#me anxiously being like 'do i pour the water... INTO the coffee grounds????'

[orcelito]

25 years old and making coffee for the VERY first time

[wonder-through-the-yarrow]

Chapter 1

The sun rose from the east and the dew sparkled in the light, four children can be found sprawled across the soft, grassy ground of the meadow. The youngest, skin tanned and hair in brown curls, lay with their limbs spread and mouth ajar, a little snore slipping out. The eldest sat braiding their dark hair into two lovely braids, and watching over the sleeping children. The second oldest lay in peaceful sleep, blond hair spread across their face, warmed from the heat of the second youngest who held onto the other in their sleep. Clementine had a habit of clinging to Cole when they slept, their blond curls framing their freckled cheeks.

Perrine, being the first to awake, walked to the stream to fill the water canteens. When returning, they used their foot to gently poke Kingsley’s side. Kingsley simply pushed the foot away and turned onto his side. Annoyed, Perrine opened one of the canteens and poured a small amount of water on Kingsley’s face. Kingsley quickly sat up, water dripping down his wild hair.

“Good, you’re awake,” Perrine said in a light tone, as if they didn’t just soak Kingsley’s head, and walked to the dead fire.

Kingsley looked up at Perrine with a frustrated pout. “Why do you always wake me up first?” he called after them.

Perrine, not bothering to look back at him, responded, “Because, you’re the first to fall asleep. Therefore, you get to help me pack up camp. Besides, Cole has difficulty sleeping at night and Clementine is no fun when she’s tired. You, on the other hand, have the energy of a monkey on its sixth cup of coffee.”

“Ugh, fine.” Kingsley wasn’t actually upset about being woken, they just pretended. Perrine liked to take care of Kingsley and that made him feel special, though they’d never admit it. If Perrine asked him to climb the tallest mountain, they would do it.

Clementine was the third to awake. Sitting up, and taking a big stretch, they look to their side to find Cole still asleep. It brought a small smile to Clementine’s face.

Afterward, Clementine starts their morning routine. The other three knew not to interrupt her routine, especially if she hadn’t slept well the night before. They went down to the stream to wash up and clean their face. Then, they combed their hair, adding just a bit of oil to keep the curls smooth. Next on the list was to catch Kingsley and do the same for them.

As Clementine was chasing Kingsley, Cole awoke from their slumber. As they blinked in the sunlight, they picked the grass from their clothing.

“Good morrow, Cole.” Perrine greeted him while preparing breakfast. “How was your sleep?”

“Good morrow,” he said, groggily. “I can’t say it was the best, but the soft light of the stars helped a lot.” his voice turned into a whisper, “and Clemmie.”

Perrine, barely hearing the last bit, gave them a knowing smile. “I see. Well, I suppose it could be worse.”

Cole’s face flushed, knowing Perrine knew his secret. “It’s n-not like t-that, Perrine,” he uttered. His stutter gives away their anxiousness.

“Well, whatever it is, it’s working. You look good, well rested. It’s been a while since I’ve seen you this healthy.” Perrine has always worried about Cole. Their insomnia makes it almost impossible for them to function properly some days. Ever since Clementine joined their little band, Cole has started to come out of his shell, talking more, sleeping better, etc. Clementine was good for Cole and Perrine was happy for it.

Once Clementine had tamed the beast that was Kingsley’s hair, they all sat down for breakfast. They ate and conversed about anything and everything, from their dreams to the sight of stars shooting across the sky the night before.

“Okie dokie, Cole,” Kingsley suddenly shouted, making Cole jump. “What town are we traveling to now?” The rest of the group looked towards Cole for the answer.

“I . . . suppose we could start toward Sprototstan. I hear the villagers are very welcoming.” Cole nervously replied.

“I’ve also heard that the market is splendid,” Clementine added. “We are running low on food and some more soap wouldn’t hurt.”

“Yes, we are low on supplies, aren’t we?” Perrine acknowledged.

“Yay! A new quest!” Kingsley exclaimed, excited.

“No, not a quest, Kingsley. Simple a small tour, Which means absolutely no lolly-gagging,” said Perrine strictly.

The wind blew through the tall grass as the children packed up camp and headed for the trail into the woods, headed for a new town, a new audience.

[mypalbuck]

LOVE AT FIRST TASTE— B. BARNES

summary: an alternate universe where soulmates can taste whatever their soulmate tastes. (Soulbound/soulmate)

pairing: bucky barnes x fem!reader

warnings: none

word count: 1k

It is known by little to none, that Bucky Barnes suffered from impaired taste. This meant that he could barely taste the food he ate. This shocked the whole tower one day when Bucky ran through the tower yelling at the top of his lungs that he could taste jam on his lips, specifically blueberry jam and boy did it bring back a lot of memories.

“Blueberries…” Bucky whispered, touching his lips gingerly and sighing. “What mumbo, jumbo are you ranting on about Winter?” Tony spoke up as the team assembled in the lounge room, everyone but Natasha and Wanda giving Bucky a strange look whereas the two women were giggling knowingly.

Shakily trying to push back the horrid memories of his time in Hydra, Bucky licked his lips accidentally, the taste of blueberries calming his rapid heartbeat as he spoke “As you all know, Hydra did experiments on me day and night for the 50 years I was under their control. Meaning, the chemicals they forced down my throat basically killed my taste buds. I could barely taste anything, until this morning. A sudden sensation came over me and I could taste blueberries on my lips like I was eating them, but I had just woken up…”

“It’s your soulmate.” Wanda spoke, her thick Sokovian accent snapping Bucky from his thoughts. “What?” He replied, a subtle eye roll as he thought of the mere possibility of her theory being true.

“It’s simple.” Natasha spoke up this time, her signature smirk forming on her face as she explained it to the confused man “Whatever you’re tasting. It’s what your soulmate is tasting.” Bucky let out a bitter chuckle, his tongue subconsciously moving back to his lips. “So you’re telling me. That every morning when I have my coffee at exactly 8am. My soulmate can taste that?”

“Exactly.”

Letting out a huff, Bucky began to walk down the hall towards the elevator with Steve trailing behind him. “Buck…” Steve spoke sympathetically, putting a hand on the man’s shoulder comfortingly as they stood in front of the elevator. “I’m okay Steve, just gonna go for a run and get a coffee, I’m behind schedule”

With a ding, the elevator doors opened and you walked out, looking as classy as always, arms filled with papers for the heroes to look at.

“Good morning, Mr. Rogers. Mr. Barnes.” You smiled as you stepped out of the elevator.

“Bucky.” The man spoke up, a small smile forming on his face as he admired you. “You can call me Bucky.” you smiled gratefully at Bucky.

“Where are you off to?” you spoke up, trying to make polite conversation. “Going for a jog. Let off some steam.”

Nodding your head, you shifted the papers in your arms as they became heavier by the minute. Noticing this and wanting to give you two some time alone, Steve butted in. “Here let me help you.” Bundling the files into his arms, he nodded his head down the hall where the rest of the avengers were “I’ll go and hand them out to the team.”

Without his eyes leaving you face, Bucky said goodbye to Steve and continued to stare, taking in every perfection and imperfection before his eyes wondered to your lips. How he wondered what they tasted like.

“I better get going. Enjoy your jog, Bucky.” you smiled brightly before following after Steve. Grinning bashfully, Bucky sighed happily as the elevator doors opened alerting him that it was time to leave.

“Hey guys.” you spoke cheerfully as you reached the team, moving around the room to greet each Avenger. “What’s that smell?” Clint spoke up as you hugged him hello. Confused expressions formed on the faces of the heroes as all eyes moved to you. Leaning closer to your face, Clint inhaled deeply before his eyes snapped open in shock “BLUEBERRIES!”

All of a sudden the room erupted with laughter and chatter “O-oh. Yes. My new lipgloss is blueberry flavoured.” you scanned the room, surveying the team’s odd responses to the discovery of your new lipgloss. Tony handed Thor $50. Clint was smirking at you. Bruce was softly laughing. Wanda and Natasha were smiling like proud mothers. Vision was looking confused and Steve was gobsmacked.

“Is everything okay?” you asked wearily, becoming increasingly self conscious. Looking over at Wanda you waited for your friend to fill you in, but before Wanda could open her mouth Steve had given the witch a disapproving look.

“Let them figure it out themselves.”

“Figure what out?” you asked once more trying to piece together the reason behind the team’s odd behaviour. “Don’t make me ask F.R.I.D.A.Y.”

“Don’t you worry your pretty little mind.” Tony spoke up with a grin, before telling F.R.I.D.A.Y. to ‘keep their computer mouth shut’. Groaning in frustration you licked your lips, a habit you had picked up recently, but scrunched her face as she could taste the odd combination of coffee and cinnamon.

Sensing your discomfort, Steve casted a worried glance in your direction. “What’s wrong, Y/N?” Shaking your head in reassurance, you smiled. “Just have a weird taste in my mouth. Coffee and cinnamon…”

Eyes wide, the whole team glanced at one another. Tony let out an obnoxious laugh before he changed the subject to the files you had brought. What on earth was going on?

Later that night…

“Hey…” Bucky spoke wearily, walking up behind you as you applied some lipgloss using the toaster in the compounds kitchen as a mirror. Suddenly, the scent of blueberries overcame Bucky’s senses. Jumping from fright, you dropped your lipgloss on the ground. Crouching down, Bucky quickly picked it up. Lifting it closer to smell it, his eyes widened.

“Blueberries…”

“Why does everyone keep going on about my lipgloss?” you laughed before taking it from Bucky’s hand and putting the lid back on it. Eyes wide, Bucky turned his back towards you and began to make himself a coffee. “Where are you off to, doll?” He cleared his voice, tapping his metal fingers anxiously against the cool counter. “I’ve got a date! Stark had me work overtime, so I had to get ready here.” Bucky’s body physically tense when he heard that, grabbing a napkin from the counter, Bucky grabbed a pen and scribbled his number on it. Taking a deep breath he turned around and handed it to you.

“Steve insisted that I get a phone, if you need anything. I’m just a call away.” Awestruck, you stood there staring at the Bucky. A faint smile forming on your lips as you neatly tucked the napkin into your purse. “Thank you, Bucky.”

Gently, you took Bucky’s left hand in your own, the cool metal was refreshing against your warm, clammy hands. Bucky looked down at your clasped hands and then back up to you, his face flushing and butterflies filling his stomach.

Clearing his voice, he let go of your hand as the coffee machine beeped signalling that his coffee was ready, turning around he poured the coffee into a mug and added cinnamon to the top hoping you’d see it and realise you were his soulmate. But you didn’t, instead you gathered your things and bid him goodbye.

“Do you have a reservation?” The waiter spoke as you walked into the restaurant, clearly frazzled from the bit of information you had just found out. What were you still doing here going on this date when it was pretty clear who you belonged with. Shaking your head clear of your thoughts you turned to the waiter and nodded “Yeah, It should be under the name Tom” you furries your eyebrows in confusion as the waiters face dropped.

“Oh- um right this way” the waiter guided you to your table, you became increasingly anxious at the thought of whatever made the waiter act weird. But once you reached your table, you understood why. Sitting in what was supposed to be your chair was a pretty red-head who your date was very obviously flirting with. “Thank you” you smiled kindly at the waiter who was giving you a sad look before turning to your date.

“Hi Tom, remember me” you chuckled bitterly.

“Oh…hi…” Tom spoke, not even bothering to look at you. “I ordered you a glass of red wine” he gestured to the tall glass on the table. You looked at the glass before looking back at Tom and smiling “For me? Thank you!“ picking up up the glass, you took a small sip before pouring it all over Tom and the mystery girl.

“Really, Y/N. You always pick the jerks.” you muttered to yourself before storming out of the restaurant, tears brimming your eyes as you rummaged through your purse looking for your phone. As you pulled it out of your bag something else fell out, picking it up the napkin stared at it sadly before using it to wipe away the tears that had fallen down your cheeks. As you lifted the napkin up to blow your nose the smell of coffee and cinnamon filled your senses, you flipped the napkin over to see that it was the one Bucky has written his number on. Eyes widening, you quickly pulled your keys out of your bag and sped back to the compound.

“STEVE!” Bucky yelled, running into the gym and pulling the earphones out of his best friend’s ears. Stunned, Steve wiped the sweat from his forehead and grabbed his bottle of water. “What’s wrong, Buck?”

“Her lipgloss. It’s blueberry flavoured.” Bucky began to laugh as he repeated his sentence. Grabbing Steve by the shoulders he grinned “It’s her. Y/N’s lipgloss is blueberry flavoured.” His smile faded as the taste of red wine filled his tastebuds. “What’s wrong, Buck?” Steve spoke, concern evident on his face. “I can taste red wine. Y/N hates red wine.”

Without warning, Bucky sprinted out the room towards the elevator. Furiously pressing the button he tapped his foot impatiently waiting for the doors to open. As the elevator doors opened, he quickly jumped in and hit the ground level. His heart beating a million miles a second as he watched the number of floors pass. Finally, he had reached the bottom floor.

As the doors opened, he quickly ran out, only moving three steps before he looked up. Eyes locking with yours as you stood at the other side of the room. The two of you stood still for a few moments before you dropped your bag on the floor and sprinted over to Bucky. Bucky pulled you into his arms and sighed in relief.

“It was you…” you whispered as you laid your head on his chest, the aroma of coffee and cinnamon filling your senses. Bucky smiled adoringly down at you. Gently, he tilted your chin up and kissed you. The taste was something indescribable. It was perfect. If you could put a taste to bliss, this would be it.

“So how exactly did this happen? You spoke, giggling into Bucky’s chest. “Are we cursed or something?”

Shaking his head, he let out a low chuckle and bit his lip “Not exactly… You see… what if I were to tell you we were soulmates?”

Nodding your head, you smiled brightly at the man before bringing him in for another kiss. “I’d say… how do you feel about me being your soulmate?” Smiling brighter than he has for a long time, Bucky pecked your lips before answering.

“Well, I would say that I am the luckiest man in the world to love you and to be loved back by you”.

[latte-fairytaekwoon]

𝑵𝒐𝒗𝒆𝒎𝒃𝒆𝒓 𝑹𝒂𝒊𝒏 (𝑺𝒐𝒏𝒈 𝑴𝒊𝒏𝒈𝒊) 𝑹𝒂𝒕𝒆𝒅

𝐏𝐚𝐢𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠: 𝐒𝐨𝐧𝐠 𝐌𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐢 (𝐀𝐭𝐞𝐞𝐳)× 𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫 (𝐅𝐞𝐦𝐚𝐥𝐞)

𝐆𝐞𝐧𝐫𝐞: 𝐀𝐧𝐠𝐬𝐭, 𝐅𝐥𝐮𝐟𝐟, 𝐒𝐦𝐮𝐭.

𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐝 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭: 5.4K

𝐒𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐲: 𝐇𝐞 𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐟𝐞𝐞𝐥 𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞 𝐠𝐫𝐨𝐰𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐜𝐨𝐥𝐝𝐞𝐫, 𝐲𝐞𝐭 𝐡𝐞'𝐬 𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐲 𝐭𝐨 𝐥𝐞𝐭 𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐠𝐨. 𝐇𝐞 𝐤𝐧𝐨𝐰𝐬 𝐬𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐬 𝐡𝐢𝐦, 𝐬𝐡𝐞 𝐣𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐧𝐞𝐞𝐝𝐬 𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞 𝐚𝐥𝐨𝐧𝐞. 𝐈𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐦𝐞𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞, 𝐡𝐞'𝐥𝐥 𝐰𝐚𝐢𝐭 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐭𝐨 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐛𝐚𝐜𝐤 𝐭𝐨 𝐡𝐢𝐦.

𝐖𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬: 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐯𝐲 𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐬𝐭𝐲 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐬, 𝐛𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐤𝐮𝐩𝐬, 𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐢𝐧𝐟𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲 (𝐰𝐡𝐢𝐜𝐡 𝐈 𝐝𝐨𝐧'𝐭 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐨𝐧𝐞), 𝐬𝐞𝐱𝐮𝐚𝐥 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐭, 𝐞𝐦𝐨𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐬𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧, 𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐝𝐞𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧, 𝐬𝐞𝐦𝐢- 𝐮𝐧𝐫𝐞𝐪𝐮𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐦𝐮𝐭𝐮𝐚𝐥 𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠.

𝐈𝐧𝐬𝐩𝐢𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧: 𝐍𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝐑𝐚𝐢𝐧- 𝐆𝐮𝐧𝐬 𝐍' 𝐑𝐨𝐬𝐞𝐬/ 𝐅𝐚𝐢𝐭𝐡𝐟𝐮𝐥𝐥𝐲- 𝐉𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐧𝐞𝐲

𝐓𝐚𝐠𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐭: @little-precious-baby @yunhoiseyecandy @yunhofingers @brie02 @deja-vux @rvse-miingi @multidreams-and-desires @galaxteez

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Waving enthusiastically at the crowd cheering loudly at the end of their performance, Mingi's eyes were scanning each and every one of the sections in the auditorium. To anyone it would seem as though he was making sure to shine his beautiful and radiant smile to all the adoring fans that came to watch and support him and his members, and yes that was partly why. But it wasn't just that. He had hope as he scanned every face in there. Hope of once again seeing her again. He could hear his own heartbeat pump against his ears, the sound drowning out all the chanting coming from the thousands of fans gathered in there.

Sensing what was going on, one of his members couldn't help but let out a sigh. Leaning in close enough so he could hear him, he whispered in his ear.

"She's not here Mingi."

He expected such words from his best friend, who although with good intentions, seemed to try to ground him back down to earth and inadvertently crush his hopes. But he never took it personally. He knew Yunho was only trying to look out for him and spare him more heartache. Nudging him slightly, the equally tall male swung an arm around Mingi's broad shoulders, plastering on a smile out to the crowd once more as he led them backstage as slowly the members started to walk off the stage as scheduled. Accepting that the night was over, Mingi pulled his face away from the crowd and began walking away. He would have ultimately called it another uneventful concert that ended the same way and just go back to change into his normal clothes and then join the rest of the group back at the hotel to lounge and rest.

But he felt a something strange, pulling and beckoning him to look back at the scatter of people behind him once more. Slowly, he tried his head, unsure of where to look exactly, eyes wandering around aimlessly. Until they spotted what he believed to be a familiar red scarf wrapped around a person's neck, effectively covering up the bottom half of their face while their head had a matching beret that covered their forehead entirely. Although he couldn't see much other than their body frame, he felt his heart swell up, legs unable to move as he stared at the figure. Yunho stopped when he felt Mingi no longer walking behind him. Walking back to him, he put on a smile so as to not act suspicious and began pulling him away.

"Mingi..we have to go."

But Mingi stayed grounded, still scanning the figure he had locked his eyes on. The person began walking away, almost as if they didn't even acknowledge him.

"Wait hold on-"

Just as he was about to run off the stage and follow them, Yunho harshly tugged on his arm and fiercely guided him backstage, waving out towards the people still watching them so as to not arouse suspicion or have them think something was wrong.

"Mingi, it's not her. You always swear it is but it's not."

Yunho didn't mean to sound so aggressive towards his long life friend, but he cared about him too much and didn't want him getting false illusions that would only end up in him getting more hurt than what he already was.

"I know but it's different! Yunho she was wearing the scarf I gave her. I know it was it!" He insisted, anxiously looking towards the door, debating whether or not he could make a dash and catch up to the individual.

Shaking his head, Yunho placed his hands on top of his friend's shoulders.

"Mingi.....there's a million red scarfs out there. And you were too far away. Honestly I think....."

He hesitated before speaking his next words, knowing how sensitive Mingi got with the topic.

"Forget about her."

As if on instinct, Mingi shook his head.

"No! I can't. I promised I'd wait for her and I'm not breaking my word. I'll stay faithful to it until she comes back."

"But what if she doesn't?! It's been over two years Mingi! Face the facts. She's not coming back. Y/N never loved-"

"Don't say that! She did- she does love me! I know she does!"

Yunho took a step back. Seeing Mingi become so agitated and frustrated like that truly terrified him. It was always dangerous to have him get mad or overly worked up. Sensing that he probably startled his friend a little too much, Mingi ran a hand over his dyed blonde hair, a despondent sigh coming out his mouth.

"Hey Yunho I'm sorry..... I think.... I need some air."

After changing into his normal clothes, Mingi didn't get in the van like most of the other guys who just wanted to go relax back at the hotel, nor did he follow Wooyoung or Hongjoong to go check out some of the nearby stores. He simply walked in the opposite direction, mindlessly strolling the streets of the unfamiliar city he was currently in. The slight rumbling of the skies and the subtle scent of dew signaled that it was more than likely going to start pouring rain soon. Even though he was wearing one of his long trenchcoat, the slight breeze that blew across sent tiny chills down his spine, nearly making his teeth chatter.

As if it were a beacon, Mingi stumbled across a small and cozy looking coffee shop. Making sure it was still open, he cheerfully greeted the sweet looking old woman behind the counter, who seemed to brighten up at seeing such a handsome young lad at such an hour. Very calmly and politely, he ordered just a simple caramel cappuccino, which the owner was delighted to whip up for him. Just as he took out his wallet to pay, he had a weird inkling feeling for some reason.

"Uh..... do you perhaps sell hot cocoa?" He inquired nervously.

After getting confirmation that they indeed made hot chocolate, Mingi asked if there was any possible way they could add peppermint to it. He could already feel the judgmental stare about to be given to him as most baristas did with such an unpopular request. Although she seemed surprised by the special addition of peppermint, she didn't hesitate to assure him she'd definitely make it as he liked. Mingi felt so grateful to the kind lady, making sure to leave her a generous tip before taking both of his drinks and going back outside.

Spotting a nearby gazebo, Mingi went over and sat down on one of the benches that were placed underneath the roof of it. Setting the hot mint chocolate down next to him, he sipped his cappuccino slowly, being careful not to burn his tongue on the scorching hot liquid. It had the perfect amount of foam in it, with not too much caramel added in it so the strong espresso could still be made out. Wiping off some of the froth that accidentally got on the tip of his nose, he peered down at the untouched drink next to him. Chuckling dryly to himself, he picked up the cup and scanned it with deep curiosity.

"You always were so different and unique." He mused to himself.

Putting it back down, he began to think it was absolutely silly to have bought it just because of some momentary whim he felt back in the coffee shop.

Or was it nostalgia?

Mingi began to believe it was the latter, especially considering what month it was. After all, it was during this exact same time 2 years ago, on a cold and gloomy November where everything started...

Or perhaps ended?

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Exhausted panting came from all 8 of the sweaty bodies of the males in the room, about half of them were already reaching for their water bottles to gulp down the contents before proceeding to try catching their breath once more. The strict yet kind eyes watching them announced they would be taking a break before saying they'd be rehearsing for another hour or two. Simultaneous groans and protests were elicited by the members, who were already tired from thinking about burning a few more calories with their intense dance sessions.

"Looks like I'm missing the new episode of aot." San dramatically layed on the floor, arms sprawled out.

"I'm calling first dibs on the shower when we get back." Seonghwa declared, not afraid of using his status as the oldest member if it meant getting himself cleaned.

"Aww Hyung! You take showers that are way too long! You'll finish all the hot water like last time." Woow already began nagging, which in turn started another argument between his both of them, with San and Yunho joining in to offer backup if necessary.

Ignoring their pointless bantering, Mingi took the time to call up his girlfriend to let her know. It took quite some time for her to pick up his call, it had actually become a rather recent and constant habit of hers, contrary to before when she'd immediately answer on the second ring.

"What?" Her voice sounded somewhat annoyed and tired, which Mingi guessed had something to do with her work.

"Hey baby, looks like I'm going to be staying late at the company for practice. I'm sorry, I really wanted to spend time with you, but I'm not sure it's possible." He could feel his heart pounding as he began imagining her disappointed and disheartened look.

As expected, he heard her sigh through the other end, a brief pause where he only heard her breathing before she finally spoke up.

"That's fine. I'm going to be pulling extra hours today anyways so....don't be sorry. Maybe it works out in the end."

Mingi noticed how dry and monotone she sounded, as if it didn't really bother her that this would yet be another week where they hardly spoke and spent time together for more than 10 minutes.

"Oh ok....take care then, and remember to eat a snack in between hours ok? I don't want you starving yourself ok baby?"

The girl on the other end of the line didn't need to see him to know he was more than likely pouting at her as usual, always fussing to her about her health.

"Ok. Take care Mingi."

"Y/N!.............."

He bit his lip before saying the next words.

"I- I love you." Although he forced a smile on his face, his voice trembled with fear at saying that.

"I....I know. I gotta go."

Once more, she hung up without repeating those same words back to him. Mingi didn't understand why his girlfriend of forever seemed to be acting strange. Lately she hardly had anything to say, she looked less and less animated each time they video chatted, the dark circles under her eyes were becoming more prominent and judging by the way her cheeks looked a little sunken and clothes looked baggy on her, he fussed she was not eating properly.

But the thing that scared Mingi the most was seeing her soulless eyes. Those eyes that once held the entire stars in them, were now empty and completely void of any emotion. She never initiated any form of physical contact with him, it was always him pulling her into an embrace or placing a kiss on her head, nose or lips, and even when she reciprocated them, they were always cold and almost robotic.

It was starting to terrify him.

"Mingi!"

He nearly dropped his phone when the tiny leader called out to him.

"Break time is over. We gotta start again."

Putting his phone back in his bag he promised himself that even if he left at early dawn, he would go over and see his lover. He just had to.

◈◈◈⊰──────⊱◈◈◈⊰──────⊱◈◈◈

Letting out a long and exasperated sigh, Y/N kicked off her heels and left them on the front of the door, her toes aching after all the grueling and arduous hours of both sitting and running up and down floors. Her once neat bun now had various hairs poking out from several places and was now drooping lower than in the morning. She slumped her tired body over to her bedroom, ready to just indulge in a warm shower and then head to bed. But the last thing she expected to see when she turned on the light, was none other than her boyfriend.

"Hey." He waved his hand at her, a soft smile on his lips.

She was momentarily confused with his presence.

"I thought you had practice." She raised an eyebrow, her tone sounding more accusatory than with delight.

"I did...but then I came over here." He explained.

"Why?"

Mingi blinked at her question, stunned that she would even ask why. Getting up from the bed, he slowly walked over to her cautiously. Once he was right in front of her, he reached a hand out to caress her cheek.

"Why? I naturally wanted to see you.....hear you...touch you."

Arms wrapping around her waist, he lowered his face until he pressed a soft kiss to her mildly chapped lips. Although he felt her give in after a while, he could feel that her heart was not in it. Every brush of her lips felt extremely languid and emotionless, even after he had turned a little more desperate and began to trail messy kisses across her jaw, her hands did not move away from her sides, her head only tilting to allow him more access to her skin. Before he could move to pull off her shirt, she stopped him by gripping his wrists.

"If you don't mind I'd like to clean myself off first."

Not even giving him a chance to say anything, she pushed past him and made a beeline to the bathroom. Shutting the door behind her, she leaned her back on it, staring into the floor for a few minutes in a somewhat catatonic state. Taking a deep breath, she slowly removed each one of the articles of clothing on her body, all of them feeling like a heavy weight on her. Ripping the scrunchie off her hair, she tossed it onto the floor so it could join the pile that had already been made in a corner. Sliding the glass door open, she got inside the shower and quickly turned on the water, first the splashes coming out at an almost freezing temperature, which although her body shivered at, she did not shrink away from. Then the water finally adjusted to a more warm temperature, not too hot but warm enough to soothe her sore muscles.

Closing her eyes, she decided to simply bask in the warmth of the water coating her body, shutting off her mind from all the spiraling thoughts that had been clouding her mind for the past weeks, refusing to go away and seemingly taunting her at every hour when she least expected it. She hurt, she was in pain yet there were no physical evidence of it. She could barely eat more than 2 bites of any meal she intook because it suddenly felt too full. At nights, her eyes drooped heavy with sleep, yet her restless mind wouldn't allow her even one full hour of sweet slumber though that's all she wanted.....

She just wanted to fall asleep and hopefully never wake up so as to not feel the pain and emptiness she felt.

So lost was she in the moment that she failed to hear or notice the one individual coming in to join her until she felt familiar hands come to wrap themselves around her waist.

"It's all right love. It's just me." Mingi softly whispered when she gasped lightly at the sudden touch.

Letting her relax under his touch before doing anything else, Mingi's fingers slowly began drawing circles around her hips as he kept his face buried in her neck. Inhaling deeply, he could make out her unique scent that his senses had committed to memory, but could also faintly discern a somewhat different odor that he had never before detected on her before. It was slightly off-putting to him, but he opted for brushing it off. After all, she worked with several people at her job.

Slowly, he began peppering kisses along her shoulder, which seemed to trigger deep and blissful sighs to exude from her nose. His hands moved up to cup around her breasts, kneading at her soft skin while the thumbs grazed over her sensitive nubs in a careful motion. Soft moans poured out from her mouth. Tilting her head back, she reached a hand up to bring her lover's face to hers so she could kiss him. Her moans were now being eaten up by his mouth and tongue as his fingers stroked between her legs, probing at her folds and rubbing at her clit. Pulling apart to catch her breath, Y/N looked up at Mingi with longing and desperation.

"Please....more." She begged at him.

Prying her folds open, he carefully inserted two of his slender and long fingers inside her, her walls practically sucking him in. She felt so tight around him, her walls hugging and clenching all around his fingers. Y/N threw her head back against his shoulder as she began grinding against his hand, savoring as she was finally feeling something, anything in a long time. Her hand had moved to pet at his head, her fingers brushing away his now damp hair in gentle caresses. Wanting to see, feel him more, she removed his hand away from her mound and firmly pressed him towards one of the walls, where she then began to kiss him hungrily and in subtle anguish.

Mingi just allowed her to take control for that moment, his heart lightening up at finally getting some reaction from her. He let her take a hold of his erect cock and pump him slowly as her mouth sucked on several patches of skin on his neck to leave tiny blotches across it. He missed this, he missed being intimate with her and missed having her touch him, not to fulfill any sexual yearning, but to be close to her. He always saw these tender and passionate moments as a display of their love and bond.

Soon the water had been turned off and both of their dripping bodies were fumbling out and landing on top of the bed. Mingi hissed softly as he watched his beautiful girlfriend sink down and his length.

"Fuck. It's been too long."

Sitting up, he wrapped his arms around her, wanting to be as close as possible as he began to roll his hips up. Wanting to take his time, Mingi took one of her supple breasts and stuffed it in his mouth, giving it various light suckles and then adding a few kisses onto it. Y/N began panting and moaning uncontrollably, so many emotions rushing through her all at once. It seemed as if all that time of not feeling anything had left her somewhat numb to emotions that now she was beginning to feel overwhelmed by all the ones that were hitting her now:

Love, lust, passion, anger, fury, agony, guilt, one by one they all crashed into her head and heart. It was becoming too much for her and it began to scare her somewhat. But she didn't want them to stop, she wanted to cling onto those emotions just a little longer, no matter what or how. She hadn't even realized her hands had placed themselves on Mingi's broad shoulders, holding her steady as she began to bounce herself on top of him, slow tears trickling down her cheeks as muffled cries of desperation were being choked back and bitten back by her lips. Her fear of not feeling anymore soon turned to rage, and it was manifesting itself as she fucked herself on her boyfriend, who by now had noticed the change in her mood.

Mingi tried to grip her hips down, but she didn't seem to care and tried to push his hands away. His calling out to her fell upon deaf ears as she swatted his hands, tat were trying to steady her, away. Finally, he firmly held her wrists and kept her from moving as he forced her to look at him.

"Y/N!" He sharply exclaimed, breaking her out of her trance.

Feeling her body starting to shake, Y/N looked away in shame, her eyes threatening to spill out more tears.

"Baby, look at me, what's wrong?" Mingi gently cupped her chin.

Not meaning to be so mean, but Y/N brushed his hand away and began to climb off him.

"I'm sorry.... I'm so sorry."

Getting up, she ransacked her drawer and pulled out some clothes and dressed herself in an inhumane speed.

"Honey, we can talk about it-" Mingi tried to touch her once more but she pulled away once more.

"I don't want to talk about it! Please! I just want to go to bed."

Marching over to the closet, she grabbed some spare pillows and a blanket.

"I'm sleeping on the couch." She firmly stated, not about to let herself be dissuaded from her resolution.

"Y/N, please don't do this. Stop shutting me out."

With one final attempt, Mingi grabbed her shoulder and turned her arousal to face him, eyes intently searching and scanning every inch of her face for a clue as to what was bothering her.

"Talk to me love, you know you can."

Y/N opened her mouth, about to spill what was on her heart, but ultimately decided against it.

"I can't.....I'm sorry. Just please....let me be for now."

Mingi's hands fell to his sides in defeat as he watched the most important person in his life leave him there, alone. He hated this, hated having her become so distant from him. He could feel it in his heart that sooner or later she was going to snap and hurt his heart, probably more than what he was imagining.

But he was ready for that moment.

◈◈◈⊰──────⊱◈◈◈⊰──────⊱◈◈◈

Having gotten absolutely no sleep that night, Y/N ended up getting up just hours before the sun was supposed to rise. Making sure to make as little noise as possible, she made sure to bundle up since it was chilly outside. She looked over at the peaceful and sleeping figure of her boyfriend, who was softly letting out subtle snores as his hands clutched around a pillow, holding onto it as if his life depended on it. He could never fully call asleep unless he was holding something, that something always being her. She could make out a faint wet patch on his pillow where his cheek rested, tell tale sign that he had been crying the night before, just as she had done.

With a kiss to his forehead, she left the house and headed out, her destination still unclear. She just walked wherever her legs led her to, whether conscious or unconsciously. There was hardly a soul around to keep her company on that lonely and cold morning walk in the autumn breeze. Her teeth were chattering inside her mouth whenever a rather blunt force of air swooped past her, making her lick her lips as she felt them drying up even more.

Without realizing it she had come across a small and serene park, a trail specifically used for early joggers right in front of her. Following the trail, she kept her head down as she slowly strolled through the immense trees surrounding her. The golden and garnet hued leaves were scattered about all around the semi dead grass, some of it blowing through the air. She paid no attention to them though, she paid no attention at all to her surroundings. She couldn't feel anything anyways, even the cold air was becoming numb to her at this point.

"Mind if I join you?"

She halted in her steps when a low voice spoke from behind her. She didn't need to see him to know who he was.

"How'd you know I was here?" She questioned him without turning around still.

"Lucky guess."

Moving in front of her, Mingi's tall figure loomed over hers, studying her mood which right now seemed apathetic and melancholic. Standing there all quiet for a brief moment, Mingi was the one who decided to break the ice.

"I love you, you know that right?"

Without even batting an eye, Y/N slowly nodded. Expecting that reaction, Mingi chuckled dryly.

"You know it's been a while since I've heard you respond at all to me saying that...."

Once more, she had no expression on her face, hardly even blinking as she stared right through him, almost as if he wasn't there. But she was listening to him, and he knew it too. Brushing some hair behind her ear, Mingi let out a deep sigh.

"Y/N...... I know you're not ok. I don't know how or what it is you're feeling, but I want you to know that I'm here for you. Maybe you should go see a therapist, a doctor, I don't know. We'll find out what's wrong so you-"

"Mingi I don't know what I feel for you anymore."

He felt as if a knife had been plunged at his chest. Although he expected her to say something that would hurt him, he still wasn't fully ready to hear those words.

"Just 2 months ago you said and thought differently. Back then you always told me you loved me and cherished me." He kindly reminded her.

"Maybe feelings change." She bluntly stated.

"Yes they do which is why I don't believe you when you say you don't feel anything for me anymore. I know my Y/N, I know the girl I fell in love with and I know that these past weeks, seeing how you're acting.......that's not you."

She didn't move away when he cupped her cheeks.

"I know you still love me, I can see it in your eyes. Your love is just restrained right now. Just give it time. Trust me."

Choking back tears, Y/N finally made eye contact with him.

"Just end it Mingi. I don't have the heart to do it, so please just end things with me. Don't hold onto me anymore. Move on with your life and find someone who can love you like you deserve to be loved."

Mingi immediately shook his head, that being an option he was not accepting.

"Baby, do you need some time on your own? Some time alone? I can give you that. Maybe that way it'll be good for you to use that time to get help and-"

"Mingi I cheated on you." She confessed.

His body stood frozen in place at her admittance, yet he was not shocked at all. The weird scent he detected on her and the way she sometimes recoiled from his touch as if guilt ate her alive, he always had that thought on the back of his head.

"So you fell in love with someone else?"

Y/N let out a sob.

"No.......absolutely not. It meant nothing and I just did it because I wanted to feel something, anything and he was right there. But that's no excuse and I'm sorry Mingi. I'm sorry I'm not the girlfriend you deserve. You deserve so much better than me. Someone who's not broken, foolish and dead already. So please..."

Her hands came up to hide her face as she began crying like she hadn't done in a long time.

"Just forget about me....."

Even if she didn't want it, Mingi embraced her, holding her tightly as she tearfully spilled her heart and emotions out. His heart ached for her. She was suffering, emotionally and mentally she was in pain and she didn't even want to admit it. He couldn't force her to get help, but he couldn't just leave her like that. It would tear him apart if he did. Stroking her hair, he waited until her sobbing and hyperventilating had calmed down before saying anything.

"Y/N.....you need some time alone. We....need some time alone. And I'm willing to give you as much time as you need to heal. But you have to promise me that you'll get help. It's not fair for you to keep living this way. You deserve to be happy."

Pulling back, he used his thumbs to brush away some of the tears off her cheeks.

"But this doesn't mean I'm ending things nor forgetting about you. This is only a break until you're all better and ready to come back to me."

Y/N stared at him in disbelief.

"Song Mingi, you're an even bigger idiot than I thought you were."

He giggled softly at that.

"I'm an idiot who loves you and will always love you. And this idiot knows you still love me, even if your brain refuses to let you believe it now."

Pressing his forehead against hers, he shut his eyes to keep himself from crying.

"I'll be waiting for you until you come back to me....."

Taking off the red scarf that was hanging on his neck, he wrapped it around her neck and softly padded it on.

I know you'll be back."

◈◈◈⊰──────⊱◈◈◈⊰──────⊱◈◈◈

He left her with a final kiss on her lips and watched her walk away, disappearing from his life for about 2 years. Rain had begun to fall then just as it was falling in that moment. Picking up the untouched peppermint hot chocolate and discarding his cappuccino on a nearby trash bin, Mingi stepped out of the gazebo and began walking back to the hotel, not caring about getting soaked in the pouring rain. Perhaps it could help to mask the tears that were beginning to spill out from his eyes. He had never felt his longing for the person he still regarded as his soulmate so dearly as he felt right then and there. He felt as if his oxygen was being caught off, his hope was beginning to dwindle, all the words his friends would often say to him were revolving around his head.

Were they right? Should he stop waiting for her? Was he wrong? Should he just move on?

He was startled out of his thoughts when he heard someone open an umbrella behind him, the person hovering it over him so the rain wouldn't hit him anymore. He felt his heart beating harshly against his chest, some overpowering sensation telling him to turn around, which he slowly began to do. The first thing his eyes caught was the familiar red scarf tied to the person's neck. He recognized it immediately. And when he looked up at the face that was looking back at him, he no longer had any doubts left.

"Y/N...." He whispered out.

Through tears in her eyes, she smiled at him, not a fake nor cold one, but a genuine and heart warming smile, just like the one she had plastered on her face when they first met each other.

"Hey Mingi. How are you?" She asked.

"I...I'm fine. ....how are you?" They both knew what he was referring to.

"I'm a lot better actually. Taking medication still sucks but I'm a lot better and happier now. My therapist has been working with me all this time so...yeah.." She seemed a little awkward talking about it, but Mingi wasn't going to push her.

"I'm glad, I truly am happy for you."

Looking back at the cup in his hand, he held it out to her.

"It's probably not hot anymore, but it's your favorite."

Y/N was surprised that he even had or remembered what her favorite was. Taking a small sip, she couldn't help the tiny grin spreading on her cheeks.

"It's perfect. I never liked it super hot either way."

They both chuckled at that known fact between them. Soon there was another silence between them, and once again it was Mingi who broke it. Brushing some hair away from her face, he stared into her eyes.

"I love you."

Looking up at him, her eyes no longer void nor cold, but instead full of life and love, Y/N answered back.

"I love you too."

Unable to hold himself back, Mingi held her tightly, overwhelmed with emotions as he finally held the love of his life in his arms once more.

"I knew you'd come back to me...."

◈◈◈⊰──────⊱◈◈◈⊰──────⊱◈◈◈

[oyesmendes]

It was you

a/n: LOLOL did a something something with this piece. if you don’t like Camila or whatever it is you should turn around and walk away. 

summary: Y/N and Shawn? Childhood best friends, once upon a time high school sweethearts. Shawn and Camila? an unbreakable couple. what happens when Shawn pulls the trigger and comes running back to her?

The small get together back home in Pickering was what Y/N had expected - a couple of friends in the backyard of her childhood home, huddled around a bonfire surrounded by way too many beer bottles that it almost looked dangerous. Everyone was finally back in town together and they wanted to reminisce the old times, as well as get to know one another’s partners. Well at least that was what Shawn described it to be when he suggested it. Truth is, it was just an excuse to see how Y/N was doing and to see if she’s moved on. The pair dated for three years before Shawn let his suppressed feelings about Camila run wild in his third album. He played the songs for Y/N to hear for the first time back in 2017, and that was the day that she realised she wasn’t his muse anymore. The breakup was calm, both of them knew what was coming and they agreed to remain as friends for the sake of their childhood friend group, and for the sake of Y/N’s friendship with Camila. Shawn moved on quick, jumping straight into Camila’s arms and everything went on high speed from then on. His relationship was very public, the paparazzi catching on to their every move while Y/N stayed in the dark. She was well known in the same industry, producing top quality music for some artists. There had been rumours of her being in a relationship, but Y/N kept quiet about them. 

Shawn never reached out even when these unwanted rumours came rolling out, fearing that he would upset her. He realised much later in his relationship with Camila, that some people were just meant to stay friends no matter the amount of attraction going on between them. He could only think about her, and he wanted to confirm if these rumours were true, wanted to see if he still had her heart like she held his and this was the right time for it. Unfortunately for him though, Y/N didn’t bring her new boyfriend home. He was stuck in a meeting somewhere in New York but his lack of appearance just led Shawn to think she was still single, still trying to move on. And in his defence, she never mentioned a boyfriend either so it wasn’t wrong to assume that she didn’t have one. So now here they were, the group sprawled on the outdoor seating every member growing even more tipsy as the minutes passed by them.

“Remember when he cycled all the way down the street and tried to do a ridiculous trick on his bike and fell straight on his face!” The group was sent into a hysterical laughter, recalling some of their early childhood memories.

“Oh come on, I was only ten! Give me a break already” Brian whined while the rest of the crew were crying in laughter. She caught Shawn staring, probably for the tenth time in the last hour, quickly looking away each time Y/N caught him.

“I’m gonna go get us some more chips and drinks” she declared.

“I’ll come help” Shawn shot Y/N a smile as he followed behind her into the kitchen. Nobody didn’t notice anything between them though, everyone was too caught up in the stories they missed about each other. They both worked in silence, pouring snacks into the empty bowls and fishing out beverages from the well stocked fridge. She was pouring nachos into a bowl when she felt Shawn hover behind her, his fingers tracing her arm. This sent shockwaves through her system making her hair stand. It’s been a while since she’s felt him this close to her and her heart fluttered, cheeks flushed all the way up to her ears. Y/N swore that if it wasn’t because of the danger signs flashing in her brain, she would’ve spun around and kissed him right there and then. Instead, she slid out of his grasp to the left of the kitchen counter, turning around to face Shawn.

“What are you doing?” he heard him sigh, watching as he ran his fingers through his hair for the thousandth time. She knew exactly what he wanted, but she couldn’t give her time to him knowing what the consequences were.

“I’m not Mila, Shawn.” She let her heart imagine that he was way too tipsy, or maybe even drunk so he didn’t know what he was doing. She gathered the snacks, leaving him behind in the kitchen. Y/N was one of Camila’s close friends and Shawn’s best friend, so hurting her feelings was just not in the agenda, especially not here when she wasn’t with Shawn. They both went back to the group, their absence not felt by the rest as they slid back in without much notice. The rest of the night went on pretty quickly, a few friends having one too many drinks and leaving to go home, until it was just Y/N, Brian and Shawn left. They were helping to clean up, clearing the beer bottles for recycling, throwing out the trash. And just as Y/N was putting out the bonfire, another pair of hands came in to help her with the bucket of water.

“I need to talk to you. Meet me tomorrow? our usual spot” she knew she couldn’t say no, and Shawn knew it too. Telling Y/N that he needed to talk to her was his triumph card, and the last card in his deck if he was going to be honest. So she agreed, 10AM at their usual haunt.

-

The familiar bells to the Lakeside Cafe rung as she swung the door open, the pure aroma of coffees and teas putting a smile to her face. She was greeted by the staff who have seen her daily since her return, gesturing to the booth before she could even order a drink. And there he was, black beanie covering his hair, hands wrapped around his mug as he tapped his foot anxiously.

“Hey” Y/N, slid into the booth, removing her thick jacket and scarf.

“Hey, uh I got you your usual. Well as far as I remembered this was your usual a year ago” Shawn was nervous, the Vanilla Latte steaming in front of Y/N’s face. her smile faltered just a little as she wrapped her hands around the warm mug. Y/N stopped drinking coffee after the break up, claimed it spiked her anxiety which was only half true; but she decided Shawn didn’t need to know that.

"yeah, thanks Shawn. what did you want to talk about?" her eyes met his, and there was something that was lingering between them that she couldn't put her finger on.

"I-uh, I just wanted to see how you were doing" and tell you how much I missed you.

"I'm doing just fine, Shawn. I've moved on if that's what you wanted to hear.” As if on cue, the cafe doors opened and a dashing young man dressed in a button up white shirt and navy dress pants sauntered in. His eyes scanned the cafe until it landed on Y/N and their eyes met. A wide smile grew on her face, the one smile that used to light up Shawn’s world. Y/N slipped out of the booth, taking wide steps towards the young man. They were engulfed in each others arms within seconds, him lifting her off the ground a little to pull her closer. Shawn winced visibly as he saw her in another man’s arms, the happiness practically radiating off of her.

“What are you doing here?” She asked as the young man put her back down on her feet.

“Well, I finished my meetings early so I thought I would fly down to see my girl” She cupped his face, peppering kisses on his lips. Shawn had to shut his eyes for a moment, the image displayed in front of him too much for his brain to comprehend. Y/N brought the young man back to the booth with her, her hands intertwined tightly with his.

“Shawn, this is Michael. Michael, this is Shawn, one of my childhood best friends” The boys exchanged greetings, and Y/N could tell that Shawn plastered a fake smile on his face the entire time.

“So what were you guys talking about?” Mike asked innocently, the smile on his face so genuine that Shawn didn’t even have a reason to be mean. He could tell this man loved her, the way he protectively had his arms around her waist and how she cuddled into his embrace.

“Oh it was nothing, just catching up on the little things”

Thankfully, the conversation was cut short when Mike received a phone call from work. He excused himself from the table, leaving Y/N behind with Shawn. The air was awkward, picking up from where they’d left off before Mike’s grand entrance wasn’t ideal and Shawn knew better than to pick on Y/N’s new love life. Shawn being Shawn though, he did it anyway.

“He seems nice” It put a smile on her face. Y/N knew Mike was nice, more than that in fact, he was the most perfect thing ever since Shawn. He helped her move on, picked up all her pieces and slowly glued her back together. He was her saving grace.

“He is the best thing that’s happened to me” She smiled at Mike who was standing outside of the cafe. She thought about the nights after the breakup where he’d let her lay in his lap and they sat in silence. How he would shuttle between the east coast and west coast just so he could be with her as much as possible. She brought herself back to reality when she remembered why she was in the cafe in the first place.

“What did you want to tell me again?”

“I just wanted to tell you that uh-“ he sighed, “I broke up with Camila”

“You what?” Y/N couldn’t believe her ears. Not only because she was one of Camila’s close friends, but because Shawn had broken up with her. He initiated the breakup. She couldn’t piece together the story, everything was a blur for her in that moment. Y/N knew that Shawn and Camila were the couple that all their friends were banking on getting married and making music till they were old and grey. Heck, she was so happy for the both of them when they got together. She saw past all the shitty break up and emotions she went through with Shawn and she was genuinely excited for his relationship to prosper. Now he was broken up with her?

“I broke up-“

“No no no, you think twice before you say that!” She raised her voice slightly, getting the attention of the people around them. Shawn pulled her arms closer to him in an attempt to calm her down.

“Y/N-“

“You loved her and she loved you! Dude, you guys each have an album about the other! What are you think-“

“And I love you! I have a song about you!” Shawn matched her volume, leaning towards her in the booth. Y/N shook her head, pulling her arms out of his grasp. She grabbed her jacket and scarf, slinging her bag across her shoulders.

“Where are you going?” Shawn grabbed her arm, squeezing a little too tight.

“Somewhere, anywhere but here”

[starberrywrites-ships]

Sealing the Deal

Hubert x Constance 

Constance wanted a little help with the uncertainty that is her future, and who better to ask than the one magic-user she believes might be better than herself.

Read on AO3: HERE

It was a beautiful day. Just enough wind to keep one cool while enjoying a hot beverage. Edelgard and Hubert spent this time having tea, as a little break from their intense planning. It was a very uneventful day, perfect for relaxing. Or so they thought.

“Your highness!! Hubert!!” Constance cheered from afar, skipping over to their table. Her large umbrella high in the sky, preventing the sun from shining on her. It wasn’t uncommon to see her around holding it. While under the overcast, she folded up her umbrella and set it by her side. “Hello!”

“Hello, Constance. Is there something you need?” Edelgard asked, wondering how she is so energetic all the time.

“Yes, there is! But not by you. I was wondering if I could speak with Hubert for a moment!”

This came as a surprise for both Hubert and Edelgard. Why would Constance need to speak with Hubert and him only? Hubert hoped Edelgard would say they’re busy and he needs to accompany her.

“Sure. I don’t see why not.”

Damn it.

“But Lady Edelgard-” Hubert began before being interrupted.

“I’ll be fine Hubert. We can meet up later. Constance, nice seeing you today. Enjoy your time.” Edelgard said, leaving her seat and the area completely.

Constance made herself comfortable, sitting down across from Hubert and noticing the teapot still had water in it. She smiled, grabbing the pot and began to heat it up from her hands using magic. This captured Hubert’s attention. Resulting in him making a judgemental face. Though, it’s hard to notice the difference from his regular expression.

“You use your magic for everyday life. Why bother? Is it not draining?” He asked, taking into consideration he himself only uses his magic for important things. Like training, protecting Lady Edelgard, missions, things like that.

“Why would I limit the window of opportunities to use my magic to simply only when I am in danger! You get no proper practice from that! I see it as a perfect way to make life more enjoyable while benefiting from it.” She said with a closed eye smile. “And besides! A great sorcerer such as I needs to live up to their title in order to restore House Nuvelle!”

There it is. Constance’s classic ‘Restore House Nuvelle’ line. It’s almost as annoying as Ferdinand repeating his name over and over again. At least to Hubert.

“Will you get to the point already? You asked to speak with me and yet here you are speaking at me.” Hubert said, wanting this to be over.

Constance poured herself a cup, took a sip, and placed it gently on the table. A large smile on her face as she opened her fan and began to laugh. “I want us to be work partners!”

“Absolutely not.” Hubert said immediately. He didn’t need to think about it. Working with anyone other than Edelgard is a big no, and Constance? Also a big no.

“Allow me to explain myself first will you?!” She said, beginning to fan herself. “You’re a big deal in the empire. Although I’m sure you already knew that! All I’m asking is that the two of us work together! I could use your help in restoring House Nuvelle! And I’ll repay you in any way!” She said in a more serious tone. “I need someone who can match my magical abilities! Or perhaps someone better even.”

“No. I serve Lady Edelgard and that is that. Go find someone else to beg.” Hubert said, taking this as an exit ticket. Lifting from his seat and walking away.

Constance watched as he disappeared, a frown on her face as she let out a defeated sigh. “What am I going to do now . . .”

-    -

It’s been a few weeks since their last encounter. Constance had been locking herself up in Abyss, hoping some new invention spirals into her mind. There was no luck. She was frustrated by her lack of creativity and failures in spell casting. She came to the conclusion she simply needed a new environment for the time being. Grabbing her umbrella, she made her way towards the surface to see a very special someone.

“Luna!” Constance cheered, finally in view of her pegasus. Rushing over to the stable she began petting the animal, to which Luna purred and nudged into Constance’s palm. Constance proceeded to give Luna a hug, still holding her umbrella in a secure grip.  “You’re lucky I care for you so much . . . Otherwise I wouldn’t bother coming to the surface,” Constance said, her tone growing soft.

Constance placed her forehead on Luna’s while letting out a sigh. “Oh, Luna. Why did it have to be this way. . .” her voice cracked, full of despair. The pegasus took note of her change in attitude, budding her head to lift Constance’s chin and make her laugh.

Constance smiled tiredly, going back to petting Luna. “While I hate to admit it, I feel if I am unable to accomplish this, I’m a disappointment.”

She was so caught up in her conversation with the animal, Constance didn’t notice the presence growing closer with each step.

Hubert let out a low chuckle, almost mockingly as he stood a good distance away from the Wolf, arms crossed over his body. “You’re never hard to find. Look for the large umbrella and you’ve found your very own Constance.”

Constance lifted her head to see who was speaking, locking eyes with Hubert. She quickly looked away, letting out a huff full of attitude. “Were you looking for me? Well, I have nothing to say to you.” She was clearly still upset over the last conversation they had.

“Perhaps you don’t. But I do.” He said, taking a few steps closer, stopping right at the brim of where her umbrella ended. Close enough to speak to her properly, but far enough to ensure he doesn’t accidentally hit what’s preventing her from going into a depressive episode. “I find your attitude to restoring your house rather endearing, I’m simply curious as to why you’re so caught up in being the best sorcerer and getting your noble title back.”

“Don’t you see it?” Constance said, turning her body to face Hubert completely. “I’m not working up my magic simply to be the best”, She drops her head to the ground. “It’s what I need to do for my family.”

“Your deceased family,” Hubert commented. “Both parents and a brother, correct? How is that of any importance to you? They’re gone after all.” He wasn’t asking to be rude. He’s just a little stupid sometimes.

“Simply cause!” Constance raised her voice, realizing just how tightly she was holding onto the handle, resulting in her hand going completely white. She lets out a sigh, collecting herself. “After the fall of House Nuvelle, I was furious at the world. If this so-called goddess truly cared about her people then why us? Why my family?! And why must I be the one left standing? Others may see it as a defeat, a sign not to carry on. I want to honour my family for all that they did. Being alive gave me a chance to show the world what the Nuvelle name means.”

Hubert tenses up. He wasn’t expecting a full confession, let alone from Constance. Her ‘high and mighty’ act had been completely dropped from this conversation. Leaving her openly vulnerable. Hubert noticed the little things while she was talking, the disappointment in her voice, her anxiously playing with her umbrella, the fact she couldn’t stand still while speaking.

Her drive and motivation for her family. It reminded Hubert of someone dear to him.

Constance shakes her head, letting out a painful laugh. “I’m aware it’s a ridiculous reason. Doing something for the dead. There’s no gain in doing such. But without this drive I have nothing.”

“‘It’s not ridiculous. I’ll lend my aid.”

She locks eyes with Hubert once more. Completely shocked and unsure if she even heard him correctly. “I beg your pardon?!”

Hubert lets out a sigh himself. “Do not make me repeat myself . . . I’ll lend my aid.”

A smile rises to Constance’s face. It was clear that a simple sentence boosted her mood in a positive way. “Hubert!!” She cheered.

“ Only after we reach Lady Edelgards goal. I’m expecting your magic expertise for the empire, payment for my future services.” He said, keeping her under control. But he did slightly enjoy her being as cheerful as she is now, it brought a small smile to his face as well.

“Thank you . . . truly.” Humble Constance. What a sight to see. While it is weird to her that Hubert’s help would mean so much, she knows with him around her dream isn’t so out of reach.

“Don’t fret over it. I’m simply seeing the plus side in having you involved. And besides, you need the best competition to train with.” Hubert said, his smile turning into a smirk as he remembers her praising him.

“Don’t think so highly of yourself.” Her regular over the top dramatic way of speaking returns once more. Bringing the tension between the two to very comfortable. It was surprisingly quiet around them, a beautiful day to have some tea. Or . . .

“Would you care to accompany me in a cup of coffee?” Hubert asked, watching Constance’s eyes widen at the question. He figured it was simply because of how out of character he was acting at the moment.

“How are you aware I like coffee?” She asked, genuinely impressed. The only time she had some to drink was when she got her hands on it and shared it with Hapi. It was absolutely divine, but unfortunately way too expensive for the ex noble to have on a regular.

It was a hard question to answer. It’s not like he could openly say he has spies down in Abyss to keep an eye out. At least, not yet he can. So, he resorted to the next obvious response. “You talk loudly.”

“Excuse you!”

[yourlocalauthor]

Bad Timing

Pairing: Topper x Fem! Kook! Reader

Summary: Topper goes to the reader’s house after events of midsummers.  Word Count: 2.7k

Warnings: cursing? Mentions of weed, um idk that’s might be it A/N: I definitely didn’t make a whole fic based off of a song Austin North’s sister made... hope wouldn’t be me. Also I promise my next fic is going to be JJ. i think this is the first time i’ve written something in the canon timeline so yay

Request are open!

You had always had a little crush on Topper, even before you actually knew what love was. You were the type of kids who’d say they were married at the ripe old age of five, before you even understood the concept of marriage. When you two were in third grade he said he was going to marry you, and you promised him that you would. At some point, his crush stopped and yours continued. You felt guilty being his best friend, and crushing on him. Towards the end of your middle school career it stopped, and then freshman year you started dating Kelce. Slowly after that you and Topper began to drift. You still hung out, considering you guys were a part of a whole friend group together, but it was different. You didn’t spend hours deep into the night staring at the stars as you babled about the galaxy, and how it was so huge, and how slim the chances were for you two to know each other but you did. There were no late night facetime sessions, of the two of you talking about the future. A part of you was sad, but people grow apart and change. You were no longer the shy little girl who hid behind her big sister, and he was no longer the sweet sensitive boy you once knew. Sometime he began dating your best friend Sarah Cameron, and you were happy for him. At the beginning of summer you and Kelce broke up. You two both realized that you had grown apart as a couple and it was just better to be friends.

It was too late, too fucking late for you to hear a knock at the door. It wasn’t even a knock it was more of a banging. You grabbed the makeshift knife stick, that you totally didn’t get inspired by Scream to make. It looked stupid yeah, but to quote the show it was meant to create distance between you and your attacker. Of all the times your parents and sister could be gone, this definitely wasn’t one of them. You had already missed Midsummers and now you probably had some dumbass outside your door. You carefully looked out your sister’s bedroom balcony to see any identification of who was there, you could see a car but it was way too dark for you to make out what type. The rain didn’t, practically coming down in sheets and spraying you as you shut the doors. You silently walked down the stairs, carrying your small little makeshift weapon. Your family had tormented you saying how it wouldn’t be necessary for you to use it, oh the irony. You carefully stepped towards the door, leaving soggy footsteps behind. You anxiously pushed the small curtains away, looking out towards your doorstep. And boy was there a sight you never thought you’d see. On your doorstep was one disheveled looking Topper. You unlocked the door quickly, ushering him out of the rain. You shut the door, eyeing him attentively. There were tears in his eyes, and his eyes seemed very puffy and red, his hair was all messed up and the helmet of hair product he typically had was gone. He looked so messed up mumbling something over and over. You gently reached out placing a hand on his arm, looking up at him.

“Top, hey it’s okay.”

You had no idea what you were comforting him for, but you knew it was better to take the gentle route.

“Why don’t you go into the kitchen, and I’ll grab you a change of clothing. Sound good?”

He nodded, trembling but retreated towards the kitchen. You watched him, a look of confusion written across your face. You stood there for a moment longer, watching him take a seat at the kitchen island, you watched him take his seat, the way he carefully pulled back the chair as if he was going to break it. You turned towards the long stairs, going up them a million thoughts going through your head. Why you? Out of everyone Topper could’ve come to, he came to you. He came to someone who he had barely talked to on his own in almost two years. And you couldn’t feel guilty for the only thing running in your mind now. What the fuck did he do? You went into your parents room, sifting through your father's drawers for a pair of sweatpants, and a t-shirt. You weren’t sure if they’d fit, but your father wasn’t exactly huge. At the most they’d be a little loose. You walked back down the stairs, terrified of the silence. He still hadn’t spoken a word to you, and you were terrified by that.

“Hey, here this is some of my dad’s stuff. You know where the bathroom is?”

He gave you another nod, taking the clothing you had stuck out and he carefully tread down the long hallway. You turned on the fluorescent lights, and pulled out a mug for coffee. You filled the pot with water, and the filter with coffee grounds and set it to brew. You looked at the time, sighing as it read 1:57. Too early. You carefully pulled out the sugar, letting the sounds of coffee being made filling the house with sound. You sat on the counter, the cool feeling of granite met with your exposed thighs mentally counting . You heard the bathroom door creak open, and Topper came back taking a seat again. You both sat there silently, until the coffee machine let out a loud beep.

“Coffee?”

“What?”

“Coffee do you want some?”

“Oh um no… thanks.”

You nodded, turning back to the pot taking it out and pouring the dark amber liquid into your mug. You pulled the milk out, and poured it into your cup along with some sugar. You took a small sip, the hot liquid slipping into your mouth. It left a trail as it went through your throat burning your tongue.

“So, what happened?”

“I-“

You could see the panic, from earlier had returned to his face. And maybe a look of panic had spread across your face too. Just from his tone of voice, you knew things were bad.

“Top, it’s okay. Whatever happened I’m sure it’ll be fine in the morning. You don’t even have to talk about it.”

“No, I need to… I- shouldn’t. I shouldn’t even be here, I’ve got to go. Thanks for the clothes, I can bring them tomorrow or I can go change now. I’m so sorry for bothering you, especially this late, or early in the morning. I’m just sorry, I’m so so sorry.”

He quickly stood up, pushing his chair back to leave. And just as he stood up, you were up from your spot ushering him back down.

“No Topper! You’ve got to be out of your mind, thinking I’ll let you out especially in this state, with the weather like that. Just sit down and we’ll talk, okay?”

“Okay…”

“So walk me through what happened, just take your time.”

You said taking the seat next to him…

He told you everything, from his suspicions to Sarah cheating, to the fight at the kegger at the Boneyard, to the day Sarah went radio silent, to Midsummer and John B, to him catching Sarah and John B at the Hawk’s Nest, and then finally to him pushing John B off the tower. It was a lot to take in, part of you was angry at Sarah she was your best friend why wouldn’t she come to you? But you had heard about the fight at The Boneyard. That was definitely Topper’s fault, Hawk’s Nest was partly all three of their faults. The worst thing about the whole cheating thing was, Sarah cheated on Topper with a Pogue. She should’ve known how much worse it would be to him if he found out. You didn’t care about the whole Kooks vs Pogues thing, it felt like the plot of a cheesy 80s movie, and you knew Sarah didn’t care either, but Topper did. And it broke your heart to see him like those, crying over the fact that his girlfriend cheated on him. You knew he cared about her, even if he didn’t really show it.

It was now closer to three. Your coffee was gone, and now the two of you were sitting in your kitchen in silence. You hated silence, you weren’t sure why but it made you feel unsettled. Your mom and dad always told you that you talked too much, maybe that's why, always wanting to fill the silence. But for once you had nothing to say, you used to be so good at comforting Topper and now there was nothing you could say.

“I should get home.”

“It’s too late.”

“I’ll be fine, besides I don’t want to inconvenience you any longer.”

“You’re not an inconvenience, you know that right?”

Silence. You turned your head looking for something to indicate what he was thinking. You could tell he had something to say. He was doing that thing where he presses his lips together and looked down trying to contain whatever he wanted to say.

“Out with it.”

“What?”

“Say what’s on your mind.”

“What if he’s dead?”

“I don’t think he is.”

“Why?”

“The cops would be here by now, your car is parked in the middle of my driveway.”

“What if they didn’t report it yet?”

“Then his little friends would be here, they’d stalk the neighborhood looking for your car to wreck it.”

“Right…”

“I’ve got a question.”

“Go ahead.”

“Why’d you come to my house? I mean out of all the places you could’ve gone, you came here?

“There’s no one else I could really go to, Rafe would probably lose his shit and only focus on the fact that his sister was mackin’ a Pogue, and Kelce would laugh at me or something like that. Plus you were always great at listening.”

“I never stopped.”

“What?”

“You said were, I never stopped being good at listening.”

“Right.”

“What happened to us? I mean we were such great friends, screw that we were best friends. I mean we were with each other ninety-five percent of the time.”

“I don’t know, I guess we just grew up.”

“Right.”

It was silent between the two of you. You still weren’t convinced you guys just grew apart. It just didn’t make sense for two people who were once so close to just stop hanging around each other.

“I’m not sure what we’re supposed to do now.”

“Me neither.”

“It’s late…”

“Yeah.”

“My bedroom still has the extra pull out.”

“Are you sure? I can always stay in the guest room.”

“My sister’s boyfriend has practically moved in there and the place of Monster energy drinks and weed.”

“Oh uh okay.”

You slowly pushed back your chair standing up, and setting the mug in the sink. You motioned for him to follow you, and you walked towards the stairs, and him following as you went up.

“I’m going to brush my teeth, and look for an extra toothbrush. You can just sit on my bed and wait.”

You opened your door for him, before walking into your bathroom. You rummaged through your bathroom, looking for an extra toothbrush. You finally found a pack, from when Kyle had started staying. The idiot kept losing his toothbrush, so your dad went out and bought a twenty pack. Kyle was a tool, but he loved you sister. She was lucky in that sense. You weren’t like that with Kelce, you didn’t really love each other. It was weird when you thought more about the relationship considering you guys had been together for almost two years. Watching your sister fall in love with her dumbass boyfriend, was probably what led you to calling it quits. You finished brushing your teeth, and walked out of the bathroom.

“Toothbrush and toothpaste are on the counter.”

He nodded towards you, and stood up from his place on your bed.

“Thank you.”

“You’re welcome.”

You gave him a smile, before turning towards your bed. You gently knelt onto the ground, fiddling with the bottom mattress. You lifted the platform it was on, and rolled it out. You heard the bathroom door, and stood up turning around.

“Bedsheets are in my closet, you’ll see them once you open it”

“I remember.”

“Right”

You watched him go into your closet pulling the sheets from the top, until something caught his eye.

“Is that the dress you wore to 8th grade graduation?”

He was pointing at a small white lace dress that was clearly way too small for you. You stood up to get a better view, your hand grazing against the material.

“Yeah I think it is.”

“I remember that day.”

“Yeah me too, things were so different.”

“What happened?”

“What do you mean.”

“To us, did we seriously just grow apart?”

“I thought we already discussed this.”

“I know but I just want to make sense of it all Top, I mean you were the one who initially stopped answering me. No more late night texts or calls.”

“I don’t know Y/N I just, I guess I got busy with other things. You know the pressure from my dad, and everything.”

“Right…”

“Look I’m sorry about how things ended.”

You nodded carefully looking at him. Part of you wanted to say that it wasn’t the truth that there was more, but you didn’t want to press. You let go of the dress, shutting the closet doors. You walked over to your bed, taking one of the pillows off of your bed.

“Here.”

“Thanks… again for everything.”

“Like I said it’s no problem.”

You gave him one last smile before slipping into your bed. You leaned over shutting off the small little lamp that was illuminating your room, before staring up at the ceiling…

“Y/N”

“Yes Top?”

“You were right, I did stop answering your calls on purpose.”

“Oh… why?”

“I don’t know, I think freshman me was jealous.”

“Jealous?”

“At the end of eighth grade I guess I started to have a crush.”

“What?”

“Yeah…”

“That’s funny.”

“Wait what?”

“End of 8th grade is when I started putting away my feelings for you.”

“Wait you liked me?”

“Yeah I thought it was pretty obvious.”

“I didn’t have a clue.”

Silence once again. This felt weirder than before though. Something that you wanted for so long, but now that you knew of it you didn’t know what to feel.

“Where do we go from here?”

“I’m not sure.”

“Do you still like me?”

“I don’t know maybe… what about you.”

“Quite frankly I’m not sure I stopped.”

You flipped around in your bed, looking over the side. Even though it was dark it felt like your eyes had met, you kept staring at his figure until he sat up. You could see him more clearly now, the small bit of light coming from the beginning of the sunrise helped too. You looked at him, and he looked right back at you and the two of you were just lost in each other’s eyes. You scooched forward, and he leaned closer to you and then you two were kissing. It was a hot and heavy kiss, his hands were behind your head practically pushing you forward, and your long fingers were tangled in his frosted tips. Everything you ever wanted was in this kiss, and you didn’t want it to stop. Soon enough you two needed to pull away for air, you were practically breathless as you leaned back against your mattress looking up at the ceiling once more.

“That was perfect.”

And it truly was. After years of bad timing, you finally got to kiss him and it felt so incredibly perfect. You had never had a kiss like this not with any tourists or even Kelce. You smiled, as you motioned for him to join you on the bed you mind in pure bliss. Years of bad timing had led up to this, and you wouldn’t have preferred it any other way.

[insfiringyou]

BTS - Past Lives (V x Cassandra)

Contains: Discussions around pregnancy. Angst. Mentions of the past/confessions of love.

Set 2 days following the events of ‘Reaching Seoul’, Taehyung and Cassandra meet on neutral ground in a cafe. 

We wanted to show some moments between the members and their girlfriends that may not seem grand or important in the long run, but that highlight some of the conversations they might have in private. We also don’t want to shy away from some of the arguments, disagreements or bickering that might take place. 

You can find out more about our headcanon universe and ongoing storyline here and more about our headcanon girlfriends here.

To read each member & their girlfriend’s headcanon universe fics in order, follow the links here: RM   /   Jin /   Suga /   J-Hope   /   Jimin  /   V   /   Jungkook & our full masterlist of fics and art can be found here

Content below the cut

He was glad to find the cafe almost deserted and that Cassandra had chosen a quiet corner to sit in. Being recognised at the service station two days before had thrown him after spending so long out of the public eye, and he had been careful getting here; taking only back-streets and donning casual clothes which were sure to make him blend in. He had considered, back in the hotel, on wearing a hat, but thought if anything it would make his features stand out more. 

The round table obscured the swell beneath her oversized jumper, and for a split second he almost forgot that anything had changed between them until she carefully rose from her seat as he joined her, shattering the illusion. He was unable to help his lingering gaze as she straightened up; her stomach straining heavily against the fabric. 

“Thanks for coming.” She said, keeping her voice low to avoid attracting any unnecessary attention. “I’ll get the drinks. Tea or coffee?”

He was silent for a moment, ashamed by his relief at her offer and realising that, like him, she was worried about him being spotted. “Tea.” He looked at her, hoping she would understand how grateful he was. She nodded politely before heading towards the counter on the other side of the room, disappearing from view. He knitted his thumbs together anxiously on the table, looking down when a young woman passed him on the way to the restroom. The rattling sound of unsteady porcelain brought his attention back, and he intuitively got to his feet as Cassandra turned the corner, precariously holding the tray of drinks. 

“Careful…” He murmured, taking it from her and setting it down gently on the table. Reaching forward, she took a sip of water from her glass and lowered herself on the chair opposite, watching him, observing. 

“You look better.” She finally said as he poured the steaming liquid from the teapot into his cup. He looked up at the sound of her voice. “Rested, I mean.” She clarified.

Taehyung sensed she was relieved, remembering how worked up and dry-eyed he had been when he saw her two days before. He had looked at himself in the bathroom mirror when he checked into the hotel and thought it was no surprise she had looked so shocked at his appearance. 

“I slept for the best part of a day.” He confirmed, blowing gently against the rim of the little porcelain cup. 

“You clearly needed it.” Her smile told him that she too was finding it hard to approach the subject they had both come here to discuss. Her initial suggestion of the cafe had seemed impersonal on the phone and he had almost protested, but he realised now why she had wanted to meet in public. Their conversation was undoubtedly more stilted than it would have been had they been alone in her apartment, but maybe that was what was needed. 

“I’m glad you called.” He admitted, taking a small sip to inadvertently avoid her gaze. He suddenly felt small and awkward, as though she would be able to see the undercurrent of his bubbling nerves.

“I know we don’t have long…I’m sorry.” She said softly, moving her chair aside to make room as the young woman came out of the restroom, casting no more than an uninterested glance at the both of them. The time he had booked off was already coming to an end, and he wished, more than anything, that he had trusted his instincts and bargained for a longer vacation. 

“It’s not…” He started, frowning as he tried to find the right words. He put the cup down and held his palm flat against the table, as though to keep his nerves in check. “I don’t want to upset you.”

“I know…” She admitted, her voice a whisper. 

“I want to do what’s right.” He confessed, realising as he said it that he had come to this conclusion the day before, knowing it was no use to argue with her, and that it would only make things worse. “But I’m not even sure what that means anymore...what it involves.” His voice trembled, and before he could think about how to cover it up, her hand slipped through his, holding it gently across the table. 

“Do you remember, when you first told me you loved me?” She asked. Her voice was melodic and kind but, he realised, without the nostalgia he would have expected. Taking a deep breath, he looked up, locking eyes. “You said you knew when you first saw me that we belonged together...that we were soulmates.” 

He felt a sour stab in his chest at the recollection, understanding that while the memory was a good one, it sounded strange hearing someone else say it. He remembered the way her bare skin smelt of incense and jasmine as he traced a pattern of moles on her shoulder; the comforting weight of her in his lap as he stroked her dark hair. She had been preoccupied with a stray strand of cotton which had come loose from the sofa, plucking at it with her fingers as he spoke, a gentle smile playing on both their lips as he trailed his fingertips from her body to the gentle slope of her nose, stroking it lovingly. He had always found her nose beautiful; more angular and pronounced than he was used to seeing. The words had spilled from his lips; his unselfconscious confession of love bearing no burden on him. She hadn’t answered at first, and he didn’t expect her to. He just needed her to know how he felt. 

“And when we spoke…” She continued. “It was as though you already knew me...like we’d known one another in a past life, and you wondered whether you’d made a mistake the first time, and were given a second chance to make things right.” 

“Cass..” He whispered, shifting on his seat. She made him sound so young, and yet he knew he had spoken those very words. Like the perfect actress; she had memorised them without realising; not knowing she would ever need to repeat his sentiment years later. Subconsciously, his eyes flickered to the place where the table blocked his view of her stomach. His monologue suddenly seemed childish.

“Let me finish.” She uttered gently. “I know you thought I wasn’t listening, and that what you were saying was just some…” Her lips twisted in thought, as though trying to translate the words in her head. “Post-coital daydream.” She shrugged, knowing it wasn’t exactly the right phrase, but would have to do. She ignored the slight flinch he gave, expecting it, and continued calmly. “But I think we both know that with this, we don’t get a second chance to make things right if we fuck up.” 

He fought the urge to explain or justify himself; knowing, frustratingly, that she was right. Instead, he sighed slowly. “Then let me help you. Let me be a part of this.” He squeezed her hand, allowing her to fall quiet. 

“You’ve still got a year left in service.” She said, pulling away slowly. He realised she wasn’t trying to pick fault with his words, but was simply stating a fact. 

“They’ll let me take the time off to be with you when it happens.” He said, not knowing if it was true. He would have to cross that bridge when the time came. 

She shook her head slowly. “If you do that, it’ll get out...your career will be over.”

“Let me worry about that.” He murmured, realising as he said it that it was a real possibility. 

Although they both knew the matter wasn’t settled, they fell silent, taking the opportunity to finish their drinks. He watched her place the empty glass on the tray, her movement distracting him from the wet streak which ran down her cheek. 

“I’m scared…” She admitted, the whimper in her voice drawing his attention to her face. His chest sank. 

“Me too.” He confessed quietly. 

She stifled a sob, trying to keep steady. “I feel like I’ve gone out to swim and the tide’s come in early…” He watched her reach for the napkin which had been placed under the water on the tray, and bunch it tightly between her fingers, twisting it absently with both hands as she spoke. “There’s no rule book or script telling me what I should do.” He didn’t think he had ever seen her so vulnerable but felt the echo of her words in his own chest. “I’m still wondering if I made the right choice.” She looked up at him with wet, brown eyes and his stomach churned at the memory of his accusation, two days before. Gently, he changed the topic. 

“Who’s been paying your rent? Ji-eun?” 

She nodded slowly, almost shamefully, and it made him ache unpleasantly that she should feel the need to be embarrassed by asking for help. 

“And you haven’t told your parents?” He continued. 

“I meant to.” She said weakly. “I just keep imagining their reaction...knowing they told me I wouldn’t be able to take care of myself.” More tears fell, though her voice had steadied, and he felt the humiliation in her words. It occurred to him, for the first time in such stark terms, that he too would have to tell his family, and the prospect suddenly seemed harder than the thought of giving up his career had been. He tried not to let on as she finished, wiping her eyes messily with the torn-up napkin. “It feels like a slap in the face.”

He let out a long breath of air. “It’s my fault too. You shouldn’t have to go through this alone.” 

Her small hand was resting by the empty teapot, and he took it in his, meeting her small, timid smile as she gulped back the tears with a snort. 

“Look at us…” She laughed softly. “I always thought I was so grown up. That I was living the life I’d dreamed of as a child.” Shaking her head, she smiled nervously. “But now we both look like scared children.”

He knew she was right; it was though she could see right through him. But, suddenly, there was a strange comfort in knowing she felt the same; that whatever challenges they faced ahead would be navigated with a shared caution. “You’re the strongest person I know Cass.” Taehyung admitted without a pause for doubt, and he hoped that in her silence, she would be able to see it too. As they turned to watch the quiet lull of the street outside, he wondered if everyone felt this way; if anyone could truly be prepared for their life turning upside down so suddenly.

***

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[ificanthaveu]

A Christmas Miracle || Shawn Mendes

Description: It’s Christmas time, and the one thing you want, is becoming harder and harder to get. (TW: struggling to get pregnant)

A/N: she’s late. again. it’s not been a good week my dudes but it makes me SO HAPPY to post this and to get all your love back so thank you thank you thank you for all the kind words for helping make my week better. so my initial plan for this was just pregnancy announcement at Christmas time and then it got a little dark in the beginning...but i PROMISE it get’s happy pretty quickly and it’s a happy ending (no sad endings in Ficmas)

Word Count: 2.5k

12 Days of Ficmas

The lights on your tree reflected around you, hitting the walls, the tv screen and everything else. Your eyes drooped as you got lost in the patterns, willing yourself to stay awake for when Shawn got home. 

It was three days before Christmas, and Shawn was supposed to get home around 9:00. But blizzards were unavoidable, so his flight was delayed a few hours. It was hitting 1:00 am, and you wanted nothing more than to curl up in your bed with your husband and sleep comfortably and through the night for the first time in weeks. You’d just continue to tell yourself that he’d be home any minute. 

You resituated and sat straight up, crossing your legs in a pretzel and grabbing your phone, hoping to find something to keep you awake until Shawn showed up. You clicked into Facebook and scrolled through countless posts of people from your hometown and their families. It seemed like everyone you went to high school with either had a baby this year or was expecting one for early next year. You exited out before you made yourself feel even worse. 

You and Shawn wanted kids. And you were more than ready for them after being together for four years, being married for just over one. And since Shawn was taking a long, much-deserved break after this tour, you were hoping you’d already be a few months pregnant, even more than halfway through a pregnancy. But here you were, alone, and not pregnant. 

You laid back on the couch with a huff and stared at the lights on the ceiling. You knew it would happen when the timing was right, but at this point, you were just frustrated and blaming yourself. 

You wiped the tear that fell down your cheek and prayed Shawn would be home soon to snap you out of your thoughts. You stood up quickly and walked into the kitchen to grab a glass of water. You leaned against the counter and stared at photos that lined the walls of your dining room of you and Shawn. You wanted more than anything to replace some of them with pictures of your kids. 

Before you could think too far again, you heard the back door open. You slammed down your glass and jogged towards the back hallway. 

Shawn didn’t even have a chance to take his backpack off before you were jumping into his arms. He held you tightly against him rubbing his hands soothingly down your back. Moments passed before he set you down and shrugged his backpack off. He leaned down and pressed a long kiss to your lips. He pulled away and rested his forehead against yours. 

“Hi,” he whispered. 

“Hi,” you whispered back.

“I love you,” he said with a sleepy smile. 

“I love you, too,” you returned the smile. “Let’s go to bed, yeah?”

Shawn simply nodded in response as you walked up the stairs, hand in hand, to your bed. Shawn quickly stripped his clothes off and crawled under the covers, pulling you against him and sighing, feeling all the tension release from his body. You did the same.

Shawn’s thumb rubbed soothing circles along your hips and rested his head on top of yours as you cuddled into his chest, pressing soft kisses against his skin every few seconds. 

“I missed you,” you whispered as you traced shapes on his chest. He rested his hand on top of yours, halting your movements.

“You only do that when you’re not telling me something,” he said as he looked down at you. 

You avoided his eye contact and instead stared at his hand on top of yours. 

“I’m just scared,” you mumbled, begging your voice not to crack.

“I know, baby. I know,” he said as he pulled you on top of him. Your legs fell to either side of his hips as your chest rested against his and your head fell in the crook of his neck. 

“These things take time, and we know that,” he whispered as he combed his fingers through your hair. “We’ve been trying for, what? Barely eight months? It’ll happen when the times right. We’ve both been under so much stress that it can’t be helping. But I’m home permanently now, and we’ll be stress-free, and it’ll happen when it happens,” he reminded you for what felt like the millionth time. 

“I know. Just freaks me out,” you said quietly. 

“I know, love. But it’s Christmas. And you love Christmas. So don’t let this ruin this time of year. We just have to remind ourselves that what’s meant to happen, will happen,” he said. 

You stayed silent, trying to believe his words. 

“Now, please go to sleep,” he whispered. “I know you’re tired.”

You hummed in response, leaning your head up to press a quick kiss to his jaw before slowly dozing off. 

—

By the time you woke up, Shawn was already awake, and you could hear music coming from the kitchen. You grabbed a sweatshirt and trudged downstairs, seeing him brewing a pot of coffee. 

“Good morning,” you said as you walked up to him. 

He turned to look at you and wrapped his arms tightly around you. 

“Are you feeling any better?” He said as he pulled away and held you by your shoulders.

You simply shrugged in response, not really feeling any worse or any better. “I’ll get there,” you said softly.

“I’m gonna go grab my phone,” he mumbled against your forehead before jogging up the stairs. 

You poured yourself a cup of coffee and pulled out your own phone to go through notifications that came through last night. 

One in particular caught your eye. It was your period tracking app, reminding you to document the start of your period. You clicked on the notification, and it expanded to a few more you had gotten within the last few weeks. Your heart skipped a beat as you opened up the app and looked at when you were supposed to get your period. 

Three weeks ago. 

You took a deep breath and tried not to get your hopes up. You had no idea how you didn’t notice. You heard Shawn coming back down the stairs as you exited out of the app and set your phone down, taking a careful sip of your coffee. 

“You good?” He asked, immediately knowing something was wrong. 

You shrugged your shoulders in response, thinking of a quick way to cover this up. 

“Yeah, Rosie just wants me to stop by and help her with bringing some boxes upstairs since Ryan won’t be home until tomorrow,” you said, grabbing your phone and sending her a quick text that you were coming over. 

“You want me to come help?” he asked. 

You shook your head quickly, “No, no. It’s nothing heavy. Just a few boxes from the move. I’ll be fine.” 

You brushed past him to run upstairs to quickly shower and get ready. You were dressed and out the door in record time, telling Shawn you’d be home soon. 

You called Rosie immediately. 

“Why are you coming over?” She groaned, sounding like she had just woken up.

“Do you have any pregnancy tests left?” You asked.

“Shut the fuck up,” she said slowly. “Do you think…?” She trailed off. 

“I’m three weeks late,” you said for the first time out loud.

“I’ve got a few boxes still,” she said as you heard her rummaging around. 

“Great, I’m almost there,” you said, hanging up and focusing on the road and willing yourself to breathe. 

You pulled into her driveway and ran up to her front door. She was waiting there for you with a pregnancy test in her hand. 

You barely said hello as you grabbed it and went into the nearest bathroom. You quickly took the test and set it on the counter, opening the door for Rosie to join you in waiting. 

“I don’t want to get my hopes up,” was the first thing you said to her as she sat next to you on the edge of the bathtub. 

“I know,” she said softly. “Just three minutes.”

You didn’t say anything else, anxiously tapping your foot on the ground as you watched the time tick by impossibly slow.

“You can always have one of the twins,” she said, motioning to her stomach. 

“I might take you up on that if this is negative,” you groaned. “How did you get twins, and I can’t even get one of them?” You said quietly.

“Two minutes,” she said, resting her hand on your knee. “And the right thing will happen when the time is right.”

“You sound like Shawn,” you mumbled. 

“Is Ryan home?” You said. 

“Yeah, he’s upstairs,” she said. “He knows what’s going on.”

“If you happen to see Shawn, Ryan wasn’t home, and I was helping you move boxes,” you said with a smile. 

“He’s probably pacing,” she said as she motioned with her head upstairs. You looked up at the ceiling, knowing he definitely was.

“I can’t believe I have to tell Ryan before my own husband,” you pointed out. 

“That’s what you get for keeping him around since seventh grade,” she said. 

You laughed and before you could respond, the timer went off. You both went dead silent. 

You took a deep breath and grabbed the test, facing it away from you.

“Want me to count you down?” Rosie asked as she stood next to you.

“Yeah,” you said, barely audible. 

“Alright,” she paused. “3…2…1.”

With that, you flipped the test over and stared at the two lines staring back at you. 

“Oh my God,” you and Rosie both said at the same time. You both looked at each other, tears brimming in your eyes. 

“I’m pregnant,” you said quietly. 

“You’re pregnant,” she said back to you. 

“Holy fuck,” you said, letting it slowly sink in and letting the smile spread across your face. “I’m pregnant!” You yelled as Rosie gave you a tight hug, jumping up and down as you kept staring at the test over Rosie’s shoulder. 

You could hear Ryan bounding down the stairs, and the bathroom door whipped open shortly after. 

“Did you just say you’re pregnant?” He asked, out of breath. 

You nodded your head as Ryan wrapped his arms around both you and Rosie. 

“Our kids are going to be best friends,” Ryan whispered. 

“My kid,” you whispered. “I’m having a kid. A baby. My baby.” 

You wiped the tears from your eyes, looking in the mirror and trying to compose yourself. 

“How are you going to tell Shawn?” Ryan asked. 

“Christmas is in two days,” Rosie pointed out. 

You turned around and leaned against the counter. 

“This is going to be the best Christmas present he’s ever received.”

—

You went to the doctor with Rosie that day, and she confirmed the news you had been waiting months to hear. You were two months pregnant. 

The rest of that day and Christmas Eve went by painfully slow. You were staying home this Christmas, opting out of visiting your parents and just spending the day with Shawn and having Rosie and Ryan over after dinner. As you and Shawn sat on the couch to watch a movie on Christmas Eve, you couldn’t help but stare at the small package towards the back of the gifts. 

You woke up early on Christmas morning. You couldn’t sleep, even though you were the most tired you’d ever been. You threw up a few times on Christmas Eve but told Shawn it was just a bad meal you had when you were with Rosie the other day. 

You patiently waited for Shawn to wake up, leaning against the headboard and looking down at him. 

He was going to be a dad, and he didn’t even know it yet. 

You couldn’t wait any longer as you snaked your arm around his waist and pressed a kiss to his back. You heard him groan as he turned towards you.

“Merry Christmas, darling,” he said in his raspy voice. 

You leaned forward, pressing a quick kiss to his nose. 

“Merry Christmas,” you whispered back. 

He smiled at you, wrapping his arms around your waist and pulling you against his chest. 

“Do you think Santa came?” Shawn whispered with a cheesy grin on his face. 

“I guess we’ll have to go look,” you said through a laugh. 

You both got out of bed, pulling on sweatpants and sweatshirts and shuffling downstairs. You both sat in front of the tree, arguing about who had to open the first gift. 

You finally agreed and started opening gifts, going back and forth. The gifts slowly dwindled down as you continued to watch the small package in the back. 

You opened your last gift, setting it aside, as Shawn grabbed the last one underneath the tree. Your heart sped up as he carefully unwrapped it. He was met with a small box. He took the top off and a puzzled look came across his face.

You started to tear up as he stared at the test, processing what this meant. He finally looked up at you, tears brimming in his eyes. 

“Baby, are you..” He trailed off, looking between you and the test in his hands. 

“Yeah,” you breathed out. “I’m pregnant. You’re going to be a dad.” 

The tears really started to fall at that point as Shawn leaped across the space between you and held you tightly as he cried into your hair and you cried into his chest. 

“We’re going to be parents,” he choked out after a moment. 

He pulled away from you and held your face in his hands, brushing away the tears in your eyes. 

“You’re going to be a mom,” he whispered, still trying to wrap his head around this. “Oh my God, this is all I’ve ever wanted.”

He held you tightly once again, rocking you back and forth, not being able to knock the smile off his face. 

“We get to tell Rosie and Ryan tonight that our kids get to be best friends,” he said as he realized it. 

“They already know,” you said slowly. “I took the test at their house.”

“There were no boxes to be moved?” He said as he realized. 

You shook your head. “Nope.”

“I’m speechless. I can’t believe this,” Shawn said, wiping his cheeks dry wit his sleeves. “I’m going to be a dad.”

“The best dad.”

“And you’re going to be the best mom.”

He wiped a tear off your cheek once again, pulling you against his chest as he leaned against the couch. His hand wrapped around your waist, resting softly on your stomach. 

“We should give him or her a Christmas name. You know, since we found out around Christmas?” Shawn suggested.

“Not happening.”

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[novilistinspirations]

Trust Your Instincts

Gregory Mason finished his final sketch around 11pm on Thursday evening. He set the ruler aside and stared at his project. It was an elementary school designed for a small town nearby. Gregory leaned back in his chair, and it creaked under the added stress. He narrowed his eyes, wondering if he had included too many windows (or not enough), before finally turning off the drawing table light, deciding he'd done enough for one day.

He was the last one in the office, as he had wanted to finish the project by the end of the week, and was cutting close to his deadline.

He glanced at his watch, though he already knew from the black sky outside that it was well past the point his wife, Ellen, would have liked him to be home. She doesn't like having to put their daughter to bed without him. He knew he may be in for another lecture on how important the first five years of a child's development are. It would be less than a year until Kara turned five.

He rubbed his eyes, already feeling too tired for the half hour drive back to his house. Frequently, Kara would stay up and wait for him to get home if he wasn't there in time to tuck her in.

It was that thought that motivated him to get up from his chair and start getting ready to leave. He pulled on his jacket and threw away his half-empty coffee cup that had long since gone cold.

He left his office, shutting the door behind him, and began making his way down the hall toward the stairwell. Half way down the hall he realized he forgot his keycard, and turned to go back and retrieve it. Then he stopped.

At the back of the building, where the cubicles are located, the lights were on. The lights are automatic, so this meant the motion censor must have been triggered.

Gregory had thought that he was alone in the building, but he assumed someone had simply forgotten something, and returned briefly to get it from their workstation while he had been too involved in his project to notice. He walked back to his office, retrieving the keycard from the top drawer of his desk.

Then he heard something.

Shuffling, as though someone were dragging their feet across the carpet.

Gregory is a logical man. He knew that it was likely just an intern, and that there was no reason for him to feel unnerved. Despite his reasoning, he felt the hair standing up on his neck, and his heartrate increased, as though his body was instinctively reacting to a danger he couldn't consciously perceive.

He brushed off the thought, blaming it on the long workday and lack of sleep. Despite this, as he left his office he shut the door as quietly as possible. He mentally scolded himself, thinking it was ridiculous for him to be hiding from an imaginary predator. He decided he would go and check the back room, just to prove to himself that there was nothing wrong.

He turned left down the hall, toward the cubicles. By the time he had walked to the end of the hallway, he had convinced himself there would be nothing of interest for him to find. However, when he reached the room, his heart leapt into his throat.

There, standing near the opposite wall, was a man. His back was turned to Gregory, and although it wasn't possible to be sure, as there were several cubicles between them, he appeared to be unclothed. His hair was dark and ragged, and his skin was very pale. He had spots of dirt caked onto him, as though he had been sleeping in the mud. He was shaking, and seemed very unstable, as if he might fall over at any moment.

Gregory's initial instinct was to run, as he had already been slightly paranoid before seeing the man, however, he did not act on it. He remained calm, telling himself to be rational. He assumed the man was troubled, perhaps homeless, or mentally ill. Gregory thought he should talk to the man, and then decide if it would be necessary to call the police.

"Excuse me," Gregory said, but did not finish his sentence.

As the man turned to face him, his head lolled to the side, as though his neck couldn't properly support the weight of it. His movements were slow, and lacking control. He kicked his legs out before taking each step to turn, dragging his feet across the floor to bring them close enough to support his body. This brought the image of a puppet on strings to Gregory's mind, and he felt a sudden jolt of fear through his chest.

When the man turned around fully, Gregory could see his face perfectly under the fluorescent light, and his fear turned to panic.

The man's skin was practically grey, and what had seemed to be mud now appeared closer to rot. The man's jaw hung open, in his mouth a strange black liquid swirled around rapidly. His eyelids had been removed, and the sockets were rimmed with blood. His eyes did not sit inside the sockets, but behind them, as though they couldn't quite fit. They were bright orange, with thin black pupils slitted vertically down the center.

For a moment Gregory felt frozen. He couldn't process what he was seeing, and so he couldn't react. He just stood and stared, ice cold dread filling his chest and closing his throat (not that it would have helped him to scream). It wasn't until the creature took a step toward him, once again producing that long dragging sound across the carpet, that Gregory was able to force his legs to move.

He turned and fled down the hall, attempting to look both in front of him and behind him at once. For how much difficulty the creature seemed to have with movement, by the time Gregory reached the other end of the hall it had already maneuvered it's way through the cubicles, and was chasing him with jerky, lopsided steps. It's feet twisted around as it flailed toward him, and Gregory wondered if the creature even had bones to support it's limbs. This didn't seem to hinder it, as it dropped to the ground and launched itself down the hallway on all fours.

Gregory's breath came in short gasps, each one producing a small panicked shout. He could hear his heart pound in his ears as the creature somehow managed to gain speed, the black liquid audibly whirling in it's throat.

When he finally reached the door to the stairwell, Gregory twisted the knob and slammed into the door so forcefully he fell forward onto the landing. He turned onto his back, seeing the creature sprinting at him, it's eyes moving erratically behind the bloodied eyesockets, the black liquid swishing and whirling in and out of it's mouth. Gregory kicked at the door. He missed twice, then hit it on the third time. It slammed shut, the lock setting automatically. He heard a loud thump as the creature failed to stop in time. Gregory scrambled to his feet, grabbing onto the stair railing for support. He started down, but when he reached the second landing he heard a sound like running water, and looked back up the stairs.

Thick black liquid was flooding out from under the door, and began pouring down the stairs toward him. Gregory dashed down the second flight, leaping over the last three steps and just barely managing to get his footing as he landed. He crashed through the exit door and into the parking lot, sprinting for his car. He cursed himself for parking so far back, no longer daring to look behind him.

He didn't slow his pace until he reached the car, fumbling to get his keyfob out and unlock it. The moment he was sat down inside he jammed the key into the ignition, slamming his foot on the accelerator before he'd even gotten it in gear.

Within seconds he was out of the parking lot and making his way toward the freeway, not bothering to consider the speed limit.

It wasn't until he was half way home that his heart rate finally started to slow. His eyes darted repeatedly to the rearview mirror, although he didn't know how the creature could possibly follow him going ninety down the highway. He told himself he needed to calm down. He didn't want to tell his wife what had happened. Even if he had wanted to, he didn't think he could.

By the time he reached his house he had managed to get himself into the frame of mind to feign normalcy. He parked in the driveway, and tried not to appear too jumpy as he scanned the yard on his way to the front door, but he couldn't help looking over his shoulder. When he got inside, Ellen was on the couch in the living room. She stood as soon as she heard him enter.

"Oh, Greg, thank god you're alright." She wrapped her arms around his neck, embracing him tightly, before taking a step back and slapping his shoulder, "what kept you?" She demanded.

"What do you mean?" He asked, hoping she couldn't see how shaken he was, "You know I was at work."

"Didn't you see the news?" She asked, her eyes were wide.

"No. Why, what happened?" He asked, sitting down on the sofa.

She sat next to him, twisting her hands anxiously, "A man was murdered, right by your office. Greg, it's absolutely horrible, the person that did it must have been completely deranged." She said.

Gregory felt cold, and balled his hands into fists to keep them from shaking, "by my office?" He asked.

"Yes, and it was so awful." She covered her mouth with her hand, "his whole body- everything had been pulled out."

"Pulled out? What do you mean pulled out?" Gregory could feel the fear pricking in his chest again.

"Pulled out of his skin, and they don't know where it is. They found his insides just- just strewn around behind one of the buildings in town, less than a block away from where you were working." Her voice became very strained, "And because they couldn't find his- his skin, they can't identify him yet, and you were so late getting home, and I couldn't help but think-" She stiffled a sob.

"Elle, I'm right here, I'm fine." Gregory pulled her to his chest, hiding his fear behind the attempt to comfort her. His mind raced with the thought of how very close he was to being that man. How it could have been his skin that creature had been wearing next. He suppressed a shudder.

After several long moments, Ellen had calmed down, and decided to go to bed. Gregory assured her he'd be there in a moment, and went down the hall to their daughter's room. Her door was cracked so that just enough light could stream in from the hallway. She was asleep, as he expected, with a worn stuffed rabbit clutched in her arms.

Gregory sat down gently on her bed, and as he listened to the steadiness of her breathing he finally began to feel a sense of relief. He would not be going back to the office the next day. He'd never go back, if he could help it. He made the decision to put in a transfer request in the morning. Perhaps he'd even look for a new job entirely.

Feeling slightly better after seeing his daughter sleeping soundly and having a plan sorted, he left Kara's room. Being sure to leave the door cracked the way she liked it, he went to check that the house doors were locked before turning in.

He checked the front door first, than the garage, and finally went to the sliding glass door at the back. He pulled the curtain aside, and seeing that the lock was set, he began pulling the curtain back into place when something caught his attention, and his blood ran cold.

Just outside their backyard fence, he could have sworn he saw a pair of orange eyes.

[coyotesongwriting]

Home - Ch. 7

Chapter 7  - A Ring

Chapter Summary: You know what they say about assumptions...

Word Count: 2530

Author’s Note: Thank you so much for reading this story and I hope you enjoy it. I’ve tried a new writing style for this fic and I can definitely say it’s not my cup of tea but I love the story anyways!

Disclaimer: I don’t own the characters so don’t sue me please. I just really like them haha

Previous Chapter              Series Masterlist

It was the longest two weeks of your life before he came back. You didn’t tell the boys the truth about their father, instead you merely began to teach them about the Winter Soldier. Of course over the years you’d talked about him some, how could you not. Once you knew he was back though, you talked about him daily, telling the boys all about him, what’d he been through, and what he was like after. Every day they asked you for new stories about the winter soldier, and you were more than happy to comply.

When you’d gone to Kalispel with James to pick a dog, he’d fallen head over heels with a rottweiler puppy he’d seen, but the pup was still too young to leave his family. You’d have to go pick him up in a month when he was 10 weeks old. James couldn’t wait, and to be honest neither could you. The idea of a new pup in the house gave you something to focus on, something reliable to look forward to.

At the diner, you found yourself more distracted than usual and sometimes you struggled to focus on what was going on. Luckily you had an amazing staff and they were able to step up and help you out, never pushing you for answers you couldn’t give. Word had spread around town about that day, but no one dared to question you about it. You’d always been a private person, and they trusted you’d talk about it when you were ready.

The first few nights, Ty basically moved into your house and crashed on the couch. You’d worried him when you explained why you had decided to hide your true identity and connections, and he couldn’t help but worry someone would find you in the night. Eventually, you managed to convince him to go home after proving you could kick his butt in a fight and promising he would be your second call - your first call would be to the Avengers.

Every day you waited anxiously for Bucky to appear, and every day you were disappointed when he did not. Every fiber of your being called out to you to hunt him down, but you just couldn’t do it. What if between his time with Hydra and the time spent apart, he fell out of love with you? What if you went after him and someone found the boys while you were gone. No, you had to sit and wait and hope he’d come back. For the first time, you truly understood how Sam and Nat must have felt when you’d disappeared the last time.

On Thursday afternoon, after the lunch run but before the dinner rush started, the familiar bell of your door rang and you immediately whirled around like you’d done every time for the last two weeks. This time though you weren’t met with disappointment.

Bucky stood in front of you, his long hair tucked back behind his ears, and his eyes lingered on you. Time seemed to stop as you stared at each other, truly taking the time to take the other in. His eyes were the same gorgeous shade you’d always loved, but there was a new wall up, he was guarded, unsure.

As he stood there, you slowly began to move towards him, every step was calculated, terrified he’d run away again. But he didn’t move, just watched as you approached. When you were a mere few feet away you paused before racing at him, your arms quickly wrapping around him, your face burrowing into his shoulder. For what seemed like forever, he didn’t move, stiff as a board. But when your tears began to wet his shirt, his arms found their way around you. You clung to each other like a desperate man fighting to hold onto the life preserver.

You fit together like two puzzle pieces, and with his arms around you, the years faded away. It was like he had never disappeared, like you’d never fled with his kids. For a moment, everything was right with the world. Like all good things, it didn’t last long enough. Too soon for your liking, you found you both pulling away, your eyes searching one another for something. You searched for forgiveness, but you couldn’t tell what he searched for.

“Hey, Buck” your voice was a soft whisper as if afraid speaking up would break the spell and he’d disappear.

“Hey, Doll.” The familiar timbre of his voice seemed to echo through the air, and you felt tears begin to flow down again.

Silence lingered for a moment, you were too caught up in the moment to even register that you should respond, but Bucky spoke again, “So, uh… where’s the guy?”

You couldn't quite decipher the unusual tone in his voice, “What guy?”

Bucky looked down at the ground, refusing to meet your gaze, “Ty.”

“Ty?” you questioned, eyebrows drawing together in confusion, “Ty’s at work. Why? Do you need to talk to him or something?”

“No, I - I just needed to know.”

“Are you okay, ba - Buck?” you caught yourself as you spoke, the old familiar nickname almost slipping from your lips.

“I’m alive. You?”

“I’m okay” you paused for a moment and when he didn’t speak again you did, “Steve told you about the boys, right?”

Bucky nodded, “You were pregnant? I mean, when I was taken? What are they like?”

A soft smile crept across your face at the talk of the boys, “They’re brilliant and fun and sometimes downright terrifying, and god they remind me of you so much it’s insane.” “Steve said you named them James and George?”

“Yeah, I named them after you and your dad… We’d never talked about we’d name a son so I just kinda guessed what you’d want”

Your hand subconsciously reached out for his, your fingers intertwining like it hadn’t been years since you’d touched. Muscle memory is a hell of a thing, and you didn’t mind when it came to touching Bucky. Feeling him served as a reminder that he was okay, he was alive and there. Buck didn’t pull away at first, but after a long moment, he slowly pulled his hand from yours.

“What uh… What are their middle names?” Bucky seemed awkward, uncomfortable asking.

“James Samuel and George Steven” you smiled nervously, waiting to see his reaction.

It was a moment before he spoke, and when he did you could hear the emotion in his voice, “That’s. Those are perfect.”

“I’m really glad you like them. I figured if I was using my best friend’s name, I should use your best friend’s too. I - I kinda always imagined those are the names we’d pick if we each got to name one of the boys.”

Bucky cleared his throat before speaking, “The names are perfect, [Y/N], really. What do they know - about me I mean.”

You found your gaze locked on your feet as you spoke, “I couldn’t tell them the truth Buck, I’m sorry. I couldn’t risk them telling another kid who’d tell another and then we’d have to run. As far as the boys know, you worked in a mine and died saving someone’s life. It seemed the closest to the truth that I could get without putting us at risk” your voice wavered at the end, worried how he’d react.

When he didn’t answer, you glanced up at him only to find his eyes closed and you suddenly second-guessed every decision you’d made. You should have told the boys once you knew he was alive, you should have come clean. But how would they have taken that revelation? George was never the best at keeping secrets and word would have spread around the school within the day.

“I’m sorry Buck, I didn’t know - you were dead, and then you came back but you left before we could even talk and all anyone would tell me was that you needed time and I wasn’t sure you’d ever come back” you admitted, voice breaking.

A throat clearing behind you drew you out of the emotion and you turned to see Anna, your waitress, watching it all unfold. She’d been on break when Bucky had come in, and apparently, you hadn’t noticed her come back in.

Anna shot you a small smile, “Why don’t you guys take off. We can handle the dinner rush.” when you opened your mouth to argue that you couldn’t abandon them like that, she held up one finger to stop you, “Go.”

“Do you want to come back to the house, Bucky?” you chewed on your lip, worried that he’d take the chance to run again.

When he nodded, you turned back to Anna, “Thank you. Seriously. If you need help please call someone else in. If no one answers, call me please.”

“Of course, now get out.” Anna tossed you the keys from under the counter.

Without a word, you and Bucky wandered into the parking lot. Bucky approached a little black car and offered to follow you home. As you pulled out of the lot in your truck, your eyes remained on the car behind you. Every few seconds you double-checked in the mirror that he was still with you, and when you pulled up in front of the cabin a few minutes later you waited anxiously until he’d turned off the car and climbed out. You kept waiting for him to run away again, to leave.

As you led the way inside, Rex greeted you with a low bark, he’d stayed at home today, not quite feeling like making the trek to the diner. Bucky followed you inside, his eyes wandering over the house. In the kitchen you brewed a cup of coffee while Bucky explored, his eyes tracing over the framed photos of you and the boys that covered the walls. You’d documented every important moment in their lives, and the pictures on the wall told the tales clear as day.

When the coffee finished brewing and you’d poured it into two cups, you followed him into the living room. Bucky had picked up a photo you kept on the table by the front door. It was one of your all-time favorite memories. You’d taken the day off at the diner, and Ty had closed his shop for the day. It was the hottest day of the year and you’d packed up the truck, driving up to the remote beach on the northern part of the lake you’d unofficially claimed as your own. You’d spent the day teaching the boys to fish, splashing each other in the cold mountain water, and when night had finally rolled around you’d had a campfire under the stars. The picture had been taken for you the next morning by a passing hiker. George was holding up the fish he’d caught while James gave him bunny ears and you laughed in the background. Ty’s hands rested proudly on George’s shoulders.

Your voice eventually broke the silence as you took a seat on the couch, “How’d you find me?”

“Rex.” the old german shepherd picked his head up as his name was called, his tail sweeping along the floor where he lay.  Bucky took a seat on the couch next to you, his knees brushing yours as he thanked you for the coffee.

“How?” Of all the things he could have tried, you never expected his answer to be Rex.

“Steve told me you picked him up in Texas, and about when you picked him up, so then I started calling around to different vets in the area. Turns out most of them don’t keep their records. One of them did though, and they had record of you bringing him in under your previous name. They had his microchip number on file. I know you, you wouldn’t leave him unregistered. So, I called the microchip company and they wouldn’t give me the information. Tony had to break into their system to get your information”

On one hand, the realization that you’d been tracked down from something as simple as Rex’s microchip number left you facepalming. How had no one unsavory caught up with you if it was that simple! On the other hand, you knew how many vets there were in texas and how many he’d probably tried before finding the right one.

Before you could speak, the kitchen door flung open with a loud bang, and Bucky jumped to his feet as George and James came racing into the house. They didn’t even seem to notice Bucky’s presence as they raced up the stairs, yelling at each other about some new television show that was supposed to be on right now. As Bucky watched them race by, wide-eyed, you couldn’t help but chuckle.

“Hey [Y/N], whose car is that -” Ty followed the boys in, stopping at the sight of Bucky standing frozen in front of the couch, “Oh uh hi, I didn’t mean to interrupt.”

“No, it’s fine. I should probably go” Bucky quickly offered.

“No, stay. I should probably get home anyways. If I don’t fix that leak tonight the house is probably going to flood.” Ty shot you a quick smile before retreating out the door. When he’d walked in, the tension in the room had skyrocketed but the moment he was out the door everything had gone quiet again.

“Home? He doesn’t live here?” Bucky looked down at you, curious.

“Why would Ty live here?” you raised one eyebrow.

“Isn’t he -  Aren’t you?” for the first time, Bucky looked down at the ring on your finger. It took him a moment before he recognized it, and his gaze jumped up to your face as soon as he did, “That’s my ring. That’s - You’re not married to Ty?” for the first time, he sounded like the Bucky you’d known before.

“Ty? Married? God no! He’s my neighbor and good friend, but that’s it. He helps out at the diner, and he’s helped me with the boys, but not because we’re married. His wife died a few years back and we bonded over the whole widow/widower thing, and he gets along with the boys so we kinda just became fast friends.”

When Bucky just stared at you, you glanced down at the ring and thought back to the first time he’d walked into the diner, “That’s why you left the diner, isn’t it?”

When Bucky nodded, you let out a soft chuckle as you got to your feet. You placed your hands on his shoulders as you leaned in to look him in his eyes, “Bucky, there hasn’t been anyone else for me. You’re it.”

His eyes searched yours again, but this time he seemed to have found what he was searching for. His metal hand came up and gently cupped your cheek as he leaned in, capturing your lips. The kiss started slow, but it wasn’t long before you were pressed tight against him, his hands roaming over you as you tangled your hands in his long hair. You lost track of time as you kissed, too busy getting reacquainted with each other to notice when the boys came downstairs. That is, until one of them spoke up.

“Mom?” James had his hands clamped over his eyes, as if trying to erase the memory of his mom making out with a man he’d never known, “Who’s that?”

You blushed as you sprung apart like startled teenagers, your hands subconsciously patted down your hair and you cleared your throat once, twice, before you spoke, “George, James, this is your dad..”

~~~~~

Next Chapter -> 

Taglist OPEN:  @he-is-chaotic-she-is-psychotic @queenoftheunderdark @redfoxwritesstuff​ @brokenthelovely  @collinsstanharbour​  @samsgoddess​ @redhairedfeistynerd​ @winterisakiller​

[cieloxcnco]

yo te haré mía (cnco) - ch13

Chapter 13

Words: 4,100+

Warnings: language and angst, no smut this time.

A/N: i work a full time job and have been dealing with too much to really write, but COVID-19 quarantine is a gift in some ways.

chapter 12 is here if you need to catch up.

-

Richard craned his neck from side to side, willing the bones in his stiff and stressed spine to crack, rolling his shoulders forward and back when nothing else seemed to work. “I’m not sure what time we’ll be done but I’ll text you and let you know what’s going on, okay?” Jasmyn bounced Miguel on her hip, dipping his bottle in the warming water on the stovetop to heat it.  “Amor, this doesn’t really have to deal with you. If you don’t want to deal with the stress, don’t go.” His straight spine slid back into his typical swagged slouch. “Baby, how would it not deal with me? This is about the band, and the band is my life. I have to go.” She nodded resignedly. “I get it. I just hate that you had nothing to do with all the downfall and now you’re suffering.” He shrugged. “I gotta go deal with this. They’re my brothers.” She shrugged back. “And they’ve got to figure their own shit out. You’re all in contracts you’re all fucked if you break, so they’ve just got to man up, have one good fight, and get the fuck on with it. At the end of the day it’s a job with coworkers you either like or you don’t but you still make it work. You don’t have to fucking mediate.” Richard grit his teeth. “It ain’t like that at all, Jas,” “Then how is it, Rich? Chris did Zabdiel dirty and now everybody has to deal with the consequences of them fucking around? It’s not just the band that has to face the consequences of it, but you guys are taking the brunt of it. It’s fucked up,” she hissed, trying to control her infuriated force as she gingerly strapped Miguel into his high chair. Aaliyah and Joaquin tried to stay quiet as they peered from the playroom into the kitchen, trying to translate the heated and tense words into small terms they could comprehend. “Why is everyone going to see Tio Chris y Papi?” Joaquin whimpered softly. Aaliyah pulled his arm back to bring him out of earshot of the adults still bickering. “They all got mad when Tio Chris got hurt before they went to see your baby sister.” “Is that why they’re mad?” Joaquin asked quietly. “He’s feeling better and they all got to see mi hermanita en el hospital. There’s no reason to be angry then.” Aaliyah took out the plastic plates and cutlery from her kitchen set and began to set her playskool table for a meal. “Daddy said Tia Isa had the baby but didn’t tell me- what’s her name?” Joaquin pulled one of the seats at the table back a little too far and just leaned forward with his elbows on his knees, his chin resting in his palms. The memory of his new little sister was already bitter, her arrival just triggering a series of events that now seemed to have everyone tense and angry. And with that sort of welcoming introduction, he didn’t exactly smile at the mention of her. “Xiomara.” Aaliyah’s head cocked to one side. “See-oh-what?” Joaquin counted the syllables on his fingers for emphasis. “See-oh-mah-ra. Abuela showed me it starts with X, but that sounds like X-ray so I don’t get it,” Aaliyah shook her head adamantly. “But X makes the Z like xy-lo-phone sound, so it’s just weird. Must do the ‘see’ sound too. Or they got it wrong and just don’t spell right.” Joaquin hardly took the effort to shrug his shoulders. Aaliyah started stirring the imaginary ingredients in her stovetop pot. “But everybody came home sad from seeing her, and Tio Zab was really really angry. What happened?” Joaquin’s face went white and his hands trembled around the play fork he’d been toying with, letting it clatter to the floor. The last thing he knew that had happened before Zabdiel had frustratedly screamed at everyone in his path was he’d hugged his father’s legs and asked him for help. He’d been too needy, he hadn’t asked nice enough, he’d been too annoying. Zabdiel being upset was his fault. Joaquin knew he was the reason his papa was angry and that had set this all in motion. The light in his eyes faded and he stared straight ahead. Aaliyah, not having turned to see the expression on her cousin’s face, waddled back to the doorframe to eavesdrop. “Maybe Daddy and Jazzy are talking about it still and we can find out. Shush.” Jasmyn smiled softly at Richard as she walked to where he stood, kissing his furrowed brow. “I know, baby. Just don’t take their problems onto you. This is tearing everyone else up - don’t allow it to bring you down, papi. Te amo.” “Yo también te amo,” he whispered as he kissed her cheek in return. “You gonna be good with the kids by yourself?” “You know they’re never a problem, amor. We’ll be fine. You want to help them sort this, go do it, and I’ll see you later.” She silenced them both with a chaste kiss on the lips while Miguel impatiently hit his palms against the tray table of his high chair. “Missed it,” Aaliyah groaned as she stomped back over to her toy refrigerator, pouring herself a pretend glass of juice to sip while her pot simmered on the stove. “Missed what, traviesa?” Richard asked with a wink as he turned the corner into the playroom. Aaliyah giggled and ran into his waiting arms to be scooped up in a hug and have her cheeks peppered with kisses. “What are you doing? You making lunch?” “Yuh-huh,” she squealed, half laughing from the tickle of his hand on the side of her hip. “Arroz con habichuelas in the pot. Tienes hambre, papi?” Richard looked down and saw Joaquin staring at his own feet at the play table, speaking to his daughter but keeping his eyes on his distressed nephew. “Not now, princesa - I have to go to a meeting with your tios but when I get back I’d love some.” He set her down on the ground to tend to her simmering pretend meal and turned to Joaquin who immediately stiffened in his seat, turning his eyes lowly to his tio. “Tu ta bien, Quin?” He barely nodded. “Si.” He instinctively held a hand against his back and Joaquin’s eyes went wide. “You gonna have fun with Aaliyah today while I’m at Clara’s office with tu Papi?” The nod was more sharp this time. “Si.” Aaliyah turned away from the play stove and looked to her father. “When you talk to the tios, is it going to make them all stop being mad at each other, Papi?” Richard sighed heavily, not able to find any words appropriate to explain the damage to a child so young. “We’re gonna try, amor, pero sometimes making it better doesn’t make it back to the way it was.” Joaquin tilted his head down further towards the floor to hide the tears that were welling in his eyes. “You guys be good for Jas today, okay? Que disfruten,” Richard said with another press of his lips to the crown of his daughter’s head. “Si,” Joaquin whimpered, but so lowly that Richard left the room without hearing. “Bye, Papi!” Aaliyah waved as he went out the front door, but her attention was immediately back on Joaquin. “Hey, you okay?” Joaquin didn't react, afraid that the slightest movement in either response would have him let the tears flow. Aaliyah put her oversized plastic cooking utensils down and kneeled in front of his chair in an effort to force eye contact. “Quin?” “La culpa es mia,” he murmured beneath his breath, so lowly that she hadn’t distinguished the words. “Que?” She tried to clarify but now he shut his eyes tight and his shoulders began to shake. It was all too much. Tio Richard had seemed calm, but he’d heard the discussion with Jasmyn- he was angry. They all were angry. And he didn’t know what he'd done, but this was his fault. Whatever he had done to make his father upset had now spiraled into everyone being frustrated and acting differently. His parents went sour at the mere mention of each other, abuela had been acting distant and different, and, on top of dealing with the idea of his new sister, he was simply overwhelmed. The tears finally poured out, cascading down his cheeks one after the other, more frightening for Aaliyah to watch because they were so completely silent. Did Quin get hurt? What happened? How did he break? “Quin, que paso?” Aaliyah stepped to him, reaching to touch his shoulder. Joaquin immediately recoiled at the contact, placing his palms on her chest and knocking her backwards to the ground. Tipping backward, she hit the back of her head against the kitchen playset cabinet and immediately yelped, bursting into tears. Jasmyn ran into the room, reaching for Aaliyah to lift her up. “Aaliyah, amor, que paso?” “Quin pushed me down!” she screamed, still nursing the back of her head with her hand. Checking first there was no real visible injury, she soothed Aaliyah with a hand down her back and immediately looked at Quin, noting that he was crying too but visibly trembling. “Joaquin, that’s not nice at all! Why would you push your cousin?” Joaquin fell off the chair and down onto his knees, gripping tightly onto the hem of his tia’s shirtsleeve and burying his face against her shoulder. “I’m sorry, Tia. Please don’t tell Papi. He hates me, I don’t want him more mad. I’m sorry.” Jasmyn’s head was spinning between soothing her stepdaughter’s sobs and trying to bounce from how her nephew had gone from saying goodbye to Richard to being so hysterical over his father’s nonexistent reaction. As the pieces began to fit, she struggled in her thought process of how best to explain the present situation to the mindset of a child. All she could do was hold them both close against her chest as the crying slowed to a stop and pull out her phone to text Richard. ‘I told you it was more than just the band. Call me when you can.’ - Clara and Ali, for the first time that anyone present could ever recall, were sitting at the conference table, completely silent. The blonde scrolled idly through her phone, fighting the urge to again anxiously bite off the end off her nail. Clara fidgeted with her insulated coffee mug as her eyes darted between her apple watch and her nails clicking against the cup. She began tracing her fingertip along the cursive glitter design of Boss Lady written across the stainless steel, and the irony was not lost on her that for all her usual prowess, she had absolutely no control. These pollitos were under her care, her charges, and she had no say in what happened next. She could try to set up the surroundings to arrange the least explosive impact, but that couldn’t change what resulted. She just knew if something wasn’t organized to move this to the next stage, there would be either nothing but silence or another trip to the hospital. Erick was quietly sipping from a paper coffee cup, his eyes focused on the liquid swirling around when he set it down but his mind off in the distance. This band was his entire world and it was going to be made or broken by the moves of two men he deemed brothers that now wanted each other dead. Joel was equally quiet, drumming his fingers across the tabletop in nonsensical patterns. He had reverted to a place in his mind where his emotional valves had been completely shut off. His face was expressionless, his breathing almost inhumanly slow. His mind should have been on how he had returned to his home the night before with Kaja and a lot of her things gone, and he hadn’t even felt any sort of reaction. He had shut the lights off and drifted into a dreamless sleep. Clara squinted her eyes and slammed a heavy palm against the table, drawing all eyes to her. “How the fuck did none of you know? This makes no fucking sense.” “You didn’t know either,” Ali, usually Clara’s sidekick and support, shot back. Clara glared in her direction but couldn’t negate it. Joel shrugged, his voice monotonous. “They hid it from Zabdiel for this long, what makes you think they weren’t just as good at hiding it from us?” “There had to be a slip up,” she seethed. “This all didn’t just unfold at once.” Erick nibbled at his lower lip, the confession ready to burst free, but the chills from the daggers in her eyes kept him silent. But she knew him too well for that. “You fucking knew?” She nearly screeched, her glare venomous. And with that, the dam broke. “I saw them that night at their party at Zabdi’s house… We talk and he say please have respect, that he talk to Zabdiel first, for me not to say. And that was same night that we go to the club. I did not know before.” Clara scoffed and rolled your eyes. “After all this, and then he’s the one that asks for respect. Unreal.” “But I didn’t know hardly before you guys. No looking at me like I kept a secret,” Erick defended, crossing his arms over his chest. Joel grumbled beneath his breath, “Can we stop fucking bickering? There’s no fucking point.” Clara tilted her head, shocked at the usually mild-mannered Mexicano was using such a biting tone. “Joel, de que hablas?” He shrugged and pulled on his hoodie strings. “We can’t do anything about this until they get their shit together. What’s the point of us even being here?” Clara shot daggers at him, but all eyes were drawn as the conference room door opened and Zabdiel entered, Richard behind him with his eyes darting as if ensuring Zabdiel wouldn’t make an off move on his way in. “Everything okay, Richuki?” Clara questioned in attempts to ease his tensions. “Yeah, no, we’re fine,” he reassured. “Zab was just having some coffee in the parking lot and needed a little persuasion to come upstairs.” “Zab,” Clara began slowly, “You alri-“ “Don’t even ask me,” he snapped, sitting down at the chair furthest away that was still facing the door. “You know I’m not alright.” Everyone was silent and stone-faced, anticipating his next move. “What do you expect me to do?” he growled, leering up at Clara. She sighed, looking down at her clutched hands. “Pollito,” she attempted to calm him, but it had no effect on his rage, “you know that to continue with the group the way we need to, this has to be discussed.” He crossed his arms over his chest, huffing out an angry breath. “Right now, I’m trying to deal with being in the same room as that hijueputa. I can’t imagine sharing the stage with him.” Clara clicked her acrylic nail tips against the tabletop again. “Zab, this impacts more than just you. This impacts your record deal, your management, your fans, your networking, your-” “Oh, I’m sorry,” he scoffed, “I forgot that I’m the one who was fucked over and now I have to forgive him to keep everyone in the world happy but myself.” “Zabdiel-” Ali began, possibly intending to soothe him but sounding gruff and exasperated. He roared out his interruption. “So now I have to not only make decisions about my family and my life, but my reaction about him has the band hanging in the balance? Sounds fair to me.” “You’re right, pollito, that’s not fair,” Clara murmured apologetically. “Todavia tenemos que hablar, todos nosotros juntos,” Richard said beneath his breath, but loud enough in the silence. Erick’s eyes were darting back and forth, watching the tense tennis match of banter across the table. Joel hadn’t even looked up. Zabdiel was frighteningly quiet when he finally spoke. “My career, what I’ve worked my life for, now is at risk because my best friend and wife betrayed me. My life is not my own. My family is not my own. Everything is out of my hands while you’re saying everything is my decision to make.” Ali opened her mouth, abnormally ginger, but snapped it shut when the doorknob slowly turned and the man in question carefully slipped through the small gap between. He hesitated in shutting the door behind him, contemplating if he needed it slightly open as an easier escape route. Richard straightened his shoulders, stiffening and preparing to jump between the two. Clara stood, her arms up as if to hold the two apart, although still distanced. “Chris, entra. Sientate.” His eyes focused on Zabdiel’s white-knuckled fists as if ready to jump back out, but clicked the latch of the door shut behind him and sat directly across the table from his raging friend. Clara clicked the lid of her travel mug shut. “Okay, we all understand that massive things have happened that impacts not only you two and your relationship with each other, but how the band is supposed to continue on from here. Now I know that you two haven’t discussed any of this, and there’s obviously things that need to be addressed. But I know that you both are mature enough to understand this and-” “Ese puto? Obviamente no,” Zabdiel snarled. “Silencio,” Clara hissed in his direction. Zabdiel’s teeth visibly began grinding together but he allowed Clara to continue. “And,” she went on, “You both need to set the ground rules before we know how any of us can proceed.” “Pendejo, hijo de fucking puta,” Zabdiel grumbled. “Oye!” Clara exclaimed. “Bastante! You can be pissed, but stop being so aggressive! It won’t get us anywhere!” Zabdiel shot up, his knuckles still white with his palms flat on the table. “How am I the aggressor when this animal is the one at fault? You treat him like he’s fragile when none of this would be happening if he hadn’t taken advantage of all of us.” Clara’s eyes were understanding, but still attempting to be firm. “Zab, ya lo sabemos, pero te tienes que callar.” He slowly started to sink back down into the chair behind him. Chris stammered, “E-en realidad, yo-” Zabdiel shot immediately back up. “Que fucking mentiroso!” Clara finally screamed. “Enough!” All eyes widened and turned intently towards her. Only Joel remained transfixed on his hands. “Do you care at all about the band?” she questioned, her voice audibly cracking. “Do you want your career as CNCO to continue?” The fire in Zabdiel’s eyes calmed and  the tremors of Chris’ shoulders slowed. “You two have to decide if you can agree on where we all go from here. This is all up to you. We can’t be involved. And it’s easier if we’re not. Come on, guys, everyone except them.” Everyone rose out of their seats and went to follow her, but she stared Zabdiel down one more time. “You already beat him up once. When we’re gone, don’t try it again.” Zabdiel’s eyes shifted to his enemy across the table. “He’s not worth the time it would take to wash the blood off of my hands.” “Zab,” Ali barked, “seriously.” His fingers still shook with rage but he obeyed and sat back down. Chris hesitantly pulled the chair before him out and sat across from Zabdiel, still eyeing the exit. Ali sighed. “You both have to solve this together. We’re here to support you, but you both have to talk.” Clara held the door for everyone to exit, watching the two of them intently. “We love you. Text me when you’re done discussing.” Quietly shutting the door, she turned to Ali. “Sit right here and listen in. Use your judgment- if there’s only arguing, let them talk, but if it sounds like it’s getting too intense, you call Jose to get in there to break them up and call me to come back.” Her attention turned to the Dominican and Cuban in front of her. “You guys, go grab a coffee downstairs and hang in the interview space to just clear your heads.” The last of the group seemed to have already made it halfway to the elevators when Clara shouted his name. “Joel!” His attention turned to her and she pointed to the empty conference room across the hall. “In here. Now.” Joel shut the door behind him and didn’t even look Clara in the eyes before he sunk down into the first available chair. Infuriated more by his lack of focus, her attitude leapt to its heights. “What the hell is the matter with you?” He clicked the fingertips of his right hand against the tabletop while his left hand cupped his cheek and elbow supported the weight of his head. He almost looked bored and unaffected by the surrounding conflict, but Clara knew him too well to believe that facade. “What the hell is the matter with you?” He shifted and finally met her eyes before rolling his own to interject, but her voice sounded over his scoffing. “You’re all my boys, but don’t think I don’t have a code with your mujeres and know what happened with Kaja. And don’t think for a fucking minute that I don’t see through you acting like you don’t give a fuck because this is breaking you and you’re trying to be alone so you can implode in peace.” His stoic expression flickered to shock and back to guarded, transparent to only the woman who stood before him. “Clara, I’ve got my own shit to handle rather than be here for shit that doesn’t affect me.” She laughed and slammed her mug down. “You think that this doesn’t affect you? This is the band that you all fought for, and that band became a family. Now that two of them have had a falling out, that affects the rest of you. This affects your future, your career. How do you think that doesn’t affect you?” He almost snarled like an animal at the blunt attack. “So why don’t you focus on them and how to keep the group together rather than worrying about me and my personal life?” Her eyes went alight at his ferocity, but the lioness that she was wouldn’t allow her to back down. “Why are you telling off the only people who want to help you through this?” He kicked his feet up on the chair beside him and crossed his arms across his chest. “I don’t need help. I can fall back on my own. All this happened without me being a part of it, they don’t need my help, so I don’t need anyone else’s.” She nearly growled. “And then you have a woman who not only loves you but is,” she stopped to emphasize her words by slamming the back of her hand against her other palm with each syllable, “preg. nant. by. you, you want to suffer alone and make her feel worse? When you need support you push her away?” She kicked the chair beneath his feet backwards to force him to sit straight and she leaned over the table to have them eye to eye. “Look, you can be unnerved by this, you can be hurt and confused, but she doesn’t deserve to deal with you having a tantrum. You gave her a ring promising her your life together. You made the choice to create a family with her, intentional or not.” He pulled uncomfortably on the sleeves of his hoodie sleeves, his arms still protectively across his chest. “I’m not a toddler. I’m not having a tantrum. I didn’t see us working so I ended it. It wasn’t meant to work. None of this seems to. As far as the rest of it, I’m not stressed. They need to do what they need to do. I’m not bothered.” Clara pushed herself up off her place leaning over the table and scoffed. “Really? Because you don’t seem to even realize - you not trying to feel anything is because you’re too hurt to function. If you want to live in your little isolated bubble to try and get through this, that’s your choice, but I’m telling you that if you don’t rectify this now, you are going to be the one that destroys your chance at having love in your life when she could be the one to prove your theory wrong.” Not having a retort for her point, he sat unmoving, staring absently at the window on the opposite wall. She picked up her mug and began to storm out of the room, muttering almost more to herself than him. “I just hope you haven’t hurt her enough to already have lost her. And haven’t pushed us all away enough in the meantime for us all to be done with your shit.”

-

feedback is always appreciated. chapter 14 already in progress because quarantine has me held up.

stay safe and healthy, guys.

[winchester90210]

The BH 90210 Rewrite. 1x13: Slumber Party

Rewrite Masterlist

Read the previous chapter here!

Chapter Summary: Junk food is had, secrets are exposed, and flings are revealed...

Warnings: mentions of sex, swearing, one minor make out scene.

Word count: 2,900

My work is not to be reposted and/or edited without my expressed written consent. (Reblogging is fine and encouraged!!)

The flashback is in italics.

Feedback is incredibly appreciated! :)

A/N: This is one of my favorite episodes! Hope you guys enjoy it! Sorry about the scheduling issue, next week should go as planned. Feedback on this chapter would be wonderful! :)

-

"Are you sure this thing isn't a slumber party?" Kelly criticizes. You open your locker as your friends begin to bicker on both sides of you. Something akin to petty surround sound.

"I told you! It's a night of female bonding-- a chance for us to get together and talk about what's important," Brenda explains.

"But we're doing it in our PJs," Donna interjects.

"Well, that would make sense unless you prefer to sleep in your clothes," You say, "Bren, I think it's a great idea. It could be fun!"

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"Can we invite some guys to come over later? I mean, after we've talked and bonded and everything?" Kelly asks.

"Kelly, I thought what we wanted was an evening to ourselves where we don't have to think about guys, talk about guys, or worry about what we look like 'cause some guy is around. Isn't that what we said?" She nods, rolling her eyes. "So what's the problem?"

"Nothing!" She leans against the lockers, "Actually... there is one thing. I kinda made plans with this other friend of mine, Amanda Pacer. You don't know her, she's a senior, but we have been friends forever."

"So bring her," you suggest, taking out your history book and shutting your locker.

"Well... I know this may sound stupid, but I don't want her to think this is a slumber party... It's not a slumber party, right?"

-

"Brenda! Kelly, Y/N, and Donna are here to bond with you!" Brandon shouts up the stairs, laden in his all-white Peach Pit uniform. He looked so cute, this "no guy" rule was pointless. Especially when the said guys looked like that. "Hey Y/N/N," he kisses you softly, pulling you closer to him.

"Hey," you mumble. He gives you a hard, dizzying, coffee-flavored kiss as he slowly backs into the front door. You hum against him happily, "I'll pay you to stay, I'm serious. Cold hard cash." He grins, slipping his warm hands under the sides of your jacket, holding onto your hips gently.

"As much as I'd like to, I promised Nat I'd pick up this shift."

"Tell him you have other business to attend to. Like getting me out of this slumber party. Nat'll understand," you plead jokingly. One more soft, sweet kiss and he lets go of you. "Brandon..." he smiles at you adoringly and turns towards the other two girls waiting in the foyer, pretending that they weren't just watching everything you two were doing.

"Have fun, ladies," he swings the front door open and leaves as quickly as possible, knowing that if he stayed any longer you'd actually end up convincing him to stay. As one Walsh exits, another enters as Brenda comes down the stairs wearing a long, plaid nightshirt. But before she's even fully down the stairs, Kelly starts to complain.

"Brenda, this is really weird."

"Kelly, we are going to have fun! Where's Amanda?"

"Oh, she's coming later," She fidgets awkwardly, "She uh, wanted to bring her own car in case..."

"Something better came along," Donna interjects.

"I think this might be a little too down-home for her."

"Kelly, we're not going on hayrides," you cut in.

-

"Okay, we have chocolate ice cream,vanilla ice cream, chocolate syrup, and whipped cream!" Brenda announces as you pour the doritos into a bowl. It's a scramble of hands and junk food as you all grab what you want.

"Do you have any other cookies?" Kelly asks.

"Yeah! I think they're in the cupboard," Brenda nods.

"Oh, I love cookies smushed in ice cream!" Andrea beams, "it's the best."

"You ever put popcorn in ice cream?" Donna wonders. The group groans in disgust. "Hey, it's really good!" You hop on the counter next to where Donna is and grab a chip

"Well, there's microwave popcorn in a bowl over there, knock yourself out," Brenda giggles, handing you your bowl of chocolate ice cream.

"Thanks," you smile, "Hey, Amanda, what do you want? Vanilla or chocolate?" You glance over to Kelly's friend as you help the girls put together their sundaes, and she's sitting alone at the kitchen table with her arms crossed, pouting.

"Nothing for me, thanks."

"Oh, come on, Amanda. You're gonna make us all look like pigs!" Kelly exclaims.

"You said it, I didn't," Amanda ostracizes. The room goes radio silent, but instead of bumming out the room, Brenda starts snorting like a pig at her while the rest of you laugh and pick up your junk food.

-

"Donna, that is so gross!" Kelly laughs, watching as her best friend shows vanilla ice cream and popcorn into her mouth all in one spoon. Your cheeks already hurt from laughing, but you couldn't stop smiling.

"I know, but I like it! I don't know why, but I do, okay?"

"This is something you can never do with guys," Kelly smirks, piling on the whipped cream to her sundae.

"What?" Andrea asks.

"Pig out!" The five of you giggle as Brenda turns to Amanda, who's once again decided to remove herself from the group.

"Do you eat on dates, Amanda?"

"Never. But I always order something expensive," her voice is sharp, and she's slumped back in the white chair in the far corner of the room.

"Why?"

"To let them know I'm worth it," she shrugs.

"I knew it was over for me and Steve when I started pigging out everytime we went out to eat," she scoffs.

"He never took you out to eat, Kelly," Donna giggles, and then everyone, (excluding Ms. Grump Pants, of course) bursts out in laughter.

-

"I am in... sugar shock." Brenda sighs, resting her head on your shoulder as you lean back onto the couch, smushed up against the other girls.

"I feel like I just gained ten pounds," Andrea groans.

"So, what do you guys want to do now?" Kelly ponders.

"Ooh, lets rent Pretty Woman!" Donna suggests.

"Donna, you've seen that movie 300 times," Kelly snickers.

"It's dependable. You know, sometimes I think about running away and becoming a hooker on Hollywood boulevard," she puts her fist up to her heart, fawning, "just so I can meet Richard Gere."

"There's only one problem... you're not Julia Roberts."

"Look, we're not going to rent a movie... or become prostitutes," you tease Donna, "The whole point of this was so we could talk. Andrea, go get your Ouija board."

-

You settle back down onto the couch after coming very close to crapping your pants because of what you thought was the Ouija board... which just ended up being David Silver sneaking creepy pictures of you guys through the window. You breathe deeply as your heart rate settles down. Amanda checks her watch and scoffs.

"It's after midnight."

"What, do frat boys turn into pumpkins?" Brenda bites sarcastically.

"No, they turn into drunken slobs." You sure made my night," she complains.

"Amanda, you didn't have to come!" Kelly barks.

"What? And miss all the fun? The party games?" She laughs sardonically, "I don't want to leave anymore. Everyone's ruined my night," she takes off her beige coat and throws it on the chair. "It's my turn to ruin their's. Okay everyone. I've got a game if you're up for it. Skeletons in the closet. Everyone sits in a circle, and the person in the middle has to answer all their questions as honestly as possible. The kind of question is up to you, whatever you feel like asking. Of course, the better the question, the better the game."

-

"Go ahead. Ask me anything," Andrea smiles nervously.

"Why does everybody call you 'Awwwndrea?'" Amanda starts.

"Excuse me?"

"What are you, British? I mean... Awwwwndrea?" Amanda guffaws.

"That is pretty pretentious," Kelly adds.

"Kelly," you warn her.

"It's pronounced both ways. But An-dree-uh is a little boring and common. I like to be different."

"Good answer," you smile.

"So, am I through?"

Amanda studies her carefully, "No. Not yet... have you ever slept with a guy before?" What the hell was wrong with this girl?

"That's... a little personal. But uh... no. No, I have never slept with a guy before. Yet."

"Well, if you could sleep with any guy in school, who would it be?"

Andrea chuckles anxiously, looking down at the ground. "Come on, you guys. I can't answer that..."

"Yeah, you can. You can trust us, Andrea... well," you glance at Amanda, "most of us, at least."

"Uh... I don't know. I guess... I guess uh..."

"Brandon?" Kelly cuts in.

"What?" You glare at Kelly.

"No." Andrea answers, "No. Not Brandon. No... it would have to be Hans Fleischman. He is this incredibly gorgeous lifeguard who pulled me out of the water when I was stung by a jellyfish at Zuma beach last summer." You adjust in your seat uncomfortably while the Kelly snickers in disbelief at Andrea. "Hey, what is this? Brandon is just a friend."

"Wait-- wait a second. Is this the same Brandon that's all over her everyday?" Amanda laughs out, "Sweetie... get a life. You like him. Everybody already knows." You sure didn't. "And he likes her." You don't even dare to look up from your thumbs. What the hell were you supposed to do in this situation? Sure, you encouraged her to answer it but you didn't think it would be Brandon. You would feel weird comforting her, but you still feel weird just sitting there and letting her get harrassed.

"Okay... okay. So it-- it is Brandon." Her eyes well up as she stutters through her words. The room is silent for a moment before you hop to your feet.

"Well, this has been a blast," you huff, "I'm gonna go get a soda. Anyone else have plans to seduce my boyfriend? Kelly? Donna? Hey, how about you, Amanda?"

-

After Kelly's turn, to which she described her traumatic first sexual experience, and Brenda's where she describes how she betrayed her best friend back in Minneapolis... you were really starting to hate this game.

"Come on, Donna, you've gotta have some secrets," Kelly encourages.

"I don't! I tell you guys everything!"

"If you could go out with any guy in school, who would it be?!" Brenda asks. Let me guess, Brandon?

"Greg Houseman. You know that, she never stops talking about him," Kelly sighs.

"What is the most dishonest thing you've ever done?" You ask, curling your legs up to your chest. She pauses to think for a moment.

"Nothing..."

"Didn't anybody in your family go insane or something? Anything?"

"No... we're all really normal," she shrugs. The thing was, she's right. You've been to her house. Her mother is great, her dad's really nice, her house is perfect... she was completely normal.

"You know what your problem is, Donna?" Amanda prompts, "Your life is totally boring. Anyone who can't dredge up one secret about themselves is either lying or a total zero."

"That is not true," you snap.

"Why, what are you hiding, Y/N/N?"

"Nothing, Amanda."

"Oh, really? That's not what I hear... or what I've seen."

"What is that supposed to mean?"

"Get in the circle," she smirks, this time deviously. Dangerously. You follow her orders, moving from the floor to the chair.

"What's your favorite movie?" Brenda asks.

"Rebel without a Cause."

"What's your favorite color?"

"Baby pink," you watch Amanda out of the corner of your eye, getting more and more frustrated at the boring questions.

"Oh, come on! You guys are such a drag!" She leans forward, smirking, "What's going on with you and Dylan McKay?" You look at her confused.

"He's dating her," you gesture towards Brenda, "Not me." Amanda shakes her head immediately, as if she knew you were going to say that.

"Do I need to dumb it down for you, sweetheart? What happened at the Bel Age a few months ago, y'know, when you jumped him?"

"What?" Brenda says quietly, her voice breaking. She looks at you as tears start to brim her eyes.

"Bren, wait a second--"

"Did you sleep with my boyfriend?" Your jaw goes agape and you laugh sourly in shock.

"You really think I'd sleep with Dylan?!" A pit of guilt was forming in your stomach as you tensed up.

"I don't know what to think, Y/N! All I know is you two spend an awful lot of time together alone and now I'm hearing that you pounced on him!" she snaps. Oh my god. You couldn't believe this was happening.

"That's not what happened, Bren!"

"Fine!" She scoffs bitterly, "what happened, then?"

"So, I was at the Bel Age a few months ago, Brandon had just gotten the job at the Peach Pit..."

-

"I don't wanna go home yet," you told him. The Porsche rumbled as Dylan warmed it up. He raised an eyebrow at you as he leaned back.

"Where do you want to go?"

"Anywhere you want to take me." Those would be words you would later come to regret. Asking a hot guy with a leather jacket and a Porsche to have his way with you? Bold move. Dumb move, too. He could've taken you anywhere. Baja, the abandoned elementary school, anywhere. But where did he take you? The Bel Age hotel.

When you walked in he popped the radio on and you sat down as a Gloria Estefan song played quietly throughout the hotel room. Dylan was over at the wet bar, pouring himself a glass of scotch. Looking back, it was the only time you'd ever seen him drink something in moderation.

"You drink?" He asked, looking back at you.

"I could start," you shrug. And that was the first of many bad decisions you'd make in that hotel room. He grabs a second pint glass, but you weren't paying much attention to him as he clanked around, trying to pour you something that wouldn't make you gag.

He hands you the concoction and sits down beside you, his legs against yours. A little closer than normal, but you didn't think anything of it. Fidgeting anxiously, you began to drink whatever it was he gave you. It was new, being alone with him like that. Sure, you could hang out with him in groups but... just you and him? You tilted the glass back, letting the smooth and surprisingly digestible liquor flow down your throat until there was nothing left in your glass. This stuff was supposed kill anxiety, right? He eyes you up. Peculiarly, but not critically.

"Thirsty?"

"Yeah, you could say that." He would continue to fill your glass, and his own, for that matter, all night. He'd put on his Road House VHS tape somewhere in the middle. And you were watching it. You really were. But as the movie went on longer, you got closer. A fairly innocent movie night (the first of many) turned into a night full of regrets.

His hand was on your leg right before the first kiss happened, thumb drawing dizzying little circles on your thigh as he watched the movie. You're sure if you showed any signs of discomfort he would've stopped-- that fact gave you peace in the moment. But the last thing you wanted him to do was stop. So he didn't. And neither did you. It wasn't until later, when his lips were trailing down your jaw, hands pushing your dress up, and his own white t-shirt was somewhere on the floor next to you. That's when it came to a crashing halt. Removing his lips from your neck, he sighed.

"What is it?" You asked. The air between you two was intense, sensitive. One move and he'd be back on top of you, starting the cycle all over again.

"What about Minnesota?" He slides you off of his lap in one swift motion, but his hand was lingering on your hip.

"What about Brandon?"

"Come on, you've seen how he is around you. I don't want to get in the way of that, mess anything up."

"You're not messing anything up. If Brandon was interested he would've made a move already."

Cut to you, current day, girlfriend of the mentioned boy, "Hah... whoops."

"But either way... this is a bad idea, isn't it?" You sheepishly picked up the shirt from the floor and handed it back to him. "So," you cleared your throat, "Friends?"

"Yeah," he chuckled, fiddling with the shirt in his hand. The energy in the room was different then, awkward. Laughable. But friendly.

"And that was it," you finish, "We're friends. Kissing him now would be no different than kissing Donna or Kelly."

"You wouldn't have kissed him if you didn't like him!"

"I do like him. As a friend," you plead, "Bren, I've been supporting you guys since day one, I would never do something to hurt you." You search her eyes for something. A little bit of waivering, forgiveness, pity. Anything at this point. Stupid Amanda and her stupid skeleton game. Brenda avoids your gaze for a moment.

"And nothing's happened since then?" She chokes out. You see her shoulders rise and fall as she takes in a shaky breath.

"Nothing's happened since then."

She lets out a deep sigh, almost out of relief, but tears are still threatening to spill from her eyes "Okay... I guess I understand." As she says that, it's like every muscle in your body lets go of the stress it had been holding for the past few weeks. You really hate secrets.

"Uh, Bren... I have a confession to make," Kelly pipes up from the side of the room, "After you started going out with Dylan I tried to get a date with him." Oh shit.

-

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-

-

Taglist: @be-patient-be-good @mpmarypoppins @bevelyhills90210 @blueoz @harleylilo88 @princess-ghost-alien @hueycat2004 @l4life @keepcalm-and-beyou

[xmagicxshopx]

Spring Cleaning - Chapter 1

Genre: Fluff, Romance, Comedy Rating: PG Warnings: None at this time Pairing: personal assistant!jungkook x ceo!reader Notes: AU fic. Not idol!jungkook. Single quote marks ‘ ‘ are for thoughts and double “ “ are for talking. Additional Notes: It’s a slow start but trust me, things will get better. ;3 I’ve not proof read this so be warned.

Summary: Your mother built you to be a thriving business machine. However, in her old age, she’s growing soft and wants grand kids to spoil. Your home and yard are a mess due to your busy schedule. So your mother attempts to kill two birds with one stone.

chapter 2

A modest looking SUV slowly rounded the corner till it came to a soft halt in front of a gorgeous looking home. Checker patterned roof sparkled under the sun’s light as did the water from the outdoor pool. The surrounding trees helped keep the beautiful architecture hidden from the public eye. Good thing too because the woman stepping out of the SUV couldn’t help but scoff.

“Really, child?”

Mumbling to herself, the middle aged woman sporting a sundress with matching heels walked along the path that lead to the front door. The walk felt like it was taking forever as she had to endure the sight of overly tall grass and weeds along with trees that desperately needed trimmed. The pool clearly hadn’t been cleaned properly......was that scum in the water???

“Oh, my child......what have I done to you?”

Annoyance turned to guilt as the woman known to all as your mother suddenly started making her walk of shame up to your door. It had been no secret that you were being trained to be the successor of a grand cosmetics company; your mother’s company. Something she had built from the ground up. Something that she was proud of.

However, your mother was growing too old to properly lead the business. Naturally, that left you to take over. And take over you did. Good gravy, how your mother was so proud of you. You took control with no fear and handled yourself wonderfully in the face of struggle. You faced stock market crashes, losses and gains alike. You faced it all and you faced it with grace.

You had been trained well.

A little too well.

In becoming the greatest CEO in the cosmetics industry, you had also became heartless. Nearly void of emotions. Your own feelings were determination and the satisfaction that came with success. Aside from your mother, your only other love was work. Once a child who despised work and only wanted to play......had become a woman of all work and absolutely no play.

And your mother was to blame.

Ringing the doorbell, it came as no surprise to the older woman when you opened the door with a phone stuck to your ear. Phone tucked snugly between your ear and shoulder, you had put a tablet and matching stylus pen in one hand so you could open the door.

“Yes......Yes that’s perfect. Type that up and have it ready for Monday. I’ll have the proposal done in time for you to look it over before the meeting.......Alright. Sounds good. Talk to you later.”

“Working the weekend through, I see.”

You simply ignored your mother’s comment as you hung up the call with your second in command. His name was Jimin and he was amazing at what he did. He was the only other employee you could just to get things done even outside of work hours. He wanted to see this company thrive just as badly as you did. Jimin was in this for more than just the money and that pleased you greatly.

After letting your mother in and shutting the door behind her, you settled for letting out a soft sound of acknowledgement before asking casually while looking down at your tablet,

“Want something to drink, mother?”

“Oh it’s alright, my dear. I can get something myself.”

Receiving nothing but another hum of lazy acknowledgment, your mother sighed as she watched you retreat back to the living room. It was a beautiful, spring filled Saturday and your mother was feeling......things. She had been mulling over her life choices and thinking about what she wanted with this last half of her life. In her younger years, she had thrived just as you were now. But.......things were changing in your mother’s old age.

As your mother rummaged around for a glass to pour herself some water, she noticed your pantry was practically empty. You had more takeout boxes than you did dishes and your stove and oven looked untouched. Half afraid, she opened your refrigerator only to find a few bottles of water, a few condiments, and some left over takeout.

“Oh dear god.”

Quickly closing the door to the fridge and nearly slamming it shut, the older woman had to lean on the kitchen counter to try and collect herself. Her daughter, the beautiful young woman just in the other room, was working herself to death. Cooped up in this huge home void of love. Nothing but work. Work work work work. It was consuming you.

“Honey? Why don’t we head out to the back patio? There are some things I’d like to discuss.”

“Sure. Let me just grab my tablet and----”

“Oh you won’t need the tablet, honey.”

You stared at your mother in confusion with an arched eyebrow. Surly if your mother wanted to talk, notes would need to be taken. Clearing your throat, you spoke up softly but professionally,

“With all due respect, mother, I would like to take notes of the discussion.”

Oh how you were breaking your mother’s heart. You were so blinded and consumed with being a CEO, that you couldn’t even recognize an invitation to a normal, non-work related conversation when it was presented to you. Smiling sadly with what she hoped was apologetic eyes, your mother took both of your hands in her own and spoke softly,

“Come sit with me, my beautiful girl. We need to talk.”

Finally sitting out on the back patio, your mother took note of all the dead potted plants littered throughout the area. Apparently you had attempted to try and brighten up the place at one point. But due to your never ending work schedule, the plants had long been neglected and failed to be watered, resulting in them dying before they even got a chance to live.

Were you going to end up like that? Working your life away before you even got a chance to live? A chance to discover something exciting? Or perhaps.....someone exciting?

“I noticed your yard is looking a little rough around the edges.”

“Ah......Yeah........I need to cut the grass before nightfall. I’m just waiting for the weather to cool down a bit. It’s a lot of grass to cut.”

“Indeed it is.......this place is beautiful but it’s a lot for one person to take care of. Especially when they’re so busy with work. Don’t you think?”

You glanced over at your mother to see her flashing you a smile that you had never seen before. Were her eyes twinkling??? While you were over here fidgeting like a druggie going through withdrawals. Normally, your hands were busy with either your cell phone, work phone, or tablet and pen. Sometimes even a combination of the three. But right now all you could do was tap anxiously on the patio tabletop.

“Yeah but I’m managing.”

“Oh, honey. That’s the biggest lie you’ve ever told me. You were a far better liar as a child.”

Your head quickly spun to face your mother once more and this time, your mother was anything but impressed. This was so freaking awkward. Why was this conversation happening??? All you wanted to do was get back to work. A big meeting was coming up Monday and this was Saturday. Which meant you had only a day and a half left to work on this presentation. Well you were working on the proposal part of it but still.

“Wa-What?”

“You heard me. Look at this place. Look at yourself. Honey.......you’re working yourself to death. It’s causing you to neglect not only your home, but yourself.”

Before you could argue, your mother went on.

“Your grass is taller than the Amazon Rainforest, both your front yard pool and back yard pool look like swamps. These poor potted plants would have lasted longer at the store you bought them from. And while we’re at it, let’s discuss the inside of your house.”

Oh boy.

“You have absolutely no food in your kitchen. Your refrigerator looks like you just put it in yesterday. Your work clothes are all over the floor and it’s hard to tell how much laundry you have to do. I saw a good three inches of dust on your coffee table and it’s hard to tell how many spiderwebs I counted.”

Aaaannnddd she was still going.....

“And let’s discuss you. You have bags under your eyes that would put a panda bear to shame. You eat nothing but sloppy, greasy takeout food. You’ve been put on high blood pressure medicine and you’re way too young for that. And----”

“Okay, okay. I get it. I get it.”

After taking a couple breaths to get the oxygen back in her lungs, your mother found herself pouting a bit as she realized this was it. The moment she had been dreading but needed to get off her shoulders or the guilt was going to eat her alive.

“This is all my fault.”

Okay.....your mother was acting really weird today. With knitted eyebrows and orbs filled with confusion, you stared at the older woman across from you as you waited for an explanation.

“I did this to you. I turned you into this unhealthy workaholic. At the time, I was simply thinking about making sure the company I had worked so hard to build and make a success stayed a success. You were born to take my place. But now......things are changing and.......I’ve seen the error in my ways of thinking.”

Smiling sadly with......were those tears in her eyes?

“Instead of preserving my legacy.....I have been destroying it. I’ve been destroying you. My beautiful girl. My only child. I am so very sorry, my darling.”

“Mother......what’s gotten into you? You’re talking nonsense. I’m fine.”

You tried to put on a smile that you had hoped was reassuring, but dang it felt awkward. The only times you ever smiled was during business meetings when you needed to go in for the kill. Your smiles had always been extremely fake. And now here you were trying to soothe your own mother but didn’t know how.

“I just.......times have changed. Things have changed. My priorities are shifting, my dear. At first, I wanted a successor. But now......I just confess......You see.....”

Now as your mother was wiping away tears, she was turning quite bashful. You had rarely ever seen your mother turn shy for anything or anyone. Perhaps your father, when he was still around. Biting her lower lip in apparent nervousness, she finally admitted,

“I want grand kids, honey.”

Thank the good lord above you weren’t drinking anything, because you would have choked. Your eyes widened and you stared at your mother in complete and utter shock. Had you heard her right? She wanted what??? Swallowing hard and clearing your throat, you adjusted yourself in your patio chair and mumbled a bit stupidly,

“You want what???”

“Oh you heard me, child. I’m not getting any younger and neither are you. All the women at the cafe are talking about spending time with their grand kids and I’m stuck there feeling jealous. They talk about small feet and tiny toes and big round eyes.”

Your mother was flat out pouting like a child herself and you could see the jealousy radiating off of her. So that’s what this was really about. It wasn’t your house or yourself, this was about her. Your mother had always gotten everything she wanted because she was in a position to obtain it. But a grandchild......That was a little more difficult. Only you could give her that.

“Mother......I love you dearly. I really do. But........I can’t give you a grandchild. I can give you just about anything else your heart desires......but not that.”

It was deadly silent as you carefully stood up from your seat. The air of defeat surrounded your mother as she too slowly stood up; her head bent a little in disappointment. Clearing your throat, you spoke in your usual polite but professional tone,

“I’ll see you to the door.”

It had been a few weeks now since the awkward visit from your mother. In that amount of time, you had attempted to clean up your kitchen area and at least do a couple loads of laundry. The front yard was cut but the back had not been touched. You tossed all the potted plants in the huge dumpster. Eh. They had been pretty while they lasted.

You still hadn’t kicked your habit of takeout. It wasn’t like you had a choice, though. With your busy schedule, you didn’t have time to cook anything. Hell, you didn’t have time to grocery shop for the food to cook. It was far more convenient to just run in, grab food that was already cooked for you, and go. Of course you were no fool, you knew this food was horrible for your health but again......what choice did you have?

Work continued like usual without any contact from your mother. Usually she’d check in on you with either a text or phone call but these last two or three weeks, you had heard nothing. Was she mad at you? Probably. Then again.....Your mother was used to getting everything she wanted. Granted she had worked hard for everything she had, but this was something completely different.

“Got something on your mind?”

You looked up to see Jimin as he was in the middle of going over another proposal you had typed up yourself. Given the lack of sleep you were getting, you often didn’t trust yourself with spelling and grammar so you had Jimin look over your work before anyone else could lay eyes on it. Clearing your throat and adjusting your suit jacket, you shook your head and mumbled softly,

“No. Just tired, I suppose.”

Meetings, proposals, late nights, more meetings. It never ended. Emails coming and going. Playing phone tag with companies that were being hard to get along with. It was all just so frustrating. There were some days you just wanted to throw hands and walk out. However.....This was your mother’s pride and joy and you knew that wasn’t an option.

It was finally Saturday and you planned to sleep in......Okay......So you were going to sleep in till 8am. That was normal, right? Sighing heavily, you rolled over onto your side so that you could reach over for your personal phone only to see that your mother had sent you a text.

Mother: I’m coming over today for lunch. Please be presentable.

Be presentable? What the hell did that mean? You were always presentable. Scoffing, you rolled out of bed and decided to take a shower so you could be presentable. After scrubbing and washing yourself in annoyance, you dried yourself off and did your hair like you normally would for any other day of work. A tight and tidy bun with not a hair out of place.

You applied all the concealer you could to try and hide the bags that were under your eyes. Dear god they seemed to be getting worse. Why? You got plenty of sleep. Or at least that’s what you told yourself. After dressing in a simple blouse with a pencil skirt that came down to your knees, you adjusted your pantyhose and made just to wear a pair of heels that matched your business attire.

Upon looking in your kitchen, you had absolutely nothing to eat for your mother. Well......the two of you could always go out somewhere for lunch, right? Nothing wrong with having a lunch meeting out and about, right? Sighing heavily, you decided to wait by the front window and peeped out between the blinds just in time to see your mother’s familiar SUV parking in your front driveway.

What you didn’t expect.....was her to have company with her.

Oh dear god......Please no......Please please please please please pl----

And there the doorbell rang. Hands suddenly sweaty and clammy, you almost tripped on your own feet as you scrambled towards the door. Taking a second to collect yourself, you took a deep breath before finally opening the door and offering your classic fake smile. The one you use at business meetings. The only smile you knew how to make.

“Honey! You look radiant as always.”

There stood your mother holding a couple boxes that you could only guess contained food, judging from the smell, alongside a young man that had to be close to your age. He smiled warmly as he too was carrying a couple boxes full of food. The smell instantly made your stomach clench in pain as you were starving. However, you were too scared out of your mind to think about food right now.

“Be a dear and let us in. The food is going to get cold. Jungkookie, help me set the table, will you?”

“Of course, Mrs. Kwon.”

What the blazes was going on here?!?!?

You just stepped aside and let your mother and some stranger into your house like it was no big deal. Furthermore, said stranger was making himself at home and helping your mother set the table for lunch. Wait..........

Wait wait wait wait wait wait.......

“Mother----May I have a word with you?”

“Oh honey, just be patient. We can talk once we sit down to eat.”

“Mother---I meant in private.”

“Nonsense nonsense. Now come sit with us and enjoy some lunch. You’re practically skin and bones.”

Sighing heavily, you made a move to sit at the table but made sure to sit as far away from the mystery male as possible. Which put you sitting straight across from him. At least it wasn’t right next to him. Thankfully you had just enough bottles of water in your fridge and ice left in your ice making machine to produce three glasses of ice water for all of you.

“Darling, this is Jeon Jungkook. His family has a prestigious landscaping company and Jungkookie here just happens to be amazing at lawn care.”

“Mmm. I see.”

You really tried to appear respectful, but it was so dang hard when all you could think about was your mother’s true motives. You had been subconsciously stabbing the food on your plate ever since the three of you sat down to talk. It was more than obvious that the only male in the dining room was extremely nervous.

He looked super handsome. Almond shaped doe eyes and a slender nose. Rosy lips and a sharp jawline. You couldn’t help but notice his earrings. Was that a double helix he was sporting? Truth be told.....in your younger teens......you had always been a sucker for guys with earrings. And lots of them. Wait......did your mother know this too???

“Considering how Jungkookie is amazing with landscaping as well as cooking and cleaning, I’ve taken it upon myself to hire him as your personal assistant. Where he will take care of the things that you don’t have time for outside of work.”

It was dead silent at the dining table as you processed what your mother had just so casually explained. Personal assistant, huh? Yeah right. You knew better. As you gave the male sitting across from you a sharp and quizzical stare, you simply took a sip of your ice water before asking just as casually,

“So just how much is my mother paying you to knock me up?”

“Honey!”

It all happened so fast. Your mother looking appalled while you remained unfazed. Meanwhile, poor Jungkook was coughing as his food had went down the wrong pipe. He had been right in the middle of swallowing when you asked such a blunt question. Needless to say, it had taken him by surprise. Finally calming down with a few sips of water and your mother rubbing his back, he tried to gain his composure by quickly shaking his head and raising his hands in defense.

“I can assure you, Miss. Kwon, I mean nothing of the sort. I am strictly here to take care of your chores and errands that you otherwise cannot complete in your free time. I am here to serve and make your life less stressful. Less complicated.”

‘Such pretty words from a pretty mouth....’

Still looking bored and unimpressed, you simply nodded and took one last sip of your water before setting the glass down. With a heavy sigh, you simply stood and started to gather your half eaten lunch and spoke softly but firmly,

“Your services are not needed here, Mr. Jeon. I’m terribly sorry for my mother wasting your time.”

As you walked away to place your dishes on the kitchen counter, you could hear your mother speaking softly, no doubt with a hand on the boy’s knee.

“She’ll come around, Kookie. Just give her time.”

However, when your mother approached you in the kitchen and left the boy alone in the dining room, the older woman was anything but soft. A silent glaring match took place as you stood there facing your mother. The woman who took you under her wing and built you into the strong young woman you were today.

“My dearest child, you go in there and apologize to that poor young man. He’s absolutely mortified.”

“With all due respect, mother, I’m not going to apologize for asking a perfectly reasonable question. We both know why he’s really here. He’s the perfect age and ripe for giving you a grandchild. I’m not stupid.”

“I never said you were. Look----While I may have other motives behind hiring him......Your house is an absolute mess. Zoo animals are living better than you.”

You couldn’t help but scoff as that seemed to take a blow to your pride and ego. As you tried to sooth said pride, it was your mother’s turn to sigh heavily as she added in proposition,

“Look---Just give him a chance. Let him take care of the indoors and outdoors and if he sucks at his job, you can fire him. You don’t have to like him, just let him pick up the slack. He really is great at what he does. He’ll have this place looking beautiful again in no time.”

And that’s how you wound up with a personal assistant living with you. His name? Jeon Jungkook.

[thewritingstar]

I loved both of these prompts so i decided to combine the two! I had a lot of fun writing this and since it is suppose to make up for my missing posting I made it quite long. I hope you all enjoy this angsty fic and remember that request are always open! Thank you both for the requests!

WC #58 

Prompt: ^^^^ aka: Missing You

Pairing: Gruvia 

----

Gray opened the door, he was exhausted from working late at his office. He knew he didn’t need to work this late but the clock seems to slip easy. The stove light was on and the plate in the microwave was waiting for him, a newly occurrence that had been happening for a few days now but he hated having to reheat his food. Cold food was the worst. He kicked off his shoes and sat at the table, scrolling through his phone as he ate quietly in the dim light.

“Hello love.” His head looked towards the voice. Walking down the stairs, Juvia emerged into the light, one of his nightshirts was lazily button onto her body and a yawn escaped from her mouth. She walked past him and opened the fridge and pour herself a glass of milk. Taking her glass she walked over to her boyfriend and sat on his lap, kissing his cheek softly.

“I’ve missed you. You said you would be home sooner tonight.” She whispered in his ear making him shiver.

“I know.” He kissed her lips and he felt her hand travel down, Juvia anxiously awaiting for him to take ignition. But it didn’t come. He grabbed her hand and kissed it softly. “Not tonight love, I just wanna go to sleep already.” Her eyes widened and an ‘o’ formed on her mouth.

“Understandable, it is late after all.” She smiled and kissed his cheek before walking back upstairs to bed, he finished eating and joined her and pulled her close before falling asleep quickly.

---

The door opened and Gray walked in, kicking off his shoes and hanging his coat on the rack. It had become a routine for him to arrive deep into the night, his job just took up his mind and all he wanted to do was eat and get some sleep.

He turned the light on in the kitchen and saw a figure on the couch. A groan came from the person as he reheated the plate and a mop of blue hair popped up. She turned her head to see Gray eating from the plate.

‘Oh Gray-sama, you’re home.” She said but the excitement from her voice was like a knife that had been used one to many times, dull.

“Yep.” He said while popping the ‘p’. “How was your day?” He asked and she got up to place her cup of tea in her sink.

“Oh it was fine. Juvia spent lunch with Lyon and Meredy. They joined me since you weren’t able to.” She said and he almost heard a bitter tone towards the end.

“Lyon? You had lunch with him?” He questioned and took another bite of food.

“And Meredy. And yes, it was quite nice. We went to the cafe on the corner where you can sit outside and look at the garden.”

“Oh.” He turned towards the sink and saw her sat on the counter, a blank expression on her legs and a ringlet of her hair between her fingers. Smirking he walked until he was between her legs and began to kiss her neck softly. “Yah know, we haven’t had time together in awhile.” He let his hands roam and she huffed out a breath.

Pushing him back, she jumped off the counter and grabbed a bottle of water. “Juvia wonders why.” She whispered sarcastically. 

“What?” He asked not hearing her correctly.

“Juvia’s tired love.” She said louder and her figure disappeared up the stairs. Gray nodded and followed her.

--

The door opened and Gray was thankful that he was home on time, before dinner actually.

“Juvia I’m home” He called and when he kicked off his shoes, he frowned. Another pair of shoes were on the ground and he looked up to see a white haired man.

“Hey Gray.” Lyon smiled and he saw Juvia walk out of the kitchen with a salad bowl and plates.

“Oh Gray, you’re home early! Lyon and Meredy are going to join us for dinner but the poor thing came down with a terrible cold so it will just be the three of us.”

“Great.” Gray said sarcastically but smiled when Juvia met his eyes.

Juvia brought out the roast and placed it in the center, they each took turns collectively scooping food and passing it to the next. Irritation ran through Gray as Lyon sat across from her, that was his spot. But now he was sat next to her and he only got the side of her beautiful face while the white haired man got the full deal.

Gray frowned when the two began to laugh.

“And then the elephant fell.” Juvia laughed and Lyon joined her and a confused look went on his face.

“Inside joke.” Lyon clarified and Gray raised his eyebrows before taking a swig of wine.

The rest of dinner was pure torture. Lyon and Juvia tried to explain the inside jokes they had collected over the past month or two and Gray grew furious when he couldn’t understand.

“Well thank you for having me tonight.” Lyon said as he slipped on his shoes. Gray couldn’t wait for him to leave. “See you for coffee on Tuesday?”

“As always Lyon, have a nice night.” Juvia smiled and Lyon walked out the door.

“Later Gray.” Lyon said and leaned to see Juvia walking towards the kitchen to start cleaning up. He looked back at gray and winked and to this Gray gave an unfazed grimace and shut the door saying a quick ‘bye’ as he locked the door.

Gray made his way towards Juvia and grabbed some plates.

“What the hell Juvia? Why was he here?” He spat.

Juvia turned and looked at him funny. “For dinner?” She said confused.

He gave her a blank stare. “And what is this coffee business? Why are you spending so much time with him?” He asked and dropped the dishes in the sink.

“Gray it is just coffee and yes Juvia and Lyon have been hanging out more often, it's no big deal.” she shrugged and now she was getting mad.

“Just coffee? Yeah right, not for him at least.” He rolled his eyes and Juvia slammed the bowl on the counter.

“What the hell is your problem Gray?” She yelled.

“I’m just saying that you could spend more time with me.” He said bitterly.

Juvia gasped and turned towards him with tears in her eyes. “MORE TIME!” She sobbed. “Gray, you work so much that you come home and you push me away! Forgive me if I want to spend time with another human who is actually there for me! Don’t ever tell me to spend time with you when you don’t put in the effort. For the past month or two, you have come home late every single night. I have spent every night eating alone, waiting to have at least one meal with my boyfriend, but no, I can’t.” Tears ran down her face and all the pent up anger and resentment fuel this outburst of anger and Gray could see it spilling out.

“I have tried Gray. And I am tired of not being able to be with you, so don’t tell me that I haven’t given everything to you.” She threw the dish towel on the counter and pushed past him but he grabbed her arm. “Don’t touch me.” She yelled and walked up stairs. “If you don’t think I wanna spend time with you, sleep on the damn couch.” She cried and he watched as she stormed upstairs and the slam of the door left him in shock.

And as he stood with a shocked expression he began to contemplate the past months. The touches between them have become ice cold and the conversations were short. It all came crashing down on him like a bucket of cold ice water. Tears pricked his eyes as regret and shame punched him in the gut.

His head snapped towards the stairs when he heard a crash and he found himself in front of their bedroom door. Pushing it open, he found Juvia sitting against the bathtub as a glass was smashed on the ground. His eyes locked on the red leaking from her foot and saw a few sharp shards stuck in her pale foot. Quickly he got to her, making sure not to step on the glass as he picked her up and carried her to their bed.

Carefully he removed the glass from her foot, holding her ankle as she squirmed and her hands bunched the blanket and she let out a sob.

“Shh it's okay, I got you.” He stroked her leg as the final shard was pulled. A hot towel was wrapped around her foot in no time and he began to clean up the glass on the floor. Silence still lurked around them and she didn’t move when he kneeled down in front of her. Gently he caressed her foot, making sure the blood had stopped.

Carefully he locked eyes with her. The red under her eyes was due to all the tears he shed and he knew that the glass contributed least. He didn’t understand how he neglected her, how he let the precious nights slip away from them and how he let that white haired man steal all those days and hours away.

Lifting up her arms, he changed her shirt into one of his old button nightshirts that she loved. His lips pressed to her forehead and he wiped away the fresh tears.

“Are you alright?” He asked softly and he only got a nod with a trembling lip. “Juvia.” He whispered and she let him take her hand. “I am sorry. There are no words that can make up for what I’ve put you through.”

“I just want my boyfriend back.” She sobbed quietly.

“Im here. I promise.” He hugged her and her body naturally responded and the warmth returned slowly. “I love you so much.” He kissed her lips softly. He placed his arms underneath her and lifted her up, body pressed to his chest as he sat against the headboard, leaning her back against his chest and pulling the blankets over them.

He rubbed her shoulder gently and dragged them down her sides and she leaned her head back, feeling his heartbeat on her back. He kept whispering how much he loved her into her ears as his hands stroked her leg loosely. Her hand covered her mouth as a yawn escaped and he knew she must have been tired from the yelling and emotional baggage.

He re-position them so her head was against the pillow and laid calmly against him. His hand continued to run up and down her stomach and he pulled her close, kissing her neck softly.

“Tomorrow is for you.” He told her. “I'll take the day off and i know it won’t makeup but I can try. And from there each day and night will be devoted towards you, like it should have been. And don’t bother going to coffee on Tuesday with him, because now you have me, always and forever.” He leaned so he could kiss her cheek but that didn’t satisfy her so she turn and faced his and cupped his face.

“I get you all to myself tomorrow?” she asked with a small smile.

“Tomorrow and the next and next.” He smiled and she giggled.

“Juvia didn’t want to go to coffee with him anyways. She wants coffee with her Gray-sama” His heart filled when her third person and his preferred name by her had return.

“I want that too. Now you should rest, you must be tired due to me and I’m sorry for that.” He kissed her lips again and pushed her hair out of her face. She nodded and set her head against his chest and swung her bad foot lazily over his leg.

---

Gray opened the door and kicked off his shoes. “Juv I’m home.” He called and placed the take out bag on the counter. A week had past since their fight and a new love had bloomed. He turned and smiled when Juvia jumped into his arms wearing nothing but her favorite shirt of his and took his lips eagerly.

“Welcome home my love.” She whispered between kisses. “How was work?” She asked and he carried her towards the couch.

“Boring as hell but i don’t care because I got better things to do now.” He smirked and she yelped when she was on the couch and he practically toppled over her.

“Foods gonna get cold.” She mumbled against his lips.

And for once he said “Don’t care” And ripped off his shirt and looked down at the beauty before him.

“My foods right here.” He smiled and Juvia practically melted against his touch.

“I missed this.” Juvia gushed as he kissed her neck.

“Well you’re never gonna miss it again.” He promised.

“Im all yours.” She winked and grinned brightly when the warmth of his lips returned to hers.

---

I hope you enjoyed!!

[marvelmymarvel]

Aim For My Heart

Part 7/15

Lewis Nixon x Sniper!Marshall!Reader

Synopsis: As a Female Snipper for Easy company, you certainly do get a lot of attention, but the only attention you want is from Lewis Nixon. In the deadly mix called love in a war in which you had no business being in, will you and Lew make it out alive?

Trigger Warning: Panic Attack

A/N: In case I haven't stated this yet, Lewis is not married in this story. Okay that is all lol

December 10th, 1944

Mourmelon-le-Grand, France

You were perched on Lew's lap as Harry poured him some coffee while Richard was looking at some plans and talking about how small Easy company had truly become. Most of them were replacements, including your new CO, whom you hated. “How’s Lieutenant Dike doing?” Lew asked out loud as he adjusted you on his lap. “Three weeks in Holland and the guys are already calling him foxhole Norman” Harry stated as he handed Lew his coffee. “He's horrible” you grumbled down to Lew as your rubbed your head in annoyance. 

He rolled his eyes at you, knowing full well how much you really hated the new Lieutenant. You wouldn't shut up about him. “Well, and you didn't hear this” he stated up at you before turning back to the two men “They’re talking about a mid-March action at the earliest, so, we train the guys for three months, we jump into Berlin, we end the war.”

“If only it was that easy” you grumbled lowly as you grabbed his cup of coffee and took a drink of it. Cringing at the bitterness you looked down at it disgustedly before looking at a smirking Lew. There was a reason he drank it black. The reason was that you wouldn't take it unless it had a shit ton of sugar. “The only thing holding together “Easy Company” is the NCO’s, Toccoa men” Winters continued on and you interjected as you handed back the cup of coffee. 

“Mmm now you see, I agree with that statement” you interjected causing Richard to roll his eyes playfully at you as Lew shifted you once more on his lap. A knock sounded out and you turned your head back to see one of the ‘receptionists’ come in. “Sir, there's a sergeant Guarnere here to see you,” the boy said and your face lit up as you saw Bill enter. “Hi Bill!” you called out as he walked in and saluted you all. Bill shook Lew’s free hand and you smiled at him sweetly. You were thankful to have Guarnere back, maybe then the men would listen. Maybe. Leaning back against Lew, you listened to Guarnere trying to talk to Winters. Your smile fell though when you realized that Dick wasn't really listening as he was trying to focus on his work. “Great” Bill whispered and you sighed out quietly before looking down at Lew to see he was already watching you. Squeezing your hip he gave you a questioning look as to why your mood went south so fast. You just shook your head and climbed off of him, moving over to the maps that were behind Richard. Bill walked out and Lew set his cup of coffee down before speaking once more. “Well, I guess now’s as good a time as any” Lew started and you looked back to see a piece of paper in between his fingertips. “What's that, a piece of paper? I don’t wanna see another piece of paper” Dick retorted and you snorted before turning back to the maps. You knew what Lew was giving him, but you argued with him about whether or not DIck would actually take the vacation. “General Taylor has flown back to Washington, he’s left General Mcauliffe in charge of the division. Colonel Sink is in Rheims to see Marlene Dietrich.” 

“Marlene Dietrich is in Rheims?” Harry interjected and you rolled your eyes. “At the U.S.O” Lew answered and Harry firmly stated that he was going to Rheims. “Men” you whispered out as you traced down a line that was drawn on the map. “Strayer will be in London for at least another week for Lt. Colonel Dobies wedding. I personally am heading back to Aldbourne to look up a certain young lady.”

Your heart stopped at those words and your finger stilled on the paper. Turning back to Lew with a concerned look on your face, you fixed it before he looked at you. “What are you telling me?” Dick asked nonchalantly as if he didn't hear his best friend just admit to possibly cheating on you. “You, my friend, are headed to Paris” Lew stated finally before throwing down the slip of paper. “That's a 48-hour pass, it’s been decided that you need a little dose of civilization. Bon Voyage” Lew started once more despite Dicks clear disinterest. A knock sounded out and your head snapped up to the boy in the door. “Miss Marshall. Your father is on the line” he called out and you nodded before swiftly leaving the room. Lew didn't notice a difference in the mood, but Dick did. As the door closed Dick looked to where you exited. He sighed out deeply and Lew cocked his head “What's your deal?” Lew whispered and Dick just shook his head, “You didn't even notice?” Dick questioned incredulously. How could his best friend not see what he had just done? “’A certain young lady’” Dick repeated firmly “Now she thinks you’re cheating on her Lew, way to go” Dick whispered out as he examined the pass. Lew’s eyebrows scrunched up and he realized what he said, “Oh shit” Lew whispered before standing up and rubbing the back of his neck. He messed up, but maybe you would let it go. You were coming with him to Aldbourne after all. And he wasn't cheating on you, not at all. You trusted him... Yeah, you trusted him and would let it go.

He was very wrong though. You would not let it go and it harbored your whole being until the truth came out.

“Bye Daddy, give Mamma a kiss for me” you whispered out into the phone before hanging up. It was quiet in the room for a few seconds before the emotions hit you all at once.

Inhaling sharply, you put your hand to your mouth, trying to fight back the tears that were forming in your eyes. Your heart was breaking. What if he was cheating. What if he really was going to leave you. He was going to Aldbourne to hook up with this certain young lady, and there was nothing you could do about it. The emotions overtook you, you couldn't stop the tears anymore. Leaning forward, you scrunched up your face from the pain as you silently sobbed.

A tear fell from your eye as you inhaled sharply up at the ceiling. Ground yourself y/n, you would repeat over and over again. You opened your eyes towards the ceiling and gasped for breath like a fish out of water, but you couldn't seem to even take in any amount of air. Closing your eyes once more, you tried to stop the tears and this time, you were successful. Your fingers were clutching onto the arms of the chair where you sat in the office. Your breathing became stable as you relaxed your body back into the chair. It was so quiet in the little office that you were in, you didn't even know who this office was even for, all you knew was that you just cried like a baby in it. You opened your eyes to look forward at the door that was across the office. Sniffling, you opened the drawers, trying to find a tissue or something that you could compose yourself with. Finding some tissues, you stood shakily and walked over towards the large mirror, the reflection scared you. You looked like a wreck. You certainly felt like one. This was not the strong little Y/n that your father raised. No. This Y/n was broken and over stupid words that had no meaning. You let out a little sob which you covered with your hand. Those were lies, those words had meaning. Shaking your head, you brought the tissue up to your face to begin wiping the tears away. “Goddamnit Y/n. Compose yourself” you whispered angrily at your reflection as you kept wiping the tears hastily away. They finally stopped rolling down your cheeks and you eventually looked somewhat presentable. The door opened and you whirled around quickly, hiding the tissues behind your back as if they would get you in trouble. “Lew” you whispered out confusedly as he stepped in and towards the middle of the room “What are you doing here?” you asked innocently before clearing your throat. You tried to act natural and he cocked his head at you. He knew. “This is my office baby doll” he stated as your head snapped towards the nameplate that rested on the desk. ‘Lewis Nixon’, of-freaking-course they put you in your boyfriend's office. “Ah. My bad” you stated awkwardly before coughing and turning back to him. “I’ll be going now” you whispered as you tried to walk past him but he just grabbed your wrist softly, stopping you in your place behind him. He turned back to you before pulling your body back to him. Cupping your cheek he sighed deeply. The words bubbled up in your throat, you couldn't stop them.

“Whos the little young lady?” you growled out angrily. Now, now the sadness was gone and you were livid. He looked at you remorsefully before leaning down to kiss you. You backed out of his grasp and shook your head, “Are you cheating on me?” you seethed out. Angry tears formed in your eyes and you hated being so emotional, especially when it came to him. “No. Y/n” he started as he rubbed his face anxiously. He couldn't tell you what he was going to do, but he knew how to calm you down and make you forget the stupid words. “Baby, you’re coming with me to Aldbourne, so don't you dare even think that I’m cheating on you” he angrily stated once he saw your disbelieving eyes. “I am?” you croaked out. As a regular old Private, you never really got the chance to get out of the hell that you called home. He chuckled lowly before shaking his head at the ground. Caressing your cheek with his thumb, he just smiled lovingly at you before lowering his face to yours. “Of course you are coming with me. I’m not leaving my girl alone with a creepy Lieutenant” he teased and you just giggled. His lips touched yours softly and you pushed your head up more to deepen it as his hands fell to your hips. Pulling you closer, he held you tightly to him. “Don’t you ever think that I would cheat on you. I would be a fool to.” he hummed out before pecking your nose and backing away. His hand went behind you to close the door, locking it, he pulled back to be face to face with you. “How about I show you how much I really love you.”

December 12th, 1944

Aldbourne, England

You were enjoying the adventure that you and Lew were currently on. The restaurant wasn't too crowded, and you were enjoying the privacy that you two had alone in the corner. “You look absolutely beautiful, baby” he whispered before drinking some of his whiskey as you grabbed your wine glass. You blushed at his sweet remarks and smiled bashfully down at your wine. “You don't mean that” you stated quietly as you took a long sip of the sharp red liquid. “Oh... I always mean it” Lewis whispered and your eyes snapped up to his as you lowered the glass from your lips. Biting your lip, you sighed out a deep and loving breath. “How did I get so lucky?” you sighed out melodiously as you reached your hand out to grab his which rested on the table. Euphoria filled your veins at the simple feel of his warm hand under yours. You loved this man. “I ask the same thing every single time I look at you” he whispered back as he enveloped your hand in his. Rubbing his thumb along your knuckles, he lifted it and pressed little kisses on each knuckle. He looked at his watch and sighed. “Let's get out of here” he stated finally before standing to pull you up from your seat. 

You got out of the bathtub carefully. You both rented out a house for the 48-hour pass and you were thankful that it had a bathroom with actual running water. And a bath. Oh, that bath. Drying off your hair, you slipped into a clean pair of shorts and one of Lew’s shirts. Stepping out of the bathroom, you looked around the bedroom in confusion. “Lew?” you called out as you walked more into the silent room. He wasn't in the bed and he wasn't in the little office. “Lew?” you called out a little louder as you opened up the bedroom door, looking up and down the hallway you began to walk towards the stairs which led to the little kitchen and living room. At the bottom of the stairs, you flipped on the lights but didn't find him at the kitchen table. Fear enveloped you.

‘A certain young lady in Aldbourne’

His words circled more and more in your brain. “Lew!?” You called out more frantically as you ran through the house to get to the living room. The only other place he could have been. “Lew,” you stated once more before flipping on the lights. You were hoping to see him standing there in the middle of the room with a look that made you feel silly for ever thinking he left you. But...

The room was empty. 

And so were you. 

You walked over to the couch, grabbing onto the arm you sat down shakily. Were you breathing? Breathe. Inhaling slowly you tried to ground yourself. He was cheating. Your hand shot to your mouth in shock. Shaking your head, you urged your tears away. Standing up swiftly, you walked angrily towards the bedroom shutting the lights off as you went. You would wait for him. And he would have some explaining to do. But the explanation you would get.

Was not what you thought it would be.

Tags:

@hell-itwasyou @desired-love-