#like wow. tracks down the man’s ex wife to figure out how he dates. okay.

[dimension20wlw]

when house pretends he’s looking for a condo just so he can interrogate bonnie about wilson’s dating habits and she’s sure to stress how good he is at sex…normal things to know about your bestie

[hisunshiine]

—work out for me (M) jjk

🏋🏻‍♂️Part of the “Making You Sweat Like That” Collaboration 

🏋🏻‍♂️pairing: neighbor!gymrat!jungkook x neighbor!reader

🏋🏻‍♂️word count: 3.2k

🏋🏻‍♂️genre + warning: 18+, nsfw, post breakup au, strangers/neighbors to lovers | mean ex-boyfriend, semi-public unprotected sex, wet sex, submerged sex, hot tub sex, kissing, groping, semi-clothed humping, teasing, sucking, biting, & marking, praise, scratching, creampie, post-sex cockwarming, jungkook has a fat cock

🏋🏻‍♂️summary: after a bad breakup, you move to a new apartment complex with a full gym and amenities. wanting to catch the eye of your very fit, across-the-hall neighbor, you start using the gym hoping to see him there. when he shows up to the gym and asks to join you, working out takes on a new meaning. 

🏋🏻‍♂️an: this is a revamp of my original story from june of last year! i hope you enjoy the additions/changes made to the story, and please await the sister gym-fics for this special collab, coming soon!

collab masterlist coming soon!

“Who would want you!?” Changkyun says icily. He’s yelling as you walk with the last of your belongings out of the once shared apartment. You cringe, hoping the neighbors are at work or just out in general.

“Clearly you wanted me, Changkyun. I’m sorry that we’re not working anymore… But I can’t do this anymore.” You keep your voice steady, not raising it like you want to. He’s also lucky that your hands are full carrying this box, or else you would have already swung on him. But you know it’s best this way.

His toxic ass loves a fight, loves to create drama in your relationship because of the thrill of making up. Make up sex with Changkyun may be fun, but the rest of the relationship had gone stale a while ago. And you’re tired of fighting.

The last argument, he had taken it too far, so you’re done. You realize as you load your car that he finally caught on. You’re leaving him for good this time, and his fragile ego can’t handle the fact that you’re the one who is making the decision to leave. 

He hopes that by insulting you he can get you to stop and face him. But you won’t make that mistake. You know he will use it to his advantage, turn it into hot, passionate sex, but you want more than just make up sex and drama.

“I can have any girl, YN! I’ll get someone better than you!”

“I’m sure you can have any girl. But I’m not just any girl.” You climb into the driver’s seat of your car, finally making eye contact with him one last time. “Good luck finding a woman like me. I truly wish you all the best.”

Swinging the door shut in his face, you back out your 4-door sedan and head out towards your new apartment in Itaewon.

The new Itaewon apartment is nice, with two bedrooms and one bathroom, you have ample space for all of your belongings. It feels a little empty that first week, and despite having had a tour prior to moving in, you are still not ready to use the facility's amenities fully. The tour showcased that the apartment had a computer lab, a pool, a game room, gym & sauna, and a small theatre room.

Scattered around between apartment buildings are a volleyball court, basketball court, and picnic area. You’re within walking distance to some of the more popular places to hang out for young adults your age, but have yet to go out and enjoy the nightlife.

Running down to your car, where you have left that last box after your encounter with Changkyun—files for a work project forgotten in the backseat—you spy the hot man who lives somewhere in your building. He’s walking back from the gym, shirt dark from sweat in spots as he carries a small gym bag on his shoulder. He’s staring at his phone; strands of his hair slick from perspiration block his eyes but the smile as he sees something on the screen gives you that funny feeling in your tummy. He’s absolutely gorgeous.

You pass him by, noting that his scent is still fresh despite the fact that he has to have just finished a vigorous workout, but due to the deadline on your report, you don’t have the time to linger in his fragrance that fills the narrow hall. You jog back into the building, and when you approach your door, you ascertain fate is on your side. 

Apartment 613, directly across the hall from you, has the door propped open by a gym bag—one you recognize easily, since you had just seen it only a mere minute and a half ago. When a dark head of hair pops between the opening, bending at the waist to grasp the handle and pull the bag in, and you dart into your own apartment.

 You feel like a blushing schoolgirl avoiding her crush, but his aura is intimidating to you. Maybe one day you’ll gather the courage to talk to him, but not just yet.

“What about, I don't know, making a change?”

Your best guy friend’s voice crackles through the phone line as you tidy up your living room. You hold your phone between your shoulder and your ear, keeping your hands free so that you are able to fluff the couch pillows and fold the throw blanket you fell asleep using on the couch. 

“Okay Hoseok, what change do you suggest that I make? I already dropped 169 pounds of toxic ex. I feel like that’s pretty healthy.”

“Why not just go to the gym and use that to burn off all your pent up sexual frustration. You hurt Yoongi’s feelings the other night when you wouldn’t listen to his new track. You’re mean when you aren’t getting dick constantly.”

“Wow, thanks Hobi. Love you too.”

“See. Your sarcasm did not go unnoticed, hun. I’m just saying. Until you can get worked out… work out.”

“I know.” You let out a sigh, defeated. “I stopped going to the gym once I started dating Kyun, spending more time at home acting like a wife, when I knew he was too much of a player to ever settle down for real.” You glance to your front door, imagining 613 dripping with sweat. “I guess I could take your advice.”

“First time for everything.”

“Who the fuck decided going to the gym that their apartment complex provides at the same time, 7PM to 8PM every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday is a good idea?” you huff under your breath. It’s Friday night, and while most people your age are out on dates, cuddled up watching Netflix, or taking shots pregaming, you’re working up a sweat on the elliptical. The gym is normally empty at this time of night, nearing 8PM, and you aren’t feeling all that motivated. So why are you still there?

After moving into your new place, a couple weeks after leaving your longest relationship, you’re ready to be all about you. That’s why you decide to create a gym routine and stick to it, to reclaim your self-esteem your shitty ex had knocked down a peg or two. You didn’t realize how much of what he would say during fights started to become the voice in your head, until he was gone and unable to quiet the ache between your thighs and in your mind.

You’re ready to quit your gym regiment after the first week. 

That is until your hot neighbor appears as you’re about to throw the towel in. 

Hottie from apartment 613 walks in, black hair pushed away from his forehead but still extra floofy, a black tee and black joggers hanging loose off his lean frame. The fluorescent lights glint off the metal earrings dangling from each ear, and his eyebrow; you are enthralled. Each step he takes is fluid, his body moving gracefully across the black rubber gym flooring as he heads to the treadmill. 

This isn’t the first time you have seen him in the gym. You saw him during the tour and when you were given your keys—you had come to see the setup of your mailbox area and test the mail key when you first had moved in, long hair in his face as he did pushups. You noticed his body first, despite the extremely baggy clothes he wore, and you could see his shape underneath as he moved. You then continued to explore the front lobby, computer lab, and gym areas, all so you could watch him as he continued to his arms, chest, and laughed with a friend in the gym.

If you’re honest, Apartment 613 is the reason you decide to take Hobi’s advice to go to the gym. Being located across the hall from him, in 614, you learn his gym schedule after overhearing the times his door would slam shut behind him as he hustles downstairs. You decide to time your trips 30 minutes before he’ll typically go, in hopes that you can run into him. Coincidentally, of course. Monday and Wednesday are failed attempts. He never shows up and you are left feeling dejected and sore. Friday is your last attempt, and you almost give up too, but then he appears. 

You watch as he grabs weights off the rack behind you, working his arms, and you walk over to the nearby hooks with mats on them so you can sit and stretch. You’re done with your workout, and after stretching, you figure it’s a good time to hop into the hot tub to relax your muscles. 

After completing a good full body stretch and watching Hottie from 613 move around the gym, who you notice has been slyly eyeing you up and down as well, you travel over to the hot tub, where you strip off the oversized T-shirt, leaving you in just your sports bra and spandex shorts. It’s now close to 10 PM, but luckily the gym is 24 hours, and the hot tub is located in a tucked away corner behind the sauna. Private enough for you to feel comfortable to be half naked for a quick dip.

“Mind if I join you?” 

A honey sweet voice, perfect in it’s tenor pitch carries over your shoulder. 

You turn, smiling softly at 613. 

“Not at all. I’d love the company.”

He’s funny. So funny and super cute. He’s also super flirtatious, grazing soft touches to your arm and sweeping his fingers across your face to tuck your hair behind your ear.  Currently, you watch as rivulets of the water run down his neck, following a vein you want to press your lips into and suck on as he tells you about his hobbies. 

“What do you like to do—? Um, I actually don’t think we exchanged names yet.” 

“Y/N. I live in building 6.”

“Jungkook, and me too! I’m 613.”

“I’m 614! We’re across the hall from each other.” You pretend to be shocked, knowing damn well that you have been privy to this information since you’ve moved in there. 

“Wow, I’m surprised…” His eyes linger on your exposed cleavage. “I feel like I should’ve noticed you.”

“Really? What makes you say that?” you say boldly, moving across the hot tub towards him. The middle of the jacuzzi was actually pretty deep for your height, and standing up fully still has you under water from the armpit down.

You feel his hands on the backs of your thighs, pulling you closer to him between his legs where he sits, putting you both at about the same height.

“For one thing.. I definitely notice a nice ass. I don’t think I would’ve forgotten this one.” His hands glide up along your thighs, cupping your cheeks. Moving with the momentum, you allow yourself to climb up, straddling his lap without sitting down fully on him just yet. This puts you a little taller than him, allowing streams of water to flow from your breasts down along your tummy and back into the water.

He’s squeezing his fingers on your ass, feeling you up and you can sense when he rises with excitement from where your body straddles his. Feeling bolder than you ever have, you lean down and kiss him, and the movement causes you to rub your clothed core against the tip of his rising cock. 

His lips are as soft as you thought they’d be, his pink pout moving skillfully with your own before his tongue asks for permission to taste you. Because you’re only wearing the spandex shorts, when his large hands pull you closer to him, his hardened shaft soon throbs against your pussy, feeling as if your spandex shorts are already off of your body. 

Lowering yourself fully onto his lap, keeping your knees on either side of his hips, you stroke your core back and forth along his shaft, with your hands moving to wrap lightly around his neck. He places his hands on your hips guiding you back and forth along him. The friction of your bodies feels so good, despite the burn of your thighs after your workout. He slowly slips his thumbs into the top of your spandex, and begins to slide them down.

You let him.

You break your lips apart to catch your breath, because it’s already hot in the water, and every touch from him is making your body feel like it's aflame. You slide his boxer briefs down as he pulls your sports bra over your head, his shirt the last thing between you until you’re both naked in the hot tub. 

Climbing back on top of him and using your hand, you grab his now fully firm cock and rub the throbbing head along your slit, parting your folds in order to use him to massage your clit. He moans softly into your mouth, a musical sound that gives you goosebumps. Bodies wet and temperatures high, you position him at your aching entrance and sit there with his dick head pulsing to go in, but you’re not allowing him entrance yet.

Jungkook moves his kisses lower down to your neck, suckling softly at your sweet spot behind your ear as his hands tug you impossibly closer.

“Teasing me after we’ve come this far, baby?” he whispers, his wet hair tickling your collarbone.

With his words goading you into movement, you give in, slowly lowering yourself while simultaneously rotating your hips. You engulf his dick with your walls and can feel yourself cream all over his fat cock as he spreads you open. It’s been a month—at least—since you last had sex with your ex, possibly longer, and Jungkook is just so much bigger… 

You take a breath before continuing, slowly beginning to ride him up and down once you adjust to his size. You suck at his neck, enjoying the way the water helps you ride him. He bites your bottom lip and sucks it into his mouth before pulling away slowly, giving you a sultry look. The steam rises, hiding your naked bodies away from any potential peeping eyes. 

You take in the view, the rising wisps of evaporating water framing his doe eyes and reddening skin. His lips are a magnet to your skin, and Jungkook doesn’t stop kissing along your jawline until he reaches your neck and he begins to suck, using his tongue to draw circles. It feels amazing. You keep riding him, enjoying the way he fills you up. 

“Baby, can I go faster?” 

His voice is low and whiny; you can tell he’s aching for more of you, as are you of him. You nod, biting your lip as your hooded eyes meet his own, and he pulls out of you with a sigh of relief for what’s to come. Turning you gently to face the edge of the hot tub, he has you lean your chest on the perimeter and guides your hand to the cool metal of the entry railing as he enters you from behind. 

Arching your backside as high as you’re physically able, you lay flush to the ledge of the jacuzzi, spreading your legs apart farther where they kneel on the tiled bench to give him a better angle. He has one hand on the same metal railing of the whirlpool stairs and the other wrapped around your waist where his palm and fingers lay open and spread across your tummy, where he’s applying pressure in the hope that he can hit your G spot. 

He’s successful. 

You attempt to crawl away from the pleasure, climbing up further onto the ledge when your foot finally finds purchase on the slippery bench seating.  

“You running from me?” Jungkook laughs, unable to stop the jovial sound from coming out of his swollen lips as he watches you try and escape the tantalizing way he fills you. You know you agreed he could go faster, but the fullness of his glide along your gripping walls has you wanting to backtrack. Who knew sex could feel like this—like you were about to reach nirvana, like once you come you won’t ever be the same.

“I don’t, see—ahhhhh… How this is a— ssss fuck! A laughing matter,” you cry out with trouble.

Your body tries again to run away. It doesn’t hurt; on the contrary the pleasure was too high, but he changes tactics to listen to your body. Lifting you almost effortlessly out of the water so your torso is fully onto the surrounding surface, he showcases his raw strength as he carries out this task while simultaneously plunging his dick deeper into you as he takes your original position of kneeling on the tiled seat in the hot tub, giving him the perfect angle to continue to fuck you.

“Ahhh, Jungk-kook, I’m… fu—!” He pulls out of you again, despite the tug of your walls to keep him inside and turns you on your back to face him. Bringing one of your legs up, he rests it on his chest as he begins slowly pumping into you.

“I knew you’d be flexible, Y/N.” Jungkook moans as he positions both of his hands on either side of you. You lift up the leg that’s still down, and he places it into the crook of his arm.

“Go as deep as you can,” you pant, “and stay in. I want to feel you.”

Pulling you back into the water, Jungkook carries your now weightless body to the deeper part of the hot tub, holding you in place. You’re practically folded like a pretzel; both of your legs are hooked at the knee in the bend of his arms and his cock remains nestled deep inside of your cunt, walls pulsing around him as your muscles try to fight his thick penetration.

“You take me so well, damn baby.” Jungkook praises you and he’s rewarded with a tightening grip that tells him you’re more than enjoying the moment with him. He’s definitely enjoying the moment as he’s buried within you. 

You place your head into the crook of his neck, and claw his back in an attempt to pull him closer. You’re moaning loudly by this point, so you bite his neck to keep from yelling. Jungkook backs you up into the wall of the hot tub and begins to pump faster, and you can feel yourself build towards climax again. The water’s penetrating against your back from the jets, and Jungkook’s penetrating your front.

“Ah, fuck… Jungkook—don’t stop, uh-huh… Kookie, deeper… right there!” you yell as he finally hits his last few deep & hard strokes, before finally emptying himself out into you. Your walls quiver around him, sucking out every last drop that he pumps into you.

You’re breathing hard, and Jungkook sits on the ledge seat in the water with his head back and his eyes shut. You float over to where he is and he grabs you so that you’re straddling him, though this time you rest your head on his firm chest.“Damn, that was a fucking workout.”You laugh into his strong chest.

“It was worth the pain I’ll feel tomorrow.”

He looks down at you, his chest feeling light as he takes in your messy bun, cute smile, and the way your eyes are shut as you relax against him.

“How about I give you a full body massage back at my place to make up for having you work out for me a second time tonight?”

↣ all rights reserved © hisunshiine 2020-2021. please do not repost. translations & modifications are not allowed.

thank you for reading! ♡ 𝘪𝘧 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘴𝘵𝘰𝘳𝘺, 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘤𝘩𝘪𝘱 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘰 𝘣𝘶𝘺 𝘮𝘦 𝘢 𝘣𝘰𝘣𝘢 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘩𝘦𝘭𝘱 𝘮𝘦 𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘺 𝘲𝘶𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘩𝘦𝘥 𝘸𝘩𝘪𝘭𝘦 𝘪 𝘸𝘳𝘪𝘵𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘳𝘴𝘵. ♡

[the-badger-mole]

Arranged Marriage Part 3

So this is an idea that I’ve had bumping around for a while. It might grow up to become a real fic someday, but for now, please enjoy this loosely connected series of vignettes centered around an arranged Zutara marriage.

“We need to figure out how to talk,” Katara insisted. “We’ve been married for six months, and so far we’ve had one date and a bunch of really quiet meals. We’re supposed to be making friends.”

“What do you suggest?” Zuko scoffed. 

“Uncle is alway going about the virtues of Pai Sho,” Katara shrugged, ignoring Zuko’s mood. “How about we play?”

“Somehow I doubt that’s the cure for what’s wrong with us.”

“How about we make it interesting?” That got Zuko’s attention. He turned towards his wife, his brow raised skeptically. 

“How do we do that?” 

Katara pulled her hands from behind her back, revealing a half-full bottle of shoju with a triumphant grin. Zuko very nearly smiled back. 

“Your opponent  takes a shot every time you take one of their pieces,” she explained. 

“You’re not serious,” Zuku tried to laugh, but it came out weak and uncertain.

“Serious as a heart attack,” Katara replied solemnly. 

“Why?”

“Because  you can’t do the vulnerability thing sober,  and I can’t stop snarking at you.” Katara opened the bottle and poured two shots into glasses she had brought with her. “I have no idea if being drunk will make me nicer, but maybe you’ll find me funnier.” Zuko shot her a look that said he doubted that very much.

“Where did you even get that?” 

“I swiped it from the kitchen,” Katara explained. “There was tons of booze. I don’t think anyone will notice.” Katara held a shot glass up to Zuko. “Are you in?” 

Zuko hesitated a moment, and then took the glass from her. 

“Okay,” he said. “I’m in.” 

.*.*.*.*.*.

“You cannot be serious!” Katara nearly tumbled out of her seat laughing. “Lieutenant Jee did not say that!” 

“He did!” Zuko swore wiping away tears of mirth. “He did! He was completely wasted, and he doesn’t remember, but I have witnesses!” 

“How many shots have we had?” Katara held up the bottle and tried to focus, but her vision swam distractingly. 

“Three, I think,” Zuko frowned and tried to cound on his fingers. “No, wait...Maybe I’ve had four.” 

“You are so bad at this game!” Katara laughed. “How are you so bad?” 

“Being bad’s th’ only thing ‘m good at,” Zuko replied, slurring a bit. Katara lifted herself  out of her seat and stumbled around the table, upsetting the Pai Sho board with her hip. She took Zuko’s face in her hands and squeezed until his lips puckered. 

“You lissen to me!” she said, trying to look him in the eyes. “You’re good at a lots of things!”

“Blike wah?” Zuko asked through his involuntarily pursed lips. 

“Tracking!” Katara declared. “You’re amazing at tracking!” 

“Azula’s better.” Zuko pulled Katra’s hands off of his face and held them loosely between them. Katara snorted derisively. 

“Azula cheated!” she shouted. Zuko winced as her voice echoed off of the walls. “You found us! She followed Appa’s fur! Cheater!”

“Azula always lies,” Zuko nodded seriously. “I’m sorry about that. The chasing you thing.”

“You’ve said that," Katara said, suddenly feeling sober. “I forgive you. We all do!’

“Not the Avatar,” Zuko huffed.  “He was actually rude at our wedding, you know. I was kind of impressed. I didn’t think he had it in him.” 

“Yeah, well,” Katara grabbed the shoju and took a swig straight from the bottle. “He wasn’t mad about you chasing us.” Zuko took the bottle from Katara and poured himself another shot. It took him two tries, and he spilled a good bit on the upset Pai Sho table. 

“So what’s his problem?” Zuko asked. “He wanted to be friends, you know? He said it himself!”

“That was probably before I agreed to marry you.” Katara took the bottle back. 

“What’s that got to-” Zuko froze with the shot glass halfway to his lips. Katara met his gaze guiltily. Zuko threw his shot back, and Katara took another pull from the bottle. 

“He’s not mad at you for chasing us,” Katara assured him. Then to Katara’s surprise, Zuko threw his head back and laughed. 

“Oh man!” he chuckled. “You were jealous of me and Mai? Your ex is the Avatar!” Despite the alcohol in her system, Katara flushed in embarrassment. 

“He’s not my ex!” Katara snapped. “We never...I was  never...Whatever! You suck at Pai Sho!” Zuko took the shoju and poured them both another round. He passed Katara her glass and they took another shot. 

“You didn’t like him?” Zuko asked, blinking against the dizziness. 

“No!” Katara bent over laughing and sank to the floor. “You’re so drunk, you know! I got the Crown Prince drunk! They’re going to put me in prison.” 

“They should!” Zuko laughed. “But I wouldn’t let them. You’re my wife, and I like you!”

“Do you?” Katara laughed as she stretched out on the floor. She patted the space next to her, and shut her eyes. She felt like she was spinning. Distantly she was aware of Zuko lying down beside her. 

“I like you,”Zuko said again. “You’re fun. I don’t want this place to take that away from you.” Katara snorted with laughter. 

“Fun?” she repeated incredulously. “No one thinks I’m fun. My friends think I’m boring.’

“Your friends are idiots,” Zuko scoffed. Then he jerked up into a sitting position. Katara’s eyes opened and she tried to look at him in concern, but there  were suddenly three Zukos, and she wasn’t sure which one to focus on.

“What’s wrong?” she asked the one she thought was the right Zuko.

“I shouldn’t have said that about your friends.” Zuko looked nervous. All three of them. Katara laughed and shut her eyes again. 

“It’s fine,” she said. “They are idiots. Aang wanted  to ride dangerous animals; Sokka wanted to spend all our money on useless garbage; and Toph liked to scam people and risk getting us found. I’m not boring. I’m just not stupid.”

Zuko hummed thoughtfully and resettled beside Katara. He took her hand, emboldened by the shoju.  When she didn’t pull away, Zuko laced his fingers with hers. It was nice, the  thought pushed its way through the stupor. It was nice holding hands with his wife.

“You know,” he said after a moment. Katara tuned her head and opened one eye. Cute, Zuko thought. “You know, trying to leave the palace alone and unprotected was kind of stupid.”

“Hey!” Katara turned onto her side and poked Zuko with her free hand.

“I’m just saying!” Zuko laughed. “Maybe you couldn’t be stupid  like your friends because they forced you to always be the smart one.” Zuko though Katara would turn away again, but she fixed her unsteady gaze on him. She really did have pretty eyes, Zuko observed. He decided he should tell her when he was sober.

“I don’t have to be smart with you?” she asked. 

“Nah.” Zuko shook his head. “Just make sure you have someone with you protect you.” 

“You protected me,” Katara pointed out. “Even though I totally didn’t need it.”

“‘Course I did,” Zuko said with a hiccup. “I told you, I like you.”

“And you think I’m fun?” Zuko nodded his head, and stared up at the ceiling. 

“And smart,” he assured her. “But you can be stupid sometimes, if you want.”

“Zuko?”

“Hm?”

“Can I do something stupid now?” 

“Stupider than getting us drunk?” Zuko snorted.

Suddenly, Katara filled Zuko’s field of view. Zuko blinked at her in confusion. Then she lowered her head hesitantly, and Zuko froze, afraid to move and scare her off. Her eyes drifted shut as she pressed her lips to his. 

It lasted all of three seconds and Zuko would always remember their first kiss through a haze of drunkenness. But it didn’t matter. It was perfect. 

“Wow…” he gasped. Katara nodded in agreement. Then she climbed to her feet unsteadily. 

“Good night, Zuko.” She paused outside of her room and grinned at him. “By the way. I totally won that game.”

Part 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 , 12 ,13 , 14, 15 , 16

[thinkingaboutyoungroyals]

Remember when Cyrus's mother told everyone that Bex was Andy's mother. Cyrus tells his mother that he and Tj are dating, but they want to keep it a secret or Cyrus says he has a crush on Tj. Weeks later, Cyrus's mother tells the whole family, but Cyrus does not know that. And during a party that his family is, he takes Tj and everyone is looking at them and talking about them and the two are confused.

This got a little serious towards the end but I ended it with a bit of fluff!

AO3

“So… I told my mom.”

T.J. froze, french fry halfway to his mouth.

Across from him, Cyrus picked at his baby taters, his stomach not really up for anything. He had been nervous all day before he had to meet T.J. at The Spoon for their usual Saturday afternoon date. And he did something the night before that may or may not go well with his boyfriend: he told his mother about them.

T.J. slowly put his fry down. “What did she say?” he asked, softly.

“Well, she didn’t seem opposed to it. But, I told her that we’re not really out to many people yet so it’s kind of a secret.” Cyrus flashed him a worried look. “You’re not mad, are you? She just kept asking if I was seeing anyone because apparently, I looked really happy lately and I didn’t want to lie and-.”

“Underdog.” Chuckling, T.J. lightly nudged his knee against his underneath the table. “It’s okay. I get it.”

Feeling relieved, Cyrus smiled before it fell again. “There’s… one more thing.”

T.J. tilted his head to the side, inquiringly.

Cyrus swallowed the lump in his throat. “She invited you to my step-sister Breanna’s birthday party next weekend. Can you come?”

“Hmm.” T.J. picked up another french fry. “Already meeting the family. We’re getting pretty serious, huh?”

“Teeeejaaaay.”

Chuckling again as he finished his fry, T.J. asked, “And how old is step-sister Breanna turning?”

Cyrus smiled. “She’ll be 10.”

“Will there be fun and games?”

“I heard in attendance will be a fine magician as well as a bouncy house.”

His boyfriend grinned. “Bouncy house? I’m sold.”

With the atmosphere lighter now, Cyrus turned back to his baby taters. He was definitely hungry now.

……….

The following weekend, T.J. arrived promptly at the designated time at the second Goodman home to accompany Cyrus and his family to step-sister Breanna’s birthday party. He even brought a gift.

Upon meeting Cyrus’ mother, the jock was immediately greeted with a “It’s so wonderful to finally meet you!” before being pulled into an affectionate hug. Meanwhile, Cyrus’ step-father, Todd, gripped T.J.’s hand, tightly, which the boy met with equal strength (he was an athlete after all).

After some brief chit chat, they all got into the car to drive to the other side of town where the birthday party was to be held. The little girl lived with her mother, who was Cyrus’ step-father’s ex-wife.

The party was already in full swing when they arrived. After greeting the hosts and the birthday girl, introducing T.J., and handing over their gifts, the adults were given drinks and were swept into adult conversation. Meanwhile, the youths were ushered to the backyard where children ran around, cupcakes were piled high on a table, a magician entertained, and, like Cyrus promised, a bouncy house stood in a corner.

“Wow,” T.J. breathed out.

Cyrus chuckled. “Overwhelming, huh? Todd’s ex-wife throws some of the best parties.”

“Not quite as extravagant as your Bash Mitzvah, though,” T.J. teased.

The two boys headed for the table of treats.

“That was an exception. I was turning into a man so I had to go all out!”

They each picked out a cupcake and filled a plate with various cookies before walking around and dodging running children. A few guests stopped them in their tracks to greet Cyrus who, in turn, introduced T.J. They looked quite surprised but politely and enthusiastically shook T.J.’s hand.

Finally, after much roaming around, they found an empty table to sit on. They munched on their treats, talking about one thing or another, and watching the magician perform his tricks from afar.

“Seriously, how did he do that?” T.J. asked in bewilderment as the guy revealed a dove underneath a covered plate.

“A magician never reveals his secret,” Cyrus answered with an amused grin.

“So, witchcraft.”

Cyrus burst out into amused laughter. “You would think that!”

Sometime later, few of the kids came up to them, greeting Cyrus as a familiar face. At first, they threw T.J. some curious and shy looks but after being introduced by Cyrus as his friend, they invited both boys to play.

That was how T.J. and Cyrus found themselves in the bouncy house, jumping and laughing until their cheeks and stomachs hurt. Even as the kids left one-by-one to play something else, the two remained.

They savored the alone time.

T.J. suddenly did a backflip, landing perfectly on his feet.

Mouth wide open at the sight, Cyrus exclaimed, “How did you do that?!”

“One of my hidden talents,” T.J. replied, laughing. “Want me to teach you?”

“No, thank you,” Cyrus said, hurriedly but T.J. was already jumping close to him, trying to make him go up higher. “T.J., no, I can’t!”

“Okay, okay.” His boyfriend reached for his hand with a grin. “But, do a somersault with me.”

“What?! Here?! How?!“

“Just use the momentum from our jump to go forward. You can do it! It will be fun!”

“Oh my god!”

“Ready?”

“T.J.!”

“One… two… three… go!”

Cyrus threw caution to the wind and propelled himself forward. He must have done something right because he flipped over and successfully landed on his legs.

Beside him, T.J. was still laughing in glee, having somersaulted along with him. Their hands were still entwined as the floor of the bouncy house continued to move.

“That was fun,” Cyrus admitted, finding himself high from the adrenaline rush.

Lips pressed against his cheek and he immediately blushed as he shyly looked up at T.J.

“Sorry, but you look really cute right now,” the jock said.

“I wasn’t complaining,” Cyrus returned, trying to will his blush to go away.

His boyfriend looked really cute too and he wanted to kiss him but he spied a few kids running up to the bouncy house.

Clearing his throat, he continued, “Well, I don’t know about you, but I’m parched. Wanna get a drink?”

T.J. nodded in agreement.

Together, the two crawled out of the bouncy house and headed for the house. In the kitchen, a plethora of drinks was laid for them to choose.

“I’ll have the lemonade,” Cyrus said, pointing to the bowl at the center of the table.

T.J. nodded and proceeded to ladle the drink into two cups.

Meanwhile, Cyrus looked around to see who else he knew had shown up. He always considered himself quite lucky to be close to his step-family so gatherings were never awkward.

And that was when he noticed the stares. They weren’t malicious stares or rude or anything, most of these people already knew who he was.

More of… curiosity?

A few of the women were smiling and talking in whispers.

It was really weird and frankly, it made Cyrus a little nervous.

“Here, Underdog.”

He turned back to see T.J. handing him a cup filled with ice and lemonade. He took it with a soft “thanks”, still wary of the eyes on them.

T.J. furrowed his brows at him. “You okay?”

“Hmm? Yeah, I’m fine just… wondering why everyone is staring. Do I have something on my face?”

His boyfriend squinted at him before shaking his head. “Nope. You look good like always,” he added with a saucy smirk.

“Teejay,” Cyrus huffed but unable to stop himself from blushing.

T.J. loved to compliment him. It was overwhelming sometimes.

“It is kinda weird,” T.J. admitted as he also looked around.

A few who caught their gaze offered them a wave and kind smile, which they politely returned. They stood there, drinking their lemonade as they tried to ignore the stares.

Just then, two older girls whom Cyrus recognized as Breanna’s college-aged cousins excitedly walked up to them.

“Hi, Cyrus!” one of them greeted, giving him a hug. “I haven’t seen you since you were small!”

He happily returned the hug. “Hi, Nikki.”

Nikki pulled away and let the other girl have her turn.

“It’s so great to see you!” she squealed.

Cyrus chuckled. “You too, Olivia.”

Simultaneously, the two girls turned to T.J., who instinctively stood up straight.

“So, who’s this?” Olivia asked, teasingly.

“My friend, T.J.,” Cyrus replied.

It was the way he had been answering questions about T.J. all day.

“It’s nice to meet you,” the taller boy greeted, politely.

The two girls looked at each other, looking like they knew something that Cyrus didn’t.

“Just a friend?” Olivia asked, with a raised brow.

Almost immediately, Cyrus’ guard was up. Beside him, he felt T.J. stiffen. He wanted to hold his hand but that was the most dangerous thing to do at that moment.

He didn’t know how Nikki and Olivia would react. Sure, they’ve known him for years but they didn’t know he was gay yet. In fact, he wasn’t even out to this side of the family. He only told his mom…

His mom…

As if reading what was going on in his head, Nikki and Olivia schooled their features to be gentler.

“Your mom kinda mentioned it to Auntie Ronnie,” Nikki stated, carefully. “And Auntie Ronnie told my mom and…”

His mom told Breanna’s mom… who told other people.

It was supposed to be a secret! T.J. wasn’t even out yet!

In a panic, he turned to his boyfriend who was now looking pale.

“Well… we were surprised at first but we figured we’d tell you that we love and support you nonetheless,” continued Nikki.

Cyrus swallowed the lump in his throat, his stomach flip-flopping with nerves. “Who… who else knows?”

“Basically… most of the aunties,” replied Olivia.

“Some of the uncles,” added Nikki. “And I’m pretty sure my great aunt April might have heard from Aunt Ronnie. But, you don’t have to worry! They’re surprisingly very open-minded. Aunt Gemma said her daughter is dating a woman.“

“In fact, I heard them talking about how you adorable you both are. They saw you playing with the kids in the bounce house. And apparently, they think T.J. is handsome”

“And Aunt Gemma said you chose well.”

By the time they were done explaining, Cyrus was already aware of how red his face was. From the corner of his eye, he could see T.J. blushing as well.

“Um, thank you?” was all he managed.

The girls patted him on the shoulder before excusing themselves.

Feeling guilty that his mom had messed up, Cyrus turned to T.J. “I’m sorry. I’ll talk to my mom. She shouldn’t have outed us like that and-.”

“It’s okay,” T.J. said, softly.

“No, it’s not, T.J. She should have kept it a secret like I asked!”

“Well, at least she didn’t tell anyone else that we know. And it’s fine if it stays here. But, I would definitely appreciate it if she didn’t tell anyone else. At least, not for now.”

“Done. I promise. I’ll talk to her as soon as I can.”

“Thank you.” Sighing, T.J. held a hand out to Cyrus, who stared at it in question. T.J. let out a chuckle. “Since your family already know, we might as well show off, right?”

Cyrus continued to stare at the outstretched hand, frowning. “Are you sure? We don’t have to.”

But, to his surprise, T.J. reached out for his free hand and threaded his fingers through his into a firm grip.

“We don’t have to,” the jock agreed. “But I want to.” He grinned. “Show me off?”

Warily, Cyrus searched T.J.’s eyes for any signs of apprehension. But, in those soft green eyes, there was only determination. His boyfriend had his game face on.

Finally allowing himself to smile, Cyrus nodded. “Okay. Can we get another cupcake, then? And go back to the bounce house?”

Nodding, they drained their lemonade cups and threw them out in the nearest garbage bag. Then, T.J. allowed Cyrus to pull him towards the door. Before they could step out, they were intercepted again.

“Hello, Cyrus, dear.”

T.J.’s grip on his hand tightened.

“Hi, Aunt Gemma.”

The woman flashed him a smile before her gaze went to T.J. “And who is this handsome young man with you?”

Smiling, Cyrus stepped closer to T.J.’s side, placing a hand on his arm. “This is T.J. My boyfriend.”