#like ahh last year i almost quit in training week cause i felt like everyone was close and i was the odd one out and i kept on saying

[averagelonelypotato]

i realize that I do not know how to interact with other people? Like I forgot that I am perceived by others and now I don’t want to talk to anyone ??

[kenzichi]

Summary: Riku gets an unexpected visit from Roxas. Post KH3.

Note: Totally self indulgent. Don’t mind it too much lol.

Riku pinched the bridge of his nose. His eyes were burning from lack of sleep. His appearance probably didn’t look like much either. He needed to get off the database. He took one more look at the Sora in the computer screen before he stood up and hastily removed his jacket. He threw it onto the stool and walked outside Merlin’s house.

But once he did he had no idea what he wanted to do. His eyes stung at the morning- morning? -Midday sun. There was no one walking along the streets which was usual for this time of day. Maybe Leon and the others were visiting Kairi? He needed to do that soon.

"Hey." Came an unexpected greeting followed by footsteps. He turned to see Roxas walking towards him. Wait-

"R-Roxas!" It had been months since Riku had last seen him. Since the final battle over half a year ago in fact. "What are you doing here?" Roxas had never been to Radiant Garden as far as he knew. And he had no connection with anyone here so for him to be here...

"I came to check up on you." Roxas smiled, hands in his pockets.

"Me?" Riku was taken aback. Roxas certainly didn't seem like he was the type to pay friendly visits and they weren’t friends even if they didn't hold a grudge against each other.

"Yup." Roxas replied with a smile that worried Riku for some reason. "Let's fight!"

"What?"

"You heard me." Roxas stepped closer until he was a few feet away from him.

"Why would I-?"

"You owe me a fair, finished fight. Last time you turned into that man. A cheap trick to win." Roxas glared up at him.

Riku subconsciously gripped his wrist that Roxas had injured in that very fight. Riku had thought this was all in the past. But looking at Roxas it seemed he still wasn't quite over it.

"I want to fight you for real this time." Roxas summoned his Kingdom Key without breaking eye contact. "Real ‘till the end!" He announced. Riku had no time to protest before he had to summon his own keyblade to block Roxas swinging down from straight above. The impact sent Riku sliding backwards on the stone pavement.

"Roxas!" Riku yelled angrily. What the hell? That hit would have been really bad! Is he being serious?

The impact of the hit sent a stinging aftershock through Riku’s legs straight to his ankles. He winced and fell onto one knee.

I... I know I haven't been training much, but...

Roxas scoffed, "Are you serious? Have you just been fooling around since Sora disappeared?"

"Of course not!"

"Prove it then." Roxas replied sourly. He broke into a run. "Come at me!"

Just as Roxas had reached him, Riku sprinted under Roxas’ swing as if to run, but as soon as he was right behind him he halted suddenly, spun around and swung his keyblade towards his opponent. But Roxas turned around just as fast and blocked his attack.

Roxas smiled, "Ahh, there's the Riku I remember! Give me a good fight, alright!" They pushed each other back with their blades and put some distance between themselves.

"I don't have time for this." Riku practically hissed. Not while Sora is still out there. We’re wasting time!

"You have time." Roxas retorted. "By the looks of you, this will be over real quick."

Riku narrowed his eyes, "What's that supposed to mean?"

Roxas leaped towards Riku to close the gap between them. With both hands he swung towards Riku’s left side, but Riku blocked. Roxas swung again in the same spot, harder this time. "Exactly how it sounds!" Roxas lunged forward and slammed his shoulder into Riku’s chest, knocking him backwards. Riku stumbled wide eyed.

"What happened to the strongest kid on the islands? Keyblade Master Riku?" Before Riku could regain his balance, Roxas started an excessive chain of swings that Riku couldn’t help, but block helplessly against.

Riku felt cornered. Roxas wasn't giving him any chance to counter. All he could do was make sure Roxas didn’t run him into a dead end.

Roxas’ blows started to slow down just slightly, but enough for a seasoned fighter like Riku to notice. He’s getting tired... "Brings you back to the islands, huh? Just like old times, right?" Roxas said in between breaths.

Huh? Why would he bring up the islands?

Just as Riku thought that, Roxas took a big gasp before going in for another swing. Now! Riku quickly cast a single thunder bolt to strike between them.

Roxas jumped backwards before the attack could hit. Riku let out a heavy breath, relieved they were no longer so close.

Roxas chuckled at the exchange they just had. What’s with him? Was he making fun of him?

Riku clinched his teeth. That magic attack seemed like nothing, but it was more to get him off his back than to cause injury. And he felt like Roxas knew that too. That’s why he had that irritating smirk on his face.

Roxas lifted his keyblade into the air and cast firaga. A plethora of fireballs came flying towards them.

Riku gasped. He couldn't dodge. They were surrounded by buildings. Not to mention Merlin’s house with their only clue to finding Sora in a long time. Quickly, Riku ran in front of Merlin’s house and managed to produce a larger dark barrier than usual and deflected as many fireballs as he could back at Roxas. Without missing a beat, Riku released dark barrier and cast waterza on the fires that were quickly building up around them.

Riku let out a breath he didn’t realize he was holding. Through the smoke he saw Roxas standing on the other side of the walk area, waiting patiently for him.

Riku steadied his breath before clinching his fists. "Are you an idiot?! People live here! Don't throw reckless magic around!"

"This is a real fight remember?" Roxas replied. "If you don't like it, stop me."

Riku had had it. He charged at Roxas so fast he was only a flash of dark energy. Roxas had no idea he had this ability. He certainly didn’t have it in The World That Never Was. Before he could react, Riku appeared before him, grabbed him by the collar, and shoved him to the ground. He knelt down on Roxas’ weapon-wielding hand, causing his grip to loosen and his keyblade to disappear. Riku slammed the end of his Braveheart into the ground next to Roxas’ head. "That's enough. Playtime is over."

“But we were just getting warmed up!" Roxas chuckled.

"Stop screwing around!" Riku yelled, clinching the boy's shirt tighter. He was straddling him and with his arm pinned down Roxas couldn’t move.

"Would you treat Sora like this too?" Riku paused. "On the islands," Roxas continued. "is this how you were when you fought with Sora?" There was no underlying playfulness to his words this time.

Why is he bringing up Sora? And the islands? No. This was nothing like that. Even when Riku was mad he still enjoyed his sword fights with Sora. Even when he was clouded by jealousy; he just wanted to be close to him. But right now Roxas was just pissing him off. "Why do you keep bringing weird things up?" Riku demanded.

With his free hand, Roxas gripped the fists that were holding him by the collar. "Kiss me."

Riku froze.

"You miss Sora don't you? It’s obvious to everyone. And sad, really. Even I’m starting to pity you."

"What are you saying?" What does he mean ‘everyone’? "You don't know anything." I'm fine. I'm the same as usual. Did someone put him up to this?

"So much so that you shut yourself away from everyone for 2 months."

But... I haven’t. Right? I’ve done plenty these past few months... Riku quickly thought back to his current day to day life. He would wake up, check the database, eat (maybe), run scans on the database, check on Kairi at the castle, train for an hour... maybe less, go back to check the database...

"We know about the computer in there. You unlocked everything you could on that thing and there are still no answers. So why are you still always on it?"

Riku looked away. "There could still be a clue." He answered quietly. He did truly believe that, but he also couldn’t deny just seeing Sora’s image on the screen comforted him. "Anyway, it doesn’t concern you. You do things your way on your end and I’ll do the same-"

Roxas sat up on his elbow, "It does concern me! Sora wouldn't want you to spend your days staring at a computer!"

"I'm fine. I don't need your twisted help." Riku let go of Roxas' collar and started to stand, but Roxas kept his grip on Riku’s wrists, keeping him close.

"But I look like him don't I? Remind you of him?" He pulled Riku so close their bodies were touching. Riku could feel Roxas’ body heat through their sweaty clothes. He felt a knot form in his throat. "I don't think Sora would mind. Not if it was to help you."

"Stop." Riku lowered his head. Despite them being so different, Roxas was still Sora’s nobody and they almost looked exactly the same. Their builds were strikingly similar. Not to mention their eyes. Riku squeezed his eyes shut, ashamed they were even having this conversation. Ashamed he was actually feeling something. Did everyone feel this much pity towards him? Was he really that miserable looking?

Roxas grabbed Riku’s shirt, and pulled him closer. "Look at me." He said as softly as he could. Eventually, Riku did. He saw Riku’s eyes for the first time that day. Tired and sad. Eyes that hadn’t had a good night’s sleep in weeks. "I know you want to. So kiss me."

Of course he wanted to! Or rather, of course he wanted to, with Sora! To touch him and kiss him. Somehow, now that he knew his true feelings for Sora, it only made it harder for Riku to be away from him.

"Kiss me like you would Sora." Roxas ran a hand through Riku’s hair, "Touch me like you would Sora." He wrapped his arms around Riku’s neck, "He wouldn’t want you to suffer like this anymore."

He wouldn’t, huh?

Every night he’d dream of a city with towering buildings. Shining signs and bustling roads. And every day he’d imagine Sora next to him, talking to him, like a curse.

Every day, since having those dreams of the city, Sora would lean into him when they talked. Lay a gentle hand on his shoulder whenever he laughed. He’d smile up at him and say his name. He’d pout when he lost at a game of Rock Paper Scissors to decide who got to take a bath first. But then Riku would be forgiven when he let Sora have the last piece of meat for dinner.

When Riku was settling in for the night it was only a matter of minutes before Sora came to his room. Sora would lay down onto his bed before he even had the chance to. Riku would caress Sora’s spiky brown hair he loved so much.

And Sora would laugh.

He’d wrap his arms around Riku’s waist and nuzzle close to him. They would talk about their day of training even though they had just spent the whole day training, together. Sora would fall asleep telling his stories and only then would Riku kiss him good night because that was the only time he was brave enough to do it. But Sora wouldn’t be asleep. And he’d demand Riku kiss him again. And again and again. And each kiss would be less nerve wrecking than the last. Riku would fall asleep feeling Sora’s warm skin and soft lips. And his slim frame that fit so perfectly against his muscular one. And he would wake up the next day and realize it was all a dream, or an illusion, or whatever the hell it was.

And it would start all over again.

So when Riku actually felt a warm (real), gentle hand run through his hair... Soft, slender fingers against his neck, he was so tempted. Oh so tempted. And for a flicker of a second he did see Sora’s face in Roxas. Riku gently let his fingertips brush away the strands of blond bangs on Roxas’ forehead. He wanted to imagine they were Sora’s messy brown ones. Imagine his flushed cheeks were Sora’s, bright and pink. His eyes were the exact same blue as Sora’s it almost scared him. Riku clinched his fist on the pavement.

But Roxas was not Sora no matter how much they looked alike.

"No." Riku finally replied. "You’re not a replacement for Sora. And you know that better than anyone. Sora... He told you that." Riku said, eyebrows furrowed.

Roxas stared at him for a bit before closing his eyes, sighing. "He did... didn’t he..." His grip around Riku’s neck loosened, but he didn’t completely let him go.

"You and Sora. Even if I tried... I could never mistake you. You, who’s so quick to anger." He smiled genuinely, the hand playing in Roxas’ hair now on his cheek. "You, Roxas, with the sharp tongue and the presence so strong an enemy would shutter as soon as you entered the area." Roxas’ eyes widened. "Whereas-"

"Whereas, Sora," Roxas continued, "is the one who would brighten up any room as soon as he entered it." He smiled small. "And Sora, who could never say a bad thing about anyone no matter how much they deserved it."

Riku nodded, “Yeah.”

Roxas felt so stupid, but relieved. Roxas stiffened under Riku, suddenly feeling self conscious at their positions. He let his hands fall from Riku’s shoulders to his chest. "Yeah..." He whispered.

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

"If we had gone through with it, would you have hated it?" Roxas looked up from the half empty glass of water in his hands. He hadn't realized he had zoned out. The little lamp on Merlin's table stung his eyes. Had he dozed off? The tall, red chair at Merlin’s table was cozier than it looked.

Roxas looked across the room. Riku was on that damn computer again, staring intently at the screen. "Sorry... What did you say?" Roxas asked.

Riku let out a long sigh, "Nothing. Forget I said anything."

Roxas groggily looked back down at his hands. The hands he used to touch Riku. The hand he used to caress Riku’s hair.

Back when he had dreams about Sora, Roxas recalled Sora always looking at Riku. He always admired his height, his strength, and his long, silver hair. The silver hair Sora secretly longed to touch...

Roxas closed his eyes.

I’m sorry, Sora.

If they had gone further, would he have liked it? His feelings for Riku, Sora’s feelings for Riku, weld up in his stomach. Even though I’m not Sora... Sora’s memories, Sora’s feelings for Riku were still imbedded in his heart. So had Riku desired it, he would have kept going.

Roxas’ chest tightened.

He was a terrible person.

"I know you want to. So kiss me... Like you would Sora." Roxas ran a hand through Riku’s hair, "Touch me like you would Sora."

Riku clinched his teeth before leaning in and kissing the blond on the lips. And Roxas parted his lips instantly, welcoming Riku’s touch.

[jisungsmochi]

the bubble tea girl - ljn

bubble tea shop worker! reader + new employee! jeno hehe 

just a shit ton of fluff tbh i am so soft for jeno 

word count: 3.5k 

a/n: this is the second instalment of my nct dream job au hehe, please enjoy and as usual, i apologise for any mistakes :)) p.s look how cute he is 

//

you were standing outside the bubble tea store you worked at called, Tea-riffic. totally cheesy, but very popular. you were hanging up a ‘now hiring’ sign at the front window of the store. your manager was seeking new employees as many of your previous co workers had outgrown the small franchise and moved onto bigger job opportunities, you couldn’t really blame them. you had worked there for a little less than a year, and quite enjoyed your job.

after securing the sign, you headed back into the store to continue working. shortly after you had served a few customers, you noticed a boy with round glasses, wearing a black hoodie and some sweatpants, stop to read the sign outside. he made eye contact with you through the window, causing you to lose your train of thought and forget which order you needed to start. you saw him chuckle to himself at your actions but chose to disregard it and continue with your order.

part of you hoped that he would come back and apply, but that was just you being delusional.

the next day you came into work was three days later. you greeted your fellow coworkers before heading to the back to start on orders.

‘hey y/n, we got fresh meat’ your coworker, yeji joked. it was a term you used for all new employees, meaning someone had just applied and gotten a trial shift.

‘ahh yes, someone to torment’ you giggle before following her to a different area in the back, waiting to be introduced to the new trainee.

‘hey guys this is jeno, he’s here for a trial shift, i entrust that you will take care of him and help him if he asks’ your manager stated as you looked over at the boy. it was the same boy from days before but only this time, he wasn’t wearing glasses. you gave him a shy smile in which he returned.

‘y/n, since you’ve been here the longest out of everyone, could you just help him out today?’ your manager ordered as you nodded in response, ‘sure thing’

jeno looked stunned when he heard that you would be training him. he quickly followed you out to the registers.

‘i’ll formally introduce myself, i’m y/n’ you smile as you put your hand out for him to shake. he looked at you with his eye smile and returned your gesture,

‘ah hi i’m jeno’

‘great, now that we got that out of the way...working here isn’t as easy as you may think. everyone has a spillage count, i’m up to ten drinks in my entire time here.’ jeno chuckled softly at your words, making you pause for a bit before leading him to the register.

‘for now i’ll just show you how to take orders and later today we can switch over to the actual drinks, sound good?’ you gave him a friendly look, which made his nerves about this job, die down.

‘yeah that’s fine with me’ he responded as you began explaining the functions of the register as well as what questions to ask for the orders. to your surprise, jeno got the hang of it really quickly. it also helped that he was on the better looking side, as many girls would often stare at him for extended periods of time before collecting their order. you just shook your head in amusement before tapping his shoulder.

‘yes, y/n? how did i do?’ he asked, concerned about his progress.

‘trust me, you’re doing well! now this is the hard part, i’ll give you three chances if you mess up an order, it’s stated in the rules otherwise you can’t get hired. but i’m here to help!’ you assure him as he nervously bit his lip. he didn’t respond to you, which made you kind of upset to see him like this. you placed your hand on his shoulder before reassuring,

‘don’t overthink it, otherwise you’ll be prone to messing up! i’m here with you’ he looked over to you and just smiled and nodded,

‘thank you’ he muttered as you pulled him towards the drink station and started on your first order.

he often got confused along the way but eventually he started picking up the pace, with only having messed up one order, which he made up by apologising sweetly to the girl who just accepted the wrong drink anyway due to his innocent charm.

‘dang jeno, you have to stop charming these ladies otherwise we’ll have to make you work here every single day!’ you decided to joke, pushing his shoulder against yours.

‘my badddd’ he softly whined before your manager approached the both of you.

‘jeno, you’ve done really well today. your communication skills and work ethic has impressed me, you can start working here, i’ll email your roster to you soon’ they smiled as jeno gave you a high five, before thanking your manager.  

‘thanks for helping me today, y/n! i should treat you to something, want some tea?’ jeno offered, eyes bright.

‘jeno, i work at a bubble tea shop, i’ve had enough of tea for one day, let’s go get burgers, and we can get to know eachother since well we’ll be working together alot’ you offered in return, which made his entire face light up.

‘t-that sounds amazing, when should we go?’ he asked, pushing his hair back with his hand as he leans against the counter.

‘how about right now? i mean we are both off our shifts’ you keep smiling as jeno suddenly becomes more shy, he just nods and follows you out of the shop.

the rest of the night was spent with you and jeno talking about the most random things from the mandela effect to the tv show, teen wolf.

‘i’m telling i sobbed when allison died’ jeno explained to you as you were both seated across from eachother.

‘i felt that one, and aww you cried? that’s not very manly of you’ you sarcastically joked. he flashed you another eye smile which frankly just made you melt on the spot.

‘it’s getting late, i should head home. would you like me to walk you back to the shop?’ jeno offered, waiting for you to finish the last bite of the burger.

‘if you don’t mind! i don’t like walking alone when it’s dark’ you shyly admitted watching as he just nodded. you both walked side by side, continuing your conversation on which was the ultimate ship in teen wolf.

‘stydia!! come on! you can’t even deny it’ jeno became rambling making you want to argue back, playfully.

‘excuse me! theo and liam!’ you joked as he just rolled his eyes,

‘they weren’t even a couple’ he shook his head in amusement.

‘yeah yeah’ you muttered, softly judging him. it surprised you how easy it was to get along with him. he felt the same. jeno didn’t want this day to end.

‘i’ll see you tomorrow for your first official shift! glad you joined us, jeno!’ you smiled brightly as you both stopped outside the shop.

‘i’m glad i have you guiding me! get home safely! see you tomorrow!’ jeno waved before crossing the street to catch the next bus.

you made sure he got on the correct one before heading towards your car and driving home.

a few weeks into the job and things were sailing smoothly as usual. yeji’s spill count went up to twelve, making her the contender for the clumsiest employee you’ve had. jeno on the other hand, has had a whopping zero spills, which had you shocked.

‘you’re way too good at this! you probably worked at another store or something, was it the place a few blocks down?’ you playfully grilled him as you both were on your break.

‘let’s face it, i’m good at everything’ he just smirked before continuing to type on his phone.

you and jeno had somewhat gotten close, he didn’t attend your school, so you only crossed paths during work, but it was enough that you would both chatter the day away.

‘can one of you guys head out to the registers now? i’m off’ yeji greets as she hangs up her apron and grabs her bag, before waving to you both and leaving the store.

‘lets just both go’ jeno shrugs, shutting off his phone as you both made your way to the front. you decided you were gonna wipe down some tables whilst jeno serves customers. you were finished your final table when you saw jeno speaking to a girl who by the looks of her face, was becoming annoyed with him.

you slowly crept behind the counter, pretending you were organising the cups while eavesdropping on their conversation.

‘you can’t show up to my workplace’ jeno groans, trying to keep his calm. the girl crossed her arms before huffing in annoyance,

‘we have to talk soon! you can’t keep avoiding me’ she whines back, making you wonder what exactly they had to talk about.

‘what’s there left to say? we aren’t together anymore. you said no hard feelings, so stop following me around’ jeno seems to have fully lost it, unaware that his voice is becoming louder.

‘you can’t stop me, we have to discuss it all eventually’ the girl mutters under her breath in defeat before storming out of the store. jeno rubbed his temples, visibly shaken by the whole confrontation. you debated on whether or not you should comfort him. you looked over at him, he was hunched over behind the register.

‘you alright?’ you softly ask, unsure of his reaction.

‘yeah just fine, uh do you mind covering for me? i’m not feeling well at the moment’ jeno pleads, giving you the most vulnerable look you had ever seen from him. you nodded, ‘no problem, anything for a friend. feel better soon’ you smile softly before watching as he pat your shoulder and rushed out of the store.

whoever that girl was, clearly means or meant a lot to him.

you didn’t see him for a couple of days, mainly because he had called in sick for some of his shifts which made you worry. it wasn’t like you two were super duper close, but you thought he was close enough to atleast give you some explanation as to what went down a few days prior. you shook the thoughts of jeno out of your head, ready to serve the next customer.

‘hello! what would you like today?’ you smiled widely, before your expression almost instantly changed. it was the same girl from before, staring back at you.

‘is jeno working today?’ she got straight to the point, leaving you stunned.

‘oh um no he isn’t working today, i’m sorry’ you reply in the kindest way you could.

‘could you tell him i stopped by? my name is euntae’ she groaned to herself before leaving the store.

she had a lot of nerve to speak to you with disrespect, you were immediately alarmed by her presence, thus leading you to tell jeno all that happened when he had his next shift.

‘god she came again?’ jeno pulled at his hair, visibly frustrated with the presence of euntae.

‘who is she anyway? like your girlfriend or something?’ part of you was wishing he would say no.

‘used to be, not anymore. things ended badly and she’s just been following me at school and now work’ jeno sighed, sitting in the break room. you sat next to him and placed a hand to his shoulder.

‘do you want to talk about it?’ you calmly asked.

‘not really, it’s just, she hurt me bad. and i thought that keeping myself occupied would get my mind off the breakup but look what happened’ he placed his head in his hands. you felt so bad for him, you wished you could just embrace him.

‘well, how about we do something? like go to the park and ride bikes? anything to help you get your mind off her. and if you need, i’ll just give a heads up when she’s coming and you can duck under the counters’ you explained as he chuckled at that last part. his laugh made you feel warm inside.

‘you’d really do that for me? you’re amazing’ he muttered, not helping your nerves one bit. you blushed at his words and nodded,

‘as i said, anything for a friend’ you smiled at him in which he returned. why did that hurt you to say?

as you both expected, later that day, eunjae walked into the store, eyes out for jeno. you quickly signalled to him to duck in which he immediately caught on to.

‘sorry jeno’s not here’ you instantly stated, startling her.

‘did you tell him i came by?’ she crossed her arms, clearly annoyed.

‘he hasn’t been at work, sorry’ you shrug before walked away to complete orders. eunjae glared at you before storming out once again.

‘oh thank god, you are an angel’ jeno gives you a quick hug, instantly pulling away. you still treasured that fraction of intimacy with him, you’d wish he just do it again.

the next week, jeno came into work, greeting you with a quick side hug before beginning to take orders.

you and yeji were making drinks when she started interrogating,

‘what’s up with you and jeno?’ she smirks.

‘nothing, there’s nothing’ you mutter, making it clear you were upset.

‘oh sweetie, do you like him?’ yeji frowned,

‘i’m not sure’ you sigh, looking over at the black haired boy who never stopped smiling it seemed. he had this aura about him that you couldn’t stray away from. maybe it was because you were both stuck at work and forced to communicate but you wanted to hang out with him outside of work, it just never came up.

later that day, you were munching on some fruit you had packed for your break, before jeno came in and took a seat across from you.

‘hey y/n, care to share?’ he smiled, which you couldn’t resist so you shoved the box of fruit towards him, causing him to let out a small chuckle.

‘any plans for the weekend?’ you started,

‘umm actually my school is having its junior prom. i wasn’t gonna go but my friends keep bugging me about it’ jeno shrugged, but the idea of prom to you, was a dream. your school didn’t really hold many dances or events, so this was all very exciting.

‘oh my god! that’s exciting, i missed prom last year because i had to take the late shift here. and my school isn’t having one this year. you’re lucky you get to have one, you should totally go.’ you excitedly blurted, as jeno watched you with such captivating eyes. he couldn’t get enough of your little rambles.

‘i might go, on one condition’ he gives you a grin in which you have him a confused expression.

‘you come to prom with me?’ he asked, figuratively crossing his fingers behind his back. you were startled by his question, you and jeno? going to prom together?  would people ask questions?

‘wow i mean, if you’re okay with it, i would love to go with you to prom! i mean, like a date right?’ you accidentally blurted the last part in which you instantly regretted.

jeno flushed red before responding,

‘if you want it to be then sure, i’m down’ his response made you internally celebrate. jeno had a way with words. as well as his constant facial expressions.

you were going to prom, finally. also with lee jeno. two things you never expected to happen.

friday came along, for once jeno and you decided to hang out, outside of work. he took you to a park, to ride bikes, like you had suggested before.

‘slow down!! i have small and weak legs!’ you yell as jeno laughs hysterically in front of you.

‘oh stop being a baby!’ he comes to a halt in which you followed.

‘let’s go get a drink’ jeno smiled before pulling his bike with him to the nearest cafe. you both ordered a berry smoothie, taking a seat on a bench and chatting away.

‘so, any run ins with euntae lately?’ you teased while sipping on your drink. jeno just chuckled softly before replying,

‘i’ve actually spoken to her at school. i cleared everything up on my end. and for the most part i think she took it well? we aren’t on total bad terms’ you nodded at his words, glad that he was finally able to live freely.

‘that’s great! i’m happy for you’ you smiled as jeno looked over at you. you looked so huggable, like you needed someone to just embrace you forever. jeno wanted to be that person for you. but he would wait until prom for all the events to unfold.

you and jeno arrived at the prom separately, due to jeno’s pre prom plans with his friends, in which you didn’t want to interrupt. jeno’s eyes landed on you, standing at the front of the hall, hands gripped together and looking to the ground. he smiled to himself at how adorable you looked.

‘hey there’ he spoke, giving you a small shock before you slapped his shoulder lightly.

‘don’t sneak up on me please!’ you whine as you fixed your dress.

‘you look really pretty, y/n. i’m so glad you could come and accompany me’ jeno looked into your eyes which made you freeze. he had this glint of sparkle in them, which you couldn’t stop staring into.

‘hello?’ he flashed you an eye smile, which pulled you out of your daze.

‘oh uh sorry, spaced out. you look really good too, its a pleasure to be here’ you smiled back, trying to hide the blush that crept to your cheeks.

‘gosh, you don’t have to be so formal! let’s go inside!’ he chuckled before pulling you, while linking his fingers with yours. your palms were clammy and you hoped he didn’t notice. the prom, for the most part, consisted of you and jeno standing by the food and refreshment tables, eating and talking. there was some dancing, until you were pushed into the dance circle and could only remember the choreo to fancy.

‘you have some killer moves, y/n’ jeno teased whilst sipping on his drink, you rolled your eyes before pushing him till he lost balance.

‘let’s go outside, too many people here’ jeno locked his fingers with ours once again, which couldn’t make you stop blushing.

you both situated yourselves on the staircase outside the hall, the only people there being the security but they were ready to clock off for the night.

jeno didn’t let go of your interlocked fingers, which you didn’t mind at all.

‘can i tell you something?’ jeno blurted, looking into your eyes with an expression you couldn’t comprehend.

‘is it bad or good?’ you questioned, slightly feeling anxious for his response.

‘you can decide. i just wanted to tell you that, the reason i applied for the job at the shop was to uh, be friends with you’ jeno admitted, completely turning red. you were shocked at his words, your hand reaching to cover your mouth.

‘jeno! why would you- how? god you’re so lame!’ you giggled, softly slapping his shoulder while your fingers remained intertwined.

‘hey! i thought you were really pretty and you seemed so nice, i just had to get to know you!’ jeno blurted out even more, which kept making you giggle.

‘you could have just come into the store instead of staring at me like a creeper’ you teased as his eyes widened,

‘wait you saw that?’

‘yes! i thought you were cute too, don’t worry’ you smiled at him in which he returned the gesture.

‘what i’m trying to say with all of this is that, i really like you. like, you make my days worth while. when i was going through a tough time with my ex, you had my back and always helped me through it. i’m so grateful to have met you, i just can’t get you out of my head” you stopped him from speaking,

‘jeno can you just kiss me please?’ you whisper, bringing yourself closer to his face, your noses touching.

‘w-what?’ he stutters, as you reach to grab the sides of his face.

‘let me kiss you, lee jeno!’ you rolled your eyes playfully as he nodded eagerly. you pulled his lips to yours as he reached to grab onto your sides. kissing jeno was like everything you had imagined. he was gentle, and cautious, yet passionate and warm. you both pulled away, only centimetres apart.

‘wanna go get some tea?’ he joked as you pull him in for another short kiss.

‘you’re so lame, but i guess that’s why i like you’ you replied before intertwining your fingers again and walking with him to his car.

lee jeno was non stop adventure. he was unpredictable. yet, you couldn’t get him out of your head even if you tried.

[redskull-fanatic]

Captain Hydra

Chapter 2

Zola chuckled as he closed the drawer of blueprints. His mind was lost in a humorous memory, a time he hadn’t forgotten and kept with him to calm his nerves.

The day was young and so was his partnership with Johann, back when the two didn’t really know what boundaries to put.

Schmidt was an odd one, his lines were strange and back then… The risks he took were something Zola never fully understood.

Right before he got onto the train, Schmidt gave him some weird advice.

“Dr. Zola,” he said, “Remember to look behind you.”

Arnim furrowed his brow in confusion, “... Herr Skull, I- I don’t understand, why would I look behind me?”

Johann simply smiled, “Your allies may be close, but foes are always closer. If you see them coming, it ruins the surprise.”

Arnim simply nodded, “... Very good, then-” He turned to get on, but Johann’s words stopped him.

“I’d hate to lose such a brilliant mind.”

Arnim turned around, almost in shock. However, he was met with the Red Skull walking away from him, back to the depths of the Hydra base.

Arnim never forgot that. There were lots of times he couldn’t forget.

Johann, one night, pushing him to create more designs, more blueprints. Another, the Skull allowed Zola to rest early, seeing he has been busting his back working hard the whole week.

Then they time they laughed hysterically at some failed experiment. Arnim was so surprised Skull was amused by it, and afterwards he simply said to abandon the project. Called it, “A good laugh, but a time waster.”

Johann’s manner seemed to change almost daily.

One day, he’s polite, strict, yet understanding and reasons well.

Others, he smiles almost constantly, gives constructive feedback, and just seems more full of energy.

However, everyone feared his bad days. The days he truly becomes “the Red Skull”.

He’s merciless, constantly yelling and has such a bitter tone you’d think his saliva was made up of poison.

The worst is when he gets physical, grabbing soldiers and throwing them across the training field. He once ripped out most of a woman’s hair, injured her jaw badly, and broke her hip. All because she reported a troop went missing in the woods.

Schmidt’s bad days were hell for everyone, Zola especially.

He much prefers the Schmidt who is strict, but at least polite when he manages to control his anger.

Schmidt seems to be having an excellent week today, but… He’s been distant.

He normally is, but more distant than usual. Some guards even told Zola they were sure he was heard talking to… Seemingly no one.

Zola shook his head more and more concerned, I hope Schmidt’s madness is kept at bay.

His thoughts were startled by the glass door sliding open, and a figure entered the dark room.

“Dr. Zola… “ Schmidt’s eyes seemed to illuminate the entire workstation, “... A word.”

000

“Zola, how would you feel taking on… a much larger project?”

Arnim swore he could hear the slight uncertainty in Schmidt’s voice. “Well,” Zola paused in thought, “… Depends how large the project is.”

Schmidt slightly licked his lips, “The largest project I might ever ask of you. It involves risks, Zola.”

Armin looked at him in horror, “… Schmidt, this won’t be.. Similar to the rabbit incident, correct?”

Skull grits his teeth, “We do not mention the rabbits, Zola.”

The doctor nodded, “Of course, of course… However-”

Schmidt pursed his lips in thought, “… Worse, maybe, if things to do not go well.”

Zola sighed, of course.

Schmidt stopped abruptly in the hallway, looking into the setting sun. The open windows in the hall allowed the air to flow, and the land around them to be more visible. Sure, Schmidt was a fan of giant windows, but was happy that some places he left without windows.

Of course, enemies had the possibility to sneak through, but details, details.

Schmidt stared into the sky, swearing he could see the image of Captain Hydra now.

Zola caught himself before he ran into the Red Skull, and made a confused gasp.

Schmidt noticed and briefly looked at him, “Arnim, how confident are you in your inventions?”

The doctor looked confused, “Well, very, Herr Skull. My designs have grown, and so has my faith. Why?”

Skull slightly bit his bottom lip, “… Do you think you can create something to slow down Captain America?”

Zola almost dropped his books.

Skull side eyed him in silence, waiting for an answer.

“A device-… Herr Schmidt, I- Why?”

Skull dreaded that question, “I have a theory… A rather big project, but if it goes well all of Hydra benefits from it.”

Zola tilted his head, “And that is?”

Skull huffed softly, “Simple. I want Captain America to join Hydra.”

___

Steve threw his head back, laughing hysterically. Bucky just told him the dumbest joke ever, and he had a hard time keeping his laughter in.

“I’m sorry, bud, but I’m serious! It just makes sense!” Bucky takes a sip of his drink, managing to hold back his giggles,

Steve sighs, “I never thought in a million years, you’d say something like that.”

Bucky flashed a stupid smile of his, “You should’ve.”

Both were interrupted by Peggy storming down the hall, pausing to smile at them, “Oh, hello boys.”

Steve shifted his sitting position and rested his sketchbook in his lap, a christmas gift from Bucky last year. “Something wrong?” Steve asked, raising a brow.

Peggy’s smile instantly grew sour, she crossed her arms and huffed angrily.

Bucky laughed, “Ooh, what did Howard do?”

Steve eyed Bucky, “How do you know it was him?”

The soldier shrugged, “It’s always him.”

Both looked at Peggy for her to answer.

Carter sighed, “He almost blew up half the lab, again. I keep warning him, and warning him, but he never listens.”

Bucky responded with a cheeky smile.

“I swear one of these days… He’s going to end up dead.” Peggy muttered, then strutted off to voice concerns with the Colonel. Her face as worried and as angry as ever.

“She worries a lot.” Steve voiced his concern, causing Bucky to lay back down.

“Ahh, she’s been like that ever since our first Hydra mission. You know her, good ol’ mother hen.” Bucky hummed, setting his drink on the table next to them.

Steve nodded, then looked down at his sketches. He didn’t even notice who filled up half the page.

The Red Skull.

Steve didn’t know why he drew him, he just does. He has this weird… Fascination with Schmidt, and sometimes found himself trying to get his hands on Schmidt’s file.

Phillips always caught him, though.

Bucky peeked up, “Whatcha drawin’?”

Steve shut his book gently, “Nothing, Buck… Nothing… “

000

Steve followed the troops out to the clearing, however he himself wanted to wander a little too far.

Steve found himself in thick, calm woods. Moss devouring every tree trunk and log it can, birds quietly chirping, and even a gentle breeze danced around him. He traveled further into a clearing a little ways from the woods, sat down and watched the sunset.

It was beautiful.

Different shades of red, colliding with the orange, Steve swore he could see some white too.

He sighed, Steve loved watching the sunset. He loved noting the mixtures of colors, how they often looked like paintings made by the most careful eye.

As a silly hobby artist, he appreciated it.

Steve rested his back on the soft grass below and tried to pick out some shapes.

First, he spotted a circle with a strange design on it. The colors were too messy for Steve to really figure out what it was. He shrugged, just assuming it was some mess in the clouds.

Next, he saw a weird shape… it looked like a group of people.

Odd, Steve thought.

Next he saw what he could only assume is a skull.

A very red skull.

Steve shuddered, shaking his head in disgust. He doesn’t want to be reminded such a monster exists. Quickly, he focuses elsewhere.

His eyes settled on a strange… rainbow of sorts.

The rainbow was made up of red, orange, lighter orange, what seemed to be yellow, and white.

It was odd, but still quite a lovely sight.

Steve sighed, thinking over the past few months. Out here was the only place he could think clearly.

They all seem like a blur, from joining the army, to the Super Soldier Serum, to first meeting the Red Skull.

God, that was the scariest moment of Steve’s life. The Skull shedding his skin like a snake, claiming Steve was “deluded” and that they were beyond humanity.

Then deciding to track down the Skull, with backup of course, but Steve felt so alone.

It was a vivid memory.

Boots stomping towards him, the sound of a voice entering his ears.

“Arrogance may not be a uniquely American trait, but I must say, you do it better than anyone.”

It was clear the Skull was mocking him.

Me? Arrogant? Steve thought.

Skull made his way up to the American, staring resentfully into his eyes. His line of sight was locked into Steve’s, clearly focused on this new foe who entered the ring so suddenly.

Steve could only stare back, looking into Skull’s seemingly black eyes. They were so dark and deep, Steve almost got lost in them.

“But there are limits to what even you can do, Captain, or did Erskine tell you otherwise?” Skull slightly tilted his head, searching into the Captain’s soul.

“He told me you were insane.” Steve answered, trying to keep his cool.

The Skull continued to stare, raising his head, “Ahh..”

The silence followed by that response almost made Steve laugh. It was just so strange to him.

“He resented my genius and tried to deny me what was rightfully mine, but he gave you everything..” The Skull continued, scanning the Captain in such envy that Steve could almost feel it burning his skin.

He almost thought Schmidt would do something right then and there. Instead, his envy continued to burn.

“So, what made you so special?”

Steve smirked, “Nothing.”

The Skull’s clear confusion just made what he was about to say all the more humorous.

“I’m just a kid from Brooklyn.”

Skull, letting his bitter hate take over, punched Steve in multiple different places. Steve could tell he didn’t like what he heard.

Steve merely responded with, “I can do this all day.”

The Red Skull tsked, “Of course you can, of course-“

The Skull pulled out his gun, “Unfortunately for you, I’m on a rather tight schedule.”

Then the backup came, and the rest was history.

Steve shook his head, bringing it back to more recent events.

The destruction of another Hydra base, the success with the war, and then two months ago.

The bomb incident.

Steve almost laughed, gosh that situation was utterly ridiculous. He could feel himself slipping into another flashback.

He had raced after the Skull, dodging every bullet that man tried to shoot his way.

That is, until the gun ran out and Red Skull resulted in throwing the gun at him. It managed to hit his jaw, rough blow.

Schmidt cackled and continued to speed walk away, Cap shortly following after him.

They met in an open room, and continued their dance.

Skull punching Steve in the jaw as soon as the American entered, Steve aiming a blow in Skull’s ribs as a response, they two watching the other with fiery eyes as they violently danced around each other, fueled on bitter hate.

That was, until a bomb flew in.

Steve had caught it and in a panic threw it at the Red Skull. The German responded with throwing it back. They played hot potato with the bomb for awhile, until Skull threw it back into the chaos of their parties fighting on the ground below.

Steve stared at him, “Why did you do that?!”

Schmidt merely shrugged and answered in his matter-of-fact tone, “It would’ve blown us into pieces.”

Steve spared a glance at his friends below, “Now our forces will get blown up, Skull!”

Schmidt tsked, “Better them than me.”

Steve responded by lunging into Skull’s middle, grubbing the man by the sides and knocking him down. The Skull’s confused and startled reaction just made the situation all the more ridiculous.

Steve laughed, managing to drift out of the memory. It was all so silly if you think about it. A man with a literal red skull head, fighting another man wearing the American Flag. Both fighting over freedom, and a mysterious blue square. Sounded like a silly story younger Bucky would’ve told a younger Steve to help him sleep.

Now, that was his reality.

Steve sat up, deciding he spent enough time out here and made his way back to his friends.

That was, until he was knocked out.

Ahhh, got it done!! Hope you like it!!

[dazzlingfantasiesblogs]

Old Habbits

Bucky x Reader

Warning: SMUT. 18+ Only! If you are under 18, please unfollow me or you will be blocked. Also, drinking issue, depression and slight mention of past abuse. if these are triggers please stay away.

Summary: Honestly, there is a slight plot. Reader convinces she is in a emotionless relationship with Bucky. However she falls for him somewhere down the line. Damn I suck at these.

GIFS ARE NOT MINE

“Fuck… I can’t hold on..” He watched you move your hips on him, sliding up and down. You where a panting mess on top of him but still held such grace in his eyes. He clenched onto the sheets, whispering profanities as he came deep with in you. His chest heaved as he held his arm over his eyes, completely spent. You two had been doing this for the past few months. Sleeping together at night and friends and comrades during the day. You were not dating, defiantly not. Or so you thought in your mind. To be honest you where not one to make a love connection. After being in an abusive house hold you shut off all emotion. Or so you thought. To be honest, you loved Bucky, and your fellow avengers. However lieing to yourself was easier than dealing with the feeling. You got off Bucky, stretching slightly. Walking into his bathroom you cleaned yourself up and walked out a few minutes later. “Catch you later Barnes.” You smiled to him grabbing your belt, looping it through your jeans. “You can’t spend the night?” he raised an eyebrow. “Naw, going to go get… food?” it sounded more like a question then anything.

Walking out the door, Bucky sighed. You never stayed. Ever. He knew this performance was a little less than spectacular but you felt so damn good.. so wet and tight. Rolling over Bucky closed his eyes trying to fall asleep horny all over again.

You walked out of the tower and down a few blocks. It was true. New York never slept and honestly, either did you. Two to three hours every couple of days was enough. You built up the tolerance years ago. It was good for missions however but Steve disliked it, Tony on the other had seen it as an advantage.

Walking into the bar you sat down and ordered your scotch. You sat at the bar drinking it, closing your eyes and relaxing. The smooth Jazz took over your ears, you tapped your fingers to the rhythm. Sensing someone close to you, you reopened your ice colored eyes. “Hey darlin, want me to get you another round?” you looked up at the man, you had seen him a few times on your nightly routine. “no, thanks.” The man moved the stool closer to you, sitting down. “aww why not?” sighing internally all you wanted to do was drink in peace.

Little to your knowledge, Bucky had followed you here. “Greg.. I’ll pay for your table.” The bartender smirked a bit and gave a slight nod. Your eyes went purple as you felt the need to kick this mans ass. The man slid his hand over your ass, turning around you picked him up and threw him on the table, smashing it to pieces. Wood splinters cutting your hands. The man was knocked out immediely. “ Free drinks for everyone.” Greg nodded as you took out a wad of money handing it to him. You sat back on your bar stool and took another sip of the scotch.

It was about 4:30 AM when you opened the tower door. By the end of the night you had more than a bottle to drink. Nat was awake binging Disjointed on Netflix. “Another late one tonight?” she winced at your slightly intoxicated frame. “Yep.” You walked into the kitchen, grabbing a bottle of water, chugging it all. Nat opened her arms to you, you laid next to her on the couch as she combed through your hair with her fingers delicately. She was like a sister you never had. “You gotta quit drinking so much. You going to kill your liver.” Nat was the only one or so you thought who knew about your bar drinking nights. It was how you dealt with the emotions that held up inside you. “Sleep.” She kissed your forehead as you fell asleep on her.

You woke up two hours later, Natasha still asleep on the couch. You picked her up and walked her to her room, tucking her in. “Late night last night?” Bucky stood behind you, out of Natashas room and against the wall. “No..” you tried to read his expression. “I gotta go train Buck.” You patted his shoulder and went to walk off. He grabbed you hand and pulled you close to his torso. He looked at you with pleading eyes, asking you to go with him to his room. “I don’t feel like sex right now.. your irresistible yes but.. gotta train..”

That whole day you stayed in the gym. Hitting the bags continuously, sweating out all of the alcohol. Steve walked in and seen you still in the gym. He grabbed the weight set you where doing. “Give it a break y/n. Go chill and relax with everyone.” You nodded slightly to the Captain, walking out of the gym.  Walking back to your room, you hurd a slight noise. “Fuck…. Y/N…” you peered in the room that was slightly cracked. Your eyes went wide, blushing. You opened the door and closed it behind you quietly. Bucky looked over to see you standing there. “You should close your door Bucky..” you let out a slight whimper after the sentence. Bucky had a blush across his cheeks. He was crazy about you, more than crazy. He thought about you all day and night. He noticed how you shut down around people, noticed how you decided to stay out of activities for all the avengers. “Maybe I wanted you to see me.” His voice was thick with lust. “You told me ‘no’ earlier..” Bucky stood up, gliding across the floor to where you stood. “I need to shower I was in the gym all day..” You went to turn and leave, for some reason your heart and body screamed stay but your mind said run. Your brain kept you alive this long, why would you stop now? “Please..” he whispered into your ear. There was so much want and desperation. “Fine.. let me shower first..” He nodded, watching you walk to his bathroom. You started the shower, stripping off your sweat soaked workout outfit and got into the shower. The warm water washing away your whole day of hard work. Feeling a cold breeze you looked over to see Bucky. He opened the glass door, getting in behind you. Without warning, he bit your neck. Hard. “Ahh!,..” you pushed back into him, his teeth still against your skin. “I need you..” was all he said when he turned you to face him. He picked you up, pushing you against the glass frame of the shower. The coolness radiated against your scorching skin. He pushed into you deeply, kissing your neck and down the valley of your breasts. “How are you so wet already hmm?” he asked against your breasts. “You lied to me last night.. you went to the bar..” He kept thrusting hard into you, causing your head to swoon. How did he know that? Nat? “I followed you.. seen you beat the hell out of that guy who tried to touch you… I seen the other men looking at you with desires in there eyes.. you are mine..” you felt your orgasm building, the fact he was marking claim on you should have made you run. Instead all you wanted was him to say it over and over again. “Bucky.. please…” he smirked against you lips “Could deny you an orgasm.. but since I came first last time..” he pushed in as deep as he possibly could. You let out a slight scream, his hand over your mouth to silence you. You came all over his cock, he pulled out quickly and set you down gently. “Thanks for the fun doll.” You raised an eye brow as he left his bathroom. He usually wanted to stay close. Maybe you finally made him understand, you could not be in relationship.

Three week had passed and Bucky left you alone. You would say ‘hi” and he would just nod. For some reason your felt the need to drink more than ever. You found yourself passed out at the bar, holding onto a bottle of tequila. “Greg….” Your words slurred to no end. “call…. Natt……” Greg chuckled a bit seeing his loyal customer so gone. You had fallen asleep at the bar table. You felt an arm grab you. “Greg..?” you looked up to see Greg cleaning up. Looking over you seen Bucky standing there. Irritated as all hell. “I ..” you hiccupped. “I can walk.. I asked for Nat..” you looked at the bottle of tequila sill next to you, you put your hand around it, Bucky grabbed you hand. “No more. I requested to pick you up” “You ignored him, irritated. “Greg.. thanks for having goof…goof…. GOOD booze.. love you man..” Greg came around the bar table and gave you a slight hug. “Can you please go rest. Tell this ‘Bucky guy you love him all ready.. you are going to kill your liver. Everything that happened in the past is not your fault. Quite putting the blame on yourself.” Greg was like a brother to you, a brother who gave you liquor and made sure you didn’t go home with any assholes. Bucky listened to the whole convo and smiled. “Thanks.” Bucky nodded to him. “Whats your name?” Greg asked with an eyebrow raised. “Bucky.” Gregs eyes went wide and nodded. Bucky looked over to see you passed out against him. He picked you up and walked back to the Avengers tower.

He laid you in his bed. A bucket next to your side of the bed. He placed water on the table. He slid of your combat boots and socks. Unzipping your jeans, he held you up slightly, pulling down your jeans, folding them and setting them next to you. He un hooked the buttons to your leather jacket, notching your tank top and bra-less. “Fuck..” Bucky groaned seeing your nipples poke against the thin cloth. He shook his head and took the jacket off. “Bucky…” you whimpered in your sleep, slightly arching your back. “I love you…” the words came out of your mouth shocking him. “Whom do you love y/n?” he whispered in you ear, slightly mad at himself for imposing on you. “I love Bucky…” you said with so much confidence. He couldn’t stop asking you questions after that.

Awaking in the morning your head was pounding to no end. You looked around the room and seen it was Buckys. You didn’t remember sleeping with him. You looked down seeing you almost naked. Shrugging your shoulders, you grabbed you pants and walked down the hall to your room. Shower and coffee was in demand.  After your scorching shower you decided to put on some makeup. An old past time of yours when your mental state was better than it was now. Sliding the foundation on your face, than some drastic eye-liner wings, you put on a black beater and tight black workout pants. There was lace all the way up your legs on either side. Smiling slightly in the mirror, you went to the kitchen seeing a pot of coffee made. “Ah.. bless who ever made this coffee.” You mumbled to yourself grabbing the almond milk out of the fridge. “Your welcome.” Sam came in, smiling at you. HE looked you up and down, whisling. “IS that you y/n?” he smirked slightly. Sam always flirted with you, he also knew Bucky had a thing for you. Knowing Bucky was around the corner he kept his ramble going. “Those legging fit you perfectly.” “Thanks Sam.” You smiled  swirling the spoon in your coffee. Soon Steve walked in, Bucky and him talking. “Morning Captain, Morning Bucky.” Bucky hurd the comments Sam made, trying his hardest to ignore them. “Morning y/n.” Steve smiled down at you grabbing a cup of coffee for himself. Bucky walked over to you, holding slightly onto your waist kissing your cheek. “Morning Doll.” Narrowing your eyes at him, you where unsure how to act to this situation so you did what any person who was unsure how to act emotionaly do. Ignore it. After chugging the coffee you washed out he cup, drying it and put it away. “Y/N, want to be my sparring partner? I need help with my boxing and jiujitsu.” Sam looked up from his cup as he asked you. “You an amazing boxer, but sure.” Sam smirked over and Bucky and got up, slipping his arm around your waist. You both headed to the gym. You moved the ropes, climbing into the ring. Sam behind you. The bell rings and you two go at it. Consistently you are dropping him and him getting him in some kind of head lock. Twenty minutes pass and Bucky is staring at you, furious. You look over the ring and raise and eyebrow as if to ask ‘what is wrong?’. 

Truth is Bucky had watched the whole thing. The way you and Sam fought. Hwoever Sam didn’t fight. Instead let you get the upper hand. You put a hand up to signal you where done. Walking to the ropes, Bucky spread them for you to walk through. Sam following close behind you. “Nice job champ!” Sam smirked to Bucky, leaning in to kiss your cheek. Bucky grabbed your arm, pulling you away. “Sam leave!” His voice was dark as mollasses. Soon as the door clicked close you where on the floor. Bucky was ontop of you looking into your eyes. “I wanted to rip his fucking head off for touching you..” “James, we where sparring.. we kinda gotta touch for that?” you where honestly clueless. “You know Sam can fight better than that.” His eyes darkened. “He said he was having an off day.” Bucky pressed his lips to yours. You kissed back gently. “What was that for?” “He was trying to bait me Y/N and it worked.. I hate guys touching you, speaking to you.. hell even looking at you..” “Buck..” “You told me you loved me last night.. you where asleep and maybe it was a dream.. you told me a lot in your sleep. How your afraid to love, your scared something will happen to someone in the Avengers.. I love you y/n.. I have for so long.. sure the first few sexual times was for fun.. but since I met you, you where so different. So independent.. you stayed calm in all situations.. I love you… I love you.. I” Bucky got cut off you kissing him. “I love you too James.. I am scared I will hurt you… I have never really been good at the love thing..” “Me either… we can learn together..” Bucky held you face in his hands. He pressed a kiss to your lips and down your neck. The slight salt taste of your skin only made him want you more. He wanted to have you in so many ways. Grabbing your tank top, he ripped it in half. You looked at him shocked, seeing him rip your bra too. “Mm… those breasts will be the end of me y/n.. seeing your nipples poke through that tanktop last night… fuck…” he sealed his mouth around the left nipple. Sucking it roughly, causing you to grind up against him. He switched to the right, twirling his tongue around.  After he slightly start to suck harder, leaving small hickies around your breasts. “Mmmm your skin…. Love to have the marks on it..” Bucky picked you up and turned you around without little notice. “No love making right now… need my girl…” He ripped open your lace workout pants. Hearing the slight jingle of his belt buckle, you felt the head of his very thick cock push against you soaked folds. He slammed deep in you, not waiting for you to adjust to him. He bit your back, grabbing your breasts as he slammed into you. “Who’s tight pussy is this?..” His words floating to your ears. You could barly keep up with this movements, so many feelings surrounding you. His metal hand wrapping around your throat. He was so nervous when you first asked him to do it, scared he would hurt you. When he learned how much you loved his bane of an arm, he knew he loved you. Squeezing on your airpipe, you groaned more “Yours… James..” He smirked. “Are you my girl?” He thrusted in hard with each word. “Yes… Yes….” Your screams could be hurd echoing off the gym walls.  “Fuck baby…” he knelt his head on your shoulder, his movements getting sloppy. The sound of how wet you where and his hips against your ass filled the room. He squeezed your neck a little more as you came hard. Your body spasmed has he held it place, coming deep in you. You almost collapsed as he caught you. “You mean it y/n?” “Yes… I am your James Barnes…” He smiled at the use of his name. “Oh and no more nightly drinking.. Greg is cool and all but… Nat was right, it could kill you.” You rolled your eyes laughing a bit. Something you rarly did. “One thing at a time Bucky.” He smiled picking you up. “Lets go shower..”

[imaginationlane]

The Assistant [Part 5 of ? // Bill Skarsgard x Reader Imagine]

Warnings: Adult Language / Themes 

Author’s Notes: Alright guys, we’re getting into the nitty-gritty now. The heat is getting cranked up and we’re gonna dive deeper into this thing. Major things are getting started, and you’re really not going to want to miss this chapter. I’ll admit this chapter is pretty long, but also very necessary. Also the second half of this chapter, we switch over to Sweden where Billie-boy has landed and guess who’s waiting to pick him up... *Sips tea*

P.S. You’ll need to go translate a few Swedish phrases for this chapter, so just go translate it through Google Translator - after all that’s what I used to even put them into this story tbh.

Need to catch up on previous chapters? Click here.

If you have a Wattpad account, please be sure to go give it a vote or a comment on this chapter as I need to build up the story up over there too – in order for it to catch some exposure. Thanks! <3 

[As always, please ignore any typos, errors and so forth as I generally catch any that I miss – after publication. Therefore I’ll fix them as time progresses.]

Musical Inspiration: Tell Me You Love Me by: Demi Lovato 

Summary:

A night out on the town for a few drinks, was all I had signed up for. But in reality… I got way more than I had ever bargained for when my boss and close personal friend, Bill Skarsgard, asked me to join him during a wrap party that the crew was hosting that night. In hindsight, I should have seen this coming. After all, we were both having issues in our own respective relationships and for some reason, we had found it easier to just confide in each other – rather than in our own significant others. Yet in the end, do the reasons ever truly matter when you begin an affair with your friend who also happens to be your boss? I often ask myself just how selfish could we be; he and I? The answer is: we’re completely selfish and neither of us really cares if this secret burns us alive – because it’s within each other, that we have finally found the things we had been looking for the whole time…

New York City, New York --

Breathless and tired from dragging three huge pieces of luggage behind me, I had finally made it to the front door of my condo. I figured that Bill was probably boarding his flight to Sweden at the moment, and a muffled dinging noise erupting from my purse had let me know that I had received a new text message. 

Despite having to resist the urge to grab my cell phone out of my bag first, I snatched up my keys and unlocked my door in order to get my bags inside and settle down on my couch. I was completely worn out from the activities of the last few days, and from all the traveling I had done today. Unfortunately for me, I had almost forgotten about how fickle this old lock on my door could be. It liked to stick, particularly in the rising heat of summer and the dead cold of winter. I groaned as I searched my brain to remember the trick to unlocking this stubborn old door. The past three months, I was fortunate enough to not have to fiddle with it -- now I was back home again and of course, this lock on my door was trying to welcome me back home in its own way. 

Finally, the lock slid into place and I was allowed entry. 

“Home at last,” I mumbled to no one in particular.

At first glance, I almost didn’t recognize my own home. There were objects strewn about the room; almost as if a tornado had torn through the place. 

“What the fu--” the whisper soon died upon my lips while the puzzle pieces of what happened, started to click into place. 

That son of a bitch!

My entire condo was trashed; and not just trashed -- no, it was demolished. 

It figures that John would be this foolish; this petty... This childish. And it was exactly the reason I felt justified in breaking up with him. Any of my previously lingering feelings of guilt for sleeping with Bill prior to our breakup, began to evaporate with each passing second that I surveyed my living room. Of course he went off and did this; I shouldn’t be surprised really. I denied him what he wanted, and in return he decided to leave me this one last parting shot. I couldn’t help but to shake my head at such utter nonsense, while I pulled my bags inside and gingerly closed my front door behind me. A moment later, my phone started to going off once again -- reminding me that I had ignored a text message. 

“Shit!” I quietly cursed myself for my forgetfulness, as I began to rummage through my purse once again. Once I finally clasped it within my grip, I pulled it out only to realize the text message was from Bill. 

Two more weeks, beautiful. Fuck I miss you. I’ll text/call when I can.

I couldn’t help the smile that inched its way across my face, nor did I even care to stop it. In that moment I realized just how much more I was growing to care for this man. Even while I stood here in my wrecked condominium, that my ex messed up on his way out of my life -- I still managed to smile and find solace, simply because of him. When it boiled down to it, John had stopped making me this happy a long time ago; in fact by the end of our relationship -- I found myself feeling over stressed, exhausted and overwhelmed. With Bill though, it was different; I began to feel free, exhilarated and more importantly -- appreciated. 

I miss you too, handsome. Enjoy your time with your family and friends, and in two weeks, I’m all yours again. ;) Have a safe flight.

I pressed send before I could talk myself out of it. The only thing I could do was just hope that he received it prior to the plane departing. Releasing a sigh I hadn’t realized I had been holding in, I shut my phone off and took one last look around my living room. 

“Time to clean up this mess,” I groaned, annoyed at the fact that once again I was stuck cleaning up one last mess from John; and with that -- I made my way towards the kitchen and retrieved a couple of trash bags from underneath the sink.

A few hours later, I finally had my house back into decent shape and I grabbed a bottle of wine along with my favorite wine glass -- relaxing into my couch in order to catch my breath. In all honesty, I was worn out and tired; if I could just finish this glass of wine and fall asleep for the next ten thousand years, I probably wouldn’t complain. My favorite music was playing softly throughout the living room, thanks to wonderful surround system that my mother had gifted me for my birthday last year; and I felt myself sinking further into the cushions as I allowed myself a moment to relax.

But of course, my phone clearly didn’t get the memo because it started ringing -- causing me to let out a pathetic whine while I set down my wine glass, and made my way over towards my kitchen counter. A small peak at the caller ID caused me to frown for a second before answering it...

“Hey dad, what’s up?” 

“Ahh you’re back home, great! Listen sweetie, I know you have the next couple of weeks off but I’ll need you to come in and see me later this afternoon. I need a rundown on how Toronto went and I wanted to bring up something I need your feedback on.” 

My father was as professional as ever, and therefore it was almost a requirement in our family that everyone adapt the same mentality. People who hit the snooze button, didn’t often find the success that they were looking for -- according to him at least; so of course trying to re-schedule would be out of the question. 

“Of course daddy. I’ll be there within the hour,” I sighed into my phone, getting ready to gather up my handbag and head out the door.

“Thank you Y/N. I hate calling you in before you’ve had a chance to relax, but it can’t wait.”

“It’s no problem, it’ll be good to see you again. Tell momma I’ll be over tomorrow night for dinner -- okay?” 

“Sure thing. See you soon.” 

As soon as I hit the “end call” button on my phone, I had already grabbed my keys and started to make my way out the door. Whatever it was my father needed, it must have been urgent. 

It didn’t take me long to arrive to The Frankford Talent Institute, after hailing down a nearby cab. Upon walking through the double glass doors of the lavishly tall skyscraper, Stacy the main receptionist gave me a toothy grin as she greeted me. 

“Hey Y/N, glad to see you’re back from Toronto! How was it?” Her bubbly personality was infectious, and even though I was tired -- I still put on a smile for her.

“It was awesome, I can’t wait to do it again in 2018. I’ll show you some photos when I come back to the office next week.” 

“Looking forward to it! Your dad is waiting in his office upstairs, so I’ll buzz his secretary and let her know you’re here.” 

At that, I simply nodded my head and moved in the direction towards the elevators. Our office was enormous; and my parents were proud to have finally landed this building back in the early 2000′s. While we spent a majority of our time managing our talent, we also hosted training classes for people who were looking to break into the entertainment business. The general public were welcome to pay a modest fee and sit in on any number of training classes; whether that was for acting, modeling and even singing. From there, our highly trained specialty coaches would spot potentially talented people from each Introduction Class, and make them an offer to do more experienced and personalized training at a later date. For those who made it through our training programs, and passed an audition with our talent acquisition team, we happily offered to sign them to our agency -- and to start helping them find work in order to get their name out there. 

Through it all, my family managed to find and sign some of the biggest names in entertainment. Bill, luckily for me, was about to become the next big star on our talent list -- thanks to this new role in the IT franchise. Turns out, the night we had met and I managed to introduce him to my father, they hit it off quite well. It was the first time, in a long time, that I had seen my father so thoroughly impressed by someone. From there, Bill ended up making the switch to our agency less than a month later and the rest was history. My father switched me out from assisting Olivia, and made me transition over to handling all of Bill’s affairs within the agency and personally. Luckily for me, even though Bill was my boss -- he treated me as if I were a friend, and rarely acted as a boss normally would. In the end, I found myself in a place where I grew to love my work. Together, we were a winning combination on the professional aspect of things and in that sense, I enjoyed how much of a team we had grown into. 

Once I had arrived to the 75th floor of the building, I started to make my way over towards my father’s office. His personal secretary, Tiffany, was waiting to greet me with a warm smile on her face and a bottle of water in her hands. Tiffany Smith was a plain but ambitious woman; and rumor had it that my mother personally hired her in order to discourage more attractive women from working so closely to my father. The rumor had always made me laugh when I was younger, but after the last few days I spent with Bill -- I was suddenly reminded of it once more.

“It’s good to see you Y/N. Follow me please,” she said while she lead me toward his office at the end of the hall. 

After she knocked lightly to alert him to our presence, she opened his door and stepped aside in order to let me through. 

“Sir, your daughter Y/N is here to see you.” 

“Thanks Tiffany, go ahead and take your break. We’ll probably be in here discussing some business for a little bit.” 

Tiffany gently nodded her head, as she closed the door behind me and my father walked over to lock me within his comforting embrace. 

“Hey sweetie, thank you for coming on such short notice. I imagine that you’re quite tired so I’ll try not to take up too much of your time.” He chuckled, as I hugged him back.

“Thanks dad. So what is it that’s so important? I figured I wouldn’t be required to come in to make my report until next week,” I responded back, while I made my way over towards the chair in front of his immaculate mahogany desk.

That desk is still as imposing and intimidating as I remember...

“Well, I’ll still need your report next week -- but I wanted the preliminary, off the record report from you directly. So how did our boy do in Toronto?”

I took a deep breath as I tried to collect my thoughts. I couldn’t help the flashes of memories that sped past me at the speed of light, of the last few nights he and I had spent together. 

Whatever you do Y/N, play it fucking cool. Avoid any mention of his last days on location...

“He arrived slightly nervous, but ready. He was studious and very professional, however Bill and Andy hit it off magnificently -- like we knew they would since they had met a few times in LA prior to filming. They make a great team together. Barbara, as you know that’s Andy’s sister, was highly impressed by him; as were most of the cast and crew members to be fair. By the end of filming, they had managed to form their own little family of sorts and it was quite sweet actually. Bill on the other hand, is pretty tired from all of the physical attributes of filming so he’s going to be at home in Sweden for the next couple of weeks. After that, we’ll be jetting off to LA for a few weeks so he can begin working with Andy on the voice over work for the film.” I finished explaining, while I opened my bottle water and took a tiny sip. 

“Good it sounds like everything went accordingly; that’s excellent news! He was kept on schedule, correct?” 

I balked at such a question even being thrown my way...

This is me and Bill we’re talking about here, right? Of course he knows we’re sticklers for punctuality. Bill was probably worse about it than I was, to be fair.

“Of course dad. You know how meticulous I am with his scheduling; and Bill felt the same way. Half the time he was trying to rush me out the door, thirty minutes before his driver would even arrive to take him to set. It was quite annoying actually,” I had mumbled that last part, hoping he wouldn’t fully hear it. My father on the other hand, let out a humble laugh as he nodded his head -- approving of my answers.

”Great! I knew it was a good idea to put you two together. I’m very surprised at how well he’s coming along within the industry since we’ve signed him. He was doing decent on his own, but he’s coming along a lot better since we managed to bring him on. Keep him going in the right direction, Y/N. He listens to you and respects your opinions; so watching the two of you working together to raise his profile -- has been quite a sight to see. I imagine that by next year, the two of you are finally going to see how much of that work has paid off -- so just be patient for a little while longer.” 

A slight smirk graced my lips, as I sat there feeling proud to have his approval.

“Thanks dad,” I returned affectionately, while I started to stand up. “Will there be anything else?”

“Actually there is, and I wanted to run this by you before the announcement is made in the next couple of months.”

There was something in his voice that caused me to pause for a moment, and sit back down within my seat. A questionable look passed over my face and I was curious about what he was about to say next.

“Okay, what’s going on?”

My dad took a deep breath, and looked out his office window for a moment. 

“As you know, Mike Morrison is the current Senior Talent Relations Executive, and he’s about to leave the company next year. He wants to spend more time with his family and his father who is dealing with an illness. This means that a new opportunity is about to open up, and whoever lands it -- could fast track their way up within the company. Mike himself, will be hand-picking candidates and you should know Y/N... Your name has come up as a potential candidate.”

Shock must have been clearly written all across my forehead, as I felt my jaw fall open at such a revelation.

“Wait, Mike wants me to apply for his position?”

“Yes, and he’s not the only one. I too, think you would be excellent in that position as do several others; including three board members,” he acknowledged to me privately. 

Yet when it came to what I thought about all of this information, I just sat there feeling immobilized and startled by the news that people were looking towards me as a potential replacement. Mike Morrison was a legend within this company; and no one would be able to come close to his standards -- not even me. He not only kept our talent happy, he also kept the agents and executives happy as well. Plus, he was one of our annual judges for people who auditioned to be signed by our company. His role within our organization was massive, so whoever took over it, would have to be the cream of the crop or Mike wouldn’t dare sign off on it. He would want the person who took over, to make him proud and to keep the company going in a forward pressing direction; and to be honest, I wasn’t too sure I was ready to take on that kind of inescapably big responsibility just yet.

“Wow, um... Thank you for letting me know about this. To be quite honest with you, I’m not too sure that I’m someone that should even be in mind for this role; after all we have a lot of deserving people who have been with the company longer than I have,” I shared genuinely, hoping that my father would understand some of my obvious hesitation about this. 

“Non-sense. One day, I fully expect you will take over for me as the CEO of this company. I know you’ve always wanted to build your own greatness, but I think you can do that from within these walls Y/N. You have the ability to take this company to astronomical heights. You’re already proving that to us within your role as an assistant. You pushed Olivia to the point she signed on as a Victoria’s Secret model, and now you’re doing it again by working with Bill. You’re more important than you realize. It’s okay to own that!” He announced eagerly; conviction laced within his voice as he refocused his attention back onto me.

“To be fair, those two landed their own gigs all on their own talent and merits. I may have been acting in a supporting role, but their achievements are all their own; and what about my work with Bill? Would I have to find a replacement for him? I don’t suspect you’ll have me working with him anymore, if I were to apply and this were to go through.” 

My father, smiled warmly as he shook his head.

“You would no longer be his assistant, besides -- I thought that’s what you wanted? To work your way out of that position! While you wouldn’t be his assistant, you would still work closely with him and his agent to maintain that his needs are being met and to fix any issues that arise for them. It would be like this for all of our talent, actually. Plus you wouldn’t have to travel as often if you didn’t want to; and you would get a major pay raise, 401 K benefits, company stock options along with your own office. Our talent executives would report directly to you, and most importantly of all -- you would help to hand pick the new generation of entertainers from the ones who auditioned or submitted their reels/portfolios to us.” Suddenly, my father paused in the middle of his pitch in order to make his way around his desk, and stand directly in front of me. 

“Sweetie, this role would be to prepare you for the future. While your dear old dad isn’t going to retire tomorrow -- I do want you to take this chance to get prepared. God knows your other siblings aren’t too keen on the idea of heading up this company one day, when it’s time for this old man to retire. But I do not want our family business going outside of our family either. Your grandfather founded this company, and you would be the third generation family member to take it over. Your mother and I grew it into the empire it is today. It’ll be up to you to take it to new heights and expand it from here once I leave.” He explained, as he patted me on the shoulder in a comforting manner, before walking back around towards his chair behind his daunting desk. 

I released a breath I didn’t know I had been holding; if anything -- this little talk had simply confirmed my suspicions: My parents fully expected me to stay, regardless of how I felt about the situation.

There goes the idea of me building my own life... My siblings get that opportunity, but clearly I don’t. 

The thought of it made me slightly resentful, to be honest.

“What about my aspirations? Do you not remember me telling you that I wanted to build my own career, life and success outside of my family’s established name and business?” I questioned hesitantly, as he took his seat.

“This is your life. You were always my pick to continue the legacy Y/N. There is absolutely nothing wrong or shameful about you stepping into the family business. Nothing.” His answer was resolute and unyielding, and I knew what that meant... There would be no arguing about this, the decision was already made on his end. I just need to come to grips with it on mine.

“Daddy you know I’m not ashamed of our business, if anything you know how proud I am of you and momma. However, I’ll think about it. I promise. Just do me a favor and remember that this is my life, and if I want to be happy, I’m allowed to make my own choices.”

Finally, my father relaxed against his chair -- happy with my answer. 

“That’s all I’m asking you to do darling, just give it some thought. Hell, talk it over with John and even Bill -- I know that they mean a great deal to you! Get their feedback on it,” he suggested excitedly.

Oh shit. John didn’t tell him yet. That’s probably a good thing though...

“Yeah dad, about that... John and I broke up a few days ago.” 

He scoffed as he shook his head, and looked me in the eye.

“I’m just now hearing about this? Why?” 

Silently, I closed my eyes and took a deep breath. 

“I wasn’t happy with him; to be honest I was quite miserable actually. We fought, over stupid bullshit, all the time. He and I were getting unhealthy towards each other, so I ended it. I’m sorry, I know you liked him but he was making me upset on a daily basis and I refuse to live like that.” 

My father peered into my eyes, as he released a sigh of his own.

“I only liked the fact that he was so driven to succeed; other than that, I thought you could do better baby girl. I’m just happy you’re finally in a place where you can see that now,” he quietly admitted.

I sat there, taken aback by his admission. 

Well I certainly wasn’t expecting that so easily.

John and my father seemed to have gotten along perfectly over the past couple of years; clearly I had been wrong in assuming that my dad liked him. Apparently he just wanted to keep the peace with me, which was a big difference to be honest.

“Why didn’t you tell me that? I thought you adored him! It’s one of the reasons I held onto him for so long -- because I thought I would disappoint you!”

He stood up once again, and came around toward the front of his desk to clasp my hands tightly within his own.

“Y/N, please don’t ever stay with someone -- just to make me or your mother happy. In the end, it’s not us living your life... It’s you. If he doesn’t make you happy, then he doesn’t make you happy.”

I found highly ironic that he could see this when it came to my personal life, yet when it came to my professional life -- of course my dad thought he knew best.

“Thank you for understanding.” 

Gently, he placed a kiss upon my forehead and moved over to allow me to stand up.

“I’m glad that Toronto was a good experience for you. Like I said, talk to Bill about the idea. You may be surprised to see how supportive he may be. Bill cares about you a great deal; and it’s not surprising given just how close you two have become over the past few years. He’s a good friend to you Y/N. While he may be reluctant to let you go, I know he’ll be happy with the idea of you getting a chance to move up as well.”

“Thanks daddy. I’ll see you and momma tomorrow evening.” 

“Ahh yes! Of course. Your mother says she can’t wait to see you and she’s going to make your favorite dish in order to welcome you home,” he laughed, while he enveloped me into a tight hug. 

“Alright, I’ll be over tomorrow then. You’re sending a car or should I catch a cab?”

“I’ll send a car to pick you up by 4:30. Enjoy the rest of your time off and catch up on your sleep -- you look tired as hell.” 

Oh if you only knew...

“Will do. Bye dad.”

And with that, I made my way out of his office and back home. I had a lot to think about over the next few days; but most importantly -- I needed to figure out what my future held and I was suddenly worried about how Bill may take the news of this new opportunity...

Stockholm, Sweden --

A beautiful raven haired, pale skinned petite woman wondered around near the baggage claim; biting her nails and waiting for someone very important to her -- to finally arrive. Natalia Holm was almost certain that she was about to wear a hole through the cheap grey carpet, due to her continuous back and forth pacing, but she couldn’t help herself. She would finally be reunited with Bill, who was due to come strolling through the airport terminal at any moment, and she was nervous about seeing him again for the first time in over three and a half months. Something was off though, and she could feel it deep within the pit of her stomach. Bill hadn’t been acting the same over the past couple of weeks -- and it had only gotten worse over the past few days.

“Natalia snälla sluta,” her mother Monica called out, trying to get her daughter to cease her incessant worrying. 

“ Mamma, lyssna, jag kan inte rå för det.”

At this point, her mother had had enough with Natalia’s constant public displays of anxiety. 

“Han är här snart, vad är du så orolig för? Är allt okej?” Her mother’s questions acted as if a bucket of pure ice water had been splashed over her face; waking her up to fact that she was being outwardly obvious with her concern.

“Sorry mom,” Natalia sighed, as she sat down in one of the hard plastic chairs nearby and continued to wait. People passed by her in a blur; there was non-stop chatter of people happily being reunited with their loved ones, and others just grabbing their luggage off the conveyor belt while going on about their business. Yet for Natalia, it was different. She felt as if she were losing control within the situation she now found herself in, and it wasn’t a welcomed feeling. That’s why she had privately hired someone to look in on a few things for her, hoping that she was just going crazy and that it may put her mind at ease. 

When she thought of Bill, she saw a future with him; one that she would eventually be happy in. Her mother had also warned her that because he was quite the catch, that it was getting towards that time to start locking him down. But lately it felt as if he were pulling away from her, and she wasn’t too sure about why, nor was she even sure that she was too keen to find out. For a while, Natalia had basically dictate the course of their relationship, but before he left for filming -- Bill had become increasingly more hands on and started setting new boundaries. She had a feeling that it may have to do with was lingering feelings he had towards a certain woman, but she couldn’t be completely sure about that either. Either way it went though, she knew one thing: when he told her that he wanted to hold off on the idea of house hunting recently, something had shifted within their relationship; and she had a distinct feeling that it wouldn’t end in her favor unless she came up with a solution -- and fast.

It was low sounding alert noise that erupted from her iPhone that shook her out of her momentary ravine. A text message from a private contact had arrived, and Natalia found herself sitting on the edge of her seat with baited breath. She had been waiting for news for the past week from this person, and she was finally getting something.

Check your email, there’s information you’ll want to see. Call me once you’ve had a chance to review it.

Perplexed, Natalia got ready to pull up her email app before her mother stopped her.

”He’s here,” she hurriedly whispered towards her daughter, as Natalia looked up towards the escalator that was bringing Bill closer towards her. 

With the email forgotten, she shut off her iPhone and stood up beaming her uncontrollable happiness at finally seeing him once again; while making her way over towards him. Even though she could tell that he was tired, he still looked effortlessly amazing and she shifted her way towards the bottom of the movable staircase. Bill however, was distracted by something on his phone. Whatever it was, must have been some type of good news because he had a goofy smile firmly planted upon his face as he typed out a response. 

His smile though, faded the second he looked up from his phone and saw Natalia waiting for him. 

It was a peculiar moment, one that Natalia didn’t miss for a second. Bill had been changing in his reaction towards her lately, and this only confirmed her already out of control anxiety.

As she mentally shook off the feeling, Natalia replaced the smile back onto her face as she took another step near the escalator after he descended. 

“Välkommen hem min kärlek,” she greeted him, holding her arms open for his embrace. 

Bill gave her a small smile as he returned the gesture in kind and returned her hug.

“Hey Natalia,” he greeted her softly, as she held him tightly and smelled the familiar scent of his cologne. Without warning, she stood on her tippy toes, as she placed a chaste kiss upon his cheek. 

“I’ve missed you,” she told him tenderly, hoping that he would appreciate that she was waiting for him.

“I know; but also we need to tal-” However Bill was cut off, by Natalia’s mother making her way towards the couple.

“Bill, min son!”

Ever the astute and pleasant partner, Bill placed a smile on his face as he returned her warm welcome. 

“Monica, jag har saknat dig,” he responded as he hugged Natalia’s mother tightly.

“I’ve missed you too son. Listen, my husband has prepared a dinner back at our house for all of us. So let’s get your bags and get you back to the country house!” 

“That’s perfect; a home cooked meal sounds wonderful right about now. Let me get my bags, and I’ll meet you at the exit?” He suggested lightly, hoping to get a few moments to himself.

“No problem, I’ll be outside waiting in the car. Natalia will show you where I’m parked. It’s so good to have you back home again,” she exclaimed excitedly as she squeezed his arm, and finally left from the airport. 

Bill couldn’t help the pang of guilt that shot straight through his chest at her kind gesture. 

Turning his attention back towards Natalia, he didn’t even have a chance to say anything to her before she pulled him down for a surprising kiss. 

Normally, Bill wasn’t one for public displays of affection -- but his own guilt had started to catch up with him and therefore he found himself giving into her affectionate nature.

”I love whenever you come back home; I’ve missed you so much,” she whispered lightly, while her arms locked around his shoulders. 

Reluctantly, Bill found himself wrapping his arms around her midsection; almost as if he were reminding himself that he still hadn’t talked with her yet. The truth was, he had no clue on how he would even bring the idea of a potential break up with her and he felt the onslaught of guilt beginning to consume him because of it. She had no idea that his feelings had changed yet, or that he wanted someone else because of it. Nor did she know that he had wanted Y/N for a while now... Closing his eyes tightly, he realized he would have to go about this carefully. In the end, someone was going to get hurt -- no matter what happened; this would ultimately come down to him to how he handled things from here on out.

“I’ve missed you too Nat,” he sighed tenderly into her hair, while he surrender himself into her embrace.

A few moments later, they released each other and he stepped to the side of her in order to gather his bags from the conveyor belt. Once they had departed the airport, they walked hand in hand towards her mother’s Volvo. His guilt didn’t subside one bit, as he felt her snuggle into his side in the backseat and fall asleep on his shoulder while they rode peacefully towards her parents home in the country side.

“Home sweet home; thanks for allowing my parents to welcome you home at their house. They were thrilled to see you again baby,” Natalia said lovingly, as she helped Bill get the last of his luggage into her two bedroom apartment.

”It’s fine. I like your parents, they’re good people.” 

He turned his attention towards the hallway and tugged one of his suitcases behind him. While he was settling back in, Natalia observed him from the doorway of their bedroom with a coy look firmly planted upon her face. 

”Don’t worry about putting away the laundry, I’ll take care of it later for you. Right now, I just want to hold you.”

Surprisingly, Bill had let her wrap her arms around his shoulders and pull him down for a breathtaking kiss. Under normal circumstances, this would have been nice -- and he was suddenly reminded of a time where this would have been a welcomed expression of desire from her. Now however, things had changed for him. Even though Natalia had no idea of his shift in feelings, feelings that had already been there for someone else entirely -- he still hadn’t figured out a way to break the news to her just yet. It didn’t help that things were complicated between them at the moment, it wasn’t just their relationship -- but something else was hanging over his head as well.

Carefully, he pried himself out of her embrace, before he found himself looking down into her eyes and putting on his best poker face. 

”Not tonight babe; I’m super tired right now. We’ll spend time together tomorrow, I promise,” he paused before taking a deep breath and shifting his gaze away. “We have a lot to talk about anyway.” 

Natalia on the other hand, felt that shiver of fear settle deep within the pit of her stomach. Something was wrong; and while she knew that -- she ultimately decided to table the idea of confronting him on it at the moment. It hadn’t helped matters that they had been fighting right before he had arrived back home. 

”I understand, I’ll let you get caught up on unpacking then.” 

A moment later, she had turned and left the room -- closing the door behind her and finally leaving him alone with his all consuming thoughts.

An hour later, Bill had emerged from their bedroom to find Natalia playing on her laptop in her living room, with a glass of wine in her hands. 

“Hey Nat, my little brother is coming by to pick me up. He’s refusing to take no for an answer and wants to have a couple of drinks in order to catch up. I’ll be back in a little bit, okay?”

Her expression was unreadable as she nodded her head, and watched him walk out the door without even uttering the words that he loved her or goodbye. Once she returned her attention back towards her laptop, she remembered the text message that she had received at the airport earlier in the evening. As if on queue, that familiarized feeling of worry had started to settle in once again.  

She finally gave up trying to fight off the nagging feeling of uncertainty that was gnawing away at her, and logged into her email account. 

Moments later, she found herself wishing that she could have been better prepared for what she was about to discover; but the truth was -- nothing could have prepared her for what she saw next...

Anger boiled within her blood, as her eyes misted over with unshed tears. 

This explained everything. 

Her best friend had warned her against hiring a private investigator to tail Bill while he was in Toronto. She had warned her that nothing good could come from snooping on her own boyfriend; and that if she was so determined to find something bad -- that she couldn’t complain about when she finally managed to get it. But that knowledge alone, didn’t make the pain any less real; and it certainly didn’t make the cold harsh slap of reality -- sting any less. 

Emotions and thoughts swirled rapidly in her head and heart, because right in front of her, were the images that she couldn’t deny and they were taken earlier today: Bill kissing his assistant, Y/N, while they stood at the front door of the Toronto vacation house. 

Natalia’s hand shot out, in almost lighting speed, and swiped a glass vase full of colorful summertime flowers and a few picture frames off her of desk. Her rage, caused her to give out an anguished cry of pure agony as she slammed the lid of her laptop down, stood up from her desk and paced around her living room. 

“That fucking bitch; I knew she was a liar!” 

Bill had told her she was crazy for saying that she was worried about him spending so much time with Y/N; but now it seemed she was right to feel that way all along. And as for Bill? He was more than just a liar, he was a cheating asshole who had made a complete fool out of her. 

Of course he had been acting distant; it all made sense now. 

Amidst her passionate fury, she snatched her cell phone off of her desk and dialed up that same cell phone number that had texted her earlier in the day.

“Ace, it’s Natalia. I got your email, what can you tell me?” 

Ace released a sigh as he fumbled around for something in the background. 

“Your boyfriend and his assistant, went out to a night club together a few nights ago. Prior to that, they were pretty amiable towards each other. But that night, things seemed different. They left the club a few hours later in a rush, and went back to the vacation house. I tried to get as close as I could, but I couldn’t see inside. However, the noises I heard... Well they explain the pictures I shot earlier this morning, before they left the house for good. I’m sorry Natalia, it seems something has recently happened between them, but I can’t be completely sure of what other than what I captured on film.” 

Tears slipped down Natalia’s cheeks as she absorbed the information like a sponge to water. 

“So this seems to have started a few days ago?”

“Yes ma’am, it does.” 

Her hand tightened into a fist as she stared up at the ceiling of her apartment, trying to reign in her fiery temper.

“Alright, I need something else from you too. Find out who her boyfriend is, and get me his contact information. Her name is Y/F/N Y/L/N. She works for The Frankford Talent Institute in New York. Find him, bring me his information and I’ll double your fee.” 

Ace confirmed her request and then hung up the phone.

As if the weight of the world came crashing down around her, Natalia collapsed on the floor and began to sob uncontrollably. Moments later though, her cries started to die down while she began to collect herself off of the floor. One thing was for certain -- she couldn’t let Bill know that she knew just yet. If anything, it was imperative that she act as normal as possible. 

Neither of their families had any idea yet, that the two of them had been engaged since before Bill left for Toronto -- and she had foolishly kept it quiet at his request.

Now, this was a fight to secure her relationship. She wasn’t about to watch some half wit American bitch, swoop in and take everything she had worked so hard for.

Before it would all be said and done, Y/N and Bill both would rue the day they made a fool out of her. If anything... Natalia was going to ensure it.

I told you guys that shit was going get real lol. 

You may feel sorry for Natalia right now, but I haven’t even begun to get into that relationship -- so be prepared, that’s all I’m going to say. 

As always thank you for reading! 

Tagging:

@kikilikes, @readsalot73, @diianawonka, @goswedish, @rougxlips @ffixation, @shadowpriestess6, @vladsgirl, @mrsbillskarsgard, @billgardskars, @adoresfandoms, @mightbelindsey, @we-are-like-a-timebomb, @fandomimcurrentlyobsessedabout, @negan5589, @decayingdeathh, @unicorn-glitter-princess, @voidpaintings, @the-fandom-phantom-fanfics, @mishdennise, @stylex, @thatonepuremoment, @voidpaintings, @peardream72, @nyleveeee, @rutuliukasg @mmcd1990 

[mynotsoawesomescenarios]

Anything You Can Do

A/N: This was supposed to be posted as a one shot but I just needed to post SOMETHING. Part 2 will be posted to my smut blog cuz...it’s gonna be smut.

DISCLAIMER: Everything I know about Volleyball is from Haikyuu and google.

~Allie

In order to be the best, you need learn from those who already claimed that title. Study their habits, their strategies and change them to fit yourself. If someone isn’t willing to look to someone better than they are in order to better themselves, how would it be possible to become the best?

That’s the one thing about Kim Jongin that got under your skin. He was a brat that claimed to be the best volleyball player in the school but he still managed to be the captain of a team that haven’t had a successful season in four years. You, on the other hand, were the captain of the Girls’ Varsity team and you lead your team to victory on your first year as captain last year, and you were hellbent on doing the same this year. You broke the winning drought at your school and almost everyone celebrated you for it and rightfully so. You were the star player in Jr. Varsity and when you became the captain of your team now, you groomed every woman to be the same.

The practices almost never ended and everyone thought about quitting at least once, but after the first win, everyone felt their hard work pay off. Your team won every game they played and in the blink of an eye, you were at regionals and then at Nationals. You didn’t have faith in bringing home the first-place trophy, but then the opposing team had a slip up during the fight for your match point. At your serve, you felt an overwhelming feeling take you over. You were happy, relieved, and proud all at once, leaving you to sob on the gym floor while everyone around you cheered.

Summer had ended and Autumn quickly showed its face. It was windy, almost unbearably so, as you were being tossed around by the wind like it was nothing. You pulled your leather jacket, a gift from your uncle, tight over your body as you walked into the school the first time as a senior. You walked through the doors instantly all eyes were on you. You brushed your hair back into place, fixing what the brutal wind ruined. You smiled as you walked down the hall that was filled with loud whistles and cheers.

“Y/N! Y/N! Y/N!” they all chanted your name and you felt your face flush as you made your way to the locker number that was on top of your roster, which you checked just before arriving to school. You nodded in thanks and graciously accepted every pat on the back and thumbs up. Being celebrated felt good. If winning Nationals felt good, being recognized by your fellow classmates felt even better for some reason.

But then, you heard the doors open as soon as you got to the locker and the cheers died immediately. You were grateful that they did, not wanting to disturb everyone in the morning, but it stopped so abruptly that you looked up.

Kim Jongin, with the same mean scowl as usual, walked in. Everyone awkwardly coughed and averted their eyes.

“Oh, please, don’t let me stop your celebration.” He looked to you and made his way to you. “By all means, continue on praising our amazing Y/N.” He clapped and made his way to you with a sick and falsely friendly smile spread across his face. When he got to you his face relaxed into an expression that had anger written all over it. He lowered his head and got closer to your face, making you roll your eyes. “Celebrate the cheater.” He said in a low voice.

You shot your eyes up to him, swearing that if your glare could kill him, you wouldn’t hesitate to attack. “Cheater?” You closed your locker and pressed your back against it while your held your books to your chest. “How exactly am I a cheater, Kim?” You cocked up your eyebrow, showing him that he peaked your interest.

“Because you did a Jump Float Serve.” His eyes were so fierce but all you could do was laugh at him now.

“How in the world is that cheating?” You chuckled once more and tried to push past him but he pushed you by your shoulder and held you against the locker.

“You knew they couldn’t predict those serves. Every time you used it, it sank to the ground of their court, especially while they were getting tired. You used their weakness, you cheated.” You let out another breathy laugh and patted his arm.

“That’s why you always lose, Kim,” you tightened your expression and he looked at you with a glimmer of sadness in his eyes. “You’re too nice on the court and too aggressive everywhere else.” You pushed your hand into his chest and walked away. You heard him walk behind you but you didn’t care to spare in a second glance. He kept saying things to you, words you didn’t want to hear, nor did you care to hear. You walked past a familiar face and smiled before pulling on the collar of his jacket as he was trying to hit on some poor sophomore girl.

“Go tame your dog, Byun.” You pushed him in Jongin’s direction and you shot him a wink before he could question you. You saw him turn to Jongin and slap him on his chest before whiningly asking him what he was doing.

After the first few weeks of school passed by, the schedule for practices finally made their way into the hands of the captains and co-captains of each sports team in your school. Volleyball practice was the usual time and in the usual place but every Wednesday, which was today, and Friday had “Joint Practice” under it. You scratched your head a bit, not too sure about what that was. But you thought it was most likely a day where the JV team and your own practiced together, which would be good. It would make the younger players improve and when the team underwent line-up changes, it wouldn’t be too bad because each player would be strong in at least something.

After the bell signaled the end of classes, you went to your locker and traded your backpack for your duffle. You made your way to the locker room with a wide smile on your face, happy to see your friends in your favorite place and eager to feel the ball sting the palm of your hand.

You emerged from the locker room in your usual sports shorts, tank top and joint pads. You set up the gym all by yourself as you usually did. You unrolled the net and tied it to the posts and pulled out the cart that overflowed with volleyballs. As you continued to wait, you started to stretch. You started with toe touches to pull your back muscles, moved on to arm stretches to loosen up your shoulders and arms, and ended with leg stretches. You popped up from the ground as soon as you heard the door open, facing the side of the gym to meet your team with a smiling face. But as soon as you could muster up the smile, it fell.

“What the hell are you doing here?” Your question was mostly directed to Jongin but to the rest of his team as well. You saw your coach push past them and she wagged her finger to you.

“Language, Y/L/N.” You charged to her which made her eyes widen.

“Coach, why are they here?” you said to her in an accusing tone. She looked at you and put her hands on your shoulders.

“They need help, Y/N.” She was serious and you saw the pity in her eyes. “They could be so good and dominate, but what good are they if they have a horrible coach and a hot head as a captain?” You understood what she was getting at but what their team did was of none of your concern.

“So, we’re supposed to help them?” Gesturing to the boys who stood by the door awkwardly while the girls got ready.

“Yes, that’s what I expect.” Her face showed you that she was clearly not going to argue and that this was not up for discussion. “And I also expect you and the girls to help them while I train their coach, who is more of a lost cause than they are.” You huffed at this. You already had your team and the younger team to look after, now you were responsible for nearly grown men too. “I believe in you. Now, go and round them up.” She started to walk away but she jolted back quickly. “Ah, and make sure you go hard on them.” You gave her a bitter smile.

“I wouldn’t have it any other way.” She saw an evil glint in your eyes and chuckled. She knew you were a hard ass and that just what they needed.

“Yo!” Your one shout silenced the room and all eyes were on you. “Every Wednesday and Friday, we will have joint practice with Boys’ Varsity.” Your girls groaned but you glared at them. “Cut it out. I showed my distaste to coach but what she says is law.” They all straightened up, trying to get used to it.

You side stepped so that you could stand in front of the boys’ team. You surveyed them, seeing faces you knew too well, some you hardly knew and another you nearly hated. “As for you all, I need names and positions, go.” They all looked a little startled which made you laugh. “I’m not sending you to the military, chill a bit.” You pointed to the tallest one who stood at the start of the line. “You go first.”

“Park Chanyeol, Middle Blocker.”

“Ideal height for one, I figured.” He smiled at your compliment and you moved to the next person.

“Do Kyungsoo, Wing Spiker.” You raised one brow slowly before moving to the next person.

“You know who I am.” Jongin said, annoyed but he didn’t faze you.

“Name and position.” He forced his words through his teeth.

“Kim Jongin, Setter.” You rolled your eyes and after him everyone was giving you an easy time.

“Zhang Yixing, Middle Blocker.”

“Kim Junmyeon, Wing Spiker.”

“Kim Jongdae, Wing Spiker.”

“Kim Minseok, Libero.”

“Ahh, so you’re fast?” He tried to bite back a laugh.

“Unbelievably so.” You tutted your lips and kept your eyes on him as you pointed to the next person, the ever so obnoxious and somehow one of your closest friends, Baekhyun.

“Byun Baekhyun, Middle Blocker. And don’t you dare laugh,” he pointed at you accusingly. “People always laugh.” You weren’t going to laugh but the thought of someone as small as him being a middle blocker was pretty hilarious.

“Baek, I’ve know you since our Hapkido days, I’m well aware of the power those tiny legs hold.” You smiled at him and moved to the last person who was almost as massive as the first person in the lineup.

“Oh Sehun, Wing Spiker.”

“Right, nice to meet you a-, some of you.” You cut your eyes to Jongin who was already glaring at you. “For the first practice, it’ll be Girls versus Boys. I need to be able to assess where it is that you all need to improve, as well as what about you is just right.” You surveyed them. You knew a few of their abilities, knowing of Baekhyun’s the best. He was no ace but he was probably still the best on the team. You didn’t know of Chanyeol’s abilities in sports but the boy was the definition of two left feet whenever you saw him. You knew the small ones were well capable of their positions, no questions asked. Junmyeon, Yixing and Sehun were all members of the baseball team and joined Volleyball just last year so you didn’t know how they would be. And aside from knowing he was crazy good in chemistry, Jongdae was another mystery to you.

Jongin was another story. You commended him for driving his team off of positive reinforcement, it was always good for a team to go into a match with a “whatever happens, happens” mind set but it didn’t help with the driving force they needed to help them win. Jongin was always too nice to his opponent, always playing a safe game with no tricks up his sleeve. There was no surprise to the plays and every team that played them read them easily and won over them all too quickly. The team, without a doubt, has amazing power behind it. What they lacked was a Captain and a coach that pushed them.

“So, slip on your pads and do your stretches, we’ve got a long day ahead of us.”

The match ended quick, too quick for comfort. You only played one match and it ended with a score of four to twenty-five in your team’s favor. And when they got those four points, it was thanks to their middle blockers who seemed to work as a solid wall.

“Jesus Christ, do you guys ever practice?” You asked through rough breaths. “The potential and power are there,” You heard agreements from your teammates as they guzzled down water and dried their sweat. “But the execution is far below mediocre.” You shook your head and propped your hands up on your hips. “You guys won’t break us, if anything, we’ll break you. So be more aggressive.” You let your voice drop to appear more intimidating, and it worked, they all looked to you with wide eyes. “Take a quick break, be ready to play in five.”

You walked to the water cooler and filled up your bottle to the brim. You chugged the water down, pulling it to you so fast that it spilled out of the corners of your lips and sent cooling streams down your neck and chest. You detached yourself from the bottle and whipped your face with the towel that was around your neck.

“I think it’s cool that you’re helping us.” You looked to your side and your eyes were met with someone’s chest. You looked up and saw that it was the severe looking guy, Sehun. You nodded at him, not quite willing to engage in conversation due to your short breath. “Jongin hates the idea, but I already feel like we’re getting better.” He didn’t look at you while he spoke this time, just looked above you head and into the distance, probably looking at what could be. “Anyway, thank you.” You nodded with a smile and he jogged away.

The next round ended almost as soon as the first one did. This time, the score was eleven to twenty-five, in your favor. They scored a few genuine points but you noticed that their offense was much weaker than their defense this time. They don’t have any special plays or anything to confuse their opponent, everything about them was out in the open.

“That match was…better, not by much but you’ve already made progress.” They heaved and nodded at you as they watched you speak through the net. “Usually, I would be against one on one training but you guys need it.” You turned to your girls and asked them to group up based on the position they played. After they settled, you directed the boys to the group that shared their position, leaving you with Jongin. How fitting. He dragged his feet to you and dried his sweat with his towel. You saw that he opened his mouth to speak but you held up your hand.

“I know you want to say something out of your ass right now, but I’m helping you for your own good as well as your teams’ sake.” He backed down but still looked at you with every ounce of hate he could find within himself. “Your serves are messy, so let’s start with those.”

After six months of practice, the boys improved at an insane rate. You shared some of your favorite plays with them and helped them execute them. They all caught on fast and the power you were talking about came over the entire team.

They had yet to win a game over your team though. They had won a few matches here and there but the end result would always be two to one. This match could change that.

They were on their match point and the game was constantly tight. Every time your team stole a point, they took one back. And before you could think they had stolen another one. You heard the ball smack the ground and then a whistle. You hadn’t even seen how your team lost. You don’t think anyone did because most of your mates looked as confused as you did with the exception of the three middle blockers in the front.

“Amy, what just happened?” You started pulling off your elbow pads and charged to her.

“They did a quick. I-I…”

“A quick?” You looked to the frontline and saw Baekhyun and Jongin smirk at you. You power walked up the net and sized them up, their puffed-up chest quickly deflating. “Ah, what now?” You chuckled at them as they looked like they were ready to be scolded.

“You have a way in being encouraging yet very damaging to our egos when you talk to us.” You scoffed and made a sour expression.

“I was just gonna say you did good but I guess I’ll keep it.” You crossed your arms and walked away. Baekhyun ran under the net a pulled you back.

“No!” he clasped his hands together and closed his eyes. “I need your validation!” You burst into laughter and patted his head.

“Haha! You did good kid.” He wiggled excitedly and ran to the locker room. You looked up to Jongin who had a spacy and goofy look on his face as he looked in your direction. “Uh, you too, Kim.” He showed you some thumbs up and walked off on his own. You two were far from friends but you did learn to no longer dislike one another. You respected each other as captains and learned to tolerate the other. There were plenty of times where harsh words were exchanged but let’s be honest, it’s sports.

Before the season started, both teams were up for practice matches for with the teams they would be going against in the first official match. Your match went smoothly, which was to be expected, but the boys’ match was in just a few minutes. Both teams were warming up while you and your mates were talking to your competition. Their leader was asking you for tips and tricks when you heard one of the boys in the other team speak out in an obnoxious tone.

“So, we’re playing against a bunch of pussies who were trained by literal pussies?” Some of his fellow members howled and ooh’d while others ignored him and rolled their eyes. You were used to shit talk, that was a given, especially by this lot, but he was doing too much.

All of your members looked at you and you were going to say something but were cut off.

“The fuck did you just say?” You looked over and saw that it was Jongdae that was challenging him. All of the boys were pissed. They all had jutted jaws and clinched fists. Even the calm ones sported aggressive expression. You didn’t know if it was purely because of his comment or the aggression you made them tap into during game time, but things were getting too heated.

“You and all of your little bitches heard me,” he spits out and laughed. He was pissing you off now. You felt like blood was turning into steam and you charged to him.

“Who are you calling a bitch, shithead?” His expression flickered just as you started walking toward him. But it wasn’t you he was intimidated by, it was the man that had his shirt clutched into his fist in just a few seconds.

“Apologize.” Jongin’s voice was deep and calm, nothing like the voice he kept when having petty arguments with you. The boy didn’t say anything so Jongin tightened his grip and moved his face closer to that of his opponent’s. “Did you hear me? I said APOLOGIZE-,” As he was beginning to raise his voice, Baekhyun and Yixing rushed to collect him. He was fuming.

“Take him to the locker room.” Your coach instructed and signaled you to follow behind them. He was hardly fighting back but his gaze was fixed on the scared boy who was now cowered up under his coach. You scoffed at him

When he got in, he started pacing back and forth. Everyone was used to his typical outbursts but this was another level of anger. He was muttering to himself and walking nowhere but with purpose.

“Jongin, cal-,” Baekhyun was the first to approach him but he was pushed back. You saw a glimmer of anger in Baekhyun’s eyes and asked Yixing to quickly take him out before anything else happened.

“Kim,” you held out your hands as if you were being approached with a gun and you got closer to him. “It’s okay, calm down.”

“It is not! No one talks about our team like that.” They way he emphasized “our” implied that he meant that both of your teams were one unit. “No one talks to you like that.” He threw his hands up in the air and looked at you. He looked like he was still in a frenzy but for a different reason. You wanted to ask him why he felt the need to single you out but you didn’t want to interrupt his rant as he sat down. “God, no one should ever talk to you like that.” His voice was softened dramatically. “I’m so sorry for talking to you like that…” You squatted in front of him and sat your hands on the side of the bench.

“It’s okay, Jongin.” He looked up. “It can’t be easy being inferior.” You joked. You weren’t sure if it was the right time but with the way he chuckled, you figured it was appropriate for the moment.

“Shut the hell up.” He still laughed and pushed you softly but forcefully enough to make you land on your backside. You faked your pain, rubbing your butt with a pained expression. He held out a hand and you accepted it. “We’re equals now.”

[ben-j-man]

The Angaran Chronicles: A False Legacy Epilogue

The Hunter, Arken, is hired by an aristocrat to investigate into a town under his rule. A town that has cut off all communication with the outside world. What he finds is beyond his worst imaginings. What he finds implies something beyond mortal comprehension. Was long-listed in the 2018 Wattys, making it into the top 800 out of 362,423 TOTAL ENTRIES!

Link to Chapter 1 of An Ulterior Motive

https://ben-j-man.tumblr.com/post/184363343578/the-angaran-chronicles-an-ulterior-motive

After the destruction of her village, the only survivor: Emilia is saved by a stranger: an elf named Anargrin. Who claims to work for a mercenary organisation known and respected all over the continent of Angara: The Hunters. He asks for no payment and to help her with the sickness that threatens to overwhelm her.

But why?

Arken awoke with a start. Despite the pain thundering through him and his blurred, spinning vision, it took an instant to see he was in a cell. The walls were stone, the bars iron. It reminded him of the cell he'd been kept in by the Hunters years ago. He felt the cold iron manacles clasped around his wrists and heard the chains rattle as he writhed.

'Good,' said a voice and Arken's attention snapped to its source. A large, well-built human who seemed in his late twenties stood in the cell with him. His arms were as thick as a troll's gut, and his features looked like they'd been carved from granite. He was shaven bald, and his thin, scarred lips smirked down at Arken. 'You are finally awake; I've been waiting and waiting.'

The man's accent was Varmorian, throaty and coarse like his throat was forever inhabited by thick phlegm, but nasally too.

'Who are you?' Arken managed through dry lips.

The man hushed him, approached, took out a flask and forced Arken to drink.

'If you must know, detective Arken, my name is Garron and I, like you, am a Hunter.'

'Never heard of you,' said Arken.

'Ohh! How could you hurt my precious feelings like that,' said Garron. 'Or I would be saying that if that wasn't the point. You are not meant to know about me, young Arken. Most of your kind don't.'

Arken's eyes widened, and he almost spat out the water; instead, he inhaled it, and Garron had to take away the flask so Arken could writhe in his coughing fit.

'Oh? What is wrong?' said Garron.

'Why?' managed Arken through his coughing. 'Why am I here? Am I a prisoner of the Hunters? Why am I a prisoner? Did I do something wrong?'

Garron burst out in laughter, but it held no humour. 'No. No. You perform exemplary. To above and beyond, even to a fault. We think.'

Arken felt his eyes narrow. 'What?'

'You didn't kill them — the townsfolk. We wish that you did. You would have saved us much dirty business. Much, much dirty business, indeed. We killed everyone — even the priest. Every bit the hero, aren't you not? Managing to resist the influence of the pillars longer than anyone has before.'

This information should've horrified him, but he felt nothing.

'Obelisk,' said Arken.

'What?'

'It was an obelisk, not a pillar.'

Garron smirked again and pointed at Arken with a wobbling finger. 'Ahh yes. There it is. You have potential, Arken. It was a shame; I wished we could have sired those people. Would have been great; we could have used more bodies, more vampires for when we finally break the dimensional barrier and start the real war against the Jaroai. But they knew far too much. There are secrets in this world, or worlds, to be precise, that mustn't be known. Secrets we were created to protect.'

'I...I don't understand,' said Arken.

'No, young Arken,' said Garron and his huge hand began to reach for Arken's head. 'And I am afraid that you never will.'

Year: 2500 AHV

Age: Late Industria Era

Country: The Republic of Hamar

Arken sat in the interview room, straightening his note papers on the desk. He fingered and thumbed his eyes and blinked up at the light hanging overhead. With a sigh, he took the speaker horn.

'The next interviewee, please,' he said. This was the sixth today, and thankfully the last.

He glanced at the notes, knowing that he should check the interviewee's CV and profile, but he couldn't be bothered. She was a one-human vampire; that was all he could remember.

A few seconds later, the door opened, and she stepped in, and Arken had to fight the urge to drop his jaw.

Like all vampires, she was beyond pale. Her long, pitch-black hair was immaculate, straight as straight and fell well past her slender shoulders. It wasn't just her intoxicating beauty that took him off guard. Still, she reminded him of Salria, the priestess of Jaroai who'd been his lover during his tenure as king, the priestess appointed to be his "supervisor" more than a century and a half ago. He was quite the womaniser back then. Like father like son, Arken supposed. Arken was just one of many, many bastard children sired across Hamar, and perhaps beyond, by king Frelkson.

'HeadHunter, Arken?' she said, pausing in the entranceway.

Finding himself struggling for words, Arken could only motion for her to sit.

She nodded and walked in. The sound of her red high heels on the concrete floor seemed to echo, resonate with sensuality, confidence. Across every millimetre of her, she appeared the stereotypical seductive vampire.

Arken said nothing, electing to shuffle his papers, regretting now not looking at her C.V. He perused it, then noticed she'd started to smile at him.

Arken frowned. "What are you smiling about?"

'Oh, nothing. I just can't believe I'm in the same room with the famous Arken.'

Arken fought back a sigh. He didn't feel "famous."

'So...Dalitti-'

'I'm sorry, it's just in Valandri we've heard so much about you. The former king of Hamar. The only...the only-'

Arken's hands clenched his hands into fists; with such strength, his nails dug into his palms and drew blood. 'The only what?'

Dalitti's smile fled from her, full red lips. 'I uhh the only Hunter in history to kill a Jaroai single-handed. Do you know? Was it in a small town in Everdeen? Around 2387 or 2388 AHV? Don't you remember?'

Arken's fist smashed on the table, causing Dalitti to flinch. 'Of course, I remember! But it isn't relevant to this interview.'

Dalitti didn't reply; she just gaped in shock.

Arken did remember it; he remembered all of it, how disgusting and eldritch it was, how it summoned its Shalazquai slaves and had them slaughter all the innocent townsfolk, how he failed to protect them.

But there was something else, something deep in his subconscious that made him rage whenever anyone brought it up. Arken didn't know why, but something was just off about the memories, something subtly strange. Ever since it'd happened, Arken couldn't even start to understand why. There was also something else that put him on edge. The memories were perfect, too perfect. It'd been decades since he'd defeated that Jaroai, but it all came back with clarity which even memories only a few years old didn't hold. Hell, even memories a few weeks old didn't compare. It was as though, as though...Were they manufactured? Not real?

Arken shook away that train of thought, exhaled and calmed himself. Such a thing wasn't possible; there was no form of magic able to manipulate memories. A ridiculous notion. 'My apologies, Dalitti. Let us start again.'

Dalitti frowned then seemed to find her confidence.

'Well, okay then,' tilting her head aside. Showing her neck was a sign Arken knew it was one of the ways women show attraction. 'Head Hunter Arken?'

Arken forced a smile; he hoped it didn't seem too fake.

'Good to meet you, Dalitti. Let's get started; what made you leave Valandri for Hamar?'

[sini-sterility]

Y’all finally get my backstory now.

@weaponizedhorse I FINISHED FINALLY

Alright motherfuckers, you asked for it; you're gonna fucking get it. You've finally unlocked Sini's tragic backstory.

Let's begin with the childhood depression due to intense emotion abuse and manipulation, causing me to try to kill myself, not once, but twice before the age of ten. However, it seems that my body liked the idea, because within two months of turning ten, my legs began to go numb, and I would experience random pain. I told the nurse at school; she didn't believe me. Stir this mixture of reckless negligence and bitchy old-lady nurse until two years have passed, and I am now completely paralyzed in constant literal agony 24/7, to the extent of not being able to sleep, stand, sit, lounge; you name it.

I wasn't nauseus, but the pain was so horrible that I would fake getting sick every day in order to stay home and not face the ridicule the least liked person in my entire school (I am honestly not exagerrating. I got into my school's spelling bee, and was the last 6th grader standing. They called your name, you stood up, waved to the crowd, and they cheered. They got to me, and I shit you not, less than 1/5th of the 6th grade class, none of the other students, and three teachers clapped, and that was as good as I got. Maybe I was annoying or something, I don't know. I was a very, very quiet kid, so I actually don't know what their deal was; there were much uglier people there than me, too) would get from acting like they can't feel their limbs or stand up, or be constantly hunched over in pain.

So I'd stay home with my dad and watch old cowboy shows, trying to ignore the pain. I remember how we treated it was Icy-Hot and a fuck-ton of Ibuprofen.

Eventually, my bullshit quack of a doctor finally clued in that, no, I was not just suffering from a particularly bad UTI. She actually fucking told us that I had a UTI. Because UTI's are reknown for causing pain so bad you literally can't think straight.

So, one day, a week after my 12th birthday (which was the saddest shit you've ever heard of; my mom made my favorite cake and my favorite food (Flan Cake and Chicken Curry), my Godmother was there with a bunch of books, I had a few really cool presents; my sister Shirley even got me a hair straightener at Goodwill, because I'd finally learned that thick curly hair with the mind of it's own (that mind being one of a psychopath) didn't stand a chance against hot iron. They sang happy birthday to me, and I remember that after they finished, I just put my head down on the table in cried. It was the single saddest moment of my life, aside from April (which is another can of worms all together, and very few people know about it).

Anyway, a few days after my mom took me to the doctor, and at this point I had given up on trying to present any semblence of an ability to walk or feel anything at all, so I was in a wheelchair. The doctor saw how much pain I was in (fucking finally), and that I truly felt no sensation anywhere, and immediately sent me to a Neurologist in Indy.

We got there an hour later, and the Neurologist took one look and ordered an emergency MRI – that turned out to be a very traumatizing experience, as the even more amplified pain (metal + back issues of the highest caliber + loud noises + bright flashing lights = Literal torture. To this day I can't go in MRI machines without being knocked out (But I secretly love it because I get to play a little game I like to call 'Resist'. It's basically the game they have you do where you count up to or down from 100, only you ask the Anesthesiologist to push the anesthetic in as slowly as possible, and start counting. When you start to feel it kicking in, you count as fast as possible. My record is 128 bitches <3).

They were only able to get 15 minutes of an MRI with me, before the panic and pain were too much for me and I started convulsing. After that, they checked me into the hospital overnight while they went over the results.

You know that shit's bad when the next day the ICU Oncologist comes in at 7 am the next morning to tell your mom that you need emergency surgery right away, but don't tell you why.

It turned out that I had stage 4 (better known as terminal) Neuroblastoma. There were three main problematic tumors; one that was slung over my left shoulder and attached to the upper left lobe of my lung (bigass motherfucker holy shit it was enormous. They had to cut out a piece of my lung to get ride of (most) it.), one the size of a softball pressing on my brain, just above the temple (They drilled my skull open, and scooped it off my scalp like a blob of strawberry preserves, which is what it looks like anyway btw. They were nice enough to honor a request I made, and take a picture of the tumor. BUT THEY DIDN'T FUCKING SEND IT TO ME, THEY SENT IT TO MY DAD VIA TEXT, AND WE ENDED UP LOSING THE DAMN THING >:O), and then the worst one; the mac daddy of Neuroblastoma tumors.

It was a long, thick, malignant tumor that had infused itself with my spine, and was subsequently cutting off my spinal cord – thus causing all of the pain and the paralysis and numbness. It gave me a hella sweet scar though, shit looks like a zipper along my spine!

After they removed what they could of the spinal tumor (which still to this day causes me a great deal of pain. I'm on 10 mgs of Oxycodine up to 6 times a day, and more often than not I need 7 pills in one day.), they told my parents that I had maybe two months to live. That they were going to send me home with them with a car full of all the medical supplies they could spare us, and that I was going to be very dead, very soon.

Needless to say, everyone was shocked when the third month rolled around and I was still alive – and learning how to walk again. It's taken me 6 years to be able to walk up and down stairs, and depending on the treatment or how long they keep me in the hospital, I occasionally still need my walker. (Sparkly red thing with little stickers all over it. I think we gave it to my grandma, but I'm not sure?) They upped my prognosis to 6 months and then it would be all over, but by then Obamacare went into effect, and that got the ball rolling for CHIPS, and that little thing that so many Americans hate because they “don't want to pay for a stranger's abortions!” (actual reason I was given once. I know that there are real reasons, but I still am okay with paying a little bit extra each month so that another kid who's like I was six years ago today, might have a chance to beat the odds in an overwhelming way. Again, that's just me, and I'm probably over simplifying the matter.), is most likely the main reason I'm still alive.

See, because I was accepted into two (or maybe three, I'm not sure?) forms of health insurance because of the Obamacare plan, I was able to begin treatments within almost a month of diagnosis. After four months passed, they began to fit and train me to use a wheelchair at home, as it was an impossibility that I would ever walk again (or use fine motor control for that matter).

Two months after that, just six months after being told I was already dead; six months of hellish PT and OT; six months of taking chemo and painkillers and throwing up blood – and I fucking walked out of that God forsaken hospital with my walker and my family.

That was six years ago. My body is still healing, and I've had plenty of physical and psychological horrors since ( ie. Kathleen aka 'The ex that raped me last year', my mother becoming even more abusive towards me, to the point of egging me on in cutting myself, and losing most of my cats because they were outdoor and we weren't around enough for most of them to want to stay, for starters. Fortunately, the one that did stay was my kitty, Alice. She moved into my current house with my dad and I after my dad won sole custody of me during their divorce (those two NEVER should have gotten married, they hate each other so fucking much.), and she's been a driving force in my will to live and fight ever since. The week she went missing was the most miserable week of my life.) the beginning, but I've got something I never had as a child now; a will to live. A reason to live. It's honestly the reason I still believe in God, as twisted as that sounds. I had actually been begging God to just kill me and get it over with in the weeks leading up to my diagnosis, and though it seems like being told you have terminal (which, just incase some of you guys don't know this, does not actually mean that you're totally deadsies; it means that there are no approved treatments or treatments that are proven to be effective, so you have the two options of going home or staying in the hospital while they make you as comfortable as possible as you wait to die a slow, horrible death of cancer; or you subject yourself to potentially deadly, painful, and horrible experimental trials to try and find a cure for yourself and others like you. Guess which one I picked! Ahh, the stories I could tell you... I'd be willing to write another one of these if anyone is interested in my hospital horror stories.) cancer would be your answer in the affirmatory. But for some reason, that's not how I took it. I took it as a sign that I'm supposed to live, at least for as long as I'm needed to do something to make the world better. It sounds crazy; superstitious; egomaniacal to say this, but when I think about everything I've been through, the multiple attempts at killing myself yet living through each time, and the overwhelming feeling I got when I was told I was as good as dead, but I honestly feel like I'm supposed to do something big, even mildly so. I don't know what, but that thought drives me every day to quite literally be that change that I want to see in the world.

I haven't made a suicide attempt ever since diagnosis; I rarely try or succeed to hurt myself anymore, and when I get in that state, my first move is to call up my sister Lilly, or talk to @typical-atheist-scumbag, or even talk to my dad nowadays, rather than just go ahead and grab a razor blade. I'm entirely about absolution and forgiveness as long as a person is genuine, and I try to be as passive and understanding – yet not quite neutral – to other people's beliefs as I possible can be. I stretch myself thin trying to help other people, but I honestly feel all the better for it.

This lovely little “inspirational” (*eyes roll into the back of my head*) piece isn't even half of it, but it's the major stuff. I included that bit at the end to show that even though I've had a pretty bullshit lot in life, I absolutely refuse to let it kick me down.

You may laugh at how stupid and pretentious I sound now.