#like maybe finish that one paper I need to send in before the month ends

[raksh-writes]

Gosh, Im being such a lazy ass today, with finals just around the corner and an off day to get stuff done and instead I just wanna play Skyrim ffs...

[mxstellatayte]

next door kind of love.

warnings: none, just some childhood best friends to lovers and tooth-rotting fluff. make your dentist's appointments now yall.

growing up living next door to the sargeants was an interesting experience. your parents were friends, having bonded when logan's parents moved in a few months after your own parents had. then, a few years later, they had dalton. just over a month after dalton's first birthday, you came along, and then eight months after you, on new year's eve, logan was born.

the three of you were inseparable as you grew up. you'd accompany them to their races and they'd support you at your roller derby tournaments. they would find a new way to climb the tree in your back yard and you would set a time record for climbing that route. the three of you had more inside jokes than you could count, made up more backyard games than anyone could ever begin to comprehend, and trusted each other beyond the ends of the earth.

when the sargeants moved to switzerland, though, you were crushed. sure, their plan was to only stay for two years, but those two years started to feel like an unbearable eternity after just the first month.

"mama," you said, a bite of peanut butter and jelly sandwich in your mouth, "i miss logie and dalt. when are they coming back?"

"not for a long time, honey. i'm sure they'll come visit, though. how about we call them and see how they're doing?"

your face lit up. "yeah! can we call them now? can we can we can we?"

your mother smiled and shook her head, the papers surrounding her full of confusing numbers and big words like "homeowner's insurance" and "disability pension application."

"maybe, honey. we'll have to see what time works for them. first, though, i need you to finish your lunch, strawberries and all. can you do that for me?"

"sure, mama."

lo and behold, two years had passed, and the sargeants were almost back to florida. your father had the idea of surprising them at the airport, so you'd made a giant sign that said "WELCOME BACK SARGEANTS!" in bright blue magic marker. after selecting a spot you deemed visible enough, you craned your neck every time a new flow of passengers exited, hoping to see your best friends. every time you caught a flash of what might've been one of them, your heart skipped a beat, but when you finally saw dalton, logan, and their parents, it felt like you were on the moon.

you mustered up as much air into your thirteen-year-old lungs as you could and screamed.

"DALTON! LOGAN!"

every head in the airport whipped around to you, but you couldn't care less. your two best friends were running full speed at you, suitcases abandoned with their parents, and you couldn't stop smiling. you're slammed by the tightest hug you've ever experienced and you might be seeing stars from your ribs being crushed but that doesn't matter when you finally have dalton and logan back with you in florida.

you're muttering so many "i missed you"s and "i couldn't wait to see you guys"s and "i have so much to tell you"s into them, and it feels like forever before you guys let go of each other.

"you guys ready to get out of here?"

when logan won the karting championship in 2015, you'd never screamed louder. you were the first person he looked for after the race and the person he hugged the tightest.

when you made it to the top roller derby league in your area, he was the first person to congratulate you, and he brought you a small bouquet of your favorite flowers- baby breath, white tulips, and jasmine.

as logan worked his way up through the different levels of formula racing, you'd always manage to stay up to all hours of the night to watch him race or even send him a simple "good luck" text.

when he told you he'd been admitted to the williams driver academy, you almost tackled him to the ground with how much force you hugged him with. "i'm so happy for you," you said, repeated like a mantra.

"and guess what?"

"there's more?" you pulled back from the hug, looking up at him.

"i get to do a post-season test drive in abu dhabi."

"what?!" the smile on your face is not only from pride, but now also shock. "lo, are you serious? that's amazing! when did you find out?"

"maybe..." he checks his watch, eyes looking up. "five minutes ago?"

"wait. did you tell your parents? and dalt?" he hesitates, a blush of embarrassment creeping up his cheeks. you can't help but think, even for an instant, that it's... kind of cute?

"logan hunter sargeant, did you tell me before you told your parents?"

"i might have..." the scowl on your face deepens, and you pull away from him, remove the house slipper you're wearing, and whack him across the head with it.

"out of my house! go over to your own and tell your parents, your literal givers of life, that you're driving a fucking formula one car! out! out with you!" you wave him out of your front door and watch with a smile on your face as he runs back to his own home, laughing when he trips over himself and falls into the grass. a few minutes later, you hear dan and madelyn scream with joy.

"my best friend is going to drive a formula one car," you say to the wind. "holy shit."

a bit over a year later, when logan signs with williams to drive with them in 2023, he still tells you before his parents.

the tuesday after the austin grand prix, a new post on your private instagram account appears. its location is tagged as the circuit of the americas and the caption reads "one of the perks of your best friend being a formula 1 driver is getting to go to austin and get paddock passes for free. the other is getting to spend the weekend with your best friend."

in may of 2024, logan brings you to the miami grand prix. at the end of the race, you are the first person he looks for. you are the person he hugs the tightest. you are the person to tell him that it wasn't his fault that he crashed and he did everything he could. you are the person whose shoulder he cries into and the person who gently holds his face and wipes his tears away with your thumbs.

you are the person to stand on your tip toes to place a kiss to his lips, the salty taste of his tears reaching your own lips. you are the person he sees when he opens his eyes and, when you backpedal in the slightest bit, you are the person he pulls closer and kisses like he means it.

you are the only person that hears when he says that he's loved you since you surprised him at the airport when they came back from switzerland. you are the only person that hears him say that it's always been you that he's loved, that he's never seen anyone else besides you.

and he is the only one that hears you say that you love him, too.

[f10werfae]

Child-Bearing Hip Dips

pairing: Professor!Ari Levinson x College!Student!Reader

summary: Ari overhears his babygirl’s conversation with her friends, he teaches her another lesson, why he loves her love handles. (DILF!Ari) (Dom!Ari)

likes, Comments and reblogs are appreciated/18+

Chris Masterlist, Full Masterlist

︵‿︵‿୨♡୧‿︵‿︵

“fuck, ya know these hips were made for me don’t ya?” Ari growled slamming his cock into her wet fuck hole, his shirt unbuttoned as she pawed at his meaty chest and stomach, his lips coming down to pull and tug at her puffy nipples. “Y-Yes sir, o-Oh shit” Y/n moaned feeling him spit onto her face, his hands kneading at her hips, even spanking it lewdly. Her college professor, loved watching her body jiggle and move.

- 30 minutes ago -

“So Y/n, your truth is, if you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?” Grace smiled picking a truth out of the hat, seeing that hardly anyone had attended the sociology lecture today due to weather problems, the girls made due and played some Truth or Dare; their seemingly distracted professor marking papers at his desk. His circular glasses perched on his nose, his eyes making subtle contact with Y/n, sending her a wink every few seconds.

She fidgeted and squirmed in her seat, having no underwear to put on this morning while at her boyfriend’s house, the greedy git had stolen it after he had fucked the daylights out of her. That same pair of lilac underwear, peeking out of his trouser pocket everytime he stood up to grab more papers to mark. He was practically teasing her at this point, even playing with the promise ring on his finger, reminding her of how those same thick fingers were tugging, pulling and feeling every bit of her the night before; in fact every night for the past 4 months since she took up this class.

“Oi Y/n, stop oglin’ Mr. Levinson n’ answer the question already” Lara whispered nudging her friend, repeating the question to her so they could move on with the game already, “Right oh uh, if I could change one thing about myself… maybe my hip dips? I don’t know anything I wear leggings they make my body look square and it puts me off. Plus! I don’t know, i’ve had people tell me before that it makes my proportions weird” Y/n explained scowling, gripping at the skin on her hips, her friends nodding as they could relate to the exact same thing.

“Ok next one-“ Before the next truth could be asked, the bell rang signifying the end of the day, all four college girls sighing out in relief at the thought of it finally being over. Lectures were to be put on hold after today, with the weather threatening to worsen, giving them all a weeks holiday to do whatever they pleased. Or whoever.

“Do all you ladies have a safe way home? Would you like me to call a few cabs?” Mr. Levinson offered seeing them all start to file out of the room, all of them stating that their significant other’s were picking them up, “What about you Miss L/n?” Ari asked tilting his head, seeing as now they were the only two left in his lecture hall, his fingers fiddling with the lilac fabric in his pocket.

“Hmm my man said he would pick me up, I don’t know if he’s here yet though” She pouted playfully walking around his desk, grabbing onto his sleeves as she pulled herself to smack a glossy wet smooch onto his lips, one that was gladly reciprocated. “is that so? What kinda man is that, leavin his woman stranded and cold” He cooed letting his hands fondle up her skirt, ripping a hole into her stockings, cheekily groping at her backside.

Both of them chuckling as he sat back down onto his chair, bringing her onto his lap, his hands going under the creme knit jumper of his that she chose to put on this morning; feeling her bare breasts as he also hid her bra from her. He hated seeing those wired marks on her back, he could care less if her tits sagged, they were only his to look at anyway. “Can we go to your place already? It’s cold and I still need to finish the damn paper my sociology teacher set me”

“Oh yeah good job tellin your sociology professor that” He grumbled bunching up his sweater just above her chest, exposing her globes to the cool air, the same ones he would spend any amount of time sucking and kissing on. “Anyway what’s this I heard about hip dips? Who told you that?” His fingers massaging deep into her hips, the same hips he loved seeing swaying round his kitchen as she listened to her music, the same hips that rode his cock to the moon and back, the same hips that belong to the most gorgeous girl he swears he’s ever seen. His Y/n’s hips.

“Well am not lyin! I’ve heard so many people tell me to lose ‘em, i’ve tried all the tips but these girls won’t budge. They just make me look bulky” She groaned running her hand back through his hair, his eyes darkening as her body was basically exposed to him. “Baby, these are my love handles, I love holdin’ onto them everytime your sweet pussy is wrapped around my cock, the way the muscles tense and relax with every movement. I don’t give a fuck about proportions either babygirl, at the end of the day it’s all mine to eat and grab at” He growled setting her onto his emptied desk, her fingers automatically undoing his belt and buttons, his trousers being tugged sown to his thick thighs.

“Open up baby, seems I need to remind my girl some of the things i’ve taught her” He gritted his teeth, feeling his cock being engulfed by her warm gummy walls, a familiar feeling for them both, comforting even. “F-fuck daddy, still so big” She whimpered, already feeling like she had been split into two, her older boyfriends cock was no joke.

-Present-

“fuck, ya know these hips were made for me don’t ya?” Ari growled slamming his cock into her wet fuck hole, his shirt unbuttoned as she pawed at his meaty chest and stomach, his lips coming down to pull and tug at her puffy nipples. “Y-Yes sir, o-Oh shit” Y/n moaned feeling him spit onto her face, his hands kneading at her hips, even spanking it lewdly. “What did I read people callin’ these once? Child bearin hips” He whispered licking up between her tits, her hands clawing onto his ass, pushing his hips farther into her; her tongue reaching out for his as her drool covered face mashed up against his in a sealing kiss.

Ari groaning at the feeling of his woman’s cunt clenching around his length, her hips wrapping her legs around his waist, caging him against her body as he continued thrusting in and out of her mercilessly. “Ya like that baby? The thought of your professor knockin you up? Watchin’ you walk around campus all full of my baby? Only we would know our dirty secret” He taunted whispering right against her lips, a string of saliva connecting them as she cried out and had to bite her lip to keep the rest in.

“Yes- Yes I want it all! Fuck just give it to me daddy, need it so bad, warm me up with your cum” She squealed feeling his hand leave her hips to start circling at her precious delicate button, rubbing it raw as he helped her chase her orgasm, his catching up with it. “Whatever my baby wants, she gets” He sighed out, and Y/n swore she saw stars, her toes twinkling closed, his shaft hitting her G-spot repeatedly. Their torsos flattened against each other, her hips slowly gyrating, his seed filling her to the brim, creating a cream like effect to the base of his cock where they connected.

“So what did you think about these hip dips again?” He breathed out resting his forehead against hers, fully taking off her sweater so they could feel each other’s warmth, skin to skin. “You mean my love handles babe” She giggled beaming up at him, despite her face being riddled with sweat and saliva, but Ari was sure he looked the exact same. From then on he swore he would fuck the insecurities out of her, even if it was the last thing he’d do.

“That’s my girl, now come on, let’s go home so I can help you with this ‘stupid sociology essay’ so we can spend the week doing somethin more productive” He joked cleaning her up a bit, even fixing her hair that was now all over the place, “Or something more reproductive” She giggled kicking her legs, already feeling him growing hard against her thigh, she’s got him again.

———

PSA: Big beefy Ari is back again🫶🫶🫶🙏

library blog: @f10werfaes-cosy-collection

Taglist ( not accepting, use library)

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See you all at the next update🫶

[flowercrowngods]

Who even writes letters anymore?

It feels a little ridiculous, interrupting the process of baring his heart and soul to the paper, the pen, and the walls of his room, to ponder the frequency of the hand-written word. It makes him falter, though, the sentence half finished on the paper before him, his desk lit only with candles because it’s two on the morning and long past the time for any kind of lamps, desk and ceiling alike.

Who even writes letters anymore? Letters like this, somewhere between a confession of love and an apology. Emotions that don’t do well, being said out loud, and that do even worse in a text message.

The written word, ink on blank sheets of paper, weeks and months old and nowhere near finished yet, was invented for situations like this. For feelings like this.

For Steve. For Eddie. For Steve and Eddie.

The eternal What If. The little lump in his heart that feels so real even though it can’t be. The thought in the back of his mind, a calling presence that is imaginary at best. The vision of a future that is no more than wishful thinking.

And thinking, he does. Oh, does he think. And always, always about Eddie.

Eddie, who wasn’t brave enough to love him, and whom Steve never gave the space to be. Eddie, who did love him, but showed it in different ways than Steve was used to. And when he realised, when he recognised, it was all in hindsight.

They were both too scared. Twice. Scared and stupid and—

But Steve’s not scared now. It’s late, he knows, and it might be too late.

It’s fine if it’s too late, he writes, and he means it. But I want you to know. I need you to know. I want to be brave, and I‘d rather be brave too late than not at all.

There is no filter, he finds. The ink unforgiving and unjudgmental alike, guiding his hand across the page from one word to the next, until suddenly there are six of them, and Steve could keep going forever.

I want to love you. I think I want to love you, not just the idea of you. I want to give you the space you need and learn to love and be loved. I want to do it right. I want to take your hand and hold it. I spend days just thinking about holding your hand. Holding you.

It’s not a love letter. He doesn’t even mean to send it, just wants to get it all out and not have his friends tell him it’s a bad idea, tell him Eddie doesn’t deserve him, Eddie’s not right for him.

Steve doesn’t believe that.

He just wants a chance. A conversation. They never really talked — not the first time, and not four years later. He wants a real chance this time, wants to be brave and talk and see.

And he wants to give Eddie a chance, too. A chance to mess up, a chance to speak, a chance to be brave and talk and see for himself, and a chance, maybe, to try again.

For real this time.

So he writes the letter; doesn’t care if people even do this anymore. He does. For Eddie. That feels like it’s all that matters.

He ends the letter at the bottom of page six.

I’m not writing you because I want to get back with you. I’m writing because I need you to know that I can’t stop thinking about you. And because I want to talk. A lot. And because I think they’re all wrong.

And I’m writing because I spent the party last weekend looking for you, hoping to see you. My friend told me to finish this letter and send it if you mean so much. And you do. Endlessly.

But it’s okay if all this is one-sided. It’s okay if you don’t even read until this point. It’s okay if it’s too late.

Steve

He takes it with him the next day, just on a whim, not entirely sure if he’s gonna send it or throw it in the trash, the coil in his stomach lightened since the last word’s been written.

In the end, he misses his train back home and has to take the long way with the bus that’ll only take him halfway there. He decides to walk the rest, taking a detour and passing Eddie’s apartment building.

He finds the name Munson on the doorbell nameplate outside. He stares at the door, the drizzle picking up until it’s pouring, and still Steve is staring.

He tries the front door. Another whim. It’s not supposed to open. Someone unhooked the latch. It gives in to Steve’s gentle push, and warmth envelops him as he suddenly finds himself face to face with Eddie’s mailbox.

The letter is in his bag. Secure. Heavy.

His heart, however, is light as he fishes it out and slips it past the lid, the thump as it gently hits the bottom the only sound in the universe.

Outside, the rain is pouring.

Inside, Steve’s heart lies in Eddie’s mailbox.

[writerpetals]

all you have to do is ask | ❤️

; optional male lead fluff |  ☁️

He’s the cutest when he smiles. Your heart feels as if it will pound right out of your chest when you’re the reason for his grin flashed your way in the middle of studying the outline of the report you’re writing up while staring at a blinding screen for far too long. He chuckles any time you make a simple mistake, and his eyes wrinkle and his nose scrunches before he corrects your error with a soft tone and more patience than you ever expected.

He’s not your boss, and not even the supervisor of the department, but he has been in charge of helping new hires at the office you began working at a few months prior. Though, what should have been only a week of getting you settled in and set up with your workload, tasks, and anything else the head of the department likes to throw on his workers last minute has turned into him keeping a close eye on you in case you need a little extra assistance.

“Just until you get the hang of things,” he promises, but by now you have a hard time believing it, and even sometimes you find yourself hoping it’s just an excuse to get closer to you. 

You should feel a bit embarrassed he’s always coming to your aid when you forget an attachment or pointing out corrections before your supervisor notices, but it’s hard to turn away his help when his smiles make your heart flutter and his kindness makes it so easy to play the part of clumsy or forget new employee. 

“Did you remember to e-mail the updates on your latest report?” he asks while walking past your desk to make his way to the copy machine, a stack of papers in hand and a grin on his lips because he already knows the answer. “It’s important!”

“I, uh, I’ll get right on that!” you inform him, immediately clicking away to pull up your contacts on your computer as the heat rushes to your face for being so forgetful. “Thanks!” 

You hear his chuckle even after he’s passed, but you’re thankful he’s observant enough to keep you in line, wondering if he’s the same way with all of your other co-workers. Maybe you’re too anxious over making sure you don’t make another mistake he won’t manage to catch, but part of you wishes he isn’t just being nice and helpful to the newest employee. 

“Here, let me get that!” he says, rushing to your side two days later when you have managed to jam the only printer on your entire floor. You step aside, the warmth of embarrassment flooding your cheeks as he rolls up his sleeves and gets to work un-sticking the mess of paper you’ve somehow made.

“Thanks,” you say with a voice so quiet he almost misses it. “You’re a lifesaver.”

“I try my best,” he teases, grin wide as ever and your body feeling tingling all over from the sight of him. 

A few weeks pass and you try to handle things on your own, however. Even if you enjoy his help every now and then, you do want to try your best so you don’t end up getting under his skin for his niceness to wear off. You also don’t want it to get around that you’re more trouble than you’re worth, so you leave post-its stuck to your monitor with reminders for all the attachments and e-mails you need to send, scribble down important times and dates of meetings and deadlines on the calendar resting over your desk, and even finish your latest report a day ahead of schedule.

You feel the pride swarming in your chest after a while, and even if you admit that you miss his visits to your desk to check up on you as well as spotting his soft smile or hearing his light-hearted chuckle, it’s nice to feel like you’re not so new and trying to get a grip on even simple tasks. You begin to feel like a member of the team, working hard to please your supervisor, and you even get a quick “good job” from your boss before leaving one afternoon.

Though, the confidence doesn’t last long when you sit down at your desk one morning to prepare to send the latest report to your supervisor, only to find the document wiped clean with no trace of a copy in an existing folder, and no signs of it accidentally being deleted in the recycle bin. Your heart sinks, wide eyes staring at the screen for a few moments as you click away to check every occupied space in your hard drive, stomach twisting as the seconds pass and the report you spent a week working hard on is nowhere to be found. You gulp, and close the document, only to open it once again, spotting a white page with a blinking cursor ready to begin typing. 

You feel as if the air has been sucked from your lungs, knowing you trashed your notes the day before when you thought the report was ready to be sent. How could this happen? How could you be so careless? The doubts flood you over and over as you continue to stare at the screen with a furrowed brow and slacked jaw. 

It’s not until he walks past do you pull yourself from your trance, hearing your name being called in what sounds like a muffled voice once, twice, and three times until you finally snap your gaze in his direction.

“Everything okay?” he asks, curious and concerned and when you don’t reply, he takes a step closer to press his hands to the desk. “What’s wrong?”

Your heart sinks even lower. You were doing so well. You were getting the hang of things, and now the report is gone and due in a day and you have no notes to start over. 

“Yes,” you blurt out before you can stop yourself, forcing a smile that his frown insists he doesn’t believe. “Yes, yeah, yup! I… I’m great!” Nervous laughter falls from your lips to have him wrinkling his brow, but he doesn’t push the issue.

“Alright, well, if you need anything…”

“Got it! Thanks.” Your fake smile widens and he hesitates for a moment before walking away.

You can fix this, you tell yourself, trying to calm your nerves while you reach for the small garbage bin next to your desk in hopes that there are a few notes scribbled on paper you tossed the night before. But of course, the trash is always emptied Wednesday nights and there’s a fresh bag greeting you when you look inside.

Huffing, you slump down in your chair, considering spending your morning looking for new jobs because you just know when your report hasn’t arrived by the following morning your boss is going to fire you. Just when you were getting decent paychecks, saving up for a new place to live, planning to get away from your annoying, messy roommate you try to avoid at all costs and hey, maybe even buy yourself a new pair of heels while you’re at it. 

You can’t help but to groan as your head falls to your hands, mentally saying bye bye to that apartment with the view you had your heart set on, immediately feeling sorry for yourself until his words replay in your mind. You know you could ask him for help, but how could he even fix your mistake? Your report is missing, your notes are trashed, and there’s a possibility if you involve him, he could get disciplined for your mistake as well. The last thing you want to do is get the sweet, helpful guy that assisted you more times than you deserved in trouble right along with you. 

Still, you have no other options. He did offer, you tell yourself, rising from your desk on feet that won’t budge until you work up enough courage to move. Your legs begin to shake and you wonder why you’re so worked up in just asking for help. You know you don’t want to be a problem, something annoying to get under his skin. But he did offer, you remind yourself once again. 

It takes you twice as long to make your way to his desk, wishing your knees weren’t shaking so much, praying your heart stops pounding as hard. You spot him with a phone to his ear and a pen in hand, writing down a few things on paper a moment before he notices your presence. He smiles your way and you feel a bit sick to your stomach, as well as a bit disappointed you’ll never witness his smile again once you tell him the news and you’re fired over your mistake.

Bye bye sweet & helpful co-worker. You refrain from pouting while waiting patiently for him to finish his phone call, and it seems as if he speeds up the conversation with his client with a promise to get back to them before placing the phone on the hook with a click.

“Everything okay?” he asks just as before, smile fading when he senses your hesitation, and the fact that your eyes have fallen to the floor because you’re too embarrassed to face him.

“I…” you begin to whisper, seeing him shift his weight from the corner of your eye to turn his chair toward you, “...need help.” When you gather the courage to glance toward him, his brows are raised a bit, and when he stands is when you lower your head once again. 

“With?” he questions with a chuckle, watching you nibble on your bottom lip and shift from one foot to the other. 

“I messed up,” you exhale, closing your eyes for a moment, “big time.” 

“How?” He steps closer before crossing his arms over his chest, and in a wave of overwhelming embarrassment flooding your body in a rush of heat, you blurt out the words in a jumbled sentence, telling him your report was finished, informing him you tossed the notes before heading home the night before, filling him in on your shock to see the whole thing gone when you arrived that morning and even spilling how scared you were to tell him because you didn’t want to get him in trouble as well if he was involved. 

The air has escaped your lungs by the time you’re finished, and he stands, staring, taking it all in as well as the sight of you wide-eyed with your bottom lip trembling, wondering just how hard you’re working to keep yourself together before he offers a simple shrug.

“Okay, let’s take a look,” is all he says, voice calm as ever before he strolls over to your desk while you hurry behind him. He takes a seat  in your chair then straightens his tie, pushes back his sleeves, and concentrates on the computer screen with a few clicks of the mouse. A heaviness settles in your chest and you swear the nausea will get the better of you as you wait for him to do whatever magic he’s planning, and the moment his smile returns to his lips is when a split-second of relief washes over you. “There it is.”

“You found it?!” Rushing to his side, you nearly bump his shoulder trying to get a view of the screen. There you spot the report you had worked so hard on, complete and ready to be sent with only a few seconds of work from him. “Oh my God! I could kiss you!”

Your voice travels a bit farther than you would have liked, earning a few awkward glances from co-workers sitting at their desks nearby while he  chuckles and shakes his head. “Is this what was bothering you?” he asks. “You thought your report was gone forever.”

“Yes, ugh,” you groan, shoulder slumping and head falling. “I was so scared. I just knew I was going to be fired. I didn’t know what to do.”

“Well, for starters,” he tells you, rising from your chair, and you stand straight up to follow his lead, “you should have come to me sooner. Sometimes documents get wiped when the system forgets to automatically save, but you can always find them in the temporary folders.”

“I… should have thought of that. Ugh, I’m so dumb sometimes…”

“You’re not dumb.” Laughter falls from his lips as he shakes his head once again. “We’ve all made mistakes, and we all need help sometimes.”

“You’ve helped me so much since I started. I didn’t want to annoy you.” Your voice lowers as you admit your worries, but he raises a hand to dismiss them away. 

“You could never annoy me, I’m here to help” he tells you, same smile forming over his lips that makes your body weak. “All you have to do is ask.”

“Thanks. You really saved me here.” He nods in understanding before letting you get back to sending your report, but not before you reach for his arm to keep him for a moment. “Can I make it up to you? You’ve really done so much for me, the least I could do is buy you a coffee… or something.” There’s a certain surprise lighting up his eyes you’ve never seen as he looks down at you, pressing his lips together before the corners curl, and he agrees a second later without an ounce of hesitation.

The two of you find yourself at a cafe a few blocks from work after you clock out, where you both have ordered your favorite flavor of tea to drink while sharing a raspberry pastry. You settle for a table near the window to watch the people pass by with their umbrellas beneath a sudden afternoon shower, lucky to have made it on time to keep from getting wet, as well as have an excuse not to leave as quickly. You enjoy each other’s company, making small talk while you slip in a few more thank you’s because you couldn’t be more grateful for his help. He smiles and nods each time, the shyness evident in his face with every sign of your appreciation and somehow it makes talking to him much easier outside of work.

“Maybe I can take you out next time,” he says while chewing on the last bite of the pastry while you sip your tea through a grin. “Somewhere proper like…”

“Like a date?” you ask before you can stop yourself, and he bites his lip for a moment to hide his eagerness.

“Do you want it to be a date?”

“Do you?” He smiles at you answering a question with a question. It’s that same smile that makes you weak in the knees once again, and you’re blurting out words before you even have time to consider what you’re saying thanks to how irresistibly cute you find him. “Because I do.”

His smile widens. Your heart drums wildly in your chest. “Good,” is all he says, “me too.” 

“Well,” you begin, finding a sudden confidence from his words, “if you want a date... all you have to do is ask.”

[redrose10]

Part 1

Here is part 1 of this new story that I’m working on. I was going to post it as one big chapter, but I’ve received feedback that multiple chapters are preferred so that’s the route I went. I really hope that everyone likes it! This first part is very very angsty.

Inn Keeper Yoongi x Female Author Reader

Summary: You have never experienced true love which is hilarious considering you write romance novels for a living. When you end up staying at The Interlude Inn located in Holly Falls you start to wonder if maybe the answer to your newest love story is sitting behind the welcome desk. Quickly, you find out that Min Yoongi hides a lot of pain and sorrow behind his shy smiles and quick glances.

Warnings: (may get updated) Swearing, character death, very very angsty for a while, mentions of physical and verbal abuse, bullying, a really mean letter, panic attacks, eventual light smut, eventual fluff

Word Count: 9,602

Tag List: @viankiss

You slunk down in your office chair hanging your head low. Your boss had just chewed you out after you presented her with a draft of your newest novel that you had thought you were just about finished with, but it appears you were going to have to start from the beginning.

“I’m guessing it didn’t go as well as you thought it would?”, your best friend and coworker, Nari responded.

“She said that it’s not believable and that I need to use my own personal experiences as inspiration. I can’t keep writing the same story over and over just changing the names and location. The reader will be able to connect with it more if it’s from experience. I have two months to send her the new story or I’m on unpaid leave until I submit something worth publishing. It’s such bullshit.”, you huffed.

“I mean she kind of has a point. Anyone can put a bunch of words down on a piece of paper, but unless there is real feeling behind it then those words won’t get far.”

You rolled your eyes, “Seriously? You too? And what personal experience should I use?”

“Y/N you’ve been in relationships before. Just use one of them or a combination of all of them.”

“Oh yeah, should I go with the one who cheated on me or the one who ghosted me after he got me in his bed, or the one that would loose his temper at the smallest thing I did to upset him? I’ve never had a good relationship experience.”, you chuckle self deprecatingly.

“Hey Y/N, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to rub it in like that. Maybe try writing something else. Not every story has to be about a relationship, good or bad.”

Running your hands over your face you sighed, “I just don’t know what to do any more. I feel so burnt out and unmotivated. I don’t think I could come up with another story if I wanted to.”

“Why don’t you take a break? You know, get out of town for a while. I’m sure our boss won’t mind, especially if it gets you to clear your head and write something decent.”

Pondering this theory for a minute you began to think she might be on to something.

“Where would I go though? I can’t really afford to travel far and I don’t want to be too distracted that I can’t get anything done.”

After some silence Nari jumped up, “Oh I’ve got the perfect place. It’s just a four hour flight out to the countryside. A little town called, Holly Falls. My sister and her fiancé stayed there several months ago.”

Thinking it over a little it sounded like a good idea. After some begging and promising your boss that you were going to get work done while on the trip she agreed.

Once you arrived at the airport you really wished you’d done a little more research about Holly Falls. After some digging and a conversation with a very outgoing Uber Driver you found out that eleven months out of the year the town is very low key and relaxed, but for one month it is a tourist hotspot thanks to the insane amount of blooming cherry blossom trees. According to your new Uber friend, people come to Holly Falls during this month to see the fields of trees blooming in all their glory. The normally quiet town embraces the crowds providing various festivals and parades and gimmicks to draw in the guests as well as their wallets. And of course you just happen to travel over there smack dab in the middle of it all.

The driver dropped you off in the middle of the fun so with your bag slung over your shoulder you started heading into different hotels trying to book a room. In the city you could walk into pretty much any hotel at any time and book a room. You had assumed it would be same in this small town so you had decided to wait to book a room until you could see them in person wanting to get the feel and make sure you chose the right fit. You imagine in any other month it would be much easier to obtain a place to stay here, but due to the large tourist presence every single hotel was completely booked for the entire month.

You were just about ready to give up and head to the airport to see about booking a flight home when an older gentleman came up to you carrying various handmade trinkets for sale.

“See anything you like miss? All of these are under $10.”, he asked.

Politely you smiled, “No thank you. Not right now.”

You thought he had left until you saw him dangling a hand painted sun catcher in front of you. The design a beautiful beautiful cherry blossom. Trying to bite your tongue and not snap at the elderly man you again shook your head. “Here have it for free. You seem to need a little cheering up.”, he smiled.

Reaching up you grabbed the delicate glass from him, “Thank you. I really appreciate it. I’m sorry if I came off rude. I’m just really stressed out right now.”

“Didn’t know about the cherry blossom season and now you can’t find a place to stay?”, he asked. “How did you know?”, you replied wide eyed. The elderly man chuckled while taking a seat next to you, “There’s always at least one person that gets stuck here with nowhere to stay because they didn’t know how crazy things can get around here this time of the year.”

“Mmh yeah that would be me this year. I need somewhere to stay for a couple weeks or I’m going to have to head back home.” “You know there might be somewhere that still has a room available. It’s just outside all of the hubbub. About ten miles just over that hill. If you get to Taehyung’s Strawberry Farm then you’ve gone too far.”, he said pointing in the opposite direction of the festivities. “Really? You think they’d have a room? I wonder why they wouldn’t be booked like every other place.”

The gentleman stood up from the bench you were both on, “Its worth a shot. It’s a little farther away from all the action than people like to be. Plus the owners are a little on the unique side.”

You were concerned at this statement. The last thing you wanted to do was end up being the story line of a true crime documentary.

He continued, “They are very nice people. A young man and his grandmother. They just tend to be very secluded and to themselves. It’s called Interlude Inn. You can’t miss it.”

You thanked him for the information and watched as he walked into a large group of people trying to sell the rest of his merchandise. Placing the delicate sun catcher in your bag you ordered another Uber to take you over to the inn. A familiar vehicle quickly pulled up in front of you with the same talkative man from earlier. You wondered how there weren’t any other drivers available, but you smiled as you slid in the back seat anyways.

“Leaving so soon?”, he asked.

You chuckled, “No I just need to find somewhere else to stay. Can you please take me to The Interlude Inn?” Suddenly the man stopped, turning to look back at you.

“Miss you don’t want to stay there. Surely there’s somewhere else around here you can stay.”

“Every hotel is completely booked. If this inn doesn’t have a room then I’ll have to just go home.”

He sighed, “Alright miss. If you insist.”

He began the drive to your location. His words about finding somewhere else stuck in your mind.

“Sir?”

“Yes Miss”

“What you said earlier. What is so bad about this inn?”

“Well, the grandma, I think her name is Mae, is very sweet. She’s done the best she can with what she had. But that Min boy, he’s a little odd.”

“Ohhh…Like serial killer odd?”

The man chuckled, “No not that kind of odd. He’s just very quiet and keeps to himself, but he is polite. He’s never seemed to have any friends and I doubt he’s ever had any kind of relationship. He comes into town only a few times a year, mostly when his grandmother needs something. He doesn’t acknowledge anyone, even when they speak to him directly. People usually only stay at the inn as a last resort during this busy season.”

From what you’re hearing he seemed like just a quiet introverted person who loves his grandma. You weren’t sure why everyone seemed so leery of him.

The car pulled up infront of the inn. The large wooden sign out front verified you were indeed at The Interlude Inn. Thanking your driver you grabbed your bag and made your way up to the entrance.

The Inn looked cozy and welcoming. It was smaller than you had imagined. There couldn’t be more than three or four rooms. Off to the side you noticed a little garden with various plants starting to bloom.

On the door hung a welcome sign adorned with hand painted lady bugs and butterflies. Turning the handle you gently pushed in the door being greeted by a heavenly aroma making your stomach grumble. The entrance room which also doubled as a living room had two couches, one on either side of a coffee table. A television hung on the wall above a fireplace. In the corner was a small desk which you assume would be where you could request a room.

Walking over you noticed a younger man crouching down so he was eye level with one of the drawers. He appeared to be about your age, mid to late twenties. Black hair with a slight curl to it hung over his forehead. Beautiful cat like eyes and his soft lips formed into a deep pout. You wanted so badly to reach over and squeeze his chubby cheeks, but you knew that was a weirdness you didn’t want to invoke. He was fidgeting with a drawer that seemed to be stuck and you could here the argument he was having in soft whispers,

“Come on you stupid thing.”

“It shouldn’t be this difficult.”

“Please, I just need a pen and then I’ll leave you alone for the rest of the day.”

You chuckled hearing him begging the drawer to cooperate. Reaching into your bag you grabbed one of your spare pens and set it on the desk, “Here I have a pen you could use.”

The young man let out a sudden squeal after you startled him. He jumped backwards and landed on his behind with a loud thud.

“Oh no I am so sorry. I didn’t mean to scare you. I thought you had heard me come in.”, you apologized feeling terrible.

The poor guy sat on the ground trying to collect himself before bringing himself back to a standing position. That’s when you noticed his cheeks were a bright shade of red, making you want to squeeze them even more. The man didn’t say a word. His eyes were barely able to focus on you, instead they would move around the room before returning to you for just a second before he’d quickly look elsewhere.

“Ahh this must be the Min boy the driver was talking about?”, you thought to yourself. They weren’t kidding when they said he was quiet and reserved.

“Hi, I’m sorry again for scaring you. I was just wondering if you had a room I could rent for a couple weeks.”

The man just continued looking around the room.

“It’s okay if you don’t have any available. It was just recommended for me to come up here for a room since all the others are booked.”

Again silence. You were about to ask if he was okay when a door off to the left swung open and a very sweet looking elderly woman came walking out. She must be the grandmother that was mentioned. She was covered in flour so you assumed that’s where the heavenly smell was coming from.

“Yoongi dear did you get that pen yet? I need to label the jars of blueberry jam.”, she spoke. When she noticed you she jumped slightly, but not in a scared kind of way. More like an oh no how long have you been standing there while my grandson stares at you kind of way.

“Oh hi sweety, how can we help you?”, she asked. Her grandson, that you now knew was named Yoongi, was still standing off to the side. You had to intently stare at his chest to make sure he was still breathing because you were honestly getting very concerned for him.

“Yes ma’am, I was wondering if you had any available rooms that I could rent for the next couple of weeks?”

She smiled while pulling out an old and beat up note book to take down your info. You liked the old school feel. It was much different than the digital kingdom of the city where you lived.

“Of course dear. Did you need one bed or two?”

“Just one will be fine.”

“Okay and you said two weeks?”

“Yes please.”

“No problem. Just fill out your name and address here. Payment will be due at the end of your stay when you check out.”

Quickly you wrote down all the requested information before handing the book back over. You couldn’t help but notice that Yoongi still hadn’t moved, but his cheeks were still a bright shade of pink so you knew he was at least breathing.

The grandma spoke again, “Thank you so much dear. My name is Mae, but you can call me grandma, granny, halmeoni, MaeMae, just don’t call me late for dinner.”

Even though you’ve heard that joke countless times you still laughed. Something about this sweet woman warmed your heart.

She continued, “This is my grandson Yoongi. He can help you with your bags and show you to your room. You’re more than welcome to join us for dinner. It should be ready in about twenty minutes or so.”

You thanked her profusely and watched as she walked back into the kitchen. Yoongi walked around the desk without making eye contact. He reached for your bag that was currently sitting on the ground and you noticed a shake to his hand due to his nerves.

“Uh uh um y-you c-can follow me.”, he spoke before walking down the long hallway. He opened the door to small cozy room. A window sat overlooking the garden. A bed adorned with a lilac colored quilt sat against the wall. There was a dresser available for storage and a desk off to the side. It was perfect.

Yoongi laid your bag down at the foot of the bed. You wanted to ask him if he needed to lie down based on how terrified he looked. Instead you opted to try and get him to speak to you at all.

“Hi Yoongi, I’m Y/N. It’s really nice to meet you.”

You stuck your hand out offering a hand shake. It was getting awkward waiting for him to return the gesture, but just before you were going to dejectedly pull your hand back he reached up and took your hand in his.

With his cheeks back to bright red he quickly bowed and walked out of the room closing the door behind him.

Since dinner was going to be ready soon you opted to just lay in bed enjoying the comfort after a long day of travel. When Mae called you for dinner you entered the dining room surprised to only see her and Yoongi sat at the table.

“Am I the only guest?”, you asked suddenly feeling out of place.

“Yes dear, but don’t worry. We are so happy to have you here.”, she smiled pulling out a chair for you.

You nodded taking the offered seat while she filled up your bowl with some beef soup.

“So Y/N, what brings you to Holly Falls? I’m assuming it’s the cherry blossoms.”, she asked.

“Oh no I just needed to take a little vacation and clear my head. Having some work problems. My friend recommended this town to me. I didn’t even know about the cherry blossoms until I got here.”

“Well you’re going to love it here. There’s no more of a relaxing place.”

You smiled and accepted the second helping of soup. The two of you kept the conversation going talking about this and that. Yoongi never said a word. Out of the corner of your eye you noticed him sneaking little glances in your direction before quickly turning his head but you chose to ignore it, not wanting to embarrass him.

After dinner you offered to help clean up the kitchen which was greatly appreciated. Mae sent Yoongi out to the garden to collect some chamomile to make tea. As she rinsed off the dishes you would take them and dry them before putting them in their respective spots.

“Thank you for being gentle with Yoongi.”, she spoke breaking the silence.

You weren’t quite sure what she meant by that and apparently your face showed it because she continued,

“He really is such a caring and sweet young man. He’s just been hurt so many times and he’s so afraid of letting someone in for fear of it happening again. I worry what will happen to him when I’m no longer here. I don’t want him to be alone. He deserves the world and I hope that one day he finds someone that will give it to him.”

You wanted to ask questions, but felt it wasn’t a good idea to pry when you’ve only known this family for a few hours.

“He seems very sweet. I’d love to get to know him more.”, you responded.

“Oh please do. Go slow, but I think if you keep at it he just might open up to you. As soon as you went to your room he came to me and said you seemed like a very genuine person.”

You felt your cheeks heat up at the thought.

“Do you know if he has any interests or anything? Maybe something I could ask him about.”

She lightly chuckled, “Well he loves music. He has these notebooks that he’s always writing lyrics in, but he has never let anyone look at them. He likes basketball. He was really good when he was younger, but he doesn’t play it much any more. Oh! And you’d never guess it but he likes to knit. He’d be furious if he ever found out I told you that so you didn’t hear that one from me.”

You nodded in agreement before putting the final plate away just as Yoongi returned with the requested chamomile. He shyly smiled at you before nervously running out of the room. After enjoying a cup of tea you said goodnight and made your way back to your room for the evening.

The following morning you cranklily padded to the dining area. Mornings were not your thing. Thankfully you were greeted with the smell of coffee and fresh baked bread. Mae was nowhere to be seen, but Yoongi was standing at the counter chopping some vegetables for what you presumed was an omelet based on all the ingredients in front of him. You stood in the doorway thankful that he hadn’t noticed you yet as it gave you a chance again to admired his features. You smiled at how the tip of his tongue poked out in concentration as he focused on chopping an onion.

Silently you walked up next to him and smiled, “Anything I can help with?” The poor thing nearly jumped two feet in the air also letting the knife slip which sliced the tip of his thumb. When you saw the small amount of blood coming to the surface you panicked.

“Oh my goodness I am so sorry Yoongi. I didn’t mean to scare you like that. What was I thinking?”, you said grabbing his hand and pulling him over to the sink. He hadn’t said a word.

After thoroughly washing the cut and using a paper towel to dry it you asked if there were any bandaids. Shyly he pointed underneath the sink and you found a first aid kit.

“Okay this might sting a little.”, you said applying the disinfectant. You felt awful when you saw his body flinch. After the cut was securely wrapped in a bandaid you began apologizing again, “I’m so sorry Yoongi. This is not how I intended for this to go. Are you going to be okay? Does it hurt still? Is there anything I can do?”

For the first time since you arrived you saw a full blown smile on his face. He shook his head, “N-No thank you. I think I’ll be okay.”

“Well let me help you prepare breakfast. It’s the least I can do.”

After some hesitation he agreed so you cleaned up the work station and got a new cutting board before you got to work chopping the rest of the vegetables. When breakfast was over and you had helped clean up you decided to go back to your room for a while and try to get some work done. Unfortunately things weren’t going that great. You were still struggling to put together a decent storyline and after two hours of staring at your laptop you decided to give up and take a break.

Peaking out the window you noticed Yoongi working in the garden. He looked adorable in his overalls and dark green sweater. A matching green beanie on to give a little more warmth. You wondered if he had knit it himself. You grabbed your jacket and decided to head outside for some fresh air.

Not wanting a repeat from the morning you loudly made your presence known as to not startle him again. Only when you were sure that he had noticed you did you decided to say something.

“What are you working on?”, you asked crouching down next to him.

He whispered something that you couldn’t quite catch. You noticed the redness intensifying in his cheeks too. He was just so incredibly cute.

“What kind of seeds are these?”

“Oh they are um cabbage and um radish seeds.”, he said without looking up from the dirt.

“Hmmm I know nothing about gardening, but isn’t it still too cold to plant these? I always thought it needed to be hot for seeds to grow.”

“S-Some s-seeds can grow when it’s colder out. Then we’ll h-harvest them and p-plant the rest.”

“Ahhh I see. I never even knew that was possible. What else are you planting?”

Did you care about gardening or seeds or soil quality? No absolutely not. But this was the most Yoongi has spoken to you so you rattled off question after question and made odd comments here and there just to get him to keep talking. By the time you were done his face was beet red and his hands were shaking quite a bit more than earlier. You were starting to feel bad and like you were pushing him past his breaking point so you wanted to give him some space.

Standing up and brushing the dirt off your knees you said, “Well it’s gotten quite chilly out. I’m gonna head inside. Thank you for teaching me so much. Maybe one day I’ll have a garden and you could come see it for yourself.”

He nodded without looking up at you and you took that as his way of saying goodbye. Once inside you found a smiling Mae standing in the kitchen.

She handed you hot bowl of leftover soup for lunch and sat at the table next to you.

“You know, that’s the longest I’ve ever seen him converse with someone other than me in a long long time. Normally he’d just get up and walk away without saying a word.”

The thought of asking about Yoongi’s past crossed your mind again, but you pushed it aside still not feeling that it was the right time.

The next couple days followed a similar path. You’d wake up, help Yoongi make breakfast, try to work for a little, and then you’d go find Yoongi and try to talk to him and get him to open up to you. He never said much but he’d nod or say a word here or there to let you know he was listening. Mae would always be amazed at how well Yoongi responded to you. After a while you’d give him some space and then join the two of dinner followed by tea and then you’d head off to bed.

On the fifth day you decided to go out and explore a little. You ended up at Taehyung’s Strawberry farm which was just up the road from the Inn. Taehyung or Tae as he told you to call him was a very kind and outgoing guy. The farm had been passed down in his family for six generations. He gave you a tour of the entire farm and introduced you to his farmhands/friends Jin, Hoseok, Namjoon, and Jungkook. Jin was in charge of harvesting the strawberries and also coming up with new items to sell at the onsite bakery. Hoseok or Hobi as he was called was in charge of maintenance of the crops, things like making sure they got enough water but not too much water and pruning the plants where necessary. Namjoon was the bookkeeper. He kept track of orders and anything numbers related. Jungkook was the youngest of the four. According to Tae, he was the muscle of the group and would do various things around the farm that involved a lot of physical strength.

They all seemed like very sweet gentleman and made you feel very welcome from the start.

“So what brings you all the way out here? Most people try to stay closer to the main town this time of year.”, Jin asked setting a strawberry cream puff in front of you.

“I wasn’t able to get a room in town so I’m staying at The Interlude Inn.”

“I see. With Mae and Yoongi? How are they doing? I’ve been meaning to stop by and drop off a strawberry pie for them.”

“They seem to being doing well. They’ve been so hospitable.”

“Even Yoongi?”, Jungkook said taking a seat next to you. You noticed a hint of a chuckle in his question.

“Yes even Yoongi. He’s on the quiet side, but I think he’s starting to warm up to me a little bit.”

“Wow he must really like you then. I’ve been trying to get him to open up for years.”, Taehyung said walking over.

“What do you mean?”, you asked confused as to why everyone always seems to think he’s some cold jerk.

He continued, “We’ve just been trying to get him to hang out with us for the last few years. I’ve offered him multiple jobs around here. We’ve invited him over for dinner or to go get drinks in town. Namjoon tried to set him up on a date with his sister. He just always turns and walks away without saying a word. We’ve kind of just given up.”

“Oh yeah I guess maybe I’m just special then.”, you said before taking another bite of the cream puff.

It was pretty late by the time you had gotten back to the inn. Jin had given you a ride back as it looked like there was an early spring thunderstorm about to hit. When you walked inside you set the strawberry pie on the counter. Mae had already gone to sleep, but Yoongi was sitting in the common area watching a basketball game. He looked so cozy wrapped up in a hoodie that was a little too big for him and a fluffy fleece blanket on his lap. Now that you thought about it he was always dressed very warmly. Sweatshirts, sweaters, or multiple layers all with long sleeves. You’ve never seen any skin other than his hands and neck and face. It was on the chilly side being that it was barely the beginning of the spring, but nothing that you thought warranted that kind of clothing constantly. It was odd to you, but nothing you wanted to question him about right now because maybe it was just a comfort thing for him you thought. Instead you walked over to the couch making your presence known so that you didn’t startle him.

“Mind if I join you?”, you asked. Silently he scooted over to make room and you took that as a yes. You watched the game for a few minutes trying to come up with something to say, but you really didn’t know much about basketball or sports in general.

“Is that Michael Jordan?”, you asked after the camera followed a player who had just scored a basket.

Yoongi’s eyebrows furrowed as he shook his head.

“Lebron James?”

He shakes his head.

“Steph Curry?”

Again another head shake.

You chuckled, “Well those are the only basketball players I know so I give up.”

Out of the corner of your eye you saw the slightest smile from on his lips which you took as encouragement to continue.

“Oh so did he just score a touchdown?”, you asked. In reality you knew that was a completely different sport, but you were hoping that somehow this would get a little engagement on his part.

You looked at him expectantly noticing his cheeks heat up under your stare.

“Umm n-no that was a free throw, not a touchdown.”

“Hmm and a free throw is worth one or two points?”

“It’s w-worth one point.”

You didn’t want to over stress him out so you decided to give him some quiet and stop with the questions for a while.

The referee in the game blew his whistle and started making a bunch of hand gestures. You were about to lean over and ask about it when a bright flash of light shown through the windows followed by a loud clap of thunder. The floor beneath your feet seemed to shake from the force. Another flash of light lit up the room and some more thunder hit making even you jump a little.

“Wow that’s some storm.”, you said looking over at Yoongi only to be met with nothing.

“Yoongi?”, you question looking around the room wondering how he was able to get up and run so fast.

After standing up from the couch and walking towards the kitchen to see if maybe he had went in there you saw the fleece blanket he was holding earlier leaning up against the back of the couch and thanks to the added light from another lightning strike you noticed that the blanket was also covering a lump. Getting closer you saw little tufts of black hair poking out. Gently you reached and pulled the blanket down slightly. You could feel your heart breaking seeing him like this. Curled up in a ball with his hands over his ears and tears on his cheeks.

“Yoongi it’s okay. It’s just a thunderstorm.”, you said trying to soothe him. When your words didn’t seem to help you went to reach for his hand feeling him tense at your touch.

“No please don’t hurt me. Please.”, he cried out making you recoil. “Yoongi it’s Y/N. I’m not going to hurt you. Just let me get you to be-.” You felt a hand on your should and found Mae looking down at you with a sad expression on her face. She bent down the best she could in her old age to get his attention and when he finally recognized her the tension seemed to leave his body, at least momentarily until another crack of thunder rang through the air.

Mae helped him up off the ground and you’d stayed m back watching as she helped him down the hall, his legs shaking ever so slightly. Just before they entered his room Mae turned to you and pointed towards the kitchen. You took the hint and went to get a couple cups of tea ready.

After about fifteen minutes she returned and took a seat next to you thanking you for the tea.

“I’m sorry you had to see that.”, she sighed.

“No I just, I don’t, I…”, you couldn’t find the words. You knew it was slightly odd for a grown adult to be that petrified of a thunderstorm, but you knew there must be a reason. Judging by Mae’s reaction this seemed to be a common occurrence. You just didn’t know how to move forward without sounding rude.

“Mae, please forgive me if this comes off to forward or harsh, but has some thing happened to Yoongi in his past?”

She took a sip of tea before getting more comfortable in the chair and nodding her head.

“Yes dear. Yoongi, my sweet sweet Yoongi, has been through a lot. More than any person should have to especially at his young age. You see Yoongi’s father left a few weeks after he was born. Yoongi was born too early and was very small and sickly. His father didn’t want any part of his life. My daughter did the best she could with Yoongi. I helped whenever I could as well. She was such a loving mother. When Yoongi was about two years old she married a man who I didn’t necessarily approve of, but there was nothing I could do. She was an adult and she seemed happy. He quickly moved my daughter and Yoongi to the other side of the country. I only got to see them a couple times year. I started to have suspicions that something was wrong when Yoongi was four years old. I went to visit and noticed that my daughter and Yoongi both had old bruises. When I questioned it my daughter claimed that she tripped while carrying him and fell down some stairs. Then when Yoongi was six he told me how he had heard his mom and stepdad in their bedroom making lots of noise. His mom was yelling and there were loud bangs, but he couldn’t hear what she was saying. I questioned her once again and she said that her and her husband must’ve just gotten too loud while in bed together and that she’d remind him in the future that they needed to be quieter. I wasn’t completely convinced, but I had no other proof.”

Mae took a long breath clear that this was hard for her to recall and you were starting to feel guilty for even asking.

She continued on, “When Yoongi was about seven his mom got very sick and unfortunately passed away. I tried to visit him more, but as time went on his step dad cut me off more and more. I tried getting a court involved, but he was considered his legal guardian and without any significant proof there was nothing they could do. So I tried to do what I could. Over time I noticed a change in Yoongi. He was sadder, seemed more down on himself. I rarely ever saw that smile that used to melt my heart. He was having a hard time at school. The friends he had stopped hanging out with him. Then one day when he was around thirteen he said something back to his stepdad and his stepdad beat him so badly the neighbors ended up calling the police because of the noise.”

She stopped to take a shaky breath. Tears forming in her eyes. You hadn’t even noticed that you had started biting your bottom lip trying to stop your own tears from falling until the subtle taste of blood hit your tongue.

Once again she continued, “Thankfully his stepfather was arrested that night and eventually sentenced to forty five years in prison, but it was already too late and the damage was done. When I got to the hospital that night they started showing me different x-rays and scans and going over Yoongi’s injuries. It was worse than I had ever thought. There were old fractures that hadn’t healed correctly. Scars both fresh and old covered his body from where his stepfather would beat him with a tree branch or use his skin to put out his cigarettes. He had torn his shoulder at one point and because it was never properly taken care of he’s always in pain, even to this day. He had surgery to correct it, but it only helped a little. I cried in the hospital. He was released after a week and came to live here with me. I was taking him to therapy a couple times a week and he seemed to be getting on the right track. He was smiling more and getting a little more talkative. I had enrolled him in the high school here and he made a couple friends. I knew there’d always be a part of him that struggled, but I thought that maybe he was going to be able to move past all of this for the most part and go on to have a happy healthy life. When he was in his second to last year of high school there was going to be a big dance and after some convincing he asked a girl to go with him as a date and she said yes. So I got him a brand new suit and the day of the dance we went and picked out a beautiful bouquet of flowers. I offered to drive him, but he didn’t want to be embarrassed by his grandma driving him around, you know how teenagers are. So I watched him walk out the door.”

Mae took a moment to composer herself by staring out the kitchen window. You in no way wanted to rush her.

She took another sip and then went on, “I was in the kitchen a little while later when I heard the front door swing open and slam back shut. I thought it was much too early for Yoongi to be home already and assumed it must be some guests so I cleaned myself up real quick and walked out to greet them, but instead…instead I found Yoongi with tears streaming down his cheeks and then I noticed his suit was covered in brightly colored paint. He still had the bouquet of flowers in his hand except they were now all damaged and dirty. He refused to tell me what happened and ran off to his room. Monday morning I went to the school and apparently the girl and some of her friends, including her actual date, were all waiting for Yoongi to show up at the school. When he got there they all poured cans of paint onto him and called him a freak and a monster. I was told that one of the other boys saw Yoongi’s scars when they were changing for gym class and started making fun of him for it. This girl had no intention of actually going to the dance with him and told him he was ugly and would never be loved because of the way he looked. I tried to have all of those kids reprimanded, but Yoongi refused to cooperate so the school said their hands were tied. He begged me to take him out of school and homeschool him instead which I did, but he’s been pretty much to himself ever since.”

By this point you were full on balling your eyes out. You hadn’t known him for very long, but you could just tell that he was such a sweet gentle person. You didn’t think there could possibly be any thing else that Mae could tell you, but she cleared her throat and went on,

“Honestly, I think the worst thing that ever happened to him was the letter he received from his biological father on his twenty first birthday. I actually still have the letter. I’ve been holding onto it because I think it would be beneficial for Yoongi to be the one to destroy it, but I don’t know how to bring it up to him.”

She slid the letter across the table to you. Shakily you opened it up and immediately noticed the tear smudged ink and you took a deep breath trying to compose yourself before diving in,

“To Yoongi,

You most likely have no idea who I am, but I am your biological father. I left not long after you were born and if my calculations are correct you should be twenty one years old today. You were born early, somehow I’m certain that was your mothers fault even though the doctors said it was not. Anyways, you were born very small and sick. The doctors did not know if you would make it and to be honest I spent most of the time hoping that you wouldn’t. I did not want the burden of having a son, especially a first born, that was weak and useless. I gave your mother an ultimatum, either abandon you and we will move on and have a child that will prosper and do well in life or she can keep you and I will leave. Obviously you see what she chose. I heard that your mother has passed away since then. She was an ignorant woman anyways, wasting her time with a child like you. I told her that you weren’t worth the time which has been proven by the fact that you still live with your grandmother working at that stupid inn. You’ll never be anything more than that. I don’t really know the point of this letter any more. I guess I’m just a little drunk and wanted to get this off my chest after all of these years. Yoongi, I do wish you well. Truly I do because I know deep down that you’ll never achieve it. With regret, Your Father.”

You don’t know at what point you went from crying to blood boiling anger, but it happened.

“What the actual fuck!”, you shouted slamming the letter down on the table. “Sorry, excuse my language.”, you said towards Mae suddenly feeling bad about your outburst. She chuckled, “Don’t worry dear. I said much much worse when I read that letter.”

You continued, “Seriously? Who does something like that? And to their own child on top of it? You walked out of his life let him be. That letter was completely unnecessary. I swear I’m gonna hunt him down and kill him myself.”

Mae shook her head, “No need Y/N. After he dropped the letter off at the post office he drunkingly crashed his car into a tree. Killed him instantly. Unfortunately though, Yoongi never really recovered from this letter. He’s been very reserved and depressed ever since. He’s refused therapy or any help that I offer. I’ve tried for many years to get him to make friends or find a partner or just get out of the house and experience life. I won’t be here forever and I want him to find someone and just be happy for the rest of his time.”

While you would normally never wish harm on anyone it did bring you some joy knowing that his father was no longer around and could never hurt Yoongi again.

“Y/N, I’m sorry to drop all of this on you, but I thought you should get an explanation for what you saw earlier and why he is the way that he is. Yoongi can be kind of jumpy around loud noises and sudden movements and things like that. Please don’t run away from him. I’ve seen him smile more in the week you’ve been here than he has in months. He just sees something in you. I can tell. Call it grandmas intuition if you will. I know you’ll soon have to go back home, but I’m really hoping that maybe you’ll keep in touch with him. No pressure of course. I wouldn’t blame you for not doing it, but I just really think you could be a big positive in his life.”, she said before walking her mug over to the sink.

“Thank you for telling me all of this. I’m sure it was difficult to recount everything.”, you said almost in a whisper. She smiled before laying a hand on your shoulder, “Get some rest Y/N. I’m gonna head off to bed myself. These old bones are tired.”

As you laid in bed you could still hear the faint rumblings of thunder from miles away. You wondered what Yoongi was doing. You hoped he was peacefully sleeping in his bed, but you knew most like that wasn’t the case. It pained your heart to think about what he’d been through. No one deserved to ever have those things happen to them and you decided in that moment that you were going to try and help him. You yourself felt the connection that Mae keeps talking about and you were starting think that maybe things do happen for a reason.

The following morning when you woke up your body felt sore from the stress you experienced. Your first reaction was to go and find Yoongi, but you also knew that he was most likely going to feel embarrassed about what had happened the night before so you opted to take a seat at the desk and try to get some work done. After about an hour and only a couple paragraphs written the smell of bacon started to fill the air and the sound of your stomach grumbling in hunger followed not long after. In the kitchen you found Mae at the stove tending to the bacon. “Would you like some coffee Y/N?”, she smiled. You nodded happily taking the cup from her. Yoongi was already sitting at the table peeling some carrots and potatoes for what you assumed would become part of dinner later. You tried your best to act causally as you took a seat a chair away from him to give him some space.

Mae walked over and set a plate of eggs down in the middle of the table along with the bacon. After Yoongi cleared the vegetables that he was working on the three of you began eating your breakfast.

Mae peaked over at you and with a sly grin she began, “Y/N, thank you for bringing that strawberry pie from Taehyung’s last night. I already snuck a piece as I just couldn’t help myself.”

“Oh you’re very welcome. It did look delicious.”, you replied waiting to see where she was going with this.

“I’m going to make them a big pot of pork stew. It’ll be a good hearty meal for them while they work on the farm. I was thinking that maybe you and Yoongi could take it over to them when it’s finished.”

Now you get it. It was an easy yes for you. You really did like all of the boys from the farm and it would be a chance to spend a little time with Yoongi, but you couldn’t help but notice how red his cheeks had gotten once again and his shoulders visibly tensed. You weren’t going to force him by any means.

“Uh yeah sure that’s no problem for me. I can go alone though if Yoongi doesn’t want to go.”

“Yoongi would you be okay taking some stuff over to the farm with Y/N? For me please.”, Mae asked placing her hand on top of his.

“Okay.”, he whispered with his eyes focused on his lap.

A few hours later your little cart was packed up with a large pot of the stew and some fresh bread and jam. You and Yoongi headed off towards the farm. The first half of the walk was silent other than a few birds or rustle of leaves here or there.

“I’m sorry about last night. If I had known it was going to storm I would’ve stayed in my room to not disturb you.”, he spoke startling you out of your thoughts.

“Yoongi you don’t have to be sorry. And please don’t ever hide who you are from anyone. If they can’t handle who you are then they don’t deserve you in their life.”

He nodded in understanding pulling on his ear. A nervous habit of his. Feeling a little brave you reached for his hand to give it a light squeeze. He jumped slightly, but for a few seconds he let you hold him before removing his touch from yours. You were going to take that as a win.

Entering the strawberry farm you were quickly greeted by Jin and Namjoon. “Hi Y/N, didn’t expect to see you back so soon.”, Jin smiled.

“Mae wanted us to bring over some stew and bread as a thank you for the pie.”, you responded handing over the items from the cart. Jungkook appears out of nowhere excitedly grabbing the bread and jam from you.

“Jeeze I haven’t seen this kid all day, but as soon as food is involved he magically appears.”, Jin rolled his eyes. Taehyung came walking over after noticing your arrival. He wrapped you in a big hug and began making small talk. You could feel Yoongi’s presence behind you. He was almost using your body to shield himself away from everyone.

Taehyung gestured for you to follow him, “Y/N and Yoongi come on into the bakery. We’ve got a new strawberry milk latte we just put on the menu and I want your opinion. Personally I think it’s wayyyy too sweet, but Jin thinks it could be award winning.”

Jin scoffed, “You don’t even like coffee so your opinion means nothing.”

“I think it’s amazing.”, Jungkook added.

“You’d drink lake water and say it was good if we put a flavored milk in it.”, Namjoon quipped.

Chuckling at the argument going on infront of you it took about twelve steps before you realized your shadow was not behind you. When you turned you saw Yoongi was already walking back towards the path to the inn. Namjoon came up behind you and gave you a nudge in Yoongi’s direction and you knew what he meant. Jogging up next to him you reached for his arm, but opted not to as you’d quickly learned touch is not his first choice.

“Hey where are you going? Come hang out with us at the bakery.”, you said once you caught up to him.

He simply shook his head and kept walking.

“They’re really nice guys. They were asking about you yesterday. I think you’d really like them if you gave them a chance.”

Still he continued walking in silence. Without thinking you reached out to grab his arm just in an attempt to stop him, but he flinched.

“No. I just want to be left alone. Please.”, he whimpered near tears.

Instantly you backed off with your hands in the air to give him space and show that you weren’t going to touch him.

“I’m sorry Yoongi. I won’t force you to hang out with them. I just wanted you to get to know them a little. I think it would be good for you.”

He ignored you and began walking back home again. You sent Taehyung a quick text apologizing for your sudden departure and letting him know you’d stop by on a different day to try the latte before you left. Yoongi walked surprisingly fast so you had to go back into a light jog to catch up. You decided to hang back a little and not walk right next to him so you weren’t suffocating him. You pretended not to notice him peeking back to look at you every once in a while.

As you walked you noticed a few cherry blossom trees just over a hill. You’d completely forgot about the trees and made yourself a mental note to go see them before you left Holly Falls. When you finally made it back to the inn Yoongi was waiting for you at the front door.

“You didn’t have to walk back with me. I’m an adult and I could walk back myself.”, he said with a pout.

“I know. I just wanted to come back with you.”

“But what about hanging out with them?”

You shrugged your shoulders, “I’ll go back another time. I’d rather hang out with you anyways.” His face instantly turned a deep shade of red.

“So tell me, what does Yoongi like to do in his spare time?”, you questioned.

“I’d rather just be alone to be honest.”

You wanted to push him harder, but you were concerned with what the outcome might be so instead you gave him a smile and watched as be walked inside letting the door close behind him. Dropping down to take a seat on the steps you let out a long sigh. This was going to be more difficult than you had imagined and to make matters worse you were only supposed to stay for another week.

“Excuse me miss, are there any rooms available?”, someone spoke making you to jump. Since your head was hanging you hadn’t noticed the young man walk up to the front door of the inn. You took in his appearance and noticed how exceptionally handsome he was.

“I just came from the main part of the town and there are no rooms available so it was suggested that I come over here.”, he continued.

“Oh um well I think there might be a couple rooms left, but I’m just a guest as well. If you head inside the check in desk is in the corner and they can help you out.”

The handsome man held out his hand for you, “Sorry I didn’t mean to assume anything. My name is Jimin by the way.”

You smiled graciously accepting his hand, “Y/N and no worries. Hopefully you can get a room. It would be nice to have another person around here to talk to and stuff.”

He chuckled, “Well I guess I better get in there then and see about a room.”

You gently leaned to the side to give home more space to get by before you returned back to wondering how you could get Yoongi to open up to you a little more without making him too uncomfortable.

After he had walked inside Yoongi took a deep breath and after a quick heated discussion with himself going over all the pros and cons he decided that giving you twenty minutes of his time to talk would be good for him and maybe over time he could work up the courage to actually spend time with you, maybe even like a date before you left. The thought of that made his head spin. Just as he was about to open the door to find you he heard your conversation with Jimin and how you said you were glad there was going to be someone else at the inn. He felt his heart crack at that. In Yoongi’s brain you were already done with him just like everyone else in his life, except his grandmother of course. He always managed to chase everyone away. He quickly accepted that he was a lost cause so he scurried off to be alone in his room before you or the new guest could see him. Once in his room he heard you introduce Jimin to Mae. Your voice sounded excited as you showed Jimin to his room just down the hall from yours.

Yoongi sat on his bed squeezing his favorite stuffed animal, a blue koala bear named Koya, a gift from his mother just before she had passed.

He heard you let out a loud laugh at something funny Jimin had said and he curled up on his bed feeling the tears start to fall.

He hated that he was like this. He wanted to be what he would consider normal, but there was this little part of his brain that always reminds him of what he’s been through and how many times he been told how unwanted and unloved he is. Even if he did manage to speak to you he’d never want to burden you with having someone like him in your life. He needs a lot of mental care and you don’t deserve to have someone that week. So he chose to lie in his bed squeezing his Koya a little closer every time he heard you laugh in the hallway wishing it was him that was making react like that instead. Your laugh was just as pretty as you are he thought. With each passing minute he could feel the panic setting in more and more and he eventually used the koala bear to muffle the sobs leaving his body not wanting to disturb you any further.

[meowzilla93]

Fancy meeting you here! Baxter in the five years after Step 4 please!!!

We both love this man to bits and pieces, but we are also realistic

This is a jumble of my thoughts put to paper, it may not be in order but it still all matters!

ALERT: I had so much to say I needed to split this into two posts cause i maxed the character limit......

Long distance relationships are hard work, no one said this was going to be easy

The two of you are making sure to keep up that hard work, keeping up the contact, looking after each other even with the many miles between you, and supporting each other

Thing is, Baxter only has two modes – 0 or 100.

He wasn’t kidding when he said he would text you multiple times a day when you first left, because this man really did

Asking about your day, hoping you are doing well, sending confidence boosting messages, the works

If this is something you love then its all fine!

But if this is a bit much for you, or your work really cant have you being distracted multiple times day, a chat will be needed

He understands, he is a little bashful that his actioned cause this convo but he understands

Idiot he is though, pulls back a touch too much and ends up messaging maybe once a day or once ever few days

You are going to need to teach him what it means to run at 50

And over time he will understand, he just needs that patience and understanding and OPEN COMMUNICATION!!!

You alternate visits with each other, trying to do it as often as work is possible but sometimes work does get in the way and it can be months before you see each other face to face again

You are REQUIRED to be prepared to be wrapped up in a Baxter Burrito TM as soon as he sees you and you are not going anywhere for the next 24-48 business hours

I have said it before, this mans love language is physical touch, and he is clingy

He almost puts Cove to shame with how clingy he is

Being together makes him realise a lot of things about himself, and that he needs to work on some trauma that he has from his childhood, and with your support starts seeing a psychologist

The changes are slow but steady; He might not realise it himself at first, but with the activities that the psychologist recommend he do, and learning how to channel his emotions correctly, you certainly do

And you couldn’t be more proud of him! Make sure you let him know!

He is the one to drop the ‘I love you’ bomb first

It just happened, he wasn’t thinking about anything specific, it wasn’t planned

He is simply cuddled up to you, on the couch talking nonsense with a glass of wine each

You had just finished laughing at one of his ridiculous stories, and he was just staring at you as you did with hearts in his eyes

As you wipe the tears from your eyes from laughter, he moves in close, kisses your temple and with a hum, just says those three little words

He doesn’t realise it at first; You froze and slowly turned to look at him

Suddenly the gears click and WHOOF he goes bright red

But he doesn’t take it back, he just looks anywhere else but you, unable to deal with what he did, but refusing to deny it

Please put him out of his misery and say it back, or kiss his first to relax him a touch and then say it

Those dimples of his have never looked sweeter than in that moment

Its been a year, and he really wants to see you more, but you both live so far away from each other

You both have careers in your cities and he refuses to pull you away from your success

Because of this, he is very hesitant to ask you to move in with him, or even vice versa

6 months down the track, you are at his apartment again but it’s the final night you are with him

He is in such a state, its winter, he doesn’t want to let you go home and knows it’ll be a probably a few months before he sees you again because he worries about travelling conditions and wants you to be safe

As you are cuddling in bed, he holds you with such a firm grip, like he is so afraid you’ll disappear if he lets go

Whilst in that Baxter Burrito TM, he whispers gently into your shoulder “Please stay…”

He thinks it was quiet enough that you wont hear, or that you’ve fallen asleep

But you heard it

Gently you turn around, he thinks you are just getting comfortable and you look him in the eyes

MC “Ask me Baxter.”

Baxter “What?”

MC “Ask me.”

You can see all the emotions run a race in his eyes as he realises that you are asking of him

Cupping your face, gently stroking your cheek with his thumb he asks again, without whispering

“Stay with me.”

“Next time, I will stay.”

Elated is a far too gentle word to explain his emotion but you can guarantee he is over the moon with joy

It takes time to organise the move, after all you both had your own separate lives and now you need to figure out how to merge the two together, but you make it work

Moving jobs is also something that needs to be considered, but if you work remotely, it doesn’t even really matter

It takes around 4-6 months to sort out the move with all the moving pieces, but you two are finally together, for good

Baxter loves to dance, and having you around more means he gets to indulge in his love two fold and tries to do it as often as he can

Are you a good dancer too? If you suggest to him to join an amateurs comp, he is ecstatic! He hasn’t choreographed in years and he gets a chance to use that skill once again

If you just prefer it being the two of you, he is more than happy to keep at that, dancing in the living area, the kitchen, shower, bedroom….

He is a plant guy

You can take this headcannon from my cold dead hands

He loves being able to water them and tend to them and they just add colour to his place and warmth

It becomes one of his favourite hobbies

Be careful as this means you will need to keep an eye out for any new plants he snuck into your home

If you have a pet he is very careful to ensure that he only has plants that are pet friendly

Oh he for sure has a little corner dedicated to pure black plants, how could he not

The next year flies buy with little issue

Oh there where teething issues living with each other for certain, but you both learnt how to talk with each other so that it didn’t turn into an argument

Boundaries were set and honoured and life couldn’t be easier

He starts being a touch more nostalgic about his childhood; He has managed to make some wonderful friends and kept those relationships up but he cant help but think about the friends he left behind in Golden Grove

PART TWO WILL BE REBLOGGED WITH THIS ASK!!!

[bidisasterevankinard]

tease tidbit tuesday! 🎸🎙️

Tagged by @heartbeatdiaz thank you love 💙💙💙

rule: share whatever scene or snippet from your fic that has you excited, ig???

I shared part of it for sss but I needed to share part with Bobby cause his my fav here and I actually excited about this scene

more enemies to lovers au

“Let's get started. Buck, you're the first, play that tune that you showed me a few months ago,” Bobby points Buck to the instruments.  Buck goes to the guitar to play a melody that he started six months ago, but the text never came to him and he never finished it. Maybe someday.  He almost reaches the chorus, when the damn brown-eyed begins to sing and his as it was called "a wonderful angelic drawling voice that makes you think sinful things"(Buck literally read it in twitter once) fills the room. And it took you five whole minutes To pack us up and leave me with it Holdin' all this love out here in the hall I think I've seen this film before And I didn't like the ending You're not my homeland anymore So what am I defending now? You were my town Now I'm in exile, seein' you out I think I've seen this film before They end the chorus and both are looking at each other shocked. Buck can admit lyrics are good and go with music fantastically. Well, he can admit it for himself, never to anyone else. “I wrote it after Shannon sent the divorce papers,” the only explanation Eddie gives to Bobby, and the old man nods.  Buck feels the urge to be a jerk and doesn’t stop himself. “Couldn't satisfy your wifey?” Eddie turns to him so quickly that Buck is sure his neck will hurt for weeks. Fires of anger and hatred are burning in brown eyes and Buck wants to pour more gasoline. But he doesn’t have a chance to add more. “Well, at least I got into the label not through the bed of one of the producers,” Eddie says with the smirk that Buck hates from the first day he found out about Eddie Diaz, it always makes him want to start a fight.  “I slept with Abby after joining the label. And I didn't know she was a producer,”  “Come on, you're with your story and you haven't whored your way here? How many pussies have you licked and dicks sucked to get there?”  Eddie continues and Buck abruptly gets up and in a few steps overcomes the space between them, standing so close to the brunette jerk, using all his height and size, trying to seem bigger and intimidating. Bobbie’s quiet but rather intimidating voice scares both. “Both shut up and in the corners,” he points to two different chairs in different corners of the studio.  “The lyrics and music are perfect together, so whether you like it or not, we are finishing it. And you better start being a team. Otherwise, both of you will fly out of the label with a scandal that no one will ever want to work with you. Now you both have to stick to each other as if you haven't drank water for days, and the second one is a fountain of pure delicious water. Is that clear?” “Clear,” they both say looking at Bobby like kicked puppies, but then send each other looks that can set someone on fire. “Buck, do you have more for music?”  Bobby looks at him and Buck just shakes his head in denial and slight shame. He had never had to sit for so long with a draft of one song. And moreover, only with a melody. There are no words at all to put his heart in them as much as music does it. “Eddie, more lyrics?”  The old man changes his attention to brown-eyed but Buck prefers to look at the guitar or he might say something again, and maybe Bobby is a good man, and with the patience of the saint, but he has his limits too, and Buck pushed them enough in the past that almost lost his place in the label. “Only three more lines in the start,” the voice of a jerk playing an angel says and Buck can’t stop himself from rolling his eyes. Well, looks like they are going to work long together. “Ok, Eddie, give your lyrics to Buck to read. Buck, give Eddie notes to look and Eddie, try to play it. Maybe while you look at the project of the other one it will inspire something. Learn from each other a little. I will go and work in my office, only try to start another fight. I’m serious about ending your careers,” on that Bobby leaves them alone in the studio.

Tagging if they want to share : @honestlydarkprincess @911onabc @alyxmastershipper @transbuck @cowboy-buddie @heartshapedvows @bekkachaos @panbuckley @rogerzsteven @the-likesofus @shortsighted-owl @buddierights @housewifebuck @thewolvesof1998 @wildlife4life @wikiangela @hippolotamus @transboybuckley @devirnis @spotsandsocks @monsterrae1 @spaceprincessem @userdisaster @caroandcats @mandzuking17 @useramor @paranoidbean @sibylsleaves @jobairdxx @translasso @bigfootsmom and anyone who wants to share

[sweetlittlegingy]

Deep In Her Heart, The Thunder Rolls

♤ Next Chapter | Blue Jeans Masterlist

♤ Pairing: Rhett Abbott x Y/n "Tilly" Tillerson

♤ Word Count: 2.2 K

♤ Warnings: Fluff, Cuddly!Rhett, Horny!thots, Angst..

♤ A/n: It's just a blurb, a bit of setup for part 3...

♤ Library | Main Masterlist

To say that Rhett Abbott was sweet on you, was the understatement of the century. You left Wabang for college a year and a half ago, and though you “broke up,” the two of you remained faithful to one another.

I wasn’t that you had promised each other that you wouldn’t have sex with anyone else. No, you just could never find anyone that seemed better than Rhett. You were still in love with the man, and the fact that he came up to Bozeman at least once every 6 months, kept you more than satisfied.

The both of you had decided to keep your situation on a need-to-know bases, as in no one else needed to know. It wasn’t out of embarrassment, no it was more the fact that you were just both very private people, especially when it came to each other. Rhett had come up with an array of excuses to tell his family about why he was constantly going to Bosman.

From circuit business, to needing a new Stetson, to events, nothing was off the table when it came to seeing you. You thankfully had your own dorm room, meaning that no matter when Rhett showed up, he always had a place to stay. His appearances became so regular, that the dorm building security guard had come to know Rhett by name and would hold a conversation every time he visited.

Most of the time, Rhett’s visits ended with the two of you locked in your room for the whole weekend. Only ever coming out when you’d ordered food, or to go on the occasional date night. It wasn’t that you were to sex-crazed individuals, which you were, but the deep need that you both had to just be in each other’s presence was overwhelming.

You and Rhett were like a part of each other’s souls, as if at one point you’d been so deeply intertwined, that when you parted it was as if you could barely breathe. You had etched your mark on each other’s souls, and there would be no removing it.

…

Rhett was coming up for the weekend, and while you hadn’t seen him in two months, you talked every day. You had been working through your assignments, wanting to have everything finished and turned in before he showed up. The massive write-up for econ, had been time-consuming. The actual writing of the paper had been easy enough, though the hours you spent researching the economic downfall in the 1930s had been studious and mind-numbing.

You loved school, really, but between the tutoring and honor society, you were more than ready for a chill, relaxing weekend with Rhett.

Clicking submit on the paper, you glance at your phone, and two unread messages flash across the screen. One from Rhett stating that he was just pulling into the dorm parking, and the other from Daniel, a guy that you’d been “helping” in classes.

Hey T, did you finish up that chemistry assignment? It's due Sunday.

Alright, so maybe you weren’t just helping, but Daniel was a busy guy and paid you well for the work you did.

Yeah, I emailed it to you this morning, but my venmo isn’t working. I need cash.

You type out the message and hit send, throwing your phone back onto your bed as a knock sounds at your door. You're up and moving without a second thought for the outfit you're wearing, the booty shorts barely peeking out from under one of Rhett’s oversized hoodies. Your hair in a clear mess atop your head, barely being held up by the claw clip.

You pull open the door swiftly, only to find Rhett talking with your neighbor, the bitch. Every time Rhett was over, she made goo-goo eyes at him. Clearly trying to get in his pants, you’d think she would have gotten the message after hearing you scream Rhett’s name during every visit.

Rhett turns to you when you open the door, though your eyes are focused on Danica. Your hand grasps at the shirt Rhett is wearing, and tug him harshly into the room. Your eyes never leave Danica as she glares at you, a fake smile plastered on your lips before you rudely slam the door in her face.

“Tilly, that wasn’t very nice.” The teasing, yet cocky tone in his voice has you rolling your eyes.

“I don’t like sharing, Abbott.” Your voice clipped and harsh, as your eyes soften when looking up into his own.

One hand settles to rest on his abdomen, as the other wraps up around his neck. You deliver a harsh tug, pulling Rhett down and slotting your lips against one another. You can feel Rhett’s smile against your lips, his hands drop down around your waist, slip beneath the hoodie and tap your ass, signaling you to jump.

You waste no time in wrapping your legs around his waist, both arms curling around his neck. One slipped up to grasp the Stetson atop his head, pulling away from the kiss for a second and tossing the hat onto your desk. The idea of your lips being apart is clearly displeasing to Rhett. As one of his hands slips from underneath your ass, to grasp your cheeks in between his thumb and forefinger, pressing his lips back against yours.

Your lips work against each other, hot needy kisses pass between you. Your tongues work in tandem against each other, pushing and pulling in a network of want and passion. You don't even notice that the pair of you have moved until Rhett has you pressed against your mattress.

The pressure of his belt buckle against your cunt has you bucking your hips, and a wanton moan slips past your lips.

“Hold on, sugar.”

Rhett pulls away, his hand slips up to cradle you face, thumb brushing against your swollen bottom lip.

“Just let me look at you.”

Your face nuzzles into the palm of his hand, kissing it gently. The blue in Rhett’s eyes shines bright, and the small specks of green peek out from behind his iris. His stare makes you blush, it was always like he could see right into your soul. Moments like this were always more vulnerable than any other time, even in moments when you were naked and exposed.

“I missed you.”

The comment slips past your lips, so quiet and gentle. Though it causes Rhett to smile, before pressing a small against your lips. Foreheads resting against one another, the weight of his body settles against your own.

“I missed you, Til.” Noses bopping against each other, before Rhett is standing. Slipping the button-up off his shoulders, the clank of his buckle releasing sounds, as he pushes his pants to the floor. He motions towards you to sit up, his hands reach for the bottom of the hoodie, slipping it from your form.

“Think this is mine, darlin’.

“Did you bring me a new one? It doesn’t smell like you anymore.”

He laughs slightly at your question, reaching to tug your shorts off. Leaving the both of you in your underwear and pulling you to lay on his chest as you settle on the bed.

“Don’t I always?”

Your head nods against his chest, knowing that every time Rhett came up, he brought you a sweater that he’d been wearing. You told them that the smell of his aftershave had comforted you and had made you feel like you weren’t so far apart.

The warmth of his body seeps deep into your bones, and your eyes start to drift off. The stress of the week fades from your hold, as Rhett runs a single hand up and down your spine.

“Sleep Tilly.”

The last thing you remember is a soft kiss being placed against the crown of your head, both yours and Rhett’s breath settling out into a slow rhythm, encased by sleep.

…

The loud knocking at your door wakes you and Rhett up, stretching up to place a sweet kiss against Rhett’s lips, you slowly move from the bed. Though Rhett reaches out, holding on to your waist, as he whines into the crook of your neck. His breath tickles you and you can’t help but to giggle.

Your bubble is once again, popped as the knocking ensues again. Rhett finally releases you, so that you can pull on the hoodie and shorts. Glancing back over your shoulder you laugh at the sight, Rhett laid out on your bed, arms tucked behind his head, in nothing but his boxers. The sight makes your toes curl in want, your eyes racking up his form. To find a wide smile directed at you, his baby blues shimmering with mischief.

“Y/n, open the damn door.”

Daniel's voice has you moving again, grasping the handle of the door and ripping it wide open. Had you ripped it open so wide, in hopes that Danica would once again be lurking and see an almost naked Rhett spread out? Yes, though your hopes are dashed away when you see it’s only Daniel.

 “Hey D, come on in.”

His eyes move behind you, settling against Rhett who waves a hand slightly. Not moving an inch from his spot, clearly comfortable in his skin.

“Baby, this is Daniel.” You motion between the two, eye’s finding Daniel’s. “D, this is Rhett.”

Each of them exchanging pleasantries, though nothing more. You push off the door, where you had been leaning, and reach under your desk in search of the chemistry binder from last year.

You find the worn binder and toss it to Daniel, eyes tracing to see if you have anything else that might help him.

“That’s all my notes from Granger's class last year. More than enough to help you pass tests and I can finish out the papers. But I want extra for the final, I’m gonna have a packed schedule with just my work.”

Rhett silently watches you, his sweet girl is hard-assing this massive guy and making demands. He always liked it when you were bossy, he thought it made you look hot. That fire in your eyes, always set him a light.

Daniel slips two crisp hundred dollar bills in your palm and glances back to Rhett, who only smiles wider. You laugh at him, your eyes rolling, and then look back toward Daniel.

“That’s fine,” He shakes the binder at you slightly, with a grateful smile. “Thanks, for this too.”

You give him another smile, and move to open the door for him. Trying to be polite, but more than ready to be back in bed with Rhett.

“Alright, it was nice meeting you.” Another wave passes between the two men, then Daniel is out the door. Calling a ‘thanks again’ over his shoulder as he leaves.

You turn around on your heel, and a smile spreads across your face seeing Rhett in your bed. Before he has time to react, you’re moving for the cowboy, jumping up in his lap and snuggling up against his neck.

“Quiet the criminal, aren’t you?” his teasing tone has you laughing in his neck, arms, and legs wrapping around him like a koala.

“Daniel doesn’t have the time, and I like the extra cash.”

Rhett hums against the crown of your head, his arms wrapping around you in a tight grip.

“Long as you’re being careful, baby. Don’t think I missed the tattoos, I’m not stupid darin’.”

A heavy sigh is released from your chest, you pull away from Rhett so that you’re sitting in his lap. His hands automatically find home on your hips under the hoodie, gentle circles from his thumb rubbed into your hip bones.

“Look I know. Daniel is into some shady stuff, but he’s always been nice to me and if I called him for anything, he would be there.” Your fingers spin in your lap, a nervous habit. “It’s just nice to know that without you here, I have someone else that has my back. I don’t trust guys in general, but especially on campus.”

Rhett notices your slight nervous nature, and the tone you have when you mention the guys living on the campus. He’d seen them enough and known right away that they were douchebags, but you had never mentioned having trouble.

“There something I need to know about baby?”

The term of endearment has you glancing up, loving how sweet the tough cowboy could be with you.

“I had some problems when I first moved in, but Daniel ended them almost instantly. I didn’t wanna worry you, you already have so much going on.”

Your eyes causally avoid Rhett’s, already feeling bad that you’ve kept it from him. Rhett moves you sit up, and pulls you so your flush with his chest. So close that your eyes can’t help but to look at each other.

“Tilly, I don’t care what is going on in my life. You tell me from now on, please?”

It was rare to hear Rhett ask anyone ‘please,’ and the tone in his voice makes your stomach clench in pain. The thought of hurting him, even if it was on accident, was the worst possible thing you could think of happening. He was your person and you’d only ever kept it from him because you thought you were protecting him.

“I’m sorry baby, never again.”

The placement of your lips against his is out of the pure need to express your love, to prove how much he really meant to you.

“Promise?” The question whispered against your lips.

“I promise.”

…

I was a promise that you kept,

until you couldn’t.

[snowblossomreads]

Exhibit 6: Pinky Swears And Theatre Scares

Previous Chapter: Full Up

Summary: Amiee starts her new job and ends up on a movie 'date' with Sinclair.

“Lovely chat Arthur, I’ll send over the numbers to you later today when I get back alright?” There was a long pause as Sinclair half listened to the person on the other side finish talking. “Okay great! Buh bye!” 

A relieved groan escaped his lips the moment he hung the phone up, and was finally free from the meeting that had run over by a good 30 minutes. Ever since he had gotten in that morning, it had been nonstop meetings upon meetings. 

All of it was bullshit though he thought. Just people trying to cover for themselves to make it seem like they were busy. He already had enough on his plate without trying to look busy, as he glanced at the papers and folders sprawled on his desk.

Financial ones, memos from coworkers, and buried underneath those, were probably some things from his solicitor that he needed to take a look at. Yet, with all of that waiting for him, he couldn’t be bothered with i,t as it was not only lunchtime, one of his favorite times, it was also Friday. And unlike most of his Fridays this past year or so, he had plans for that evening. 

Well, maybe. 

He would first have to ask if she was free tonight, and hopefully, she would be. But first things first, lunch.

Picking up the phone again, he dialed a number and it rang twice before the click of it being answered sounded.

“Hello?” 

When the sound of her voice, which was unusually breathy met his ears, he couldn’t stop the grin that erupted on his lips. 

“Amiee! Are you free right now? I’m about to head to lunch and wanted to know if you cared to join? I was thinking Italian! There's a new restaurant that opened a few weeks back and it’s magnificent!”

There was a beat of silence after his question before laughter erupted on the other end of the line and he titled his head, confused at what was so amusing.

“H-hiya Sinclair, yeah sure I’ll tag along! My stomach did start grumbling a bit ago so perfect timing. Do you want me to meet you somewhere or…?”

“No that’s alright I’ll come and pick you up, be right there!”

“Okay see you in a sec, bye!”

“Buh bye!”

Hanging up the phone, he took one last glance at all the papers waiting for him to deal with, before promptly ignoring them in favor of grabbing lunch. He be more efficient once he had something in his stomach, other than the nerves that were currently bouncing about in it. 

A quick walk out of his office to the one that was only a few feet away from his, he knocked on the semi-closed door and didn’t wait for an answer before popping in.

“Here I am ready for-. What are you doing!”

Enthusiasm turned into confusion, and then concern, as his eyes landed on Amiee’s back, while she stood trepidatiously on the sofa that was pushed against the wall. In her hands, was a rather large picture frame that she was attempting, and failing to hang.

Turning her head just enough so that he knew she heard him, she spoke.

“Oh hiya! I was-.” She turned back around and blindly tried to hang the frame once more before she let out a frustrated sound when she missed the nail again. “Aiya! Fucking shite! Just putting this picture up before we went out. It’s been sitting around and I’ve finally gotten the energy to actually do it.” 

“Amiee! Call a janitor or someone to help do it for you!” Panic set in as he practically ran across the room with his hands already outstretched to take the painting from her, only to have her move away from him. “Here put it down you’re going to hurt yourself!”

“No Sinclair I got it I’m up here already!” She protested, as she tried once more to put the thing up only, letting out another whine when she missed the nail a third time. 

If she didn’t do it now, it was going to stay leaned up against her shelf for the next month, because she would either forget to ask for help or, just not want to deal with it. With another huff, she got on her tiptoes to try and reach the nail one more time even as  Sinclair protested behind her. 

Going to try and make sure she didn’t take a tumble off the sofa in case things went tits up, he froze when she reached up to hang the picture once more. Whether she realized it or not, her tiptoeing caused her skirt to ride up her legs, giving him a delicious view of the back of her thighs, which were soft and shapely. 

It had been six years, yet the sight of them had his fingers twitching, memories of being able to touch, and caress the delicate skin immediately began to to plague his mind. And if he wasn’t careful, something else would be plaguing him that was very much not appropriate for a work setting. 

Though his eyes lingered on her as he wondered if she was still as soft as he remembered. Biting his bottom lips and willing the sudden burst of arousal that was trying to spread like fire, he was snapped out of his trance when a sudden exclamation of triumph rang through the air.

“Aha!” 

Turning around, she gave him a pretty grin as she clapped her hands, pleased that she had gotten the picture up on the fourth try.

“There see, told you I didn’t need any help!” Her tone was one of triumph, as she pointed to the picture that was hung against the wall, before she plopped down on the sofa. 

Slipping on her kitten heels, she stood and went to continue about her victory against the picture frame that had been haunting her. That was, until she noticed the concerned expression etched on Sinclair’s face. His brows were furrowed in worry, and his cheeks were also awfully red which gave her some pause. He didn’t even let her get her witty comment out before he was letting out a waterfall of concerns. 

“Amiee you could have fallen and broken something! What would have happened if I didn’t come and you had lost your balance!” 

“Sinclair I-.”

“You could have ended up in hospital or worse!” He fretted, cutting her off once more as he wrung his together hands anxiously. “You have to be more careful please I don’t-!” 

There was a pause as his amber eyes searched her brown ones, his own filled with agitation as he fidgeted even more from the confused look that Amiee was sending him. This wasn’t him, he didn’t act like this, he was in control of himself always, even if his own energy got ahead of him at times. But lately, he felt as if he wasn’t, especially when it came to his emotions.

Whether it be because of his divorce, or the fact that the person who he hoped would have been his wife was suddenly back in his life. He wasn’t sure, but all of it just felt so big and he didn’t know how to handle it. His mind began to wander for a moment about whether to reach out to a therapist or just purchase a self help book, but he was coaxed out of it when he felt a tender squeeze on his forearms.

“Clair, what’s wrong? You don’t what?” The sound of her voice questioning him brought him back down and there was a look of wonder in her eyes as she waited for him. 

His mind was a scrambled mess with all the feelings that were swirling around, but she patiently waited for him. Even as the silence bordered uncomfortable, she waited, not rushing him for an answer that he normally would already have. Her warm eyes felt like safety as she gazed at him, and the feeling of her hand on his arm seemed to calm him enough so that he could say something to break the quietness of the moment. 

“We’ve just…” He trailed off again, looking for the right words for the moment as he bit his lower lip. 

God he had read so many books, and he knew four languages fluently yet he couldn’t find the right words. What a mess he was.

“I just…I don’t want anything to happen to you. You’ve already had to spend a lot of time in hospital. Not for you of course I know that,” he added quickly to clarify what he meant. “And plus.” Lowering his eyes to the ground, a bashful look came across Sinclair’s features.

It was a bit unusual coming from Sinclair. Someone so confident that he lit up the whole room when he walked in. But now, he stood with his hands behind his back and his eyes not meeting her own, just like a little puppy who was scared and had its tail between its legs.

“I think six years of not seeing each other is more than enough; I don’t want us to have to keep adding on to that.”

His words sat in the air for a moment as he was hesitant to look up. A feeling of vulnerability that he hadn’t felt since finding out that Natalie had been cheating on him washed over him. But this was a different type of vulnerability, not a constricting one filled with confusion and hurt and anger, but a strange comforting type. 

The type you can only be with someone you know wouldn’t judge you for the flaws you possessed, but love you in spite of them. With Natalie, he couldn’t remember if he felt that positive type of vulnerability, yet it seemed Amiee could pull it right out of him without even trying. 

“Six years is a long time,” she agreed quietly, drawing Sinclair out of his thoughts only to find her gazing wistfully out the window. 

Sensing he was looking at her, she gave her his attention, a small endearing smile on her face. It made her look so soft. 

“I’m sorry Clair, but you know it’s just how I am. Always doing something silly so I don’t have to be a bother,” she explained, yet there was a moment where her smile dropped as if she remembered something unpleasant before it returned. “What do they say, something about doing it yourself if you want it right?”

“If you want something right do it yourself!” He corrected brightly causing her to grin knowing it would have that effect on him. “ They say that and it’s one of my favorite things about you! You’re always doing things on your own, never asking for help and being brilliant at it. But you can always ask for my help you know that, right? You’ve never been a bother!”

The way he said it almost made her heart break along with the grin he showed her. Full of warm sincerity and earnestness that she could never not believe him. Matter of fact, she had always believed that he would do anything he could for her. She just wished she thought she was deserving of it.

‘Oh enough of that Amiee!’  

“Okay. I promise from now on, that if I do anything that may cause injury or death, I’ll phone you before doing it,” she said jokingly causing him to grin ear to ear. “Here look I’ll even pinky swear with you.” 

Holding out her pinky, because she was very much serious about it, Sinclair couldn’t stop the loud guffawing laughter that left his lips at the sight. This was so very silly, yet it didn’t stop him from coming closer to her offering up his pinky and his own promise.

“Yes yes! And I promise I’ll come running to you no matter what! To either stop you or help you!”

Their digits entwined, his larger finger wrapped around her smaller one causing her to giggle as they gave each other bright grins before they ‘shook’ on their promise.  

“Excellent! Now that I’ve taken off a few years of your life, do you still fancy letting me tag along to lunch? Or do you need to recuperate?”

“Never! I mean I could never tire of you,” he corrected, as they dropped their hands from one another, even though there was a yearning to hold it again. “But yes lunch let’s go. I think I’ve worked up even more of an appetite than normal after that scare.”

“Well, that just means double the appetizers!” Amiee pointed out.

“And maybe entrees!"

“Oh my god Sinclair can we please come back to this place,” Amiee groaned as she slid halfway down her seat. 

Food coma was already starting to sit in as the waiter cleared the table of their entrees, and she didn’t know how she was going to put down the dessert they had ordered. It would get done one way or another, and if she got a stomach ache afterwards well so be it. She wasn’t going to let any of it go to waste.

“It’s delicious isn’t it!” Sinclair praised with far more energy than she had, which was unsurprising. However, she suspected he would be napping after lunch because he would always close his door afterwards. Could it be him taking meetings, yes, but she had an inkling it was a meeting with his sofa.

“I’ve been here five times already since they opened and I think it’s my favorite in the area. Oh, you have to try the linguine frutti di mare when we come back. The seafood is so fresh you’ll love it, it’s divine!’ 

“Don’t tell me that Sinclair or  I’ll end up coming for dinner tonight! Plus I have food at home waiting for me and I don’t want it going bad.”

Unknowingly she had set up a perfect moment for him to ask the question that had been burning in his mind since the start of the day. This was his moment!

“So! You can just eat that for a late night snack if you get peckish during the night. I try not to do that because it gives me heartburn, but I can’t go to bed with an empty stomach it’s impossible!” He happily chattered before remembering what he was going to say.

“Plus I was going to ask if you wanted to come to the cinema with me tonight?” He proposed happily,  “A business partner of ours gave me tickets for an early showing of this new film, I think it’s called Candyman? It’s coming out in the autumn and I thought ‘oh, Amiee would like this!’”

Whether it was the offer of going to watch a film with him, or the genre of the film itself, Amiee’s eyes widened slightly, a bit taken aback by the invitation. Being asked to watch a film with him was not something she thought would be asked today but, she wasn’t going to say no! Especially, if she got to spend more time with him outside of work. 

“Sinclair, you know that’s a horror film right? And last time I checked you hated those,” she pointed out as she took a sip of her water before continuing, “all of the trailers I’ve seen have been pretty suspenseful and a bit well erm horror-esque, which I love don’t get me wrong! But uhm are you sure?”

“Of course I’m sure! Plus I don’t hate them! I just think they should be a little more logical. Like, tell me why do people always split up in those movies? It’s always their downfall!”

Sitting back up as she tried to recover from all the food in her, Amiee laughed at his example. He was right; she never understood the whole ‘let’s split up’ thing in the movies. Did no one ever learn the phrase there’s strength in numbers? Apparently not.

“Or you know when there’s a trail of blood and they follow it?” She added, as she rested her elbows on the table and placed her chin on top of the back of her hands as she smiled up at him. “Especially when they’re defenseless! Like what is your plan if the murderer is still there?” 

That seemed to rile him up some more, and she couldn’t hide the amusement she was getting from it. He so hated when things weren’t logical and horror movies to him were far from logical.

“Exactly! I just don’t get it! That’s why I don’t like them, they don’t make sense at all.” 

His tirade finished just as the waiter returned with their desserts. A piece of tiramisu for her, and for him, a slice of cheesecake topped with strawberries along with a bowl of fluffy chocolate mousse.

As soon as they thanked the waiter, Sinclair was digging into his dessert, all but groaning at how creamy the cheesecake filling was. Being so engrossed with his food, he wasn’t expecting to see Amiee staring at him when he went to ask how her dessert was.

Though he did note the twinkle in her eyes, and the way her lips quirked and formed a tiny mischief smirk. It was a familiar expression he had seen before, and he wondered what she was up to.

“Mmp-what?” He asked before another piece of cheesecake was in his mouth. “Thisisdelicious.” 

“So let me get this right, you don’t like horror because most of them are illogical yes?” She questioned, picking up her spoon and digging into her dessert.  

A tiny groan left her lips, as the taste of coffee, and mascarpone combined with cocoa powder, and lady fingers, created a nice and creamy dessert that wasn’t too sweet and had different flavor notes.

“This is good, not too sweet, can really taste the coffee and cream!” She praised enjoying that her teeth didn’t hurt the moment she bit into it like it would some desserts. 

“Isn’t it! I would say it’s my favorite but I like all of them,” he admitted freely as he scooped some mousse up and ate it. A happy groan left his lips at the taste as he remembered he had been asked a question. “But yes you could say that.”

“Mhmm, so what you’re saying is all those times you ended up halfway on my lap when we watched them was not because of the jump scares, but because they bored you out of your mind because of how illogical they are?”

Clearly, there was a teasing lilt in her voice,  which matched her playful demeanor. Yet, it still caused Sinclair to pause in his eating, as the cutest pout appeared on his thin lips, and all she could think about was kissing them. His brows were furrowed as he narrowed his eyes and he let out a low whine of her name.

“I can’t believe you’re bringing that up here,” he whined, much like a dejected puppy while his gaze turned down and poked at his food. 

“Aw I’m sorry love, only trying to take the piss out of you, ” she tittered. 

Leaning over the table, she reached over to stroke the hand that was resting on the table with her thumb in hopes of giving him a bit of comfort. There was a slight zing again as her fingers touched his hand, yet it was much less intense than how she felt when he hugged her in his office when they met again. Finally, she was getting used to being able to touch him again and it was more than she could have ever hoped for honestly.

“You know I never minded. Just like how you never minded having to lug me into bed whenever you found me asleep in some random place, which,” she added playfully as she leaned back and settled into her chair. “Is what you’ll have to do if we come back tonight for dinner because I’m liable to fall asleep in the car.”

The insinuation of her agreeing to come to the cinema with him seemed to perk him right up. That and getting to come back to the restaurant later tonight. But mostly getting to spend more time with her had him cheering up. It was something they hadn’t had too much time to do, as they had both been busy the past few weeks so this was perfect.

“That’s okay! I did that when we were in Manchester and it’ll be like you said, just like old times.”

A bashful smile flitted across Amiee’s face as she looked down at her hands, her face warming as she remembered waking up next to him those mornings. Curled up and feeling safe even if her world was trying to fall apart. 

She would be lying if she said she didn’t think about those moments every day she woke up. What it would be like to wake up beside him again. God, she missed it.  But maybe with this unofficial date, they were one step closer? She really hoped so.

“Well, then Clair, it sounds like we have ourselves a… date?” 

There was a bit of trepidation in her voice as she asked him. But there was also thinly veiled hope in it that she almost wanted him to hear. 

It seemed though that he had heard or at least caught on to what she was saying as there was a sudden burst of warmth that bloomed in his stomach. Before he knew it, that warmth was radiating from his stomach, to the full smile on his face that had grown without him noticing it. 

“Yes! It’s a date!”

Neither of them knew how they survived the rest of the work day after they returned from lunch, solely because their minds were focused on their evening outing. Sinclair, who was normally very much dedicated to his work, was very much the opposite, as his brain bounced from thing to thing. 

He had the hardest time focusing on any of the papers that were piled up, only thinking about why time wasn’t moving quicker as he was eager to hang out with Amiee.

Amiee was the same way of course. While not as busy as Sinclair was at the moment, she could hardly focus on the training manuals that she needed to look over. Her brain was buzzing with anticipation, and she found herself pacing around the office more than once. Stopping from time to time, to stare out the window as her mind wandered to everything that wasn’t work.

When the clock finally struck five, Sinclair was the first out of his seat as he quickly and haphazardly packed some documents in his briefcase. He would take a look at them in his home office tomorrow, he had more exciting things to look forward to tonight. Rushing out of the office, he was met with a startled look from Sarah who had only started packing her bags. 

“Leaving already Sinclair,” she asked, pausing her packing as she watched him fiddle with the keys to his office.

“Yes!” His tone was more enthusiastic than normal, and a sheepish smile appeared on his lips as he turned to look at her. “Yes,” he repeated more calmly, yet still radiating that bright energy of his. “I have some things to do at home tonight and I wanted to get back early. I know! Very peculiar for me to be leaving so early but it’s been brewing in the back of my mind for days. Don’t let the other know you’ve seen me leaving okay?”

“O-Oh okay, no problem I guess.” It wasn’t like she was going to tell anyone anyway. “Well have a good weekend!”

“You too, buh bye!” He answered, waving back at her and briskly walking away, leaving a very confused secretary who just shrugged and went back to her packing.

When they arrived at the venue, Amiee briefly wondered if they had turned up in the wrong place because this was not your average cinema. Expecting to see the normal brick building and maybe some glass here or there. She was surprised to see them pulling up to a building that was basically like an art school of some sort. 

“Are you sure we’re in the right place?” She asked dumbfoundedly as Sinclair helped her out of the car.

“Yep! They usually do the private screenings of the new films here or sometimes at one of the galleries near Kensington.” He explained as they walked up the steps of the building.

For a Friday night, it wasn’t too busy, but granted, it was a private event, so she shouldn’t have expected a whole lot of people from the public meandering around.

“Wow, never thought I be at a rich person’s cinema,” she mused out loud before she immediately felt the need to lower her voice as they entered the place. “Must be nice to not hear all the talking and carrying on in the public ones. Though I don’t see a concessions booth, and I’m not sure if I appreciate that or not. Do we get like seat side service?”

“I don’t know, I quite like being in the cinema with others, it makes for a good ambience. Some of the ones in the area have gotten upgrades with their furniture and sound as well! But also yes to your point there isn’t usually food here,” he sighed as if it was the worst crime that the place had committed. “I don’t come often because of that, I think the last time I was here it was last summer with Natalie-.” 

There was a sudden pause in his speech, and Amiee looked up to catch a forlorn look that crossed his features.

Natalie? Was that the name of his wife? Or soon to be ex-wife? There was this incessant urge to pry a bit more into what had happened because she still wasn’t aware of what had gone on. Call her nosy, but she was just curious about what had happened that caused Sinclair to clam up anytime anything about this mysterious ex was brought up.

But that was maybe for another day, because she didn’t want to ruin a night of fun with questions about the woman. Plus, it couldn’t have been at all good, which only made Amiee dislike her even if they hadn’t ever met. She hoped it stayed that way. 

“No food?” Her tone was incredulous as Sinclair handed a man standing by another door the entry tickets. After he gave the passes a quick check, he let them through to the main screening portion of the theatre. “I would have shoved some crisps or something in my purse if you had told me that beforehand,” she continued, steering the conversation away from the unpleasant subject as they searched for an empty pair of seats. “When I was in uni, one of my friends brought a whole meal into the theatre. Snuck it right in with her purse and no one even knew.”

His expression relaxed as she told her story, and he couldn’t help the warm chuckle that left him as he led them to an empty spot.

“That was a brilliant idea from you friend though, how put off would you be if I asked you to shove some sandwiches in your bag next time we do this?”  

“Well, as long as you share I’ll do it, but if we get caught I’m going to act like I don’t know you.” 

Sinclair feigned a hurt expression, his brows drawn, and a little pout on lips that made Amiee want to laugh, but she held it in, a smirk being the sign of amusement on her face.

“Of course I would share with you! But now that you're threatening to leave me to fend for myself, I’m not sure if I want to!”

“I’m teasing Clair, I'm teasing. I would never rat you out to the theatre authorities. You know that’s not my style. We’re just gonna have to make a run for it if they catch up.”

“We can throw a sandwich on the floor and make them slip just like if it was a banana peel,” Sinclair added, but quickly retracted it at the thought of food waste. “Wait no we can’t sacrifice the food- Oh look the movie’s starting I think!” He whispered enthusiastically as the lights in the room began to dim and the screen began to brighten.

Giving each other one more grin, the two of them settled in to watch the film.

The movie was terrific. Well to Amiee that is. It was a good thing that the place didn’t provide popcorn, though to be honest it was pretty cheap of them not to. So fancy yet no snacks, she was surprised Sinclair wasn’t bothered by that. 

Granted if they did have popcorn, most of it would have been on the floor if he had been in charge of it. He had jumped over five times during the first half of the movie. And honestly, him getting startled did more to scare Amiee than the actual movie. 

“Oh my god, why are there bees in his mouth? What is he about to do,” Sinclair stuttered out as he watched the Candyman grab the main character, Helen, before kissing her. 

Sinclair made a gagging sound as one hand went to cover his eyes, so he could avoid watching the bees swarm down the poor woman's throat. His fingers were gripping the armrest so hard that Amiee was sure it was going to leave a permanent dent when they were done. 

“Okay but what would happen if she was allergic to bees? Wouldn’t that mess up his whole plan if she died right then from shock?” Amiee whispered to Sinclair who was trying to block out the whole thing. She was serious though! Why this man was trying to ruin his own plan? 

“And if not, what if she chokes on them? Come on he’s dead he should know these things!” She continued unfazed by what was being shown as she had been the entire time. 

Well, that was just slightly untrue as both of them had let out pitiful sounds at the fate of a side character’s dog.

“No not the puppy.”

They had both whimpered as they watched the scene that could have been left out for all they cared. Poor Sinclair seemed to be affected by it the worst out of them both. Of course, he would be, he was part puppy and seeing anything happen to his family was upsetting.

The moment had him laying his head on her shoulder as he looked away from the screen. His face buried as if trying to hide away, and instinctively Amiee’s hand went to stroke his head as the scene played out. Sinclair stayed like that until Amiee gave him the all clear, but of course, he stayed on edge the entire time. 

Their hands stayed tucked together the rest of the movie and up until Sinclair got Amiee into the car before they drove back to the Wharf for dinner.

“I admit the plot and lore was fascinating. But I’ll never be able to look at bees again in the same way,” Sinclair blanched as the waiter took their menus away after they finished their orders. “And then the poor puppy! Amiee, they didn’t have to hurt it,” he whined, still upset about that part of the movie. “I think I may have nightmares tonight.”

“If it makes you feel any better I bet the pup got a lot of treats that day during shooting,” Amiee offered in hopes of cheering him up seeing as he was mainly upset about the dog. “I bet they used jam or something for the effects and had to keep it from licking it all up. It was probably a fun day for it!”

“Now that you mention it! I know one of the tricks they use to get dogs to lick someone is to put flavored grease on the person,” Sinclair pointed out happily. “ I read it in a movie magazine before and thought that’s brilliant of them. I’d be enticed by the smell of bacon grease too, and I’m not even a dog!”

‘Well not a four-legged one but there are definitely some puppy genes in there.’

Amiee thought to herself as she tried to avoid laughing to herself.

“Yeah! It was probably the same as this movie. Maybe we should see if they can add some bloopers in the credits where we get to see the dog rolling around,” she joked swirling the lemon in her water before taking a sip. “Plus, we don’t need you staying up all night when you have an early morning tomorrow.”  

The statement garnered a puzzled look from Sinclair who didn’t understand what she meant. He didn’t think he had anything he had to do in the morning. Unless he was missing something, which he didn’t think he was.

“I do?” He asked, along with an adorable tilt of his head to the side that had her ‘awwing’ internally.

“Yes! I mean…Well actually now that you’re asking me I don’t know!” She laughed. “Don’t you go into the office on Saturday mornings, you’d always used to,” she pointed out, before giving him a cheeky smile. “Unless you’re telling me that you’ve finally fallen out of love with work.”

She always thought it was a bit strange that he went to work on Saturday mornings. Wasn’t forty hours a week and occasionally fifty enough? When she asked him about it one day, he simply just said he liked it, and it helped him keep up with all the work he had. 

Secretly though, she always thought it was to catch up on work he hadn’t done due to his time management. Or lack thereof. Even as perfect as he was, he needed a flaw. Hiding her laughter she listened to him.

“Oh well no, I erm,” he paused for a moment thinking of a way to explain the situation while carding his hand through his hair. He thought and thought and yet there wasn’t any other way but to directly say it. 

“Well you see…oh god this is such a weird place to be talking about this,” he chuckled nervously, even though there was no humor in his voice and his hand had dropped to fidget with his fingers.

“Then we don’t have to,” she replied swiftly, not meaning to bring up anything heavy. “Sorry didn’t mean to rain on the parade, I just always thought it was funny that you went in on Saturdays. You couldn’t pry me from my bed if I didn’t have to be anywhere,” she grinned.

“You’re such a sleepyhead,” he teased, causing Amiee to give him a proud look before a thoughtful look crossed his features. “But no, please don’t apologize, it's not like you would have known. It’s just, well…” He trailed off with a shake of his head before answering truthfully. 

“I stopped going in because, during marriage counseling, the therapist asked me to. They believed it would help mend the issues that had caused us to have to go in the first place.” He explained to her. “It didn’t, hence the divorce, but I did find out I do actually enjoy a nice lie in during the weekend.”

Listening intently up to the end, she couldn’t help but feel a bit sorry for Sinclair. He did what he was asked to do, and she assumed that he did try but it didn’t work. Though he did gain something at the end which had her ears perking up. 

“Sinclair?” 

“Hmm?”

Taking a breath, she spoke.

“This is going to make me sound like a right arse but.” There was a pause as she looked at him, a waiting expression on his face before she finished with, “I’m pretty sure I told you that before!”

By the way his eyebrows raised, he hadn’t been expecting that statement to come from her. Even more confused than before he blurted out, “you did?”

“About the lie in thing? Yes!” Her voice was higher than normal as she tried to keep herself from falling over with laughter. She didn’t know why it was so funny but it was, especially paired with the surprised look on his face. “You slept like an absolute log on Saturday mornings when I would stay over. I don’t know why’d you ever torture yourself going in like that.”

“See but that was easy! Do you know how cozy it is to sleep with you-?”

There was a sudden pause, and he could feel his cheeks becoming warm at his terrible word choice. Brown eyes that had widened at his statement stared at him, and he could see a pale red blush begin to spread across her face. 

‘Damnit don’t embarrass her!’

The voice in his head chided him even though in reality Amiee wasn’t embarrassed at all. More flattered than anything. 

“No sorry I-I mean!” Spluttering and tripping over his words, he fumbled for a moment more before carefully stringing the words he found together. “It was nice to have someone that didn’t mind being held or you know, have someone who liked to hang off your back like a kola…it’s very cute, and I didn’t want to disturb you.”

What? Did his ex not cuddle with him often? She needed to meet this woman and find out her problem because who wouldn’t want to cuddle with Sinclair? You know what, never mind, maybe it was for the best that they didn’t meet.

“Well, then I’ll have you know that I for one am glad that you are taking the advice and staying home now on Saturdays,” she chirped truthfully. “You work too hard. It's admirable, but also don’t go working yourself to death! I need someone to spot me when I’m being dangerous.”

He grinned warmly at her statement and all she could do was sigh internally. How was one person so handsome, sweet and playful? It was truly easy for her to forget about her problems with him.

“I will try not to! But also please don’t, it would scar me,” he half joked as it probably would do that.“Anyways, enough about me! What do you have planned? I hope that flat hunting is in the cards because I still don’t like where you’re living. It’s not safe.”

Of course he didn’t.

“Sinclair it’s perfectly safe where I live. I’ve been there for almost two years and the only danger to me is my flat itself,” she joked even though it didn’t seem funny to him. 

He just pouted at her and she resisted the urge to playfully roll her eyes at him. She knew he meant well, but she was also used to living in places that were a bit rough around the edges.

That didn’t mean he was wrong though, she did need to find a new place. Not only because she wanted to be closer to the office as the hour commute both ways was draining, but also because she needed an extra room for when Angie came to stay with her.

“If it pleases the court to know,” she informed, sarcasm dripping from her voice, “I’ll probably be moving in autumn after I save a bit.” And it did seem to put him at ease as he let out a pleased ‘good’ while she could only shake her head humorously at him.

“But for tomorrow I’m actually going home! Angie’s getting out of hospital and I was gonna spend a few days with my parents and her. Make sure she’s alright.”

This was the first time Sinclair had heard about this, and his face absolutely brightened at the good news. He knew she had gone back one more time since the initial visit but that was about it. 

“Amiee that’s wonderful!” He exclaimed warmly, his eyes shining while Amiee’s cheeks hurt more than usual at how much she had been smiling. “I’m so glad to hear she’s alright. Do you need my help or anything? Since I’ll be at home I can take you if you want? I quite liked the visit last time oh- no that’s not what I meant. I mean you know it had been a while since I went there, not that the situation was any good.”

“I know what you mean Clair,” she said, saving him as she shook her head with a chuckle. “But no, it’s fine. I’ll probably go sometime in the afternoon since I’m going to stay till maybe Wednesday. But it’s great. I’m just super, super happy I don’t have to see her with that tube again. It’s just…ugh.” 

Just the thought of her sister in hospital made her stomach churn and she tried to push the thoughts as far away as possible. All that mattered now was that she was better, and they could figure it all out after she was home and on the mend.

“Do you know if she’s going to be alright? I mean you know…I’ve read that with things like that it only takes a few minutes to impact the brain and it can damage-.” Stopping his spiel abruptly, Sinclair looked down for a moment as if a thought crossed his mind before he returned his attention to Amiee who patiently waited. “Oh actually, I shouldn't bring something like that up. I’ve been trying to keep in mind that it’s not appropriate when it comes to stuff like that, sorry.”

What he said was a little off putting as she hadn’t at all found it inappropriate. He liked to share information, and it was always accurate when it came to whatever subject they talked about so she didn’t mind. 

Plus, it just meant he cared about what he was talking about and wanted others to know. She wondered briefly if his therapist also told him that. Granted she was getting the idea that it may also have been influenced by someone else. She grimaced at the thought.

“No, no it’s okay! It’s the truth and something the docs were looking out for as well,” she explained. “But thankfully, when I talked to her the other day, even though she sounded a bit croaky, which fair I would be too if I had a tube shoved down my throat. It seems like her motor functions will be fine, and they just want her to do a few months in physical therapy.” 

“Thank goodness! That’s scary stuff and I’m glad she’s okay,” he sighed in relief. “Will you tell her I said hello when you see her? Maybe I can send some flowers with you to take to her as well?”

“Clair no you don’t have to! I’ll tell her you said hello though, she’s going to flip out probably knowing that we work together again.”

This piqued his curiosity, as did most things in life, but this really interested him.

“Really how come?”

It was Amiee’s turn to look down and away from him, hiding her face as she tried to figure out how to tell him her sister was a raging romantic, and would probably go crazy knowing they were ‘together’ again. 

“Oh god, erm how do I explain,” she laughed nervously as she tucked a short strand of hair behind her ear.“Just know Angie used to consider you as one of my ‘bad’ decisions. But in a good way.”

“I don’t follow, a bad decision? In a good way?” Again an adorable head tilt followed his confusion. “Those can’t exist, they’re the complete opposite of each other?” 

“Well okay, how about I put it like this, from the last I read, London’s a city of almost 7 million right?”

“Yes, that's what the BBC showed a few months back. We’re growing at a steady rate.”

“Right, So I don’t think it’s a stretch to say, it’s a bloody miracle that I applied to where you work, and that Arthur happened to not come in, leading you to be the one I had to talk to.”

There was a thoughtful expression on Sinclair’s features as he pondered what that had anything to do with why her sister would freak out. But slowly, he started to get the image and the pieces of the puzzle fell into place. To say he was merely happy was an understatement.

“Rubbish!” He exclaimed, startling her before grinning at her reaction. “Is what I would have said, because where’s the logic in that? But, when you put it that way, statistically a lot of things had to go right for us to run into each other again.”

“Exactly! I’m glad you agree,” she nodded. “And I don’t know about you but I’m proper chuffed that things somehow turned out this way.”

“Me too! I’m happy you’re here Amiee and I hope you don’t plan on going anywhere anytime soon. If you do, I’ll be sure to follow. There are billions of people in the world, and I don’t want you to get lost among them.”

Because he would be damned if he lost her again. 

A warmth bloomed in her tightening chest at his words. His amber eyes were bright, and warm, just like a crackling fireplace on a cool autumn day. The smile he wore radiated that same feeling, as he declared how happy he was, even though just from how he looked, at her one could properly tell how he felt. It caused feelings that swirled in her to push at her, wanting her to get up from her seat and hug him. To never leave again and to stay put with him. 

But, she did her best not to succumb to them as her mind constantly reminded her it was too early. That even if her heart, still entangled with his wanted more, she should wait because things had changed and they needed to tread carefully. At least she could promise him she wouldn’t leave again, because truthfully, she didn’t think she could survive that heartbreak a second time.

So with a shake of her head, she smiled at him, a gentle smile that was illuminated by the warm orange lights of the restaurant. A smile that made him forget that there were other people around as everything became background noise. It was just her and him as she spoke.

“No, not this time. Promise.”

By the time they had finished eating, and Sinclair had gotten them back to her flat, it was almost midnight, and they were both absolutely knackered. Helping her get out of the car, Sinclair led her up the stairs to her flat. Her hand comfortably resting in his as they chatted and laughed up until they made it to her door.

“Well this is me,” she yawned, her body alerting her once more that it was past her bedtime after the fun evening. “Thanks for the film and dinner. And I’m going to pay you back one day I swear.” The last part added on as she had been unsuccessful again at paying for their meal.

“You’re welcome and I absolutely won’t accept it unless! You being around is payment enough!”

“Well if you put it like that how can I say no?” She beamed, causing him to reciprocate her gesture with a grin of his own before they laughed. “But really, thank you for tonight Clair, I had such a good time. I can’t tell you how long it’s been since I’ve laughed till my face started hurting!”

“Me too! Hopefully…we can do something like this again soon?” He asked hesitantly, not wanting to make it seem as if he was pushing her to do anything. 

“I would love that! Maybe we can talk about it some when I get back to town? How’s that sound?”

“That’s absolutely perfect!”

His little shout of happiness was accompanied by him squeezing her hand, reminding her that they were indeed holding hands once more. His larger one engulfed her smaller one and she couldn’t help but enjoy the comfort it brought as she squeezed his back.

“Well, it’s getting late and while you’re lucky to get to snooze in, I have a train to catch tomorrow,” Amiee pointed out as she stroked his hand with her thumb absentmindedly. “Drive safe and please call me when you get home okay?”

“I will! And…will you do the same when you have time tomorrow? When you get settled of course!” He added not wanting to seem overbearing, but just wanting to make sure she was safe.

“Of course,” she nodded before they stood in silence. 

It wasn’t uncomfortable, but there was a feeling of underlying energy as they watched one another. Waiting to see who would move first to do anything. If one of her neighbours came out at that moment, they would think they had interrupted a pair of lovers with how close the two were. 

“Night night Clair,” Amiee whispered to break the stillness as she looked up at him. Even in the dim light, his eyes shone bright as they stayed trained on her. 

“Good night Amiee,” he responded in a murmur as he watched her carefully, admiring how she added beauty to any setting they were in. Even in the hallway of her building.

They stood for a moment, hands intertwined for a little longer before they let go of one another. Lingering for a bit to just say goodbye one more time, Sinclair waved before he made his way down the hallway. Amiee watched until he disappeared around a corner before she let herself into her flat which was illuminated by the hallway light.

Kicking her shoes off and relocking the door, she stood there quietly, her back facing the entrance as her mind raced with thoughts. A loud exhale left her lips before she found her back against the door, and she couldn’t stop the smile that brightened her expression as she wrapped her arms around herself. 

Similarly, as Sinclair sat in his car, the radio turned low to provide background noise, he looked in the direction of her flat’s building. Resting against his seat and thinking of all the emotions he had felt that day, he noted that most, if not all of them, were feelings of fondness. It felt good as it had been a while since he had felt that way and it was all because of her. 

Still staring in the direction of her flat, he noticed a light illuminating from her window that was not on earlier. A sense of comfort washed over him knowing she was inside safe and he knew it was okay for him to leave. So giving the building one last glance, he whispered a tender,

“Good night darling.”

A/N: Ekkk i had so much fun with this chapter! I hope it makes up for how angsty the past chapters have been. These two deserve some fluff haha. I'll probably be a while in updating again (as if i'm ever quick) as I think I want to finish more chapters before posting but we will see.

[elisela]

follow through sterek, ~600, college au, professor/coach, established relationship day 4: bright red also on ao3

The force with which Stiles slams the paper down on the desk causes a coffee cup to rattle on its coaster, and he takes a moment to despair that he’s in love with an idiot who insists on using coasters despite the desk being treated like garbage by every professor who had used it for the past thirty years.

Not right now, though. Right now, he’s decidedly not in love, and most definitely pissed.

“My star attacker, Derek,” he says, gesturing to the paper angrily and keeping his eyes strictly above Derek’s neckline. He will not look below, because Derek is choosing to torture him with a tight navy blue t-shirt that shows off his pecs and biceps indecently, and if he looks he’ll get all dopey-eyed and it’ll ruin the effect. “Explain yourself.”

Derek hardly glances over at the paper, the bright red zero bold above a scribbled see me. “That note wasn’t meant for you. Send Theo in and I’ll explain myself to him.”

“I will withhold blow jobs for a month,” Stiles swears, despite knowing he will absolutely cave the moment they get in bed. Or in the kitchen. Or, if Derek lets him, right here at his desk.

Derek knows it too by the way he huffs out a breath of laughter. “Sure.”

“No sex at all.”

“Okay.”

He casts around for a threat he’ll actually follow through on and grins triumphantly. “I’ll tell Laura you’d love to spend spring break helping her move from her ninth floor walk-up.”

Derek makes a face. “It’s not his paper. It’s the same as a student’s from another section, word for word.”

Stiles groans. “Idiot,” he says. “He didn’t even change a few words?”

“Not the point,” Derek says, frowning.

“Unless he accidentally—maybe they’re in the same frat, maybe he just, just—picked up the wrong—”

“Stiles.”

“Maybe that kid took—” he gives up before he even finishes. “Alright, big guy, how can I get you to give him another chance? I’ll make him write the paper in front of me if that will help.”

“You’d just end up writing it for him,” Derek says. “Be glad I didn’t report it. If he does it again, I’m taking it to the dean.”

“I’ll blow you.”

“You really need to stop trying to use that as a selling point,” Derek says, but he’s starting to grin.

“I’ll tell Laura you’re really too busy to help her move.”

“I’m telling her that anyway,” Derek says, picking up the pen he’d set down when Stiles came in and returning to the paper in front of him.

Stiles takes a deep breath and pulls out his best offer—the one he was hoping to save for when he really fucked something up, but losing his best player to academic ineligibility weeks before the championship is something he can’t allow to happen. “Practice is over at six, the team clears out by seven,” he says, putting his hands down on either side of the paper Derek’s correcting and leaning in to whisper in his ear. “Why don’t you come by then and we can run a few drills, maybe you can see what it takes to convince me to put you on first line?”

He’d feel slightly guilty about using Derek’s fantasies to his advantage if it weren’t for the way Derek’s breath caught in his throat slightly before the pen in his hand snapped right in half. 

“Bring your old jersey, Hale,” he breathes out, and straightens up, clearing his throat as he backs away from the desk. “I’ll have Theo turn in a new paper by Friday.”

[sassycheesecake]

A/N: This is a new story that will actually have more than one chapter. It’s dedicated to my best friend, who is a total Daichi lover. @rukia-uchiha-98

Warning!

This story will include murder, eventual smut, cursing and torture. This is a mafia ya’ll, it ain’t always rainbows and smiles in there.

Feedback appreciated! Enjoy reading!

Chapter 1 "Danger Zone"

It’s a quiet night as you unlock the door to your apartment in Tome and you set your weapons and heavy duffel bag next to your couch, before falling on top of it with a heavy sigh.

Not even three minutes later, you feel the vibration of your phone in your right pocket.

Groaning in soreness, you pull it out and the brightness of it makes you close your eyes quickly.

Now adjusting the brightness on your phone, you see a text message from Manjiro, your boss and rent payer.

>Got your next target. Natori. Will send you name and precise location. Needs to be done tonight.<

>I just got home and Natori is like an hour drive and it’s like 2 am. I need some sleep.<

>Do it or I will have Matsukawa knocking down your door with just one phone call. Do your job or you will regret it.<

>Fine.<

With a loud frustrating groan, you get up from your comfortable leather couch, while you’re spitting curses under your breath, you snatch up your weapon bag and slam your door on your way out.

~ At the Miyagi Prefectural Police Headquarters ~

The young police officer is currently writing down a report of a call he had earlier about an elderly woman complaining about her neighbors having a party after 9 pm. Rubbing his tired eyes, he takes another sip of his now lukewarm coffee.

His partner for the night, Kaito, a man in his mid-thirties, smiles in pity at the young officer, really glad that Daichi is doing the paperwork tonight instead of him.

Finishing the report with a final signature with his own and Kaito’s, he stacks the paper neatly and puts it in the ‘FINISHED’ folder.

Drinking the last bits of his coffee, their number is called over their radio to check out a murder scene that has occurred in Natori.

“Well, let’s get to it, Sawamura.” Kaito sighs and grabs his police hat and his gun, just like Daichi and they head to their police car.

Getting inside, they turn the lights and head to the destination in their navigation system.

“This is now the fifth murder case in two weeks, doesn’t that seem strange to you?” Daichi asks while sitting in the passenger seat.

“Yeah, the most strange thing is that uh”- Kaito pauses to scratch his beard- “it was just straight up murder, one clean shot through the head every time. No signs of a break in or stolen goods.”

Daichi thinks for a few moments, before asking more questions.

“Any relations to the victims? Only men or women?”

“Nah, always a different one. But I have a theory.”

Perking up at his words, Daichi looks intrigued at his partner.

Kaito continues.

“I have a feeling this has to be dirty crime related, as in the yakuza.”

Widening his eyes at that, Daichi stares out of the window, bypassing dark houses and the street lamps that are barely lighting up the street.

“What makes you say that?”

Kaito takes a right turn, before answering his partner again.

“Well… a couple of months ago, there was a murder at least once a day, the victims had a lot of burning marks all over them, like from a taser. Seems like they have been tortured a lot before being shot straight in the heart.

The killer eventually turned out to be the official hitman of the yakuza, a man called Shigeru Yahaba. He was shot by one of our men while trying to escape.

After his death, there weren’t any incidents until two weeks ago when you started working here. The murders always ended in the same way. One clean shot through the head. Maybe the yakuza have a new hitman.” The short haired blonde explains.

After listening to this story, they arrive at the scene.

As they get out of the car, all that Daichi is asking himself now is, who is responsible for these certain types of deaths?

[ericaportfolio]

Anemoiapolis Review

After a couple of delays, Anemoiapolis has finally come out. In my honest opinion, so far, so good. Some things may need to be tweaked, especially saving your game progress if you take a break and come back and it didn't save, and you have to start the game all over again. Hopefully, this gets fixed. I guess a good thing about this is the next time I play the game I'll know where the tickets to collect are with some surprises. Once it's fixed, if you're a fan of liminal spaces, this game is for you. I relate heavily to this game because while growing up, I watched one mall I went to as a kid turn into a dead mall right before my eyes due to store competition, a nearby outdoor mall, and the rise of online shopping. The main lobby in the game was the same creepy, uncanny, yet sad vibes I had when I went to do my graduation pictures where the local high schools set up shop to have student pictures done in one of the smaller abandoned shops seeing nothing in the mall left inside except for a kid's theatre, the only remaining opened anchor store, and the still opened movie theatre. Months later, the mall closed for good, except for the movie theatre and the last anchor store. Okay, the backstory is over! What to expect from the game from what I've seen so far? In Anemoiapolis, the character you play gets sent to investigate an undeveloped empty paper town in the middle of nowhere that was sucking power for years without anyone knowing. Suddenly, you fall into a trap that sends you to an underground maze of liminal spaces. Your mission, find a way back to the surface alive. I think the best part of the game is the dread you feel wherever you go someone is watching you while you are alone in the halls, swimming in the pools, playing on the golf maze, you name it. You can even interact with objects like faucets, showers, lockers, beach balls, etc. If there where anything else to improve or add, it's some fun mini-games, game achievements like in the golf course, and maybe prizes or hidden notes that explore the lore of Anemoiapolis and how it came to be. Maybe have some objects to collect from the lockers (Edit: Somebody did find some tickets in one locker so far). Even a ticket counter at the top corner of the screen that doesn't go away would be great. I say when the save bug gets fixed, I do recommend playing the game. It's only the first chapter, so there's room for updates. But be ready when the game plays with your mind if you get lost or you get scared out of your mind. The Blue Backrooms did that to me! I'll make an updated review once I finish the chapter if this review gets popular. But before I end this review, the opening phone call of our character calling his wife to put the Curry in the fridge was cut. I'm going to say this now. BRING BACK THE CURRY!!!

[sirthisisa-wendys]

His Partner (Part 1): Keizo Arashi x Fem!Reader

synopsis: no one dares touch Redcliff's girl. he's the only one who has permission.

wc: 926

tw: angst

masterlist

You hear him before you see him.

Big, clomping footsteps paired with long strides - you'd know the sound of his arrival anywhere. Especially here, in the brothel.

There's a pause at your door, and you look up from the mountain of paperwork to watch the door creak, maybe. To watch him stride in and take claim to his domain once more. But all you're met with is a timid knock. Odd.

"Come in," you mutter just loud enough for him to hear outside of the door, then return your eyes to the papers, pen poised to initial on the documents. The door opens slowly, and you catch his scent - which always preceded him - before you see his shoes step through the door. You try not lose yourself in the smell of expensive cologne, focusing on the blurring words in front of you with extreme concentration. "Wonderful of you to stop by, Redcliff."

"I got your message." You drop the pen in exasperation and look up at him, noting the out-of-place look he's giving you. Why the hesitation now? Wasn't this where he showed his strength, his dominion?

"I need you to sign the lease renewal and the checks for the previous month's utilities." Keizo nods, standing in front of your desk with his hands stuffed in his bomber jacket pockets. "Is it cold in here?" You wonder, standing up from your seat and moving to the thermostat.

"No," he answers quickly, walking closer to the desk. "It's fine."

"Good," you quip, turning the heat down. "The girls complain about the temperature all the time." You take another look at the man, his ice blue eyes looking at you intently. "What?"

His lips quirk at your snapped remark. "The papers?" Your feet carry you back to your desk and you quickly push the items over to him, sliding the cheap pen across the space before turning to your computer.

"Backdate the checks." He bends over to take the pen in his massive hands. You clench your mouse a little tighter.

"You're upset."

"No," you answer. "Not at all."

"You're being short with me."

"I just need you to keep your end of the business running."

"Well," Keizo sighs. "I'm here now."

"Three months too late," you grunt, typing away at an email before sending it off. Keizo's since stopped signing.

"It's been that long?" You turn your head toward him, a scowl marring your features. Keizo looks at you with empty eyes, and your skin bristles.

"Do you not know how long you spend away from this place?" you inquire nastily. "Three months and we've been festering without your presence."

"I thought you had control--"

"To a point," you gripe, gripping the armrests of the seat as you sit back in the office chair. "I can't fight off the men who come and harass the girls every single time." Keizo's face screws up in confusion. "Of course, you didn't know. You only show up when it suits you to fuck and leave."

"I'm here now," he repeats, but this time it sounds hollow, almost like he doesn't believe it himself.

"Just finish signing so you can disappear like always and leave me to do the dirty work."

"I'll send more guys to guard the place," Keizo murmurs, dropping the pen back down on the desk. "I'm sure that'll help with some of the issues."

"And can you be on time with the rent?" you add, defeated.

"You need to start paying those bills online," he retorts, straightening up.

"I'm not going to do that. You know people can hack into--"

"It's the business bank account--"

"You can't seriously think that shit is sec--"

"And a check in the mail is? Come on, y/n--"

"Everything okay in here?" you both hear, watching a blonde head peek past the doorframe.

"We're fine," you both say at the same time, suddenly realizing how loud you'd gotten. The door shuts once more and you sigh, slumping in the chair.

"What's this really about?" Keizo whispers, leaning a bit closer to the desk. "You haven't been sleeping well. And my absence has never really... bothered you. You keep busy while I'm away, I'm sure. What's different this time?"

"How do you know I'm not sleeping?" you scoff. Keizo points at the half-empty prescription bottle on the nighttable in the corner of the room, near your bed. You look away and shrug.

"Talk to me." Keizo reaches out to turn your chin toward him, and you shiver. He looks so earnest, so concerned... "Whatever you have to say, I can take it." You try to hold back the flood of emotion, but it comes out in a rush.

"Last time you were here, you left me alone. You didn't even say goodbye, you just up and left and--" You almost choke on your words. "I felt so used, so discarded, and you didn't even... I felt like a cheap whore."

"You're not a whore," Keizo murmurs, shaking his head. You swallow hard as he walks around the desk, crouching down to look you in the eye and holding your hands in his. "I'm sorry I made you feel that way. I thought would be easier - that you preferred it that way - but I see I was wrong." You nod, and he stands up, holding your chin in his palm. "That's my girl. All you needed was for me to show up, huh?" You nod again, and he smirks. "Don't worry, babe. I'll make things right."

[shyvioletcat]

A/N: Okay well, first of I’m pretty happy with this chapter. So if you think it sucks don’t tell me. Secondly, this is one of the ones that’s heavy on the flashback and not so much on the present timeline because... well, you’ll see why. Thanks for reading! ps, one last thing. If I missed you on the taglist please let me know. 

~ Made of Ashes Masterlist ~

~~~~~

Rowan had done it. The document in front of him had the signature of the company he’d been chasing since he had arrived in Doranelle. Stone City Advertising would now cover all the advertising on an indefinite basis. He had been the one to do it, almost entirely on his own, after all the mistakes Cairn had made. After hours upon hours of work both in and out of the office here he was looking down at his accomplishment. This was the goal that he had been chasing when he’d left Terrasen. The whole reason Rowan had uprooted his entire life to prove he was the employee the company needed. 

Then why did he feel so empty?

He’d lost track at how long he’d stared at the cursive scrawl of the signatures. It seemed like that was all it had amounted to—paper and ink. Rowan supposed it was a natural response, this listlessness that he felt. It was like after running a race. The adrenaline pumped through the body with a race to win, then when you reached the finish line and after you caught your breath there was that lull where there was now nothing to do. Sure there would be another race to run, but would it be as fulfilling as the last? Was there really a point after that?

It had taken him nine months to run this race and when he came to the end of it there was only one thing on his mind. And it wasn’t the fact that he had won. 

When the contract had been handed to him Rowan had kept his smile respectful and he’d kept jubilance buried. Once the door of his office has closed he’d grinned to himself, drunk on the pure elation of it all. It was the kind of triumph that needed sharing just for the amount of effort the whole of the task had taken. Then he’d had one thought, one gods-damned thought that had sobered him right up.

Aelin was the first person he wanted to tell.

Rowan thought he had been able to repress all his emotions around her. That it was another task he thought he was excelling in. The tattoo that now ran down his left arm had provided a momentary distraction and a conduit for a release of some of that pent of pain he hadn’t been able to let go of. It almost startled him—the ferocity of how hard the thoughts entered his mind and refused to be dismissed. 

All he could do was think about her and how much he missed her. The way he was missing her now felt bone deep, like it was a part of his very body. Rowan looked at his phone and was reminded of all those times he had willed it to light up, hoping that Aelin would be the one to reach out to him. She never had, and he didn’t blame her. Rowan was filled with enough self loathing that he understood why Aelin wouldn’t be the one to do it. 

In spite of that Rowan picked up his phone and it was still so natural to find Aelin’s number and tap the tiny phone icon. For a heavy heartbeat he just watched the call connect. The screen went dark before her name followed by ellipses and the word ‘calling’ underneath it shone up at him. He could hear it ringing from where it sat in the palm of his hand and his heart beat faster, the compulsion to hear her voice was what drove him to put the phone to his ear. He felt drunk on the pain now, maybe that’s what was influencing him to make such a disastrous decision. 

With each ring the Rowan began to panic, questioning what he was doing and what he would say, and if she would even answer. His number hadn’t changed, and if Aelin hadn’t bothered to delete it she would surely recognise it anyway. 

The ringing stopped, and for the first time in nine months Rowan heard Aelin’s voice.

“Hi, leave a message and I’ll get back to you. Better yet, send a text.” 

The high pitched message tone reverberated through him, and he was about to hang up without saying a word. But something urged him to say something. 

“Aelin.” It was a pathetic start. “I just…” 

He halted for an embarrassing amount of time, but he didn’t have much of a choice now. If Aelin listened to the message he couldn’t quit after three words. 

“I did it, I did everything Maeve asked me to do. It took me all this time, and I nearly lost out so many times but I just kept going until I won. They just dropped the contract off. The messed up thing was that the first thought I had was to tell you. Because I… I missed you, Aelin.” Rowan hated the way his voice caught on her name, it was far too telling and a vulnerability he hadn’t wanted to share. “I missed you and I wanted to tell you. But then I couldn’t because I was the one who screwed up here. I’m realising now with how hollow I feel inside, that I shouldn’t have walked out that door. I shouldn't have been a stubborn and prideful ass, because now I have nothing and no one.”

Rowan took a deep breath, he knew the voicemail service would cut him off at any second.

“If you don’t call me back, I understand. After everything, I understand, I won’t contact you again. But if you just tell me to come home I’ll do it. One word, and I’ll come back to you. If not, I get it. We’re done. I'll accept this for what it is.”

The end tone rang before he would say anything else. Maybe he would have told her he loved her if he had been given just a few more seconds. Rowan couldn’t help it, he knew there might always be a part of him that would love the woman who had irrevocably changed his life. A single tear fell from his face, landing right by his signature on the contract. The ink bled but Rowan left it as it was.  

He waited, texts came in from colleagues that he ignored offering congratulations. The only one he answered was from Maeve to decline the invitation for a celebratory drink. It was a long while before Rowan noticed how dark it was outside his office and he decided it was time to head home to wait some more. The entire drive he kept glancing at his dash hoping to see an incoming call. His phone was in his hand all the way up to his apartment and then it was on the kitchen counter as Rowan poured himself a drink. There was still no answer. It had been foolish of him to think that there ever would be.

Rowan took a gulp of his whiskey, silently toasting himself for a job well done. The screen of his phone remained dark and that old anger seeped in as he questioned why she had forced him to leave, tossing the blame at her like he’d been doing for months. Aelin had been determined to see him go, all he had done was follow her wishes. That night they had reached the point where neither of them would back down—it was well and truly past the point of no return and the prolonged silence was deafening confirmation. Rowan hated himself for the moment of vulnerability, hated himself for letting Aelin once again witness that part of him only for her to reject him. He took another drink and this time he let it burn. With a dark sense of foreboding it felt like Aelin would always be the one to dictate his life despite her gaping vacancy in it. She was a fate he would never be able to escape. 

~~~~~

 Aelin knew she should be up and walking around and doing all those other things the midwives had told her to do. But she was tired—so tired— that Aelin couldn’t really bring herself to get off the floor. That was probably also due to the fact that she was majorly panicking and everything she had went into ignoring the trembling in her hands, and the way she struggled to catch a breath every now and then. 

She was in labour, there was no question about it. For more than two hours she had been timing her contractions and they were steadily getting closer together. When she had woken up this morning with some mild cramping she had brushed it off. Thinking it was just another pregnancy pain she would have to deal with. When the cramping came and went Aelin suspected it might be contractions, when they started occurring every twenty to thirty minutes it confirmed the suspicions. Her mother would be the one to call, but Evalin was at a work conference in Perranth today so Aelin left it as long as she could. As soon as the word ‘labour’ was mentioned her mother had sprung into action and left all other responsibilities behind. But with each new and slightly more intense contraction and no appearance of her mother, Aelin began to wonder if she had left it too late. 

There was a knock at the door, jarring her thoughts, and Aelin could have sworn it sounded hesitant. Her plan was to leave whoever it was out there because there was no way in hell she was answering the door right now, but then the door opened and she heard a set of keys jingle as they were pulled out of the lock. It was one of her friends then, most of whom usually just walked in. Curiosity wasn’t enough to get Aelin to move from her position on the kitchen floor so she just waited to see which one of them it was. When Lorcan came into view Aelin was surprised, and evidently so was he, eyebrows raising when he spotted her. 

“What the hell are you doing down there?” He asked, dropping the bag he held on the counter. 

“We beyond hellos then?” Aelin threw back, but she failed at hiding the tremor in her voice.

Lorcan looked down at her, his scrutiny making Aelin’s skin crawl. “Do you need help?”

“No,” Aelin said, hoping the contractions weren’t about to make a fool of her. “I’m fine.”

Lorcan’s dark gaze ran over again, then darted to the phone beside her that was running a timer. “Ah-huh, sure.”

Biting back a retort that would only keep the conversation going, Aelin just said, “You done with whatever task Elide sent you to do?”

He ignored her question entirely and instead asked one of his own. “Are you in labour?” 

“No,” Aelin said much, much, too quickly. Lorcan just raised a brow at her to challenge the lie. “Anyway, it doesn’t matter. My mother will be here soon.”

 "Where is she right now?" Lorcan asked, taking a step closer.

This time Aelin was the one who glanced at her timer. Her contractions were steadily getting closer and closer and they were about eight minutes apart now. The lap in her timer was approaching six minutes so she had two minutes to get the hulking and overbearing man out of her apartment. There was only so much she could handle right now, and Lorcan was not one of them.

"She's on her way back from Perr-anth," the last part of her sentence got disrupted by the sudden tightening in her stomach that took her breath away. That sensation was a precursor of a contraction, Aelin was running out of time.

Lorcan shrugged the sleeve of his long-sleeved t-shirt back to see his watch. "What time did she leave?"

"It was—"

The contraction started, all Aelin's effort went into making sure it didn't look like she was having one. The bastard just stood there in front of her watching it all.

"You sure you're not in labour?"

 Aelin shook her head.

"So, you won't mind me hanging around for a bit? I’ll just put this stuff away,” Lorcan said, the plastic bag rustling and he took out a few food items, a book and some baby clothes. All Aelin could manage in response was a low hissing noise because words were hard to find when her whole body felt like it was being ripped apart. 

She sat on the floor, breathing through the contraction as she watched Lorcan open her cup cupboard, pan drawer and then he finally found the pantry. He stared for a moment, most likely judging the unsystematic mess that he found inside. The food was put away with a disproving huff and then turned around. 

“Are you still good down there?” He asked.

The contraction had subsided and Aelin managed to bite out a single word in reply. “Fantastic.” 

“I’ll go drop these,” he held up a few tiny sleepsuits. “In the baby’s room. Elide already washed them for you.”

 As soon as Lorcan was out of sight Aelin grabbed her phone and flipped it onto the counter, pulling herself up after it. It took her a fair amount of effort to ease herself up, but the more normal she appeared the sooner Lorcan would leave her be. Aelin checked her phone, no further messages from her mother, just the one with the time she was leaving and the estimated time of arrival. Evalin would be the one in the delivery room, she just needed to get here and get her daughter to it. Aelin switched back to her timer app, she hadn’t wanted to draw attention to it but the last contraction arrived just on time.

A large and annoying presence returned to the kitchen and Aelin looked up to see Lorcan's insufferable face.

“Made it off the floor, I see.” 

“Right, so you can go now,” Aelin made sure to put as much arrogance as she could into the words as a deterrent. 

 Lorcan’s face changed, he didn’t smile, but the expression on his face would have been closest to a taunt if it needed naming. “Hold on, I still have this book to put away.”

The man was stalling, Aelin hated him even more for it. He literally dawdled as he put the book on the bookshelf in the living area. Aelin kept one eye on the timer but she knew it would be pointless to hope that Lorcan would leave before another contraction arrived. So instead she just focused on preparing herself for the pain she knew was coming. The numbers flicked over one by one and Aelin’s hands began to tremble. To avoid the risk of drawing attention to that Aelin lent her elbows on the counter and clasped her hands together. Lorcan was still around, and he ended up standing on the opposite side of the counter. He even went as far as to splay his freakishly large hands on the smooth surface.

“You’re fine, right?” The smug bastard asked. 

“Yes, you can go,” Aelin hissed back. 

“I might just wait a few minutes more,” he insisted. “Just in case.” 

Aelin couldn’t stop it, the contraction hit. The grip her hands had on each other became painful and she tried to breathe but it seemed to be caught in her throat. 

“That wouldn’t be another contraction, would it?” 

Aelin shook her head. 

“Can I get a verbal response to that? At least five words,” Lorcan insisted. It was a test, he knew that contractions were nearly impossible to talk through. 

“I—’’ Aelin’s voice was too high and breathy. “I’m not—’’

That was all she could manage before she let out a broken groan from the sheer amount of pain her body was feeling. 

“Shit, you are in labour,” Lorcan muttered. “Come on, let’s go.”

Sucking in another breath that made her lungs shudder and hurt, Aelin got through the rest of the contraction. When the pain cleared she shook her head. “My mum is coming.”

“She’s coming from Perranth, at peak hour. Making the good two hour drive even longer,” Lorcan stated. “And your contractions are what, six minutes apart?”

 “Seven,” Aelin corrected. 

“Seven, sorry,” Lorcan raised his hands in mock surrender. “Not a great time for me to be alone.”

“I’ll be fine.” To demonstrate her point Aelin pushed off the counter and stood to her full height.

“And what? Give birth on the kitchen floor,” Lorcan argued. 

Aelin felt herself pale at the thought. 

“We’re going,” Lorcan said in a way that brought an end to any discussion. “Bags?”

“Lorcan…”

“Aelin, I’m not leaving her here. Where are your bags? I'll drive you to the hospital and your Mum can meet us there. I’m not comfortable leaving you here,” Lorcan sounded the kindest she’d ever heard him. 

Aelin could feel tears building and she knew Lorcan was right. She couldn’t say it aloud so she just nodded.

“Okay, great,” Lorcan said. “Is there someone else I can call that is not driving in from another city who can take you in?”

“Lys, call Lys and I’ll get my bags.” Aelin waddled off to the baby’s room to get what she needed for the hospital. There was a duffel bag for her and a small backpack for the baby. When she came back out to the living room Lorcan was still on the phone. 

“Just meet us there, I got her,” when he saw her he wrapped up the call. “Yep, bye.” 

Lorcan didn’t say anything to Aelin as he walked over and took the bags, she didn’t fight it, Aelin was too busy trying to wrap her head around the fact that she was on the way to the hospital to have her baby. She felt rooted to the spot—this was surreal. Everything had been building up to this point and now it was here Aelin realised she was so gods-damned terrified. 

“Aelin.” 

She flinched, not noticing how close Lorcan had come. He was standing right beside her and his hand hovered around her shoulder, hesitant to make contact. 

“We should go,” he urged and Aelin nodded, grabbing her keys and leading the way out of the apartment. 

In her other hand she was gripping her phone so tight it was cutting into her skin. It was painful but the anticipation of another contraction had her whole body tensing. Aelin glanced around the elevator, checking for what she could use to support herself if it came to it. They managed to make it the whole elevator ride without a contraction occurring and Aelin was thankful that Lorcan had chosen to park in the underground parking lot instead of the street. Aelin knew her time was running out and maybe the walking was what had bought her some extra time. But when she got a few steps away from Lorcan’s car the pressure started to build again and Aelin knew her time was up. 

“Damnit,” Aelin muttered and she nearly stumbled those few steps to Lorcan’s car. Her hands slammed on the dark metal before one dropped down to hold her stomach. As the pain took over her body she was aware of Lorcan popping the boot open and putting her bags in. This time the pain was so bad it was making Aelin nauseous, or that could have just been the fact that she was freaking out so badly.

When Aelin could think straight again she found Lorcan holding open the passenger door. “Have your waters broken? I don’t want that happening in my car.”

Aelin glared at him, wondering how effectively she could strangle him in her current state. “It’s not like I can help it.” 

“If it happens you’re paying for the cleaning,” Lorcan said, holding out his hand to help her in. It took everything in Aelin not to slap it away.

This was not supposed to be happening. She was not supposed to be driven to the hospital by the man that she hated most. That thought jarred Aelin, her thoughts quickly reordering. Because Lorcan was no longer the man she hated the most. 

With the distance she’d had from Lorcan over the past few months the distaste she had for the man offering her this hollow chivalry hadn’t been at the forefront of her mind. And more than that she hadn’t bothered to bring him into comparison with Rowan in a very long time. And that comparison was altered and totally unrecognisable from what it had been. She could say with conviction that Lorcan had moved down the list. 

On top of everything else, this was too much to deal with. Aelin didn’t take Lorcan’s hand, instead she went through the extra effort getting into the car herself. She did let Lorcan close the door though, not ready to risk leaning over to get. She only had moments to gather herself before Lorcan got into the driver's seat and she was no longer alone. Aelin was determined not to fall apart in front of him of all people. They only had to last the twenty five minute drive to the hospital, she surely had the resolve to last that long. 

“I’ve got this,” Aelin told herself. “I can do this.”

She had finished her little pep talk when Lorcan opened his door and got in. Noncommutative as ever he started the car and backed out of the parking spot. The silence was awkward and tense. Just like her, Aelin could tell that Lorcan was deeply uncomfortable with the situation. Neither of them spoke for a long while, which was only broken when Lorcan muttered a curse under his breath when they hit the traffic. 

It was the home time rush—Aelin really had picked a very inconvenient time to go into labour. 

“It’s moving, so it’s fine,” Lorcan said off-handedly. 

“Mhmm,” was all Aelin could muster as a response. 

Once again the car went silent, Lorcan didn’t even bother to put the radio on so the only sounds were the traffic outside the car. It was unavoidable, another contraction was building, this one hit so hard and fast that Aelin instinctively reached out for something to hold onto. That just happened to be Lorcan’s arm that was in charge of the gear stick. Her hand latched onto his wrist and they shared a look. Aelin knew she must look half terrified because there was a flash of sympathy on Lorcan’s face, which quickly morphed into understanding. It was slightly embarrassing that he had more experience in this that she did. He’d undoubtedly been beside Elide throughout the entire labour and birth with Korbin. The support that Aelin was lacking.

When the pain had eased Aelin pulled her hand away. “Sorry.” 

“It’s fine,” Lorcan said gently. It was unnerving.

“I…” Aelin wasn’t sure where she was going once she started. “This, I mean—“

She had nothing so her sentence dissipated into nothing. 

“Do you know how to drive a stick shift?” Lorcan asked.

“Um, no,” Aelin replied, not really understanding where such a question had come from. 

“Give me your hand,” Lorcan said.

“What?” 

He physically held out his hand. “Give me your hand.” 

Aelin didn’t respond verbally but she did as Lorcan asked. He put her hand palm down on the knob of the gear stick and put his hand over hers. Honestly it was weird to have Lorcan touching her but she went along with it. 

 “Alright, obviously I have to do the clutch. But I’ll help you change the gears,” Lorcan explained. 

“Okay,” Aelin said quietly. 

“Here we go.” Lorcan’s grip tightened and Aelin could feel the resistance of the gearbox as he guided the stick through one gear to the other. They drove for a little more when he said, “And again.” 

Changing gears gave Aelin something else to focus on besides the nearly crawling traffic and the impending birth that she was about to experience. It was a distraction and gave her something to do as she tried to predict when they would have to shift gears. Then it was time, and once again another contraction was wracking through her body. She groaned and held onto the gear stick for dear life.

Aelin was nearly panting when Lorcan said, “Don’t grind my gears, Galathynius.”

Head leaning back on the headrest she looked over at Lorcan, who glanced over at her. It was right then that Aelin understood what he was doing. Through the only way he knew how, Lorcan was distracting her. By giving her this lesson in changing gears and antagonising her ever so slightly he was taking her mind off everything. Lorcan would not be one for showy gestures but this subtle and quiet distraction was enough. 

It took three more contractions and a hell of a lot of gear changes to get to the hospital. A few times Lorcan had given Aelin a little more control of the shifting the gears and she had ground them a few times, but there was no bite in his reprimands. They had been half-hearted and it had been enough for Aelin to crack a small smile. 

Lorcan carried the bags so Aelin could focus on walking. When they got to the reception desk of the maternity ward she filled in the paperwork to be admitted. 

“Your partner just needs to sign this,” the woman at the counter said as she went to pass something to Lorcan. 

“This is where I tap out. I'm not going in,” Lorcan said before Aelin could. “We’re not together, I’m just dropping her off.”

“Oh,” the midwife said.

“My mum is coming,” Aelin said weakly, wavering off the thought of going into the delivery suite alone.

Then Lorcan offered, “She’s got a friend coming, too. Should be here any second.”

Aelin’s mouth was tight as she finished up on the paperwork and handed it back. She turned to Lorcan who was once again looking very uncomfortable. 

“Thanks, Lorcan,” Aelin said and held out her hand for the backpack. 

“Don’t mention it,” but he hesitated on the handover of the backpack, like maybe he was considering not leaving her alone. Then there was a familiar voice from behind Aelin and she saw sheer relief on Lorcan’s face. 

“I’m here! I’m here!”

“Oh, thank the gods,” Lorcan muttered and Aelin surprisingly laughed at that. 

Lysandra was there a moment later, picking up the duffel bag and taking the backpack. 

“See you on the other side,” Lorcan said, giving Aelin a nod. 

“See you.” When she would have a baby.

“You doing okay?” Lysandra asked, an arm around Aelin’s waist. 

“Yeah.” It wasn’t entirely true, but who was in this situation? “I’m fine.” 

An hour and a half later Aelin was decidedly not fine. Since getting to the hospital her contractions had amped up one thousand percent. The thought of an epidural freaked her out enough that she had declined it so she was on some milder pain relief as the gas. Lysandra was supportive throughout the whole thing, even when Aelin vomited twice. Her best friend was great, but she wasn’t who Aelin needed or wanted right now. 

There was a gentle knock then someone came into the room. 

“Fireheart.”

Aelin looked up from where she was bent over the bed. “Mum.”

“I’m here,” Evalin said, smoothing Aelin’s sweaty hair away from her face. “And before you say you can’t, you can and will do this. You’re so brave and have already done so well.”

Aelin sobbed, her knuckles turning white as she gripped the sheets of her. Her mother had taken the words and fears right out of her mouth. Still Aelin didn’t feel like she could do this, or she was even that brave with all the tears she had already cried. Someone else used to call her brave, someone who had made her believe it when he said it. But he wasn’t here. 

“Come on,” Evalin said and helped Aelin sit up. “Why don’t we try the shower?”

The hours dragged on in a blur of pain. Lysandra had left when her mother had arrived, so now it was just her, a midwife and Aelin in the room. Right now Aelin leaned on the bar in front of her that let her practically squat on the foot of the bed. Her resolve had frayed with every hour that passed, she felt nearly delirious from exhaustion and pain. All she wanted to do was sleep and forget about the world because her thoughts were progressively spiralling to somewhere bleak and hopeless. 

“I just want it to stop. I hate this, I hate it.” The babbling kept Aelin from screaming. If she thought the pain was bad before, it was so much worse once her waters broke. It was like the buffer had been taken away and the pain was raw and brutal. “I hate him.”

“Aelin,” he mother said soothingly.

“He should be here, all the times I imagined having a baby the father would be here. Rowan would be here,” Aelin said and fresh tears streamed down her cheeks, he had been the only one she had ever loved enough to imagine having kids with. In a way she was, this was Rowan’s baby. But besides that fated conception he would have no part in it. “He did this to me and I hate him.”

“Try to focus on something else,” Evalin suggested. 

“How can I? My body is literally being torn apart right now,” Aelin managed to get out before a contraction took precedence. When it was over her whole body was trembling. “I don’t regret this baby, I could never. But he’s not here,” she couldn’t help it, the sobbing started again. “All because he was a gods-damned bastard and didn’t choose me.” 

“But you chose this baby,” Evalin said. “And you already love her so much, try to focus on that so we can meet her, huh?” 

Aelin looked over at her mother and could see tears that threatened to overflow. That made Aelin cry harder but she nodded. As she leaned forward to gather herself Aelin felt the tears fall from her cheeks. She watched them fall, the droplets ricocheting apart as they hit her nightgown. 

“Alright, Aelin,” the midwife said. “When the next contraction comes, it’s time to push.” 

“Okay,” Aelin’s voice wasn’t strong but her resolve was. She wanted to meet her daughter so badly, this was just the hard part. “Time to meet my baby.” 

After so much turmoil and commotion, it was strange for the world to be so quiet. By some miracle Aelin had managed some sleep, it wasn’t sound or undisturbed, but it was just enough for her to manage. Because she had a daughter now, a beautiful baby girl who needed her attention more than Aelin needed sleep. 

The baby was bundled up in Aelin’s arms, the new mother soothing her the best she could. It was hard for Aelin to believe the infant she held right now was hers. She was the person that had been growing all this time. It was a privilege to finally meet her. 

The name Aelin had decided on was Elspeth, but it would be Elsie for short. It was the perfect name for the most perfect little girl. That was a little secret she had been keeping to herself and it had felt right to only say it once Elspeth was finally here.  

They were alone, Evalin having ducked out to get some breakfast now that the rest of the world was awake. Aelin couldn’t stop touching Elspeth, couldn’t stop looking at her. It was all just so surreal. 

Returning, Evalin ducked into the room with a bag of takeaway in her hand. She smiled and the way her eyes creased at the corners giving away how tired she was as well. 

“How’s she doing?” she asked, coming towards the bed. 

“Perfect,” was Aelin’s reply. 

“Of course she is, I didn’t expect anything less.” Evalin took the food out of the bag and put it on the small wheeled table

It smelled so good, but Aelin was considering what she would do with the baby while she ate. She didn’t exactly want to put her down. “Before we eat can you grab my robe from my bag? The morning has brought a chill.”

Evalin nodded. “Sure thing, Fireheart.” 

Aelin heard the rifling through her bag, but she didn't bother to look over. She had something better to look at. In her sleep Elsie sighed, her little fists shifting under the blanket. Aelin smiled. Everything she did was adorable but Aelin was well aware that she was caught up in her own little bubble right now. Soon things would get much harder and far more difficult, and when she heard her mother’s sharp intake of breath she wondered if that had already begun. 

Dragging her eyes away from her daughter Aelin looked over to see her mother staring at the phone in her hand. Aelin’s phone. 

“What is it?” Aelin asked, holding Elspeth a little closer.

Evalin’s face was tight as she looked up. “I was just checking to see what notifications you had and… ah…”

“Mum, what?” With so little to go on and the evident discomfort her mother was in, Aelin’s mind was just jumping from one conclusion to the next. Each one progressively worse than the last. 

“You have a voicemail.”

Aelin sighed, that didn’t seem so disastrous. “Okay.”

But Evalin wasn’t done. “It’s from Rowan.” 

And just like that Aelin’s blissful bubble burst. She couldn’t believe he’d done such a thing, and the timing of it was a shock as well. Aelin looked down at Elsie, taking comfort in her precious tiny face. She was not about to let that man ruin yet another thing for her, not after all the pain and healing she had gone through to bring herself to a place of happiness and contentment. Aelin was past him having any influence in her life. 

“Delete it,” she said without a second thought.

“Aelin,” Evalin hedged. “don't you think you should at least listen—” 

“No.” Aelin would not argue about this. “I don’t need to hear what he has to say.” 

Still her mother persevered. “Aelin.”

“No, he doesn’t matter.” Aelin reached for her daughter's hand, tiny fingers latching on the best they could. “All that matters now is her.”

Those words settled in her like a promise and Aelin knew that it was the new conviction she would live by. 

~~~~~

“There’s something I need to tell you,” Rowan said, knowing this would be his last chance to back out. 

“That sounds awfully ominous,” Evander said with a light laugh.

There was no point in delaying any further and he went on. “I have a daughter, meaning you have a grandchild.”

Both his parents were stunned into silence as they took in the information. Rowan used that lapse in conversation to prepare himself for the incoming barrage of questions. 

“Who?” Rowan’s mother was the first to recover and he’d expected this to be the first thing asked. And it was more of a demand rather than a question. “Who is the mother?”

He couldn’t look either of his parents in the eye, but he could feel their gazes burning into him. Rowan cleared his throat, buying himself precious seconds more before the real drama started. These next few minutes we’re going to be nothing but pain for him. Rowan knew he needed to get the words out, but once he did the bubble that he had been functioning in was going to break and he was about to find himself in an uncomfortable reality. The city of Orynth had shown him no mercy since he arrived and it showed no signs of relenting.

“Aelin.”

He counted the beats of silence by his own heartbeat pounding in his ears. Now he looked up to see his parents reactions to that. The shock had morphed into confusion, his mother was shaking her head and Rowan knew that she would be the one to seek further clarification. When she looked him in the eye Rowan did not avoid her prying gaze.  

“You broke up…” Iris started and then stalled as she let out a tight laugh, her face pausing in consternation. Then she was looking Rowan right in the eye. “You broke up two years ago. More even. Please explain.” 

This was part of the conversation Rowan had been rehearsing over and over. He had decided that brutal honesty was the way to go. “After I left, she found out she was pregnant and she never told me.”

“I see,” Iris said, hand resting over her heart. “How did you find out?” 

Rowan hadn’t been expecting that question. He had assumed there would be further interrogation into the particulars of the current relationship Rowan had with his child and her mother. So, again he was just honest. 

“The day I arrived my daughter ran into me, and I mean literally,” Rowan said. “Turns out the company had rented out the apartment right next to Aelin.”

“You’re kidding,” his father interjected. 

Rowan shook his head. “A twist of fate you could say.”

“What’s her name?” Iris asked softly.

With a sigh that gave away his own bewilderment with his life he answered. “Her name is Elspeth.”

~~~~~

“I still don’t know what to do,” Aelin bemoaned as she buried her head in her folded arms that rested on the bench in the kitchen of her parents’ apartment. She’d left Elsie with her boyfriend and fled here to talk thing over, again, with her mother. Since Rowan had told her that his parents were coming to the city she’d barely given Evalin a moment of peace because she was so confused and conflicted over what this surprising situation had forced her into. She’d agreed to let Rowan tell his parents but his second request had Aelin’s stomach twisted in knots. Was she going to let Elsie meet her paternal grandparents?

“Well, you know what I think,” Evalin said, sipping her coffee.

“I just… It’s going to open a door that I don't know if I can close again,” Aelin admitted, pushing herself back up. “You’re right, they had nothing to do with what he did. But it’s one step closer to him, and I don’t know if I’m ready for that.”

“You make and hold the boundaries, Fireheart,” Evalin said and reached across the bench to pat Aelin’s arm. “Just consider that Elsie will have two more people in her life that will love her unconditionally. That’s never going to be a bad thing.” 

She knew her mother was right. Iris and Evander were not the kind of people to hold whatever had occurred between herself and Rowan against Elsie. They weren’t the type to blame the child for the sins of their father—or mother for that fact. Because Aelin had kept their grandchild’s existence from them, and she knew they wouldn’t be unhurt by that. Whatever they felt towards Aelin would be valid; whether that be anger, disappointment, sadness or direct outrage. For her daughter, Aelin would be willing to face it and hope for the best. 

Aelin gave herself one swift nod, like that could help in convincing that she was doing the right thing. “Maybe I should talk to them.”

~~~~~

Until next time, friends

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[authorbiancawilcox]

My Favourite What If (Chapter 1)

Falling in love with your brother’s best friend is a big no-no, but that’s not why I’m panicking right now.

I’m panicking because not only is Kyle Johnson my brother’s best friend, but he’s also my new boss. I look down at my phone in my hands, feeling like I might faint if I don’t sit down.

It had never been a problem, my crush on Kyle. Of course, it made it awkward hanging out with my brother if he was there too, and it did lead to some embarrassing moments when I would get flustered seeing him shirtless when he stayed over, but those were small things. 

The message is from my brother, Andy, who I love, but sometimes he gets me in trouble when I could do without it. Andy is away right now, at university studying to become a dentist. Unlike him, I hadn’t wanted to do any other schooling after I graduated. Which he somehow thought I needed help with, since I hadn’t been able to get a job for the past few months.

Hey Hanna, Kyle said he has a position as his secretary…

Why does he always have to do this? I skim my eyes over the rest of the message, and it’s even worse than I thought. He actually told Kyle I needed the job, and that I would be happy to do it. Well, I guess I’m screwed. I don’t bother answering him; he can’t be stuck in left on read jail, and I instead open my messages with Kyle. Or lack thereof. 

I nibble my lip and look at our bare message history. The exchanges we have had were along the lines of talking about Andy or asking for the wifi password. I’m only two years younger, but we don’t talk. Maybe if we had, this wouldn’t be so awkward. 

I decided to bite the bullet and send him a message. It’s 8 AM on a Sunday, so I’m not sure if I’ll get a response anytime soon. I put my phone on silent and finish my bowl of soggy cereal. Mum has already left for her job at the daycare down the road, so really I can just lounge around all day.

I check my phone, and my heart drops. No response from Kyle, and it’s been ten minutes. I can lounge around all day, maybe watch some TV, but I can’t. Instead, I shower and dress in a comfy sundress, tying my brown hair into a bun. I start in the kitchen and work my way out until four hours later, the house is clean.

I grab myself a cold glass of pink lemonade and flop onto the couch. It’s only then that I remember Kyle, and I check my phone. My heart skips a beat when I see his text.

***

I hadn’t had a job before, but my mother made sure I was prepared to go to interviews. 

I walk into the glass doors of the tall building, dressed in a slim pencil skirt, a dark pink blouse, and professional but still cute flats. I look the part, if only I could feel it. I swallow around the scream that wants to escape my throat and walk up to the front desk. A lady is seated behind it, maybe a few years older than me. When she sees me, she smiles, and I feel myself break into a sweat. I don’t know if I can do this, work underneath him.

Kyle isn’t the owner of Liceno Hills Paper, but his father is. If I do anything wrong, if I get fired from this job, not only will I burn a bridge with Kyle, but I will with one of the most important people in Liceno Hills. No pressure, right?

“Hi, I’m here for my first day? Hanna Jones.” The words don’t sound right coming from my mouth, and she shoots me a sympathetic smile. So it’s not just me feeling like I’m dropping the ball on this, am I? She writes on a sticky note the floor, and tells me it’s the door at the end of the hall. Kyle’s office, where I’ll meet him and he’ll talk me over my job. Surely being a secretary won’t be too difficult, right?

I fold the note and tuck it in my purse, and thank her. The elevators are on the left, and I hop inside. I press the third floor. I didn’t need the paper, but it’s nice to have anyway. The ride up isn’t long enough to get rid of all my nerves, but it helps to get rid of most. The hall that the elevator door opens on is short and void of any doors besides the one at the end. I frown and think back on the receptionist’s instructions. I hope I don’t look as helpless as I apparently seem, especially in front of Kyle.

I walk down the hall, feeling myself tremble a little, and knock on the thick, oak door. At first, there’s nothing, and I check my watch. 9 AM on the dot, and from Kyle’s messages, even a little after 9 was fine on my first day, in case I had gotten lost. I knock again, and this time, there’s an answer. The door swings open, and in the doorway, dressed in a suit and tie stands Kyle. I’ve only ever seen him in sweats and loose tees, and years ago in a school uniform. Seeing him in a well-fitted suit, with his hair combed back and face clean-shaven, it’s almost impossible not to swoon. I get myself under control and smile up at him.

Be professional, he is helping you out.

“Hi, Hanna.” He steps out of the door and waves me in. His office is large enough for two desks and a few comfortable-looking chairs against the wall, but other than that, it’s bare. Even Kyle’s desk is bare, with only a monitor on top. No picture frame, no bit of personality. I flick my eyes back to my brother’s best friend and feel myself color as I catch his eyes, already staring at me. Being professional is going to be a lot harder than I thought.

I can hardly concentrate on what Kyle, Mr. Johnson, tells me, but I get the gist of it. For today, answer calls, answer emails, and rearrange his work calendar around said emails. Later on, he says as he leans over my shoulder and types something on my new keyboard, I’ll have a hand in the harder stuff. I breathe in his cologne, and dangerous thoughts fill my head.

I turn to him, and he’s so close that I can count the smattering of freckles over his nose. He goes to say something, and I wait for it. He looks away, and then must decide on something else. Standing straight, Kyle moves out of my space and back over to his desk. I miss his warmth, but I’m also thankful that I didn’t make a fool out of myself.

“Thank you so much, Mr. Johnson.” I give him a shaky smile and toy with the edge of my pencil skirt. There’s a moment of silence between us before he nods and sits down.

I blow out a slow sigh and turn to start reading emails.

-

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