#i have to be honest here the first three songs did not much for my inspiration

[in1-nutshell]

Maxima meeting Team Bee

SFW, Platonic, Cybertronian reader

RiD 2015

Maxima was not having a good time.

She had been searching for Bumblebee non-stop after he went radio silent for the past couple of weeks.

Maxima had been looking all around, asking for favors, and taking long hours to find him.

Until she got a vision from her late father.

Optimus Prime.

She thought she had finally joined him in the Well because she felt her spark pulsing out of her chassis.

He looked just how he had when… when…

His booming voice reached her audials like a nostalgic song.

Her own voice constricted in her throat.

Optimus tells her to go to Earth to help Bumblebee and his team.

A portal opened in front of her.

Without a second thought, Maxima ran in.

She lands straight into a scrapyard.

Maxima carefully looks around the place for any sign of hostilities.

She finds her first one in the form of a giant green Dinobot.

Grimlock had just come over to this corner of the scrapyard to find something Sideswipe mentioned.

Which now thinking about, sounded made up.

He did notice the mysterious bot in the corner though.

Grimlock and Maxima stared at each other for a bit.

“Ummm… can I help you?”--Grimlock

Maxima shakes her helm a bit and points at her Autobot badge.

“Friendly.”--Maxima

Grimlock relaxes a bit seeing that it was a friendlier bot.

“And actually I could use some help.”--Maxima

“Oh okay! What do you need help with?”--Grimlock

“I’m looking for a friend of mine. I was told I could find him here.”--Maxima

Grimlock scratches his helm a bit.

“I don’t know too much about finding bots. BUT Fix-it might know! C’mon! I’ll even introduce you to the team!”--Grimlock

Maxima smiles at the infectious grin on the Dinobot.

“Lead the way… what’s your name?”--Maxima

“Grimlock! And yours?”--Grimlock

“Maxima.”--Maxima

“That’s a nice name.”--Grimlock

“So is yours.”--Maxima

The two talk and walk to what looked like the main area.

There were three bots and an orange minibot on a ship console that was partially buried in the mountain.

The three bots immediately pulled out their weapons seeing Maxima with Grimlock.

“Hey! Hey! She’s a bot like us!”--Grimlock

“And how do you know she isn’t just lying?”--Strongarm

Maxima squints her optics a bit at Strongarm.

“Now why do you look familiar…”--Maxima

Drift steps forward.

“What is your reason for being here?”--Drift

“Grimlock was taking me to see a ‘Fix-it’.”--Maxima

“That’s me!”—Fix-it

Maxima looks over at the orange minibot.

“And why would you need to see Fix-it?”--Sideswipe

“She’s looking for a friend, right?”--Grimlock

“Yeah—Wait! Your Strongarm aren’t you?”--Maxima

“How do you know my name?”--Strongarm

“Team, we have a situation—”--Bumblebee

Everyone looks at Bumblebee.

Bee looks optics with Maxima.

“Maxima?”--Bumblebee

Maxima gives a smile while walking over to him.

“So, this is where you’ve been?”--Maxima

“Yeah—”--Bumblebee

Maxima slaps the back of his helm.

“Hey!”--Bumblebee

“That’s for leaving without letting me know.”--Maxima

Maxima pulls him in a denting hug.

“Thank the Primes you’re okay…”--Maxima

Bee, feeling a bit guilty, hugs back.

“…When did we get a new bot?”--Russel

“Sweet Solus Prime Bee! You already got found by humans again?!”—Maxima

Maxima makes a quick first impression with everyone on the team.

She makes it clear to Bee that she isn’t going to leave him high and dry.

Bumblebee is glad to have an extra pair of servos helping around.

She becomes his unofficial, official second in Command of the Team.

If he is being honest, he was a bit afraid of Maxima taking the reigns of the team and leading.

Maybe she would have a better chance at leading like her father.

“All I’m saying is that you could definitely lead the team.”--Bumblebee

“Yeah, if I must. I wouldn’t want your job, Bee.”--Maxima

“But you’re a natural leader, just like Optimus was.”—Bumblebee

Maxima pauses for a split second before turning back to her work.

“A natural leader? Yeah, that’s just called ‘Survive long enough for the original leader to come back.’ Bee, do you not think your team would riot if you gave me the command?”--Maxima

“Well…”--Bumblebee

Maxima gives him a stern look.

“You’re a good leader Bee—”--Maxima

“But I’m not Optimus!”--Bumblebee

Both look at each other in silence.

“Maxima… I didn’t mean--”--Bumblebee

“Bumblebee. No one wants you to be Optimus. Not Strongarm, not Sideswipe, not Drift, not Grimlock, and defiantly not me. We want you. You and all of your flaws, terrible jokes and racing stripes.”--Maxima

Bee looks down a bit.

Maxima pats his shoulders in reassurance.

“…I miss him too; I miss him so much Bee. But right now, I think he’d want me to talk some sense into you. So here it is. The leader who you are now, that’s what this team needs. I’ll step in when its needed and give advice, but I’m not going to lead your team, got that Bee?”--Maxima

“Yeah… Thanks for talking sense into my processor.”—Bumblebee

Maxima flicks his door wings a bit.

“Someone has to. Consider it my job to look after your bumbling behind.”—Maxima

Bumblebee swats one of Maxima’s tires.

“Hey!”--Bumblebee

It was quick work to get along with most of Team Bee.

Maxima, Strongarm and Sideswipe made regular sparing partners.

Who knew that a monster truck could have agility?

Not them apparently.

Sideswipe is a bit let down that he can’t patrol with Maxima due to her alt mode drawing too much attention.

But off-road patrols are the best ones yet.

Maxima lets him do stuff on patrol that Bumblebee doesn’t let him.

Strongarm respects Maxima for being a former team member of the legendary Team Prime.

Though there was a time where her respect was more on a ‘tolerance level’ than genuine respect.

Strongarm did think that Maxima was a little bit like Sideswipe but didn’t really vocalize it too much.

That was until Sideswipe tried to take advantage of Maxima’s lax and got in trouble.

Maxima was the first on the scene.

Maxima and the team looking at Grimlock stuck in a rock arch.

Bumblebee and Maxima turn back to Sideswipe with, both with arms crossed.

“Sideswipe. What you did was reckless and endangered not only yourself, but also Grimlock.”--Bumblebee

“It was not my fault that Grimlock fell in the rock! If he’d—”--Sideswipe

“Grimlock was your partner for patrol today, Sideswipe. You both are supposed to have each other’s backs, not just one. If we wanted solo patrols, we would have authorized that. You put yourself and Grimlock in danger when you started blaring the music too loud and got ambushed. Which brings us here.”--Maxima

Grimlock was stuck in his Dinobot mode and stuck on a rock arch.

“It could be worse. Anyways Grims fine, aren’t ya!”--Sideswipe

Grimlock groans a bit.

“Yeah I’m fine… when did we get another Drift… and Strongarm…”--Grimlock

Maxima looks at him unamused and turns to Strongarm.

“Strongarm, take Sideswipe back to the scrapyard, I got Grimlock. We’ll be taking the scenic route to get back before the sun comes up.”--Maxima

“What!?”--Sideswipe

“What?”--Strongarm

“You heard Maxima.”--Bumblebee

“Maxima, with all due respect, how are you going to get Grimlock out by yourself? Let alone get him back home in one piece?”--Strongarm

Maxima walks over to the arch and punches the rock at an angle.

The rock crumbles releasing Grimlock with a small thud.

Everyone was stunned by this.

“H-how—”--Drift

Maxima throws Grimlock over her shoulder like a sack of potatoes and starts the opposite path.

She stops momentarily and turns back slightly.

“You better have a good apology when you get back to the scrapyard Sideswipe because I can get pretty creative with enforcement when I want to.”

Maxima and Grimlock disappear from view.

“…”—Team Bee

Sideswipe looks at Bumblebee.

“Did you know she was that strong?”—Sideswipe

Bumblebee shrugs almost looking smug.

“She’s wrestled with Predacons bigger than Grimlock, Sideswipe. And she isn’t kidding about the ‘creative enforcements. Either.”--Bumblebee

Bumblebee transforms and drives out.

“That didn’t answer the question!”—Sideswipe

“Did he mention Predacons?”—Drift

“… Lets just get back home.”--Strongarm

 Strongarm defiantly looks at Maxima in a different light after that night.

She sees her as another mentor figure alongside Bumblebee.

Drift was a bit on edge with Maxima joining the team.

He did give the benefit of the doubt considering that Maxima was on Team Prime with Bumblebee during the war.

She couldn’t be bad if Bee tolerated her.

Drift truly began to open when his former master came back taunting him for his Decepticon past.

Maxima did not judge him or give him pity sympathy.

She earned some respect points from him that day.

The minis like to hang out with Maxima whenever they have a break.

She will come to the mini’s defense at any moment, something that he is grateful for.

Maxima shielding the mini’s with her frame from the Decepticon.

“Wrong move Con. Wrong move.”--Maxima

Maxima judo flips the Con and drop kicks him to Drift’s pedes knocked out.

“Where did you learn that kick?”--Drift

Maxima shrugged.

“Mulan.”--Maxima

“What’s Mulan.”--Drift

“…Russel! I have the perfect movie for tonight!”—Maxima

Grimlock liked Maxima from day 1.

She already seemed like a nice bot and boy was he right!

Of all the team, his favorite sparring partner was Maxima.

She could take in more hits and more time than most of the members of the team.

And did he mention how strong she was?

Sometimes Grimlock would start arm wrestling matches between the two of them on slower days in the scrapyard.

It was always fun to see how long each other would struggle to bring the other one down.

Bets have been made those days.

Bumblebee currently has the best luck in the betting pool for Maxima, which many don’t think its fair considering that he has known Maxima for longer, therefore, knows more about her than they do.

Drift and Sideswipe are tied at the bottom of the betting pool.

Grimlock also likes how Maxima refuses to hear the team treat him less.

That being said…

The team has learned that the duo sometimes cannot be left alone for too long.

“Hey, has anyone seen Maxima?”--Bumblebee

“Now that you’ve said it, I haven’t seen Grimlock either.”--Russel

“I’m sure they’re fine.”--Denny

BOOM!

Grimlock comes in running fast in.

“Coming through!”--Grimlock

Bumblebee quickly grabbed Denny and Russel and moved out of the Dinobot’s way.

“Grimlock!”--Bumblebee

“Sorry! Gotta catch this time!”--Grimlock

“Catch wh—”--Denny

Maxima comes descending from the sky.

Grimlock dives and manages to catch her in his arms.

“You finally caught me Grimmy!”--Maxima

Grimlock has a huge smile on his faceplate.

“Now its my turn!”--Grimlock

“Grimlock no!”—Bumblebee and Denny

“Grimlock yes!”—Maxima and Grimlock

Grimlock, with Maxima still in his arms, runs back the same way they came in.

Bumblebee sighs tiredly but lets out a soft smile.

“I’d just like to think what Optimus would say right now if he say her like this.”—Bumblebee

“Why Optimus exactly?”—Denny

“Oh yeah you two don’t know. Maxima is Optimus’s daughter.”—Bumblebee

“SHE’S WHAT!?”—Denny and Russel

[queensaba]

eurovision 2023 poster series [1/37] ● albania: albina & familja kelmendi, duje

[hysteria-things]

hello again !! i know you just posted my last request but i have another idea !

• SMUTTY PLSZ

• matt/chris x teacher!reader

So basically, chris/matt are in senior year or any year in college and he has a teacher(reader) who's quite young and closer to their age but is still older and knowing men, she's already very popular in their school y'know y'know?

ALSO if you're gonna make the other students be a big part of the story too or add more plot, pls don't make the girls of the school hate her. it just feels unrealistic since in our school, it's mostly the girls that simp for the hot female teacher lmao

This idea was based on their video "truth or eat" i think(i forget everything) where he was asked if he's ever had a crush on a teacher and he answered yes w no hesitation and also the song "Teacher's Pet" by Melanie Martinez but switched genders.

i just think the male being the teacher and the female being the student felt overused/overdone(?)

Only if you're comfortable w this idea tho !!

TEACHER'S PET (part one)

read part two here

𝐩𝐚𝐢𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠: dom!matt x teacher!reader

𝐬𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐲: matt asks for extra help after class (even though he knows exactly what he’s doing)

𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬: SMUTTY, swearing, making out, oral (male receiving), throat fucking, p in v, unprotected sex (nuh uh!), degradation, cheating (cheat on tests, not people), hair pulling, spanking, breeding, ROUGH

𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐝 𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭: 1,236

𝐚𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐫'𝐬 𝐧𝐨𝐭𝐞: shoutout any of you in college i dropped out after a month i give you guys so much credit that shit’s hard😔

for @skadltmf :)

matt and his college friends sit at the round table in the food court. they’re at the home stretch of senior year with the spring semester starting tomorrow.

“i got that hot professor for one of my morning classes.” one of his friends brags. “she’s so fine.”

“who?” matt asks, and the two sitting with him stare at him like he should know this.

“professor l/n.” the other one starts. “literally everybody is obsessed with her. she’s only twenty-five; three years older than us.”

“there’s no way she doesn’t let students fuck her to get a good grade.” they both laugh, but matt stays quiet. his friends are in their conversation about you while matt thinks to himself.

he has you for a class too but at 6 PM.

you stand at the front of the class, teaching like a normal teacher should. half of the class never pays attention, anyway, but you still have to do your job.

they may not know, but you listen. you listen to what they say about you, and to be honest it boosts your ego.

one student in particular actually pays attention and takes notes, like what he’s doing right now. you couldn’t help but stare at him from time to time, and he’ll already be staring at you when you do.

you’re grading papers on your desk as your students work independently for the last fifteen minutes of class. you feel a presence, and you look up to see him there, fiddling with his worksheet.

you smile at him. “hello, matt. do you need help with something?”

“kind of. will i be able to stay after class?”

your phone lights up, and he glances at the lock screen. it’s a photo of you, your husband, and your son. “of course you can.”

he nods, going back to his seat.

the last fifteen minutes went by in a breeze, and all of the students left. except for one, of course.

you stand up and go over to the whiteboard, grabbing a marker just in case you need to explain something. “so, matt. what is it that you needed help with?”

“this question,” he says, stepping closer to you and pointing at the paper. you look at it confused because he already answered it. flawlessly.

“matt.” you chuckle. “you’ve got the problem right and showed your work perfectly. are you sure that’s the right one?”

his cheeks flush as he grabs your face, kissing you passionately. you pull away from his hold, weirdly sad that you did.

this is a first. you know the rumors that go around saying that you fuck students for an A+ but it’s not true. hell, you’ll lose your job.

he doesn’t say anything. he just stares at you, and you stare back. what you did next was a completely new person.

you go back in, his tongue inserting your mouth and swirling inside. this is so fucking wrong, but it feels so… right?

whining into the kiss, you move your hands down to his belt to unbuckle it. he chuckles, pulling away and pushing your head so you get on your knees.

he takes off his undergarments, revealing his—

your eyes widen. oh, god.

his red tip slides against your lips before you open, pushing himself into your wet mouth. “fuck.” he whispers.

grabbing onto your hair, he guides your head up and down his cock. he groans, leaning over and rutting his hips further into your mouth. your gagging fills the empty classroom, and spit starts to spill from your mouth.

it clicks in your head what you’re doing. you have a husband and child at home, for christ’s sake. you place your hands on his thighs and try to push your head back, but his grip is far too strong.

he slowly pulls out to watch his dick move past your lips, and slams back in. “take it, sweetheart. just like that.”

you keep gagging around him, your eyes becoming glassy as your mascara starts to smudge.

your lashes flutter each time he thrusts to the back of your throat before he stops. “s-shit.” he whimpers, but he doesn’t want to cum just yet. he closes his eyes to ignore the throbbing, pulling out of your sweet mouth. you cough, your lips swollen.

“bend over for me, yeah?” he smirks when you scramble to your feet. he grabs your waist, pushing your back so your stomach lays flat on your desk.

he lifts your skirt, moving your soaked underwear to the side. he wraps a finger around them and lets go, the elastic snapping against your core. you yelp at the sudden pain.

“such a slut.” he groans, inserting his tip into your folds but staying still. “letting one of your students shove his dick down your throat.”

he moves his tip out, but then puts it back in, thrusting it in and out teasingly. “bet you were thinking about this the whole lecture. i saw the way you were looking at me.”

you pathetically whine and nod. then, he grabs your hair so the upper half of your body is lifted from the wood. your hips dig into the edge of the desk as he starts entering you.

the stretch hurts, but it feels too good. your eyes flutter back, but a hand landing on your ass gets you out of your trance. he chuckles, taking the hand that’s not on your head and covering your mouth with it. “don’t be too loud, baby. don’t want the people outside that door knowing what a whore you are for me.”

he slides in deeper, a moan leaving your lips that’s muffled by his hand. he starts rutting his hips, going faster when you fit around him. “m-matt.” you gasp.

“so fucking tight around my cock.” he breathes out. your pleasurable cries and squelching of your pussy fill the room, along with his thighs slapping against your ass.

he removes his hand from your mouth, honestly forgetting that there are probably people around. all he’s focused on is pounding the daylights out of you. his teacher, mind you.

you grip the desk for support, moaning louder than any other time when his tip starts brushing against your cervix. “holy— shit.” you hoarsely scream, squeezing your eyes shut.

he lets go of your hair, your head immediately falling between your shoulders. “i’m gonna cum!” you warn, whimpering when he moves more mercilessly. both your thoughts and guts are getting scrambled at once.

“i wonder how disappointed your husband will be if he saw you like this.” he grunts and thrusts a few more times before continuing. “clenching around my dick, so badly wanting my cum inside you.”

you moan at his words. he feels so fucking good. you hate to admit it, but this is the best sex you’ve had in years.

“want me to fuck my baby inside you, you filthy whore?”

“y-yes, please,” you whine, repeating yourself over and over again.

you cum around him at the same time he stops deep, spreading your legs wider to finish inside. you moan one last time before becoming a rag doll, the bruises forming on your hips from them banging against the desk.

he moves your underwear back over your freshly bred pussy, kissing your shoulder and neck before whispering into your ear. “i’ll let you know when i need help again, professor l/n.”

𝐭𝐚𝐠 𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐭!

@bunbunbl0gs @lexisecretaccx @thy-mission @angelic-sturniolos111 @sophssturn @mattsneezing @janiellasblog @blahbel668 @meg-sturniolo @hearts4chris @mattslolita @sturnbaby @imwetforyourmom @tillies33ssss @sturnifyed @mayhem-72 @ripmattitude @p1xieswrld @alorsxsturn @txssvx @sttzee @multiluvr @delilahprentiss @matthewsspecial @idkhowtosleep @sturniolho @suga-daddy-69 @tworosesblackthorn @luckistar-posts @gnxosblog

[harrysmimi]

Maybe If You're Lucky

Synopsis: One where Harry is smitten like a kitten

More of my work | Based on this ask

Harry had been so smitten lately. He thinks he might be in love even!

So it all started when he met this girl who was apparently new to town and was asking for directions to him, also apparently her google map was confusing her and she was joining her new job that day. He of course helped her out that day, never thinking that she would take the same route everyday to work from then.

One day he finally gathered up enough courage to to go approach her. Yes, he is more shy when he's not on the stage.

Turned out she did seemed to know who he was and what he did for living, in fact she said she was a One Direction fan at some point but, soon enough Taylor Swift took over her life, which is fair enough. Now she does listens to few of his solo songs, his debute solo album is her most favourite she told him.

Now he got to know she moved to London for her new job as the assistant manager at the headquarters of her firm. It was a big day for her, which Harry gladly saved.

Now he's got himself a date with her!

Her nervously got ready, in just a simple black dress shirt, with a pair of pants, he had let his hair be messy. He quickly put on a nice pair of dress shoes and threw on a coat before he was out of the door. He drove directly to the restaurant where they were supposed to meet up. He only had to wait exactly two minutes before his date was jogging upto the restaurant.

Her bag thrown over her shoulder, a beanie on her head and glove covered hands. She was trying to walk as quickly as she can, huffing put of breath. Harry decided to walk upto her even though he have to walk back towards the restaurant.

"Hey," he greeted her with a big smile.

"Hi," he huffed, and slowed down her her pace. "Sorry, I am really not used to walking."

"That's alright, let's fo in and get you some water first." He grabbed a gentle hold of her hand, he knew she was at work. She had some extra work so she was working on Saturday. That's why their lunch date became a dinner date. Just as they were about to get into the restaurant, YN gasped.

"I swear I was on the same bus, why did I got down like 10 minutes away!" She groaned in frustration, earning a giggle from Harry.

"You'll learn, come on now." He urged her inside, it was warmer and she needs water. They finally sat down and waiter served them some water. "I'll take it your day at work was good then?"

"Oh yeah!" She nodded taking a big sip of her water, "I thought I'd enjoy it more here, meeting new people and all, it's someone as worse as back home. Sorry I am complaining. How was your day?"

"No you're not!" He defended, "my day was pretty good, very productive day." She smiled in reply on hearing about his day.

Soon they ordered their food, and hot know more about one another. Just the mandatory first date things, he got to know few little things and that was pretty much it. Harry could see she was getting overwhelmed. Of course, she has been working all day and she is most definitely tired.

"Come on I'll drop you to your place." Harry suggested as he helped her put on her coat.

"Oh you don't have to really, I can take the bus." She said politely, "thanks though."

"You sure? It's quite late." He pointed out. To be honest he did not wanted the night with her to come to an end. He really did enjoyed the time spent with her. "I insist."

"Okay, thank you." She accepted his offer. Harry so kindly got the door her like a gentleman he is. He drove her to her place, it was a safe neighborhood in a complex. He stopped just right by her building and got out with her. "I had a good evening with you, Harry, thank you for being such a gentleman."

"Thank you for giving me your time," he blushed, "hope we could do this again sometime?"

"Yeah." She beamed a rather contained smile.

There was going to be a second date!

......................................................................

It's been three months, the second date happened.

It was a picnic. She brought some delicious home cooked food which reminded her of home. But it's been a good month and half since they both saw one another. Harry had to be in New York for work.

Harry was dying to see her again, hug her again. He was invited over to hers for lunch when he gets back to London.

YN on the other hand was trying her best to get accustomed to the new country and people around her, Harry definitely helped alot and she made a few friends. Her neighbour, Nina was definitely one those people for her who introduced her to her friends. Her weekends were hardly ever spent at home since. Harry said he looked forward to seeing hearing about her weekends on Monday when they have a nice little call during her lunch break.

YN adjusting to her work was really nothing out of blue, she definitely did got the promotion a couple of months before she got to know they needed her at the headquarters. She was used to the work load and pressure. And her colleagues seemed have not to like her much as someone superior at work.

Well, her dad is the CMO at the branch back home, she had joined at junior executive at the age of 18 and made her way up. Did her dad being CMO helped her growth? You can say that. And she is clearly aware of that fact. But her own superiors did not gave a crap about her dad being CMO at the headquarters or at the branch back home, and she worked hard to be where she is. She gave ten years of her life to the company.

And with her sharing these tid bits with her parents had them have a surprise visit to her place. It ruined her plan with Harry. She haven't told her parents about him yet, though they had a idea there was a boy involved. She doesn't even have the heart to tell Harry the truth.

She was at work and her parents and brother were out that dah exploring the city on a Monday. Harry had went in to visit YN. He looked all cosy and snuggly in his winter clothes and a visitors pass hanging around his neck. He'd brought in lunch for YN.

"Hey!" He greeted her the first thing with a hug as she approached him in the waiting area.

"Hi," she hugged him back, "you look handsome!"

"Thanks, love." He smiled shyly, "you look pretty." He tucked loose strands of her hair behind her ear and fixed the fringes she impulsively got last weekend. No she wasn't drunk.

"Thank you." She had a hold her his arm as if she is nervous to tell him something. It was like when she her parents found out that she snuck a kitten in her school back pack on her way home a day after she did pretty badly on a test. "I have to tell you something."

"Yeah, you want to tell me over the lunch?" He suggested, "it's getting cold."

"Oh, yeah, yeah." She realised he was holding a paper bag with take out food containers. She showed him the way to cafeteria and they both sat down at the table farthest away in the corner.

"What is it you wanted to tell me?" He brought up the topic.

"So, my parents are here." She started but paused for his reaction. He isn't really surprised, he really didn't know how to react.

"And...?" He asked.

"I am sorry we'll have to postpone the lunch, they're staying for two weeks." She shared.

"That's fine, love," he shrugged it off, "don't worry about it."

"I haven't told them about you and I, yet..."

"That's completely fine too." This took YN by surprise. But he's told his entire family about her, he had told his mother about her even though they haven't even made it official yet. Hell, they've only been on two dates.

It's a different story that Harry is completely head over heels for her already, that he ended up telling his mum about her and hence his sister and dad and step mother too. She doesn't have to do the same.

"I don't know what to tell them." She shrugged, "the last time I told them I am seeing this guy in junior college, they grounded me!" She let out a chuckled sigh, feeling embarrassed. And here too, it's a different story she was being delusional just to late find out that boy already was double dating two other girls. So her grounding was to really ground her.

"Hey," Harry switched seats to sit next to her. "It's alright, I know we haven't made things official yet but we haven't had the chance to have that conversation yet."

"Do you want to make it official?" She asked carefully, looking at him through her lashes. "It's been pretty official to me."

"I'd love nothing more than that!" He grinned a toothy smile as he placed a kiss on the apple of her cheek. She held up her pinky, he hooked his own around hers. "But do take your time to tell your parents about me and us, there is no rush."

"You're just too perfect, stop!" She hugged his arm making him giggle. She was honestly too nervous about telling him that her parents do jot have any idea about him, but no more than telling the people who birthed her that she is dating a white man. A British white man to be exact!

"I try." He giggled.

They had a good time during her lunch break. YN went back home that evening and decided to tell her parents while she prepared for dinner with her dad. Well, surprisingly her dad was the easiest to handle, he doesn't get angry easily. Her mother on the other hand, she is a tough time. So she decided to tell her dad who will later handle his wife in his own way, he can take all her wrath for his only daughter.

"Well, I knew." Her dad told her, "Jerin told me that there was a lad visiting you today on lunch." He emphasised on the word 'lad' making her chuckle. "Why don't you invite him over for dinner this weekend? Of course, if he is ready."

"You sure?" She asked cautiously.

"Yeah. I'll tell you mother later on." He assured her.

......................................................................

It was Saturday, and least to say YN's mother was just dealing with it. Given the fact her daughter is dating a British guy. She did not approved that. She would rather her daughter marry an Indian guy from a well sophisticated family. But she was willing to put up with this dinner for YN.

Harry on the other hand was lowkey panicking. He had been ranting about this to his therapist for entire week. His nerves were all time high, though he was pretty good at hiding it. He had picked out a pretty semi formal outfit for the evening, a baby blue dress shirt, and black dress pants, with a pair or his faux leather shoes, he chose to wear just few of his rings leaving out his initials rings. He didn't wanted to seem narcissistic on the first meeting with his girlfriend's parents.

He picked up a bouquet of flowers for the mother of his lady, and a rose for her. When he finally got upto her flat, he could hear the laughs and commotion coming from inside of the house. It definitely did calmed his nerves down a bit. Her family seemed a little inviting already, even though he is just a door away from them. He rung the bell, and a few seconds later a young man opened the door.

"You must be Harry?" He said, "I am Veer, YN's brother. Come on in!" He moved aside so Harry can get in. "Please take off your shoes, YN just cleaned her entire flat today."

"Oh, okay." He nodded. And just as they entered the living room, he saw YN on standing on the edge of the backrest of her sofa which was pushed against the wall, hanging up pictures frames. She clearly looked a bit frustrated, her eye bags gave it away. She still looked gorgeous, dressed in an oversized beige jumper and a pair of loose fit jeans and her Cars socks. Her hair tied up with a claw clip on the back of her head. She had just one of the picture hug up before Harry caught her eye and she turned red in embarrassment. There was still a pile of frames stacked up on the coffee table.

Her flat was pretty small for four people to live in, but perfectly too bit for one person. Given all he knows her family is staying with her at her place. The living room was small and cosy, and door which lead to the bedroom. A kitchen which he missed by the hallway. It was all cute, and interior reflected YN's personality in it.

YN quickly got down from the sofa and approached him. "I am sorry about that."

"It's alright, love." He told her calmly.

"This is my mother, Harry. And Mumma this is Harry." YN introduced both of them. Harry went to approach her mother carefully and have her the bouquet of flowers.

"Nice to meet you, Mrs. YLN."

"Thank you for these Harry, and like wise." The lady smiled. Which took YN by surprise. "And this is Veer, YN's brother."

"Yeah, we met at the door." Veer said, "go on, why don't tou meet dad he's in the kitchen."

"Oh, yes!" YN grabbed Harry's hand and dragged him back towards the hallway he just came in from and to the kitchen.

There the man was, a look alike of his girlfriend. Gray hair and beard kept clean and nice, a pink appron wrapped around his waist as he cooked up some amazing food.

"Papa, meet Harry!" YN announced, "Harry this is my dad."

"Hello sir, nice to meet you!" Harry smiled shyly as he approached with a handshake, but YN's dad surprised him with a hug.

"Nice to meet you too Harry." YN's dad said patting his back. "So Harry, do you like to cook?"

"I am not very well at cooking I'm afraid, but I can cook some pasta dishes." He shared, "this smells very fragrant, I should say!"

"Papa is the best cook ever," YN started, "his best dish is the Chicken Pulao he makes, since you're vegetarian he's just making veg today."

"That's very considerate, thank you!" He again smiled shyly.

"You kids go out and have fun, food is almost ready." YN's dad suggested, "we'll have a chat over dinner."

"Sure, you want any help?" YN asked to which her dad declined. She took a hold of Harry's hand and walked him out.

"Harry you want to see YN's baby pictures?" Veer announced.

"Oh god!" YN groaned rolling her eyes as she followed Harry to the sofa, he quietly handed her the rose he got her.

He sat down as Veer shared back stories of each of YN's baby pictures. He got to know YN is the youngest, she's got yet another older brother is stuck at work unfortunately. There was a family picture frame where YN seemed to be around 22-23, she had worn a gorgeous black sparkly saree with a slick back bun and a bold burgundy lip. Oh how Harry was smitten again!

Another picture from the same day with both of her brothers. And a few other pictures pf her with her niece and baby nephew. The reason behind all these pictures was her mother who didn't wanted her daughter to feel alone all the way in another continent. Which is very sweet in Harry's opinion. It's a rather good option to stay grounded when you can see pictures of people who you love and who love you everyday.

Soon the dinner was ready and least to say, Harry felt very welcomed in her family. He felt all his worries melt away the more he got to know her parents. Yeah, her mum is a little tough but she is like a marshmallow inside who loves her daughter dearly.

Harry also noticed YN had the tose he got her tucked over her right ear nicely. She looked adorable that way.

Again he did not wanted the night to come to an end but he had to leave, he's got to go studio the very next morning. YN walked him back to his car.

"It was fun meeting your parents, your dad is amazing!" Harry shared.

"Seems he already likes you, more than me might I add." YN giggled.

"What about your mum, she did not seemed much impressed by me, did I do something wrong?"

"Don't worry about her, she'll come around." YN assured him. "I don't want you to go though!"

"Trust me baby, I don't want to leave either." Harry sighed as he leaned back on his car reaching out to pull her closer with his hands on her hips. "We'll spend the next weekend together, yeah?"

"Yup!" She nodded, "thank you for the flower, it's very pretty!"

"You make it look prettier." He swears he's falling in with this girl every passing micro second, he's just too nervous confess just yet. His compliment made her blush though, "anyway, will I be able to see you in a saree in person?"

She squinted her eyes as if she is thinking hard. "Maybe if you're lucky. One day, yeah."

"Oh if I am lucky?" He raised his eyebrows acting surprised, "aren't I lucky now? Have got you in my arms."

YN's awkward senses kicked in as her nose scrunched up to mock him, "you are lucky, yeah!"

Harry let put a defeated sigh, "I don't want to leave."

"You have got an album to make." YN pouted sadly looking at him with puppy eyes behind her glasses. "I have be up early tomorrow as well, apparently my dad's got a surprise which requires getting up early."

"Well do share with me what the surprise is." He said to which she nodded, they stayed in silence for a couple of minutes before he impulsively asked her, "can I kiss you?" It's shocking? Not really, they haven't kissed yet. Well, they hardly saw one another.

YN reaction was holding back an embarassed laugh covering her mouth, "I haven't done before, so sorry if I suck. But yes, you can kiss me!" That made Harry giggle.

"You are adorable!" He went in for the kiss sliding up one his hand on the back of her head. He pressed his lips on hers gently, in a closed mouth lips which lingered longer than YN anticipated. "See it was amazing!" He announced again making her hide her fave in his chest. "Alright, you're making it harder for me to leave now."

"It's working then." She mumbled again the fabric of his shirt. "Okay, okay I'll let you go now. But text me when you get home yeah?"

"You know I will." He pressed a kiss on her hair. She reluctantly pulled away from him and took a few steps backwards before she was running back into her building.

......................................................................

Now it's been a couple of more months. Harry birthday passed by. He got to finally take YN to see his mum and sister, he said he'd take her to see his dad some other time as he seemed to be busy around that time.

Harry was invited to one his best friend's birthday and album released party. Ed Sheeran, his best friend. To which of course he decided to go, he asked his girlfriend to be his date. It was going to big party at one Ed's Villa. It was a themed party, everyone was supposed to wear something black.

So Harry put on one his simpler suit, styled up his hair and put on some nice cologne, got a rose for on the way. He went over to pick up his girl. He went upto her flat instead amd what he saw left him in complete and utter awh!

There she was wearing the same saree he saw her wearing in those pictures few months ago. She looked exactly as stunning in those pictures, or somehow even more. This time she had her hair pulled up in a low slick bun, and wore a smokey eye look and the same bold burgundy lip. God he could kiss her right then and there!

So he did, he pulled her in a big smooch on her mouth. "God, you look stunning baby!"

"Thank you!" She smiled shyly, "oh can you please help me get this?" She turned around and there was a top hook left opened which she couldn't get, so he helped her with it.

"Also, I'm gonna do this." He placed the rose carefully on the side of bun. He'd especially asked the florist to cut the stem short because he's figured YN loved wearing roses he gets her.

"Aw, that's cute, I'm gonna go look at it!" She bunny jogged to her bedroom and came back out just as quickly. "It looks so nice!"

"It does indeed." He agreed grinning ear to ear.

"Okay let me wear my shoes and we can leave." She clapped her hands silently and was hopping her way to her shoe rack before he stopped her.

"And where is your coat, miss?" He asked.

"Oh, I don't need that. It'll ruin my look!" She whined as she looked for her shoes.

"Nuh-uh, we're not going anywhere unless you wear your coat. It's fucking freezing outside, don't want you getting sick. Get your coat or a cardigan at least." He insisted, but firmly. He seriously wouldn't budge, he'd got to know her well in these five months that she gets sick way too easily. Like every month she has to catch a fever or a cold.

She slump walked to her room and got a coat, which he helped put on. And once she put on her shoes they were headed out. Harry drove her to the party.

"I can't believe I am casually going to Ed Sheeran's birthday party!" She fangirled in the car. And even told Harry about how she impulsively bought very expensive looking tickets to his shows, two of them so she is not alone and can drag her friend along. She had just started her new job at the very minimal salary. More than half of her monthly salary went into buying those tickets (the nosebleeds!!) and she gradually saved up enough to book a hotel room and train tickets as the concert was in another city. Those were best chaotic three months of her life.

Finally Harry stopped in front of the venue. It was a party thrown by Ed's manager and least to say the mans did not shy back on spending money. There were valet for every guest. YN felt at ease now knowing she won't be over dressed.

She enjoyed the party would be an understatement, she had a blast. Especially Harry introduced her to Ed in person, her inner fangirl did not shy off. YN was bursting with joy when they left the party.

"Oh my god! I actually got to meet him!" She fangirled on her way back to Harry's car with a little hop to her walk.

Harry was just happy to see her happy and bubbly. They finally stopped by his car by the passenger side, he pulled in close with his hands on her back, under her coat softly caressing her exposed skin.

"Did you enjoyed yourself?" He asked, moving in closer.

"I actually had a blast!" She exclaimed again making him giggle.

"Haven't got to kiss you all day." He pouted sharing. He was actually hesitant of ruining her makeup, thinking her lipstick might smudge or something.

"I was with you the whole evening, why didn't you?" She looked at him confused but could feel her heart melt.

"Don't want to ruin your makeup and smudge up your lipstick." He looked at her with puppy eyes.

"You know I wouldn't have mind, plus my lipstick is tranfer proof." She shared watching his fave lit up.

"Why didn't you tell me that before!" He gasped, and the next thing YN knew was feeling his lips on hers in a needy kiss.

In that moment he knew, he loved her.

[remuslovebot]

lead singer!remus never being one to be public with his emotions but writing the sappiest love song for reader and the fans just go wild!!! everyone just assumes it was james or sirius that wrote it (let's be honest james probably wrote 10000 ballads for lily) until one show remus is just all 'this is one i wrote for my girl' 🥺🥺🥺

GAH 😩 YES OMG OMG !!!

thank you for this love <3

hope you enjoy !!

The Marauders set up their instruments and sound hours ago, practicing as much as they could before their performance. The band had started receiving gigs in pubs and at parties. Already having a few original songs under their belt, they were receiving more attention from local venues.

You had been introduced to the band from a dear friend. Marlene McKinnon was friends with the band and the guitarist’s girlfriend — Lily Evans. Everyone was going to be there tonight. The pub already filling up with university students and local residents from the community. You were in a booth at the front of the venue, squashed between Marlene and Lily.

“I wonder how many love ballads there will be tonight?” Marlene asked, turning to Lily and giving her a smirk.

Lily playfully rolled her eyes. “James doesn’t write that many,” she protested. Although she had to admit, the boy had written a few love ballads similar to those of the 1980s.

You took a sip of your drink and looked at you friends. “I wonder if Remus has written anything?” She asked.

Remus was a very private writer. He would write with Sirius or the rest of the band. You wouldn’t be opposed to having a song about you. But Remus didn’t seem like the type either. Especially with James’ obnoxious guitar skills and clearly Lily inspired lyrics.

As the room got more crowed and the 9 o’clock showtime reared it’s head, the band stepped out onto stage.

Remus was the first to come out. He was wearing an argyle sweatshirt and corduroy pants. It was his signature look and you thought it was very attractive. His guitar was around his chest. It’s bright cherry red color glistening in the light. Sirius was the second to pop out from behind the curtain, drum sticks in hand. James stepped out, almost tripping on a cord. He was usually very clumsy. His glasses were crooked, per usual and his vintage yellow electric guitar was strapped onto him. Peter was the last to get on stage, his glittering blue bass in his arms.

The band did a couple last minute checks, before Remus grabbed the microphone and looked into the crowd.

“Hello everyone. I’m Remus Lupin if you didn’t already know,” he smiled and the crowd cheered. “To my left is James Potter on electric guitar, to my right is Peter Pettigrew on bass. And lastly, on the platform behind me is Sirius Black on drums,” he introduced. With each name the crowd went wild!

Remus looked down at you and gave you a smirk and wink. You felt your cheeks redden and butterflies erupted in your stomach.

“We have a newly written song for you tonight!” Remus said. “This is a love song!”

The crowd cheered before he could finish the introduction.

“Awe here we go again Lils, another one about you,” Marlene joked. You laughed under your breath as Lily took a drink of her beer.

But Remus continued and said something that surprised you.

“I wrote this one,” he blushed, then looking at you. “This is one I wrote for my girl.”

The band began to play the opening notes of the rock n roll song. As he was singing, he was only looking at you. Lily and Marlene cheered along with the crowd. You were stunned to silence, a permanent blush coding you cheeks.

For three minutes Remus and the rest of the band performed a song of Remus’ creation. All about the beauty and wonder that was you.

The rest of the performance went beautifully. With some of their usual set and a couple Bowie covers, they seemed to be over before you knew it.

After the performance you, Lily and Marlene went to meet the band out back to help them pack up their stuff. Once Remus spotted you, he dropped the cigarette he was smoking. He walked to you and pulled you close to him.

“Did ya like the song, love?” he asked you.

You nodded, “I did. I was surprised you wrote a love song about me?”

Remus pulled you in closer. “I meant every word I wrote. And I’d write you a million love songs, now that I have you in my arms,” he replied.

Overhearing the two of you, Sirius groaned, putting some parts of his drum set into the van. “Ugh great! You’re going to make him as bad as James,” he said, looking towards you.

Remus and you laughed, then the brown haired boy pulled you into a sweet kiss. “I’m glad you liked the song. I can’t wait to write you another.” He held you close to him, kissing your forehead.

𝑎／𝑛 ： I hope you enjoyed this. Please do not forget to reblog and like! If you’d like to request anything please send me a message through my inbox. Also my dms are open anytime if anyone just wants to chat <3

[majorproblems77]

Hello LU fans! I'm back with another LU update analysis! :D

Are you ready cause there's so much to unpack I'm gonna be here a while. Like last time I'm gonna put a timer on lmao, see how long this takes me.

As always grab your popcorn and drink of choice, cause we need hydration in this life.

all art belongs to @linkeduniverse and Jojo, and if I pull panels from any other pages I'll let you know where it's from! :D

Obviously spoilers for Dawn 8 :D

And a note, I've not played TP or WW, you'll see why thats important later.

Let us begin, shall we!

Man, Poor wild, he's probably beating himself up like there's no tomorrow right now. He looks HORIFIED.

Probably because in technicality, he failed.

I love how he's holding his sword here too. Kinda acting as a shield to the conversation.

Same expression as wild. He also looks horrified. Infact the resemblance between these two in uncanny.

Man time really is the dad isnt he. Unimpressed dad look at 12'oclock. Jokes aside he doesn't look angry about it. He looks like he now gathering information from those who finished the fight. As we know once he left with Twilight he was the only other one to not make it back to the fight.

Thats a fair sentence, thinking about it, I think the only other game where Iron Knuckles appear is in one of Hyrule's games? I'm surprised he's not mentioned anything about it.

Most of the others do have armoured enemies though. So while the others dont have direct experience I assume they have the basics.

All but, Sky and Wars None of them fight armoured enemies like that in their games.

I assume because he's defeated this thing like it was a guardian (Stasis and then wailing on it cause that's what i would do lmao) He assumed it was defeated when it exploded into pieces. Like guardians are prone to do. tbh he was probably gonna go back to look for loot at some point.

You tell them Wind. The small hero, underestimated by everyone BUT Time. Was correct thank you.

Justice for the windy boy.

God Wild really is beating himself up about this. I love the fact that we see four's reaction to this statement. As to be honest. Over the last few nights, Four and Wild have had plenty of bonding moments. These guys are gonna become best friends.

And now we get Time.

The way he's looking over these panels. That look. He know's he's the leader of this group but something that Time isn't used to is making Permanent mistakes.

He has the Ocarina of Time, and when he was back in Termina every time something went wrong he could just play the song of Time and restart the three-day cycle with no trouble at all.

Time, as a person. Isnt technically used to failing.

This panel is stunning. It's what I assume is going on inside his head. It's so pretty. It's so detailed it's just oh man easily one of my favourite panels.

now you know i had to talk about panels with my beloved blorbo in.

first off he's so pretty. Jojo has really outdone herself with just how amazing these updates have looked. The lighting the shading its all just so incredible.

The first half of this panel with Sky's face. He, He is beating himself up about the injury. He had nothing to do with it but he cares so much about the rest of the group he feels bad. He kinda looks like he's thinking about it. Like he can see it. Like time did but we dont see inside Sky's head.

Makes me think about what exactly he saw.

And Twilight's face, he looks so sad. His little pout. Poor wolf boy, which we can now call you properly as the rest of them know now.

And to be honest I'm glad he's standing his ground. Mr, My injury isn't that bad before falling over. the stubborn ranch hand strikes again.

The parallels from this frame and the one from later have been mentioned elsewhere but I'm just gonna post the frame here as it's turned up. Run you coward lizard. Run.

Captain link is back. Poor warriors, he's still showing signs of being stressed. He's one of the only one's who hasn't been able to rest over the downtime that they've had. He's been busy being in charge of the group while Time was out.

I can only assume it's only a matter of time before this comes back to get him. Maybe he is next on the chopping block? (Pun kinda intended) Something could happen and he messes up and gets hurt of causes someone to get hurt.

oh and also

THE SCARF

THE SCARF THE SCARF

IT HAS RETURNED ALL HAIL THE BLUE EMOTIONAL SUPPORT BLANKET WARRIORS NEEDED YOU.

None of us did, Hyrule.

The boys ever, I'm glad they are talking about this like this. And that it's legend who's starting to throw ideas out there like this. As the one who's got the most experience in the group, it makes sense that he would be the one to start offering ideas as to Why not just how.

Because you pissed it off Sky. Because half of you pissed it off. In fact I do believe he had a bunch of panels in Shifting Shadows pt2 where you indeed pissed it off.

The entire reason it started running from you and Twilight had to track it was because of FI's reaction to his sword.

Wait... that explains the guilt. It is actually potentially Sky's fault. Or if he's anything like I think he is. He remembers that fight with the shadow and knows.

He knows.

Also, with clenched fist Sky is ready for a fight. Next time the shadow turns up I assume he's gonna go after it when it's inevitablebly goes after Twilight/Wild. Maybe he'll jump in after being told not too because the Master sword appears to be the only thing as of right now that can fight the red stuff that comes off the shadows sword.

did you hear Warriors shiver? I did.

And you'd know all about that wouldn't you Four. :D

Also

Mandatory Sky appreciation picture

Him's my beloved blorbo. He's wonderful. Such a lil guy. Bestest bean. My beloved. /pl

Anyway moving on

Oh yeah, the amount of power that the items list contains We've seen the arsenal that they have between them (in the December art).

We saw what just Time could do.

Now add the rest of them and the enemies dont stand a chance. They've just gotta figure out how to either avoid the weapons of each other or work as a team with the arsenal in hand to fight better.

Like imagine if Twilight used his gale boomerang to send Wild into the air.

(Writer brain go brr, gonna write that down)

It's basically Revalis Gale.

This man is so damn dramatic I love him

And here's the parallel frame

the shadow running towards Warriors vs running away from Twilight.

You know thinking about it... Shadow didn't shapeshift until Twilight did. The push towards Warriors was when shadow thought they were on level footing.

But when Twilight went after Dink, he was the one who had to flee because he lost his advantage.

ANGRY SKY ANGRY SKY ANGRY SKY

The man is pissed that Shadow hurt Twilight. He is so damn mad and I think that he is saying what he would assume Fi would. (With more emotion because well, Fi)

Also that last frame.

TIME AND SKY ANGST ON THE HORIZON?

time is looking towards the master sword. And he looks angry. This will absolutely have gone unnoticed by the others because if they saw he was angry it was probably just because of the conversation topic.

god I love the dynamic here and I'm excited to see if it goes anywhere

Him's I love his simple way of agreeing its wonderful.

I approve to wind let's go blow some stuff up!

Hyrule shows the group why he is called the traveller. The man just wants to go on his adventures let him go!

Sky is so proud of himself

this face says 'Look guys I didn't give it to the weird toilet hand! :D'

I love this man a healthy amount.

One last thing before I go

I love this update as a whole, seeing the group gear up and getting to see the layers of the armour and straps and fastenings being put on while they are having this discussion is amazing.

I'd give you a collection of pictures but Tumblr is being rude and I can't post more than 30. So you can have these as all four panels show what I'm talking about.

Twilight adjusting his gauntlets warriors adjusting his scarf.

Hyrule attaching his shield to his back and putting his sword strap on.

God, I love this update so much. It was amazing and I very much enjoyed it. Let me know what you think! :D

Thank you as ever for reading my rambles i appreciate you :D

Have a wonderful day and dont forget to hydrate! See you next time!

[delacyrose224]

Late Night Talking

Pairing: Lee Minho x reader

Genre: Fluff, established relationship

Word Count: .9k

Author's Note: Song of the day is Late Night Talking by Harry Styles!

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

“...do you miss me?”

It’s so quiet, you almost think you’ve made it up.

“What?”

Minho clears his throat softly and repeats himself.

“Do you miss me?”

He looks at you earnestly, but can’t hold eye contact for very long before he’s glancing off to the side, running his fingers through his long hair making it even messier than it was to start off with.

You smile, though he doesn’t see it.

“Of course I miss you. Who else can I bother on a daily basis?”

A small smirk works its way across his face as a signature glint of mischief sparkles in his eyes.

“It better just be me. If not, I’ll start sending you those memes you hate. And spam you with pictures of Jisung.”

You roll your eyes, huffing out a laugh.

“Ah, so that’s who you’ve replaced me with since you can’t bother me in person.” Though you’re joking, Minho notices the small frown on your face, even through his phone screen.

“You know I miss you, right?” His face is devoid of any joking, complete earnestness coloring his expression (and his ears, which are turning pink). “I’ve never felt this way about anyone this quickly.” Minho is matter of fact, succinct when it comes to his feelings. That’s how you know he’s telling the truth.

“Minnnnnn…” You hide behind your hands, embarrassed. One of the reasons the two of you had bonded in the first place was because of your difficulties in sharing deeper emotions.

He’s got a full blown smirk on his face now. “Glad I can still make you flustered, even from thousands of miles away,” he laughs. “How was your day?” His eyes soften, genuinely interested in what you have to say.

“It was…dumb, to be honest.”

“Tell me why.” Minho lays across his bed in the hotel room he’s sharing with Changbin, propping his phone up against the pillows.

“Well, I was running late this morning to start things off. Maybe because I made a stop to see your kids…” you laugh. Minho can feel his heart skip a beat in his chest at the mention of you caring about his cats.

“And then once I got to work, I ended up spilling coffee on myself-” You see Minho’s mouth start to open in protest, but you cut him off. “I didn’t burn myself, I just stained my new dress, don’t worry. But then I had meetings most of the day, and you know how my students sometimes just try my patience. But then I came home and changed into comfy clothes and watched a few episodes of that new show we talked about before. And here I am, talking to you-easily the best part of my day.” You smile softly at the man in front of you.

“Well one, I’m sorry you had a bad day. Two, did you put stain remover on your dress? Three, how dare you start that show without me. Four, this is the best part of my day too.”

“You’re worried about the stain on my dress?” You can’t help but laugh-what other man would be so concerned with laundry?

“Well, you spent your hard earned money on it!” he huffs, brows knit together in agitation.

“Yes, Mr. Clean, I put stain remover on it and immediately put it in the wash. And you said you didn’t like period pieces, that’s why I started it without you!”

“Well, I wanted to watch it with you,” he pouts.

“Fine…I’ll rewatch the first episode with you,” you concede. 

“Right now?” Your eyes widen.

“Do you have time right now? Where’s Binnie? And you had a show earlier, you must be exhausted!”

“Not exhausted enough to not spend time with my best girl. And Binnie’s just left to go to the gym, he won’t be back for a while.”

Your cheeks flush at his pet name for you, but you’re excited to spend more time with Minho. After a quick setup and syncing of the show you were going to watch, the two of you settle into your respective beds.

It’s just as good as the first time…well, as much as you sit through. 45 minutes in, you’re both nodding off, and before you know it, you’re sound asleep.

—-------------------------------

A bright beam of sunlight hits your face, forcing your eyes open. 

“What…happened?” You push up onto your elbows, rubbing out sleep out of your eyes, only to flop back down on the bed in protest. A deep groan comes from next to you, but there’s no one there.

Shoving your hands underneath the covers, you search until you grab your phone from the tangle of blankets. There on your screen is Lee Minho, yawning with long hair almost completely covering his face.

“Hi sleepyhead,” you giggle, watching him push the long strands out of his eyes.

“Hi love,” he yawns. “I’m guessing we fell asleep watching that show last night?” You nod. “Guess we were both more exhausted than we thought.” He lays his head on his hand, smiling softly at you.

“You’re smiling an awful lot lately, aren’t you?”

“Yeah, well, it’s hard not to when you’re around.” His smile widens, his eyes staying just as soft as before.

“You keep this up, and Stay is gonna figure out something’s up. The cold Ice King is melting,” you laugh.

“I think they’d be happy that I’m happy,” he muses, then starts to frown. “I have to go get ready for a schedule soon before Chan yells at me…can we do this again soon? In person?”

You nod.

“...it’s a date, then.”

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

Taglist: @alpacaparkaseok @hyungieyoongi @derinxfam

You can find more of my work here!

[strniohoeee]

Abscond Pt. 2

Pairing: Matt Sturniolo X Female Reader

Synopsis: Y/N returns back home after living in Arizona for five years. When she’s reunited with the triplets will her feelings still be there for Matt, or will she move on? Does Matt have a girlfriend or does he still like Y/N??🫂

Warnings⚠️: None!! Hope you enjoyed this one! And read Part 1 if you haven’t already🖤

Song for the imagine: For the First Time- Mac DeMarco

It’s just like seeing her for the first

Time again

“When the fuck did you get back?” Matt said walking over to me and pulling me into a big hug

“A few hours ago” I said hugging him harder

“This is a fucking dream” Nick said still shocked

Matt pulled away and Nick gave me the biggest huge

“We missed you so fucking much” Chris said giving me a hug after Nick

“I missed yall so fucking much too, like I’m so glad I’m back home” I said pulling away from the hug

“Are you here for good?” Nick asked

“Yeah! I’m back for good. I left my dad….I had to that place was a hellhole” I said shaking my head

“I bet. When the first holidays rolled around and you didn’t show we were like okay maybe she’s doing it with her dad, but once it was the second holiday and then the third and the fourth. That’s when we knew” Nick said

“That guy kept me locked away from everything and everyone” I said letting out a breath of air

“I just can’t get over the fact that you’re back” Matt said looking at me

“I can’t either….man five years just like that” I said snapping my finger

“Five years is insane” Chris said

“You know actually I found the uh the Polaroids from the night I last saw you guys” I said looking at them

“The Polaroids of us?” Matt asked

“Yup, they fell out of my bag, and somehow landed under my bed….all these years I swore my dad found them and tore them up, but no” I said laughing a little bit

“Insane” he said laughing and looking down

“We’ll leave you guys to catch up” their mom said, and her and Jimmy walked out the kitchen

“Congrats on the fame. It’s crazy never would I have thought yall would be social media influencers” I said smiling

“Thank you. It’s something we picked up junior year right after you left” Chris said

“And honestly we never expected to get as popular as we did” Nick said

“Yall deserve it! You guys are so genuine and amazing” I said smiling

“Thank you” Matt said smiling at me

“Well tell us about Arizona” Chris said sitting across from me

“There’s nothing to tell really, I finished school there and I went to college for three years, but uh I just dropped out. It wasn’t something I wanted to do. I felt like I was living my life for my dad, and not me” I said

“Make any friends?” Chris asked me

“Honestly no….people were kind of turned off by me…I talked to some people here and there, but friends” I said shrugging my shoulders

“Bullshit! You were too cool for them anyways” Nick said rolling his eyes

“I was just so glad to get out of there and get away from my dad and his weird bitchy girlfriend” I said

“Didn’t like step mommy?” Nick asked laughing

“Ew you weirdo! No I didn’t” I said laughing

“So tell us more” Matt said looking at me

“That’s literally it” I said

“What??? No parties, no boyfriends, no nothing?” Chris asked

“Mm there was this one boy” I said rolling my eyes

Matt's body language shifted at that

“Do tell” Nick said

“Well he was coworker at one of my jobs, that was my first mistake” I said laughing

“Boyfriend or just like a boy toy?” Chris asked wiggling his eyebrows

“I don’t even know to be honest. Like one minute he wanted to be with me and then the next he didn’t? I wasted a whole year on his ass” I said rolling my eyes

“A year?” Matt said raising his eyebrow

“Yeah….from 19 to 20. Worse time honestly. He was talking to other girls. He like deleted everything off his phone, but one day left his Apple Watch home, and I looked at it, and there was a fucking Tinder code that was sent from the night before” I said laughing

“Oh god” Nick said

“Honestly good riddance I was never more happy to leave someone” I said

“Enough about me what about you guys” I said

“Well honestly we’ve just been focusing on our YouTube career, and we live part time here and part time in LA” Matt said

“Ouu nice sounds like fun” I said

“Oh it is. It’s amazing the amount of people who support us. It’s a blessing really” Matt said

“What about the dating scene for you guys?” I asked

“Mmm just a bunch of dead end talking stages” Nick said

“Oh what? That sucks yall are amazing, anybody is lucky to have you guys” I said

“Most people just want to use us” Chris said shrugging his shoulders

“Ew shallow” I said making a face

“Very” Matt responded

“Um I wasn’t sure if you guys wanted to hang over at my house” I said offering

“That would be so much fun, we haven’t been there in five years” Chris said

“Come on then” I said hopping off the chair

We left and walked over to my house. My mom was sleeping on the couch with one of her reality tv shows playing

“We can go to my room, but beware it’s still the same from when I was 16. I’m just starting to fix it” I said looking at them

“Oh that’s like a time capsule” Nick said

“It sure is” I said laughing and walking up the stairs

We got into my room, Nick and Chris immediately sitting on my bed. Matt was kind of looking around

“So many memories in here” he said out loud

“Woahhhh” Chris said laughing

“Not like that you weirdo fuck” Matt said laughing

My mom must’ve placed my Polaroids back on my vanity because Matt picked them up

“Oh god I look horrible” he said laughing

“No you don’t! We were 16 what did you expect” I said laughing

“You look the same” he said

“Oh god….I was ugly at 16” I said looking at matt

“Well no obviously you got older, but I don’t know your smiles still the same, and you still have that shine in your eyes” he said smiling and putting the Polaroids down

“I’m shocked after being with my dad for so long” I said laughing

Matt sat down on my bed along with his brothers as I decided to try and clear out some more things

“I hope you don’t mind I’m clearing some stuff out” I said looking at them

“No do your thing” Matt said

I was bent over picking something up when my shirt lifted a little bit

“IS THAT A FUCKING TATTOO” Nick yelled

Flashback

“I don’t like tattoos….I don’t know I feel like why cover your body you know” I said sitting with the three boys

“I think they’re cool, you can express yourself that way” Nick said

“You can express yourself other ways too instead of covering your skin” I said

“I’m sure I’ll be tatted up by the time I’m 20” Matt said

“You better not” I said looking at him

“You’ll never get a tattoo?” Chris asked me

“No never… I don’t like them” I said shaking my head

“Yeah right! I bet when you’re 20 you’ll be covered in tattoos” Chris said scoffing

“Will not!” I said smacking him

“Y/N I KNOW YOU! I promise you, you will” he said rolling his eyes at me

Flashback Over

“Uhhh” I said turning around and looking at them

“The queen of don’t cover your body! I fucking called it” Chris said in a mocking voice

“Oh shut up people change” I said rolling my eyes

“Never expected you to get one” Matt said looking at me

“Mmmm hate to break it to you, but I’m covered in tattoos” I said laughing

“Shut up!” Nick said

I took off my long sleeve sweater to expose my arms, uppper back and collarbone areas peppered with patchwork pieces

“Yoooo whatttt” Chris said getting up to look at my tattoos

“I know…I was such a hypocrite” I said laughing

“Those are nice as fuck” Matt said looking at my arms

“Thanks! That’s actually something that helped me a lot in Arizona. Being able to express myself through art on my skin” I said

“I told you” Nick said

“I knowwww” I said rolling my eyes

They were at my house for a while before Chris and Nick decided to head home, but Matt and I were so deep in convo he decided to stay

“I feel like we never separated. Like it’s crazy how we can just pick back up where we left off” I said to Matt

“I know right. Such a comforting feeling” he said

“It is, I never had anything like you guys in Arizona” I said

“Yeah when you left…it just wasn’t the same at all” he said back

“Yeah those first 6 months were so hard for me” I said shaking my head

“Yeah me too. I just couldn’t stop thinking about you” he said staring at me

“I couldn’t stop thinking about you. I mean I never really stopped thinking about you” I responded

“I didn’t either. Most nights I would lay awake wondering how you were doing, what you were doing, who your friends were….if you had a new boyfriend” He said laughing lightly

“I wondered too….about if you had a new girlfriend” I said looking at him

“I tried, but nobody was ever you” he said lowly

“I think that was my issue too, I looked for you in every guy” I said giving him a half smile

“As did I with every girl” he said

“Did umm…did those feelings ever go away?” I asked looking at him

“Umm eventually they did after a good year and a half, but you were always at the back of my mind” he said

“You were always at the back of my mind too” I said

“Seeing you today…it uh it brought back all those memories” he said fidgeting with his hands

“Good ones I hope” I said smiling

“Always good ones” he said looking at me again

“It was like seeing you for the first time again” he said swallowing deeply

“Did you feel anything?” I asked him

“I felt whole again, I felt butterflies like I always would when I saw you” he said looking down

“Matt you haven’t changed one bit, such a sweet lover boy” I said smiling at him

“Did umm did you feel anything?” He asked me

“I did…..I felt 16 again…..it took me back to that night we laid in the field and you told me you loved me, and how complete I felt” I said smiling at him

“That was my favorite night” he said smiling back at me

“I missed you” I said to him

“I missed you too” he said back

We looked at each other while we let the silence engulf us. Matt was so beautiful, he had an amazing soul and a kind personality. To say I was still in love with Matt would be an understatement. I have never wanted to freeze a moment more than now…

Matt and I both started to lean in mindlessly…letting the moment get to us. Staring into each other's eyes, our hands getting sweaty, our hearts beating out of our chest. All like we were 16 again…..but we weren’t. So I pulled away

“I uhhh wow I didn’t realize how late it is” I said looking at the clock on my nightstand

“Oh yeah! And you’re probably tired from traveling. I’ll head out and uhh maybe we can hangout tomorrow?” He asked awkwardly getting off the bed

“Uhh yeah that would be great” I said also getting off the bed

“Well um goodnight” he said nodding his head

“Good night” I said smiling at him

He looked at me for a moment in silence

“Oh uh I’ll walk you out” I said

“Ummm yeah sure” he said

God why was this so awkward? He almost kissed me, and I backed away, and was making it horribly awkward for him. Did I want to kiss him? I mean I did…but I couldn’t right? Or could I?

As I was fighting in my own head Matt and I walked down the stairs and to my front door.

I can’t just let him walk out right? Why did I pull away? This was all I ever wanted? For five years I wanted nothing more than to lay in his arms and kiss him. Matt was my everything….what am I doing?

Matt opened my front door, and began to walk out

“Uhh Matt?” I asked shyly, mentally smacking myself

He turned around quickly his eyes lighting up

“Yeah Y/N?” He said smiling

“Uhh it was great to see you” I said awkwardly

“It was great to see you too” he said laughing

“Well uhh goodnight” I said

“Goodnight” he said waving at me

He turned back around and got down to my first step. MAKE A MOVE my head screamed at me

“Wait uhh Matt” I said again reaching out for him

“Yeah?” He said turning around again smiling

“I ummm I love your new look” I said, y/n WHAT THE FUCK IS THIS

The love of my life is standing in front of me, and I’m acting like a shy school girl. I didn’t even act like this at 16. What is wrong with me

“Thank you, I like your new look too” he said giving me a funny look and smiling, and heading to turn back and walk down the steps

Y/N MAKE A FUCKING MOVE NOW, my brain screamed at me

“Matt” I said again

“Yes Y/N” he said turning to me slightly annoyed

I looked at him for a split moment reading his eyes, my heart pounding out of my chest, kiss him or tell him another stupid thing and have him walk away. Uhh fuck it

I walked out my front door, and pulled him in by his jacket smashing our lips together. In a beautiful long awaited kiss….a kiss that could solve every problem in my life. A kiss that could make time stop and heal all the world's problems. This was a kiss I’ve been needing for the last five years.

I pulled away both of us out of breath and looking into each others eyes

“I uh…sorry I don’t know what took over me” I said in a whisper backing away slightly

“Don’t apologize” he said looking into my eyes before reconnecting our lips again, his hands on my cheeks kissing me so lovingly. This was a hallmark movie type of kiss

Pulling away we looked into each others eyes again smiling now

“Fuck I’ve missed you” I said taking a deep breath

“I’ve missed you too” he said looking into my eyes

We pulled away from each other before he waved and started to walk towards his house

“Have a good night” I said to him

“You too” he responded

“Hey Matt!” I yelled

“Yeah?” He said looking at me

“Pick up your pants” I said giggling

He looked at me and laughing shaking his head

“Matt” I yelled out again

“Yes Y/N” he said in a sing song way

“I hate that jacket on you by the way” I said

He laughed “yeah I love you too have a good night” he said before getting across the street to his house

I smiled at him and waved good night before walking into my house and shutting the door. Smiling to myself and laughing

I felt 16 again….

The End

Hiii okay guys I hope you liked this one🥹🥹 I think I have some more ideas, but I’m not too sure😭😭. I’ll cook something up don’t worry 🖤🖤

-J💅🏽

[storiesforallfandoms]

not used to normal ~ chris evans

word count: 2533

request?: yes!

@vrittivsanghavi​

“Hey! I love your imagines!

Would you be up for writing one with chris x reader? Something similar to this song?

Love youuu”

description: in which she struggles to adjust to normal after a toxic relationship, but he’s willing to help her figure it out

pairing: chris evans x female!reader

warnings: swearing, mentions of a toxic relationship, rpf

masterlist (one, two, three)

You and Chris could not be more different. Your entire life was chaos and mess, from your family to your past relationships. Your definition of “normal” was leagues different than most people’s. Then there was Chris, who had the healthiest family out of anyone you had ever known and, for the most part, he didn’t have anything bad to say about his exes and their relationships. He just said the relationships came to an amicable end.

You were just out of a particularly toxic relationship when you met Chris. You weren’t looking for another serious relationship and were instead just hooking up for some rebounds. Chris was very sweet, but you couldn’t let yourself fall for him. You weren't ready to let someone in, even if they were sweet and incredibly handsome. You were a little surprised when Chris was so understanding of your rejection, and something told you to give him your number anyway to keep in touch.

That was a few months ago, and now you were going on your first date.

He hadn’t pushed for it to happen. He had been very respectful and hadn’t once brought up going out again since your initial meeting. To your surprise, you were the one who asked him about getting dinner. You found yourself falling for him with every passing day and eventually you just couldn’t stand being only friends. And thus, you asked him out for dinner and he happily agreed.

You were mere minutes away from Chris coming to pick you up and you were still struggling to find an outfit. Everything in your closet gelt wrong. Jeans and a blouse? Too casual. A long, elegant dress? Too fancy. A maroon cocktail dress that was just above the knee, had spaghetti straps, and showed off a little cleavage? Well, you really liked that one actually. You thought with the right makeup and maybe a cardigan just in case, that it could be the perfect first date dress.

But you couldn’t stop the nagging voice in your head. It sounded like your ex, and he was snapping at you for wearing something so short and revealing. You  could hear the insulting names he had called you so vividly, as if he were still there yelling.

You had to remind yourself that your ex wasn’t here anymore. Even if he was, he had no control over what you wore. No one did, besides you. But even reminding yourself of that didn’t do anything to ease the memory of his voice. Before you knew it, so much time had passed and you were still staring at yourself in the mirror. Chris would be here any minute and you still didn’t have your hair or makeup done.

You were just finishing your hair when a knock came at your front door. You cursed under your breath as you raced to answer it. Chris was stood there, looking handsome as ever. You couldn’t help but smile upon seeing him.

“Hey,” you said. “You look great.”

“So do you,” he said.

You shook your head. “Ah, I’m not fully ready yet. I don’t have my makeup on or anything.”

You were stunned into silence at his comment. You were almost tempted to call his bluff on it; to say you didn’t believe that he actually meant it and was just saying it for your sake. But you knew Chris was an honest man. He genuinely thought you were beautiful without makeup.

There wasn’t any time for you to try and do your makeup anyways, so you grabbed your purse and followed Chris out to his car. Like a gentleman, he held the door open for you as you got in. The ride to the restaurant was mostly some small talk. Since you two had been talking for months, you had already gotten past the getting to know each other phase, which was good because you usually hated that phase, but it made first date conversation incredibly awkward.

He opened the door for you again and even offered you a hand to help you out of his car. You were continuously shocked by how much of a gentleman he was. You made a mental note to send his mom a bouquet of her favorite flowers.

The restaurant was one of the most fancy places you had ever been to. You had been to a number of fine dining places before, but nothing as upscale as this. Looking at the prices on the menu almost made you nauseous. It was the one moment you were grateful for Chris’ celebrity status.

He ordered a bottle of wine for the two of you to share. After pouring up two glasses, he raised his glass towards you.

“What are we toasting to?” you asked.

“You decide,” he said.

You thought for a moment before saying, “To finally giving this a chance.”

His smile was like a child on Christmas morning.

You ordered an appetizer and your entrees. When the appetizers came out first, Chris started digging in right away. You hesitated, another unwelcome memory coming up in your mind: your ex telling you how gross you looked when you ate. He had told you it was his biggest pet peeve about you. You tried so many times to fix the problem, but it never worked and he just continued to complain.

“Are you okay?” Chris asked, bringing you back to reality.

“Oh, yeah,” you said. “Just zoned out, sorry.”

You took some of the appetizer onto your small plate and began eating, being mindful of taking small bites and covering your mouth as you chewed. When your main course came, you repeated the process.

“I’m not used to knowing so much about someone before the first date,” Chris said at some point after the two of you had been silent for a while. “It kind of takes away every talking point I had.”

You chuckled. “I was thinking the same thing. Like, what do people who know each other even talk about on first dates? The weather?”

“Well, you’ve never told me much about your family. Maybe we could talk about that, if you want.”

Your smile faltered, but only a little. You hoped Chris didn’t notice.

It wasn’t that you didn’t love your family. You did, very much so. And they weren’t bad people or anything. They were just messier than Chris’ family, so to speak. Your parents had gone through a messy divorce, the kind where they still hated each other’s guts to that day. They couldn’t even stand to be in the same room as one another. When you graduated, you had to have them sit on complete opposite ends of the auditorium for your cap and gown ceremony. You were an only child, and you had a good connection with both of your parents. There was just always some sort of crisis between them, and they always managed to drag you into the middle of it.

“It’s just me, no siblings,” you started. “My parents got divorced when I was a kid.”

“How young?”

“I was like, five or six I think?”

Chris whistled. “That’s rough. I thought it was hard when mine got divorced when I was 18.”

There was some comfort in knowing that Chris was also a child of divorce. At least his home life wasn’t as picture perfect.

“Do they get along, at least?” he asked.

You laughed, humorlessly. “Yeah, they get along about as well as cats and dogs. Actually, that’s giving them too much credit. They get along as well as cats and mice.”

“Jesus. I can’t imagine having to deal with that at such a young age.”

“Be lucky you didn’t have to.”

You tried not to sound too bitter, but you also couldn’t help but stab your food with your fork as if it had personally offended you.

“I think their divorce must have something to do with why I usually date such shitty men,” you said before you could stop yourself. Your eyes widened as you looked back up at Chris. “Ignore that. I don’t even know where that came from.”

But he didn’t seem offended or weirded out by what you said. Instead, he responded, “It’s alright. You mentioned you had a bad breakup when we first met. I assume he was also a bad person in general.”

You nodded. “You have no idea.”

You thought back every time you heard your ex’s voice in your head. Not just tonight, but in general. Even when you were just trying to go about your day to day life, you could hear the way he criticized and berated you. You had always known while you were in your relationship that he wasn’t a good guy, but you turned a blind eye to the red flags for so long that it just felt like a normal relationship. It took a lot to get you to finally come to your senses and dump his sorry ass, but by that point the damage had been done. He gave you trauma that you would be carrying around for a very long time.

You glanced up at Chris, who was still looking at you as well. You wondered if he really deserved to be with someone with so much baggage. Sure, he liked you now, but how much would he like you once he knew what he was dealing with? He was such a nice guy, he deserved to be with someone else who was just as nice and not damaged as he was.

The thought brought tears to your eyes and you quickly looked away from him. Not quick enough, though, as his hand quickly reached over to take hold of yours and he said, “Hey, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to make you upset.”

A noise came out of you that was half laugh and half sob. You shook your head. “You didn’t make me upset. Trust me, you’ve made me very happy in the few months that we’ve known one another. You are one of the most genuinely good people I think I have ever met.”

“Thanks, I pride myself on not being an asshole.”

When you laughed this time, it was definitely just a laugh. “I just worry that...if things go further with us, that it won’t be good for you.”

He furrowed his brows. “What do you mean?”

“I mean, my last relationship went on for a long time. Far too long. To a point where the only thing I knew was a toxic and shitty relationship. I have a lot of bad hardwiring in my brain right now around relationships. That’s why I turned you down when we first met. I wasn’t ready to get back into anything serious because I was too afraid. But I really like you, so I wanted to give this a try, and now I’m worried that my baggage is going to be too much for you to handle and you don’t deserve that.”

He squeezed your hand, which caused you to stop talking. You realized you had been rambling, and you weren’t really sure if you were making any sense.

“Listen, I understand,” he said. “When something like that happens, it fucks with your mind for a long time. I never wanted to rush you into something you weren’t ready for, but I also don’t want you to push me away because you think it will be better for me. Whether you want me to be a friend or a boyfriend, I’ll be here for you. I’ll help you through whatever you’re going through. I really like you, too.”

You tried to blink back the new tears that were forming in your eyes, but it was nearly impossible. To try and lighten the mood, you joked, “Stop being such a good guy. Seriously, have one flaw please.”

He laughed, and the mood was successfully lightened.

You continued on with your date and it went very well from there on. You were so full from your appetizer and meal, but Chris insisted on ordering a dessert to take with you. He said it was some of the best dessert he had ever had, and if you didn’t eat it now you had to have it later on (his words).

He paid for your meal and the two of you left. It had gotten a bit colder while you were inside, and you only then realized that you forgot to bring a cardigan like you planned. You shivered as the cold air touched your bare shoulders and legs, and wrapped your arms around yourself to try and retain any heat you had left from being in the restaurant.

“Are you cold?” Chris asked.

“Yeah, I forgot to bring a jacket or anything,” you responded. He started to shrug out of his jacket. “You don’t have to give me yours! Your car isn’t parked that far away.”

“Once you catch a chill, it’s hard to get rid of,” he explained. “Here, just wear it till we get to the car at least.”

He wrapped his jacket around your shoulders. You pulled it close to you, letting the heat from it warm you up. You took a moment to breathe in the scent of him that was on the jacket.

The ride home was more lively than before. You had managed to finally find a good conversational stride that hadn’t died down since you had been eating. At some point while driving you home, Chris reached over to take your hand in his. He held it the rest of the way back to your place. You hoped he couldn’t feel the fact that your body was on fire just from his touch.

He insisted on walking you to your front door once he had reached your house. You weren’t about to say no. You almost didn’t want the night to end and any amount of extra time you could get you were going to take.

“I had a great time tonight,” you told him once you had reached your door.

“So great that you’d like to do it again?” he asked, a hopeful look on his face.

You smiled and nodded. “I would very much like to do this again, yes.”

“Great. Okay. Yeah, great.”

You giggled. The two of you lingered for a moment. You wondered which of you was going to break and leave first.

“Can I kiss you?” he finally asked after some time.

Instead of responding, you moved to kiss him first. It wasn’t perfect, you kind of lunged at him at first. You both stumbled and laughed about it. Once you had regained yourselves, Chris kissed you again. This one was definitely better than the first, but now it also made it difficult to want to stop kissing.

When Chris finally pulled away, you tried to follow him, but he laughed and held you back.

“If I don’t stop, I won’t leave,” he said.

“That doesn’t sound too terrible, though.”

He shook his head, but had an amused smile on his face. He kissed your forehead and took a step back. “Goodnight.”

“Goodnight.”

You couldn’t stop smiling until you fell asleep.

[heyidkyay]

And I'm petrified of being alone, now |

Part Twenty-Three

Matty Healy x reader

Summary: She’s just trying to get by, really. What with being a single parent to her four year old son whilst simultaneously trying to kick start a successful career as a radio presenter. She’s got everything she’s ever wanted though, friends close by, a mum who’s merely a phone call away, and of course her baby boy. What else is there to wish for? But then, it’s not long before her relatively normal life gets upended and turned on its head, and she’s suddenly forced to deal with situations she’s never even thought to imagine.

What happens when one mention of a certain controversial singer on her show sends a flood of unexpected challenges her way? 

Authors Note: Another update this week?? I'm as shocked as anyone else, but hopefully this one will make up a little for the last! It's longer and a little less, um, idk, I can't say emotional?? because that would be a lie:/ Still, there are some developments! Also, it'll make sense a lot later but the 2nd image and the use of a Ride song are used in this one!

Hope you enjoy! Also thank you for all the love on this current series, it means a whole lot and keeps me writing xx

Warnings: similar to that of the last post! so pls look back there if you'd like to know!:)

> Last update: look back here if you'd like!

Masterlist

“I said no.”

Stressed was a feeling beyond words at this point. The past couple of days all I’d had was press hounding at me, calling and texting, emailing at all hours of the fucking day. They wouldn’t let up, even after I’d stayed silent. Adi reckoned it was mostly down to Teddy’s involvement in the whole thing. I didn’t want to think much more about it, although I knew she wasn’t wrong.

“Give me a reason at least?"

I shot a scathing glare over my shoulder before turning back to the filing system I’d taken to reorganising. It was my first morning back at the studio since... yeah, well Finn had Teddy- another factor to my current load of stress- whilst Adi was off doing something or other. I hadn’t asked, fearful of putting more of a strain on her current friendship- relationship??- with Ross, so instead I’d just chosen to tidy and rearrange the entire setup we had going on here. Because that was perfectly normal. And not a fucking way to evade talking or thinking about the mess that was my life. Okay?

“I don’t need a fucking reason, I just don’t want to.” I retorted, hissing slightly when I suddenly cut my thumb on the edge of a document. I withdrew my hand quickly and raised it towards my mouth, letting my eyes slip close for a moment when I heard a footfall step closer.

“Let me see.” Jamie sighed, probably thinking I’d done something worse to my hand than just a papercut. To be fair, the cabinet was old. One of them filing types from the ninety’s that we’d gotten for a score down at some boot sale, so I wouldn't be surprised if one of us did eventually end up losing an arm.

I shook my head and pushed the cabinet drawer closed, “It’s fine, just a papercut.”

Jamie huffed an amused chuckle before settling down on the edge of the desk nearby. It was Adi’s, you could tell from the sheer amount of shit she had accumulating it.

“One thing after another with you.”

My head tilted towards him with a deadened expression, “Ha ha.”

The older man raised his hands up in a mocking surrender, showing he hadn’t meant any real harm. “Too soon?”

I kicked at the toe of the leather boots he wore in retort as I moved towards the kitchenette, aware that he was just trying to lighten my horrendous mood but not really in the right mind for it. 

“You want a brew?” I asked, not bothering to give him an honest reply to that question of his. Too soon? Yes, that was all too fucking true.

“Have a coffee if there’s one going.”

I dipped my head in a slight nod, filling the kettle and setting it to boil before snagging the coffee often reserved for guests on the show from a shelf nearby.

Jamie moved to better face me on Adi’s desk as I did so, wearing that same expression he’d turned up in, all concerned and weary. It bothered me a bit, seeing as though it was all I had garnered since the press had had their field day with my life, but I could also understand why. They all just seemed to feel for the idiot stupid enough to fall into another of Matty Healy’s traps.

“Stop.”

“Stop what?” He wondered around a light chortle at my demand, hands falling to rest between his thighs.

I gestured towards his face whilst I poured a splash of milk into my mug, “Looking at me like that, like I’m gonna break or something.”

With a sigh, he pressed his lips together. “You know it’s not like that.” I rolled my eyes in return but he just bounded on, “You know it’s not, I just care is all.”

I forced out a breathless chuckle, “That why you’re here trying to get me to hear him out then?”

To be fair to him, Jamie had come right out with it when he’d first popped by, having messaged me asking after my whereabouts earlier this morning. I’d told him, having spoken to him quite a bit over the last couple days, and then found him on the doorstep. 

Jamie had been good with everything. He’d let me vent, rally against one of his friends and clients, question his own motives- and hadn’t even complained one bit. But now he was here asking me to give Matty a chance, a lot like he’d done that first time around in that small cafe all those months ago.

“I know you’re angry, you have every right to be.”

“Of course I’m fucking angry!” I immediately shot back at him, the rattle of the teaspoon ringing out as I dropped it into a mug, “I wouldn’t care if it had just been me he’d gone and fucked over! But he brought Teddy into this shit, Jamie. My son! So tell me, how am I supposed to hear him out after he’s done something like that and then lied about it? For weeks, mind you.”

Jamie looked back at me, wearing that ‘this meant business’ mug of his. I slumped at the sight, pressing my knee against one of the lower cabinets to continue stirring the drinks. I didn’t care, I didn’t care, I didn’t care.

“There’s a lot you don’t know, Mouse.”

My eyes slipped closed at his words and I took a second to just breathe. Because I wasn’t angry, not really. I was hurt and humiliated, and just so fucking sad. Fed up with it all, if I was being honest. Enough so that I knew that Jamie was being truthful here- and not just because it was a fact that I hadn’t spoken to Matty since things had fallen apart, but also because I hadn’t had the heart to ask Teddy about things yet. Or if ever.

The kid was four. Four, and asking after a man every night before he fell asleep and then as soon as he opened his eyes the next morning.

He knew something was up, he was smart like that. But what was I meant to do- to say? When I was just as confused as he was.

I’d ended up leaving him with Finn today, having had no other choice in the situation because the nursery was closed for an inset day, or some shite like that, and it seemed I had no other friends than the few around me. 

Could quite literally count the lot of them on one hand. 

But still, Finn and I’s relationship had still been rather rocky after that whole incident with him and Matty, and hadn’t improved since. In fact, he’d been a little unbearable about everything, always one to toot his own horn whenever he was right about something. But it was always slyly and I couldn’t help but feel as though it was a constant dig, like even when he wasn’t commenting on it he was still thinking it whenever he looked at me.

Which felt so horrible to think, let alone say out loud. He was my best friend. So I’d kept my mouth shut and just dealt with it, like I did everything else in life.

“He’s messed up about it.” Jamie then spoke, his voice having startled me a tad, breaking me out of my musings. He was watching me again, only when he did it, it didn’t feel as condescending as everyone else's. Like he understood my position. And I guessed that he probably sort of did.

“I bet.” I scoffed quietly, an airy titter escaping through my nose, and then I turned to toss my teabag away.

“It’s true.” Jamie shrugged, then nodded in thanks when I pushed a coffee his way. “He’s been ‘round Ross’s ever since shit hit the fan, hasn’t left the flat. Driving the lot of us mad, but he’s torn up, Mouse.”

Tongue in cheek, I wrapped my hands around my cup and propped my hip up against the counter, staring into the still swirling liquid. “Serves him right, I guess.” I replied with a soft shrug of my own, though we both knew I didn’t quite mean it.

Jamie looked over towards one of the windows to the right, most of them were either way too long or too tiny for the space, an odd build, but this particular one gave way to the skyline lying over the remainder of the city. I often wondered what the lower levels might look out at, thinking it was probably the majority of the surrounding buildings, and couldn’t help but feel a little thankful that we’d managed to snag this unit.

When he glanced back over at me, I took a sip and let him speak.

“A lot went on, that much I know, and it’s your choice how you deal with it. But, I saw the two of you. I saw him change. Which is stupid to say, I know, but it doesn’t stop it from being true. He was different with you, he actually tried in other aspects of his life and not just with the band and the music. He looked genuinely happy.” He smiled softly at the eye roll I gave, but it didn’t appear to deter him. “Don’t get me wrong, I know you didn’t fucking cure him. Don’t work like that, does it? But you helped. You and Teddy both.”

I looked away then, back towards the window, unable to really help it, and instead allowed my eyes to trail over the clouds which powdered the dusty blue sky. 

“It was different. Things were different, and I know that there was love there. There couldn’t not have been. The way he looked at you…” Jamie shook his head ever so slightly as he breathed out, unaware of just how deeply his words had cut. But then he peered over at me and I found myself already looking back, air caught somewhere in the swell of my lungs. 

“Don’t.” I choked out, the grip on my mug having tightened tenfold. “Just,” I shook my head.

Jamie put his coffee down on the desk and moved to stand, hands raised to convey he wasn't a threat. “I’m not saying this to hurt you more, love. Just telling you how I saw it.”

I licked at my lower lip, casting my eyes downwards. Our silence stretched and all could be heard was the odd car horn and chirp from beyond the walls of the studio, until-

“Anyone here?”

I blinked back the tears which had started to well in my eyes and sniffed, head shooting up just in time to spot a familiar giant ducking their head under the beam of the doorway, limbs following right after.

George entered but then stopped short when he spotted his manager stood by me, and I laughed to myself at the way the pair of them seemed to eye one another, before stepping in, “Didn’t hear you ring the buzzer.”

Kind eyes darted over to find my soft smile then, welcoming him in, and so George finally moved in closer, laying the jacket he wore to rest over one of the armchairs.

“Yeah, someone was just leaving and let me in.” He answered my unasked question, shrugging as he added, “Dunno whether they recognised me or if they just let anyone up.”

“Probably the second,” Jamie piped up, seemingly having broken himself from his previous bout of surprise, “This lot ‘round here don’t give much of a shit about crap like that.”

I rolled my eyes, but was glad to have a reason to smile slightly. “Or they spotted the BFG making his way over and wanted to avoid pissing him off.”

Jamie cackled whilst George just shot me a narrow-eyed look, “Hilarious. That pot just boiled?” He asked me as he wandered over. I nodded in turn and moved to grab him a cup, only faltering when he lowered my hand with his own and shook his head. “I got it.”

I dipped my head slightly, blinking before taking a step back to let him work. He made a quick go of it, rummaging around the cupboards briefly to find what he needed and only asking for the spoon I still held for some odd reason when he was near done. 

Jamie appeared to have been watching him too, a calculating glaze to his eyes, and he chose that next moment to speak up, “How you been anyway, George? Not seen much of you lately.”

Something unspoken passed between them when George glanced over at him, but I couldn’t tell what.

“Good, busy.” Was what the taller decided on, throwing Jamie a quick smile when he crossed to toss his own teabag in the bin before settling on the counter to the left of me. “You?”

It almost sounded sarcastic, not how he said it but simply because he’d asked it at all, knowing everything that had recently occurred. It must have been a right nightmare for Jamie these last few days, what with him being the band’s main man.

Jamie just laughed though, goodnaturedly, though it was apparent that he was still trying to suss out what was going on, what with George’s sudden appearance. Seeing as I’d never once mentioned him to Jamie.

See, things with George had all started after that studio session Teddy had attended, followed by my wishing him a happy birthday just before Matty had gone and done what he did best. Wrecked it all.

Teddy had become all too smitten with the drummer since he’d first been introduced to the band and their many songs and music videos. He enjoyed the guitar he’d been gifted an awful lot, often playing with it and practising, but each time any sort of song played on the tele or the radio, or even in the car, it wasn’t hard to note the way Teddy instantly mimicked George’s swift movements, pretending to drum along to whatever beat heard. 

George had messaged me on Instagram later that same day, seeing as how apparently Teddy’s appearance at the studio had stuck with him, and asked after him a little. It seemed strange worded like that, but George reckoned that Teds had a real streak of a musicality about him, even as young as he was, and wanted to see if Teddy would be up for learning some more. 

Which had been a Godsend, honestly, what with how the next couple of days had gone down. I’d given him my number via dm just before the storm had started and then the afternoon that had followed the plethora of articles he’d called.

He’d asked how I was at first, almost consoling me in that easy way of his, so full of little words, which had been all too refreshing in truth.

I’d had texts and calls off of practically everyone I knew, even Ronan, the utter prick. And none had managed to soothe me quite like George’s had, seeing as the man had been there too. Not quite in my position, sure, but near enough. He’d even let a little of it slip when he’d popped on over that same day, bringing a bag of takeaway and a roll up drum mat as a gift for Teddy, who had been cooped up with me on the sofa for most of the afternoon. 

The two of them had bonded over it rather quickly, Teddy having been caught off guard by George’s sincerity almost as much as I had been. But then I'd found myself getting to know the drummer too and very much appreciating the unnecessary gesture he’d made for me, even with the pair of us not knowing one another as well as we could have.

I had no idea what was going on between him and Matty, I hadn’t had the balls to ask, but he’d mentioned he hadn’t heard much of anything from him since the night of his party, as well as the fact that his girlfriend, Charli, had been just as annoyed with everything that had gone down.

I knew he’d be stopping by at some point today, we’d made plans to get lunch once he’d heard I was back at the studio on my own, but not recording. I reckoned he was concerned and this was his way of showing it, but it was hard to tell with him most of the time seeing as he’d made it out as though I was doing him a favour here. An effort I came to find I much appreciated. 

“Work, you know how it is.” Jamie replied after a long pause. He was still standing in the same position he’d been in since George arrived, but seemed to move then, picking up what was left of his coffee and pouring what remained down the sink. “But I’d best be going, got a couple calls to make. You gonna be at the studio tomorrow?”

George hummed around his next sip, pulling away with only a dip of his chin. “Should be.”

Jamie smiled, nodding, “Good, I’ll let the rest of them know then.”

I caught George’s slight wince at that, though he didn’t protest his manager's comment. It made me wonder.

Jamie turned to me then, shucking on his jacket. I perked up, not having realised that he really was rushing to leave now. “Remember what I said, alright?”

I blinked, but then nodded. How could I forget? I wanted to ask, but instead said, “You don’t have to head out so quick.”

He sent me a reassuring grin as he flipped over the collar of his coat. “You won’t miss me much,” He then teased before roping me into a hug, “Weren’t lying when I said I had a couple calls though, so it’s best I get out of your hair whilst I still can.” 

I smiled softly at the sound of his lighthearted chuckle and nodded before following him over to the door, “Stay safe.”

Jamie rolled his eyes, all too used to my typical parting now, though amused by it all the same. “Can’t promise anything.” He retorted with a smirk, shuffling over the threshold whilst his eyes flickered back to where George still stood once more. “So, about before?”

I inhaled shakily, though Jamie didn’t seem to notice, fingering the pockets of his jacket in search of his mobile. “I’ll think about it.” I told him.

He flashed me a grin at that, pleased, then let his heel trail over to meet the top step of the metal grating. “Talk to you later then.”

I nodded and watched for a second as he descended the staircase, head bobbing down the first set before he turned and disappeared from view. Sliding back inside, I shut the door quietly behind me, taking a second to steel my nerves before facing the room again.

During that time, George had seemingly gone and made himself comfy on the settee, his mug settled on a coffee table coaster. I moved to join him after putting both mine and Jamie’s cups under the tap to rinse before just leaving them to soak.

George was fiddling with something when I sat down beside him but shuffled over a tad to allow me to get more comfortable, “So what was that about?” I questioned.

“With Jamie?” He asked and I nodded, even though I reckoned he already knew what I was on about. 

He shrugged slightly and I noted the way his finger trailed over a slip of folded paper, it was creased as though it had been played or fiddled with a dozen times too many. My brow seemed to furrow at the sight of it. 

“He tried phoning a few times but I’ve not been too keen on answering, learnt that I’ll just get dragged into the drama if I do.” George finally answered, and for some reason I felt a wad of guilt pool in my stomach upon hearing it, even though I hadn’t been the one to cause this mess.

Or maybe I was just kidding myself.

“Sorry.”

George huffed as he turned to peer over at me, elbows resting on the tops of his knees. “Nothing to be sorry for.” He told me and then gifted me a sweet smile, “None of this is on you. Just thought we were in the clear, you know?” He looked away at that and his smile dimmed into something smaller, almost sadder. “Figured I wouldn’t have to go dodging my mates calls anymore, or be roped into cleaning up everyone else’s messes.”

He reached a hand out to settle on my knee then, probably having noticed the way I was chewing on the insides of my cheek, or maybe the fact that my lip was now trembling. I’d never felt so shitty. So at fault for something I hadn’t really seen coming, nor could I prevent.

“Not your fault, remember?” He reiterated to me, squeezing my joint softly before pulling away. I sniffed before looking up at him with a tiny smile. 

“Promise I don’t usually cry this much. Just been a shitty week is all.” I told him, laughing pitifully as I toyed with the hem of the jumper I’d put on earlier that morning when I’d purposefully avoided the hoodie that had been left on my desk chair, as well as the cupboard full of clothes that didn’t belong to me.

I felt the settee dip slightly before I found him sitting right beside me, lifting an arm to wrap me up in a hug. His cheek came to rest on the side of my head and I felt my heart break that little bit more, because it reminded me that in a second, or two, I wouldn’t have that sense of protection he now offered, shielding me from the rest of the world.

“You’ve been put through the wringer.” George murmured and I had to laugh just a little bit, he laughed too, the sound of it reverberating through his chest to where my head rested. “Fucking cry if you want to, alright? No judgement here."

I spluttered a little on my next chuckle, smiling as I wiped at my eyes. George’s arm just tightened its hold by a fraction, as though he knew it would make things that little bit easier. We both sat there like that for a while, and I appreciated the fact that he was okay with a bit of quiet. That he didn’t run scared from it or try to start up an awkward conversation simply to fill it.

Silence was something I’d come to realise that George often favoured. Because sometimes that was all you really needed.

I don’t know how long we continued like that before he shuffled and pulled that same piece of paper from earlier back into view, holding the corner of it between his forefinger and thumb. I pulled away slightly, looking down at it and then back up at him with a small frown.

“What?���

George merely blinked, staring down at the paper with an odd look before he finally placed it in the hand I had resting on my thigh. My frown only deepened.

“What is it?” I asked him, finger trailing over an edge just as he had done when I’d first spotted it. When I went to unfold it from the opposing corner, he stopped me. 

Confused, I turned to raise a brow at him, only to find him already looking back at me. He bit into his lower lip and then flattened his mouth into a stern line, “I found that when I was last in the studio.”

My chest tightened for some reason, but I was still so baffled. “Okay?”

We were sitting up better now, George’s arm having slipped from my shoulders to come to rest in his lap, fingers trailing over his left hand’s rigid set of knuckles.

“I figured you should see it.” He added in his usual drawl, though his eyes flickered up from the paper to catch mine then and I realised it must've been important. He seemed wary enough to warrant it.

I went to unfold it once again, but then his hand really reached out to stop my own, “I don’t know if I should be here when you do.”

That alone made me even more curious, although there was an edge of caution that now warred at me. “Why?”

George gifted me a gentle smile, the hand that still laid over top of my own squeezing kindly. “I’ll go grab us some food, alright? If you want to open it then do, if not. I won’t mention it again.”

He moved to stand then but my hand shot out to grab at the sleeve of his arm, “George.” But I didn’t know what else to say, I knew I was fearful though.

His fingers moved to meet mine, resting there for a short moment, “It’s your choice. Just, I couldn’t keep it from you.”

I swallowed thickly as he pushed to his feet, the scuff off his heavy boots bouncing off the hardwood floors. Slowly he moved to grab his jacket, giving me time to say no, to deny his offer. But I couldn’t, I couldn’t do much of anything really.

The door shut behind him with a soft click a minute later and the quiet of the studio suddenly consumed me. When I glanced back down at the paper I held once more I saw the slight tremble of my hands. I forced myself to exhale, but even that was shaky.

I was careful as I unfolded it, listening to the rustle it made before scrawled lines that had bled through to the other side caught my attention. Pausing, I took a moment to just look at them and then thoughtlessly hurried to reveal the rest of it, taking in its full form. My throat tightened at the sight of familiar scribbles.

You had me from the start  Pulling all the stops out  On the down low, secretly  But I think you knew your psychology  Was working on me  Infatuated  And doing this all wrong  You've got  My number and my name  And you've got me going  Yeah, you've got me going  Can I see you every day?  Do you love me  Like I love you?  Ah, you've got me going  Yeah, you've got me going

(Song: Ride - Future Love)

It was as if something in me had shifted and then turned, sparking itself its very own flame on a bone too sharp and growing and growing until its singed edges burnt and blackened every part of me. 

I must've sat there staring down at it for ages. Crying silently and alone in an empty room, something I’d been avoiding doing since this had all started. Though I supposed it had been inevitable.

His words. His thoughts. Bared to me on a single page. Him none the wiser to any of it. Probably having not even realised it was gone, or missing. And George had read it. He’d seen it and still, after everything, had given them to me.

A tear dropped from my chin then, blotting the page and I could only watch on as the dark ink appeared to cling to it, seeping further and further into the paper. Smudging the ‘Do you love me’ enough so that my breath stuttered and I was suddenly moving all too quickly for my mind to catch up with my thoughtless actions.

Not even a second later my phone was in my hand. 

Messages now To: Jamie O (glasses!) When can he meet me? 

–

Matty had always had a thing for Sundays. 

There was just something about them. Not all that Godly shite that people preached about it being holy and the first day of the week, ‘cause to him Monday would always hold that title- and Monday’s fucking sucked dick. 

No, it was because there was just something peaceful that settled on Sundays, it took him back to simpler times, of days when he’d just been a kid and roast dinners were spent ‘round his nana’s house. Or when Newcastle would play on afternoons and his dad would finally be home to watch with him. 

There was just something about them, you know. He didn’t much believe in luck, typically only the bad sort. But if someone held a gun to his head and told him he had to claim a day which would forever work in his favour, it would just have to be Sunday.

Still, he was unsure on where he currently stood with that sentiment as of late. Seeing as how he was currently in the backseat of a cab, jittery hands clinging onto shaking knees whilst rows of houses, broken up by hues of green and blue, rolled on past him.

It hadn’t been a last minute thing, but it felt much like it. The anticipation was getting to him, he knew that much, sweat licking at the back of his neck whilst his shoulders worked their way up to the lobes of his ears.

Jamie had somehow managed it.

Called him up late last night just before Ross had headed off to bed to tell him that she would finally see him. Jamie’d asked if he’d be alright going alone or if they’d prefer a buffer there, but Matty had immediately declined. So he was doing it alone. Though he couldn’t help but wonder if that had been a misstep on his part, if it would have made things easier on her having someone there, or maybe just given him some semblance of relief as the car slowly drove its way over to her house. The very place he hadn’t stepped foot in since the night of George’s birthday party.

But he hadn’t earnt that reassurance. Felt wrong to bring somebody else along either way. So he was stuck, toying with his phone, hoping or praying that a text wouldn’t come through saying that she’d gone and changed her mind.

It had been just under a week since he’d last seen her. But it felt as though time had dragged out slowly, mocking him or maybe even torturing him for all of his many wrongdoings. 

He fretted over what she might say when she caught sight of him, he himself having only spotted the state he’d worked himself into when he’d been getting ready that morning.

There were heavy bags set beneath his eyes from where he hadn’t really slept and his cheeks were hollowed in that way that they used to revert to when he’d have a particularly hard weekend way back when. If the papers caught wind of him he already knew what the first articles would say, what they would so obviously claim. But he knew the truth, just hoped that she would know it too.

He was startled from his mind at the jerk of the car pulling up onto the nearest curb. His eyes widened in sudden alarm when he realised just what that meant and then caught the look of dismay that crossed the driver’s face when the bloke looked back to announce that they’d arrived. If the man didn’t already think he was on something, then now he definitely did.

Matty swallowed stupidly and then tried for a smile, struggling to undo his seatbelt with the kickstart of shaking that overtook his hands. The driver took pity on him though, turning away to fiddle with something up front that probably didn’t need fiddling with, and finally Matty’s thumb managed to catch the button.

Releasing himself from the confines of the car, he paused just before the door could slam close behind him, handing the man a couple notes in tip, if only to apologise for his edgy behaviour or buy himself a little more time if the driver had somehow managed to suss him out even with his hat, hood and scarf. “Cheers.” He said.

The man blinked at the onslaught of cash and then nodded repeatedly, “Yes, thank you.”

Matty exhaled shakily and then dipped his chin in another goodbye, stepping back onto the curb and watching the cab pull away before he found himself alone once more.

This was it, he supposed.

The street hadn’t changed much in a matter of days but his mind made it seem as though it had. As though suddenly he didn’t belong. The odd man out.

He shoved his hands into the confines of his pockets, pivoting on his heel to face what he’d come here to do. But nothing had prepared him for the way his stomach suddenly bottomed out at the sight of her front door.

The sound of a car horn a way away spooked him, causing him to jump, but did eventually force him forward off the curb and onto the cracked pavement. He stared down at all the dips and curves they had to offer him the entire way up the path until finally, he reached her front steps.

If anyone asked, Matty would tell them it was as though he’d been working on autopilot when he pried the silver knocker up from the wood and let it rap twice. Though that would be an utter lie. His head screamed at him the whole while and his fingers blurred before him when he’d raised them up to grasp at the chilled metal. 

He’d never felt so sick, just standing there, the seconds slowly trickling into minutes, or perhaps even hours. It honestly felt as the day was slowly growing colder the longer that he stood there, staring at a coat of familiar paint, before finally hinges creaked and the door opened, revealing a sight that would’ve surely cured sore eyes, if only it hadn’t gone and broken his heart first.

It wasn’t immediate, the effect the past couple days had had on her. It was more in the way she held herself, the sadness which clung to her every fibre, the way she wouldn’t quite look him in the eye.

She stared, caught in a standstill, and for a long moment did nothing before silently and slowly she withdrew enough to allow him through.

Matty didn’t dare utter a word, let alone breathe. Careful to avoid brushing against her or stepping on her toes as he slowly crossed over the threshold to get in, though the hands he’d hidden in his coat pockets curled into fists to keep himself steady.

The first thing he noted upon first entering was the significant state of the flat, it wasn’t messy or untidy by any means, but looked nothing at all like a house typically inhabited by a child should, or at least a monster as chaotic as he knew Teddy to be. It was almost as though Mouse had been expecting a letting agent to pass through with a couple dozen couples, what with how clean it was. He almost reckoned that if he were to crouch down right there he’d probably be able to make out the seam of his jeans in the reflection of the floors.

“You can just hang your-”

“I know.” Matty whispered, not intentionally meaning to cut her off but unable to help himself anyway. 

It hurt, feeling as though he was just a guest in a place he had practically considered home not too long ago. He coughed lightly and shrugged off his coat to do so anyway, hanging it up where he usually did, something which made him pause for a split second, wondering whether this could possibly be the last time he’d have the privilege of doing so.

“Right.” Mouse murmured somewhere behind him, snapping Matty out of his thoughts. She stepped on by him just after, eyes trained on the end of the hallway until they reached the living room, “Erm, I’m just starting on a brew. You can wait here if you want.”

He wanted to follow after her, to fall down onto his knees and fucking sob there at her feet, but he was scared he’d dirty her floors or more than likely end up looking like a total knob. He would. Fucking felt like one just from thinking it. So he did as instructed, moving towards the sofa, taking note of everything and anything the room had to offer him. 

Matty’s eyes flickered over to the kitchen doorway when he realised she’d stopped there, fiddling with her nails before she caught him looking and dropped her hands. “Just realised I didn’t ask if you wanted anything.”

God, it was so fucking strained.

He took a short breath in and attempted to smile, “Tea sounds good.” Was all that he said, and watched on as her brow wrinkled, head tilting with it.

“Uh, I still have that coffee you like. The one you brought over, if you’d prefer.” She told him and he recognised her confusion for what it was, or maybe it was just her weariness over letting him know that his stuff was still where he’d left it. Or, maybe, just fucking maybe he was reading way too much into everything.

“Tea’s good.” Matty murmured, feeling a little less tense now that he knew that she was sort of sitting in the same boat. “But thanks.”

Her chest rose and fell with her next breath and he watched her nod with difficulty at him, still not meeting his eye. “Right, just be a sec then.”

She disappeared past the door with that, whilst he simply stood and listened to the run of the tap and then the flick of the kettle, feeling stupid for having missed something he hadn’t even realised he’d taken note of before. 

But that was just typical, wasn’t it? To miss something so mundane now that it was no longer expected.

Once he heard the clink of mugs Matty allowed his gaze to roam, trailing over the bundle of neatly folded throws settled on the wicker basket by the sofa, ones he knew that if Teddy was here would still be scattered all over the floor before the tv. 

There were a couple of coasters laid out on the coffee table, though the fruit bowl had since been removed, something he knew Mouse did whenever there were only a few pieces left or none at all. There would probably be grapes or something of the sort in the fridge though.

She had a couple of receipts left out on the shelf below the mirror she’d hung up on the wall when she’d first moved in, and the picture frames beside them were still the same. Only one was missing, and he knew which. 

He noticed that the candles over by the lamp were new though, expensive if he remembered rightly because he was sure that he’d spotted them round someone else’s place recently. He wondered briefly over who could’ve gifted them to her, knowing that she much preferred her usual scents, only ever splurging on the larger Yankee Candle jars they had to offer in the local Debenhams.

He found himself smiling at the thought.

It was then that she shuffled back into the room though, stalling his observations. She carried two mugs in her hand and a small plate loaded with biscuits on her forearm. Immediately Matty moved to help her, taking the plate from her even with knowing that she had it handled.

“I could’ve managed.” She murmured, though not unkindly, and then thanked him quietly once she’d gone and placed the mugs down. 

Matty followed her lead, settling the biscuits near the edge of the coffee table, between the two coasters, before fumbling for a second over where to sit. Squeaks seemed to take to one end of the settee so Matty perched on the other, though closer to the middle crease than the arm.

“You got hobnobs?” Matty finally asked, breaking the silence again, eyes flicking over to the plate he’d just held before shooting back over to find her.

She blushed faintly at his comment, then shrugged. “You like them, don’t you?”

Matty scoffed lightly, a soft smile limning his lips, “Yeah, but you hate them. Once claimed that they were like digestives only after being shat out.”

She wrinkled her nose at that, though Matty was quite sure he could spot the mirth that flickered across her face. “Want them or not?”

Rolling his eyes in fond exasperation and knowing not to push it, he picked one up and settled in a little more comfortably into the sofa cushions.

The silence would’ve been almost unbearable if she hadn’t had the foresight to have turned the tv on low before he’d arrived. So whilst a documentary played on one of the many BBC channels, Matty struggled with himself to find the best thing to say. Though he needn’t have bothered, she was always one step ahead.

“So, I think I should start by saying that I um, I know I held a lot of expectations.” 

Almost simultaneously, Matty frowned.

She just wrung her hands together once before thinking better of it and laying them flat in her lap. Matty merely wished to reach out and take them in his own. “And I get that it must’ve been a struggle for you, to basically go from like one end of a scale and then jump right off the other side. But, I-”

“What are you on about?” Matty interrupted, unable to help himself in truth, so beyond baffled by the sudden speech she’d started. She stopped and blinked over at him, finally looking him in the eye. At last.

“What do you mean?” She retorted with a pinch between her brows, “Listen, I planned this all out, alright? So can I just get out what I want to say?”

Matty stared, then forced out a breath of air. “Squeaks,” She shuttered at the name, closing off slightly, enough so that Matty took quick note and wished he hadn’t said a thing, but yet, he still carried on. Desperate to save any blundered attempt he’d make. “Look, this weren’t on you. None of it was, okay?”

Her eyes trailed back over towards him at that, though her expression was almost unreadable. Matty struggled with that bit the most, he’d always been able to read her for the most part.

“So, this crap about expectations and me struggling with whatever idea you’ve made up in your mind is stupid.” Her eyes narrowed then and he watched her work her jaw, obviously none too happy about his retort. He withheld a heavy sigh, “I’m not- Look, I’m not trying to be difficult I’m just saying that- What I’m trying to say is, that every relationship has goals or expectations, that’s normal. But nothing you ever did forced me do what I did. That shit? It was all on me. It was me being insecure and scared, yeah? So, don’t go trying to excuse it. Because I’ve had people do that for me for far too fucking long now and hearing it come from you...” 

He sort of felt himself slump at that, a little bitter and resentful over the fact that she’d since come to think of it that way. As though his mistakes were all just down to her and her inability to do right by him. He realised though, belatedly, that if anyone else had done exactly that, or even attempted to, in any other scenario he just might have taken up the offer and ran with it. But this was her, this was Squeaks. 

She was quiet for a time, then she picked up her mug, eyes trained on the movement of it before, “What then?” 

“What?” Matty frowned once more, shuffling forward in his seat in an attempt to catch her eye again.

“Why did you do it then? Why’d you lie, why didn’t you tell me about Teddy?”

That knot he’d been feeling for weeks now. The one at the very end of his tongue, all tied and tangled in the back of his throat, suddenly shrivelled up and slackened, leaving a bitter aftertaste and a plethora of guilt behind.

Matty’s gaze wandered over to the window, to where Teddy’s guitar sat in its stand just before a heavy set of grey curtains. He withheld the urge to pick at his nails as he searched for the right words to give her, wanting so honestly to tell her the truth, to give her a play by play of what had happened in detail, as well as every thought that had gone through his mind. 

“It wasn’t what it looked like for a start.”

Mouse scoffed a little at that, and Matty couldn’t be mad at it. If he was sat on the other end of this he’d been doing more than just that, he’d be up in arms, tossing shit about and raving to all who would listen.

Still, his eyes trailed down to where his hands now laid in his lap and he pressed his thumb to his palm. “We were on the highstreet, on the way back here.” He started, voice quiet as his stare tracked the faint lines of his hand, “The guy you saw in the pictures came out of nowhere really. Me and Teds had just been at that ice cream shop a way down, I didn’t even spot him until he was there, in my face.”

Matty wet his lower lip, mouth suddenly going dry. Mouse just waited.

“Teddy was quick to hide behind me, you know? The loudmouth didn’t even really notice him until the last minute. But you have to know, all I wanted was to get him out of there. To avoid staying too long and attracting the wrong sort of attention. Okay? So I’d said I had to get going as soon as he'd spoken, told him I didn’t have time to stay and chat.” 

He took a quick breath with that, eyes still centred on the deepest groove of his palm. “But then he, then he brought up Luke. Said something about the funeral he didn't go to and wanting to celebrate his life.” Out of the corner of his eye he saw Squeaks’s hands still from their previous bout of fidgeting. “But I told him I was clean. He didn’t believe me at first, which,” Matty huffed out a self-deprecating laugh, “Well, I can’t blame him for that, what with my track record.”

He heard her inhale then and looked up, it seemed as though she was going to say something but thought better. So Matty bit down on the insides of his cheeks to keep from asking before he exhaled slowly, digging a nail into that groove.

“He got a bit aggy, started calling me a toff and whatnot, because I 'spose I was just a rich boy who bought him a couple grams of coke every now and then.” He clucked his tongue thinking about it, but eventually shrugged. “Then I don’t know, he must’ve looked down or something ‘cause that’s when he,” Matty paused and his gaze shot over to her, then away again, “That’s when he spotted Teddy.”

Mouse wrinkled her mouth, then tried to nod, obviously wanting him to continue. Though she kept her eyes trained on the rim of her mug.

“That’s when he said some shit and I reacted.”

“Said what?”

Matty startled a little at the sound of her question but was hasty in his attempt to answer. “Just, he reckoned that Teddy was mine and that I had to have knocked someone up. So now they were just using me for the money.”

Her eyes slipped closed and her fingers tightened their grip on her cup.

Swallowing thickly, Matty went to continue, “I shoved him and told him to do one- that’s what they caught in those photos. I didn't take anything he offered, I didn't even look back after. Just walked away, thinking of Teddy, trying to get him out of there. The bloke, he kept on shouting, saying some crap about this and that. But I carried on walking.”

Matty was proud of that fact, even with everything that had happened since. Not too long ago, a different version of him would have handled it all too severely. It was a step, a tiny one, sure, but it was progress.

“Then what?” Mouse voiced, prompting him along with just a look.

“Then we walked home.” Matty replied, feeling that familiar cloud of shame dawn over him. “We didn’t really speak, I- I was a bit of a mess, trying to figure out what to do next, what to tell Teddy, to say to make it right again. But Teds, he,” Matty hauled in his next breath, all too fucking close to bawling, that he could admit. “He called for me and I looked down at him. All I could say was sorry, Mouse.”

She nodded tightly, the knuckles she had wrapped around her tea cup had whitened.

“He,” Matty felt the corners of his mouth lift as he remembered the bittersweet memory of Teddy trying to soothe him, “He told me it was alright, that we were okay, but I just kept on saying sorry. He said that the bloke was just a bad man, and I assured him of that. Wanting him to know that we were okay, that the guy was long gone. But then he-”

Matty stopped altogether then, a picture of Teddy's little face coming to the forefront of his mind, and Squeaks immediately took note.

“Then what?”

Her eyes were so full of emotion, but which ones he wasn’t too sure. Still, the sight tightened every muscle in his chest as he forced himself to finish what he’d started. “He said we couldn’t tell you.”

Matty knew he couldn’t have imagined the sharp inhale that sounded from her then, as though she'd just received a blow to the chest. And he so desperately wanted to reach out, to wrap her up and just fucking hold her. But he couldn't. It wasn't his place.

He watched on as she licked at her top lip though, blinking back the wetness that shone in her eyes, “Why?” Her voice cracked on the question but she did not cry.

It was a simple answer. “He didn’t want to hurt you.”

Mouse stood then, placing the cup down with some force before she hastily made her way over to the front window. Matty stayed seated, unsure if he’d be welcome near her.

“It fucking broke me, Squeaks.” He admitted after a moment, his lips now tingled with the sheer amount of effort it took for him to not let his emotions get the better of him. “I didn’t know what to do.”

“You should have told me.” Was her reply, sharp and cutting, enough that it fucking wounded. Because Matty knew that she was right.

“I know.” He answered.

“You should have fucking told me, Matty!” She repeated, turning then to face him. He saw the tremble of her shoulders, the curve of her mouth and how it quaked. He stared, couldn't bring himself to look away.

“I know.”

He swallowed, throat almost aching as much as the hole that made up the majority of his chest. 

"Why didn't you tell me?"

“I don't know.” He murmured, mostly to himself.

[thenewausten]

Quackity Imagine: You're losing me [Part 2]

Part 1: here!

Five months ago, Alex destroyed your heart. To be honest, he destroyed all of you when he said he didn't love you anymore. It still hurts, not like it hurted on the first day, but it still hurts.

You went to therapy, you met new people, went to parties, continued your life and it still hurted. Of course, it was five years of a very intense and great relationship, full of love, confidence and passion. A relationship you thought would last forever, but forever is a long time, and as everyone says, nothing last for so long. Everyone, all the people, and everything, all the things, the relationships, the bonds with your friends and even with your family... Everything comes to an end, time touches all the people and things you love with all of your heart, body and soul. No one is safe when it comes to it.

Sometimes, you wish you never met Alex, because the pain is very profound. You never thought you'd feel something like this in your life. Not because of Alex. It's like a 'fuckin grief when you wake up in the middle of the night and see he's not there with you.

It sucks that, when you lost him, you lost yourself. You don't know who you're, not anymore. You're trying to discover, to find yourself again, your strength and a reason to keep going.

You were learning to do, by yourself, what you loved to do with him. So, today, it's raining, but you want to take the coffee of your favourite Coffee Shop, you grab your umbrella, put on a coat and some boots to stay heated and put your headphones on, "Right were you left me" by Taylor Swift starting to play on it, making everything more powerful, melancholy and dramatic. Shit, this song hurts.

As soon as you arrive on the Coffee Shop, you close your umbrella and smiles to the attendant. "Y/N! Oh my God, hi!" She says to you with a smile on her face. "Hi! How are you?!" You approach her and smile. "I'm fine! And you?" She asks and you sigh before answering. "I'm... Living." You answer and she nods. "Alex told me what happened, I'm sorry."

"What? Does he still come here?!" You frown your eyebrows and Elena, the attendant, nods. "He does, almost everyday, to be honest." That's so weird, Alex always said he didn't like the coffee of here so much. "Don't make this face, it's obvious that he misses you." She says and you feel your heart ache. "But he was the one who broke up with me, Elena."

"He said it's the worst thing he ever did, dear." She says and you frown your eyebrows even more. "But..." God, only to hear about Alex you want to cry. Only to hear about the fact he misses you makes your heart almost stop beating.

"Sorry, I shouldn't say anything." Elena whispers as she sees your face. "No, it's.. It's okay." You say. "Can I have my favourite coffee, please?" You ask and she nods. "Sure."

"Here." Elena gives you your coffee after almost three minutes. "Look, Alex told me what happened the first time he appeared here, by himself. He said it was a mistake... He never stopped loving you. I'm only saying that to you because I believe it, you know? I believe that he still loves you. He's suffering so much because of what he did. I can tell you, Y/N... I saw true love two times in my life. With my parents relationship and with yours, on that table..." She points to the table you and Alex used to sit to drink your coffee. "True love is bigger than the time. There are things that, not even the time can touch. Only death, because it's the only thing we can't scape from." The black haired girl says and smiles to you. A single tear escapes from one of your eyes and she points to the coffee. "It's on the house."

You drank your coffee on the way back to your apartment, watching the people on the street as you hold your cry. You didn't want to seem crazy and start to sob in the middle of the avenue, so as soon as you locked the door of your house, you sat on the floor and started crying.

Alex was in pieces, the boy never hated his ownself more than he's hating now. He hates himself because of all the damage he caused on you, because of all the anger, the way he yelled at you, the way he made you cry, the way he lost you. Shit, he lost you.

To live without you is a torture, to not hold you in his arms, to not kiss your face and lips, to not hear your laugh, to not have you... Damn, how could he think he stopped loving you?! All the fear and anxiety about his own future made him lose the only person he couldn't lose. You. He just wanted you back. He just wanted to have a time machine sometimes, so he wouldn't fail with you.

The memories would destroy his heart, the way you both fell in love for each other, the way you both learned english, the way you moved together... The laughs, the nights, the dates. It comes to him in a glimpse in every thing he does. You're in every part of his life, even after five months. You'll always be.

Alex never thought he'd see you again in his life, but, a few weeks later, the boy discovers that he's wrong. Again. He sees you alone at a cozy pub, you were wearing his favourite sweater, he saw it one day and it made him think of you, so he just brought it to you. He didn't want to bother you, he didn't have courage to do it, but his body made his way to inside of the pub. You were reading a book, but the noise of the door made you look away from the pages. Made you look at him. Your ex boyfriend.

The book closes as he approaches you, and at the same time you get up from your chair. Every part of your body was tingling, your heart beating so fast on your chest and your stomach hurting with the feeling of seeing him after all this time. Alex felt the same, but the guilty was consuming him from the inside to the outside. The pain on your both eyes made everything clear for the both of you. Pain only comes when there's love in the middle of something, and the love you both felt for each other was there. It was never gone. It could never go away. Elena was right. Time couldn't erase true love, only death, but maybe, not even death.

"I didn't know I'd see you again." Alex says as he approaches your table, his voice is a mess, already trembling with emotion. "I didn't know I'd see you again either." You whisper. "How are you?" You ask. "I... I'm not happy. To be honest, I'm very miserable." You can see it by his dark circles in his eyes. Still handsome. Still broke your heart in pieces. "You?"

"I'm not that good, you know?! You destroyed my heart." He looks away and sighs, there's only sadness in his face. "I'm sorry, Y/N. I shouldn't have done what I did, I didn't understand back then, but now I do." All the anger on his voice is gone, the only thing you hear is regret. "I thought I stopped loving you, but I was paralysed by the fear, by the anxiety, by my 'fuckin work." He says. "I'd never stop loving you."

"What do you want me to do, Alex?!" Tears wet your cheeks as you ask the boy in front of you. "You don't need to do anything if you don't want to, Y/N. I'm here to say to you that I dream about you almost everyday, I don't even like the coffee of your favourite Coffee Shop but I'm going there almost everyday so I can remember all of our good moments on the table we'd sit. Every damn thing I do makes me think of you, when I lay on my bed to sleep I think about you, when I cook I think about you. You're in every part of my life. You're in everywhere, Y/N. I don't want you to do anything, but... Jesus, how I wanted to have you back." Alex wipes away his tears. At this point, you didn't even know what to say. "You probably don't want me back, I understand it, but I just wanted you to know that I made the worst mistake of my life, that I'd change my actions if I could go back in time, that I'd... Shit, I can't." The boy covered his face with his both hands as he starts to cry in front of you. "I wish I'd still have the chance to buy our house, to marry you and have children with you, Y/N."

Damn, the last phrase almost killed you. The boy making your heart in pieces again, but in a different way now. You approach him as he starts to sob uncontrollably, just like you did in front of him when he broke up with you. Your hand on his back as you comfort him, Alex can't help but hug you by the waist, crying on your mustard yellow sweater that he loved so much. Just like he loved you.

"Alex, it's okay." You whisper as he hugs you tighter. "Let's take a sit, c'mon." You tried to control your voice and your own feelings because of Alex. In almost one year of friendship and five years of relationship you never saw him like this. You sit the boy on the chair beside yours. "Do you want me to grab you some water?" You ask him. "No, I'm fine." He tries to breathe. "I'm sorry."

"It's okay." You whisper and wipe your own tears. "No, I mean... Can you at least forgive me for what I did to you?!"

"Of course, 'Lex. I forgive you." You say to him and he nods, looking at your sweater. "You know, it's not easy some days. I never wanted our relationship to end." You start, looking to your own sweater. "I couldn't totally move on, not yet. I don't know if I can do it, you know?! If one day I'll wake up and won't love you anymore. It feels like a part of my heart will always love you." Alex doesn't say anything as more tears wet his cheeks. "I can't ask you to try again because I feel like I don't deserve you." He says, the sadness in his voice is so deep you might cut it with a knife. "Of course you do, Alex. You made a mistake, but you always treated me so good. That's one of the reasons why I wanted to marry you. You'd treat our children as good as you treated me."

"I would." He whispers and you hold his hand. "I need to find myself again, Alex, and you need to forgive your ownself. There's no way to try again right now." You say. "You broke me, I betrayed myself so many times just so I could have you and I want to be sure that I'm better. That you're better, you know?! I can't do it again right now. There's so many things to fix between us, I don't want to have fights like the ones we used to have in our last months together." He nods.

"We won't, I can promise you that, Y/N." He says and you nod. "But I understand, and I... We have so much to talk, I have so much to say to you." He whispers and approaches you. "I love you so much, Y/N." The boy looks at your eyes as he says it. "I love you too, Alex." You hug him as you whisper.

"I promise you, I won't lose you this time, mi vida. I won't lose you ever again." He says into your ear and you smile.

"I know you won't, 'Lex."

Thank you for reading, I hope you enjoy the writing! :)

Requests are open!

[collisvng]

skz as random songs from my playlist — drabble series.

chan | minho | changbin | hyunjin | jisung | lix | seungmin | jeongin

song. | adore you — miley cyrus. word count. | 1.5k+ — all fluff. warnings. | some light swearing. mention of fire/burning things. mentions of breakups. mentions of drinking. a mention of god.

Jeongin was a free spirit.

He was the thrilling contrast to your more calming presence.

It was an accident how the both of you met.

You found yourself at a party unbeknownst to the host due to your roommate dragging you outside for the first time in months. No one knew you, and you sure as hell didn’t know anyone there either.

But when you took a moment to take a breather, hiding away from the loud music and plethora of couples making out by making your way into the basement; there he was.

Jeongin was kneeling close to the ground, hovering over a polaroid of him and his ex and watching it burn.

As the picture became crisp and the lighter in his hand clincked to a close, all you could do was watch. And when he turned to look at you standing by the stairs—eyes turning into crescent moons as his lips slowly turned upward into a full grin—you nodded towards the picture.

“That’s a fire hazard, you know.”

“And you know this is my house, right?”

His tone had a bit of teasing behind it, enough that it made you let out a breathy laugh in response. 

After a few shared words, you found yourself sitting against the wall with the stranger. You shared stories about your crazy roommate and he shared stories about his crazy ex that dumped him for another guy three days before Valentine’s Day. Soon a bottle of soju was passed back and forth as you both watched the second polaroid of the night disintegrate into flames. Then another… And another…

But as much as you remembered that night, there were things you couldn’t quite remember. 

Like how many pictures you burned… How many times you accidentally laughed too loud at one of his jokes… How you managed to restrain yourself from making out with him in your drunken state… Or how you guys apparently exchanged socials and promised to see each other again.

You couldn’t remember the small details.

Maybe if you did, you’d know why Jeongin was knocking at your dorm window in the middle of the night about a year later.

You’d wake up, walking over to see Jeongin waving at you with the most mischievous smile. He looked like he had just come back from another party. Sporting a denim jacket, white tee, and a black choker; the sight made you shiver. When he smirked at you, his lip ring—something he had gotten done during one of his many crazy escapades—moved a bit as it pushed against his upper lip. And his blonde highlights seemed to shine from the streetlights against his otherwise-black hair.

He looked like one of those bad boys you’d see in movies.

He looked like he was ready to do something reckless.

He looked like he needed to be kissed.

“What do you want?” You whispered as you slowly opened your window. “It’s like 3am, dude.”

“Come with me,” he nodded his head in the direction behind him. “Put on your shoes, I wanna show you something.”

And that’s how you found yourself walking through a random alleyway on the school grounds with your newly-found best friend at three in the morning. Big t-shirt covered by a puffy jacket, comfy pajama shorts, sneakers and all.

Surely if someone saw you both they’d think you’re crazy. I mean, your friend had already seemed to have lost his mind. He had been acting strange all week, to be honest. Clearly, something was up.

“Remind me what we are doing here exactly?” You asked a little too loudly. “You’re not dragging me out here to like… murder me or anything right?”

He scoffed. “Bold of you to assume I’m smart enough to even think that through.”

The two of you walked a little further until the sound of Jeongin yelling with excitement filled your ears.

“OH FUCK YEAH, IT’S STILL HERE!”

You watched him dip behind a large compact dumpster only to come out rolling an abandoned shopping cart in front of him. He stopped right at your feet smiling his mischievous smile once again.

“Get in.”

“What?!”

“Get in the cart,” he shrugged as if it was the obvious thing to do. “Just do it. I’ll push you around in it.”

“Absolutely the fuck not!” You laughed taking a step back.

“Why not?”

“Because I could get hurt?!”

“No you won’t,” he pouted as he shook his head. “I used to do this kind of stuff all the time. I promise it’s fun.”

“Dude… what?” Your hands reached up to slowly rake your fingers through your hair. 

Jeongin was weird. He was always weird. He was the kind of guy who could look at you with the sweetest face and then go and do something so completely out of pocket that you wouldn’t even see it coming. But he was never the type to drag you out in the early hours of the morning just to do something like this. It didn’t feel like him. It felt like he was trying to compensate for something. 

“What do you mean you used to do this all the time?”

It was then that Jeongin’s facade began to crumble. He slowly pursed his lips, stared down at the shopping cart, and his eyes changed. They were dark, filled with sorrow; there were full moons where his beautiful crescents used to be.

“My–uh–ex… and I used to do this kind of thing before… we…” 

His voice trailed off. And after pulling out your phone to remind yourself of the day’s date, everything seemed to make more sense.

It was February 11th. Three days before Valentine’s day. And three days before the year anniversary of Jeongin getting dumped by the girl who broke his heart.

You looked up at him with genuine concern and he laughed away whatever sympathy it seemed you had towards him. 

“Don’t look at me like that,” he pleaded. “It'll only make me feel worse. I’m fine, really.”

You didn’t believe him. But there was also no sense in trying to fight with someone who was clearly already fighting with his own demons. So you did what any other good friend would do.

You got in the cart.

“If I get hurt, I swear I’m going to kill you.”

“Wouldn’t even dream about it princess,” he mumbled, happier than ever at your sudden change of heart.

He pushed you, pulled you, spun you around until you got dizzy. He pushed the cart at full speed then jumped onto the bottom railing of the cart so that you were both riding it, only stopping to jump off right as you both almost hit a wall. You yelled at him for it, but he didn’t seem to mind. Your happy screams made him feel the most content he had ever been in his entire life.

It was like he needed it. He loved it. And as much as you didn’t want to admit it, you loved it even more.

When you eventually decided to tap out, he helped lift you from your little wheeled prison.

You wrapped your arms around Jeongin’s neck and stood inside the cart. He grabbed you right above your knees and helped lift you as you jumped; causing the cart to be slightly kicked away in the process. 

A little squeak escaped from you during the process. Jeongin swore he had never heard anything so cute before.

When your feet finally felt ground again, a mutual laugh was shared between you both. It went on for a bit before you realized Jeongin had suddenly gone quiet and was now staring at you. His moons were crescent once again and you could tell by how his lip ring wiggled that he was starting to fidget with it using his tongue. He was getting nervous for some reason. And now, after noticing how pretty his piercing made his lips look, you were starting to get nervous too.

“What’s wrong now?” Your eyes never left his as you asked.

He observed you for a second, taking in your frumpy little demeanor. Your hair was frizzy, your jacket was falling off your left shoulder, the shorts you were wearing were practically covered by your shirt, and your sneakers looked so worn out he could practically see how they were going to fall apart soon. Nothing about you was perfect, but yet you were perfect. And he absolutely adored you.

“Nothing,” he said as he took a step closer to you. “Just thinking.”

You also took a step closer. “About?”

“About how God knew exactly what he was doing when he led me to you.”

“Really?” You both stepped forward this time. “That seems a little far-fetched, you know.”

The two of you were so close now that you could practically feel each other’s breath as you spoke.

“And you know I have control over my own thoughts, right?”

The two of you found each other somehow.

You couldn’t remember who kissed who first… Or when your arms wrapped around Jeongin’s neck… Or when Jeongin’s hand ended up resting on your chin to pull you even deeper into the kiss…

You just knew that in a basement somewhere there was a stack of burned polaroids. And as long as Jeongin kissed you like this, you knew there’d never be a polaroid of you finding that same fate anytime soon.

↻masterlist↺

[therealcocoshady]

Recovery - Chapter 3

Eminem x Reader (Y/N) fanfiction

Summary : Marshall and Y/N decide to celebrate a sobriety milestone but bad news get in the way.

Tag : -

A few weeks went by and you slowly started to adapt to what you could call your new normal. You were getting used to living with your friends and started working on your doctoral dissertation again, while going to meetings and making it to therapy. Every so often, you’d be invited to hang out in the studio with Talia and the boys and spend a couple of hours with them. However, most of your time was devoted to uni work so you didn’t hang out with them too much. In fact, today would be the first day you’d see them in a couple of weeks. If you were honest, you were particularly excited to see Marshall. The two of you had crossed path a number of times since you went on that drive and you always had a good time when you were with him. At that point, it was safe to say you had developed a harmless crush on him. Nothing major, but you did particularly enjoy looking at him and you were always happy to hug him hello and goodbye. You knew he would never be interested in you, so you simply decided to enjoy the sensation of feeling good in his presence.

The night after the two of you went on a drive, Talia had been grilling you with questions, but there was not much to say. The two of you had not talked about it but you were pretty sure she knew about your crush. She knew you too well anyway. Whatever, it was harmless, although she did make sure to always have you sit next to Marshall whenever she had the chance.

That day, you were happy for three reasons : first, it was Friday, which meant you would enjoy the weekend and some much needed rest from uni. Secondly, you were celebrating two months being sober. It hadn’t been without its trials, but you had made it so far and were extremely proud. Finally, you got to see Marshall. You were all smiles when you pushed the door to the studio and greeted everyone.

- Y/N, we have been waiting for you like you have no idea ! Jamal said.

- Oh really ? You asked in disbelief. Is that because you produce your best work whenever I’m around ? You asked with a smirk.

- Kind of, he answered jokingly. But it’s mostly because Marshall has been in a bad mood all day, which usually doesn’t happen when you’re around. So whatever it is, please work your magic and make our life bearable again, I beg of you, he added as he fell to his knees for good measure, in a very dramatic and theatrical way.

- Speaking of the devil, where is he ?

No one had time to answer your question, as Marshall came in the room, looking unnerved and slamming the door behind him. You looked at Talia, whose look confirmed that he was indeed in a bad mood. Everyone was silent.

- Now can we please give it a couple more tries and get that right ? Marshall asked exasperated.

- We’ve been working on that song for hours and nothing good came out, someone pointed out. How about we circle back to that later ?

- No, Marshall said coldly. We can get that thing to sound right and we will.

- Stubborn much ? Jamal asked jokingly before Marshall shot him a death glare.

You didn’t know if Marshall had seen you there or not but you weren’t sure as to whether or not greeting him was a good idea. You just sat next to Talia and stared at your phone as you were trying to finish reading a paper. You didn’t pay much attention to your surroundings before you heard Marshall slamming his head against the mixing desk.

- Fuck. He said. We’re already behind on schedule. This album is going to be my last, I swear. If it ever even gets done.

- You already said that for the last one, Paul pointed out jokingly.

- Yeah well you know what ? I’m soon to turn fifty-two. I’m too old for that shit anyways, Marshall replied.

- Come on, dude. We have our good luck charm here today, Jamal said pointing at you.

You smiled shyly at Marshall, who seemed to ease a little.

- Hey there, he said before getting up to properly greet you. Sorry I didn’t say hi before. That was rude.

- It’s ok, you said as you hugged him. So… last album before you become an accountant ? You know, you could ask my dad for pointers, you said jokingly.

Marshall laughed and kissed your cheek.

- Ok, maybe I was being a bit dramatic and maybe it won’t be the last one, he said with a laugh.

Jamal looked at the two of you in disbelief, yet smiling.

- So he’s been an ass all day, and now that Y/N has been here for ten minutes, he’s laughing ?

Everyone laughed and Marshall raised his middle finger.

- Now that you’re in a better mood, can we PLEASE take a cigarette break ? Someone asked.

- Fine, Marshall said rolling his eyes, as most people left the room and he went back to his seat, scribbling in this notebook.

After a moment of silence, you decided to talk.

- I have News, you said.

- Good or bad ? He asked without looking up.

- Well, you tell me, you said with a smile, proudly showing your newly-earned sobriety chip.

He greeted you with a smile and pulled you in for a hug.

- I’m proud of you, he said before kissing you on the forehead, making you blush. We should celebrate.

- Really ? How so ?

- Dinner ? He offered.

- That sounds good, you said. How about you come tomorrow night ? I’ll cook !

- I’m intrigued, he said. So you’re beautiful, smart AND you can cook ?

- I would also showcase my dancing abilities, but you’d be too jealous, you joked, trying to distract yourself from the fact that he called you beautiful.

The two of you shared a laugh but were interrupted by people coming back from their break. They resumed the work and, thankfully for everyone, Marshall ended up being pleased by one of the versions they recorded.

The next day, you decided to go shopping for your celebration dinner. You decided to cook some French recipe. « Whatever you want, unless it’s frogs or snails » Talia had told you. A while ago, you may or may not have tried to get your friends to taste snails, which ended up in a complete disaster. You were excited to cook and were in a good mood when you arrived to the store. You quickly grabbed the items you needed but the joy left your body when you reached the register and saw Simon - your Simon - kissing a beautiful woman as they were grabbing a few items. He seemed happy as ever. You could not help but stare at them and wonder for how long they’d been together. Something about their demeanour made it feel like they’d been a couple for ages. As you lowered your gaze, in hope they wouldn’t notice you, Simon called your name.

- Y/N ?

- Simon. Hi, you said.

- You look… well, he pointed out.

- I am, thank you, you replied. How are you ?

- Good. Kind of busy.

- I figured, you couldn’t help but say, quickly staring at the beautiful lady he was with.

- I meant with work.

- Oh. Right. Well I’d love to chat but I have to go. Have a good one.

You paid and quickly left the store. For some reason, you felt humiliated, even though Simon had every right to date whoever he liked. After all, you hadn’t been together for nearly three months. Plus, Simon was the very définition of perfection : handsome, polite, successful. Looking back, it was kind of obvious he wouldn’t have trouble finding someone else. And it wasn’t exactly like he made a promise to wait for you either.

Even though you tried your best not to cry on the way home, you sniffled as you walked through the door.

- Baby, are you alright ? Talia asked.

- I saw Simon, today. Kissing someone.

As soon as the words left your lips, tears started to stream down your cheeks.

- Oh, Y/N, I’m so sorry ! She said before giving you a much needed hug.

- I know it’s silly but some part of me thought that… I’d get better and we’d get back together and… and…

- I know. I thought you guys were endgame too, she said sheepishly.

She held you for a while as you sobbed.

- Let’s focus on the positive, honey ! Let’s celebrate those two months of you getting better. I’ll help you cook, she offered.

- Do you mind if we reschedule ? You asked. I don’t feel like celebrating. Or cooking. Or eating, for that matter.

- Are you sure, baby ? Marshall should be here soon. I promise we’ll have a good night, just the four of us, she tried.

- Yeah… can you call him and tell him I’m sorry ? I think I should go to my room and rest for a bit.

You apologised once again and left the items on the kitchen counter before going to your room. You changed into some sweatpants and a tank top and laid on the bed and stared at the ceiling. It dawned on you that Simon and you were truly over. Even though you tried thinking of something else, you couldn’t help but seeing him with that girl. She was truly beautiful. Probably more deserving of him, too. The tears wouldn’t stop flowing from your eyes. It felt like a fountain. Deep down, you knew it was your fault. You were the one who screwed up. He was the perfect match for you, you screwed up and now, you’d probably end up alone.

You heard a knock on the door.

- I’m fine, Talia, you said while wiping away your tears.

- It’s not Talia, you heard Marshall’s voice say. Can I come in ?

Marshall ? What was he doing here ? You quickly got up and opened the door.

- Hey, you said. I’m sorry, I told Talia to cancel for tonight. I’m feeling a bit under the weather…

- She told me about your ex, he said. But she thought we should do something to get your mind off things. Come here.

He pulled you in for a hug. He grabbed your face in his hands and wiped your tears with his thumbs.

- I don’t think I’ve ever seen anyone’s face so swollen after crying, he said with a smile.

- I know, I’m an ugly cryer, you replied.

- Everyone’s ugly when they cry, he pointed out.

- No, that’s not true. Some people manage to stay hot even when they cry.

- Well I’ve never seen that, he said as he shook his head.

- I’m sure Ms. Perfection over there is still beautiful when she cries, you mumbled.

- Who ? Marshall asked, looking confused.

- The girl Simon was kissing. You should have seen her, Marshall. So beautiful. Tall. And blonde. And skinny. And perfect for him in every way. The opposite of me.

You rolled your eyes at the thought of her.

- As beautiful as she may be, I’m sure she can’t compete with you, Marshall said.

- You haven’t seen her, you pointed out.

- I don’t need to, he shrugged.

He was just being nice and you knew it full well. Still, the compliments made you feel a bit better.

- Why don’t you join Talia and Jamal ? Let me just put on something other than sweats and I’ll start cooking.

- I thought you wanted to cancel dinner ? He asked, looking confused.

- Yeah, but Talia still made you come all this way, so I might as well feed you.

- That’s awfully nice of you, he said with a grin.

- Nice of you to come, you said with a shy smile.

- Anything for you, Y/N, he replied with a serious tone. You can call me and I’ll be there.

- Good thing I don’t have your number, you said with a smile. You’d never live in peace otherwise.

- Let’s correct that, shall we ?

He grabbed your phone and entered his number in it.

- Now you can call me, he said. Anytime.

- Thanks, Marshall.

You gave him a shy smile and immediately rang him so he’d have your number too.

- I can help you cooking if you want, he offered. But I should warn you : I’m not too good at it.

- You’re a grown man and you can’t cook ? You asked in disbelief.

- Well I guess I can prepare food. I even worked as a short-order cook, a long time ago. I wouldn’t call that cooking though. Neither would my kids, he said with a grin.

- I’ll teach you a thing or two, then. Let me just get dressed.

- Why ? He asked. We’re staying in. You don’t have to make an effort for me.

You shrugged and headed to the kitchen with him. Truth was, you didn’t want Marshall to think of you as sloppy. Even though he did not really seem to care.

When you entered the kitchen, you found Jamal and Talia hugging and kissing like teenagers.

- You guys are too cute. I can’t handle that right now, you said.

- Yeah, please don’t rub your happiness in our single faces, Marshall pleaded.

- Sorry guys, I’m too in love with this gorgeous lady, Jamal said.

Both you and Marshall pretended to puke. The four of you laughed and started cooking together while listening to music. You tried teaching them how to prepare some traditional French chicken dish. It was a simple one but you hadn’t exactly been given the most attentive students. Marshall was desperately trying to cut the vegetables correctly (nearly destroying them in the process), while Talia and Jamal kept on making out like teenagers. You ended up preparing the dish by yourself. It wasn’t perfect but the group deemed it to be good enough.

- Don’t worry Y/N. If you keep cooking like that, we’ll find you a husband soon enough, Jamal complimented.

- JAMAL ! Talia shouted.

- Sorry. Wrong timing, he apologised. You know what I mean.

You couldn’t help but burst out laughing. Jamal was really sweet and you knew he meant well.

- it’s good to hear you laugh, Talia said as she grabbed your hand.

- Thanks for being here, guys, you replied. My day sucked but you make it better.

- Anytime, Marshall said.

The four of you kept the conversation going but were soon disturbed by the door buzzing. Talia went to answer.

- Hey Talia. Is Y/N here ? I’d like to speak to her, you heard an all too familiar voice say.

- Simon ? You asked as your heart started racing. What are you doing here ?

[immajustvibehere]

Drunk Kisses - High Honor

Pairing: Arthur Morgan x fem!Reader

Summary: A drunk reader gives Arthur Morgan a kiss. (High Honor Version! For Low Honor click here)

drabble: 950 words

Sean had been rescued and his high spirits were so contagious that most people were merry and drunk before the sun had set. People were flirting, couples were dancing, and friends were sharing drinks. You observed all of this amusedly with blurry sight.

"Tilly, will ya excuse me for a second?", you asked, a big grin growing on your face when you saw Arthur getting up from a conversation he had been having with Hosea. He laughed, patted the old man on the back and strut towards the campfire to join Miss Grimshaw and a couple of others who were just striking up a song.

"Arthur!", you slurred.

"Jeez, Miss y/l/n. How many have you had?", Arthur chuckled when he saw you stumble towards him. He too, had emptied two or three bottles, just enough to make it easier to laugh about your stagger and enjoying how warm his cheeks felt when he saw your slightly dishevelled clothes.

"Would you pleaseee dance with me?", you asked. Truth be told, you wanted to ask him this a couple of times before, only ever really having the courage when you were drunk, but the occasion never felt so right as it did tonight.

"Ya even capable of setting one foot in front of another?", Arthur asked with a smile, already extending his arm for you to hold on to and lead you to the space where Molly and Dutch were dancing.

"Not really to be quite honest with you", you mumbled, "But I know you got me."

You waited for Arthur's hand to settle on your hip before you put yours on his shoulder. When Arthur took the first step, you almost toppled over, but his grip was firm and prevented you from ever stumbling too far away. Arthur corrected every slip you made, though after a while both of you couldn't help laughing about the movements you were making. It was anything but gracious.

"You two call this dancing?", Dutch yelled over. You ignored him.

"Y/n if we go on, I don't know how long I can keep you from falling over. Things start spinnin' in my head", Arthur laughed, again pressing you close to him, as your knees threatened to buckle from all the laughing.

"It only started to spin for you now!?", you cried incredulous, "I haven't seen straight for the last half an hour!"

"I can tell!", Arthur answered, slowly loosening his grip on you when he felt that you stood firmly. You were catching your breath, still holding Arthur's sleeve.

"Thank you", you smiled.

"Any time", Arthur answered sweetly, wondering where this weird feeling in his stomach suddenly came from. And then you suddenly came closer, pressing a small kiss into the corner of his mouth. The beard tickled, so when you backed up again, you grinned and repeated: "Thank you."

Arthur wasn't processing quick enough. He just stood there, stiff and confused with the feeling in his stomach going wild. He watched as you staggered off, heading towards the campfire and the singing group. He joined a couple of moments later, sitting down on a log opposite to you. You had decided to sober up a bit. Not necessarily because you wanted to, but you feared that another drink would knock you out entirely. Arthur was considering getting more drunk, because he started to fear things, he never thought he would care so much about.

Was that a friendly kiss? Had you aimed for the cheek and simply hit a bit off target because of your drunkenness? Or did you like him? Sometimes, he thought you were overly friendly and caring towards him, but he always explained that away with you seeing him as a good friend. But suddenly he wasn't so sure anymore. And then he feared he was overthinking. You were drunk, you probably didn't even know what you were doing, even less remember it in the morning.

The night went on, and you were one of those people heading off to bed earlier than the rest. You didn't notice Arthur following you until you tripped over a root, but he was there to grab your arm and keep you steady.

"Careful", Arthur mumbled.

"Sure. Thanks", you smiled. Did you see his thoughts running wild? Maybe. But you were tired and still a bit inebriated.

"Y/n. I think I gotta tell ya something", Arthur started, "'m real sorry if I'm oversteppin' a line or s'thing...but I..."

He took off his hat and fumbled around with it. The silence and awkwardness of the situation was so clear and so long-lasting, even your slow brain was catching up to what was happening.

I like you. God damn, he couldn't say it. Maybe it had been one drink too few.

"Nevermind, I'll let ya go to bed", Arthur was about to turn around when you grabbed his hand.

"No. I'm curious now", you smiled.

"It's nothing, really", Arthur nodded.

"It is. Because I can tell you've been thinking about it a lot."

Arthur sighed: "Guess I just wanted to thank you again, for the dance."

"Is it that, or do you want me to thank you again for the dance?", you smiled, tilting your head. It took a couple of seconds until Arthur caught on, but then he blushed.

"I- I don't wanna take advantage of ya bein' drunk an' all that", Arthur stammered on.

You shook your head smilingly and stepped closer. Just enough to leave a couple of inches between your faces. You whispered a "You won't. Drunk or not, I've liked you for a long time now" and waited until he closed the gap between you and your lips met again.

[mechaknight-98]

Gathering Act III: Culling ritual

The next day I woke up in Dexter and Connor’s apartment. All of our significant others had schedules so it was a “guys” day for the time being after showering and getting ready we all went to get breakfast. When we got to the spot you'll never guess who we saw there. Because I know I wouldn't. So there's the scenario we are sitting about to order food when in walks this brunette lady with a mask on. She has a cap on so no one can recognize her.

“I'll tell you later,” I say. I approach the young lady as non-menacingly as possible she looks up at me and I ask, “I'm pretty sure you get this a lot but by chance are you Sana of twice? I say loud enough so she can hear me but not loud enough to make a scene. The young woman smiles with wide eyes and pulls me to sit down with her.

“How did you know? No one else knew it was me.”

“Well, you have a Sana walk,” I said. I tried to keep my language simple so she could reply as I remembered she struggled with English.

“A Sana walk… I like that. So I take it you are once?” she asked. I nodded she moved closer and put her arm around me “You seem familiar.” she said with a hungry smile I hesitated because the aura she gave off was extremely similar to the succubi I had faced in the past.

“Well I went to one of y'all concerts a while back so maybe that's it,” I said.

Sana stroked my chin and said, “No that's not it. So what brings a strong psionic like you here.” her words sent all kinds of alarms in my head. So I chose my next words carefully

“Oh I was getting food and I saw you and wanted to ask if you would sign this,” I said as I pulled out a photo card.

“Do you have a pen?” Sana asked with a hungry smile. I nodded as I space-sifted a gold metallic Sharpie and handed it to her. Sana took the card out of the sleeve before signing it. “You know Slime Hydra I am surprised to see you here.” I freeze at her words. Sana takes off the mask and smiles again. She asks for my phone and against my better judgment I am beguiled to give it to her. She smiles as she opens it and puts her number in as she has me do the same with hers. “See now we're friends.” She says. I turn to her and face her as she puts the mask on.

“How do you know me?” I ask worried

“Oh, Dahyun’s friend Gahyeon mentions her crazy little brother. Also, you're pretty big news having fought at an award show after winning song of the year.” Sana teases

Broken out of whatever trance I was in I said in a louder tone “Younger brother? I'm older than her!”

“Oh, there's the excitement I've heard so much about.” Sana teased

I relaxed enough to talk to Sana like she was a regular person so I asked the following, “Okay what's your deal? Are you a succubus?”

Sana's eyes widened as she said “Straight to the point like Siyeon. Tell you what tell me your deal and I'll tell you mine.”

“I'm just a normal psionic,” I respond

“That's it?” Sana questions

“Yeah my power is just super weird and I have had it for so long it's been able to evolve twice not three times as of my 21st birthday,” I explain

“Evolve three times so that means you've had your power since you were one year old!” Sana exclaims

“Yeah, it has kinda been a pain, to be honest,” I reply

“Really?” Sana asked

“Yeah,” I confided.

“So how does it work I have been told and seen different things,” Sana asked intrigued

“Well first it was the eating and mimicry, then the slime-making constructs then it evolved to add the aura, and as of recently they have all fused to make slime Hydra I guess as manifestation of all the independent pieces,” I tell her

“Okay, so you aren't a slime Hydra?” Sana asked.

“I don't think so although… I don't know. Lami Orochi has always been in here ”I explained as I pointed to my forehead

“Well since you've been such a good boy I'll let you in on a secret. I am not a succubus but a psionic like you. My power is just similar to one.” Sana explained

“Oh so like Rogue from X-men?” I said

“Who?”Sana asked. I forget that not everyone knows who the X-men are.

“Oh right here's a video,” I said as I showed her a video explaining Rogue.

Sana smiled as she watched then turned to me and said, “Yes I'm that." Sana laughed before adding "Thank you for sitting with me and chatting. You're the first person not to freak out about me.”

“Well, I've seen a lot. So not much phases me. Have a nice day Mrs. Minatozaki.” I say as walk away.

Before I am out of reach Sana grabs me and says “You know we should hang out sometime later. You're pretty cool.”

“If it's a date I'm sorry I can't but as friends sure.”

Sana pouts rolls her eyes and then smiles the hungry smile before saying “Whatever. I'll see you soon. Enjoy the photo card you better not sell it.”

I nod as I head by to Connor and Dexter who had watched the entire thing and we're laughing at me.

“Dude you are so lame.” Connor teased as I sat back down.

“Well excuse me for being starstruck she is one of my ult biases,” I reply

“Oh that's surprising, but isn't Sakura also one of your ult biases?” Dexter added I nod and explain

“My ult biases are as follows Hasuel of Loona, Dami, Sakura, and all of twice. Yujin being my SO also has her special position.”

“So you just can't choose one of Twice?”

“They were my first girl group who got me into K-pop. They will always be my ult biases.”

“That's remarkably wholesome and thoughtful of you.”

“Well, I try to keep all of me in mind (past present, and future) whenever I do things. There will always be a part of me that's that kid who needed an escape when the world got crazy a few years ago, and to him Twice still has his heart on lock.”

My two friends smile at me then Dexter asks, “How do you have such a good relationship with your past?”

I shrug. We sit down and eat together all the while just enjoying each other's time.

We decided to play a fighting game for a little bit while we waited I picked a more set-based play character which didn't go unnoticed by the other two.

"Oh, you're playing him. that track," Connor says confidently

"Oh, really how so?" I ask

"dude you play Sultai," Connor says as if that answers everything

"I don't see how that applies," I say confused

"This gives me a better idea" Dex asserts

"Oh word what is it?" Connor asks

"Come on let's go," Dex says

I watch as Dexter opens a dimensional door. Connor and I walk through followed by Dex who has taken us to an open warehouse area.

"So this is a place where I come to train with my powers free of the public eye. It's a quiet upstate New York abandoned warehouse so we can go all out. (Dex eyed me) Somewhat." Dex explained and I understood what he meant by the somewhat.

"So you want to spare?" I ask

"Yes, I want to see what you're capable of because I have only seen glimpses," Dexter says

"Okay. Hey after this since we are in New York can we get Brooklyn Style Pizza?" I ask

"Oh, 100%," Dexter said

"Cool... Yo, why don't we hang out more often as just guys y'all are super cool." I asked

Connor and dexter blush before smiling. "Well this is the first time we have been able to, and you don't drink so we can't go to bars together," Connor answered

"Ok...I am going to do something that seems scary but bear with me. I have to mentally prepare to fight" I said to Dexter. Dexter nods and tells me to "take all the time I need."

I nod and begin pacing hyping myself up. before yelling "I Know A Ghost" I summon Recollection and Lami-Orochi's full form pops out. behind me. Dexter and Connor watch in awe. Dexter summons a flaming Axe and gets in a ready stance. I snap Recollection into its bowstaff form and run to Dexter. He gives a hefty axe swing which I block with recollection. I split off one of the sections and using the chain the section made an attack. Dexter uses a wall of fire which forces me to back off. after this, he creates a pool of water around him and throws what looks like seeds into it. from the water roots and branches begin to sprout and grow sharp then aim themselves at me. I jump high above the branches and the roots. I reconnect Recollection and throw the weapon down into the plants. slime begins to impede their growth as Recollection spews waves of it. I watch as Dexter snaps his fingers and flames start to overtake the branches before I can react the flames reach my slime causing an explosion and sending me flying. I get up quickly as I see him flying towards me. I roll out of the way of his attack. and make a slime wall that intercepts his next attack with his axe. I try to make some distance. but Dex is fast. so I decided instead to retreat to match his energy. if all he's going to do is press the attack well then I have some ideas. his next swing I dodged by jumping onto the back of his axe and running onto his shoulder where I smacked him with recollection. As I got distance I faced him and turned recollection into its B-formation I ran to the other edge of the warehouse and threw it as Dexter shot a giant fireball at me. the resulting explosion blew us both back. when I came to I looked up to see Dexter smiling. he helped me up

"That was pretty cool," he said as we got up. "I never knew slime could be so versatile," Dexter exclaimed

"Well yeah, non-newtonian liquids are quite fun to use," I say

"You're telling me. I watched you use it as defense offense and more" Connor said running close. "Your weapon is also insane what is it?"

"Oh, that's recollection. it's a multi-tool I use when fighting."

"Multi-tool is right It went from shuriken to nunchucks to bow staw to whatever that thing you did with the spike." Dexter said, "You may not be outright more powerful than me but your versatility and ways to just have to deal with power is crazy." Dex concedes

"Thanks, I say appreciative," I say

"So that slime what was that?" Dexter asks

"I don't know. the most I can say is think of it like mimeoplasm." I say

"Mimeoplasm?" Connor asks

"Yeah like the commander from 2011," I explain

"I don't think I have seen that before," Dexter says to which Connor nods

"Oh okay, I'll pull it up then," I say

"Oh, that thing. okay, that makes more sense." Connor said reading the card and then handing it to Dexter

After our little match and lunch, we headed back to their apartment. Dexter has to run some errands. A little after that Yunjin arrives to talk to Connor, and takes him as well. Leaving me with Chaewon who was with Yunjin when she came in.

Hey Tj-ah."

"Hi Chae how are you today?

"I'm good."

Chaewon sits next to me and smiles. we sit in silence for a moment before she asks, "Hey did you see that Astrid is doing another of the GG mega mixers?"

"No, I didn't tell me more?"

"Well it's Gen three and I know all the Izone girls have agreed to do it. she also got Twice, Dreamcatcher, Red Velvet, Loona, and ClC."

I groan at that, but don't let my emotions run too plainly.

"Oh, why didn't you know? We thought you would be back. She told us she's bringing all the old staff back for the first one?"

"No, she didn't but also me and Astrid aren't in the best place right now," I explain to Chaewon. She looks at me with a worried look.

"So you aren't helping?"

"Not currently."

Chaewon sends a text on her phone before sending a flurry of them. after that Chaewon nestles in closer.

"You know I am dating Yujin right Or at least am trying to?"

"Yeah, but you're just so cuddly and warm. Besides what if she can't be set free what will you do then?" Chaewon defends herself.

I look at her and my confidence falters for a moment. I haven't considered things not working out, even for a moment, "Okay well I will let you chill but..." I say to Chaewon

"I know, I know Yujin can't hear about this," Chaewon says

A few minutes later I get a call from Aurora. Surprised I answered the call

"How did you find out about the GG Mega Mixer?" She yelled.

I walked into the office with Yujin and my nerves were on fire. we were meeting with her Company to ask about the potential of us dating. I was less than enthusiastic. They had made it abundantly clear that they were ready and willing to disband Ive over this. Yujin was less worried.

When we walked in I knew that as soon as they saw me everything about the dynamic changed. the hope that was in the air vanished in an instant, and I turned Yujin. the glint in her eyes dimmed, and I felt the burden I was placing on her career and dream. I had her come back outside with me and I said to her

"Dear, They aren't going to listen."

"What why do you think that?" Yujin asks

"Their looks. It's a look I have seen numerous times." I said

"What do you mean." Yujin questions

They aren't looking at me they are looking at this" I said as I pointed to my skin

"What's wrong with it? I like you that should be enough right?" Yujin asked curiously

"I wish but I don't think they will understand." I ponded

"Why not?" Yujin asks

"Well the first thing that caught my eyes was how their body language changed when I walked in, and you know what, let's go in," I say

Yujin and I walked into the office and the first thing said was, "Why should we entrust our top and most beloved performer to you? What value do we have to gain." They didn't have the courtesy to bring a translator I am assuming that's what they said based on Yujin's disgusted reaction.

Yujin looked at me and I looked at her. We nodded and she said the most brutal thing I have ever heard. "I expected this and yet somehow still and disappointed...ah well. Tj I am sorry I have responsibilities to my girls and this contract. I don't expect you to wait for me, but if you do when I am finished with Ive you're mine."

I smile and say "For sure, but I think Sana is trying to steal me." I tease

"Of course she is," Yujin says as she rolls her eyes

"Don't worry she scares me," I reply

"You scared of her. I learn something new about you every day. Let's go our friends are waiting for us." Yujin teased. I give a thumbs up and follow her.

We arrived back at the Ive dorm where everyone was waiting. I shrug and say. "it's over for now."

I was surprised when Sweet Heart Eunbi let out a string of not-so-sweet heart words. Dexter looked concerned as she went further. I am surprised that all of Ive looks so sad. I look to everyone and shrug before saying "Look it's not ideal but life often isn't we walk off the difficult things we can't shake and fix the things we can. Now if you'll excuse me I have a lot to do helping Astrid win her girlfriend back and setting up this Mega Mixer." the crowd had numerous perplexed faces as I walked out while waving.

I arrived at Astrid Penthouse, and I couldn't bring myself to go in just yet. I needed to make one stop. I went back home to my little apartment in Cali and I just cried. I couldn't cry in front of my friends because I had to appear strong. I also screamed in rage. a lot more of that than the crying to be honest. I had convinced myself that I deserved to be happy with Yujin and I should have known better, but the next time I won't make that mistake. after I was able to emotionally regulate enough to bring myself from a 12 to a 2. I space sifted back to Astrid's I took the elevator and Aurora was the first to see me. She rolled over to me and gave me a tight hug. then she slapped me.

"I missed you, dummy," she said with a pout.

I shrug and say, "Life is strange."

Aurora smiles and then says to me, "Now go be the hero and help our sister." I nod as I walk to Astrid's room. she is still in bed crying. I face her and pick her up.

"Come on Ash we have work to do!" I bellow.

"No, I just want to die," Astrid said between sobs

"No, you don't. You are just emotionally distraught because you got into a fight with your girlfriend whom I am going to help you get back." I challenged

"what do you know about relationships," Astrid questioned

"Enough now come on. Shower you smell like spaghetti and depression." I tease

Alex was walking by and began laughing at my statement. we got in one of her cars after she cleaned herself and we drove to Emma's spot out in Korea. I walked up first and she came out

"Are you here to kill me?" Emma asks

"Nah I come bearing gifts. I say as I gesture to Astrid who's still at the wheel. Astrid waves awkwardly. then Emma turns to me. She shifts uncomfortably.

"Why do this...it doesn't change anything between us?" Emma questions

"Well you make Astrid happy and honestly you two are perfect for each other so...besides I need her at least somewhat normal so we can do this mega mixer. I explain

"So this is a selfish choice." Emma discerns

"Oh completely. you take care of Astrid, and I can focus." I elaborate

"What if I say no?" Emma questions

"I will hype her up to never talk to you ever again I guess?" I answer

"You wouldn't dare." Emma Hisses

"I would and have done this. she is my homie. she's crazy and at times cringe but I love her still. so what will it be?" I propose

"Fine, but this still changes nothing," Emma states matter of fact

"I know. I look forward to our next duel. Could I just ask a favor?" I inquire

"You may and I may or may not grant it." Emma hesitates

"Cool can you not send opponents during filming I'd like to give this all my attention and help your girlfriend produce the best product," I ask

"That is fair." Emma relents

"Great now Go kiss your girlfriend, and make-up already," I say to Emma

Emma walked around me but not before asking.

"How are you handling your break up I heard it was quite abrupt?" She said bluntly

"I am angry, sad, and want her company to burn but honestly, that's the least of my worries," I reply

"Really?" Emma interrogates

"I have a job to do and responsibilities," I say pointing to her and Astrid

Three weeks later Astrid is back to normal and we are working on getting the Mega Mixer into regular and not pre-preproduction. G-idle was also joining which meant we now had more work to do. I spent most of the morning helping Astrid with her paperwork, and getting her coffee among other helpful "assistant-type things." this had to stop though when Twice came in unexpectedly, and my heart did double flips. they entered the building as they owned it and they walked into the office where Astrid and I were working.

The first thing I noticed about the ladies was that they were pretty...like way prettier than what I had seen. Almost too pretty. it set me on edge, which let me focus on their words.

"Hey girls what brings you here?" Astrid asked. Jihyo responds and while they do talk a text shows up on my phone. I open it to see Sana having taken a sneaky picture of me.

"Long time no see." the text says. I look at her and I roll my eyes. before I could text a response I got a notification. It is from a reputable K-pop news sight.

"Dating Scandal: Ive's Yujin dating (I squinted but couldn't make out the name.)" I read the article and my heart sank like a stone. I turned to Astrid and excused myself. I space-sifted back to the warehouse where Dex Connor and I had been training, and for the first time, I just let myself lose it. there was slime in all states everywhere. I thought about texting Yujin about it, but honestly, I was not in the proper headspace to make intelligent choices. so I abstained. which ironically worked out in my favor because I got a text from Sana asking where I went. So I space-sifted back and walked back into the office. all of the ladies of Twice looked at me with various emotions. I tried my best to contain the roller coaster of emotions I was feeling that was until Sana looked at me with an evil grin before Mina asked me the most left-field question I had ever heard.

"Will we be forced to do a bikini beach episode?" Mina asked

The combination of the mental image of Twice in Bikinis but also the absurdity of the question took me out of the funk I was in and straight into a hurricane of confusion.

"Um, What?" I asked

"You're the coordinator/MC...Are we forced to do a Bikini episode?" she asked again this time hesitantly. I brought my hands together as I tried to think of the appropriate answer.

"Um... do y'all want to. I guess I can help set one up, but I...I wasn't planning to. What? What? WHAT?" Astrid seeing me shortcircuit began to laugh, as did Sana, Momo, and Nayeon. I was still trying to process what I just heard though. I walked out again to process what I just heard. As I often do this leads to me deck building. I was working on a Frodo and Sam deck at the time as I wanted something non-blue and Mardu wasn't doing it for me at the time.

A little later Mina walked out she looked at her before laughing. When she saw that I wasn't nearly as jovial she paused and said "I am sorry if I offended you or made you uncomfortable."

"Ah don't worry about it. I just wasn't expecting that." I dismiss her worries and try to not think about everything in my head too much. I go back to the building when I feel eyes still on me. I look over to see Mina still there. she's looking over my shoulder trying to see what I was doing.

Mina sits to my left. I look at her confused "Can I help you?" I ask in a very confused manner. I am trying my best not to sound annoyed because she doesn't deserve that first and second I am trying to make a good impression for this show that we are about to do.

"Oh, I am sorry what's that you playing on your phone," Mina asks

"Oh, this it's Magic The Gathering. A Collectible Card Game I play." I answer

"Oh, that art is pretty...I like the art," Mina coos

"Yeah it's pretty cool, but don't fall into the trap I did when my high school friend introduced me to it," I respond

"Is it not good?" Mina asks surprised

"Honestly that's not the issue the game is fantastic the company who runs it...well less so," I explain

Mina pouts then looks at me confused, and asks, "Oh, Why?"

"Well, the company is money-hungry and it leaves many players in a bind of chasing the high," I say with a blank expression

"Oh. so why do you still play?" Mina asks.

"the same reason I keep living. I live on the hope it will get better, and it always seems on the verge like I can almost taste it," I say plainly.

Mina smiles at me. She leans in closer and I smell her perfume. It's citrus-like. "Why do you like the game?" she asked with that big innocent stare that I have seen numerous times over stuff like Time to Twice and their various other content. It was heartwarming so as I chuckled I indulged her. Her eyes widen with wonder as I explain all of the intricacies that make the game amazing for me, and how commander is the culmination of everything good with the game. She is spellbound as I kinda drone on and on. By the end of my speech, the rest of Twice and Astrid are watching. (I didn't realize it until I looked away from her). Nayeon Momo and Jeongyeon begin to laugh as I turn to them and freeze.

"Oh don't stop because of us." Dahyun teases. Embarrassed I booked it out of there.

As I leave I say to Astrid, "See you tomorrow." before taking the stairs down.

When I got to the lobby I was shocked to see several armed men with guns. they were holding people hostage. I squinted and scratched my head. they hadn't noticed me yet, and I easily could have left them, but sadly Twice, and Twice Ive were some of the hostages, and you know I love Twice, and Ive. Without drawing attention to myself I used my slime to create spikes and discretely stab all of the assailants. After that, I attempted to walk out of the building and back to the penthouse. Before I could however I heard "Tj-ah?" I turned to Yujin, I thought about my response for a moment, but I couldn't come up with anything. She was also walking towards me and I was panicking. so I screamed and space-sifted back to California. Now, could I have handled that better? Yes! I could have 100% but I didn't know what else to do, I was overstimulated and needed some sort of reprieve.

Over the next day, I recovered by not talking to anyone who reached out. I sent texts out to everyone explaining today was an "off day" for me and needed some space.

You wanna know who that didn't stop Mina from reaching out,

"Hey, you left before we could finish our chat. I wanted to continue our chat about Magic The Gathering, and Commander." the text read. For some reason, I indulge her. I give her the speech on how I came to find and understand myself better through Magic and Commander and how it's been quite the Journey. Mina was quite the listener as well, but sadly she had to go. I wished her well though.

after the chat, I felt a familiar pang in my heart. I groaned and said to it "No not now you jerk. I am still processing what happened with Yujin. Please don't do this to me." I knew I had a crush on Mina but I always kept in mind she was astronomically out of reach so I never worried about it. However here I am falling for her, and I didn't want to, but before I could think about it too much there was a knock on my door. I opened it to see Emma. She looked unamused but focused.

"I wouldn't be here if I didn't have to be, but I need your help," Emma said fast and unamused

I nod and point behind myself before saying, "Oh word? I got you. Should I get my BRIPE stuff?"

Emma groaned, nodded, then said, "Yes God why are you charitable with your time?"

I shrug as I answer, "Well It brings me peace to be so. I follow my peace."

Emma smirks and teases "I am stealing that."

I give her a thumbs-up when I am finished and ready to go. "Cool. Okay, I am ready let's go."

Emma smiles, "Excellent."

[alwaysteveswife]

The Deal Day | Steve Harrington.

Here is the prologue 😃 I wrote it today in the afternoon and recently finished translating and editing it, I hope you like it 💕. Summary: Steve is about to get into a scandal and the only way to help him is to marry him. Warnings: Singer!Steve, Manager!Reader, anxiety issues, emotional support dogs, kind of love at first sight. Words: 3.9k

You took a breath, looking at your wet face in front of the mirror. Your cheeks were slightly reddened and, on your forehead, there were some unruly hairs that were out of your bun and were now willing to stay in that position permanently thanks to the humidity of your face.

You tried to check your image as best you could. Your perfectly pressed shirt was impeccable, your beige pants fell elegantly to your ankles where they clashed delicately with your white boots and, finally, your trench coat in the same color as your pants, which came down to above your knees. You were seriously hoping this was formal enough to make a good first impression.

"Relax, Y/N, you're a smart and capable woman, you'll be able to handle this," you said to the mirror in which you saw your mirror.

A noise behind you made you turn quickly. You felt the heat rise up your cheeks and cover your ears. Someone else was in the bathroom. You tried to grab your things as quickly as you could, ignoring the fact that your hands were shaking more than they should be. The lock on one of the doors rattled just as you exited the bathroom with a heavy sigh.

You began to walk aimlessly around the company where, as of today, you would be working. Diamond Entertainment was one of the most famous record labels nowadays, which became known in 2016 with Midnights' second album, "More Than Enough", composed of 14 songs mostly written and produced by the five members of the band. Undoubtedly one of the best works of their career, from the incredible instrument solos, to the high notes that Steve, the vocalist, had proven he was capable of.

You were never a fan of the band, to be honest, but you admired how hard they worked, and you couldn't take credit away from them either, they were very talented. That's why, when your ex-boss called you to tell you that he had managed to get you a job as his manager you didn't hesitate for a second to accept, it was practically a dream come true, a direct ticket to success.

You were practicing for weeks, contacting the former manager in charge of the group, getting information about the members, their career, their music, you wanted to learn as much as possible, you had to do it, you didn't want to disappoint anyone. Now, being here, in the fanciest facility you've ever played in with your boots that you found at a thrift store bargain, the thought of having taken this job was starting to eat you up inside.

"You must be Y/N, right?" asked a gravelly voice behind you.

You straightened up quickly, turning your whole body to the voice. You almost choked when you saw the man who had spoken to you. He was wearing black slacks and a half-tousled white shirt, his hair was slicked back and he had a slightly long beard, but, without a doubt, the most striking thing was his size. He was almost three heads taller than you, if not more. His cold stare didn't help his image much, but he didn't seem to mind either. You shook your head slightly, trying to get those ideas out of your head and concentrating on answering his question.

"Y-yes, sir."

You both stared at each other for a few seconds, seconds that seemed like years to you. You were sure a bead of sweat had slipped down your neck thanks to how nervous you were. His intimidating gaze didn't leave you for a second, you could tell from afar that he was studying you in a very undisguised way.

"Did you talk to the members yet?" he said as he hid his hands in the pockets of his black pants.

"No, sir, I arrived a few minutes ago, I was on my way to the office to meet with them," you swallowed saliva as you watched him frown slightly, fearing had done or said the wrong thing.

"Fine, I'll walk you to the office."

Before you could say anything, the man - whose name you still didn't know - had already started walking briskly towards what you thought was the office. Almost without hesitation you hurried to his side, pressing your bag against your waist. The knot under your stomach was getting bigger and bigger, you hadn't felt that anxiety since what happened at the prom.

"How has your experience been so far?" the man murmured, resting his gaze on you.

You lowered your gaze to the floor, burying your fingernails in the palm of your hand. "Pretty good, to tell you the truth" the doors became further and further apart as you moved down the hallway to the top floor, by this point there were no more stained glass windows overlooking the city, just white walls and well-kept dark wood doors. "The people have been very kind and polite, and the facilities are in very good condition. I'm glad I was able to be accepted for this job, it's a great honor."

"The honor is ours, we've heard wonderful things about your work. I only hope they are true" he murmured, causing an even greater pressure in your chest, "But relax, there is no pressure."

You tried to laugh, but only a strange noise came out that made your throat burn. For the second time that day, your cheeks were tinged pale pink. You couldn't wait to get out of here as soon as possible, you desperately needed to lie down on your single bed and caress to Muffin and Berry, your emotional support dogs.

"Ladies first" said the man, opening a large door with gold-colored hands.

You walked in muttering a slight 'excuse me', walked to one of the available chairs across from the five people you would be working with from now on.

"Well, let me formally introduce myself. My name is Jim Hopper, founder of Diamond Entertainment."

You almost fell out of your chair listening to him. What a lousy first impression you had made on your now boss.

"The woman behind the desk is Joyce Byers, co-founder of the label."

You looked at the woman. She wore a friendly smile and her hair fell loosely over her shoulders. You couldn't help but think how beautiful she was.

"And these are the members of Midnights."

You paused your gaze for a few seconds on each of them. You watched Jim cackle as he looked at the guys. Almost immediately they let out a unison sigh.

"Alex" said the girl on the left. She was the drummer in the band. Her hair was brown and short, with some purple highlights. In her hands she had two drumsticks, with which she had been "playing" the whole time since you arrived.

"William Hargrove" said Billy, the bass player, with a wink in his right eye. You shuddered slightly on the couch at the sight of him, "at your service".

"Shut up, you idiot, you're scaring her" said the girl next to him, nudging him gently. Almost immediately she flashed you a gleaming smile, "Sorry, he's usually a bit insensitive, but he's a nice guy. I'm Robin, nice to meet you."

You smiled as best you could, nodding your head. You recognized her as the pianist of the group, a very talented and outgoing girl.

"Edward Munson" said the boy next to Alex. He had his hair tied back in a low bun and his iconic Hellfire t-shirt. He was the guitarist of the band, and definitely one of the best you've ever heard. "It's nice to finally meet you, we've all been looking forward to meeting you."

You felt a warmth in your chest. Unlike what you thought, he seemed nice enough and his voice was very soft, too much so.

"Don't say that, you'll make her nervous" said Steve. Ah, of course you knew Steve, he to you needed no introduction.

You always found him attractive, you had seen some interviews and concert clips, and it was almost impossible not to fall in love with him when he was so... him. So brilliant, so beautiful, so talented, he was such a role model for you, and working with him, with all of them, made your heart melt and reshape.

"I'm Steve, it's a pleasure" he smiled, causing your stomach to flip and your throat to go dry again, "I hope we get along very well, miss."

You almost choked when you heard the nickname. You tried to hide your face by avoiding looking at him, but you knew it would be in vain. The light here was coming in too well, and he had a direct view of your face.

"And what's your name?" asked Robin. For some reason you couldn't understand, she looked too excited about this meeting.

"I'm Y/N Y/L/N" you said with a smile. Your nails pressing harder against the sensitive skin of your palms. "Nice to meet you, all of you. I hope we can make a great team. I promise to give my all so I won't disappoint you."

All the members looked at you in silence. Your nerves were growing too much, and so was your desire to cry. The thought of having made a mistake and being hated from now on made you lose your mind. You blinked rapidly, trying to make the phantom tears that were trying to leave your eyes disappear. This, you told yourself, is why you never made friends, why you were afraid to meet people.

The five of you looked at each other and, almost at the same time, began to laugh. You tilted your head to one side, frowning in confusion, you didn't understand why they were laughing. Maybe you had made a ridiculous face, maybe your presentation was too much, maybe-.

"Relax, manager," Eddie said with a chuckle, getting up from the red velvet armchair and walking towards you, "it doesn't need to be formal, after all, from now on we'll be as thick as thieves."

"Eddie is right, you don't need to be so uptight" Steve smiled warmly, as did the other members.

The urge to cry started to get bigger, but this time for completely different reasons. It had been so long since someone had smiled at you like that, someone outside of your family of course.

This time you smiled broadly, as did all of them. You also got up from the armchair you had been sitting in all this time, you looked at the five of them, hoping you could get along with each of them.

"Thank you" you said, feeling much calmer than when you entered this great company.

Inside you, deep down inside, you hoped you could be bonded with these people, have bonds you could never have before.

You looked at Steve, his brown eyes were so soft and bright. For an instant you stopped hearing all the noises around you. For an instant it was just the two of you. But that instant ended, just like any misconceptions you may have gotten when you remembered the article you read a few days ago in a digital newspaper; Steve was engaged and, in the next few weeks, he would reveal the identity of the very lucky woman.

You took off your glasses for a second, letting your weight fall onto the back of the chair. You had been working here for two weeks and you really loved it, but the person who had your position before was very... messy, so to speak. Concert schedules, scheduled interviews, collaborations, preparing the new album, you had to rearrange everything again, call hundreds of companies and labels to try to convince them to change the date and it definitely had you exhausted.

You were going over again the number of rooms to rent in Los Angeles when you heard a knock on the door.

You looked up, shouting 'come in'. You paid no attention to who came in, right now it mattered much more about the numbers you would have to dial for the next few hours, trying to make room for lunch and to check the cameras in your apartment and see your two little ba-

"Y/N,” said a tearful voice. The door rattled at the same time a sob came from Steve's lips.

You quickly got up from your seat, walking over to him and sitting him in the chair in front of your desk.

These last few weeks the guys have been very nice to you, you had gained a great appreciation for them, especially because they offered you a ride home every night so they wouldn't leave you alone so late, not to mention the times they came to your office with a snack so you wouldn't starve to death. That's why seeing Steve had you so worried. He was sweet, kind, perfect, and you didn't understand why he could be crying like that.

"Steve? What happened? Are you okay? Did something happen to a family member?" Worst-case scenarios began to run through your head as you tried to hold Steve back. You grabbed the tissues from your desk and used them to gently wipe his cheeks, completely ignoring how close you were to each other.

"I-it's Nancy," he muttered under his breath, closing his eyes tightly and licking his lips, "my fiancée, she..."

"She what, Steve? Did she have an accident? Do you need to go see her?" you said softly, holding her cheek as carefully as you could. It hurt you to see it this way.

"No, she's not hurt," he shook his head, his eyes completely avoiding you, unable to see anything but his hands, "She called me a few minutes ago. She called off the wedding, broke up with me" and burst into tears again.

Panic began to consume you. Steve's wedding was on the itinerary, not only would you have to eliminate hundreds of scheduled activities, but they would also lose the money and it would cause them problems if the media found out this happened, they would be painted as liars, of wanting attention at the expense of any false news.

"I'm so sorry" he said between sobs and, for the first time since he came in, he really looked you in the eye. His face was red, his cheeks were wet and his eyes were puffy, his hair was in disarray and his shirt had some dark marks showing that tears had fallen there. "I know you've been so busy arranging our schedule and all, now I come here to cry to you about my problems and about the wedding cancellation. I'm just giving you more work."

"Of course not!" you said before you even realized it, "Don't worry about it, Steve, that's my job, you just..." you stood there for a few seconds looking at his state, how he had to bite the inside of his lip to keep from letting out more sobs. "Go home, get some rest, I'll talk to Hopper, okay?"

"I'm so sorry, really," he said quietly, getting up and wiping away his tears. "I'll call you when I get there."

"Please," you begged him with your eyes, "ask someone to drive you, I'd hate for you to drive in that state."

He just nodded, running his hand through his messy hair and walking to the door at a slow pace.

"Steve?" you said as he opened the door, waiting for him to turn to look at you to continue, "it's not your fault."

He just put on a cancel smile, his eyes were much duller than usual. You couldn't help but feel a lump in your throat.

"I wish you were right," he said, walking out of your office and closing the door.

You took a breath and threw yourself back in your chair, closing your eyes and pressing the bridge of your nose.

"Looks like I'll be home late."

The first thing you saw when you entered your apartment were your two puppies, Muffin, the corgi, and Berry, the chihuahua. Both had come into your life when you fell into a deep depression as you started college. They were your babies, your emotional support puppies, your family. You loved them with all your soul, and you knew they loved you too.

"Hey babies, did you miss mommy?" you squealed in a childish voice, running to them, laughing as you saw them running to you too. "I missed you so much, did you miss me?"

You smiled happily as you felt them licking your face and jumping around you. You didn't know what your life would be without these creatures.

"I'm so sorry, Mommy had too much work to do, but I promise I'll be home earlier in a few weeks" you murmured, nuzzling behind Muffin's ears.

After a few minutes of cuddling your puppies, you took care of the housework. You did the laundry, took out the dry clothes, made yourself some instant soup for dinner, made your bed and washed the breakfast dishes.

All that time you were thinking of some way to fix Steve. You didn't know his fiancée, so you couldn't contact her, you didn't want to ask Steve either, and as far as you knew, she didn't get along with the rest of the group, at least not most of them, so you doubted they knew her number. You thought about looking her up online, but there were a lot of Nancy Wheeler's in the world, and you had no idea what she looked like. You also thought about taking a random girl and having her be the fake image of Nancy, since no one besides them knew her, but it was risky, too risky, you didn't know if you could trust them, so that wouldn't be an option either, and don't even think about Robin and Alex, they wouldn't accept even if they were paid a million dollars.

Tired, stressed, and with your head in a jumble, you lay down under your warm sheets and stayed there, with your eyes closed, listening to relaxing music so you could fall asleep, with each dog on one side of your head, and it was there, at that very moment when you almost fell fast asleep, that you came up with an idea that could save the situation. You grabbed your computer and turned it on, rattling your fingers on the desktop as you waited for the lock screen to appear. In less than 15 minutes you had drafted the mail with Jim and Joyce's address, waiting for the idea to be decent enough to be accepted.

You were reviewing some contracts when someone knocked on the door and walked into your office. Steve walked over to your desk and sat in the same chair as a week ago, only this time he looked a little better.

"Miriam told me you needed me, did you manage to find a solution?" he said with his cheeks red with embarrassment. He wasn't even able to look you in the face.

"Something like that" you mumbled, pulling a transparent blue folder out of your desk drawer. "We were talking about it with Hopper and Joyce" you looked sideways at Steve, setting the folder down in front of him, "it wasn't easy at all to make this decision, we took all this week to look at the pros and cons, but so far this is the best option we have."

You saw Steve's throat move as he swallowed saliva. His gaze shifted from you to the folder, almost as if he needed permission to look at it.

"It's a contract," you said, taking the coffee next to you and blowing on it, "for an arranged marriage." You didn't miss the surprise on her face when he heard the news, but you couldn't do much else. You were taking a big chance on this, it wasn't easy for you either.

"Arranged marriage? Of course not, that's a lousy idea, what if a stalker fan comes for the job and-?" Steve stopped when he saw your hand extended in his direction.

"Steve, we already have a reliable candidate" you said calmly, or at least you hoped it looked that way.

"Who?" you said with a frown, more out of confusion than annoyance.

"Me" you looked at Steve steadily, waiting to see his reaction.

"I beg your pardon?" muttered Steve with wide eyes, staring at the contract in front of him.

You sighed, taking a sip of your bitter coffee, knowing deep down that something like this could happen.

"I thought I said it clear, but I'll say it again" you set the coffee cup down on the table, your gaze fixed on Steve's dark eyes, "my proposal to solve your unnecessary drama is that we get married, you can think about it, but remember we have time on our hands."

"But..."

"I remind you that you were the one who brought the issue to light, Steven" you took a pencil out of your pocket, putting it down in front of him decisively, "and you asked me for a solution, here it is, do you accept?"

Steve looked at the contract again, running his hand through his face and hair. He bit his lower lip and looked at you uncertainly.

"Can I read the terms?" you nodded, relaxing a little more as you noticed he was willing to at least review the terms.

"We'll just pretend in front of the cameras. The wedding will be real, the expenses were already made and they weren't cheap at all" you explained softly, observing even the slightest gesture on his face, "We'll have to move in together to disguise, but we'll each have our own room. We have to go to any parties together, and we also have to answer some questions from reporters. Every so often we'll have fake dates in public so as not to arouse suspicion."

He nodded, reading the pages of the contract where the conditions you had just mentioned came out, but much more detailed.

"When does the contract end?" muttered Steve, lifting his gaze and watching you under his eyelashes.

"A year and a half after the marriage occurs."

He returned his gaze to the contract, shifting his leg restlessly. It was starting to make you nervous.

"Okay," he said quietly, taking the pencil next to the contract and signing on the line with your name on it, "if we only have to pretend for a year and a half, then I guess it's okay."

You nodded, feeling a weight off your shoulders. You got up from your chair, ready to go tell Hopper and Joyce the news, but a hand stopped you.

"What are you doing?" you passed your gaze between his hand and him, not quite understanding what he wanted to do.

"Gotta close the deal properly" he smiled nervously, reaching out his hand again.

You smiled, taking his hand gently and smiling back. "It's an official deal now, isn't it?"

"Looks like it," he murmured, giving your hand a light squeeze. "I'm sorry I got you into this, Y/N."

You shook your head, laughing softly, ignoring the glint you saw in his eyes.

"It's my job, Steve, I have to keep your image as flawless as possible, no matter what."

His gaze stayed locked on yours, causing a churning to form in your stomach. His eyes looked so dark and mesmerizing and so... beautiful.

"I promise I will make you as happy as possible during this year and a half. You won't regret signing that contract, Miss Y/N."

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