#i just knew that my parents got me a puppy so i must be the luckiest girl in the world

[tortellinigirl]

i think the adult relationship to the childhood dog is something that is so tender and heart-wrenching and important. you are the last vestige of my childhood. you are the sacred keeper of the memories i hold dearest, but you can barely see or hear me anymore. who do i become once you’re gone? where do i turn to remember myself? you’re the last one sitting next to me at the door of a childhood home that no longer exists, waiting patiently for the return of a family that no longer exists. where can i live when you, too, no longer exist? i can’t let go. please don’t make me let go. i know you’ll leave soon. i wish you didn’t have to. but she’s just a dog. her life is short and i will witness her death and i’ve known this from the beginning. i didn’t think it would come so fast. am i ready? have i become someone yet? have i become unrecognizable to her yet? does she still see the child i was? i’m still the child i was. please, don’t forget the child i was. please don’t take her away from me.

[call-memissbrightside]

As a single parent, you worked overtime to make sure your son had a great Christmas… toys, clothes, all a good mixture of needs and wants.

The warm mug of much needed coffee was cuffed in your hand as you pretended to be at awe of all the presents Katsuma unwrapped.

His excitement made up for being woken up so early, a sleepy smile on your face as you watched Katsuma thank you over and over again for all the things you got him.

Christmas was usually a quiet thing in your household, Katsuma would unwrap all his presents, you’d unwrap whatever craft he made you in class, then the two of you would cuddle on the couch to watch Christmas cartoons. Katsuma would fall back asleep tucked into your side, and Christmas would be over.

Yet—

You hadn’t thought of what Christmas would be now that Katsuma had his father in his life.

A text from Katsuki in the early morning hours explained how he’d be a bit late coming over, something about a bank heist?

Right when Katsuma opened his last present did the doorbell ring, both of you perking up.

“It’s Daddy!” Katsuma’s excitement spiked, and he tumbled over all his toys and wrapping paper scattered across the floor to open the door.

“Ho ho ho brat!” Katsuki’s voice boomed, heavy boots from his hero costume mimicking the jolly man’s costume.

You explained to Katsuki that he shouldn’t go overboard with presents, Katsuma really didn’t need a swimming pool nor an electric car because he was just five, so you really thought he’d simmer it down when it came to gifting presents.

You were dead wrong.

“It’s a puppy!” Katsuma jumped around as his father carried in a small puppy in his arms, you noted how he must of just came back from a mission due to the fact that he had scratches and a rising bruise forming on his face. Nonetheless, your ex looked just as happy, carefully handing over the pup to Katsuma.

“A dog?” You were going to kill him.

Katsuma begged for a dog or any pet every year, but you just couldn’t do it. You worked all the time and lived in an apartment, plus all the responsibility would fall to you because Katsuma was five.

Katsuki had his famous smirk on his face, red eyes taking in your disbelief.

“Yea,” he said nonchalantly. “It’ll live with me, but can come visit when I come over.”

Relief made you fall back against your couch, visions of chasing around a teething puppy evaporating as quick as they formed.

Katsuma forgot all his other presents, now all his attention was on the small puppy.

“Mommy hold it!” He shoved the poor puppy in your lap.

Sensing you weren’t as excited as Katsuma, it curled up in your lap and fell asleep once you started petting his head as your son quickly excused himself to go, quote, “take a leak!”

Laughing, you looked at Katsuki. “You’re rubbing off on him.”

Katsuki snickered, collapsing next to you on the couch, clearly tired but still reached out to stroke the puppy on its head.

“Damn right, he’s my kid.” Katsuki smiled.

He truthfully hadn’t been this excited for Christmas in years, and seeing his sons reaction to his present made up for the fact that he had to fight off some lousy villains in the morning.

“A puppy? You trying to make me look bad?” You joked, still in disbelief that Katsuki ‘won’ Christmas. Not that it mattered, but you knew when Katsuma was asked what he got for the holiday, he’ll bring up the puppy rather then all the other toys you got him.

Katsuki tipped his head back to laugh.

“It’s my first Christmas with him,” he shrugged. “I wanted it to be memorable.”

Katsuki took something out of his pants, before handing you a small box.

“Oh Katsuki, you didn’t have to—,” you were quickly cut off.

“Just open it woman, sheez,” katsuki rolled his eyes.

Opening the box, you gasped, inside was a beautiful necklace with Katsuma’s birthstone and a small ‘k’ dangling next to it.

“So you’ll always have him with you, even when the brats at my house playing with my awesome present.” Katsuki knocked your shoulder with his.

You were touched by the sentiment, and the necklace was beautiful. It was thoughtful, and sweet, but you had something up your sleeve.

“Box on the left, it’s yours.”

Katsuki groaned as he got up to retrieve it, but returned to sitting next to you.

“Katsuma? Are you okay?” You called out to your little boy, slightly worried he was taking some time in the bathroom.

“I’s okay mommy!” His little voice called out. “I got a big dump!”

You and Katsuki both laugh, and the hero opens up his present.

It was a photo album of Katsuma over the years, you smiled fondly of all the photos you remember taking of your baby as Katsuki looked at every page. The last four pages had recent pictures of Katsuki with his son, some sly photos you took when they were together.

“I’m always going to be sorry I held Katsuma from you when he was born,” you explained, the similar guilt weighing heavily on your chest. “But,” you jutted your chin to the photo of Katsuki helping Katsuma ride his bike, “I hope we can make more memories together.”

Katsuki was silent. You worried for a moment you did something wrong when he didn’t say anything. Then—

The puppy barked unhappily from being startled when Katsuki hugged you tightly to his chest.

“Thank you,” he mumbled against your forehead. “This is the best present ever.”

You smiled, eyes becoming teary.

“I guess I ultimately won Christmas,” you teased.

Katsuki barked out a laugh, letting you go and petting the puppy again lazily, flipping through the pages again of the scrap book.

“I guess I can live with taking second place.”

[nickynclark]

I'D BE ONE NOCTURNAL SON OF A GUN

Eddie Munson x Female! Reader

Word Count: 2,748

Content warning: SMUT (18+ only below the cut), no use of (Y/N), lowkey toxic parents, harsh language, mentions of drug use (mary jane, bby), mentions of reader being on birth control, oral sex (m and f receiving), unprotected p in v sex (wrap it before you tap it for the love of god), choking and breeding if you squint.

Summary: Your parents hate Eddie Munson, and you just can't find it in you to leave the crazy haired freak.

Authors Note: Y'all this is porn with plot. And it's my first ever smut so pls be nice to me. I'll be publishing a Spencer Reid fic soon enough ;) Love ya! - nick

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Growing up, you were a perfect child. You did ballet and took piano lessons. You ate all of your vegetables. You got straight A’s. You played nicely with the other children.

So you can imagine your parents’ reaction when their perfect little girl told them about her friendship with Eddie Munson.

“That freak?” Your mom gasped, “my god, you must be joking.”

“Are you doing drugs with him?” Your dad quickly intervened.

You sat in front of them like a kicked puppy, quietly looking at your hands as they lectured you over Eddie.

You and Eddie met your freshman year of high school in chemistry class. He wasn’t good at english or science, and you were. You would help him do his homework (aka give him your answers) and he would let you sit with his odd ball friends at lunch. To you, rumors and all, he was lovely.

You two had been best friends for a long time, despite your parents' distaste. They even decided to set you up on a date with Steve Harrington your senior year: a sad attempt to separate you and Eddie.

It only lasted a week or two, and when you explained the situation to Steve, he understood. He was kind and promised to never let your parents know you even broke up.

“I could tell,” Steve said on your last date, “your head is always somewhere else. No sweat.”

To your parents, you are back to their perfect daughter. But everyday after school, when your parents think you're at a study hall, you're in the little room with a group of ‘freaks’, Eddie wearing the crown.

***

Eddie displayed the table in front of him, with only two characters left standing- yourself and Vecna.

“There is nothing wrong with running, sweetheart." Eddie's tone is cocky, "You can walk away now, everything will be okay.”

You squint up at him, “when have you ever known me to run?”

Eddie just laughs, signature smirk on his lips, “then roll.”

You grab the twenty sided die, fondling it in your hand. You roll the die between your fingers, a focused look on your face.

“C'mon! Just walk away,” Mike whispered, “if you roll then you can lose. Walking away isn’t a loss.”

“Shut up, Freshy,” you smile and elbow him in the side, “you’ve only been with me through one campaign. I never run away.”

You bring the die up to your lips and blow on it, keeping eye contact with Eddie through the process. He keeps his signature smirk on his face, but his eyes are nervous.

With a final smile, the die leaves your hand, rolling across the table, clambering it’s way down.

When it stops, Eddie looks down with a smile on his face, “natural twenty, sweetheart," he looks back up to you, "that's a hit."

The group at the table erupted into cheers, Dustin laughing at Eddie while pointing aggressively.

“Well done, Princess.” Eddie smiles and sits back in his throne.

**

After all the boys clear out, it’s just you and Eddie in the Hellfire room. Eddie let his smile falter as soon as they were gone; you knew he hated to lose a campaign, but it was always a little easier on him when you were the last man standing.

You walk towards him and stand in between his spread knees, “hi,” you look down at his slumped body, “hell of a campaign, you know. I was convinced I wasn’t going to roll right, you know my luck.”

Eddie looks at you shyly, “I know, Sweetheart. But I was really expecting a loss from you guys.”

“You always are, Eds.”

He smiles and sits up a little bit, “you’re right,” then he shifts himself to lean closer to you, “how’s Harrington?”

You step back from him with a small smile, “Done. He couldn’t handle me.”

Eddie sits up all the way, smirking, “no one can, Princess,” his hands lift to rest on your hips, “except me, my Queen of Hellfire.”

You laugh, “it was my call, though. He wasn’t my guy.”

“How so?”

You step back up into him looking down at him, “he’s not tall enough, he doesn’t have enough tattoos,” Eddie begins to stand up to tower over you, “he doesn’t smoke, and, most of all,” you move your hand to his hair, his face inches away from yours, “he doesn’t have good enough curly hair.”

Eddies breath hitches in his throat, clearly nervous and excited, and, when you almost gave in, your parent’s voice came into your head.

You back up from him reluctantly “It was a great campaign, Eds.”

And you walked out of the room listening for Eddie to call for you, but he never did.

**

Two days later, your parents were at church while you stayed home. Around 10 o'clock that morning, you heard a knock on the door. You quickly pulled your hair back and went to the front door. When you opened it, you were shocked to see Eddie standing in front of you, hair disheveled, still in his flannel pajama bottoms and a crinkled white shirt, smelling of weed and a his woody cologne.

He looked down at you as if you were a stranger before speaking, “why did you do that?”

“Eddie, why did I do what?”

“Friday. After Hellfire. Why did you do that?” He reached his hand up to rest on your cheek, “did you not know what you do to me?”

You stutter out an apology, “Eds, I’m so sorry. I didn’t know it would upset you-“

“Upset me?” Eddie laughed, “Sweetheart, I need to know if it was a play. Did you mean what you said?”

You look into his chocolate eyes before finally giving in, lean into his warm touch, “yes, Eddie, god, yes, I meant every word.”

And then he kissed you.

The kiss was bruising, and the entire time you couldn’t stop thinking about how bad you needed to know how he tasted, and now you knew: a beautiful mix of mint and herb.

As you pulled away panting, he rested his forehead against yours.

“My parents will kill me if they see you here,” you tell him quietly through kisses.

He picked you up bridal style, kissing your forehead and whispering “I won’t let them,” while he carries you upstairs to your room.

You planted gentle kisses to his neck until he dropped you onto your bed, leaning over you and kissing you roughly. As he kissed you, his hands found their way to your hips and yours around his neck.

“Fuck, Princess, I’ve waited for this for too damn long,” Eddie whispered into your neck where he was sucking and biting, attacking the soft skin connecting your neck and shoulder.

You started to tug on his hair, “Eds,” and he pulled up and looked at you, “you are my perfect person.”

He smiled softly and kissed your lips, hands finding your pajama shorts and slipping his pinkie underneath the band, touching more of your bare hips. Your back arched up into his grip as his rings chilled your skin, and he smirked into your kiss.

“Eddie, please,” you whine to him.

“Please what, sweetheart?”

“Anything, Eddie, please.”

Eddie looks up at you before his hands fully grip your waistband, “are you sure?”

You lift your hips, begging, “yes, Eddie, god yes, please.”

He smirked, pulling down your sleep shorts, “easy, Tiger.”

As soon as your shorts are down your legs, you are pulling off the lace thong that conceals you from him.

When he notices this, he’s sliding down to the foot of your bed, grabbing your ankles and pulling you down with him. He makes easy work of spreading your thighs, smiling as he sees your already wet pussy.

“Damn, Sweetheart, is all of this for me?” He mumbles as he moves his hand up to spread your lips, getting a better view.

You whine at the contact, “yes Eddie, all for you.”

Eddie starts to plant open mouthed kisses on the inside of your thighs while he slowly slides one of his ringed fingers inside of you, watching you wiggle at the sensitive contact. He starts to suck deep purple bruises onto your thighs as he inserts another finger, quickly curling and scissoring them, smiling as you moan loudly at his doing, your hands finding their way to his hair.

“Eddie, god, babe, your mouth, please,” you whine loudly, causing him to bite down on your thigh.

“You want my mouth, darling? Want my tongue?” You whimper in response, “Words, baby.”

You huff loudly, “yes, Eds, I need your mouth on me.”

He licked a thick stripe up your opening to your clit, moaning at the taste. He took your clit it into his mouth and started sucking lightly, causing you to see stars.

He continued to eat you out like his life depends on it, his fingers finding their way back inside of you, working you closer and closer to your orgasm.

He adds one more finger, stretching you out so fully arounds his three large digits, and licking and sucking so feverishly you don’t know how much longer you can last.

“Eddie, baby, fuck-“ you moan, grinding on his tongue, “I’m going to cum. Fuck, can I come? Should I even be asking you?”

Eddie laughs at you rambling, sending a vibration through your pussy up to the knot in your stomach.

He keeps working you until your thighs are shaking and trying to close around his head. He works you into a mewling mess, and only then does he pull away just enough to say, “come on my tongue, princess.”

His lips reconnect with you, working you through your high, your moans loud until you finally come to a stop.

Eddie climbs up your body, kissing you feverishly, and you taste yourself on his tongue.

“Baby, you’re so sweet. Could eat you out forever.”

You smile and kiss him, sitting up, “your turn.”

He stands up, and you sink to your knees in front of him. He watches happily as you work his pants off of him, your eyes growing at the print of him in his boxers. He was long and thick, and had a glorious spot of pre-cum on the fabric. You connect your lips to the wet spot, moaning at the salty flavor.

“Sweetheart,” Eddie placed a hand on your cheek pulling you away from him, “we can stop at any time. You don’t have to do this.”

You smile up at him from your knees, “I want to. Stop worrying.”

He looks down at you lovingly, swiping your cheek with his thumb, “then, as much as I love how it looks on you, that hellfire shirt’s got to go.”

You raise your arms as he pulls it off of you, groaning at the sight of your braless chest.

You quickly pull down his boxers, admiring the beautiful cock in front of you. It’s thick and even longer than it looked when concealed. It has a vein running along the side of it, and his tip is a pretty pink color with a bead of pre-cum leaking out of his slit.

You lean in and place a quick kiss to his tip before taking it into your mouth, sucking softly on his cock, then quickly pulling off.

“Of course your cock would be pretty too,” you smile before licking a stripe underneath him, then taking him into your mouth until he hits the back of your throat.

He moans loudly, his hands gripping your hair as you settle on a tempo, occasionally popping off to breathe or spit onto his dick.

“Sweetheart, holy hell,” Eddie moans as you look up at him as innocently as you can with a mouth stuffed with his cock, “I can’t tell if you came from, fuck, heaven or hell with that mouth. I could have had this this entire time?”

You hum around him in agreement, causing him to moan again.

After a little while of constant sucking, a sore jaw, and hands gripping his thighs, he stills your head and begins fucking your face.

You gag around him at the intrusion, then you settle into the pace, meeting him half way.

“Fuck, darling, I won’t last. Sweetheart, god fuck-“ he pulls away from me before he’s able to finish.

“Why’d you-“

He smiles, “ I want to cum inside you for our first time,” he rushes over to his pants and feels the pocket, “shit. I left my wallet at home, do you have condoms?”

You shake your head quietly.

He sighs, “it’s okay, I’ll just-“

“I'm on the pill.”

He smiles, “you sure?” And you nod.

As he climbs on top of you, with a panicked look, he starts, “you promise this isn’t some weird way of getting child support out of me? ‘Cause selling weed doesn’t exactly pay the-“

You laugh loudly, “Hey, Eddie?”

“Hey, baby?”

You look at him with doe eyes, “wanna fuck me?”

He groans loudly, “God, I thought you’d never ask.”

He climbed on top of you, spreading your legs apart and lining his dick up with your slick hole, “you ready, sweetheart?”

You smile softly, “yes, please.”

As soon as you feel the tip of him slip inside of you, a loud moan leaves your lips, your eyes widening and your hands gripping Eddies back.

He rests his head on your shoulder, leaving soft kisses on your neck, “I know baby, I know. Tell me if it’s too much.”

He slowly pushes in further until he’s all the way inside of you, then he stills to allow you to adjust to his size.

His teeth sink into the skin of your neck as he grunts, "you're so tight, Baby."

You whimper at the praise, “God, Eddie, move, please god, fuck me.”

He didn't need any more convincing. His hips suddenly snap in and out of you with fever. The sound of skin hitting skin and your moans mixing together fills your small room.

Eddie bites and sucks on your chest, moaning at the sensation, “fuck, princess, 's like you were made for me. Can’t wait to ruin this sweet pussy of yours.”

As Eddie keeps talking, fucking you harder and faster, your head is spinning with ecstasy, moans slipping out of your mouth faster than you can stop them, until, quickly, Eddie pushes one of your knees to your chest, pushing himself even deeper inside of you.

“Fuck, Eds. Right there, baby! Shit!”

Eddie moves one of his hands to your throat, pounding into you rapidly, showing no mercy to your body.

“Eds, fuck! I’m gunna cum, can I please fucking cum?” Your moans echo around the small room.

Eddie holds onto you tightly, his thrusts becoming sloppy and irregular, “hang on, sweetheart, I’m almost there,” he thrusts quickly, “where do you want it?”

You drag your nails down his back, “inside me.”

“Are you sure?”

You moan, “yes! Eddie, please! Fill me up with your cum, please!”

He groans and thrusted once or twice more, “cum, baby, cum with me.”

The knot that built in your stomach untied as you felt hot spurts of cum filling you up. You let out loud whimpers of ecstasy while Eddie rocked you through it, whispering sweet praises into your ear.

As you finished, he rolled off of you, laying next to you on your bed.

“Wow.”

You giggle in agreement, “definitely wow.”

Suddenly, the front door slams open, “honey, we’re home!”

Your mom shouts through the house, causing you and Eddie to scramble getting dressed.

Your mom walked in just as you both got clothed, sitting on the bed with a magazine and him messing with his guitar pick necklace.

“Hi,” you say gently, as if Eddies cum wasn’t leaking out of you onto your light pink bed spread beneath you.

“Honey," her tone is sickly sweet, "what is he doing here?” She smiled tightly.

“Oh, him?” You point to Eddie, “we’re just hanging out. He is my boyfriend you know.”

Eddie looks at you shocked before a smirk settles on his kiss swollen lips, and he reaches out to hold your hand.

Your mom looks at you, her smile now a glare.

“You can either leave this man, or never see the light of day again.”

Eddie stood up and grabbed his shoes, preparing to leave. His lips sat in a frown.

He thought this was over.

“Hey babe?” You grab his arm.

“Huh?” He looked at you confused.

You give him a quick kiss and your mom gasps, “I’ll see you at sunset.”

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Taglist: @ill-be-okay-soon-enough @deadbolted

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[yandere-writer-momo]

Yandere Baki Head Canons:

The One That Got Away

Yandere Doppo Orochi x Immortal Afab Reader x Yandere Katsumi Orochi

Loosely based off the Age of Adeline. I am so sorry Natsue Orochi, I love you baby girl. Please forgive me.

TW: Cheating, smut mentioned, fingering, and yandere behavior

The day Katsumi’s lover walked through the door, Doppo’s world came crashing down. What were you doing here and how did you look exactly the same as the day you disappeared?

“(Your name)?” Doppo asked you with wide eyes. He felt such a mix of emotions. Happiness, anger, sorrow, and betrayal were the most prominent but confusion clouded his mind. How were you still so youthful? You should have been nearing your fifties and you didn’t look a day past your twenties. There was no way…

“(Your name)? My name is (fake name), you must have me confused with my parent.” You nervously laugh which made Katsumi and Natsue glare at him. Who on earth was (your name)? They’ve never heard of this mysterious person before…

The four of them had dinner together but Doppo’s eyes were on (your name) the entire time. He couldn’t get rid of the feeling in his gut and he’s never been wrong before. Natsue noticed Doppo’s change in demeanor and shut down a bit. She knew he was in a relationship prior to her but she didn’t know the details of it… she’s heard before that a man never forgot his first love and it made her feel second best. Like Doppo settled for her.

Katsumi held your hand the entire time, his brow furrowed at his father’s strong gaze on you. Just who was (your name) and why was Doppo so insistent they were you? Whatever. You’re his partner and he wasn’t cool with his adopted dad being weird to you.

After the most awkward meal in history, Katsumi beamed at you. “Sorry my parents are awkward today. Usually they’re quite chatty.” Katsumi gave your hand a squeeze. “Why don’t we take a walk for a bit? That way they can talk.”

“Sounds good, Katsumi. Let’s go.” The two of you headed out and made sure to ignore the look Natsue gave Doppo. You should have realized Katsumi’s surname was the same as Doppo’s but Doppo was infertile. So how were you to know he had adopted a kid in the decades you had been absent? It wasn’t Katsumi’s fault nor was it Doppo’s that you were cursed with eternal youth.

Katsumi and you walked together. A frown on your face once you began to think. You’ve been with Katsumi for only a month and he already spoke of marriage… you couldn’t marry him or else the government would discover you… You’ve been stuck at the age of 25 for the last eighty years. How on earth could you give him the love he’d deserved?

“My family home is pretty nice, right?” Katsumi asked you with a big smile. “Would you want to live in a home like that? I make enough to have a big place…” You gave Katsumi a tight smile. Why on earth would he want such a big home for just two of you?

“Don’t you think it’s a bit impractical for just two of us?” You softly asked Katsumi who shook his head. His large hands scooped up yours as his eyes stared into yours.

“Well, I’d like to start a family after marriage. I think two kids would be good… maybe more!” Katsumi smiled brightly at you as he began to ramble. “I could see you nice and round with my kids… you’d be such a good mom. I notice how you longingly look at babies.”

You did your best not to frown immediately. Like father like son. Doppo had wanted to get married just ten weeks into dating while his son was even more impatient. Then again, normal humans didn’t live as long as you have. You were well over a hundred at this point and still not deceased. All because of a freak accident when you were young…

“So what do you say? Would you want that life with me too?” Katsumi asked you with big, puppy eyes, his hands squeezed yours. “I apologize for getting a bit ahead of myself. But you never know if I could be castrated in the fighting ring since the other fighters always go for the nuts…”

You stifled a laugh at his joke. Katsumi certainly wasn’t wrong from the fights you’ve seen in your many years on this earth. He could potentially become infertile, but that wasn’t your problem. Katsumi was simply a place holder to fill the bottomless hole in your heart that could never be filled. The never ending loneliness to your bizarre existence. One of many relationships you’ve had to try to ease the loneliness of eternal life.

“You have big dreams, I’ll certainly admit that.” You told your lover who only smiled at you. How could you ever be mad at a face like his? Katsumi was certainly one of the cuter men you’ve been with. And he wasn’t terrible in bed, a bit inexperienced, but not terrible.

Katsumi grabbed at your hip which made you jolt. “Easy there, tiger. We’re in the great outdoors.” The tow of you shared a laugh before you made your way back to his parents’ house.

Katsumi just gave you a wink. The two of you walked in to find the home empty. Katsumi smiled at you. “I think dad probably took mom out on a date to make her feel better. I’ll walk you home.”

You nodded your head a smiled. Perhaps you really didn’t have anything to worry about?

A few weeks had gone by and Katsumi invited you out to eat with his parents once more. You were a bit reluctant to accept, but you did.

And the dinner wasn’t nearly as awkward as the last one. Doppo and Natsue were much warmer this time. You felt relief wash over you. Thank god… you didn’t want to deal with a (currently) old man you once had a passionate love affair with.

The four of you somehow ended up drinking a few bottles of sake together to ‘melt the ice.’ Katsumi became ever more chatty the more he drank until he was nearly falling over himself while poor Natsue was already fast asleep at the table. Doppo gave you an apologetic smile as he carried her to their room. You, on the other hand, helped Katsumi to the couch where he passed out instantaneously. The poor guy’s cheeks were as red as the bottom of a baboon.

And right before you could leave, Doppo had walked over to you. His hands stuffed in his pockets and his brow furrowed. The eye patch and facial scars made him look much older than 56, but you didn’t want to ask for the stories on them. The two of you no longer had a relationship of any kind for almost three decades now…

Doppo grasped your hand and held it up to his eye. “These scars… I stitched this scratch on your hand twenty nine years ago in the woods when you went with me up the mountain to train.”

“I got these scars from cutting a vegetable-“ you squealed when his fingers pressed into your scar with anger.

“Don’t lie to me. I have a very specific way I stitch and it’s quite ugly.” Doppo clicked his tongue as he dropped your hand.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about. My name is (fake name)-“

“Do you take me for a fool?” Doppo asked you as he yanked your skirt up to reveal another scar you had on your thigh. “You got that when you were running about with me too. How are you still so young? You… why did you disappear?”

You glanced over at Katsumi who remained knocked out cold on the couch. It’s not like he was conscious to hear your conversation… “You see how I am… what I am.” You sighed and pinched your nose. “I cannot age. I can’t live a normal life-“

“And yet you’re with my son, Katsumi.” Doppo glared at you with his muscular arms crossed. “Are you going to leave him too? You took his virginity.”

So that’s why Katsumi was a bit clumsier in bed… and his unusual attachment with you. Now you felt like an even bigger piece of shit. “I… I don’t know-“

Doppo grabbed your forearms and leaned forward to press his lips against yours in a rough kiss. Your entire body freezes up at the contact in shock. What on earth?

Doppo pulled away with a sigh of anger. “I… did you know I wanted to marry you? I could have hid you away. I would have hidden you away. We could could worked something out-“

“It’s too many years late for that now.” You frown at him. “You’re married now. You have a family-“

“I just can’t believe you’re fucking my son…” Doppo shook his head. “You’re with my clumsy, arrogant son… you certainly have a type.”

You didn’t even think about how similar they were… Doppo used to be quite arrogant when he was younger too. Yet the years seemed to have made him more humble.

“I guess I do-“

“Does my son at least satisfy you. You used to be quite… hedonistic.” You nearly choked on your spit at what Doppo said.

“Are you saying I’m some sort of lust fueled monster?” You jumped when Doppo’s hands grabbed your hips and pushed your pelvis towards his. You felt a bit of electricity shoot up your spine when you felt something large press against you. You forgot how well endowed this older man was…

“For old time’s sake… don’t you want this one more time?” You whined when he ground himself into you. God dammit, you didn’t need this temptation. Especially not from your boyfriend’s father. “I know I’m packing more than Katsumi is and you also know I’m infertile… it won’t hurt.”

You bit your lip in thought. He wasn’t wrong about him being bigger than Katsumi. Doppo was one of the larger men you’ve slept with and you can count all the men you slept with on one hand.

And before you can even answer, his hand is shoved in the waist band of your pants. His fingers expertly stroke your damp slit as you shudder under his touch. God… Katsumi didn’t know how to touch you like this.

Doppo smirked at you as you leaned forward to grasp onto him as one of his thick fingers sunk into your greedy warmth. Your wanton moans were quiet as tears filled your eyes. You had forgotten what it was like to be fingers by someone who knew what they were doing…

“It feels good, right?” Doppo asked you in a hushed tone. His hot breath tickled the shell of your ear. “And that’s only my fingers… Just imagine what my cock can do.”

You feel a bit of drool drip from your mouth and onto his shirt. Your state of pleasure made Doppo smirk. Here you were once more… under him. Where you belonged.

“Let’s head somewhere more quiet, okay?” Doppo softly asked you as you melted into his arms. His thumb now stroked your clit as a second finger was added inside of you. You were practically dripping puddles on his palm. You greedy little whore.

And you were slept into the guest room. Doppo quickly undoing his pants while you lay on the futon with your bare ass bent high in the air for him to claim once more.

May Katsumi and Natsue forgive you for the sin you were about to commit… the sin of pleasure. A sin you hoped was only a one time deal.

Yet you weren’t aware that Doppo had other plans. Plans to share you between himself and his son. Who decided Katsumi would be the only one to feel that perfect, tight pussy? It’s not like Katsumi knew what to do… not like Doppo did.

You took a sharp inhale when Doppo gave a harsh slap to your rear. An angry hand shaped welt now on your bottom as the older man gave you a wicked smirk.

“Alright, princess. Don’t make a fucking sound.”

[mrsevans90]

Puppy Love

Captain Syverson x OFC Emma Miller Part 12

Summary: Austin Syverson has returned to Texas after retiring from the military and starts his own contracting business. Syverson is used to being alone and thinks he prefers it that way. While at work he stumbles upon an injured and abused puppy. When he meets the new veterinarian in town, Emma Miller, he is immediately smitten with her. It turns out Emma has some baggage of her own. Will they be able to make it work? Or is it just a case of fleeting puppy love?

Pairing: Henry Cavill as Captain Austin Syverson x OFC Emma Miller 

Warnings: mentions of sex, anxious Sy, Nana (because her sassiness is a warning), language

MINORS DNI! Must be 18+

I do not authorize any copying/pasting, stealing of my work, or using my words as your own. 

This story is not beta’d. All mistakes are my own.

A/N: I am an imperfect person who makes mistakes. All that I ask is to please be kind and if you enjoy it then please comment and REPOST! I appreciate any love, comments, and reposts more than you could know. Thank you for reading! 

Part 11

Emma and I spent Sunday together in pure domesticity. We grocery shopped and then went back to her house so that she could start meal prepping. She cooked loads of food and then divided them in little containers for the both of us. I spent as much time sampling little bits of the food when she wasn’t looking as I did with my hands wrapped around her waist. She was so cute humming to the radio in her tiny short shorts that I couldn’t help myself but to touch her. I guess I wanted to just feel her since our routine was going to be off. The next week, Emma is busy preparing her house for her parent’s upcoming arrival. I knew I wouldn’t get to spend the weekend with her, so I was already dreading it. I’ve become so used to having her in my bed all weekend and spending time with her that I felt like I was going to have withdrawals from her. The plan was to have brunch with her and her parents on Saturday where she would introduce me as her official boyfriend. God, I’m a grown ass man about to meet my girlfriend’s parents and I’m nervous. I know her dad’s approval means the most and I’m not certain he’ll feel comfortable with his little girl being with the big, gruff army captain. Plus, the term “girlfriend and boyfriend” feel so juvenile at this point. About midday on Wednesday, while I’m installing flooring at a jobsite, my phone chimes with a text.

Mills’ Mama: How do you feel about weeknight sleepovers?

Sy: Sounds like the best damn idea you’ve ever had. Yours or mine?

Mills’ Mama: Maybe we can swap back and forth? Mine tonight and yours tomorrow? I’ll cook you dinner!

Sy: I’ll be there after work, Sugar, with the dogs and my bag. Can’t wait to see you.

Mills’ Mama: Can’t wait to kiss you.

Sy: Is that so?

Mills’ Mama: Mmhmm. Maybe even more. 😉

Sy: Darlin’. We still got 4 more hours of work, you better quit teasin’ me.

The afternoon rolls around and after a quick shower and packing some clothes and toiletries in my military duffle, I load the dogs up and head to Emma’s house. I’m nervous about sleeping somewhere else since I’ve been retired, but I need to get over it eventually. Emma met us at the door and after loving on the dogs she pulled my cheeks down into a deep kiss. Dinner was on the table when I made it inside and it smelled delicious. I went and set my bag down along with the dog bed I brought for Aika to help her arthritis in her bedroom and smiled as it was immaculately clean with the bed made. I felt Emma’s arms wrap around my waist and squeeze.

“Mmm.. I’m so glad you’re here.” She murmured.

“Me too, Sugar. Ya had a good day?” 

“Busy.” She mumbles into my back and I chuckle. 

“Ya gonna let me go so I can see that beautiful face?” I chuckle and feel her shake her head with a mumbled “no” into my back. I reach back and tickle her sides which has her instantly let go and jump back.

“There’s my girl.” I say as I lean in to kiss her. I try to deepen the kiss but she pulls back. 

“Supper’s on the table.” She reminds me before grabbing my hand and leading me to the table that the dogs were already corralled under, begging for scraps. 

We enjoyed our meal sharing relatively bland aspects of our day before quickly retreating to the bedroom. I was a little nervous about sleeping over for fear that I might have a nightmare, and reluctantly told Emma so when she asked me what was bothering me. She promised that if I was too uncomfortable she would understand, but I didn’t want to wimp out. Emma promised to distract me and before I knew it, she was quick to undress herself and show me a sexy little dark green lingerie number she told me she was wearing just for me. My worries momentarily forgotten, I spent the next hour of our night thoroughly fucking Emma and bringing her to a total of four orgasms. Sweaty and exhausted, we showered together and then climbed in bed. I wrapped Emma’s body tightly against my own and exhaled a sigh of relief.

“You feel okay about sleeping here?” Emma murmured sleepily.

“Yeah, I think I’ll be okay as long as you’re in my arms, Sugar.” 

“My favorite place to be.” She sighs.

Just like that, we fell asleep wrapped in each other and I got one of the best nights of rest I’ve had in a while surrounded by Emma and the scent of her perfume.

The rest of the week went well and before I knew it, I was getting ready to meet Emma and her parents at the diner for brunch Saturday morning. I of course, arrive about 10 minutes early because the military man in me can’t seem to break that habit after years of having it engrained into my personality. I go ahead and get us a table before shooting a text to Emma letting her know where I’m at. A few of the local people I know stop by the table to say hello, or catch up which helps my anxiety about impressing her parents and before I know it, they’re here. I catch sight of Emma in a pretty pink sundress with a smile so bright that has my heart aching and my pants feeling a bit tighter. I politely stand up when Emma makes her way over to me and presses a light kiss to my lips which surprises me. I extend my hand immediately as she introduces us.

“Mom and Dad, I’d like to introduce you to my boyfriend, Austin Syverson.”

“It’s nice to meet you both. I’ve heard a lot about you as Emma has been looking forward to your visit.” I say as I shake hands with her mother and father who introduce themselves as Diana and James.

“It’s so nice to meet you, Austin. Emma has told me bits and pieces about you but she keeps a lot of things to herself so we were itching to meet you.”

“My descriptions wouldn’t do him justice.” She replies.

We all sit down in the booth and take a look at the menus before ordering and handing our menus back to the waitress.

“So, Austin, tell us about yourself.” James says and I take a deep breath before responding.

“Well, I’m a retired military captain who decided to open my own contracting company when I got back to Texas. I didn’t initially plan on it but I bought a house that needed a ton of work and found a lot of appreciation for fixing up myself. I ended up liking it so much that I decided to start my own company which is doing pretty well. I’m really close with my grandparents who own a farm about ten miles from here, and I have two dogs that I care about a lot. That’s how I met Emma, was taking my dog to the vet.”

“Interesting, Emma said you were in the military but didn’t say you were a captain. What division?” James inquires.

“Army, Special Forces.” 

“Damn. I’ve bet you’ve seen some things.” You don’t know the half of it.

“Yes sir, but I try not to focus on it. Easy to do with work, my dogs, and spending time with this pretty girl.” I say as I smile down at Emma.

“She did tell me that you were very helpful in getting all of the security installed at her home, so I appreciate that. Especially after that idiot stalked her all the way out here.” James says.

“I was happy to help out, and it gave me piece of mind that she would be safe at all times. Most importantly that she continued to feel safe at her home. That was my number one concern.”

“I agree. We tried to convince her that she should move back, at least closer to home, but she’s not budging. I guess we now know why, seeing as she has you here.” Diana replies with a smirk.

“She is sitting right here, you know.” Emma says and I chuckle. Sassy girl doesn’t like being talked about.

“I’ve told you, I’m happy here and I’m not going to run away from my problems. I’ve started a new life for myself and it makes me happy.”

I beam at her proud of her for not backing down when it’s her life and her decision.

“All I ask is that you take care of her. I know she’s grown, but I look at her and still see my little girl dancing in a princess dress to her favorite Disney movie.” 

“I promise, sir. Emma’s safety and happiness are my priority.” I look him dead in his eyes and he nods. Emma intertwines our fingers together under the table and squeezes my hand tightly.

“So, tell us more about your family. Parents?” Diana asks and Emma immediately interrupts.

“Mom, no.”

“No, darlin’ it��s alright. My father left when I was a toddler and remarried and I don’t have any contact with him. My mother passed away from breast cancer several years ago. I have an older brother, Mark, who is happily married and they have a little girl. They live in Tennessee so I don’t get to see them as often as I’d like. My grandparents and I are extremely close though and I see them every Sunday for lunch.”

“That’s lovely. I’m so sorry to hear about your mother. Cancer is such an awful thing.”

“It sure is.”

The conversation quickly moves on to how hard Emma worked to get the guest bedroom ready for their visit, where she praised me for doing the heavy lifting, before shifting to Emma’s veterinary practice. Emma explained in more detail how we actually met when I found an abused Mills behind a property I was working on.

“We are huge animal lovers; I guess that’s why Emma became a veterinarian. You’ll have to introduce us to your dogs at some point.”

“I’d be happy too. Mills doesn’t have the best manners yet, but he’s still a pup so he’ll get there.”

“We’ll have to introduce you to his Nana and PawPaw at some point too. His nana is an absolute trip! She is your typical southern sassy woman and I adore her.” Emma boasts and I smile. I know of a way to make Nana really happy if Emma wants to introduce them.

“Y’all are welcome to join us for lunch tomorrow. I know Nana would be tickled pink.”

“Oh my gosh, really? That’s not too short notice? I wouldn’t want to impose.” Emma responds excitedly.

“You know that woman will be absolutely thrilled if you and your parents join us. She always overcooks anyway. I’ll call her to make sure just for your peace of mind but I promise she’d love it. They don’t get many visitors these days so it will give her something to look forward too.” I smile, glad that the two most important women in my life seem to want to spend time together.

We finish eating and I pay for our entire meal as I had discreetly requested from the waitress when I arrived before everyone. James seemed absolutely shocked that I had done that but gave me a strong handshake and thanked me for the meal. I feel like I made a good impression but it’s likely too soon to tell. Diana hugged me quickly before Emma wrapped her arms around my neck and pecked a chaste kiss to my lips before they left to go explore the town with the promise to call me in a bit. I got in my truck feeling good about the experience before calling Nana.

“Well hello my darlin’ grandson!” She answered as lively as ever.

“Hey Nana. How y’all doing today?”

“Just as well as ever. We’re still kicking so at our age that’s all we can ask for.” She jests.

“What about you? I missed our Sunday lunch last week. Please tell me Emma’s coming tomorrow?”

“Emma’s parents are in town visiting, but I figured if y’all were up for it they could all come?” 

“Well I’ll be damned!” She crows and I have to hold my phone back from my ear slightly.

“Now, what do you mean by that?” 

“My sweet grandson is finally getting serious about a woman! Enough to let us meet not only her, but her family as well? Hot damn!”

“D’you curse like that in church, Nana?” I joke, making fun of her southern Baptist persona.

“Only if the sermon’s good enough.” She retorts.

“I’ll take that as a yes, then.”

“Of course! Oohh now I gotta be thinking about what all I’m going to cook.”

“Don’t go to any trouble, Nana. This isn’t some big thing. Whatever you had already planned will be perfect.”

“Nonsense. We need to make a good impression so her daddy will agree to let Emma marry you.”

“Slow down, woman! It’s not that serious yet. We haven’t even said I love you. Emma was telling them about you and PawPaw and it just came up. Promise me you won’t scare them off.”

“Boy, don’t make me smack you. I will be my typical charming self and they will love me. That’s not what I’m worried about. I need to make a good impression for you.”

“I met them and I think they like me.”

“Well, I’m going to make sure they love you.”

“I’m regretting this already, Nana.” I sigh. 

“Is PawPaw around?”

“Yes, let me get him…JOE! Austin’s on the phone!” She yells away from the receiver and I can’t help but shake my head and smirk endearingly.

“Hello?”

“PawPaw, how are ya?”

“I’m just fine, son. What have you done that’s got your Nana all in a tizzy? She’s running around crazier than a betsy bug.”

“Well, I’m bringing Emma and her parents to lunch tomorrow.”

I hear a low chuckle into the receiver.

“All I can say is, you’ve done it now. Hope you and Emma are prepared for an overzealous ole’ woman chatting her parent’s ears off tomorrow.”

“What was I thinking, PawPaw? Do me a favor, try to get her to be on her best behavior. She doesn’t listen to anyone but you.”

“Son, that woman doesn’t listen to anyone, myself included. Just take a deep breath and hope she doesn’t pull out the baby books.”

“Jesus. Hide them for me, please PawPaw.”

“Will do. Try not to worry. See ya tomorrow.”

“Alright, love ya Pops.”

“Love you too, Son.”

I take a deep breath and place my head on the steering wheel as I think about what I’ve subjected myself too. I ought to warn Emma’s parents before we get there tomorrow.

I meet up with Alex since I haven’t seen him on the weekends since I’ve started dating Emma and caught up with him. We played a few video games at his place before I grabbed some dinner on the way back to my house. I hated how empty my house felt without Emma there. Already she was this presence that I craved and even found myself wishing she left some of her things here so that I could more easily imagine her in my home. We had texted a few times throughout the afternoon but I wanted her to enjoy her time with her parents since they would be leaving Sunday afternoon. Emma had even invited me to go out to dinner with them but I just didn’t want to monopolize their time together. After my shower, I was trimming up my beard when I saw Emma facetiming me.

“Hey, Sugar. How was your afternoon?”

“It was good! I took my parents to the clinic and showed them everything before we went to the little town museum. After that, we did a little shopping for my house and I bought patio furniture for the backyard which will be great. Then we went to dinner and came back here to relax a bit. I’m exhausted.” She says dramatically while flailing back on her bed.

“I bet, you had quite a busy day.”

“What did you get up too?”

“Not much, just hung out with Alex. Played some video games with him before grabbing take out and coming home to the pups.”

“Wish I was there.” “Me too. I really found myself craving your presence here, Sugar. You’ve gotten me spoiled by staying here every weekend.”

“Aw, I miss it there too. I really liked our weeknight sleepovers by the way. I suggest we just start staying together every night.” I smile at her.

“You sure about that?” 

“Mhmm. I sleep so good cuddled up to my big teddy bear.” 

“I sleep the best with you too. Even though you put your ice-cold feet on me.” I say and she giggles.

“You’re always so warm! I’ll freeze tonight without you here to warm them.” She giggles while stifling a yawn. 

“Sugar, you’ve had a long day. Why don’t you go ahead and get some sleep. I’ll see you at mine tomorrow before going to Nana’s?” I ask and she nods.

“Okay, goodnight baby.”

“Night, Darlin’. Sleep well.”

The next day, I woke up at my usual time and after some breakfast I went ahead and gave both of the dogs a bath. Mills has turned into such a water loving dog, and I could hardly keep him from chasing the water hose while I cleaned him. After that, I decide to get a decent work out in my garage/makeshift gym. Since I’m already sweaty, I then cut the grass with the lawn tractor since I have such a large yard before heading inside and cleaning up a bit. Emma’s parents are going to be coming with her to mine so we can all ride together so I want to make sure everything looks good. Fortunately, the military is strict on tidiness, so other than wiping down the counters and taking out the trash there wasn’t that much to be done. Lastly, I cleaned myself up with a shower and put on some fresh clothes. Emma texted that they were on their way and so I played with the dogs a little bit before their arrival. When I heard Emma’s jeep pulling down the gravel driveway, I met them out on the front porch. My house was something that I was really proud of, taking a broken down, weathered Victorian style home and making it new and beautiful again was special. I just didn’t look like the type of person who owned a beautiful historic home with a wraparound porch. I know that Emma loves my home and I hope her parents do too. 

“Austin, your home is absolutely gorgeous!” Diana praises as she steps from the car. Emma walks up and hugs me tightly.

“Thank ya, ma’am. I’m pretty proud of it.”

“It must be worth a fortune.” She says and Emma rolls her eyes.

“It certainly wasn’t when I bought it. Roof leaked, porch was entirely rotten, plumbing and electrical were both in need of repair and a tree had fallen on the southwest corner from a storm. It sat abandoned for years. I grew up here and always thought it was such a shame because it had great bones, just needed a lot of work. When I moved back and saw it was still here, I jumped on it without giving it too much thought. I was needing something to keep me busy and it certainly did.” I say.

“Well, I’m sure it must’ve taken so long to do but you did well.” James adds.

“Thank you, I worked on it for about 10 months before I could get it to where I could live in it while repairing it, before I moved in and spent another year and half making all of the repairs and updates that it needed. Come on in, I’ll show you around and let you meet the pups.” 

Emma and her parents come inside where Mills races towards them. All of them, including Emma’s dad squat down to allow Mills to assault them all with puppy kisses. Aika’s a bit slower and not as forthcoming, but she of course comes straight to Emma who gives her all the attention and ear scratches.

I give them a short tour of the house before it’s time to head to Nana’s house. We all ride in Emma’s jeep but I drive and Emma enthusiastically tells them about my grandparents. I feel like it might be a good time to warn them about Nana. 

“Just so ya know, I love her very much but my Nana is one of a kind, in a very exuberant way. She thinks because she’s old she can just say whatever comes to her mind, but she’s been like that my whole life. Hopefully she won’t offend anyone. PawPaw is a very quiet, taciturn man but I figure he has to be to have been with Nana for as long as they have.”

“I’m sure they are just lovely, Austin.” Diana chirps from the backseat.

Emma reaches over and grabs my hand before winking at me. We quickly arrive and I help Emma out of her car before we head inside.

“Nana?” I yell as I open the door.

“Ohhh, Joe! They’re here!” I hear Nana chirp before she comes fluttering towards the front door that we’ve all entered.

“Hi! I’m Daisy! This is my husband Joe, and we are Austin’s grandparents. I’m so glad y’all could join us for lunch today.”

“Nana, this is Diana and James, Emma’s parents.” They shake hands and Nana wraps Emma into a tight hug.

“It’s so nice to meet you. Thank you for having us out here on such short notice.” James says.

“So nice to meet the parents of the most wonderful woman. Emma here is an absolute gem!” Nana dotes and I can’t help but smile. PawPaw gently slaps my shoulder and winks at me without anyone seeing.

“Aw thank you, Emma just adores you and tells us that you are a wonderful cook!” Diana adds.

“Oh that’s just the sweetest, but really I cook everything in butter or lard so it has to taste good!” Nana says and they all laugh. 

“Y’all come on in and make yourselves at home. Lunch is on the table. I’ve got southern fried chicken, steamed broccoli and carrots, mashed potatoes, and cornbread. I also have plenty of salad and fruit in case any of you are allergic or not a fan of meat.” Nana explains and I feel my stomach rumble. It all sounds so good to me.

“That sounds absolutely mouth-watering.” James says and I quickly agree with him.

We all sit down after stacking our plates sky high as Nana goes about filling drinks for everyone. Nana asks PawPaw to bless the meal like she usually does and the room is silent as he does so. My PawPaw has always been a man of few words, but he commands a room when he does speak and I almost feel like he saves those moments for times he considers most meaningful, like this.

We all get tucked into our meal and Nana is absolutely loving the constant praises of her cooking. She knows she’s an amazing cook, but she’ll never hesitate to take a compliment for it. We make light conversation throughout the meal talking about Emma’s parents in Alabama and where they work, etc. 

“Tell us about Austin growing up. I bet he helped a lot here on the farm.” Diana asks.

“Oh, he’s always been the hardest worker. We knew Mark never wanted much to do with the farm, but Austin took pride in even the worst jobs like mucking horse stalls even as a kid. Joe and him spent plenty of time out there building fences, sheds, feeding and watering the animals. He’s been such a help to us over the years.” Nana said as she pats my hand on the table.

“I was going to pull some photo albums out to show you all but I can’t seem to remember where I’ve put them.” Nana admits and I subtly glance at PawPaw whose expression of steel doesn’t change but I know that I owe him for that. 

“I’ll keep looking and show them to Emma next time she comes around. He was such a cute boy with wild curly brown hair like his mama. I feel like every time she bought him new pants, he’d hit another growth spurt. We couldn’t keep up!” Nana chuckles and I blush slightly.

“Tell us about Emma as a kid. I bet she was the cutest.” I interrupt and Diana quickly jumps in to brag about her beautiful daughter, not that I could blame her.

“Oh, Emma was just the prettiest little thing, but always very independent. She was stubborn but only about things she really cared about. She once rescued a baby squirrel, Pip, who she found covered in ants on the driveway and almost dead. She was about 11 and was adamant she was going to nurse it back to health. She fed it formula from a syringe every few hours and I swear, that thing would come back to her when she called it like a dog. We knew then, she was serious about becoming a veterinarian. She’s always been very compassionate and had a love for animals.”

“How sweet! What else did she do growing up?” Nana urges.

“Well, she was in high school and competitive cheer. She also did a few pageants and won some of them before she begged to stop.”

“I didn’t know you were in pageants?” I ask her and she blushes.

“I don’t usually tell anyone that. It was in an effort to get scholarship money towards college but I just couldn’t deal with the catty dramatic girls.” She says timidly.

“I can’t blame you for that! Teenage girls can be just awful, especially in that setting. Little poisonous bitches!” Nana says and Emma busts out laughing which causes us all to start cackling. Oh nana.

After we eat lunch, Nana has us all come out to the back porch to digest a little bit before slicing into the strawberry cake she made. I felt like I was going to puke if I ate another bite, but I’ve never turned down Nana’s strawberry cake. It’s delicious. We all continue chatting about different things with the occasional goat bleating or cow mooing in the background. I couldn’t be more relieved at how down to earth Emma’s parents are. Her dad accepting me was one of my biggest concerns, but we found ourselves in easy conversation about all sorts of things. I was also relieved that they seemed to flock to Nana just like she predicted. By the time we needed to leave, Nana had packed everyone a plate of food to take home and was hugging Emma’s parents like they were old friends. 

“Y’all better come visit us for lunch the next time you visit!” Nana hollered at James and Diana who readily agreed.

“After a meal like that, we may just come back to visit you and Joe instead of Emma and Austin!” James joked and they all just cackled. Emma leaned against my arm as she had a hand on my bicep and smiled up at me. I kissed her forehead before opening her door and thought Nana was just going to float away in her excitement. 

Everyone thanked them again for having us and I promised that I’d call Nana in the morning with a peck to her cheek.

I drove us straight back to Emma’s so that I could see her parents off with her. After lots of goodbye hugs and kisses from Emma and a surprise hug from them both to me, they drove away seeming relaxed and supportive of the life she has built herself here. 

Emma pulled me back inside and kissed me deeply.

“They love you. Thank you for being so wonderful.” She said.

“They’re great people. It’s easy to see why I like you so much, because they raised you. So thank you for being the best girlfriend I’ve ever had.” I tell her. Mushy but true.

Emma turns and walks to her room and I’m a little surprised because she walked away so abruptly. Did I say something wrong?

“Sugar?”

“Sugar, did I say something wrong?”

“Nope, never. I’m just packing a bag so I can go home with you.” She smiles as she throws a clean pair of vet scrubs into the bag.

“I sure like the sound of that…home with me.” 

“Me too.” She smiles and kisses me softly.

Ten minutes later, we are back in her jeep headed to my house to be together with the dogs and it feels so right.

Part 13

Taglist: @shellyshellshell, @henryownsme, @caramariehurst, @beck07990, @mollymal, @kingliam2019, @syversonswife, @identity2212, @starfirewildheart, @hannah9921, @wa-ni, @kneelforloki, @cutedoxie, @enchantedbytomandhenry, @foxyjwls007, @geralts-yenn, @courtlynwriter, @corrie1013, @squeezyvalkyrie, @summersong69, @livisss, @mayloma, @uunotheangel, @warriormirkwood, @sofiebstar

Authors Note: SO sorry this took so long. My kid brought home a stomach virus from school and it slowly went through each family member. I didn't think it was ever going to end but we are FINALLY feeling better and no longer cleaning up vomit. Hope y'all have a great week!

[minkkumaz]

I'VE NEVER DONE THIS BEFORE, TEACH ME?

the basic idea of romeo and juliet's balcony scene is the feeling of loving someone you aren't supposed to love. so why is idol kim seungmin knocking on your second - story window? why does he keep coming to you even though he knows it's forbidden?

PAIRING kim seungmin x fem!reader WC 1.7k TAGS forbidden love trope. friends to lovers. fluff. angst if you squint. intense kissing. cussing. OMI NOTE my first work here <3 i really enjoyed writing this but it's definitely not proofread aha.

the tragedy of romeo and juliet, a play written by william shakespeare. there’s a famous scene within the sonnet, where juliet sits atop the balcony that connects to her bedroom; where ultimately she ponders as to why must her one true love, romeo, be apart of her rival family. they’re forbidden to be together, yet their love for one another is so immense.

it was almost as if you were living some parts of the story when you found out kim seungmin was a well - known idol. you felt like the two of you were destined to be together, like it was written in the stars. but it wasn’t going to work out, you knew that.

you heard him calling behind you that night he got recognized by two girls. you were internally grateful that they didn’t even notice you because of how blinded they were by him. the pavement was damp with nightly mist, and the sound of your heavy footsteps ultimately drowning out his voice.

as soon as you arrived home, you kicked off your shoes at the door and ignored your parents’ questions such as, “where have you been, y/n? your curfew ended ten minutes ago.”

you never entered your bedroom with such a heavy heart. pulling out your laptop and violently typing up the name kim seungmin, only to be met with millions of search results.

kinfo.com: kim seungmin is one of the eight members of south korean boy group stray kids, under the company jyp, leader in entertainment.

straykidsupdates.com: has everyone seen seungmin in the most recent comeback? he’s totally cute and definitely carried that s-class pre chorus! instagram.com/realstraykids: stray kids (스트레이 키즈) official instagram

you closed your laptop before falling back into the pillows on your bed and letting out a heavy sigh. heartbroken was an understatement, you were so upset. if he had told you earlier you wouldn’t have let yourself fall in love with him.

the day you met seungmin was a run in at a small cafe you were wanting to try out (which now made so much more sense considering it was across the street from the jyp building). he wasn’t paying attention to where he was looking, causing him to bump into you and make you drop your food. you were not looking for any payment whatsoever, but he was insistent.

before you knew it, he was paying for your food and sitting down in front of you to make small talk and apologize. 

the conversation you had with him went on until the sun barely peaked over the horizon. it was starting to get dark outside and the cafe cashier was getting very sick of the two of you. with full stomachs and happy grins, he walked you home.

afterwards, you met almost every week for months just to talk and hang out. you grew to love the person he was, and the feeling was most definitely mutual. despite this, he never bothered to share his work life and you never bothered to look him up on google.

now, you sat extremely frustrated and crying. your pillows grew a wet patch from your tears. how could you forget him? the blankets you snuggled with did an adequate job at comforting you, though you knew seungmin was the best at that.

barely an hour passed before there was a quiet knock at your window. at first you thought it was the wind, but your suspicions were proved wrong when it knocked a little harder and less infrequent.

you got up from you bed and trudged to open your curtains, being met with a very familiar, puppy - dog - like boy. your eyes went wide.

“what the fuck? seungmin what are you doing at my window?” you whisper shout, feeling the cool air blow through your bedroom as you opened the window.

“you weren’t answering your phone, and you never let me explain.” seungmin panted a little, lodging himself between two thick tree branches.

“it’s unsafe to be climbing this tree! it’s been here longer than i’ve been alive. what happened to the front door?” you pulled him into your bedroom, trying to be as quiet as possible.

“we both know you’ve broken curfew three times this past week, your parents would never let me inside to talk to you.” he sighed, sitting on your windowsill.

“jeez, seungmin. you’re such an idiot…” you mumble with defeat.

“listen, i’m so sorry i haven’t told you about being a whole idol thing. i was going to, trust me, i just never got around to it.” “way to go for an explanation. you know we can’t do this min.” “why do you think i never told you? so i could lose the one person that actually liked me for the person i am, rather than the things i could provide?” he admit.

“i don’t think i can mentally date a kpop idol, seungmin. i really really like you but, theres so many complications.” you turn your back to him so he can’t get too close of a look at your puffy face.

suddenly his hand interlocked with yours, pulling you back a little.

“y/n, come out with me. let me show you that we can work. that this is worth it.” 

you couldn’t bring yourself to fully look at him, scared that his cute pouty face would convince you. “i can’t sneak out seungmin… my parents would kill me.” “then let them kill you, don’t give up on us, please. just this one night for me to show you how dear you are to me.” he lifts your chin up with his hand, frowning at the tear marks on your face. 

“but i’ve never done this before, will you teach me?” you sniff sadly.

“i won’t let you get caught. just follow my lead okay?” seungmin let go of your face and went to stuff pillows under your blankets, making a somewhat believable body. whilst doing so, you slipped on a different pair of shoes quickly.

he made sure to click off your lights before leading you towards the window. it wasn’t too bad of a climb down, but you were nervous nonetheless. 

“hold onto my hand, i’ll tell you where to step.” he gently held onto you so you could safely get down with him. as soon as your shoes hit the grass, a sense of euphoria overcomes you. there was so much excitement about disobeying the strict rules your parents laid on you, but you couldn’t hide the underlying worry.

“see? and that was the hard part.” he smiles at you, still hand and hand.

seungmin takes you to a parked car a few houses down from your own. the top was pulled down and there was an extremely prominent bouquet of lilies in the passenger seat. when it came into view, you squeezed his hand and grinned.

“how’d you know i liked lilies?” you replaced yourself with the flowers, sitting down comfortably with them in your lap.

“i didn’t, but i’m glad i made the right choice.”

the houses of your neighborhood passed by in a blur, all of them merging together as the car sped up. the breeze was cold, but you didn’t seem to mind. there was a feeling of warmth you felt when you were with seungmin, and this wasn’t any different.

there was a comfortable silence between you guys. neither of you bothered to say anything, basking in the presence of one another.

when he pulled up to the parking lot of a nearby park, you finally spoke.

“you took me to a park in the middle of the night to prove how much you want to be with me?” you ask.

“here, you’ll see.” seungmin took off his seatbelt and crawled into the back seat, motioning you to join him. 

you abide, leaning over the center console towards him, still being careful not to ruin anything. as you plop yourself next to him, he pulls you to snuggle up against his chest. you could hear his heart beating a thousand miles per minute, but you could argue that yours was beating faster.

“look up.” he points towards the sky and your gaze follows.

stars. they dazzled, lightening the velvety night sky. they vary in size and brightness, forming intricate patterns that make you dizzy. 

“it’s beautiful, seungmin.” you look over at his face, illuminated by the moonlight above. his features look much more perfect when you’re close.

“we’re all so similar to stars, y/n.” he started, rubbing circles into one of your hands, “there are so many that shine brightly in the sky, but you’re the only one i really care about.”

“gosh seungmin, you’re such a flirt.” you laugh, “but you’re an idol, you were trained to be charming.”

“i’m serious, y/n. you’re right in the sense that dating as an idol is really fucking hard. but my love for you is so real. shouldn’t that overpower it? nobody but my friends and the company have to know.”

you move your head away from his chest to look at him,”you love me?”

“of course i love you, y/n. i would be a fool not to.” he lifts you closer to him so you’re straddling his lap. when you move your hands up to cover your blushing face, he stops you. “you’re so pretty.” he whispers. “we’ll figure out everything i promise. i just need to be with you.”

“then be with me.” you affirmed, taking a small step closer to his face.

the distance between you and seungmin narrows slowly, and you can smell the sweet scent of his cologne, making you even more aware of his presence.

there are butterflies swarming in your stomach, convincing you that none of this is real. but as soon as his lips connected with yours, you were absolutely sure it was.

for the first few seconds, it was sweet. but the overwhelming feeling of so much love quickly turned into desperation. 

something that he’s been waiting for in all the months of knowing you finally was his. the kiss lasted for what seemed like forever, evident by the redder your lips became.

it wasn’t until you were interrupted by a buzzing that shook the car seat. a mere string of saliva connected the two of your bruised lips. you looked around cluelessly before your phone, before seeing recognizable caller id.

“fuck, my dad’s calling me.”

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[hoodharlow]

The Bae Area (fic)

AN: I got a few asks from that concept about Jack and Miriam getting caught so I brought back the fic. The ending is also something one of @killatravtramp anons sent in and V let me use the concept &lt;3

Requested? My anons <3

Warnings: smut, Shawn Mendes being messy. Also this does not reflect how I view Shawn. He's one of my fave Candadians even after the canola oil shit show.

Word Count:

“Water break.” Jack pulled away.

“Seriously?” Miriam arched an eyebrow at him.

“Bro, I just gave you two rounds, give me a fucking second.” He sat up and reached for his Fiji water, dramatically drinking half of the bottle. 

Not only was it the first time Miriam had the house to herself since she officially started to date Jack but he had a day off in between shows so she was going to take full advantage of that to get railed. Her parents went out for date night and were going to stay at the Beverly Hills Hotel for the night then going back home after breakfast. Joseph and Katalina were in Aspen for a few more days to ski.

Jack and Miriam hadn't had sex since her last night in Louisville before she flew to Aspen to spend Christmas with her family. They were supposed to have sex on New Years, but Miriam got too tipsy and Jack took care of her when they got back from the club. After that Miriam flew to LA for an audition. Jack flew back a few days later but focused on getting some studio time for his album and preparing for his California tour. 

Miriam was obviously joining him for his mini tour, except for the Pomona and SLO shows because both Cal Poly Pomona and Cal Poly SLO rejected. They were the only two universities that rejected her. (She got into all the Ivy Leagues, the UCs, NYU, USC and Stanford.) Miriam vowed to never set foot in those two cities after. They were lucky that Jack had a day off 

He hovered over Miriam, smirking, “where were we?”

Miriam giggled and wrapped her arms around him. Jack groaned as he slid back into her. It didn’t take long for them to find a pace. Her breath hitched at how good it felt. Jack must have noticed, and continued thrusting in that spot. The familiar feeling came over her once more. Miriam was about to come, and he knew it. His thrusts got more precise, hitting where she needed him the most. She was about to come undone when her bedroom door opened.

“Miriam–oh!” Her mom shut the door abruptly.

“Que paso?” Her dad asked her mom.

“Nada.” Isabela mumbled.

“El gringo está adentro verdad?” He pounded on the door. “Miriam, what did we agree on? When el gringuito is here you leave the door open. Me vale verga if me and your mom are not home. The door remains open. Understood?”

“Yes papi.” Miriam said as she threw Jack his clothes.

“Harlow, you have five minutes to leave my house.”

Jack cleared his throat, stifling his laugh. “Yes, sir.”

Miriam put on some flannel pajamas and pulled her hair into a bun. She caught herself in her vanity mirror and saw she was missing a hoop earring. 

“I saw this fall off your ear when we were fucking doggy style.” Jack said, handing her her missing up.

“Thanks.” she said shyly. She took off the other one and put them on her everyday jewelry tray in her vanity.

“I’mma go.” he said.

"I'll walk you out." She put on her ankle length Ugg boots. 

She opened her bedroom door and Daisy jumped on Jack. The almost two year old puppy got on her hind legs and nuzzled her face against Jack's hand so he could pet her. He gave her a few head scratches and then followed Miriam downstairs. 

They went to the living room where her parents were watching the 10pm novela on telemundo.. 

"Jack's leaving." Miriam said to them. 

"Aw so soon?" Mateo said, pretending to be upset. 

"I have an early morning at the studio before my show." Jack explained. 

"Okay mi'jo. Drive safe." Isabela said.

"Thank you. Have a good night." He said following Miriam out to the driveway. 

Somehow they ended up making out again. Jack had Miriam pressed against his car. One hand on her hip and the other was inside her shirt, cupping her breast. Miriam grinded herself on him and only pulled away to kiss down his jaw. Jack’s grip on her waist tightened when she got to his sweet spot. She licked and lightly nipped it. 

"Fuck, Miriam," he grunted. "I really gotta go." 

"Do you have to?" Miriam pouted.

"If I want to live, yes. I'll see you tomorrow?" He said climbing in the car.

“No,” she shook her head. “But I’ll see you in San Diego. Claudia and Cal are back from Mexico and are staying there for a bit.”

“I thought they were in London.” 

“They spent Christmas in London then flew out to Mexico for New Years because her tio, who’s basically her cousin, got married.” she explained.

“Who else is there? So I can save some tickets for them.”

“I think just them, her dad, and her other brother and his family. Yeah Danny, Mede and baby Sebas stayed with her mom for a few more days.” 

“The baby isn’t here?” he asked. 

“No.” 

“Good because I don’t want to get bitten again.”

“That’s on you, Jack. Why would you take goldfish from a baby?”

***

Jack spotted the familiar camera crew from when he filmed his own shoe shopping video as his Uber pulled up to the address of the sneaker store Miriam sent him. She was filming a shoe shopping video at her go-to store in Oakland. Last night, after his show in SLO, he and his crew drove up to San Francisco. They arrived around three in the morning. Jack slept for a few hours then had a team meeting to go over his schedule for the next few weeks. After he finished his shows, he was going to stay at least two weeks in San Francisco and work on his album. 

He grabbed his duffle bag and thanked the driver. He rated them five stars as he made his way over to Isabela. 

“Hi mijo.” she said, giving him a side hug.

“Hi,” he smiled.

He followed her to where Miriam was. She was sitting in front of a makeup chair getting her makeup done. She waved at him as he walked over to sit in one of the chairs next to Miriam's mom. He pulled out his phone and checked in with Chris and Neelam. He had a little free time before heading into a studio in San Francisco where he was recording a few songs he had written. 

“Jack?” Joe, the host of the segment said. 

“Oh hey, man how are you?” Jack smiled, extending his hand to shake his.

The two men caught up for a bit until a producer came over to get Joe. Jack sat back in the chair and watched Miriam and Joe. She seemed more relaxed than the night before when she was telling him that she was nervous because she’s not a sneakerhead, she just buys a lot of shoes that she thinks are cute. But she was doing good, in his biased opinion. She was articulate and explained her answers thoroughly without sounding pretentious which was something she was nervous about. She was probably also more comfortable because the store they were at is an actual store she shopped at and she knew the staff. The interview ended and it was time for her to shop. 

Miriam quickly hugged the clerk and they made brief small talk since it’s been a few months since she shopped at the store. Jack snorted as he watched her struggle to reach a pair of shoes that were on the top shelf. 

“I can fucking hear you laughing,” she frowned. “Make yourself useful and get those ‘fog grey’ ones.” 

“Damn not even a please.” he mumbled as he sauntered over to her. 

Everytime she needed a pair of shoes from the top shelf he looked at the camera like he was Jim in The Office before reaching for them. Twelve pairs of shoes later, and a lot of convincing on his part that she should get a pair of 990s because they were her favorite shade of green, they made their way to the cash register. 

“Okay that will be $2,326.” the cashier said.

“Oh don’t forget the usual.” Miriam told her as she pulled out her card. 

“Okay your total is now $1,340,546.87.” she said. 

Miriam nodded and swiped her card without a second thought. Jack, trying to be funny, looked over her shoulder as she typed her PIN number. She noticed right away and hunched over the card reader. The cashier handed her the receipt and her bags. Miriam thanked her and took the bags. Jack took the bags and helped her carry them to her car while she finished up her video. 

“Okay, I’m heading back to LA.” Isabela said when they were in the parking lot. 

“Is that why you rode with Saul when I could have driven us both?” Miriam asked her, gesturing to her parents’ designated bodyguard that they used when they traveled. Beto was on vacation until late January. 

“No, mi’ja, you’re a shitty driver and I don’t want to die.” her mom deadpanned. 

Now it was obvious to Jack where Miriam got her sarcasm. 

“I’m kidding–for the most part– I have meetings tomorrow morning with my team and then Kata is doing a shoot and she wants me there.” she explained to Miriam.

“Oh okay,” she nodded.

“Are you still going to see Tere?” Isabela asked, referring to Miriam’s grandma on her dad’s side.

“Yeah, I’m gonna hangout with her before Jack’s show tomorrow.” 

“Ok, se cuidan.” She bid them goodbye and walked over to the SUV where her bodyguard was waiting for her. 

Miriam waited for her mom to drive off the parking lot before unlocking her G-Wagon. Jack got in front of her and opened the door for her. Then he went around and climbed in the car for her. 

“What’s the 'usual'?” Jack finally asked Miriam when she drove out of the parking lot.

“Oh, I just buy out all, like, the clothes and have them donate it to women and homeless shelters.” she shrugged. “I’ve been doing it since I was at Berkeley. I usually do it at the start of each semester.” 

“That’s fucking amazing. I didn't know you were that giving." He teased her.

She scoffed. "You know damn well I'm fucking giving, or did you forget the blowjob I gave you the morning you left for San Luis Obispo."

"If I remember correctly you begged me to fuck your mouth and finish on your face." He smirked.

"Semantics." She waved him off. 

Forty minutes later, Miriam pulled into a neighborhood. Jack couldn’t put his finger on it, but the neighborhood looked very familiar. He looked over to the park across from the row of colorful houses. There were small clusters of people in ponchos and cameras taking pictures of the houses.

“The rain really doesn’t stop these people.” Miriam sighed as she stopped in front of a garage. She pressed a button on the garage opener.

“What do you mean?” he asked, hoping she’d explain because he was still confused.

“These are the houses shown in Full House.” she said as she drove into the garage. “There’s usually more people in the spring and summer.”

Jack only nodded. He knew that ‘Full House’ was a show very popular in the 90s but he has no recollection of ever watching it growing up. He assumed it must have been an iconic show since people were outside in the rain taking pictures. 

He followed Miriam out of the car and up the stairs that led to the kitchen. He was greeted by Daisy as Miriam put in the alarm. The two year old puppy nearly tackled him to the ground, but he caught her paws before they got to him. He gave her a few head scratches and kissed her head before he went to the sink and washed his hands then went up to Miriam.

“That fact that you kissed my dog before me is quite upsetting.” she pouted, crossing her arms.

Jack pulled her arms apart and placed them on his shoulders. He slightly bent down and picked her up by the back of her thighs, setting her down on the counter. He leaned down and claimed her lips. 

“How are you this hard already?” she giggled, glancing down to the very prominent tent in his sweats. 

“I’ve been hard since I saw you in your little shirt back at the store.” he murmured, sliding his hand in her crop top. He tugged on her nipples. “These were callin my name, begging me to touch them, to mark them up.”

Miriam's dog huffed dramatically and plopped in front of them. 

“I can’t do this with Daisy in the room.” Miriam mumbled. 

She hopped off the counter and took his hand leading down the hall to the stairs. They entered the room at the end of the hall. Miriam quickly kicked off her shoes and started taking off her clothes. Jack quickly did the same, staying in his boxers. He picked up Miriam, placing her on his shoulder, and tossed her on the bed. He climbed in bed with her and resumed the makeout session they were having in the kitchen. 

Jack slid his hands up to her breasts. His thumbs delicately ran over her pert nipples as she melted into his hands. Without pulling away from their kiss, Jack helped her out of her panties and tossed them to the growing pile of clothes. One of his hands made its way back to her hips and lazily ran his finger tips around her core, sending her goosebumps all over. With the other, he balanced himself so he wouldn’t squish her.

Miriam gasped feeling his ring and middle finger inside of her. Jack pressed his thumb to her clit and sped up his fingers. She whined and arched her back. She moaned as his fingers fucked into her at a deliciously slow pace. As if her hips had a mind of their own, they followed Jack’s fingers. 

“Jack–”

“I got you.” He pressed his thumb against her clit and increased his pace.

“Sh–Jack.” She climaxed.

Jack’s bright blue eyes were on her darkened brown as he slowly pulled his fingers out of her. He brought his fingers to his mouth, but Miriam circled her hand around his wrist. Without breaking eye contact, she slipped his fingers in her mouth. She sucked them, slowly bobbing her mouth. She ran her tongue along the length of them and sucked his fingertips. 

"You're unreal." He said in adoration. 

He pushed himself up, hovering over her. But Miriam wrapped her arms around his shoulders and pulled him down so that she got his full weight on her. They kissed once more and lazily made out. Her hands wandered down his back until they reached the waistband of his boxer-briefs. 

"Please fuck me, Jack." She whispered. 

He nodded and stood on his knees. He pushed down his boxer-briefs to his knees and got on top of her once more. He bent his head down and kissed her.

A faint buzzing sound came from the pile of clothes. 

“You’ve got to be fucking kidding me.” Jack cursed. He slipped on his boxers and rummaged through the pile of clothes, pulling out his phone. He answered gruffly, “What?” He listened to whoever was on the other side, nodding along. “Let me ask her.” he turned to Miriam. “What’s your address?”

“Just say the houses from Full House. It should show up when you type it on the search engine.” she said, getting up from the bed. She went into her closet and came out dressed in baggy light grey sweatpants with ‘UC BERKELEY’ sewn in dark blue and a matching hoodie with the same logo as her sweatpants sewn across her chest. 

“Do you know when you’ll be done?” Miriam asked him as he finished getting dressed.

“Not until the evening.” Jack sighed. “I’m sorry.”

“Why are you apologizing? This is your job.” she said, leading him downstairs. “I’ll have dinner ready when you get back.” 

“You cook?” he asked her in a teasing tone.

“Yes, and I’ll even make a dessert.”

“I don’t need dessert when you’re here.” he said in a flirty tone. 

“I can’t stand you sometimes.” she rolled her eyes at him. 

“You know you love me.” Jack smirked.

“Yeah, but I’m starting to question why.” she deadpanned.

Jack’s phone buzzed. It was a text message from Neelam, wondering which house he was at. He responded that he’ll walk out in a minute. 

“My ride’s here.” he said, sliding his phone in his pocket. “I’ll see you later. If anything changes, I’ll text you. Love you.”

“Love you.” she said, standing on her tippy toes to give him a peck. 

Jack walked out through the front door and jogged down the steps, tugging on his hoodie. Thankfully the rain picked up, and there weren’t any tourists in sight. The passenger van flashed the headlights and Jack went towards it. His bodyguard stepped out with an umbrella and opened the backdoor for him to go inside. He thanked his bodyguard and slipped off his hoodie since it got soaked in the two minutes he was outside.

“Didn’t know you were into crop tops.” Urban nodded his head at Jack’s nearly bare torso. 

Jack glanced down and saw that he was wearing Miriam’s black long sleeve instead of his. “Fuck, I must’ve taken Miriam’s shirt when I was getting dressed.” he said, also taking it off and grabbing another t-shirt and hoodie. 

“I think it looks better on her. She has the–”

“Don’t finish that sentence if you’re gonna talk about Miriam’s body.” Jack warned him. 

Urban lifted his hands in surrender,“I was gonna say personality.”

Jack had a pretty productive studio session even if he only managed to record one song. It was the song he planned on doing with Lil Wayne. Unfortunately, Weezy wasn’t able to travel to San  Francisco because he was doing other work, but he managed to do a writing session with Jack. Together they wrote his verse and he even recorded and sent over his verse to Jack’s producer so they could mix it into what Jack had recorded. He was now in the back of the passenger van on his way back to Miriam’s house. 

On his lunch break he got nosy and googled the house she lived in. He found several articles about her parents buying it because it was basically a landmark. Jack nearly choked on his turkey ciabatta sandwich when he read an article that her parents bought the house back in early 2016 for almost $8 million dollars. He knew the cost of living in San Francisco was expensive but he didn’t know it was that expensive. Hell, his mansion back in Louisville barely cost a quarter of that and it was at least three times bigger than her house. 

He was playing a super intense game of Uno on his phone with Urban, Clay, Druski and some other members of PG. Jack clicked on a blue skip turn card skipping Urban. 

"Are you for real?" Urban asked from across the SUV. 

"Don't hate the playa." Jack smirked. 

"You cheated, man." His best friend frowned.

"How the fuck do you cheat at Uno?" He frowned.

"I don't know, you tell me." Urban eyed him suspiciously. 

They ended their game shortly. Jack got a notification that Miriam posted and went to check it out. She was sitting on a stool in a sage green workout set and the shoes she bought earlier in the day. Jack commented on it. He scrolled through her post because her friends sometimes made funny comments, but he stumbled on a comment made by Shawn Mendes aka her old hook up from a few years ago. He rolled his eyes and exited Instagram. It shouldn't bother him, but it did. Shawn knew he and Miriam were together so it's not like he was shooting his shot unknowingly. 

"We're back at Miriam’s place." Chris told Jack. 

"Thanks." Jack nodded. He nodded his head at his baby brother. "You coming?" 

"Nah," Clay shook his head. "Knowing y'all, you're probably gonna go at it all night because you haven't seen each other in twenty-four hours." 

"Alright, see y'all tomorrow." Jack waved. 

"We're picking you up at noon." Neelam said. 

"Oh, Miriam’s driving us. Her grandma lives in San Jose so she's stopping by to see her…anyways bye." He nodded. 

Jack jogged up the steps and knocked on her door. Seconds later Daisy popped her head through the blinds and pawed at the window when she saw him. Miriam opened the door dressed in a grey-blue long sleeve knit maxi dress that had a slit down her left thigh. 

"Hey," she greeted him with a kiss. "The pastitsio needs like twenty minutes." 

"Damn, you really cooked for me." He chuckled as he followed Miriam to the kitchen. 

"Yeah, but I didn't make dessert for us." She said as she set the table. Jack was about to reach for the plates to help her out, Miriam smacked his hand away. "I got it." 

She finished setting the table and checked on the pastitsio. She saw that it was pretty much done so she changed settings of the oven to broil, removing the aluminum foil before closing it. She hopped on the counter and Jack wrapped his arms around her waist, laying his head on her lap. 

"How was the studio?" She asked, twirling one of his curls.

"Good, we finished the song with Lil Wayne and after the shows we'll work on  Clay's song?" He told her.  

"He raps too?"

"No, he's producing one. A few weeks ago he showed me a beat he was working on.  I liked it and we're gonna develop it." He explained.

"Oh I love that." She smiled.  

"How many tickets do you need me to reserve for you?" Jack asked, sitting up against the chair.  

"Three in case my abuela's partner can come. I'm pretty sure it'll be us two, but she mentioned it to Dominic." 

"You think your grandma will like me?" He asked nervously. 

"She will. My dad was the one you needed to get on his good side." Miriam reassured him. She stretched out her legs more, opening a bit to be more comfortable. 

"I'm on his good side?" Jack arched an eyebrow at her. 

"When you're not defiling his youngest child, you are."  

"But you like it when I defile you." He got up from his seat and stood in between her legs. He pushed her legs open, revealing her thong soaked through. He smirked and ran his knuckles over her thong, earning a soft plea from Miriam. He met her gaze. "You're basically begging me to defile you right now."

•••

Jan. 20

@'jackharlow: Life under the scope

@'mdm: not your hand blending in with the clouds 😭

-> @'jackxmiriam: not you gagging him

@'urbanwyatt: big daddy

@'exhookup: I'm in SF too let's link up 🤤

-> @'jackfan: girl we all saw the video of you trying to get his attention at his shoe in Sacramento, it was desperate even for you lol 💀🤡

@'claybornharlow: they're not ready for this new era

@'g_eazy: 🔥

View all 22896 comments

•••

Jack via Instagram Stories (Jan. 20)

•••

Jan. 22

@'mdm: SF❣

@'shawnmendes: ❣

@'russ: so how serious are you and your man

@'saintclauds: it's always the Leos and the dudes that are less that 5'6 trying to be messy 🙄 it's never gonna be you

@'alinahunter: no bc it was getting weird and they knows she has a man

@'miriamstan: oop not Shawn and Russ commenting and deleting 👀

-> @'mdmfan: the real oop is Jack not liking Or commenting 👀 esp since she's wearing his jacket in the last pic

View all 13,468 comments

•••

It had been a few days since Jack's mini tour ended. Jack was in the studio for most days while Miriam volunteered at the theater she used to volunteer when she was in college. They were doing a production of the Crucible, one of her favorite plays from high school. Since they both have been busy, they haven’t spent any real time together. But today in the evening they found some time and went out to have dinner with Miriam’s grandma at her partner’s restaurant. It had become their Friday night thing.

“I can’t believe I was Gilmore Girls’ed.” Jack said as they waited for their valet. 

“What do you mean?”Miriam asked.

“You know how Lorelai and Rory have to have dinner every Friday night with Emily and Richard. That’s kinda what we’ve been doing except at a high end restaurant.” He shrugged.

“Oh…wait, that's how I spent 80% of my Fridays when I was at Berkeley.” she said in realization.

“Miriam?” some called behind them.

She looked over and smiled. “Brian, hi. You’re a long way from Toronto.” She said, pulling him to a hug. She pulled away and gestured to Jack. “This is my boyfriend, Jack.”

“Hey,” they both greeted each other. Brian told him how he was at his show in LA and was a fan of his music. 

Jack looked between them and asked. “How do you know each other?” 

“He’s friends with–”

“Yo, Brian where’d you go?” Someone yelled.

It was none other than Shawn Mendes. Miriam’s old hookup buddy. As he approached them, Miriam took a step closer to Jack. 

“Oh, hey.” He greeted them. 

Shawn reached to shake Jack’s hand, but Jack just nodded. Jack pulled out his phone and called his mom. 

“I gotta take this.” He said, motioning to his phone. 

“I’ll go with–”

Jack cut her off, shaking his head. “Catch up with your friends.” He said cooly, before he walked over to Miriam’s car and took the keys from the valet. He pulled out a hundred dollar bill and tipped them.

Miriam got in the car less than five minutes later. She was annoyed and had told Shawn off for leaving comments on her posts. Especially since he knew she was dating Jack. Shawn tried defending himself by saying he was just playing but she put him in his place and said it was disrespectful and weird. 

Jack was still on the phone. While Miriam drove them back to her place, he was talking over his schedule and how he was going to be in Atlanta next week to film something. Then how he was going back to LA for Superbowl weekend to promote his upcoming single. He hung up just as Miriam pulled into the garage. He got out of the car without another word. Miriam walked straight to her room and took off her coat and heels. She was removing her makeup, still in her tight black backless turtleneck dress when Jack came in. He didn’t acknowledge her or try to get all flirty with her which was Miriam’s sign that he was upset. 

“You okay? You’ve been acting off since we ran into Shawn and Brian.” she said. 

“Oh you expect me to be happy to see your ex fuck buddy after he’s been leaving unwarranted comments on your posts?” he asked sarcastically. “Should I have greeted him with open arms? ‘Thank you for being a fucking creep and commenting heart eyes on my girl’s posts. And thanks for starting dating rumors.’” 

“Oh my god.” Miriam rolled her eyes. “You’re being so extra. Your exes do it all the time and you don’t hear me having a bitch fest about it.”

“There’s a difference. My exes aren’t famous nor do they have millions of fans looking for scraps to make some ship they’ve wanted for years.” He frowned. 

Miriam sighed and counted off from ten in her head to calm down. Jack was right and she shouldn’t have invalidated his feelings like that. She tiptoed to him and wrapped her arms around him. Jack instinctively placed his hands on her hips. 

“You’re right and I’m sorry for saying you’re overreacting.” she kissed his lips. 

“Damn, you must be sorry if you think I’m right.” he joked. 

“If it makes you feel better, when you were on the phone I pulled him aside and told him to fuck off.” Miriam mumbled against his lips. He hummed in response. “How about I make it up to you?”

“Get naked.” he groaned as she palmed him through his sweats. 

Miriam cursed as she struggled with the buttons on the back of her neck. She caught Jack through the mirror. He was already in bed in only his boxer-briefs. She sighed and finally got the buttons undone. She pushed off her dress and adjusted her thong. She turned around, ready to get in bed when she saw Jack was stroking himself.

“Hey, I was supposed to make it up to you.” she pouted. 

“Yeah, but I changed my mind.” He shrugged. 

“So am I just supposed to watch you jack off?” 

“Precisely.” He nodded. 

“Are you still mad about the shawn thing?” 

“A little.” He smirked. 

Jack took his hand off his cock and rolled to his side to the nightstand where Miriam had all her toys. He pulled out a rabbit vibrator then put it back in the drawer. He pulled out a clear dildo with heart shaped confetti inside and closed the drawer. 

“I’m not too mad, so you can have this inside of you, don’t get smart with me.” 

“Me smart?” she tilted her head. 

“Yes, you, smartass.” 

Miriam giggled. She leaned against the footboard of her bed and opened her legs. Jack knelt in front of her legs and moved her thong to the side. They held eye contact as he slowly slid her dildo on her. Jack leaned in and kissed her. Soon their kiss got heated and Miriam got handsy. 

“Hands to yourself or I won’t make you come.” Jack mumbled against her lips. 

“You’re no fun.” 

Jack ignored her and settled back on the bed. He fully removed his boxer-briefs and tossed them haphazardly. He took his cock back in his hand and took in Miriam. Ignoring her deep pout and her arms crossed, she still looked unreal. Her nipples were pert and erect begging him to run his tongue over them and for him to cover them with his release. He ran his thumb over his tip then squeezed it as some of his pre-cum leaked onto his hand for some sort of lube. 

“I’m so close, Miriam.” he grunted, speeding up his hand. 

“Good for you.” she rolled her eyes. 

“Don’t act like you’re not turned on. That dildo fuckin’ slipped outta you with how wet you are.” he nodded over to the dildo now halfway out of her core. 

“Who said you’re the one who made me wet?” She challenged him. 

Jack reached forward and pushed the toy back in her.

“Fuck, Jack!” she whined. 

“That’s what I thought.” He smirked. 

He pulled the toy in and out of her at the pace he was stroking himself. She tugged on her nipples and rubbed her clit, egging him on. Within minutes, he could tell Miriam was close.

“Let me come on your tits.” Jack groaned. 

“Please do.” She nodded eagerly, sitting up straight. 

Jack got off the bed and was lined up with her face. It didn’t take long for him to come. He cursed out Miriam’s name as his release landed on her neck and chest. He laid next to her panting. 

“You feel better?” she asked him softly, twirling his curls. 

“Yeah, sorry I got all ‘you can only fuck myself’ on you.” he panted. 

“I kinda liked it.” she smiled. 

“Yeah?”

“But don’t get too cocky.” 

He reached for the dildo. “Does this stick to your headboard?”

“Yeah, why?” she asked him, confused. It was a random question for him to ask her. 

He rubbed the toy against her entrance as he sucked on her neck. “Wanna fuck you while you choke on it.”

Taglist: @heavyhitterheaux @cherry4everrr ​ @carma-fanficaddict ​ @youngharleezyxo @youngharleezy ​ @babyharleezy ​ @that-90s-girllll ​ @alinaharlow @harlowcomehome @nattinatalia @webinurcloset @gassyandsassy1 @jackharloww @awhore4moree @noescapricho-essentimiento @a-moment-captured @neon-lights-and-glitter @purecinnamonextract @whywontyoulovemecami @camificrecs

[fizzing-imagines]

Ponytails | Gareth Emerson x Girly! Cheerleader! Reader

Notes: I love this couple idc. But I promise that something else with Gareth is coming 🫶

Warnings: Some brief sexual innuendos

Words: 1.2k

"Gareth?" He could hear his little sisters footsteps running upstairs. The two of them just came home from cheerleading practice, and were apparently very excited to tell him what happened today. "Gaaareth!" The younger one of the two didn't even knock, just burst open his door with a wide grin on her face. Both were still in their uniforms, bows in their high ponytails, as they jumped on his bed. "What did I tell you about privacy.", he said while sitting up. Lucky him he didn't call you yet - that would've been a disaster. Gareth didn't tell his family about your relationship by now. "This is more important than privacy!", the older one of the two exclaimed. "The seniors helped us today!" Now he was even happier that he didn't call you. He knows you're a senior at the Hawkins Ghosts cheerleading team. "One of them, uhm...Ginny, what was her name again?" The younger one was at a loss. "(Y/N).", she replied with a grin. "Yes, (Y/N)! She was so nice, she even did our hair!" They both turned their head so he could see the ponytails you did for them. Now, he didn't know much about hairstyles but he could tell that there was no hair left behind in those ponytails. "And she helped me with my backhandspring! I can do one now!" Ginny was wiggling her arms in excitement as Georgia, the younger one, was lightly jumping up-and-down her bed. "Can you come to practice next time, pleeease?" Georgia had the perfect puppy dog eyes, and she knew that that was how she got things from Gareth. How could he not cave in? "Fine. If you give me some privacy now." They both nodded and left his room without shutting the door. With a lightly annoyed huff, he got up and shut it before grabbing the phone on his nightstand.

"You got some really motivated sisters.", you said a few minutes into the call. Gareth chuckled, knowing how his sisters were. "I know right. They were really excited about you in particular.", he said with a grin on his face. You couldn't see it, but you knew it was there. "Maybe it's time to finally tell them about us.", you said. Gareth has told you before that he was nervous about introducing you. Not only because he was scared since you were his first girlfriend, but also because of all the what if's. What if his family didn't like you? What if they thought you two weren't a good match? What if they thought you deserved better than him? But the first question seemed to be eradicated, seeing how excited his sisters were about you. "Are you at the mini practice next week?"

You were. The coaches gave the okay once you said that you loved helping the mini team and would like to help out again. But it was also part of you and Gareths plan to finally introduce you. You waited for them in the parking lot, being leaned against your car while playing with your keychain. It was a black and white bow, the same colours as the Hawkins Ghosts uniform. You arrived way too early at practice, only thr coaches cars being in the parking lot with you. After 15 more minutes, more cars pulled in, filled with the young cheerleaders. You recognised Gareths family car as it was the biggest one to arrive. As they got out, Ginny and Georgia immediately recognised you from last weeks practice. "(Y/N)!", they yelled with excitement in their voices as they ran over. "Are you helping us again today?" You crouched down to their eye level with a smile on their face. "I am. Should I do your ponytails again?" They nodded their heads in anticipation. Gareth and his parents now came over as well. "You must be (Y/N).", their mother said, smiling as well. "We've heard all about you." You got back up. "I' glad I made such a good impression.", you said, then looked over at your boyfriend. He knew he had to say it now. "Well, uhm, I actually have something to say.", he started. "I've known (Y/N) for a while, and...she's actually been my girlfriend for a month." His two younger sisters started grinning. "Can you come over every day then?", Ginny asked. She was so hopeful. "Maybe not every day, but some days.", you said to her with a smile. Gareths parents didn't look shocked, more surprised at his surprising statement. But it all made sense in the end: He had more sleepovers, was on the phone for hours and was overall happier. "We should've figured.", Gareths father said to his wife. She nodded her head in agreement. "We would love to host dinner then.", she said to you with a smile. "You don't happen to have time today?" This went so much better than Gareth expected. "It sounds lovely.", you replied before turning back to Gareths sisters. "Right, now to the locker room. I've got hair to do."

Dinner went great. Afterwards, Gareths mother even asked you how to do a ponytail the way you do it for Ginny and Georgia. Of course you showed her with your two willing participants. His dad was amazed on how much you knew about cars when you told him how you fix your family members cars and tuned your own car regularly. Overall, you made an amazing impression on his entire family. They let you sleep over for the night after letting your parents know. Gareth was buzzing to fall asleep next to you in his own bed for the first time, even though he's done it at your place countless of times. But his bed was smaller than yours - more reason to cuddle. And you did just that.

"Wait, if I just- no, now my foot is hanging out." You were trying your best not to fully lay down on Gareth. "Maybe- no, doesn't work." As much as he loves you, he's gotten slightly annoyed at how you were climbing over him at this point. "Come here, princess.", he finally said while pulling you on his chest. His legs made a slight opening for you to rest your legs between his while your head rested on his chest. "See, all good." His right hand started petting your head carefully while his left arm was draped around your waist. "What if you stop breathing and die while we're asleep now?", you asked. This was a legitimate fear of yours. "You're tiny, that won't happen." He gave you a reassuring smile before kissing the top of your head. You made a "Hmm" sound while getting comfortable on top of him. No matter your size, he'll always say you're smaller than him. "Besides, you said the same when you sat on my face and I didn't die." You slapped his shoulder in a joking manner "Gareth!" Your head shot up whole giving him a stern look, but he just laughed. "You know I'm right." Gareth gave you a peck on your lips before lightly pushing your head back down on his chest. "You're a tease.", you complained once you had your head rested again. "I'm not, princess. I'd be a tease if I'd finger you under the covers and didn't let you-" You put your hands over his mouth. "Good night, Gareth." You huffed as you pulled the blanket over the two of you. He chuckled, kissed the top of your head once again and squeezed you tightly once.

"Good night, princess."

[minaramen]

Haruka Isumi - 16 Idol Album - Part 1: 16 Idol Album

Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3

[Disclaimer: I’m NOT a professional translator. I’m using my knowledge from 4 years of university. Please, feel free to let me know if you notice  mistranslation/typo/error of any kind]  

***

Touma: Fuu… we have two whole hours before recording

Haruka: Yes, and even if we have a cake here it won’t take more than 30 minutes

Touma: Haru, look! A new video is out!

Haruka: Mh? What video?

Touma: Look! A puppy

Haruka: Ah! The account you follow

Touma: Yes! This time the video is called “Sleepyhead puppy who doesn’t want to get out of its owner’s bed”

Touma: Ah, I can’t believe it! It’s curling up under the futon! It looks so sleepy!

Haruka: It’s so cute…

Haruka: But, wait. It’s getting really big! Was it really this size…?

Touma: Puppies grow up in the blink of an eye. It’s already perfect at sitting up and giving the paw! Amazing, isn’t it?

Haruka: Ahaha, why are you so proud?

Touma: It’s just that I’ve been watching it grow up from the very beginning, so I feel somehow like a parent, you know…

Haruka: Humph, I watch these videos from time to time, so I must feel somehow like a relative…

Haruka: Oh, it’s stretching while yawning…!

Haruka&Touma: So cute…

Yamato: What are you looking at?

Haruka&Touma: Wah!?!

Nagi: Hello, Isumi shi, Inumaru shi

Touma: You scared me… ! N-nice to see you…

Haruka: Nice to see you. Are you here to have a cake too?

Yamato: I’m not sure if we’re going for a cake, but we have some spare time and so we came here. Then we saw a couple of guys sitting head to head in quite a friendly way and we came to say hi

Nagi: I’ve heard rumors about ŹOOĻ being very close and happy lately, but I had no idea you were close enough to be cheek to cheek

Haruka: T-that’s not true..! We were just watching a video, that’s it! Also, what rumors are you talking about?!

Yamato: You don’t need to feel embarrassed. There was a heartwarming atmosphere between the two of you, it was kinda good

Nagi: Yes! You looked very happy

Haruka: That’s… that’s because the puppy we were watching was cute! Touma, say something!

Touma: Well, it’s true we’re getting along lately. There’s no reason to deny it

Haruka: W-what are you saying?! Aren’t you ashamed?!

Touma: I’m not ashamed at all! On the contrary, I’m happy

Haruka: B-but…well…it’s not that I’m not happy, but…

Yamato: How heartwarming

Nagi: Indeed

Haruka: Okay, enough talking about us!

Touma: Ahah! If you watch this video too you’ll understand why we were sitting like that

Nagi: Oh, that’s a pomeranian! I think I’ve seen it somewhere

Yamato: Isn’t it the same dog Riku was watching at the dormitory? He said Inumaru recommended him these videos

Yamato: He said that it’s very cute when its owner is glad, because he happily wags its tail

Touma: Ah, yes! We’ve watched these videos on the job lately, I recommended them to Riku

Touma: It’s so cute when it narrows its eyes as it gets petted… look!

Everybody: So cute…

Touma: Hey, don’t you think it looks like Haru? 

Haruka: Mh? What do you mean?

Touma: I mean, the eyes, the hairstyle…  the performances too. It gives a similar atmosphere

Yamato: Ah, got it. Its big eyes and strong temperament

Nagi: Yes, and the fluffy hairstyle is also similar

Haruka: Really…? I don’t see it…

Touma: You resemble it especially when you’re laughing! I’m going to make some funny faces now, you try to laugh

Haruka: Funny faces? It doesn’t make me laugh at a-…

Touma: Look!

Haruka: Uh…ahahah! How can your eyes get so wrinkled?

Touma: I knew it! You really look like it!

Yamato: Aah, I get it

Haruka: T-that much…? Wait, the face you made was a low blow, Touma!

Touma: Eheh, it’s my absolute special face. It made Mina laugh as well 

Nagi: Oh, if we’re talking about funny faces our leader is as good as yours

Yamato: Hey, don’t talk nonsense!

Nagi: Okay, Yamato, go with your funny face! 3, 2, 1….

Yamato:...mh!

Nagi&Haruka&Touma: Ahaha..:!

Nagi: Yamato,  you’ve really got an ace up your sleeve!

Yamato: You asked me to do it!

Touma: Amazing, your eyes were wrinkled and crossed! So funny!

Haruka: By the way, I don’t really remember the reason why we ended up confronting our funny faces

Yamato: We’re not doing anything like that

Touma: Because we were saying you look like this puppy when you laugh

Haruka: Ah, you’re right. Well, I like puppies in general, but I guess it’s complicated

Nagi: Complicated?

Haruka: A puppy really loves its owners, doesn’t it? It’s written right in its expressions and gestures and comes directly from their heart 

Haruka: But its owner’s  love is not only for it. They probably have other pets, friends and family and things like that… things that are more important than the puppy

Haruka: Even if the owner is the puppy’s whole world. Maybe they will just throw the puppy away, when they don’t need it anymore…

Haruka: When I think about that I can’t really watch the puppy with an open heart, even if I find it cute. That’s why…it’s complicated 

Touma:... you’re really kind, Haru

Haruka: What?

Touma: We’re talking about a dog you didn’t even meet before, and you didn’t just say how cute and lovable it is… you though a lot about its feelings

Haruka: Well, yes. Once it grows up it appearance will change, but you should keep on caring for it anyway

Haruka: I wonder how many people in the world would keep on loving even when things change… even if things change a lot

Yamato:... I understand.  Once you welcome somebody in your life, you’re ready to be with them forever

Yamato: It’s pretty sad to love somebody and feel that they don’t love you back

Nagi:...and still, it can’t help feeling love. Human beings are creatures who needs to rely on somebody too

Nagi: Also, sometimes people understand this love and love unites them

Haruka: Mh…?

Nagi: It happened to me when I met Idolish7. And I guess the same thing happened to you when you met ŹOOĻ

Haruka:...yes…. Yes, it’s true

Haruka: In the past, when I loved somebody, I wanted to be loved back.  I’ve always been looking for that place, and now I found it

Haruka: It must be the same for this puppy and its owner. The lively faces they make are because they care for each other

Haruka: I think I can look at this puppy in another way, now 

End of part 1

TL Notes:

I know Touma comes first chronologically, but I noticed that Haruka was the only 16 Idol Album Card nobody had translated yet :) I'm still planning to cover the whole project tho!

[quitealotofsodapop]

[The twins do drain their parents to a degree, but not as bad as MK did - their souls are a little different from their Cosmic Harbringer Big Brother.]

I guess the that answers the biggest question...

Actually, no, the biggest question is...

...what freaky things Shadowpeach were doing to get both knocked up at the same time...

/JK

It's actually: who else knows that MK is an Eldritch creature?

Answer:

The gang were travelling through the Underworld together (plot related) and Shadowpeach found a pair of baby monkey souls that could not reincarnate. Wukong had accidentally wiped their original names from the Book/Ledgers of the Dead so many thousands of years ago. They were essentially stuck at the airport of the Underworld with no passports.

The twins, just sorta hanging around Naihe Bridge: *chirp?* Macaque, picking one up and soothing them: "They... they must have perished in the Burning. They're all charred black..." Wukong, picks up the other: "Awwww nooooo... it's ok buddies." :( Macaque: "...Do you wanna bring them home?" Wukong: "YES! I wanna take them home! MK will be such a good big brother!" Macaque, softly laughing: "Ok. Looks like we're bringing home a pair of souvenirs then. Bai He mentioned wanting to be a big sister." The twins: :D! :D! *happy chirping!*

Cue them smuggling Rumble and Savage's souls out of Diyu like they're illegal fireworks. They thought maybe the twins would pop into life as little shadow monkeys the second they entered the world of the living, maybe even as ghosts? Then the twins sorta... absorbed into them. Kinda like how MK's soul did to Macaque when he was made...

Macaque, realizing what just happened: "Again?" Wukong: "...Ok I can't take full blame for this time. Also I think one of them got me, so we're even." The rest of the gang that went with them to the Underworld: "This time?!" Macaque: "Wukong got me (I guess himself) pregnant trying to relocate a rogue soul. Thats how MK happened." Pigsy: "WHAT? We left you guys alone on the bridge for 5 minutes!" Tang: "You guys just smuggle babies out of Diyu like puppies from a pound?!" Wukong: "They were very cute ok!" Sandy, excited: "Oh my! We can get them matching outfits! And we have to throw a baby shower when all this bone demon business is done!" &lt;;3 Newly-Resurrected Spider Gang: "We have no idea what just happened, but congrats???"

The gang present agree to keep Rumble and Savage a secret until Shadowpeach decide to tell the kids. In the meantime a lot of Bone Demon fighting takes place. Then Wukong and Macaque decide to finally get married after almost two decades of "will they or won't they?". Tang makes a "shotgun wedding" joke that gets him no free noodles for a week.

As for the question "Who else knows that MK is an Eldritch creature?":

Other than his parents, MK's friends started to suspect that something was *different* about him around Season 2 but are choosing to support him no matter what. LBD knew before MK was even born that he was a special case. Not to mention... every high-power Celestial who looks at MK for more than a minute gets a horrifed look on their face like they're looking at a walking supernova. He just gives off vibes that he's something amazing but untameable. It's like seeing a baby nuclear warhead. Ofc a lot of them just chalk it up to MK being Sun Wukong's kid/successor.

[jaggedwolf]

Kate x Lucy

when I started shipping it if I did: pilot episode kiss, ngl, where it establishes that they must already be on-and-off hooking up in between sniping at each other about classified information. Lucy just shows up at her apartment!

my thoughts: when I watched this show I was genuinely bewildered by how this CBS procedural NCIS spin-off....just has a whole-ass lesbian romcom happening in its first season? The S1 finale literally ends on them getting together via a grand gesture with the rest of the team cheering.

anyway, they're so fun! they hit a lot of dynamics I like - Lucy loves loudly and openly while Whistler is brittle and contained, they have tension with a history, the height difference is cute, and man, maybe for a different ship all the drama in 1B would've been too much, but for these two I loved it, and not just because Whistler made the best kicked puppy faces while pining hopelessly

my random headcanons on when they each realize they're gay is that Lucy realizes in middle school and Whistler realizes in college, not too long before Noah's death. Don't think anything in canon contradicts that

What makes me happy about them: they're so ridiculously fond of each other. The consistent hearteyes they aim at each other while engaging in tropey shenanigans and still being individually competent agents makes me very happy. When it comes to the relationship angst, I like that for them it's never closeted/sexuality angst but their very different personalities, the usual fwb-to-lovers difficulties, Whistler's big mistake, and working together. They've been no less delightful as an established relationship in S2 and S3 - I love how much the show loves them, they literally got a ficcy-as-hell undercover-as-couple subplot last episode with all the usual gimmicks

Oh, I also did not anticipate how much physical fighting this procedural would have, and as someone who always wants my faves to get wrecked, I have been very well-served. Lucy almost dying while undercover right after Kate crushes her heart! Whistler getting injured while they're broken up and Lucy yelling at her for it! Such good food. (Show, you can keep beating up Whistler every season, I will never complain.)

What makes me sad about them: Their families, and the resulting loneliness. Lucy talks about her sister and brothers like a youngest kid who used to be close to them but isn't any more, last ep she commented that she knew from a very young age that her parents would never throw her a big wedding like her brothers', the way she gets set off by "financially responsible" as a rationale + her family's money has implications there. Kate's confession of how she shut herself off from the world after Noah's death.

But I like that they know about these things for each other (the way Whistler goes "Right. Right." at Lucy's comment tells us they've talked about this before), and the way they're navigating around and disarming each other's landmines here

things done in fanfic that annoys me: I understand that this is the danger of stepping back into another blonde/brunette live-action f/f ship but I cannot deal with those epithets. Or "taller woman"/"shorter woman" either, all of it always makes the PoV character sound like she has a complex about hair or height. It is okay to use the characters' names, I promise.

things I look for in fanfic: .....I've become such a hipster about characterizations for these two. Lucy is the one who broods and contemplates her feelings, Kate is the one who acts without thinking and gets surprised by her own reactions. Whistler is the one with better work-life balance and hobbies, who moved from DC to Hawai'i and stayed there despite the former being way better for a fed career, who goes surfing every Saturday morning without bothering to be contactable by work, and Lucy is the one who describes her life as consisting solely of "work, gym, and [Whistler]" and sometimes does paperwork on the weekends.

Who I’d be comfortable them ending up with, if not each other: Gosh, I really have no other Lucy ships. For Whistler, I could 100% ship Whistler/Tennant if it was like, after the kids are grown. Why do they stand so close to each other in that 1x14 coffee conversation and say each other's full titles, or have Whistler demonstrate career-threatening levels of loyalty to Tennant, if not to make me contemplate this ship? I hope Sam Hanna's presence doesn't mean we don't get any Tennant-Whistler stuff this season.

My happily ever after for them: Just keep on being badass agents together and stay in Hawaii long-term. Don't really see them having kids, but I can totally see Lucy convincing Whistler of having a cat. ...Maybe get a shorter bed, does Lucy really have to climb that high every night XD.

who is the big spoon/little spoon: lmao I was going to make a comment about Lucy jetpacking because of course she does, but the bed comment reminded me that that they have 10 billion pillows on their bed. One weekend morning Lucy is going to sleepily think she's spooning Kate and find out she's actually hugging those pillows, having been abandoned for the Dreaded Ocean.

what is their favorite non-sexual activity: does sparring really count as non-sexual for them it might really be meals at home? They both cook, they enjoy a quiet night in after their truly hectic cases, and they can put on GBBO or one of Whistler's preferred history documentaries afterwards.

[sadhours]

Sixteen months have passed. Billy is an angry kind of bitter. ‘Cause he didn’t ever really open himself up to anyone. In preparation for moments like this, where he gave himself entirely to someone and loved them more than he loved himself. Which was kind of easy for him to, since Billy didn’t even like himself. The thing is, he resisted Steve. Yeah, maybe he started it back in basketball practice. But then Steve figured it out and Billy stayed away. Wouldn’t allow them to be alone together.

Steve grew persistent. So much so that Billy couldn’t ignore it and really, he was human. The second he saw those big, down turned puppy dog eyes and floppy hair he was certainly smitten. But those words his dad liked to call him flooded his mind whenever he looked at Steve ‘cause it was like Neil knew before Billy did. He smelled the queer on Billy before he could even figure it out for himself.

He remembers it down to the fucking socks Steve wore, how it finally happened. They were argyle, ugly pink and pale yellow. Golf socks probably. Steve’s mom definitely bought them. Billy laughed at them, in his dumb room with his ugly plaid wallpaper and his baseball trophies that can’t be hard to earn in a sweat stain of a city like Hawkins. Some semblance of a truce when Steve invited him over that night. Steve offered weed that’s laughable compared to what he was used to in San Diego but he still smoked it. Tried to fucking impress him with smoke tricks but Steve could do them all too. Cheap beers went down easy and then they talked. Steve complained about his parents and Billy was just barely intoxicated enough to admit the horror movie his own home life was like. Steve seemed concerned and Billy pushed it away, felt sober when Steve touched him. He confronted him, and Steve came clean.

“The hell did you even invite me here for? Soap opera bullshit?”

“I think you like me,” Steve had blurted out, “Or at least, maybe there’s a different reason you smashed my face up.”

“What the fuck are you saying?” Billy got all aggressive which looking back, he feels ridiculous about because Steve wanted him just as much.

“There’s like this look in your eye, it’s like, at first, I don't know,” Steve had exhaled, “You scared me at first, or annoyed me at least but then you almost killed me and after that, you looked at me different. Like you felt guilty. And I wracked my brain for why. Thought it was just like, you know, normal guilt but you didn’t apologize. Or like acknowledge it, and maybe… I figured maybe it’s because you were picturing your own face when you were punching mine.”

A beat of silence. Billy had no fucking clue what to say. But Steve said, “Then I realized you felt mad about it because you’d really rather kiss me than punch me and that scares you more than anything. And like, listen, I’m not gay. But I look at you and I find myself being attracted to you and I don’t question it. Must be natural if I’m feeling it.”

Billy stared at the stars after that but when Steve reached for his hand he didn’t recoil. He let him. And then Steve went inside, and Billy followed him.

So yeah, when Steve told him he didn’t feel that way anymore, it ripped his heart out. ‘Cause the reason they even got to where they were is because Steve’s stupid, pretty mouth got ‘em there.

Billy hadn’t liked anyone like he liked Steve. Hadn’t ever gone to bed, holding himself and imaging it was someone else. He was so used to being the only one there for him. And it became where he wasn’t home ever and it wasn’t because he was trying to get away from Neil. It was because he didn’t feel like himself if Steve wasn’t in arms reach. It was because Billy felt like he couldn’t breathe if he wasn’t in Steve’s company.

Like, yeah. It wasn’t healthy. Billy allowed himself to become utterly codependent on Steve. It was only a matter of time before Steve felt suffocated. Billy was up his ass, literally and figuratively.

For the dumbest shit. Steve said he missed women. And that just doesn’t make any sense to Billy. How can you miss something you don’t even have? Well, fuck, okay… he doesn’t have Steve and he misses him. Doesn’t have his mom and misses her. Fine, okay, it makes sense but Billy’s still mad. He didn’t even accept he liked men before Steve forced it on him, but he doesn’t miss women. Just misses the way Steve would play with his hair and the way his eyes crinkled and that little dimple in his cheek.

Billy discovers Nancy Wheeler is the reason for their break up. Jonathan’s out in California and well, Steve isn’t. Steve’s here. And Nancy’s still in school. Billy hopes she isn’t like her mom. That she won’t fold to the first love telling her he wants a family. Because Steve wouldn’t shut up about a family. Told Billy he wanted like, a fuckton of kids. Which like, Billy can’t physically give him. Maybe he’s cursing biology to this day for it, that’s his own business.

So Nancy and Steve pick up where they left off. Billy avoids them like the plague, can’t even fathom seeing Steve but Heather tells him all the gritty details. But he can’t avoid Steve forever. Because Maxine needs to rent a movie, and Billy’s still her designated chauffeur while he’s living under Neil’s roof. The BMW is parked outside so Billy insists he’ll wait in his car. It goes smoothly. He doesn’t see Steve. He stares at the fucking dumb car his daddy bought for him and thinks about all the times he spent in the backseat. A seething anger takes over him and he’s cruel to Max when she climbs back inside the Camaro.

But she keeps asking. And two nights he’s staring at the car under the horrible neon lights of Family Video.

Max takes a loooong time one night. Like thirty minutes. Billy chainsmokes until he can’t take it, too impatient as he storms through the doors. And then those puppy dog eyes meet his and it’s like a fucking freight train runs through him. His heart literally breaks again as his eyes catch the glimmer of a ring on Steve’s finger. Heather hasn’t told him this. There’s no common courtesy left in him as he grabs a hold of Max’s hood and drags her out of the store. Ignores the look on Steve’s face as he manhandles his step sister out of the fluorescent lit shop. Max doesn’t say a single word on the way home.

He’s having lunch with Heather when he sees the happy couple. He manages to keep calm. Mostly for Heather’s sake. Because Billy’s seeing red, wants to turn into a little tornado of destruction and Steve’s a pathetic trailer in his path. He lights a cigarette instead, tells Heather the most embarrassing things about Steve he can think of.

And then it’s calm for a while. Billy works an excruciating amount of overtime to distract himself. His dad finally tells him he’s proud. And Billy breaks then. Gets in his car and drives the familiar roads until he’s in Loch Nora. The BMW is parked where it always is, alone. He doesn’t even knock. Flies into the house with the anger he’s been bottling up for months.

Steve’s on the couch, stands upright and panicked when the front door smacks against the wall. Looks terrified. And Billy wants to be violent, wants to punch Steve’s lights out but he doesn’t. Instead he looks at him and cries, “Why?”

He’s cried in front of Steve before. It’s not new, but they haven’t talked in so long.

“Billy,” Steve’s voice is firm, like Billy’s a fucking dog and he just has to scold him.

“No! Fuck you!” he shoves Steve, but the taller man doesn’t budge. Grabs onto Billy’s biceps. “I loved you!” Billy cries, “You made me love you!”

“Hey, hey… woah,” Steve looks so alarmed, his eyebrows knit together and fuck, he still loves him.

“Why did you do this?” Billy blubbers, punching weakly against Steve’s chest.

Steve wraps his arms around Billy, pulls him flush and he can’t fight back. He’s where he’s wanted to be this whole time, in Steve’s arms. He cries, shoving his face in Steve’s neck as the sobs wrack through his body.

“I hate you!” Billy cries and cries, clutching onto Steve. He rubs soothing circles into Billy’s back. Still knows how to calm him down. “I can’t— I can’t— Steve!” he sobs, welcoming the tight embrace. “I love you…”

“I know,” Steve comforts him, squeezing hold of Billy. It’s wrong but it helps. Just being close like this again with him. He feels whole again.

“Why?” he cries a little softer this time.

Steve sighs, pulls back but starts petting Billy’s head, “Because... the way you feel about me… it’s how I feel about Nancy.”

Billy’s heart twists, Steve might as well reached inside his chest and wrung it out himself.

“No… Steve…” Billy hiccups, wiping his nose with the sleeve of his jacket, “I… what about me?”

Steve sighs, “Listen… I do love you, still. There’s always gonna be this place in my heart for you but it’s done. I’ve moved on, Billy.”

He sniffles, looks up at the man he loves but decides he’s embarrassed himself enough. He pulls back and straightens himself out, “Yeah. No. I’m… fuck, okay. Yeah, that’s fine. I’m sorry that I couldn’t be what you wanted. But you’re right. It’s done.”

—

“Heather,” Billy laughs, reaching for her hand. “C’mere.”

She laces their fingers as she leans into him. Okay, so he never saw this coming. And yeah, he sees Steve around. Sees Nancy and her huge belly. Sure it still hurts. But he’s got Heather. He thinks that’s all he needs.

[uglypastels]

Part 4 of Hell Diver!!!!!

[I promise the other requests are coming soon too but this story just comes so much more easy to me and I honestly needed a bit of an easy fix to get back into writing after volume 2 lol]

Stranger Things: taglist / Masterlist / Inbox

no explicit warnings. swearing. mention of shitty friends and strict parents

Chapter 4: Hamster Wheels

The rest of the day had gone by insanely slow. Most days had already felt like they took an eternity, but that Monday… was some cruel joke from the universe. The minutes just would not pass while the hours took on forever to finish. People around you were suffocating you. Not in the literal sense. Just in the "could everyone please shut up for a second so I can finally hear myself think!" insanity. Since lunch hour, all you wanted was to be alone, which was almost impossible in high school. And the feeling of guilt over what you had done to Eddie didn't make any of it any better. 

Once that final bell rang, you stormed out of the classroom, speeding towards your locker to grab your jacket. If you were quick enough, you could get it and get the hell out of there before any of your friends caught on to you. 

'Hey.' Well, it was nice to dream. You were, of course, too slow. Mary walked up behind you. Her smile was broad in the type of menacing way. 'We were gonna go get some milkshakes. Wanna come?' 

'Uhm, no, I can't. ' Usually, you would never have even let the thought be put up for consideration. How could you say no to a milkshake that would most likely be paid for by some cute guy ha! But now, a place where all those people would be was the last place you wanted to step a foot in. 

Mary raised a brow, hearing your unexpected answer. 'Oh. Got plans then?' 

'Yeah, I got to study for the chem test.' 

'That's not until next week, though.' Why couldn't she just let it go? 

'I know, but I really need to nail this one or my mom will kill me, so I'd rather start early.' That must have done the trick, for Mary's whole demeanour relaxed. All your friends knew how overbearing your mother could get. She was that kind of tough love kind of parent, who really just wanted the best for you… even if it wasn't exactly what you had in mind for yourself. 

That was why you had had to lie to her about why you had come back home so much later than agreed last weekend. For all your mother knew, you were at Stacey's for study club–  it's what all of you had decided to use as a cohesive ruse in case your parents started asking questions among each other. If anyone needed an excuse or an alibi, study club is where it's at. You had never really found a use for it before, never having been much of a party person nor had a lot of guys asking you out, which your parents didn't approve of, but Eddie… 

Well, you didn't have to think much about that. No matter how you would put it, there was no way that your parents would let you within a ten-foot vicinity of the guy. He was what they called a "degenerate". Those you had clear instructions to stay away from. And Hellfire… well, let's not even bother. 

'Have fun then,' Mary said with the last twinge of a smile before walking away in search of her boyfriend's arm to hang onto. The second she was out of earshot, you let out a deep sigh and closed your locker again, letting your head fall forward and lean against it. The cool of the metal was pleasant to the touch, heavily contrasting the actual texture of the door as it had bumps and the edges in the slits were sharp, pushing into your forehead. 

You bumped at it again, then again, but quickly stopped, feeling someone's eyes on you. 

And when you turned around, they were hard to miss. The pair of puppy brown eyes, glancing at you from across the corridor. Eddie saw you as he walked out of the building. Had he been walking by, and you hadn't even noticed? Did he hear you talk to Mary again? Well, at least you hadn't been talking about him this time. There was nothing to worsen the situation anymore. 

As you made your way outside, you wondered if you would ever get the chance to talk to him. Would he ever let you come over to his trailer again to talk about D&D? Would he still let you join the campaigns? Hellfire? 

You hoped so. 

By the time you reached your bike, you could see a cloud of dust practically trail behind the same van you had seen at his trailer. It drove off at high speed. If only you could get out of there so quickly… but the wheels on a bike still went waster than just your feet. Sure, you would have preferred to take your dad's car again, but you only got the keys for that on the weekends.

The road to the town library was a relatively simple one. It mainly was following the road leading out of the parking lot of the school, down Main and taking the third crossing to the left until you were greeted with the sight of the large and old building. Even if it had only taken you about fifteen minutes to get there, the scorching sun above you made sure you felt the energy be sucked out of you from the exercise. With deep breaths, you locked your bike again and walked up the small steps to the entrance. 

Inside, the air was colder but not cold in any way. Even worse, it was stuffy, with no proper ventilation anywhere. You could practically smell the dust of the old books that no one had bothered to borrow in the past few decades. 

You walked past the front desk, giving Doris a kind smile as you passed her workstation, as you knew exactly where you wanted to go. 

For years already, the library had become somewhat of a sanctuary for you. A safe haven. Not from anything in particular. Probably just "life" in general. Whenever people started to feel like a bit too much, and you just wanted to get away, you would come here, grab the first book that sparked some kind of interest, sit in a corner, and read until it was time to get back home again. That is kind of how you found your love for all things fantasy. It was the purest way of escapism. 

You walked straight ahead, through the aisles and aisles of books, to the section you had basically devoured already. Today, you weren't in the mood to search for something new. You needed something familiar that you could grab and go and get sucked into all over again. And you knew exactly where it would be. 

Where it should have been. 

'What?' you said to yourself as you mentally went down the alphabet repeatedly. M… N…O…P. It should have been there, that orange-yellow, almost gold, cover. It practically jumped out of the shelf, and yet… it was nowhere to be seen now. 

You had almost given up the search when you noticed the familiar colour in a gap between books. Lying on its side, the spine called to you from the other side of the shelf, its neighbouring aisle. You had no idea what it would be doing there, but it didn't matter. It was there, and you could easily reach it. 

With your hand already stretching out to it, your heart pumping with excitement to have managed to find the book, you almost scared yourself to death when suddenly you saw something else between that gap of books. The back of the head, looking at the books across, and locks of dark curly hair. 

With a shriek, you pulled your hand away. It couldn't have been that loud, but in a quiet and almost empty library, there was no way he hadn't heard you, and you could just about see him turn in your direction before you knelt down. Keeping your head down, you walked as quietly as possible out of the aisle, hoping to get far away from that library section. Why was this happening right now? Why was Eddie Munson the only other person there with you? While all you wanted was just some peace. 

Not that he wouldn't give it to you; he wasn't the problem. You knew you were. Your mind had already started spinning at the idea of "Eddie". Should you go up and talk to him? Or maybe better ignore him completely? The guilt from school, the same guilt and gnawing feeling in your stomach you had been trying to escape, was coming back even stronger. What was he doing there? Would he just take some books and leave, or was he planning on staying longer, like you? And in that case, could you let yourself stat as well? Maybe this had all been a giant mistake, and you should just go home, but no, this was your idea first. Even if you had no idea when Eddie decided to visit the library, you knew for sure you were the first to come up with that idea. 

Yeah, you were spiralling, and it had taken less than a minute. 

You had, however, made it over all the way to a different part of the building. The letters on the covers of the book had become all blurry in your head, the language not processing what the words were actually saying to you anymore. A feeling in your gut, or perhaps the vast acoustics in the room, told you someone was approaching, so you pulled out the closest book to you, trying to read the back cover of it as Eddie Munson turned the corner. 

'y/n?' He seemed genuinely surprised to see you when you turned to look at him. 'I thought I saw you back there.' He smiled, making you remember to smile as well; your whole body had really started to feel miles away. You blinked slowly, before pushing out a smile and a sheepish laugh. 

'Where?' You played dumb, and thankfully, Eddie went along with it. 

'The fantasy section.' He cocked his head back in the direction of the bookshelves you had just escaped from. 

'Uhm, no, I think you must have been mistaken. I've been here the whole time.' You went back to pretend-read your book. Eddie, still enjoying this little play you were putting up, took a step closer, letting his arm lean on the shelf. 

'Are you sure? Because I could have sworn, I heard you.'

'Oh yeah? What did I say?' You had no idea where this cheekiness was coming from, as it really was not you, but Eddie was bringing out plenty of new sides to you. 

'It wasn't so much words more like a–' he copied your little shriek, 'It kind of sounded like a hamster, if I have to be completely honest.'

'I do not–' you cut yourself off quickly, 'I do not think hamsters are allowed in here.'

'Yeah, that's what I thought, so then it must have been something else, shouldn't it?' He was coming closer and closer, his smile only getting bigger while your heart only started beating harder and louder. Eddie must have heard it by then. 

'Well, I've just been here the whole time, so–' 

'So you've said,' he chuckled, 'And I'm sure… The General Theory of Employment, Interest and Money' he peeked at the title of the book you were holding, and so did you, realising you had ended up in the Economics section of the library. Trying to hide your embarrassment, you looked back at Eddie as he continued: '-is a fascinating read, but I really think I had seen you back there.' 

'What makes you so sure it was me?' 

'I suppose it is a bit of a far stretch.' He was now entirely leaning on the bookshelf. 'I mean… we are the only people in here, so the chances of it having been you are… pretty small.' 

'Ha ha,' you rolled your eyes, putting the General Theory back in its place. 'You still have no proof, Munson.'

'I guess I don't. See you later then.' He let his weight fall back on his feet as he straightened up, tapping the book he had been holding on the shelf before turning around. The bright yellow cover made your jaw tighten. 

'Mhm, see ya.' You let yourself roam the Economics section once more, just waiting for him to walk away… with your book. 

You waited a few seconds, but he didn't seem to be going away any time soon. He stood there, a few feet away, arms crossed with a big amused smile. So, you looked back at him, getting a bit annoyed now– you weren't even annoyed at him, just at everything in general. But you pushed it back when you gently asked: 'Can I help you with something?' 

'No, no,' he shook his head, 'I'm good thanks. Was just wondering when you would ask.' 

'Ask what?' 

'For the book.' He showed it to you again, almost taunting you with it. 

'Why-' 

'Here,' he put it down on a shelf near him and started walking backwards. 'It's good. I'm sure you'll like it.' 

'I know.' you reached out for it, unable to hide the smile from seeing one of your favourite books. 'Uh- but, thanks.'  

'Don't mention it.' And with that, he disappeared into another aisle. You looked at the cover of the book, being greeted with the image that in itself had already brought so much comfort to you. As you walked between the shelves to your usual sitting spot, you let the pages slip through your fingers. It was a bit unconventional for a public indoor space, as you didn't go for one of the designated reading spots or one of the large desks in the middle of the room where people usually did their reading. 

You liked to sit down in one of the corners of the library, around the biography section, where the books could quite literally embrace you from all sides. There was a window right above you, too, so the natural light was better than the artificial yellow glow from the old lamps. You sat down on the ground and started reading. 

 In a distant and second-hand set of dimensions, in an astral plane that was never meant to fly, the curling star-mists waver and part…

You read about ten pages, but quickly realised you had barely comprehended anything that was happening on the pages. The words flew into your mind and immediately left as soon as your eyes moved on to the next. If it weren't for the fact that you had already read the book a few times in the past year, you would have no idea what was happening. 

The thought of Eddie Munson having picked out the same book you had wanted to read was occupying your whole being. And the fact he had just given it to you… it made you feel even worse about everything that had happened at school. 

You couldn't just sit there and read, so you got up and started looking in the hopes he hadn't left yet. 

You went through every aisle, turning each corner, hoping you would see him standing in all his Eddie Munson glory that you had slowly started to miss whenever he wasn't around. 

Eventually, you found him at one of the large oak tables. A whole pile of books next to him, as he was scribbling away in a notebook and only looked up from it when you were standing in front of him. 

'Hey,' you said, waving, for some reason. 

'Hi.' he said, a bit unsure, not knowing what you had come for. He glanced down from your face to see you holding the book close to your chest. 'Done already?'

'Oh, no, couldn't really get into it today.'

'That's a shame.' Eddie looked down to scribble down some more words onto the paper. 'Do you want to–' he pointed at the chair opposite of him. 

'No, I uhm, I just– wanted to apologise.' You held the book tighter for a bit of support as it let you focus on something besides Eddie's piercing gaze on you. The way he had his head, slightly crooked, in curiosity for your next words, made a warm and fuzzy feeling grow in your stomach. 'Since I'm sure you had heard what I had said at school, and that was really a shit thing of me to do.' 

'You have nothing to apologise for, y/n. Heavy is the head that wears the popularity crown.'

'I'm not popular,' you scoffed, 'but that's not the point. I don't want you to think that I'm like, ashamed, or something, to be seen with you. You're a really cool guy. But people are so cruel and well, we are not exactly the types to usually be seen together, and then that is just fuel for others to be nasty, to either of us.' 

'We are in two separate worlds, and you're scared that if we spend too much time together, those worlds will collide and will end in a giant disaster?' 

'Sorta… yeah.' He had phrased it so much better than what you had managed to come up with while you had been searching for him. 

'I get it. And I'm not mad, either way,' he said, closing his notebook. 'I get how it is; school sucks, and for what it's worth… I'm scared of my friends seeing me around you too.' 

'What?' your heart dipped a few inches down to your gut. 

'Yeah, what will they think when I start ditching them to hang out with the prettiest girl in school.' 

A warm feeling crept up on your face, and you suddenly couldn't look directly at him. But your peripheral vision still let you enjoy the glimpse of his smirk at you, trying to process the compliment. Then, you needed to change the subject, so you looked at the books he had stacked up on the table. Most of them you recognised to be different Dungeons and Dragons manuals, giving you an idea of what he had come to the library for, but you still asked: 'What are you doing?'

'That is highly confidential and secret information, my dearest y/n, so I unfortunately can not tell you.' 

'You're working on the next campaign?' The campaign he had told you to join. The excitement started bubbling up inside you. 

'If I tell you, I'll have to kill you,' he whispered the words, already looking around himself as if the walls had ears. You doubted anyone in town would care what he had been up to and what he had written in his notebook, and perhaps you wouldn't even have cared if he hadn't made it so enticing to know. 

'C'mon, there must be something you can tell me?' 

'As the Dungeon Master, I have taken an oath to protect and keep the secrets of the world, and there is nothing you can do sway me to your dark side.' 

'Nothing?' you quizzed, giggling at his antics. 

'Nothing,' his dark eyes were so serious, yet you could tell he was having the time of his life right there. More thoughts interrupted your moment, that you quickly pushed aside. Flirting would not be the right direction for this. If it had been some guy offering you a milkshake, you would have gone for it, but you and Eddie seemed to be really hitting it off. Even after these very few interactions you've had with him, you could tell that a great friendship could come out of this, so there was no need to go and ruin this now just for a silly joke about the campaign.  

Maybe, not even that deep down, you did want to walk across to him and pull him by the collar and kiss him, but those thoughts were quickly stomped down. He was a nice and good-looking guy. Obviously, you felt a slight urge to do it. But, it didn't mean anything. 

'Ok, fine, I give up.' You put a hand up in defeat, 'I'll just have to wait like everyone else.' 

'That you must,' he would have said something else, but he was suddenly caught off by a deafening thunder rumbling outside. You could immediately see yourself having to cycle back home in that storm. Where had it even come from? It had been a perfectly sunny day when you arrived at the library, but when you looked out from the windows, the sky was dark grey, and the rain was hitting the glass hard.

'Shit.' Was all you said in reaction to the thunder. 

'What's wrong?' Eddie asked, looking up at you as you still had not sat down.

'Nothing, I'm just gonna have to cycle back home in that.' The once silent library had been entirely taken over by the rain pounding on the outside. 

'I'll drive you,' he got up, grabbing his notebook. 

'What?' 

'Most people reply with a thank you,' he quipped, 'but you can put your bike in the back of my van, and I'll drive you home.' 

'Why?' Your responses weren't getting any better, much to Eddie's amusement. 

'Let's say it's an investment. By driving you home, I'll make sure you don't catch pneumonia or some shit and won't be then eaten alive by endless guilt.' 

'I wasn't really planning on going back home yet,' you admitted, and you could have sworn Eddie's shoulders slumped lightly. 'But can I maybe join you here, for now?' 

'Go right ahead.' And you took the seat opposite him, opening up your book again as Eddie returned to work. Every few pages, you would look up and see him work, flipping through the books around him, tapping his pencil on any surface in a random beat. At one moment, he looked up at you as you had been at him, thinking you were bothered by the drumming. 

'Sorry,' he smiled, stopping subtly.

'No, you're good.' You told him, giving him a smile before going back to your own book. It was very pleasant, the two of you being together yet not. Joined at the table but separated by your own doings. He had his campaign; you had your book. 

At some point, you got so into your book that everything else slightly faded away, and you were only brought back to the real world when ring-covered fingers tapped the top of the book spine. You looked up and met Eddie's eyes, as he leaned over the table to reach for the cover. 

'What's up?' 

'Just checking in,' he shrugged. 'Just let me know when you want to go home, yeah?' 

'Mhm,' you nodded, 'but if you want to go now, that's fine. You don't have to wait up on me; I can just cycle home later.' 

'That is pretty selfish of you, y/n– since you know how guilt-ridden I will be if anything happens to you–  just to go and suggest that.'

You had no response to that, and so you continued your ventures on parallel sides of the table until the sun was starting to set once again, making the skies even darker than they were to begin with. The librarian walked up to you to announce that the place would be closing soon. 

'If you're not planning on checking anything out, be a dear and put them back,' she told Eddie with a kind smile, to which he saluted. Almost a second after the woman left again, he was up on his feet, collecting the books in his arms. You were about to reach for his notebook to help him out, but he grabbed it quickly, taking it between his teeth, letting the pages flap about as he walked. 

'I can help,' you told him, seeing how heavy the books seemed. 

'Thank you, milady, but I shall go on this quest on my own.' None of the comedies you had watched in the cinema matched up to the comedic timing of Eddie having said that and almost immediately falling over by stumbling into the chair he had been sitting on previously. 

'Are you ok?' You asked apprehensively as he regained his balance. With the notebook still in his mouth, Eddie's response only came out as a disgruntled muffled sound, but he seemed to be doing fine. 

You hadn't finished reading your book, but it wasn't your plan anyway. You had just needed to escape for a little bit, so that had been accomplished… whether it was the actual act of reading of your companion in it… 

Eddie put all of his books back, one by one, so you did so as well with yours. Obviously, you were done much quicker so you came back around into the aisle in which he was standing, and without a moment for protest, grabbed the top books in his arms. 

'This shall be no solo quest, today, my good sire.' That was enough from you to leave him speechless. With a chuckle, he let you take the books; noticeably, they were all lighter than the ones that remained in his arms, but still. Somehow, it had become a bit of a competition to see which one of you would be done first. You only had one final book left to place, but it was on one of the highest shelves, just a bit out of your reach. 

'Wait,' before you could ask what was going on, Eddie grabbed you and pulled you up just high enough for you to reach the shelf you needed. It had been a surprise, so the squeak sound that you had made earlier, which Eddie lovingly commented on its similarity to a rodent speech, came back up. 

'Did you hear that?' Eddie said, putting you back on the ground. 'I think the hamster came back.' 

'Hamster or not, I won.' 

'Only because I let you.' He smirked, and you became very aware of your proximity to him. With your back against the bookshelves, you had nowhere to back away, and Eddie was so close that your chest was nearly touching his. 

'Now, why would you do that?'  You asked softly. There was no need to whisper. The library was soon closing, and you were the only ones still there. Not to mention, you hadn't exactly been quiet before either. But this situation called for soft, intimate tones. 

'I'm not sure… maybe it's because I like your smile.' Now it was his turn to leave you speechless. A lump formed in your throat as you tried to process what he had said, which was even harder since he was so close. When he reached out to brush some hair out of your face, you had to suck in a breath. His calloused fingers only ghosted over your skin, but an electricity sort of spark shot through you. 

'We should probably go,' you mustered out, 'before she locks us in.'

'Wouldn't want that.' Eddie's voice had also become much softer, almost a whisper. You could have sworn his eyes had, again, whisked down to look at your lips, and that idea made your head spin. It would only be even if you did the same for him now, right? Just a quick glance at his lips. They were perfect, just like the rest of him… 

'Come,' he said, so close to you now you could feel his words on you. 

'Huh?' You blinked slowly. 

'Let's get you home.' and so, he took a step back. The emptiness between you felt personal, almost internal. Like by stepping away, he had actually ripped something out from between you. A bandaid ripping at your skin, leaving a weird tingly sensation behind. 

Eddie's van was parked just behind the library, which is why you hadn't noticed it on your way inside. The rain had started to slow down, the lightning and thunder hadn't been heard for well over half an hour, but it was still pouring heavily. You grabbed your bike as quickly as possible, and Eddie had already opened the car's back doors and was waiting for you inside. He didn't wait, just grabbed the front of the bicycle and pulled it inside, then offered his hand to help you in. 

'Thanks,' you sputtered out. The two minutes in the rain had been enough to thoroughly soak you, so you were definitely glad to take Eddie's offer and let him drive you home. 

It was a short drive, in which you mostly tried to get some information out of Eddie on what he had been working on. 

'C'monnnn, tell me something. Anything.' 

'What would you like to know?' he asked as he turned a corner into your street. 

'I don't know.' 

'That doesn't really help me, sweetheart. You got to be specific, otherwise I could go on for hours and maybe not even tell you anything worth your while and we'd waste both our times.' 

'That's impossible,' you laughed, 'You could never waste my time.' 

Eddie clutched onto the stirring wheel, stopping the car as you near the house. Before you had started driving, you decided it would be the smartest thing not to drive up all the way to the front lawn, so your parents wouldn't see you step out of some "random guy's" dingy van. 

'Maybe next time I'll let you hear all my secrets.' he put the van in park, and you thanked him again. Then, you both climbed out to the back to get your bike. Eddie opened the doors and jumped out, taking the bike out and again helping you make the little jump. His hand fit perfectly around yours, and even though you were standing quite steadily, neither of you let go. 

'Hey uhm,' he said, the rain making both your hairstyles worse, 'just so you know, I'm really not mad… about anything.' 

'I'm really glad for that.' you squeezed his hand, to which he pressed back. 

'Just, promise me one thing, if you can.' He wiped the hair out of his face, and you did the same. The weather should have been getting better, but it really wasn't. 

'What's that?' 

'Promise not to run away from me again?' 

I like you way too much to watch you walk away from me; that's what he had said when you were leaving his trailer. And how many times had you run anyway? Too many to count, which was too embarrassing to keep track. So maybe he just asked out of annoyance, but the fuzzy warm feeling was overcoming you anyway, which might have been a bit foolish since, in reality, you were freezing in the cold rain. 

'I'll try.'

To be Continued... Leave a review behind!

Thank you for reading!!! please let me know what you thought by either leaving a comment or reblog or sending an ask. i would love to hear feedback or any ideas you might have for the upcoming chapters (if there is a demand for those, of course. i plan on writing this as long as people want heh)

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[skyeeeesworld]

It's not what it looks like! (Spider Maple!)

Characters : Kazuha and little sibling reader (gender not mentioned)

Genre : idk? modern AU, spider-man AU but it's Spider Maple lmao it's the best I could come up with

Summary? : You came back home after a long fight and your older brother discovers you're Spider Maple

CW? : Mentions of injuries (nothing major I don't think), reader is bout 17 in this, not proofread apologies for mistakes

Word count : 760

Note : this was written on a whim, so it's probably not the greatest.

A tired huff left your lips as you climbed through your bedroom window, soaked to the bone from the rain. Your body felt sore and achy from the fight that just happened that lasted over a hour. Some bad guys are persistent…

After getting through the window and closing it, you pulled off your mask and letting it drop to the floor with a squelch. Feeling fatigued, you stumble back on your bed, letting the cosy covers and comfort mattress relax you. The scent of your room helped put you at ease from the previous chaos. Eyes shutting closed and your body screaming ‘at last! Rest!’

Being a super hero was harder than it looked - the movies and shows on TV made it look fun and easy, but after experiencing it yourself… A lot of hard choices were made and self-sacrifices were done. Not to mention the amount of injuries you’d come back home with which was very difficult to hide away from your older brother whom seemed to have a 6th sense knowing if you’re injured. Must be a skill from the years he spend raising you without parents.

A loud gasp sounded from your door, it was one of pure shock (and maybe horror?). It made your eyes fly open, back shooting up from the bed and head whipping to the side as you witnessed your brother, Kazuha drop folded clothes - your clothes that had been stained.

No words left Kazuha as his eyes darted around at what you were wearing. Soaked, a outfit exactly like famous Spider Maple, a forming bruise on your eye and a swollen cheek. Goodness knows how many more injuries that hid beneath your suit - the suit that was spiderweb design and had a few Japanese maple leafs adorned on, the colour combos of white and reds.

It didn’t take long or very much effort for Kazuha to connect the dots. Having just seen the news earlier (with that annoying news presenter snapping away how much he hates Spider Maple) he knew that you just came back from a fight. Which scared him. It also explained why you’d be gone for so long and sometimes at such late hours.

“What the fu-?!” Kazuha gasped, now fully processed what the sight in front of him meant.

“I know what it looks like! But it isn’t what it looks like!” You cut him off, standing up from your bed. Your bed now also being wet. You wafted you hands in front of you, trying to explain what it looks like.

Your eyes looked at everything but Kazuha, coming up with an excuse. “I was at a cosplay convention with my friends… we got hold up and stuck in the rain…” You glanced at your brother, words trailing off to silence at his squinted eyes and hands on his hips. He knows exactly what it looks like.

After a few seconds of awkward silence with your brother’s scolding stare. He then crossed arms, looking like a parent about to tell off their naughty child. “Coming back late most nights. Frequently getting injured. Lying to me. That getup which definitely doesn’t look like it was made for cosplay. I’d sure I know what it looks like.”

Your head bowed down, caught like a fly caught in a spider’s web, only this time a spider was caught in its own web. You wanted to apologise, but at something this big was going to take a little more than an apology.

Kazuha stepped closer to you, relaxing at the sight before him - his little sibling looking like a kicked puppy. He couldn’t stay mad at you, of course not. He was just worried. It was natural to act this way when you find out that someone your love and care for has been risking their life. It especially didn’t help that if he didn’t know you were a super hero and you died during battle… he wouldn’t have any idea until after, where he couldn’t come save you or protect you. Your were his little sibling. He loved you.

Your brother wrapped his arms around you, pulling you in an embrace and letting your head rest on his chest. “It’s okay… I was worried. You’re going to have to tell me more after you shower and get dressed okay? I’ll make you dinner.”

With a nod coming from you, Kazuha let you go to shower. Obviously not without another squeeze (very gently because he noticed you winced when he hugged you).

Prepare for a lecture.

[dreamyfanfix]

Chapter 5: Long Gone But Not Moved On

Sorry, I know this is late but I was writing and kept writing and then I had 15K words. I eventually found a stoppage point but it required me to write a bit around some things especially because this chapter and the next are a bit miserable for the pair. It will get better though...

--

Present:

It had been a couple of days since Kate had a near miss with Anthony in the hospital. Learning about how much of a bad time he had been having since they were forced to see each other again was not something she took lightly. Kate barely remembered what happened after her breakup with Anthony. All she remembered was deep pain and then almost being lucid again 5 months later with a puppy named Newton and an urge to do better.

Seeing Anthony again was not easy for her either but unlike Kate, Anthony had moved on and so even though it hurt her to see him with Siena and hear about his dalliances from gossipers, Kate kept her head down and tried to be a good ex-girlfriend.

Kate had gotten messages and missed calls from Daphne and Simon. Kate knew that avoiding Simon would be too difficult hence why she found herself in Agatha Danbury's office this early morning.

Kate had just handed Agatha her notice and Agatha was surprised and irritated, to say the least.

"I thought we agreed you would give me more time to discuss with the shareholders about promoting you," Agatha said sternly.

"We did but things changed. I think it would be best if I moved on," Kate said with what she hoped was finality.

"If this is what that Bridgerton boy said to you at my godson's baby shower then you must know that I gave him and his mother a stern talking to,"

"I don't doubt it but you know I wanted to move more into family law. Do not get me wrong I think we have done a good job rattling the feathers of the elite but now I think it's time I get to work on fighting with the less fortunate," Kate said.

"You are making me regret investing in your friend's firm," Agatha chuckled.

"You won't regret it. Sophie is more determined than me when it comes to this stuff and it will be a challenge but I have always done my best as a solicitor when I was the underdog," Kate said chuckling a bit.

"I guess I have to understand that thought myself," Agatha continued "I accept your notice, Kate," Agatha stood up to shake Kate's hand and Kate stood up to take it.

"Thank you. You have been an incredible mentor all these years," Kate said emotionally.

"Hush now child, you will shine just fine on your own. And if not there will always be a place for you here at Danbury Law," Agatha said.

"Thank you again," Kate said and made to leave but not before asking the question she has had on her mind since she first started at Danbury Law "Why is the firm called Danbury Law?" Agatha turned to face Kate again and looked at her with an arched brow "Why not name it Agatha Law or Soma Law after your maiden name?"

Agatha sighed and then said "You must know I am a proud West African woman but my relationship with my past is not that positive I'm afraid," Agatha took a breath and continued "I grew up in a small village in Sierra Leone, my family did not have much of money, prospects or connections. When I was 8 years old I was attending church with my parents when a man came to town, he was from a village over but he got adopted by a British family and was visiting his country of birth. He took one look at me and proclaimed me the most beautiful girl in the world. Naturally, this is not an uncommon thing I had heard when I was younger but he was hyper-fixated on me, he made me laugh and promised my parents he would come back to marry me... My parents were thrilled," Agatha paused to take a seat behind her desk "From then onwards I was raised to be his wife, he would send letters with his interests, likes and dislikes and my parents would make sure I would know all of these things and submit to his lead. After the death of his benefactors slash parents, of which he received a hefty inheritance, he came back to Sierra Leone and married me, exactly like he promised he would,"

Kate slowly walked back into the room and took a seat opposite Agatha's desk "That seems like a fairytale,"

Agatha smirked "That's what all the society women would say when we came back husband and wife, Lord and Lady Danbury," Agatha sighed and continued "You see back in the eighties people were not that particular about age gaps. I was a 19-year-old girl married to a 42-year-old man. To society I was just indicative of how men crave young flesh and young women are opportunists. They didn't see the possible terrible dynamic I was in... See I was dependent on my husband, Sierra Leone was not exactly the most stable political environment and despite my decrepit husband, and I hope you don't mind my candour here, constant copulating his young wife, I liked England. I liked the freedom that I had and what hindered me because of my race, my new wealth and my title would sort out no problem. I did my duty, I gave him 4 children, 2 sons and 2 daughters, who wished for nothing and lived their lives well-off,"

"So it was a mutually beneficial relationship? Not quite unheard of, especially in my culture, although not as romantic as one might think. I guess your loyalty to your married life is why you keep the name Danbury Law," Kate said.

"Oh no. I may hate my family for pawning off on an old man but I despised the late Lord Danbury," Agatha held her hand up to stop Kate from interrupting her and continued "I loathed the late Lord Danbury, so I use my wealth and influence to fund all things he would have hated when he was alive. My husband was one of those Black people who enjoyed being the only one in the room and hated the idea of educating women and desegregating the classes as well as spent his time fighting AGAINST well-rounded immigration policies particularly people from former colonies which was incredibly awful considering Sierra Leone was one itself,"

Kate took a calming breath while Agatha looked off into the distance "I still don't understand why you would then want anything to do with him,"

"It's not enough to fund movements and bills that would help dismantle everything my husband held dear, no, I have to do it using his name so he will always be associated with it. Most people, like yourself, live their life to honour their families, and make them proud and in a lot of ways I am doing the same. I do what I am doing because it's important to me that wherever Herman is he rots and whatever kind of legacy he thought he was building gets overshadowed by the work I am doing. I want to make sure that future generations including my children, will think of me when they think of Danbury and all the work I have done to dismantle this terrible inequitable society,"

"I think that's an honourable vision," Kate said, feeling emotional and proud at the same time. Lady Agatha Danbury was a badass, it is just a shame that she had to go through so much to be that way.

----

Past:

Anthony was on cloud nine. Kate and Anthony had been together for 5 months and they would be making their first public appearance as a couple, at a benefit being held by Bridgerton Investment Group, and he couldn't be more happy. He looked at himself one more time in the mirror and then checked his watch for the time. He and Kate would be late if he did not check on her soon. She was not good with time but that is why he usually got her going early to get ready because he had timed her preparation times and averaged them out to understand how long she generally needed to get ready.

It was super analytical but he also knew that Kate appreciated being a bit more on time to things so he felt secure in his efforts.

As Anthony made his way to his bathroom, Kate came over to get ready as he was nervous she would back out and she was nervous that they would not look good together.

Anthony was not nervous about this event, he had been to millions of events like these but he knew Kate was feeling nervous because she had never really interacted with wealthy people unless they were on the opposite side of the courtroom. Kate was close friends with Simon but Simon had a way of keeping things close to the chest so there was no way of knowing if she knew the full extent of these events.

He knocked on the door to his master bathroom and entered. Kate was busy with her makeup but Anthony could not focus, she looked incredible. She was wearing a light pink dress that hugged her curves as well showing off her cleavage.

"Uhmmm babe you're staring," Kate said, he had not even noticed she was looking at him through the mirror and slightly blushed.

Anthony walked up behind her and kissed her neck "I was just thinking about how stunning you look," Anthony said nipping at her neck. He took a whiff of her neck and she stopped, he could see the goosebumps travel up her neck and he felt full of himself for a moment.

"If you continue like that we are going to be late," she said trying to sound stern but it came out breathless Anthony chuckled but backed out of the room.

--

The benefit was a success at least Anthony thought it was. He was currently having a drink with his friends, no cigars because Kate hated the smell, and his friends were ribbing him about the fact.

When he and Kate first arrived there seemed to be hesitation in their reception but as they went around the room and said their hellos, many people seemed to relax and commented on how well they complemented each other so he relaxed and eventually he felt confident enough to leave Kate to her mingling and went to catch up with some old friends of his.

Simon finally put out his cigar and Anthony took a breath, even though he was not smoking himself, he knew the smoke in the room could linger on him "So Bridgerton, you and Sharma doing good?" Simon asked.

"Yeah Bridgerton, you seem to be taken completely out of commission these days," Marcus Fife commented.

"What can I say, gents? I'm happy," Anthony stated trying not to blush and shrug.

"Well, then it makes sense curry is the national dish, then? I might get me one of those," Conrad Pemberton remarked.

"Excuse me?" Anthony said as his blood turned to ice.

"Pemberton, Chicken Tikka Masala is the national dish you idiot," Fife exclaimed.

"Okay, so how do I get me one of those Tikka Masala's Bridgerton?" Pemberton said with a chuckle.

Pemberton stopped talking the minute Anthony got in his face, he was angry beyond belief and was shocked at how much his old friends could be so cavalier with their racism "Pemberton speak about my girlfriend or any Indian like that again and I will pummel you just like in sixth form,"

Fife came between the two men and said "Relax Bridge, I know you are going through your Prince Harry phase but eventually, you got to do your duty like the rest of us heirs and marry yourself a Kate Middleton," 

Simon who had left the room to go to the bathroom was back and asked "You all know Kate Middleton is already married, right?"

Anthony was trying and failing at calming himself down and Anthony thought Simon could see his distress but did not comment on it "I was just telling Bridgerton that eventually he's gotta settle down, right?" Pemberton said with a bit of smugness that Anthony did not like and he narrowed his eyes.

Simon looked between Anthony to Pemberton and asked "Is that not what you are doing with Kate? Settling down?"

Anthony knew Simon cared deeply for Kate so he was probably asking more for himself than Pemberton "Of course I am. I would not bring her as my date if I was not serious about her,"

Simon nodded his head "Oh come off it Bridge, this has to be a piss-take. You are a man of a particular taste," Fife said

Anthony was now full-blown seething but asked "What the hell does that even mean?"

"I don't know but we definitely haven't seen you eat an Indian meal before mate so colour us curious," Fife said with his hands up.

"Anthony goes for the women he finds attractive, he does not date based on race," Simon said trying to de-escalate the situation "Maybe, we should change topics?" he suggested.

"Okay fine, but mate let me know if Kate has any friends or a sister, I would love to have a taste of the national dish," Pemberton said chuckling.

Anthony was not sure what happened next but Anthony had to be hoisted off of Pemberton by Simon. Pemberton's face and Anthony's knuckles were bloody and Fife was laughing in the corner.

Simon dragged Anthony into a separate room and left him to cool off, at least that is what he thought until he returned with Kate and his mother.

"Anthony darling, are you alright?" Violet asked "We heard there was a tussle that occurred,"

While his mother stayed close to the door and looked at him curiously Kate came closer to him to inspect him, touching his face and Anthony felt better but also sick with guilt at the same time.

"Well I'm not sure if it was a tussle or more like a one-sided beatdown," Simon remarked.

"Well you don't look injured, so who did you hit?" Kate asked but Anthony did not reply, he could not reply. He just is not sure how he would explain to Kate how his ex-friends spoke about her and women of her race. He was disgusted with himself so he remained silent.

Simon who thought this was a conversation that should not be in public suggested "Maybe we should leave the benefit,"

"We can't leave they have not even gotten around to announcing how much money was raised tonight," Violet said seeming concerned.

"Violet, by now everyone knows what happened so I don't think there will be more or less gossip if Anthony just leaves a bit earlier," Simon said smoothly.

"Anthony, what happened?" Kate asked so gently that Anthony's heart broke all over again.

"It was just some old form mates saying some dumb stuff, Anthony's had a few drinks so he just lost his temper," Simon said trying to help Anthony so he did not have to have this conversation in a room at a public benefit that was still ongoing.

"Well, what did he say, Anthony? What could he have possibly said to excuse your deplorable behaviour?" Violet asked and Anthony stiffened, he knew that tone coming from his mother, it was dripping with disapproval.

"There were some things I did not agree with so I got mad," Anthony said softly.

"Anthony most of the gentlemen here have been your chums for decades, what could they have possibly said that angered you so?" Violet asked.

Anthony stayed silent but then Kate asked "They said something about me didn't they?"

Anthony's head turned to her and she was looking in his eyes not with judgement but with like resolved and sad eyes. Anthony swallowed and nodded his head.

"Well, Anthony boys will be boys. I've heard you and your brothers say some appalling things about women but I do not resort to roughness to correct you," Violet said.

"Well maybe you should have," Kate said in a soft voice but she knew that his mother probably heard her. She remained looking at her hands.

"It wasn't just some misogynistic comments Mother, of which I have aged out of making," Anthony said the last part looking at Kate and imploring her to look up at him but she never did so he continued "There was also a racial aspect to their comments,"

Anthony could feel Kate stiffen beside him and he held his breath. There was silence in the room but just when it felt like Anthony would scream just so someone would say something Kate stood up and said "Good then. It's sorted,"

"I'm sorry. What do you mean it's sorted? Anthony has to apologise to the guests and to the gentleman he hurt," Violet said looking at Kate confused.

"Look Violet, Anthony can make the rounds on his way to apologise for causing a commotion but he does not owe a racist misogynist any apology," Kate said.

"Kate, I know you don't know how these things work but in our society, it's very important that a level of politeness and manners are maintained," Violet said.

"So he gets to make racist comments about his friend's girlfriend but when said friend stands up for his girlfriend, the friend is the one deemed the ill-mannered and rude one?" Kate asked using her solicitor's voice, normally Anthony would be turned on by it but now he felt his mother might not be able to stand against Kate and he was nervous "Violet we are all in the same society just because you choose to interact with only certain members of it does not mean that we are not meant to be held to the same standard. Just like with Mayfair Girls,"

Violet scoffed "This isn't a high school. This is real life and this is just how things are done,"

"Maybe that's the problem," Kate remarked.

"That's enough," Anthony finally said and stood up "Simon, I know you hate these types of things but if you could please find my secretary Freddy and get the numbers for the benefit and give them to Benedict so he can announce them," Simon nodded and left the room "Mother don't worry I will send an apology to Conrad Pemberton and make sure that I will cover any medical and dry cleaning expenses," His mother looked satisfied "Kate, I think we should make a quiet exit out of the back the entrance," He went to grab her hand but she looked at him funny and walked to the door.

Anthony sighed and followed her but before he made it to the open door, his mother spoke "Anthony, I will make sure Freddy gets your jackets and gets the car to come around for you," Anthony nodded his head at his mother and went to follow Kate.

The car ride back to his home was silent but if Anthony was honest, it was a silence he needed. He was busy writing emails and texts. As much as it pained him he had written apologies to Pemberton as well as the board and planners of the benefit for any disruptions and made promises to make it up to them and behave better in the future. It was generic and so insincere but he knew it had to be done.

When they finally got back to his place, Kate got out of the car before Robert could come around to open it and Anthony jumped out to follow her in. Kate's long legs carried her into his place and when he entered a while after her she was already out of her dress and packing her things.

Anthony asked, "Babe, what are you doing?"

"Don't babe me Anthony. Not after tonight," Kate said and she continued to aggressively pack things into her bag.

"I understand why you are mad," Anthony said, he knew the idea of being associated with someone like Fife and Pemberton might decrease her level of respect for him but he hoped she had known him better by now.

"I don't think you do, but humour me. Tell me why you think I am mad at you," Kate said turning to him and folding her arms.

Anthony sighed "Look what Fife and Pemberton were saying tonight is not actually what I think or a reflection of who I am. I barely see those guys I wouldn't even call them friends,"

Kate scoffed "Anthony, let's just say I was able to get over you ordering me about. What about me makes you think I would be okay with you apologising to a racist?"

Anthony sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose, a headache was forming "Kate, you don't understand,"

"Actually, I think I understand better than you. It wasn't racist comments made about you or your family so it's fine then?"

"I didn't say it was fine but I should not have lost my temper," Anthony exclaimed. Why did she not understand?

"You lost your temper because you care for me and I hoped that you cared about shutting down racists!"

"I do care!"

"Then why did you spend so much effort and time sending apologies to those racists after the fact?"

"It's important to maintain a level of politeness with important people in society," Anthony said a bit more level-headed.

"More important than defending me and people that look like me?" Kate asked and Anthony noted the tears in her eyes. He tried to approach her but she took a step back "Standing up to your enemies is easy but it takes greater courage to stand up to your friends. Before you sent off your little apologetic emails, everyone at the benefit would have known where you stood on racism, where you stood on us,"

Anthony felt like things were spiralling and he was struggling to keep up, Kate looked hurt and it hurt him "Kate I am against racism. I did stand up for us,"

"For 30 minutes, then you were apologising as if a person being a racist is a minor inconvenience and not something morally wrong,"

Anthony was panicking now, Kate sounded so sad then "It's not like hitting him was going to change the world,"

"But it would have changed my world, Anthony. I'm not a fool I see how people look at us sometimes but at least I thought I was in this with someone who had my back, that we were a team... And now, I just need time to think about what we are as a couple,"

Anthony could barely breathe but as Kate continued packing Anthony went to stop her hands "Kate, please stop. Just wait a minute here. I'm still the same guy, the man who loves you. What can I do to make this right?" The question he asked came out with a broken voice that even he could hear.

"It's alright Anthony, I think I just need time to resolve the kind of guy you are with the one I had in my head," She was full-blown crying now and Anthony sniffed his tears away.

"Okay okay. I will give you some space just... Please know that I do love you, and that... I'm sorry," Anthony said in a small voice.

Kate had her back turned to him and all he could see was her nodding her head as she continued to pack.

Kate called her mother, Mary, to tell her she would be coming home, so she called an Uber. Anthony tried to change her mind but then she told him her mother wanted to track her trip considering the time of night. They sat in silence for 5 minutes waiting for the Uber and Anthony could not stop taking glances at Kate. Her tears eventually dried and she looked resolute and then she was gone out of his home.

The minute Anthony turned around after seeing Kate to her Uber, he looked at his empty apartment and felt hollow. Anthony was used to apologising to keep the peace whether that was at work, with his mother, his siblings or with women. This was the first time keeping the peace seemed foolish. 

--

"Edwina would you give me back my shoe, I'm gonna be late to meet Anthony," Kate shouted at her sister's door while knocking on it.

Even though it was muffled Kate heard her sister yell on the other side of the door "No! Anthony is a dickhead! I don't want you to go to lunch with him and forgive him!"

"Edwina language!" Mary shouted from the living room.

"It's true mama! He let his friends say horrible things about Kate and all Indian women,"

"Edwina you need to stop eavesdropping on the conversations Kate and I are having," Mary said walking into the hallway until she stood side-by-side with Kate.

"Bon, he didn't let anyone say anything he beat him up remember?" Kate said, feeling the need to defend Anthony. It was important to keep her emotions focused on the things he did and not contort the past with negative emotions.

"Yeah, but he apologised to that racist ars- egghead. Relationships should not be so hard," Edwina said.

Kate sighed, she did not want to disillusion her sister "Bon, life is not like those romance books you read, they are hard and require understanding from both sides,"

Mary sighed "Your sister is right, my love. If I steered clear of hard relationships I would not have married your father and had 19 years of wedded bliss,"

Edwina unlocked her door and opened it slightly "I guess you're right," she handed Kate her shoe but before Kate could thank her the doorbell rang.

Edwina immediately sprinted to the front of the house, Kate tried to run after her but one of her shoes was not put on right so she had to stop.

By the time Kate and Mary got to the front door, Anthony was bouncing while holding his foot, like he was in pain. "Edwina, what did you do?" Kate asked.

"Why do you assume I did anything? Did I hurt you, Anthony?" Edwina asked with a fake sweet voice.

"No, and even if she did it's not like I didn't deserve it," Anthony said standing properly.

"As long as we are on the same page," Edwina said as she walked back to her room.

Mary sighed and followed her "I'm sorry Anthony. I'll talk to her," she said before she left.

Kate turned to Anthony and for the first time noticed the flowers in his hands "Are those for me?"

Anthony jumped and handed her the flowers "Yes, although I feel I should have brought some for your sister and your mother," he looked self-conscious for a moment.

Kate took the flowers and sniffed them before making to leave "It's good that you didn't. Edwina is allergic. I usually keep flowers in my room. At first, it was cause it reminded me of India but then it was to keep Edwina out of my room and now it just makes me feel better to see and smell them,"

"You never told me that," he said as they made their way down the stairs.

"It's not a big deal," Kate said as she shrugged. She was feeling nervous as this was the first time she had been alone with Anthony since their fight.

Kate had been a bit withdrawn when she got back from the benefit, Mary knew not to ask questions when she got back and just helped her change and go to sleep. It wasn't until she had gotten angry at Edwina unnecessarily that Mary sat her down to talk. She cried as Mary held her and they spoke about that night and about racism. Mary knew better than anyone what people thought about mixed-race couples as she was the offspring of one but Mary said she felt like Anthony was special. Mary told Kate it was more important that his first instinct was to defend Kate. It might seem like he went back on it later but societal pressure is immense and it can even make it so that the best of people make bad decisions. Mary made Kate giggle when she said Kate came out of the womb with a backbone of steel but others are not as lucky and that it is always important to lead with understanding and grace especially when the other person is trying.

6 days later Kate was still working on it but she finally texted Anthony back. 

As they made their way to the pathway, Kate turned to walk down the street but Anthony looked like he wanted to get to his car. "Oh, I thought we could get a quick coffee at this cafe nearby. It's usually quiet around this time, so I thought we could talk," Kate said.

Anthony looked hesitant "Oh sure,"

"Unless you already had a place in mind," Kate said nervously.

"No, we can go to the cafe. I want you to be comfortable," Anthony said.

Kate nodded and she led him to the cafe. 

Kate was right the place was quiet, mostly because the owners: The Gunningworths were not the most friendly people. Richard Gunningworth was a renowned lawyer who had 3 daughters. The only biological daughter he had was Sophie, a friend of Kate's. When Kate spoke to Sophie about finding neutral ground for her and Anthony to talk Sophie suggested they meet when Sophie was working her shift.

Kate and Anthony spoke. It was stilted at first but when Anthony blurted out that he did not want to break up, Kate was taken aback.

"Anthony I'm not going to break up with you," Anthony nodded and Kate could see his body visibly relax and she felt guilty. Communication with her partners was not something she was great at but she hoped she would be better because she loved Anthony more than any other man she had been with. Kate took his hands and said "I just wanted to discuss why I was so hurt that night," Anthony nodded and she continued "I've spent the last 10 years of my life fighting for a better society for people like me and other minorities. It's not an easy job and even though I know I'm morally and ethically in the right people still treat me like I'm a pariah. Like I'm the bad guy for trying to make the world fair... Even you did at first," Kate put her hand up to stop him before he spoke "I'm not trying to take a shot at you, I'm just trying to be honest. Being right is a lonely place and I have often hidden behind the fact that despite being alone I was right but it doesn't keep you warm at night,"

"You have me. You are not alone. I can keep you warm," Anthony said softly.

Kate smiled even though she was a bit emotional "I want to know that. I want to believe it with every bone in my body but I'm just not sure. You have a set of rules you live your life by and I don't think it's always going to align with the way I live mine but I'm willing to compromise some,"

Anthony's eyes widened "What do you mean?" he asked.

"Just that even though you did apologise to your friends-"

"They are not my friends," Anthony interjected almost growling "Sorry,"

Kate sighed and continued "Even though you did apologise to those guys after defending me, I have to give you grace because your first instinct was to defend me. I just hope it was not just because I was your girlfriend but because what they said was just wrong,"

Anthony sighed and looked down "Kate... I don't- I don't know. I wish I could say it was but I'm not sure... I'm sorry,"

"It's okay. There is no way of knowing anyway. I love you and as long as your first instincts are to protect me then I can't be that mad, can I?"

"I don't want you to feel like you are giving up being a good person to be with me. Not when your strength of character is one of the main reasons I love you in the first place," Anthony said squeezing her hands.

"I know. I'm not. I am just going to adjust to the way things are done in your world," Kate said squeezing his hands back and Anthony nodded.

Anthony smiled "How did you get so well adjusted?"

"My parents and a good therapist. I can recommend one if you like not the one I see but someone who would be next on the list if I ever break up with my current one. Therapy does wonders," Kate suggested.

"I think I'm going to take you up on that offer. I think it will be good for us," Anthony said.

"It will be good for you, and that's what is important," Kate said smiling.

It wasn't this big declaration of extreme devotion and love that most people would expect from romantic comedies but Kate loved Anthony and she was happy to adjust certain aspects of her thoughts and reactions especially because Anthony was always changing for and because of her. In relationships, it was important to meet halfway and Kate was happily back with Anthony so what was the big deal? He was going to go to therapy and work on himself and in the meantime, Kate would give him grace.

---

For the last month and a half, things between Kate and Anthony returned to relative normalcy. Kate had noticed she was still not invited to brunch with Anthony's family but she tried not to take too much offence considering Anthony wanted her there but his mother was in charge of organising it every month. That being said every time she would bump into one of his siblings and they asked her why he did not attend or what she missed out on, she wondered if her and Anthony's relationship was seen as a serious thing to his mother, yet.

Before Kate could bring it up though, Anthony invited her to an event held by his grandmother, his mother's mother, Dowager Lady Ledger. This was a big deal because every one of the Bridgertons and Ledgers was going to be there and Kate would finally meet all of Anthony's family.

It was only fair, right? Anthony had met all of Kate's family. All 2 of them. Kat often thought about what her father would think of Anthony, would he see him as a random rich guy or would he see the caring guy underneath? Kate tried not to get too deep in her What Ifs because they just made her sad.

Kate smoothed down her dress. It was an afternoon event but Kate was still nervous. Luckily Daphne was available for shopping since she had to take a reluctant Eloise, so she tagged along and got herself a very nice dress. A very expensive dress but Daphne said that Anthony was fitting the bill, which did not sit well with her Kate knew there was no way she could borrow a dress like she did at the last big event especially when it was so important she made a good impression. 

So Kate settled on a colour-blocking Versace almost-mini dress. She looked great but also daring. The colours suited her skin tone and showed off her best asset: her legs.

Kate knew Anthony was nervous about this event. She hoped they could avoid drama but she knew that could not control everything. Even when Kate left home, Mary looked on edge.

Kate smoothed her dress while she sat at the back of the car, driven by Robert.

Anthony grabbed her hand and said "The dress looks stunning. You look stunning. Don't worry,"

"Sorry. It's just that today is an important day," Kate said looking at him.

"It's just a party like any other babe," he said.

Kate tried to calm down but before she could reply, Robert informed them that they had arrived.

Getting into the event was relatively more smooth and casual than the benefit and Kate quickly found a group of women to talk to. Some of them were rich and/or titled but the two that Kate bonded with were a doctor and a florist. Jennifer and Rebecca were married and partnered respectively with Fife and another guy named Michael Stirling. Rebecca was by far the youngest and she looked incredibly uncomfortable whereas Jennifer who despite having a similar background to Kate fit in because she was well-respected as a doctor.

Kate spent a lot of time talking with the two women and when Jennifer went off to use the loo, Jennifer leaned in and said "She's not gonna last,"

Kate who was sipping her drink at the time almost choked and asked "Why do you say that? I mean I know they are young but they look cute,"

"They are always cute but Michael does not stay with them for long," Jennifer said.

"Oh that's a shame," Kate said.

"Not really, she does not exactly know what she is getting herself into with these kinds of people," Jennifer said and Kate hummed her agreement. There was a lot of money and prestige flying around the room and even though Kate was not a part of it she had years of experience holding her own around people like this "You look like you got the memo though,"

Kate looked at Jennifer surprised and chuckled "I mean I guess. I don't have to do much,"

"Yeah, but that's good. At the benefit, you were wind up tight and Anthony was the same. Hence all the unpleasantness," Jennifer said casually.

Kate was confused by the remark. She was not sure what she knew "As long as people keep their racism to themselves I'm sure we will all be fine,"

"I mean to be fair my husband and Conrad were complimenting you,"

Kate's blood ran cold "Excuse me?"

"Look I've been there myself when I first married my husband but I realised that you have got to let them be themselves and do what they want so your relationship can be strong,"

Kate stood up and made her face stoic "Just because you are okay with being disrespected by your husband and his mates does not mean that is something I am okay with,"

"You say that as if they are not Anthony's mates as well. My husband, Conrad and Anthony go back years. It only makes sense that they would make up over a little disagreement," Jennifer said smiling and Kate could finally see how arrogant it looked, it leaned more into a sneer.

"Anthony being forced to make civilities with them does not mean he condones their behaviour," Kate said straightening her back to defend her boyfriend.

"My dear, I guess Rebecca is not the only one who is unaware. Anthony did not seem to have issues with My husband or Conrad at last week's polo match or a month ago at the Smythe-Smith musicale," Jennifer took out her phone and showed Kate pictures of the group of men smiling and laughing and Kate's stomach churned.

Kate walked away briskly until she made it to the loo and threw up the contents of her stomach, which unfortunately because food had not been served yet, was not much.

Kate cleaned herself up and looked at herself in the mirror. Anthony had lied to her? Well he had not lied, he merely omitted what he had done. What did it matter anyways Kate, knew Anthony had to make amends with those arses, she just did not know Anthony was having such a good time doing so. She felt like she had been sucker punched. She felt foolish and mostly sad, Anthony had to keep a part of his life from her maybe because he was ashamed but maybe because he did not want to be judged by her. She tried to find the grace she promised to give to him and was resolute to bring it up to him at a later date. Today was about impressing the Bridgertons and the Ledgers so she focused on that.

Kate spent the rest of the night schmoozing and putting on her best personality traits. Eventually, the woman of the hour showed up: Dowager Lady Ledger. Kate could not help but note how she looked old but not frail, stern and a little unfriendly. Kate wondered if it was wrong of her to notice the fact that her smile mirrored a lot of the women in the room: insincere.

Anthony introduced Kate to his grandmother and she remarked "Wow, you are beautiful,"

Kate smiled "Thank you. Of course, the only beauty people have their eyes on today is you,"

"Well thank you for flattering an old lady like myself, dear," she said.

"Is it flattery when it's the truth?" Anthony said and all the women laughed.

Lady Ledger took her hand and put it on his face "What a handsome charmer,"

"Thank you, grandmother," Anthony said "I love you,"

Lady Ledger smiled sweetly and was escorted around the rest of the room by Anthony's mother and brother, Colin.

Kate felt like she could take a breath "That went well didn't it?" Anthony said.

"Yeah, I'm glad she at least thinks I'm pretty," Kate said.

"Babe, you are the most beautiful woman ever. Now I would never say that to her because I fear her but you know that," Anthony said as he kissed the side of her head and Kate felt giddy.

All of a sudden the idea of what had happened with Jennifer earlier seemed like a dream and what she had with Anthony was the reality she needed to focus on.

--

Later as the party winded down and the little sun they had gotten dwindled to dark greys, Kate was happily dancing with Benedict when Anthony cut in.

"Are you having a good time?" Anthony asked as they swayed together to the music.

"Surprisingly, yes. Your siblings are hilarious and I like them," Kate said laying her head on his shoulder.

"Thank you," Anthony said.

"For what?" Kate asked.

"For accepting all of this. My family. Me. I know it's not exactly the best example of how to use wealth but it's important to me to maintain our family's name. I hope it's not too much,"

"Anthony, of course. I love you. The rest is just noise," Kate said.

Anthony kissed Kate softly. She could hear some camera's going off but she didn't care for once.

It was then that Violet tapped Anthony on the shoulder "Can the both of you come with me?" she asked and Kate felt dread.

[byunbhyunz]

D.O - “Not to toot my own horn or anything, but the dog loves me more.”

Pairing: Kyungsoo/Reader

Genre: fluff

Word count: 970

Prompt: “Not to toot my own horn or anything, but the dog loves me more.”

The first few steps to getting a pet together with Kyungsoo was agreeing on it being a dog, and that you would get them from a shelter. Age didn’t matter to either of you, you just wanted a dog to start a new chapter in your relationship. Also, Kyungsoo was hinting on wanting a baby together and how he wanted a pet first, who can be the first best friend of your child. So you started on looking for the perfect dog.

There were some perspectives you took into consideration at first, but soon they were thrown out the window, and the only point were you loving them, and feeling a bond with them at first sight, since you would be the one spending most of the time with it, especially when Kyungsoo would go on tour with his members.

The two of you went through a lot of shelters until you found the perfect one that matches well with your lifestyles. Although, Kyungsoo sometimes had to physically hold you back from getting a puppy at the first places, you were happy in the end that he did, and you could find Nosy.

Nosy was a three and a half years old mixed-breed dog with the fluffiest golden fur and the biggest dark patch around his nose. He looked like he just put his nose into a bucket of black paint, and his ears always perked up when Kyungsoo called out for him. He was a playful dog, but just the right size for living in an apartment.

As expected, you were the one spending most of the time with him, walking him in the evening when your boyfriend still had schedule, and you were feeding him too. You were the one scolding him when he didn’t signed you that he needed to be taken out and just pissed on the carpet, and Kyungsoo was the one patting his head after your harsh toned words. You were the bad parent, while Kyungsoo was the cool one, who sneaked him snacks during dinner when he thought you wouldn’t notice.

So you totally understood why Nosy was more fond of Kyungsoo than you. It wasn’t said out loud, you just saw it. And you thought it didn’t matter that much to your boyfriend either. But oh, boy, you were wrong!

He rubbed the fact in when you were walking Nosy together after a long time. Lately, walks would only mean the two of you, with Nosy going crazy from smells and you lazily strolling after him with the leash in your hand. Your mind seemed to be always busy with unnecessary thoughts ever since Kyungsoo told you he planned to enlist the military early, because this way his schedule would line up with an offering for a leading role in a movie. The walks were for you too, to cleanse your mind until Kyungsoo got home.

You were more than happy for him. His latest and probably most important movie role up to date was successful among the critics and people equally, and you could see the pride in his eyes that he tried to hide behind a small smile whenever his members bragged about his talent in private or public. It was important to him, so it was important to you.

While walking Nosy with him, your mind involuntarily wandered to the dangerous topic, and before you could took control of you facial expression, it was written all over you. Kyungsoo must have noticed you were struggling with something, because he took your hand in his free one. His eyes were on Nosy when you looked at him, but his eyebrows were furrowed into a confused line.

“You know, you’ll have to work hard with Nosy, while I’m not here,” he said suddenly.

“We’re always working hard. And you’ll be allowed to leave the barracks, from what I heard.”

“I only meant you.” He didn’t continued until you looked at him again, questioningly. You could see a smile hiding in the corner of his lips, dark eyes soft and melting you right on the spot despite his next, smug words. “Not to toot my own horn or anything, but the dog loves me more.”

As if Nosy heard his name and knew what Kyungsoo just said, he ran to his feet, and rubbed his head to his knee, pleading for petting. You couldn’t hold back a laugh. Those two could always make you feel better, no matter what.

“So it will be your time to shine, and spoil him. Though, he won’t betray his love for me.”

“It’s okay.” You knelt down to Nosy, smiling at how his wet nose found your warm hands immediately, then sneezed into your palm. His tail wiggled happily, as if he just did the best thing in the world. “I have my ways. It should be you worrying about Nosy loving me more when you’ll be back.”

“If you charm him the way you did with me, then I’m already shaking in my boots.”

His loving words made you heart swell, but you tried to play it off coolly, giving all of you attention to your dog while responding.

“You’re not even wearing boots. And you and I remember very differently about who charmed who. Weren’t you the one sending me a bunch of roses and dandelions, and when I asked you what it was for, you said I deserve all of the flowers in the world, but for now that was all the flower shop could sell you?”

Instead of answering, he simply knelt down next to you and kissed you slowly. You smiled under the touch of his lips. The sweet moment only ended because Nosy started to occasionally lick your faces while he kept running around you, tangling you with the leash.