#maybe one day they'll hold hands and cast away the thought that the other would flinch away

[howlsnteeth]

call me when you have the time I just need to leave this part of me behind

[tiefthieves]

Forever and Always

[BG3WIPs prompt 1- penguin: overcoming hardship]

can also be found on my Ao3 :) -- full work below the break --

Sikah was, to put it lightly, pissed. Her body ached and her wounds stung as the party stumbled back to camp. The battle they'd just fought was completely avoidable if Karlach had simply let Sikah talk to the damn cambions before smashing their skulls in. Her impulses were usually rather beneficial, but when dealing with Mammon and his court of Dukes, Sikah felt that she had the upper hand; and she wanted to use it.

She ignored the party as Shadowheart began recon by the fire, healing cuts and bruises. Instead, the rogue went to hide away in her tent. Sikah had a stash of healing potions stored in her chests, and the bitter taste of the medicine would match her mood.

Karlach watched as Sikah slunk to her tent. She knew that her partner was cross with her after the events of that day’s adventure, but the barbarian was determined to prove herself. After Shadowheart cast a quick healing word over her injuries, Karlach marched over and ripped the flaps of Sikah’s tent open.

"I don't think you have any right being angry with me after your own reckless behavior, Sikah."

"Ever heard of knocking?" the smaller woman scoffed as she unlaced her wrist guards.

Great, now they were playing the blame game. Sikah didn’t lose the blame game.

"Oh? My reckless behavior? Enlighten me, Karlach, what was the reckless behavior I exhibited today? Knowing the cambions in Mammon's lair, knowing Mammon himself? Trying to talk to them before causing a scene? I used to fucking work for them, I could have easily lied our way in there!"

Karlach shook her head. "Maybe you've forgotten that we were in the Hells and anything to do with Mammon is never going to be a simple task."

"The devil had me under his thumb for years, Karlach, I know that shit isn't simple," Sikah threw her leather armor to the ground, the scarring across the upper left of her body more apparent without it. "I never said bashing was out of the question, I thought we all had a mutual agreement to try and snake our way in before doing anything brash. Gale and Shadowheart aren't as accustomed to the Hells or strong as we are, they would have gotten killed much faster than us." She crossed her arms as her tail flicked angrily. "I know how you feel about the Hells, but you have to remember that you aren't the only one who's suffered there."

"That's precisely my point. I was keeping everyone else safe, including you. But you can't stand not having control over the situation, so you just… hyper-focus on whatever you think is best and don’t listen to anyone else." Karlach angrily threw her hands up in the air. 

"Karlach, I hate to be the one to tell you this, but I'm not a frail maiden in need of protection. I can hold my own. Mammon and his cohort are a different breed of devils, and you aren't the only tiefling who's been damned to the Hells. I was trying to use my advantage to get us through without fighting… at least not fighting out the gate. What part of that do you not get ?"

"The part where you assume I don't understand the situation. I know how they manipulate and control. They'll never trust a tiefling, regardless of what you think you know about them. You were never going to get the upper hand without a fight. Why do you think I chose to go in alone?"

"I..." Sikah bit her tongue. Perhaps Karlach was right. None of those devils had ever, or would ever trust a tiefling, all they ever did was exploit them. Even when Sikah worked under Mammon’s Duke, Focalor, he easily agreed with Zotian and sold her off to Mephistopheles without batting an eye. 

"I wish you didn't think you always have to go in alone. I wish you would have left some of them for me to kill. We have a team, we have allies, we have each other." The shorter tiefling looked up into Karlach's fiery eyes. "I know you want to protect me, but I'm not a helpless damsel in distress."

The barbarian's face softened as she reached out a hand and gently touched Sikah's cheek.

"If you only saw what I've seen in Avernus, you would know why I can't let someone I care about get hurt."

Sikah leaned into Karlach's touch and sighed.

"I do see what's in Avernus. I've seen it, and I know you've seen far worse, but for that same reason, I don't want you getting hurt. I know you're not as quick to buckle under axe blows as me, but... I'd never forgive myself if something happened and Zariel found you. If she took you away from me."

Karlach pulled the other tiefling into a tight hug. She hadn't expected Sikah to be as outwardly concerned for her as she was, but maybe that was her fault. As far as the barbarian knew, the rogue had always been rather independent. Karlach gently rubbed the rogue’s back with one hand. "You don't have to worry about what happens to me. But you should be concerned with yourself. Remember this: Avernus will tear you down to the bone if you give it the chance."

"I do worry about you," Sikah wrapped her arms around her lover's strong waist. "I fear that your recklessness is because of your hourglass of time." As her head lay upon the woman's chest she listened to the mechanical sounds of the engine that took the place of her heart. "What's the point in protecting me if you aren't there to be with me? If you aren't alive by my side? I don't want to live a life without you."

Karlach was taken aback by the sudden vulnerability of Sikah’s inquiries. She rarely openly asked for reassurance. If Karlach had a heart, she was sure it would have skipped a beat. A feeling of profound warmth blossomed within her chest as she held the other tiefling a little tighter.

"I know my time is limited, Sikah; but as long as we have each other, that's all that matters to me. I would be willing to die a thousand times over if I had the chance to save you. My future is in you ."

"Then live with me." Sikah looked up at Karlach, a look of stubborn determination on her face. "I know you despise the thought, but Dammon could be right... If after all this tadpole shit is over and through, we go back to Avernus, together. We buy you more time, buy us more time. Hells, who knows, we might find something to repair your engine for good."

If the party's brief trip to Avernus that day had anything to show, Sikah thought it was decent proof that the infernal smithy’s proposition wasn't all that farfetched.

The possibility was enough to make Karlach's mind wander. The mere thought of continuing her existence in Avernus for even a minute more than she was destined had always terrified her, but the idea of having Sikah by her side made that terrifying thought seem not so terrible after all.

"Is that what you want? For us to go back there, together?"

"More than anything," Sikah stood on her toes and pecked Karlach's lips. "I know I've got nothing on your ten-year stint, but two years in an infernal prison gave me a decent preview. It's shit, I know, but with good company and motivation, maybe it wouldn't be so bad?"

Karlach returned the kiss, a wide smile spreading across her face. It was tempting, the possibility of more time with Sikah; and if the two of them worked together, maybe they could figure something out. 

"You know, you're not half bad at swaying me with your words. But don't think that this will be easy. I may have made a lot of progress, but I still hate that damn place."

"And I’m not asking you to love it, just… tolerate it. Who knows, maybe one day we'll be able to return to Faerûn for good. Live the rest of our days together in a nice house, just the two of us, maybe a cat or two" Sikah dragged her finger over Karlach's glowing chest.

Karlach laughed softly as Sikah’s touch sent ripples through her. As she spoke of a peaceful and safe life for the two of them, the barbarian couldn't help but get caught up in the idea. 

"Do you really want that? A quiet, mundane life for us? What would you do if we weren't fighting for our survival?"

"Hmm, I dunno," Sikah pondered for a bit, tracing her fingers around the metal of the valves in Karlach's shoulders. "Maybe I'd open a jewelry shop, make a bit of gold the honest way for once," she chuckled, "I'd spend lots of time with you of course; lay in a nice, plush bed every night in your arms."

A soft groan rose in Karlach's chest as Sikah's touch made her engine pulse and burn with desire. The image of the two of them together, with Sikah's arms wrapped around her, was more than the barbarian could bear.

"That would be so damn nice, Sikah. We could make anything an adventure. Just the two of us together. That's all I want."

The barbarian took a deep breath, steeling herself.

"We're getting distracted."

"And that's a problem, how?" The rogue deviously smirked at Karlach. "It's late, half the camp is asleep by now, I doubt they'd notice if you spent the night in my tent..."

Something snapped inside of the barbarian as she contemplated Sikah's suggestion. Her words were suggestive, and the implications of them were clear. 

No one would notice if she stayed with the tiefling, and… Karlach had to clear her throat to try to get rid of the sudden lump of lust that had developed in the back of it.

"We have an early morning, you know that."

Sikah raised a brow and laughed, a genuine, toothy grin on her face.

"The Karlach Cliffgate having a responsible bedtime? Who are you and what have you done with my lover?" She patted the barbarian's cheek. "The night is still young, Gale's just now put out the fire..."

"Shut it, you." The barbarian's cheeks flushed as she was teased. Sikah was right, the fire had freshly gone out, leaving the pair in the dim candlelight of the rogue’s tent. Her partner’s words easily cut right through the layer of self-control that was barely holding itself together. Karlach bit her lip to keep herself from smiling too much.

"Stop."

"Change into your camp clothes and come back? We don't have to do anything too... rigorous. I just don't want to be apart from you, after today." Sikah bashfully admitted.

"Stay?"

And there it was: the moment when the last shred of resistance melted away. Any semblance of self-control was gone, and Karlch was left wanting nothing more than to be next to the other.

"... You really want me to?"

"I do," Sikah nodded, her hand caressing the woman's arm before reaching for her hand. "I want you to stay with me, for as long as you'd let me; and I’m not just talking about tonight." She intertwined their fingers, hoping that Karlach would get the message.

The barbarian understood the message perfectly. "Can I ask you a question?"

"Mmhm," the shorter woman nodded, "always."

"Promise me something." Karlach brought their linked hands up to her lips and kissed Sikah’s knuckles. 

"Yes?" The rogue looked up at her expectantly.

"Promise me that... if we go to Avernus together... if something goes wrong... that you'll come looking for me, no matter what?" She leaned down to rest her forehead against the other’s. 

"I promise," Sikah squeezed her hand tight, her heart straining at the thought. "I'll always find you, even if I have to go to the deepest pit of the Hells, even if it takes all the years of my life. I'll find you. In every lifetime and in every universe." She swallowed the nervousness in her throat.

"I love you, Karlach. The past months we've spent together have been the best of my life. You've helped me see the world in a different light, helped me heal wounds I didn't know I had." She smiled shyly. "Tadpoles be damned, but I'm glad these parasites led me to you."

With those words, Karlach's chest began to burn with joy— not unlike the fire of her engine, but it somehow felt different. She was moved in a way that she hadn't been before, and for a moment, Karlach felt that any worries or responsibilities could wait until tomorrow. All that mattered to her now was the tiefling in her grip. The barbarian kissed the thief’s forehead and pulled her close to her chest.

"I love you too," she whispered, "more than you could ever imagine."

"And we'll be okay, as long as we have each other."

“Always.” Karlach smiled as she held the other tiefling in her grasp. With Sikah in her arms and her engine beating steadily in her chest, she felt truly alive. And for the first time in a long time, she felt hopeful. As long as they were together, they could take on hell itself.

[bettathanyou]

Babysitter Blues Pt. 1

A Cedric the Sorcerer episodic fanfic AU where his niece Calista comes to visit and gets herself turned back into a toddler! With Cedric gone on an errand, you have to figure out how to change her back, and hopefully before he finds out. Yes I'm ripping off actual episodes, but I thought it would be super cute anyways. Also, there's hints to future family drama between you and Cedric s family- context is this is an excerpt from an ongoing slow burn series I have in my head; I will be posting more, but maybe more episodic ones before we get to the meat and potatoes ship stuff.

But I just thought this would be fun.

Also sorry I just fell off the face of the earth- I'm sadly just another fanfic writer trope, lol. Hopefully a long winded fanfic will make up for it?

Also this is a FEM y/n reader perspective! (I can't write anything better, I'm trash ik)

You wait in Cedric's chair with a mix of anxiety and excitement. Today, his niece Calista was visiting him on account of her mother taking a personal day to herself. Cedric invited you to come to begin the process of introducing you slowly to his family.

You've only heard of them in passing from Cedric- he explained before his rocky and unstable family dynamic, but more recently he has reported a positive shift between them all. Your heart soared once again thinking about it all. Your own relationship with your family was... Horrible, at best. You know how isolating and crippling it feels to have no family to support you; so Cedric having reconciliation with his own family gave you hope that maybe they would learn to accept you too.

"Do you think they'll like me, love?" You ask hesitantly, fiddling with a bottle on Cedric's work table. Cedric stopped what he was doing to look at you, smiling gently. He stepped over to you and wrapped his arms lovingly around your midsection.

"I can't see why not. What's there not to like?" Cedric purred, kissing the crown of your head. You scoff, rolling your eyes.

"Well, thank you.... But you know what I mean, Cedric." You sighed, leaning your head back into Cedric's tall frame. You look up at him through your lashes, and Cedric stares down to meet your gaze. Cedric takes in your face, drinking in every detail he could find. He raises his hand to sift his fingers absentmindedly through your hair, and you can see the wheels turning in his bright brown eyes as he thought of what to ease your worrying.

"I always loved your hair, you know." Cedric hums, rubbing a lock of your hair between his index finger and thumbs.

You look at him pointedly, feeling a bit annoyed as he seemingly avoided the topic.

"You'll have to be more clever than that if you want to change the subject." You respond curtly. You cross your arms defiantly, your mouth screwing into a tight line.

"Forgive me darling, I didn't mean to..." Cedric eyes cast away from your gaze, his hand holding your hair going limp as his side. "I just got distracted as I was thinking of what to say, honest!" Cedric's face fell as you glared at him, and instantly you felt like a jerk. Your cheeks flare up in shame, and you reach up to touch Cedric's shoulder in an attempt to amend your actions.

"No, I'm sorry. I shouldn't have snapped at you. I'm just on edge, and I mistakenly thought you were trying to brush me off. Can you forgive me?" You looked up at Cedric, eyes filled with remorse.

"Of course, my dear. You don't have to explain to me about being cranky." Cedric winks, flashing you a knowing smile. You giggle, moreso in relief rather than humor. You look up into Cedric's eyes, and you both stare at each other silently for a few moments.

"I promise, Calista will love you." Cedric spoke confidently, caressing your face. "After all, if I love it, she's bound to love it too." Cedric rolls his eyes, giving you a cheeky grin. You laugh, your eyes twinkling merrily at the thought of his niece copying his interests so fervently.

"And what of your sister?" You ask, your laughter dying down and your anxiety crawling its way back up into your heart.

"She-"

Cedric got cut off as his door burst open with a loud bang. A little girl in red robes with a curious looking red witch hat, ran at full speed at Cedric through the entrance. The girl squeaked in delight as she happily threw her whole weight at Cedric's legs in a fit of childish giggles. She only barely reached his knee, but even so Cedric stumbled from the force of her collision.

"Uncle Ceddy!! I missed you sooo much!" The young girl twirled around his legs, dragging his robes in her tiny fists. Cedric's body was pulled around like a rag doll as his niece nimbly climbed up her uncle's back to merrily perch on his shoulders in satisfaction. By the looks of it, you deduce this wasn't the first time she greeted her uncle like this.

"Calista, please don't-" Cedric started, but you let out a hearty laugh you couldn't keep in anymore.

"Uncle Ceddy...?" You choke out between holding in your laughter, trying not to cause a scene. Cedric's face immediately flushed, turning the same shade of red as Calista's clothes.

"That's right, that's her Uncle Ceddy." A smooth feminine voice appeared behind you, and you nearly jump out of your skin in fright. You whip your body around to face the source of the voice, and your eyes meet with Calista's mother.

You already knew something about what Calista looked like, at least you knew what her hair was like since Cedric told you about it. But Cordelia was someone completely foreign to you, and immediately your thrown off by just how beautiful and well put together she was.

Long and thick chocolate brown hair perfectly framed her face, and dark green eyes accentuated with flawless makeup twinkled in amusement. Her lips were painted ruby red, and quirked up in a graceful smile. Her dress was dancing the edge between bold and gaudy, but her self assured aura made the dress work pleasantly well on her. She strutted over to you, placing a gloved hand on your arm.

"And you're the future Auntie, am I correct?" She arched a carefully defined brow at you, giving you a teasing smile.

Your jaw hung slack at what she was implying, and you find your eyes darting for Cedric to rescue you.

Cedric's eyes flung open wide, the previous blush on his face now doubling down and turning him almost purple. If you weren't so shocked by Cordelia's remark, you might have teased him for it.

"Cordelia...!" Cedric spoke her name with a huff of exasperation. "Don't say such things so carelessly!" Cedric scolded his older sister, but his voice came out high pitched and somewhat whiny.

"Oh come now little brother, it was a joke!" Cordelia waved Cedric off, turning to you and clasping your hands excitedly.

"Cedric has written to me all about you, and I just couldn't wait to meet you! I always worried that my baby brother would end up an old hermit cooped up in his tower, but then you showed up-"

"Cordy, thats-"

"-and now in just a matter of time we'll be future in laws! Isn't that just so exciting?!" Cordelia smiled at you brightly, her voice rising with giddiness.

Before you could open your mouth to protest, she already was moving past you to greet her brother.

"Angel face, I need you to climb off Ceddy's back so Mummy can give him a proper hug." Cordelia said in a sing-song voice to her daughter, patting her dotingly on the head.

"Yes, Mummy..." Calista huffed in resignation, slowly sliding off Cedric's shoulders and landing on her feet gracefully. Cordelia then threw her arms around her brother, squeezing him tightly.

"It's so good to see you, Cedric." Cordelia sighed dramatically.

Cedric slowly returned the hug, but shot you an annoyed glare behind Cordelia's back. You bit your lip to keep yourself from laughing to a minimum, shooting him an amused smile.

Cordelia pulled away first, a shocked expression on her face. "Have you gained weight recently, Ceddy?"

"What are you talking about, I'm-" Cedric crossed his arms defensively, but Cordelia already flitted away and left Cedric's words hanging up in the air.

"Oh, it must be because of you!" Cedric's sister snaked her arm around your own, grinning ear to ear. "I always told him he was too skinny for his own good- ha!" Cordelia covered her mouth as she chuckled, opening her mouth to continue chattering on.

"Well- as one of the royal palace cooks, I'd like to think I'm just doing what's in my job description." You cut her off quickly, moving away from her to grasp Cedric's hand and give it a reassuring squeeze. He shoots you a quick endearing smile, squeezing your hand back in response.

"Oh-" Cordelia's back stiffens, an unreadable look quickly replacing her former gleeful one.

"Cedric, you told me she was a sorceress." Cordelia cocked her head towards her brother, her brow furrowing.

Both you and Cedric spoke together in unison.

"I am."

"She is."

You both exchange a look, but you both stand firm in your answers. Cordelia arches a brow, tracking you up and down with a cold and calculated eye. You feel as if Cordelia was stripping you bare down to your very soul; but instead of shrinking away, you use the rising anger inside you to hold her gaze in a silent challenge.

"I see. Pardon my confusion, I just... need help understanding." Her smile was perfect, small and polite and well trained; however, you could cut the growing tension that was in the room with a knife.

"I told you this many times in my letters, Cordy- I'm tutoring (y/n) under independent study. There's no 'understanding' of anything, unless you need me to help you read properly?" Cedric glowered at his sister, his grip on your hand becoming tighter and tighter. You shared his rage, but a part of you couldn't help but feel ignited by love from Cedric's fierce loyalty to you.

Cordelia's cheeks flashed pink, her hands balling up into her skirts. She opened her mouth to respond, but before she could speak her daughter tugged at her mother's hand.

"Mummy, please don't yell at Uncle Ceddy... You promised me you'd both stop fighting." Calista spoke in a saddened tone, her large brown eyes silently begging for peace. Cordelia's eyes shot down at her daughter, motherly love and shame written clearly across her face. She bent down to pick up the child, a plastic smile covering up her previous disdain.

"No, sweetness, we aren't fighting, are we Cedric?" Cordelia shot Cedric a withering look, and he equally put on a fake smile.

"That's right, Cordy. Just a little tip for tap, isn't that right?" Cedric crossed the room in stride, leaning over to take Calista from her arms. Begrudgingly, Cordelia surrendered her to him. With a final huff, she turns to Calista to say goodbye.

"Well... I will be back by tomorrow morning for you, Angel Face. Promise me you'll be good?" Cordelia cooed, pinching her daughter's cheek.

"Yes Mummy, I promise." Calista leaned to kiss her mother's cheek in parting. For the first time since she walked in, you see a genuine smile spread across Cordelia's face.

"That's my beautiful girl." Cordelia whispered, squeezing Calista's arm. Cordelia then summoned her planner from thin air, checking her agenda.

"Oh no, I'm already late to my hairdresser appointment! I spent way too much time trying to find that blasted enchanted comb. I have to go, or else I won't be able to make it! Bye bye, everyone!" Cordelia whipped out her wand, and with a flourish she disappeared into thin air.

Cedric sighed loudly, looking at Calista with a smirk. "Your mother is something else, I'll give her that much."

"You're both so silly, Uncle Ceddy." Calista chirped back, and you can't help but chuckle at her words. Cedric feigned a dramatic gasp in protest, holding his hand over his heart.

"How could you say such a thing, Calista? I thought you loved me!" Cedric turned his face away from his niece, his free hand touching his forehead as if he might swoon.

"I do love you, Uncle Ceddy! I do, I do!" Calista squirmed out of Cedric's grasp, once again climbing up her uncle's back to put her arms around his neck. Calista squeezed her uncle tightly, squishing her face up against his. "Oh all right, you're off the hook this time...! But don't think you can sweet talk your way out of everything, my little sorceress!" Cedric grabbed Calista, prying her off his back with a grin that reached ear to ear. He gently placed her back on the floor, chuckling.

You felt as if your heart would burst from the cuteness overload. You never thought of Cedric as a child friendly type, but clearly the love of his niece brings out a different side to him. Your face began to hurt from smiling at the scene in front of you, and you feel tears begin to prick at the corners of your eyes. Something about seeing Calista be so carefree and child-like felt like an old wound inside your heart had been mended; and seeing Cedric so doting made you somehow love him even more than you ever had before. You quickly swat at your eyes, not wanting to draw attention to yourself.

"Is there something in your eye, Auntie?" Calista skips up to you, eyes wide with concern. Startled by the young girl addressing you, you quickly try to recover.

"No, no! I'm just fine, little one." You give Calista a close lipped smile, but you can feel your chin wobble slightly.

"Are you really gonna be my Auntie?" Calista shot at you, clutching her hands together excitedly.

You freeze, unsure how to respond. You glanced at Cedric, wondering the same question yourself. Cedric's cheeks instantly flushed, hiding his face to meet the floor. You feel your heart beat faster, and your chest burned from holding your breath. Cedric swallowed hard, leaning down to Calista's level.

"Well... I suppose that would depend on what (y/n) thinks. But if you ask me.... Auntie has quite the ring to it."

Cedric looked at you with a promising smile, his eyes burning with an unspoken question.

It took all of your willpower to not burst into tears right then and there.

"I... I think, that someday, I'd be honored to be your Auntie, Calista." You managed to squeeze out.

"Yay!" Calista threw her hands up in the air with glee, twirling around in joy. Suddenly she stopped in her tracks, gasping. Her head whipped around back to you, and she grabbed your hands with excitement.

"You should go with me and Uncle Ceddy!! He's going to take me to Hexley Hall today!" Calista beamed, rocking on her heels.

"Wait- what...?" Cedric's face falls, his eyes going wide in disbelief.

"You said that we could go, remember Uncle Ceddy? You promised me we would see the red flowers that bloom at sunset!" Calista zoomed around Cedric's feet, humming a tune in her excitement.

"That's... That's right. I did promise you that." Cedric's eyes fill with panic, and you rise to your feet to console him. You give him a questioning look, but before you could reach over to Cedric he stops Calista in her tracks.

"Before we leave, why don't you say hi to Princess Sofia? She doesn't know you're here yet, so you can make it a surprise!"

"Okay! I'll be back soon, Uncle Ceddy!" Calista then scrambled hurriedly to the door, heaving it open and rushing down the steps.

"Be careful, Calista!" Cedric shouted, annoyance flickering over his face. "....And, she's already gone." Cedric's tone fell flat, wearily eyeing the door. The tall sorcerer sighs loudly, his hand rubbing his temples.

"What's wrong, Cedric?" You ask tenderly, intertwining your fingers with his own.

"I had forgotten about our promise to take her to see the sunset lilies.... I have so many deadlines coming up, I can't risk failing to meet them!" Cedric's voice wavered from panic, breaking your hand holding to pace around the room.

"I had planned to play with Calista this afternoon, and burn the midnight oil like I always do! But now-I don't know what to do. I don't want to go back on my word, but I also can't finish everything in time if I do either." Cedric put face in his hands, sighing loudly. He rubbed his face in exasperation, his hands trailing up his scalp and through his silvery bangs.

"Well, why can't we just do both?" You added, your voice light.

"It's only shy of noon, surely we can work for a little while on your deadlines, while she and Sophia play. And of course I'll help you while she plays! Then-"

"No, I won't let Calista be left to her own devices for that long." Cedric quickly cuts you off, waving his hand dismissively.

"That child is a damn near magical prodigy-" Cedric smiled to himself, his voice swelling with pride in the mist of his panicked state. "Yet she's full of mischief, and I don't want to know what trouble she'd get into. And Sophia is dependable, yet trouble always seems to find her anyways!" Cedric huffed.

You pinch the bridge of your nose in frustration before answering.

"Okay, well, what if I watch them? And you work on your deadlines until it's time to go to Hexley Hall. We go, have fun, come back, tuck Calista into bed, and you and I will work into the night, until every last task is done?" You look at Cedric hopefully, rubbing his shoulders to try and loosen his tensed muscles.

"I.... I suppose we can try that." Cedric's shoulders slowly relax as he exhales tiredly. "Are you sure you're okay with that? It's a drastic change of pl-"

Before he could finish his sentence you cut Cedric off with your lips, kissing him softly. Cedric stiffens, caught completely off guard. You start to pull away, not wanting to push him over the edge with any more surprises. Making a low noise in his throat, he catches your face in his hands and pulls you back into the kiss. You now found yourself caught off guard, but regardless you smiled into his lips as you both exchanged long, lingering kisses.

Lost in each other's affection, you both momentarily forget Calista was supposed to return shortly.

"Uncle Ceddyyy! I'm back!" Calista yelled as she ran back up the winding staircase.

You both tear away from each other, trying not to look caught red handed. Cedric self consciously cleared his throat, fixing his eyes on his niece.

"Welcome back, my dear. Was the princess happy to see you?" He quirked a brow at the girl, leaning against his desk.

"Yeah! We talked about-"

"Great! Now come here, I need to talk to you about the trip planned for today." Cedric quickly cut her off, and beckoned his niece over to his side. Tentatively, she followed suit. Cedric knelt down to Calista's level, putting his hands on her shoulders.

"Are we still going...?" Calista's eyes lowered in sadness, her bangs obscuring her face from Cedric.

"Of course we are, Calista. You trust your Uncle Ceddy, right?" Cedric lifted Calista's chin up to meet his gaze. He smiled down at her, waiting for an answer.

"Well, of course! But what else do we need to talk about?" Calista asked quizzically.

Cedric's eyes dropped in guilt at her question, and he let out a resigned sigh.

"I have a few things I need to take care of for the King before we can go to see the sunset lilies. But I promise the second I'm finished we'll be on our way. Okay?" Cedric patted Calista's shoulder, giving her a reassuring smile.

"You promise it's only a few things you need to do...?" Calista looked up at her uncle with wide eyes, shuffling from foot to foot nervously.

"I swear to Merlin himself." Cedric gives an affirmative nod, crossing his hand over his heart. Calista's face brightens at Cedric's promise, clasping her hands together.

"Then it's okay with me, Uncle Ceddy!" Calista sang, her peppy attitude resurfacing.

"And while your uncle is busy, why don't we have some fun together?" You chime in shyly, shuffling your weight from foot to foot. Calista turned to look at you with bright eyes, an eager smile spreading across her cheeks. Her innocent giddiness was infectious, and despite your nervousness you find yourself smiling with her.

"Your uncle says you're quite the magical prodigy- I'd love to see what spells you've been learning!" You offered, anxiously awaiting Calista's approval.

"Oh, okay! Mummy has been teaching me all kinds of cool stuff. I can teach you how to do it too if you want!" Calista dug into her red robes for a second, and with a triumphant huff she retrieved her wand.

Of no shock to you, her wand was just as red as the rest of her outfit. Cedric seemed to not exaggerate about his niece's quirks.

"I'd love anything you're willing to share with me. Shall I get my wand out too?"

"Yes! I wanna see what your wand looks like!" Calista exclaimed, starry eyed with excitement.

With a smirk, you raise up your left hand. Bright orange and yellow sparkles flickered within the palm of your hand. With a flourish of the wrist, you manifested your wand from thin air. Grabbing it with confidence, you twirl the wand in between your fingers as the familiar weight and shape rests comfortably in your grasp.

"Wow, you really are a sorceress!" Calista gasped, her eyes turning owlish at the sight of your wand.

As much as you knew her comment was innocent, you felt a pinprick of hurt in your heart anyways. You lowered your wand to your side, your grip becoming limp. You remember the cold stare of disapproval given by Cordelia, and you involuntarily shiver. You slowly exhale through your nose, trying to keep your face neutral. However, you could feel the light dimming in your eyes before you could stop it.

Feeling Cedric's eyes on you, you glanced over in his direction. You both look at each other for a moment. Cedric's honey eyes darken, and his gaze quickly darts between you and Calista. His expression asked a silent question, and you give a half-hearted smile in response.

Clearing his throat, Cedric gave Calista a hard stare.

"Well, of course she's a sorceress darling. What ever gave you any reason to doubt?" He smiled tightly, and Calista aimed her gaze at the floor sheepishly.

"I mean- I trained her, after all..." Cedric smiled at you devilishly, straightening his back and puffing out his chest in pride. You chuckled, lightly shoving his arm in a teasing manner.

"Please, Cedric, don't be so humble now... I certainly couldn't even hold a wand without you!" You rolled your eyes sarcastically, scoffing.

Cedric stuck out his lip, quirking his brow at you in a challenge. "And who exactly taught you how to conjure that fancy wand of yours so you can hold it?" He hummed in question.

"I asked you to help, not to teach. Besides, I found out about the spell on my own!" You exclaimed, laughing at your own argument.

"And whose spellbook did you find that spell in?" Cedric shot back, chuckling between his words. His golden eyes sparkled with amusement, but you knew his stubbornness would make you both see this through to the end.

You pause, thinking of a comeback. With a smirk, you put your hand up to your chin in mock thinking.

"Well, if we're being technical, that spellbook was written and printed by the scholars of Hexley Hall." You purred smugly, crossing your arms.

Before Cedric could reply, a burst of laughter broke up the banter between you both.

"(Y/n), you're so funny! I see why Uncle Ceddy likes you." Calista said between chuckles.

"Oh! Thanks..?" You reply limply, feeling sheepish at her bold remark. You glance over at Cedric, who shares an equally sheepish look. Cedric clears his throat loudly, eager to change the topic.

"Well since the two of you seem to be hitting it off, I'm off to finish my duties." Cedric announced with a grin.

You and Calista both say your goodbyes in turn; Calista clinging to her uncle in another big hug, and Cedric gives you a chaste kiss on the lips. Your cheeks can't help but flush at the kiss, especially in front of Calista. As Cedric walks through the door, he glances over at his niece one final time.

"Calista, while I'm gone I want you to listen to (y/n). You'll show her what a good sorceress acts like, right?" Cedric gave Calista a hard look, his golden eyes catching in the midday sun and making them glow. Though his gaze wasn't meant for you, you felt your body straighten up in response anyways.

Calista however, only giggled and rocked on her heels casually. "Of course, Uncle Ceddy! I'll be as good as can be!" She gave her uncle a thumbs up, and with a satisfied hum Cedric exited through his chamber door. As his footsteps faded, your own heart sank as you realized you're the new guardian of a very mischievous young sorceress.

This will be a very long day.

[tparker48]

Request for Malemacrofics

It would be an hour after the broadcast of Friends as Matt Leblanc made his way to his dressing room. Mingling with the other cast members before turning into his hallway. "Heh-hey, It was a pretty good line for sure. We'll have to keep note of that for the next episode. But let me get changed and I'll meet ya out back." He said to one of his coworkers, closing the door behind him as silence filled the void. "Ooh what a day its been.." he stretched his arms. Scratching his back before approaching the mirror. Sitting down, he grabbed one of his waters from the fridge as he unlaced his shoes. Sliding them underneath the table before he got back up to walk. "These old dogs need a break. A little walk around wouldn't be too-"

**thud!** a noise came from the corner of the room.

"Hmm?" Matt looked at the wall, a box toppled over as it tilted to the side. Still shuffling around, it bucked toward the table before coming to an abrupt hault. "Must be the mice in this place. Must've gotten stuck in here during the broadcast." he thought to himself, moving forward as he approached the box. Reaching for it, he opened it to look inside, a pair of shoes sitting in them as they toppled against each others heels. Something wiggling out from the opening, a skinny twig of some kind as swayed back and forth between the hole. "What the.." He pinched at it, pulling it upward to the outside. With more of the object coming into the light, the figure started to take shape as the skinny twig he was holding turned into a foot. Revealing a little as they hanged upside down.

"Woah woah! Hey!" They yelped.

"A little guy? What are you doing in my shoe box?"

"Listen, I know what you're thinking. There is a little guy in shoe box in my shoes. But I'm simply lookong around."

"Inside a box?"

"..yes"

"I don't know. You look way more messy for someone to just be looking around" Matt noted, lifting a little bit of the little guy's shirt. Flakes falling off it as it scattered over the shoes below.

"I-I..just slipped is all"

"In a closed box? Come on, you can't expect to believe that." Matt replied, chuckling from the response before the door started to knock.

"Alright we're heading out" His coworker's voice said from the door. "Anything you need before we go?"

"Matt looked at the door as he pondered on the question. A smile peering off from his face as he looked back at them. "Well then, I gues I'm stumped. Maybe you did get lost in here."

"Yes that's correct! I was just-"

"However, this means I'll have to turn you into the services to let you out. And Im not too sure they would believe that you got lost in here. Tsk, they'd label it as trespassing."

"What?! I wasn't trespassing!"

"Oh I'm sure you were. But I don't think they'll believe that. I guess we'll find out.." He turned to the door.

"No no wait!" The little guy yelped.

Matt stopped at the door, his hand almost wrapped around the knob before he turned to the little guy. "Yes.." he replied, doing his best to hold in his laughter.

"I..was sniffing your shoes."

"Hah, I knew it." Matt announced, pumping his fist as his hunch proved correct. "So you were sniffing my shoes."

"Yes, Alright! But please, please don't turn me in. I mean no harm by it." The little guy plead.

"Matt? Is everything good in there. Who are you talking to?"

Matt paused for second as he stared at the little guy. Gazing toward the door, he finally answered. "Nah, no one's in here bud. Just me and my phone." He replied. "I'll catch up with ya outside. Im just gonna finish this episode."

"Hmm, alright. Well we'll see you put there." His coworker said, the sounds of his steps getting further away as silence filled the void. Alone, Matt turned back to the little guy dangling between his fingers. A smug look plastered to his face as he pondered on the answer they gave.

"So I got a little sniffer on my hands, imagine that."

"Yes yes, we established this. I only wanted to get close to it, that's all."

"Is that right?" Matt questioned, placing the the little guy down on the floor. Laying him softly onto the carpet before he reached for the knob once more. Creaking it open just enough to see the hallway. "well then, here's the door."

"Huh?!"

"You only wanted to have a closer look at what I got packing right? Well you got a sample of it all over your clothes. And now that you have it, you can just walk right of here with a tale to tell everyone." Opening it wider, he waved his hand to usher the tiny forward. "Best head out before it gets dark."

"No that's all that I.." The little guy paused as he held his words, Matt taking notice as he closed the door slightly.

"Ooh looks like we go some more secrets" Matt cooed curiously. Letting go of the door, but ensured it was closed enough to not let anyone see. "You seemed almost conflicted little guy. You don't have to hide anything from me" He leaned on one knee. Crouching as he observed them.

"..fine" The little guy sighed "I came here to experience what it was like being around you. Your body, your scent. It's what lead me in here."

"I see. So then what your offering is to take you under my wing correct. A musk checker if you will?"

"Y-yes!"

"Mhm-mhm, an interesting proposal. But I gotta know one thing first before I take you on" Matt paused, pulling over a chair as he sat down. Drawing his foot onto his lap, he pulled it off before tossing it to the side. Black dress socks covering them, he loomed a foot over towards the little guy. "How good of a rubber are you?" He asked, His soles arching down as they curled above them.

"I can show you!" The little guy said proudly. Marching over to Matt's foot as he planted his hands against the center of it. The large foot bending forward as it casted its shadow overhead. Scratching firmly at the surface, the little guy began to rub into the fabric. scrunching with each tug, the little guy rose his scratches higher before moving a hand away to rub between the soft pocket created by the ball of soles.

"Oo..okay, okay..i think I feeling it a bit. A little higher.." matted requested. the little guy nodding as he rose his arms upward. His fingers fumbling at the top of his foot. "a little higher" He requested again. The little guy nodding once more as he stood at the top of his toes. His hand now reaching into the crevice of the soles his fingers fumbled into his soles. Clasping around a single toe as he caressed over their sides. The sole beginning to wiggle as the tickling sensation stimulated them. "Oh yeah, right there. Riight there.." Matted groaned. Extending his foot closer to get more scratches. But felt the little guy move back.

"Ah-ah, sorry big guy but I can only give samples on what I can do. The rest comes after the offer." The little guy said.

"Huh, you drive a good sample" Matt commented.

"So whatcha think?"

"Pretty good to say the least. My foot did feel good with your rubs. But I can't let you onboard without asking this question.."

"What's that?"

"How many claps are in the friend's song?"

"Mmmm...4?"

""Hmhmhm.." Matt chuckled. Getting off the chair before leaning down. "welcome aboard, musk checker."

**********************************************

After recording a few lines from the set. Matt decided to take a detour route back to his room as he brought a few tissues with him from the stand. Closing the door behind him and locking before beginning to undress.

"Man this day was a busy one. But glad that my lines are finished with at least" He sighed in relief. Unbuttoning his shirt, he tossed it to the floor as his tanktop underneath was drenched with sweat. And between his armpit, little legs as they wiggled slowly beneath his bicep. "It's cleaning time again musk checker" He announced, lifting his arm to the air. There, sitting across the hairs in his arm pit, would be the little guy. His body a bit tangled in hairs as they wiggled themselves around them first. Finally slipping off, Matt caught them before lifting them to his face.

"Man you really worked up some sweat in there sir" The little guy said dazed.

"Hehe sorry, the directors had the heater way too high in there" Matt responded, winding his arms in place to dry himself. Lowering them to the couch, as he rested them along the arm on the furniture. "More of a cool conditioning guy myself." He added. Sitting down next to him, Matt laid himself sideways to face the little guy. His stretched out arm above him as the armpits hair presented themeselves again. Glistening as there scent flowed into the air. "You ready?" He asked them, bringing the stashed tissues from his pocket. Lowering them down just next to them.

"You got it!" The little guy saluted. hopping closer to matt, he grabbed a tissue as he burritoed himself into it. Adding a little twist to tighten it, he waddled over to Matt's armpit and jumped into its embrace. Rolling off the wet surface, but stopped when fingers pressed into him.

"That's what I'm talking about.." Matt responded, holding against the tissue the little guy was in. Proceeding to roll his body around his pits. Feeling the tissue soak up the sweat, its once dry surface turning damp as particles brushed into the hair. Making the salty scent become thicker with each brush he would make.

The little guy rolled around the armpit as his vision flipped constantly. His gaze meeting the ceiling as it tilted to the floor. Hairs rising beneath him as it shroud him into a damp space. The hairs bristling into his ears as few poked inside them. His face meeting the bare skin as sweat washed into him. He wanted to speak to Matt as he rolled around, but decided not to as he basked more into the pits scent. Rocking his head around to burrow himself into the skin. His face starting to become slicker, his shifts brushing more into the hairs as he darted into a knotted bunch. His head nudged underneath them as they pinned him against the pit.

"Heh, got yourself in quite the predicament." Matt noted playfully. Pinching softly at their body as he rotated him around like a Q-tip. Nudging him against his pit as he poked him higher into the the knotted hairs. Rubbing him heavily in the process to clear more of the sweat, Before retracting him as he shifted around. Raising his other arm to the air as he brought them toward it. "Got one more for ya.." He announced. Letting them adjust their head to get it comfortable, before plunging them to the bottom of the pit. Gliding him along the dry skin before it transitioned back to being damp. The little guy sliding quickly over the hairs as he plunged into the middle of it. The arm closing over him as Matt hugged it to his side.

Inside, The little guy was overwhelmed by hairs. Nuzzled up between a bush of it as it cushioned against his back. A portion of it toppling over his head as muscle laid ontop. Pulsing softly with each clench Matt would make. "This ones a little bit warmer" The little huffed, the area around heating his body with his musk. All the while feeling the cool air blow into his feet.

"How you enjoying it in there? Still comfortable?" Matt asked, softening his breath as he observed his armpit. A little shift signaling a nod as he smiled. "hmhm good" He responded, bringing his finger to the pair of feet dangling from under his arm. Fondling at them, he tapped at their soles as the pallet scrunched in place.

"Hehehe" a muffled laugh came from his arm. Their legs beginning to wave as the tickling feeling raced through his feet.

"Such a sensitive little fellow. I like that" Matt responded, grinding his arm slowly to feel more of their body against his pit. Finally Lifting his arm to air as he fetched the little guy. Bringing them back to his face as he gave them a little kiss. "Mm! You really do smell like now. I can smell the sweat and cologne all over you"

"Heh, I've got you to thank for that" the tiny responded. Matt giving him one more kiss before setting him down onto his chest.

"Hmhm, well I suppose that is true. But it's nothing compared the rubs you did." Matt replied. Looking down at his pants, a cylinder like bulge began to form along the side of his leg. "Speaking of rubs, I think there's one more thing I want you to tend to.." He said unfastening his pants. Undoing his button, he pulled the zipper down to the bottom. The bulge inside taking initiative as it slid across his waist in his underwear. Its form pulsing as bits of the fabric lifted off his waist

"You mean it!" The tiny said excited.

"Course I mean it" Matt replied. Widening more of his legs as his pants slide off. Fumbling with the flap as he pushed them to the side.

The little guy smiled upon his response. Getting from his chest as he walked down to his waist. Moving over the bottom of the crumpled shirt, he stopped when his feet touched bare skin. The hairs Stretching from the waist as they brushed into him. Caressing his shoes before a hand reached for the waistband. Ringing into it, he watched as Matt pulled them down. Air sucking into the underwear as it stretched to the air, blowing back slowly as Musk flowed over him. "Your scent is strong sir." The little guy noted, the smell of cologne and sweat washing over as he fanned softly at the air.

"I try to keep it toned down there, but even cologne won't help it." Matt replied, wafting the elastic waistband as it fanned more of its scent toward him. "Having second thought?" He asked playfully, the shaft ahead wiggling with anticipation.

"Are you kidding, no way!" The little guy said, waddling over the skin as he stepped inside the waist. The shaft scooting closer to him with a flex as it nudged into his legs. Picking it up underneath the puffy ridge as he heaved it into his lap. "man, look at how big it is.." He muttered. Feeling the pulse in his palms as the head continued to swell. Filling his palms with warm flesh as its body heat illuminated the air.

"Hehe, careful" Matt responded lightly, his shaft bobbing in place as the tip nuzzle into them "Im senstive down there. One small touch and I might just cave in."

"Oh.." The little replied, a light smile spreading across his face as he reached over the neck of the shaft. Sinking his hand into his foreskin as he tapped at the side. "You mean like this?" He asked, rubbing softly around the fleshy surface inside. Feeling friction as the sticky substance coating it slowed his hand's movements.

"Mm..well yes. But.." Matt paused, feeling the strokes glide over his cock. "I don't mind it at all" He moved a hand inside as he scooped his palm underneath them. Laying him flat as he lowered him deeper into his briefs. Wrapping his cock as he clenched around it. Its squeeze sending the little guy with it as it pinned him between his palm and the fleshy organ. "Let's say we turn things up" He announced, letting the waistband snap against his wrist. Slowly arching his hips upward as his hand stroked up and down its length.

Inside, The little guy was moved around the shaft. Cocooned by muscle as the the palm moved up along the shaft. The tip compressed underneath his chin as he skyrocketed upward, pulling back down as the smooth head pushed back up. Bits of sweat and pre from the slit scooping into his chin before the foreskin glossed after it. "Mph..mph" They huffed between each stroke. The heat around getting hotter, the cock's pulse becoming more audible in his ear. It was all he could focus on as he was caressed over Matt's cock. Feeling its stiffness become more harder as it stuck against his palm. He prepared to relax himself, but a sudden wiggle from the palm interrupted.

"Come on now" Matt's voice pierced through the air. A sense of playfulness in his voice as the shaft bounced from one side of the fabric to the other. "You don't think I'm gonna get off on my own now do you?" He asked softly. Fumbling his palm around the his shaft as he pushed its length upward. The little guy pushed slightly, but stopped when his thumb rested along his back. As it did, he pressed them up his cock. Lifting him til he felt their head cushion against it.

"Heh, well I suppose you have a point there." The tiny agreed, shimmying his head to nuzzle his head closer. His chin touching the corner of the puffed edge as salty musk from its skin filled his nose. He stayed there for a second, taking in more of the frowsty scent before lowering his head to align against it. Sliding his head upward as he rubbed against the warm tender flesh.

"mm..alright, Im feelin' it" Matt said happily. Feeling the light pressure against his cockhead.

The little guy smiled as he got approvement from Matt. Continuing his rubs as he pushed him up closer. Tilting his face upward as his tucked his face against the puffy edge. His vision becoming dim as dark pink skin blocked his view. The heavy pulse inside thumping into his body. Hearing the firm contractions inside as low squeaks echoed inside.

"Mmm pretty good. Now let's-"

A knock on the door would interrupt the two, a shadow casting behind. "Matt! We need you back on the set! The sirector wants a few more lines put in."

"Of all the times.." Matt muttered, turning towards the door. "Yeah, I hear ya. "I'll be out there in a sec" He said to them. The shadow at the door disappeared as the light returned to the panel. Matt giving a slight sigh, but looked down when a firm squeeze met his shaft.

"Duty calls?" The little guy asked plafully, rubbing his head into the tip.

"Heh yeah." Matt replied, bringing a thumb over their head as he patted softly against it. "I guess an actors work is never. We'll have to continue this later.." He moved his hand down his briefs til his fingers sunk underneath his sac. Scooping the orbs further up as their round edges rested against the little. With a confirm lift along them, he let go before retracting his hand. Letting the underwear snap back against him as he zipped back his pants. "For now you just sit tight. It's gonna be a bit before we do more" He assured, patting at his crotch before he went out the door.

"Mmm don't worry about me.." The little guy responded, laying across Matt's cock, the thighs around him moving around him as the balls rocked as his legs. "I'll be just fine" He huffed.

[hiddenonyx]

Risk of Falling - (Simeon x Solomon)

A/N: So I wrote this very late at night last night (so the editing might be iffy) for my good friend Pen. We were talking about Simeon being an absolute bottom and how easy it would be to fluster him. And then this came from it. Two things to note here, I personally headcanon that angels cannot have sex with others outside their race or they'll lose their wings/fall. Secondly, this is suggestive bordering on NSFW? Maybe? I dunno. Enjoy!

Word count: 928

The room is silent, save for Simeon's soft, pleasant humming and the faint rustle of fabric. He hums a made up song as he folds his laundry, letting the mundane task provide his mind a bit of respite. He smiles softly as he folds one of his RAD dress shirts and then begins to reach for the next article of clothing. The sound of his door opening softly catches his attention and he looks over his shoulder.

  Solomon smiles at him as he softly closes the door, striding over to him casually. Solomon's eyes glance over him and he raises an eyebrow, "A t-shirt and sweatpants? Never I thought I'd see the day."

Simeon laughs a little, a small prickle of embarrassment heating his cheeks as he turns his attention back to his basket of clothes, "I've been doing chores and cleaning for most of the day. I...I didn't see the need-"

"I'm teasing, Simeon."

  Simeon's breath hitches, feeling Solomon's warm breath tickle the side of his neck, white hair brushing his cheek. He can feel Solomon's body lightly pressed against his back. Simeon opens and closes his mouth a few times, trying to find his voice. Just as he finds it, Solomon presses a feather light kiss to his neck, making him lose his voice all over again. Simeon can feel Solomon smile as he moves away, standing on the other side of the bed. He smirks as he watches Simeon struggle to regain his composure.

"Are you almost done?"

"Y-yes," is all that Simeon manages to stammer out. He quickly turns his gaze down the pair of pants he was folding, trying to hide how red his cheeks are, not that it mattered - Solomon could see how shaky he had become. They stand together in silence for a minute or two - Solomon watching Simeon struggle to fold anything correctly now that he was flustered. A dastardly idea crosses his mind.

"Simeon?" he starts, taking a few steps towards him. Simeon turns to face him and quickly takes a step backwards, and then another. For each step Solomon takes towards him, Siemon takes a step back until his back hits the wall. He tense as Solomon crowds him against it, a devilish smirk playing at his lips as he presses the flat of one of his forearms against the wall, next to Simeon's head. He leans in till their noses are just barely touching, letting each other's breaths fan on their skin.

"S-Solomon?" Simeon manages to say, his ocean blue eyes searching dull lavender ones. Solomon leans forward, pressing a feather-light kiss his lips. The kiss is quick, caste, and just sweet enough to make Simeon want more. He opens his mouth to say something but the words die in his throat as Simeon feels Solomon dip his head lower and kiss his neck, right at the pulse point. Solomon kisses the spot again, holding his lips there for longer. Then he bites, gently, before soothing over the spot with his tongue. Simeon keens quietly, his body trembling now.

Solomon seems intent on keeping him speechless, repeating the gentle bites and soothing lick over and over again, until Simeon can feel the skin buzz with the irritation of a hickey. Solomon lowers his a little more, starting the process of leaving another hickey on a patch of skin just below the first.

"S-Solo...S-Solomon," is all Simeon manages between hitched breaths and soft gasps.

  "Hmm? Yes?" Solomon's breath tickles his skin as he answers almost nonchalantly, but Simeon can feel the smile against his skin. He bites a little harder, drawing a soft moan from Simeon. Solomon's smile grows as he takes his free hand and gently rests it on Simeon's thigh. The angel shudders, a soft mewl leaving him.

"I should push him away," Simeon's thoughts are jumbled, but one voice rings a little louder than others, "If I don't...I-I wouldn't be able to resist anymore...I could fall."

Simeon's snapped from his thoughts by a harsh bite, right on his Adam's apple. He moans again, louder, letting his eyes close and his head fall backwards a little. He can feel the pleased hum Solomon lets out as he soothes the bite with his warm tongue. It feels...divine; so warm and wet...sinful thoughts fill Simeon's mind. He wants Solomon to continue, to do more, to do such sinful things to him. He whines softly, earning a soft chuckle from Solomon.

"Patience is a virture, is it not?" his voice is rough, gravely with desire, "So needy already ready..." Solomon's hand slides from Simeon's thigh to gently cup his crotch; the desperate, slutly moan that leaves Simeon's mouth makes his cock twitch in his pants. Such a naughty angel; he can feel Simeon's already twitching cock already wetting his pants with pre-cum.

"This is it. This is how I fall."

"SIMEON!"

  Luke's voice cuts through the moment like a hot knife through butter. Both of them freeze, holding their breath. Solomon stands up and glances behind him at the door. It's still closed.

  "Simeon, where are you?! I need you to grab something for me, please?"

  Solomon sighs and steps away, cold air quickly filling the space that he once occupied. He looks back over to Simeon, the dark blush on his face, the several, very noticeable hickeys on his neck, the more than obvious erection making him look like a delicious mess.

  "...I'll help him. You should…finish your laundry," and with that Solomon leaves Simeon alone in the room, needy and wanting.

[rosiesung]

7 Days || Y.JW

for @geminirules "Just Friends" collab

⎼⎼⎼⎼⎼⎼⎼⎼⎼⎼⎼⎼⎼⎼⎼⎼⎼⎼⎼⎼⎼⎼⎼⎼⎼⎼⎼⎼⎼⎼⎼⎼⎼⎼⎼⎼⎼⎼⎼⎼⎼⎼⎼⎼⎼⎼⎼⎼⎼⎼⎼⎼

Pairing: Jungwon x Fem!Reader

Genre: Fluff, Slight Angst, Friends to Lovers AU

Words: 3.63k

Warnings: Reader calls Jungwon a dick.

Synopsis: You are dared to pretend to be in a relationship with your best friend Jungwon. Initially, you go through with the childish challenge, knowing it will be insignificant to your friendship. But as the days pass, you begin to realise your true feelings for him. Will your revelations ruin your friendship? Or will something beautiful blossom because of them?

⎼⎼⎼⎼⎼⎼⎼⎼⎼⎼⎼⎼⎼⎼⎼⎼⎼⎼⎼⎼⎼⎼⎼⎼⎼⎼⎼⎼⎼⎼⎼⎼⎼⎼⎼⎼⎼⎼⎼⎼⎼⎼⎼⎼⎼⎼⎼⎼⎼⎼⎼⎼

"I dare you to pretend like you're dating Jungwon for a whole week."

You looked at your best friend with wide eyes, a similar expression of surprise on his face. There was no way you were going to do that. It would be way too awkward.

"Come on y/n. Don't be a party pooper. It's not like you guys are going to fall in love."

Of course things wouldn't turn out that way. No matter what, nothing would change the way you saw Jungwon. He would always remain your best friend and nothing more.

Jungwon looked too embarrassed to say anything. Both of you knew it was just a dare. What was the worst that could happen?

"Fine. Starting tomorrow Jungwon's my unofficial-official boyfriend," you announced, linking your arm with his. Jungwon hid his face in his hands as everyone around you screamed and cheered. This was going to be one interesting week.

~

☀︎ DAY 1 ☀︎

Since you only had to put on a show in front of your friends, you figured the best thing to do would be to hang out with Jungwon in solitude. He didn't have a problem with your plan. You both had been having playdates together ever since you were three. He was comfortable being alone with you.

Both of you met at your secret spot. A small grove behind the schoolyard. It was a place the two of you had found while skipping classes one day. Ever since then, this was where you spent time together whenever you needed some peace and quiet.

"I can't believe you actually agreed to this," Jungwon said, mindlessly plucking the grass he laid on. You sighed, staring at the row of trees beyond. "A dare's a dare. Besides, we have nothing to worry about because we don't have feelings for each other."

Jungwon sat up. "You know that we can't avoid all of them for the entire week right? They're literally planning to hang out at the cafe just so they can see us in the act." He sounded worried. There was no need to be.

"Of course I know that. So what? We'll let them see what they want to. It's not like they're going to make us kiss or something. The most we'll do is feed each other and hold hands."

Unlike Jungwon, you had already thought everything out. You knew how far to go while respecting the boundaries of your friendship. All Jungwon had to do was trust you.

He cringed in disgust at your words. "You're going to pay for landing me in this mess. We've barely even started and I already feel so miserable."

You patted his shoulder, flashing him an assuring smile. "You're not alone in your miser mister. After this is over, I'll do all your homework for you."

Jungwon laughed. "Learn how to do your own first. Then you can come and ruin mine."

~

☀︎ DAY 2 ☀︎

As Jungwon had predicted, your friends called you out to the cafe. Both of you were supposed to show up together. Jungwon met you a block away from the cafe, looking incredibly reluctant. "Are you sure you want to do this," he asked, just about ready to turn back around.

There was a determined look in your eyes. "Remember when he had to play Hansel and Gretel's parents for that play we did in preschool?" Jungwon nodded. He could never forget that day. "If we managed to get through that, we can get through this without a problem."

That made sense. Appreciative of your pep talk, Jungwon took your hand and whisked you away to the cafe.

By the time you reached your destination, both your hands were sweaty. Jungwon was just as nervous as you were. Not only because you had to pretend like you were dating, but also because your friends weren't going to miss the opportunity to tease you.

Seeing you two enter hand in hand, everyone began hooting and cheering. Jungwon's cheeks flushed almost immediately. You had to drag him towards the table you were supposed to sit at. "It's nice to see you two arriving together," one of your friends said, making space for you.

Taking a seat, you watched in horror as they placed a glass of juice with two straws in front of you both. No one had to explain what its purpose was. You glanced at Jungwon whose eyes were fixated on the glass hesitantly.

"If we get this over with now we'll be at peace," you whispered, leaning forward to place one of the straws between your lips. You looked away when Jungwon did the same, feeling the heat in his face on your cheek. You were certain you had never downed a drink so fast in your life. It didn't take long for you to finish the contents of the glass, quickly sitting back up to catch your breath. Your friends couldn't seem to get enough of the event, laughing and clapping avidly.

"You guys are so cute," some said. "Both of you would make such a nice couple in reality," said others.

Sitting there amongst your terribly evil friends, you wondered how you were going to get through the next five days with Jungwon.

~

☀︎ DAY 3 ☀︎

Your friends had invited you to another escapade at the park. You couldn't tell what they had in plan this time but you were sure it wasn't going to be enjoyable. At least this time, you and Jungwon didn't have to show up hand in hand.

When you reached the park, Jungwon was already there. Your friends beckoned you over, making you stand next to him.

"Now that our subjects have arrived, here's your to-do list. First, remain holding hands the entire time we are here. Second, Jungwon, give y/n your jacket if she starts feeling cold. Third, walk her back home and make sure you give her a nice, sweet little kiss before she goes inside."

Jungwon let out a noise of surprise. He wanted to run as far as he could and never come back. Holding your hand was fine. He had gotten used to it because of the previous day. He didn't mind giving you his jacket, but you were already wearing one so he didn't see why he would find the need to. Jungwon could do many things. But kissing you was not one of them. It didn't matter if it was on your cheek, your forehead, or the back of your hand, because there was no way on earth that he would bring his lips anywhere near yours.

What neither of you realized was that your friends were willing to go to the farthest lengths to make sure you went through with their tasks. They made you two walk in front of them so that they could see your hands intertwined. When the sun went down and the air started getting colder, they made you take your jacket off so that Jungwon would be left with no choice but to give you his. Just when it seemed like your night of torture would come to an end, they even made you share a single cone of ice cream. When it was finally time to go home, two of your friends followed behind you to make sure that Jungwon did his bidding. It was awkward enough walking through your neighborhood hand in hand. Those who knew you cast looks of confusion and surprise upon you two. Eventually, you reached your doorstep. Jungwon let go of your hand, standing in front of you. He looked everywhere but at you, avoiding your gaze. You glanced behind your shoulder, rolling your eyes when you saw your two friends filming you from behind your neighbor's car. They weren't even attempting to be discrete.

"Hurry up and kiss me already. This is too embarrassing," you urged, slapping Jungwon's arm. He sucked in a breath, pressing his lips in a thin line. "Do you think it's not for me? I mean, I'm the one who has to kiss you for heaven's sake."

"Stop pitying yourself and just get on with it. The longer we stand here the more reason they'll have to punish us tomorrow."

Jungwon stared at you long and hard. He squeezed his eyes shut and leaned forward, pressing his lips onto yours without a second thought. You froze, eyes going so wide they might have popped out of your head. Even though it was probably only for two seconds, it felt like an eternity. Time froze as you stood in the foreign feeling of his lips on yours. He pulled away almost immediately, skipping down your driveway as fast as he could with a short wave and 'good night'. Still stunned, you entered your home, breaking into a smile when you closed the door.

~

☀︎ DAY 4 ☀︎

The next day, Jungwon asked you to meet him at your secret spot. So far, your friends hadn't made any plans to get you together. You saw Jungwon sitting in the middle of the grove, laying down on the damp grass as he usually did. Walking over, you sat down beside him, flicking his forehead so that he would open his eyes.

He grinned on seeing you, sitting up with a soft groan. "So, how was your night?"

You furrowed your brows at the question. It wasn't like him to ask you things like that. But you decided to overlook it. Maybe he was still feeling a bit awkward after the kiss you both hard shared the previous night.

You shrugged. "It was fine. How was yours?"

"I couldn't sleep," he revealed. It sounded like he'd been dying to tell you. "Why's that," you asked, believing that you had an idea of the reason.

"Last night scarred me," Jungwon shared, pretending to gag. You didn't know why, but hearing him say that made your heart sink. Suddenly, you felt horrible. "Was it really that bad," you asked, genuinely curious to know what he thought of it. Jungwon nodded, making you feel even worse. "It was worse than I thought it would be," he added. Your eyes started stinging. A lump formed in your throat and the longer you held it back, the more it hurt. You knew you hadn't been eager to kiss him, but you would argue about how 'bad' it was. But bringing that up right now would just be stupid. Jungwon would misunderstand where you were coming for and that would just lead to another disaster entirely. You had told yourself that you weren't going to let this dare get to you, but four days in you were already slipping. The longer you sat there, listening to Jungwon whine and complain about everything he'd had to do with you so far, the harder it became to control your emotion. Not able to take it anymore, you got up abruptly and ran away, leaving Jungwon sitting there extremely puzzled.

~

☀︎ DAY 5 ☀︎

You didn't respond to any of Jungwon's calls or texts. You didn't have it in you to face him. He would be disappointed if he found out the real reason behind your sappy mood. So you were gonna wait till you got over it before facing him.

You still couldn't believe that you had been so affected by Jungwon saying that he hated the kiss. Despite telling yourself that you disliked it too, you couldn't help but think otherwise. There was something so magical about it. You had never felt that way because of a kiss before. Whenever you thought back to it, an exciting warmth rippled through your mind. Your heart danced in glee and a wide smile formed on your lips.

But you weren't supposed to feel that way. Jungwon was your best friend. Besides, he hadn't kissed you willingly. You didn't understand why it felt so special to you when it clearly meant nothing to him. You knew you couldn't blame him for that. His mind was wired to see you as nothing more than a friend. You found it hilarious. Here you were, realizing that you probably liked your best friend after having continuously assured yourself and him that something like that would never happen. The sad part was that Jungwon would never reciprocate your feelings. You were all alone in this.

A knock sounded at your window, startling you. Slipping out of your reverie, you glanced towards it, eyes widening in surprise when you saw Jungwon crouched before it. You didn't think twice before letting him in. He entered your room and stood in front of you, crossing his arms over his chest. "You wanna explain what happened yesterday?"

You frowned and turned away shoulders slouching disinterestedly. "Is that what you came here for," you asked, regretting letting him in?

"Well did I have a choice? You've been blatantly ignoring me while all I've been trying to do is make sure you're alright," he said, stepping closer to you.

"I'm fine. If that's all you needed to hear, you can leave now," you replied. You didn't need him prying and prodding at you right now.

Jungwon stood his ground, clearly not satisfied with your answer. "No, you're not y/n. You aren't fine. Tell me what's bothering you."

You sighed and faced him. "Trust me, you wouldn't want to know."

Jungwon furrowed his brows. He didn't know what that meant. "I think I'll be the judge of that."

"It's you. You're bothering me," you spoke, narrowing your eyes at him. Jungwon hadn't been expecting that. But he didn't let the surprise show on his face. "What did I do?"

"You made me feel so worthless and undesirable. But that's not your fault. I can't blame you because you're right to think that way about me. I'm just pitying myself here and there's nothing you can do about it so please, just leave me alone." The tears were coming back again. You didn't want to break down in front of Jungwon. His face fell. He didn't know what to say to that. He thought you knew he was just being overdramatic. He seriously hadn't meant to hurt you. Before he could apologize, you turned to him. "I don't think I'll be good at keeping this a secret, so let me just tell you that I'm starting to catch feelings for you. If that makes you uncomfortable then you can leave. If you have something to say, just say it and go. But don't ask me why I feel the way I do because that's something I'm yet to figure out."

Jungwon was at a loss for words. He stood there, gaping at you like an open-mouthed fish before turning on his heel and exiting through your bedroom door. You heard your mother yelp on seeing him, probably wondering where he had shown up from. A part of you wished that he hadn't left, but the other was glad that he was gone. You felt like a fool for letting all of this happen. You should have never agreed to this dare. Who would have thought it would lead to something like this? There was nothing you could do now. There was no way you could change the way you felt. Because at the end of the day, it was as clear as ever, that you were undeniably in love with your best friend Yang Jungwon.

~

☀︎ DAY 6 ☀︎

Jungwon couldn't stop thinking about everything you had told him yesterday. He would never have imagined that you would catch feelings, especially through such a childish dare. Your friends had called you out to the park again today, but Jungwon wasn't going to go. He knew you wouldn't be there so there was no point. He wished he could tell you that he hadn't meant half the things he'd said about the kiss at the grove that day. He was just trying to show you that the kiss hadn't made him feel some type of way. Not just that, but he was also attempting to persuade himself that he indeed had loathed it. Maybe he should have been truthful instead of lying about it.

This was exactly what he'd been afraid of. Jungwon was always fond of you. He cared for you and he wouldn't lie when he said that he loved you. But the more he thought about it, the more he realized that maybe he felt that way because he thought of you as more than a friend. Jungwon didn't want to convince himself that he liked you just because you had confessed to him. He wanted to understand the way he truly felt about you.

He knew every little thing about you. No one knew you as well as he did. Jungwon cherished your friendship and the time he spent with you. Whenever anything bugged him, he always came to you, knowing that you were the only person who could make things better. He relied on you more than anyone else. He couldn't go a day without speaking to you. After yesterday, he realized how important you were to him. The fear of losing you ate at him the longer he stayed away from you.

Jungwon hated knowing that you were sad. It hurt more to know that he was the reason behind it. He wanted nothing more than to hug you and apologize for making you feel bad. He felt guilty for everything he had done. It had only been a couple hours since he had last spoken to you, but it felt longer. He missed you so much.

So he left you a text, asking you to meet him at your secret spot. He kept his phone close, waiting till you replied. But you didn't. You probably wanted nothing to do with him. Nonetheless, he still hoped and prayed that you would give him one last chance to make things right again. He couldn't afford to lose someone as special as you. There was nothing for him if he didn't have you.

~

☀︎ DAY 7 ☀︎

Jungwon laid in the grass, staring at the dull sky above. It was filled with clouds, hiding the sun. The grove felt so big and endless when he was alone. When he was with you, it was much more cozy and bright, even if the atmosphere was gloomy.

He had been waiting for you for quite a long time now. You hadn't replied to his message last night, but he knew you had seen it. Just before he was about to lose hope, he heard the grass crunch a few feet away from him. Jungwon didn't have to look to know it was you. No one else knew the path to get here.

"What do you want," you asked, voice small but laced with malice. You were cross with him. Jungwon wished to change that today. He patted the space next to him. "Let's not pretend like we hate each other. You could do the worst thing to me but I'd still admire you."

You didn't argue and sat down beside him. Other than the tension in the air, everything felt normal. There was a scowl on your face. It must have taken a lot of convincing for you to come here. Jungwon needed to get to the point.

"I'm sorry about everything I said. I didn't even mean half of those things."

You scoffed. "Oh really? They sounded pretty heartfelt to me."

Jungwon sat up. "I was just trying to enforce the idea that I wasn't into you, on myself," he revealed, hoping that you would forgive him. "And being a dick was the only way you could do that? Jungwon, you weren't the only one who was attempting to suppress their feelings," you refuted.

"I know y/n. And it's my fault for not realizing sooner," he admitted, hanging his head. You sighed and shook your head. "This is so immature. I can't believe we're letting a stupid dare get in the middle of our friendship."

Jungwon chuckled darkly. "Maybe it's a sign that our friendship has run its course."

You turned to him. "What is that supposed to mean?"

Jungwon smiled. "I gave it some thought yesterday. We're both attempting to be in denial of our feelings. Obviously, that isn't working out. If it wasn't for this dare, they would've remained buried deep down somewhere. But I guess you could say everything happens for a reason." He took your hand in his, intertwining your fingers. "I never realized how much I loved this feeling until I had to go a whole two days without it."

You couldn't even hide your smile. "Where is this going Jungwon?"

"Maybe we should give this a chance. Give us a chance. Who knows? It could turn out the be the best thing that's ever happened to us," he said, meeting your eyes.

"And what if it doesn't? We would be throwing so many years of friendship away."

Jungwon shook his head. "How long are we supposed to contradict how we truly feel about each other? That would take a heavier toll on us."

You laughed, squeezing his hand. "It doesn't hurt to try I guess."

Jungwon beamed. "That's the spirit!" It felt nice to see you smiling at him again. He was grateful for that. It was funny how a large part of his mood depended on you. If you were happy, he was happy. If you were sad, he was sad. His entire world revolved around you, and Jungwon knew the best thing to do was strengthen that bond.

"So, will you be my girlfriend," he asked, smiling cheekily. You bit your lip, looking at him through your lashes. "Of course I will."

⎼⎼⎼⎼⎼⎼⎼⎼⎼⎼⎼⎼⎼⎼⎼⎼⎼⎼⎼⎼⎼⎼⎼⎼⎼⎼⎼⎼⎼⎼⎼⎼⎼⎼⎼⎼⎼⎼⎼⎼⎼⎼⎼⎼⎼⎼⎼⎼⎼⎼���⎼

A/N: I hope you enjoyed reading this fic. Please let me know how you found it! Thank you so much!

[dragon-kazansky]

Professor | Special ending

Professor AU!

Gender neutral reader

For all the horny bitches who didn't want to choose~

SMUT!!! So much smut!

[Previous chapter]

[Lauda's ending]

[Zemo's ending]

The special ending

You turned to the tent beside you and walked inside. The smile remained present on your lips as you made your way over to the buffet table. You picked up a plate and began to pick at the options.

Both Zemo and Lauda were confused. They hadn't accounted for the fact you wouldn't choose one of them. Their time with you had been so special and wonderful, they were sure you would fall for one of them.

They look at each other and come to a silent agreement. Both men push off where they had been meaning and make their way toward the tent. They say nothing as they enter together, only Niki stands back as Helmut walks over to you. He places a hand on your back and leans in close, not caring who sees.

"What are you playing at, draga?" He asks, keeping his voice quiet.

"You want me to choose."

"Yes. Me or him. Unless, you choose neither. A heads up would have been nice. Was our time together not good enough?"

"It was amazing, but I'm not going to choose."

Zemo casts a glance at Lauda before grabbing your arm firmly and guiding you out of the tent. Niki follows behind. Zemo takes you to a secluded spot and both men stand in front of you.

"So, no one?" Lauda asks, heart aching at the thought.

You cross your arms and look at them both.

"How am I suppose to choose? It's not fair I fell in love with two of my professors. You've both been amazing, and the sex has been really good," you grin, "but you can't expect me to choose."

They look at each other and then at you.

"Then what do you want?" Zemo asks, not willing to just give up. You were the most amazing person he had ever known and he didn't want to let that go.

"Both of you or none of you."

Lauda shook his head softly, his curls bouncing with the movement. "No way."

You frown. "Then, neither of you."

Helmut clenched his jaw. He looked at Niki who looked just as unhappy. If they don't do something, they'll lose you for good.

"Then I am fine with this arrangement," Zemo said, looking at Lauda.

Niki looks up at Helmut.

"Are you serious? We can't stand each other!" He hissed.

"Only when we are competing over the one person we hold dear. If the only other option is be civil and share, then I don't see the issue. Just another person to love and spoil," Helmut smirked.

Niki seemed taken back by that, but he wasn't saying anything. This indicated to you that he didn't hate that idea.

Maybe they actually kind of like each other?

You look at Lauda and take a step closer to him. You reach out and take his hand, bringing it your lips. His eyes watch you as you kiss his fingers delicately.

"Please, Niki. I don't want to choose."

Zemo comes up behind you and wraps his arms around you. You do not take our gaze away from Lauda. You keep a hold of his hand and look at him.

Niki doesn't want to lose you.

He nods.

Zemo grins as he lowers his head near your ear. He eyes are also cast upon Niki.

"Let us show our darling Y/N exactly what they're getting into," he practically growls into your ear.

Niki runs his tongue across his bottom lip as he takes hold of your hand and began to pull you away. Zemo laughs and follows.

They take you far from the celebrations and back toward the university. The halls are pretty much empty now, so there is no one to see you with your former professors. Niki takes you to his office. His desk is empty now, everything packed away in his car.

"One last fuck on the desk?" You ask, smiling at him.

Niki closes in on you and captures your lips against his. His hold is far from gentle, but you're not going to complain. You love it when Niki is hungry for your affection.

Those long fingers of his work on undressing you, but when it comes to your underwear, Zemo steps in.

"Allow me," he grins.

Niki turns you around to face Zemo. You smile at him as he leans in close and kneels down. His fingers hook under the waistband and begin to pull them down. His fingers grace your skin softly, teasing you for what's to come.

Your legs tingle where he touched you.

Now, completely bare to them, you turn back to Niki. Lauda wastes no time attaching his lips to your neck as his hands wander across the span of your body. His large hands are warm against your skin.

So focused on Niki and what he was doing, you jumped slightly when Zemo's own hands snaked around your body from behind. His fingers trailed down, down, down.

You gasp sharply.

While Niki's hands had come up to caress your chest and neck, Zemo's hands were busy down south. His fingers worked their magic, like he had done so many times before.

Zemo chuckles in your ear.

Niki chuckles against your skin.

Barely begun and you were already putty in their hands. Both of these men knew you inside and out. They knew what you liked, what you loved. Now that you were receiving attention from both of them, you were in utter and complete bliss.

You were unable to keep focusing on what Niki was doing when Helmut was curling his fingers like that. His lips were trailing along the back of your neck, causing all hairs to stand on end. A shiver ran down your spine. Zemo chuckles softly.

You tip your head back, allowing Niki better angles to leave his mark. Zemo presses kisses to your temple as his fingers continue their pleasuring. There's a slight buckle in your knees, but both men have such a good hold on you, you aren't going anywhere.

One of your hands rise up to Zemo, settling on his neck, fingers brushing the hair at the base of his neck. The other settles on Lauda's shoulder as he begins his decent, kissing down your chest, your stomach, all the way down between your legs.

Helmut removes his fingers from down there to allow Niki's mouth to take over.

Oh God!

Your fingers bury themselves into his curls, tugging. That riles him up. His nips at you, not so gently, causing you to tug a little more. Zemo chuckles against your neck, knowing you were enjoying what Lauda was doing to you.

Niki uses his tongue on you. Your eyes screw shut as you lean back against Helmut, relying totally on him to keep you up as Niki satisfies you. You can't hold back any more.

Niki licks his lips as pulls away and looks up at you. His lips curl into a mug grin, his eyes glistening with amusement.

"You taste wonderful, Maus."

You can't form any thoughts as you look at him with half lidded eyes.

"My turn?" Zemo asks, whispering.

You nibble at your lower lip as you find your strength to turn around and face him. His hands remain on you as he looks you up and down.

"What are you going to do?" Niki asks, licking at his lips again. He can still taste you.

"Oh, I was thinking more about what they can do for me."

You glance down as his hands leave you, fingers working away at his belt buckle. He didn't need to day any more as you knelt down and took over. He grins down at you as you pull his belt away, undoing his trousers, and freeing him from the confines of his clothing.

You wrap your hand around him as soon as his cock his free. You grin as you tease him lightly with your fingers first.

Niki Lauda watches.

Helmut struggles to keep his hands at his sides as you have your fun with him. When you take him in your mouth, he really can't hold back any more. Much like you did for Niki, he buries his fingers in your hair. He tugs just as you did.

You moan against him. The vibrations of the moan turning him on even further. You can feel him twitch in your mouth.

Niki needs to do something.

That something is undressing from the waist down to satisfy himself. He never expected to get off to seeing you pleasure Zemo, but it was certainly a sight to see.

Helmut catches his eyes and smirks.

"Like what you see?"

You hum against his dick, your way of asking what he was on about. You don't get a response. Zemo just tugs a little harder at your hair.

You suck him off a little further, taking him a little deeper.

Niki wraps a hand around his own cock, unable to hold back. He keeps his eyes trained on what you were doing to Zemo. You've done that plenty of times to him, but watching you do it someone else, someone he is suppose to hate, it does things to him.

You take Zemo as deep as you can, he let's you do this for a bit, but he knows he'll be close to coming if he let's you go on for too long. He's not about to have you bring him over the edge just yet. Before he can pull out of your mouth, Lauda serves as a distraction for you to let go of him yourself.

Niki cums over his hand.

You turn away from Zemo to face Lauda. You lick your own lips, much like Niki had done after his taste of you.

"Let me help," you say, shuffling away from Helmut to Niki.

Niki's chest rises and falls as you lick along his cock. You clean him up with your tongue, tasting him. His eyes, however, are on Helmut.

Helmut grins at Niki.

A shudder runs through Niki as you clean him up. When you're done, you stand. You lean in close and kiss him. Niki's hands settle on you as he kisses you back.

Zemo comes up behind you, his aching cock poking at you as he wraps his arms around you.

You glance back behind you to look at Helmut.

"I want Niki first. I feel bad for leaving him out of that."

Helmut grins.

"Why don't we both show him a good time? Hm?" He looks at Niki as he says that.

"What are you implying, Zemo?" Niki asks, looking at him with suspicion.

Helmut comes up behind Niki and has him bend forward a little bit. He presses into him a little.

You smile at Niki as you caress his face.

"Are my boys going to fuck for me?"

"Your boys?" Niki asks.

"Yes, my boys."

You plant a kiss to Niki's forehead as Zemo takes his distraction as an opportunity to enter him.

Lauda gasps, but you swallow most of it by kissing him. You smile against his lips as Zemo pulls out, then thrusts back into him. Slowly.

Niki clings to you.

You wrap your arms around him and make a fuss over him as Helmut fucks him to kingdom come. Helmut was going to make this man feel as good as he made you feel.

You smirk at Helmut as he grinned at you.

"How are you holding up?" You ask him, knowing you brought him pretty close before.

"I think I can manage."

You chuckle.

"Are you going to cum for Niki?" You ask, eyeing him with a smirk.

Zemo gives a violent thrust into Niki.

"Would you like me to?"

You look down at Niki, holding his face in your hands. Niki's glazed eyes gaze at you.

"Would you like him to?" You ask him.

"Do it," he snarls at Zemo.

Niki keeps a tight hold on you as Zemo picks up his pace. He has definitely fucked you like this before. You know exactly how Lauda is feeling right now.

The sound of both men moaning simultaneously turned you on even more than you already were.

Both Lauda and Zemo cum together.

You grin as Zemo pulls out of Lauda. Niki takes a second to sort himself out for a moment. Next thing you know Niki has you turned around and bent over like Zemo had him.

"Your turn, Maus."

You push back against him, wanting him inside you. Zemo took a hold of Lauda from behind, resting his face near his ear. He was giving Niki the same treatment he was giving you.

You were all the same here. You loved both of them just as much as the other. Perhaps they didn't hate each other quite as much as they seemed. Especially after that.

Niki thrusts himself into you. Helmut grins as you moan. Niki grunts, both as the sensation of you around his dick, and the hold Zemo had on him.

The rhythm he has is perfect. You're a little surprised by his momentum after taking such a fucking from Zemo, but Lauda has the stamina to give you what you want, what you deserve.

You have to support yourself against the desk. Niki's thrusts are so hard and intense, you wouldn't be surprised if it was enough force to move the desk.

Quiet doesn't exist in this room any more.

Your moaning, Niki's grunting, Helmut's chuckles. That's all there was in the room.

You scrape your nails against the hard wood of the desk. Niki was buried so deep in you, you can't think straight. Zemo was still caressing Lauda from behind, kissing along his shoulder. He was enjoying the sounds you were making.

Niki wasn't sure he would be able to hold on for much longer. Zemo was already working him up a lot, plus he was so deep in you, he was sure he was going to cum soon.

He just really wanted to pleasure you.

And he was.

The only thought you could grasp was how much you loved these two.

Niki is the perfect angle. Just a little more and you'll have to let go. You can't hold on much longer. You needed to cum all over him, and he, deep in you.

You wouldn't have it any other way.

Zemo leaves Niki to come around the other side of the desk. He sits against it, cradling your face in his hands.

"Let go for him, darling."

Apparently that's all you needed to hear. Lauda's grasp on you tightens. You can only look up at Zemo as you ride out your orgasm. Moments later, Niki cums with you.

Arms snake around you as lips Pepper your warm skin with little kisses. Helmut caress your hair and face gently, smiling softly at you.

An empty feeling takes over when Niki pulls out, but Helmut is quick to pull you into his embrace against the desk. He kisses your forehead softly. Niki takes a moment to gather himself before he comes a little closer and joins you both. You become sandwiched between them.

"Does this work for you?" Zemo asks, eyes on the other man.

"I suppose it does."

Helmut grins.

"And you?" He asks, looking at you.

You smile.

"This is perfect," you whisper, grabbing onto each of them with an arm, just wanting to keep them close to you.

They pamper you for a moment.

Niki plants a kiss to your temple just before speaking, "perhaps we should make our leave now. We have much to discuss from here and we don't want to get caught, do we?"

You shake your head.

Both men dress themselves, the pair insisting on helping you. You let them fuss over you.

When you were sure you were all ready, you all left the office. No one would know any different. You had gone ahead, agreeing to meet at Niki's car. Both of them turned up shortly after one another and you all got in.

This is the future you wanted.

How were you ever suppose to choose one over the other when both of them made you feel so special. They loved you, and you loved them.

Yes, this is happiness for you.

@ajeff855 @sky-writes-stuff @lieutenantn @lostghostgirl94 @friday18eo @yaskna @my-blood-is-maple-syrup @gingerwriter97 @luna-is-on-mars @wilder-fangirl @belle82devart @hb8301 @stardancerluv @killeromanoff @cathrin2405 @charistory @sleepyflutist18 @supercharged-tatertot @belle82devart @sexyundeadtrash @realremyd @goddessofmischief03 @myybebe @safiakillspop @scuttle-buttle @viviace @shura-gorl @fictionlandslanddreams @justfangirlthingies @zemosimp05 @celtic-witch-bitch @apparrio @thatoneartgalsstuff @somethingthatsaysbubbles @aloyssia

[rogue-durin-16]

YOU DRIVE ME MAD

Summary: Fred's and Y/n's silly rivalry may have more to do with love than with hate; after a fatal incident, some confessions are made.

Pairing: Fred Weasley x Reader

Genre: angst-fluff

Tags:

Fred Weasley: @whiskeyn-rain @lumos-solemn

Permanent taglist: @elia-the-bibliophile @randomparanoid @karlthecat15722 @thebutchersdaughtersblog @amourtentiaa

Warnings: brief mention of violence, blood, language (this seems a lot darker than it is lmao)

A/N: idk man I just love this idiot so here it comes another oneshot. The reader's house is not specified btw. Enjoy <3

Rogue-durin-16 masterlist

Fred spotted me and walked to stand near me before asking jokingly "On your way to kill a man, Y/n?" Oh, little did he know.

"what is that?!" I exclaimed at the sight of my friend's bruised arm.

"uhm... Nothing."

"who did that to you?" I knew the answer before I even got it. My friend had gone to break up with that Cormac McLaggen the previous night; she had finally listened to us and ended that toxic relationship they had, but apparently she got a souvenir from it.

"It's fine- he didn't mean to- Y/n don't do anything stupid." Too late, I saw red.

"I don't have time for your bullshit, Weasley." I curtly replied bumping his shoulder while I walked past him, making his smile drop in confusion. I never missed the opportunity to start a playful argument with him, but, as I had said, I didn't have time for that.

With the corner of my eye, I saw him joining my friends in the task of trailing after me.

I spotted the bastard chatting with his friends in the middle of the hallway that led to the Great Hall. "Oi, McLaggen!"

"Evening, Y/l/n." That filthy grin vanished from his face when I kicked him in the balls, triggering some gasps from our peers and a grunt of pain from him.

"Listen carefully, you loathsome pig." I leaned over to be eye to eye with him. "If you dare to lay a finger on my friend again— if you even think about it— I'll become your personal nightmare." I stood upright again, his eyes full of hate and rage following my movements. "You don't deserve a bloody warning, but I'm a generous woman." Poison dripped off my tongue, my eyes throwing daggers at him as I stepped back and turned around.

My eyes met Fred's worried ones while I made my way to my friends; they surely had told him enough for the ginger to know this was no time for joking and teasing.

His gaze then flickered behind me with panic and I realized a tad too late I shouldn't have turned my back to McLaggen; at the end of the day, pride overpowered honour in a lot of Gryffindors.

I spun around, grabbing my wand from my pocket, but I wasn't fast enough; before I knew what was happening, Fred was in front of me, serving as a human shield from the jinx.

The unknown spell hit his back and propelled us in my friends' direction. I was quickly on my knees, sitting Fred up and earning a grunt in the process, which I initially thought was caused by the fall. "Are you mental?!" My friend casted an Expelliarmus at the younger Gryffindor, long forgotten due to Fred's actions.

"My back— AH!" He yelped when I tried to pull him up.

"OI!" A first year who had made his way to the first row of students frantically gestured at Fred's back. "He's bleeding!!"

"What?!" I made him lean on me to take a look at his white shirt, now stained with blood. What I thought to be a harmless jinx turned out to be fatal.

"He's not supposed to be bleeding!" Cormac shouted, as panicked as I was.

One of my friends said something about going to look for George while the others shoot off to look for Madam Pomfrey.

"I'm gonna kill him..." Fred mumbled through gritted teeth, his voice shaky and weak. He felt so fragile in my arms, and I couldn't help the tears stinging my eyes.

"Fred—" his hands, which had been gripping my forearms, lost strength as the boy's body relaxed. "For fuck's sake don't fall asleep."

"... 'm trying..."

"FREDDIE!" His twin brother rushed to us, falling on his knees by his brother's side.

"I'm sorry." McLaggen had walked to us, keeping a safe distance.

"YOU'RE DEAD MCLAGGEN!" George stood up before I could stop him. Luckily for everyone, Madam Pomfrey showed up.

"Oh Lord! Mister Weasley, quick! Help me with your brother!" The Healer commanded, and soon they were pulling Fred off my grasp and rushing to the infirmary.

I was left in the middle of the hallway with my friends showering me with worried questions and reassurance.

What the fuck had just happened?

~~~~~~~~~~~~

During dinner, several girls and a couple of boys came to congratulate me for kicking McLaggen's balls, and it would have been a lot more satisfactory if Fred Weasley hadn't stepped in the middle.

As soon as I finished my meal, I headed to the infirmary through the now quiet halls, only to find there were too many people visiting.

Of course, George was there, along with their younger siblings and Lee Jordan, but in front of them stood Professor Flitwick, Professor McGonagall and none other than Cormac McLaggen himself.

"—already told you it wasn't for you!"

"How is that an apology, Mister McLaggen?" McGonagall scolded him, refraining herself from hitting the boy herself.

"You better fucking run, McLaggen, because the moment I can step out of this bed I swear on Godric I will—"

"Enough, Mister Weasley!" I almost pitied the poor woman. Her House was probably the most problematic. "All of you must go to your dormitories, Mister Weasley needs to rest." I stood on the entrance of the room, unsure of whether I should leave or enter, until Flitwick's eyes landed on my form. He redirected McGonagall's attention to me, and I felt the need of shying away. "Miss Y/l/n," I didn't miss the failed attempt of Fred to move; luckily, he was stopped by his sister. "I suppose you wanted to pay a visit?"

"Uhm... I did, Professor." I confessed, fidgeting with the sleeves of my robe. "I know it's late—"

"Don't take too long." She spoke, motioning everyone to follow her. "Curfew is still at 10." She reminded me in a warning tone, passing by.

As soon as they were out, I made my way to Fred, who lay on his stomach in one of the beds, the sheets only covering his legs an hips in order to avoid the clothing chaffing his damaged skin.

"You have a heart after all, huh?" He teased once I stood in front of him.

"How are you?" He frowned at my genuine question; the ginger surely expected me to make a witty comeback, but again, it didn't seem the time.

"A tad better." He gave me a reassuring half smile, deciding to drop our banter for a night. "Flitwick said he used a stinging jinx but casted it wrong." Fred huffed. "A bloody tosser."

He motioned at the chair behind me and I sat down, scooting closer to the bed. I still couldn't wrap my head around the fact that he had jumped in front of me. It had hit his back, but I knew it was meant to hit my face —what a mess that would have been—, and I couldn't help but feel a bit guilty.

"Stop that."

"Stop what?"

"It's not on you." I felt my face flaring up at the ease with which he saw through me. I wasn't the first time he did that, but it was the first time he didn't use it to tease me.

"I know, I just—" I sighed. "I don't know." Though my sight was casted down, I still felt his worried gaze on me. "I'm gonna murder him."

"I reckon George will overtake us both on that." He tried to laugh but ended up in a since instead. "Or Gin. Maybe they'll team up with Ron and we'll find a corpse in the Gryffindor common room tomorrow." This time it was me who laughed. "How's your friend?"

"She'll be alright." I informed, distracting myself with a loose string at the hem of my skirt.

"And you?" I met his eyes with a hum leaving my mouth. "How are you?"

"Been better." I confessed.

Silence.

"Can you pass me the water?" I nodded, holding the glass in front of him and putting the straw in his mouth so he could take a couple of sips. "Thanks."

"No worries."

Silence again.

"Did you eat something?"

He scrunched his nose. "Not really."

"I'll go grab something from the kitchens." I didn't get far before his long fingers wrapped around my wrist.

"I'd rather have you here keeping my company." I then sat down again, his fingers only leaving my wrist to intertwin with mines. "I'm not hungry anyway."

More silence.

"Your hand is really soft." I reckon those words involuntarily escaped his lips by the way his eyes widened. "I don't know why I said that."

"Yours is too, surprisingly."

"Surprisingly?" He quirked an eyebrow at me, and I didn't quite realise what his grin was about until I spoke again.

"I imagined they'd be more rough." Oh no. "That came out wrong— I meant—"

"That you've imagined what my hands would feel like?" He was trying to bite back a laugh at the way my face turned red.

"No!"

"You sure?"

"Positive."

"Liar."

There we went again; the white flag was out.

"Fuck you."

"Please." My cheeks turned even redder, and I wanted to think it was because of the anger. "You look really cute when you blush."

"You look really cute when you keep your mouth shut."

"Then shut me, love." He wiggled his brows at me.

"I would, but I don't wanna punch you in this state."

"You're very agressive." He pointed out, shocked that I didn't get what he was implying. "I meant with a kiss."

"Ew-" I pretended to gag. "no!"

He tugged on my hand and pulled me to my knees falling right in front of his eyes with our faces inches away. "C'mon Y/l/n, we're dragging this on now." His eyes kept falling on my mouth after I had unconsciously chewed on my lower lip.

"We're... We're not dragging on anything." I wasn't sure if I was trying to convince him or myself.

"Do you want me to start? Alright, you drive me mad." He forced his gaze to be fixed on mine. "You're annoying, rude and a pain in the arse." I huffed. "But you're also quick-witted and caring and brave." Gosh I hated how easily he made me blush. "Sometimes I want to punch you in that pretty face of yours but other times— most of the times— all I wanna do is kiss you." His thumb caressed the back of my hand. "Hell, I threw myself between you and that blonker without thinking twice!"

He raised his eyebrows, silently prompting me to say something, but I just didn't know what to say.

"Miss Y/l/n," Madam Pomfrey called, making me let go of Fred's hand an stood up. "It's almost ten o'clock! Let Mister Weasley rest." I nodded, not even looking in Fred's direction as I exited the infirmary.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

FRED'S P. O. V.

The morning after the incident, Dean and Neville dragged in an unrecognisable McLaggen; they were probably the only ones who cared about that bloke enough to take him to Madam Pomfrey, though they did it half-heartedly.

I was discharged after three days in, right before lunch, and obviously, I was received as a hero; several people came to praise my bravery or ask how I was feeling, but I just wanted to see one person.

That night in the infirmary I was sure she felt the same way —hell, I had been sure for a couple of months— but after seeing her reaction, I didn't really know anymore.

I could always tell her it was a prank, and we would go back to our usual bickering. "Weasley!" Shit. "Fred!" She specified when the four of us turned at the call of our surname, almost jogging in my direction. "Can we talk?"

"Go ahead, darling." I prompted her without moving from my seat.

"In private?"

"Nah," I begged Godric for her not to see behind my grin the panic that produced me the mere thought of being left alone with her.

"Are you joking?" She huffed and, after taking a deep breath, she spoke. I wasn't expecting her to speak. "So you see, you're cheeky and stupid and not nearly as funny as you think." Ginny spit her pumpkin juice due to Y/n's harsh words. "but I... ugh! Okay— I want to kiss you too."

This time it was Ron who choked on his drink. "What's going on?"

"I feel like we missed an important part of this conversation." George commented.

This time it was Y/n who awaited for an answer. "This is literally the most embarrassing thing ever, so at least say something." She commanded in a rather rude tone, tapping her shoe against the floor.

I winced ever so slightly at the effort of getting up, but it was worth it when I saw her expression as I towered her; I reckon I had never seen her that sheepish before.

"That's a really mean way of saying you're attracted to me." I observed, quirking a brow at her. "Dunno why I fancy you so much."

"Well that makes the two of us." I couldn't help but chuckle at her attitude before cupping her cheeks and bring her lips to mine.

Finally.

Despite being a short, innocent kiss, was enough to make us both blush and grin like idiots.

"Awww" I rolled my eyes at my twin's mockery, knowing damn well I wouldn't hear the end of it.

"Why do I feel like I'm gonna miss you two being at each other's throat?" I couldn't care less about Ron's question as Y/n pulled me down for another kiss.

Almost bleeding to death seemed worth it in that moment.

[alvhiedeir]

Little Red Elf

Thor X Reader

3174 words

This is longer than intended and quite different than requested and I have no excuse than my lack of discipline but I hope this is good enough

You are seriously thinking about investing on a security camera.

No, it wasn't that you were worried about being robbed. It's was being, 'gifted'.

In an almost daily basis, different items would make it's way to your doorstep. Black roots, hyacinth, hellebores, poppies and other herbs that would usually not grow around the area. It was nice, that was the first thought you had. You were no Circe, the great witch of Aiaia, but such ingredients could and did help greatly with your draughts. So as much as this occurrence should startle you, you brushed it off as the doing of one of your friends working for Lord Osanyin who would usually send you samples of anything new. You figured business was just doing better than usual for her to give you this much.

Two weeks, it continued on. When you rise for the day, there would be a neatly placed bundle of herbs or plant on your front steps. Always perfectly centered. And for two weeks, you accepted each and everything in such giddiness.

That is until you until today.

"I haven't been given you anything, (y/n)," She turned away from the selves she was organizing and continued, "it's been pretty busy lately for the last month with the arrival of new supply from Asia."

Her answer gave you a sudden feeling of uneasiness.

"Then who," your voice trailed, dragging the weariness and alert in the air. Your friend was quick to catch the shift of your mood.

"But think about it," she placed the bottle she was holding and walked towards you, "those herbs are rare and what are the chances of a random miscreant obtaining it?"

It eased your nerves a bit to hear her words.

"Or maybe, you finally have an admirer even if your always holed up in your home!"

She laughed at the jesting glare you sent.

"Like you're any better, cat lady."

"Hey! Having four cats does not count as being a cat lady!"

"Sure, whatever you say."

You shared a laugh, the tension thinning out. After saying a few words, she went back to the counter to pack the herbs that you bought, the reason why you were there in the first place.

"You bought quite a lot. What is it for anyway?"

"Loki wanted some draughts to "bring entertainment around this damn boring halls", his words not mine."

She laughed, commenting how it sounded just like him. She handed you the carefully packed products, with a small purple ribbon tied on the basket as she always did for you.

Just as you're about to leave she called out.

"If you're still disturb about the whole mysterious gifts, why don't you try staying up to see who it is?" You thanked her for her suggestion and concern and with a wave, headed back home.

To say the least, her suggestion was not very successful.

After you went home, you got started on the ordered draughts and by the time the moon greeted the sky, your eyes were already heavy. Being stubborn, you stayed sitting in your kitchen, chair facing the window to see if anyone or anything would past by.

The minutes were slow and before you knew it, the sun has reclaimed its place. And there was yet another gift. A freshly uprooted crab apple tree that barely passes as an adult. How in the world did they get this one?

Another week fast approached and the gifts arrived just as fast. Cornel bark, elecampane, silver fir, the list goes on. Each night, you attempt to desperately stay awake to catch but a glimpse would always end up with you succumbing to sleep. It didn't matter if it was for hours or a mere minute, by the moment your eyelids flutter open, it was already there. Perfectly centered as always, in an almost mocking way.

"You missed us again", you could hear the ridicule from it.

As days flutter, the gifts and your frustrations would only intensify. One time it was antlers from a dear Australia. The other day it was the tusk of a bore. Yesterday it was the blood of steed. The last one made you panic a bit, but thankfully in came only in a small vial. It eased your nerves, albeit slightly that the animal was minimally harmed.

You tried sleeping in the morning so that so that you could roam at night. But when you rise from your chair for a drink or to go the toilet, the sneaky bastard have already placed another gift. You went as far as sitting on your doorstep for the whole night, but even that didn't help. The gift was on your window.

You were at your wits end with this "Persistent Santa" shenanigans (it was your friend who called them that. It was that or creepy-pile-of-dung-that-had-to-much-time). Whoever they were, they are good.

You sighed tiredly again, the dark bags proving Your fruitless efforts.

"Wow, you look miserable!" You silently snapped at the voice, too sleepy to argue but to proud to ignore it. His laugh was laugh, always happy to see others demise.

"Just give me the money, Loki." You impatiently thrust the basket full of draughts to him, eager to leave and maybe sleep for a few days.

"Aren't you greedy." The more he teases you, the more punching him right in the face became an increasingly good option. As if reading your voice, he raised his hands in mock surrender.

" I would pay you, but," he dragged his voice as floated closer to you, "I dont have my money right now. And the old man is calling me so can you wait a few minutes for me?" He smiled, oh-so-mockingly sweet at you.

A tomato would have been jealous of the tint of your check. The itching call for violence is now an unignorable howler. But before you can give in, the god of mischief is already pushing you into one of the rooms, claiming your silence as agreement. In a blink, you were in a well decorated room. The walls were cream in color and golden leaves decorated the corners. Threre were shelves of book against one side of the wall and-

"Wait a minute." Snapping out of your trance, you shouted, voice filled with vile, "Loki!"

But sadly, it came too late and the door have already been shut and only his feint mocking voice telling "enjoy!" Was heard from the other side.

You could sighed, pity for your own predicament. Moving towards one of the shelves with a colorful string of curse words following, you might sa well entertain yourself with something. The books were more old, and probably cost more than your soul. Each one was placed neat and organized, neither a speck or spot of dust could be seen. But one particular book caught your eye.

With a gentle finger, you traced the gold imprints on its spine.

Herbs, Medicine and Witchcraft

Unlike everything else, this one book was placed different. It was pulled slightly forward, as if recently placed back but someone else other than the organizer. When you pull it out, you also noticed the small, almost miniscule dirt on its cover. But other than that, it was nothing special.

"I didn't think they'll have this kind of book."

You sat down and flipped on a random page. It was filled with information about different plants that can be used for both medicine and, surprisingly witchcraft. It included their typical use, characteristics, side effects and their locations. And it was very specific too.

"I wonder if I can borrow this."

Page upon page was flipped, despite the fascination dwelling in you, drowsiness became unbearable. It was just so quiet and peaceful here. Maybe a few minutes won't hurt, right?

"Loki will be there for a while anyway. Might as well." Your reasoning seemed to make sense with your tired eyes and you rest your head. Not even bothered by the fact that you used the book as your pillow.

It'll just be few minutes anyway.

It wasn't a few minutes.

Slowly, your eyelids fluttered as consciousness begin to come back. You sighed contently, that nap certainly helped with your mood. You buried your nose deeper into the soft cloth you leaned on and inhaled. It smelled like fresh lilacs and the sun.

Wait, cloth?

You lifted your head and saw, indeed there was a neatly folded cloth on the place of the book. It was pale apricot, almost faded white and now that you are looking properly, it was a short robe?

"I starting to think you were not going to wake up."

Do you know the sound of a startled walrus with a respiratory disease? Imagine that, but worse. That how you sounded as you whipped your head in surprise to the voice. Right beside you was the god of thunder himself, Thor. The difference in size between him and the chair he was resting on was almost comical. You would have laughed if it wasn't for the fact you want to live a longer.

"He-hello Thor-sama." Damnit, what did you stutter?

He casted his eyes sideways to acknowledge your greeting, glacing right back into reading afterwards.

Looking yourself, it was then you noticed the book he was reading was the one you were previously sleeping on.

"It didn't seem like you were using it," his voice was monotone as for usual, "aside as a pillow, that is."

Ahh, the sheer pleasure of being swallowed by the ground right now would be nice.

"Ah! That- I! Yes..." You simply stared at your lap instead, fist clenched tightly on top. Better to stay quiet that to embarrass yourself further.

Thor was in between being an acquaintance and  a work friend. Neither of you talked much, aside from greetings and small talk but was more than used to his presence with the number of times you had to deliver things to Loki, enough so that you don't have to tremble everytime you meet.

But sitting this close, in a close space, alone, this was definitely the first time.

And it'll be the last if you're not careful.

The silence was suffocating, for you at least. You have almost jumped in your sit when he flipped a page in the book.

A minute passed and you are so closed to jumping out of the window. The room was too quiet. Making small talk won't be bad at times like this right?

"It's a nice book."

Wow. If you could, you would have hit yourself in the back of your head. Great thinking, really.

He merely nodded and the silence dragged once again.

"There's a lot of useful information in it."

Stop, just stop. Please stop digging your own grave.

"That's why it's a shame to be drooled on."

"I do not drool!"

In the distant, the sound of funeral bells rang clear in your head. The life you lived was good. Your friend will remember what flower you wanted to be placed on your coffin, and she can have your house, maybe even your-

Before you could complete your will, you heard a smallest of chuckle from the other god.

Huh?

You stared at Thor and sure enough, there's the tiniest arch in his lips. His eyes remains on the pages but - shit - has he always been this pretty?

Between the brief greetings and quick glances, it was hard to appreciate his beauty. Though mostly blank, his face was clear and smooth. Not a single blemish as one might expect from a god who knew battlefield as his home. He was no Aphrodite nor comparable to Paris, but he himself held a beauty of his own. You couldn't quite decide on if it was the light from the window or it was simply him that was glowing?

His neck flexed in the smallest notion as he read. The muscles of his shoulders were relaxed against the table.

Heavens. Those muscles.

You blushed on your thoughts. You tear your eyes away from his physique, the wooden table suddenly very interesting.

"It is rare to see you without Mjolnir, Thor-sama."

"I don't bring him when I read."

"Him?" The question lingered on your head. Was Thor one of 'those' people?

"Do you read often?"

"No."

"Are you interested in herbal medicine?"

"No."

"Is that so?" Your answer was awkward just as the air around you. But to the very least, the tension have eased out knowing that he didn't  obliterate you so far.

"Um, Thor-sama?"

Curse you and your need to fill in the silence.

"May I ask why you are reading a book about witchcraft? You do not seem the type to be interested in it." Realizing what you said was potentially insulting, you quickly apologized, eyes wide as you tried to explain. "Not that you don't look like it! What I mean is, um, - that." You stumbled over your own words with nervousness but he simply kept his eyes in the book, barely even glancing at you.

"... give you." His voice made you stop with your gibberish. Catching only the tail-end of his words, you looked at him questioningly. Only then did you realize that it has almost been a minute since he flipped a page, almost as if your question startled him as well.

"Ma-may you repeat that?"

There was a short pause before his answer came.

"So that I know what to give you."

Furrowed brows and confused eyes marked your features.

"So that I know what to give you."

His words repeated in your head, like an stubborn echo inside a cavern.

"I know what to give you."

"Give you."

"Give."

Oh shit.

"You're the Persistent Santa?!" The chair you previously sat on collided with the floor with a loud "thud". Hands planted heavily against the table, you casted accusing eyes to him.

Before any other words were uttered, your senses made its way back to your head like a harsh slap of water. You just yelled at the strongest Norse god. You might as well have dug your own hole and painted your tombstone.

But all fear and confusion left you as you stare at the fore mentioned god. He was not glancing down anymore but instead his eyes found its place opposite of your direction. And if one would look close, really intently stared, the faintest of red could be seen blooming in his cheeks.

"He-he's blushing."

Thor is blushing.

"You shouldn't be shouting here." His voice did not have the same air of threat and authority it usually holds. If your ears were right, it almost sounded like he was embarrassed.

Silently picking up the fallen chair, you sat down with your eyes burning holes the robe infront of you. Which you have almost forgotten was there.

Thinking back to the times you interacted with him, one word would usually come to mind. Quiet. He would acknowledge your presence or sometimes even greet you during the times you bump into one another but has never to made a conversation. Compared to Loki, you have always figured that maybe he was just more refined.

It wasn't until you heard his tale from your friend that you have gathered a sort of fear towards him. You knew how gods are, how vile and wrathful they are. And a god of his caliber could wipe you with a single flicker of his finger.

You would now bow and act more politely to him. Going as far as trying to avoid any contact with him.

But now sitting a mere foot apart, you felt no threat. No danger. And only then did you realize that you have never really felt any danger to begin with. When he speaks, he did not have the murderous aura that they claim to choke anyone.  He had never given you any reason to fear him, it was only you who decided to believed other's opinion.

"I'm sorry."

As if a trigger, his head turned to you upon hearing your timid voice but you dare not look at his eyes.

"You don't-"

"Not just for yelling."

Where did you get the courage to cut him off? You do not know. But, still with the false bravery, you continued.

"I mean, I have been very rude to you for a long time,"

"You have never been mean to me and I only returned the gesture by fearing you without any basis of."

With every fiber of yours screaming otherwise, you turned to look at him in the eye.

"I'm really sorry."

The longer you look into those golden eyes the more the heat on your neck spreads to your cheeks.

Guess his hair isn't the only thing red now.

"It's nothing," surprisingly it was Thor who turned away first. This time though, you eyes remained on him with a small smile. Youu have been missing out on so many things. But now, you have the eternity to catch up. And you're sure as hell you will.

"Thor-sama."

"Just Thor."

You laughed a bit, a sound that you did not notice brought a smile on his own lips.

"Why did you give me those gift anyway."

He turned his head to the other direction, but your keen eyes could see his tainted red ears.

"Loki said gifts were a good way to get close to someone." You grinned.

"I should have known better than listen to him."

His words dragged a loud laugh from you. The thought of him asking Loki, of all people for an advice was something you thought you'll never hear. And the small pout in his voice upon the next statement both brought you giddiness and butterflies.

Your hands instinctively covered your mouth, but still the sounds slipped through. And if you would have opened your eyes that moment, you would have seen the adoration in Thor's as he watches you.

Yes, it was embarrassing to ask his cousin for advice and finding those herbs was a hard task. But if seeing you like this, with lips arch into the most beautiful smile he have seen filled with happiness he once thought he couldn't bring you, then he would do it a thousand more.

Bonus:

Outside the closed doors, Loki grinned at himself. Trying to get you two was a pain with how standoffish Thor was by this was the most entertainment he had for a long time.

"What the hell are you doing?" It was one of Odin's crow that screeched from beging, as they watch the god smiling, and by experience it never means well.

"Oh nothing," he sing-songed. He floated pass his uncle but never before saying,

"Hope you're ready for grandkids!"

"Huh?"

But they did not receive an answer, only a chorus of laughter from the god of mischief as he drift away.

If you don't know who's Circe is, she's a witch in the Greek mythology that turned sailors into pigs. Odysseus met her during his travel home from the Trojan war. She turned his men into pig too. And it's a book of Madeline Miller too! You should really read her books.

This was requested by @tenshi-san and I apologize that I might have strayed too far from your prompt. I really hope I did your husbando some justice. He was so hard to write because that only thing I can see him as is bored😂. But I hope you still like it!

[sweetestlamb]

Wake Me Up Inside(Chapter 2)

Summary: Hope is a flickering light, coming and going as it sees fit. 

Author's note: Y'all like this? Color me surprised I thought everyone had cast Sujin aside based on tumblr post honestly, expected maybe 3 people to read this. I'm happy so many are enjoying, thanks for coming along for the ride. If any talented individuals want to make me a header that would be great, anyway enjoy the teen angst. More awful parenting, beware. it hurts me to write this but random immediate romance doesn’t make sense to me so here we goooo. 

The world seems larger, everyone towers over her as they squeeze by jostling her tiny body, she twists and turns desperately searching for a familiar face and faltering when there is none. Just blurred faces with stretched out smiles that are horrifying grotesque, almost as if they were painted on by a deranged circus clown. She begins to run frantically racing away from the figures, who are now reaching out for her grabbing her arm and tugging at her pigtails. She opens her mouth but nothing comes out, bringing a trembling hand to her lips she finds them sewn shut, silencing her petrified screams.

Then a hand clutches at her elbow and she's spun around, suddenly staring into the face of evil.

"Where have you been you brat? Everyone was waiting for you."

She tries to tug free of his punishing grip but his fingers tighten on her tender flesh, marking the delicate skin. Ignoring her evident trepidation he forcefully pushes her towards a table, with a large looming birthday cake.

"Hurry up and blow out these candles, you're almost old enough to be useful to me."

Screaming no in her mind, she breaks free of his hold running as fast as her compact legs will take her but she miscalculates and trips over a stray toy, tumbling over the edge of a pool she hadn't noticed there earlier. The cold splash of the chlorine scented water on her skin shocks her in a panicked daze and when she pries her eyes open the menacing face of her father greets her looking nonplussed by her hectic drowning.

"Good riddance." He smirks sipping from his cup as he stalks away, no longer bothered with her. 

Water constructs her airway and she continues to sink to the bottom. Forgotten and discarded.

With a flash she bursts from her nightmare silent scream on her tongue, it's his presence that silences her cry. Wide feline eyes regard her from his crouched position, it takes a moment to realize that the rapid puffs of air filling the room are coming from her lips. She grips at the mattress beneath her, hopelessly pleading with her heart and lungs as her body quivers from the intensity of her dream.

"Are you okay? You looked like you were having a bad dream, I called your name a few times."

She's decidedly not any semblance of okay and has no concept of what that would entail for her but she finds herself nodding, lying as easily as she always does.

"I'm fine." Clipped and brisk despite the cold sweat on her skin, she's probably soaked through his shirt the collar almost plastered to red collar bones.

He doesn't reply further than pursing his lips and walking over to a dresser she'd hadn't noticed earlier.

"That lie would probably be more believable if you didn't look as if you were going to pass out at any second." She can hear his eyes rolling at her and it raises her heckles, she doesn't need anyone looking after her, she is fine on her own.

"I should go." She says curtly, forcing herself out of the dangerously warm bed to walk across the room and test her previously soaked pajamas. Damp, but they'll do.

"I thought you had nowhere to go." He challenges finally standing to his full height, subconsciously she flinches at the sudden movement and immediately he takes a step back pressing himself almost flush with the wall. Lowering his head until they are almost eye level. Shame washes over her do strongly she has to turn away, so pathetic.

Speaking to his bedpost she answers, "That was last night. I can go home now."

Her father will be at work until late into the evening, she just needs to lock herself in her room and she should be safe until school tomorrow.

He hums at her sounding closer than he did earlier, "You don't have to go. I'll find an excuse to give my mom, you can stay here."

No she can't. She knows what's going through his mind, probably the same thing that went through Suho's when he saw the blood on her lip for the first time, you poor little thing. Pity was always the first reaction but it never lasted, eventually pity shifted to annoyance nobody wanted to be friends with someone getting beaten. It was depressing, and uncomfortable to discuss and there was nothing anyone could do to help her. It was her penance for being born a girl and not being the best at least to make up for that disappointment.

"I'm not a stray puppy, you can't just pick me up off the street and expect me to stay. I told you, I'm fine." This time she says it harder, sharper with a bite that screams don't push me.

Unsurprisingly enough Han Seojun doesn't seem intimidated by her.

This time she gets to witness the eye roll as he approaches her but still keeps his head lowered as if deferring to her. "I already told you that I don't pity you, you need help stop pretending you don't."

But she's not pretending, that would imply that she wants others to help secretly. That just isn't accurate, she wants nothing- expects nothing. Her father pound any inkling of hope she had out a long time ago.

Stepping into his space, her eyes narrow as she bites out, "I don't need anything certainly not help from you. You're not a nice person, what am I your one good deed? Just mind your business."

She pointedly glances away at the flash of hurt that scatters across his expressive face.

She expects him to lash out, stretch to his full form and berate her, reprimand her ungrateful behavior and an even darker side of her almost expects him to slap her. I see why your father does that, you deserve it.

"Suit yourself."

That's all he says solemnly with a shrug before tossing more dry clothes at the bed and silently exiting the room.

She feels worse than she did before. Guilt gnawing at her, she ignores the offered clothes she doesn't deserve his hospitality or warmth. She disrobes and puts back on the damp chilled pajamas, that matches her better.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

That's what he gets for trying to help someone, his act of kindness thrown back in his face. Angrily he pours the boiling water into the waiting cup, starting his mother's mandatory morning tea. He's so lost in the routine that he doesn't notice her presence until she clears her throat. His pride stops him from turning around, her words were as painful as a dagger.

"Your clothes are on the bed. I called a cab."

He nods without looking back, "Get home saf--" He cuts himself off, maybe he's overstepping again. So he just hums and stirs the now perfect cup of tea with a splash of milk. His sister's will get three sugars, she has such a sweet tooth.

The soft snap of the front door closing is loud in the silence of the morning, the sun has barely risen. His mother will be out in an hour, he was worried for nothing. Nobody will even know she was here. He can pretend this was all a fever dream and listen to her advice, he's never minded anyone else's business why did he decide to start now?

Lesson learned.

He spends the remainder of his weekend not thinking about the bruises on her face and instead plays video games, bullying Suho into playing Call of Duty with him online until the stupid genius starts to win too often and it's no longer stress reducing.

"Sore loser." He scoffs at the staticky insult through his headphones, draining the can of soda he took from the fridge. He should start dinner soon, his mom and sister will be back from shopping any minute.

"Can I ask you a question?"

"You just did." He can't help but roll his eyes at the lame response but he pushes on ignoring his brain shouting at him that this is the opposite of minding his business. He hardly listens to his brain, his gut is much stronger.

"Does Sujin have any siblings? Or does she like to box or anything like that? " He tries to make sense of the night, maybe it wasn't what he thought initially. From his memory Sujin comes from a very affluent respectable family, there's no way right?

"What? What kind of question is that?"

"Just answer me." He quips impatiently, ready to let go of this unwarranted worry that's been weighing on his heart.

After a long pause where he checks if his Wi-Fi disconnected he finally hears a response, "No. She lives with her mother and father, she's an only child. And I’ve never known her to do anything physical like that."

His chest tightens, not what he wanted to hear. Her flinch this morning flashes brightly in his memory. He wasn't mistaken. He's sure of it, she'd been scared. 

"Why?"

He can barely hear through the ringing in his ear, "Nothing. I have to go."

He signs off before the other boy can reply, walking autopilot to the kitchen to get started on dinner. Chopping vegetables does nothing to stop the nausea bubbling in his stomach.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Taking the bus the next day is out of the question, he has spent the entire weekend wishing he had the nerve to get the girl's number but anyone he asked would misunderstand why and he didn't need anymore rumors circulating, he would just have to get it from her himself. If she wanted him to mind his business she shouldn't have collapsed where he could see.

The engine rumbles between his legs as he brings his motorcycle to a stop, swinging off effortlessly before tugging the helmet off and shaking his hair free. He doesn't notice the various lecherous female and male eyes watching his very moment, too focused on walking into the school and finding her.

Turning a corner he sees her instantly, sandwiched between her two best friends, they look like a high school brochure giggling as they walk down the hallway garnering the attention of most of the male population. The purple bruise on her cheek is missing, nothing but smooth blemish free skin. He almost does a double take. As all three of them pass him, he locks eyes with Sujin for a moment, the mask slides off for a second but the moment he blinks the façade snaps back into place, nothing left but a pretty empty smile.

He follows them into class, sliding into his seat and promptly going to sleep. He has to catch her alone.

Doing so proves to be a near impossible feat, she's always surrounded by her two bestie shadows and Chorong and the gang are never far from him either. He sighs forlornly even time he sees her only for someone to interrupt before he can approach her. All too frustrated.

He's sitting dejected on the staircase when he hears the bustle of students in the hallway, their voices carrying down the long space and he rolls his eyes imagining what ridiculous situation they've deemed as drama now. Last time it was Ju-Kyung having pimples, a topic that was completely groundbreaking and worthy of weeks of discussion. So it's with the smallest shred of curiosity that he stands up wandering over to the commotion.

"What's going on?" He directs to the closest person, some mousy looking girl who stutters out an indecipherable answer. He looks at her confused before stalking away to find someone who has a better grasp of communication. He poses the question again, to a boy this time.

"I heard one of the girls started freaking out in the bathroom. Screaming not to be touched."

He stands frozen before the words register in his brain and his feet are moving without his brain's permission. Shoving past gossiping bystanders, he easily gets to the front only to see Ju-Kyung covering someone with her sweater as they walk down the hallway. Immediately the crowd comes alive and they surge forward like a wave all calling questions out at once, "What's wrong with you?", "Why did you freak out?", "Who do you think you are? Are you too rich to be touched or something?"

He twists his head around ferociously at the last question, everyone in front of him gulps while taking a step back. The hallway is a cacophony of voices and shouts and he can feel his anger boiling, slamming his fist into the nearest surface-a wall- he gets everyone's attention.

"Go back to your classes. Now."

Some of the male students look as if they are going to challenge his authority but another step forward is all it takes to get the student body scampering to their classrooms.

Inhaling deeply he stomps off to find the source of his unease.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

It had been hard to disregard, how lacking of warmth her house was. Seojun's apartment had been brimming with warmth and love, the fridge bursting with papers and drawings documenting that someone cared enough to show them off. Her home was a large empty prison in comparison.

But she'd been right, it was dark and quiet proof that her parents were not home. With her heart in her throat she ran to her room, locking the door behind her. Sleep captured her before she knew she was in its grasps, waking up groggy hours later and forgetting where she was. Fierce pounds on her door reminded her instantly.

"Open this door now."

His voice is a low growl, even more terrifying than when he's screaming his lungs out. She grabs her vanity chair pressing it under the door knob for more protection.

She jumps when the door bulges, the loud crashing making it clear that he's slamming bodily into the door now determined to get to her.

"Please....stop." She pleads, tears already cascading down her bruised cheeks.

"Open this fucking door!!"

She's sobbing now, body folded as she cries her eyes out shaking viciously as her father continues to ran into the door, dread filling her stomach as he's never fought this hard before.

Then everything is quiet.

The pounding is gone as suddenly as it arrived. She doesn't let go her panic just yet, still too raw. Butt seconds crawl to minutes and she hears nothing so she finally exhales, sliding to the floor in relief.

She weakly crawls to her bathroom, turning the dial to the hottest temperature possible wanting to burn off his brand on her skin. After her shower she brushes her wet hair, staring at the bruise, it's turning yellow now with tinges of purple. Good thing she let Su-ah and Ju-Kyung convince her to buy foundation the last time they were in the beauty store. She will have to layer it on tomorrow.

She's starving but the thought of leaving her room with him in the house is enough to eliminate her appetite. Instead she puts on a warm sweater and sweat pants and wraps herself in a thick blanket, still too cold ice running through her veins.

She had never felt as warm as she did at his house.

A quiet knock thankfully pulls her away from such unnecessary thoughts. She simply listens.

"Su-jin, it's mom. I brought you food."

She sits up, crawling out of bed to stand in front of the bed. Her mother has never brought her food, even when she was nine and hadn't gotten a perfect score on her spelling test and her father locked her in the closet for two days with only a dictionary. She'd contemplated eating the pages before she was finally set free. Her mother had simply looked away, avoiding eye contact until she was safely back in her room.

But her stomach grumbles at the mention of sustenance and despite her best judgement she opens the door.

It's a mistake.

Immediately she notes that her mother has nothing in her hands, trembling herself and before she can slam the door shut a foot blocks her escape.

He uses the belt that time whipping her in places that others will never see, her back, thighs, and shoulders. Her mother's weakly calls out, "Don't hit her face she has to meet that boy you wanted this week."

It goes on for what seems like hours, he leaves her crumpled on the ground her body stinging as she refused to cry, blinking her tears away not wanting to give him what he wants. When her mother meekly walks over and extends a hand to her, she looks at her with listless eyes. Her mother has a fresh bruise on her cheek, her father hardly hits her anymore using Sujin has his punching bag instead but at times of high frustration he would regress.

She wonders if her mother knew that one day this would be her faith. If this was the purpose of her birth.

She doesn't take the hand. It seems there was still some hope left, it is extinguished now.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

The school day had been easy she's been hiding her abuse for years, no teacher had ever suspected a thing and she didn't even blame them. It would just be bothersome, her father was a powerful man there wouldn't be much they could do.

She slaps on a smile, allowing herself to be dragged around by Su-ah and Ju-Kyung, listening as they giggle about their boyfriends chiming in the appropriate moments to not seem disinterested or jealous. She is jealous though, of their freedom and innocent problems, she'd lost her innocence a long time ago.

She knows Seojun is trying to talk to her but she can't handle seeing him right now, having to face someone who knows what she's going through sounds worst than being beat right now. So she jolts at every sight of the tall lanky figure, thankful for his fan club who seems to announce his every arrival. She's on her way to having a successful day when everything goes to hell.

She's in the bathroom drying her hands when a classmate comes in, responding to the small talk she answers the girl's question before nodding her head in goodbye.

"Oh your tag is sticking out."

That's all she hears before a hand is brushing across her sore beaten neck and her reaction is instantaneous, she turns around catching the offending hand and twisting it.

Her throat wheezes out, "Don't touch me."

The girl stares at her wide-eyed before tugging her hand away, then other girls begin to come of the stalls to see what's happening and before she knows it she's hyperventilating on the ground, nonsensical words dripping off her tongue. Everything is too loud and her head is splitting in half just when her vision is graying out, she smells a familiar perfume.

"Su-jin ah, you're going to be okay. Just breathe with me, follow me."

Ju-Kyung's voice is calming and sure, not touching her but covering them both in her sweater as she models how to breathe, she follows until her lungs are no longer burning.

"Good. You're doing so good, is it okay if I touch you? I'm going to help you up."

She grabs at the bathroom wall yanking herself until she's upright, trying to show her friend that she's not that weak but a look of hurt is displayed on her face and Sujin doesn't comprehend why.

The other girl shakes it off though, now covering her fully with her cornflower yellow sweater.

She's suddenly reminded of her nightmare this morning as she has to pass all the students in the hallway, all pointing and laughing as she falls apart some of them even have their phone out recording her and she sways uneasily before catching herself, trembling the whole way she walks down the hallway until a loud bang and a voice she recognizes all too well silences the uproar.

Resisting the desire to look back she allows Ju-Kyung to pull her up the stairs until they're on the roof. Air pumps into her lungs as she's finally free of all the judgmental eyes.

She expects the other girl to start interrogating her the moment the door closes but it never comes, instead Ju-Kyung places her sweater around her trembling body.

"You're okay. Just keep breathing."

She does her best to follow the uncomplicated directions.

After a few minutes, Ju-Kyung's phone suddenly rings disturbing the quietude. She barely hears blood rushing in her ears like the waves at the beach.

"Okay we're on the roof."

She stills at that utterance, turning in alarm.

"Who was that? Who did you tell where we are?"

Ju-Kyung looks guilty, as if she wasn't meant to hear that conversation. She doesn't want to see anyone right now, can barely stand to be with herself.

"Call them back and tell them not to come. I want to be alone."

Ju-Kyung holds her phone in her hands gingerly staring at the screen, clearly contemplating what is the right decision. She almost lunges for the phone to see who is the most recent call, but it's not needed as the roof door slams open.

"Why are you here?" She shouts, walking away now furious that tears are already filling her eyes now just at the sight of him.

"Nice to see you too princess." He drawls back, following her further onto to roof.

"Will you two be okay? I have to go back to class."

She spins to glare at her friend, why would she leave her alone with Seojun? They have had any interaction at school that hasn't been antagonistic.

"Yes, we need to talk." He answers for them and that's enough to make Ju-Kyung nod before walking off with a smile in her direction. The door shuts loudly behind her retreating back, Sujin wants to chase after her. Instead she turns back to him spitting fire and poison. 

"I told you to mind your business."

"Are you okay?" He counters, eying her like a wild animal who can bolt at any minute, he isn’t wrong.

"That's none of your business!"

His expression remains the same, those beguiling feline eyes that scream at her.

"How hurt are you?"

Her emotions come crashing down again. He just keeps pushing and picking at her, no matter how much she shouts and shoves him away he just won’t go away like everyone else did. What is wrong with him? Couldn’t he see that she was more trouble than she was worth?

"What do you want to hear, huh? That everything hurts, that he used a belt this time! Do you want to hear about how he beat me until I bleed! Why do you care what happens me, why won't you leave me the fuck alone!"

Sobs ravage her body, she keeps brushing the fiery tears away fighting with her emotions but they won't stop and her palms are wet from covering her face, her breath is hitching until she starts hiccupping uncontrollably and she starts to feel light-headed.

"Hey! Su-jin! Breathe!"

But she can't, she doesn't remember how. Her body only knows how to hurt.

"Breathe, damnit!" Despite his shout, she hears the slight quiver in his voice but she can't discern why it's there but it desperately makes her want to obey.

When he cups her head, staring her head on she feels the vine wrapped around her lungs shrivel up and air starts gushing in until she feels dizzy, she sways back and forth gravity now also working against her and then she's being reeled in, her head placed on his chest. The thumping of his heart lulls her into a meditative state, she starts to count the beats and before she knows it the cobwebs in her head subside. Embarrassed by their sudden closeness, his arms are still by his side now almost immediately retracting from her head but she can feel his warmth radiating onto the skin of her thighs, she begins to draw back.

"Just stay. It's helping."

She blisters at his words, preparing to push him away.

"It's helping me, seeing you like that....it scared me. I helped you the other night, you should return the favor."

She puffs up before deflating, she'll never admit it but this is helping having something else to focus on, his scent, his heartbeat, the way his chest expands and constricts with every breath. The buzz of their skin nearly touching, his deep voice rumbling through his chest and into her ears, all placating and soothing her worries away. 

"Fine."

She's never known Seojun to stay still for this long after years of attending the same school, always bursting with kinetic energy so she's pleasantly surprised by how long he simply stands and lets her rest on his chest, neither of them saying a word.

She stiffens when he suddenly starts moving disturbing their stillness, she sees his hands balled into tight fists by his side and wonders what's going through his mind.

"You can't go back there."

This again, she starts to remind him that she has nowhere to g--

"Stay with me."

[amane-by-together]

Hanafuda || Amane Yugi

(Part 1 of 10)

genre: fluff, school, slice of life, modern au (where all wonders live)

summary: amane yugi spends his school days skipping classes until he meets [name] [surname], a student from the other class, who was also skipping classes and eventually the two of them formed a platonic friendship. cutting classes and playing hanafuda together strengthens their friendship but soon unexpected feelings blossom between the two.

“Amane-kun.” [name] was shuffling the hanafuda cards together for them to play, she glanced over to the choppy haired boy who was sitting crossed legged against the rooftop's railings. “You going to the next class?”

“Nah.” Amane answers while fiddling with his locks of hair. “We probably skipped three classes this day, wanna skip classes in fourth period?” he smirked playfully.

“What class do you have in fourth period?” [name] asked, giving Amane some seven hanafuda cards. “Math?”

“Literature.” He received the cards and scooted in front of her. [name] flashed him a quick grin, her competitive side is showing all of a sudden when it comes to hanafuda. Amane stared at his cards and groaned. “Ugh, why do I get the worse cards?”

“I dunno, I wasn't looking when I was shuffling them.” [name] purses her lips together as she analyzes her cards. Her [eye color] colored eyes met with Amane's amber eyes. “Hm. Let's start!”

“You go ahead, [name]-san.”

“Hm~? Alrighty then~” [name] stretched her arms and let out a satisfying sound from her lips. She placed a sakura card with the tag to its match and took another card from the stack and placed it along with the cards on the center since it has no match. “Winner gets to sleep in the loser's lap.” she added.

“[name]-san, you know so damn well I'm not good with these things.” he murmured with a blush while putting a matsu card on the center.

Amane met [name] by chance. He often skip classes alone week by week, no one seemed to notice his absence which was fine by him. One day, he decided to stay on the rooftop and saw a girl sitting by herself with her phone. It must be fate or a coincidence, he thought.

The thing is, he has never seen this girl from the classes he attended to so he assumed that she's from the different class where Tsukasa, his twin brother, is. “Tsukasa-kun?!” she exclaimed at their first encounter. “What the frickety frack are you doing here?!”

Amane scratches his cheek and sweat dropped. He spoke. “I'm not Tsukasa though, I'm his older twin.”

[name] blinked she stood up from the bench and went over to Amane. The choppy haired boy slightly backed away from her. “Your tone is lowered down a bit, your eyes shaped like the crescent moon, yeah you're not Tsukasa-kun.” she muttered.

“I'm Amane Yugi, first year highschool, from class A.” he introduced himself while twiddling his fingers. “I'm Tsukasa's older brother though.” he chuckled.

“[name] [surname], same year as you but I'm from class B. Nice to meet you, Amane-kun.” [name] sat back down to the bench, she patted the extra space next to her. “Come, sit next to me.”

Amane hesitated a bit but shrugged and sat next to [name]. The female grinned, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. “I guess you're skipping classes like me.”

“I've been skipping multiple times, no one noticed it yet, how about you?” Amane scooted closer till their shoulders touched, his bangs became parted from the side due to the slight wind that passed by.

“I started skipping on the beginning of first year.” [name] pulls out a packet of melon bread and gave it to Amane which he gratefully accepts it. Amane and [name] ate in pure silence, munching on to the bread that [name] bought recently which was originally for herself.

During those days of skipping classes, they would play hanafuda together on the rooftop. [name] would frequently win during their matches, guess luck really isn't compatible with Amane. The two of them quickly became close due to their meet ups when they're skipping classes together.

“Amane-kun, I know you have the full moon bright card.” [name] eyed him suspiciously but a shadow casted over to her face with a funny glint in her eyes. She placed an ume card with a red tag on it. “Red Poetry Tags, I win again~!”

“I couldn't even get a lot of yaku combinations.” Amane helped [name] to clean up the cards. “I knew I should give up the plain cards.”

Amane blushed at the thought of [name] laying down on his lap, he doesn't even know what to do when that happens, maybe he should play with her hair or massage her cheek?

[name] happily laid down on his lap, Amane grabbed his hoodie and placed it on top of her skirt. “Ne, [name]…” his hands reached over to caress her hair with his fingers. “Let's have lunch together.”

“Sure, I don't really have someone to share my lunch with,” Amane looked down on her laying on his lap and gave her a soft smile. He tucked a lock of hair behind her ear and started to pet her head, he reminded her of a cat. [name] would often keep her distance from others makes her cat-like according to him.

Though there's a part of [name] that doesn't want to open up to people, Amane was pretty much the same as her. “I got tired from work, yesterday.” he mentions with a small chuckle.

“Wait, you have a part time job?” [name] asked as her eyes piqued in interest, wanting to know what he does for work. “Where?”

Amane's cheeks grew warm, he slightly drooped his eyes and said. “I'm not telling you.”

“Why though?”

“You'd probably show up if I did.”

[name] turned her head to face his embarrassed look. She smiled playfully while wiping a dramatic tear from her eye. “You know me so well.” she faked a sniff.

“It's embarrassing...” Amane grumbled. [name] reached her hand out and placed it on to his cheek. He leans against her touch, the feeling of warmth and serenity made him smile a bit.

“But it's not. The fact that you're working is admirable.” [name] assured him with a smile unbeknownst to her that Amane's heart definitely skipped a beat on that act. “Pinch~” she cheekily grins while pinching his cheek.

“Owsh—” Amane tried to say while his cheek is being pulled by [name] and by that she releases her cheek. “That hurts...” he pouted.

“Have this for payback.” Amane returned the favor by pinching her cheek. Her cheeks were like mochi, which he likes to point it out just to tease her. “Mochiii~”

[name] deadpans. “You're treating me like some kind of mochi instead of a person.”

“Exactly.” The bell suddenly rang interrupting the two teens. Amane grabbed his bag that was on the bench. [name] punched a hole on the juice box using a straw and took a sip.

Amane leaned back against the railings, unboxing his lunch and ate. [name] didn't feel like eating, a juice box can satisfy her stomach after all. “[name]-san, don't you have lunch?”

“I forgot it at home.” she replied nonchalantly, she kept on having a stoic face until her stomach betrayed her by letting out a small growl. Amane stop eating halfway at the sound. “That’s nothing~” she denied that she was hungry.

“Here, I’ll give you some of my lunch.” Amane picked up a piece of egg roll using his chopsticks and raised it in front of [name]. “Say ahh~”

“O-Oi!” [name] flinched as she backed away from him. Amane’s brow creases in pure confusion. “Y-You don’t have to...”

“I can’t let you skip lunch, [name]-san.” The choppy haired boy smiled while putting the egg roll near her mouth, then his smile turned into a painful one. “Just take a bite, my hand is getting tired.”

[name] sighed in defeat, she was very hungry and was wrong about the juice box making her full. She tucked a hair behind her ear and ate the egg roll that Amane offered for her, his heart skipped a beat whilst she pulled away. “I guess, sharing lunch is not a bad idea...”

“Also, your lunch tastes good.” [name] scooted next to Amane to see his boxed lunch, she pointed at the ghost-shaped sausages, the bunny shaped rice balls and egg rolls. “You made that?”

Amane nodded with a slight blush on his face but the smile on his face didn't falter. “Well yeah, at the first time I made one of these they were all sloppy but practice makes perfect so I'm able to make one. If you'd like, I'll make you one or we can be matching too~!”

“Let's have matching lunches, duh.” [name] opens her mouth and ate another piece of egg roll that Amane was offering her. “But before that, I'll make us some lunch for us to share.”

“[name]-san, here have a sausage.” Amane feeds her the ghost-shaped sausages which the latter hummed contently. Amane took a bite on one of the sausages, he pulled out his phone and swallowed his food. “Hey, [name]-san,”

[name] stopped chewing her food. “Hm?”

“Wanna go home early?” Amane said with a mischievous grin, he's mostly the bad influence when it comes to reckless things like skipping classes. [name] had no idea why he has a lot of plans regarding this. “This is getting boring, don't cha think so?”

“And how do we plan to sneak out from school?” [name] asked, quirking a brow whilst waiting for an answer.

“We can jump off the roof.” Amane suggests.

“No. We'll freaking die if we did or even break our bones.” [name] shuddered. “If we did, they'll think it's just some lovers' su—”

“Nevermind that then.” Amane flailed his hands in front of her. “I guess we should wait till dismissal then...”

“Wanna play again?” [name] asked as she showed him the small box containing the cards.

Amane smiled. “Sure.”

Amane sat alone on a concrete bench, listening to the soft pitter patter of the rain surrounding him. Holding the clear umbrella from his right hand, he sighed as if he's gonna make a monologue or something.

He has friends from his class but none of them made him feel real. The only person who can make him feel like himself was no other than [name].

[name], to Amane, was everything to him. Meeting her was fate as if they were meant to meet in the first place. Back then, Amane admired some girls yet only because they're pretty. None of them were ever even close to him, he only felt shallow for them.

“Sorry for making you wait—” [name]'s voice cuts him off from his inner monologue. She held up her school bag on top of her head to prevent her from the rain. She grins blithely. “You don't have to be sitting the exact same way.”

“My uniform is a bit soaked.” [name] added with a wince. Amane licked the side of his lip and stood up to put the umbrella above her. “It was literally sunny recently.”

“Hm, I'll be taking you home.” Amane hands her the umbrella to [name], went over to his bike and puts his school bag in the basket. “Which way is your house?”

“That's like a novel way to put it but I guess that works.” [name] pointed out. “Sounds like a romance cliche, not gonna lie, lmao.”

Amane stepped on to his bike, [name] held on to his shoulders from behind. He was thankful that she didn't get to see his blushing face, because that's lowkey what every guy felt when there's a girl behind them on a bike.

Amane started pedalling. [name] closes the umbrella and sits down instead. “It stopped raining, by the way.” she declared.

[name] wrapped her arms around his torso and that's how Amane's face erupt in a huge blush. “[name]-san?!” he stammered at the sudden action.

“...Don't say a word about this.”

“I'm sorry, what?”

[name]'s face flushes, she buried her face on his back and that's where his heart started to beat faster. Out of all the girls he admired throughout the years, his feelings for [name] is different.

How so you may ask? When Amane is around [name] it's like he's sitting on a fluffy pink cotton candy or maybe standing on water that reflects a pastel pink sky with soft looking clouds with her. “You know, with you hugging me from behind isn't that kinda...” Amane turned his head towards [name] and smirked playfully. “Bold for you~?”

[name] tightens the hold in irritation. “Ack—” Amane's hold on the handle became wobbly but managed to maintain his balance. [name] elicits a small giggle in return.

“Hm, wanna skip again tomorrow?”

“If its with you, why not?”

“You're so cheesy.” [name] slightly smacked his shoulder. Amane turned ahead, a smile forming from his lips.

‘Nonetheless, I don't really mind skipping with you even if it means being with you...’

“Hold on tight, we're going downhill!” Amane gripped on the handles of his bike. [name]'s eyes widened when she saw that that they were about to go down on a slope.

“Cheers to us delinquents!” [name] cheered before they go down to the road.

Definition and terms:

hanafuda - flower cards that can be played in a variety of games such as koi koi (the type of game that [name] and amane are playing with the cards)

sakura - cherry blossom

matsu - pine tree

ume - plum blossom

-end of part 1-

thank you for reading, make sure to like and reblog if you love this post~

taglist: @closetwaffle @closetweebsmh

[mypunkpansexualtwin]

Pegoryu week 2021 is here and I have two whole entries that are gonna be done on time! The rest will happen, I promise, they'll just be late.

Anyways! the fic is under the cut and the link is in the reblogs as per usual. Hope y'all enjoy!

“Man, y’know you don’t hafta let Ann bully you like that, right?” Ryuji whispered over to Akira and reached for the flower poking out of his hair. To his surprise, Aki actually batted his hand away with a huff and tucked the thing a little more tightly behind his ear.

“First off, I do have to let Ann bully me. And then I bully back. That’s just what our friendship is,” he explained, not bothering to lower his voice while the girls were off getting more drinks. Not that it woulda made much difference, he was a pretty quiet guy even when he was being obnoxious. Usually. Ryuji cringed as Aki noisily sipped the meltwater from the bottom of his glass and held up a second finger. “Second, I like flowers, thank you very much. And thirdly,” almost against his will, Ryuji’s eyes tracked the swipe of Akira’s tongue across his lower lip as it shifted the straw from one corner of his mouth to the other before he continued, “red’s my color.” Ryuji swallowed.

“Y-yeah. D’you gotta chew your straw like that, dude? It’s kinda... gross.” Gross. That was the word he was trying to hold onto in his brain with both damn hands. Gross. It was gross, dammit. The straw chewing and the obnoxious slurping were habits that usually grated on his brain worse than a Metaverse confusion-and-psychic-attack double whammy. Today, though? Today he barely noticed it, he was too distracted. Maybe it was the heat or the jet lag, or the fact that seeing all these American girls with bikinis and curves that made Ann look downright bland by comparison meant that his brain had glued itself into the gutter. The fact that he almost never saw Akira with his glasses off sure as hell wasn’t helping either, considering the damn things had to be for everyone else’s sake. Under the scruffy nerd look Akira Kurusu was as much of a damn pretty-boy as Yusuke Kitagawa or that asshole Akechi with those effin’ eyes. That was an objective fact that even a guy as straight as Ryuji could see. Hell, if it weren’t for the glasses he’d probably be Shujin’s favorite bad boy--regardless of which way any of the students swung--instead of Ryuji’s fellow delinquent outcast. This wasn’t news to him, but for some damn reason something was different today.

Today, some goddamn wire got crossed in Ryuji’s brain and he kinda wanted to beat its ass. Today, he’d lost track of how many times he’d caught himself staring at those stupidly long eyelashes that any of Ann’s coworkers would kill to have, and the way they cast soft shadows over those perfectly smooth cheeks. Or the way Akira’s usually dark grey eyes looked almost silver in the sunlight. Or how they’d crinkle just a little at the corners when he smiled that soft little hint of a smile that already did weird, mushy things to Ryuji’s guts on a normal day. Or the way his lips were just a little fuller than either of the girls’ were but just as soft-looking. Ryuji wondered if maybe he used some kind of lip balm or something, but one without any color. If it didn’t have any color, would it at least have a flavor--

...Anyways.

Ryuji had decided to blame it on that damn flower. Akira stared at him, a little confused, the straw still resting on his lower lip as he breathed out a quiet, “huh?” Then he glanced down at his mostly empty drink and then frowned sheepishly as the realization hit him. “Oh! Sorry, I know that drives you crazy.” Oh right, Ryuji had asked a question and had already forgotten. Akira set the glass on the table next to where Ann had given up and dropped the other hibiscus she’d been hellbent on putting in Ryuji’s hair. He had enough time to grimace at the sad, mangled end of the straw--and the thoughts his traitorous, overcooked brain conjured up about where it had just been--before Aki reached out, swiped the other flower, and tucked it next to the other behind his ear.

If Yusuke were there (because that was what Ryuji needed, more clueless pretty-boys punching holes in his sanity), he’d have his hands up in that finger-frame thing he always did when he was planning out a painting in his brain. The artist would be ready and raring to try and turn Akira into his latest masterpiece... that he’d end up bitching about not being good enough to capture right a week later. That wouldn’t be Yusuke’s fault though, Akira was just weird like that; in every picture of him he just looked like Some Dude, like a background character in his own life, Guy With Glasses #3 or something. But right now, right in front of Ryuji he looked… compelling, or some shit like that. Pretty as a damn painting that you couldn’t help but stare at for a while and contemplate your life, ‘cause that was easier than tryin’ to understand what was in front of you.

“Seriously, Aki?��� Ryuji sighed at the second blossom now peeking out of Akira’s unruly frizz. He shoulda kept his damn mouth shut, let Akira keep chewing on his damn straw and drive him crazy in the annoying way and not… whatever this was. It had to be the heat. Ryuji was secretly dying of heatstroke, that had to be it.

“Red. Is. My. Color.” Akira crossed his arms and pouted, and Ryuji had to bite back a laugh at how his best friend had puffed out his cheeks while he sulked. Cute, but a safe kind of cute. Like back at the buffet, in that open kind of way that made Ryuji wonder what Akira had been like as a little kid. That looked like his opening to get things back on track, back to something resembling their usual dynamic.

Ryuji cracked a grin and flicked the bottle that everyone had passed around earlier. “Yeah? That why you didn’t put any sunscreen on, you gonna be the first guy to pull off havin’ a sunburn?” Akira deflated slightly, then snatched the bottle off the table and-- Oh goddammit.

That had backfired spectacularly. Genius move, Sakamoto. You can’t quit ogling your best friend like some kinda weirdo, why don’t you convince him to oil himself up! That’ll help! Effin’ brilliant. Ryuji hastily turned around in his chair and fixed his eyes on the shoreline. He occupied himself with trying to guess how quickly he could sprint to the ocean, and for once he hoped that the water would be cold cold. The girls walking by, all dressed in bikinis that’d look small on skinny little Futaba and were probably held onto those insane curves with more wishful thinking than fabric, might as well have been invisible to him. Since he had apparently pissed off god or something, all he could think about was Akira, very intentionally just outside the edge of his vision, slathering his chest in sunscreen. His incredibly flat chest; if he’d at least had enough bulk on him to have pecs or something, that might have taken some of the sting out of his stupid brain fixating on his leader instead of any of the women who looked like they’d walked straight out of his dreams. Ryuji was gonna set those stupid flowers on fire when he got his hands on them.

He swallowed around a mouth that had gone dry and tried to break the awkward silence that had settled over them. At least, Ryuji sure as hell felt awkward, Akira was usually fine with a little quiet and didn’t seem bothered at the moment. Still, Ryuji had to do something before he went crazy. “Man, I thought Ann was impressive, but compared to these foreign ladies… eh.” Akira snorted somewhere behind him.

“I’m sure she appreciates the break from being leered at,” he deadpanned. “Do you not have anything better to do than check people out?”

Ryuji’s stomach dropped a little as he whipped back around to shoot Akira a dirty look. Sure, he’d felt pretty obvious, but he hadn’t actually been obvious about staring-- Wait. Aki meant the girls. False alarm, no need to panic. “Man, shut up. And don’t even try to tell me you don’t agree. Like, these ladies are massive, the girls back home don’t even compare!” Ryuji snapped. Someone had to be appreciating all these beach babes, otherwise what even was the point of staying out when it was so damn hot?

Akira actually paused and glanced over at Ryuji with a weird look on his face before he sighed and shook his head. “I’m not really interested, honestly.”

“Man, I am gonna rip that tongue outta your head!” Ryuji exclaimed. Seriously, all those lovely ladies going unappreciated had to be some kind of crime. An international one. It was probably too much to hope Ann or Makoto would be taking up the slack, wherever the hell they were. It was apparently definitely too much to hope that Akira would let that comment pass; even if he was quiet, the guy almost always needed the last word.

This time, it was muttered irritably under his breath. “Yeah why don’t you come take it, then?”

...What?

“What?!” Ryuji didn’t even bother turning around, he just broke down laughing. “What the hell does that even mean, dude?”

“You heard me,” Akira sounded serious, except for where the last word turned wobbly at the end. And then he dissolved into his own fit of laughter, snorting once before he continued, “I don’t even know, man. I just kinda blurted it out.” The two of them cracked up a little longer, glad to be back to something a little closer to normal--and Ryuji didn’t think Akira’s laugh was cute, it was quiet and dorky and weird, definitely not cute--before Aki caught his breath and then stretched. And sucked in a sharp breath through his teeth.

“You alright, man?” He may not have been able to see Akira’s face with the two of them sitting facing in opposite directions, but Ryuji still caught how his leader had winced when he tried to raise his arm over his head.

Akira nodded. “Slept weird on the plane.” He rolled his shoulder again, then tossed the sunscreen to Ryuji. “At the risk of putting you in tongue-ripping range, can I ask you to get my back?” Ryuji was already up and moving his chair behind Akira, always eager to help his best friend.

“Sure thing, dude.” He had the bottle open and hovering over his hand before his brain caught up to him. Wait. Shit. Bad idea, bad bad idea! If he’d gotten all weird about Akira doing this for himself, how was Ryuji gonna survive getting his own hands involved, especially now that he was thinking about it? But he’d already agreed and if he backed out now, Akira would ask why. He sure as shit wasn’t gonna explain that.

“Earth to Ryuji?” Akira turned his head to peek back at him and… Welp. Apparently this was just Ryuji’s life now. The image of Akira looking over one bare shoulder with those damn eyes just barely visible past the flower petals, his face a little bit pink from the sun overhead, and his lips all flushed and swollen--because, oh right, when Akira didn’t have something to chew on, he’d worry at his lips instead--was seared into Ryuji’s brain. Straight or not, that picture just lived in his head now. And apparently so did about half of his blood, mostly in his face. And the other half… Again, he wondered again how cold the water was. Act natural, Sakamoto.

“Uh, sorry dude. Bottle was stopped up, I got it now!” He laughed nervously as the bottle squirted into his palm with a loud ‘pbblblblt’. Definitely no awkwardness here, no sir. Just a totally normal assist with sunscreen between bros. He was fine. He definitely wasn’t red enough in the face to look sunburnt. Deep breath. He was cool.

...God, he was gonna throw those stupid hibiscuses into the ocean. Hell, from this angle, he could probably grab them and slam them into one of the mostly-empty drinks before Akira could stop him. And Aki wouldn’t want to put them back in his hair after they were all covered in sugar water, right? It was a flawless plan. Ryuji was a damn genius.

He was just gonna finish putting on the sunscreen first, ‘cause he was courteous like that. No sense in letting Akira get a weirdly shaped sunburn because he chased Ryuji down for a couple of damn flowers. That was definitely the only reason he was still rubbing his hands down (and down and down) Akira’s back. Smooth and pale and soft, but surprisingly well muscled underneath, Akira’d been holding out on him while they were training. And those damn dimples on his lower back. Had he been wearing his trunks that low a minute ago? Ugh. Ryuji would definitely be going for a swim after this. He winced as he ran his hands back up over Akira’s shoulders.

“Shit, Aki, I think I found that knot in your neck. No wonder you couldn’t do this yourself,” he muttered and dug his thumb gently into the muscle. Akira sucked in another breath through his teeth, but tipped his head forward and let Ryuji work. The damn thing was probably about the size of a ping pong ball, and Ryuji couldn’t help but feel a little guilty every time Akira tensed up or hissed under his breath when Ryuji dug in a little too hard. And a lot guilty at the temptation to just bury his hands in his bro’s hair. But finally, after the longest two minutes of his life, the knot released and Akira…

Akira fucking groaned.

Ryuji was done. He reached out, snagged both of those stupid red flowers--and a little bit of Akira’s apparently insanely soft hair, oops--and stood up to walk away, ignoring his friend’s protests. The ocean could have both of the damn things, and Ryuji right along with them. He was done. Unfortunately Ann and Makoto had chosen that exact moment to return with fresh drinks, cutting off his escape route. Effin’ great.

“Aaannnnnn, Makotoooooo,” Akira whined as he draped himself dramatically over Ryuji’s shoulders, halfheartedly reaching out to try and reclaim the hibiscuses. “Ryuji deflowered meeee--” Makoto’s face fell into the most unimpressed look any of them had ever seen from her, Ann snorted loud enough that it sounded painful, Ryuji about jumped out of his skin with an indignant yelp that probably could have been heard back in Tokyo, and Akira continued whining undeterred, “--make him give it baaaack.”

Ann had doubled over cackling, and didn’t seem to care that she’d just sloshed about a quarter of one of their drinks onto the sand when she did. “I- I don’t- *snrk* I don’t think it w-works like tha-ha-ha-ha-at!” She managed despite howling with laughter so strong that it looked like she was gonna fall over. Makoto had set her two drinks down long enough to drop into one of the empty chairs and bury her face in her hands with a long, drawn out sigh.

“Why are you two like this?” She glanced up long enough to shoot that tired, unimpressed look up at Akira and Ryuji.

“Hey, don’t look at me!” Ryuji all but shouted as he shrugged Akira off of him and started stomping down towards the water, flowers still crushed in one fist. “This is all on him this time!”

God, Hawaii was off to one hell of a start.

[loganisanobody]

@badthingshappenbingo

Tags: unsympathetic Janus, unsympathetic Remus, human au

Based off a fic I can't find now, if anyone could help me - Virgil runs away from Remus and Janus and has a panic attack on the train, so Roman, Patton, and Logan take him home and take care of him. There's a car accident? Plz help so I can credit the original author ;v;

*****

Virgil walked slowly along the sidewalk, taking in the evening. It was a nice night, as the sun setting cast pink shadows on the clouds, the birds chirped, the fallen leaves crunched beneath his feet.

He looked around at the empty street, looking at the different houses he passed. Then something caught his eye: a familiar red car. His heart rate sped up, but he shook his head and kept moving. There was no way.

But he glanced again, and there was a familiar white dent in the car, and he knew.

He broke into a run, with only the thought of getting home.

He sped around the corner. He could see it. Home. He was five houses away. Four. Three. Tw— Someone jumped out in front of him.

Before he could cry out, they had grabbed him, turned him around, and slapped a hand over his mouth. He struggled, but the taller man was stronger.

"Look, I found my guinea pig!" Remus said with the glee of a six-year old whose beloved pet had finally emerged from a hole in the wall.

The familiar car pulled up, and Remus started to push Virgil toward it.

"Get in without a noise, or your boytoy will be my new guinea pig," Remus whispered harshly in Virgil's ear. Virgil froze. Roman.

Remus gave another push, and Virgil allowed himself to be led to the trunk of the car. Remus let go of his mouth to open the trunk, but Virgil didn't dare make a sound. He looked up at the house, hoping Roman would glance out the window and come to his rescue, but Remus pushed him into the trunk and slammed the door over him.

A few seconds later, with the rev of an engine, the car started moving, and Virgil's hopes quickly died.

No one would save him now.

*****

Roman would have been more aware of what was happening, if he had been awake to be aware of anything.

He woke up moaning, his head bursting with pain, in the grass behind their house. He sat up slowly, taking in the hose still gushing water on one side, and then the shovel thrown on the ground on his other side.

Virgil.

He scrambled to his feet, grabbing the shovel.

Whoever hit him over the head would likely not do anything less to his boyfriend.

He searched the house, but nothing seemed out of place. Except that Virgil wasn't home.

Wouldn't he have gotten back from his walk by now?

Roman went back out to the backyard as he tried to think. He turned off the hose and sat on the step.

Someone had attacked him, but then left him alone. There was nothing missing, except Virgil.

He felt the blood drain from his face.

Virgil had had abusive caretakers, and he had run away from them.

Would they have been searching for him all this time?

He hurriedly pulled his phone from his pocket as he rushed to the front of the house.

"Logan? I think Virgil's been kidnapped."

*****

Virgil woke up feeling very stiff. He turned, and realized he was on something rough, not soft like his bed. And he was cold. Where was his blanket?

He blinked his eyes open, then shot upright.

He was in a bare room, on carpeted floor.

Suddenly, he remembered what had happened.

He scrambled to his feet and rushed to the door. Of course, it was locked. There was no window in his room, so the only way in or out was through the door. He was trapped.

He shook his head and took a step back, looking at the door. How strong was it?

He took a few more steps back, then ran at the door, throwing his shoulder against it. He rebounded and fell, pain ringing through his arm and shoulder.

The door hadn't budged.

*****

Roman paced back and forth in Patton and Logan's living room.

"What do I do?" he repeated for the millionth time.

"You wait and let the police do their job," Logan answered calmly, as though he hadn't been saying that for the past few hours.

"I can't just sit here!" Roman turned to look at Logan. "They could be hurting Virgil, killing Virgil, as we speak!"

"There's nothing that we could do. We gave the police all the information we have. They'll be able to get more using their own resources. They're better equipped to handle this. And anyway, Virgil's abusers already hurt you, they obviously have no qualms against it. Going after him, even if you could, would just lead to more trouble."

Roman growled and clenched his fists, and went back to pacing.

"Why don't we play a game? Or go for a walk?" Patton tried. He looked so worried, but Roman could tell he was trying to be brave.

Roman shook his head. "I need to go after him."

"How?" Logan asked simply.

"I… I could… I could go to the station where Virgil got on the train that day."

"Okay, what then?"

"I… I'd comb the streets, looking for anything suspicious."

"Suspicious?"

"A-a sketchy looking dude? Or! Or a sight of Virgil through a window!"

"I doubt they'll let Virgil near any windows anytime soon."

Roman growled again.

"Roman, the police are probably doing just what you described, and more. They'll find him."

*****

Virgil didn't know how long it had been, and he really didn't want to know how Remus came up with so many ways to "experiment" on him without taking him out of the room.

He huddled in the furthest corner of the room, knees drawn up to his chest.

Then the door burst open and Remus was in front of him, yanking him to his feet, slapping a hand over his mouth again.

Virgil struggled, but he had no more strength than he had the last time.

"Shush," Remus said. He seemed to be straining to hear something.

Virgil stopped and listened.

There was a knock on a distant door.

"Hello?"

"Yes, hello. Is this the home of Janus Orion?"

"No."

Virgil furrowed his brow in confusion. Why was Janus lying?

"Do you know a Virgil Orion?"

It clicked. They were looking for him. He could have sobbed in relief.

"No."

Virgil tried to scream, cry out, do anything past Remus' hand.

"What was that?" he heard.

Remus kicked him.

"My son, having sex."

"At three in the afternoon?"

"Do I question your sexual activities?"

"No, sir."

There was a pause, and Virgil tried yelling again.

"Sir, can I see your ID?"

"Do you have a warrant?"

The man grumbled.

"Good night, officer," Janus said pointedly.

Virgil heard the door shut.

No, no no no…

Remus held him for another few seconds, then shoved him to the floor. Virgil still tried to scramble past him out the door, but Remus kicked him.

As Virgil recovered, Remus walked to the door. "You'll have no food for two days, one for each time you screamed. Next time, I will drive down to Florida and take a friend for each time you struggle." He left, locking the door behind him.

Virgil let out a sob, out of some combination of pain, fear, and hopelessness.

His one chance at freedom, and Remus and Janus had been too smart to let him have it.

*****

Against Logan's advice, Roman had taken to staying in a hotel near the station Virgil had first gotten on the train, spending the day at the station watching, spending nights wandering random streets, hoping to catch any sign of Virgil, only going back to the hotel room to charge his phone or let himself finally sleep.

His phone rang, and he scrambled to pick it up. "Did they find him?"

"No, Roman. You know they have your phone as first contact."

"Then why are you calling, Specs?"

"To try, once again, to get you to come home. You're not going to find him, and you're going to make yourself sick." He paused. "Patton's worried. For both of you. And… I am, too."

Now Roman paused. It wasn't like Logan to admit he had feelings.

"Please, come home," Logan continued. "There's strength in numbers."

Roman rubbed his face. "I… I can't just… not do something, Logan. I feel like I'm at least trying by being out here."

"That is commendable, Roman, but Virgil would want you to be safe and to take care of yourself."

Roman sighed. "Maybe you're right, Specs. But, if the police give up, I'm coming right back out here."

"That sounds like a plan, Roman."

Roman chuckled, then sighed and started toward the hotel.

*****

Virgil sank down against the wall after Remus left. Everything hurt. He inspected his arms, covered in scratches and burns, new and old. He couldn't even put his sweatshirt back on for fear of aggravating the pain.

He curled his knees up to his chest and hung his head in his arms.

Then he heard a knock.

His head flew up.

Just a couple seconds later, Remus flew into the room, grabbing Virgil like he had before. Virgil gulped behind Remus' hand. Would he dare try to get the police's attention this time?

"Janus Orion?"

"I told you, that's not my name."

"Background check says it is. We have a warrant to search this house."

There were footsteps, first from downstairs, then ascending the stairs. With every step, hope made Virgil's heart beat faster.

Finally, someone appeared in the doorway, holding a gun.

Remus' hold on Virgil tightened.

"Remus Gaines?"

"Go away or I snap his neck," Remus hissed.

Virgil's heart seized.

"I can't do that," the cop slowly stepped closer.

"I'll do it!" Remus' hold shifted on Virgil's face.

Virgil stared pleadingly at the cop.

"Remus, let him go."

There was a terrifying moment of silence, then suddenly Remus pushed Virgil into the approaching cop and swerved around him and out the door.

The cop caught Virgil and yelled out, "Runner!"

She then looked down at Virgil. "Virgil Orion?"

He nodded.

"You're safe now, Virgil, we've got you."

*****

Roman was pacing in the bedroom, unable to sit still, when his phone rang. He dove for it.

"Hello?" he asked breathlessly.

"Roman Prince?"

"Yes, yes, that's me."

"We've found Virgil. He's safe and coming home now."

Roman heard a ringing in his ears. The next thing he knew, Patton was in front of him, waving a hand in his face. Roman also found he was kneeling, when did he do that?

"Roman? Roman? Are you okay? What happened?"

Roman looked around dumbly. Logan was standing next to him, talking on the phone.

"Roman, what's wrong?" Patton prodded.

Roman turned to look at him, mouth turning up into a smile. "Nothing," he said. "Nothing's wrong."

*****

Roman was sitting on the couch next to Logan and Patton, his knee bouncing anxiously, when finally there came a knock at the door.

Roman was at the door in two steps and swung it open.

His eyes immediately fell on the black-haired, pale emo he fell in love with, and he gathered Virgil up in a bone-crushing hug.

Though Virgil winced in some pain, neither of them let go until well after the police had left, and Patton and Logan reluctantly pulled them apart to drag them inside and close the door, securing them all back safely together.