you didn’t end on bad terms, hyungwon still bears a good amount of bad feelings for the guy, “why?” you ask.

he hesitates, but decides to just ask. you’re his friend, you won’t just him, right? “uhm... what is kissing… like?”

“wait, you’ve never kissed someone? how?! you’re— you’re you!” you laugh half-heartedly, before realizing he’s being serious for once, “i don’t know, man, it’s like… you press your lips to theirs. you know that. you could just give them a peck, or like… part your lips, and tilt your head a bit, let yourself settle into a rhythm with the other person, don’t think about it too much—”

but he is thinking about it too much.

he cuts you off with a kiss, quickly and shyly pressing his lips to yours, his hand gently and faintly cupping your cheek. he pull back just as quickly, opening his eyes to see your stunned expression, and he feels his cheeks get hot, “like that?”

his words bring you back to reality. god he’s so pretty with red cheeks and his long hair somewhat hiding his eyes, yet you can still see the shy glint to them. you whisper, “i— yeah, like that.”

“do you… do you wanna keep kissing?” he asks, and it’s adorable just how uncertain he is. does he not know he’s simply breathtaking? you’d think he’d be a cocky jerk, but he isn’t. he’s unsure and soft, and it’s so endearing.

“before we do, i just want to ask…” you mumble, sudddenly feeling bashful yourself, “are we just kissing as friends?”

“do you want to?” he asks, smirking slightly, but it’s just a ruse. he knows what’s about to happen.

“don’t use my deflection tactics right now, this is serious,” your gaze is piercing, and hyungwon somehow both desperately tries to avoid and can’t look away. he’s lost, worried about how you’ll react if he gives in and puts all his feelings on display. he’s always been able to hide them, and now he can’t anymore. it’s scary.

“no,” he breathes, “i don’t want to kiss as friends.”

“then how, hyungwon?”

he sighs, trying to gather all his courage, his thumb stroking your cheek softly, “kiss me like you love me.”

you nod, “okay.”

—

taglist: @lovingonrepeat @neosincity @sub-hoshi-enthusiest @rosethefae @staranonthoughts @maknaeronix @multidreams-and-desires @mellowriting

[krazy-kipo]

Being Kipos Older Sibling

~ You grow up in the science burrow with your mom Song and your dad Lio. Hugos your friend growing up you are very fond of the mandril. Doctor Emilia says he's for science but you think of him as a playmate. They aren't many kids your age and Hugos so cute and cuddly you can't help but get attached!

~ You've spent many nights cuddled up to Hugo wrapped in his star blanket and Lio and Song have walked in on you two so many times. They both think it's adorable. As you grow older you see what's happening to Hugo and you don't like it. You try and hide the formulas your parents are supposed to give Hugo but they always find them and gently scold you. It doesn't stop you from trying again though.

~ When Hugo speaks for the first time you get very excited. You'd taught him some sign language since the formulas hadn't seemed to be working but now he could speak! Actually talk! Think coherently! And spell. You make sure to not tell Emilia but the woman grows more suspicious as you spend more time with the mandril.

~ You teach Hugo how to read and write with yiur parents and you show him all your favorite books. Fantasy and castles become his favorites and you try and find as many as you can. Hugo creates a game where he pretends to be a King and you pretend to be his nobel knight protecting him.

~ Hugo picks up on the piano quickly now that he's smart and he loves leaning how to use it. You enjoy singing quitley with him and making songs up together. You enjoy teaching him things and your bond grows stronger as he becomes more human like.

~ About a year later and Song and Lio decide the burrow is becoming unsafe. Hugos a person not a science experiment and Emilias becoming suspicious. They make plans to leave with you and Hugo but Song discovers she's pregnant and she's afraid to have the baby on the surface. It's unsafe.

~ You tell Hugo the amazing news and he's excited. He can't wait to have a baby sister and see the surface world. That night after staying with him all day you kiss his head goodbye. You never could have guessed that hours after you leave Emilia discovered the truth and she wasn't happy...

~ You're barred from seeing Hugo as experiments are done. You're considered emotionally compromised and Emilia refuses to let you in. When dad and mom come home they explain the situation and you're devastated.

~ Kipo is almost here and they promise just a bit longer and you foolishly believe them. More than a month passes and Kipos still not close to delivery. One night when your parents are asleep your guilt wins over your sense and you sneak into Hugo's room. You shake seeing what Emilias done to him and run up to the cadge he's in. He cries when he sees you and you cry seeing the state he's in. Picking the lock to his cadge you hug your baby brother close eyes clenched shut as tears streak down your face matting his furr. He cries into your chest and hugs you so tightly you feel your heart break. Once he's calmed down enough he tells you all about running all day with no breaks and what his mutations done to him. What he can do to others.

~ Lio amd Song never told you these things and it was kind of scary but you know it's still Hugo and you love Hugo. Laying him down you gently massage his sore muscles as he keeps crying and tells you what's been happening to him and how he's being treated. He's shaking and melts into your gentle touch sobs shaking his entire body. You finish and wrap him in his star blanket. You rock him as you hold him close. He knows you can't stay but he begs BEGS that you do. That you leave now together. That you don't leave him here. P l e a s e. It breaks your heart but you tell him all about Emilia forcing you out and pushing you away. How you're not supposed to be here and you'll get in serious trouble if anyone finds out. How it could end really badly...

~ He's scared he may never see you again and tries to stay up as long as he can since you promised you'd stay til he sleeps but eventually exhaustion comes over him and he falls asleep. He wakes up alone in his tiny box to yucky food and a scowling Emilia. He misses you already.

~ It's hard for you. You can only visit about once every other week and Song and Lio can't know what your doing. You and Song are supposed to be sick with burrow pox since her pregnancy with a half mute has had some side effects.

~ It's so close and your anxious to get out and leave. You bring Hugo treats and keep promising soon. Soon. Soon. How could you know soon would never happen?

~ Deciding it's too dangerous in the burrow Song agrees to have the baby on the surface but then she goes into labor. Your still young but you've taken biology classes and you know what's happening. Getting warm towels for your mom you hold her hand letting her crush yours as Lio helps her deliever.

~ You're all exhasuted once it's over. You tell your dad to get Hugo as you hold your baby sister Kipo. Songs exhausted and taking a small break before you all decide to leave. Loud banging is heard on the door and you panic holding Kipo close. Kipo begins crying and you shush her looking at your mom and dad panicked. Dad grabs a backpack and hands another to you. You're shaking as he takes Kipo and opens a vent. You're mother hugs you kissing you're forehead before she closes the vent and goes to the door. You don't know it at the time but you may never see her again.

~ Lio leads you through the vents and suddnely there's an earthquake. Lio tells you it's just Kipo you and him now. You're heartbroken but there isn't anything you can do. Hugos dead and so your mother.

~ It turns out Kipo became part jaguar like you picked. She's a fuzzy pink jaguar. You love her and you love her mute side with all your heart. She's beautiful and you promise to protect her at all costs. She often bats at your face with her paw and she's almost scratched you many times but you don't mind.

~ The surface is scary and Lio's always stressed with taking care od the two of you and Kipos mutation so you feel like you have to be perfect at all times. No complaining and no crying about Song. Dad needs you to be strong. You always keep Kipo calm and do your best to make dad feel okay.

~ Soon you meet the goats and learn that Kipo needs a burrow or she will become a jaguar and you'll loose your sister to their mute side. The thought shakes you up a lot and you begin fearing you'll loose Kipo like you lost Song. It's been days and you and dad are still searching for a burrow when you stop.

"HUGO!"

~ You tackle your brother shaking and crying. You thought he died but here he is, alive and okay. He made ot to the surface and other than some small scratches he looks okay. He hugs back and you begin shaking. You pull awa smiling and he freezes when he sees Kipo. He wants to hold her but Hugo seems different. Lio pulls back holding Kipo close. Hugo begins shaking and you reach out to calm him down but he lunges for his old star blanket that Kipos in and he rips it. Kipo begins crying and Lio runs. Leaving you behind. Hugo reaches out wanting to apologize but he begins laughing maniacally holding the blanket. Scared you run after your dad. You lost your mom you can't loose him and Kipo too!

~ You miss Hugo but you need to focus on Kipo now. Your moms gone and she'll need two parents so it's your job to step in and let her know you love her and will always support her no matter what. When you enter the burrow it's hard. You're used to adventure and adrenaline now it's back to normal as if nothing ever happened. The other teens don't like you much and you find yourself sobbing alone thinking of Hugo up there by himself and your mom gone.

~ You never take your frustrations out on Kipo or your dad. You end up becoming quiet and spend your time reading, pulling yourself away from others. You have Kipo and you have your dad and you have books. That's all you need.

~ Growing up you make sure Kipos always happy and laughing. You teach her about love and how everyone is equal. As she gets older you teach her songs and how to play instruments. You're there when she learns to walk. When she learns to read and write. Amd the older she gets the mote you see. Once school starts you help her with her homework. Kipo always has you and you make sure to be there for her no matter what.

~ You teach her about the stars and planets, flora and fauna, music, art, geology, biology, philosophy, psychology, history, and different cultures. Kipo is always surrounded by learning and you take pride knowing you helped raise her to be so smart. She loves reading and she'll lay on your lap and read to you all day if you want.

~ You're always making up fun games and silly songs or reading to Kipo. You two also write and make lots of fun art. Kipo enjoys just about everything and is never bored or unhappy. Unlike you she makes many friends and your glad shes happy and has people who care for her.

~ The pain of Song dying never goes away (especially since Kipo looks exactly like her) but you keep that pain away from Kipo. You tell her stories about how brave and smart mom was. You never once let your mourning get in the way of Kipo and her life. She deserves the best and your determined to give your lil sister just that. It's what Song would've wanted.

~ Your rock climbing with Kipo and your dad enjoying your time with them when you all feel tremors. You laugh it off at first guessing the megamute it must be but the tremord keep getting more intense. So much so you and Kipo almost fall. Your dad mutters something and before you can ask what he's talking about your falling.

~ You never thought you'd go back to the surface but here you are and it's strangely familiar and nice. Kipos scared but you feel confident. Together you can take on anything and maybe up here you can finally teach Kipo about the Jaguar and who she really is.

[ghostboybabies]

little ghost boy || [JATP Agere/CGLRE]- “Spooky Vibes” (Chapter 5/Halloween Special)

A/N: happy halloween! I'm crediting Random_Nerd3 (on ao3)/ @random-nerd-3 for helping me brainstorm this chapter! She's really cool and is also planning to write agere content for this fandom and she's a really cool person so please go support her!

This is just a cute filler and I hope y'all like it!

--

"AH!"

Reggie jumped, looking away from the tv screen quickly. "You good, Reg?" Luke asked, looking at him. Reggie nodded slowly, pretending as if the sudden jumpscare didn't spook him.

Julie, Luke, and Reggie were all watching horror movies together. It was Halloween night, and she said that they needed to watch scary movies to "take in the spooky vibes". Neither Luke or Reggie really knew what that meant but they figured it'd be fun.

Ray was off at some kids Halloween party with Carlos, while Alex was off with Willie. It seemed like he always was now, for some reason. But the rest of the band didn't mind it. They figured it had to do with him finally having a boyfriend, they understood why he'd want to spend a lot of time with him.

Reggie was having fun until he realized how much scarier modern horror movies were then the one he watched when he was a kid. But he tried to keep his cool, simply distracting himself or pretending it wasn't scary.

Luke and Julie seemed to be enjoying the movies though, trying to predict what would be happening next. Reggie, however, was trying to hold back regression. The movies scared him and he wanted nothing more then to cuddle up next to Luke and his away in his chest.

He couldn't do this now! He was supposed to be big right now!

Luke would've probably given him another rant about how he didn't 'have' to be big ever, and that he would regress whenever he needed or wanted to. But Reggie would still feel very bad if he regressed in the middle of what was supposed to be a horror movie marathon. This was a big kid thing, not a baby Reggie thing.

And plus, Julie had just found out about his age regression. He avoided regressing around her, and he really didn't wanna freak her out or anything. So he silently sat, trying to keep himself both big and calm, holding back whimpers and whines.

The others were also having fun! He couldn't mess that up.

"You're gonna die! How stupid are you?" Julie shouted at the screen as if the characters could hear her. Reggie flinched at the shouting, getting closer to Luke instead of her. Luke glanced over at him but didn't verbally question it.

Reggie looked back to the screen, watching as the character Julie had been referring to died. He knew that the blood wasn't real, but the little toddler part of his brain told him that it somehow was. He bit back a whine, his thumb flying to his lip instantly. Luke reached forward, grabbing the remote and pausing the movie.

Reggie let out a light sigh of relief, while Julie gasped, turning to Luke to complain until she saw how serious he looked. Luke spoke to Reggie, in a tone he would usually take over when he was telling Reggie to do something or he wanted him to listen. It wasn't harsh or mean, just stern in a 'please do this for me' type of way.

"Reg, be honest with me. Are you regressing?" he asked.

Reggie shook his head, quickly feeling guilt settle into his stomach for disregarding his friend's 'no lying' request. Luke gave him a stern look, like when he did something he wasn't supposed to. That didn't happen a lot, and when it did, it was because Reggie forgot that he wasn't supposed to do said thing.

"Don't lie to me." Luke repeated.

Reggie looked down, not replying verbally. "Why didn't you tell me, baby? What happened?"

"S-scary!" Reggie whined, looking at the screen before quickly turning away again.

"The movie scared you?" Luke questioned softly. Reggie nodded, confirming. "Why didn't you tell us? We could've turned it off!" Luke pointed out.

Reggie looked over to Julie, closing in on himself a bit. Julie seemed concerned, and sympathetic. Reggie expected her to be weirded out, or even upset with him for going into littlespace. This was a bad time.

Why was he so sensitive when he regressed?

"m' sorry, didn't wan' mess it up!" he spoke in his little voice, his eyes glossing over as he looked between them with an apologetic look.

"You didn't mess anything up! We can watch kids Halloween movies, it'll still be fun!" Julie jumped in, trying to reassure him. She took a second, looking him up and down before talking again. "If you're worried about being little around me, I really don't mind. We've already had this conversation, you're safe with me."

Reggie hummed. Julie's words seemed to calm him. She opened her arms, and Reggie took the opportunity to hug her. He buried his head in her chest, feeling her arms around him and a light kiss to his forehead.

Luke watched them, silenced by the adorableness that was the scene in front of him. Julie, like him, was pretty good at calming Reggie down. She seemed to know just what he needed to hear, and gave him hugs that made him feel so safe. Plus, they worked well as a team when it came to taking care of Reggie.

"No more hiding when you're feeling small, okay? At least not with us." Julie spoke in a slightly stern voice, pulling away from the embrace. The voice convinced Reggie that whatever she said had to be right. Reggie nodded slowly, bringing his thumb to his lip again.

"How old are you?" she asked, glancing at his lips, where he was seconds away from sucking his thumb.

"Lil." Reggie replied simply, tilting his head a bit. Julie smiled, obviously amused.

"Yes, we know that, darling. But how little?" Luke spoke up, just as amused as the other girl was. Reggie gave a confused pout, seemingly trying to think.

"Baby!" he giggled, letting his thumb slip into his mouth. He bounced in place, obviously happy for whatever reason.

He was easily excited while little. The smallest little thing could make him all giggly and bouncy, which Luke really loved. It was fun to see what would amuse Reggie, doing different things just to see him smile.

Julie was glad that they were able to distract him from any sort of guilt. "Does the baby wanna watch Casper the Friendly Ghost?"

"Was dat?" Reggie mumbled around his thumb. Luke and Julie didn't scold him for sucking his thumb because they didn't know if it mattered or not. He was dead, it wasn't like he could get sick or mess up his teeth.

"It's a cute movie about a nice ghost. Like you guys!" she cheered.

"No scary ghosts?" Reggie asked. Julie shook her head.

"Mkay. Watch it." he nodded, confirming. He settled back into the couch, watching as Luke handed the remote to Julie. As Julie located the movie, Luke reached over and played with Reggie's hair, causing him to lean into him.

Luke was enjoying the affection until Reggie suddenly pulled away. He looked at Julie silently as she settled back into the couch. She opened her arm,letting him lean into her and cuddle into her side, wrapping her arm around him. Luke crossed his arms, gasping.

"I want cuddles too!" he complained playfully, giving a pout that wasn't unlike Little Reggie's.

Reggie looked over to Luke, all cuddled up next to Julie, not wanting to move. Julie looked over to Luke too. Luke winked at Julie, and she smiled. "Nope, he chose me!" she stuck her tongue out, tightening her arm around him.

Reggie giggled a bit. "No fair!" Luke exclaimed.

"It is fair. He likes me more!" Julie made her voice sound like she was bragging. Reggie's smile dropped as he looked between them. He saw Luke's pout, jumping up away from Julie quickly.

"Don't be sad! Like you too!" he assured, jumping onto him and attacking him with cuddles.

"Aw," Luke cooed, hugging him back. He got rid of the fake pout,  "You're so sweet, baby."

"Yeah, we were just playing. You can cuddle with whoever you want, we know you don't pick favorites." Julie assured. Reggie hummed.

"Favite!" Reggie poked Luke once pulling away from their hug. Then, he reached over and did the same thing to Julie. "Favite!"

"D-did- did you just call us your favorites?" Julie gave Reggie a loving look, seemingly touched by this adorably childish action. Reggie nodded.

"Both my favite! Love yous," he cheered, adjusting himself so that he was laying on the couch. He laid his head on Luke's lap, looking up at him.

"I love you too." Luke smiled, running his fingers through his hair.

Julie let Reggie stretch his legs across her lap, settling into the position. "We both love you, sweetie." Julie told him.

After this, they fell into silence, Luke playing with his hair and Julie tracing small circles on his legs. They watched the movie, Reggie giggling here and there. It wasn't long before he fell asleep, though. Drifting off to the affection of his supportive friends, and the sound of a children's movie playing in the background.

That Halloween night was perfect. In every single way.

Alex came back later on to see the three of them asleep on the couch, all cuddled up together. Alex would've assumed it was just like every other cuddly movie night, except for one thing.

Reggie had fallen asleep sucking his thumb.

[mingishoe]

Christmas Eve Shopping

(Excuse all my shit titles I find it really hard to come up with title names.)

Summary: You two grabbed the last thing on the shelf and you both need to give it as a present

Reader x Wooyoung 

Fluff and a lil bit of crack

25 days of Christmas~ Day 2

Word count~ 1.3K

12-2-19

————————————————

It was Christmas Eve and you were barely going Christmas shopping for your nieces and nephews. You already had 3 out of the 4 presents you needed to buy. You were at the closest toy store to you and of course it was packed full with unprepared moms, dads, grandparents, and aunts who are all looking for something specific like you. You go to the “boys toys” section since your nephew has been begging for a “wall climbing remote control car” for the longest time and no one wants to buy it for his poor soul. Your frantically going through the aisles trying to find this stupid car. You’re on the verge of crying, you’ve been here for 2 hours already and you finally find the car. You can see it’s the last box on the shelf and you release a deep breath and practically start running to go get the box. Your heart drops when you see someone grab the box. You run after the guy who has the box in his hands, “Hey, Hey, Hey!” You’re literally tearing up and you feel like a kid throwing a tantrum. The guy turns and looks at you unamused, “Look, I really and I mean really need that car.” He has an eyebrow raised, “so do I.” And he turns and walks away from you. You gape at his back for a second before you run after him for the second time, “No, look, please. I just- I just really need it.” You’re looking up at him with watery eyes and he honestly looks amused by you. “How about we make a compromise?” What is he talking about? How are you supposed to make a compromise over one toy car that two people need. “What- how? There’s one car and two of us. And in my opinion… I need the car more” you were over your little hissy fit and now you were getting kinda angry because he was playing games you didn’t have time for. “How about we each pay half. And you let me take you out to dinner tonight, and maybe if you’re entertaining enough I’ll let you have the car.” You blink at him, you’re confused. “So… you want me to go on a date with you at… 10pm on Christmas Eve and if you like me, you’ll give me the car?” He nods and smiles at you. You’re desperate at this point for the car, sure you could just go to a different place but you’re already here. Plus this guy is kinda cute and you wouldn’t mind free dinner. You sigh and hand him 15 dollars to pay for your half of the car, “Here, you better hurry up. The line is getting long.” You’re really cute. Wooyoung didn’t even need the car, he was just going to keep it for himself. After you made a scene and basically cried he saw the opportunity to take a cute girl out for dinner and took it. They had a Christmas Eve lunch and not dinner so he was free until tomorrow night for the Christmas dinner. He was assuming something similar was going on with you, or else why would you be at a toy store begging for a toy car at 10:11 on Christmas Eve. You stood next to him while waiting in like, “My name’s Wooyoung.” he offers his free hand out for you to shake it. “Y/n.” you respond, shaking his hand. “Thought I’d be important to know the cute girls name before we go to dinner.” he winks at you and makes your cheeks flush. When you don’t respond he smiles and hands the lady the box along with the money so he can pay. Wooyoung finishes paying and he tells you to follow him, “Did you drive here?” you shake your head no and says, “Oh, Okay, so we won’t have to worry about your car being here.” You stop a little bit because that was honestly a little bit scary, “Okay, that totally didn’t sound like something a murderer would say.” he turns to you and rolls his eyes, “Trust me, I have no intention to murder you. You’re too cute.” He opens the passenger seat to his car and gestures for you to get in. Once you get in he closes the door after you and does a little jog to the drivers side of the car to get in, “So, I know this restaurant about 15 minutes away from here. It’s a little diner that I used to go to all the time.” You nod, still a little bit wary about going somewhere with this stranger who you’ve known for maybe 30 minutes max. “So, tell me, why are you christmas shopping on Christmas Eve and not at home?” He realizes that was a bit blunt and apologizes quickly after, “Sorry, if that question was too personal…” You smile a bit, “No, it isn’t anything super serious. We all just agreed to do a dinner and open presents on Christmas day instead of tonight. What about you?” “Oh, it’s nothing really, we just had a Christmas eve lunch thing instead of a dinner.” You nod in understanding and you two fall in a comfortable silence until Wooyoung turns on the radio and starts singing softly. You’re staring. You know he knows you’re staring. He knows you know he knows you’re staring. He’s a really good looking guy. His blond hair was shining with all the lights lining the road. His voice was really pretty and you found yourself looking down at his lips. Every one in a while he’d swoop his hair back and bite his lip. You weren’t even paying attention to your surroundings to make sure he wasn’t gonna snatch you, you were too focused on the man himself. He parks the car and turns to you. He makes eye contact with you and slowly looked down to your lips, “We’re here” you bite your lip and get out of the car waiting for him. Wooyoung curses to himself and gets out of the car. He grabs your hand and you tense he’s taking you into the diner. It isn’t busy but what else can you expect on Christmas Eve? He leads you to a table towards the back of the diner and you sit across from him. He hands you the menu and you look over it to see what you want. You saw they serve breakfast all day and you were immediately down for that. You put the menu down and wooyoung calls a waiter over to get your order. Wooyoung ordered a burger and fries and you ordered a waffle. Wooyoung looked at you curiously, “Breakfast for dinner?” You laughed and nodded, “If I get the chance imma take it.” He laughs out loud, he has a really loud laugh. But it’s cute. You look down and flush pink, “So…” you hear Wooyoung start. “Who was that toy car for?” You look up with fake offence, “oh, the one you snatched away from me? It was for my little nephew. He’s 5 now, and the poor boy, he’s been wanting that for so long but no one wants to get it for him.” Wooyoung is looking at you with what he could describe as adoration. “Can I tell you a secret?” You look up suspiciously but agree anyway, “I was gonna give you the car either way and I just wanted to take a cute girl on a date.” You gape at him with your mouth open, “I- you- what- man, you’re lucky you’re my ride” you wink at him. 

[seitjun]

once in a lifetime

7600+ words // freewood // fahc au

Description Being a criminal has its downsides. One of it is missing out on the dating scene, because really, it’s usually not normal to date a criminal. And now Ryan’s met someone who’s not exactly normal, is totally willing to date him, and is probably way out of his league.

extra notes: it’s officially a series titled ‘Romance for Dummies’ fellas; this is the second part to this fic. for background, cheesy romance montage music – listen to this song!

also available on ao3 (link)!

(one.) 

“Do you even have any idea what you’re doing?” Geoff poses the question with a grimace. He leans against the doorway as he watches Ryan fiddle with his outfit, hands unable to stop fidgeting. Usually more confident, it’s odd for Geoff to see someone like Ryan act nervous – and he’s not even facing a chance of death. Geoff revises his question: “Hell, have you actually ever been on a date?” He’s beginning to suspect a certain answer when Ryan switches out his jacket a third time. “Absolutely not,” Ryan answers, and he can feel the exasperation radiating from his boss. Ryan ignores it like usual. “I’ve been too busy living the criminal life to date someone–” Geoff opens his mouth. “–and fucking someone is different. One-night stands aren’t relationships.” Geoff closes his mouth. Fair point. Despite it, a frown plays on his lips at this odd situation he’s been pushed into. What is he supposed to do anyway? He’s not exactly qualified to give advice on dating – only god knows how he landed Jack – but he’s not soulless enough to be a passive bystander. He doesn’t want to watch Ryan come home with his tail tucked behind his legs when the date goes horribly wrong. Besides it being a sad sight, Geoff isn’t ready to be annihilated by a broken-hearted Vagabond. “So...are you just winging this dating scenario? Because I did that before, and it’s a dumb as dicks idea.” Geoff takes care not to mention that he still wings dating, nevermind that he and Jack have been together for a long time now. Ryan snorts, eyeing Geoff from the reflection of the mirror. “I’m not you, boss. I actually know to research stuff when it’s important,” Ryan looks at himself in the mirror with a more serious gaze, “and this date is important." Geoff whistles. For the most part, Ryan is a laid back man, even managing to be relaxed when serious. This time, Geoff can see the intense determination in Ryan’s eyes and the lack of humor in his conviction – his question of how important it is to Ryan is easily answered. “Oh boy, okay. This is a real big deal then,” he mutters. “You, uh, need anything from me before you go off on your date?” Geoff winces at how awkward he sounds, but he’s trying, dammit. As odd as it is, he wants to support the guy’s dip into dating. “Advice? Opinions? Maybe even suggestions?” Ryan doesn’t answer immediately. His eyes are unerringly focused on his jacket, and he frowns at himself in the mirror: “Does this outfit make me look like a criminal?” (Of all the questions to ask of Geoff when he’s being so fucking generous– ) “Ryan, buddy. You’re wearing your Vagabond outfit.”

He’s not ready for this at all. Ryan lingers at a wooden, apartment door with clammy hands. One stays hidden behind him with a small bouquet of flowers, but the other floats in the air as he debates when to knock. In his pocket is the reminder that he’s arrived five minutes early from their planned meeting time, as well as three internet tabs that have dating advice – all varying degrees of helpfulness. He tugs at the collar of his light jacket, changing out his Vagabond jacket after Geoff’s tired sigh. He supposes the other’s right that it’d bring too much attention on him on his date. Even so, he can feel how uncomfortable he is without the comforting weight of his jacket. It takes another moment of shifting his weight around and talking himself up to push himself forward. His knuckles meet the wood three times, knocking at a hopefully okay volume. He’s awfully anxious despite wanting this badly, and his heart is pounding in his chest, so close to jumping out. It only worsens when he hears the faint ‘I’m coming! Give me a sec!’ and Ryan wonders if he’s started sweating already. “Ryan, you’re early!” Gavin’s face pops out from behind the door, and his cheeks are flushed red. A dopey grin plays on his lips as it accompanies the giddy shine in his eyes. His excitement is contagious, and already, Ryan can feel his nerves start to settle a bit. “I didn’t want to be late or keep you waiting, so I arrived earlier to be sure,” Ryan confesses. He gives a small smile, hoping he doesn’t come off as weird. “Oh! I, uh, got you some flowers too. I read that people like flowers, and I hope that you’re not allergic to them?” Ryan reveals the item he had picked up half an hour ago, slipping it from behind his back. He hears the little gasp as he presents it to Gavin, and he ducks his head in delighted embarrassment when Gavin takes it with a happy croon. Ryan hazards a glance up, his breath stolen away at Gavin cradling the gift; his eyes radiate fondness. “Oh, Ryan, this gift is absolutely top! I can’t believe you got me something like this!” Gavin is bubbly, filled to the brim with affection for the awkward criminal. His thumb brushes a carnation's petal, its orange shade bright beneath tanned skin. “I didn’t know your favorites, so I got you the prettiest bouquet I saw. Reminded me of you, ‘cus you’re, y’know, very pretty. Er...” Ryan trails off with a sheepish grin. His face is flushed with his words absolutely fucked up, but he’s genuine in all that he’s saying. He figures that Gavin can figure out what he’s saying, and he’s rewarded with a tight hug. His mind reels when he feels another reward in the form of a soft kiss on his cheek. “You’re lovely, Ryan. The loveliest of them all,” Gavin crows. “Here, let me put these in some water, so they won’t die, and we can head off!” Ryan doesn’t say anything as Gavin returns inside his apartment. He stays still in his spot, a hand on the spot where Gavin’s lips had met his cheek sweetly; he grins like an idiot.

“Absolutely not, I respect gravity too much.” “But Ryan, it’d be a sick party trick, and even for your job, you could terrify blokes so easily. Plus you’re getting a superpower and a million dollars! You don’t lose out at all!” "I'm scary enough on my own," Ryan frowns. He had worked hard for his reputation. "I already get millions from heisting, and I'm not for parties anyway." Gavin rolls his eyes. He chatters on about the hypothetical situation, trying to convince Ryan how good anti-gravity powers really are. His hands are moving everywhere in wide gestures, and he’s too lost in the conversation to take much notice of it. It takes a wine glass almost tipping over for Ryan to finally stop Gavin’s movements. “Gav, careful, we don’t want to make a mess here,” Ryan chides. He takes one of Gavin’s hands into his own, gives it a gentle squeeze that makes Gavin pause before giggling. It catches Ryan’s attention, and he tugs his hand away, flustered and changing the topic.  “Your gravity question isn’t going to help you out with red wine stains on the white tablecloth.” “Well, not this specific one. I have tons more, like–” “Just eat your food, before I eat it all for you. I mean, I'm always hungry, and I do love steak a lot…” “Ryan, no!” Gavin picks up his fork to eat a cut of his steak before Ryan can. He sticks his tongue out at Ryan while his cheek is puffed with the food. He earns an eye roll from Ryan, and another order of ‘eat’ , delivered with a huff. “I am eating, but I like talking to you a lot too, you twit.” “I do too, but food is always the first priority. Even before you, Gav,” Ryan retorts to Gavin’s affronted squeak. “Hey, look, I’m paying for this date! I’m going to eat my money’s worth and yours too, soon enough!” Gavin huffs, but he does continue eating again, much to Ryan’s smug glee. They devolve into a quiet dinner, but it’s no less comfortable than the from before; it feels nice that this simple dinner date is going well. From the mess that he was at the start, Ryan feels more like himself now. He’s still unsure whenever he does certain things – such as grabbing Gavin’s hand like an idiot who didn’t ask – but he feels more comfortable. He’s not as worried about fucking this whole thing up when he’s shown Gavin how much of a mess he is in five different ways already. And Gavin is still here, taking it in stride with a laugh. It’s easy to lose himself in the conversation, taken in by Gavin’s playfulness and curiosity so completely. The banter is quick and bright, tidbits of personal information coming out naturally, and Ryan’s 90% sure that Gavin is into him as much as Ryan is into Gavin. It’s a good feeling, and Ryan really did work himself up over nothing. “Y’know, I already miss the shy Ryan at my doorstep,” Gavin pipes up after a few minutes of contented eating. “You were bloody adorable, lookin’ a lil’ lost and embarrassed. It was like I was in secondary school again, and you were trying to ask me out to the dance.” “Hey, no, I wasn’t lost, alright? I’ll give you half-credit on embarrassed though, because it was more like...flustered. I didn’t know what to expect on a date with you!” He defends. Gavin’s voice lowers, amusement seeping in, “The feared Vagabond gets so flustered going on a date. I saw you robbing the bank so confidently, and walking up to me in the coffee place with that pick-up line? And then– you know!” He explodes into a amused laughter, eyes shut as his smile stretches his cheeks. “Shut up,” Ryan retorts with no heat at all, besides the ones present on his cheeks. He’s too distracted by the sight of Gavin being so carefree to put much thought in his defense. He suppresses the fond sigh that threatens to escape. “I just...didn’t know what to expect on a date in general. This is the first date I’ve ever been on.” Ryan doesn’t miss how Gavin sobers up a bit after his confession. There’s still a wide smile playing on his pink lips – and oh, god, his heart is racing – but it’s less at Ryan’s expense. It’s turned soft and gentle, and Ryan swears this man could be the death of him when he feels Gavin hold his hand. “I guess being a criminal makes it awful horrible to get on the dating scene. You can’t really put down your career in a dating profile, can you? Even if you do make good money," Gavin teases. He squeezes Ryan’s hand, reminiscent of the scene minutes before. “I’m lucky that I get to be your first date ever, and hopefully, I’m lucky enough to have more of your firsts. Like maybe your first, second date?” Ryan doesn’t even try to stifle his grin and nods excitedly. (And the articles open on his phone remain unused. He didn't need them after all.)

  (two.)

“You’re wearing your riding leathers today. You taking your date out on your motorcycle this time?” Geoff finds himself watching Ryan get ready for his date again, this time with less worry. From what he’s been hearing from Ryan’s recountings and seeing Ryan’s frequent excursions now, the whole courting thing must be going well. It’s nice to know that Ryan’s been successful in his first dating endeavor so far. Ryan nods. “He saw a clip of me making an escape from a heist on a motorcycle,” he pauses as he sifts through his closet, “Said he wants to ride a bike with me. It turns out he likes bikes more than cars, so I’m showing him my Shotaro.” He pulls out a hanger with another leather jacket hanging from it. Scanning it for a second, Ryan deems it small enough for it to fit Gavin; it’d still be a little big considering Ryan’s size, but it’s an older jacket from a year or two ago. It’s his best bet, at this point, and it does match his current riding leathers – almost like a set. The implication sends his heart into an awful frenzy of fluttering. “Y’know, you never told me how you met your guy. It happened so suddenly that you started going out on dates,” Geoff points out. He’s curious to know, especially since Ryan let slip that his date knew Ryan’s career as a criminal. He’s both curious and concerned for Ryan and crew if the date ended up being a traitor. Ryan shrugs, but a red tint starts to swarm his face. He sets the jacket in a nearby backpack that he slings on, reminding himself to bring an extra helmet from the garage. He shifts awkwardly as he ponders about telling the truth. “Remember the bank heist at Pacific Standard, about two months ago?” He murmurs. “He was, uh, one of the civilians there. I noticed him after we made eye contact, but I realized that he wasn’t scared. Looked more inconvenienced really.” “So, how did that turn into you scoring some dick?” Ryan scowls, leveling Geoff with a narrowed look at the crude words; there’s been nothing like that mentioned in their dates. Ryan’s busy trying to figure out romance first anyway with Gavin. “We made eye contact, and I noticed that he was cute. I winked at him, and the guy didn’t hate it, so I kept doing it, and then,” Ryan pauses, cheeks turning a brighter red. “I blew a kiss at him, tracked him down to a coffee shop that same week, and, uh, it spiralled into this.” Silence reigns completely over his room, and Ryan doesn’t dare look up. His decision is only proving to be right after Geoff finally busts out laughing after their silence. He cackles and howls so loudly that it echoes in their penthouse. “What kinda fuckin’ story is that, Haywood?" “It's mine, now shut up,” Ryan grumbles with no heat. He feels a small smile tug at his lips from Geoff’s amusement. It’s an approval of its own kind.

There’s little to no nervousness in Ryan this time when he sees Gavin waiting by the curb of his apartment building. After the first handful of dates, he’s figured out how to soothe his nerves and taken to reminding himself the most important thing: they were both into each other. After all, if the attraction and the interest hadn’t been mutual, they wouldn’t be here still, would they? (Unless it’s a long con from Gavin, but Ryan knows him enough – Gavin is impulsive and spontaneous, absolutely horrible at anything pre-planned. Besides, doubting Gavin’s genuinity would only lead to a quick spiral into anxiousness and self-doubt, and Ryan could do that in his own time.) “You looked so handsome riding in on that bike, Ry,” Gavin compliments, first thing. His lips pull into a cheeky grin, and he moves forward to press a greeting kiss on Ryan’s cheek after tugging his helmet off. “Does this mean I get to ride with you, like how you did in that one clip?” Ryan snorts, cutting the engine off and getting off the seat. He takes the helmet from Gavin to set on his seat before he curls his arm around Gavin’s waist to hold him close. He waves vaguely in his backpack’s direction. “I mean, I did bring an extra jacket and helmet for someone here. And I knew I was gonna get pestered ‘bout it if I didn’t do it, so…” It’s with a happy chirp of a noise that Gavin tears away from Ryan’s hold, hands already reaching for the backpack. Ryan rolls his eyes, muttering ‘impatient’ below his breath, but he shrugs it off anyway and reaches for the items inside. “First thing, helmet. Obvious thing to have, or else you’ll have a nasty time if we crash. I don’t want you to lose any more brain cells that you’ve lost already.” “Oi!” “Kidding,” Ryan amends, a cough following afterwards. It earns him a gentle shove to his side, but it moves him not at all, as he places the helmet next to his own. But his movements stutter here, eyes catching the jacket and reminding him of his thoughts from before. He wonders if Gavin will realize the choice behind the jacket, will realize how much Ryan likes him that he’s giving the man a piece of himself. A piece of himself that he's never let anyone else have. Would he feel the same frenzy in his chest? “Ry? You okay?” Ryan startles, shaking his head to clear his confusion. “Sorry, Gav, I’m fine. Just got lost in my thoughts, but here, uh, I have riding leathers too." Ryan manages to fumble his words out as he tugs the leather jacket out of his bag. He sets the bag down to show off the jacket to Gavin, hands trembling slightly; a familiar nervousness settles in. “They are actually meant to protect. I don’t just wear my Vagabond jacket to make a statement.” No sound passes between them for a beat, and Ryan looks around awkwardly to avoid Gavin’s eyes. The jacket is still in his hands, Gavin is silent, and Ryan wonders if Gavin’s already caught the meaning – how dumb of him to assume that it wasn’t obvious already to the man, if it was to Ryan. How dumb of Ryan to believe that Gavin would feel the same about the jacket; this isn’t Gavin’ first time with romance, and he wouldn’t fall as hard and as quick as Ryan has. He starts to take the jacket back, a promise of grabbing a different one sitting on his tongue. But quicker than Ryan can pull away, Gavin’s hand darts out to gingerly grip Ryan’s wrist. It's a small, soft grip that has Ryan pausing to look back at Gavin with wide eyes. “Sorry, Ry, I didn’t want you to...go,” Gavin murmurs sheepishly. He drops his grip from Ryan’s wrist, moving to run a gentle hand over the soft leather of the jacket. “I didn’t know how to react since it looked like it was yours, yeah?” Ryan nods. Words are stuck in his throat as he catches the way Gavin looks at the jacket. “Could bloody tell with all the nicks in it. There’s even a spot here where you tried to sew up a hole,” Gavin giggles, and it lets Ryan’s nervousness seep out. "Some darker spots where stuff didn't wash out all the way." “Yeah, it’s an old jacket of mine, and I hoped it’d be small enough to not look that weird on you. It was one of my first ones I bought since joining the crew, so it’s got history,” Ryan mumbles. “That’s partly why I wanted to give you this one to wear. That, and...it looks the nicest out of the rest. It's like my current one. Black leather, but with red accents instead of my blue.” “It’s kinda like complements, innit? I’m the red to your blue, and we make it work together. Good thing that red and blue look good together,” Gavin jokes. Ryan’s breath hitches, because Gavin’s hit the nail on the head even if Gavin doesn’t exactly realize it. He nods, and he offers a small smile as he presents the jacket to Gavin again; the meaning isn’t lost on either of them about this jacket. The question is asked in his movements, and Gavin responds in kind. There’s something to be said about the intimacy of the moment, as Ryan carefully slips the jacket onto Gavin’s shoulders. He watches with a held breath how Gavin slips his arms into the sleeves, knuckles barely past the long sleeves, and adjusts the new weight on his figure. Even swallowed up by the excess fabric, Gavin looks comfortably at home in Ryan’s jacket, and Ryan can’t help the affection that surges in his heart. “Y’know, I can see why you wear that jacket everywhere, even if you’re not on a bike. It does make a statement,” Gavin teases. “You’re fucking awful,” is all Ryan can groan out before he’s attacked with an armful of Gavin. But he can’t stifle the smile on his face as Gavin tucks his head in the crook of his neck, nuzzling his cheek against the skin there and making joyful, little chirping noises. “And, you don’t have to worry. I know it’s not like a necklace, but I get what you’re saying,” Gavin smiles, small and soft with apple-red cheeks. He peers up at Ryan from his spot with shining eyes. “I like you a lot, Ry.” Ryan feels like a mess – all he can manage is a grateful nod as he tucks Gavin closer to his side; his body feels like fire.

The perfect moment, in Ryan’s eyes, is when they’re the only ones left in the highway lane. Los Santos is good to them today as they ride out of the city, heading off to nowhere for a passing moment. It’s there that he can amp up the engine to go blasting off at a 90 miles per hour and to the tune of nowhere’s promises. He can still feel the rush from the speed, see his surroundings blur around him, and it’s easy to lose himself to the thrill of the ride. He lets experience and instincts take over the driving. For a good while, he can stop thinking about everything besides the moment and driving wildly in it. It's the best type of alone time he could get when the adrenaline got too much and the stress too heavy from their jobs. Now though, Ryan can feel the comforting press of Gavin’s body against his back. Warm and present, Ryan feels less reckless even at high speed; he's more content, especially when Gavin squeezes his arms around Ryan’s waist to hold on. The touch is grounding. He had planned on driving with no destination in mind. Take Gavin out on a ride to see everything and nothing that exists on the road. But then he thinks about another city near Los Santos, where the people are nicer and the streets are safer. Thinks about the famous coffee shop there, the overhyped tourist attractions, and the idea of exploring it together. He thinks Gavin would like it, and it's enough for him to take the next exit there. Ryan slips one hand off the handles for a moment, placing it over one of Gavin’s that’s on his stomach. His thumb brushes the exposed skin of that soft hand, and distantly, he amends his statement from before: this is the perfect moment.

  (three.)

“How’s loverboy doing? You haven’t been on a date with your guy in what...a month now?” “You’ve been keeping track?” Geoff shrugs, not giving any answer as obvious as it is. “Hard not to when it turned routine for you to disappear near weekly. Hell, I don’t think I went on as many dates as you have, even with Jack.” Ryan scowls from his spot behind the refrigerator door, pausing in his search for one last can of diet coke. He throws up a middle finger at Geoff, and he can feel the eye roll from the other. “He’s been out of the country for a job,” Ryan mumbles eventually when Geoff's stare doesn't drop. He avoids mentioning personal details about his date. He sighs and shuts the fridge door close when it looks like there’s no more of his drink left. Leaning against the door, he continues, “He said he shouldn’t away for more than that, said the filming went well. But…” “You miss him. Like a metric shit ton, dude,” Geoff finishes for Ryan. His expression’s taken on a more serious one, and Ryan is thankful for how understanding Geoff could be. “Is that why you’ve been on your phone a lot more? I see you always checking it now.” Ryan gives a helpless shrug, fiddling with the hem of his shirt. Old and worn, threads stick out from the end, but it’s one comfort out of a situation that has Ryan feeling stilted. He hadn’t realized how much Gavin affected his life with those weekly dates, considering they spent most of their week away at their own work. It’s weird, being vulnerable like this. “He’s busy over there, but sometimes he’ll sneak a text in about his day. There’s usually a photo too, and I like them. It lets me know that he’s doing okay, since I can’t be there with him,” he confesses. Quiet and emotional, he wonders what a sight he must make in front of Geoff. “Damn. You’re really into the guy,” Geoff whistles. He’s figured out that Ryan genuinely likes the guy, but he had never paid attention to how much exactly. “Sounds like he’s real good for you.” Ryan’s eyes soften as he eyes the small bump in his pocket where he knows his phone is hiding away. He thinks about his wallpapers, how they’re photos of them together and how it changes weekly for every new date. Thinks about their texts that always end in a ‘see you soon’ and never a ‘goodbye’ . Thinks about how much he likes being next to Gavin, and how, sometimes, he can’t speak because he’s too overwhelmed with affection. There’s not enough words to describe how good Gavin is. He tears his eyes away from his phone – people say focusing on the wrong things can make time slower, and maybe there’s some truth to it – and looks back up at Geoff. Ryan tries to find something to say, even if it’d never capture the whole experience of being with Gavin. Before he can say a single word though, a familiar text tone rings in his ears, and as quick as he had looked away – he’s grabbing his phone to peer at the newest message. from [dear]: got home just now. im knackered, but i wanna see you ry. come over and bring food please? to [dear]: !! And it’s genuinely amazing how Geoff stays upright after Ryan barrels through him and out the door. Geoff resigns himself to this fate of a lovestruck Ryan, ready to be by his date’s side at a drop of a hat. Love looks good on the guy, at least.

“Christ, you’re too good for me sometimes, Ry.” Gavin groans in delight through another mouthful of food, savoring the rice and curry from the local Thai place near his apartment. He doesn’t eat much, but after complaining about the shitty airplane food, Ryan can only watch in understanding as Gavin rinses through the takeout. They’re sat on the actually nice couch in Gavin’s living room, Gavin sitting back against one of the arms with Ryan laying on Gavin’s chest. Broad arms wrap tightly around the other’s waist, and they relax to the background noise of a documentary. “I’m just a normal good, but relative to you, I can see that,” Ryan jokes with a grin and earning a half-hearted glare from Gavin. He doesn’t bat an eye, casually grabbing a tissue with one hand and wiping a stray morsel of food from the corner of Gavin’s lips. “I like it anyway. Also helps a guy out with his ego.” “This is one of those sometimes where you’re not too good for me now. You suck,” Gavin huffs, but he doesn’t look too bothered. Otherwise, he’d be batting Ryan’s hand away and pouting up a storm. Instead, he lets Ryan fuss over him with the food and tissues; he must’ve seen how much Ryan had needed it. “Just finish your food, so we can cuddle, idiot,” Ryan can’t help saying fondly. He nuzzles his cheek against Gavin’s collarbone and squeezes him in a hug, letting out a soft and impatient noise. Something that vaguely sounds ‘we’re already cuddling’ escapes from Gavin, but Ryan can’t find it in himself to deign that with a response. He shuts his eyes and savors the moment that it is – the low volume of the television, the scraping sounds of Gavin eating the dregs of his food, and the quiet breathing of theirs that stay in sync. Ryan’s always thought that nothing could come close to the love he has for the criminal life; this is coming pretty damn close. He stays like that for what seems like forever, already close to dozing off from the serenity of it all. He jolts from his half-slumber when he hears the loud ‘click!’ of a camera, followed up by a sheepish ‘oops’ from Gavin. “Why’re you taking photos of me right now, Gav…?” Ryan asks. His words slur together in his sleepiness, and his eyes are blurry when he attempts to peer up at Gavin through half-lidded eyes. Gavin offers a small smile, setting his empty plate down to instead run his hands through Ryan’s hair. His nails scratch at a sensitive spot just right , and Ryan’s eyes flutter at the sensation. “You’re like a lil’ puppy, Ry. ‘S cute,” Gavin giggles. He peppers kisses on Ryan’s forehead and nose and wherever else he could reach with the criminal's face semi buried against his body. “And I like photos, that’s why I sent a lot to you on my trip! I was miffed that you didn’t return any, love. I wanted to see you!” Ryan mumbles incoherently, his cheeks turning pink. “I didn’t know you wanted photos of me. Wouldn’t have been exciting anyway, since it’d be weird taking photos of me committing crimes.” Gavin snorts, saying nothing for or against that point; that’ll be something to talk about more seriously later on, Ryan notes. As much as Gavin doesn’t care for the crimes that involves heisting, Ryan doesn’t know where Gavin stands on his shadier aspects. It’d really be a terrible thing to discuss currently. “I just like anything that’ll remind me of you, Ryan, you dolt. You could’ve sent me a photo of you brushing, and I’d enjoy it,” Gavin teases. “So, now, I want a photo of us together! Say ‘cheese’, Ryebread!” Ryan’s given no time to argue or pose decently, so he settles for glancing at the phone in Gavin’s hand and gives a lazy smile. It should be enough to satiate Gavin, what with the look in his eyes, and Ryan’s proven right when Gavin croons in happiness. “Lemme see, Gav,” Ryan requests, butting his head against the other’s hand. His face is gently bat away, a hand patting his cheek absentmindedly. “Hol’ up, let me do this one thing, and...aha–! I have a new lockscreen,” Gavin says triumphantly. He clicks his phone shut before turning it to show Ryan. At another click, Ryan sees the photo in all its glory. Gavin takes up most of the photo, his arm outstretched to catch the both of them in the frame of the photo with the other still running through sleek, black hair. Ryan’s only present in the lower half of the frame where the camera’s caught his hands clutching onto Gavin tightly, and his face is half-hidden against his shirt. They both have an affectionate look in their eyes, glittering with joy at just being with each other. And it’s...nice. Ryan’ll even go as far as to say it looks domestic of them, considering one of them is a well-known criminal, and the other is a civilian with enough moral flexibility to date a criminal. What a dream couple they make. Ryan buries his face against Gavin’s body again, murmuring, “Y’know, if someone ever sees these pictures, they’d think we’re boyfriends?” He tries to ignore the feeling of want in his stomach. It sounds like a dumb thing to say when they’ve been going on dates for months now – a trend that doesn’t seem likely to disappear anytime soon – but Ryan’s hesitant. It’d be too assuming of him to believe that they’re past this courting stage, not when Ryan’s always heard that a question like that has to be asked first. He doesn’t want to ruin what they’ve built up already. “Huh? I mean...I’d hope so?” Gavin’s voice comes out confused, and peering up, Ryan can see the way Gavin's brows furrow deeply. Ryan thinks he's stopped breathing himself. “I haven’t been telling all my co-workers about my lovely dates only for them to assume we’re not something, at least. But I don’t want to cock it up, so it’s fine if...you don’t want to be something, it turns out.” “No!” The outburst is sudden, has Ryan sitting up from his spot now and looking down at a wide-eyed Gavin. He freezes in his spot as his cheeks turn pink, but he supposes that there’s nothing he can do to take back his answer now. It’s not a wrong answer, but it’s rarely that Ryan loses composure like so instantaneously and has him sounding like a child. He clears his throat, settling down again as he slowly reaches for Gavin’s hand. “I want to be your boyfriend. I like you a lot, Gav, and I don’t see myself without you for a long time,” he murmurs. He runs a thumb over bony knuckles, feels the soft skin of a person who’s never had to turn to crime to survive; Ryan wonders if his own hand feels rough and calloused. “I’m just not good at this. Or reading into social stuff.” He shrugs lamely. “I didn’t want to jump to conclusions and risk losing you. God, Gav, you’re the best damn thing that’s ever happened to me, and if you’d let me, I want to be your boyfriend,” he repeats. “Ry, you’re being too sappy now,” Gavin whines, but there’s a dopey grin on his face. His free hand rises to cup Ryan’s cheek, and Ryan shuts his eye as Gavin strokes his cheek so lovingly that Ryan questions why he hesitated in the first place. (His assumption would’ve been so damn right.) “That’s a yes, right? Otherwise, I’ll have to change your name in my phone from ‘dear’ as soon as I can.” At that, Gavin just squeals, a happy smile lighting up the room as he peppers Ryan’s face in kisses; Ryan assumes this time, that Gavin’s answer is a resounding yes.

  (four.)

“You’ve been scaring the crew lately. I don’t know what kind of murder shit you pulled, but could it wait until after the heist?” Geoff catches Ryan all alone at the kitchen counter of the penthouse, startling the mercenary from whatever business he had been invested in on his computer. He takes a seat next to the confused guy, cradling two cans of diet coke in his hands before he hands one to Ryan. It’s accepted easily with a crack! of the tab, and Geoff can only hope that it’ll satiate Ryan as they talk. The guy absolutely hates this kind of intervention, and Geoff needs his crew to not be afraid of Ryan. “I don’t know what you’re talking about. I haven’t done anything besides the jobs you’ve been assigning me,” Ryan answers after a long sip. “None of the jobs have been hits either. Just shake-ups or acting as an enforcer. I told you I stopped taking the bad jobs a long time ago." “Look, man, I’m not saying that exactly! It’s just...the crew’s acting weird ‘round you, and I wondered if something happened.” Geoff slumps in his seat as Ryan nods, almost demurely and sadly from previous words; Geoff hates how easily Ryan gets him to feel bad. “C’mon, buddy, I was just worried. I know that if shit gets stressful for you, it can get dangerous for you.” Ryan plays with the tab of his soda can, flicking it in thought as the ringing noises sound out. “I haven’t been that stressed that it’s getting bad for me. I’ve been pretty good honestly,” he shrugs. He pauses there. “The only thing that’s happened recently enough for the crew to get worried is that I have a boyfriend now, but–” “I’m sorry, repeat that?” “Huh? I have a boyfriend, but the crew doesn’t know I’ve even been on dates, so–” “Hold the fuck up, stay there, and do not fucking talk until I��m done, because still what the fuck? ” Geoff’s voice turns shrill. “What do you mean you got a boyfriend?!” “Oh, yeah. The guy I’ve been going on dates with and I are official now.” “When?!” “Two weeks ago.” “And were you ever gonna fuckin’ tell me that detail?!” Ryan hesitates. He takes another sip of his drink instead, one that’s taking too long for it to be natural, and he looks almost sheepish. He’s hoping for the world to end or the floor to swallow him up right now – either would be an amazing escape right now from a glaring Geoff. Geoff groans loudly, transitioning to a yell of a wail, as he holds his head in his hands. “Ryan, man. You’re an idiot sometimes.” “That’s not very nice of you to say.” “Never said I was nice,” Geoff grumbles. He drags his hands down his face with a sigh, but above his fingers, he peers at Ryan with an odd look in his eyes. Geoff scrutinizes the man sitting next to him, words from before registering more completely. It’s true that Ryan’s come a long way from being the person he was years ago – cruel and malicious and not exactly Ryan back then – but he’s changed even more lately. Ryan’s still a sarcastic asshole to the the crew who likes the rush from crime and power, but he’s also softer now. Softer in the way that Ryan will gently smile whenever he hears that specific text tone; how Ryan has taken to thieving little knick knacks like jewelry that he never used to before; how he’s become so much more quaint around the penthouse, less likely to threaten the crew members; or how Geoff sometimes will overhear Ryan so reverently call his boyfriend ‘dear’ over the phone. And really, he can’t help but let out a snort when he finally reads the page open on Ryan’s laptop: “What to Do When You’re in Your First Relationship Ever.” “Hey, man,” Geoff starts, reaching out to pat Ryan on the back. He offers a toothy smile, and he looks more like a proud dad rather than a criminal in Los Santos in that moment. “Congratulations on the new relationship. The guy’s been real good to you.” Ryan nods eagerly, a smile splitting his own face. “Thanks, boss. He’s been amazing,” he murmurs. “I don’t know how I managed to live all my life without him in it. I like him a lot.” Geoff chuckles. He can’t help but see the familiar look in Ryan’s eyes, and he wonders when Ryan will realize that he loves the guy already. But that’s a matter for a different day – and a topic for a future betting pool – so Geoff shrugs. Shakes his head fondly at this mess of a human still figuring things out in romance. “I can tell, Ryan. Keep him close to you, you hear?” Geoff says. “We don’t always get lucky enough to get what you have in our lifetimes.”

It’s another bank heist. Intended target: Maze Bank. Ryan listens to the chatter over his comm as he preps for his own role in the job. His hands check over his guns with a comfortable ease, and it helps settle down the energy he gets on these missions; ever since the crew, there's a new excitedness that always brews in his chest at heists. He peers over to the other person sitting next to him in the backseat, tattooed arms covered by the symbolic suit that’s left Los Santos in terror again and again. Just before a heist that he’s planned meticulously including all the ways it can go shit because of the crew’s destructive natures, this is his zone. “You ready to make a hell of a lot of money, boys?” Geoff knocks back the rest of his soda with a grin, eyes flickering over at Ryan. “We better get this right since money’s being loaded out tomorrow.” “Are we playing usual rules for robbing them? I saw a few guards I wanna punch in the fuckin’ face before I rob ‘em.” Geoff rolls his eyes. “If they try to stop you, go wild. Just no harm or death to innocent people who aren’t doing anything to you. Don’t forget your job though, Michael!” “I’m not unprofessional! I’m not like Ryan when he sees a good kill.” Ryan rolls his eyes, hand coming up to his comm to finally unmute himself. “I don’t appreciate being insulted like that. You decided to kill a mob of shitty people once ‘stead of heisting, and suddenly you’re unprofessional,” he grumbles. Low and near-threatening, it’s the Vagabond coming out to play, and it earns him a little ‘christ, whatever’ from Michael. “Apology accepted,” he snorts. “Alright, calm down, you can bicker after the heist. We’ve got money to steal, and it’s waiting for us,” Geoff interrupts. He cracks his knuckles, and when his gaze sweeps over the gents in the car with him, he chuckles. “Everyone ready to go?” “I’ve been fuckin’ ready! Jeremy and I rigged the vault, just let us know when to detonate.” “Jack, Ryan?” “We’re literally in the car with you, you can see us being ready,” Jack huffs. She slings an empty bag on her shoulder, and flicks the safety off on her gun. “If anything, you’re the last one we’re waiting on, Geoff.” Ryan nods, agreement bolstered by the click of his guns assembling together again. “Say the words, and we’ll go.” “You guys are the worst crew,” Geoff groans as he slings on his own bag, and he kicks his door open. “Alright, fuckers – let’s heist! ”

The heist goes as predicted – which is to say, unpredictable. Michael is whooping in Ryan’s ear as he leaves a trail of unconscious guards behind him, lying down among debris from the exploded vault at the start. Somewhere alongside him, the sound of skin hitting skin echoes on Jeremy’s side as well as his own rambunctious cheers. Jack and Geoff are just about done packing their bags with the cash after playing with it in the dumbest ways, like making it rain on them. There's bullets ricocheting somewhere below the bank lobby. Hell, Ryan had participated himself, firing off a few rounds into the overly expensive, marble flooring of the place. There’s a few more shots in the wall behind the counters when a teller almost was too brave. After that act, he’s had intimidation on lockdown without trouble. (Though he wonders if they’ll eventually notice that the bullets form a heart shape.) About 90% of it hadn’t been part of the plan – they’re supposed to have been in and out in less than 15 minutes – but the Fakes have never been good at just doing what they need to. What’s the point of being the strongest crew in the city if you don't have fun with it? “Coming up, Vagabond! A guard managed to patch a call to LSPD through, ETA is five minutes!” Ryan scoffs behind his mask, jacket flexing as he moves to get out another gun. It’s not like the LSPD is any good, and worse comes to worst, Ryan can wipe them out easily, as fucked as that sounds. He makes a show of it to the civilians in the lobby, how attuned he is with his weapons and the ease that he wields it. He even earns a whimper from someone when the safety goes off, and the gun is ready to fire with a click! that echoes loudly. Ryan can’t stifle a laugh at that, and he sees how a chill runs through the room. “Fuck yeah, bastards! Guess who’s come out to play!” “Rimmy still is excitable as ever, huh,” Jack says with a snort, sprinting behind the two younger members with a loaded bag on her shoulder. Behind her, Geoff shakes his head fondly with a smirk and a matching full bag. “They’re gonna blow something up later, aren’t they?” “Better something else than us, Geoffrey.” Geoff shrugs to concede that point. He takes up the rear and signals for Ryan to open the door, watching as Michael and Jeremy are the first by a longshot to reach the outside. Ryan’s awareness heightens even more, now that it’s his part of the job to take care of the crew. He doesn’t see anyone moving to stop them, much less expect a guard to disable him or ruin the heist, but it never hurts. Sometimes, people are wiley creatures like that, and the Vagabond isn’t all-powerful. And besides, if it hadn't been for him paying more attention, Ryan would have missed a familiar figure in the bank. Gavin’s giving him an exasperated look for getting him stuck in another bank heist, but Ryan doesn’t miss the splash of red on tanned cheeks. It’s adorable on him, and when it’s just Geoff who hasn’t passed the door, he sneaks a wave over to Gavin. He’s giddy when Gavin returns it. He sneaks glances over at his boyfriend – boyfriend! – with a lovestruck look on his face when he can; it’s exciting when he catches Gavin looking at him like that too. He hopes Gavin can see his expression beneath the mask. And when Geoff had finally left the bank, Ryan notices in time how Gavin is trying to catch his attention. Gavin silently crows in delight as he excitedly kisses his fingertips and blows it towards Ryan’s direction, and automatically, his hand comes up to catch it. Gavin is radiant as he grins in delight at Ryan’s catch. Distantly, Ryan can hear Geoff yelling at him to get a move on, and he will, but God – Ryan has it awfully bad for Gavin.

[kaytewrites]

polaris [asa&honor]

a piece about my centaur bard, asa, after a battle on the ship that’s been giving him so much grief. features honor, tiefling fighter, and mentions several other members of the party: leliana, silvenesti elf fighter; whitechapel, kagonesti elf ranger; theo, gnome wizard; melric, dwarven cleric; and balgruf, dwarven barbarian.

rating: G warnings: n/a word count: 1972

Asa thinks the closest he's ever been to a miracle is probably Melric when he starts up all his healin’ shindig. Feels like a warm, glowy hug it does, even if it don't get rid of the itchy feeling your skin holds after. Maybe that's just Asa.

Anyway. The second nearest thing had to be Honor. Honor, wrangling a tentacle into position for a perfect shot from Leliana, and in the next breath looking at Asa with those fangs of his bared and yelling out, “On your feet, soldier!” And just - up he got.

Asa can feel a flush fighting for attention on his face as he thinks about it, plucking out a lullaby on his lyre and humming a gentle tune as he sits with the rest of the wounded. Music helps healing. He knows that much. Music's always been good for that.

But the battle. Tentacles. He feels a little embarrassed at his reaction to those words. He'd just been so damn inspired. He'd kicked a tentacle clear of the damn ship, and even though he'd hit his knees right after, it had been worth it for the little flash of pride he'd seen in Honor's eyes.

He lets it play back in his head like he always does, working through the last lingering spats of adrenaline. He sighs as he remembers letting Balgruf slip from his grasp and splash into the dark water below, guilt staining his mood. He lets it linger for exactly ten seconds, counting it out.

(You can be angry, Asa. You can be mad, be sad, be frustrated, be scared. But you can't let it rule you. His Paw had put a hand on his shoulder, looking down at him with that serious glint in his eyes he got when he was trying to tell Asa something important. You have to make sure it's worth it.)

He breathes out. The guilt washes away, and he hums again, eyes closed. Balgruf’s alright, and so’s Whitechapel. All of ‘em are alive. Leliana even survived a nasty bout of friendly fire from the gnome - but Theo wasn't too bad himself, either, once he figured out where to aim.

Almost like clockwork, Asa opens his eyes and looks off to the left. Honor's there, leaning against an undamaged bit of railing, looking towards him. Asa gives him a little smile and a tip of his head, and decides to try a new trick.

《Hey there, partner,》he messages to Honor, hoping he's got the trick of it down right. From the startled look on his face, he can assume that yeah, he's got it.《Y’look a lil’ lonely there, Honor.》

His face scrunches in a way Asa is damn tempted to call adorable, and he hears a faint response in his head, like a whisper on the breeze. 《Asa?》

Honor's voice is a little different over the magic - there's less gravel to it, less of that odd doubled effect, and Asa almost doesn't recognize it.《The one’n only.》He hums a happy little tune, not certain if he sends that too or not. He debates for a moment whether or not to ask, but it won't any question, really. Not when it's Honor. 《You wanna come sit over here a spell? I'm findin’ myself a little lonely over here.》

Honor hesitates for just a moment, but Asa don’t mind. Honor’s always been a private sort of person in the couple of weeks he’s known him (and don’t that just boggle the mind. Weeks, he’s known the man, and he’s letting Honor ride him. Oh, if the herd could see him now.). Asa pauses plucking long enough to pat the deck and grin. Honor folds to the ground next to him, sitting upright and just far enough to not touch him. That’s the other thing, too - Asa ain’t been around a lot of fire-touched in his life, but he’s been around soldiers plenty, and they’re always touchin’ and singin’ and bein’ all about battlefield camaraderie. Did no one let Honor in on that one, the same way he had to figure out he had a smile?

Asa sighs. That just won’t do. He hums a little tune, low and soft, and nudges Honor with his elbow. 《I know ya gotta be achin’ a little bit after all that horsin’ around. Y’ain’t gotta sit so stiff. You can lean up against me - gotta be better than that railin’, too.》

Honor looks up at him with something he can’t name in his eyes - it ain’t fear, no, and it ain’t anger. Something like worry, or maybe even a little like surprise.

(Asa remembers feelin’ like that, too. Like the first time Whitechapel said his name, or the first time someone gave him a hug after he left the herd. Like he forgot what it meant to have people around that cared. It’s a scary feeling. Little bit like hope.

What must Melric feel like all the time? Asa lets the thought fade. He’s got Honor to worry about, right now.)

《Didn’t get hurt too badly,》Honor tells him - but he still, quietly and slowly, scoots a little closer, and every inch feels like a little victory in Asa’s chest. He doesn’t know why he’s so taken with Honor, but it’s a damn fine feeling. The tiefling’s got something about him that makes Asa want to trust him.

Eventually, Honor leans against his side, still stiff as a board, and Asa clicks his tongue, half-admonishment, half-amused. 《I ain’t that bad a pillow, am I?》Honor looks a little guilty at that, and Asa grimaces. 《Hey now, don’t worry about it. We’re worryin’ ‘bout feelin’ better right now.》

He breathes in, out, letting his shoulders fall, and starts singing.

It ain't real loud - Asa doesn't do loud, not for this. This is for healing. Sylvan’s easy as breathing to speak, and easier to sing, ‘specially for this. “Soft as a lover's sigh, softer than a lover’s kiss / as lover’s breath in lover’s ear, to thee I whisper this.”

He don’t make a real habit of singing like this. Music’s got a magic all it’s own, and Asa thinks of it like hearing his own heartbeat and playing along to it for everyone else. It’s all emotion. When he needs something to go down in a fight, an insult’ll do just as well as a song. He doesn’t think he’s sang for any of his companions yet, ‘cept for Whitechapel. It’s something - personal. When you really want something to stick.

“I’ve loved you years and years before, and years and years to come / from frozen peak to ocean shore, for thee I’ll see it done.”

And there it is. Asa can feel that warmth in his chest like a flower; and there’s another spot of it, too, leaning against his side. Honor’s always so warm to the touch - Asa’s struck by it whenever he touches the fire-touched, and he thinks he understands why they’re called that, now. Around him, the pained gasps and little pained movements begin to cease, easing into something more restful, less wounded.

Even Honor feels more relaxed at his side. Asa keeps singing. (“Dragons rage and roar and kill, and steal your heart from me / but never fear, my sweetest love, I’ll always rescue thee,” his mama sang, and Asa let his head rest on her back, drowzy in the afternoon sunlight.)

He hasn’t thought about his herd, his parents this much in years. Hasn’t seen them in nearly the same. Wars are hard to keep touch in. He doesn’t even know if they’re still alive.

He sings ‘till the song is done, and sags when it’s over. He forgot how much that takes out of him. He shuffles his legs beneath him, just a little - they’re starting to get that prickly feelin’ that means he’s been sittin’ too long. He thinks about getting up and going below decks, but -

- but, he hears the softest little sigh, and feels Honor relaxed against his side. He turns to look at him, and the tiefling has an arm on Asa’s back, his head pillowed against it. His eyes are shut, and his breathing is slow and even.

Well. Asa doesn’t like going below decks, anyway. They can stay out a little longer.

He looks up at the stars. It takes him a minute, but he can find her just fine - a quintet of stars that makes a harp in the sky. His Pa taught him that one. He watches her twinkle - imagines she's winking at him from the sky, and he tips his head and gives her a wink in return, just because he can.

“What are you - winking at?” He hears Honor growl behind him, and Asa flashes him a wink and a smile, too. Not as asleep as he thought, then.

“Nothing but the stars,” he says, and nods his head up. “See? They’re winkin’ at us, too. Thought I’d return the favor.”

Honor - smiles, and Asa doesn’t need to wonder why he’s been thinking of home so much. “Stars don’t wink.” Honor’s voice is deadpan, but Asa’s in on the joke, now, and it seems they’ve made their own space - ain’t no sea, ain’t no ship, just them and the stars watching each other.

“Sure they do!” Asa exclaims, flabbergasted. “See? Look up there! Each’n every twinkle - I swear on my coat that’s a wink. The stars are the biggest flirts in the world, up there winkin’ at us all the time.” He points to the harp, and almost as if on cue, two of the stars seem to almost dim and then sparkle once more in the sky.

Honor looks up, not bothering to straighten where he’s laying half on Asa’s back. “I still don’t think they’re winking.”

“We’ll just have to agree to disagree, hm? And when we get up there, we’ll see who’s right.” Asa gives him a wide smile, leaning down to nudge him with his elbow. He hesitates for half a second, unsure if the contact is welcome -

Fuck it, he thinks, and wraps an arm around Honor’s shoulders instead. It’s an impressive contortion of his upper torso, but he lets the near-hug drag on for a long moment before he pulls himself upright once more. “We should get back below decks. Steal a few winks o’sleep while we can. Supposed to make land tomorrow, right?”

“Right,” Honor says, and it seems a little distant. He must be more tired than he let on.

“C’mon, partner.” Asa wiggles his rear, making Honor sit up straight, and then cants up on unsteady legs. After a moment, he gets his feet under him and offers a hand to the soldier on the ground.

Honor takes it, and they make their way back to the corral. Asa peels out of his maille - he has to get Honor’s help to pull the back off his horse half, which is always an adventure - and folds his coat right’n proper. With his hat laying on top, he grabs the two little stubs of cotton he’s kept in his shirt pocket and plugs ‘em in his ears.

He glances over at Honor and sees him looking over. He unplugs one of his ears and smiles back at him. “G’nite, partner. We did good today, right?”

Honor takes a second to smile back, but when he does - well, Asa thinks it might be the best one yet. “Yeah. We did good, I think.”

“Awright!” He pumps a hand in the air, and grins wide. “We’ll keep bein’ heroes in the mornin’. Right now, I’m gonna sleep until we hit land. Don’t wake me till we see birds.”

He gives Honor a wink, too, and plugs his ear again - but not before he hears a quiet, gravelly “Goodnight, Asa.”