#i did that one waiting for my food at a steak 'n shake. that boss fight. i dunno why i remember that so specifically but that's. what i did

[front-facing-pokemon]

[summerlovingbaby]

Hostage Part 3

“ Y/N slow down, you’re gonna make yourself sick.”

“ Sorry.. sorry.”

“ You ain’t gotta apologize, just stop eating so fast.” he chuckled slightly. “ I don’t want you to choke, that’s all.”

Y/N checked her watch for the 5th time and since she sat down and eating.

“ Got somewhere to be, princess?”

“ Yeah. I should probably get going.”

“ Wait, where are you going. I thought we were going to hang out today.?” He looked like a sad puppy who kept getting kicked. It made Y/N feel bad, worse then she already did.

“ Did we have plans-” she said, her eyes grew wide with panic.

“ No, no ,no... I just assumed...” his sentence trailed off and he dropped his head. Then he perked up suddenly. “ We can hand later though, right?”

“ Yeah, I’ll text you when I get back then we can watch a movie.” she spoke, she went around the room. She got her jacket and left almost as quickly as she ate her food. 

As soon as she left, tears spilled from her eyes, but she used her sleeves to wipe them off, she didn’t have time, not now, not with so much at steak. She had to put her emotions aside, and get her sister back, alive. If her sister died, Y/N would to.

She doesn’t exactly remeber how she got there, but her feet seemed to carry her. On a empty abandoned rooftop, in the most shady part of town, and despite the fact that the rooftop was nearly desolate, and the only thing you could hear was the wind, she knew she wasn’t alone.

“ You can come out Dabi. I know that you’re here.”

Dabi slithered out of the shadows that he had hid in, he stocked towards her. His boots crunching on the rooftop. 

“ You’re early.”

He was right, she was early by about 6 hours.

“ You’re here though.” she took off her backpack, and was not holding it in her hands.

“ I knew you would come.” he walked closer. “ Pigs always come for carrots.” he walked ever so closer to her, so close that he was hovering over her and close enough to whisper in her ear. “ Is that for me?” he pointed to the bag.

“ Yeah, it is.” she muttered. Y/N wasn’t one to get intimidated, but she found her knees shaking in his shadow.

Dabi, had staples littered over scarred skin, and he had a scent of charred human flesh that he couldn’t quite get rid of. Dabi didn’t mean to scare her, he really didn’t, he just tended to have that effect on people. Sensing her fear he took a few steps back and muttered a quick sorry. 

“ You can come out now, I can hear you?” she said again. “ Both of you.” she added. Her voice was laced with a word that they couldn’t quite describe.

Twice and Toga stepped from the shadows. Twice skipped excidely and Toga jumped around with a wide manic smile. Dabi joined his cohorts on the rooftop, and a awkward silence filled the air.

“ Where’s your boss?” Y/N prompted, it was clear that she was getting anxious.

“ He’s not here.” Toga chirped. “ Oh, shiggy is working on offical League Bisnuss.

“ I need to speak with him.” Y/N stated. “ And I expect to see my sister, NOW.”

“ No.” Dabi replied cooly.

“ You’re not getting your stuff until I see her.” Y/N spoke. She tried to act intimidating, but it wasn’t really working. She was so tense she might as well have been a statue, and her blood was pumping so quickly that Dabi could see it pulsing through her veins.

“ You’re really not in  position to argue, sweetheart. “ he growled. “ Hand it over.” he held out a charred and burned hand.

Y/N didn’t hand it to him, she just tossed her backpack at his feet. Dabi looked at the bag, then looked up at her, and smirked. She didn’t have alot, but she had guts and he had to give her credit for that.

“ I’ve done everything you’ve asked for, please. I just want to see her, please.” she begged. She tried her best to fight off her tears, but she was holding on to her emotions by a single thin thread that just popped. “ Please, I’ll do anything you want.”

“ Thanks for the hard work honey.” Toga spoke, she twirled and skipped away. Twice followed clapping excitely.

“ I know where to find you, I’ll have more work for you soon.” Dabi spoke, we turned and walked away, back to whatever hole that he crawled out of.

Y/N returned slowly to her dorm room, she was walking so slow that it took her nearly all afternoon and well into the nighttime to get home. And Kirishima was pacing nervously in his dorm room waiting for her to come home.

TAGLIST INFO

@kiribakuslilpebble    @un-limit-edd     @ultrahugakitten  @ jmook423 @ anonymousbabygirl13-blog   @ power-house-fan12                                  @imunderurbed   @fandomfreak1000000   @dylan-kai2008 @cheesecakeva  @lovemegood  @madsttx @whatdidshesayyy @ great-goddess-of-sin   @bitchyzombienacho  @polpoe

@lovemegood  @eijiandkatspebble  @luna670  @nealearts @bittersw33t-lotus  @therapy-arts-blog   @thenerdygirl111  @sil-ver-shadow   @chscklvr

@itshemlock  @5sos-wdw​  @stupidfool69

[drakenology]

Their S/O is shy. With Bakugo, Todoroki and Midoriya!

author’s note: HIIII! So I got this idea from work today. I’m a shy, reserved person in real life and I imagined a headcannon where y/n was an uwu girl. enjoy! I’m going to do the Bakusquad next time. 

warnings: suggestive themes, light violence, fluff, and cussing.

Bakugo 

thinks you’re the cutest

teases you a lot. 

will smack the shit outta anyone who tries taking advantage of your kind and shy demeanor.

loves how your shyness comes to play in the bedroom; he likes trying to get you to loosen up a little.

Would butter you up with compliments and praises.

“I dunno what you’re so shy about. You’re fuckin hot.”

likes how he’s the complete opposite of you

VERY protective over you. 

You and Bakugo are out at a restaurant on a date. You’re looking through the menu to see what you want, not being able to decide between the burger or the quesadilla (yum!). 

“I think I’m gonna get the steak. What about you, babe?” Katsuki asked, peering over to look at your menu. 

“I dunno.. I think the burger sounds good. I think that’s what I’ll get” You say, sitting your menu down. Bakugo is staring down your dress, oogling at your ample cleavage popping out of the v-neckline. You notice his gaze, blushing profusely. 

“S-Stop it, Katsuki.” You say, covering up your chest with your menu. He smirks and runs his hands up your thighs causing you to fold your legs to try and stop the wetness coming from your panties. Even though you never admit it out loud, you loved when he groped and stared at you. It made you feel like the sexiest woman in the world. Katsuki grabs your chin and kisses you.

“You’re gonna get it tonight, princess.” He whispered in your ear. You blush as you notice the waiter coming your way, swatting Katsuki’s hands away from you. The waiter walked towards your table and sat your drinks down.

“Thanks. Ready to order, babe?” Bakugo looks towards you. You nod, feeling a little nervous to order yourself. You were very soft spoken, so ordering food was a bit of a challenge for you. But today, you had worked up the courage to order without Bakugo’s help. 

“Hi, u-um.. I’ll have the burger, please. Also could I get that without any onions? I’m allergic.” You say, looking down at your menu instead of at the waiter. 

“Certainly. And for you, sir?” The waiter said, motioning to Bakugo.

“I’ll have the steak please. Well done. I don’t like my steak pink. If I see pink, me and my lady are leaving without payin’, ya got that!?” Bakugo said aggressively. To anyone not knowing him, they think he’s being rude and difficult but you know he’s just trying to make the waiter nervous on purpose as a joke. 

“Yes, sir. Coming right up.” The waiter says, leaving in a hurry. 

“Katsuki, you’re giving the waiter a hard time.” You say softly, your voice sounding like a disappointed mother. He sighed, grabbing your hand and kissing it. 

“Alright, I’ll lay off.” He said, laughing. You two chatter about what you guys did for hero work that day, laughing and enjoying each other’s company until the food came. Finally, the food comes; the aroma coating your nose as you get excited to eat.

“Enjoy.” The waiter said dryly, clearly not liking Bakugo’s attitude. You both shrug it off and prepare to dig in. Bakugo seemed to like his steak but your burger had onions all over it. Even if you had picked them off, it still wouldn’t have been safe to eat. You sigh, poking at your burger in disappointment.

“What’s wrong? How come you’re not eating?” Bakugo asked, his mouth full as he wiped steak sauce from his mouth. You shake your head, not wanting to make a scene. He looked at your plate, seeing your burger teething with onions. He’s way angrier than you are, waving the waiter over to your table with fervor. 

“K-Katsuki, I can just take them off it’s not-” You’re interrupted by Bakugo, who isn’t having any of it; already knowing what you’re about to say. The waiter clearly didn’t like Bakugo’s attitude so he messed your order up on purpose because he noticed how soft-spoken you are. He didn’t chance fucking up Katsuki’s order because he knew he’d have a fit and probably kick his ass if he got short with him. 

“No Y/N, it is a big deal. Look at it! It’s got onions all over it. You can’t eat that shit, you’ll get sick even if you pick ‘em off. I’m givin that asshole a piece of my mind!” He shouts, still trying to get the waiter’s attention who was clearly ignoring you two. 

“HEY! I KNOW YOU FUCKING SEE ME. GET YOUR ASS OVER HERE, NOW.” Bakugo shouts. Oh god. The waiter rolled his eyes, walking over to your table.

“Is there a problem, sir?” He asks, not eager to help at all. 

“You’re fuckin’ right there’s a problem. What did my girl order, huh?” Bakugo says, standing from his seat. 

“Katsuki, please.” You say, tugging his sleeve trying to get him to sit back down.

“She ordered a burger.” the waiter answered with attitude. 

“Yeah, with NO ONIONS you idiot! GO TELL THEM TO FUCKING FIX IT OR I’M TELLIN’ YOUR BOSS AND YOU’RE FUCKED.” Bakugo yelled, grabbing the waiter by his collar. The waiter; scared out of his mind, is now sweating with fear. 

“V-Very sorry, sir. I’ll fix that for you right away!” The waiter said, running back to the kitchen to fix your order. Bakugo sat back down in his seat, going back to eat his steak as if nothing happened. The whole restaurant was staring at you both, you sinking into your chair from all the eyes on you. 

“THE FUCK ARE YALL LOOKIN AT!?” Bakugo yelled, getting everyone in the room to turn their attention back to their own tables. He looked back to you, seeing a frown on your face. 

“Don’t you think you went a bit too far?” You ask, crossing your arms. 

“Nope.” He said, feeding you some of his steak until your new burger came. 

“Nobody messes with my baby.”

Todoroki

is such a mom omg

just as protective as Bakugo (if not more)

encourages you to open up

supports your small wins (awww)

fucks the shyness outta you hehe

loves you and your shyness no matter what 

You and Shoto are getting ready to go out when you’re having a difficult time deciding what to wear. You had pulled out a few garments to wear; a red strapless bodycon dress that Shoto got you to accentuate them curves of yours or a simple bulky sweater and jeans. You were a little nervous to dress sexy for Shoto, unsure of yourself and your body not to mention all the potential unwarranted stares from others. You sigh and start dressing yourself in the boring outfit you picked out and sat down at your vanity to do your makeup. Shoto walked in the bedroom from your bathroom to see the dress sitting on the bed. 

“Why aren’t you wearing your dress, love?” He asked, concern written all over his face as he stood next to your vanity. 

“I-I just don’t want all the attention on me. I’m nervous. What if everyone stares at me?” You say, tears burning your eyes. Shoto takes you by your hand and leads you to the full body mirror mounted on the wall of your bedroom. He pushed your hair back and kissed your neck, running his hands on either side of your body. 

“You don’t have to worry about the stares. I’m going to be there to protect you, okay?” He says, sweetly kissing your cheek. You smile warmly and nod. He was right. You change into the dress and slipped on some heels to match, giggling at the praises and encouragement from your boyfriend as he reached for your hand to kiss it. 

“You’re so beautiful, baby.” Shoto said, taking a good look at your curves. He feels himself harden at the sight of you, involuntarily groaning as he pulled you close to him for a deep kiss. 

“How about we stay in tonight instead?” 

He was determined to make you open up... one way or any other teehee.

Midoriya 

loves you SO MUCH OMG

doesn’t care that you’re a little shy and soft-spoken

speaks for you when needed

stands up for you

loves to motivate you 

thinks you’re sinfully adorable

You and Midoriya are walking through the supermarket, shopping for food for your shared home. Izuku was always such a huge help, lifting all the heavy things and putting them in the cart or reaching for things that were too high for you to reach. You loved shopping with him and he loved it too because he could look after you and spend time with you at the same time. 

“Crap, I forgot we need meats for dinner tonight. What did you want again, Izuku?” You asked, looking up from your shopping list. 

“Pork, please. You always make the best pork curry, Y/N” He said sweetly, kissing your forehead. You blush and walk over to the meat department while Izuku gathers the rest of the ingredients for dinner. You stand in line with your number and waited your turn patiently. Suddenly, this big burly man comes out of nowhere and cuts right in front of you in line. You hated when situations like this happen because it was always so hard for you to stand up for yourself. You gulp and muster up enough courage to confront him...sorta?

“U-um excuse me.. I was ne-” You’re interrupted by the man shouting over you.

“Shut up, bitch! I’m in a hurry so why don’t you just wait a little while longer.” He yells. You’re shocked at how he spoke to you, clearly this man lacked manners. You stand there, dumbfounded and scared. You were so frustrated with yourself you’re brought to tears, wiping them away as you stand in line and wait your turn. 

“Bitch?” you hear a familiar voice repeat. It was Midoriya, standing beside you with your cart in toe. “You thought this woman was alone, didn’t you? Fucking coward.” Izuku walks towards the man, intimidatingly calm. The man scoffs until he sees Izuku’s face. The pro hero Deku was standing right in front of him and he was angry.

“H-Hey.. I had no idea okay? I’ll back o-”

“If it was me standing there would you have cut in front of me and called me a bitch?” Izuku asked, grabbing the man by his shirt. “You get off on bullying women don’t you, you spineless bastard? Think that just because your big and ugly that you can just push people around? People like you make me sick. Get in the back of fucking line before I lose my temper.” The man does so, glaring at you as he walked to the back of the line. You sigh in relief as your number is called, Izuku leading you to the counter with his hand on your back. He turned around and glared at the man who gave you a hard time one last time. 

“What would you like to order, miss?” The butcher said with a smile.

“Pork, please.” You sigh.

[r1ntaros]

Sweet Escape //Choi San [2]

[1] [2]

Pairing: mafia boss!san x fem!reader

Genre: fluff, angst, mafia au

Word Count: 5.7k

Warnings: usage of drugs, mentions of alcohol consumption, cursing, mentions of weapons

Summary: Going back home feels dreadful as he knows that his freedom will no longer be his by the time he sets foot in the place he grew up once again. San is desperate, for the first time in years, to have someone save him even if it’s in a form of an angel-looking beauty that hides the darkness from within.

Author's Note: Part 2 is finally here and I'm sad to say that this is where it ends.. Also, some names are made up by me hehe! Enjoy!

Masterlist

San has never felt so free and it’s all thanks to y/n.

San has never felt so free and it’s all thanks to y/n.

San has never felt so free and it’s all thanks to y/n.

It wasn’t long when he realized that he did, in fact, grew to love y/n as a friend then escalated into something more quickly. He knew by the time he realized that he had to get rid of it quickly before he ended up actually hurting himself. But here he is, sitting in front of her at dinner, watching her talk about herself in admiration.

He couldn’t help but smile as he notices her small mannerism like how she uses her hands to make her stories more exaggerated, how she snaps her fingers when she remembers something important.. or snap in front of San’s face to get his focus once again to which she perfectly did so.

“Sannie, are you okay? You’ve tuned out in the middle of my story telling.” She huffs with a pout and crosses her arms in her chest. He couldn't help but laugh, muttering an apology as he cut a part of his steak and put it in her mouth to emphasize his apology.

She obviously lit up, eating the slice and said after chewing with a clap, “Thanks, bestie. That’s really good!”

“I know, it tastes extravagant.”

“It really does, probably different from what I used to have back home.” She said, spinning some pasta on her fork only to give it to San as an exchange.

“Okay, that pasta tastes really good as well.”

“I know right? Carbonara really is the best!”

Y/n started to inhale her food more and so did San. They were eating quietly, the silence engulfing them is very comfortable as if they’ve known each other for a long time to be like this in each other’s company. However, the silence didn’t last as y/n spoke, “Sannie, I hope this is not crossing the line but may I ask why you decided to take this trip alone?”

San could only offer her a small smile and he wiped his mouth, ready to speak when y/n added, “It’s okay you don’t have to ans—”

“I’m getting married after this trip.”

He doesn’t know if his eyes are playing tricks but he saw how her eyes became downcast, “Oh..” was all she muttered before eating her food once again.

San, however, took this as a sign to continue, “My father is a really powerful man, pulling some string in favor of other people’s success. There’s this lady that he did a huge favor to which she’ll pay the price with her daughter’s life.”

It seemed to gain y/n’s interest, her eyes telling him to continue, “He decided to set me up in an arranged marriage. Trust me when I say I don’t like it at all.”

“And yet you agreed to it?”

“I have no choice, I’ll accept his conditions or else I’ll..” San contemplated for a while whether to tell if he’ll get himself possibly killed once he declined his father’s decisions. But he thinks y/n is so much of an angel to know how dark the world can be.

“You’ll get what, Sannie?” She urges, looking at him with wide eyes making him sigh, “I’ll gain no inheritance from him.”

“That’s so fucked up.”

San couldn’t help but laugh wholeheartedly at the grimace painted in her face as he agrees with her words. Little did she know that his whole world is entirely fucked up and what he told her is just a .001% of everything.

“How about you, little y/n? Why did you decide to go on a trip alone?”

She scowled at his remarks only to receive a laugh from San, “Fuck you, I’m not little. You’re just tall. And to answer your question, let’s just say my mom and my sister don't specifically want me to be around during their planning for the big thing.”

“Care to elaborate what does that mean?”

“My sister is getting married to this..” She gestures her hands vaguely as if trying to find the right word, “Big shot type of a man’s son and they’re meeting him for the preparations in the wedding.”

“Huh? What does it have to do with them sending you away?”

“They said and I quote ‘We don’t want you to meet your sister’s father-in-law because we don’t know what you can do.’ Like what the fuck is that supposed to mean? Are they expecting me to seduce a fucking 50-year old man?”

San couldn’t help but let out an amused chuckle, “Or maybe you’re too pretty to be around that it’ll make your sister’s father-in-law change his mind to get you to marry his son instead?” He tried to offer lightheartedly and it seemed to work as y/n beamed at him happily.

“So they’re threatened?” She asked, giggling in amusement.

“Yes, maybe they are.”

“Well they should be,” She said and stood up from her seat, San following her actions, “Come on, let’s go up the deck for the last time since this trip is coming to an end.”

San wished she didn’t have to remind him.

The both of them were sitting on deck, the same place where they first talked almost 3 months ago. They bask in silence, y/n sitting beside San with his blazer draped on her lap. They stare at the darkness around them, carefully listening to the waves crashing on the ship’s walls. It made San think about the time he endlessly has to catch her everytime she accidentally slips on the ship’s stairs after their usual afternoon swim in one of the pools.

How she drunkenly volunteered to sing that one night only for her to make San realize that she possesses the voice of an angel. How San was able to show her his competitive side while playing tekken with her on the lounge room, not caring about the weird stares people gave them for being too noisy and how they cuddled the night after their shenanigans, watching netflix and eating whatever snack is available for them to eat.

San giggled at the memory, startling y/n.

“What’s so funny?” She asked, tilting her head curiously to the side and San had to stop himself from pinching her cheeks because of how cute she is.

“Remember that one night when we were eating dinner and that old couple approached us, asking if we’re on honeymoon?”

She couldn’t help but giggle as well while nodding her head, “I was so flustered I accidentally said yes. But hey, at least we got free dessert!”

A solemn smile made its way to his face, “How I wish it was really true.”

Y/n could possibly get a whiplash with how fast she looked at San, eyes full of shock, “San? What do you mean?”

“I like you, y/n.” He said, taking a deep sigh, “Fuck I know it’s too fast but you made it so easy for me to fall in love with you in a span of those months we have spent together.”

“Sannie, I—”

“Ever since then, I dreamt of nothing but being able to hold you and get you involved with the way I lived. I want to bring you with me to the future and spend every remaining time with you that the present has to offer. I want to be able to kiss you, to be able to hug you freely in front of my family and my friends..”

He looked at her in the eye, “I want to be with you, y/n.”

A tear slipped her eyes as she looked at him, not knowing what to say. She wants to tell him how she wants the same. How she’s been craving for his loving touch and how she wants him to cuddle her without looking too needy.

But y/n fought all those thoughts as she thought that everything was escalating too fast between the two of them.

And aside from that, he’s getting married. Fuck. San is..

“Sannie, you’re getting married. I.. we.. we can’t.. I don’t know how I—”

San was shaking his head, trying to grab her hands in his. He refuses to believe that he’s getting married. Refused the fact that after this, he’ll no longer spend his life by himself. Instead, he’ll be spending it with someone he doesn’t know.

Someone who doesn’t possess the same attractive feature as her. Someone who he thinks he won’t love the way he loves y/n. Someone who is not her..

Someone who is not y/n.

And it pains him terribly in his heart and his mind.

San let out an incredulous laugh after his realization sinked in, “Yeah.. you’re right.” He nods his head as if agreeing to what she said, “Fuck, I’m so sorry. I must be out of my head. I’m gonna take my leave.”

He stood up from where he was seated making y/n alarmed, “Sannie wait hear me out—”

“Good bye, y/n.”

And that night, he left her for the first time in the darkness alone with tears heavily falling down her eyes, sobbing uncontrollably with longingness not knowing that San also left his heart along with her leaving him empty and dull because of the pain. The next morning, y/n feels her body is too heavy for her to get up and leave the ship especially after what happened last night.

She never got to see San again once he left her all alone at the deck and she never got back to her room as well which leads her to her current situation, walking barefooted along the ship’s stay-in rooms and lost in her thoughts but she knows she has to move quick as the ship near docking on the port.. at least that’s what the staff who woke her up told her though.

She was passing by San’s room when the door suddenly opened to reveal San in his god-like glory. They made eye contact for a while only for the male to look away, dragging his suitcase behind him which made y/n to continue her walk to her own room. Only when they created enough distance that y/n remembered his coat still slung on her shoulders.

She frantically made her turn, “San!”

The male visibly froze at the end of the hallway but at least he spared y/n a glance which she considered as a win.

The soft patter of her feet was frantic as she removed the blazer hanging on her shoulders and gave it to the rightful owner, “T-This is yours.. thank you.”

San grabbed the blazer on her hand and he started to walk away once again when y/n spoke, “Safe travels, San.”

He muttered a quick ‘you too’ before turning his way out, not sparing her a glance anymore.

She let out a deep sigh and proceeded to her room to clean herself and change her clothes, thankful that she already packed her things the day before. After she does so, she pulls her luggage along with her, just in time to hear that the ship has successfully docked.

Knowing what was already waiting for her, she immediately went straight through the port’s waiting area where she saw far more men in black suits that acted as bodyguards guarding seven other men who looked like they were waiting for someone to come down. Looks like someone important, she thought but she proceeded to walk until she saw her own bodyguard and personal driver who offered her a warm smile.

“Hey there, little baby. How’s the trip?”Junseo, her bodyguard and somehow someone who acted as her brother, asked as he pats her head. She just offered him a small smile and answered timidly, “It was fun, but shit went down yesterday.”

“Awe, what happened?”

She shook her head softly and it’s enough of a message for him to know that she doesn’t want to talk about it. He nodded in understanding and spoke once again, “The private jet your mom sent is already waiting at the airport. They said you can go grab some lunch first if you want to but they can serve you one in the jet if you don’t want to eat here on land.”

“Let’s just go to the airport, I want to rest.” Was all she said and proceeded to enter the car.

Junseo sighed and nodded his head, muttering a ‘shit really went that bad?’ under his breath and entered the car.

Meanwhile, in a safe distance, San had his eyes on her as if guarding her carefully in the last minutes only to be snapped by Seonghwa back to reality.

“You’re awfully spacing out again. What the fuck is wrong with you?” Seonghwa huffs in annoyance.

“Sorry, what was it?”

“I said, we have to leave. And that the wedding will be held next week.” His best friend rolled his eyes at him and he made eye contact with Hongjoong who was staring at him intently, making him raise his eyebrows which the latter just promptly answered with a shake of his head.

They left the place quickly in order and as the distance to the airport continues to decrease, he knows that along with it is his heart continuously breaking into two.

Successfully arriving in Korea, y/n braced herself into another 3 hours travel time which made her catch up with everything she had missed.

Junseo had said that the wedding has been perfectly planned already and that it’ll be grand. A lot of money has been placed on it as well and that she’ll be the maid of honor. But aside from those, there’s one thing she’s curious about.

“Who is she going to marry anyways?” She cut off Junseo in the middle of his rambling and he looked a bit startled by it but he quickly answered, “I think it’s like Choi.. something?”

“Choi..?”

“Yeah, you know that one huge mafia group right? The one who was led by the Choi’s. He has a son who will be next in line and I heard that he won’t lead the mafia unless he agrees to his father’s terms.”

“And that is to marry my sister?” Y/n supplies with a raise of her brow.

Junseo nodded as a confirmation, “Yeah that one or else he’ll get killed.” He then tapped her driver’s arm, “Jaeseok, what’s the name of the man again?”

“Choi Shan? Choi Sang? I don’t..” She pales at the close proximity of the name to her San. But on the other hand, she never got to know what San’s real name is.

“Choi San?” Y/n asked with uncertainty.

Jaeseok nodded his head enthusiastically as if she answered a million dollar question. Her eyes widened as she slaps Junseo’s arm, earning a shout of surprise from the other.

“Do you have a picture of him, Junseo?”

Junseo pulled out his phone and did a few taps on the screen to show him a photo of San, making her heart sink. “Fuck..” She mutters weakly and gives the phone back to Junseo.

“What’s wrong, y/n?” The bodyguard asked with concern.

She lets out a deep sigh and tells them what happened during the trip, Junseo and Jaeseok listening intently to her story. When she reached the end of it, the two boys let out a deep sigh. They were quiet for a while with y/n dreading deep on her feelings, regretting why she didn’t tell him that she liked.. in fact love him that night.

The silence was broken by Jaeseok and the tone of his voice hinted something, “My girlfriend is your sister’s stylist for the wedding though.”

“What the fuck was that supposed to mean, dude?”

“Well we can pull some strings and get y/n to marry Choi San instead.” Jaeseok said with a shrug and he adds, “Don’t look at me like that and stop pretending like we haven’t actually plotted anything evil before. Remember when we decided to knock out the guy who forced y/n to date him by putting some sleeping drugs on his wine?”

Y/n couldn’t help but laugh as she fits herself in between the gap of the seats, “So what’s your plan, Mr. Clever Pants?”

“Just put your sister on sleeping drugs too, just enough for her to not wake up during the whole ceremony.”

Junseo seemed confused, “How are we going to..?”

“Also, don’t you think it’s time for y/n to have an exposure? Y/n is older by a year yet she’s the one who was hidden by Ms. Han, even giving her her actual father’s last name. So it only makes sense that Choi San is supposed to be married to y/n because she was pregnant with her by the time she made the deals with the devil.” Jaeseok logically explained and y/n flinched at that fact.

Everything makes sense now.

“And besides, he didn’t specify which daughter too so both y/n and Ayeon are qualified. But y/n should be on the winning case since Ms. Han was carrying her as a baby that time.”

The car went silent for a while and Junseo made a turn to look at y/n only to see a devilish smirk plastered on her face as she was already looking at him. Junseo knows her all to well. She agrees with the plan. The bodyguard only sighed and pulled out his phone to call someone, “Hello, Yunho? Yes, it’s me Junseo, your cousin. Can you do me a quick favor?”

It’s been six days since San went home and since he last saw y/n as well. The wedding is tomorrow. In a span of those days, his friends never failed to miss that their friends had a little bit of change in his composure. He seemed more broken and vulnerable and they decided to leave it for a while until Hongjoong could no longer take it and took the matters in his own hands.

So long story short, the boys already knew about y/n, and are trying to use their connections to look for her whereabouts just so the two can reconnect with each other.

No one was successful except Yunho, of course, especially after his cousin called while he was on his way home to Gwangju and sadly parted ways with San already.

Yunho, out of all seven, has met y/n immediately four days after his cousin’s phone call. She works fast, even faster than Yunho himself. He found out about everything, even y/n’s side of the story and provided them with what they needed and also helped them plan for the big thing as well.

He was supposed to meet them once again for finalization but San had begged them to come over to spend the last days of his, Yunho quotes as he said, “bachelorship” to which he thinks is too dramatic for his friend and then proceeds to remember that he knows nothing about the plan.

They were currently playing a dangerous game of darts that instead of throwing darts itself, they throw pocket knives on the dart board. They just went on with a round of it before deciding that they should just let themselves get drunk.

Yunho poured himself a drink in a glass and slumped beside San then they clink their glasses together before continuing to down the shot. It seethes on their throats, feeling the burn of it. After recovering with the shot, he placed his hands on San’s thighs, “What’s your plan dude?”

San looked at him, confused, “What do you mean by what’s my plan? I’m getting married tomorrow, dude.”

“Well do you not have plans to meet or look for y/n at least?”

The black-haired male sighed and ran a hand on his hair, “There’s no use, Yunho. She doesn’t want me the way I want her. Heck, she even pointed out that I’m getting married when I told her what I felt that night.”

Yunho pats his thigh as he had let out a deep sigh himself, “Maybe it’s just a misunderstanding?” Yunho knows it is.

“Even if it is, there’s no use in looking for her. I’m getting married tomorrow.”

“Damn it, Sannie. It’s hard to be you.” Yunho said chuckling a little bit and poured their empty glasses some more whiskey. “Since you said it yourself, you’re getting married tomorrow so there’s no harm in enjoying your last night as a single man until we reached our limits, right?”

San roamed his eyes to look at his other friends with their glasses of whiskey raised up and San couldn’t help but smile as he raised his own glass as well.

Wooyoung cheered, “Let’s get drunk tonight, yeah!”

They all laughed at their best friend’s antics and San couldn’t help but shake his head in amusement. He’s thankful for them.

The day has arrived.

Everyone was busy doing their last minute preparations. They decided to just hold the wedding in a private place but it’s still grandiose despite being so secluded, away from the public’s eyes.

On the other hand, the bride was too busy preparing herself for her big day. She was excited to experience this whole new world, expecting San to be an easy husband and fall for her immediately. Ayeon was in the middle of her pampering when a knock was heard on her door.

“Come in!” She answered enthusiastically.

The door opened only to reveal her sister, making her mood drop as the smile on her lips became a frown, “What the fuck do you want, bitch?”

Y/n just chuckled and went inside the room, “Just want to check up on you.”

“And why is that so?”

“Why,” Y/n said as she took a seat on one of the seats near the vanity, “Can I not see my baby sister before she gets sent off? Look after her as she steals everything away from me for the last time?”

Ayeon raised a brow and looked at y/n, “Are you out of your mind? What are you saying? Me? Stealing everything away from you?”

Y/n nodded enthusiastically and she stood up, going behind Ayeon and proceeded to comb her hair. She noticed her little sister stiffened a bit and she had to suppress a smirk, “I’m not out if my mind, Ayeonie.” She giggled and placed the brush on the side and leaned down her sister’s ear level, “In fact, don’t you think it’s my time to finally shine?”

A chilly feeling went through Ayeon’s spine as she looked at her sister through the mirror, the devilish smirk on her face was enough for her to shake in fear but it was soon replaced by a gentle smile.

What a two-faced bitch, she thought.

Y/n pats her little sister’s head, “Eat your breakfast well, Ayeonie. I’ll be taking my leave to prepare as well. I hope you enjoy the rest of the days.” She said as she opened the door, just in time to let the personal assistant to enter the room and serve her sister’s breakfast.

She couldn’t help but smirk as she made her way through where the wedding gown is settled, excited to wear it herself.

—

Y/n was, so far, enjoying the passing hours of the day before the wedding starts. She’s currently in the room assigned as her place to stay with Junseo and his cousin Yunho. They were talking about random things, specifically everything relatable and the similarities of their childhood.

They were sipping their red wines as they basked in the sun passing through the curtains, laughing out wholeheartedly.

Yunho then spoke after taking a sip on his wine glass, “When we were kids, San used to have a thing for collecting flowers.”

“Collecting flowers? Why?” Y/n asked, curiosity and amusement laced in her voice.

Yunho lets out a deep chuckle as he shook his head, “San never met his mother since she died after giving birth to him. It’s Seonghwa hyung’s mom who raised him and they always visit his mother’s grave. San noticed how Seonghwa hyung’s mom always leaves flowers on his mother’s grave and little Sannie just thought that ‘hey, maybe that flower is my mom!’ He thought of it like an offering to make his mother magically appear out of nowhere.”

Y/n couldn’t help the sad smile that appeared on her face, “That’s so wholesome.. yet sad..”

Yunho nodded in agreement as he continued to speak, “After finding out that his mother will no longer appear, no matter what, San never welcomes any women in his life thinking that they’ll also disappear just like how his mother was taken away from him without even letting him meet her.”

“The world is too cruel for him.” Y/n said solemnly as she stared at the red liquid in her glass.

“It really is, so imagine his pain when he thought you don’t feel the same for him.” Yunho said it so casually but it felt like y/n was hit by a ton of bricks.

“He thought I rejected him?”

“My friend is too much of a fool himself. I told him that it may just be an understanding but, eh, he’s stubborn.”

Y/n stared at Yunho for a while before she goes to speak, “Yunho, I—”

Suddenly, the door frantically opened, revealing Jaeseok and his girlfriend who’s panting harshly but the excitement in their eyes is evident.

“Y/n! The drug has taken effect, we locked Ayeon in her room. Come on, let’s get you glammed up!”

—

Preparing y/n did not take up too much time since she finished her makeup beforehand. Jaeseok’s girlfriend just did her hair, retouched the colors on her face and helped her wear the wedding gown.

When they were done, she looked at herself in the mirror, “Wow..”

“Really wow, y/n. It suits you more than it does to Ayeon. When she fitted that I couldn’t help but grimace because it doesn't suit her physique.”

“Well I guess I’m really meant to get married today.” She joked making laughter bounce through the room.

Mirae suddenly clapped and went through the bed where the veil lies and helps her put it on. “The fabric used for that veil is thicker than usual veils so they won’t recognize that it’s you.”

Y/n flashed her a smile, “Mirae, thank you so much for working hard.”

“You’re welcome bubs, it’s for you. Now let’s go, the wedding is about to start!”

—

They arrived at the wedding hall just in time before the wedding started. Y/n wasn’t able to hold a conversation with her own mom to which she was thankful or else she could’ve blown her cover.

The wedding march wasn’t that time consuming since only a few important people were asked to join the entourage. She started to feel nervous, her hands becoming clammy as she counted a slow 1,2,3 when the door opened, revealing the inside of the venue.

At the end, on the altar, was San. Her San, looking so different yet still dashingly handsome with his black hair slicked back, jaw tight and a serious expression in his face. Y/n started to walk, making sure that it’s not too slow or too fast.

The one to receive her hand in the middle of her march was Yunho which made her feel at ease a little bit. Even if they only met a few days ago, she couldn't decline the fact that Yunho has bought an oddly calming presence for her.

By the time they reached the altar, San, without a clue that it’s her, took her hand in Yunho’s hold and planted a kiss on it.

She knew she shouldn’t blow her cover but she couldn’t help but giggle at the gesture and she whispered, “Hi Sannie.”

San snaps his head towards her, eyes wide. He recognizes that voice. In the same volume, he whispered back, “Y/n?”

“Yeah, it’s me.”

“You’re Ms. Han’s daughter? I.. I thought your sister..”

“Shh, Sannie. The less we talk the faster we will be wedded.”

“Wait aren’t you supposed to remove your veil?” San whispered again making her elbow him at his side, shushing him.

“I can’t risk blowing my cover, I’m doing things illegally.” She answered making her groom pout, clearly unsatisfied. “But I want to see your pretty face.”

“Later, baby, when we kiss.” She answered back and it seemed to make San content as he finally shut up and they focused on the ceremony as it proceeded.

The whole thing was too fast, she did a lot of things like changing her voice and mimicking her sister’s mannerism so it wouldn’t be suspicious. But she knows she has to reveal herself to the public.

“Groom, you may now kiss the bride.”

And there it is.

San faced her with a smile on his face, “Now?” He asked, looking like an excited puppy. He was about to lift the veil when she stopped her.

“Wait, a few warnings, things will get messy.”

San smirked, “I know.”

With that, San lifted her veil, and she was met by an eyes full of love and happiness from the man in front of her. She couldn’t resist it anymore as she pulled him by the neck, kissing him full of love and want, to which San returned back as well.

Just as they pulled away from the kiss, her mother caused a scene, “You’re not Ayeon, where’s Ayeon?”

A collective gasp can be heard but she ignored it and nonchalantly answered, “Sleeping.”

The veins on her mom’s neck started to pop out, “What did you do to—”

Her mother’s exploding tantrums only stopped when San’s father placed a hand on her shoulder and calmly asked y/n, “Darling, who are you?”

She gave her mom a nasty look and said, “Wow, mom, you hid me so well. Too afraid to expose me because you know I’ll steal Ayeon’s spotlight and your lovely youngest daughter will be left with nothing?” She laughed in disbelief and proceeded to answer the question directed at her earlier, “I’m y/n l/n, Han Siwoo’s eldest daughter. She was carrying me when she made that deal with you.”

“Don’t believe her, Mr. Choi, she’s lying!” Her mom said but the panic in her eyes was enough message about the unveiling of the truth.

“If I’m lying is what I’m currently doing, then what do you call your own actions, Ms. Han?” She felt herself slipping into anger but she was held on her ground when she felt her husband squeeze her hand.

“You’ve destroyed my life ever since I was born, don’t you think it’s time for me to repay you in kind? Besides, the truth is more powerful than the lies you put up in people's minds. Even if Ayeon is in my place right now, everyone will still know the truth.” Y/n said and she added, “And besides, Mr. Choi didn’t specify which daughter right? Me and Ayeon are both qualified, it’s just that she’s not as clever as I am.”

She then glanced at San’s father, offering the man a smile, “It’s up to our decision on who you will believe, Mr. Choi. It’s either you kill me or kill her.”

Mr. Choi held his gaze at y/n for a while, the lady answering him back with the same intense stare until he decided to look away and look at y/n’s mother. “Ms. Han, you and your dirty lies.”

“Mr. Choi, I—”

“I thought when you offered your child in exchange, you'd give me your first born.”

“Ayeon is—”

“ I want the truth.” Mr Choi’s voice was dominant, leaving no space for any other argument.

She visibly deflates, “My second born.. Ayeon is my second born.”

The whole venue was quiet for a while and y/n couldn’t help but smirk, “Finally decided to reveal the truth huh. I’ve been waiting for 22 years.”

Whispers can be heard to the venue as disgusted stares were given to her mother. San’s father looked at her once again, “My dearest daughter-in-law, what do you want to do with your mother?”

Y/n contemplates for a while but she knows she has an answer to that.

Knowing that her life was in the hands of her cruel daughter, Ms. Han started to beg, “My baby y/n, you know I—”

She couldn’t stop herself from giggling as she pointed a finger at her mom, “Kill her.”

Her mother’s eyes widen as two men hold her in both arms as she screams, “Wait no, no! Y/n, you heartless bitch! I gave birth to you!”

Ms. Han’s pleas fell deaf in y/n’s ears as she muttered under her breath, “You only gave birth to me but didn’t give me the life I deserve.”

San seemed to hear that as he held her hand tighter, making her look at him only to see the same eyes filled with adoration, “It’s a new chapter for us, I’ll give you the life you deserve.”

She couldn’t help but giggle, planting a kiss on her now husband’s nose, “I didn’t know that meeting you within those three months is one of the signs that I’m going to spend the rest of my life time with you.”

“I love you, y/n.” San muttered softly, as if it’s their biggest secret.

A tear fell down on y/n’s eyes as she beamed at San, “I love you too, Sannie. I didn’t get to say that before.”

“Worry less, we have our lifetime together to say it whenever we want to.”

taglist: @gyubaby

[cyarikashakira]

Chimichangas

A/N: This is my first time writing a fanfic. I am super nervous but I have an overabundance of love for Joaquin Torres so I had to put it somewhere. I'm doing @caplanbuckybarnes's summer writing challenge.

Summary: Falling in love at the supermarket wasn’t on your to-do list today, yet here you were snatching looks at a cute stranger.

Warnings: (I don't know if these count as warnings) GN!Reader, No Y/N, Joaquin Torres is an absolute cutie pie!

‘They were gone. All of them.’ I thought as I rummaged through the wrongfully stocked freezer. A sniffle escaped, then two, which was followed by a full on wail.

“Who the hell put the Steak and Cheese chimichangas where the Chicken and Cheese chimichangas goes!?”

I slammed the freezer door and rested my head on it and placed my hand on the cold glass.

Casual shoppers and workers tiptoed around me while I grumbled to myself in annoyance. I just wanted my comfort food.

A full on breakdown in the middle of a grocery store and I gave no fucks. A tap on my shoulder and I whirled around ready to light up the poor soul who decided to bother me.

“What do you want?” I wiped the tears from my face with a growl. Giant innocent eyes looked at me in shock as I grimaced at him.

“Hi - um, can I help you?” He bravely pointed at his name tag which said ‘Joaquin’ with the Walmart name above

“Sure~ can you just point me towards the person who decided to sleep on the job and stock the wrong chimichangas in the wrong spot? I just wanna have a little chat.” I said with a fake smile on my face.

“Th-that would be me.” He gulped and pointed over his shoulder towards the stocking material behind him.

You peeked around him and just glared.

“So it was you. You have been declared as my arch nemesis. Where are the chicken and cheese chimichangas?”

“They are out of stock. But we can call you when they are back in stock.”

The air suddenly became tense.

“...Believe it or not, they already have my number because I buy them so often. It is Tuesday and it’s 8:30. They are always stocked at 8pm on Tuesday.” I looked down at my watch to double check the time. I crossed my arms ready to take my frustrations out on the worker.

“We are going to have to call some people.” He said plainly.

“What?” My head tilted to the side in confusion.

“For this chimichanga shortage. We need to call some people.” His smile got bigger as he continued talking.

“Chimi..changa shortage? If they are going to fix my day then you better call them.”

“I’m kidding..”

“Oh.” I let out a nervous laugh and made a face.

He ran a hand through his fluffy black curls and huffed. I took a look at his face, he was nervous.

“...Are you new?” You raised an eyebrow at him.

“To the stock things department, yes. This grocery store, no. I’m so sorry that I stocked it wrong but thank you for pointing it out for me.”

I immediately felt bad because I realized that I was being a dick over some food.

“I’m so sorry. I’m just having a bad day. It was just a complete shit show. My cat got sick, my car is on it’s last leg and my boss is on my ass and I ran out of chimichangas and forgot to restock my fridge so here I am today - “

I rambled on and on.

“Hey, it’s okay. We all have bad days. I thought this was about to be a bad day for me also because you were upset at me.”

“I’m sorry again. I’ll live without them. I should go home before I embarrass myself even more.”

I lowered my head now feeling shy and more aware of my surroundings.

“Before you go, I think I have something that will make your day a little better. Follow me.” He turned swiftly and started walking away.

“Uh, no. I’ve burdened you enough today, sir.”

He stopped and turned to face me again. A smile formed on his face. Were those dimples always there?

“Come on. I’m just taking you to a person who can solve your problems.”

“Oh o-okay.”

I followed behind Joaquin towards the front of the grocery store. He stopped in front of the deli section and tapped a hand on the counter to alert the workers.

“Hey~ is Margie in today?” He said sweetly to the teenage girl who could barely see over the huge counter.

“Yeah Curly, she’s in the back. Let me go get her.” She ran to the back and pushed the double doors with force.

I looked at Joaquin with furrowed brows and pursed lips.

“Why do they call you Curly?” A small smirk appeared on my face. He blushed and his hand went to his hair once again.

“My hair. It is how everyone finds me and the fact that I’m tall. Everyone has a nickname here. We are as much a family as capitalism will allow us to be. Margie is just...wait until you see her.”

The shock of blue hair caught my peripheral and I expected to see a teenager. No. A tall lady who was on enough to be my mama strolled up to the counter with a huge smile on her face.

“What can I do for ya, Curly Quin?” Her accent drawled as she leaned against the display case.

“We have a situation. Apparently, I suck at my job and a certain someone had an entire meltdown in the middle of the freezer aisle because they are having a bad day like it was my fault. I’m pretty sure they want to get me fired but I’m too cute for that, right? So we need a solution to their chimichanga problem.” He sarcastically and over exaggeratedly explained the situation to Margie and his smile got wider as he went on.

“So Grilled Cheese over here wants a chimichanga? How is that my problem?” Margie planted her eyes on me and I felt like I swallowed my heart.

For an old lady, her look was intense.

“I need the goods. The family secret, the whole enchilada, you get where I’m going with this. I’ll finally bring you back your book that you let me borrow when I first started working here.” Joaquin slapped on the puppy dog eyes and Margie rolled hers.

“I’ll believe it when I see it. That was a year ago. I’m never getting that book back and you know it. I’ll be back for you and Meltdown over here, assuming that is you.” She gave a small smile and moved to go towards the back doors. “Give me a sec.”

As soon as she disappeared, I face palmed and groaned.

“You guys are going to make fun of me forever, aren’t you?” I looked at him in despair.

“Oh yeah, you know it. Welcome to making history.” He smiled towards me, flashing a dimple.

“Is there a way that I can make everyone forget about this? I will pay you guys off. I promise. Just forget everything that happened here today.” I waved my hands in circular motions like I was casting a spell, earning odd looks from everyone around.

He laughed for the first time that night.

“It’s not every day a grown up has a total fit like a toddler. This has made my day and probably my whole week.”

I groaned again and stomped my foot in annoyance, ready to snap at him.

The back doors flew open and a brown paper bag was thrown in my direction. Joaquin and I fumbled to catch it at the same time and we butted heads.

“Good thing you knocked some sense into each other so I didn’t have to. Get out of here kids, your chimichanga problem is solved.” Margie smiled.

I opened the steaming paper bag and started crying.

“Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.” I started bouncing up and down with joy. I wrapped my arms around Joaquin and pulled him into a tight hug, crying on his shirt.

“No problem, I can’t breathe, please..let..go..” He said dramatically.

I immediately let go and cleaned my face putting on a huge smile. He took a deep breath and put his hand on his chest.

“You guys are the best and I am so sorry for taking my frustrations out on you. I really hope you can forgive me at some point.”

“Already forgiven. I just always want to do something positive with my day and make others smile. It’s all in a day’s work.”

“I don’t know how to thank you guys enough for the chimichangas.” I held the bag close to my heart, grinning widely.

“Go home and eat them. That’s thanks enough.” Margie deadpanned.

Oh. She was still there.

“Yes ma’am. Have a good night. Thank you for everything!” I waved goodbye to her.

“Don’t mention it kid.”

“I’ll see you tomorrow Margie!” He said to her.

She waved us off and we were on our way to the front doors of the store. We stopped just before the entrance, triggering the doors to automatically open. We were blocking the exit and people started going around us.

“I guess this is goodbye? Until I come in to restock my freezer again.” I said glumly, holding out my hand towards him to shake his hand.

“I guess so.” He reached into his pocket and pulled out his phone, placing it in my hand.

Question marks filled my brain as I looked down at his phone in my hand. He shyly placed his hand on the back of his neck.

“I told you whenever we restocked, I would give you a call so.. I would need your number for that.”

“Oh. But they already have my numb- Oh. Okay. Oh. Oh um, of course uh..”

I stuck my tongue out in concentration as I typed my name and number into his phone and handed it back to him.

“There you go. I uh, look forward to your call for whenever the chimichangas are back in stock.”

“Of course. I’m just doing my job. If they aren’t in stock and I’m off of work, can I still call you?”

My brain short circuited and I blinked rapidly at him. He was smooth. Toooo smooth. I studied his face for a joke.

“You aren’t joking with me, are you?” I put my hands on my hips.

“Nope, not one bit. Are you okay?” He questioned. I was sure smoke was coming out of my ears at this point.

“Uh, yeah. I’m fine. Just tired, it’s been a long day. I should get going.” I looked off towards the cars in the parking lot.

“It was nice to meet you. I’m sorry about your chimichangas and for my poor stocking skills.” He apologized sincerely.

“It was nice to meet you too, Joaquin. Thank you for everything. Am I allowed to hug you again?”

His brown eyes lit up and he furiously nodded. I wrapped my arms around him and he did the same to me. We let go as quickly as we started.

“I’ll see you around, Grilled Cheese.” He gave a two finger wave towards me and started walking backwards.

“Likewise, Joaquin Phoenix.” I started walking in the other direction.

“Haha. So original! It’s actually Falcon!” He shouted.

“What?” I stopped and turned back towards him but he was already gone.

I shrugged and walked towards my car. I opened the door and climbed inside, tossed the bag of chimichangas in the passenger seat and rested my head on the steering wheel. I released a huge sigh while lifting my head, started my car and began driving home. The street lights blurred past me on my drive home. My body was on autopilot as I opened the door, kicked my shoes off and sat on the couch next to my roommate with my bag of chimichangas.

I took a bite and immediately frowned.

‘Damn it. Steak and Cheese strikes again.’ I started laughing and shaking my head, dropping the chimichanga back in the bag.

“What is your problem?” My roommate said staring at the tv, not concerned to turn their head towards my hysterics.

“Nothing. I just had a meltdown in a freezer aisle and I think I fell in love with a stocker who is bad at his job.” I leaned back against the cushion of the couch and sighed dreamily.

“....no offense but you aren’t allowed to go to the store unsupervised ever again. You got issues...”

My phone began to ring and I just stared at the unknown number before answering.

“H-hello?” I stuttered.

“You will never guess what we just got in stock.” A light voice filled with laughter said over the phone. A huge smile formed on my face and I was booking it out of the door and yelled a quick bye to my roommate.

“I’m on my way.”

I hope you guys enjoyed this. I tried my best :)

[rosyrosethings]

Harry's Family comes to visit

So this is a series. Where harrys assistant lives with him and his family come for a surprise visit

Masterlist

Y/n was currently on the couch working on Harry’s schedule for the upcoming week. Harry was upstairs in his bedroom with his girlfriend. Y/n always appreciate being the farthest away from them when they are together.

As she was typing away. There was a knock on the door. She got up. She wasn't expecting anyone today. She assumed it was someone for Harry or a package she needed to sign for. She swung open the door. Seeing Harry’s mom.

”Mrs. Styles! Hii, I wasn't expecting you!” Y/n said with a nice smile as she stepped to the side to let them in. Mrs styles stepped inside taking off her gloves and jacket.

“I know but when I call Harry he likes to schedule me like an appointment and you don’t make appointments with your mother and please call me Ann love.” She said, Y/n took her coat and hung it up in the closet.

“But Y/n how are you? I’ve been so relieved since I found out you’ve been living with Harry. He had this big empty home and no one to come home to and take care of him.”

“Yea it was more of him taking care of me.” Y/n said, followed by another knock on the door. Y/n opened the door quickly revealing Gemma.

“Hii Y/n!” She said engulfing her in a hug. Y/n and Gemma got along very well.

“Hi, Gemm!” Y/n exclaimed. Y/n excited to see her only kind of girlfriend. They came inside and both of them got comfortable. Y/n gave them both tea. She texted Harry to let him know that his mom and sister were downstairs.

“So are you and Harry together yet?”Gemma asked causing Y/n to choke on her tea.

“Umm-Mr. Styles is just my boss. I- Ummm we-.”

“Gemma please leave the poor girl alone. She looks like you she saw a dead body. They will get together eventually. We just have to wait. “ Anne added losing Y/n in the second half of her sentence. Both Gemma and Anne joined in laughter.

“What is he doing anyway?” Gemma asked,

“Ohh he’s actually upstairs with Bridget.”

“Who’s Bridget?” They said in unison.

“His girlfriend.” Y/n replied not even realizing what she was saying.

“Y/n!” She looked up startled to see Harry coming down the stairs giving her a glare to shut up. She looked at him confused of what she did wrong

“What?” But it clicked. She realized that she was talking too much. “Ohh umm I’m gonna just be quiet.” She mumbled drinking the rest of her tea.

“Harry don’t you try to hush her up. Who’s this Bridget girl?” Anne asked, getting up to hug and kiss her son.

”A girlfriend? You just let Miss Y/n slip through your fingers huh?” Gemma asked it even bothering to get up and hug him.

“Bridget is a nice girl. You would love her mother.” He said as he approached his mother. He didn’t want his parent to meet Bridget. He never thought that they were that serious.

“So when is she coming down?” Anne asked,

“She will be down shortly. She wants to look the best for you mum.”

Shortly after Bridget came down the stairs Her blonde hair bouncing and her skin glowing she was excited to be meeting Harry’s mum.

“Hi Anne nice to meet you. I’m Bridget I’ve heard so many things about you.” Bridget said shaking her hand.

“I wish we could say the same but someone here neglected to mention he has a girlfriend.” Anne said smiling at the beautiful young girl in front of her.

“This is Gemma, my sister.”

“Pleasure to meet you as well.” Bridget said shaking Gemmas hand quickly.

“Well mum you’re staying for dinner right?”

“Of course I am. I would love to get know Bridget a bit better.”

Time passed and Harry was making dinner and Bridget was setting the table. Y/n looked over at the table and only saw 4 plates. Y/n walked over to Harry who was on the stove.

“Umm Mr. styles I’m gonna pass on dinner. I think I’m gonna go upstairs and do work.” She whispered to him. He looked at her confused.

“Y/n you never skip out on food and besides i know you’re hungry.”

“But-.”

“No butts. My mum and Gemma love you and you’re the reason they know about Bridget. So if I have to sit through an awkward family dinner. So do you.” He said, she couldn’t help but smile at Harry’s childlike attitude.

“Where’s the fifth plate?” Gemma asked, causing Harry and Y/n to turn around to loook at the the dining room.

“Ohh um I didn’t know Y/n was joining us.” Bridge said,

“Of course she is. You didn’t set her a plate?” Gemma said,

“Ohh Gemma it’s fine. I usually don’t eat dinner with them. I have work to do anyway.”

“Y/n you are eating dinner with us. Bridget please set her plate.” Harry said, more like ordered. Bridget nodded and got the extra plate and proceeded to set the table.

Shortly Harry finished the dinner and they were all sitting and eating the steak , potatoes and asparagus. Harry was sitting in between Y/n and bridges while Gemma and Anna sat across from them. They were all having small talk about Harry. Bridget kept asking questions about Harry. Y/n sat there and listened to the stories about younger Harry.

“Actually thought Harry would be a singer when he got older.” Anne said as she cut the asparagus. Bridget laughed in response.

“Harry sings?” she responded In a questionable tone. She nodded.

“Ohh yes Harry has such a beautiful voice.” Gemma said,

“He does.” Y/n added.

“Ohh you heard him sing also ?” Bridget asked leaning over to kook at Y/n.

”Yes, he sang for me one night and he also does it around the house .” Y/n responded, Bridget simply replied with a hmph. Bridget didn’t understand why Y/n and Harry were so close.

“wow, Harry you sung for Y/n?” Gemma asked,

”Yes I did.” he said, Harry wasn't really happy with this dinner. He loves his family but he hates surprises and unscheduled visits.

“I tried to get him to sing for me recently and he said no immediately. Y/n I honestly don’t know how you get things out him.”

“I don’t really get things out of him. He just feels bad for me.” Y/n said as she looked up at Gemma. Harry scrunched his face at her response and nudged her side

“That’s not true Y/n. You know I do things for you because I care about you. Not because i feel sorry for you.” He said, causing her to smile.

“Well let me get dog.” She says trying to guilt trip him into getting her a puppy. He smiled at her

“Haha. Nice try still no.” He said, with a slight chuckle. She love to see his smile.

”so Y/n what about you? Any special someone?” Mrs. Styles asked

“Noo not really. Mr. Styles keeps me busy.”

”Because he wants to keep you all to himself.” Gemma replied, Y/n laughed in response.

“He’s just a workaholic. I highly doubt it has nothing to do with me.”

“Yea he’s been working a lot lately he has a big meeting coming up.” Bridget said, Y/n scrunched her face in response.

“A big meeting? No he-.” Harry eyes widen as Y/n started speaking.

“Yea. Y/n I have a huge meeting. You know the one I had you schedule for next week Tuesday. Remember?” He said, she was about to speak but Harry kicked her foot. Which was bare she didn’t like to wear shoes in the house. He knew she was gonna disagree with what she was saying.

“Ow.” She whimpered quietly. “Ohh that meeting, I’m sorry i forgot.” She said and started to eat the rest of her food. Harry had lied to Bridget telling her he had a huge business deal to prepare for to spend less time with her.

Eventually they all finished dinner Y/n stayed in the kitchen to clean up With Gemma. While Harry, Bridget,and Anne were in the living room.

“So how long are you two gonna play this cat and mouse game?”

“What are you talking about?” Y/n responses knowing she was talking about Harry.

“You and Harry are obviously in love with each other.”

“Mr. Styles is my boss and my friend and he has a girlfriend.”

“If you could see how to guys interact with each other. How his smile and energy all brightens whenever you talk to him.” Y/n did a small smile in response.

“He isn’t into mee and we work together and once again he has a girlfriend.”

“Okay Y/n that boy is head over hills for you but what do I know? He isn't like my brother or anything,” she said sarcastically. Y/n laughed at her pushing her playfully.

//

Soon everyone left except Bridget. Y/n was in her room. While Bridget and Harry were in his room cuddled up watching a movie.

”Your family really loves your assistant.” she said,

”Yea well Y/n has been my assistant for a while now. So she knows everyone I know.”

“Don’t you think it’s time for her to move out?”

“What?” Harry said as he removed his arm from around her and sat up. His face had disgust written all over it. Bridget immediately regretted what she said. She just loved Harry so much and she wanted him to herself.

“Nothing! Nothing, Nevermind.” She said trying to get back to cuddling.

“No, no continue what you were saying.”

“No, it’s just she moved in with you so you can help her. But she’s been staying her for over a year now. I just think maybe you should tell her to go find her own place.”

“Bridget. What is your problem with Y/n?”

“Problem?I don’t have a problem with her.”

“Yes you do, but if you have a problem with her. We can’t be together anymore.”

“Harry are you serious? Over your fucking assistant?”

“Yes, shes a lot more to me than my assistant. I would be glad when you address her by her name. But actually you can leave instead.”

“Fine. I will leave but don’t come back once you realized what you did.” With that she grabbed her keys and opened his bedroom door causing Y/n to fall from the other side of the door to the floor of Harry’s room.

Bridget rolled her eyes.

”umm wasnt listening. i was just looking for the. Back of my earring!” she said stuttering on the floor of his room. Bridget walked passed her and continue to leave. Followed by the slam of the door.

”Y/n what Have I told you about listening in on my conversations.”

” I know, but I heard my name so I listened. I couldn’t help it. And I just wanna say. Why in the hell did you kick me?! ” she said as she got up from the floor walking over to his bed to take a seat on the other side of the bed

“You’re fine.”

“I’m not that hurt!” She said giving him a puppy dog eyes as she pulled her foot into his lap. “My foot wants an apology.” He laughed. And grabbed her foot with this hand causing her to giggle.

“I’m sorry Y/N’s foot.” He said with a smile looking directly at her feet her toes painted white. His fingers moving slightly causing her to giggle.

“My feet accepts your apology.” He dropped her feet onto his lap. She got off the bed walking to the door.

“Goodnight Mr. Styles.” She said smiling at him sweetly.

“Goodnight darling.”

[wakeup-anxiety-repeat]

Hibachi (modern! AU)

Childe x Zhongli

Genshin Impact

~

It was another Friday night. The streets of Liyue were busy, but they often were during the weekends. Zhongli stared out his apartment window at the crowded streets, the loud noises of car horns and people piercing the usual silence of his apartment. He brought his cup of black coffee up to his lips and took a sip, finishing the last of what was left. Moving to a couch on the other side of the room, Zhongli mindlessly picked up his phone, the screen flashing on to show a picture of him and a certain Harbinger he had found himself enamored with.

‘Friday… Is he finished with work?’ Zhongli pondered to himself, ultimately deciding to unlock his phone and send a quick text to said Harbinger, asking if he had. After sending it, Zhongli took a moment to gaze at the profile picture of the person he was texting, a selfie that they had taken as a joke. It didn't take long for a response to arrive, confirming the Harbinger was out of work and, all of the sudden, on his way over to Zhongli’s apartment. There was barely a wait between receiving the text and hearing a knock on his door. Standing up, Zhongli walked over, looked through the small glass window, and opened the door. “Childe.”

“What’s up? You didn’t have work today?”

“I did not.”

“Your schedule is weird, you know.”

“Hm.” Childe lazily walked over the couch and flopped down on it as Zhongli closed and locked the door.

“You know, Mr. Zhongli-”

“Zhongli.”

“Huh?”

“...Without the Mr., if you don’t mind.”

“Alright, sure. Anyway…” There was a slight pause as Childe processed what Zhongli had said before continuing, “I like where I work, I really do,” Childe flipped over to lay on his stomach, laying his head on top of his arms that rested on the armrest of the couch (it wasn’t really that comfortable in his opinion, but he did it anyway), “but even I get tired sometimes, you know?” Zhongli walked over to where Childe was.

“Do you mind if I sit?” Childe once again shifted his position.

“This is your place, you don't have to ask me.” He sat down next to Childe and Childe laid his head on Zhongli’s shoulder.

“Are you hungry?”

“I could eat. Are you hungry?”

“Somewhat.”

“Where’re you thinking?”

“If I remember correctly, a Hibachi place opened up near here recently. My treat.” Childe tiredly laughed.

“You say that like money is the issue here. But sure. That sounds good right about now.” Standing up and stretching, his shoulders giving off a satisfying ‘pop’, Childe turned to face Zhongli. “Lead the way.” One short walk later in the mildly cold temperature accompanied by small talk and they were standing in front of the new restaurant.

“That didn’t take as long as I thought it would.”

“How long did you think it would take?”

“Um… Longer than it did...?”

Zhongli shook his head and once again looked at the restaurant. “Were we supposed to make a reservation or something of that sort?”

“I… dunno.”

“It doesn’t look very crowded.”

“Well, time to find out.”

The two walked in and, after a short talk with the person at the counter who happened to recognize Childe, they had their own table in an area with no other people.

“Word of your influence travels fast.”

“Haha! I don’t have that much influence! I owe it to the boss!”

“She does have quite the amount of power, and not just around this area either.”

“Gotta say, it’s kinda convenient sometimes. So, what’re you thinking of getting?”

Zhongli held up the menu and scanned it. “Perhaps the shrimp or the steak. You?”

“Hm… the steak does sound good… Why not get both?”

Zhongli nodded. “Perhaps that would be best.”

There was a slight pause before Childe waved over a server; the two placed their orders and they were told the chef would be there shortly.

“I’ve never really known what people see in getting their food made in front of them. What about it do they enjoy so much?”

“Perhaps the spectacle. The chefs make the food in an artistic way, I believe.”

“You believe? You’ve never been to a Hibachi before?”

Childe’s surprise was evident on his face. Zhongli had been alive for so long, how had he- ‘Forget it,’ he thought, shaking his head, as if to get rid of said thought. The noise of a rolling cart drew their attention and Childe watched as the man pulled in in front of the stove that was in front of the two men. Childe continued talking to Zhongli, paying him no mind.

“How have you never been to a Hibachi before?”

“It never crossed my mind to go to one.”

“But,” Childe waved off the chef who was going to pour some concoction called “sauce” into two small dishes, and the man put the dishes away. “Somehow you knew that the food here was good.”

“Have you been to one?”

“I have.”

“Yet you also did not know whether or not to place a reservation.”

“I usually don’t, and I wasn't sure if being with another person made a difference.”

“I suppose it did not.”

Zhongli cast a quick glance to the chef, who wore a slightly miffed expression on his face as he made the food, seemingly upset at being ignored. Childe turned to face the man. “Something wrong?”

“N-No! Not at all!” the chef had seemed to recognize Childe in that moment, his expression quickly shifting. There were a few minutes of silence as the two men watched their food get cooked and served to them for a bit before resuming their conversation, uninterested in the display.

“So how did you know that the food here was good anyway?”

“I was informed by Ningguang that this type of place was good on multiple occasions. She seems to go to this type of restaurant often, and was the one who informed me that there was one opening near my residence.”

The chef placed the last of the food onto the two men’s plates and bowed, uttering a “Thank you” and quickly walking away. Childe’s gaze scrutinized him as he left.

“You know, I don’t think we should tip him.”

Zhongli chuckled and began to eat his food before making a remark.

“I believe I see where you were coming from earlier.”

“Hm?” Childe fumbled with his chopsticks, attempting to pick up some fried rice. He let out a quiet cheer upon success, sending a mock glare towards the spoon and fork sitting on the napkin next to him.

“On why people found this interesting. I fail to see why as well. It was… not as artistic as I thought it would be.”

“Well, I did tell you I didn't know why! My point,” Childe lifted up the small cup of green tea he had ordered earlier and took a sip, “has been proven.”

Zhongli nodded and looked at his plate of food, continuing to eat.

“But wouldn’t Ningguang have informed you that the display was uninteresting?” Childe moved to stab something with his chopsticks until Zhongli took them out of his hand and replaced them with a fork.

“You could at least try to convince me you really were practicing by using the proper etiquette.”

Childe pouted before Zhongli continued.

“Ningguang most likely does not pay attention to such things. She is more interested than the cuisine than any spectacle that may come with it.”

At this point, the two were nearly done with their meals, but both felt as though they had eaten enough.

“Should we ask for takeout boxes? We could take the leftovers with us.”

Childe nodded and, once again, waved over a server. He casually asked for two boxes and the check, which arrived swiftly. Childe reached to grab the book that held the check when Zhongli grabbed it from right in front of him.

“I told you it would be my treat, did I not?”

“And here I had thought you forgot and I would be able to treat you.”

“You do that enough already, I believe.”

Childe laughed lightly but made no attempt to argue. After quickly paying, the two men were out the ornate glass doors and back outside.

“So. Do we head to your place or mine?”

“Considering that we would have to walk a much farther distance to reach your place, I propose we return to my apartment.”

“Alrighty then, shall we?”

“Indeed.”

It wasn't long before the two found themselves standing in front of the lightly painted door, Zhongli, once again, remarking on how it was still chilly out. The cold only got worse as it got later in the night. Zhongli fished the key out of his pocket, then unlocked and opened the door while Childe grabbed his leftovers and moved to put them in the fridge.

“Should I assume that means you will be staying over today?”

“I dunno. Should you?” Childe walked out of the small kitchen and over to where Zhongli was standing, once again in front of the window that overlooked Liyue. He rested his head on Zhongli’s shoulder.

“Do you miss how it used to be?”

Zhongli quietly sighed. “Part of me does, and part of me does not. While I am happy to see how much this place has changed without my guidance, there is a piece of me that wished they still looked to me for such things.”

“If you could, would you go back to that time?”

“Hm…?”

“That time where the people looked to you for guidance.”

Zhongli chuckled and moved away from the window to sit on the couch. “I would not.”

Childe tilted his head as if to question Zhongli’s response.

“There are things that I would miss if I were to go back to that time.”

“Oh? And what would those be?”

“That is something for me to know.”

“What?! You’re no fun!” Childe moved to sit next to Zhongli. “Tell meeeeeeeeeee!”

“I will not.”

“Come on! Why not?!”

Zhongli simply laughed and shook his head.

“You really are no fun,” Childe pouted, an upset look on his usually cheery face. Zhongli looked at him and smiled.

“You might not agree with my reasons if I told you.”

“What makes you think that?”

“Because my reason… is sitting right next to me.”

Childe paused to process Zhongli’s words, a light blush rising to his face. “That’s… That’s a bit… cliché, don’t you think?”

Zhongli smiled once again. “Yes, but it is the truth.”

[neo-culture-mafia]

IV. Sorry, My Dear

⚠️⚠️TRIGGER WARNING ⚠️⚠️

The following story contains themes of suicidal thoughts and addiction. Please do not read if you find these themes triggering in any way. Read this post before reading this piece of FICTION

Have you heard the story of the guy,

Who decided not to die?

"Another day at the office...another day in hell." Jae mumbled to himself. The black lettering seemed never ending as he moved page after page.

Everyone was long gone and he was left with his thoughts that reflected the current state of his desk: scattered and full on unwanted words.

"Come on, Jae. Let's go get drinks with Boss." Jae had mimicked the voices of the other associates that worked in the office today. "No. I'm good. Got to finish this work. Beep-boop-boop." He moved his arms in a robot-like fashion.

"Look at me. Working me life away. Jaehyun. That's my name." He moved the papers in random places. This would be Jae's 4th breakdown this week where he needed to tell himself to hold on until tomorrow.

Johnnny looked on in concern from behind the entrance wall. "No good, Jaehyun. Don't wear it out." Jae's hands waves over his head in a dramatic fashion as he pushed himself around in his wheeled office chair.

It wasn't until Johnny saw Jae's hands form into a gun shape that he intervened in the middle of his best friend's scary emotional outburst.

"Jae! There you are!" He rushed over and punched his friend's arm. The look in Jaehyun's eyes made Johnny uneasy. It looked like he had been caught which made him break more. "You almost finished? I wanted to catch a movie with you and maybe have a hangout night," Jae was taken aback by the energy outburst at 2 am.

He could only look at Johnny's excited face from where he sat in his chair, strands of hair obstructing only pieces of his vision. "I got the new Call of Duty and PubG for the console." Johnny's hands rummaged in his pockets till he pulled out his phone, his eyebrows wiggling fiercely. "It's only...2:17. We got all the time in the world."

Johnny picked up Jae's suit jacket that was thrown over the cubicle wall and the younger boy's heavy bag. "I'll drive." Johnny pulled Jae up and turned off his lamp.

They were in the darkness of the office and Jae was still shocked that he was caught before he got worse.

"What do you wanna eat? Steak? McDonald's? Junk food?" Johnny's rambling was tuned out of Jae's mind. He followed the taller man willingly down and out of the office building and to his familiar car.

"Uh...doesn't matter." Was the first thing that came out of Jaehyun's mouth. "Then we'll get everything." Johnny's laugh made Jae's heart swell with hope for the first time in weeks.

'Maybe next time,' he thought, 'I'll hang out with Johnny one last time.'

The car ride was filled with laughter and being in the cold air surrounding the both of them.

Johnny still wonders to this day what would've happened if he didn't walk in the time he did. He had been called to pick up the paperwork from Jae's desk but was met with a sad reality.

Jaehyun wanted to escape reality.

Just kill me in my sleep,

Smother me with pillows and kindness, in which I have never seen

This was it...this was the day. He's written the letters and found a place to go calmly. He was in a euphoric sense that nothing really mattered anymore.

He had been on cloud 9 all week as he's happily been overworked and no one ever asked how he had been doing.

Right now, he was just driving. Driving to take in his home city one last time.

The sun was setting when he came to Han River Park. The clusters of happy people congregated in small bursts of happiness and 'its okay' and 'everything will be alright's.

He parked and stood at the grass's edge. He took deep breaths as the air swept across his body calmly. "Everything is so beautiful." He whispered to himself as he watched the birds dance across the water with such grace.

The lump in his throat that made it home was beginning to ache. Yet, he swallowed his pride and continued looking over the people who would continue their own story's even after his had reached the end. The credits would roll and everyone would walk away from the theater without a second thought.

"I mean. I get that's it's pretty. But I haven't seen someone cry at the scenery since my last romance movie." He was snapped out of reality to see a girl standing next to him.

"Excuse me?" Was all he could manage to get out.

You chuckled, sticking your hand out. "Y/n." You introduced yourself and he was trying to not shake your hand, look the other way, and leave without another word being exchanged.

"Jaehyun." His actions spoke for him as he reached his hand out to meet yours. Your hand was soft and warm in his. A warmness and calm he hasn't felt in a while.

"I'm gonna go get some ice cream. Wanna come?" You barely knew him and we're asking him to accompany you to a sweet treat. "You don't know me." Jae got defensive, his arms crossing over his chest.

"I could be a murderer and you invited me for ice cream?" His questions had your face turn up. "Well I'm sure that murderers like ice cream too. So let's go." You grabbed his arm and pulled him down the long stretch of concrete. You walked and tried to match your steps with his long strides. Your arm cutely wrapped around his as you walked.

"So tell me about yourself, Mr. Jaehyun."

He figured living was just easier than falling really high

"We need to clean." You whined while rolling around in the vast bed full of messed up sheets and a relaxing Jaehyun. "Not now. I just wanna cuddle." He grabbed your body and held you close.

"No. We've been cuddling all day. We need to clean." You got up and pulling at his hands. "You can clean the closet and I can clean the rest of the room. Then cuddles." You reasoned and he groaned as he got up, giving into your wishes.

"Fine." He automatically sat on the ground and opened your shared closet doors.

"I'll be tidying up around here." You ruffled his hair and kissed the top of his head sweetly. "If you need anything just shout." He called as you exited the room to probably start on the kitchen.

Box after box of paperwork and more paperwork from the last 10 years of working in his like of work.

Your singing could be heard through your house as you comedically sang some of the greatest hits. His laughter broke through the apartment when your own voice shook with laughs.

He came upon some photo books with Polaroids of you and him. The last 2 years had been lived in a heaven like state. He hadn't touched alcohol and drugs like he was earlier in his life...before you changed him.

His physical and mental growth were apparent in the pictures as he flipped through the pages. Your hand drawn hearts and small journal entries under some photos had his heart beating rapidly with joy.

He put the book next to his side to look at later with you. His hand came across an unmarked cardboard photo box that had a thin layer of dust on it.

He jiggled the lid off and was met with envelopes. The letters. His notes to his bosses and his friends apologizing for what he was about to do.

Apologizing for the mess they were going to have to clean up in his apartment and in the office where his files would never be filed. Apologizing for giving up so easily and not serving out the rest of his life like he had sworn. Apologizing for not being strong enough to ask for help when he really tried to make it obvious. Apologizing to whoever had to find him after it was all said and done.

Apologizing for not saying goodbye.

"Hey. Do we have any tile cle- oooo letters. Who are they to?" Your voice had made Jae jump like when Johnny caught him that dark night in the office. Like he was caught doing and thinking stuff he shouldn't be.

"No one. Me. In 50 years. Y'know," he shrugged, tossing them back in the box and throwing them in the closet and standing up quickly, "time capsule thing me and the guys did." He shrugged it off and you could only nod.

"Well that's cool. Can't wait to see how you've grown." Your smile had his own lips mimicking in want. Wanting to have your blissful ignorance of what those letters really were.

"Oh yeah. Do we have any more tile cleaner?" You asked and he lead you out to the closet where he scowered the top shelves in search for the cleaning supply.

"You can have it. For a kiss." He held it above his head. You waste no time in kissing his cheek and pulling on his arm till you grabbed the cleaner and ran. His laughs chased your own as you both wrestled for a while.

Both of you laid on the living room carpet, just enjoying the close presence.

His heart was at peace.

I'm okay,

I'm okay,

I feel a little bit sick

You had began to notice how Jae had been getting more dull. A year had passed since the night you pointed out the letters. It began to go all down hill from there.

He gave you the same love and affection he usually did, but his eyes held no emotion to big events outside. Alcohol had started to replace meals and sleep.

"Jae you need to eat." You laid a hand on his shoulder softly. "I'm actually going to go grab a drink with some of the boys." And like that. He was out of the apartment. Yet, everytime he came stumbling in the front door with a stench that could repel nuclear waste, you nurses him into bed. Setting an aspirin and water next to his head. Most nights didn't wrap up until 4 am when you knew he was home safe.

You slept with your arms wrapped strongly around his body, afraid he would try to get up and leave to drink again without you noticing.

Mornings would be a rough time as you awoke to a sick Jaehyun who couldn't tell left from right. You were there were comforting words and endless services if bet only asked.

His guilt ate at his chest till there was a free falling feeling that would cease when he took his first shot.

He knew he was getting bad again. He knew he needed to get help but everytime he woke up to face an aspirin and a cool glass of water, the guilt made him drink even more the next night.

He sometimes wished you would leave him to make this easier on you. He wished you would fall out of love and go to bed before he got home.

He wished you didn't introduce yourself in the first place.

But have you heard,

The story of the guy who decided not to die?

Jaehyun got clean again. He started being more present in reality and eventually returned to normal. Sometimes he did get carried away with the alcohol but you were there to help him put down the bottle.

He started openly hanging out with his friends in large gatherings where he didn't mind starting the conversation. He got addicted on life again.

You were all out on a big dinner. You and the other women of the mafia men gathered in the social room while Jae and his closest friends talked and joked around in the parlor.

"Want another drink?" Mark asked as he nudged Jae's elbow. "No I'm okay. I hit my limit for the night."

His friends were the most supportive people that he originally thought wouldn't be. Once be reached his limit, they all switched to fruity drinks followed by water. "So I need your guys' help with something." Jae smiled, taking the blue chalk and rubbing it on the worn end of the billiard's stick.

"What's up, dude?" Johnny asked and all the boys tuned into Jaehyun and his request. "I want to propose to y/n." He said and the room automatically erupted in shouts and cheers. "Sssshhhh." He tried to shush everyone. They remembered the presence of the women in the building and quickly shut up.

"Y/n said she wanted a wedding in the flower fields about.." Jae recalled the previous conversation he had with you. "2 hours from here?" He said and Hyuck automatically knew which ones he was talking about. "It's going to have to be a spring wedding!" He said excitedly and grabbing a pad of paper and a pen from his pocket.

"Alright, lover boy, spill." He said knocking all of the pool balls out of the way, "hey we were playing!" Doyoung protested and Hyuck could only write down the location of the fields, "I'm helping our brother get a wife. Go play with your balls somewhere else." He back handed which caused the room to erupt in laughter.

"Okay. Now. I'm going to need time to get the catering. I'm thinking pork," Hyuck rambled writing down the possible ideas, "or is she more of a chicken person?" he continued which caused some of the boys to chuckle at the wedding-excited nature no one knew Hyuck possessed in himself.

"Also I need to find a cake. I would make it myself but we all know that these beautiful hands would be wrinkly by the time I'm done icing cake for 500 people-" "500?!" Jae said loudly which caused Johnny to slap a hand over his younger friends mouth. "Well duh. That's a minimum." Donghyuck shook his head, drawing a picture of what the cake needed to look like. "amateur."

"I need to get the ring first." Jae said quietly and Taeyong piped in. "Don't even worry about it. I'll take you in the morning to the jewler's to pick out the bands and diamonds. Maybe you could get an engagement ring with her birth stone then the real ring with yours and your wedding band could have hers." Taeyong started rambling ideas, Hyuck writing lightning speed on the pad of paper.

"I call doing the gifts!" Mark and Jungwoo said at the same time. "I'm nominating myself as the planner." Hyuck said writing the roles down. "I'll get the tuxes for us." Taeil nominated himself for the job with a smile. "We need to get Yuta and the rest of the boys up here!" Doyoung brought up a good point.

"Yuta will just bring baby supplies. We're not telling him until a day before the ceremony." Hyuck pointed at the boys but was met with a hit upside the head from Johnny.

"I have to find out the color palette. I'll go to Renjun and then I'll go to Jaemin for the fireworks- Jisung will be the flower girl." Donghyuck kept rattling off things he needed to get done.

"Thank you for giving me this job. I won't let you down." He finally said, laying a hand on Jaehyun's shoulder.

"Better not. It need to be perfect for her. Perfection deserves perfection." Jae said and some gagged while other coo'd at his unwithering love you for you.

The chatty hustle didn't cease as Johnny patted on Jaehyun's shoulder. "You okay?" Johnny asked with a smile on his face. Jaehyun couldn't keep the smile off of his own face. "Never better. On cloud 9." He said and Johnny's heart eased from the constant fear of Jae not being here the next day. But he didn't need to worry anymore.

"I actually need to ask you." Jae said finally putting the polished stick down on the table. "Will you be my best man?" Johnny's eyes lit up like fireworks as he brought Jae in for a manly yet friendly hug.

"I'm so proud of you, Jaehyun."

I'm enamored with the thought of seeing angels in the sky singing,

Singing, "Everything's alright."

Jaehyun proposed the next week. You both went out to an amazing and fancy moonlit dinner where you both danced and decided to start this new journey together.

Then two days after the proposal, he relapsed the worst he has ever had. Johnny found him in your guys' apartment and immediately called you and everyone who he thought he could help.

It's now present day and you can only look at Jaehyun with guilt in your eyes.

The funeral was held in the flower fields you both planned to get married in. The day was cold and dark but he had never looked so happy in his final resting place. "I'm sorry I couldn't give you the happiness you craved." You kissed his cheek before the lid was finally closed.

Now the marble had been set in place and you were alone again.

"I'm not mad. I'm jus-just so...so sorry." You wept, reaching out for him.

"I read the letter and can only ask. Why?"

The only things he had left was a damn note with the words, 'Sorry, My Dear' signing off the page as if he deemed it enough. As if his love had a capacity limit.

"I'm sorry you-you thought I was going to leave you if you told me you were so un-unhappy with life." Your stuttering didn't come to a stop as you could only imagine tears streaming down his own cheeks wherever he was in the universe. The feeling of being ashamed sent you reeling down where you had to support yourself on your knees.

The silent sobs hurt your chest as you had this free falling feeling in your chest getting more deeper. It was as if someone was pounding your chest with a drum mallot. Your heart was breaking as you felt a hand on your shoulder. Yet, you knew no one was there.

"You promised me forever." Your voice was shaky as you brushed the stray pieces of grass away from the marble in the ground.

'Jaehyun. Found happiness in where ours couldn't reach.'

"And I promise, Jae. I will love you...forever."

"And I'm so proud of you for making it this far." You whispered, fingers tracing his name on the polished marble for what felt like the millionth time.

You laid on the ground next to his resting place and looked into the vast blue sky where you imagined him reaching down to you; his soft voice that he used to sing you to sleep with carrying you with him to where you both could live happily ever after. You lifted your hands up as the tears came down.

"You did well."

[longitudinalwaveme]

Cold As Ice

The Flash Captain Cold stars in: Cold As Ice

Dramatis Personae

Captain Cold, the pragmatic, constantly grumpy leader of the Rogues, alias Leonard Snart

Pied Piper, a Robin Hood-esque thief, alias Hartley Rathaway

Heat Wave, the dimwitted but surprisingly friendly pyromaniac, alias Mick Rory

Iris Allen, the daredevil reporter who is also the wife of Barry Allen

Mirror Master II, an extremely odd, extremely Scottish criminal, alias Evan McCulloch

Script

Act I

(Captain Cold is onstage. Enter Heat Wave)

Heat Wave: Captain Cold! It’s so good to see ya! (Hugs Cold)  

Captain Cold: Two words, Mick: Personal. Space.

Heat Wave: Oh. Sorry, boss. I just got excited. (Releases Cold)  It’s been so long since I’ve seen you. Are you okay, buddy? Where’ve you been?

Captain Cold: Mainly, the prison infirmary. Got double pneumonia, and somethin’ called septic shock along with it, so I was in there for like a month. And then my ulcer started actin’ up again, so I was there for even longer. And THEN I had appendicitis on top of everything else. So, long story short, I was stuck in there until last week, and I only escaped two days ago.

Heat Wave: Oh, so THAT’s why I couldn’t find you!

Captain Cold: Yeah, that would probably be why. (Pause) What happened while I was out? I spent most of my time in the infirmary coughing, vomiting, or unconscious, so I wasn’t able to keep track of nothing.

Heat Wave: Well, the Trickster’s back in town, Captain Boomerang’s broken leg is healed, and your sister and the Top are in Hawaii for the fifth anniversary of their first date.

Captain Cold: WHAT? Heat Wave: Don’t worry, boss. I’m sure they’ll be back soon.

Captain Cold: That’s not what I’m worried about.

Heat Wave: Then what are you worried about? It’s not like they’re chasing tornadoes or anything.

Captain Cold: I’m worried about what that stuck-up snob might do to my baby sister when I’m not there to protect her. He thinks people like us are trash, and it would be just like him to decide that she’s not worthy of his affections and dump her. I don’t want her to get hurt like that.

(Enter Pied Piper)

Heat Wave: Boss, the Top wouldn’t do that. He’s our friend.

Captain Cold: No, he ain’t. He’s an arrogant creep who thinks he’s better than us.

Heat Wave: If you say so, boss. (Notices Piper) Boss, look who’s here! It’s the Pied Piper! I’ve been trying to find him for weeks! (To Piper) Hiya, little buddy!

Pied Piper: (Slightly surprised) Hello, Mick. It’s a pleasure to see you.

Heat Wave: How are you? Pied Piper: Homeless. Again. You see, I was going to get a nice little cottage in the suburbs somewhere, but then I ran into a very pregnant woman whose husband had just lost his job, so I had to give her some money, and then I met a poor little boy who really wanted a football, so I bought it for him, and then I stumbled upon a youth center that was about to close for lack of funds, so I gave them some money, and then I met a really nice old lady who needed an operation that she couldn’t afford, so I gave her some money, and then I heard about a flood in India, and so I had to donate some money to that cause, and then I met a family with a little girl who needed a wheelchair, so I gave her some money, and then I was broke, so I couldn’t buy the cottage.

Heat Wave: I can give you some money, little buddy.

Captain Cold: Don’t bother. He’ll just give that away, too. (To Piper) Kid, how many times do we have to go over this? You ain’t rich no more. If you don’t wanna be homeless, you have to keep some of the money you steal for  yourself.

Pied Piper: I can’t do that! I spent the first twenty years of my life in palatial luxury. If I’m going without now, it’s only fair. My family has utterly ignored the plight of the poor in this city, and if I have to be homeless to make things right, so be it!

Captain Cold: You’re crazy. (Pause) When was the last time you ate, kid? You’re so thin I can see your ribs!

Pied Piper: Um ...three days ago? I think?

Captain Cold: Three days ago? Are you tryin’ to kill yourself? You ain’t used to bein’ cold and hungry. If you keep this up, one of these days the Flash is gonna be arresting your corpse!

Heat Wave: The boss is right, little buddy. It ain’t healthy to starve yourself to help people.

Pied Piper: I wasn’t planning to not eat for three days. It just happened.

Captain Cold: Then plan better, you idiot!

Heat Wave: (pulls out granola bar) Here, little buddy.

Pied Piper: Thank you, Mick. (Takes bar, eats ravenously) Do you have more? Heat Wave: No...but I can take you to lunch with me.

Pied Piper: That would be nice….

Heat Wave: Okay! Then let’s go eat! I’ve found a really great new barbeque chicken place!

Captain Cold: And by really great, you mean “full of chicken so spicy that no normal person can eat it”.

Heat Wave: Oh, yeah. I didn’t think about that. (Pause) Okay, how about we go to Steak ‘n’ Shake? I love their sandwiches.  

Captain Cold: After three months of eating the stuff they give you in the infirmary? That’d be good. They have some great milkshakes.

Pied Piper: Right now, I’m so hungry that I could probably eat dog food. I’m happy with anything that won’t make my mouth catch on fire.

Heat Wave: Okay, then let’s go! I can’t wait to talk with you guys and catch you up on what you’ve missed while you were gone!

Act II

(Iris is onstage)

Iris: I’ll say this for being a superhero’s wife-it gets you the best stories! Unless I miss my guess, the information Animal Man gave me will get me on the front page. Why, this is the biggest government cover-up since Watergate! Just wait until Barry hears about this! He’ll be so proud! Maybe it’ll even cheer him up a bit. (Pause) Poor Barry. He just hasn’t been the same since Abra Kadabra stole his super speed. I hope Wally’s mission to get it back is successful, because he feels so bad about not being able to help people as the Flash. (Pause) Oh, well. Worrying about it won’t help, so I’ll just go back to my investigation. Watch out, bad guys-Iris Allen is on your case!

(Enter Evan McCulloch, the second Mirror Master)

Evan McCulloch: Howzitgoan, Mrs. Allen?

Iris: (Spins around) Who are you? And how did you get in here?

Evan McCulloch: My name is Evan; Evan McCulloch. As for your second question: well, I’ll give you a wee hint: it’s all done with mirrors.

Iris: With mirrors? (Pause) You’re a Mirror Master, aren’t you?

Evan McCulloch: Mirror Master? That’s a well good name, but up until now it wasnae mine.

Iris: But you can use mirrors as weapons or for transportation?

Evan McCulloch: Aye. Wasnae aware doing that came with a title.

Iris: My husband’s a superhero, and he fights a criminal named Sam Scudder, who calls himself the Mirror Master. By all appearances, you’re using his tech, but the only people who have access to any of it-besides Scudder himself, unfortunately-work for the government.

Evan McCulloch: Aye. How do ye think I got ahold of it?

Iris: You work for the government?

Evan McCulloch: Officially, nae. They’ve made it well clear that if I get lifted, they’ll deny that they had anything tae do with me.

Iris: So you’re working for the government.

Evan McCulloch: They’re paying me, aye. Ye see, in Glasgow, I had a reputation for making people's ...problems… disappear, and apparently your government decided that I’d be useful in making their problems disappear.

Iris: And I’m a problem? Evan McCulloch: Aye. Certain members of your government will be in big trouble if ye reveal what they’ve been up tae, so they told me to make sure that ye cannae tell anyone about what ye’ve found.

Iris: My husband and nephew are superheroes. If anything happens to me, you’ll answer for it.

Evan McCulloch: Calmy doony. I’m nae here tae kill ye. I’m nae saint, but I’m nae going to kill a woman, especially nae tae keep a secret that will come out anyway.

Iris: Then why are you here?

Evan McCulloch: Tae warn ye. I’m nae the only dangerous man on their payroll. They need ye silenced, so when I refused to kill ye, they sent another man.

Iris : Forgive me if I’m less than convinced that your intentions are benevolent.  

Evan McCulloch: Nae danger. But I’d still advise ye tae come with me.

Iris: I’m licensed to carry a gun. I think that I can handle myself now that I’m forewarned.

Evan McCulloch: Not against the man they’re sending. I’m nae the only one they gave well dangerous technology, ye ken?

Iris: Is that so? Then I think I’ll borrow this! (Grabs mirror and disappears)

Evan McCulloch: Jings! She’s clever, isnae she? (Shakes head) I’d better follow her. She’s brave, but she does nae ken what’s after her.

(Exit Evan)

Act III

(Pied Piper, Heat Wave, and Captain Cold are onstage)

Heat Wave: Are you feeling better, little buddy?

Pied Piper: Yes, and thank you.

Heat Wave: You’re welcome. (Pause) By the way, do you know when Golden Glider and the Top are coming back from their vacation?

Pied Piper: Wait. You didn’t hear?

Heat Wave: Hear what?

Pied Piper: The Top and Golden Glider never went on vacation. They’ve been in Central City the whole time. James even told me that he, Sam, and Mark did a heist with the Top.

Heat Wave: They’re still in Central City?

Pied Piper: It seems that way, yes.

Captain Cold: Then where’s my sister?

Pied Piper: That’s the thing: no one knows. James said that he never saw her-although he does think that the Top knows where she is.

Captain Cold: If he’s hurt her, I’ll kill him!

Pied Piper: Captain Cold, the Top worships your sister. He would never hurt her.

Captain Cold: Then where is she, and why isn’t she with him?

Heat Wave: You know, boss, just because your sister’s not in our immediate line of sight doesn’t mean that she’s in trouble. She can take care of herself. After all, up until a few years ago, we only saw her a few times a year.

Captain Cold: She wasn’t dating the Top or a member of the Rogues until a few years ago either.

Heat Wave: So, uh, why don’t you just call her if you’re that worried about her, boss?

Captain Cold: Don’t be stupid, Mick. (Long pause) Hey, I’ve got it! I can just call Lisa and make sure she’s okay!

Heat Wave: You’re so smart, boss.

Pied Piper: Wait...didn’t you just say that Mick was being stupid for suggesting that idea?

Captain Cold: We’ll talk about it later. (Pulls out phone, dials number. Pause) Lisa! Hi! It’s so good to hear from you! (Pause) I was in the prison infirmary. I had double pneumonia, septic shock, and appendicitis. Oh, and my ulcer acted up some, too. What have you been doing? (Pause) You’re doing what? Why? (Pause) He’s sick, too? What are the odds? Do you know what his problem is? Mmm-hmm. Uh-huh. Yes, I’m sure you’ll get whatever it is he needs to get better. (Pause) No, I don’t want him dead. I hate his guts, but for some mysterious reason he makes you happy, so I want him to stay alive. (Pause) Have you been feeling all right? Has anyone tried to hurt you? No? Good. (Pause) Are you sure ? (Pause) Okay, okay, I’ll stop asking. Good luck, little sis. I love you. Good-bye. (Puts phone away) My little sister’s a genius.

Heat Wave: Where’s she been?

Captain Cold: Apparently, her snob of a boyfriend is dying, and the only cure is at CCPD headquarters, so she’s posing as a police scientist named Patty Spivot in order to steal it. She’s even befriended Barry Allen! I’m so proud of her.

Heat Wave: Aww, that’s adorable! I always knew that little Lisa was one smart cookie.

(Iris appears in the background, then disappears again)

Pied Piper: So, um, now that we’ve finished eating, are we going to do something, or are we just going to go our separate ways?

Captain Cold: I’m not going to lead a heist today, if that’s what you’re asking. I’m still too far behind on recent events right now.

(Enter Evan McCulloch)

Evan McCulloch: Have any of ye seen a bonny woman with red hair around here?

Captain Cold: Who are you? And where did you come from?

Evan McCulloch: I dinnae have time for that right now! I need tae make sure that a hitman does nae kill a woman named Iris Allen!

Pied Piper: Iris Allen? The wife of the Flash?

Evan McCulloch: Aye, that’s the one.

Captain Cold: AGGH! (Collapses)

Heat Wave: Boss, what’s wrong?

Captain Cold: I ...I think it’s my ulcer. My stomach is-ARGH!-killing me!

Heat Wave: Bros befores wives of heroes, random guy! I’ve gotta get my boss to the hospital, so we can’t help you save Iris. Sorry. I’ll buy you dinner later to make up for it if you want.

Captain Cold: I’m-UGH!-fine, Heat Wave!

Heat Wave: No, you’re not, boss. You just collapsed, and you’re obviously in pain. We are going to the hospital.

Pied Piper: Can you get him to the hospital without me?

Heat Wave: Yeah. Why?

Pied Piper: Because Iris Allen is an amazing woman who definitely deserves my help.

Heat Wave: I guess I can get Captain Cold to the hospital on my own. So yeah, if you wanna go help the Flash’s wife, I guess you can.

Pied Piper: Great. (To Evan) I’ll help you.

Evan McCulloch: Ah’m glad for your help, wee man in green. Now brace yourself. Traveling through Wonderland is well tricky at first.

Pied Piper: What’s Wonderla-AAAH!

(Evan McCulloch and Pied Piper disappear)

Heat Wave: (Pulls out phone and dials) Hello? Operator? My friend needs an ambulance…

Act IV

(Enter Pied Piper and Evan McCulloch)

Pied Piper: Could you give me a little warning the next time you pull me through the Mirror Realm?

Evan McCulloch: The Mirror Realm? Is that what ye call Wonderland?

Pied Piper: No, it’s what the Mirror Master calls “Wonderland”. How did you get ahold of his  technology, anyway? And who are you?

Evan McCulloch: Evan. Evan McCulloch. I was given the tech by members of the US Government who are buried so deep in a scandal they’ll do anything tae keep it covered. They hired me tae kill Iris Allen, but I refused, so I dinnae think they’re still paying me. In fact, if I’m nae careful, they might try tae off me tae cover all their loose ends. Who are ye?

Pied Piper: I’m the Pied Piper, one of the Rogues. The other two men you saw with me are Heat Wave, another member of the group, and Captain Cold, our leader.

Evan McCulloch: Rogues?

Pied Piper: Yes. We’re a group of thieves who work together to fight the Flash.

Evan McCulloch: What sort of thieves are so concerned about each others’ health that they’ll call ambulances for each other?

Pied Piper: I don’t know. What sort of hired gun refuses to kill a target and then goes out of his way to warn her about the planned assassination?

Evan McCulloch: Point taken, laddie. I’d like tae be in a group like that. I have nae been able tae trust anyone since I left Mrs. McCulloch, and it’d be nice tae not have tae watch my back all the time, ye ken?

Pied Piper: You abandoned your wife?

Evan McCulloch: I dinnae have a wife. Mrs. McCulloch ran the orphanage where I grew up. She’s the closest thing I have tae a mother.

Pied Piper: My apologies.

Evan McCulloch: Nae danger. Ye didn’t ken.

Pied Piper: Well, if you really want to join the Rogues, you’ll probably have to ask Captain Cold. He’s the one who makes the final decisions about who becomes a member of the group. (Pause) Oh, and you’ll also have to come up with a supervillain name.

Evan McCulloch: Oh, I’ve already got one. I can be the Mirror Master.

Pied Piper: I don’t think Sam will like that. It’s bad enough that you’re using his gear. I don’t think he’d take very kindly to you taking his name, too.

Evan McCulloch: Then I’ll call myself Mirror Master II.

Pied Piper: That would probably just make him angrier.

Evan McCulloch: Well, if he makes a fuss aboot it, I’ll just punch him.

Pied Piper: (Aside) If nothing else, he’ll fit in well. (To Evan) Why don’t we talk more about potential names later?

Evan McCulloch: That would be fine, aye.

Pied Piper: Good. So where do you think Iris is going?

(Enter Iris)

Iris: Hello, Evan. Hello, Pied Piper. What are you doing here?

Pied Piper: I’m helping Evan rescue you, I think.

Iris: That’s sweet of you, Hartley, but I don’t need rescuing. Thanks to the Mirror Gun, I took out my would-be assassin, and Jay’s taking him to jail right now. Now I just need to finish writing my article, and I can put this whole mess behind me.

Pied Piper: Well, I’m very glad you’re alright, Mrs. Allen. Good luck with your expose. I’m sure it will have the high quality of all your work.

Iris: Thanks, Piper.

Evan McCulloch: (Aside) If she defeated that assassin, we’d better get oot of here before she defeats us, tae. After all, we aren’t exactly innocent ourselves. (Aloud) In that case, my work here is doon. Ta! (Evan grabs the Mirror Gun, then grabs Piper, and both disappear)

Iris: Looks like I’d better tell Barry, Wally, and Jay that the Rogues have a new member. Hmmm ...that could actually be a story all on its own! If I play my cards right, I could have two award winning stories and help defeat two separate groups of bad guys all from one investigation. This is awesome! I love it when I help my loved ones bring justice. (Pause) I should probably get back home, though. Those stories aren’t going to write themselves!

 (Exit Iris)

Act V

(Captain Cold is lying down onstage; Heat Wave is standing by him)

Heat Wave: You feeling better, boss?

Captain Cold: A little. I can’t believe that my stupid ulcer put me in the hospital twice in less than three months!

Heat Wave: Maybe it’s all the stress in your life. I’ve heard that stress makes ulcers worse, and your job is really stressful. Maybe you should take a vacation.

Captain Cold: And let the Top run the Rogues into the ground? Not a chance.

Heat Wave: It wouldn’t have to be for very long ...just a couple of days, maybe.

Captain Cold: I’m not taking a vacation, and that’s final!

Heat Wave: I guess you know best, boss. If you don’t want to take a vacation, you don’t have to.

(Enter Evan McCulloch and Pied Piper)

Pied Piper: Hello, Mick. Hello, Captain Cold.

Heat Wave: Hi, little buddy! How’d the rescue go?

Pied Piper: As it turned out, she rescued herself, so our presence turned out to be completely superfluous. That being said, I think I did find us a potential new member of the Rogues. His name is Evan McCulloch, and he wants to be part of a group that he knows will have his back.

Evan McCulloch: Howzitgoan?

Heat Wave: Hi, Evan! I’m Heat Wave, but you can call me Mick Rory. Where are you from?

Evan McCulloch: Glasgow, Scotland. The city of culture!

Heat Wave: Oh, so that’s why you sound so funny. (To Captain Cold) Can he stay, Captain Cold? Please? He’s funny sounding, and I like him.

Captain Cold: I can see that you have Mirror Master’s gear. The original is one of my best friends, and I don’t think he’d like you using his tech. That being said, my health hasn’t been great lately, so we could probably use another guy with his powers in the case of an emergency. (Pause) All right, Scostman, you’re in…...but you’re on probation until I say otherwise.

Evan McCulloch: That’s good eno for me, Captain Cold.

Captain Cold: In that case, your first job is to help me find the other Rogues. When we face the Flashes next, I want to be as well prepared as possible.

Pied Piper: Well, if everything is all right here, then I will be going. You know where to find me if you need me, and this city has a lot of people who need my help.

[jungkookfeelz]

Not What You Expected 3

Description: After years of dating Min Yoongi and starting a life together, he ends your relationship out of nowhere. Will you finally find out why the love of your life left you in the cold?

Words: 4K

Genre: Ex-Lovers, Angst, Fluff, Famous BTS, “Ordinary” reader

Notes: This is a bit longer than the last ones, I wonder what the reader did to make Yoongi so upset 0.0. Let me know your thoughts! I wrote this all day so hopefully, you all like it

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

It's been a few days since your incident with Taehyung at the club, you haven't been able to forget that moment with him no matter how much you tried. The way his lips touched your neck, how his hand felt on your body, to those piercing dark eyes following your every move. By the way he looked at you, he knew how you were reacting to him and he loved it. But you couldn't help it, he was very attractive and you haven't been intimate with a man in so long since your issues with Yoongi. You tried to come up with any possible explanation as to why he acted that forward with you but you couldn't figure it out. It just made no sense. Thinking about Taehyung made you automatically think of Yoongi, did he know you were there? Did he see you with Taehyung? The thought made you shiver. If he did, you wonder if he was mad, was he jealous? You kind hoped he was, that would mean he still felt something for you.  

You started going back to work a few days ago, it was odd coming back after isolating yourself for so long. You were a waitress at a very prestige restaurant in the city, you first took this job to help you pay the bills for your university education but decided to keep working here after graduating since it paid better than most jobs you could find, plus it was close to your house so that was just a nice bonus. You never had the time to accomplish anything with your degree because you never thought you needed to. You liked being a waitress, you didn't mind the occasional snotty customer or bad tip, but also that your boyfriend was in a K-POP group and was gaining fame quickly, Yoongi always told you that you never had to worry about money, he would always be there for you and help you with anything you needed, you didn't want nor have a need for his money but he was always very generous. 

"Y/N, you got a table~" Seo-Joon sang grabbing you by the shoulders to stop you from cleaning the last few dishes you had in the sink from a previous table of yours. Being away made you feel very guilty and volunteered to do all of the dishes for the waitresses. You looked behind you and smiled at the familiar face. Even though you only met him on the job, you grew quite close to each other considering you worked many years together.

"Thanks, Joonie, I'll be right there" You dried your hand on the towel right beside you and checked your appearance in the mirror by the door since this was considered a more fancy restaurant in the area, you had a certain dress code that you had to follow, you wore a black jumpsuit that showed off your curves perfectly, with your hair, straight and in a tight high ponytail. You rubbed the bottom of your eye from the makeup that smudged. You had to make a funny face making Seo-Joon laugh behind you, you glared at him in the process. Satisfied with your appearance you turned around and heading out to the front of the restaurant, your heels clicking with every step. You looked at your table from across the room and noticed a petite girl sitting at a huge booth all alone. You furrowed your eyebrows, only big groups of four or more should be sitting there. 'Has it been this long since you last worked?', you thought in your head.

"Hey Joonie, isn't she sitting at the wrong table?" You looked at your friend who was behind the bar by the staff door that you had just come out of. Seo-Joon quickly glanced at whom you were referring to before making a noise of understanding

"No, she said she has some friends coming, didn't say anything else" Seo-Joon replied while getting a bottle of Gin and pouring it into a glass, no doubt for the drunk man in the corner that comes in twice a week for the alcohol. You hummed in appreciation before walking over to that said table

"Good evening, My name is Y/N and I will be taking care of you tonight, I heard that more people are accompanying you tonight so I can come back when you're ready?" You asked the girl, giving your best smile that you could muster. You have to admit, she is very pretty, with her black hair curled to perfection and the dress that probably cost more than your life was worth.

"Oh, yes thank you, if we could just have four glasses of champagne, that would be great" She looked up at you from her phone and gave you a sweet smile, her smile could light up a whole room, that's how bright she was. You couldn't help but smile back 

"I'll bring it right out" You turned around and headed to the bar to fill up the glasses with champagne, as soon as you fill-up the drinks, you immediately dropped off them off at the same table as before. Giving smiles, and greetings along the way to the other customers. The girl just smiled at you before diverting her attention to someone behind her. Her eyes lit up and she looked like she wanted to jump out of the booth but couldn't since you were in her way.

“Y/N" You froze, you didn't expect to hear the owner of this voice, you shivered involuntarily, hating the way he made you feel, so fragile. Why would he be here? Why does she look so happy to see him? You turned around so hastily that you felt dizzy but you didn't care, you just wanted to make sure you weren't dreaming.

"That's my seat" Yoongi stated in a snobbish manner, pointing at the seat directly behind you. He gave you a look that you never thought you would see, not since your horrendous trip to America, he looked at you in disgust, like you were a piece of gum that was stuck to the bottom of his shoes, it made your heart fall to the pits of your stomach. He did hate you, but for what reason? You still don't know, but from how he is acting towards you, you don't even think you want to know.

You had to toughen up or he would walk all over you, so you glared at him, how dare he come here knowing you work here and act like this in front of other people? Do you mean nothing to him? Because you didn't want to lose this job you angrily moved out of his way for him to be able to sit down in his seat beside the girl, only then you realized the two other boys that were behind you ex-lover, it was Taehyung and Jungkook. You still haven't talked to Taehyung since your moment in the club but seeing him now only added further embarrassment to yourself. They both looked out of place, uncomfortable almost with the way Yoongi acted towards you. Good, at least they get to feel bad for once, but why does it have to involve you.

"I'll be back when you are more familiar with the menu" You put out your best 'I hate you but need this job to survive' face directed mostly to Yoongi and briskly walked away from your ongoing problem. You walked into the staff room to see a few of the waitresses waiting around, they talked or complained about their customers, mostly snobby rich people not liking the way their steaks were cooked. You looked around till you saw Joonie. You ran towards him screaming "Joonie, I need your help!" You screeched, coming to a halt, putting your hands on his arms and shaking them, your eyes pleading. Seo-Joon stopped midway from biting into his sandwich, raising his one brow at you.

"Listen, I can't work that table, I will take care of all your dishes for a month but I really can't serve that table" 

"No can do sweetheart, he's done working, he worked over-time for you while you went on your short notice break" The manager intervened, eyes rolling at the same time "Now get going Seo-Joon before I kick you out myself" She gave us both a slap on the back before disappearing into her office.

"Why does this always happen to me" You whined burying your head into your hands. You wanted to cry, to throw up, to run away screaming, anything but serving them for the rest of the night. 

"What's wrong with the customers? Do you know them or something?" Joonie mumbled with a mouth full of food. If you weren't concerned with your issues at this very moment you would have giggled with how cute he looked, with his cheeks full, eyes wide open. Instead, you sighed, leaning back into the counter, you couldn't explain it to him, you couldn't tell him the reason that skipped out on work was because of a stupid idol who broke your heart and was too weak to do anything but laze around on the couch for weeks.

"Nothing, don't worry about me, I'll figure it out, I always do, go home and get some rest, I'll finish up here" You smiled at him and gave him a quick hug and a quick kiss on the cheek before disappearing out of the staff room. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ "I want the lamb skewer dish," Yoongi said throwing the menu in your direction, giving you a look of irritation. Why does he look annoyed that you are here? He knows you work here, he has visited many times with the rest of the boys. From the corner of your eye, you see the boys visibly cringe from the older man's actions, the girl looks confused by her lovers' actions. Not that you knew they were together anyway.

"I'm sorry, but we don't have the lamb at the moment" You faked sincerity. "I don't care, I want it so go make it" 

"We don't have any available right now" Who does this guy think he is? He gets famous and then suddenly becomes a dick?

"Are you deaf? I said I don't care" "Bu-" You were interrupted by the manager stepping in front of you, great, she can get it through his thick skull.

"We will get right on it Mr. Min, I apologize for the inconvenience my staff had made for all of you" Your manager smiled weakly at the idols in front of her before grabbing onto your arm tighter than appreciated and dragged you back into the staff room.

What just happened?

You don't know why you're boss is mad. Yoongi was the one acting like a complete asshole but I guess being an idol has its perks, especially when arguing with ordinary people like me. 

"Ma'am, we don't have the-"

"I don't give a shit about what we don't have, those were one of the most famous idol groups in our country and you want to tell him we don't have his stupid lamb skewers?! Are you crazy!" Your manager grabbed onto her hair. To say the least, she was pissed, face red in rage, her eyes wild, looking at you with such outrage. She let out a huge groan before letting go of her hair and took a deep breath to calm her thoughts.

"You know what Y/N, you have caused more than enough issues in my restaurant, first with you leaving for a whole month, then asking the one person who fought for you to stay here to do your job for you, again. Now, this..." This isn't happening, you're not surprised about her decision but this seriously couldn't be at the worst time in your life, you were getting fired, you know you are. All because you didn't give Min fucking Yoongi his lamb skewers.

"I'm going to have to let you go Y/N, you worked here for a long time so I will give you three weeks instead of two to pack up your things, you can still work for the remaining time you have here but you need to go home right now, I will take care of your mess" You watched your manager walk over to the cooks behind a glass door to explain the situation at hand before leaving to the lounge, most likely to get the rest of the orders from your previous table. You couldn't help the tears that rushed up to your eyes. You sprinted into the bathroom before anyone can tell and got into the closest stall before breaking down. Why does this keep happening to you? What did you do that was so wrong for so many bad things to happen to you? You did everything for Yoongi, you did everything for his happiness so why aren't you getting rewarded? Why are you getting punished for taking care of him?  

"Y/N come on they are about to light the candles!" Hoseok screamed running in front of you, laughing when he realized that he was running way to fast for you to catch up. You weren't athletic, you worked at a restaurant, you ate more than you run. You could not believe it, you have been dating the Min Yoongi for a whole year, and today was his birthday. They got back to Korea right on time for you to be able to celebrate Yoongi's birthday.

"We are here!" You screamed into the room that had Jimin and Taehyung in.

"Y/N!" Taehyung yelled and ran in for a hug. You giggled with joy. Jimin went and explained what was going to happen, you were apparently supposed to sing 'happy birthday' while walking into the room holding the lit cake. You tried to argue saying that there was a room full of six other men who could sing better than you can but in the end, you lost the argument when Jimin said;

"Yeah, but he would want to hear you sing, you're the only one for him" The three boys walked out of the other room wishing you luck before closing the door leaving you on your own. You sighed through your smile. You were nervous, you didn't want to mess up, like dropping the cake, or having a bad voice crack in the middle of the song, or...or if he didn't want you here to spend it with him. You shook your head, of course, he would want you to, he loves you. You took a deep breath and picked up the cake. You walked through the little tunnel to the next room where all the boys were talking and laughing. 

"Happy birthday to you" "Happy birthday to you" "Happy birthday, dear Yoongi" "Happy birthday to you" 

You sang as well as you could, interrupting the seven boys from their jokes. They all looked at you with proud smiles on their faces, they were probably thinking you'd mess up, you don't blame them though, you were sure you were going to as well. You kept eye contact with Yoongi the entire time, at first he was shocked but that overcame with pure happiness just from seeing you after a few weeks. He felt his heart flutter hearing your angelic voice singing, just for him. As soon as you put the cake down on the table Yoongi ran at you full speed tackling you in a hug, keeping you close so you wouldn't fall to the ground. You both staggered back before you regained your balance. 

He kissed you hard, he didn't care that his groupmates were in the same room, he missed you. The kiss was hard and full of passion, you moved your lips in sync with his, you put your hands on his neck and pulled him closer into you if it was even possible, while at the same time he put his arms around your waist. He licked your bottom lip asking for entrance but before you could accept the invitation you were interrupted

"Okay, I get you haven't seen each other in a while but holy shit get a room" Jin groaned covering his eyes with his hands while sitting on the couch that was in the corner of the room, you giggled getting out of Yoongi's grasp, cheeks red from your moment with Yoongi and the embarrassment of kissing him in front of all your friends. Yoongi pouted feeling you pull away and grabbed you again, hugging you before you walked away.

"I missed you so much baby" Yoongi mumbled into your hair, he was only taller by a few inches which made Jimin joke a lot, saying Yoongi was so short that his girlfriend was almost as tall as him, but then he always gets shot down since you and Jimin are practically the same height. Which brings in a dramatic Jimin. The boys never disappoint to make you laugh. 

"I missed you too, come on go have some cake before it's gone" You kissed his cheek and dragged him to the cake, cutting him a piece. He looked at you while you were concentrating on your cutting as to not cut hit a bad piece, he couldn't believe that he had you all to himself. 

He was so lucky

You walked out of the bathroom stall with mascara running down your face, making you cringe, you looked like either a sad clown or a scary-ass raccoon, which isn't pretty as you can imagine. You sighed and turned on the water, dabbing some paper towel to dampen it, you wiped the mascara of off your cheeks and touched up your eye makeup, you looked awful but not as bad as before. You threw the used paper towel in the trash and looked at yourself again, you looked pathetic, you let one man ruin your life, you were weak and totally let him walk all over you and you knew it, you could have fought, asked why he did what he did but you didn't, you let him ignore you, let all of them ignore you and hurt you deeply, but who should care if you loved him, who should care that you put him first for everything, who should care that you walked every day to the BigHit company building to give him a lunch because he wouldn't care enough to take care of himself, who should care that you spent months crying over him. He didn't care, nor love you back so why should any of this matter anymore. 

"Get a grip on yourself" You muttered to your reflection before turning around and walking out. You grabbed your jacket and purse from your locker before leaving the staff room. You wished Seo-Joon was still here so you could say goodbye, but you could always text him later on and explain yourself. You wanted him to go home and get some rest, hopefully, someone else can take your shifts after your three weeks, so Joonie won't have to take all the stress. You walked out the front doors of the restaurant and just about to open your car door when you heard his voice again.

"Leaving so soon Y/N?" You sighed in defeat, nothing ever goes your way apparently, you turn around slowly as to not become dizzy like last time, you almost feel before, you didn't really want to make a fool out of yourself. 

"What do you want Yoongi?" You were tired, you just wanted to go home and curl up in bed, you wanted to forget today, you wanted to forget him and everything he ever did to you.

"Oh nothing, just wanted to ask you, I  got you fired, right?"  Yoongi chuckled, his voice was deep, menacing. He wanted you to hurt, you weren't going to let him.

"It doesn't matter what happened tonight, just leave me alone" You went to turn around but a hand caught your wrist preventing you from moving any closer to your car. You were so close to disappearing. 

"Don't give me that bullshit attitude Y/N, you don't get to do that to me, not after what you did" He whispered, his hair falling over his eyes, casting a shadow. To be honest, you were kind of scared. You haven't seen him in a few months, you barely knew who he was anymore. But then you realized what he said, what you did to him? You furrowed your eyebrows in confusion, you didn't do anything wrong to him, you only wanted the best for him, maybe you were a bit clingy but that was only because you loved him and wanted to be with him to share experiences and memories. 

"What are you talking-" The girl from before ran towards both of you, no one lets you finish a sentence anymore. You raised your eyebrows in suspicion, not understanding why the girl was coming to you both. 

"Yoongi!" The girl ran up to Yoongi and wrapped both her arms around his right one. Oh. Now you get it. "Hey, you're the waitress!" You looked at her and smiled, she didn't do anything to you, so there is no point in being rude to her, you're not Yoongi. Your heart shattered when you realized that Yoongi moved on but there is nothing else you could do now. 

"Are you with her now?" You asked, no anger or sadness in your voice, just curiosity. You had to know, you looked at Yoongi without breaking eye contact. He didn't respond, just standing stiffly next to his new partner. It looked like he wasn't going to say anything, you sighed, ready to give up and turn around to leave hoping now that his new lover was there he would leave you be but before you could make the last-second decision, the girl spoke again

"Uh, do you two know each other?" The girl asked again, you looked at Yoongi, he looked at you.

"She's no one, just a bitch I fucked." Only the sound of a slap was heard, your hand was hovering in front of you, you didn't hesitate to slap him after accusing you, his long-term girlfriend to be no one to him. Yoongi's face turned to the side abruptly with a red handprint on his cheek. You could hear the girl gasp in shock at the action that was just made

"Y/N!" You hear Taehyung scream, both he and Jungkook saw what happened in the window by their booth and ran as soon as they saw you slap Yoongi. They reached the three of you but didn't dare intervene. They just stood wide-eyed behind Yoongi, watching, making sure nothing would escalate.

"Is that what you tell people about me? That I'm just a bitch you fucked...you're unbelievable" You mutter through gritted teeth, you have thought of this moment so many times but never thought that this is what he was going to say to you, all you wanted was an apology from him, an explanation to why he broke your heart. 

"You can go rot in hell asshole" You turned around and got in your car before anyone could stop you and drove as fast as you could out of the parking lot and to your home. You broke practically every law but that was the last concern on your mind, you couldn't believe that Yoongi said that about you like it was script...like he had said it many times before, it made you sick to your stomach imaging Yoongi telling this to every girl he spends time with. How many girls does he see? Does he like the girl from the restaurant? You don't know what you want the answer to be.

 As soon as you got home you slammed your door closed and threw your jacket and purse on the bench by the front door, you groaned and put your hands in your hair while trekking upstairs to your room. 

"I fucking hate you Min Yoongi" You screamed in your empty bedroom before collapsing on the floor, defeated.

Admin Min<3

[r3b3lgrrrrrrrl]

A LunaTic and her Gunn (Part 88) "Bad Kids"

@creatureofthen1ght-v3

@lovemythsworld

@crystalbaby12

"FUCK!! What day is it?" Luna asks as she lifts her face after railing another line of 30's.

"Thursday..?" Colson answers her, confused.

"Time?" She asks to his 542P. "Motherfucker..." Luna mutters.

Colson asks What's Up as she lights a joint. Luna missed her therapy session scheduled at 5P, she explains with a sigh.

Taking a moment to call Kylie. Luna assures her, she simply forgot and isn't MIA. She watches Colson snort a long line of Adderall while she's on the phone, puffing on the joint.

Once she's ended the call, she passes it to him as they get dressed. Both in all black. Colson in a black T, black jeans and his Vans. Luna in an oversized, long sleeve black T. Large enough to wear as a dress. Under, she has on sheer black stockings and tight, black spandex shorts. Her Docs, jewelry and a purple lip finishing off her look.

"You're gonna skate in that?" Colson questions her attire.

"Watch me." She replies with a smirk.

"Oh, I fucking will." He grins.

Throwing her school bag of goodies on his back. Colson grabs Luna's ass and their jackets as they head out of their suite.

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The bar at The Ambassador is empty.

Until The Ten of Them pile inside. Loud and rowdy as usual. Taking up the entire wooden row of the bar.

They order drinks as they wait for their table at the Reserve Lounge inside the hotel. An Old Fashioned for Luna and a Heineken for Colson.

Grinning, he whispers into her ear. "You still taste better."

Luna shakes her head with a light laugh. Cheeks turning pink.

"I WANT a ribeye with fried onions and mushrooms. And a fucking baked potato. I don't give a FUCK about anything else." Sam states.

She's sitting to Luna's left, while Colson's on her right. Baze, who's next to Sam, leans up on the bar to look down at Luna.

"Bro. I think your girl's my twin." He laughs. Looking at Sam, then at Luna, finally back at Sam. "We gonna fuck up some beef TONIGHT!! He laughs again as he lifts his drink to Sam's agreement.

"Who we fucking up?" Slim hollers from the other end of the bar.

"BEEF!!!" Sam and Baze shout in unison.

Erupting them both into laughter along with Colson and Luna.

Luna gives her friend a Lil Look. Sam can get along with everyone. Same as she can hold her own against anyone. Being taken advantage by no one. Sam's never been about that Relationship Life. Knowing her friend too well, Luna can read her better then her favorite book. There's a LoveBuzz happening at the bar. Luna reading the signs before Sam can even write them herself.

Luna glances over at Colson. He catches the glimmer in her eye. They both cheese at the idea of their friends together. With no words said. Just One Look.

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Once sat, they continue to converse loudly. The Ten of Them having no volume control. With more drinks and appetizers ordered, they're even louder. And so out of place.

Their server asking his Front of the House manager to watch them. Unaware of who they are and sure of the likelihood that they're gonna Dine N Dash. Feeling dumb upon his boss's explanation. 

"I don't know how to skate..." Ashleigh complains after they order.

She's one of three. Benny, nor Bullet grind either. AJ being an undercover SkaterBoy to Luna's unknown intrigue.

"There's one of those Rent-A-Bike stations in front." Rook chimes in.

"You want MY ass on a BIKE!??" Benny asks in disbelief.

"Weeble Wobbles Weeble but they don't fall down!" Luna grins at her friend from across their dinner table.

Benny laughs. He adores Luna, he has since that night at the strip club. He fears her too. Being from NYC also, he knows what she's connected to.... And fully aware of what she's capable of on her own.

"Ya gonna catch me Brooklyn, if I weeble too far?" Benny teases.

"Fucken' right, Benz." Luna grins at him, arms open wide.

Somehow, he knows that although he's the bodyguard and Luna's tiny as fuck. THAT Brooklyn Bitch would have him should ANYTHING erupt. It's who she is.

"We riden!!!" Benny shouts to Bullet's complete bemusement.

Bullet doesn't know Luna. He thinks he likes her but he's not sure, not having any experience to trust her. Irritated with Benny, he eats his steak and sips his wine.

The Other Nine of Them are as happy as fat clams. Engaged, boisterous and fully enjoying each other. Filling their bellies with food before The Magic.

Bullet doesn't know yet.... But he will.

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

After a paid for dinner and proper tip, they head to The Bus.

Climbing on, all of them bursting with delicious goodness. Passing eight joints between The Ten of Them, they settle their bellies easily. All full. All sighing.

Sam pops up first. That Bitch wants them slushies.

Scooping the WHOLE jar, all Ten of Them wind up with full solo cups of Magic. Like fucking water ice. Sam handing out a plastic spoon with each of their solo cup treats.

"I shouldn't eat this...." Bullet confides in Benny.

"You won't survive this night if you don't." Benny reassures him as he takes a bite of sweet, delicious Magic Slushies.

Poor Bullet. He thinks he knows... But he has no idea.

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

Splitting from The Bus, they head over to the Light District on boards and bikes. Obliging Ashleigh's one request.

"It's FUCKING closed!!???!!!" She shouts in frustration.

Kansas City's Light District closes at 5P. What THE fuck kinda shit is that?? Seriously... Why?

Ashleigh's really upset. All agreeing with her that It's Bullshit.

Luna asking her if she'd like Her to Burn it Down.

Ashleigh answers with a laughing and adoring NO. The Magic of Wild Mushrooms creeping around her brain. She appreciates Luna's brass love for her, but Ashleigh isn't violent. Never has been.

"Let's find somewhere else." She coaxes her defender as she climbs back on her rented bike.

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

Rolling through Kansas City, they're tripping their BALLS and PUSSIES off. Colors are streaking. Bodies are loose. The school bag packed with water instead of alcohol. Luna handing off bottles to everyone's gratitude.l

Lighting a joint as they roll through Kansas City. Luna passes it to Sam. Colson has his own lit. Passing it to Slim.

Firing another, Luna slows her pace. Riding beside Bullet, she grins. Hitting it multiple times before she speaks...

"I'm not THAT bad. I promise." A wink and grin following her words as she passes him the joint before pushing off to fly past him.

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

"Fuck you ain't...." Bullet thinks as she passes him. Amused by the tiny blonde girl and her wild punch.

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

They skate and bike around Kansas City. Watching the lights as they laugh. Passing joints and water amongst themselves as they eat their Magic Slushies.

Sliding up on a corner, Colson stops.

"Where the fuck are we?" He asks confused.

"In the Dark Pits of Hell, where we belong!!" Luna laughs, snapping his picture in the moment.

"He's so fucking beautiful." She thinks, not being able to stop her grandfather from lingering in her soul.

"C'mon Lovey!!" She shouts as they boot, scoot and boogie.

Ashleigh can't hold her shit together. Tripping balls, she doesn't know how to make the bike work anymore.

"Can we sit?" She pleads.

Always one to spot a park, Luna's on it.

"Come on, Buddy." She says, grabbing the back of Ashleigh's seat along with a handle bars.

Pushing Ashleigh along with ALL of Luna's force. There's a park ahead. The Holy Grail of her ENTIRE existence.

"We're almost there, Boo!" Luna's wide smile encourages Ashleigh's tired legs.

Hitting the park, Ashleigh drops her bike like a rock.

"Uggghhhh....." She exhales.

Luna grabs her board and Ashleigh's hand as the others arrive. She's undoubtedly Their Leader.

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

After swinging and climbing and running around the playground, they tire like little kids. Finding the perfect spot, Luna slips her bag off Colson's shoulders. Pulling out sheets as she displays them in front of their view.

All Ten of Them admire the glowing sight of Kansas City. Some standing in amazement, others sitting on the sheets in awe.

They're tripping their souls out as they stare into the sky line. Colors crossing and dancing. Bodies tingling as their third eyes see everything.

Laying and talking. The Ten of Them are curled upon the sheets, melting their faces off.

Pulling out her bag of tricks, Luna hands Colson four tennis balls to his delight. Face shining, he hops up to juggle them.

Next, she produces crayons and coloring books. Laying them out, they're grabbed by Ashleigh and Rook.

Slim finds the Nerf football. Sam jumping up for a solid toss.

Baze is stuck on the ground. Luna lighting a joint. Hitting it hard, she hands it to him.

"Fucken' Loons, Maaan..." Is all he can say in accepting pleasure.

AJ is lost in the stars on the sheets also. Magic Slushies winning. Luna handing him his own joint to his delight.

Benny is running around with Sam and Slim. Bullet still as a statue.

"Did you not drink the Kool-Aid...." Luna asks.

She had noticed his solid demeanour. Tall, strong. Relentless.

Arms crossed, he admits he had a scoop or two.

"Only a SCOOP!! BRO!!" Luna looks at him with disappointment. "We're not so crazy that you can't enjoy yourself, Sugar." Luna tries to reassure him. "I can't believe you didn't eat your slush." Luna looks at him, irritated. "What a fucking waste."

"I knooooww." Bullet sheepishly admits.

"Well, lucky YOU, Motherfucker!!" Luna grins.

She always has a secret stash. Pulling out a small container of pure mushrooms, she insists he eats them with her. NOW.

Luna's a rock when it comes to negotiating. Bullet sharing and eating the full half ounce she has stashed.

She grins as they chew. Her bright smile welcoming him into Her World.

There's a LOT going on in their group. Rook and Ashleigh are happily coloring. Slim, Sam, Benny and AJ toss the Nerf ball. Baze is still SO lost in the sky on his back.

Luna grabs Colson, dragging Baze and Bullet with them. It's football time, she calls to Benny.

"Hut!! Hut!!" Luna shouts to their colorful minds.

Their game is a ShitShow. It's hilarious to watch them toss, tumble and roll amongst themselves. None can see correctly and all of them have noodle legs.

Somehow, Luna can throw and avoid getting caught. Easily scoring a 14 to 0.

"Mothafucka, WHAT?... Mothafucka WHO??? Luna laughs.

She's never been a gracious winner. Laughing too hard.

She's caught by a "Fuuuck yooou?!!"

Along with a loving, grinning, full on body hit from Sam. They roll in the grass, wrestling and laughing. Each calling Uncle when they find themselves locked on their sides.

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

Laying in the night's sky, life comes into view. Playing Cold War Kids on one of their phones. Music drifts softly.

All Ten sprawled on sheets, they catch the beauty of Kansas City. Laying together in harmony.

Until Colson wants to take Luna away.

"Come're..." He begs

"Hmmmm..." She rolls her head up towards him.

Eyes dancing as she absorbs is face. Their colorful ensemble watching the stars like 4th graders at the Planetarium for the first time.

Colson grabs Luna's hand, pulling her out of the hype.

Yards away with only his phone, Colson holds Luna tight. She's the only one he's ever danced with outside of Casie and weird Middle School stuff. Tripping his face off, he's overwhelmed with feelings for Luna. His beloved.

In the darkness with just them two, Colson holds Luna close and firm. The lyrics to the original Swing Life Away swirl behind them. Causing Colson to hold Luna tighter then ever.

🎶Let's unwrite these pages and replace them with our own words🎶

He sings softly, ducking his head into her ear.

She loves him. So fucking much. More then she could've ever imagined. Those blue eyes that see right into her soul. Those fingers that know every inch of her body. That heart that just fucking gets it.

Their love is fresh in her brain. Breaking her heart as her soul ignites. Believing him as sings to her that they Could Get By Just Fine on Minimum Wage.

Luna can't handle it and starts to cry. The drugs have her overwhelmed. Feelings flying everywhere. Heart dangling on her long sleeve.

"Please don't fucking die." She whimpers into Colson's chest.

He holds her as she gently sobs.

His mind is twisting too. Making him not sure of what to say. Then it pops.

"Cockroach." He states like he's answering the most important question of his life.

This stops Luna. Colson's words sliding inside her body, wrapping themself around her heart.

Feeling her sigh, he scoops her off the ground as if he's going to carry her over a threshold. With her arms draped around him, they stare into each other's trusting eyes. No words need to be said. They're the only two in the world right now. Luna strokes his cheek, as Colson leans in to kiss her.

There's a whole body explosion happening between the two of them once their lips touch. It's part drugs but mostly insatiable love.

Not even caring, in their own world, Colson slowly brings himself and Luna to the ground. Never breaking their kiss. He runs his hands though her hair, making her brain tingle.

Climbing on top of her, he holds himself up as her hands slowly trail his body. Their touch is almost orgasmic as he sucks on her neck and she slides her hands down his pants. Gripping his ass.

His free hand up her shirt dress. Sliding under her bra, playing with her nipple peircing. Pulling at her shorts.

"I need to be inside of you." Colson says in between kissing her neck and face.

"Mhhhmmm." Luna agrees.

He pulls down his pants as Luna slides out of the shorts. She doesn't understand her stockings though. Both too far gone to figure out how to get them off. Taking off her Docs not even an actual thought for either.

Colson reaches back into his pants. Pulling Luna towards him by the crotch of her tights, he stretches them out as he flicks his blade open.

Luna's heart immediately begins to race as he brings the knife towards her pussy. Slitting a hole through her tights, he rips them open. She bites her lip as she watches him.

Both of their bodies throbbing for the other. Mouths salivating as they look upon each other.

The world EXPLODES as Colson slowly slides into Luna. Both moaning out a pleased FUCK.

Colson takes his time. Gliding along Luna's clenched walls. Every inch and touch is overwhelming. If he goes to fast, he's convinced he may die.

Luna can't handle anything. Dying a thousand tiny deaths as she clings to him. Shifting into his rhythm. Kissing his mouth and face. She has to keep her eyes closed. Looking at him is too much. Fearing her heart will explode from his blue eyes.

They could've fucked for 5mins or 5hrs. They have no idea. Luna having multiple mental and physical orgasms before Colson allows himself to let loose.

Laying inside and on top of her, Colson feels at ease. There's no place in the world he'd rather be. This moment being one of his most content in life.

"I love you, Kitten." He breathes out.

"Mmmm... I love you." Luna mummers into his neck with her legs still holding him close.

"ARE YOU TWO FUCKING AGAIN!!??!" Sam shouts across the field.

Colson pulls his face out of Luna's hair to look at her. His face is still too beautiful for her.

"Jesus fucking Christ. She's like the kid sister I never had." Colson's wide eyes say in amazement.

Making Luna laugh, he pops out of her.

"An annoying kid sister." He says with a pout.

Shifting down, Colson lays on Luna's chest. Stroking his hair, they enjoy their bliss for a bit more before they rejoin the others.

"Yeah, we were Fucking. Kid Sister." Colson states as him and Luna climb back into the pile.

Who you talking too?" Ashleigh asks, confused.

"Ol sex police Sam over here." He tells her to the group's laughter.

"You're like fucking rabbits." Sam shoots back.

"That's why she calls me Bunny." Colson states matter of fact, making Luna roll on her side in a fit of giggles. It's funny because it's true.

All of their bodies riding private rollercoasters as their brains link back up. The Ten of Them talk about life, aliens, what they think God may be, if they'd like to live under the sea like Sponge Bob and all kinds of other weird shit. Figuring out the key to life. Love and friendship. Even Bullet enjoying himself.

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

Back at the Ambassador no one wants to separate. The Boys drag mattresses from the other rooms to Colson and Luna's suite. It's sleepover time again.

Collecting water for everyone, Luna dutifully passes out Xanax along with vitamins D and B6 to aid in their recovery.

Surrounded by pillows, blankets and love, they watch reruns Rugrats. Burning and laughing as they slowly come down.

Laying with Colson wrapped behind her, Luna feels so at peace. Her eyes are closed as he strokes her hair.

"I'm so fucking in love with you.... I can see it radiating off of us." Colson says with his eyes closed too.

Opening her eyes, Luna jumps off the mattress. Body flying across the room.

"IT'S NOT OUR LOVE!!! THE FUCKING TRASH CAN'S ON FIRE!!!" She shouts.

Grabbing it, she hauls ass into the bathroom. Tossing it into the tub before turning on the water.

Everyone is kinda numb, shocked or can't comprehend what just happened. Bullet taking notice that Luna's quick.

Climbing back into Colson, Luna asks What The Fuck Is Up With Them and Fire. He shakes his head, not knowing. Kissing the back of hers, he holds her firmly as they fall asleep together.

Benny turning to Bullet. Giving him a knowing eye, he warns that Tonight Was Easy.

He'll get it eventually.

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

To be continued....

[uzumaki-rebellion]

“Stark’s New Intern” Chp. 3

Summary: Erik has lunch with Tony and gets a new roommate...

"Don't let your young life get you down It always had a certain mystery Many changes come to everyone About the time that they turn seventeen Grandma said at times you'll feel a sting There'll be sharp turns and uphills and closed doors Then she said hold onto your faith 'Cause in this world you've got to go and get yours

So you stand up Be strong go out there Hold on to the real things that matter 'Cause no one's gonna hand it to you on a silver platter..."

The Brand New Heavies—"Brother Sister"

Pepper Potts glared at Tony like he stole cash from her purse.

"What have I done now?" Tony asked.

He placed his hands on the table in an open palm stance. A waiter walked up behind Pepper holding a martini and Erik watched Tony shake his head and the waiter slunk back to the bar. Clearly Boss Man wasn't supposed to be at Durangos. And it appeared that he wasn't supposed to be drinking either. Erik grabbed a menu and stuck his nose down in it to figure out how much of Tony's money he was about to use up. He was hungry and bold enough to spend hundreds at that moment.

Pepper ignored Erik and pulled out a file from the charcoal gray attaché case she had slung around her shoulder.

"I told you I needed these physically signed, not electronically, before you left the office. I told you this three times yesterday and now I have a defense contractor in Germany up my butt because of you. You never listen to me."

"You look lovely today, Pep—"

"Save it. Just sign."

She jabbed a pen Tony's way and he quickly signed several forms before handing her back the pen.

"Lovely to meet you, Erik," Pepper said with a little bite in words. She stormed out of the restaurant.

"So...about her..."

"No need to explain to me," Erik said.

Another waiter approached the table.

"The Lobster and filet mignon for both of us. Medium. One dirty martini...two dirty martinis and a Shirley Temple—"

"Coke," Erik interjected putting down the menu. "I'll have the lobster bisque and glazed duck sliders too."

The waiter took the menus and Tony looked at Erik with humor in his eyes.

"How did you like the morning portion of the tour?"

"It was alright."

"Just alright? State of the art décor, cutting edge tech and all you give me is 'alright'?"

"It was cool, man. Whatchu want me to say? I ain't like them other dudes tripping over themselves to get next to you."

"Yeah, you turned down doing this internship twice...seriously...what do you really think?"

Erik took a sip of the soda the waiter brought over to him and sat back in his seat.

"I was impressed."

"Have you decided what department you want to be in?"

"Cybertech."

"Emphasis?"

"Biometrics."

"Good choice. Perfect for your interests. Who is your hotel roommate?"

"Tyler. The dude from Canada."

"Getting along?"

"He's quiet. Keeps to himself."

"When we move you all over to the Oakwood next week, do you want to keep him as a bunk buddy?"

"You can stick me with anybody—"

"No, you don't get just anybody. You are here for three months and I need all my interns focused at the office and not having problems at night."

"Stick me with whoever. I don't care. I'm here to learn and keep to myself."

"See, that's not how this works at Stark Industries. The lone wolf mentality is not conducive to below the line teamwork. I am building a future team. Ten people are going to be kept on, and I want you to be one of those ten. You have to get rid of this individual crusade you got going on."

"It's worked for me so far—"

"At Annapolis?"

Erik looked at his glass of soda.

"They break you down and build you up to be the Borg. I know the drill, Stevens. Cut the crap."

"You gotta stop separating me then."

"I will do that. This is just a little formality to make sure your head is straight."

"I'm straight—"

The lobster bisque and glazed duck sliders were set before Erik by a different waiter and he tucked in right away. By the time he had wolfed down his first course, the lobster and steak were in front of him, and he ate his meal in peace.

Tony sipped on his martinis and checked his cell from time to time. Erik ordered dessert, chocolate bread pudding with French vanilla bean ice cream. When they were finished, he followed Tony out to the valet stand.

"Do your best and your place here is assured, Stevens."

Erik nodded.

But he wasn't there to get a career. He was there to learn what he could use in the future. A future writ in his father's blood.

###

"Fuck."

Erik stood in the lobby of the Oakwood Apartment office staring at his cell phone.

Maria's name and picture stared back at him. They were partnered as roommates. Apartment key card in his hand, Erik rolled his large suitcase and duffle bag to the furnished upstairs unit he was assigned. It was near the pool and jacuzzi and Erik felt his mood sinking even lower because he knew this was going to be the party spot, and he didn't want to be around loud noises. He went back to the apartment office and tried to get re-assigned, but the woman there said there were to be no changes without Mr. Stark's approval. Erik already knew Tony did this to him on purpose. Stuck him with the most annoying person he had met so far.

When he tapped his key card to the entrance and stepped in, Maria was already standing in the middle of the living room with her three bags.

"Roomie!" she said.

He rolled his eyes at her and closed the door.

"I wanted to wait until you arrived so we could choose rooms."

"Whichever one doesn't face the pool."

"Cool! Because I want the other one that does!"

Maria took off to find her room. The good thing about the layout was that the bedrooms were opposite one another. He planned to spend as little time around her as possible.

Unpacking in the slow methodical way he had always done since he was a child, he took time to organize his living space and changed clothes. He was happy to be in a t-shirt and baggy jeans again. He grabbed the bottle of Gullah Red Rooster hot sauce he had wrapped in his suitcase. Slipping his feet into some comfy black slides, he headed into the kitchen to see what they had as far as cooking utensils.

Maria was already there digging in the cupboards.

"They have a rice cooker!" she squealed.

He nodded, happy that he didn't have to buy one. He was always eating rice. At least they had that one thing in common by the way she was pleased by the discovery.

"I cook a lot," she said.

"I do too."

She stared at him as if she didn't believe him. Cooking was something that was instilled into him early by his father. His Mom was a great cook, but his father was exceptional. It was a skill that was passed down to him, and he planned on using the kitchen a lot to get comfortable. If he had to suffer this living arrangement, he would at least eat well and stuff his pain with good food. He opened up the cupboard closest to the stove and stuck the hot sauce on the bottom shelf. Maria stared at him with a smile on her face.

"What?" he said glaring at her.

She held her hands out to him. A bottle of Louisiana's Finest sat in her palm. Erik couldn't help the smile that crept across his lips. She stepped next to him and placed her bottle next to his in the cupboard.

"Pedestrian," he said staring at her bottle.

"Look who's talking with that mild stuff you're depressing us with—"

"Mild?"

"Watered-down pepper sauce—"

"I know you not talking trash 'bout my Nana's shit—"

"Put up or shut up!"

They both grabbed their bottles and snatched spoons out of a kitchen drawer.

"You first," Maria said.

She opened up her fresh bottle and shook a drop onto the spoon. Erik took the spoon and stuck it into his mouth. A subtle smoky-sweet flavor, a slight tingling in his gums—

"Shit!" he said as his eyes watered and his mouth gaped open from the wicked heat.

Maria cackled. Once Erik could see again and his tongue prepped to create a new layer of skin for his burned off taste buds, Maria took his bottle and shook two drops on her spoon.

"Yo, you might wanna go easy—"

Maria stuck the spoon in her mouth with attitude. Three seconds later she was crying and sticking her mouth under the kitchen sink trying to wash away the taste.

"Told ya," Erik said watching her struggle. The sauce burned away the whites of her eyes turning them a watery red mess, and she kept panting as she rubbed her fingers across her tongue. After a full display of histrionics that Erik felt was overexaggerated, Maria leaned against the kitchen stove and wiped more tears from her face.

"You win," she said, her tongue stuck out for him to see.

"Don't bring no knife to a gunfight, girl," he said putting the bottles into the fridge.

"Keep that away from my stuff!"

He placed their sauces on separate shelves.

The rest of their time was spent at the kitchen table going over house rules. Mainly Erik's rules. No talking or loud noises before ten a.m. No house guests without two days' notice. Shared spaces had to be immaculate. No dishes left in the sink under any circumstances...clean as you go. No touching or eating another's food. Bathroom and toilet had to be cleaned daily. No traces of shaved hairs in the sink or bathtub. No hair ties or traces or hair after washing in the tub/shower. Phone conversations shouldn't be heard by a third party. Shoes off in the apartment at all times. Trash taken out every three days even if it wasn't full. No loud noises after nine at night. No smoking indoors unless it was weed.

Maria stared at the list he had emailed to her.

"You have anything to add?" he asked her staring at his own cell.

"Am I allowed to breathe or fart at any time?"

Erik quirked his lips at her and she giggled.

"Can we play music?" she asked.

"Yeah. Just be cognizant of the other person if they are working on something. Use headphones at appropriate times."

"Have you always been this anal?"

"Anal?"

"I know military training is imprinted on you, but jeez dude—"

"I just want to keep the peace. I need order and cleanliness, Ma. For reals. I can't stand living with nasty ass people. Can you deal?"

"I can deal."

They heard music blaring from outside. Maria jumped up and ran to their tiny balcony window throwing back the drapes.

"People are out at the jacuzzi already. We should go down!"

Erik let out an exasperated sigh.

"You are such an old man! Lighten up, Erik. God, I love this song!"

Maria grabbed his hand and dragged him out the front door.

Five interns sat inside the jacuzzi while an additional ten stood around with beers in their hand. Someone already made a beer run? They all wore swimsuits.

Erik glanced around. No Giselle or Curtis.

"Hey look, it's Stark's boy!"

Wesley Bretts. Boston. New money. Ultra redneck vibes masked under an upper-middle-class persona. Trouble.

"I ain't nobody's boy," Erik said with a little thunder behind his tone.

"No harm no foul, man. Just pointing out your favored status."

Wesley grinned with perfect bleached teeth and a phony all-shucks demeanor. Erik could feel all eyes on him again. He was younger than everyone else there, but he wasn't about to let no Boston bum talk to him any ole kind of way. Erik sauntered over and stood toe to toe with him.

"Watch how you talk to me and there won't be no problems in this bitch—"

"Hey, Erik, have a beer," Maria said.

She grabbed one from one of the women there and shoved it into his chest. Someone splashed water on Wesley from the jacuzzi and he wrenched his eyes from Erik's.

"You are so in trouble for that!" Wesley said dropping down into the jacuzzi and splashing water back at a blonde who had her eyes on Erik.

Erik opened the tab on his beer and gulped down the bitter brew.

"He's a dick. Ignore him," another blonde said to him. Her smile was sincere.

"I'm Hayley, that's Irene and Valentina—"

Erik took in their names and faces. Maria introduced herself to them and he stood there feeling uncomfortable, wishing he had stayed inside the apartment. If he couldn't get through a beer bash at an impromptu party, he was going to be on struggle mode the rest of his time there. Better to man up and push through the dumb shit.

"You and I will be under the same project manager," Valentina said.

"What?" he said tuning into her face.

Valentina was a raven-haired beauty with the lightest milky blue eyes he had ever seen up close. They almost looked fake. Her dark hair and tanned skin made her look Mediterranean. She stood out among the bleached blondes and suspect red-heads in the bunch.

She held up her cell to him.

"The team list was just posted," she said. Her smile was genuine and Erik felt himself lighten up a bit.

"Ohmigosh, I'm with you guys!"

Maria gave a little jump. Why was she so excited about every little thing? She held her phone up to Erik. He took it from her hand and scanned the other names. He found Giselle listed with a design and innovations team. He wondered where she was staying in the complex. Why couldn't he be living with her? Or teamed up with her at the office?

Other interns began showing up at the pool and the noise level rose. He was about to excuse himself when he saw Giselle walking into the pool area with a big Swede named Roland. She was caught up in an intense convo with him, and when her eyes caught Erik's, she waved but kept right on talking to Roland.

"See you guys," Valentina said.

"Where you going?" he asked, curious to know her since they would be around each other for three months.

"The pool is heated," she said, "we're getting in."

"We should go get our swimsuits," Maria said clutching his arm. Erik watched Giselle pull off the shorts and shirt she had on revealing a red string bikini underneath that had heads turning.

"Bet," he said. He followed Maria back to the apartment. He threw on an old pair of OP trunks and grabbed a towel from the bathroom.

"Whoa," Maria said when she saw him. Her eyes flitted up and down his body, "You must work out...a lot," she said.

He saw her cheeks turn a little red. He looked at her green one piece. She had a cute shape although she slouched a bit like she was trying to hide her little round body. A swimsuit that worked with her curves instead of against them would probably help her confidence.

"Maybe I should forget the pool," she mumbled throwing her towel around her shoulders and covering most of her body.

"You suggested this, so now we're going," he said.

He headed toward the door and she hesitated following him.

"What's wrong?" he asked.

She shook her head.

"Now you wanna be shy all of sudden?"

"Look how you're built. Did you see Valentina's body? Giselle's?"

God yes, he saw their bodies, and he played it off like he didn't, looking hella slick while doing it too.

"Stop trippin' girl. You got a cute shape. Go show it off. Thick thighs save lives too."

Maria started laughing.

"Wait...you think I have a cute shape? You're not just saying that to be nice right? I shouldn't care because men always make women feel like shit if they don't meet some ridiculous beauty standard, but this is real life and I have to deal with this bullshit even if I don't want to."

"I'm not going to lie to you. You really do have a cute shape. Cute face too."

"Thank you. I do think you're lying, but if I walk out with you, they won't notice my frumpy—"

"Listen. If we are going to be on the same team, I can't be with someone who has no confidence. Fake it 'til you make it, Ma. C'mon. Don't be dragging me down with your poor self-image. I'm telling you...you look fine. Act like it or else stay in the apartment. My Nana always told me that a closed mouth don't get fed. So if you want to make a good impression, get out there, mix and mingle and stop worrying about how you look. Let these bitches know who they fuckin' with."

"Easy for you to say when you look like a Greek Adonis and have the brain of an Einstein."

"African Adonis. And better than Einstein. Get it right."

He opened the front door and he felt her rush behind him.

"I'm sticking with you if that's okay," she said.

"When have you not?" he said while locking their front door.

###

Chapter 1  Chapter 2  Chapter 3  Chapter 4  Chapter 5

Tag List:

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[sluttyten]

you can be my angel

summary: Jungwoo is a vampire and you’re an unbeliever, but soon you find yourself wrapped up in the world of the supernatural, populated with vampires, werewolves, ghosts and witches (part 1)

words: 26,366

pairings: jungwoo x reader, mentioned johnten and jaeyong, a hint or two of luwoo x reader

or read it here on ao3

Dating a vampire starts to affect your circadian rhythm. You find yourself drowsy in the middle of the day and wide awake all night when you can actually leave the house with Jungwoo. So, some days you’ll wake up after class ends, a kind classmate or an angry professor shaking you awake or calling your name, and you’ll have to apologize and make excuses. Then you’ll text Jungwoo and put the blame on him even if he’d told you to stay home and sleep the night before rather than explore the city with him.

You can’t help but want to be near him all the time, especially after that conversation you had with Ten at that party. You’re all too aware of how little time in the grand span of time you’ll actually have to spend together. So, when you’re not at school and when you’re not working, you’re usually over at the mansion of vampires.

And then there are the nights where you don’t even get off of work until late, your boss keeping you around until she’s finished with everything.

As Christmas nears, and the days grow darker faster, more and more often Jungwoo can pick you up from work, and you treasure those moments. They make you feel normal, like there’s nothing supernatural about your relationship, like he’s not a vampire who can’t step out into sunlight. He’s just your normal boyfriend who stands in the lobby and eavesdrops on conversations while he waits for you.

“Did you know that your boss’s husband has a mistress?” Jungwoo asks you one night when you finally get to leave. “She just took a call from the other woman right after you left the office. It’s probably good that you have the day off tomorrow, I imagine she’ll be a mess.”

You cling to his hand and arm, wishing he was a bit warmer as you step out into the chill of winter which has so suddenly blown into town. Winds whistles and bites as it races along the sidewalk, pushing tiny snowflakes under the streetlights and into your hair and eyelashes.

“You look cold.” Jungwoo says, brushing a few drops of melted snow from your cheek while you walk. Even though you’re all bundled up in a scarf, coat, gloves, and a hat, you’re still really cold, probably due to the fact that you’re clinging to your boyfriend who feels like ice.

“Cold, tired, hungry.” You nod, squeezing closer to him as the wind blows harder. Even if he can’t keep you warm, Jungwoo works as a good shield against the wind. He guides you down the street to the bus stop, but when you pass it by, you ask, “Where are we going?”

Jungwoo takes your hand firmly. “Somewhere special.”

You’re new to this whole world of the supernatural, but even you can recognize when the building you walk into is populated by supernatural types, and not just because you know a large group of them at the back of the pub.

The group of Jungwoo’s friends are all gathered around a massive table. The vampires, werewolves, and witches sit together, being rowdy and eating. Jungwoo leads you through tables that are full of witches (that look like stereotypical witches), very hairy werewolves that have barking laughs and gnaw at the bones left over from their meals, a group of trendy looking vampires women sit at the bar sipping at glasses of blood.

“What is this place?” You ask Jungwoo, looking around in wonder.

“The Leaky Cauldron. Not like the Harry Potter one, though the name is inspired by it.” He laughs. “There’s not an entrance to a secret magical world behind any doors or anything like that, though. Just a gathering place for all of us.”

The guys all cry out in greeting as you and Jungwoo arrive at the table, and Jungwoo pulls up a seat beside Lucas, and he drags you onto his lap. Lucas smiles, all big and friendly, and you reach over to pat his hair.

Jisung sits across from you, entertaining Chenle, Mark, and Doyoung with magic. You watch for a moment, laughing when he transforms his nose into a pig’s snout and starts oinking a rendition of a song you recognize but can’t quite place.

Jungwoo’s lips brush against the back of your neck, his hands fastened around your waist, and you feel your heartbeat pick up just from these little touches. You notice half of the table glancing at you, as if they’ve all just noticed your heightened heartbeat, and you blush wishing they weren’t all so tuned-in.

A robust older woman comes over to the table, depositing a platter and a few drinks at one end of the table. She looks perfectly normal to your eyes, but as she walks away, Jungwoo whispers, “They’re a nymph. They often changes to seduce customers, not like sexually, but to look like what’s most likely to make their customers feel comfortable. What do they look like to you?”

“Like a kindly grandma that might bake me cookies and stuff me full with food.” You reply. “What about you?”

Lucas interjects. “A mix between my dad and my brother, but cooks as great as Kun. You should come over to the den sometime, Y/N, and I’ll make Kun cook you something great. He’s a wonderful den mother.”

Kun, who’s sitting right on Lucas’s other side, suddenly turns and frowns at him. “How many times do I have to tell you? I’m not your mother!”

This sudden adamant statement draws the attention of the other wolves around the table who all began whining and calling Kun mom and laughing as Kun’s expression grows more and more frustrated.

“You might as well accept it, Kun.” Ten laughs and throws his arm around Kun’s shoulders, but quickly draws it back when Johnny pouts. “You’re their mama.”

Everyone laughs when Kun gives in, dropping his head into his hands in defeat, but you catch a glimpse of the curve of his smile. “I would love to come by some time. Jungwoo, can we go there?” You turn around in his lap, twisting your arms around his neck, and all it takes is a little smile from you and your scary thing-of-nightmare boyfriend melts.

“Of course we can go, Y/N.” His hand slides just a bit under the hem of your shirt, his fingertips cold for a moment against your skin. You shift in his lap, your smile holding its place, and you pray that everyone has turned their ears away again or else they’ll hear your heartbeat going faster again. You know Jungwoo hears it because his smile stretches wide again.

You’re so distracted by Jungwoo that you don’t notice the nymph come back again, depositing more food and drinks on the table. You get lost in his eyes and a light, funny feeling fills your belly.

“What are you doing to me, Jungwoo?” You ask, still smiling, your fingers dancing over the back of his neck, diving up into his hair. “Trying to put me under your vampire spell?”

“Nothing like that. You’re just in love with me.” He leans in and presses his lips to the corner of your mouth. “My powers of persuasion don’t work on you, and even if they did I would never use them. I barely use them anyway. Only when the situation calls for it.”

He reaches around you to grab a glass, and you wrinkle your nose as he lifts it to his lips. It looks like a pint, smells like it too, but you know there’s more to it than the appearance would suggest. Jungwoo’s eyes flicker red as he takes a drink, so you can only assume that the beer is spiked with blood.

All around the table, the supernatural creatures that you call friends dig into meals and drinks they would never be served in a regular restaurant. The wolves are digging into plates of what almost looks like raw meat, their plates are pools of blood and chunks of meat. At least the witches eat normal meals: Jisung picks at a plate of fruit and vegetables, while Ten inhales a breadbasket. Both of them stick to a vegetarian diet, you’ve noticed, and you’re not sure if that’s just a choice or if it comes with being a witch. The vampires either sip at glasses you’re sure have at least a bit of blood in them, or they nibble at bloody pieces of meat.

Lucas, beside you and Jungwoo, tears at a huge raw steak.

The full moon is nearing, and he looks like he’d prefer to just tear at it with his teeth, but he uses a knife and fork to stay somewhat civilized. When Jungwoo reaches in front of Lucas’s plate to grab a strawberry for you from Jisung’s plate, Lucas bares his teeth a little and covers his plate protectively, like a dog guarding his bowl.

Jungwoo presses the strawberry between your lips, and you bite down then lick at his fingers, cleaning the juice off. Lucas makes a noise, and you glance over to see him frowning at the pair of you, Jungwoo’s fingertips still inside your lips.

“Gross. You’re just as bad as Johnny and Ten.” He says, casting a look over at the pair down the table. Ten’s most of the way into Johnny’s lap, laughing at something Taeyong said, and Johnny’s just watching him with a distracted smile on his lips. “All these couples around me. I think I’ll be sick from all the sweetness. Get a room.”

Jungwoo laughs and drops his hand back to your lap, and rests his chin on your shoulder. He waits a few moment until Lucas gets up to go mess around with Mark and WinWin, then Jungwoo turns his head to the side and brushes his lips against your throat.

“Are you spending the night?” His voice is low, but you know that half the table has probably just heard. Jungwoo’s fingers brush under your shirt, over your belly, dipping just under the waistband of your pants.

“I don’t see why not. Winter break started so there aren’t any classes for you to distract me from, and I don’t work tomorrow.” Your hand falls to his as more of his fingertips disappear under your waistband, pushing lower. “Plenty of time for you to do whatever you’d like.”

Jungwoo nips at your throat lightly. “Perfect. Let’s get out of here.”

He pulls his hand away suddenly and nudges you off his lap so he can stand. Doyoung’s eyes are suddenly on the pair of you, very judgmental, but Jungwoo just waves goodbye, announces you’re leaving now, claps Lucas on the shoulder, and then ushers you out the door.

It’s still freezing outside, snowing heavier than before, beginning to really pile up on the sidewalk. You cling to Jungwoo’s hand as you walk away, and for a moment the pair of you is silent and you think about what just happened.

“Can we really visit the werewolves sometime?” You ask, leaning heavily against Jungwoo, using him to block the cold wind.

Jungwoo turns, takes your face in both of his hands, and says, “After the full moon, we’ll go.” You look up into his face, not minding the biting cold of the wind hitting your cheeks, not caring at all about the chill or the damp feel of snow melting through your shoes because Jungwoo has snowflakes perfectly preserved in his hair and his eyelashes, unmelting since he gives off no heat.

You press up on your toes and Jungwoo welcomes your kiss. Your mouth is warm against his, and his arms slide bracingly around your waist, holding you there with your chest pressing into his.

You kiss for a while before the cold really grows to be too much. Jungwoo drops another kiss to your forehead, then lets you fall back flat onto your feet.

“Let’s get a cab home. You’re freezing. I’m not making you walk all that way.”

He flags down a passing cab, holds the door open for you, and then slides in after, muttering the address to the driver. You lean against him, suddenly feeling tired and warm now that you’re out of the cold again. A faint headache throbs in the back of your head, but you lay your head on Jungwoo’s shoulder and close your eyes, thinking you’ll just take a short nap on the ride home, and wake up to have fun with Jungwoo in the empty house.

Just a short nap, you tell yourself.

You wake up warm and cozy, wrapped in safe arms and a heavy duvet. You don’t remember how you got there at first, but after a hazy moment as you blink away sleep, the cab ride comes back to you. Flashes of images follow: Jungwoo carrying you, Jungwoo helping you out of your clothes, Jungwoo tucking you into bed with a kiss to your forehead and a quiet “Sleep, sunshine.”

Even as you pull yourself out of the peaceful sleep, you can feel a dull ache low in your belly, familiar and horrible.

You slide your hand down between your legs, just for a second, and when you pull your hand away you see red. Your damn period.

You start to get up, trying to move Jungwoo’s arm from around you, but then his grip tightens, pressing you back into the bed. He opens his eyes and looks down at you, their black shade a bit lighter than normal, closer to brown than black. He takes your breath away.

“Good morning, it’s still early.” Jungwoo kisses your shoulder, and his hand slides to your chest, his cool palm held against your beating heart. “Don’t get up yet. Most of the guys are still out. The others are sleeping.”

He shifts without letting you up at all. Slipping down the bed, between your legs, and looking up at you.

“We can’t, Jungwoo.” You press your hand to his forehead and push lightly. Jungwoo just retaliates by leaning back and nipping at your fingertips. When he still doesn’t move from that position, you shake your head. “We shouldn’t do anything. I started my period.”

“I know that. I could smell it as soon as I woke up.” Jungwoo tells you, and he presses a kiss against your hips, his fingers touching your waistband. “Please, my sweet sunshine, can I please eat you out?”

You can hear the hunger in his voice, can feel it as his fangs drag lightly over your skin. When he looks up at you, you can see that his eyes are turning more red than black. Jungwoo wants you, and although all your life you’ve been taught that menstruation is gross and dirty, there’s something undeniably hot about the thought of Jungwoo performing oral and having your period blood on his lips and chin.

It’s really not that difficult to give in to his request.

“Yeah, okay.” You guide your fingers into his hair and Jungwoo makes a sound that honestly resembles a purr as he tugs your panties down and flings them across the room so he can get between your legs.

You’ve seen your blood on Jungwoo’s lips before those few occasions where he actually consents to drinking from you. But it’s different to have it be the blood between your thighs. This pleasure is different than the pleasure of his venom flooding through your veins as he drinks.

Jungwoo’s thumbs massage circles into your thighs and he licks tentatively at first against you.

“So good.” He moans, pulling you closer to his mouth. “Better than drinking you. Eating you alive.”

His eyes glint red, hungry, the monster shining through, but he’s a monster that you love.

“Jungwoo, shit.” You drape your arm over your eyes.

He chuckles, and sits up a bit, flops over onto his back, and pats his chest. “Come sit, sweet sunshine.”

You get up and sit over his chest and let Jungwoo’s hands guide you to hover over his face. It’s almost gross to see red dripping from you onto your boyfriend’s face, but Jungwoo opens his mouth and smiles, licks at the blood, then pulls you to sit fully down on his face.

Jungwoo’s fingers dig into your thighs, and his tongue strokes over your pussy. You can hear him moaning and feel it against you as he dips his tongue inside you.

It should be weird, but it’s not. It’s just like any other time Jungwoo’s eaten you out, only he’s a bit hungrier about it, and you’re sitting on his face, grinding yourself against his lips and chin.

You tangle your fingers in his hair, and hold onto it tightly as you feel yourself getting closer.

“Jungwoo, fuck, you feel so good. I’m so close.” You moan, chasing the feeling, trying to reach orgasm, and it really helps when he slides his fingers right inside you and just starts fucking you on his fingers while his tongue laps against your clit. And you cum, loudly moaning for him and clutching at his hair, humping his face.

And he keeps licking you out and fingering you, trying to drink more of you down.

Finally you push at his head and pull away, falling back onto your hands, and that’s when you look down at his face.

Jungwoo looks like a fucking mess. The entire lower half of his face is bloody. It drips down his chin and his cheeks, staining the sheets under his head, but he doesn’t seem to mind at all.

“You’re delicious.” He sits up, holding you down into his lap with his fingers tight on your hips again, and he’s so close you think he might kiss you. But he doesn’t he stops just short with his mouth open enough you can see his fangs, and his eyes burn a bright aroused shade of red. “Why are you looking at me like that?”

He suddenly leans back and let’s go.

“Like what?” You push out of his lap and stand up, bending over to dig a pad or tampon or anything out of your bag.

Jungwoo follows you as you traipse over to the bathroom. He leans in the doorway as you start up the shower and then sit down on the toilet to pee and clean yourself up just a bit down there.

He doesn’t say anything for several long moments, not until you’re both standing in the shower together and he’s trailing his fingers along your jugular vein.

“You we’re looking at me like you were afraid. Like you thought I might eat you, or not be able to actually stop myself.” Jungwoo tells you quietly, carefully keeping his lips over his fangs and his eyes lowered so you can just barely make out the bloody red of his irises. “If you think I’m a monster, then you don’t have to stay with me. I’ll understand. Others have found me too terrifying and disgusting to want me.”

For a moment, you don’t say anything. You just reach for him, fingers sliding over his hips as you step closer and lay your head on his chest.

Once upon a time, this boy you love had a beating heart, had flushed cheeks, and loved people that were not you.

You hold each other under the warm spray of the shower until it begins to run cold, then you hurry and finish washing. When you step out of the shower and wrap a towel around yourself and hurry to step into your panties and start using your feminine product, Jungwoo walks over to the covered mirror that you noticed on your first visit.

His whole body is still tense and it hurts you that your light fun of waking up has turned into this dark mood.

“Jungwoo,” You walk over to him, and press your bare chest to his back, arms going around his waist. “You’re not a monster. You’re different, sure, but that doesn’t make you a monster. You may not have a beating heart, you may have to drink blood to survive, but you’re still human with a conscience and morals and the ability to love.”

Jungwoo shrugs as if to dislodge you, but you keep your hold around him, hands pressed to his stomach, and you drop a kiss to his back and leave your lips there for a moment.

“I am.” His voice is quiet but full of emotion. “All you have to do is look at me, and you can see I’m the stuff of nightmares. Just look.”

Suddenly Jungwoo reaches for the sheet covering the mirror in front of you, and he pulls.

The sheet falls to the floor, exposing the cracked and broken mirror. And you see only you standing there, your arms around nothing, but now that you stand with Jungwoo in front of you, you can tell that the fist-shaped epicenter of the shattered mirror is exactly where Jungwoo’s face would be if he were visible.

His shoulders are still hunched, and it pains you to have him like this.

“Jungwoo, my foolish boyfriend. Look at me.” You loose your arms from his waist, and move around to face him, lifting yourself up onto the counter top, sitting between Jungwoo and the mirror. You put your hands on his cheeks and pull his face down so your foreheads touch, and you feel his eyelashes flutter against your skin and he lets out a sigh.

You per his hair, and say, “I don’t know how long you’ve been like this, how you were turned, or how many people you’ve been with before me. I don’t know what they’ve said to you to make you believe that you are some monster of nightmares and legends, but —“ Jungwoo starts to straighten up, but you weave your fingers into his hair and tug lightly. “Listen to me — the first time I saw you, I thought you were just dressed up as one of the most innocent types of vampires: the Twilight vampires. You aren’t terrifying, I can confirm that. You’re cute. You’re so cute, Jungwoo, that I have never felt threatened by you.”

“But—“

You shake your head. “But nothing. Back there in bed, I just thought you were going to kiss me with my blood on your lips, and it kind of grossed me out. I wasn’t scared of you, Jungwoo.”

Weakly, Jungwoo’s head falls to your shoulder and he sighs, presses his mouth to your skin, the edges of his fangs just barely pressed against you. You keep stroking his hair, holding him against you, all six foot something of damp vampire boyfriend.

It’s late in the afternoon when you and Jungwoo actually leave his bedroom. The golden autumn light of the afternoon has already faded into the cool, steel blue of twilight, but Jungwoo still makes you sit on the counter in the kitchen while he makes breakfast for you. Waffles and eggs and nicely chopped fruits.

He’s in the process of making bacon when the others start filing slowly into the room. First it’s Chenle, sniffing the air and slipping into a seat at the breakfast nook.

“That smells delicious.” He sighs. “I miss being able to really eat food.”

The next few — Yuta, Taeyong, Taeil — all commiserate with him, and you begin to feel bad for eating all of this in front of them. You feel bad that Jungwoo’s cooking this for you when he can’t even eat it, and that he’s keeping their fridge and cabinets stocked with food for you.

When Doyoung comes into the kitchen just as Jungwoo is plating your food, and you wince when you get a look at his face. Jungwoo swears.

“What the hell happened to your face?” Jungwoo asks, dropping the plate in your lap and immediately going to Doyoung. You move the plate to the side, more interested in this than eating.

A massive bruise blooms across his face, taking over his left eye and most of his cheek. His lip is busted and when he lifts his hands to push Jungwoo away, you see that his hands are bruised too and dark scratches disappear up his arms.

“Stop it.” Doyoung pushes him away.

Jungwoo retreats to stand between your legs, leaning back against you while still staring at the older vampire. His fingers absentmindedly trace over your skin, while you wait for Doyoung to explain why he looks like he’s been pummeled.

“You should’ve seen him when we got home this morning.” Taeyong says. “You look better, Doyoung. How are you feeling now?”

Doyoung shrugs then winces and grabs his side.

Jeno comes into the room, takes one look at Doyoung and walks immediately to the fridge, pulls out a bottle of blood and pops it in the microwave to heat it for him then passes it off to Doyoung before anyone says anything else.

Jungwoo’s fingers keep moving anxiously over your skin until you drop your hand over his to stop him. With your other hand you start picking at your plate of food because you actually are quite hungry in addition to being concerned about the state Doyoung is in.

When he’s downed about half the glass of blood, Doyoung sits down at the table. Already he looks a bit better. His split lip has healed and the bruise is faded a bit.

“Who the fuck beat you up so badly you’ve taken this long to heal?” Jungwoo asks, looking around the room at the others, searching for answers from anyone who will give them.

“It’s lucky the two of you left when you did, really.” Doyoung says. “You were gone probably fifteen minutes before a new pack of werewolves rolled into the place. Kun and the others cleared out right away, but it wasn’t long before the new pack started to make trouble. Harassing the fairies in the corner, trying pick a fight with that poor Minotaur. You know I hate that kind of stuff. I tried to put a stop to it.”

Jungwoo frowns and you circle your arms around his shoulders, holding him against you.

“He went to talk to their alpha; and before we knew it Doyoung was on the floor, half the pack getting ready to attack.” Taeil tells you and Jungwoo. “He held his own pretty good, but there were too many of them, and even when Johnny went to go help, they were overwhelmed pretty quickly.” He shakes his head.

“Where is Johnny?” You ask. “And Renjun?”

“They both got in the fight before the rest of us.” Yuta cracks his knuckles. “Renjun’s been aching to get in a fight. He’s rather new, so he’s still got all that new blood energy, and it’s not enough for him to fight with us or even with our pups. Johnny took almost as bad a beating as Doyoung, but they broke his leg. He’s up in his room with Nurse Ten helping him heal.”

Chenle laughs. “Renjun’s fine now. Just pouting.”

You don’t hear anything, but all of the guys in the room suddenly look up at the ceiling. A few of them laugh and shake their heads, and you can only assume that Renjun heard Chenle’s comment and had a response.

“So how did you get them to clear out?” Jungwoo asks.

“I stood back up again once, bit their alpha and told them to fuck off. This is our part of the city.” He smiles, but there’s something off about it. “They probably won’t be back again. Their alpha looked furious some of his pack pulled him back looking scared, and all of them ran off with their tails between their legs.”

The room laughs, everyone sinking into a relaxed mood of chatting, drinking, and you finish your plate of food with Jungwoo leaning back against your chest.

On one of those rare sunny winter days, just a hair before Christmas, you wanted to get in some shopping while the weather was nice if not just a bit chilly. Your roommates are busy working, so you text Ten to come hang out with you while you shop.

You hadn’t seen him since that night at The Leaky Cauldron, not had you seen Johnny, but Jungwoo reassured you that Johnny, Doyoung, and Renjun’s pride were all back to normal.

Ten comes by your apartment to pick you up and then you head across town to the best area for shopping.

“You’re right to choose me to come shopping with you.” Ten says as you head into the first shop. “I can charm stuff to fit properly, so everything will always be your size. And if you’d be into shoplifting I can always bewitch anyone who’s looking our way, and I wouldn’t even tell Jungwoo if you don’t want me to.” He winks at you.

“No thanks on the shoplifting, but the size charming would be nice.”

And it truly is useful to have a witch as a shopping companion. Ten conjures up mirrors when there are none, magically tailors the clothes so they fit you right, and he just makes you laugh while also entertaining you with stories about Johnny and the rest of the coven.

It’s nice to have someone to talk with about everything, all the weird magical, mystical stuff you stepped into that night when you met Jungwoo. Ten provides you insight on the vampires and the werewolves and even on himself and Jisung as the only two witches.

“Our powers awake when we’re seven or fourteen. Some late-bloomers don’t see their powers until twenty-one.” Ten tells you as you browse through a store. “I think the wolves have their first change when puberty sets in. Jaehyun once told me that his voice started changing, and he had a really nasty sex dream, woke up three days later, naked in the woods, covered in mud and bits of loose fur. The most I had to deal with was accidentally setting stuff on fire when I got angry until I learned to control it.”

“And what about the vampires? Do you know all of their stories?” You ask, trying to play it off like you’re not specifically asking about Jungwoo’s story.

Ten glances sharply at you. “Doyoung’s the oldest. I think he’s been around since, like, the European Renaissance, but I don’t have an exact date, he always gets a bit mum on the subject when it comes up. Taeil is technically older than Doyoung, but he slept for about two hundred years after being a vampire for about thirty. Doyoung turned Taeyong, Jungwoo, and Jeno. Taeil turned Yuta and Johnny. Jeno turned Renjun in a haze of bloodlust right after being turned. John turned Chenle around that same time because the kid was dying in a hospital and John was a nurse there. That’s how I met him too. Spell gone wrong led to physical complications, and he was the sexy nurse I got to wake up to.”

You hold on to just that snippet he’d jammed into the middle of all that information. “Doyoung is the one that turned Jungwoo?”

Ten nods slowly and then keeps his mouth firmly shut.

“Oh, come on, Ten.” You reach for his arm, tugging lightly, trying to drag the answers out of him. “Tell me just a little bit more about what you know.”

He shakes his head. “I can’t tell you anything else about him. I don’t know much, and if Jungwoo hasn’t told you anything, then I shouldn’t either. But I can tell you anything you want to know about the other guys.”

You fold your arms over your chest and start walking away, not having found anything of interest in this store. “That’s no damn good, Ten.”

“Sorry.” He catches up to you. “But maybe Jungwoo has his reasons for not telling you about his past. It took me a while to get John to open up about who he was before he was turned, how long he’s been like this, if he’s ever killed anyone, all those interesting things about his past. But I didn’t wheedle, and one day he just opened up and told me. You have to be patient.” Ten stops outside a shop that from the outside just looks like a sex shop, but you try not to look too closely.

“I’m not going in there.” You stand with your back to the shop. You’re sure there are things in there that you could find interesting, that could give you ideas on stuff to do with Jungwoo, but you don’t want Ten (and probably, by extension, the other guys) to know about it. You stay planted firmly even as Ten takes a step closer to the door.

“I’ll be right back, then we’ll grab some coffee, okay?” Ten points at the door and then across the street to where the cafe stands. “Are you sure you don’t want to come in with me?”

“Positive.”

You hear his footsteps, the faint chime of a bell as he opens the door, and then you’re alone. Other holiday shoppers move along the sunny sidewalk, chattering, toting bags of gifts. You clutch a single purchase to your chest and watch all the people passing by. And then you see him.

Across the street, a man leans against the wall of the building directly across from you, mirroring your posture almost exactly. Standing tall, broad-shouldered with a wild mane of black hair, you could possibly have ignored him except that his wolfishly golden eyes are stuck on you, and his lips curve into a predatory smirk.

It sends a chill down your spine, raises the hairs on the back of your neck.

You’re about to turn and duck into the store where Ten is still shopping, but a crowd of people surrounds you, squeezing past you with all of their bags and coats and scarves, blocking your view and keeping you unable to move just then.

Once the crowd clears away you look back across the street and find that stretch of wall is bare.

You have about five seconds to sigh in relief before a shadow steps into your line of sight, a hot hand crushes your arm, and you’re abruptly jerked down a side alley. Your shopping bag falls from your hands right before you’re whipped around the corner and pushed up against the wall.

The man stands in front of you, his teeth bared, his eyes seeming to glow. His hand presses against your throat, just shy of too much pressure, and he leans in to sniff your hair.

“Blood whore.” He growls, the sound rumbling from low in his chest. “I could smell it on you from down the block. You smell like those vampires from the pub.”

You squirm, try to shove him away, but it’s useless. “Let me go!”

“I should crush you, whore.” The wolf leans back. “Show them that they can’t treat us like that and get away with it. That coven’s sire thinks that he can try to fuck over my alpha like that and we’ll not try and fuck over one of his? I know they aren’t wandering out of their little blood den, but they should keep a better handle on their blood whores. Can’t let them go wandering the streets unprotected.”

“She’s not unprotected.” A voice says.

You don’t even have time to look around, but you feel the werewolf stepping back his hand going a bit slack around your throat, and then he growls again.

“Back off.” Ten’s suddenly there, ducking under the wolf’s arm to squeeze between the two of you. His fingers crackle with green lightning, and he holds them just a few centimeters from the wolf’s skin. “One touch and you’re dead, pal. I’m packing 10,000 volts. You’d be dead before you knew it.”

The werewolf bares his yellow teeth, and you see them dripping with venom, his eyes gleaming a wolffish amber. A low growl starts to work its way up his throat.

Ten, although standing about a foot shorter than this burly wolf, stands his ground.

“I can smell it on you too, devil slut.” He makes a show of smelling the air around Ten. “The scent of that coven and that traitorous pack. Soulless creatures you and those vampires.”

Suddenly Ten’s other hand shoots up, flying at the werewolf’s face. He presses a single finger right between the man’s eyebrows.

The wolf falls back with a yelp, hands flying to his face as he scurries backwards. When his hands drop so he has room to glare at the both of you, you can see a bright red welt between his eyes.

“How many times have we got to tell you to leave us alone?” Ten asks, raising his hand that still glows zips and snaps with the green lightning.

You grab Ten’s arm and tug him toward the mouth of the alley. “Let’s go. Come on.” And you whisper, “Stop antagonizing him.”

But he doesn’t stop. Not yet.

He has to say one last thing before you go. “If I see you bothering any of us again I won’t hesitate, bitch.”

The werewolf’s mouth snaps shut and he lowers his gaze, chastised.

“Let’s go. We’ll finish your shopping, then head to the house.” Ten tells you, and then he whispers something under his breath. At your curious look he explains, “A spell to keep him from following us. I don’t look forward to actually having to electrocute a man to death. I just want a coffee and some pastries and my boyfriend.”

He glares up at the sun as if it is the one to blame for all of your troubles today. And maybe it is. If it had been an overcast day, perhaps you could have brought your boyfriend and Ten’s along, but the sun left them locked inside.

Jungwoo is livid once Ten hurries you inside the house, chanting another spell over the door and breaking the skin of his thumb to trace symbols around the doorframe.

“What’s happened? What’s wrong?” Jungwoo asks, appearing suddenly in the entryway, reaching for you immediately as if to check for injuries, but as soon as he touches you his brows furrow together. “Why do you smell like a filthy dog?”

“We were shopping and a werewolf from that pack found her.” Ten says, smearing his thumb in one last symbol over the doorway. “I think I scared him off by threatening to make him into a nicely cooked steak, but I’ve taken some other precautions to keep him and the rest of his pack off our trail.”

Jungwoo swears and moves over to the window so quickly that he blurs. He pushes aside the curtain, hisses as the last rays of sunlight push inside and scorch against his skin.

“I’m going out there to kill whoever touched you.” Jungwoo says, coming immediately back to your side, his hands sliding around you securely. His voice echoes with rage. “As soon as the sun is down. This is ridiculous. I’ve tried saving you in the past from humans. Creeps that stalk women through the night, I find them and convince them to stop their horrible ways. But werewolves. Fuck.”

“Hey, stop.” You press your hands to his chest, the cold of his skin burning against your palms. “You’re not killing anyone, Jungwoo. Cool down.”

Jungwoo doesn’t often get angry. You’ve never seen him quite like this. His hands shake with barely contained anger, and if he were alive his cheeks would be flushed red with anger.

“I wish I could rip the sun out of the sky,” Jungwoo lowers his forehead to yours, his hands come up to press your cheeks between his palms. “If I could just tear it away so I never had to be apart from you on a sunny day, I would gladly do that. If we could be normal and spend a day in the sun, where I wouldn’t have to worry about you getting into trouble where I can’t help you, that’s all I want.”

You press your hands over his, feeling them warming against your skin. “I want that too.”

Jungwoo lets out a faint breath and closes his eyes, slowly calming until you can no longer feel his hands shaking even slightly.

“That was cheesy and disgusting.” A voice says from the stairs.

You glance over and find Jeno, Renjun, and Chenle all hanging around the stairs. Chenle’s literally hanging from the banister. Jeno’s got his arms folded across his chest, watching you and Jungwoo embracing each other.

“Don’t you have chores to do before Doyoung wakes up?” Jungwoo asks, standing up tall, his hands falling away for just a moment before he clasps your hand.

The three young ones vanish in a hurry, and then you turn your attention back to Ten who’s still standing beside the front door, his face screwed up in concentration. When he notices you looking at him, though, he clears his face and moves around the pair of you, making for the stairs and probably his boyfriend’s room.

After a moment when the house has fallen silent once again, Jungwoo leads you into the library in the back corner of the house. You find Yuta sitting there, sitting so still he looks like a statue, but slowly you see him turn a page in the book in his lap. He ignores the pair of you, and Jungwoo ignores him, guiding you over to a comfy chair in the corner near the warm radiator.

Jungwoo grabs a book off a nearby shelf, sits down in the chair, pulls you down to sit on his lap, and then throws a blanket over the pair of you. You rest your head on his shoulder.

“Are you going to read to me?” You ask, settling in under the warmth of the blanket, against the solidness of your boyfriend. “What’s the book about?”

Jungwoo’s arm slides around you and he flips the book open. “Just close your eyes and listen. Don’t doze off.”

You do as he says: shut your eyes, stay quiet, listen intently to not fall asleep.

“It was the summer of 1743. Balmy, by all reports, and particularly overcast on the day our story begins. Angry gray clouds rolled through the sky, casting a small village in shadow, drowning the crops, turning the roads into mud. And it was on this day that a young woman gave birth to her second child, her son. As the storm threatened to blow apart her family’s humble home, she brought her son into the world and held him to her heart, and she dreamt.

“She dreamt of a rope, a long rope stretching forever out of sight over mountains and through forests, over oceans and into the stars. She dreamt of a house standing, strong and steady through a great storm, through a changing world. She dreamt of blood and fire and ice, terrible things, but also great. And when she woke, she saw her son in her arms and knew the world would be open to him, but not without a price.”

You split your eyes open for just a moment, long enough to look down at the book Jungwoo holds, long enough to tell that the story he’s telling you isn’t the one imprinted in those pages. It’s his story.

“The boy grew up under his mother’s careful supervision. She tried to direct him down paths that would keep him on the right path, that would make him into that steady home rather than the unending rope and the devastation she’d seen in her dream.” Jungwoo pauses for a moment. “But she never could have stopped fate, and that’s what her son told her after it happened, after he went down the path that would lead him far away from her, to a place where they could never meet again.”

You slide your hand over Jungwoo’s, lacing your fingers together and squeezing.

“I was twenty years old.” He tells you, his voice dropping quieter, more intimate. “I was in love with a girl from my village, and we were going to marry but I wanted us to have a good life for a good family, so I left the village and went to the city to get a good job in the port, and when I’d earned enough I would return home, marry her, and we’d begin a new life in the city.

“But things didn’t work out. Many people came through the port: sailors, soldiers, criminals, and many that even I didn’t know of at the time. Dark things that I only believed to be stories.

“I met Doyoung a month or two into my work. He seemed like a perfectly normal human. He stepped off a ship looking like a scholar, and he was friendly, making conversation with me. I saw him around for several days while a heavy storm seemed to hang over the city, attempting to drown everyone. At first, I thought he was studying us because he seemed to ask lots of questions and watched us carefully and took notes in this book he carried around. Then one night I was heading back to the small shack that I called home. I remember it had a leaky roof and a dirt floor, was about as big as my current bathroom, and I shared it with three other dockworkers.

“The night was dark and damp, chilly. I remember thinking how I was hungry, and couldn’t wait to get back home, to the village, to have some of my mother’s cooking and the stable home around me and my sweetheart in my arms.”

At that, you shift in his lap, and Jungwoo squeezes your hand and knocks a kiss against your cheek.

“I was almost back to the shack when suddenly a figure stood in front of me. I barely had the time to see his face before he had leapt upon me, dragging me down into the mud as he bit me. It fucking hurt so much that I lost consciousness. When I awoke the next morning, the storm had cleared and the sun shone down blindingly, and I felt horrible so I blew off work and decided I’d had enough. I packed up my few possessions and immediately headed home to my village.

“If I’d know that was my last day to feel the sunlight on my skin, I would have savored it more, but I rushed home, focused on the village and nothing else. I didn’t even notice that I was being followed by a heavily cloaked figure.”

Your head rolls on his shoulder as you let the sound of his voice, the even cadence of his story-telling lull you into a relaxed state. The heat of the nearby radiator and the comforting smell of the library and Jungwoo help that along, as well.

“Hey. Are you sleeping?” Jungwoo whispers, lifting his shoulder just enough that it would have jolted you awake if you were sleeping.

You shake your head. “No, but I’m starting to feel sleepy.” You tilt your head just a bit, and your lips brush his skin, soft and warm now. “Keep talking, I like hearing your story.”

His fingers touch your cheek, lightly pushing a bit of your hair off your face, and then he continues right where he left off.  “I got home to my village and the first thing I did was visit my mother. She was happy to see me, but she told me that there was something different about me. At that point, I’d just assumed that it was her not having seen me for several months, the tan shade of my skin and the manual labor turning me into a man slightly different than the boy she’d sent off not so long ago.

“Nothing seemed different to me. Not yet. Except that I was hungry and thirsty, and although my mother fed me well right away, the feeling didn’t fade. I set out into the village to look for the girl I had hoped to marry.” At this, Jungwoo’s voice sinks even lower, and his fingers begin to play with yours distractedly, as if he’s avoiding the next bit.

You open your eyes and look up at his face. “Jungwoo?”

He sighs sadly. “I found her as night fell. She sat out behind her family’s home, cleaning the pot from their supper, and when she saw me she dropped it on the ground and it shattered. A shard of it sliced her finger, and in that moment I forgot everything else.

“Of all the things I’ve forgotten over the years, all the memories that have vanished or gone hazy, this one still sits crystal clear in my mind. I attacked her so quickly, she didn’t even have time to scream. The hunger inside me took over and I held her against the wall and drank every ounce of blood from her veins before I realized what I’d done. I remember the glint of firelight reflecting in her eyes. I remember the coldness of her fingers falling from my wrist. I remember the sound and weight of her body hitting the ground.

“And then the pain began.” Jungwoo closes his eyes, a pained expression coming across his face. “It burned through me, hot and stabbing, like the feeling of tingly needles when your foot falls asleep or something like that. But it was all over my body, and I know that I must have screamed, I must have cried, and not only from the physical pain that overwhelmed me entirely, but also the pain of realizing what I’d just done. I wanted to go to her, to hold her and cry over her, but I couldn’t have moved if I’d tried.

“Then Doyoung appeared, grabbed me by the arm, and dragged me away into the darkness of the village. That night he sat with me in the forest while the transformation took over my body. He hid us away in an abandoned house when the day came, and when night fell again I was aware enough that he finally explained everything to me. That I was a vampire. That if I could have resisted feeding for just three days, then I would have been fine. That he was sorry that he’d done this to me.

“I hoped that maybe my girl would have the same fate as me. That she would have risen that day I spent transforming, that she would be wandering the village and if she resisted feeding she could go on as normal. But Doyoung told me that I’d drained her, and those that are drained entirely have no hope of rising again. That’s why I’m always careful when I drink now. If I take too much it could kill. If I just drink a bit, that person will be fine so long as they don’t feed. And if that person’s a werewolf, they go on unaffected by my venom.”

You sit up straight then and look him in the eyes. “Are you telling me that all these times I’ve let you bite me, I could’ve easily become a vampire if someone around me got so much as a papercut?”

Jungwoo slowly nods. “But I’ve made sure not to let that happen. Haven’t you noticed I don’t usually let you out of my sight for about three days after I’ve bitten you. I’m keeping an eye on you. I don’t want to inflict this on you. I would stop you the moment you moved to bite someone.”

You frown and fold your arms over your chest. “Seems risky to me. Ten told me that Jeno accidentally turned Renjun. Who was supposed to be watching him?”

“Hey!”

Jeno suddenly appears stepping out from the shadow of one of the bookshelves. Renjun and Chenle appear behind him, and as you look around, you realize that several of the other vampires are hidden in the shadows around the room, all of them eavesdropping on Jungwoo’s story. You wonder how many of them have actually heard it.

“Ten! Stop spreading gossip about us!” Jeno cries out. Renjun laughs and throws his arm over the other boy’s shoulders. “It’s true, but still.”

Jungwoo shyly tucks his face into your shoulder. “I didn’t realize you were all listening.”

“We wanted to hear too.” Yuta’s still sitting rigidly across the room in the spot he’d been when you both came in. He sits his book down. “Keep talking. Jungwoo rarely talks about his past. If we weren’t there for it, we’re unlikely to know. So talk, Jungwoo.”

Pulling his face out of your shoulder, Jungwoo begins again. “That night, after he finished explaining everything to me, Doyoung let me return to my parents’ home one last time. To say goodbye. My mother took one look at me, and I think she knew right then. She saw I’d grown paler, my eyes were reddish, and I think she saw in my eyes all those things she’d seen in her dream the night I was born. She saw chaos and fire and bloodshed, an endless rope stretching into infinity. She wept.

“I left after telling her and my father and my sister that I loved them, but I had to leave. That I likely wasn’t ever coming back, and I know that scared my father and sister, but my mother must have had some idea of what had happened to me, and I think she was more relieved than anything else to get this monster away from her family. But she let me hug her and tell her I loved her, and then I left with Doyoung.

“We traveled for a while, sailing around the world for what seemed such a brief time, but decades passed in the blink of an eye. And then we found ourselves near home again, and I had control over myself and our family was bigger. Taeil was awake by this point, Taeyong was fitting in, Yuta had just been turned. Doyoung had better things to focus on than me wandering off to run through the countryside and find my old village. I didn’t expect it to be the same, but I didn’t expect it to be much different either. I think I almost believed I’d find my parents and sister sitting at our home, looking exactly as they had when we left. But our home was empty, the garden my mother had tended was overgrown. Two headstones in the village cemetery bore my parents’ names and an old man I passed had answers for my sister’s whereabouts.

“Two villages away, she was grown old, all wrinkly with a husband who knew nothing of her little brother. She had children and grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Seventy years had passed in that blink of an eye that I’d been traveling with Doyoung and Taeil. But she recognized me the moment I came up to her. I think she thought at first that she’d died, that I was just greeting her into the afterlife, but it took her a few hours to realize I was there, still young even though I should have been wrinkled and old like her. We had a good day, catching up, talking about her family and her life, and me telling her about the places I’d been, the people I’d met.

“Two months later, she passed in her sleep. I’ve loosely kept track of her descendants over the years. My living relatives that know of that family legend that their great-great-great-and more greats grandmother’s brother was a vampire. Many don’t believe it, I know, but some of them do. Some of them know me exactly as such, but it’s rare that I actually see any of them. We usually travel often, and my relatives then can’t find me then, but I know where they are. I still have them even in a small degree when I can’t handle all of these fools.”

The vampires that have gathered to hear Jungwoo’s story all begin grumbling at that, but he offers up a placating smile.

“So your sister’s descendants and this coven,” You ask, drawing Jungwoo’s attention back to you. “Are these the only relationships you’ve had over the centuries?”

He shakes his head. “We’ve traveled the world. I’ve met a lot of interesting people. We all have. But you don’t want to hear about them.”

Out of the corner of your eye, you see the vampires fading away, leaving the room. Even Yuta leaves until you and Jungwoo are alone in the library. A heavy silence hangs between you as you run his words through your mind.

“Do I not want to hear about them, or you just don’t want to talk about them?” You situate yourself more comfortably in his lap, your arms wound around his neck, straddling him in this chair. In a teasing tone, you say, “Do you think I’ll be jealous when I hear about your past partners? Do you think I’ll call you a slut when you tell me your number?”

Jungwoo smiles at your tone. “One hundred and fifty, give or take a few. That’s my number. Some were just flings. Some were whirlwind romances like the type you see in films. But none of them have been like you.”

You slide your fingers up into his hair and grip, tugging it lightly. “I bet you say that to everyone.” You lean forward and lick at his neck, quickly following it with a short bite. Jungwoo’s low groan sends a bolt of heat down to your pussy. “And that’s a high number for someone who once told me that he was a modest gentlemanly sort. Some might call you slutty, Jungwoo.” You kiss his throat again and this time you feel him moan, it vibrates beneath your lips, and you smirk while grinding down on his lap. “Do you want me to call you a slut?”

He laughs, and it’s so light and sweet that you almost forget that you’re in the process of attempting to seduce him. Jungwoo’s hands tickle down your sides, and soon you’re laughing and crying, collapsing forward against his chest and begging him to stop.

“They can all hear us if we continue this here.” Jungwoo whispers against your ear. “My room’s sound-proofed a bit. Should we move this up there?”

You shake your head and rest it on his chest. “No. I’m fine here. It’s comfy.”

“Alright.” Jungwoo’s hands fall to your hips, and for a few moments the two of you remain like that, soaking in the quiet of the house, the heat of the radiator, the smell of the books. Distantly you can hear voices somewhere in the house and footsteps upstairs. Outside, the sky grows darker and you know the coven is preparing to be able to leave the house, but you and Jungwoo don’t move for a while.

When Jungwoo starts moving his fingers, at first he only traces shapes against the back of your jeans, over your ass. You ignore him. But then his hands go still, fingers digging into your soft flesh, and he starts to move you, dragging you forward then pulling you back, grinding you against him. You clutch at his shoulders, bury your face in, and stay quiet as the friction between your jeans and Jungwoo’s begins to affect you both.

You can feel his erection growing harder and harder against you, and you’re certain you’re soaking through your panties.

“Jungwoo.” You whine, your nails scrape over his shoulders.

“Shh, quiet.” One of his hands leaves your ass in favor of stroking your back soothingly. You begin to make your own pace in grinding against him, growing needier the longer this goes on.

When you begin whimpering, needing more than this, Jungwoo nudges you backwards off his lap and gestures to your pants. You quickly step out of them, kicking them off, and letting your panties follow. Jungwoo drags you back into his lap, immediately sealing his lips with yours, and he tugs the blanket up securely over your shoulders, draped down over your back like a cape, hiding you from the view of anyone who might happen into the room.

You reach down for his pants, unfastening them and then plunging your hand inside to finally touch his cock. You take pleasure in the sight of Jungwoo’s head falling back, his eyes fluttering shut to hide their sudden red irises, and he sucks his bottom lip into his mouth, and you can see his fangs digging into his lip. You stroke his cock, rubbing your thumb over the tip to spread his precum.

“So pretty, my monster.” You whisper, leaning in again to kiss his neck.

“Don’t tease.” He growls, and then he’s captured your lips in a kiss again, his hand knocks yours away, and in a moment he’s drawn you closer with you kneeling up over his erection, ready for you to sit down on him, which you immediately do with a sound of pleasure.

Jungwoo laughs a little and pulls you closer to tuck his face into the crook of your shoulder.

“They can hear us.” He whispers to you.

“Let them listen. I just need you.” You moan and drag your nails over his shoulders and down his spine while his hands grip at your thighs, moving you on his cock. “God, Jungwoo. You feel so good, I don’t care about them.” The blanket slips over your shoulders, falling down around your hips, and the cold air bites into your heated skin. Jungwoo’s cock stretches you as you shift in his lap, taking him in just that much deeper.

He laughs again, licking over your collarbone. “Keep up a running commentary and I’ll never let you have a peaceful moment again,” Jungwoo growls to someone that you can’t see.

A moment later, even you can hear the music blaring from the floors above, so many different songs that they blend together into a tragic mess of noise, drowning out any sounds you and Jungwoo might be making. The music is so loud that the rest of the coven can’t hear you shriek in delight when he lifts you up, and the moan when he presses your back against a nearby bookshelf. They can’t hear the moans he draws out of you, the quiet laughter that you each give against each others mouths, or the way that you call him a slut, and that just makes him laugh harder and pull you tighter, drag his thumb over your clit, thrust into you harder and deeper.

He doesn’t cum inside you. He waits until after you’ve cum, then pulls out and you drop to your knees and jerk him off over your tongue. You close your lips around his tip, jerk your hand up his length, and gaze up into his hungry red eyes.

Jungwoo cums in spurts, filling your mouth, and he quickly falls to his knees to kiss you hungrily down onto the library floor. You tangle together again, Jungwoo’s cum is quickly kissed from your mouth, and his cock once again inside you.

You fuck on the library floor until you’re pushing against his chest, telling him you can’t take anymore. He rolls onto his side, grabs the blanket, and drags it over you, once more hiding your body from his view. You close your eyes for a few moments. It’s tempting to fall asleep, but Jungwoo’s story is echoing in your mind, and through it all you can’t help but wonder. . .

“Why did you decide to tell me about your past?” You ask, brushing your fingers along the line of your boyfriend’s jaw. Jungwoo turns his head, his hand captures yours and he draws your fingertips to his lips for a brief moment. “I’ve been asking for you to give me your story for weeks. What changed?”

In the quiet that follows your question, music continues to boom from upstairs, and Jungwoo stares at you for a few long seconds, his gaze flicking over your face. Jungwoo reaches for your hand and draws it up toward his lips.

“It’s one of my least favorite things about being like this. Knowing that I fall so easily for humans who it’s inevitable that I will someday lose. Knowing that I can’t go out in the daylight, can’t have that one speck of normalcy, that I can’t be there in the daylight to protect the ones I love.” He fiddles with your fingers. “I’ve lost people during the daytime before, suddenly and also when it was expected, but because of being like this I haven’t been able to be there for them. Many of them didn’t know why I couldn’t ever be there with them. I haven’t told many of them about who I am.

“I can’t lose you. Not like I’ve lost all of them. I can’t lose you, knowing that you don’t know my story.” His mouth leaves several warm kisses down your wrist and arm. “I love you with my whole heart, and with what happened earlier, I knew I had to tell you. I want us to know everything about each other. Your story, my story. Tell me your story, my sunshine.”

You smile and scoot closer to rest your head on his shoulder. “Well, when I was born…”

As Christmas edged nearer, the weather outside turned sharper and colder. The days and nights were filled with heavy snowfall. There were several days where you were snowed in, stuck in your apartment on the other side of the city from Jungwoo and you couldn’t even call him because he still didn’t have a phone.

Finally, on Christmas Eve, there’s a break in the snow, and you need a break from your roommates, so you flee the apartment, claiming you’re going on a run for food.

“We know you’re going to see your boyfriend!” One of them calls as you tangle a scarf around your neck and face. “Don’t hurry back, babe! I’m sure he’ll keep you nice and warm through the rest of these cold winter nights.”  

“Maybe he will.” You slip your coat on, and look back over your shoulder to where you can see your roommates sitting together on the couch, huddled under a blanket together, watching some sappy Christmas movie that’s playing on TV while they finish off a bottle of cheap wine. “I’ll text if I’m not coming back later.”

They coo at you as you walk out the door, leaving them to their Christmas movies and wine.

The coven’s house is warmer than usual when you walk in, not only in temperature, but in light and volume. It’s decorated for the holiday season. A tall Christmas tree stands beside the front door, lit up with golden lights and a star on the top, red and blue and silver and gold ornaments drip from the branches. Garland hangs from the banister, you half expect to see mistletoe hanging in the doorways, but as you unwind your scarf from your throat and hang it and your coat on the hooks beside the door, you notice no mistletoe.

But you do hear laughter coming from the back of the house, and lights are on in every corner. Even Doyoung’s usually dismally dark living room, typically furnished with coffins, has a much lighter feel to it. And when you step inside, it’s made even more obvious that the room has changed from the style it normally is decorated in.

There is an overturned table, cards scattered across the floor, a spilled bottle that looks like it’s either red wine or blood, and a ring of clothes are spread around in that whole mess. Extremely curious and also a bit wary, you pass through the room and pause when you reach the doorway into the kitchen.

It’s one thing to see a pile of drunk boys arm wrestling, tossing steak knives into the wall, and playing poker, but it’s a true sight when it’s a pile of drunk vampires, witches, and a handful of werewolves arm wrestling, throwing knives, and cheating at strip poker. You don’t even know some of them, but one thing is certain, they’re all drunk and acting very male.

You try your best to not look at an almost naked Jaehyun sitting on the lap of an entirely naked Taeyong. Various members of the coven and the pack are in similar states of undress, but you only look at Jungwoo, his crooked smile and bright eyes dragging at you from where he sits with his hand in Lucas’s, both of them with their elbows on the table as the arm wrestle.

“What is going on?” You let the joyful atmosphere sweep you into the room.

“The weather trapped us in here.” Lucas tells you, furrowing his brows, apparently determined to defeat your boyfriend. “We had to entertain ourselves, so beer, blood, and other bad ideas. And tomorrow’s Christmas, so we’re celebrating.”

You come to stand beside Jungwoo, put your hand on his shoulder, and as you do that, Lucas looks at your fingers and for just that moment his attention shifts just enough. . .

Crack!

Heads turn to see the sight of Lucas on the floor, Jungwoo crouched over him, pressing Lucas’s hand to the floor in defeat. Victoriously, Jungwoo grins, offers one boast of “I won!” and then he helps the werewolf back to his feet. They fall back into their seats while laughing, and Jungwoo gazed up at you.

“Hello, sunshine. Care for a seat?” He leans back and spreads his legs just enough that you can tell he means for you to sit on his lap, so you do just that. His strong arms (strong enough to defeat a distracted werewolf in an arm wrestling match anyway) encircle your waist and he tucks his chin over your shoulder.

“Sorry.” He murmurs as you shiver at his touch, the cold of his skin seeming quite intense, though you can already feel him warming. “Is the storm over?”

You shake your head. “Just a break, I think. I figured I’d be happier locked in with you here than with my roommates at the apartment. They’re bickering like an old married couple. I wish they would just sort out their issues once and for all. I hope you don’t mind me inviting myself over?”

Jungwoo smiles at the same moment that Lucas lets out a snort of laughter.

“It’s Christmas, sunshine. And when have I ever said no to your company?” He pushes his fingers into your hair and plays with it for a moment, watching you quietly while the dull roar of the rest of the room continues. It takes Lucas loudly clearing his throat to pull you and Jungwoo out of what must have appeared to be lovestruck gazing into each other’s eyes.

“So,” You sit up and glance around the kitchen, taking notice of who is there and who isn’t. You see Ten squished between a shirtless Johnny and Yuta, who looks like he’s clinging to the shirt he’s wearing by removing random accessories now. Ten howls with laughter at Yuta’s ridiculousness, and then he leans in to whisper in Johnny’s ear, putting a smile on both of their faces. And sitting on Johnny’s other side is someone who you don’t know. “Who are the new people?”

Jungwoo fits you into his lap a little more securely and warmly, then begins answering you.

The tall skinny boy beside Johnny is a witch who goes by the name BamBam. A broody looking vampire Jungwoo calls Yuto stands across the room weighing a knife in his hand, waiting his turn to pitch it across the room at the mark. Then there’s the werewolf, the vampire, the witch, and the vampire-witch hybrid who have clumped together near the fridge and somehow brought Doyoung into their seclusion. Vernon, Jun, Wonwoo, and Minghao are their names, Jungwoo whispers in your ear.

“What are they all doing here?”

“The witches are friends with Ten. He and Johnny invites them over to cast some strong protection charms over all of us while that pack is still out there.” Jungwoo’s hand rubs over your thigh. “Yuta and Yuto have been friends forever, since before either of them was turned, so he comes around sometimes, occasionally brings some of his coven to our parties.”

His hand slides higher on your thigh, closer to your crotch, and you tense slightly thinking that surely he doesn’t think you’d let him finger you in a room packed full of beings with supernaturally enhanced senses.

“The Seventeen crew,” He nods at the group near the fridge. “They’re a bit like us, vampires and wolves and witches and a few hybrids and humans. Jaehyun says that a member of their pack goes to your school too. He plays basketball with Jaehyun, so he’s invited them to parties before.”

Jungwoo’s hand is now right at the apex of your thighs, and for the first time you wish that you were wearing more than some leggings because as his finger begins to surreptitiously draw circles over your clit you feel it all perfectly. In seconds you’re wet and throbbing, trying to keep your heartbeat under control.

When you notice Lucas, who’s still sitting right across from you both at this small table, his nostrils flare for a moment as if he’s sniffing the air. His eyes flash briefly and then narrow as he looks at the two of you.

You grab Jungwoo’s wrist and pry his hand away, jamming your legs together as if that’s going to fix how turned on you are now.

Looking for an escape, you notice that none of the young vampires or werewolves or the young witch are in the room.

“Where are the kids?” You stand, drifting quickly across the room, avoiding the glare of a blade as it shoots toward the target, and then you’re out in the hallway. You take a deep breath of cool, dusty air.

The library is too quiet to have anyone in it, but you think you hear a peal of laughter coming from the entertainment room. You’ve just peered around the doorway when Jungwoo materializes begins you, his hands on your hips, his crotch pressed to your ass, and he kisses your neck with a brief graze of his fangs on your skin.

“Come up to bed with me?” He suggests.

The entertainment room is half-dark. All the windows are heavily curtained against the weak daylight outside, but the large TV on the one wall of the room is illuminated revealing a large amount of young boys piled together on the cushy sofa and the floor, watching movies and snacking or drinking. A much tamer version of what’s happening in the kitchen, which is somewhat unexpected considering that they’re usually the wilder bunch.

“My sweet, sweet sunshine.” Jungwoo’s voice is nearly a purr against your skin, his fingertips sneaking under your clothes.

You bat his hands away and turn around in his arms, lift up on your toes, and kiss him. Jungwoo wraps you up, his hands on your waist, and he sweeps you off the floor, carrying you in his arms, quickly up the stairs.

“Why are you so horny?” You laugh a second later as Jungwoo drops you onto his bed. “You couldn’t even wait long enough to walk up the stairs at a normal human speed? You had to use your vampire speed?”

Jungwoo hums a noise of confirmation and climbs onto the bed, already pulling his shirt over his head, and making quick work of your leggings, tossing both off the bed as he covers you with his body, pressing you down into the mattress. His hands move over your thighs, thumbs brushing against the sensitive skin, and you sigh and let him open your legs wider for him.

“Must be something about the cold, something about how warm you are.” Jungwoo whispers in your ear, his voice a dangerous purr, and he licks a stripe up your throat and a second later lets you feel his fangs.

The cold pads of his fingertips run up over your hip, under your shirt, sending waves of goosebumps over your skin.

“Jungwoo,” You moan, reaching for his hand. “Stop teasing me.”

For a moment you think that he’s impossibly not heard you. He tugs your sweater over your head, then the shirt you’d worn beneath it, and when his fingers pluck delicately at the straps of your bra, guiding them off your shoulders before he suddenly reaches around, somehow sneaking his hand under your body, he unfastens your bra. You lie there almost entirely naked beneath him, and he smiles, thumbing over one of your nipples.

“If I’m going to feel your warmth, I should feel it properly, right?” And then his fingers are between your legs, icy against the heat of your wet pussy soaking through your panties. “Do you want me to use you to feel warm, sunshine?”

A new shiver rolls through you when he says those words. Use you. You want Jungwoo to use you. For heat, for pleasure, for blood, for whatever he wants. That thought scares you just a little bit, so far gone for Jungwoo, enraptured by him that you don’t care what he wants to take from you, you’ll freely give it to him.

“Use me. Please.”

You push your hips up, aching for him to take you.

When Jungwoo’s fingers dig into the back of your neck, pulling you up into a sitting position, you go with it. When his thumb moves over your bottom lip, you let your mouth fall open. And when Jungwoo pushes his pants down to expose his erection, you look up at him expectantly.

Jungwoo’s fingers tangle in your hair and he pulls you as far down on his cock as you can go. You gag and reach a hand up to his hip, bracing yourself, still holding eye contact with him. Then you swallow and sink your throat the rest of the way down his cock, your nose presses into his abdomen, his cock buried down your throat.

“Fuck,” Jungwoo’s fingers tighten in your hair. “You feel so good. So warm.”

He pulls back on your hair, drawing his cock out of your mouth just a bit before he pushes back in, keeping a solid grip on your hair to control the pace. You can feel the saliva dripping out of the corners of your mouth, and you’re certain you must look obscene, but Jungwoo looks at you the same as he has every other time he’s seen you, like you’re an angel. His angel.

“You’re so pretty stuffed full with my dick, choking on me.” He swears and leans back when you gag around him again.

Jungwoo drags you back all the way down on him again so that your face is pressed fully into his abdomen. With one hand on the back of your head and the other gripping your chin, he fucks your mouth hard and fast.

Your hand slips from his hip down to his thigh, and you squeeze tightly, just trying to anchor yourself.

“You good?” Jungwoo groans, slowly slightly, but when you moan and push to take him in again, he resumes the bruising pace, going just as hard but somehow with a gentleness behind it that you can’t miss. “I’m going to cum. Are you going to take it like a good girl?”

Moaning, you dig your nails in even while Jungwoo draws you back, pulling almost entirely out of your mouth until only the pink head of his cock sits on your tongue. Your throat feels a bit raw, but you swallow, lift your gaze to Jungwoo’s reddish eyes, and suck lightly on the tip.

“Oh, my angel. You’re so perfect.” He moans, and again he thrusts smoothly down your throat, choking you on his cock. Your nails dig in, and if Jungwoo were alive or not a vampire, you’re sure you’d be drawing blood with how deeply your nails dig. Jungwoo rocks into your mouth a few times, hard and fast, his hands in your hair holding your head in place.

You wish you could see his face as he cums in spurts down your throat, moaning brokenly as his orgasm tears through him. But your face is smushed against his abdomen, and all that you know in the universe is the heat of your body echoed back at you from his skin and the pulse of his orgasm shooting down your throat.

When at last he lets you up to breathe and release your hair, you sit back and stare up at him while sucking at your bottom lip. Your mouth feels puffy, your throat raw, and you know that your chin and the area around your mouth are probably all slobbery.

You’re still looking up at him, not really seeing him, when Jungwoo reaches down and wipes at your chin with his thumb. You come back to yourself a bit then, shivering at his touch.

“Still want me to use you, sunshine?” He asks.

You nod wordlessly, not sure if you can make any sound after the beating your throat just took.

“Think you can warm me up?” Jungwoo’s smile, which so often resembles that of a cherub, is now sharp and seductive, predatory and you’re the prey caught under the gleam of his bloody gaze.

He sits down on the bed and his hand trails over your thigh until you swing a leg over his lap and sit facing him.

You drape your arms around his neck and shift closer, pressing your front to his, not a breath of space between your bodies. A brush of your lips against his throat, tentative and light, draws a gasp and then a chuckle from Jungwoo. You do it again, this time with a scrape of your teeth.

Jungwoo moves so quickly it takes you a few seconds to realize that he’s changed your positions, flipped you over onto your back, his hand lightly presses on your throat, and his lips send small zips of pleasure through you as he kisses down your sternum.

Just as you think he’s going to keep going, he moves his mouth to one of your tits.

You whine involuntarily.

His lips curl into a smile, and he pulls back from your chest to hover over your face. “What do you want?” Jungwoo manages to make his voice teasing and hard at the same time. “What was that sound for?”

Even as he asks that of you, his hand sneaks down between your legs again at last and finds that you’ve completely soaked through your panties. Another involuntary noise leaves you, and your hips lift to his touch.

Jungwoo growls lowly, his hands grab at your hips, fingers digging in roughly as he twists you around onto your belly. He tears your panties down to your knees, kneads your ass for a moment before he dips his fingers into the space between your thighs, slipping through your wetness.

He pushes into you suddenly, thrusting in deeply, and you feel your insides curling with pleasure. Jungwoo’s roughness is a turn-on, each slam of his cock inside your pussy forces another wail of pleasure from you. Jungwoo holds your hips tightly and he bends forward over you, and growls in your ear.

You’re not sure what’s hot him in such an animalistic mood, but he keeps growling and moaning as he fucks you, spitting dirty words and phrases as he fucks you into the mattress.

Jungwoo feels so rough and hot, reaching so deep inside you, that tears are forced to your eyes. You twist your fingers in the sheets, crying from the pleasure, babbling nonsense which only gets more nonsensical when Jungwoo’s hand slaps against your ass. It stings for a moment, blurring into pleasure.

“Cum for me.” He moans in your ear, hand coming down on your ass again as he thrusts several times shallowly into you. “I’ve been missing this. Needed you these past few days, needed you under me, need you to cum.”

“Then fuck me right. Deeper.” You look back over your shoulder at him.

Jungwoo’s fangs are on full display, his eyes a bloody red, and he looks very much like he’s holding back from tearing into you, from his orgasm. He looks every bit a monster, but somehow that doesn’t scare you at all because he’s still Jungwoo, still soft under all those sharp edges and vivid eyes.

He holds your gaze as he sinks fully into you, as deep as he can be. You let out a long wavering noise, and then you fall apart.

Your orgasm pulses through you, and you drop your head to the mattress, burying your face in the sheets to muffle your cries and wipe away your tears.

Jungwoo flattens himself against you. His hands slide up, along the length of your arms until his fingers lace through yours, and he keeps thrusting shortly but deeply, sending flares through your core that extend your orgasm until Jungwoo’s mouth closes around your shoulder.

There’s no bite of his fangs, but his teeth do dig into your shoulder, his lips soft on your skin, and when Jungwoo moans they vibrate through you and his cum warms you from the inside out.

Jungwoo’s arms slip under your body, hugging you against him, and you stay like that for several minutes until loud laughter and rumbling footsteps sound from outside the door. Jungwoo rolls off of you then, his softened cock leaving you empty but for the semen that drips out of you as your pussy clenches around nothing.

You flip over onto your back and Jungwoo tucks into your side, back to normal, acting a bit small and sweet.

Overhead, the ceiling shakes and you have a feeling that the young vampires and the werewolves might be playing around up there. A howl of pain from up there only supports that, but then the house falls silent again, for just a moment or two before Jungwoo decides to fill the quiet. He hums first, and then slowly begins singing as outside the house the sun breaks through the cover of the clouds for the first time in days. It fills the room with a warm yellow haze, spread over the floor on the other side of the room, and Jungwoo sighs a little sadly, but he doesn’t let it weigh him down for long.

“You are my sunshine…” Jungwoo sings, dropping sweet kisses along your upper arm, over your shoulder, to your throat. When you crack a smile, he bursts into laughter, which he quickly tucks into the crook of your neck. “I seriously love you.”

You slide your fingers into his hair, rubbing soothingly at his scalp. “I seriously love you too, Jungwoo.”

The sunlight doesn’t last long, soon the clouds roll back in, and the snow of the morning turns to rain. After a while, even the rain just turns to mist, hanging gray and damp in the air as the snow on the streets and sidewalks dissolved into grimy slush.

You and Jungwoo move back downstairs after a while, and find that half of the party has moved into the entertainment room, piled together to watch a movie.

Jungwoo pulls you into the room, and situates you on his lap where you sit beside Doyoung and Yuta on one side and a sleepy witch, who you believe Jungwoo called Wonwoo, on your other side. Johnny and Ten are tangled together in a nest of blankets on the floor, and you’re pretty sure that Jaehyun and Taeyong are making out at the pool table because the crack of pool balls against each other stopped several minutes ago, but you can hear them whispering to each other.

Jungwoo rests his chin on your shoulder as the afternoon fades into night. The film on screen changes from whatever was on before to a Christmas film at WinWin’s insistence, which Yuta and Taeil were only too happy to endorse. The members of the coven and the pack and the guests that fill the room fluctuates over the hours, but you and Jungwoo stay right where you are. You tuck your face against his shoulder and doze, passing in and out of sleep depending on the volume in the room.

At one point you wake, and the room is empty except for you and Jungwoo, everything is dark and you’re lying down on the couch with Jungwoo behind you. You slip back under before he can even notice you’re awake.

The next time you wake, Lucas is crouched in front of you, talking to Jungwoo in a low voice.

“..so sweet.” He whispers, and you keep your eyes mostly closed so you can eavesdrop a bit before they know you’re awake. “I could almost taste it in the air.”

Jungwoo’s hand slides over your arm, tracing a delicate line down to your hand, and you feel his voice vibrating against your back when he speaks. “I’ve told you before what I think about that, Lucas.” There’s not quite a warning tone in his voice, but it raises your hair on end, and you shiver a bit. Jungwoo draws his hand away, as if it was his touch that caused your chill.

You twitch, reaching again for his hand, and then you remember that you were meant to be pretending to sleep.

“Don’t go,” You mumble, putting as much sleep into your voice as you can. “Give me your hand.”

Both of the boys laugh a bit, and Jungwoo clamps his hand around yours. You happily pull your joined hands up to your chest and settle back into him. You open your eyes and meet Lucas’s. His eyes gleam golden, and it’s from more than just the Christmas tree’s lights glowing through the doorway. He smiles down at you for a moment, before his gaze flicks back up to Jungwoo.

“I’ll see you next week. You can’t break tradition with our New Year’s Eve plans.” Lucas points at Jungwoo.

Jungwoo reaches up and grabs Lucas’s finger that’s pointed in his face, and says, “I won’t miss it.”

“Is this a boys-only event, or am I allowed?” You ask.

“You’re coming along, my sunshine.” Jungwoo kisses your cheek and drops his hold on Lucas’s finger. The werewolf immediately walks away, and before he disappears from the room, Jungwoo calls out, “See you next week, Lucas!” And you call out “Bye!”

The rest of the evening passes there on the sofa, making quiet conversation until a clearly drunk BamBam stumbles into the room, toting Minghao with him, and by all appearances they were planning to get up to some drunken spell-casting. That’s the point when you figure you should get up off the sofa to see what the rest of the supernatural beings you’ve surrounded yourself with are up to.

Stepping into the kitchen is somehow more chaotic now than it was hours ago when you arrived at the house. Because someone decided to bake, someone else decided to cook, and most of the room decided to eat. Jaemin ducks under Kun’s arm to sniff at the pot on the stove while Mark and Vernon (the wolf from the Seventeen pack) look over Ten’s shoulder as he pulls something out of the oven.

Ingredients are scattered around the kitchen, flour hangs in the air like a mist, and as you step into the room you realize that the games of earlier are continuing as a knife narrowly misses Jungwoo.

“Sorry!” Yuta laughs, slinging his arm around Yuto’s shoulders and shaking the younger man. “His aim’s a bit fucked, but we’re working on it!”

A cat sneaks through the room, twisting between legs until finally it stops and curls itself around Ten’s ankles. The lithe black cat looks up at him and meows once, but even with the din of the room, Ten hears the soft sound.

He closes the oven door, sets the timer and then stoops down to scratch the cat behind the ears and scoop it up into his arms. Jeno hovers at his shoulder, cooing at the cat until Ten tells him to stop because she doesn’t like it.

You watch Ten look across the room to meet Johnny’s eye, and the smile they share is sweet, yet almost conspiratorial. Ten lifts the cat up to bury his face in her fur, and maybe he whispered something to her because the cat leaps from his arms and sets off as if on a mission.

Somewhere in the house, a grandfather clock strikes midnight.

Ten snaps his fingers and half of the lights in the house extinguish. There’s a yelp from upstairs and a moment later Taeyong appears looking frazzled. Jaehyun follows soon after, smoothing his hair down and tugging at his shirt but nothing can hide the large bruise on his throat.

“Everyone!” Ten calls, drawing the attention his light trick didn’t attract. “It’s Christmas now, and there are presents to be handed out.”

“What if we don’t celebrate Christmas?” Haechan chimes in from the doorway.

“Then just shut up and enjoy your present.” Ten responds without looking at the younger boy. “First up is our Taeyong.”

Ten waves his hand and a box appears in front of Taeyong. Taeyong tears it open, and he’s barely exclaimed in surprised joy at the stock of games inside when Ten’s moving on to the next person. Each name he calls out, a gift appears in front of them, even the visiting pack receive gifts, and finally only you and Jungwoo remain.

Johnny still laughing from his gift which he refuses to pull out of the box and won’t let anyone see. (But everyone can kind of guess what type of gift it must be based off the wink Ten gave him as he opened it.) Ten’s smile fades from devious to a normal, relaxed smile when he finally turns his gaze to you and your boyfriend.

“This is my favorite present I’m giving tonight.” Ten’s voice drops to a calm, quiet level. “I’ve watched the two of you, in a totally non-creepy way. I know how difficult it is for a human or a witch or a werewolf to be with a vampire who can never step outside in daylight. Jungwoo, I know how greatly you wish you could be there for her, with her when she walks through the streets on a spring day. You’re a romantist, and I’m sure you’ve thought about seeing the cherry blossoms together, if only you could.

“So, here is my gift to the pair of you.” He crouches down, and the black cat streaks back into the room, and Ten pets her and murmurs something rhythmic under his breath that can only be a spell of some sort. The cat shivers and begins meowing, and it’s almost disturbing to see the way that the bright green color of the cat’s eyes are swallowed by the black of the pupil.

The room is silent when Ten stands up. He takes a ring off his finger, and holds it out to Jungwoo.

“I’m giving you sunlight. I’m giving you freedom, Jungwoo.” When Jungwoo hesitates, Ten steps forward and grabs Jungwoo’s hand, pressing the ring into his palm. “It’s spelled to protect you, to allow you to walk out in the daylight so you can be together, so you can take her to all of those places she’s been dragging me to since she can’t be with you.”

You’ve been holding your breath this whole time, but finally you let it out, and with it comes a burst of tears.

Before you get the chance to envelop Ten in a hug, Jungwoo beats you there. Even though Ten is smaller than him, Jungwoo hides his face in Ten’s shoulder and presses him close, his voice muffled as he gives his thanks many times over.

You throw yourself in on the hug as soon as Jungwoo begins to peel himself away, and you’re still hugging Ten when Johnny comes over. He puts his hand low on Ten’s back and laughs, “Why are you giving Jungwoo a ring before you put a ring on my hand? I knew you were secretly in love with him.” Ten laughs as well, but when he grabs Johnny’s hand, you notice him trace a circle around Johnny’s ring finger, like a silent promise.

When you turn and look at Jungwoo, he’s staring down at his hand, at the elegant black ring. “This is incredible, Ten.”

“It’s nothing,” Ten waves his words away. “I’ve offered John a ring like this before, but he claims he’s a night owl and doesn’t really miss the sun. And the two of you are a special circumstance. Like, it’s actually a really complex spell, but for the two of you, it’s worth it. I hope you enjoy the sun again, Jungwoo.”

Jungwoo reaches for your hand, lacing your fingers together with his, “I’ll definitely enjoy the sunlight. Let’s go.” He nods toward the front of the house. “I want to watch the sunrise with you.”

You say goodbye to everyone, wish them a Merry Christmas, and head for the front door to put your layers back on against the frigid cold.

You’re about to walk out the door, Jungwoo bouncing giddily beside you even though night still lays thick and dark over everything outside, but you find your way is blocked.

“Doyoung?” Jungwoo can’t wipe the smile off his face even as he gives the older vampire a look of confusion.

Wordlessly, Doyoung reaches for Jungwoo’s hand and lifts it to inspect the band of Ten’s gift. He twists and turns Jungwoo’s hand, looking at the ring from every angle, and finally he drops the hand and instead wraps his arms around Jungwoo in a tight, somewhat fatherly hug.

“Doyoung, what are you doing?” Jungwoo hugs him in return, but pulls back to look at the elder’s face. “Why’re you hugging me?”

He jerks Jungwoo back into his hug. “That ring is good. Really good. From what I can tell, Ten made it the best of any I’ve ever seen, so you’re free to walk in daylight as much as you want.”

Jungwoo makes a face at you, and you smile but hide it behind your scarf which you wrap around your neck and lower face quickly. Jungwoo laughs a little, “Doyoung, are you, like, afraid I’m going to leave now or something? I’m not going anywhere. You’ve been stuck with me for hundreds of years, you can’t get rid of me this easily.” He squeezes Doyoung tightly until he groans and pushes out of Jungwoo’s arms.

“And, by the way, uh,” Doyoung rubs the back of his head and glances between Jungwoo and you before he says, “I’m sorry I never told you that it was possible to walk in sunlight. Spelled objects like this are difficult to come by, and there aren’t too many witches who are skilled enough to make them properly. I never wanted to get your hopes up, so I thought it best to keep it to myself. I didn’t even know Ten was powerful enough to do the spell.”

Jungwoo slips around behind you, wrapping his arms around your waist, and you take his hand and hold it up so you too can inspect the ring.

He continues talking to Doyoung for a few moments, but you’re too busy tracing the fine lines over the surface of the ring, winding together—over and under each other in a complex pattern that you feel can almost spell out words—and coming together in a tight knot around a blue stone. It’s beautiful even if you didn’t know what magic it was endowed with.

You don’t notice Doyoung leaving, only Jungwoo spinning you around and guiding you out the door.

Jungwoo leads you across the city, up to the top of a building whose rooftop has been transformed into a greenspace, a park floating in the sky. Up there you’re above the rest of the city, a breeze licks at your hair, chilly against your cheeks,  it that gives you a good excuse to tuck into Jungwoo’s side as the pair of your settle down on a bench and look at the horizon.

As the edge of the navy sky fades into a pale peachy pink, Jungwoo’s hand tightens around yours, and you look up at him.

“Are you excited? Nervous?” You ask, and he looks down at you with something indecipherable in his eyes. “Scared?”

“What if it doesn’t work? What if the moment the sun’s rays reach us I’m fried? But also,” He takes a deep breath and let’s it sigh out of him again. “What if it does work? Then the world is completely open to me again. I’ll have all this freedom that hasn’t been possible for hundreds of years. It’s scary, knowing that there’s nothing anymore that can stop me from walking down a sunlit street with you, finally seeing you in broad daylight with the sun warm on your skin, bringing out new colors of you I haven’t yet discovered. I’m all of those things. Excited. Nervous. Scared. My future has been rewritten.”

You feel a shaky smile on your lips, warm tears rising to your eyes, and you rest your head on his shoulder. Maybe it’s silly to cry, but you feel so many emotions for Jungwoo right now. Love and excitement and pride and happiness and many other things that turn to tears and force their way out.

The sky grows lighter by degrees.

Navy to violet to peach and gold. Sapphire to lilac and blazing orange gilding the edges of clouds.

And then there she is. The sun. It peeks over the horizon, rising slowly, a molten ball of light breaking over the world.

You sit up and watch Jungwoo’s face, holding his hand in yours so tightly it hurts. You watch the light climb his body and reach his face, the warmth kissing his skin, and the sound he lets out breaks your heart and sweeps an enormous amount of love through your veins for this man sitting in front of you. His breath turns shaky and then he breaks altogether, tears leak from his eyes but he’s smiling, staring at the sun and all the colors of daybreak and then he looks at you and the aching smile on your lips, the sunlight warm on your skin as well.

“So beautiful.” Jungwoo laughs, his cheeks glittering with sunlit tears. “I can’t remember the last sunrise I saw, I’d almost forgotten.”

You tuck into his side again, curling up there on that bench that sits on top of the world. Later you’ll show him around the city, take him places that are closed by nightfall, but for now you’ll sit here with your boyfriend for his first sunrise in nearly three hundred years.

In the week between Christmas and the New Year, you don’t hardly spend a moment apart from Jungwoo. You finally bring him over to your apartment, introduce him to your roommates, beg him to spend the night when both of your roommates have to go out of town on some mysterious trip (although it doesn’t take much more than a Please and the slide of your hand over his thigh to get Jungwoo to stay). You spend a lot of time with the coven too, but now that Jungwoo can walk in daylight he wants to spend his days in the sun, although unfortunately it’s winter and many of the days are overcast, clouded over with thick gray clouds that unleash rain or snow or a combination of both.

Some days you and Jungwoo meet up with Ten or some of the wolves.

When Lucas found out about the ring on Jungwoo’s hand (thanks to the ring being all that the pack could talk about when they returned to the den that morning), he’d texted you and immediately came to where you and Jungwoo were.

Lucas was a constant third wheel to your party, but not like an unnecessary third wheel, more like the three of you were a tricycle, all three of you rolling along perfectly.

And New Year’s Eve was no different. You were meeting Jungwoo and Lucas at the Leaky Cauldron Pub, and it was a bit after seven when you arrived.

The pub was packed, and you were glad that the two guys had gotten there early enough to save a small table in the back corner, just big enough to sit the three of you if you squeezed in tight. Lucas was downing a beer when you walked in, and Jungwoo picked at an appetizer of nearly raw beef, but when you sat down they both straightened up.

“You’d think I’d be tired of the two of you by now.” You smile and sit down beside Jungwoo, slipping your coat and scarf off. “Happy New Year’s Eve. What’s our plan?”

“We’re doing it.” Lucas tips his beer to you. “Drinking our way into the new year.”

Jungwoo shakes his head. “That’s what Lucas is doing. Someone has to be responsible.”

“I won’t get drunk.” Lucas argues and waves at the bartender, signaling he would like another. Then to you he says, “It’s the worst part about being a wolf. My metabolism is too fast. I would have to chug an entire keg to feel properly buzzed, but that’s barely any fun. Jungwoo’s just a killjoy tonight.”

You slide your hand over Jungwoo’s and lean in to kiss him on the cheek. “Cheer up. We can watch the sunrise again. It’s not too late to catch a flight and be among the first people to see the new year’s sunrise.”

“That sounds amazing.” Jungwoo’s eyes go a bit unfocused, and you know he’s imagining it. “But maybe next year. We can go to Taeil’s island, make a big party out of it, and then you and I can ring in the new year on the beach.” He curls his arm around your shoulders and drags you in so he can press his lips into your hair.

Lucas crinkles his nose. “You’re not talking about fucking on the beach, are you? Right in front of me?”

Jungwoo’s head snaps toward the werewolf. You can’t see the look he’s giving him, but you can feel how tense Jungwoo is now. Your cheeks flush with heat because having beach sex with Jungwoo is exactly where your mind went to. Lucas breaks into a smile while he quickly buries in his new beer.

A silent conversation passes between them until finally Lucas pushes away from the table and moves over to the bar.

“What was that about?” You ask.

“Nothing. Lucas just says and thinks weird stuff sometimes. Nothing you need to worry about.” He kisses you again, as if that’s going to distract you from the weird vibe. Jungwoo pops a bloody piece of meat into his mouth, and you try to muffle the sound of your stomach growling, but it’s useless when your boyfriend (and half of the other people in the pub) have incredible hearing.

Just as he opens his mouth to say something about the rumble that was audible even to you, Lucas drops back down into his seat and slides a plate of several different types of appetizers across the table to you. “I’ll share so you don’t sound like you’ve got a pack of hungry wolves in your stomach.”  

The mood changes after that. Lucas drinks more, Jungwoo relaxes. It’s almost like nothing strange passed between them. The three of you laugh and drink and eat, and by ten o’clock the pub is even more packed than before. There’s barely room to move, and you, with your basic human hearing, can’t hardly follow anything that either Jungwoo or Lucas is saying.

“Can we get out of here?” You ask. Jungwoo nods, his gaze flicking over to Lucas who nods as well.

Jungwoo excuses himself to the pub’s only bathroom to clean blood off his face where it’s dripped from that raw meat he’s been snacking on. Lucas edges closer to you when Jungwoo squeezes his way through the place, and at first you can’t figure out why, but he keeps glancing over his shoulder, and when you follow his gaze you see two ancient warlocks, warped and grayed with age staring at you and licking their yellowed teeth.

You’re probably the only human in the pub, so you let Lucas sit as close to you as he can. He gives off waves of heat, and he smells like ginger and honey. Several minutes pass before either of you actually says anything.

“What’s taking Jungwoo so long?” Lucas asks, glancing toward the hall.

“I’ll go look for him.” You stand up, grab your coat, and sling your scarf around your throat. “You go pay.” Lucas nods, drains the last dregs of his beer, and walks to the bar to pay off the bill. The short hallway to the grimy bathroom is empty, and when you try the handle of the bathroom door, it opens easily to reveal an empty room.

And then you hear a scream.

Right across the hall from the bathroom is an exit door, and as you step back from the disgusting bathroom, you notice the door is cracked open, allowing in a biting breeze and a few flurries of snow. The edge of the door looks shredded, several lines of rended metal, the doorframe bent out of shape. Some familiar stench clouds the air, but you can’t quite place it. Then you hear ;oud, worried voices sound from outside the door, and you push it open, and step out into the winter night of the pub’s back alley.

A group of people are huddled around something at the mouth of the alley, and as you walk closer you see several things all at once: a dent in the brick wall as if something had been crushed into it, a body crumpled on the ground, red staining the fresh snow on the ground. You see a hand adorned with a now-familiar black ring.

“Jungwoo!” You cry and run forward, skidding a bit on the snow, but it doesn’t matter at all because you collapse beside him.

The crowd of people step away, only to press back in when you press your hand to his cheek. It’s difficult to tell how he is. You can’t check his pulse or his breathing since he has neither. The amount of blood is worrying, and when you drag back one of his eyelids, his pupils are blown wide, rimmed with a thin edge of red. Your hands flutter nervously over him, and that’s when you find the wound weeping blood beneath his coat.

You choke down a sob.

All around you the crowd are talking. You hear the word ‘ambulance’ and you hear ‘dead’ and you don’t want either of those words to be necessarily in the moment. You clutch him tighter, and that’s when you feel his fingers twitch against your own. He’s still alive, but if you had to guess, you would say that he’s only just barely alive.

Tears burn hot down your cheeks.

You know what he needs. As long as he’s still alive, he has the chance to heal completely. Jungwoo just needs to drink. You’ve seen this before, one time when he was playing around rather roughly with Yuta and a few knives plus a rather wild Yuta meant that Jungwoo was left covered in blood, looking rather faint. You’d panicked even then, and right now, in this alley, Jungwoo looked much worse off. That evening Jaehyun had been close by and a few minutes of drinking from the wolf had mended him perfectly. He just needed a drink. He needed...

A familiar voice suddenly breaks through the murmurs of the crowd.

Lucas is haloed against the streetlights, his face blurred through your tears. He takes one look first at you, and then his gaze falls on Jungwoo in your lap. All the color drains from his face, and he drops down on Jungwoo’s other side, taking his hand for a moment. You think his eyes glint gold.

“What happened to him?” His voice is hoarse, a low growl rolling out with his words.

“I don’t know I came out here and he was like this.” You wipe at your face, trying to banish the tears because crying won’t do anything right now.

Lucas lifts Jungwoo into his lap, into his arms, and he  looks around at the crowd. Then his eyes are back on you, piercing in the dark. “What the hell’s happened?”

“I have some suspicions, but I can’t tell you here. Take us somewhere safe. Take us to the den.” You press your hands to Lucas’s arms and dig your nails in. “Please, Lucas. Get us out of here, somewhere safe. He’s bleeding and he needs you, he needs a drink.”

Lucas stands up, cradling Jungwoo in his arms. “Follow me. Stick close so I don’t lose you.”

You twist your hand in the back of his shirt, winding so tightly that it looks like it might tear.

The crowd parts around Lucas as he carries Jungwoo away from that alley, and you stick so close that you almost feel like his shadow. Lucas is tense, on edge, glancing around at every shadow and sniffing the breeze that whips your hair around your face.

“Walk beside me.” He tells you after a moment, so you shift to be beside him, still clinging onto his shirt. There’s that comforting heat and the scent of ginger and honey again. “We’ll be there soon. Jungwoo, you’d better hold on for just five more minutes or else. I’ll force Ten to resurrect you so I can kill you myself if you die on us.”

You’re not sure, but when you glance over at your boyfriend’s head bouncing lightly on Lucas’s shoulder, you think you see a flicker of a smile attempting to make itself known on his lips.

You have no clue where you’re going, you just cling to Lucas and let him guide you along the streets of the city, leading you in deeper to the center where the buildings are packed tighter, where they grow up instead of out, and the sky is lit from underneath, pale violet due to all the lights and pollution.

He leads you into the lobby of a fancy building, walking right through the pristine glass doors, passed the doorman who nods in recognition and doesn’t seem to find anything strange about Lucas toting an unconscious man in his arms. He walks over to the elevator, and once you’re safely ensconced inside the astoundingly reflective copper walls, he presses the button marked ‘P’ with his elbow.

You stand in silence for the minute and a half it takes for the elevator to shudder to a stop. The doors open and Lucas steps out, dragging you along with his since your fingers are still nearly sewn into the fabric of his shirt.

An open floorplan, enormous apartment with a view of the city you’re sure must cost millions of dollars. Marble floors blend into wood and soft carpet. The kitchen is a glowing monstrosity of chrome and quartz. A screen covers an entire wall with several sofas and armchairs and beanbag chairs scattered around in front of it.

It’s all a lot cleaner than you would think a plus full of werewolves would be.

And Lucas passes it all by, breezing passed the kitchen and down a hallway, up a flight of stairs, down another hallway, and finally he pushes open a door at the end of the hallway.

This room reflects the modernistic beauty of the level below. Soft carpet floors, an enormous TV, an electric fireplace, a walk-in closet, en-suite bathroom, a wall of windows so clean you feel like you could walk clear out into the sky. And then there’s the enormous plush bed, the sheets all rumpled. But once you look at the bed, you can’t look away. And it’s not even just because that’s where Lucas carefully places Jungwoo.

There are shackles attached to the headboard, two more to the footboard. The wall above the headboard and even sections of the headboard itself are shredded with clawmarks and teeth marks, chunks of the headboard seem to be missing.

When you hear Lucas’s quiet voice, softly coaxing Jungwoo, you finally tear your gaze away from that devastation.

“Come on, Jungwoo. Drink.” Lucas says. He’s sitting up, holding Jungwoo up as well with your boyfriend’s face tucked into his neck. Lucas’s hand cups the back of Jungwoo’s head, urging his mouth against his throat. “Please, drink from me.”

Jungwoo doesn’t move, and you feel your heart stutter in your chest, as if it’s a moment away from stopping. If Jungwoo doesn’t drink, he won’t heal, he won’t have the nourishing blood he needs to survive.

With a growl, Lucas lifts his own wrist up to his mouth. You flinch at the sound of his teeth cutting into his flesh, cringe when you see blood splatter over his sheets, dripping from his mouth as he moves Jungwoo again and presses his wrist against Jungwoo’s lips.

One moment Jungwoo is limp, lifeless, and the next he’s clinging to Lucas’s wrist, drinking.

“Yes, just like that.” Lucas sighs, petting Jungwoo’s hair. He leans his head back and gazes up at the ceiling while Jungwoo continues drinking. Once again, you find that you can’t peel your eyes away. You haven’t really ever seen what Jungwoo looks like when he’s drinking from someone. Those times he’s drunk from you, you haven’t really been able to see much of him, but now… it’s mesmerizing although messy and violent.

Lucas’s eyes burn golden with pleasure, and you know the venom of Jungwoo’s fangs is coursing through Lucas’s veins. His eyes roll toward you and he smiles lazily.

Relief surges through you suddenly, a bit belated, and you feel everything hit you at once. You didn’t realize how cold you were until that moment. You shiver once and then again and then you can’t stop. You wonder if maybe it’s shock or if it’s just the cold, but either way, a hot shower sounds like exactly what you need, and Jungwoo is in good hands with Lucas, so you walk away.

The bathroom attached to Lucas’s bedroom is probably the size of your room at your apartment. A massive bathtub, a shower large enough to allow four people to shower at once, a double vanity, a fancy toilet you’re too embarrassed to admit you don’t know how to use, a urinal and a bidet. It’s all so fancy.

You strip and step into the shower, within seconds thick clouds of steam billow around you, soaking into your bones until the cold is a distant memory. You wash everything away, all your stress, your panic and worries, the feel of tears clinging to your cheeks. Some part of you wonders if this water is spelled water, if that’s why you feel so relaxed and reenergized afterward.

You’re scrubbed nice and clean, warm and calm. There’s a robe hanging on the back of the door, and you take it, tie it around you, and step back out into Lucas’s room. Jungwoo’s reclined in the bed, his eyes closed, but he looks much better. Where before he’d been as pale as ice, now a bit of pink tinges his skin.

“Feel better?” Lucas asks, and you spin around. He’s sitting on a small sofa in front of the windows, silhouetted against the city lights. “Jungwoo’s dozing. He’ll need more blood in a bit, but I didn’t want to give him too much too quick. Come over here.”

You do as he says, sitting down carefully beside him, and folding your legs under yourself. You can’t help but look around again, once more taking in the glamour of the apartment. Something of it must show on your face.

“Not quite what you were expecting?” Lucas laughs and cocks his head to the side.

You shrug. “It’s just every time all of you called it ‘the den’ I was picturing something underground. Not a penthouse. Certainly not this much luxury, all this glass and chrome and marble and stuff.”

Lucas smiles. “We’re lucky. Kun’s in a good profession, a celebrity chef among wolves. The rest of us all do pretty well too, so it’s easy to afford a place like this. We’re not all dusty mongrels like that other pack. Do you think they’re the ones that did this to him?” He turns and looks back at the bed, at Jungwoo’s shadowed form among the pillows and the blankets.

“I saw huge scratches on the exit door into the alley,” You tell him. “And there was a smell that I couldn’t quite place at first, but I think it was the smell of that one that cornered me the day I was with Ten. And on the alley wall, there was a section of the bricks that were crushed, almost like Jungwoo had been thrown into them. Plus, the wound in his side. I couldn’t see much, not with all those people around, but from what I could tell, I think it was a bite mark.”

A low growl breaks through Lucas’s bared teeth. “Those mutts need to be stopped. They need to be reminded that the coven is under our protection.” He rolls his neck on his shoulders and stands up, beginning to pace as if he can’t sit still with all of this agitation boiling under his skin.

“I don’t see what we can do, though.” You look up at him, following his unsettled movements.

Lucas makes another noise of anger, then tells you, “Stay here.”

As soon as he stalks out of the room, you move over to the bed, crawling close to Jungwoo.

His mouth is stained red with Lucas’s blood, a trail of it leads down his chin. His hair is a ruffled mess, and you attempt to smooth it down gently. You’re so careful with him, as if he’s breakable, as if he’s as fragile as you are rather than the tough centuries old monster that he is. You’re gentle as you peel his jacket from his side, and as you push up his sweatshirt and t-shirt he wears under his jacket. There’s a bloody mark still there on his side, perfectly in the shape of a bite from a large canine.

When you touch it, just a light brush of your fingers, the blood wipes away, revealing nearly perfect skin underneath except for a slightly raised pearly scar that fades even as you watch.

Jungwoo gasps and sits up.

“You’re awake.” You sigh, sitting back on your ankles. Again, hot tears burst into your eyes. “How do you feel?”

“Groggy.” Jungwoo blinks for a moment as if he’s adjusting to the amount of light (or lack thereof) in the room. “Thirsty. My whole body aches.”

His eyes focus on you, sliding from your eyes wet with tears to the wet strands of your hair to the plush robe you’ve got wrapped around you and the bare section of your chest that’s visible between the two side of the robe. He looks away.

“Where’s Lucas?”

You brush your hair back with your fingers and lean a little away from Jungwoo. You’ve never been afraid of him, not really, but you’ve also never seen him hungry like he is now. You can see it in the shade of red that his eyes are--so bright that they burn through the darkness as if lit from within--and that scares you only a little, only enough to make you cautious about keeping your distance.

“He just left a minute ago. He said to stay here.” You glance over at the doorway. “I think he was probably going to talk with the rest of the pack about teaching that other pack a lesson.”

Jungwoo sits up straighter and grimaces. “They definitely need to learn a lesson.” He glances over at you again, this time his gaze lands on your bare legs before he looks quickly away. “This isn’t the way I imagined the new year beginning.”

Beside the bed, a clock projects the time onto the wall. “We still have a little over an hour before next year,” You tell him. “Maybe we still have the chance to make it better. When Lucas comes back, you can drink some more from him. That’ll make you feel better.”

At the mention of Lucas, Jungwoo’s eyes narrow just a tiny bit and he looks back at your body wrapped tightly in the robe once again.

“Why are you wearing that?”

You fold your arms across your chest. “Would you rather that I was naked right now? I showered while you fed. I was shivering and the hot water did good for me, and when I got back out I wasn’t going to put those clothes back on, and there was this robe hanging there, so I put it on. Why?”

“I don’t like seeing you in Lucas’s clothes.” Jungwoo admits.

“Jealous?” You can’t help but smile and lean closer to Jungwoo. “You’re jealous of me wearing Lucas’s clothes? This robe is really warm, and it does smell like him. Lucas smells so good, like honey and ginger and maybe cinnamon as well.” You meet Jungwoo’s eyes as you lift the collar of the robe and tuck your nose against it. “So nice.”

“No.” Jungwoo growls, and then you’re on your back with Jungwoo hovering over you, his hands cage you in on either side of your head, and his eyes burn somehow more vibrantly than before. He repeats, “No.”

One of his hands falls to the belt of the robe, tugging it apart, and flinging the robe open in one move. You shiver at the touch of cold air on your bare skin, and Jungwoo groans as he sees your nipples harden from the cold and the arousal that curls in your belly now.

“You’re mine. He can’t have you.” He lowers his mouth to your chest, licking coolly over your chest, circling his tongue around your nipples. He pauses when he’s over your heart, and you feel your body flush with something not so far from panic, then he presses his lips there and pulls back, sitting up a bit more so now he can kiss your lips instead.

You moan as Jungwoo sucks your bottom lip into his mouth, and you push your fingers under the neckline of his shirt, digging your nails into his shoulders. One of his legs pushes up between yours, a knee right up against your pussy, separated only by a fold of the robe.

“Jungwoo, please.” You gasp, clutching at him and bucking your hips, trying to get the friction you so greatly desire.

He makes a noise and moves to kiss your cheek, stringing a line of kisses down your jaw.

“As much as I hate to interrupt, I think you might need to drink from me a bit more before you continue.” Lucas leans in the doorway, arms folded over his chest, his eyes raking down the shape of Jungwoo pressing your into the mattress. “And also, that’s my bed you’re about to fuck your girlfriend in. At least go do it in Kun’s bed instead. He always gets so flustered when he finds random cumstains on his sheets.” His eyes flit to yours and a devious smile is paired with the words, “Not that I know from experience.”

Jungwoo sits back, allowing you space to breathe again, and that’s when Lucas walks forward, eyes flicking between you and Jungwoo on the bed. You quickly jerk the robe closed again, but not before Lucas’s eyes zeroed in on your exposed chest.

“Lucas,” Jungwoo hisses. “How many times do I have to tell you--”

“This isn’t about her!” Lucas cuts Jungwoo off. His nostrils flare, eyes flashing gold, and he clenches his hands into fists.

“Of course it’s about her. You think you can lie to me now?” Jungwoo twists his hand in the sheets. “All your talk, and you’ve finally got what you want. Don’t think I haven’t seen the game you’ve planned out in your head.”

Something electric crackles through the room.

“What are you two talking about?” You ask, sitting up, trying to get between them a little bit. Hoping that if you can break their line of sight with each other they’ll back down because you don’t like the feeling in the room.

It works somewhat.

Jungwoo sighs heavily and turns to you. “Lucas asked about a threesome several weeks ago. He just suggested that maybe it would be interesting for the three of us to be in bed together. I told him no. And last week he brought it up again, and when I asked him why, he started talking about being able to smell the sex coming off of us after we came down from my room on Christmas Eve. He said he could smell it in the air, so sweet. I knew what he was talking about; the smell of your arousal. When I’m with you that’s all that I can smell and it drives me wild, particularly that night. He’s got a dog’s instincts, sunshine. Putting his nose where it doesn’t belong.”

Lucas bares his teeth and a low, rumbling, warning growl rolls from behind his teeth.

“He just wants you.” Jungwoo explains, and now he looks back at Lucas, holding his gaze. Red clashes against gold. “All he wants is to get between us so he can have you.”

Again, the electricity whips around, raising the hairs on your arms and the back of your neck.

“You’re wrong.”

“Like hell, I’m wrong.” The sheets in Jungwoo’s grip tear, the shredding sound apparently not registering to either of them.

“I never suggested the threesome because I wanted to split you and her apart.”

Something softens and breaks a little in Lucas’s eyes as he stares at Jungwoo, at the look of fury on his best friend’s face. You shrink back against the headboard.

Jungwoo spits out the question, “Why would you ask for the threesome if not because you wanted her?”

“It’s never been about her, you ancient moron.” Lucas growls.

His eyes bore into Jungwoo’s. Silence rings through the room for a full minute before Lucas breaks it again.

“Do you know how many wolves just casually let vampires feed from them? None. Zero. It’s true that other supernatural beings are the best food source for vampires, but do you remember who told you that? Me. Because it was fucking convenient. Because I’d seen it happening with Jaehyun. Because I looked at you and thought, oh.”

Suddenly, you feel mildly uncomfortable there in Lucas’s sheets, dressed in Lucas’s robe, listening to Lucas confessing to your boyfriend.

“I tried dropping hints before she came along, but you never understood. I offered my heart to you every time I opened my veins to your hunger, you thirst, Jungwoo.” Lucas sags down onto the bed. “I suggested a threesome because I thought that it would be my only chance to have you like that, to be as close to having you how I imagined. Not because of her. Because of you.”

Jungwoo falls back a bit, stunned.

“Not that you’re not super hot,” Lucas tells you. “You are. Like I would definitely love to be in bed with you too, but, priorities, you know.” He nodded toward Jungwoo with a loose smile. “You’re not mad are you?”

Slowly, you shake your head.

You could be mad. Maybe you should be mad. Lucas just told your boyfriend in front of you that he wants to have sex with him, that he’s kind of in love with him. That he’s been thinking about Jungwoo like this for a while. You could be mad, but you’re definitely not.

You’re too busy picturing it.

A spark of arousal takes life in your belly, licking against your insides until you’re fully aflame with lust thinking about it.

Jungwoo’s head jerks up, looking straight at you. Beside you, Lucas chuckles.

“Maybe you should’ve run the idea by her ages ago.” He laughs. “I think she quite likes it.”

It’s a little strange knowing that both of them can smell how turned on by the idea you are and also hear how quickly your heart beats when Jungwoo moves closer. Your mind is a blur of images: Jungwoo’s hands on your thighs bleeds into the image of Lucas’s hands spanning over your breasts, you imagine Jungwoo’s lips on Lucas’s throat, the look of their bodies together, the way you would look pressed between them.

You but your lip to hold in a moan, but it’s useless when your body is flushed with so much heat and desire.

“So what do you say?” Lucas asks, and you feel him shifting on the bed until his shoulder knocks lightly into yours. “A threesome, and I promise that I’m not planning to steal anyone away. I just want to know what it could be like.”

“I don’t know.” Jungwoo rubs a hand through his hair. “I don’t know if I could fuck you. You’re definitely not fucking me.” He points a finger at Lucas.

“We don’t have to do that. Not tonight.” Lucas reassures him. “I’m willing to follow whatever rules you set down, but I want to touch both of you, kiss both of you. That’s all I’m asking for. That, and I want you to drink from me again, but that’s honestly more for your own benefit than mine.”

Jungwoo looks your way, his eyes snag against yours, reading what you want. You want him and Lucas, although before this night you’ve never really looked at Lucas in this way.

“Alright. Okay, we’ll do this. Just tonight because it’s a one-off thing, for it?” You and Lucas both nod. Jungwoo scrapes his hands through his hair and sighs. “I’ll feed first before anything else. “

Lucas doesn’t give Jungwoo any time to reconsider. He drags his shirt over his head and then pulls Jungwoo close. Your boyfriend sucks in a breath, and laughs a bit as he turns toward you.

“He does smell nice.” Jungwoo whispers, but Lucas definitely hears, and he laughs, a loud clear sound that probably carries through the entire penthouse. Jungwoo makes a face. “Alright, come back here, stop laughing. It’s weird.”

He curls his fingers around the back of Lucas’s neck and drags him back in. You watch as his nose brushes over Lucas’s skin, as his lips follow that line, and then you know the moment he bites down on Lucas’s jugular because Lucas’s mouth drops open and an obscene moan spills out.

Jungwoo once told you he didn’t want you to see him feeding, particularly when he was feeding from Lucas. He’d told you it was a bloody, violent, messy affair and he’d thought it was scare you off. But now as you witness him curving toward Lucas, holding him close, intimate like lovers, you wonder if perhaps this is the real reason he never wanted you to see.

Lucas’s hands rest on Jungwoo’s waist, his shirt twisted between Lucas’s fingers. Each lap of Jungwoo’s tongue against the wolf’s through causes another moan, each time Jungwoo shifts to drink deeper Lucas clutches him tighter and moans that much louder and desperate.

And then you notice Lucas is hard.

A bulge presses against the front of his pants, and Jungwoo’s thigh rubs right against it.

Lucas’s sounds only stoke that fire of lust inside you. Seeing his head thrown back in pleasure while Jungwoo has his face buried against his throat  gives you hopes for what’s to come tonight.

You’re cautious to touch either Jungwoo or Lucas right now, not quite sure if your touch will break this fragile deal or what will happen.

So you wait, sitting on your hands until the moment you’re called into action.

Jungwoo pulls away, his mouth dripping blood still, and he holds Lucas’s head in both hands. “Clean me up.” Jungwoo commands.

Lucas all but whines and lunges forward, pushing his mouth against Jungwoo’s. You swear the temperature in the room rises when their mouths meet. Lucas kisses Jungwoo desperately, licking at his own blood on your boyfriend’s chin and cheeks, cleaning it from his lips and teeth and tongue. All the while he’s moaning and whimpering, make noises that indicate he might be much more of a sub than you expected.

Jungwoo pushes Lucas away, shoving him down into the pillows, and then he turns to you. “Come here.”

You slide into his arms, into his lap, and let him reel you into a kiss.

Jungwoo doesn’t play any games with you. He kisses you deeply and at the same moment plunges his hand between your legs and slides his fingers right inside of you. “You’re so wet,” He moans against your lips. “Dripping for us. Did it turn you on watching us like that?”

You nod and squeeze your eyes shut, basking in the pleasure as Jungwoo rubs his thumb against your clit and scissors his fingers inside you. You grip his shoulder and bite back your moan, although part of it still escapes you.

“Hush, angel.” Jungwoo kisses the corner of your mouth softly, a complete contradiction to the way that his fingers move inside you. “You don’t want the whole pack to hear you, do you?”

“Place is empty. Didn’t I mention that?” Lucas says breathlessly, shoving his pants off. “They all ran off to deal with our not-so-friendly neighbors. Be as loud as you like. They won’t be back for a while, if I know my pack.”

Jungwoo grins, “Well, in that case.” He hoists you suddenly higher into his lap, his fingers reaching new depths inside of you, and the sound you let out is louder than you’d anticipated.

So there you are, sitting in your boyfriend’s lap, getting finger-fucked into the new year, and when your eyes flutter open and you see Lucas kneeling there beside you, rubbing himself to the sight before him, you whine again, reaching out for him. “I can help you. If you want, if I’m allowed,” You throw a glance at Jungwoo, who nods. “I’ll help you, Lucas.”

“Yeah, fuck. That would be great.” He scrambles to his feet, swaying high over you as he comes to stand right beside your head.

Cautiously, you raise your hand to his cock.

Jungwoo’s got a decently sized cock, but Lucas is massive. He’s long and thick, and now that he’s so close to you, you feel a bit intimidated by his size. But then Jungwoo kisses your cheek, trails fiery kisses down your throat, and you hear him tell you, “Suck him off.”

So you do.

Both of them swear when you push to take Lucas’s cock down your throat. Jungwoo’s fingers curl inside you, Lucas’s hand drops to your hair. “So much for not wanting to share her.” He laughs, but the sound cuts off when you gag around his length.

“Careful, Lucas. It’s not too late. I could end this now.” Jungwoo threatens, but you can hear in his voice that he’s not going anywhere. You can tell that some part of him enjoys seeing you blowing his best friend right in front of his face. “Take him deeper,” He tells you then, his hand a light pressure on the back of your head.

You try your best, sinking down further on Lucas’s cock, but his girth makes that a bit difficult and you whine and attempt to pull back with a shake of your head.

“It’s alright,” Lucas combs his fingers through your hair. “It’s fine. She’s doing great. You’re really doing great. Your mouth feels so good and tight around me.”

You whine and push forward again, wanting to take more of him in with his encouragements.

“Careful.” Jungwoo’s hands push at your robe, and it slides from your shoulder, leaving you totally bare and exposed to both of their eyes, to the cool air of the room. Jungwoo dips his head and your feel his cool lips against your skin, his fingers buried in your pussy. Lucas’s cock stretches your lips, and as Jungwoo nips at one of your breasts, you almost choke on Lucas.

Lucas backs off quickly, sitting down on the bed, his hand immediately going to his cock.

You can feel slobber dripping down from your lips, and Jungwoo smiles at you as he wipes it away. “Pretty girl. Watch this.” His fingers slip from you, and he moves you smoothly off his lap, putting you in the perfect position to be able to see as he presses up against Lucas again. His fingers prod at Lucas’s lips, and Lucas happily opens his mouth to suck the flavor of you from your boyfriend’s fingers. His gaze shifts to you for a moment before he raises his gaze and hangs it on Jungwoo’s, sucking his fingers a bit like a blowjob, not breaking eye contact with Jungwoo.

Jungwoo watches Lucas’s lips, totally transfixed.

The second that his fingers slip from Lucas’s mouth, Jungwoo covers his lips with his own. Your fingers drift down to your pussy of their own accord, and you barely even realize you’re touching yourself until you moan loud enough to draw both Jungwoo and Lucas’s attention. Lucas’s eyes flare golden and Jungwoo just groans.

They both watch for a moment as you pump your fingers inside your pussy, your legs spread wide to give them a clear view. Lucas’s hands drift over Jungwoo, finding his waistband, and his hand disappears inside. You notice the way his eyes watch Jungwoo cautiously even as he closes his hand around Jungwoo’s cock.

Jungwoo hums in pleasure when Lucas starts stroking him, his hips bucking into the touch, but he doesn’t look away from your fingers. Lucas’s lips go to Jungwoo’s throat, kissing his throat slow and sensually, his hand moving slow inside your boyfriend’s pants. Jungwoo moves his hips, leans into Lucas, licks his lips watching you. His jaw flexes, and when he opens his mouth for a moment you see his fangs are fully out. The way he watches you is hungry.

“Fuck, this is too much.” He hisses. Finally he breaks his stare, and grabs Lucas’s head, dragging his mouth away from Jungwoo’s throat, instead tilting his head to the side so now Lucas’s throat is bared to Jungwoo. “I think I need more.”

“Yeah, please.” Lucas pants.

Jungwoo bites deep into Lucas’s throat again. Both of them moan, and you realize Lucas is still jerking Jungwoo off.

The whimper that spills from your lips can’t be helped.

Jungwoo’s head snaps up. He looks quickly between you and Lucas. “I have an idea. Come over here. Lucas, lay back.”

You pull your fingers out of your pussy and crawl over to the two of them. Jungwoo moves you so you’re straddling Lucas, and you feel the werewolf’s cock jump against your thigh, but Jungwoo doesn’t tell you to sit on Lucas’s cock or anything like that. Instead you feel Jungwoo’s fingers inside you for a moment before they’re gone, but quickly replaced by the girth of his cock.

Jungwoo presses fully into you, his chest flat against your back, and your chest in turn is against Lucas’s. “Just like this,” Jungwoo moans. He leans over your shoulder, and as he thrusts deep into you again, you hear the now-familiar sound of him biting Lucas. Jungwoo fucks you up against Lucas while he drinks from the wolf, and it’s a strange turn on.

After a moment Jungwoo pulls his mouth from Lucas’s throat and sits back so he’s kneeling behind you, better able to thrust into you, his hands on your hips. You push yourself a bit as well, and you stare down into Lucas’s big, pretty eyes.

He looks a bit dazed, and when you touch his throat, his eyes roll and he moans. You keep your hand there, fingers applying light pressure, and again you feel his cock jump.

“Both of you are so dirty.” Jungwoo says, and his hips smack roughly against yours, pushing you a bit off balance. Your hand presses more harshly into Lucas’s throat as you try to steady yourself, and the moan that tears out of him nearly pushes you right into an orgasm. Jungwoo reaches under you to flick his fingers over your clit at the same time as he says, “Both of you are blood whores.”

Your orgasm rips through you, electricity crackling under you skin, an explosion of pleasure swiping all the strength from your limbs.

You’re unaware of the exact moment when you collapsed onto Lucas, but then your cheek is against his heartbeat, your hand still curled against his throat, and Jungwoo’s fucking you faster. Your body tingles all over and you desperately want to hear Jungwoo call you that again. You try to push your body back up, you want to do something else that will make Jungwoo call you his blood whore because something about that feels simultaneously like degradation and a praise.

You try fucking yourself back on him, and that earns a deep moan from Jungwoo, but you’re still weak from your orgasm, and your head droops forward.

“I want to be inside her.” Lucas strokes the side of your face. You close your eyes and fall against him, barely able to support yourself. “We could be inside her together.”

Jungwoo swears quietly, and you feel his fingers on your chin, turning you to face him. “Do you want that? Can you take both of us?” His voice is gentle, touch soft, and then he brushes his lips against yours. So different from how he was just seconds ago. “Sunshine, do you want this?”

You nod.

Jungwoo slips his hands under you, lifting you up with your back pressed to his chest. You’re not sure why that orgasm wiped you out so much, but you feel like it’s all been taken out of you. You can barely hold yourself up, so Jungwoo keeps his arms wrapped around you as his hand moves down your body, dipping his fingers inside your pussy even while his cock is still deep inside you. His fingers scissor inside you, stretching you slowly so you’ll be able to fit both Jungwoo and Lucas inside you.

You reach for Lucas and he sits up, allows you to drag his mouth to yours. He kisses you like he’s starving for it.

“That’s enough of that.” Jungwoo says after another minute. His fingers pull out of you, and you feel them brush your face, and then Lucas is torn away from your lips. “Lay back again.”

Lucas does exactly as he’s told, and Jungwoo moves you forward then. He pulls out of you and directs you to straddle Lucas, to sit on his cock. Lucas makes a breathy noise when your hand wraps around his cock, and when you actually sit back on his erection, he moans, loud and deep. You’re glad that the den is all empty. He stretches your walls so delightfully, and for a moment you let yourself adjust to him, shift yourself, grinding against him.

Lucas bites his lip and watches you through hooded eyes, his hands go to your hips, and as wonderful as he feels, you still feel yourself looking back over your shoulder at Jungwoo. “Jungwoo, please. I need you too.” You moan.

Jungwoo flattens his hand against your back, pressing your forward.

The feel as he pushes into you beside Lucas is extraordinary, nothing you’ve ever felt before, having your pussy stretched by two cocks. Lucas grunts and groans, and you’re surprised when he actually starts whining, trying to thrust up into you as he feels the slide of Jungwoo’s cock against his inside the tightness of your heat.

You tuck your face into his throat, choosing to lick and suck hickeys around the place where Jungwoo bit him. Lucas moans and his arms wrap around you, and you whimper as Jungwoo finally bottoms out. Both of them are fully inside you, and you’ve never felt like this before. You feel somewhat like you could be ripped in two at any second, and yet you love that feeling. Ripples of pleasure are already beginning to pulsate through you.

“Please, move.” You beg.

And they do.

It takes a few moments for them to work out a pace, a pattern. There’s never a moment where you’re empty, always stuffed with at least one of their cocks, except for the lucky occasion where they’re both stretching you. Jungwoo keeps swearing, pulling your cheeks apart so he can get a better look at how you look with two cocks inside you.

And when Jungwoo collapses against you, rapidly thrusting into you, you hear the wet sound of him kissing Lucas again.

“Shit!” Lucas moans, and suddenly he jolts, pushing at both you and Jungwoo, his hands at your hips, shoving you away.

He pulls out just in time. You feel the warm spurt of his cum against your thigh, hear his moans rolling out from his chest, hear his breath shake. When you look down, he’s cumming all over his stomach, thick streaks of cum cover his belly, and still he’s cumming.

“Oh my god,” You moan, hardly able to look away. “So much cum, Lucas. What the fuck, that’s so much, so hot.”

Lucas bucks his hips up, closing his hand around his cock and jerking off while he cums. You watch, enraptured, as he doesn’t stop. Even Jungwoo has kind of stopped fucking you for a moment, just watching as Lucas orgasms beneath the pair of you, cumming more than you thought any one person could.

And then his eyes open and he sees the pair of you watching.

Jungwoo’s hips push forward, driving his cock into you, pushing you down against Lucas. Your hips are against his, and as Jungwoo thrusts into you, you’re moving against Lucas. His hand, the ridges of his knuckles, drag against your belly, and he begins making these absolutely pitiful moans. You can feel his cum smearing against your skin, can feel his cock still hard.

You groan and duck your head, capturing Lucas’s lips in a kiss. It’s sloppy, uncoordinated, as Jungwoo picks up the pace. He fucks into you hard enough that you feel like your hips and ass are going to be bruised tomorrow.

Lucas slides his tongue against yours, nips at your lips, growls when you whimper and reach out hands to steady yourself. Lucas’s cock rubs against your clit, and the combination of everything in that moment sends you reeling into your second orgasm.

You feel disgusting the moment your stomach lands in the puddle of Lucas’s cum, but your orgasm blurs the edges of everything and you feel a little bit numb, a bit high, as if you’re drifting and nothing is real, especially not your body. But you still feel the pleasure as Jungwoo continues fucking into you.

“Wait,” Lucas moans.

You feel Jungwoo pull out of you and then Lucas gently rolls you off of him. You open your eyes and witness Lucas reaching for Jungwoo’s cock, their lips together once more as he jerks Jungwoo off. Lucas’s kisses begin to drift more southern, down Jungwoo’s chest, his stomach, and finally he just sucks Jungwoo into his mouth.

Jungwoo touches Lucas’s hair, forcing Lucas all the way to the base of his cock. Lucas gags, but he takes it. His body is flushed with pleasure, and he sucks Jungwoo off happily. Your eyes drift closed, but you hear the moment Jungwoo cums, moaning and pouring praises on Lucas.

And then there’s a body against yours. You open your eyes.

Lucas is walking away toward his bathroom, Jungwoo is on his side, facing you.

“Are you alright?” He asks quietly, and he pushes some of your hair out of your face, sweeps his thumb over your cheekbone. “We weren’t too rough or anything, were we? Do you regret that?”

You shake your head and turn it to the side, placing a kiss to Jungwoo’s palm. “It was great. Did you like it?”

Jungwoo’s eyes shift toward the bathroom. “I think so.” His gaze cuts back to you. “I’m sorry.”

“What are you sorry for?” You scoot a little bit closer to him.

“I didn’t know Lucas felt like that about me. I’ve been a bit of a jealous prick these last few weeks, even if you didn’t notice.” He combs his fingers through your hair. “I’m sorry that all of this weird stuff is happening tonight.”

“It’s alright, Jungwoo. My life has been weird since the night I met you. Vampires, werewolves, witches, ghosts. My boyfriend’s best friend being in love with him? Not weird. My boyfriend, his best friend, and me engaging in a threesome? Not weird. Not really weird, anyway.”

A shift of weight on the mattress behind you alerts you to Lucas’s return. “I’m glad you feel that way. I’m the one who should be sorry, spilling all that stuff earlier. But I’m not sorry. Mostly because of what just happened. Here,” He holds out a damp cloth. “You need to be cleaned up.”

You roll onto your back and Lucas gently wipes at his cum that’s drying on your skin. Jungwoo keeps distractingly touching you while Lucas does this. Your boyfriend’s fingers trace circles lightly around your nipples. You feel his fangs briefly scrape against your shoulder, but these are simply affectionate touches, not anything meant to start up another round of sex.

Lucas takes the cloth back to the bathroom, and when he returns, slipping into bed behind you, he asks, “You’re staying tonight, aren’t you?”

Jungwoo nods. “We promised we’d spend New Year’s Eve with you, didn’t we?” He tilts his head toward the time projected on the wall. “We still have a few minutes left.”

The seconds tick by and you feel sleepiness tugging at your eyelids, brought on by all the stresses and pleasures of tonight.

“Happy New Year.” You sigh against his lips, slinging your leg over his hips. “That’s exactly the way I wanted the year to begin.”

Lucas hums a happy noise behind you and brushes his lips between your shoulder blades, his hand sneaking over your waist to splay his fingers over Jungwoo’s stomach. “Happy New Year.”

Jungwoo’s wish of happiness is a quiet murmur, lost as you finally let sleep take you over.

Sunlight burns through the room when you wake. Your body aches, your mouth feels dry, but you feel nice and warm with the sunlight spilling across the sheets.

At some point in the night, Lucas moved across the bed, now curled up on Jungwoo’s other side. He’s still deeply asleep, and Jungwoo looks as if he is as well, but when you shift, his eyes flash open.

“Doesn’t the sunlight feel amazing?” He asks, running a hand through the beams of light. The ring on his hand glints, and you grab his hand, pulling it down to your mouth so you can kiss that ring. His fingers stroke backwards over your skin. “I still think nothing feels better than you soaked in sunlight, so warm and beautiful.”

You smile and hold his hand against your face, lips brushing against his palm.

You stay like that for a while, enjoying the gentle heat of the morning sun, the quiet of Lucas’s room, the easy and relaxed mood.

But that all ends with the door to the room bursts open, and you startle, dropping Jungwoo’s hand. Lucas sits bolt upright. Kun stands in the doorway, and when his eyes land on the three of you, still naked, tangled in Lucas’s sheets, his face flushes.

There’s a set of three scratches stretching down his throat, a bruise on his forehead. You half-expect an explanation for that, but instead all Kun says is, “There’s breakfast in the kitchen.”

You hear him mutter an “oh my god” as he turns and walks away.

Both of the boys laugh a little, but you slip from bed and hurry over to the bathroom. You take care of several things--peeing, trying to tame your hair, dressing in your clothes from the night before which are still discarded on the floor.

Jungwoo is admiring the hickeys on Lucas’s throat when you come back out from the bathroom, both of them are dressed as well, and together you all head down to the kitchen.

The den is more crowded and noisy now than it was the night before. The whole pack is in the kitchen, fighting over the food Kun made, but when the three of you walk into the kitchen an awkward feeling passes through the room.

Finally, Jaehyun speaks up, “When you said you were staying behind while we all went and kicked the asses of those mutts out of our city so you could nurse Jungwoo back to health, we didn’t realize that you had a magic, healing dick.”

Lucas growls and playfully attacks Jaehyun. Several of the others jump in, and Jungwoo holds you back as the werewolves wrestle around the kitchen. They stop when Kun calls for order, and they pick their spots around the food again, filling their plates or just picking at the dishes. You sit on Jungwoo’s lap beside Lucas, and after that breakfast passes as it normally might when you’re dining with a pack of werewolves and your vampire boyfriend.

Pleasantly, as if there’s an eternity of mornings just like this one stretching out in front of you.

a/n: this has been a long time coming since the first part is exactly two months old. I’m not sure if there’s going to be a third part, because I feel like most things I wanted this to be about were all resolved in this part, but there is still one little thing I wanted to happen, so a third part might happen but no promises. Anyway, if you’ve read this entire monstrosity, I hope you enjoyed it. I would love feedback because it’s what makes me thrive, so please like/reblog/comment

[wheretheheckismyjello]

A CEO and His Secretary (Ch. 2)

A/N: Kagehina is my life and I will live and die on this ship.

PART 1 HERE: https://wheretheheckismyjello.tumblr.com/post/186600195334/a-ceo-and-his-secretary

______________________________________________________________

The last thing Tobio remembers is Hinata brazenly calling him an idiot. Before he knows it, he’s filled with rage, chasing after the orange streak down the hallway, and prying the elevator doors open.

The fear is evident in Hinata’s eyes as Tobio reaches out to grab the man’s hair. This probably breaks all protocols of professionalism, but he doesn’t care.

No one had ever called him an idiot before.

Oh, Tobio is sure people have called him an idiot--amongst a host of other names--behind his back. But never to his face. That this young upstart with the cute puppy face had snarled it so viciously shocked him more than if Hinata had stripped naked and started dancing in his office.

Without thinking, he squeezes Hinata’s head and thunders, “What the hell did you say to me, dumbass?”

With a sudden jerk, he is dragged down as Hinata bows deeply with Tobio’s hand still in his hair.

“I am so sorry, Kageyama-san-sama, sir, I wasn’t thinking!” Now that the rage has subsided somewhat, Tobio notices the young man is shaking.

DING!

Tobio quickly turns as the elevator doors open to reveal someone waiting to get on.

“T-tobio?” the person says, taking a couple of steps into the elevator. “What are you doing?”

Tobio recognizes his top agent, Sugawara Koushi, staring. Belatedly, he realizes how odd the scene must look: the CEO of their company, disheveled and breathing hard from exertion, pulling on the hair of a deeply apologetic man.

He pulls his hand away as if the fiery red hair had the heat of an actual fire and grimaces.

“Ah, nothing!” He steps out of the elevator, dragging Hinata along with him.

Feeling the pressure from his head release, Hinata raises his head to see a tall, gray-haired man staring at him with kind and curious eyes. Tobio notices the tell-tale heat of a blush creeping up Hinata’s neck.

“H-hello!” he says, bowing again.

“What’d this poor kid do to you, Tobio?” Koushi asks.

“This...this...dumbass,” Tobio spits out, “called me an idiot.”

He whirls around to glare at Hinata, who squeaks like a panicked mouse. Hinata immediately jumps behind Koushi, like a chick taking shelter under the wing of its mother. Tobio pinches the bridge of his nose. It is probably a good thing he had run into Koushi like this.

TOBU CEO COMMITS HOMICIDE would not have made a great headline in the morning.

“I already said I was sorry!” Hinata grumbled, peeking around the arm of his newfound bodyguard.

Tobio’s eye twitches in anger and he moves to grab Hinata.

“Now, now, Tobio!” Koushi says, stopping his arm. “I’m sure he had a good reason for calling you an idiot. Right, Akage-kun?” He smiles at the red-faced Hinata.

Tobio grits his jaw in anger. Isn’t Koushi his friend? Why is he jumping in to defend this shrimp?

“I do, I do!” Hinata exclaims. He points an accusing finger at Tobio. “This guy made me slave all morning without a single word of thanks and when I called him out on it, he thought I should be the one thanking him!”

“Ahh…” murmurs Koushi, steely gray eyes meeting Tobio’s blue ones. “Well doesn’t that sound like a reasonable explanation, Tobio?”

“Wh-what?” Tobio splutters, shaking with indignant fury. “It is absolutely not! He was being completely disrespectful!”

Koushi rubs his head in thought. “But weren’t you the one who was disrespectful by not thanking him for his hard work?”

Tobio opens his mouth in retort, but again the ding of the elevator interrupts him. A very worried Kiyoko steps out to see their tableau.

_______________________________________________________________

“Shouyo!” Kiyoko exclaims. “What--what happened? What did you do?”

She doesn’t need an explanation to know that Shouyo had done something reckless again and she was going to have to help him worm his way out of it again.

It’s been like that since their high school days, when she had been the manager of the volleyball team and had to physically force Shouyo to stop running laps or spiking drills and get rest before big games.

Not waiting for a response, she turns to bow to Kageyama.

“I am so sorry, Kageyama-san,” she says. “It is completely my fault for not training him more carefully. I will work hard to fix whatever mistakes he may have made.”

Hearing her plea, Shouyo’s defensiveness gives way for a pang of guilt.

Shit. He messed up. Kiyoko stuck her neck out to get him this job and it’s only halfway through his first day before she’s having to apologize for his stupidity.

He pushes his way forward and bows an even deeper bow.

“No, sir!” he says. “Shimizu-san did nothing wrong! It was--I was--”

Here he trails off, not sure how to placate the seething man before him. Ah, he supposes there’s nothing else to do but--

Kageyama starts at the loud smack of Shouyo’s forehead hitting the ground as he kneels in dogeza. “I am sorry for calling you an idiot, Kageyama-sama! Please forgive me!”

In the ensuing awkward silence, Kageyama clears his throat.

“Th-that’s enough,” he murmurs. “Get up.”

Shouyo refuses to move from his spot on the floor.

“Ne, Akage-kun.” The gray-haired man who had protected him earlier nudges him kindly and pulls him to his feet. “Tobio says it’s okay, so it’s okay.”

“Thank you, sir!” Shouyo says, rubbing the now reddened spot on his forehead. That’s probably going to leave a bruise. But, it’s not like he’s a stranger to those.

“Call me Sugawara,” the man says, extending a hand.

“Ah! Hinata.” Shouyo takes the man’s hand gratefully, too nervous to look him in the face.

“C’mon, Tobio,” Sugawara says, dragging Kageyama by his suit jacket. “I was on my way to get you for lunch, anyway, so let’s go.”

“Wait a second!” Kageyama protests, still glaring at Shouyo. “I have to--”

“Now, now,” Sugawara says with a firm and slightly intimidating tone. “You’ll probably feel better after you get some food in you. Later.”

And with that, they are off, leaving a very very relieved Shouyo and Kiyoko in their wake.

___________________________________________________________

Kiyoko gapes at him and if it weren’t for his near-death experience earlier, Shouyo would have found it funny: her mouth opening and closing wordlessly like a stunned fish.

“Y-you called our boss--no--our CEO an idiot?” she finally exclaims. “To his face?”

The two of them sit in the breakroom with their lunches turning cold as Shouyo recited what had occurred in Kageyama’s office.

“Yes,” Shouyo says, “I don’t know...he was so rude and it just slipped out.”

“You, Hinata Shouyo, are the one who is the idiot.”

“I know, I know,” Shouyo groans, putting his head in his hands. “Do you think he’s gonna fire me?”

Kiyoko finally picks up her chopsticks and takes a bite of rice.

“Hmm…” she ponders as she chews, “Hard to say. That seems like an overreaction. It’s not like you did anything to hurt the company.”

“Yeah, but you should have seen his face! It was all GRRRR and BLARGH and I’M GOING TO KILL YOU!”

“That’s just how he looks,” Kiyoko says. “But maybe get him an apology present and lay low for a while.”

“An apology present! Yes, that’s a great idea!” Shouyo taps his palm with a fist. “But...what should I get?”

Kiyoko shrugs. “Maybe a bottle of whiskey? He likes to drink Hibiki.”

Shouyo’s eyes widen in awe at his friend. “Waaah amazing, Kiyoko-sama! How do you know that?”

“Don’t call me that, dummy,” she says, a hint of a smile on her lips. “And it’s my job to know as his secretary. Something you’ll have to know also, amongst many other facts about Kageyama-san. First and foremost being that you do not call him an idiot.”

Shouyo hangs his head in shame. “Noted.”

He brightens up immediately, however, never one to dwell on the past for long.

“I should also get you a thank you present for helping me! And Sugawara-san for protecting me!”

He begins to cheer up as he brainstorms what sorts of gifts to get them, shoveling his lunch messily into his mouth.

____________________________________________________________

“Well I must say. That little Akage-kun has guts,” Koushi chuckles around a mouthful of salad.

“Who is Akage-kun?” Ryuunosuke asks, peering curiously at him.

Tobio spears his steak with venom, imagining a certain redhead’s defiant face in its place.

Koushi had dragged Tobio all the way to the café across the street to join their other friends, Tanaka Ryuunosuke and Nishinoya Yuu, both nurse practitioners at the hospital down the block.

The four of them had known each other since high school, brought together by volleyball and kept together by the affection that can only bloom between people who have suffered the lowest of lows (meals salted by their tears after a particularly heartrending loss) and the highest of highs (piling on top of each other in a screaming, sweaty mess after winning the championship game).

“Weeeelllll…” Koushi says, glancing at Tobio now hacking at his meat. “I don’t actually know. Is he an intern or something, Tobio?”

Tobio doesn’t answer, choosing instead to gnash on his steak with the force of a lion ripping the meat off its prey.

“Anyway, doesn’t matter, “Koushi says. “Apparently he’s someone who called Tobio an idiot today.”

He leans in with a smirk, “To his face.”

Ryuu and Yuu gasp in response, clutching dramatically at their chests.

“Someone called Tobio an idiot?!” Ryuu shouts.

“To his face?!” Yuu adds.

Tobio feels his right eye twitch furiously at the memory.

“Koushi…” he warns.

“So you need us to help bury the body or…?”

“There is no body!” Tobio snaps at Ryuu. “I didn’t do anything to him!”

“Didn’t do anything,” Koushi scoffs, “The poor thing looked frightened to death coming out of the elevator!”

“But why did he call you an idiot, Tobio?” Yuu asks after chomping down his sandwich it what seemed like two bites.

“I--I don’t know! Probably because he’s a dumbass!”

At this, Koushi snorts. Good thing he was around to correct the record. “Apparently, he made Akage-kun work his ass off all day without thanking him. And then when Akage-kun scolded him, he said Akage-kun should be saying thank you to him!”

He shakes his head. “Can you believe this guy?”

“Why should I thank him?” Tobio drops his fork, irritated at his friend’s lack of loyalty. “It’s his job to do what I say.”

“Oh, Tobio,” Yuu says.

“Tobio, Tobio, Tobio,” Ryuu echoes.

The two of them cross their arms and shake their heads in clear disapproval.

“What!”

“You haven’t changed at all have you,” Yuu responds.

“You may be the big boss,” Ryuu adds, “But your whole company is a team. You say ‘Nice receive’ when a teammate gets a good dig don’t you?”

Tobio jerks his head in agreement.

“So you should say ‘Good job’ to someone doing a good job,” Ryuu finishes triumphantly.

“Whoever Akage-kun is, he's right,” Yuu interjects. “You are an idiot.”

“Tch,” Tobio replies. Although now that he’s gotten some food in him, he can see that his friends have a point.

He hadn’t been particularly polite when Hinata was first introduced and he didn’t acknowledge any of the guy’s effort, which, he thinks to himself, had been exuberant with every assigned task.

“Well he could have communicated it like that instead of calling me an idiot,” he mumbles, still determined to come out the victim in this situation.

“That’s probably true. Although I get the feeling Akage-kun is just as hot-headed as you,” Koushi says.

He smacks Tobio on the back.  “Well, when you get back you should talk to him! Apologize. Communicate your feelings.”

Tobio blanches, dreading the thought. The idea of looking at that wide-eyed face grinning smugly as he says “Sorry” is almost enough to make him hurl his steak.

Maybe an earthquake will occur between now and his walk back to his office and the earth will swallow him up and he wouldn’t have to do anything.

"And," he thinks to himself, "I’d be dead, so that stupid dumbass would feel bad that he called me an idiot."

He has no such luck and soon, he’s finding himself going back up in the elevator that had very nearly been the scene of a murder.

______________________________________________________________

A/N: Yes, yes this fic is mostly about my undying love for Kagehina, but you didn’t think I’d leave out the rest of Karasuno, did you? Just like in the manga/anime, they will all get their chance to shine. Unless I give up on this story, which is likely to happen as I am very lazy.

PART 1 HERE: https://wheretheheckismyjello.tumblr.com/post/186600195334/a-ceo-and-his-secretary

[doux-ciel]

Personal Trainer CH. 8

A/N: Hey my angels!! Not gonna lie I’ve been binge watching t.v. shows on Netflix when I get home from work so that’s kind of why I haven’t been posting like I should be. But it has helped me like a lot with different stories ideas and possibilities in my writing, so I’m looking forward to that. Anyways here is the next chapter to The Personal Trainer, Enjoy ♥

Tagged: @erinisawriter @jess---writes @lefttowritee @fannistwrites @delphwrites @riftversus @requiemdelune @theouterdark @thewishingpages @youngdumbxlit @bzrtales @between--alleys @jadeswritinggarden @velvet-moss @viviscreams @seraphilth @writing-in-the-margins @blackandwhitesunsets @godxblooded @ghost-possum @sauwrites

*if you want to be tagged in my work let me know!*

It been about 2 weeks since I got that news that Henry is becoming the new department head, but my mind was somewhere else like on my match last weekend, which I won by the way. 4 rounds in I finally got my opponent, |Kiki “the monkey” Nicks: lost by KO|

I was dreading going back into work though. I didn't stop by the cafe this morning just because I couldn't stand seeing Jacob hurt and not doing anything about it, I barely get past the front desk when I hear Mr. Gerald yell. “Azalea you're late!!”

I pause, momentarily stomping my heel on the gray tiled floor, I look over at him. “Sorry I lost track of time I was at the gym”

He sighs, annoyance is clearly written on his face. “Breakfast is for eating not for working out…boxing comes second”

I start to walk away from him, sighing loudly. “Damn get off my balls…”

He speed walks over to me pointing his finger in my face. “Your testing me Azalea don't try something you can't start.”

Cameron walks past not even acknowledging my presence, I literally had to follow to her to her desk for her to finally look up at me. My eyebrows mush together confused as to why she is not speaking to me. “Hey”

Silence.

Her eyes look away from my face as she signs into her computer. I chuckle softly, “Damn who pissed in your cereal?”

Her eyes slowly shift up to me, “You bailed on our drinks”

My mouth forms an O, “The drinks!!”

She nods her head all dramatic like and she begins with sarcasm, “Yeah the drinks, I sat at that bar for 2 hours looking like a loser.”

I'm relieved to know it isn't anything serious, I shuffle over to her chair and fling my long arms around her. Laying my head on her shoulder an evident frown on my face. “I found out Henry got the promotion I had to let off some steam and I saw Fiona”

I could feel her body tense up once I mentioned Fiona, she starts to roll her shoulders backwards, trying her best to get me off. “Oh Fiona? So I'm guessing she's your new bestie now huh? Well that's nice you two get to spend so much time together.”

I squeeze her body firmly shaking her a little bit a joyous tone hidden in my voice, I didn't like my best friend not speaking to me over something so silly. “Forgive me please I'll buy lunch?”

“Depends are you actually going to show up?” She scoffs, a second later I hear laughter coming from her.

I start to smile as well. “You can't stay mad at me”

“Hey Belinda is Henry here?” I hear Mr. Gerald ask the receptionist, his normal hard and tight lipped face now has a look of concern.

Belinda shakes her head. “No”

“There's an entire board of directors in there and he's nowhere to be found!” He exclaimed, scratching the back of his neck causing it to turn a strawberry red color. I'm a bit concerned as well. I remove my arms from Cameron as we both walk over to the front desk to see what's going on.

“Have you checked his apartment?” Belinda asks.

Mr. Gerald sighs as he puts his fingers it a fist and bring his left hand up, he starts to hit the side of his head, bringing his hand back and forth. “His cellphone….his mother’s cell phone, I even called the guy who walks his dog; nothing”

For a second I thought I saw a smile appear on his face and it's rare that I see my boss smile. He brings his hand down and walks towards me, he places both hands on my shoulders. “Azalea… you can do the presentation for me, you know the report better than anybody.”

Is he serious? Now because his minion isn't here I'm the backup plan?....No no no no I'm no one's second choice. I bounce my leg up and down repeatedly and I can see Cameron right next to me, arms crossed having a scowl on her face. “Oh so now you need me?”

He starts to plead with me, I could tell he was desperate. “I was wrong ok, do you need an apology?...I'll scream it out the window if you want me to.”

“The promotion?” I asked, my eyes slanted towards the 5’9 plump male.

His expression turned sour for a moment but then it turned into a look of defeat. “I'll think about it; just please.”

He removes his hands from my shoulders, that’s when I hear my best friend chime in. “And a raise for me?”

Mr. Gerald turns to her, giving her a stern eye.

She starts to stomp like a young child, her plump lips form into a pout. “Damn I can't get anything”

I'm ready for this presentation but I totally forgot my folder at the desk,“Ok just let me go get a copy”. I start to walk away to go retrieve it when he stops me midway, holding a folder up in his hand he gives me another smile. “I've got one right here”

After he hands me the folder, we both quickly walk to the meeting room. Before he puts his hand on the doorknob, his eyes focus on mines.“I'm going to I introduce you to the board and then you can come in and blow them away...again thanks so much”

I give him a smile, “I got it.” Once he opens the door to step inside I could see the different faces inside sitting down in the tall white chairs that surround a large frosted glass table. Now I'm getting a bit nervous, my palms start to sweat and my stomach starts to turn. I place my hand on my abdomen breathing in and out slowly, taking a couple of breaths to just relax.

As I hear my name being presented on the other side of the door, I was about to place my hand on the door knob when I hear my cell phone ring.

I quickly grab the phone from inside my bra and place the phone up to my ear, not checking who was actually on the other line, but to my surprise it's Fiona.

Her usual bland voice was very hearty, cheerful almost. “Hey just called to wish you good luck today”

I take a moment to process what she just said to me, I didn't understand. I needed some clarification, I start to ask her. “What do you mean?”

She chuckles as if something is funny, “Well for your report thing” she says in a matter of fact tone.

Ok now I'm really confused. I start to walk away from the door, “How did you know?”

I don't know why but I sensed some strange in this next statement she said to me.  “I just have a feeling everything will work out the way it should”

“Wait how did you-”

She quickly speaks over me and starts going on about how she has this new workout plan for me and how it's going to be killer. She is Garrulous, just talking up a storm. But still in the back of mind I wanted to know what she mean by her previous statement about how things should workout. I try to say her name but she keeps on talking over me, after I hear her voice stop I quickly call out her name. “Fiona”

She quickly said she had to go and hung up the phone.

                        ¤ ¤ ¤

After the presentation as I promised Cameron and I were out for lunch my treat of course. Plus knowing her she will take whatever food you will offer her, I already know this bill is gonna be high because this girl can eat. Don't let the her tall and lanky frame fool you she can eat for days. As we were waiting in the front for an open table Cameron flings her arms around me, “Congratulations!!!”

I almost fall down, she is literally leaning on me, I playfully push her off laughing in the process. “Thanks”

I turn my head over to her as she speaks, she nudges my shoulder with a grin. “The office is buzzing, they say your presentation was the best they’ve ever had.”

A small smile came on my face as I brush my shoulders off. “I know, I'm amazing...Gerald should be on his knees begging for me to be the new department head”

“Yes he totally should” I see her eyes following a nearby waitress who is holding a Margherita pizza. I can practically see her drool almost falling out of her mouth, this hostess needs to hurry up before Cameron runs to the back and demands the cook to make her some food.

Finally after 5 more minutes of waiting and of Cameron complaining about how long they were taking, we sat down at a booth. Cameron immediately being paranoid didn't want to sit on the side that had her facing the crowd, she didn't like when people looked at her while she ate. Her anxiety got the best of her sometimes, so me being the good friend I switched with her. Once our menus were in our hand we waited for a waitress to come tend to us.

I skim the menu and my eye lands on the crab dip with Naan, I think I'm going to get that. As I place my menu back down on the table, I watch Cameron who is literally listing off the foods she wants. I stop her mid sentence when she said she wants steak.

“You know what? We should get some wine, excuse me!!” I flag down a waiter, a male who approaches us with an obvious fake smile on his face.

“Ma’am?”

I place my elbows on the table resting my chin on my now locked fingers. “Can we get some Pinot Grigio please?”

He nodded his head and said he’ll be back with our wine in a minute, I quietly thank him and stare off into the crowded restaurant full of people. I start to wonder again, about Henry.

I focus my attention back on Cameron. “It's just weird you know..Henry really wanted that position and then he didn't show up.”

Cameron shrugs, “Maybe he got cold feet”

“Wouldn't he have just called in sick?” I ask, my lips twisted. The waiter comes back with two glasses and pours us a generous amount of wine.

“Well it doesn't matter now..the job is yours you should be excited”

I know…” I trail off not able to finish my sentence.

Cameron sighs and takes a sip of her wine. “It's not like you did something to him.”

I hear my phone buzzing against my thigh, I pick the phone up from my lap and when I check to see who it is Cameron snatches the phone of my hand, her long nails barely graze my hand as she brings the phone up to her ear. “Who is this?”

I'm looking at Cameron for some verification on who just called my phone, I could see her demeanor change drastically. Her mouth formed a straight line as she was listening to whoever was on the other end, “Oh hi Fiona...yes it's Cameron her best friend...she’s out right now so if you could just stop riding my friends dick, that would be great. Oh and she won't be going to practice today goodbye” She pulled the phone away from her ear and proceeded to place it on the table.

I am seriously appalled by the way Cameron acted towards Fiona on the phone just now. I shake my head side to side quickly as I snatch my phone up from in front of me.

She rolls her eyes at me and drinks the rest of her wine. “What? That lady doesn't scare me..what's she gonna do? Make me run around the track after school”

[thethotwithoutfear]

Smoke Gets In Your Eyes

Chapter 3: Oh, What A Nite (mob!Bucky x Reader au)

Word Count: 2.599

Warnings: none other than language 

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Summary: The night of the reader and Bucky’s date doesn’t go so smoothly, but Bucky figures a few things out about her that leaves him wanting more…

“Will you stop that!?” shrieked Terry, watching as you practically wore a hole in the rug with your pacing. You stopped staring at the trio of black dresses laid out on the bed (boy you really needed to get some color in your wardrobe). Your hair was done, makeup courtesy of Terry, and you worried in nothing but your slip and underwear. For someone who wasn’t particularly looking forwards to this damn date you’d had a hell of a time picking what the hell to wear. Although you didn’t give a single fuck about looking good for Bucky, one of your personal little quirks was still caring about how you presented yourself should the opportunity present itself. It wasn’t so much vanity but the pride in being presentable, you figured you probably got it from your mother. Terry gave a little giggle at just how damn nervous you looked. “(y/n), you’ll look good in any of these. You’ll probably have Barnes on the floor the second he gets a look at you” she assured you.

“I don’t give a shit about what Barnes thinks! I just don’t want to look under or over dressed! He said we’d be going to dinner but not anywhere else. What if he makes me go to the damn Bamboo club like the rest of them?” you said while suppressing the urge to bite your freshly manicured nails. “Then wear the black cocktail dress you dolt,” Terry frustratedly sighed, getting up to pick up the dress in question, practically shoving it in your hands, “You can never go wrong with a little black dress. Plus this is one doesn’t look like you’re going to damn funeral!” You scoffed at that, you didn’t dress that bleakly did you?

“Fine, I guess it’s the safest choice.” you begrudgingly agreed, pulling it over your head, Terry helping you zip it. You looked in the mirror, appreciating that you did in fact look pretty good. The dress hugging you in all the right places, the sheer elements around the straps of the dress and neckline adding a nice touch of classy sensuality. You hadn’t kept track of the time with your worrying so when a loud knock came from the front door snapping you out of your self admiration, you practically jumped out of your skin with a “OH FUCK IS IT 7 ALREADY!?” You slipped on your shoes, put your earrings in, grabbed your clutch, and slipped on your evening coat at such an alarming speed Terry couldn’t help but give a laugh at how panicked you looked. You composed yourself with a deep breathe and opened the door expecting the smug bastard you hated with a fiery passion, but instead found Steve’s angel face looking down at you in your doorway. The surprise very evident on your face, he gave a little smile.

“Wow, you clean up great! So uh, Bucky is a little caught up in some stuff at…um work..” he explained before you could open your mouth, “He asked me to do him the big favor of picking you up. He’ll meet us later. Luckily my date Sharon lives not too far from here.” You gave a small nod, thanked him for the compliment, and turned back to say your goodbyes to Terry, following Steve down to his car. You couldn’t shake the bad feeling in your stomach as you got in to the backseat.

“Hi I’m Sharon” a soft voice said, breaking your worried concentration on the leather seating of Steve’s Cadillac. You looked up to see a girl about your age, as golden and angel faced as Steve looking ridiculously pretty in a powder blue dress. You gave her a kind but still jittery smile in return and stuck your hand out to her “Oh I’m sorry, how rude of me. I’m (y/n).” She shook your hand and with a little giggle turned to Steve, “She doesn’t seem half as scary as Bucky made her out to be.” You jerked your head back in surprise looking at Steve like he’d grown another head, he simply laughed ignoring the confusion on your face and instead simply said “Well ladies, we’re off.”  

—————————————

You ended up in what you knew as the swankiest goddamn steak house in all of Brooklyn for dinner. You couldn’t help but feel a lot out place in the confines of the red leather booth you sat in, completely dateless across Steve and Sharon who chatted endlessly and with little to no effort. You wrung your hands in your lap thinking about how pathetic you probably looked, the awkward third wheel to the unfairly beautiful couple. An hour had already passed and Bucky still hadn’t shown up. You managed to take a couple of bites of your food but the mess of emotions in the pit of your stomach made it impossible to enjoy your meal. Steve and Sharon kept giving you pitying smiles and inserting you in their conversation from time to time to ease your nerves, bless them. But you couldn’t help but feel like garbage.

Everything seemed too much; too much squeaking leather, too much smoke, too much chatter, too much…lonesomeness. Your mom had called it “feeling alone in a crowded room”, you hadn’t understood what she meant back then, you liked being alone but alone like this…nobody could possibly be ok with that, it felt humiliating. Maybe it was the wine you’d managed to sip through the night, or just your stubborn spirit but you suddenly felt the anger in the cocktail of your emotions overpower everything else. No, you weren’t going to cry or feel sad because of stupid fucking Bucky Barnes. That prick was the whole reason you were sitting here looking like a fucking fool. You gave a loud and fiery huff of breathe, one so potent with anger Steve and Sharon turned to look at you. Sharon instantly recognizing just why Steve had said Bucky found you a little scary. Steve looked scared himself as you practically stared daggers into him.

“Steve I know he’s your brother but Bucky is a fucking idiot and I need you to take me to him right now.” you said, you looked like flames would shoot out your eyes at any minute. “(y/n) I-I don’t think that’s such a good idea.” Steve managed to stutter out. “I don’t care Steve. I don’t. care. You’re taking me to him RIGHT. NOW.” you practically growled. “Steve I think you should do it.” came Sharon’s voice, an almost impressed look on her face. Goddamn she was so nice, maybe you’d get her number after this was all over, she’d make a great friend. “O-ok…but I’m taking Sharon home first ok? God he’s gonna kill me” Steve muttered. It made you huff out a laugh at the idea of the heir to the Rogers family being afraid of his second in command.

As promised Steve took Sharon home, she wished you luck before giving Steve a quick kiss goodnight. After that you found yourself driving into the night alone with Steve. It had gotten painfully quiet in the car so you broke it, “He better have a fucking great excuse for this shit.” Steve gave a small sigh “I’m sure he does. Look I get you’re mad but in our…line of business, some things just take precedent.” You looked at Steve like you were about ready to rip his head off before he broke your spell of fury by breaking hard and muttering an “Ah shit.” You looked ahead at where Steve’s gaze had fallen and sure enough there he was, the goddamn culprit responsible for the fury that had permeated every inch of your body. And you honestly didn’t think you could get any madder.

On the steps of what you assumed was probably one of the Rogers’ bars, surrounded by a group of other well dressed men laughing his stupid fucking head off was Bucky, a bottle of beer in hand and the other clutching his stomach. His tie was loose, a few buttons of his shirt undone, he looked absolute fucking peachy like he didn’t have a goddamn care in the world and you practically felt the flames of hell bursting from your stomach. And those flames compelled you to practically throw yourself out of Steve’s car, you could have probably made the ground shake with how hard you took each step towards Bucky, who now had his back to you.

He must’ve realized something was up from the look on the men’s faces as they caught sight of you, some amused, some confused, some even worried. He turned around to see what all the fuss was about, his blue eyes going wide as saucers at the sight of you. “BUCKY FUCKING BARNES, YOU GOT SOME FUCKING NERVE STANDING ME UP!! WHO THE HELL DO YOU THINK YOU ARE?! FRANKIE FUCKING VALLI?! SOME BIG SHOT!!??” you yelled. The men behind the two of you began to chuckle but those chuckles got caught in their throats the second you shot them a look that could probably set them all ablaze. “Look (y/n)-” he started, but you didn’t let him finish.

“YOU PESTERED ME LIKE A FUCKING SCHOOL BOY SO I’D GO ON THIS STUPID DATE AND YOU STAND MEE UP!? YOU MADE ME LOOK LIKE A GODDAMN CLOWN! DO I LOOK LIKE A FUCKING CLOWN TO YOU?!” you continued. “N-n-nO!” he stuttered. “THEN WHY WOULD YOU MAKE A JOKE OUT OF ME?!” you screamed, it took all the will power in the world not to cry. You weren’t going to give him that, you’d rather die.

“I-I got caught up, I must’ve lost track of time…WAIT, YOU DIDN’T EVEN WANT TO GO ON THE STUPID DATE!” he said but you weren’t having any of it. You gave him a bitter laugh. “Oh no. No. No. NO. Don’t give me that shit. It’s about the principle of the thing Bucky!! As annoying as you are I thought you’d at least be a man of principle!!” That seemed to cut him somewhere deep because his eyes instantly clouded with hurt. Good, he deserved it.

“…You’re right” he said.

You couldn’t help but jerk your head a little at his admittance. You expected him to fight you more on it, he seemed equally a spitfire as you. “What?” you said, more so out of shock than confusion. It suddenly got very quiet. Everyone seemed to be holding their breathes. Maybe because one of their biggest bosses was admitting to a strange woman that he was wrong about something. Maybe they’d never seen Bucky yield to a woman so easily. Whatever the reason, everyone seemed to be thinking about how downright bizarre a thing it was to witness. The sound of Steve shutting his car door however, broke the silence making everyone jump. Bucky seemed to be collecting his thoughts as to what to say next. Steve gave the men around you two a look as to tell them to crawl back in to the bar so you could have your moment, following along with them.

“I-I said you’re right…I could’ve called the restaurant, left a message. I shouldn’t have done that to you. I gave you a load of shit just to go out with me and it isn’t fair to treat you like this. I know I have no fucking right to ask you this but….can I make it up to you?” he said, his head hung down in what you hoped was shame. Your mouth couldn’t help but continue opening and closing at a loss for words. How the fuck were you supposed to respond to that? On one hand he’d disrespected and humiliated your integrity, you could practically hear your mother’s voice telling you to shoot him down.  But, on the other hand you felt his sincerity and a sudden electricity in the air between the two of you. It was buzzing around your head trying to coax you to give him another shot and for some odd reason…you let it.

“Ok.” was all you could muster the clarity to say. His head shot up again, a cautious smile grazing his lips. “Thank you.” he whispered. “You better not make me regret this again…” you couldn’t help but groan. He chuckled a little, one not too full of amusement as to not piss you off again. “I won’t I promise…Will you let me drive you back home?” he asked, his eyes looking a little glassy but light again. “How else am I supposed to get home at this hour you numb skull?” you replied. He gave you a bright smile, “Ok. I deserved that one.” You gave a tired huff and walked back to the car, leaving him looking a little stupid as he realized you weren’t waiting for him to go first.

Bucky’s POV

The drive back was quiet as he expected, but what struck him about it was that it wasn’t an uncomfortable kind of quiet. Even after she’d very clearly been upset with him and probably still was, he’d expected an awkward silence between them. Instead it felt like the air around them was still, peaceful as she looked out the window into the night. It struck him then that she really was different, he’d felt it the second he saw her in the record store window. He hated saying that to himself, of course all women are different but they were never different in the way he needed. He’d gone out with his fair share of girls but all of them shared one thing: they all seemed much too eager to please, eager to do what it took to get a piece of his money, his power, his status, but never a piece of him.

And here she was, not giving a single shit as to what he had to offer or who the hell he was. She probably figured out by now what he did, everyone in the damn borough knew who he was, what he had or what he could do. But she wasn’t impressed or even frightened by him. Instead she gave more of a shit about herself. It wasn’t selfishness, it was integrity, it was character, and assurance in who she was, what she wanted, and what she deserved. And for once in his life he felt himself on the other end, felt himself being the one so eager to please. He barely knew her but something in him wanted to win her over. And maybe that’s why she scared him…just a bit.

Because this one, this one wouldn’t be won with fancy dinners, sparkly things, cheap words, or pretty dresses. Deep down he knew it would mean cutting himself open and that was hard. Being the son of mafia boss meant being cold, being closed, wearing a mask of unshakable self possession; any trace of weaknesses meant your downfall, he’d learned that. But he’d noticed it: noticed those fleeting moments when you’d softened up to him and it made him so sick with want for more of it. It was only when he’d let his poker face drop, when he’d mentioned Rebecca, when he’d let you know he was a man of his word to ease your worry, when he’d admitted he was wrong for the first time in his life. But he was willing to continue to show you that no matter how hard it would be for him and what it might cost and that scared him…

…a lot.

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