#mumbles to myself and tries to stack them all on top of each other

[kylarstalker]

oh my god i found my bas and ally doodles. WOE! PCS.

[ayeshawriteswhatyoulike]

thug love ♡

|part 2|

keep in mind that these warnings are not only for the singular part but for the short book in general. If you don’t like smut then don’t read it or skip over it. I will put a warning for smut before it starts. also if you’re not into the main character being all innocent and naive then don’t read this.sorry if there’s spelling mistakes!

Smut

gang violence

abuse

drug/alcohol use

age gap

corny nicknames and romance (what did you expect?)

while I’m getting ready I scan the clothes in my newly filled closet. Clothes that Daniel had bought me filled most of the space. I saw some mini Jean shorts I came with and pull it out the pants stack. And then a pink bikini that Ayesha secretly snuck me. My fingers struggled to tie some parts of the bikini before I finally got it secured. I look at myself in the mirror in awe. The swimsuit was scandalous, but it looked great on me. The dip of my waist and round lumps of my hips made it look flattering with such small pieces. I pulled the jean shorts over and grabbed a basic over the shoulder sweater. it was summer but I wanted something loose but flattering and a T shirt wouldn’t work. I grabbed my pink duffel bag shoving in whatever I need and run downstairs. Daniel already waiting by the door in swim trunks and a hoodie. “Ready?”, he asks as I nod before his hand stops me from touching the door knob. “What swimsuit are you going in?”, Daniel asks me firmly seeing the hot pink bikini strap looped around the back of my neck. “Ayesha gave me one..”, I mumble opening the door, hearing Daniel sigh accepting whatever trouble that will lead on.

when we arrive at Ayesha’s house there is already a few people lounging by the pool. Ayesha runs up to us squealing, “Maxi!!”. Before embracing me in a tight hug. Daniel stands there eyeing Ayesha up and down in her aqua marine colored bikini that was vibrant against her skin that radiated a hue of chestnut and chocolate. She leans in my ear whispering, “you wearin the pink one?”. Which made me respond in a nod before she winked at me then turned to Daniel hugging him. They kissed each other as I retreated into the house and out to the backyard where the pool was. I see a few people I didn’t know, two girls and one guy. Two of the girls looked like Cholas. They had long straight jet black hair and thin brows. I was deeply inspired so I decided to walk up to them. “You guys are really pretty..”, I say shyly to them. They both smile brightly, “awe thanks blonde!” One of the girls say making me smile. “Cmon sit with us..”, the other one says her big hoops dangling from her ears. “You’re new…right?”, one of them ask unsure. “Yes”, I warmly respond my smile still on. they all sigh in relief that they weren’t wrong. “Well what’s your name girl?”, the one with a face piercing on her cheekbone said nudging me softly. “Oh! Maxinne”, I say grinning making there jaws drop. “Your name is so cute!”, “foreaaal” they both say together. “Awww thanks”, I say with an hidden excitement for new friends. “Well my name is Victoria and this is Angela”, the girl with the hoops says gesturing to her and Angela. “Nice to meet you…I’m gonna take off these now”, I say standing up and taking off the sweater and shorts to reveal my bikini. Daniel and Ayesha came to the backyard and Daniel spots the bikini. He looked like he was ready to approach and lecture me but Ayesha stops him. After an hour the party is blowing up with so many people. Around 30 minutes in Tom and his gang arrived. He had a white wife beater tank top on and black swim trunks. A silk durag around his black cornrows. I remained in the hot tub watching him join the party. I watch him glance at me and smirk. The water reached to my collarbones as I sunk myself in shyly. He took of his tank and went into the bigger pool. His muscles rippling under his tattoos. He looked like he had a six pack. I tried my best to tear my eyes away but I just couldn’t. I could feel warm saliva drip in the corner of my mouth as I eyed his big muscles and v line. But before he could catch me I quickly snapped my head away mentally cursing myself. Ayesha walks to the hot tub plopping down next to me. “Heyyy girl…how you likin this party?”, she asks me making me warmly smile to see her. “I love it…”, I say glancing back at Tom. Ayesha giggles seeing me look at him, “oh I bet you do..”. She teased before watching me quickly turn to her in an annoyed expression from her tease. she giggles, “sorry…but he seems to like you Y’know…he’s been staring at you all night”. Ayesha says making me shake my head, “now way” I deny. “Yes way! Girl I bet if he saw you out this water he’d get a hard on”, Ayesha says winking at me with a joke while also complimenting my body. “Ugh no..”, I deny again, “try it!”. Ayesha says ushering me out the tub. I scoff playfully and walk out the water dripping down my body as my small waist and hips catch Tom’s eyes immediately. I try not to look as Ayesha watches the scene. My feet reach the cold pavement as I walk to my beach chair grabbing my towel. I make eye contact with him seeing his dark brown eyes staring holes into my body. Like he wanted to explore every inch of my coconut scented skin. My lips form into a small shy smile at him as I usher back to the hot tub. Ayesha giggles loudly as I enter, she pulls me in by my arm before whispering. “He was staring!!”, she whisper shouted making me blush. “I know….”, I mumble.

“Ima leave you alone…I definitely think he’s gonna come over now..”, Ayesha says leaving to the crowd. I stare at the bubbles of the hot tub before hearing someone step in making me look up. It was Tom. his abs. his muscles. his braids. his soft cream colored skin. god I wanted him. I needed him. but of course I’d never say this out loud. I’m way too scared to do that. He smirks down at me before sitting close to where I was. he sits closer to me and leans in, “Y’know I’ve been watchin you all night..”. He says his deep voice sending a rush of something unknown in my legs. I nod shyly before he chuckles and whispers, “you got pretty lips..”, he mumbles lowly wrapping one muscular arm over the railing of the hot tub behind my head. “Why so quiet doll?”, he asks grabbing my chin softly to look up at him. I stutter out, “I don’t know..” making him grin. “You don’t gotta be nervous around me doll..be yourself”, he says looking down at me with some sort of sympathetic look. I nod feeling his eyes travel up and down my figure over the water. “How old are you? 20?”, Tom asks me making my brain jump. What do I say? What if he doesn’t want to talk to me? “Uhm..18”, I say my big brown eyes staring up at him innocently. His eyes widen for a second but he doesn’t pay any attention to the fact the age gap is a good 8 years. Which wasn’t THAT bad right? Except the fact that I’m in high school still and he’s a grown man. “You still in high school?”, he asks making me quickly nod. “Cool…any sport you do?”, he asks his strong hands starting to rub my right shoulder. His arm draping over my shoulder as he continues to lightly trace his hands on my shoulder and arm. “Cheerleading..”, I mumble shyly making him smirk. I wonder what was going through his mind right now. “Cheerleading…”, he mutters to himself with a dangerous smirk. After a few minutes in the hot tub he turns to me again, “tell me about yourself, other than the fact that your Daniel’s lil sister”. I think for a moment before saying, “uhm..my favorite color is pink, I enjoy the outside nature, I’m pretty girly..”. I say not only just facts about myself but a warning that I might bore him. “Aw cute..”, he says scooting closer, his legs brushing against mine. “Any guys give you trouble at the high school?”, he asks his face slightly more firm. “Uhm no..”, I mumble lies so he wouldn’t get involved with anything. “Tell me about yourself”, I say boldly switching the conversation on him. He nods and thinks before saying, “well I’m a business man, I like cars, and I like you”. He says boldly his husky voice making me want to jump up and down giggling. His finger tracing my collarbone to play with my necklace. “You do?..”, I mumble looking up at me as he towered me effortlessly. “Yea..”, he nods looking down at me. “Tom..I barely know you”, I answer seeing him cock one of his brows up. “Your brother talks about you all the time baby…I know more then you think”, he says his eyes burning into me. Before I could respond Daniel walks over with Ayesha. “Yo social distancing!”, Daniel jokes making me and Tom scoot away from each other. I could tell Daniel was slightly tipsy by the way he stumbled into the hot tub with Ayesha on his lap. “Yo Dan..”, Tom nods to Daniel, “what?”. Daniel answers back chuckling. “I know you all protective and shit about Maxinne and whatever but you just gotta give me a chance”, Tom says. My eyes shoot to him with a warning look knowing that Daniel might flip out. But surprisingly Daniel just sat there silently. Daniel then speaks up, “look, since you my boss and whateva, I ain’t gonna be disrespectful but bro you a gang leader. I ain’t putting my lil sis in that messy shit”. Daniel simply says gesturing to me as I sit there in slight shock and silence.

Boss? Tom was Daniel’s boss?

“Why don’t you guys ask Maxinne if she want this”, Ayesha slurs as she drunkenly hangs on top of Daniel hugging him. The guys turn to me making me feel intimidated. “Uhm..I like Tom Daniel…”, I shyly say trying to not make eye contact.

part 3?

[ninjadeathblade]

Moulin Rouge Discotrain AU (part thirty five)

Summary: Now that they're together, Conductor and Grooves are slowly settling in with their love for one another. Both have strong feelings for one another but don't always know how to express it.

Beginning | Previous | Next

Word count: 868

Warnings: None

Author's notes: I'm a sucker for Conductor being half fire spirit so yeah. Thought I'd address that. Have some little Con as well because I need to talk more about his background. Enjoy!

Conductor stacked the last few boxes of presents in the storage room before calling out to the train. “Fire up the engine darling!”

“Yes sir!”

Conductor rocked back and forth slightly as the train set off before he headed up to his room.

The owl shut the door of his room and stripped off his top few layers.

He sighed at the purple and blue markings that hung around his neck, brushing his right hand across them.

Conductor smiled gently at the weathered bracelet on his wrist before the sound of the door creaking open snapped him back to reality.

He spun around, facing Grooves as the penguin had paused in the doorway.

“Sorry, I thought you were finished with chores,” he said quietly, staring at the owl.

Conductor feathers ruffled and he turned away, hurriedly put his shirt back on, buttoning it from the top first.

“Your feathers are beautiful.”

The owl bristled at the words and he turned back to his partner.

“They aren't.”

He would never get used to the oddly coloured feathers that were a marker of him not being a proper owl.

He barely registered that Grooves had crossed the room until a flipper curled around his hand.

“They are,” the penguin replied, lifting Conductor’s hand to his beak and kissing it gently. “You're so amazing, why can't you accept that?”

Conductor tugged his hand away, panicking slightly as the ties of the bracelet caught on Grooves' flipper.

His feathers burned as the bracelet slipped off and he scrambled to pick it up off the floor.

“Can we not talk about it?” Conductor mumbled, quickly reattaching the tattered leather weave.

Grooves shot him a worried look, eyes shining behind his sunglasses.

He let out a defeated sigh. “Okay. Just know that I am here when you're ready to.”

Conductor anxiously picked at the edges of the bracelet before sagging his weight into the penguin.

“You're pecking perfect, you know that?”

Grooves placed a gentle kiss at the top of the owl's head. “You should get some rest.”

“I will. I just- I just need a minute,” Conductor breathed.

“Take as long as you need.”

Conductor stared at the small TV screen, watching as this year's annual bird movie award winners were announced.

His mother chuckled as she walked into the room. “You really like those movies, don't you?”

“Ma, shhh! I cannae hear it!” He complained as she sat down behind him.

Two elegant paws reached around and knotted a bracelet around his wrist.

“Whassthat?” He asked, one small claw tracing the patterns on it.

“It's a bracelet I made for you. It'll help dampen your powers,” she explained.

Sure enough, his feathers didn't burn the way he was used to, fading instead of the usual glow they carried.

She still radiated warmth behind him, body like an inferno of heat.

The door slammed open.

“I did it! Pack your things son, we're moving to the city!”

His mother moved to go talk to his father as Conductor tried to concentrate on the TV still.

“What?”

“My pitch finally landed! Real wealthy investor too! So I don't have to live in this dump anymore. I'm taking the kid so he has a chance to grow up properly.”

“I… I suppose you're right.”

“Kid, go pack your bags.”

Conductor continued to stare at the screen as the runners up were announced.

“Son, don't make me repeat myself.”

The little bird let out a huff, very slowly getting up from the floor.

“Why?” It was a plaintive whine he made as he turned to face his parents.

They looked so different. From each other and from him.

“We're moving.”

“Why?”

“Because it will be good for you,” his mother answered.

“All of us?”

“Ma isn't coming.”

“But-”

“Go pack your bags.”

A third time.

His father was serious.

Conductor sprinted across the room to his mother, hugging her leg. “No, no, no! Ma has to come with us!”

“It's okay, you'll still see me sometimes.”

He sniffed and looked up at her. “You promise?”

The corner of her mouth twitched and her orange fur dulled slightly. “I promise.”

Conductor shuddered as he woke up.

The first thing he noticed was Grooves' body close to his as they slept.

The second thing was the scent of smoke.

He panicked as he looked at the smouldering bracelet on his wrist.

He slithered out of the penguin's grip, running out of the room.

Conductor frantically ripped open a drawer, taking out a bangle with the same marks as his bracelet.

He slotted it onto his left wrist as the other burnt away to ashes around his right.

Conductor sighed with relief before he realised what had happened.

Sure he had averted a possible crisis.

But his mother's bracelet was now gone forever.

He skimmed a talon over the symbols engraved in the bangle.

The owl let out a low growl that turned into a despondent whine.

It was one of the only things that he had left of her.

“Diamond?”

Conductor slowly turned around to face Grooves, shame heating his face.

The penguin blinked, bleary-eyed as Conductor rushed up and hugged him.

“Hey, hey, what's wrong?”

[pink-jello-fish]

Hii so I’m a writer on quotve and decided to put my story in other platforms for fun. I dunno this was a fic I made for fun lol also it’s kinda long like may or may not be fourteenpageslong byyeeeee

———————

p1= player 1 which just means player 1 which means y/n cause why not

f/c= favorite color

e/c= eye color

Tbh I'm pretty sure most people reading this already know the basics and I'm too lazy to actually write them all out so if there is anything new I'll put one at the top of the chapter. cool? Cool.

—

Chapter 1

“You’re getting mugged, kid!” “No you're getting mugged! :D” “AHH HOW THE HELL DOES THAT EVEN WORK!?”

—

Bzz…

What's that sound?…

Bzz…

Oh it’s my alarm..ok ok that’s nice..I guess…

Bzz…

OH FUCK ITS MY ALARM!!

Bz-

I opened my eyes a little to look for my phone to turn off the alarm which I did since it isn’t going off anymore. So with the worst sound in existence turned off I opened my eyes more to, not the sun?, as I was expecting but to a cloudy kind of green looking sky as well as old wooden buildings with either moss or mold I can't really tell.

I sat up because the ground I was laying on was gross and I looked around the town more but the view didn’t get better. I just saw more old wooden rickety apartments that looked like they were stacked on top of each other with some small bars I believe, with small picnic tables for guests.

Resting my hand on my cheek I tried to remember how I got there, however I drank a lot with my flat mates and like the stereotypical collage kids we were, we drank like it was the last day on earth and doctor was coming to saw our legs off, so anything that did happened I can’t and will probably never remember it.

So figuring out how I got here was gonna be a real pain in the ass. However with what I’m assuming is left over drunk confidence I was able to try and go up to people and ask them where I was instead of just trying to figure it out on my own.

“Um excuse me but where am I exactly?” I ask a random guy passing by. “Ugh tourist, go back to wherever you're from.” Was all he said to be before speed walking off.

Ok fuck you to

Then I went up to a lady cleaning one of the tables. “Excuse me-” “Whatever you want you ain’t gettin so go away!” She said through her teeth sounding really upset so I backed off feeling like she was gonna deck me in the face if I stayed for too long.

“Sir-“ “I’m not buying whatever you're selling.” “I just need-“ “IF YOU DON'T STOP TALKING YOU'RE GONNA BE NEEDING CRUTCHES!!”

“Hello ma’am-” “Oh~I’ve been called a lot of things but ma’am? So polite I wouldn’t mind if we had a little fun~." "I actually just need to know where I am. Also, I don't have any money, sorry.” “No money, no service.” “I just want to know where I am.” “Service includes talking darling.”

“Excu-ok just walk faster, I don't care, that's fine.”

Honestly I should’ve listened to the introvert in me when it said ‘don’t go talking to random strangers they might stab you’ like yeah sure it was exaggerating but i think a few people i talked to were getting close to stabbing me.

“I hate today.” I mumbled sliding down a wall and taking a seat back on the gross wooden deck floor. No clue how I didn’t realize this whole place was right above a lake until now but it’s not it matters I’m lost and have a class to get to, which yes may seem like the least of my concerns but I paid good money to go to school and I’m making every penny count damnit!

At this point I’m just ranting in my own head trying to distract myself from this shitty situation. Well ranting in my head and fiddling with my necklace after I remembered I had it on. It was a little ‘gift’ I got myself and by got myself I mean I found it on the ground and kept it, which yes is kind of a dick move but it was a pretty necklace with what I think is a quartz’s hanging off via a silver snake.

“You don’t look like you're from around here?” Someone said next to me and when I looked I saw a guy in a hoodie who seemed to be giggling a little bit realizing I was lost, no clue how he came to that conclusion but who cares I’m finally getting some type of help.

“Uh, yeah. Yes! Yes I am a little lost, I had a bit too much to drink last night and ended up here.” I explained with the guy's laugh growing more finding my terrible situation hilarious. “I’m a real comedian I know but where exactly am I-OR PULL A KNIFE OUT YEAH THATS COOL TO-“ “SHUT UP! SHUT UP AND EMPTY YOUR WALLET!” He yelled, putting a knife closer to my throat and dragging me into an alley.

“I’ll-um uh I’LL SCREAM!! I’ll scream real loud. Just-just let me go. I'm already having the worst day ever.” I told him hoping I’d convince him. “You think anyone will do anything. This is a place full of criminals! The only help you’ll get is help into a grave, and that’s if you’re lucky!” He said, still laughing a little.

However he was right, the people here didn't seem to care that i was lost so why would they care if i'm getting mugged. Seriously I just saw a guy side eye me from outside the alley, WHAT THE HELL!! So with the rage I got from seeing that guy ignore me I tried kicking the guy in the knee so after reeling it up and going for it he moved his leg. Of course he did, he literally saw me get ready to kick him.

So losing my balance I started to fall forward into his knife and I felt the cold metal start to go into my neck.

But all I felt was the cold of the metal.

I didn't feel blood

I didn't feel feel the knife anymore

I wasn't in his arms i was on the ground

So i ran THE FUCK OUT OF THERE.

I ran like I never ran before. It was like that scene in Ratatouille when the humans come in the kitchen and all the rats go in different ways. I sprinted like that.

I heard the guy running after me and yelling but I couldn’t make out what he was yelling, not like it matters. I wanted to see how much distance I had on him so I took a few quick glances and those glances were enough to see that his right hand which was the one he was the knife with originally, now had what looks like sparks of f/c electricity? Granted I'm running away from him and am not looking too hard, I'm just taking quick glances to see if he's catching up.

Not like any of this matters again just trying to to distract myself from another horrible situation cause what else are gonna do?

I ran a few blocks but I figured I wouldn’t be able to lose him like this. I need some type of cover and even though I’ve had the worst luck with alleys today I think they might be my best bet. I slipped into the next alley which ended up being a three way so I grabbed a lid from a trash lid and threw it in the opposite direction hoping the guy would think I went that way.

I sprinted the opposite way and didn't look back. I rounded a corner and kept running as fast as I could until I came to a door which I'm going to assume is locked because what idiot would leave a door unlocked here? However it was my only option since I heard someone coming down the alley so I grabbed the door knob and ripped the door open and ran inside slamming the door behind me locking it.

I started to catch my breath as I sat down on the floor against the wall, “huff thank huff whoever owns this place huff!” I said, feeling a smile come on my face.

Then I heard the knob jingling.

I stood up and looked around looking for anything I could use as a weapon but all there were were taped up boxes that I already struggled to get open WITHOUT being chased by someone trying to kill me! I looked for another door but the only other door had planks boarding it up. “Whatever god i upset, IM SORRY!!” i said trying to blame my bad luck to something else

The door flung open but the guy chasing me wasn't there. It was a different guy and he looked a lot older, meaner, and like he was going to kill me for being in what I'm assuming is his house.

“Who are you? '' he said, glaring at me. I wasn't sure if it was because i was out of breath or i was stunned with fear but i didn't say anything i just looked the door behind him wondering if i could slip past him and get out-

“WHO ARE YOU.” he demanded, walking closer. “And what are you doing in here?!” he asked. “What did the guy outside you cut your tongue out, why aren't you answering me-” “He’s outside?!” I asked, backing away still unsure if he's going to try and hurt me. “You know him?” he asked, glaring at me waiting for me to say something back. “You know what-whatever who are you?” he said, glaring at me even harder.

Ok i don't want to tell this guy my actual name that's dumb.

“My name is….um (P1)-sh**” I can't believe I said my real name-wait I got censored?

“Sure that's your name. How did you make that sound?”

“sh**.”

“That how are you-”

“Fu**-”

“OK STOP IT. Why are you in my store?!” he yelled over me. “Because I was being chased by the guy outside. Figured you would have put two in two together.” “Don't start with me, I could kill you right now if I wanted.” “Ok relax i just thought you would have figured it out”. There was silence after what I said which I kind of enjoyed.

“Ok kid, the guy outside is gone so why don't you give me your necklace and we’ll call it even ok.” “Why do you want my necklace? And how do YOU know that he's actually gone?!” “I know he's gone because as soon as he saw me he ran off, so why you dont you give me my payment-” “PAYMENT?! Didn't you help me because it was the right thing to do?” he just gave me a weird look then laughed a little “Yeah yeah thats funny, who do i look like the ninja?-” “The who?” “The ninja, do you live under a rock or something?” He asked “No, I'm just not from around here. Look, I'll give you my necklace if you tell me where I am.”

“Stixs, you're in Stixs' ' he said, rolling his eyes. “Okay…Stixs is where exactly?” “What do you mean ‘Where is Stixs’? Stixs Ninjago where else would it be?” “What the he** is a “Ninjago”?" I asked and he just squinted his eyes and shook his head like I was the stupidest person he’s ever met. “Where exactly are you from?” he asked “Well i'm coming from Ohio-” “What's an Ohio?” “I dont know im just going to college there!!” I yelled starting to panic as I am not getting any help and am in a place that does not exist.

The man just pinched the bridge of his nose and sighed very annoyed at the situation. I can't blame him, to be honest. “Look I don’t know what to tell you, you’re in Ninjago Stix now own up to your promise and give me your necklace.” he said. I sighed wondering what I'd do next as I felt around the chain for the fastener. “Ok so about that-” i started and he rolled his eyes again “It's just a necklace, take it off.” “Umm, yeah so about that. I can't find the clasp so it may be stuck on my head.” I smiled nervously.

“What do you mean it’s stuck?” He said starting to get even more mad. “I just told you, I can’t find the fastener.” I said pulling at the chain trying to get it off so I could go. “Could you hold still, let me see.” He said, grabbing the chain and yanking it towards him. “HEY-OW could you just relax that hurt a**hole!!” I shouted at him. “oh you gotta be kidding me-kid i'm gonna have to go get something to get this off.” “What do you mean you need to get something? Oh god-ARE YOU GONNA CHOP MY HEAD OFF FOR IT OR SOMETHING!!” I screamed my horror film paranoia kicking in.

“What the? No kid, you need to relax. I just need something from my place that might help get this off.” He said, looking towards the door. “Unless it’s a power saw I don’t think it’ll come off, I mean I could try to rip it off '' I said thinking of ways to get this damn necklace off “No absolutely NOT! That necklace better not be broken when I get back or I swear.” He said going towards the door.

“Wait, I thought you lived here?” I asked to play with the chain hoping I was just being stupid and not noticing the clasp. “I don’t live here yet. I just put my stuff here so it’s easier when I do eventually buy it.” He said, rolling his eyes AGAIN. Man if I took a shot every time he rolled his eyes I'd probably be dead. “So you're a squatter?” I asked because clearly this already pissed off old man will happily answer my questions.

“You don’t shut up for jack do you? And for the record the guy who owns this place doesn’t come by anyway so it’s basically abandoned” he explained “ ok, I guess that makes sense. However, what happens if the guy tries to sell to someone who isn’t you, what then?” “trust me he isn’t, no one else wants this place I mean look at it it’s a dump!” He said using his arms to gesture around the room.

“Then why the fu** Do you want it?” “Ok I’m done answering your questions.” He said just sounding tired at this point as he went to the door. “And learn to shut up, not everyone is as nice as me and will wanna chat and hear your stupid questions.” He said laughing a little. I flopped on the ground figuring it’ll be a while when he comes back with whatever it is he’s getting.

Why am I even sticking around, I got what I wanted so why don’t I leave?! I started to ask myself then looked over to see the guy at the boarded up door looking panicked. “Kid we gotta go, the guy who owns this place is here.” he said looking around at the boxes.

“But I thought you said he NEVER comes around here?” I asked getting up and take a piece from the wooden boards. “We’ll for once I was wrong sue me!” He said angrily “How am I gonna get all these boxes out?” He muttered. I looked out and I saw three people walking up two men in suits and a very tall muscular lady who looked like she could crush my head in her hands.

“Umm..are we going to die?” I asked the fear of settling in “Not unless you know how to use that necklace!” He angrily whispered.”what do mean use the necklace-“ I cut off by the sound of the boards breaking because guess what, THAT LADY WAS RIPPING THE BOARDS OFF WITH HER HANDS!! “Oh fu** we really are gonna die!” I nervously laughed as the old guy grabbed me and ducked behind some boxes.

“Yes yes this project should work perfectly here!” One of the men said happily, “I see, it must be quite spacious when it’s cleaned out.” “Well of course! All it needs is a little cleaning!” The two men started going back and forth about the property. Meanwhile, I’m over here trying not to freak out.

“Kid you need to pull yourself together and teleport us outta here before god bodyguard finds us and kills us for trespassing!” He again quietly yelled at me. “T-teleport-I-I-“ “oh come on kid work with me here or else we’ll be swimming with the fish!” “Why are you getting mad at me? I don't even know what’s going on right now!!” I quietly yelled back.

Then the box got lifted. We both turned and saw the lady looming over us.

“I CAN'T BELIEVE IT!! YOU EAT HOW DARE YOU THINK YOU CAN TRESPASS ON MY PROPERTY AND GET AWAY WITH IT! JULIE!” One of the businessmen shouted “I'm already on it!” She smiled, cracking her knuckles then attacked. I guess I’m the world's punching bag today and all the worse things are happening to me today! I thought in anger

We both roll out the way as she smash the ground halk style then she turned to the old dude and went for a punch which he dodged and then he pulled out a small sherkin looking thing and tried to slice her with it but she grabbed his arm and threw him towards me all while I was stunned with fear.

The old guy looked at my neck and mumbled a weak apology before grabbing the necklace “ROOF-“ he tried to scream before getting shocked by the necklace and frying his hand making it look just like the guy’s hand from me earlier.

“OW-GOD-I CAN'T BELIEVE I FORGOT ABOUT THAT OWW.” He hollered in pain as the huge lady Julie, grabbed a box and chucked it at us. I ducked on the floor where the old guy already was, and I guess the gods finally thought I had suffered enough today because the box opened and a few tools fell out thankfully to my side.

I grabbed a wrench and chucked it at her which she caught and threw back, but I grabbed a crowbar and hammer and ducked again avoiding the wrench and I lunged at her legs taking the hammer and trying to smash her knees with it. I wasn’t successful though. She grabbed my hand just like she did the old guy and lifted me up while restraining my other arm by my wrist.

“What are you his apprentice?!” She laughed “you can’t even attack me right!” “I don’t work for that guy, I don't even know his name!!” I said, struggling to get out of her grasp. “Why are you with him then-ronin you got a kid or something now!” Julie laughed. Then I remembered my legs exist and work normally.

“What are you stuck on babysitting-“ then she got decked in the face by the shoe. “Bi** Please, I’m in college.” I said, rolling my eyes and grabbing the crowbar I dropped and threw it at her and ran back to the old dude who I now know is Ronin and tried to grab him and get him out the door.

“S..s.say o..or th..ink of t..he roof..” he managed to say even though he sounds like he’s dying. “HOW IS THINKING OF THE-Oh forget it.” “YOU SHOULD BECAUSE YOU TWO ARE DEAD!!” “Roof,ROOF,ROOF!!” I shouted, squeezing my eyes shut figuring I was about to be punched into the afterlife.

But I wasn’t

I wasn’t in the shop at all anymore I was on a roof.

“Oh my gods..did-did that really work!” I exclaimed looking around and sure enough I saw the store across the street with Julie walking out confused and looking around looking up on the roof of the building, I ducked when she looked in our direction and when I popped up to take a peak she just looked annoyed.

“Sigh THANKS FOR BEING A TOTAL WASTE OF TIME!!” She shouted “Ha ha..” I heard the guy struggling to laugh as I looked back and saw him trying to get up. “Ok maybe you should sit back down-“ “HEY LAP DOG!!” He screamed sounding better but also still sounded like he’s on the verge of dying.

“WHAT THE FU** ARE YOU DOING!! Are you trying to get us caught!!” I yelled, lowering my voice while still trying to get my point across as I looked down and saw Julie looking up at us. “Relax it’s fine-YOU SHALL ALWAYS REMEMBER THIS AS THE DAY YOU ALMOST CAUGHT THE GREAT THIEF RONIN!!” Shouted as I saw her start to look for a way to climb up here.

“WHAT THE HE** WHA THAT FOR!!” I again shouted at him while he only laughed at this, not sounding like a dying animal. “Style points, now hurry unless you want her to cave your skull in.” He said hopping off the roof and on to another and I heard the angriest lady I’ve ever met come up and I followed him.

We hopped to roof tops then slid down an overhang like it was a slide then booked into another alley and then he didn’t stop running so I kept after him until he stopped.

“Ar…are we…are we done because I am IN PAIN RIGHT NOW!!” “Oh relax, a little running never hurt nobody.” He said walking into another building, this one looking like a really shitty apartment complex. “Oh is this another place you squat in?” I ask to take a breather on the floor. “No I’m just running in to grab something that should get that necklace off, so you’re welcome in advance.” Then he went inside.

“‘You’re welcome in advance’ fu** this guy, all he’s done for me is get me involved in a fight and almost DIE!” I said letting my thoughts spill out loud as to distract from the fact that I am basically in the same position as I was when I first woke up. Only with new trauma I guess.

“Ok this should do the trick!” I heard him call and looked up and saw him holding a cup full of something that’s steaming.

“This acid should do the trick perfectly-“ “ACID!! WHAT IF IT BURNS ME!” “Then it burns you? Are you that dumb?” “Are you!”. I groaned as he explained that he’s done this plenty of times which I do not believe in the slightest but I didn’t really have much of a choice. We tried the acid and it didn’t work and it almost burned my neck, then he just got the power tools like I had said earlier which also didn’t work, so long story short.

THIS NECKLACE IS STUCK ON ME!! I'm not sure why I’m even surprised.

“Look up, find a way to get it off you but it might take some time.” Ronin said, tossing the bolt cutters he was trying to use aside. “How long is some time though?” I asked “Not sure. Could be days, weeks, depending on how fast I can find the thing I need.” He said going back inside and bringing all the tools with him because yes we were just doing this out in an alley for everyone to see.

“Are you sure it’s the thing you need, cause that’s what you said about the acid.” I reminded him. “Well this will definitely work, it’s a book that should explain how the necklace work’s completely. I just need to find it.” He said “ok well what am I supposed to do in the meantime?” I asked “I don't know whatever you want, just come around every ounce till I find it.” “Well what if something happens! Like that lady, what if she comes back?!” I worried as Ronin just rolled his eyes, “I don’t know, fight back?” He said, which seemed like a question itself.

“Are you serious?” I asked and he just shrugged “SHE’D KILL ME IN ONE PUNCH!! And what if someone else sees my necklace-""Then hide it stu-""Shh I’m not finished. Look you know about the necklace someone else might know about the necklace then what if they come for me? Then you lose the necklace and isn’t it what you want?” I asked again almost out of breath.

“What do you want me to do?” He asked “I-i don’t know just help me find a safe place to stay while you do whatever it is you need to do!”. He sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose muttering under his breath “Don’t be a mistake-“ he lifted his head up “you are one persistent idiot you know that?” “Ha funny that’s what a cop told me when I tried to get out of a parking ticket.” I laughed a little at my own story “shh I’m not done. Look I know it’s not ideal but my place is the safest place you can be right now I swear.” “Yeah cause that isn’t suspicious at all-“ “kid listen, no one really knows about the necklace but knowing Julie she’ll tell her boss and then he’ll tell people then everyone will know ABOUT the necklace and who HAS the necklace. And you see most people are scared of me because unlike everyone else here I don’t HIRE people to do my work-I do it and I make sure it’s done right.” He monologues.

Is this really a good idea? I mean what if he tries to hurt me or kill me or-or other things I don’t even WANT to think about. I thought for a second, and he really was my only choice. At this point in time at least. So reluctant I said yes.

He took me into the building he kept popping in and out of and unlocked a door which led into an apartment. It wasn’t completely bad. I mean it has a nice-eh not really, But it does have a-nope the the tv has a hole in it. Dear god this man must have some issues, starting to rethink this.

I kept looking around the small apartment since I didn’t need to take more than a step to see the whole thing, however I should’ve been looking around the room and not just forward because I got a pillow to the face which knocked me over a little and caused me to stumble.

“Hey what-“ then I got a blanket tossed on me. An old blanket that looked older than the world itself, hell it has holes in it for god's sake. “Do you really expect me to sleep with this?” I asked looking at the pillow which was just a normal pillow, nice, “yes beggars can’t be choosers so deal with it.” He said going into the other room.

“Deal with it-what am i an animal he picked off the street.” I grumbled letting my thoughts become words. As I started setting up my bed I remembered there was a couch. Why aren’t I sleeping on the couch!! Like sure it’s not the best but beats sleeping on the floor. I thought about pulling my negative thoughts back in my head.

As I made my bed on the couch like he was summoned or some shit Ronin came out of the room to tell me “you’re not sleeping on the couch I don’t know if you have lice or bed bugs or something.” Then he left.

WHAT

A

ASSHOLE

Being the petty person I was I figured I’d just wait a little till he goes to sleep then I’ll just go onto the couch, but as I laid on the ground looking up at the ceiling to pass the time I felt the tiredness of the day drag me by my legs to sleep.

So here I was

Sleeping in a strangers house not knowing if I’ll even see tomorrow

In a different dimension I guess or maybe I’m just in a coma or a bad acid trip, I don’t know.

The point is I’m tired and am just giving up.

And those were my last thoughts as I closed my eyes.

——-

Authors note

So thanks for reading the first chapter. I hope you enjoy sorry for it being so long but I had jokes I really wanted to put in so yeah it’s long now.

-me

May-2-2023

——-

From current year me hope yall liked it!!!!

[tinaotaku]

Oh my that needs to be a fanfic where reader gets abused by her father (Muzan) and then gets revenge by finding the blue spider lily and conquering the sun! Omgggg

By the way your writing is beautiful!

Note: OMG YAAAAS. Nice idea :D btw thank you *blushes*

(T/W!! 4buse, and stuff! If y'all aren't comfortable with this, I suggest you guys to leave)

"Stupid child!" Muzan yelled as he stomped his foot on my stomach. A huge glop of blood went out of my mouth as I tried my best to hold my scream. "How dare you ruin my experiment?! I worked hard for that, and it's gone now! How do you think you can repay me for your sins?!" More stressful screams came out of my mouth.

"Forgive me, father! Forgive me! It was my mistake. I'll make sure t-to stay away from your lab! AAAAA-"

"Shut the hell up, you stupid bitch! Cursed you for living in this world! I should've known to kill you the moment you came out!" Muzan screamed for the last time before he kicked my body away. His face was red with anger, and I could see his veins under that pale skin. As hard as I could, I tried opening my bloody eyes, reaching my arm to his legs.

"F-father. I a-apologize. Please, please do not get upset..." I whimpered, probably looking really hideous right now. My vision quickly blurred, but I will never forget his hateful glare towards my body. Not long after that, my eyes closed, as well as my heart and empathy to him.

***

How many years ago was it? I don't know. (If yall know those references then, hello :D) But I intend to find the Blue Spider Lily. If I found the Blue Spider Lily and gave it to him, would he be happy and treat me as his daughter? Similar thoughts quickly came to my mind.

He will, won't he?

I shooked my head and slapped my skinny cheek. Of course, he won't. Stop thinking stupid things, Kibutsuji (Y/n). He isn't worth your time anymore. You've done enough to please him. If he doesn't want to acknowledge your own effort and work, then you should leave his pathetic self and move the hell on. Now, where am I?

I looked around and found myself in a small village. There are not many people here. I can feel some humans sleeping in their own house and some walking from a nearby forest.

"Have you heard about this flower? It is a rare flower that only blooms 2-3 days a year! Not only that, but it also blooms during the day! How much money do you think we can get from selling this weird blue flower?" A voice not far away from me was heard. My eyes widened as I felt like I knew what they were talking about.

Rare flower...

Blooms 2-3 days a year...

Blooms during the day...

Weird blue flower...

All of that words connect to the Blue Spider Lily! After decades of torture and abuse, I finally found the flower Muzan wanted for so long! I turned my back and went back inside the forest. This time, you decided to get that flower.

With force or not~

***

"What should I do with this flower?" I asked myself/ After a few minutes of 'negotiation' and 'agreement': I finally got the flower. I stacked their corpse on top of each other and sat on top of it. Looking at the flower on my hand, I mumbled, "So, should I eat it, or do I need to conduct those stupid experiments as he did?"

Noticing the sky is getting lighter, and I have nothing to lose, I bit into the petals and cringed at its bitter taste. This is a rare flower, and I expect nothing from this. I ate all of the petals and made sure to eat the stem. Though I hate the bitter taste, I swallowed them all.

Now, what? Should I wait-

A scream was soon heard echoing through the forest.

Yep, that's me.

And you guys won't believe what happened.

***

"It's been a long time, isn't dad?"

Muzan gasped as he saw me. "(Y/n)... what are you doing here? I-I thought you were dead," Tears threatened to fall down from his eyes. "You shouldn't be here, (Y/n). I'll make sure Nakime will bring you to the fortress safely. We have a lot to talk about,"

He started to walk in my direction. His eyes never left mine as he reached his arms, trying to get closer to me. I could see tons of emotions in his eyes.

Anger, sadness, guilt, and regret.

Why are you feeling this, dad? You never felt this before, right? And why are you doing this now? Especially after I swore to them that I would end this myself. You played a big part in my life... and I need to kill you.

For them, of course.

Yes, this is for them.

Totally not for my mental health.

I pulled out my sword while he opened his mouth, trying to grasp what he was seeing right now. He stopped in his track. "Muzan, it's been too long," I said with a raspy and unconfident voice. "I'm afraid this will be our encounter as I am no longer an ordinary demon,"

"What do you mean an ordinary demon?" Muzan asked, finally going back to Earth. "In my eyes, you are nothing but perfection, so please, go back to my arms. I'll make sure to end this, and we'll be happy!"

I bit my lips as I said, "Are you sure that we're going to be happy?"

"Yes!"

"... I doubt that, Muzan,"

"What- stop calling me Muzan. Go back to what you did before and call me Dad-"

"This isn't the time for dealing with small details! What I wanted to say is you had your chance, and I had had enough of your tactics! Enough with the bullshit, I'm going to kill you right here!"

With that being said, the war had begun.

***

"I'm happy right now, (Y/n),"

"Me too, Muzan,"

"Call me Dad, (Y/n),"

"Never again. I don't like that word so stop,"

"Hahaha... I can't believe I'm going to die in my daughter's hands,"

"Yes, you will,"

"..."

"..."

"The sun is almost up,"

"Yes, I can see that,"

"Aren't you going to leave me under the sun and go back to hide? You knew that demons would die under the sunlight, right?"

"Yes, I knew that, dad,"

Muzan couldn't believe his eyes. He saw countless things in his life, and he swore that seeing his daughter smiling under the sun was one of the prettiest things in this world.

Wait... his daughter UNDER the sunlight?

"How-" Muzan realizes what is happening in front of him.

"I found the flower, dad. Are you proud of me now? I finally achieved your dream, which is to walk under the sun," You asked with a sickly sweet smile.

After all of the torture, seeing your shocked dad's face was worth it.

Then, he was gone.

[en-hale-archives]

Me with You ~~

pairing ⑅ bestfriend!Jake x fem!reader

genre ⑅ friends to lovers, fluff, slow dancing, suggestive/smut

words/read time ⑅ 3.9k/12-19 mins

warnings ⑅ 18+ content, light cussing

synopsis ⑅ Jake is back in his hometown to spend time with his closest friend. During some fun and frivolous dancing, things start to heat up...

author's note ⑅ I’m really proud of how this story turned out. I'm not a huge fan of second person, so I wrote in first, but if anyone asks, I can copy and post again in second person. It's more fluff than anything, but it does get a bit steamier towards the end, so I’m just going to go ahead and put a warning.

————✧————

When the back door finally slammed shut and the cacophony of barks faded down the street, I could finally let out my sigh of relief that I had been holding in since this morning. I tapped on my phone. How many days had we been watching Mrs. Chen’s pets? And just how was I able to put up with hours of barking, the smell of fresh turd lying across the lawn, and dog walks till dark? Including their rigorous feeding times and bathroom breaks -- I’m surprised I haven’t exploded yet.

I had so much planned the minute they left my house, but instead, the sudden silence felt all too relaxing and I laid my head against the cold countertop. I could finally stop stressing, stop thinking, and stop worrying about reprimanding for chewing on my shoes or peeing in the house or the continued barking that never ended. I was free. I felt like I could’ve stayed laid on the countertop forever, drowning in the evening sun. Who knew watching five dogs would take such a burden out of a person. Jake and I had taken on the job of dog sitting for Mrs. Chen while she visited some family in Tokyo. We both switched off every other day; some of the dogs at my house and the others at his; until we realized it would be easier if he just spent the few days at my house as we co-doggy sat. He got up bright and early to take them on their walks while I prepared their highly detailed and specific meals. Then from there, we spent the rest of the day making sure they didn’t run off somewhere or cause too much destruction in the house. But alas, Mrs. Chen came back early from her getaway and picked up Toby, Caleb, Khao, Sofia, and Pickle on her way home. Although I was exhausted from watching 3-foot dogs all day, the pay was amazing for me, and it would help tremendously for all the online classes I was going to be taking next semester.

The warmth of the sun cast a comforting trance over my heavy eyelids, and soon enough I was fast asleep, standing in the middle of the kitchen with the soft sound of nothing surrounding me.

By the time I had fluttered my eyes open, I had realized I was now seated in my dining chair and a large black jacket was placed over my shoulders. I sat up and let out a yawn, wincing at the bright light coming from the tv and shaking my now numb arm awake. I must have been sleeping for a while because the evening sun had turned to pitch of black. The moonlight beamed through the window and danced along with the sways of the large oak tree out front. I stood up and walked over to the refrigerator in which I grabbed two water bottles and some leftover pasta.

I was sure that Jake hadn’t eaten since lunch, seeing as he only ate if someone sat food in front of his face. I dragged my feet up the stairs until I heard the slamming of a book and the fast typing of a keyboard come from the living room. I turned and looked behind me. Jake had settled his things on the coffee table and floor, large books, folders, and several amounts of crumpled up pieces of paper found their way around Jake, himself slouched up against the edge of the couch. He had changed clothes since the last time I had seen him, he now wore a plain blue shirt with grey sweats, his eyebrows furrowed as he worked hard on whatever he was getting at.

“Oh yes, I was starving!” Propping himself up on the couch, he took the plate of pasta. I placed the waters on the coffee table and settled comfortably on the couch beside him.

“I can’t say that I’ve ever seen anybody sleep standing up before. Look,” Jake took his phone off the charger. “I got a picture.” He pushed the screen in my face, and of course, there was my unconscious body laying on the counter, mouth open and all. I playfully pushed it back his way as his face lit up with a smile I was all too familiar with.

“What are you doing down here so late, it’s almost 12 in the morning,” I asked. Jake’s smile disappeared when he was reminded of the work he had been doing seconds before.

He let out a large huff of air. “Trying to get some words on paper but instead it turned into a paper massacre,” he jokingly replied, “sorry for the mess.”

“Don’t worry about it,” I replied, taking a swig of water. I was going to ask if he wanted to watch a late-night movie, or pull an all-nighter and talk endlessly until the sun rose, but I could tell by each passing second that Jake was worried about this, and he wanted the time he had now over the summer to work on his music. I wished I was motivated to work on my own music, but unlike Jake, I wasn’t in a globally popular boy band. My complicated best friend for over 10 years had been working his butt off since middle school. It was his annual time to sit back and relax while he had the time to, but instead, he chose to use that time to help watch a bunch of dogs with his hometown bestie. God, I loved him.

Jake pulled himself off the couch and right back onto the floor, leaving the rest of the pasta to me. He picked up his pen again and started scribbling down words as quickly as he could, trying hard not to forget the lyrics that had floated into his head. Until he stopped, closing his eyes for just a split second, and let out a powerful sigh. Crumpling up the sheet, he stacks it on top of the others in frustration and started frantically tapping his pencil against the table.

“Maybe it’s best to just try again in the morning,” I advised, taking a small bite of the pasta that was left by my side.

“How come I’m having such a hard time with this?” He gazed up at me frantically for a clue, as if I had the answer to fix a problem as big and as important as his was. I looked at his doleful eyes and the bags that were starting to grow underneath them. I couldn’t help but think, because I made you sit up and watch a bunch of dogs with me.

“Do you want me to see if I could come up with something?”

“If you want. But, hold on, I think my thoughts are coming back up.” He quickly grabbed another piece of paper, his eyes narrowed in concentration.

I tried my best to keep occupied by watching videos on my phone, but I found myself suddenly bored out of my mind. I laid out on my back and picked up one of Jake’s folders. Briefly looking through it, I couldn’t help but feel a bit jealous at the amount of fan art and letters, praising him and the other members. Followed with that were just more and more engene stuff, full of nothing but kind words and heartfelt messages. Part of me wished that I was able to travel with Jake and see the world like he was. How fun would it be to meet people that praised you? And how cool would it be to see that you had fans? I couldn’t help but plaster on a huge smile as I skimmed through some of the notes until I finally came to one with familiar handwriting.

Remember Me were the words written on the top of the paper in bold and bright colors. But the message written underneath is what caught my attention:

To the person that makes me the luckiest guy in the world, this song is for you. It’s okay if you don’t feel the same, but please just remember me -- it was Jake’s handwriting.

I didn’t feel like I was breaking any crime reading his stuff until this moment, but curiosity killed the cat, and right now I didn’t mind being a feline. I checked to make sure Jake was still busy, and he was, almost like he had teleported into his own world. I quietly turned back to the sheet and started reading. It was about a girl, presumably his crush I’m sure. She was someone important to him, someone who made him love so much that it hurt. But this was far from a happy song, in fact, it was terribly heartbreaking. She didn’t understand his love, she wasn’t able to interpret it like he wanted her to. But he confesses that he was scared of what telling her would do, worried that she wouldn’t feel the same. So instead, it was like he was apologizing, and asking that she forgive him for not being brave enough to tell her, and if he did ever get the courage to, for her to remember him even if she wasn’t able to love him like he wanted her to.

The song ends like how the title began, and I find myself flabbergasted at the beautiful mixes of rhymes and metaphors that read like a poem. This was the first of Jake’s songs that made me feel this way, like I had just finished watching a tragedy movie with Ryan Renolds starring. I blink back the tears that I didn’t realize were forming. How come he never told me this? We never kept secrets from each other, like ever. It never mattered the subject or the severity, we had always promised that we would be open and honest with each other. I wish I would’ve known this sooner, maybe I could’ve saved him from feeling this way. And what girl could it possibly be? I knew for sure I was the only girl he was presumably close to; but was there someone else?

I glanced down at Jake, who was still in a focused state of mind with the pencil in his mouth and mumbling lyrics softly under his breath. I tried picturing my bubbly Jake writing these agonizing words and miserably failed.

Jake looked up at me as if he could feel my gaze on the back of his head. “I think I’ve found the chorus, but it’s the rest of the song I’m not able to get, and how come it’s so hard to find another word that rhymes with severe? Beer? Sphere? Revere? Appear? Gosh, rhyming sucks some serious ass!”

“This song is beautiful.”

Jake furrowed his eyebrows in confusion. “Huh?”

“This song I found in your folder.” I glanced back at it in my hand. “Remember Me.”

Jake’s gaze leaped from my eyes to the sheet, and I felt his body tense. “Where’d you get that from?”

“I was just going through one of your folders. Did you accidentally get it mixed up in your fan folder? Cause this is -”

“Did you read it?” He interrupted.

“Yeah, and it’s perfect.”

Jake glanced at me for a split second before turning back around, obviously uncomfortable. “I was watching one of those Kdramas you love so much and it inspired me. Could you help me rhyme with severe now?”

I knew Jake like the back of my hand, so I knew continuing on with this conversation would get him upset if he’s clearly avoiding it. But, I wasn’t going to just let him off that quickly. “Jake, come on, you can tell me anything. Who is this about?”

Jake looked back at me with a hint of something in his eyes, something I’ve never seen before, and something I wasn't able to decipher. “Nobody, I was just feeling really inspired, that's it.” His tone had switched from calm to agitated.

I give him my I’m-not-stupid look and he comes back with his own you’re-being-delusional stare. “It’s seriously nobody, truthfully and honestly.”

“Okay, okay I’ll back off.” I could tell he was starting to get defensive, and when he got like that, it took him at least a few hours before returning to normal. I watched Jake's Adam's apple move up and down, a way in which I could tell he knew I was not convinced in the slightest. “Well, sometimes we go through things that can remind us of situations like that, but not necessarily in that same exact context, you know? It has to be amplified for that audience appeal.”

“Okay...but have you ever felt this way before? Not exactly like how it’s written, but maybe somewhere along these lines?”

I thought I was going to get another vague answer, or worse, an aggravated one. But instead Jake looked down at his pencil as he tapped it along his wrist. “...maybe, but I think everyone can connect to the words in some way. I mean, everyone feels some kind of heartbreak in their life, right?” Jake's answer was still pretty vague, but at least I was able to get something out of him.

“Okay, but you know you can tell me anything, like, anything ever because you know that you’ll never actually have to feel this way, right?” I said, maybe too much in a hurry.

“Of course I know that.” He replied, giving one of his awkward grins.

“And if anyone has made you feel this way, then you know you can tell me that too cause there a sucker to lose out on a perfect person like you.” I teased in a sing-song way, poking his shoulder hard. Jake chuckled and poked me back.

A weird silence grew in the room, and Jake went back to trying to find rhyming words. I tried getting back on my phone, but I knew I needed to say something to let go of the tenseness in the air.

“Hey, crystal clear rhymes!”

He leaned his head back and looked up at me. “Nevermind, I give up for tonight.”

I could see the stress that played on his face. “Don’t worry, you’ll figure it out.”

“Yeah, but by the time I do, it’ll be too late.”

“What do you mean?”

Jake pulled his knees up to his chest and spoke. “This was going to go on our album comeback that needs to be finished in the next four months. By the time I think of something, it'll be too late and I’ll have to wait until the next four months. But by then, I'll have forgotten. This always happens and I have no idea how the hell to fix it.” I couldn’t tell if he wanted my help or just a bit of comfort.

“Did you try asking the other guys to see if they had any ideas?”

“Yeah, but they’re working on their own parts, I can’t ask them to do this too.”

“I’m sure they’d be willing to help if you asked,” I assured him.

“I know they would, but I just don’t want to. I always ask them for help, I thought being away from the studio and being back home would help my brainstorming abilities.” He gave a weary chuckle that almost sounded like a groan.

“Well, maybe tomorrow will come with better results.” I did my best to give him some motivation, but I could tell I was failing miserably at that too.

Jake watched as a car zoomed past the window, a low bass sounding off as it zoomed away. “I bet it’s easier to just listen to music than to try and come up with it. I remember when I would just blare NCT all day long and jam out in my room. It seemed so much easier back then to come up with stuff than it does now. I miss it.” He took a slight pause before continuing. “ Did you know that song you read was the easiest thing I have written in my life? I remember writing too. I just had this super weird feeling in my chest one day so I basically locked myself in my room and took maybe two hours and just wrote a bunch of words down and connected them to sound like a song. For once my mind had just gone blank and I couldn’t stop thinking and feeling that song, like I knew what it was supposed to sound like, I knew what the lyrics were supposed to mean. I just knew everything. And I miss that feeling, that feeling of like- '' He broke off his sentence when he looked back up to my eyes. It seemed like he was talking more to himself than to me. He swallowed hard and looked back at the pencil still in hand.

“Well, I'm sorry you don’t feel free anymore. I wish there was something I could do to make you feel like that again-”

“No, please don’t feel like that. It’s just something that had just recently started happening, something I really just can’t fix…” His voice gets softer and softer the more he spoke.

“Have you spoken to your manager about it?” I asked. “He’s super nice from what I understand. And he’ll probably have better answers than your friend who can barely play the piano, let alone produce an entire song.”

Jake laughed before I had the chance to. “ See, now you're underestimating yourself. Remember that song from freshman year? The one about-- what was his name, Josh?” Jake teased. I grabbed a pillow and slammed it into the back of his head. “Oh my gosh, I thought we promised we’d never bring it up again!”

Jake chuckled and laid his arm on the couch completely turning towards me. “How about we sneak out and go get ice cream and try to not wake up your mom in the process?”

I suddenly jumped to my feet when I have the perfect idea on how to cheer up the gloomy Mr. Shim. “Or, we could do something even better!”

“Urgh!” Jake groaned.

I grabbed my phone and hooked it up to the speaker. I was going to turn on his hit song Drunk-Dazed as a joke, but Jake needed this break from his career, so instead, I crunk up Beyonce as loud as it could go without disturbing my mom who slept upstairs. I turn back to Jake and reach out for his hands, already moving my hips to the music.

He shook his head and threw it back onto the couch as if throwing a temper tantrum. “I literally dance for a living.”

“Okay but this will be different, I promise.” I grabbed the piles of papers on the ground and threw them in the trash, I then pushed the coffee table near the wall and piled his folders and books neatly on top.

“Come on, cowboy!” I grabbed his hands and helped him up. He was reluctant to get up, but he threw one last groan before standing on his feet.

“This will get the brain juices flowing again!” I told him. I go back to my phone and switch it to one of my favorite Beyonce songs that she covered, At Last.

I sang dramatically to get Jake to smile, and luckily, it worked. I placed both my hands over his shoulders and swayed us back and forth, still miming the song as overly exaggerated as I could. Jake still couldn’t help but smile, and it didn’t take him long to join me in the rhythm and sway naturally with me. I learned at our middle school dance that Jake had perfect rhythm. He was able to impress the rest of the crowd when he busted out moves from BTS. Everyone was impressed, including me.

Now we were on a steady roll. I accidentally stepped on his feet a few times, but it was fine seeing as I was wearing foam flip-flops and he was barefooted. After a while, the song switched and played another of my favorites that didn’t match our style of dance, but we still moved slowly to the beat. Jake tried twirling me, but since I have two left feet, I almost ended up hitting the wall each time and Jake laughed loud at my clumsiness. The moonlight from the kitchen had now switched to the window in the living room. It gleamed through and glistened on Jake like a spotlight, just like the ones on the stage did for him. In a split second, I was reminded that he wouldn’t be here forever, just like he wasn’t here for the past year. I tried to not let it settle on my face that I was scared to see him go again, so I played up on the fun we were having now. Jake looked like he was at ease; finally, since he’d been here, he looked genuinely happy and I wasn’t going to ruin that.

After another handful of songs full of laughs and giggles, we were soon sweating and taking deeper breaths than normal. Each song was different from the one before, but it didn’t stop us from sticking to our style of dance. Even with the simplicity of the moves and the slowness of the steps, I had to take a minute to relax. I hooked my arms around his neck and rested my entire body on his. I could feel Jake’s own sweat seeping through his shirt, But I didn’t mind the wetness that was now attached to my cheek. I thought he would act awkward and ask for me to pull away, but instead, he gripped tighter on my hips and started slowly moving me side to side. I let out a long overdue sigh, trying my best to match the steady breathing of Jake’s with my own. It was actually therapeutic: hearing his heartbeat in one ear and the softness of the music in the other.

I tried to continue our steady breathing together, but his had picked up a bit, almost out of nowhere. I felt the heat of his breath on the nape of my neck, and it made my entire body tingle in a way it never had before. After this sudden feeling, I realized just how close we really were. His leg hair tickled my legs, I could feel the bone of his foot connecting to mine, I could feel his thin waist against mine as well. I felt like I needed to back up, but instead, I couldn’t and continued to sway softly against him. A few seconds later, Jake’s hands rose a little higher, planting themselves on my waist and tightening their grip as if they were trying to pull me closer than we already were.

The sensation hadn’t stopped though, it clung to my body like my damp shorts did on my thighs. Sooner or later I felt pressure on the lower part of my stomach and thought for sure that Jake was messing around and wasn’t feeling what I was, which indicated that I needed to pull back before this feeling became too much.

This is so embarrassing. I thought. How could I let myself feel like this? How was this in any way okay? I finally pulled back, the sensation becoming too unbearable, and glanced up at his face. His pupils were large in a way I hadn’t seen before. His mouth was slightly open and a drop of sweat slowly traced down his forehead, onto his nose. That pressure I was feeling on my stomach had now doubled in force, and Jake's face had switched from calm and subtle, to alarmed and panicked...

————✧————

(part 2 possibly...?)

Thank you guys so much for reading! I hope you enjoyed it! Please, leave any constructive criticism you have on helping improve my writing!

————✧————

None of the images are mine, They all belong to their rightful owners :)

[dreamescapeswriting]

Safe & Sound ~ OT7 [Request]

WORD COUNT: 4.5K

GENRE: Angst with a fluffy ending, platonic friendship with the boys, fighting, 

PAIRING: Platonic ot7 x Fem!Reader

A/N: I hope you enjoy this my love! Sorry it’s a little late my laptop completely gave out on me so I had to steal my brothers >.< I hope that this fic is okay for you and that Y/n isn’t too easily forgiving! I am working on that for you guys like I said before

The room was so hot it felt as though you were going to melt into a puddle on the seat, a heatwave had made its way through Seoul and Sejin made a decision to have a conference with the boys in the hottest room in the HYBE building. It was one of the hottest days in the year and instead of being out in the sun you were trapped in a meeting room waiting for Jimin to come and meet you, the boys and Sejin to have a nice long discussion about the tour that was going to be coming up.

The way that Sejin paced up and down in front of you made you nervous, he called a meeting with you and the boys and of course, Jimin was running late but Sejin had no idea why leading him to believe that you did. Being close with each of the boys meant you must have known everything, even if you didn't.

"You sure you have no idea?" You shook your head as Sejin asked you for the fifteenth time if you knew where Jimin was, you did, but you weren't going to let onto the fact that you knew. Jimin was on a date with his secret girlfriend and you were covering for him, you and the boys were the only ones who knew who the boys were dating since it was in their contracts that they weren't supposed to but they were boys. They had needs just like everybody else had so you kept their secret. After all, you were their best friend, you'd been with them since they debuted and you were always going to stick by their sides no matter what.

"He probably slept through his alarm Sejin, you know what he's like," You suggested, trying to calm the manager down who simply sighed and nodded his head at you finally taking a seat at the desk while the other six boys thanked you with their eyes. They all knew where he was but you didn't know the exact details, you never wanted to know the details just who they were with and how long they were going to be.

"Sorry, I'm late! The alarm just didn't wake me up," You sighed in relief as a sweaty-looking Jimin sat down in a chair beside Yoongi, Sejin said nothing as he stood up and began making his way over to a whiteboard to begin discussing the arrangements for the new tour.

As their personal assistant, you were going to be going along with them everywhere, as you did every tour, it was fun. You got to explore the world with some of your best friends as well as get some front row seats to the best performances you'd seen, though you had seen them enough times you could probably perform them with the boys. You'd gotten to travel around the world with your best friends, seeing the sights, having fun and just relaxing despite it being your job.

"As usual we'll stay in the cities for two nights and then head out to the plane the next morning, bright and early. That means no one can be late," Sejin said with a stern voice as he stared at Jimin who was hiding behind a cup of iced tea and blushing, you bit down on your lip to stop yourself from laughing and waited for Sejin to finish his speech. Hoping it would be soon so you could get out of the room, it was like sitting in a vivarium, if this was how snakes felt all of the time you never wanted to be one.

"I didn't think he was going to stop talking," Jin moaned as he sat in front of the small mini-fridge that was in Yoongi's studio, the door open as he let the cold air hit his body. You and Namjoon on the other hand were laid on the flooring under the air-con machine being blasted with cold air, 

"I think I lost weight in there," You whined as you looked over at Jimin, his head in his phone clearly trying to apologise to his girlfriend who had ditched, 

"Is she okay with it? I'm sorry I couldn't get you out of it, I already got Jungkook out of a meeting last week," You spoke softly as Jimin glanced up at you, shaking his head. 

"It's not your place to make excused for us, don't be silly," You smiled weakly and laid your head back down on the floor as you watched the ceiling. All of the boys were dating and only you knew about it, no big deal. Namjoon had been together with his partner since the year after they debuted together, it was a surprise to you that no one else knew about them.

"How's your dating life going?" Hoseok asked as he fanned himself with a stack of papers from the coffee table, you scoffed at him whilst shaking your head. 

"I don't have time for dating, I'm too busy looking after you idiots," You mumbled sarcastically as you sat up slowly, thanking Yoongi who came into the room carrying cold drinks for everybody. 

"When was the last time you did something that wasn't for us?" Taehyung questioned, genuinely interested since to him all he seemed to him that you did was work, wor, work and sleep.

"Last week I went to that book shop-"

"Which you went to because Namjoon wanted the knew Leigh Bardugo book," Jungkook interrupted as he smirked at you.

"But I still went and got some things for myself." You grumbled, wanting to move on from this conversation as it made you uncomfortable. 

"Y/n can do what she wants, when she wants she just choices to look after us," Yoongi reminded them as he could see how uncomfortable you were getting about the subject, 

"Anyway, you need to listen to this new song, so come on." He quickly headed over to his computer and began typing as he searched for one of the songs he'd been working on, while you carefully snuck out of the door and headed to your office for the day. 

"I'll walk you to your car," Jimin said as you walked into the elevator together, you glanced up at him and smiled weakly. It had been a long day of organising things for the upcoming tour, making sure the hotels you were going to visit had everything the boys would need as well as running around the building to make sure the boys had what they needed that day. Your head was spinning so fast you thought you were going to need a week-long nap just to make up for it, 

"Can you drive me home instead? I feel like I might fall asleep," You whined, laying your head down on his shoulder as he chuckled hitting the garage floor buttons and nodding his head. It wasn't completely out of the ordinary for one of the boys to drive you home or for you to drive them home you were like a happy family and they always looked out for you. 

"Sure, I'll get Jin-Hyung to pick me up from yours," He chuckled as he waited for the lift to move, laying his head on top of yours as you shut your eyes for a second wanting to rest them. 

"Thank you for covering for me, I didn't mean to stay at Mina's last night, we just had a long night." You laughed softly while shaking your head,

"It's fine, you don't have to explain anything to me Jimin, just make sure you're on time or Sejin might get suspicious. I don't mind you boys dating as long as you can keep it under wraps, you know that." You poked his cheek as you stood up straight, getting out on your floor and giving your car keys to Jimin who began following you in the direction of your company car. 

"What are you doing for your eighth year with the company?" He questioned, trying to make small talk to keep you awake for a little while longer, he knew how bad your sleeping patterns would get if you went to sleep now. 

"I'm thinking of taking a week off, maybe go and have a holiday? You keep pestering me to do," You laughed softly as you got into the passenger side door of the car and watched Jimin as he started the engine, he always looked so confident when he drove compared to when he first passed his test and was always so nervous to even start up an engine. 

"What?" He stared at you thinking he'd done something wrong but you shook your head with a smile, 

"Nothing, you just look confident, it's a good thing." You whispered as you stared out of the window focusing on everything you were passing by as Jimin tried to make some basic conversation with you. 

The next morning there was a weird feeling in your stomach that something was going to happen or that something bad had already happened and you had yet to figure out what it was. The boys hadn't replied to your calls or texts and Sejin was telling you there was an urgent meeting you had to be in right away with no excuses. 

"Morning Ted, did your baby arrive yet?" You laughed softly looking up at the security guard as you signed in. Normally you would exchange small talk about his pregnant wife but today he seemed stand-offish and was ignoring you as he handed you your ID card and took your bag to scan it through. 

"Everything is clear." Frowning at the way he was acting you headed over to the elevators ignoring the glances you were getting from people around you, it could have just been your imagination but they were whispering under their breath and pointing at you.

"I heard that it dropped late last night and she's the only one capable of knowing everything." The doors shut before you could hear anything else that one of the cleaners was saying, the feeling you had that morning tripled in size and your legs felt like jelly, you could have sworn you were going to throw up at any second. Rumours in this place were the worst kind of rumours, they could make you lose your job or have you arrested, no one seemed to think before they spoke around there and any kind of news true or false spread like wildfire. 

"Morning Sejin, everyone is acting rather odd-" You stopped talking when you walked into one of the smaller conference rooms to see the boys sitting around the table with Sejin, all staring at you in silence as Sejin clicked on his laptop. Behind him on the projector screen appeared different articles about the boys all with yesterday's and today's date on them, each of them detailing the dating lives of the members with photographs.

"What the fuck," Your bag dropped from your shoulder and onto the floor as your eyes scanned over the screen, more and more articles popping up the more Sejin clicked on his keyboard.

"What happened? I thought you told me you would be careful!" You yelled staring at the boys who were all staring back at you, Yoongi scoffing as he shook his head at you. 

"There Y/n goes, shifting the blame onto somebody else," Your heart began to pound against your chest as you realised they thought that it had been you to leak the stories to the press. 

"What?" You stuttered out looking from Sejin to the boys, all of them had the same look of disgust on their faces as they looked at you. Well all of them except for Jungkook who seemed to have his head in his hands.

"We trusted you!" Namjoon hissed as he got up from the chair, slamming the palm of his hands against the wood as he locked eyes with you. It felt as though you were being told off by a parent only worse, this time you knew you'd done nothing wrong and yet they were going to blame you without any form of proof. 

"Why would I go to the media? I've been working here for eight years, why would I go and throw away eight years of work and friendship?" You pleased with them, trying to make them see the sense in what they were saying, you would never do anything like this to them. Not to mention you'd signed thousands of contracts stating that you couldn't speak to anybody about what was happening outside of that building.

"No one else knows about it, no one but us and you," Yoongi mumbled, folding his arms over his chest as he stared out of the window. He couldn't bring himself to look at you, he felt betrayed in so many different ways. 

"Is this how one of our songs was leaked four years ago?" Namjoon was hurling accusations at you but you shook your head, there was no way you were going to let them put the blame onto you for this. Not when you had nothing to do with it.

"Why would I do something like that? I'm your friend-"

"No you're not, you've never been our friend. You've been using us since the start," Jungkook finally spoke as he got up from his chair, you glanced over at him to see his eyes were bloodshot from crying, Sejin looked over at the door as someone knocked on it and he excused himself. 

"I haven't been using you, I've been here since you debuted, I've been working with you guys. You're like my brothers, why would I ever hurt you like this?!" You were yelling now as they continued to put the blame onto you, you knew yelling wasn't going to make them see the truth but it was the only way you thought you could heard over them. 

"Tell us we're wrong then, tell us you didn't go to the media with all our date stories," Hoseok said as he stared at you, arms folded over his chest as if he was challenging you to do something. 

"Fine. You're wrong. I would never do something so idiotic," You stared at Jimin who had yet to say a word to you,

"Jimin took me home and I went to bed last night, I could barely lift my head up." You began going over in your mind what you had done the night before, there was no way you would do something like this. 

"The sources came from your email account, your name was used to sign off on each source," Taehyung mumbled, getting up and pointing to the source materials all of the media outlets had been using. 

"It's not that hard to get my email online, it's not that hard to find my name-"

"STOP LYING TO US!" Jimin finally cried out, red in the face from anger as he let tears stream down his cheeks, your heart felt as though it was breaking from the sight alone. 

"Jimin...Please, I would never do something like this to you." Tears began to well up in the corner of your eyes as you wished he would believe you, hoping that was some way he would take your side through all of this. 

"It's a good trick though, pretending to be our friend and then selling stories behind our backs," Yoongi said sarcastically as he sat back down in the chair it looked as though he'd already made up his mind on what had happened, they all had. 

"You're a disappointment," Jungkook hissed, venom dripping from his words as he stormed out of the room, you begged him to stay but he ignored you. 

"Why would we ever trust a snake, like you?" Another stab to the heart as Jin stormed out of the room with the words, you turned to look at Jimin who was normally the one to take both sides during a discussion but this time he seemed to have already made up his mind and he was set in his way. 

"You have to believe me, I would never-"

"Then how do you explain it?! How do you explain everyone knowing it all! You're the only one that knew all of this information Y/n! Just fucking own up to it and don't be so stupid," He yelled in your face making your breathing hitch in your throat, you watched him walk out of the room followed by Yoongi, Taehyung, Hoseok leaving you alone with only Namjoon who was shaking his head at you.

"Joonie-"

"Only my friends get to call me that, we never should have trusted you." He rubbed his temples and you knew what that meant, he was trying to make a decision about something and your heartbroke. It was about you and you knew it. 

"To make things easier, since no one believes me anyway, you can stick your job," You mumbled, snapping the lanyard that carried your ID inside and dropping it onto the desk. Followed by the company car keys, 

"I'll give you the apartment key when I move out," You grumbled, walking out of the room and slamming the door behind you. 

"Don't act like you're better than us! You did this to yourself!" Yoongi yelled as you joined him in the hallway outside of the meeting room, you scoffed at him as you finally let the tears go. 

"You know what, you've already made your decision so it clearly doesn't matter. What happened to innocent until proven guilty?!" You yelled back at him, you didn't need to worry about losing your job since you'd already quit, there was nothing holding you back anymore. 

"What happened to, "Y/n you're our best friend, no matter what?', or is that all just bullshit now?" You yelled out, eyes scanning over their faces as the elevator let you know it was on the floor. Ted got out and you knew he was there for you.

"We never should have hired you," Jimin laughed as he looked at you, everyone on that floor began to come out of their rooms to get a look at what was happening as if it was something happening on their TV show instead of right in front of them, 

"We never should have hired a stupid girl who no one else wanted, someone who ruins everything that she touches!" You stiffened up your back as you heard him, Ted touched your upper arm but you moved away from him walking yourself into the elevator as you shook your head.

"You guys act like you're so sweet and yet you're toxic to the one person who's only ever always been there for you." You mumbled, hitting the bottom floor button before the doors shut, leaving them behind as you sunk down onto the floor crying at the thought of them hating you forever.

"Do you think we were too harsh?" Hoseok whispered as he sat in the dorms later that night with Jungkook and Taehyung, all three of them were regretting what they had said while the others stayed in their rooms not speaking with one another.

"No, I mean...There was no one else it could have been, she didn't have to lie to us," Taehyung grumbled as he poked at his food with his chopsticks, he'd lost his appetite all day being worried about what you were going through back at the apartment you were staying in.

"Well, I mean not really...It could have been any one of the girls we're dating..." Jungkook whispered as he looked over at Hoseok who sighed to himself, none of them had thought it through before accusing you of being the one to leak information.

"Why would they though?" Taehyung frowned, he knew his girlfriend would never do something that could potentially ruin their relationship.

"Why would who, do what?" Namjoon questioned hearing the end of their conversation, 

"Jungkook thinks one of our girlfriends could have been the one to leak the information but why would they? I mean, unless it was out of spite but I don't think they would," Hoseok explained, thinking back to his girlfriend and shaking his head, he knew she would never betray his trust that way but Namjoon's face seemed to turn pale and it looked as though he was beginning to sweat.

"Namjoon?" Jungkook questioned, confused as to why the leader looked as though he'd just seen a ghost roaming around the halls of the dorms. 

"I mean- What if it was one of our girlfriends...I- Me and Jessi had a fight last night and we broke up...She knows everything Y/n knows and more...She never liked Y/n either so she would do it to spite us all..." The room suddenly fell cold even though it was a heatwave and the boys all panicked, darting for their phones to try and contact you while Namjoon tried to piece everything together and think of a way to get it out of his ex that she did or did not do it.

Getting it out of Jessi wasn't easy but after HYBE ordered a warrant to go through her internet histories finding everything came from her IP address, including multiple email accounts created under your name and address the boys instantly tried to get into contact with you but you had blocked their numbers wanting nothing more to do with people who thought that you were lying to them. 

"I bought a coffee, to make up for things," Jungkook said as you walked out of your apartment to find him standing there staring at you. HYBE had allowed you to stay in the apartment until you found another place to live and the boys had been sending over non-stop gifts to try and say sorry to you, this was the first time you'd seen any of them face to face since it happened. 

"You think a coffee, some flowers and a huge 'I'm Beary sorry' teddy bear are going to make up for it?" You scoffed, pulling the strap of your bag over your shoulder, making your way towards the building's main elevator where the rest of the boys were waiting. They knew there was nothing they could do, say or give to you that would even begin to make up for what they said and did to you. Embarrassing you in front of everyone that was in that hallway that day, yelling at you, accusing you of something you'd never done in your life.

"No, but it's a way of us saying sorry and starting to mend what we broke," Jungkook whispered, Jimin glanced up at you as you looked over each of them. It was obvious how sorry they all were but if you forgave them so easily who was to say that they wouldn't do it all over again? You didn't want them to use you like you were some kind of mug.

"Will you think about it?" Namjoon questioned as you got into the elevator without saying anything to them but you had no idea what to say, it was hard. After eight years you thought they trusted you as much as you trusted them but clearly, you were wrong about that fact. 

"I guess...But it hurt, knowing that after all these years you didn't believe me." You looked up at them as they all looked down at the ground apologetically. 

"We're sorry," They each said as the doors shut, leaving you alone with your thoughts and your vibrating phone. Sejin had been trying to get in contact with you since he found out it was all Jessi, he wanted to get you to come back to your job and apologise for what had happened but you ignored his calls and voicemails. You just needed some time and space to think everything over, things would never go back to the way they were. You'd never be able to be as close with the boys as you once were but it was worth a shot. Right? 

The last few weeks consisted of sneaking into the HYBE building without the members knowing, signing all new contracts to work with a different team and group as well as trying to mend your business relationship with Sejin. Since you felt betrayed by him and the boys you no longer wanted to work under them but that didn't mean you couldn't be friends and still work for the company. After eight years you decided you weren't just going to throw it all away for nothing. 

"You're here?" Jimin questioned as he walked into one of the lounge area's in the building to see you standing with JR from NU'EST, he was talking to you about something he wanted brought to him. 

"I am, I'm working though so if you want something you'll have to walk and talk," Jimin frowned as he followed you out into the hallway, following you around as you headed towards the canteen to get a coffee. 

"You're working for NU'EST now?" He questioned, watching you closely as you nodded your head, turning to look up at him with a weak smile. 

"This was the only way I could think of saving a friendship...I couldn't work for you or Sejin again so I'm with NU'EST...I'll see you around and we can develop our friendships again," He knew that you were coming from a good place and it was nice to know you were willing to work on your friendships with them but he couldn't help but feel hurt by you choosing to sign with a different band after everything you'd done with them.

"Jimin...This was the only way I could come back to work," You whispered as he nodded at you, following you back up to the lounge and he told all of the boys what was happening. 

Days at the company turned into weeks which turned into months of you working for the new group, working alongside them while working on your friendship with the NU'EST members as well as the BTS boys again, wanting nothing more than your friendship to be as strong as it once was and it was back at that point. You felt as though you could trust them and get along with them better, 

"It feels good to have you back," Jungkook said as he handed you a plate of food, all eight of you were at the dorms eating take-out and watching some bad movie that Hoseok had picked out. It was your monthly movie night that you used to have together, it was nice to know that everything was clicking back into place and you were developing growth with them.

"I CALLED IT!" Yoongi yelled as the two side characters began to make out in the forest before being killed by the movie killer, it was a tradition between you all to make bets on movie cliche's that would be used within the movies.

"It was so obvious," You mumbled putting the money you owed him into his hand before stealing one of the spring rolls from his plate and eating it happily. It was safe to say everything was back to the way it should have been in the first place, the way things were happy. You felt as though you were back home safe and sound.

Tagline: @lyoongx​ @mitzwinchester​ @rjsmochii​ @kneel-begyourpardon​ @taestannie​ @innersooya​ @sw33tnight​ @jin-from-the-block​ @acciocriativity​ @mwitsmejk​

[b4-yeonder]

Bringing Them Breakfast in Bed (Brothers + Undateables)

LUCIFER:

When you walk in balancing the breakfast tray Lucifer is already sat up in bed checking his D.D.D for any important news from RAD, but his attention is quickly diverted to you. The spread you offer him? Buttered toast, two different types of jam in cute little decorative jars, a full wine glass, and a cup of tea. "Wine in the morning? What do you take me for," he chuckles putting his phone down. Grinning you tell him that it's just grape juice to which he laughs and accepts the tray from you with a sincere thank you. Finds it incredibly endearing and can't stop smiling - calls you his good girl/boy with a wink. Will definitely put him in a good mood for the rest of the day.

MAMMON:

"For me? All of it? Really?" Yup! He's flabbergasted, blinking stupidly with his mouth hanging open as his cheeks redden before eventually catching himself and clearing his throat, putting on his usual bravado. "Well damn, I definitely deserve this huh, being the Great Mammon after all!" Cheeks are still red despite his demeanor change. Takes the tray and starts tucking in with gusto. "Ya gonna help me with this right? Here, I'll feed ya a pancake look--" He does, insisting on feeding it to you by hand and is a happy bubbly fella all morning. Why? Because his human pampered him and he feels s p e c i a l. (Because he is, of course.)

LEVIATHAN:

Shakes off his tiredness in an instant when he realises what you're handing him. "Is this that Limited Edition Ruri-chan cereal!? WHOOOAAH!" A million thank yous before he takes a million pictures to post on his social media and is loathe to eat it but it looks so good and ohhh man he's caved already and it IS good! You can't help but laugh at him as he eats it with his eyes closed, humming happily. "I can't believe you got these. Just for me? Really? Like, the whole box, you don't want any at all?" Blushes reaaal hard once it dawns on him how difficult it must have been for you to get and that you made all the effort for him and him only. "What if I feed you a spoonful? They're really good." Blushy blush, hide behind that fringe cutie pie.

SATAN:

"Ohh well well well, what have we here?" A smirk as you hand him his tray. Freezes when he sees what's on his plate and his cheeks redden quickly. You can't help but grin as he just stares. Cat pancakes. Cat-head shaped pancakes with syrupy faces. "You okay there?" "I....they're..." He clears his throat and blinks up at you. "Cute right?" Your grin widens as he nods. "I don't know if I can eat them..." At his mumbled confession you laugh and plop next to him on the bed, offering to feed them to him which has him blushing more. What can I say, sleepy morning bedhead Satan is easily flustered.

ASMODEUS:

"Oh darling this is amazing! But really all you had to do was show up nude and that would have been all the breakfast I need--" "ASMO!" He giggles and licks his lips at the delicious looking spread laid before him. "G A S P, is this GLITTERY JAM!?" "Yes! Isn't it cool?" Squeals and tucks in, rolling his eyes in his head. "Oh my gosh it tastes as good as it looks. This would make a good lipstick colour, we should go looking for one later." Uses it as an opportunity to gossip and get a few little flirtatious moves in before the day has even started. Dabbing jam on your nose just to lick it off making you snort with laughter and shove him away.

BEELZEBUB:

Presented with a full English breakfast, a giant stack of pancakes, and orange juice his eyes are the size of saucers as his pupils flick from the food to you. "What's wrong, handsome?" "I'm trying to decide what I want to eat more right now - the food or you." Because yes the poor sausage is overwhelmed and gets hard with excitement over all the deliciousness before him. Ends up shoving some egg in his gob followed by a pancake and half of the orange juice before pouncing on you. "Lemme love you!" "BEEEL-!" He's grinning and smothering you with breakfasty smooches leaving you a giggling mess. (Would want to finish his breakfast with you wrapped in his arms after he’s had his way because hugs and food are the best.)

BELPHEGOR:

"I've never seen you eat breakfast so I didn't know what to make you therefore I am serving myself," you say, gesturing to yourself with a flourish. "Perfect." Instantly grabs you and starts biting and gnawing at you making you erupt in a fit of giggles and try to push him off. "Mmmm human, so delicious!" Keeps going, pinning you down and climbing on top. "BELPHIE STOP THAT TICKLES." Evil grin plastered on his face, eventually ends the antics with a kiss on your nose. Then bites it. "Just for future reference though, I love a good omelette. Make me one of those and I'm yours forever." "You're not already mine forever?" "No, you suck, make me an omelette." Collapses on top of you so you can't go and make one even if he wasn't just winding you up. 

DIAVOLO:

Has a massive grin on his face the moment you set foot in his room, getting even bigger when he sees you've brought food. You serve it professionally, pretending to be Barbatos and making him laugh. "Your breakfast, young Master."  "Ooo, my birthday must have come early?" Devours everything eagerly, insisting on sharing with you no matter how much you protested. "Come now, you deserve to taste the fruit of your labours. It's wonderful!" Like a big kid, smothers you with kisses when he's done. "I'll have to think of a proper way to repay you..."

BARBATOS:

Completely taken by surprise - it was usually him that was serving meals after all and here you were up at an even earlier hour than him handing him a breakfast tray? Doesn't know what to say at first, eyes roaming over the food you'd prepared for him until he spots the little flower-shaped strawberries you'd cut for him - something he'd done for you once to cheer you up when you were sick. "Seeee," you say with a playful nudge as you settle next to him. "I've been learning." "You have...this looks wonderful, thank you." He leans over to press a delicate kiss to your lips and you mumble a quiet you're welcome against them. The two of you share a rare moment of solitude chatting idly and enjoying each others' company before another busy day at the Palace begins.

SOLOMON:

Eyes you and the food suspiciously. "You trying to poison me again?" "Dude it was just gone-off milk it wouldn't have killed you. Also that was a whole year ago why are you still holding that against me?" "Yeah well..." Sniffs it just to be sure then flashes you a playful smile. "I'm just messing. This looks really good - thanks." Halfway through tucking in: "Y'know I'd offer to return the favour but you'd probably die so I won't bother." "Yeah please don't," you laugh, resting your head on his shoulder. "Although....what if you were my breakfast next time? Worth a thought," he mused, tapping his spoon against his bottom lip as you rolled your eyes.

SIMEON:

Oh...this is awkward... You both are bearing breakfast trays intended for the other. Burst into laughter you make your way to his room where you swap trays and tuck in. "I can't believe this..." "We're too in tune with each other," Simeon smiles, sipping at his tea. "Yeah, I guess we are." The food was delicious - heavenly even and you found yourself closing your eyes from pleasure while eating it. "This is amazing, Sims." "Glad you like it," he replied with a grin. "You've made these eggs perfectly." "I'll have to make them for you more often." "I'd like that a lot." Simeon definitely tries feeding you at one point, laughing sweetly at your eagerness to take it from him.

[sweetchup]

Bi•valve

Noun

an aquatic mollusk that has a compressed body enclosed within a hinged shell, such as oysters, clams, mussels, and scallops.

AKA

The Most Common Seashell in the Ocean

————————

Vol. 2: Into the Deep // Ch. 10

Type: Poseidon x reader

Word Count: 3,500+

⚠️ Warning ⚠️: Mature Content

Masterlist

————————

“This is Triton’s schedule!?” You can’t help but shout out as you are handed the schedule from the butler. Astronomy, Literature, Human History, Mythology, Business, Sword Fighting, Seahorse Riding, The list seemed to go on and on. How could the boy think or even breathe with all of this on his mind?

“Thank you. That’s all for now.” You tell the butler with a sigh as you put the sheet down on the desk, right next to the other stacks of paperwork you had yet to deal with.

It’s been 3 weeks, 3 long and grueling weeks, since your meeting with Scylla. During that time, you have been busy. Not only from etiquette classes and paperwork but also with managing your survival plan.

Yes, a survival plan. You, at first, didn’t want a survival plan—it just didn’t seem that useful—But, after meeting Scylla and learning more, you decided one was absolutely crucial. After all, even in your protected manor, Amphitrite was still a huge threat. Not only just to you either.

With the butler now long gone, you reach down to the last draw of your desk and pull out a couple of sheets of paper. Pieces of paper that laid a simple rough draft of the plan.

So far, you had a Plan A and a Plan B.

Plan A seemed simple. It was to get Amphitrite kicked out of the palace but that was far from as simple it seemed. You thought Poseidon would be rushing to divorce the woman, He hated her after all, But he wasn’t. Working at snail pace was more like it.

“…It seems he needs some sort of push to get her out…” You mumble to yourself as you update a couple of things on the paper. It seemed you would have to come back to this plan later. “…Perhaps I should learn more about Poseidon….”

You quickly shake that idea out of your head. Not a chance. You felt bad for the guy but you weren’t about to become all buddy buddy with him just yet.

“Now as for Plan B…”

Plan B was a lot harder. Plan B was to get Poseidon and Triton to actually have a decent father-son relationship. You, at first, tried having Triton’s schedule free for the past three weeks in hopes Poseidon would stop by. Perhaps to check up on the child now that Amphitrite is gone. But, that was again a wrong guess on your part.

“What to do… I have to at least put one of these plans in soon. It’s not like I can continue ignoring the elephant in the room.” You groan to yourself as you lean back in the chair. On top of your survival plans not working, you had recently discovered that Hermes—who was stopping by a lot—was secretly relaying information to Zeus and the other gods. It seemed they were checking in to see how your progress with seducing Poseidon was going. “I have to kick out Amphitrite sooooon if I want to save myself from facing Zeus’ wrath or, much worse, getting married to Poseidon.”

As you whine to yourself at your bad luck, you miss the door opening as someone sneakily slips in.

“What to do… what to do…” You whine to yourself as you massage your temples, “I have to figure this out soon or—“

Instantaneously, you are cut off as something comes jumping up onto your stomach. Almost knocking you off your chair.

“Huh?” You choke out as you see the familiar head of gold leaning against your chest. His body is smooshed against you as he sits on your lap. Seeming to try to get as close as possible to you, “T-Triton?”

At your call, Triton’s head lifts up to look at you.

“Hello mom!” He says with a smile. A smile that seemed to instantly brighten up the room and your mood. Your depressing thoughts now long forgotten.

However, like everything in the world, things can’t last forever.

“Whatcha looking at mom?” Triton asks as he leans towards the desk to take a look, bringing you back to reality. Casually, well to the best of your ability, you grab a couple of papers and cover them just enough so that Triton couldn’t read them.

“Oh, just paperwork, Triton.”

Surprisingly, Triton seems to perk up at that, “Like what? I bet I can help. Is it finances? Party planning? Invitations? Wages? Fa—“

Quickly, you cut the boy off. “It’s fine, Triton. I don’t need help. Why don’t you go play instead? It looks like a nice day out.”

You are surprised at how Triton lets out a loud huff. Seeming displeased with your suggestion. Unsure of what to do, you sit there frozen. Was it something you said?

“It’s…” Triton mumbles under his breath, the rest of the sentence he mumbles you can’t hear, and you are forced to ask him to repeat. He seems to pause for a moment, seeming hesitant to repeat before finally doing so, “It’s not the same without you….”

“Oh, Triton…” You cood out as you rub the boy’s head, trying to console the boy. A pit of guilt settled in your stomach as you remember that you haven’t spent a lot of time with the boy recently. Especially with being busy and all. “Well…”

You pause as you take a look at the giant stack of paperwork. Could you even leave in the first place with all these things that still need to be done?

If only there was a way to spend time with Triton and get some of the work done at the same time…

As you scan the desk and room for ideas, it suddenly hits you.

“Well. How about you and I pick out your lesson plans?” You suggest to the boy as you reach across the desk and pick up the schedule. The giant scroll-like paper slightly unravels as you loosely hold it in a singular hand.

“Lesson plans?” Triton asks confused as he tilts his head slightly to the side. “Wouldn’t it just be the same as it was before?”

“Not a chance!” You accidentally shout out before catching yourself. Shit, you didn’t mean to raise your voice like that. “This is too much for a boy your age, even if you are god. We need to pick out a balanced schedule that gives you lessons to learn AND enough time to play or relax.”

“So I get to choose…?”

“Pretty much. I mean you would still need to take some classes that you wouldn’t like as some are needed to help you learn as a god. But, if there’s any unneeded classes we will just scrap it.”

.

..

…

“Aren't they all needed…?”

At Triton’s confusion, you can’t help but let out a sigh. Looks like there’s still a lot of work to go with helping this boy act and be happy like a kid his age.

“Not exactly. Here.” You grab onto Triton and lift the boy with you as you stand. “It's better to show you what I mean. Let’s go to each of the classes and pick them off one by one.”

“Ok!” Triton exclaims. His eyes wide and sparkly as he holds onto you, just happy to spend some time with you. Precious boy…

As you walk towards the door to leave, you can’t help but note that Triton felt lighter than usual. Had he possibly lost weight since he arrived? You did notice Triton had smaller portions of food compared to you at meal times. That wasn’t good for a growing boy…

“Seems like I’ll have to pay the chef and cooking staff a visit later…”

—.—.—.—.—

What a nice day, you can’t help but note as you stare up into the sea. Sea turtles and rays swimming high above as they make their way to their destinations.

You were currently standing in the empty grass field between the three manors. The same place you met Poseidon on the night you snuck out to find Triton.

Quickly, as the memory comes to mind, you shake it out of your head. That wasn’t important to you right now and that was because of one simple fact.

Today was Triton’s first day back at lessons. It had taken a lot of work and negotiation but you got the boy a healthy and balanced schedule. You honestly gave yourself a pat on the back once you were finished.

Though, on top of the schedule, you also pulled off another impossible stunt for yourself.

“Mom!”

You spin around as Triton comes sprinting over, books in his hands from his History lesson that just completed. You should tell the boy to slow down but you can’t find it in you to do so. Instead, kneeling down and opening your arms for the boy to jump into.

“Oof—“ You squeak out as you catch Triton, accidentally falling over on your back as you do so. You let out a loud laugh, too happy to even care that you embarrassingly fell over in front of some of the servants that travelled from manor to manor.

Triton didn’t seem to care either as his books were astrew all over the sea grass.

“I was so excited for our first lesson today, mom! It was so hard sitting still in the other classes.” Triton shouts out excitedly as he finally lifts himself off of you, allowing you to sit up.

That’s right. The impossible feat you did. You got your own taught class to be placed into Triton’s Schedule.

You called it “Humanity 101” but, in reality…

“Could we try playing kickball today? I saw a lot of human kids playing it down the street when I stayed at your place.” Triton asks excitedly as he looks through the bag of goodies you brought out.

…It was honestly just an excuse for you and Triton to spend time together with your ever so busy schedule.

“Of course we can play!”

Kickball… Soccer.. Board games… The days seem to fly by as you and Triton do your “classes” and before you know it a week has already gone by. Life is brighter during these days to the point that even the ever so plentiful paperwork doesn’t bother you. But, as you’ve learned in your time staying here many, many times, nothing is forever.

“S-Shit…” You mumble out anxiously under your breath as you attempt to distract yourself with the kickball in your hands. You were in the field yet again waiting for Triton to get out of class. The boy had mentioned yesterday as you walked him to sword practice that he wanted to play a simple game of catch for class the next day. But…

What in the world was this guy doing here?

Hesitantly, you shift your gaze over to Poseidon who stood a couple of feet away on the sidewalk. At first when you saw the male, you thought nothing of it. After all, he seemed to be passing through the area with a group of his attendees.

So, why did he stop? You can’t help but think as you quickly shift your gaze away from the male and back down towards the ground. You just didn’t understand why he dismissed his attendees and chose to stand there and watch you.

Well, he technically wasn’t watching you—His gaze was up to the sky—But, there was no doubt in your mind the guy stayed back for you. Could he perhaps be stalkin—

“Mom!”

Just in time.

You let out a sigh of relief as Triton came running over, just getting out of class. He seems to pick up on Poseidon’s presence, staring at his father for a little bit as he walks over, but chooses not to pay it too much attention. Instead, continuing to run up to you.

“Hello Triton—“ You freeze for a second as a shiver goes up your spine. What the hell? What was this nasty feeling… It felt like you had just been thrown in some sort of ice bath.

As you spin around to see what was causing you to feel this way, you almost instantly figure out why. Poseidon was now staring down at his phone, seeming to have gotten a text message or something, and you could tell he wasn’t in the brightest mood from it either. You could practically feel the blood lust from where you were standing.

“You better not take it out on me…” You grumble underneath your breath, instantly regretting it as Poseidon’s gaze shifts up to glare at you. He couldn’t have heard you… right?

However, you weren’t take any chances this time and turned your attention to Triton. Trying to make it seem that Poseidon accidentally heard something.

“Now. Why don’t we get started? I’ll stand about a few feet away and you—“ Your voice trails off at the end as you stare down at your hands. Your empty hands. Where did the kickball go? You just had it— “Ack!”

You couldn’t believe your eyes as you looked, a gasp, at the kickball that was held… in Poseidon’s hands. How did that fucker…

Actually, never mind, you should have realized before that Poseidon was clearly fast as he was not only a god but also, right in front of you, leaped a large distance to stop that jellyfish that tried to kill you.

“Mom, Are we going to play?” Triton blinks innocently up at you, pure puppy eyes that awaited the game of catch that he wanted to play. Shit, you can’t just allow Poseidon to keep the ball now.

“I-I’ll be right back.” You anxiously tell the Triton as you leave his side. Making your way over to Poseidon. You honestly felt like you were the sacrificial lamb approaching the big bad bully of the playground. Except this time, Poseidon wasn’t just a bully picking on you but an all powerful god that could literally snap you in half with his pinky if he so pleased.

“H-He—“ You don’t even get past the greeting to Poseidon before he grabs the back of your head. Holding you still with one hand and the Kickball in the other, Poseidon started to practically curse you out with god knows what. Honestly, it was just a spew of curses along with your name and other things.

However, across the field, what seemed terrifying to you was way different to someone else.

As Triton observes the scene in front of him, he gets even more confused. In Triton’s point of view, he didn’t pick up on your nervous clammy hands or anxious shifting as being something from Poseidon’s glare. He honestly didn’t even pick up on the fact his father was glaring, he just thought that it was his usual stare.

To him, it looked like you two were chatting as his father held the back of your head. Seeming to tease you as he held the stolen kickball away in his other. But… his father doesn’t tease. He doesn’t even joke around. So, what was going on?

Staring… Clammy Hands… Nervousness… Physical Touch…

Triton lets out a small gasp as a thought hits him. It can’t be true, Triton couldn’t believe it.

His mom and father…

were in love.

He didn’t want to believe it but the evidence was all there. If watching any of those cheesy romance movies taught him anything, it was to identify the signs of falling in love.

At any minute, they look like they could possibly ki…

Triton’s face blushes up at the thought. He just couldn’t believe it. Does this mean mom is now his real real mom?

Triton perks up at the thought. That would be awesome.

“I’ll help you, mom…” Triton mumbles underneath his breath as he looks determined up at you two. He will help you two just like how Uncle Zeus was helping you. Like….What do humans call it…? A wingman. Yeah, he would be your wingman.

“Father! Mom!” At Triton’s shout, it was then that Poseidon finally stopped his heavy train of insults. Oh, Thank goodness for Triton…

“I realized I have to go see one of my teachers for something. Why don’t you guys go play instead?”

You feel yourself choke at Triton’s words. What was he saying?! However, before you can even ask the boy, He was long gone. Leaving you and Poseidon alone, with a grip still on the back of your head.

This was a nightmare for you. Poseidon still looks like he wants to kill you at any moment.

“What a pain.” Poseidon grumbles out under his breath, sending shivers up your spine. You know what… Screw Plan A and B. You now have Plan C, worrying about Poseidon’s constant mood changes so he doesn’t kill you in a fit of rage.

“Hey… why don’t we talk thiS— Eep!” You are cut off as Poseidon picks you up. Instead of his usual hold, he throws you over his shoulder like a sack of potatoes. You just wished Poseidon knew you could keep up with him perfectly fine so he didn’t have to keep picking you up like this. “Where…Where are we going?”

Silence.

Well, at least he wasn’t angry at you anymore, you think with a sigh as you relax into Poseidon’s hold. Accepting your fate as there was no way to possibly escape from him.

Gods… any of them except Poseidon. Please… help…

—.—.—.—.—

“Oooo…” Triton lets out as he peeps from around the corner. His gaze trained to his father back as he left carrying you.

“I didn’t know father could be so romantic.”

“…Hmm? Triton?”

Triton feels himself jump slightly at the voice behind him. Spinning around, he expected to be caught by some sort of maid or teacher but instead, it was someone else.

“Uncle Zeus? Hermes? And…” Triton’s gaze trails over the third person, “Aunty Aphrodite?”

“Hello dear Triton. It’s been a while~” Aphrodite coos out at the boy in front of her. Slightly leaning down to fondle his cheeks. “Goodness me…Look at how much you’ve grown.”

“T-Thank you.” Triton chokes out with a blush, “I-Uh. W-What are you all doing here?”

Zeus can’t help but chuckle out at the nervous attitude of his nephew. Still ever so shy in front of women it seemed. “I apologize for the surprise visit but we are here to see (y/n).”

“See mom…?” Triton questions out as he looks back and forth between the three. He could understand why Zeus or perhaps Hermes was here to see you but, why Aphrodite?

“Ohh~, I’ve brought a couple of gifts for your mother.” Aphrodite explains with a coy smile as she shows Triton a lidded box.

“Really? What sort of—“ Hermes instantly grabs onto Triton as he attempts to check under the lid of the box. “Huh? Hermes?”

“It’s…It’s specifically for Lady (Y/n), Master Triton.” Hermes answers vaguely as Aphrodite and Zeus laugh at the funny moment that just occurred. That was a close one.

“Specifically for mom?”

Calming herself down, Aphrodite explains more clearly, “It’s women's clothes for your mother. Ones that…Oh Goodness, your father can only see.”

“Ohhhh… Ok.” Triton answers, even if he still doesn’t understand. “Well, Mom just left with dad.”

At this Zeus chokes and Aphrodite almost drops the box, Seemingly shocked at what Triton just said. Even Hermes was startled but he still, somehow, keeps a cool head and quickly hides his reaction.

“What do you mean by that Master Triton?” Hermes asks for an alaberation as the other two nod. Thinking they were simply misunderstanding something like Poseidon giving paperwork to you compared to you two actually hanging out.

“Well, Dad stole the ball from mom to tease her.” Hermes and the others feel themselves freeze at Triton’s words. Poseidon…Teasing a human? “So, mom walked over and they started talking… No, flirting with each other.”

“Flirting?” Zeus asks, surprised as he strokes his beard. He would usually take others' words with a grain of salt as they could perhaps be lying but, this was Triton. The boy has probably never even lied in his entire life.

“Yeah, so I decided to leave to give them some space and after I’m gone, I was actually hiding around the corner here, Father picks mom and throws her over his shoulder. They walked that way so… I think they are heading to father’s manor.”

“Oh, Isn’t Amphitrite out today…?” Zeus chuckles out, a nasty thought filtering into his brain. Could they possibly be going to do…

“A-Aunty Aphrodite?” Triton chokes out cautiously, catching Zeus’ attention.

“Oh ho ho. Be careful, Aphrodite. You are scaring the boy.” Zeus says, not exactly meaning his words as he reprimands the woman. Knowing that from how she was crushing the box in her hands and how hard she was biting her lip that she was too lost in her nasty thoughts to even listen.

“H-How Scandalous!” Aphrodite squeals out as she clutches the box to her chest, seeming to grow faint from all her excitement, “Zeus, I need your opinion on this. Could they possibly be—“

Triton’s hearing is instantly blocked off by Hermes as Aphrodite and Zeus continue to talk. The younger boy looks up at his cousin in confusion but doesn’t say anything. The only thought running in his mind being.

Why was Hermes' face turning so red?

Author Note: very Quick author note before I forget. Hahah this was kind of a messy funny chapter so I hope people still enjoyed this one. I wanted a fun moment of misunderstanding to help join into the next chapter thursday. Where Chapter 11 will pick up back with Poseidon and Reader. Also R.I.P Triton. Feel bad for putting my baby through meeting Aphrodite.

Taglist: @angeli-fucking-cat @marixxhq @sproutcorner @orophaea @anime-lover-forever-1127 @fortuna-stella @icy-spicy

[barzzal]

between halls and thin walls → part four

summary: friends who fool around almost never works. almost.

↳ pairing: mathew barzal x you

↳ warnings: idiots, that’s all <3

↳ genre: fluff, angst, smut, roommates au, best friend’s best friend, friends with benefits, 18+

↳ length: series; part one, part two, part three, part four (6.7k), part five, part six

↳ masterlist: the barn

↳ track: my favorite part by mac miller, addicted by jorja smith, someone to spend time with by los retros

note: finally got myself to update this fic oml zzz quick psa tho, this will now be a six-part series! hope that’s okay and yenno as always, would love to hear what you think about this (validate me in the tags pls im lonely) happy reading babes! <3

“Yo, grandma. Haven’t you had too much tea to drink?” his voice echoes in the room as soon as he walks into it. You carefully set the cup down on the dining table and looked at him exasperatedly. 

“Haven’t you had too much care to give?” you snark back, earning yourself a disappointed look from him. 

“Really, y/n? That’s the best you’ve got?” he shakes his head at your appalling retort.  What a shame.

You were good at pissing him off to be fair. You just weren’t in the mood to throw teases back and forth especially now that you’re feeling particularly vulnerable.

The week has been far too dreadful for you and you know that you’re willing to grovel your way into the weekend to finally have the time to slack off, not worry about taking a bath, and just go crazy with a pint of Ben & Jerry’s.

However, just like always, Mathew seems to never run out of ways to get on your nerves. 

He carelessly puts his stuff on the table, causing a fairly loud thud on the surface. 

You let out a deep breath, massaging your temple. 

“Somebody’s cranky.” he grins. Not necessarily the kind you’d want to see from him. 

You try to ignore him for a few minutes but you can’t help noticing how his build easily took over much of the space you’ve already been occupying. You irkingly look up at him, closing the book you were reading. You meet Mat’s eyes who just innocently looked back into yours. Waiting. Possibly plotting on yet another sophisticated way to toy with you.

“You’re a child.” you roll your eyes and return to your reading. He says nothing and instead rests his chin atop his enclasped hands, continuing to bother you with his ridiculously beguiling eyes. He presses his lips together before sighing dramatically. 

“What?” you snap, finally shutting your book down as you look at him. 

“I wanna go out.” he looks up at you in an effort to make his huge physique smaller than it really was. 

“Then go out. You’re a big boy.” you breathe. 

“You just said that I’m a child.” he coos, mimicking a five-year-old’s voice. 

“Stop that.” you glare at him. Mat props himself back and laughs, “Come on. I’m bored.” 

You open your book again just as you reply in a tone that Mat’s getting used to hearing. “Boredom doesn’t give you the right to pester me, Barzal.” 

And as an exchange, he speaks in the same tone rather mockingly, “And so is that attitude, Y/L/N.” 

“Come on, y/n. Let’s go out.” he now pleads, looking up at you with what seems to be his worst impression of a ‘puppy eye’.

“Fine.” you finally concede and you see Mat’s beaming smile instantly. 

“Where’d you want to go?” you ask as you take your reading glasses off.

“Dunno.” He shrugs, obviously teasing. 

On the edge of being irritated, you say, “Are you kidding me?”

“Grandma.” he mumbles before saying, “Do you have anything you want to do? And please don’t say book hunt.”

You suppress a smile and maintain your composure. “I’m craving for pancakes right now but I also wanna drink. Go to a bar or something.”

He nods in agreement. Already stitching his game plan.

“We can do both.”  he bobs his all too fine brows.

He didn’t have a hard time getting you on board with his spontaneity. You actually haven’t gone out in a while and the thought of a possible night out doesn’t seem to be so bad of an idea.

You’ve been with Mat to parties and while the two of you don’t mingle as much as the other guys did, he does know his way around the club. The dance floor, however, he tries. He really does.

For about an hour Mathew waited patiently in the living room as he scrolled endlessly on instagram liking a few photos and laughing at posts the fans tag him occasionally. His eyes were peeled away from the screen when he heard the door to your room click. His irises trail onto your body even if he didn’t plan to originally. 

Mathew, albeit dressed simply in his black turtleneck sweater and a beige overcoat exudes just about the right ‘swag’ (as per how he puts it) to stop you in your stupor. Although what you didn’t know was how you weren’t any different in his eyes. You were dressed quite nicely in a black lace bodysuit with a pair of blackpants accentuated by the black boots you usually wear on a night out. Your coat was slung on your forearm whilst you held your clutch purse in your hand so you could close the door with the other. 

“What?” you blink just as you look down to eye yourself. Feeling a tad self-conscious under his gaze.

Mat immediately breaks it off. He clears his throat, pretending to wipe off the non-existent dust on the accent table. 

“What?” he mirrors with an arched brow.

You shrug off his demeanor, snatching your keys from the accent table before putting it in your purse. 

“Have you called a lyft already?” he nods, absentmindedly scratching his temple. 

“You ready? You look— decent.” He says, trying to act casual and distant when he gives you the compliment.

Not noticing the unfamiliar look his eyes had, you return the compliment and say,  “And so do you. Good job for not looking like you came straight out of an H&M catalogue.” you wink at him with a grin. A thing which was then reciprocated by a deadpan look on his end. 

Before he could even come up with yet another clever way to come at you, you start walking towards the door, looking at him once as you motion the way by curling your finger.

“Haul ass, buddy.”

𖥸

10:15 PM 

Mat decided to bring you to the usual place he goes to when he wants to be alone and just enjoy a couple of beers while he chats with River, the bartender he eventually befriends after years spent drinking in solitude. 

The bar had a rustic feel filled with wine barrels in the corner of the room. The seats were leather (mind you, it wasn’t the kind that gets easily worn out through time) and everything looked new to you regardless of all the vintage stuff displayed articulately on the brick wall. A turntable was set on the table stacked with vinyl records, most of which were from the 70s to 80s underneath.

It was obvious that it wasn’t the kind people would know about. Aside from it being located at such a secluded street leading to the suburbs, it wasn’t the type of bar kids would want to hang out in. It only had a few customers and most of them wore suits and came with company. No one really gave a hoot when you walked in with Mathew, aka, the face of the New York Islanders. Which is basically the reason why Mat kept coming back to the place. He felt comfortable and at peace. Almost in retrospect to being at home hanging with his father. 

“I can’t believe this place exists.” you say, mouthing your thanks to River as he hands you both of your drinks. The man that’s definitely aged like fine wine smiles, nodding his head over to Mat who was doing the same before he headed back to mix another set of drinks. 

“Me neither.” he grins, reminiscing about the time he’s found the small pub by accident. 

“This place looks expensive though.” you whisper, making Mathew laugh. 

“Well, it kinda is.” he sheepishly chuckles. “River’s filthy rich.”

“Is he really?” your mouth falls and you look back over the build of the old man. The way his salt and pepper hair was neatly slicked back makes quite a compelling case for what Mat had just said. 

Mat eventually explains who he was. Apparently, he was just another bored fancy man who happened to love making people drop dead and drunk with his over the top mixes. His dark deep set brown eyes are quite of a crowd favourite too. Case in point, the group of ladies seated from across you and Mathew.

“Hey.” you absentmindedly call on Mat who had just sipped on his drink. “I know what we should do.”

“All right.” he puts the glass down, “Lay it on me.”

“Let’s fix you up with one of the girls over there.” you suggest, leaning towards his body so you could get a better view upfront. Mat does not move and instead follows your finger subtly pointing at the other end of the room.

“What’s with the sudden fixation of getting me bagged tonight, huh?” he smirks, shaking his head at the idea of having to go home with some random girl. You give him a side eye as you move away from him. 

“Fixation is an overstatement. We’ll be here long enough for us to get sick of each other.” you explicitly told him. 

Mat eyes you intently. Searching if there was even the slightest doubt in your eyes. 

Long enough to get sick of each other. 

He clears his throat instead and looks across the room. “Which one?”

A gleeful cheer erupts from you just before you look over the girls in question. “What’s your type?” you ask him, not sparing a glance.

Mat looks down on you underneath the bar lights accentuating your features. Your eyes had a certain glint in them that Mat still can’t get a grasp on. Something that was just enough to spark something inside him. He didn’t want to overthink it nonetheless. It must have been just the lights. 

Once Mat sensed that you were about to look at him he immediately turned his gaze forward, squinting his eyes a little pretending to check out the women you’ve been eyeing for the last minute. 

“I don’t really have a type.” he shrugs, casually taking the fragile glass to his mouth. 

You dismiss what he said at once, “Do I look like a child to you? Just answer it.”

Mat shakes his head, “I told you. I don’t have one. If we vibe then we vibe. Simple as that.” 

You did not believe him but you decide to drop it off. Instead, you look back and return to your new found mission. Across the bar, seated were three girls busy talking to each other. 

“Got it.” you tell Mat, nodding your head towards the clueless girl sitting right across from where Mathew was. “The one in the center.” you add. “The one wearing a white bodycon.”

“She’s pretty.” he nods, validating your taste as his potential wingman. “Nice smile.”

Your hand met a firm slap on the table as you went on cheering for him. “Well? Go then!” you give him a nudge, taking it back quickly when you feel a slight hesitation on his part, “Don’t tell me you need me to introduce you?”

He takes the remainder of his glass and shaked off the kick it had in his throat. “You just sit and watch, babe.”

You do as you’re told and lean towards the bar, your elbow carrying all your weight whilst you sip on your half-full martini. 

Mathew’s stance and the way he carries himself immediately caused the girls to notice him coming. Of course, you weren’t really surprised. You watch him approach her,– reading along the words leaving his mouth. There was an exchange of proper ‘hello’s’ as Mat introduced himself to the girls. He reaches out his hand and the curly noirette in the center gives him a firm shake. 

Mat’s eyes momentarily locked with yours just as you see their hands linger in the air— tangled long enough for him to make a quick segway. He winks your way as he sees you grin from your seat, shaking your head just after you felt the need to take a deep breath. A thing you assumed to be because of the drink. So, while Mat leads the girl to one of the empty booths and sits across from her, you call on River and ask for another drink. 

Mathew must have lost track of time by the second drink he shared with Zoe. He learns that she’s from upstate and was just on the island to visit her friends. She’s still working on her major at NYU; coincidentally in the same field as Lianna so that was one of the things they’ve talked about first hand. She wasn’t really into sports so Mat steered clear of his job because he didn’t want to bore her. 

“So…” Zoe smiles and tucks her hair behind her ear. “What’s the deal with you and the girl you’re with?” 

By the time she asked about you, only then did Mat remember who he was originally with. 

“Oh! She’s—” he looks over to where you’re seated only to find you laughing— no giggling with a man that was obviously a few years older than you. He’s wearing a neat black suit and a button down shirt with a couple of its first buttons opened. Zoe sees him frown, evidently losing his train of thought. 

She calls him with her sweet voice, “Mat?” 

“Yeah?” he absentmindedly answers, not wanting to take his eyes off of your hand that was now gently pushing the man’s arm whilst the two of you continue to burst into laughter. 

“Are you okay?” she asks.

What’s so funny? 

Finally, Mat hears Zoe’s distant voice that eventually took him back to his seat.

“Oh. Y-Yeah.” he apologetically smiles. “Sorry. What were you saying again?” 

She hesitates to ask about you after taking a quick glance your way upon seeing the way Mathew looked at you. Nevertheless, she decides to go for it.

“Aren’t you two together? I don’t want to come off strong here or anything. It’s just that I don’t want to get in between something if there ever is.” 

Mat looks at you one more time and as if you’ve felt his eyes all along you turn your way and meet his gaze. You shoot him a quiet smile, eyeing the guy sitting beside you, mouthing what he assumes to be an exaggerated “So hot!” on your end. He reciprocates your smile and gives you an approving nod.

Once you looked away, that’s the only time Mat finally answered the woman waiting patiently for his attention. 

“What?” Mat shakes his head wildly, blowing out air off his lips defensively. “No no no. We’re just friends. She’s my roommate actually.” he shrugs you off his mind and instead tries to put his entire focus on her. 

The remaining hours were spent with you and Mat getting along with your respective potential hook-ups. Not that it wasn’t the endgame either of you were hoping for at the back of your minds. 

He’s got to admit that Zoe was the kind of girl he’d be interested in. Another fact he’s kept a mental tab not to mention to you because he knows you’ll just get cocky. 

She was sweet and obviously eloquent. He knows she’s way smarter than he’ll ever be. But out of all those qualities, she was just as passionate at her craft as someone he likes to think he knows well enough. And that alone made a small smile creep on his lips. 

Nonetheless, despite all the aforementioned, Mathew found himself a bit more reserved than he usually is whenever he gets to meet and talk to his potential ‘lady friends’ as how you’ve put it countless times. He just wasn’t his exact self.  And he was beginning to question it. 

There were no fancy hockey plays thrown subtly into the conversation. Neither mentions of golfing nor over the top league events.  No butchered french pet names swiftly tucked in his sentences. And no endless questions that would eventually lead to something along the lines of ‘Do you want to get out of here?’

Well, not until Zoe’s friends got up their seats and she told him herself. 

“Hey. The girls and I are meeting up with some friends in Brooklyn. D’ya wanna come?” 

Mat’s eyes trail down to her hand now gently caressing his. He raises both his brows thinking of a possible ‘out’ because he wasn’t sure if it was a smart thing to leave you alone with a stranger. 

He hums, “Sure.” 

Zoe shows him a delighted smile before eventually sliding out of the booth to walk towards the bar she and her friends were formally seated. 

“I gotta use the restroom first. Please excuse me.” she gives him a nod before going back to chatting with her friends. 

You, on the other hand, see Mat leave the table aiming for an archway you presume to be where the loo was. 

“Hey,” you call the man whose name you’ve already forgotten. Your pause was long enough for him to acknowledge the chances that you actually did forget who he was. Obviously.

“Chris.” The man in his early 30s answers with a submitting grin. 

You shyly laugh, squeezing his forearm as you try to apologize for forgetting. 

“Would you mind if I use the restroom?” you politely ask. 

“No, not at all.” he replies and immediately stands to help you get on your feet. Gentleman. 

Once you are in front of the men’s room, you anxiously wait for your wingman. You hug your purse close to your chest. Not a whole minute after, the door finally opens and you meet Mat’s irises with quite a gleeful look. 

A look he wasn’t a fan of for he knew what’s about to come next. 

“Are you taking off?” you eagerly ask, almost hopping on your feet. 

Mat eyes you from head to toe, looking for signs that would stink from a drunk y/n. When he sees none, that’s when he decides to say that he was. 

“Mkay good. I’ll be on my way too. Chris is taking me to New Jersey.” you tell him, briefly looking through the archway to see if there were people listening.

Once you know you’re clear, you lean towards Mat, your lips dangerously close to the sensitive skin of his ear. Mat feels your heated breath sending a familiar tingle up his spine. “I’ll get to ride a yacht tonight.” you bite your lower lip and giddily smile as if you were a cheeky 16 year-old usually depicted in a coming of age movie. 

“Who’s Chris?” Mat, in spite of taking rounds observing you all night, finds the need to ask. “And why are you coming with him to NJ?” he further questions. 

“Uh– okay, dad.” you step back for a second. You let out a scoff, checking if he was being serious about it. “I thought we’re supposed to go get laid tonight? Weren’t you about to take off with that girl yourself?” 

Mat averts your gaze and starts to scratch the corner of his brow. “Well yeah. It’s just that— he looks sketchy.” he pauses, “plus… isn’t he a little too old for you?” 

You roll your eyes as you’ve already expected to hear the words from him. 

“He’s 31. He’s not that old.” you say rather defensively so you turn the ball back on his court. “And what if he was?  Didn’t you ask one of the moms out??”

Mat’s eyes widens and you try to bite back a laugh. He whispers with a biting tone, trying to save himself. “She didn’t look like one! I’m gonna kill Beau I swear to god.”

“Come on Barz. Don’t be such a killjoy. Text me if you need anything, okay? Wrap things up while you’re at it.” you say at once. Mat doesn’t get the chance to talk you out of such a stupid idea because before he even could, you’ve already planted a kiss on his cheek and started walking away. 

Mat waited for the sound of the heavy doors of the bar, signaling that you and your friend have gone, before stepping back to where Zoe was. She waves him near the coat closet. 

“Hi.” Mat greets her friends before eventually turning his attention on the unsuspecting lass. She meets her with a smile (just like what she’s been doing all night). The same smile, however, drops the second Mat opens his mouth. “Can I talk to you for a sec?” 

Zoe nods and willfully abides, letting Mat take her gently by the arm. 

“What’s up?” she innocently asks. 

“Something came up.” he says a little too fast than what he’d originally intended. He was going to let her down either way might as well get it over with and rip up the asshole band-aid. 

“Oh.” she says in a tone Mat knew that she completely understood. 

“No worries.” she looks at him with a knowing look in her eyes. “I’ll see you around then.” 

He gives her a kind smile and nods. “Take care.” 

Mathew walks towards the bar, catching River’s teasing grin whilst he cleans up after the bottles left on the center of the counter. 

“What?” Mat reacts defensively, taking a seat in front of the lone bartender. River faintly shakes his head to leave just enough curiosity in Mathew’s mind. 

“You’re such a tool, old man.” the kid says aiming for the cold beer River has put away for himself. River did not mind because he’s grown fond of the star player for the past years he’s spent going on late night drinks at his bar. Years that even justifies a proper amount of time for him to know the in’s and out’s of one Mathew Barzal. 

“I haven’t said a thing.” he shrugs amidst the already wide grin on his face. 

There’s wisdom in his eyes that Mathew has always admired. He wasn’t the guy who’d want to talk about what’s going on inside his head but with how River’s pub seems to be just the right place, he eventually concedes and takes a shot to pick on the old man’s brain.

“Come on, spill it out. I know you’re going to anyway.” Mat gives in, running his thumb on the moist label of the bottle. 

River wipes his hands before resting it atop the counter. “Well, it’s just that– I ain’t used to seeing you turn down ladies like that too often. And you’re definitely not one to stick around watching me clean up.”

Mat stays silent for a moment, as if to gather the exact reason as to why he chose to stay. He still has a long way to go before figuring that one out. He wasn’t exactly as sharp as he was on the ice.

“I don’t know, man.” he chuckles tirelessly, “I guess I wasn’t in the mood. That’s all.”

“You?” River shots a brow and dismisses him, shaking his head. When Mat doesn’t answer, he carefully picks on his choice of words and lays it down carefully for him. After all, Mathew should have known that River was old enough to not know what’s going on.

“Though I gotta be honest with you, hijo. Never imagined you’d bring someone here.” he starts. 

What must have been a shot in the dark for the old man was just enough to tear Mathew’s eyes away from staring at the water beads on the bottle.

“What?”

“The girl, Barz.” he says, banging on the head of the bottle to knock the cap off. “She a friend?” 

“What? Y/N?” Mat quirks his brows trailing off where River was exactly headed, “What about her?— Oh, her? Yeah, no. She’s just a friend.”

“She pretty.” he speaks in a sound accent, not wanting to let Mat know he’s growing to like catching the young lad off guard. Mathew nods casually despite the continuous blabbering. “She’s y/n. But yeah— I guess, she is pretty.” 

“Then what are you doing being just friends with a pretty girl?” River inquires, taking a sip of his beer. When he sees him trying to register what he’d just said he then adds, “Why not be with her? Date her?”

“Psh. What? Date y/n? That’s crazy.” Mat shakes his head furiously, “You’re crazy.” 

“What’s so crazy about that?” River takes offense, laughing at the child’s naivete. 

“I can’t date her. I mean— I won’t date her.” he takes the bottle to his mouth, taking a large gulp before continuing, “We’re in this weird relationship thing. A setup, actually, and it’s— it’s crazier than dating her. I swear, you of all people won’t get it.” 

“What makes you think I can’t?” he smirks, “I’ve had my fair share of crazy.” River points out despite the hesitation in Mat’s eyes. “I got all night, kid.” he adds, letting him have the floor to himself. 

“You really want in on this?” he second guesses, not wanting to bore the man with his personal life.

River leans against the brass counter just below the lit rack of vintage scotch displayed on the bar. He then gestures him to give a piece of his mind and Mat finally submits to his offer.

“We’ve been in a few… prior engagements,” he starts trying to find the appropriate word. “Well, sort of.”

River hums, not necessarily getting on the same page as him so he decides to be upfront about it.

“We’ve… slept together.” he confesses.

“So you used to date her?” the old man asks. 

“No.” he answers, “I told you we’re just friends.” 

With furrowed brows, River takes a minute. And once Mat hears an all too familiar “Oh.” he sees him break a chuckle, shaking his head at the thought of what Mat had just told him. “You kids have way too much fun these days.”

Mathew shrugs, “Hey, I warned you. Told you you wouldn’t get it.”

“Okay, make me understand something here. You two sleep together, fool around, do all that shit.” he says, “and you swear you’re not in a relationship?”

“Nope.” Mat answers with pride, popping out the word with a hard ‘p’.

“Huh.” River clicks his tongue, “How long have you two been… engaged?” 

He rolls his eyes when River uses his word, “About two months.” he answers shortly.

“Is she seeing anyone since you two started this thing? You know, casual dates, the ones I presume she’s been getting before you got her into this mess?” he asks him in a tone that only fathers would ever dare to use.

Mat thinks for a moment, trying to recall the last time he’s seen a guy pick you up for dinner besides the old man you’ve successfully bagged for the night. He firmly shakes his head no and simply says, “At least not in my recollection.”

River willfully nods, walking Mat right into the trap. “Well have you been seeing anyone lately?” he asks again, this time slipping a hint of assertion. He hears a crystal clear ‘no’ from the forward and that’s when he broke a goading grin. 

“And you’re telling me you two aren’t together?” he asks yet again, getting on Mat's nerves as he continues to flood him with biting queries, building up the final point he was about to break on Mathew.

“Rivs, for the hundredth time, no. We are not.” he clarifies. 

Mat watches River pour himself a glass of scotch, still wearing a smug grin. “Imma give you a piece of advice, yeah?” he smiles rather teasingly and doesn’t wait for Mat to rebut, “I’m a happily married man so I don’t know a single squat about dating nowadays, but if you’re telling me that you kids aren’t sleeping with anyone else but yourselves? Looks like a damn relationship to me.”

With his brows all quirked in confusion (and denial in the very least), Mathew gathers all his might just so he could refute whatever madness River was trying to inflict on him and screw him up in the head. But before he could even open his mouth, the sound of the heavy doors was all it took to tear up both River’s and Mat’s attention.

“Hi.” you say the moment you were welcomed by unsuspecting men talking by the bar. River acknowledges you by raising his drink, his gaze landing on Mat the moment yours did. 

“Hi.” Mathew mirrors you in an attempt to drown his already racing heart. A smile impending to break loose at any moment but he manages to suppress it. Instead of dealing with his adrenaline, he gestures for you to take a seat beside him. 

“Where’s the sugar daddy?” he laughs the moment you drag yourself from across the room, mocking every word he said. 

“His wife called when I got into his car.” you cringe.

“Oof. Lovely.” Mat makes the distinct expression on his face just before the two of you share a laugh.

“He’s not very smooth with adultery. He needs more practice.” you casually state sarcastically, clicking your tongue. 

As you find the narrative funny, you take a sip on Mathew’s beer. “How are you not drunk? You’ve been drinking way too much the entire night.”

“Well. I’ve got some things to think about—” he cuts himself off upon seeing your mouth ajar, “And no, you’re not allowed to ask because none of it concerns you.” 

“I wasn’t going to.” you dismiss him, excusing yourself to River which he gladly took as his cue to leave.

When he disappeared into the kitchen, you turned your gaze on your friend wearing another one of your mischievous grins, “Hey, wanna get pancakes?” 

“Y/N, it’s almost 3 AM.” Mat sighs, the tiring night starting to creep up to him. 

“So?” you question, swatting his hand away when you catch him checking on his watch. 

“Come on. Stop drinking that.” you insist and take the bottle from his hand before putting it over to the side. 

The two of you said your goodbyes to the lone bartender who was just starting to clean up again. River gives the two of you a nod of acknowledgement before landing a knowing look on Mathew. One that he’s thankful enough not to be discerned by you. 

As you walk alongside Mathew, he unconsciously places a hand on the small of your back— feeling it graze on the fabric of your coat as if to guide you towards the door in an almost romantic type of way. Perhaps, a way someone would behave if they were actually in a relationship. 

Mat notices your body tense but he doesn’t move an inch. Instead, his hand travels to the curve of your waist just as he leads you through the brass doors.

Once you’re out on the streets, he lets go.

𖥸

After almost half an hour of fighting over which diner is better to eat and get sober at, you and Mat decide to just try the new diner three blocks from your apartment. Being that it was an ungodly hour, the diner was good as closed when you got in. There were a few people inside and besides the student studying alone in the corner booth, the people lounging in the vacant seats were mostly just staff. Too bad they had to work the grave shift.

Mathew, who was rather preoccupied digging in his breakfast platter, gets interrupted when you call his attention. 

“So tell me,” you ask as you take a forkful of syrupy pancake into your mouth. Finally satisfying your cravings. You put the food modestly in the insides of your cheeks when you ask him a question, “What are you like on dates?” 

Mat disgustingly looks at you. You easily get what such a look meant and you immediately roll your eyes. You let your hand fall in mid-air amidst still holding a fork in it to prove a point. “I’m not trying to ask you out, dumbass. Don’t be so delusional.”

He puts his silverware down and wipes his mouth with a napkin. “Why the sudden interest?” 

“Just curious.” you simply say.

He hums, thinking about how he pulls off a first date. He then clears his throat as he takes you down that road. “First, I’m not bringing her to a 24/7 Diner.” you nearly gag. “She deserves a formal one just in case there won’t be a second date.” he explains. 

You sit there, nodding your head every now and then as he further goes on the details of how he’s like on a date. “Of course, I’d put my best foot forward all the time. Talk about her stuff more than mine and make sure she has a good time.” 

“Have you ever had a bad first date?” you curiously ask. To which he only answers with a stubborn look on his face, the one only Mat Barzal could pull off. “What? me? I don’t do bad first dates.”

“Oh, fuck off.” you flick his forehead as you laugh. The sound of his laughter echoing in your ears, drowning all the existing noise inside the lone diner.

But as the laughter dies down, Mat catches your eyes as soon as it falls on his. And just like that, there it was again, the exact same glint it had back in the bar. This time, illuminated by the pink shaded light lining up the wall accents of the diner. 

When he realizes that he’s been staring for too long, he settles on turning the tables on you. 

“How about you?” he props in his seat, “What are you like on dates?”

“You know, apart from the fact that you’re obviously into old men.” he snickers and you throw a curly fry on his forehead.

“Excuse me, I don’t.” you say sticking up for yourself.

Mat takes the curly fry that has fallen on his plate and proceeds to eat it. “Sure you do.” 

You roll your eyes, finding it hard to suppress the fact that you might actually do. “There’s a reason why women like old men, chico.”

He leans back and answers with a level headed and quite teasing reply, “And why’s that?”

“Because they’re men.” you look at him with a jerky grin as you continue, “And men, especially of River’s kind, definitely knows how to eat his french fry.”

Mat’s mouth falls wide in disbelief, appalled that you’ve actually found a way to pick up a stone and throw it straight to his face just to rub more salt on the fact that you had to teach a 23-year-old grown man how to eat cunt.

 “You’re an ass.” he says, rolling his eyes. You let out a laugh and shake your head. You were proud of yourself, sure; but showing just that is far too much for a boy’s already hurting ego. Who would have known humbling this man was such a task. 

“I’m playing! You know how to now.” you tell him, “Thanks to me, of course.”

He scoffs and takes a bite off his pancakes, “Cocky.”

“But you still haven’t answered my question.” he reminds you whilst he wipes off his lips with a napkin. 

“There’s not much to tell. You know I’m not high maintenance.” you tell him, ignoring the fact that you haven’t been on an actual date for so long you’re almost sure you’ve forgotten how to be in one. 

“I know it’s cheesy and corny but I do think it’s still in the littlest things, you know?” you sigh. Trying to remember the last relationship (date even) you had wherein those little things, the ones that are merely the bare minimum, were actually given to you. 

“You know, it’s not much, really. Maybe just a good talk without having to watch him watch me talk all night when he’s really thinking about how I’d look naked, you know what I mean?” you laugh it off, “I know, it’s stupid.”

The arrogant man sitting before you was silent for once, profusely wanting to wash the pool of melancholy he sees in your eyes. There must have been a shit ton of guys who overlooked how great of a woman you actually are just because they couldn’t stop thinking with the head in between their legs even just for a second. 

Mathew knows. And he hates that he’s been ‘that’ guy at some point. Probably until now considering him thinking with his balls on was the very thing that got the two of you here in the first place.

You take a deep breath, smiling. “Anyway, that’s better than almost getting with a married man. Right?”

“Right.” Mat laughs, his gray eyes bright under all the lights as he plays with his silverware,— devoid of how much he looked like as if he was utterly and undeniably in awe of not just the energy of the woman sitting in front of him alone nor the fact that she was by far the most unbelievable woman he’s known, but most importantly, he’s yet to realize how much in deep he’s beginning to be for the woman she actually were. 

Just as she is. 

𖥸

You left the diner a good hour before the sunrise and what must have been a quick five minute drive if you had only taken a cab, became a twenty minute foot race between you and Mathew.

You knew that walking was a bad idea but somehow, Mat’s charm and persuasive antics had a better hold than you thought you had on your very capable cognition. 

As you drag your feet into the confines of the elevator in your complex, you hear Mathew chuckling behind you with a firm hand securely placed on your waist supporting your balance. 

“You know— and not just ‘cause I’m an athlete, can I just say that you’re in a very bad shape?” he says almost a whisper in your ear, his voice low and deep.

You roll your eyes, leaning on the steel cold mirror once he pulls away, “You do it in heels then tell me who’s in a bad shape.” 

“Fair point.” he chuckles yet again, shying away. He presses the number for your floor before resting across from you. As Mat watches you catch your breath, he jokes in the hopes of breaking the ice between the two of you. 

“So…” he clicks his tongue, playful eyes looking at you, “Wanna tap?”

Disgusted to your very core, you let out a scoff just as you shake your head. “You’re fucking sick.” you laugh upon meeting his dumb grinning face. Seconds into laughter, Mat’s silence kills off the humor. The two of you exchange glances, the smiles on your faces receding into quietude. 

Mathew didn’t want to end the night letting you in the apartment not knowing what he’s been feeling the moment you’ve let him drag you out for an impromptu night out. And stupid as it was, the only thing he could think of was to slide his foot across the enclosed space embracing the two of you, nudging on your boot. You on the one hand were rather puzzled as to what caused such language. You send him a mental query by arching a brow. He lets his head fall back on the cold metal surrounding the elevator finally deciding to speak his truth.

 “I’m glad we get to hang out now. You know, just like friends do.” he genuinely says. 

“Me too.” you say, smiling. “I really had fun tonight. Thank you.”

As you meet his eyes, you see a glimmer of softness in his gaze. 

“Good thing I got bored, eh?” he says with a smirk. 

“Good thing I came back for you.” you reply.

A quiet smile parts from his lips.

“Yeah. I’m glad you did.”

It was a few seconds when you and Barzy parted from your respective walls to meet the sliding doors as it opened on your designated floor. You were pulling him closer by the tie of his coat whilst his hand was instinctively placed on your hips letting him press his body on you. Your faces were inches from each other’s, evident of not wanting to prolong the totally unplanned foreplay that’s about to go down in a communal lift. 

But just like every film you’ve watched your whole life, the inevitable cliché befalls the two of you when the next words that filled the enclosed walls you’re currently caged in came from the man who has yet to miss a morning jog. 

“What the hell is going on here?”

[fics-n-stuff]

Home

Pairing: Kaz Brekker × Reader

Summary: Y/N and Kaz were once childhood friends, later reunited in the Barrel. After a business dealing went awry, Y/N has been in hiding for almost a year and the time apart has brought up a lot of feelings for Kaz.

Word Count: 4.2k

Warnings: touch aversion, alcohol consumption

A/N: I haven't actually read SoC yet but I have done my research so I really hope I wrote Kaz accurately enough 🤞🏽 Let me know!! I left the reader gender neutral so all parties can enjoy 😁

Update: Pt 2 here!

You stared out of the window, watching the nightlife of the Barrel in full swing below you. It had been almost a year since you had been able to be a part of it all and, even though you had lived in Ketterdam all your life, you felt like an outsider now.

There was a knock on the door and you froze, head tilting to listen out for any threat. After a moment there was another knock, loud and heavy – certainly not the result of somebody’s knuckle hitting the wood. With a sigh, you stood up from the window ledge and crossed the room to the door.

Kaz was waiting on the other side, looking unamused as ever, and you waved him inside quickly and hurriedly shut the door behind him.

“I am one of three people that knock on your door, Y/N.” He said flatly, removing his hat and placing it atop your desk.

“I can’t be too careful, never know when someone might come sniffing around here.” You replied with a shrug. Kaz hummed shortly in acknowledgment before producing a small stack of envelopes from his coat. You snatched them from him eagerly, but careful to ensure that your fingers made no contact with his gloved ones.

“I’m getting tired of being your courier.”

“Well, I’m getting tired of being in hiding.” You huffed, leafing through your letters. “But I’d rather not walk around in a city where I’m actively being hunted.”

“You shouldn’t have gotten caught then.” Your head snapped towards Kaz at that, and you raised your eyebrows challengingly.

“I should slap you for that.”

“You wouldn’t dare.” Kaz’s face remained largely unchanged but you could see the shine of amusement in his eyes.

You had first met Kaz as a child, while visiting family in the village where his family lived. He was a sweet child, and you had struck up a fast friendship in the few months you spent there. You had even written letters back and forth for a couple of years until one time you never got a reply.

When you met again years later, entirely by chance, Kaz was a changed person. Your family’s fortune had taken a steep downturn and you found yourself alone, living in a tiny room in a boarding house in the Barrel, when Kaz came across you pickpocketing outside the Crow Club. He had recognised you, but you hadn’t recognised him at first. Everything about him was so departed from the sweet boy that you had known as a child.

He refused to tell you what had happened to change him in this way. He never gave you a cause for the ruthless person he had become to climb the ranks of the Dregs and earn the name Dirtyhands, never even told you what had brought him to Ketterdam at all other than that his father had died. He never pushed you away though. Kept you at arms length, yes, but he never tried to dissuade you from sticking around.

The longer you knew him the more you realised that he wasn’t as cold as his demeanour portrayed. He was fiercely loyal, you could see it in the way that he was with his Crows, and you were certain that he would do anything to protect those he cared about most. You admired that about him.

“You don’t have to come, you know. You could send Inej with my letters, she already delivers me food.” You said, turning away at the realisation that you had been looking at each other in silence for a few seconds too long. You went to sit down, picking up the envelope from the top of the pile and pulling up the wax seal. Kaz didn’t respond for a long while. You tried to read your letter but found yourself distracted with anticipation of what he would say, if he said anything at all.

“I commend your commitment to your business.” He said finally, and you smiled at the compliment. “Eleven months trapped in this apartment and you’re still keeping up with it all.”

“Being in hiding is no excuse to get lazy. If anything, it gives me more of a reason to keep on top of things. Work keeps me sane and keeps coin in my pocket.”

“And how long do you intend to keep conducting your business through letters and underlings?”

“For as long as I have to, Kaz. You know that.” You answered with a quiet sigh, setting down the letter that you definitely hadn’t been reading and turning your head to face him again. You saw his jaw tense and the grip on his cane tighten, but you didn’t know what it meant. You were worried that somehow you had done or said something to upset him.

You had learned, in the few years since your reunion, that sometimes even the most seemingly innocuous things could put Kaz in a black mood. You had caught on quickly to the way that he avoided touch at all costs, and adapted your behaviour accordingly. He had still never told you why being touched triggered such a strong reaction in him, but he knew that you would always respect that fact.

It didn’t matter to you what traumas Kaz had suffered to create these traits in him, only that you knew how to navigate being in his space without violating his boundaries, because deep down you knew that Kaz was the most important person in your life. He took you in and offered you support when you needed it, given you structure and taught you skills to survive without even necessitating that you use those skills to serve his gang, all because of the friendship that you had shared as children. It didn’t matter how heartless people said the Bastard of the Barrel was, you knew that Kaz cared; perhaps not in the same way that you had come to care for him, but he did care.

“Maybe you should go, I’m sure you have work of your own to do.” You mumbled, your eyes drifting downwards anxiously. “And anyway, I have letters to read.”

“I could protect you.” He blurted. His voice was a little louder than usual, his tone less flat, and your brow furrowed in confusion and curiosity. “We could. The Crows, and the Dregs.”

“I don’t need your protection.”

“But you’d have it.”

You turned fully in your chair, straddling it with one leg either side of the backrest, and leant your forearms on the top of it. There was something in Kaz’s eyes that you’d never seen before and, although you prided yourself on being able to tell how Kaz was feeling and what he might be thinking about, you couldn’t figure out what it was.

“Do you know something that I don’t?” You questioned.

“Of course not.”

“Do you suddenly not trust my ability to keep myself safe?”

“Nothing like that, Y/N.”

“Then what?” You rested your chin on your arms, looking up at him expectantly. He held your gaze, but you could see the cogs turning in his brain as he calculated his next sentence. You were preparing for an argument to start, so you certainly didn’t expect the words that came from him next.

“I’m concerned about how long you’ve been alone here.” He answered. You blinked.

“Concerned?” Your voice cracked a little with your surprise, and Kaz clenched his jaw as he averted his eyes from you.

“I just thought that maybe all this time on your own might have had some affect on you. And I... hold a certain sense of responsibility.” His voice never wavered or faltered, other than the one pause there was no suggestion in his speech that the words held any significance to him, but you could see the tension in his shoulders and the tight grip that he maintained on his cane.

You narrowed your eyes, taking a moment to examine his face and his demeanour. Everything about him was wound tight, like he was making a particularly tricky deal rather than talking to a friend – you hoped that he considered you a friend – and though he was looking in your general direction you noted his avoidance of eye contact.

“If I didn’t know better I’d think you were saying that you miss me, Mr Brekker.” You said, your mouth turning in a small smirk. You saw Kaz’s chest tighten as he silently took in a sharp breath, and you chuckled lightly. “I’m fine, Kaz. Inej visits often enough, and I’m happy to see you when you deliver my letters. I will say though, I miss drinking with your Crows.”

Truthfully, you did feel rather trapped in your tiny apartment. For almost a whole year your entire world had consisted of only three rooms, and even if you didn’t admit it you were going slightly mad. Not being able to leave was frustrating, and living your whole life in one room (because really, who spends that much of their day in the bathroom or kitchen?) made you feel like a caged animal.

He didn’t reply. He also didn’t move. You watched him, standing straight and stiff as ever in the middle of the room, for a few moments. Usually he would have said something or made a move to leave, so you knew that he was deep in thought about something. You slouched further down against the backrest of your chair.

“If you’re planning on sticking around then you should at least sit down.” You sighed. “I have some kvas, or whisky if you’d prefer.” Kaz shook his head no to the drink but made a move towards the window seat. You watched him cross the room and sit down, his grip remaining on his cane as he placed it between his knees. “What’s on your mind, Kaz?”

“It’s not important.”

“That can’t be true.”

“And why is that?” He questioned dully.

“Because you’re still here, with me, staring into space like you’re waiting for the wind to tell you a secret.” He looked at you then, and you could see a conflict swirling behind his eyes. You resisted the urge to furrow your brow in worry. He still didn’t say anything, and that didn’t do anything to ease your concern because Kaz Brekker was not often one to be at a loss for words. “Is something wrong?”

“Yes.” He murmured, his head nodding slightly.

“Do you want to tell me about it?” You asked softly. He looked into your eyes for a few seconds before turning his head away, clearly deciding not to answer. You were almost expecting him to get up and leave the apartment right then, remove himself from the uncomfortable situation like he had been known to do before, but he made no move to stand.

You stood instead, abruptly moving through to the tiny kitchen and pouring a glass of whisky for yourself. You took a long sip as you came back out into the living space, picking up a wooden staff on your way. You kept up your combat training while in hiding, though it wasn’t often that you got an opponent.

“Humour me, will you?” You smiled, spinning the staff in your hand and setting your drink down.

“There’s not much space in here.” Kaz commented.

“Then we’ll be careful. Get up and fight me, coward.” You goaded. He gave you an incredulous look but stood anyway, tossing his cane up and grabbing it at it’s middle as he came towards you. Your grin broadened, and you waited just until the was in your range before you swung at him.

Your staff collided with his cane, moved up just in time to block your attack, and he watched you with challenging amusement. You let him make the next attack, knocking his cane away when he swung it towards you.

You exchanged blows, each of you managing to block all of the other’s attacks but you were starting to corner him. It seemed like you were about to get the upper hand when he swiped his cane towards your middle, making you jump back, and before you could move to swing on him he had pushed the crow’s head handle into your chest, not so hard that it was painful but with enough force to knock you backwards.

You landed on the edge of your bed with a groan, letting the staff drop from your hand in defeat.

“No fair, your cane is basically an extension of your arm.” You grumbled. Kaz let out a short breath, the closest thing to a laugh that anyone could get from him.

“You picked the fight.” He shrugged, lowering his cane and righting it at his hip. “I could have told you that you wouldn’t win it.”

“Mean!” You exclaimed in exaggerated offense, sitting up. When you looked at Kaz his expression was soft, the worry behind his eyes seemingly eased, and you smiled. “I could beat you if it was hand to hand.”

“I don’t doubt that.” He replied, the almost compliment catching you by surprise once again.

It had been a while since you and Kaz had spent any significant amount of time together. He was a busy man, particularly so over the last few months it seemed, so other than his brief drop-ins to deliver your letters you hadn’t seen him. It was nice to have his company again, even if he was a little off.

“Do you remember those drawings of Ketterdam that I used to send you with my letters?” You questioned softly, tucking your knees up to your chest. “I used to walk around the city looking for spots to sketch. I’d spend hours sitting on the street with my pencils trying to get the picture perfect to show you what it was like. I think, now, you probably know the city better than I do.” You smiled wistfully, resting your head on your knees as you looked up at Kaz. You saw his Adam’s apple bob with a swallow.

“You miss it, don’t you?” He asked.

“Of course.”

“You could go out there, stop hiding. You know I would look out for you.”

“I can’t put that burden on you, Kaz.” You chuckled lightly. “Enough people want you dead already, you don’t need to be looking after me while I’m being actively hunted.”

“How long do you plan on staying locked in here then?”

“As long as it takes, we went through this earlier. I have a big deal coming up, with the money from that I’d be able to smooth over some edges and maybe I could come out of hiding in a few months.” You theorised. “I’d still have to watch over my shoulder all the time but it would be an improvement.” Kaz’s jaw tightened again, and he bristled with agitation.

You hugged your knees tighter, doubt and worry overcoming you. Was Kaz not okay with coming to see you here anymore? Was he trying to get you out of hiding to lighten the burden it had put on him, getting your letters delivered to the Crow Club and having to bring them to you? The thought of not being able to rely on his short visits was enough to fill your chest with a mixture of dread and guilt.

“Like I said before, you don’t have to keep coming if that’s the problem.” You added, hiding the dejection in your voice. “Inej can-"

“No.” He interrupted bluntly. You blinked, pressing your lips together in contemplation. Was he upset that Inej was bringing supplies for you? Or worse, had something happened to her? Was that what was bothering him so much tonight?

“Why not?”

“Because I-" He cut himself off. He took a step back as if regaining his balance, his gaze falling to the floor, and you watched him flex his fingers around his cane as he organised his words. “Do you remember how you got sick while you were visiting your family?”

“Kaz.” You murmured tentatively, craning your neck to try and get a better look at his face that was turned away from you. Kaz didn’t like to talk about the past. Even bringing up the letters that you sent each other had been pushing it, but for him to choose to talk about your childhood was something he had never done before. Still now, it looked like the mention of the past was making him nauseous as he moved to sit down in the window once again. Your curiosity was growing by the second.

“You got sick and you could hardly get out of bed for almost a fortnight.” He continued, dismissing your concern. “I went to visit you every day. I picked flowers for you to make you feel better, and your mother baked oatmeal cookies but I refused to have any unless you did because you weren’t eating enough.”

“I remember.” You nodded. “You never let my glass of water get empty. It was sweet. But why does it matter now?”

“I can’t... I can’t stop worrying about you. But unlike when we were kids, I can’t just walk up the street and check on you every day.”

You felt as if all the air had been knocked out of your lungs and for a second you genuinely wondered if you had made that up in your head. Kaz very rarely expressed any emotion – the mask he wore hardly ever slipped – but here he was telling you that he worried about you. For Kaz, that was practically him baring his soul for you to see.

“You don’t have to worry about me.” You said shakily. “I’ve been fine so far, haven’t I?”

“But what if you’re not fine for much longer? As long as you’re holed up here I can’t keep you safe, and I can’t come to check on you because if I come here too often people might notice. Honestly, it’s a miracle that they haven’t already.”

“I didn’t think you believed in miracles.” You mumbled. Kaz glanced up at you, and the vulnerability on his face was unlike anything you’d seen before. It struck you in the heart and made you feel a need to comfort him, to put him at ease. “I can take care of myself, Kaz. I promise."

He was silent for a moment, his gaze downcast once again, then he took a deep breath and spoke.

“I think I’ll take that drink now.”

You watched him for just a second before you got up, crossing over to your desk and picking up the glass of whiskey that you had left there. The glass was half full since you had admittedly poured a little too generously.

You held it out to Kaz, who reached for it without looking. Although you were careful to hold the glass at the very top, his gloved fingers still brushed slightly over yours as he took a hold of it. He immediately stiffened, and you were quick to pull your hand away, taking a step back to give him space. He downed the drink in one, his face scrunching just slightly at the burn it left in his throat as he set the glass down by his feet.

“I just want to be able to watch over you.” He said, his voice barely more than a whisper, and you could practically see how difficult it was for him to verbalise his feelings.

“I think... I understand what you mean, Kaz. But I’m safer staying here than being out there, even with the Dregs protecting me. You have to know that, right?”

Kaz pushed a peice of hair out of his face, his gloved hand smoothing over his head as he let out a long and quiet sigh. Finally, he looked up at you.

“I know.” He answered.

“I appreciate your concern though.” You smiled. “Honestly, I didn’t think you cared about me that much. Or, well, I knew you cared but I just didn’t think... nevermind.”

“You didn’t think what?” Kaz’s question made you pause, anxiety pooling in your chest as you contemplated coming clean about your feelings. You thought about lying, about keeping your secrets to yourself, but Kaz had been so sincere it only felt right to return his honesty. With a deep breath, you worked up the courage to finally tell him the truth.

“I didn’t think that you cared as much as I do.” You replied. The sentence hung in the air for a moment as you moved back to sit in your desk chair, heart pounding in your chest. “I’ve kind of found myself caring a lot, actually. I think it’s only fair, really. I mean, I kind of owe you my life and all so it makes sense that I care. That’s not to say that it’s sensible but it is at least understandable, I guess.”

You bit your lip to stop your rambling, dropping your head so that you didn’t have to look at Kaz. There was a long stretch of silence.

“I care more than I might show.” He spoke softly, much more softly than you think you’d ever heard his voice. When you looked up Kaz was gazing right back at you, your eyes locking and his stare going deep into your soul. He didn’t need to say more, that simple sentence and the look in his eyes were enough to tell you what he was confessing. A smile pulled at your lips.

“Be careful what you admit, Brekker, or I might think that you’re going soft.” You joked, and he shook his head lightly in amusement. You leaned forward with your elbows on your knees, letting go of the anxiety that had been coursing through you.

“I'm serious, Y/N."

“I know. You don’t make a habit of saying things that you don’t mean.” You nodded. You glanced up at the clock on your wall with a sigh. “You really should get going, it’s dangerous for us both for you to stay too long.”

“Yes, I suppose so.” He muttered.

He stood after a moment, his hand flexing over the crow’s head handle of his cane. You reached back to pick his hat up from the desk, and he held a hand out for it, but instead of passing it to him you placed atop your own head. It was too big, and you had to push it back on your head so it didn’t slide over your face.

“You know, I rather like you without the hat.” You smiled.

“Is that so?”

“Yep. I can see your face better this way so I can tell when your emotions manage to break through.” Kaz’s lips quirked upwards a little as he took the hat from your head and put it on his own. You jutted your lip out in an exaggerated pout and he let out a huff that seemed suspiciously close to a laugh.

“Do you have any letters you need me to send out?”

“No, not this time.”

“Alright, then I’ll be on my way.” He gave a quick nod and turned towards the door. He had only taken a couple of steps when you twisted in your chair and called after him .

“Kaz.” He stopped and turned back to you. “I’m doing what I can to get out of this apartment, I promise.”

“That’s not something that you owe me, Y/N. It’s your freedom and your safety. But I await the day that you come waltzing into the Crow Club ready to make Jesper lose all the coin in his pocket.” He replied lightly, making you smile. “And if you need anything then I’m here, all you have to do is ask.”

“Thank you, not just for this but for everything. Everything that you’ve given me since that night outside the Crow Club. I might be dead if it weren’t for you.” You let sentiment out freely, finally feeling able to show your heart to Kaz now that you knew that your affections weren’t one sided. His expression softened, and he seemed to contemplate something deeply, before he took a single step back towards you and held out one gloved hand.

You hesitated, unsure if he was initiating what you were thinking, but he maintained eye contact. He gave a small nod, a mix of permission and encouragement, and you tentatively reached for his outstretched hand.

Kaz took in a deep breath when your hand made contact with his, and you watched him carefully ready to pull your hand away. After a moment he released the breath, wrapping his fingers lightly around yours and running his thumb over your knuckles.

“You’re the closest thing to home that I have.” He croaked. “I didn’t want to lose that.”

“You won’t.” You affirmed. Kaz released your hand, and you found yourself missing the feeling of the leather glove. He took a small step back, trying to hide the shake in his breathing.

“I’ll come back soon, as soon as it’s safe to.”

“Okay.” You smiled. “I’ll see you then.”

Kaz left the apartment without another word between you, he paused before closing the door after himself just to look at you for a moment longer. You watched out of the window to see him leave the building and start off through the street, a broad smile on your face.

[andithiel]

I've been feeling a bit detatched from my writing lately, but I wanted to do something for Harry's birthday. So I managed to get out 2k of, I think maybe fluff? Many thanks to @booktopusmunro for the speedy beta and encouragement ❤️ Happy birthday Harry! Sidenote: Sega Mega Drive was called Sega Genesis in the US. This fic is loosely based on a scene from the Friends episode “The One Where Rachel Finds Out”.

Start Level

“Everybody! Hey, everybody, settle down! It’s time for Harry to open his presents!”

Ron’s sonoroused voice made Harry wince as he sat cross-legged in his favourite squishy armchair. A belly full of birthday cake and the comfort of  his friends surrounding him made Harry sleepy; but as he watched them all scramble to get seated as close to him as possible, a warmth rose in his chest. Ron had, of course, already sat down on the sofa closest to Harry before he made the announcement, but at Harry’s single raised eyebrow he shrugged with a crooked grin.

Harry snorted. He knew that with five older brothers, it was inevitable that Ron knew how to get to the front first. He looked around the room, trying not to tear up at the sight of all his friends gathered around, sitting on each other’s laps or perched on tables and armrests, all looking expectedly at him.

“Oh dear, what’s wrong with him?” Pansy stage-whispered to Hermione.

“Nothing,” said Harry, to let Hermione off the hook. “I’m just happy to get to spend my birthday with the people I love.”

Well, all except one, he thought. Draco hadn’t been able to get out of his work shift, and Harry refused to admit how disappointed he’d been when he’d found out about that, because it wasn’t reasonable for him to be. It wasn’t as if he expected Draco to be around all the time now just because they were sort of friends, or at least hung out in the same friend circles. But still, it wasn’t every day you turned 25 and wanted to celebrate with the people you cared most about.

Harry accepted the gift that Ron handed to him with a smile and a “Happy birthday, mate.” He tore the wrappings off to reveal a set of Wizards Chess. At Harry’s puzzled expression Ron explained. “Well, since you lost your old set I thought I’d give you a new one so we can play again!”

“Right,” Harry said with a tight smile, not mentioning that he knew damn well where his old set was (buried deep in a box in his attic because he was sick of losing to Ron all the time). “Thanks,” he managed to grind out, hoping it sounded sincere.

The rest under the cut or on ao3

“Maybe this one will be more useful,” said Blaise, as he handed Harry a thick, heavy parcel.

“Thanks Blaise!” Harry turned the package in his hands. “Hmmm, it feels like a book. Pretty sure it’s a book.” He unwrapped it. “And it’s a book! It’s— oh.”

“What, Harry?” Luna straightened up a bit to try and get a look.

“Um, nothing,” said Harry, trying to hide the Kama Sutra for Beginners behind his back. “Nothing, it’s, uh, I’ll have a closer look at this later.”

Blaise smirked and Harry whipped his head around to the stack of gifts next to him, wanting to occupy his mind with something other than the writhing bodies on the cover of the book currently taking up all the space in his head. “Who’s this from?” He picked up a big box wrapped in black paper with little golden snitches on it and a big golden bow on top.

“Oh that’s Draco’s,” said Pansy. “I promised I’d give it to you since he couldn’t make it today.”

“Right, right. Thanks Pansy,” Harry mumbled as he carefully peeled the tape from the paper, both so he wouldn’t tear it and so he could busy himself with the task instead of thinking about how Draco was holed up in St Mungo’s on Harry’s birthday.

He finally managed to get all the tape off and unwrapped the gift slowly. The sight of the box made him let out a gush of air, unable to believe that this was really real. Had Draco actually bought him—?

“What is it, Harry?” asked Hermione, trying to lean in closer to see what was in the box.

“I can’t—” Harry began, before swallowing and starting over. “I can’t believe he remembered.”

“What? What is it?” came a collective query from the group, everyone edging closer now.

Carefully, Harry opened the box to see if the content really matched the exterior, and when he’d made sure it really did, he had to pause again to blink repeatedly against the sting in his eyes. Then he picked up the black plastic box, twisting it in his hands. The room was silent, probably because few of them knew what this was.

“It’s a Muggle video game,” Harry tried to explain. “It’s… It must’ve been weeks ago, months maybe. We passed a Muggle second-hand store and I saw this and I… I made some throwaway comment about how Dudley used to have one of these but I was never allowed to play.” He stroked his thumb over the white letters forming the words “Mega Drive SEGA”, while memories of how he’d desperately wanted to play resurfaced in his mind. This console, like so many others before and after it, had not lasted long in the Dursley household. Before Harry had had any chance at trying it out, Dudley had stomped on it after the umpteenth attempt of getting past Dr. Eggman in the Oil Ocean Zone.

“Oh,” said Hermione softly in his ear, making him realise how close she was. “I remember these! Never had one myself but I sometimes played on my friend’s.”

Harry couldn’t stop staring. It wasn’t an extravagant gift, money-wise, but the thoughtfulness and the effort it must have taken Draco to find this for him was astounding. The game was almost mint condition. Draco must’ve gone back to the store to get a better look, and then found it in another store, because the one they’d seen had been old and battered. The gift made something stir in Harry, something he hadn’t allowed himself to think about before, and he wasn’t sure he was ready for even now.

“Oh, come on, remember when Draco went to Healer school and he fell in love with Keith Hendricks and bought him that ridiculously expensive non-spatter cauldron?” Ron chortled on Harry’s other side.

The room fell quiet and it took a few seconds for Ron’s words to process in Harry’s brain. He snapped his eyes up, looking sharply at Ron, whose ears had gone bright red.

“What did you just say?”

Ron’s eyes went wide and he gave Pansy, who was staring at him with a thunderous expression, a panicked look. “Uh…” said Ron, then cleared his throat several times while shrinking into the sofa. “Er… huh… ummm, non-spatter cauldron?”

“No. No, no,” said Harry, trying to wrap his head around Ron’s words. “The um, the ‘love’ part?”

Ron was now spluttering, frantically looking around the room for any sort of help from someone, and that was enough for the truth to register in Harry’s brain.

“Oh. My. God,” was all he managed to get out.

“Oh, noooo nononononono,” Ron chanted, rubbing his temples. “Noooo, I’m such a lousy friend!”

“I cannot believe this is the first time I hear about this!” Pansy snapped. “And to think that Draco confided in you, of all people!”

Ron straightened up and threw her a sharp look. “Hey! The ferret and I have a very trusting and mature friendship!”

“Yes, clearly he did the right thing trusting you with this information!” Pansy said, crossing her arms over her chest.

“Well it’s not like I’ve told anyone else! I’ve even kept it from my own wife!”

“Oh, bravo, Weasel, ten points to Gryffindor.” Pansy inclined her head in Ron’s direction and clapped her hands in mock applause. “And then you chose this moment to spill the beans, very clever. I’ll have you know that I’ve kept it a secret that he had a crush on Potter back at Hogw—” she said, but interrupted herself. “Er, nevermind.”

Harry felt like he was watching a ping pong match, his mind reeling at all this information. Draco’d had a crush on him at Hogwarts? And now he was in love with him?

“Aha!” Ron shouted triumphantly. “Who’s the bad friend now?”

“Can the two of you shut the fuck up?!” Harry said, surprised at his own words and the force behind them. “I need to think.”

“Yes! Yes, give the poor man some space to think!” Ron hastily said, his expression amix of relieved and frantic.

But before Harry had time to properly panic, the door opened.

“Well, I had to bribe Healer Merriweather by taking all her night shifts for a month, but at least I managed to get here,” said Draco as he stepped inside, impeccably dressed as ever. “Please tell me I haven’t missed the cake.” He paused in front of the doorway, looking around the room, all eyes turned on him. “What? What happened? Is there something on my shirt?” He started patting himself all over, looking for a non-existing stain.

Harry could only stare at him, at the way his hair fell into his eyes and how he had to constantly flick his head to keep it away. The flush on his cheeks from apparently having rushed from the hospital, just to be able to celebrate Harry’s birthday because he knew how important it was to him. Or maybe because he’d seen how disappointed Harry’d been when Draco’d told him he wouldn’t be able to make it and now he‘d wanted to make it up to him. The care with which he had selected a present for Harry just to make him happy. There was a swooping sensation in Harry’s stomach, and suddenly his mouth started speaking before he could stop himself.

“You’re in love with me?”

Draco froze, his eyes widening comically before flitting around the room to finally land on Ron, who seemed to try to make himself a permanent part of Harry’s sofa. After a split second, Draco leaned back into the hallway, not meeting Harry’s eyes once. “Wait, what’s that? Oh, no! I see Head Healer Patel’s patronus, oh this can’t be good, I really must be off.”

He turned around and bolted for the door, but with the reflexes of a seeker, Harry apparated into the hallway, right in front of the stairs.

“You’re in love with me,” he repeated, more like a statement now, or maybe a confirmation to himself.

Draco folded his arms across his chest, lifting his chin. “I have no idea what gave you that impression, Potter, but—”

“Ron told me. Or, well, to be fair he accidentally let it slip.”

“Weasel,” Draco hissed. “I should’ve known it was unwise to get drunk with him. That red-headed buffoon act is a great cover to trick people into trusting him with—”

He didn’t get any further, because right then, Harry decided that he needed to do what he did best: use his gut. And his gut told him that he was pants with words, especially compared to Draco. And he wanted to make Draco stop talking, so he did the first thing that came to mind. He stepped closer and pressed his lips to Draco’s. It was probably the most chaste kiss he’d ever experienced, and yet it gave his stomach that funny swooping feeling again. Draco made a funny sound, like a mix of a squeak and a sharp inhale, and Harry realised that maybe this wasn’t what Draco wanted and started to pull back. But then he was thoroughly proven wrong when Draco grabbed him by the collar and pushed him backwards until they hit the opposite wall. Harry gasped when his head thumped against it, and then again when Draco opened his mouth and really kissed him, hands still fisted in Harry’s shirt.

It was the kind of kiss that, had they not been in Harry’s hallway, it would’ve led to other things. Harry’s body responded immediately, and he desperately wanted more. But their frantic snogging came to an abrupt halt when they suddenly realised they weren’t alone anymore.

“Oh,” someone said softly, and Harry didn’t need to look to know it was Luna.

Then someone (who sounded a lot like Pansy) shouted “What?” and there was the unmistakable sound of all their friends rushing to get to Harry’s front door first, then someone else (definitely Ron) yelled, “I don't need to see that!”

Harry kept his gaze firmly on Draco, cheeks gone pink and lips wonderfully kiss-swollen.

“Let’s go to your place, yeah?”

Draco nodded, eyes bright, his bottom lip disappearing between his teeth. Harry couldn’t wait to suck it into his mouth again.

“Right, hang on for one second,” Harry said, fishing out his wand from his pocket. “Accio Draco’s present!” With a spark of satisfaction he heard Blaise mutter “Ow!” when the box undoubtedly smacked into his head as it zoomed towards Harry’s outstretched hand.

But just as he was about to catch it, Draco cast a Depulso, making the game fly towards Luna, who caught it with an expression of curiosity as she twisted it in her hands.

“I’m very happy that you like your present so much, but trust me, Harry,” Draco murmured into his ear, “there won’t be time for any video games when I get you alone.”

[mockingjay34]

Writing request/prompt: Head scritches! Obi-Wan needs to soothe Cody somehow and he decides to try what he did with Anakin, when he was young AKA starts scratching his scalp and petting Cody's hair. How Cody will react, is up to you!

This was so sweet! I hope you enjoy!

Cody’s hands shook as he took off his armor. He moved slower than usual, snapping each piece off and placing it in a neat pile on the table beside him. Really, he should have arranged it on the armor form pushed in the corner of the room out of the way, but he knew the plastoid would rattle against the durasteel and that wasn’t a truth he was ready to face. So, stacked piles would have to do until he could tame the quivering of his limbs.

There wasn’t any reason for him to feel so on edge. The mission itself wasn’t horrible. Casualties were low and injuries were minor and they were on and off the surface of the dusty planet in the span of two days. It was the ideal mission for them to face. Somehow though, the calmer missions had the worst fallout. In an all out firefight, Cody could work through the adrenaline coursing through his veins. The feeling of blaster fire at the tips of his fingers was cathartic in its own right, and left him so exhausted he could barely stay awake on the transport back up to the ship afterward.

The calm ones were accompanied by a different kind of stress. The longer they went, the more the tension built at the back of his neck. His teeth chattered in his helmet and set his every nerve on edge, causing him to jump at every movement and sound. He focused in on every flit across his HUD until the muscles in his arms ached with the effort of following with his blaster.

And then nothing. No relief.

All the way back up to the Negotiator, Cody’s legs shook and and he shivered despite the sweat that had gathered at his collar from being packed in close with the other troopers. By the time he reached his room, it was as if electricity was shooting through his limbs and he wiggled his fingers nearly nonstop to relieve some of the energy.

When Cody was dressed down to nothing more than his blacks, he braced both of his palms against the table top and leaned forward, pushing his weight down until both of his shoulders gave a satisfying crack. He sighed in relief and stepped back as the door to the room slid open behind him. Cody jumped at the noise, ramming his hip into the table and causing it to rattle loudly in the silence. The piles of armor toppled and fell to a messy heap. 

Obi-Wan stepped in from the corridor beyond, head buried in a datapad. Although, he too flinched at the clatter, eyes slipping shut and jaw clenching in shock. “Hello, my dear,” he said. He smiled kindly at Cody and set his datapad on the side table. Cody tried to smile back at him, really he did. He was certain it looked more like a grimace than anything though. “Debrief didn’t take too long, I suppose?” Obi-Wan asked, holding his hand out for Cody to come closer.

Cody took the invitation for what it was and crossed the distance in a few long strides. He grasped at Obi-Wan’s hand for a moment before leaning in further, slipping his arms around his waist. “It wasn’t too bad,” he mumbled into Obi-Wan’s shoulder. Even wrapped up as close to Obi-Wan as he could get, Cody was viciously aware of the tremors that tore through his body in waves. 

“What’s wrong, my love?” Obi-Wan asked softly, bringing a hand up to rest at the back of Cody’s neck. He ran his thumb along the skin above his blacks, just barely grazing the curls at his hairline. Cody let out another violent shiver, his arms tensing around Obi-Wan’s waist.

Cody swallowed roughly. “I can’t stop shaking,” he replied. “It’s the adrenaline I think.”

Obi-Wan pulled back and looked at him for a long moment. “It’ll be okay. Come lay down with me for a bit.”

Cody glanced uncertainly at the bed pushed against the wall at the other side of the room. “I’m filthy though.”

“That’s quite alright,” Obi-Wan replied with a snort. “I don’t believe I smell like spring roses myself. That’s what the laundry is for, after all.” 

Cody shook his head in disbelief and allowed Obi-Wan to lead him to their bed. He came to a stop at the edge, staring uncertainly at the mounds of blankets draped across it.

“What’s wrong?” Obi-Wan asked. Cody shook his head but didn’t speak. He looked down and pinched at the bridge of his nose. 

“I-I can’t,” he said eventually. “Too warm. Too much.”

Obi-Wan nodded in understanding. He reached towards the middle to grab the blankets in his fist, then pulled them back until they fell from the foot of the bed, leaving only the top sheets fitted over the two small bunks they had pushed together. “Are the pillows okay?” He asked.

Sighing, Cody nodded his head and settled on the edge of the bed. He sat there uncertainly before he laid down and stared at the ceiling. The mattress sank under Obi-Wan’s weight when he laid next to him, close but not touching.

They remained in silence for several long moments, savoring the quiet darkness of their room. “I can’t calm down,” Cody said. “My jaw is shaking.”

Obi-Wan hummed softly. “How can I help?”

Biting back the aggravated tears that sprang to his eyes, Cody responded, “I don’t know.”

“Can I touch you?”

Cody let out a harsh breath. “Always.”

It took a moment for Obi-Wan to adjust them to his liking. He fluffed some pillows behind them and propped himself up on them. Then, he pulled Cody close to his side, resting his head against his chest. Cody melted into the hold, breath evening out almost instantly. From where his head rested, Cody could hear the beat of Obi-Wan’s heart and feel the rise and fall of his chest as he breathed. Obi-Wan brought his hand to Cody’s head and brushed his fingers through his hair, dragging his nails across his scalp as he did. Cody shuddered, a chill prickling his skin with goose flesh. 

“Is this okay?” Obi-Wan asked.

Cody hummed into his chest, melting into his side as Obi-Wan swirled his fingertips through his hair. The feeling was intoxicating in a way he couldn’t describe. Every drag of Obi-Wan’s deft fingers made him feel heavier, more settled. Before he knew it, he had fallen finally, blessedly still.

“I used to do this with Anakin,” Obi-Wan explained, twirling a strand around his finger and letting it go to spring back into shape. “When I first took him on as my Padawan. He would get these awful nightmares and wake up in fits. He would have so much nervous energy and it was damn near impossible to get him back to sleep on his own. One night, I sat on the floor by his bed after one his nightmares and ran my fingers through his hair and he was out like a light. I’m convinced it would probably still work.”

Obi-Wan fell silent and waited for some sort of response but was met with nothing more than the sound of the air filtration system kicking on. He craned his neck to look down at Cody laying against his chest. His eyes were closed and his breath was deep and even. “Kind of like that,” he whispered. Obi-Wan sank back into the pillows and adjusted his hold on Cody, savoring the featherlight touch of his hair against his palm. Eventually, his eyes grew heavy and he gave in to the warmth of sleep.

[moldisgoodforyou]

insufferable

warning: it’s just smut. like a tiny hint of plot. but tiny.

because I reblogged this and was inspired:

______

“I’m not letting you pay for it, and that’s final.” Sophie stated, turning her back on Rafe.

They’d been arguing for a good half hour over breakfast after Rafe casually offered to pay for both the tickets for her sorority formal. It was expensive, admittedly, as her sorority sprung for the fancier venue at the botanical gardens downtown, along with hotel rooms and a stacked bar.

(‘Offered’ might be a generous way to put it - he had just handed her a signed, blank check, and told her to write in how much it turned out to be, along with the cost of her dress. Entirely caught off guard, she ripped it up and handed the shreds back to him.)

When they started drawing looks from their hissed arguing, Sophie abruptly changed the subject, refusing to talk about it when he tried to bring it up again in the restaurant. The rest of the meal was fairly tense, but they both did their best to keep it civil.

He’d driven her home, only for them to argue more in the car and again when he tried walking her to the door. “Sophie.” Rafe huffed, calling after her. “Sophie! Come on!”

She didn’t respond, just stalked off and let the side door of her sorority house slam shut behind her. She had to laugh, however, when her phone immediately chimed with a text from Rafe.

Rafe: Am I still coming over before we go out tonight

Sophie: As long as you don’t try to sugar daddy me again

Rafe: Don’t start

Sophie: I’ll see you at nine  

The argument stuck like a stubborn thorn in the back of both of their minds all day, but they didn’t text each other and bring it up again, knowing it was useless. He kept his promise and came over exactly at nine, drinks in hand and ready to go meet her roommates at a house party. She wasn’t ready yet - running late, like always - and had him come up to her room instead. He sat on her bed as she changed, drinking a White Claw while he waited.

Rafe grumbled, seeing her outfit. “You’re gonna wear that?”

She wore a sheer black square-necked top with a black bra underneath, not hiding much. She paired it with a black leather skirt that flared out a little, just under her ass. Sophie paused, looking at herself in the mirror, then unclipped the bra and shimmied out of it, keeping her top on. “No, you’re right, this is better.”

He shut his eyes, taking a slow, dramatic inhale. “Sophie Flint.”

She put both hands on her hips and turned to face him. “What.”

He glared at her, knowing she was just trying to test his limits. “Put the damn bra back on.”

“No. I look good.” She walked over to him, stepping in between his legs.

Rafe shook his head as he looked up at her, setting his drink aside. “You’re insufferable.”

She quirked her brow, holding back a smirk. “Haven’t heard that one in a while.”

He reached up and palmed her breast, satisfied when her eyes fluttered shut as he brushed his thumb over her nipple. “You did this on purpose.”

Sophie rolled her eyes. “Oh, look, we have a fucking genius here.”

That was enough to set him over the edge and he grabbed her around the waist, swiftly pulling her down to his lap. Their lips crashed together and she straddled him right away, rolling her hips over him. He cursed and bit her bottom lip, not being gentle in the slightest.

She gasped, her hands finding her way to the hem of his shirt right away and she tugged up. “Off, I want this off.”

“Demanding.” Rafe quipped, but pulled his shirt over his head and tossed it to the floor. He flipped them over easily and caught both her wrists in one hand, pinning them above her head. “Will you be good?”

A little caught off guard by his commanding nature, Sophie blinked up at him with wide eyes. “You’re gonna leave a mark.” She murmured.

He immediately loosened his grip on her, sitting up a little to give her some space. “Shoot, sorry, am I hurting you?”

“No, um. You don’t have to be gentle all the time.” She pressed her hips up into his and shook her head quickly, cheeks burning red as she clarified. “I like it.”

“Fuck, Soph.” He cursed and leaned back down to kiss her hard, bruising. “You’re gonna be the death of me.” She moaned quietly as he kissed along her jawline and down her neck, keeping her wrists pinned in place. “You can’t die, I don’t like fighting with anyone else.”  

“That’s all I’m good for?” He nipped at her collarbone, enjoying when she squirmed under him. “Sometimes I like you better when you’re moaning.”

“I like you better when your mouth is occupied.” She snapped back, pushing her hips against him again to try and find any friction. He let go of her wrists, only to fiddle with the clasp of her skirt. Sophie reached to pull off her top, but he knocked her hands away. “Keep this sad excuse of a shirt on.”

She lifted her hips for him to tug her skirt down her legs. “Thought you didn’t like it.”

“I like it just fine, I don’t want other people seeing you in it.”

Her next sassy response died in her throat as he grabbed her panties in both hands and ripped them clean in half. He kissed up her thighs, using one forearm across her hips to pin her in place.

“You’re buying me a new pair.” She breathed out, only a little delayed.

“Oh, so now you’ll let me buy you things?” He kissed everywhere but where she wanted it, feather-light, and she whined, trying to move her hips toward him. “A ten-dollar pair of underwear is not the same thing as what you were trying to do.” When he nipped teasingly at her hipbone, her shirt now pushed all the way up her stomach, she huffed. “Rafe, please.”

“Patience, angel.” He admonished, but brought two fingers up to her anyway, teasingly stroking around her entrance. She let her head fall back when he slipped them inside of her and he reached up and grabbed her chin with his free hand, ultra commanding. “Eyes on me.”  

She nodded quickly and bit her lip hard to stifle her next moan, trying her hardest not to let her eyes flutter shut at the pleasure.

“I want to hear you.” Rafe pressed his thumb against her clit, smirking when she gasped. “Can’t. You’re not - fuck - not allowed up here.” She bit out, having trouble speaking with the way he was moving his fingers against her. When he withdrew his fingers just as she was on the edge, she whined, reaching for him. “Wait, no, I was close.”

“Always so fucking whiny for me.” He grinned and pressed his fingers to her lips. She opened obediently, sucking on them until they were clean. “Good girl.”

“I want you.” Sophie told him meaningfully, reaching for his belt buckle. He stood just long enough to kick his pants to the floor while she reached over and grabbed a condom from the nightstand, handing it to him. He wasted no time in rolling it on and nudging her back to lie down. “You okay?” 

“Yes, fine, shut up.” 

He laughed, lining his hips up against hers. “That’s no way to talk to someone you love.” 

“Had to remind myself I’m still mad at you.” She informed him, but gasped sharply anyways as he pushed into her unexpectedly. He waited for her nod to start thrusting into her, gripping her hips hard enough to leave a mark. “Just let me pay for my half. At least.” 

“You’re not seriously -  ohh.” She breathed out, letting her head fall back. “This isn’t fair.” 

He stopped abruptly, though it pained him a little. “I can quit and we can keep arguing.” 

“No, no, please don’t stop.” She whimpered, wrapping an arm around his back to pull him closer to her. He nodded and kept going, bringing one hand in between them to play with her clit. “My half and your dress.” 

“Rafe, fuck, please.” 

“All of it, then.” He groaned, trying his best to keep himself fairly quiet (though her creaky bed was a dead giveaway). 

“Just half.” She bit back a moan, squirming under him. “You’re evil for bringing this up now.” 

“Devil to my angel.” He smirked. 

“Don’t stop.” Sophie mumbled against his shoulder, arching her back as he hit the perfect spot. “Shh, shh.” He soothed. When she finally came, biting against his shoulder to keep herself quiet, he came shortly after, hips stuttering against hers. The two lay in silence for a moment, breathing heavily against each other. 

“I think we’re late to the party.” Rafe quipped. 

She laughed, pressing a kiss to his cheek. “We’re not going to the fucking party. We both need a shower.” 

He whined, letting his head fall to her shoulder. “But I can’t shower here.” 

“No, you’ll have to go home.” She agreed, combing her fingers through his long, floppy hair. “Wanna sleep with you.” He mumbled, always extra cuddly after sex. “Maybe you don’t deserve to sleep with me, trying to sabotage me in a fight.” She pointed out. 

He lifted his head quickly, kissing her cheek. “No, c’mon. Not fair, let me stay.” 

She laughed at his near-whiny tone. “I’ll shower here, you go home and shower, then I’ll come over and stay with you. Deal?” 

“So inconvenient.” He grumbled, but reluctantly stood, pulling on his clothes. “Promise you’ll come over right away?” 

“Promise.” Sophie smiled, leaning over to meet him in a quick kiss. “Get out of here.” 

“Wait, Soph.” He paused just at the door, giving her a goofy grin. “Will you bring that soft blanket?” 

She raised her eyebrows. “You’re kidding.”

“I’m not.”  

“You just fucked me like that and now you're asking me to bring over a blanket for you to sleep with?” 

He grinned, sheepish. “Exactly. See you soon, love you!” He waved quickly before leaving, sneaking out of the house. He had barely left before seeing a text from Sophie - 

better not fall asleep before I’m there. love you too.

[burntmcnuggies]

My Sweet Love

Dabi x Sweet Reader

Request: Hey!💗Сan I, please, have a girlfriend for Dabi who likes sweets? Candy, cakes, berries, stuff like that. And she always leaves some sweets for Dabi, because she knows that he will come to her apartment, even if she is not at home. And basically she leaves quite a lot of food for him. Thank you💗

warnings: none, just a fluffy story with a bit of angst at the end inspired by the latest manga chapters! Also my apologies for making it a bit angsty, I was in a mood haha

Word Count: 2.8K

There they were again.

The endless amount of sweets stacked upon the kitchen table for the flame-quirked villain.

Why you left so many sweets out for him was beyond his own comprehension. He couldn't even understand why you weren't a human cupcake by now with how many sweets you’d been leaving him lately. He's seen those videos you’ve shown him of 'is it cake?' and sadly watched people stab each other with forks or some other stupid shit. He's warned you before that if you ever approached him with a fork, he would burn you to a crisp. A sigh escaped his soft and wrinkly lips once he noticed there wasn't any real food around for him. The ebony-haired villain approached the pile of sweets for him, carefully picking up the small little note beside it, cringing at the silly nickname he loved but hated at the same time.

'Hey dabeebee! I left you some sweets because you are the sweetest thing in my life! :3 I know you'll probably complain looking for real food, I have hidden all of it outside just for you! If you want soba I left a pot out on the stove for you to use and put some water in it.

I love you so much dabeebee! <3

~(Y/N) : )

"Cheesy little shit..." He mumbled, searching around for some cheap booze. Of course, you had none in your possession, judging by you were only 21 and an innocent cautious adult. He sighed and finally stumbled upon a pack of instant ramen, forgetting the pot for soba on the stove deeming it too much work. He put it in the microwave and heated it up, watching the little plastic cup spin around. He took it out and slurped the noodles in the cup, savoring the flavor in his mouth. The heated food made his whole body slump in relaxation. Working for the league was tiring, and he’d lazily complained multiple times to you about it. He’d groan Shigaraki was being a spoiled little child, and get angry when he was forced to work with Geten. Ever since he came to you after their first battle, he had despised the ice-user.

Winter was when he became the most sensitive. Emotionally.

For whatever reason the villain would come visit you more often in the winter, struggling to concentrate whenever he was with you. It was like his mind was somewhere else, somewhere that made him sad. Hot cocoa always cheered him up in the slightest, something warm to melt the ice slowly starting to grow around his heart. Every time he saw you though, it all melted already, your soft voice and gentle touches taking away his pain. You were too sweet. “Stupid idiot...” He mumbled and finished his little cup of instant ramen. He strolled lazily up the stairs, a blank look on his face as he approached the door to your room. He stopped in front of the door and looked inside, pleased with the sight of you sleeping peacefully, unaware of his presence.

He stared at blankly, not a single thought running through his head as he began to shed his blemished jacket, letting it fall to the floor. Next came his shirt, pulling it over his head to reveal more of the scarred flesh everyone always claimed to be disgusting. He easily removed his boots and pants, only left in his boxers. Pulling the covers back slightly, he eased himself into bed beside you, turquoise eyes burning holes into your slumbering form. His hand reached out towards your face, gently caressing it with what little was left of his humanity instead of scarred dead skin. “I hate you.” He whispered, not even bothering to speak the words he knew you already knew. A smile graced your lips feeling his touch, instantly knowing it was your lover due to the warmth radiating off of him.

His unspoken words lingered in the air as he pulled you closer towards him, refusing to let you go.

‘I hate you, because I love you so much.’

——

When you woke up and found Dabi in your bed, you couldn’t help but smile ear to ear seeing your handsome boyfriend snuggled against you. He barely got any good sleep, so you wanted him to sleep as long as he could. He was a light sleeper, like extremely light. He briefly mentioned something in his past always kept him alert and on edge, having problems with insomnia and pain. You weren’t stupid. You knew the aspect of Dabi’s powerful quirk, and how much spreads through his body when he over uses his terrifying flames. Carefully easing yourself out of bed, kissing his head very very softly, you tip-toed down to the kitchen to see if Dabi had eaten any of your little experiments.

They were all sadly still there.

“Damnit! If he doesn’t eat something then I won’t know what to get him for his birthday... it’s in a couple days...” You announced to yourself, sighing heavily. It was true, putting the candy out was to get Dabi to reveal what kind of candy he liked, or flavor of cake, anything to give you the slightest hint on what he would enjoy! That was why you hid the food, you were hoping he would settle and eat what he wanted to. That wasn’t the case. “Tonight I’ll put some cake slices out and label them... maybe then! Maybe then he’ll choose one!” A sweet smile spread across your lips, putting all the candy away and putting all the normal food back. All the while unaware of a pair of ears that had been listening the whole time.

——

Dabi left early that morning, going off to do some villainous work before he approached your house in the middle of the night. It was around at least 2am when he arrived. His body ached, skin burning and smoking. Today had been especially rough, but the cool air that gently blew against his hot skin made him feel better. But the aching in his heart made him feel all the more hot with rage and anger. His memories plagued his mind briefly before he remembered what laid waiting for him at your house. That’s right. It was his birthday in a couple days. And the extremeness of your efforts was to figure out once and for all what his favorite sweet was. He just wasn’t a fan of sweets and preferred spicy foods.

“That idiot. Always such a hassle. Possibly worse than that crusty bastard.” He mumbled to himself, rubbing his scarred up neck gently. He didn’t understand himself how he could love someone who’s blood was probably 100% sugar and had a personality sweeter than that. He found your spare key easily, slipping the key into the lock and letting himself inside. As per usual, there were sweets on the table, cake to be exact. There were 5 different slices laid out, each labeled. He approached the neatly cut slices, bright pink flowery post it notes under them.

Vanilla! :D

Chocolate! :D

Red Velvet! :D

Lemon! :D

Cheesecake! :D

‘Good morning Dabeebee! :3

I’m sure it’s like past 1am or 2 or something, so good morning! I hope your day was okay <3 I missed you! I didn’t hide the food this time because you still found it last time! >:( But please try these cake slices! I made them all myself! I loooooove you! >///<

~(Y/N) :)

The dark haired villain rolled his eyes, sighing heavily as he shrugged off his heavy navy coat. He hung it up lazily so he wouldn’t make a mess or wake you and crossed his arms staring at the slices. His turquoise eyes observed each slice, lips set in a firm line as he thought about the textures and icing. His calloused hands grabbed onto the metal of a fork, hoping it wouldn’t melt at the heat his body was still emitting from his hard “work” of the day. A bite of each would be sure to satisfy you right? He dove the fork into the first slice, chocolate, and carefully placed the spongy sweet into his mouth. He recoiled. ‘It’s too sweet.’

As Dabi continued trying the sweets, the vanilla/yellow cake was probably his favorite, but he still didn’t want a cake. He didn’t really want anything for his birthday. Well, maybe to be dead, but that seemed unrealistic now. He sat down on the couch, mind now becoming hazy and foggy with depressing thoughts. His hands clasped together, blunt nails slowly digging into the top parts of his hands that weren’t scarred. The stables began to burn, almost like the first time they were in. His hands grew shaky, eyes blankly staring at the ground in a horrific daze. He didn’t even notice the way his breathing had turned unstable. The scars increased in heat, even though there were no more flames there to hurt him. His hazy eyes cast upwards and his whole entire world almost shattered.

The villain shot up and punched the TV in front of him as hard as he could, beating the screen senseless, panicking as he tried to rid his brain of the reflection that glared back at him. The mere sight and thought of red flames coming near him made his stomach sick with anxiety and fear, especially in the safety of your home. His eyes began to burn with tears, but sadly his tear ducts burned almost with his sanity a long time ago. His fists became bloody and bruised, body becoming numb to the sound of his name being called loudly. As soon as a hand made contact with his arm, he jerked around and swung at whatever had touched him, fearing the worst. That was when his heart shattered, eyes wide in fear once he realized he had just knocked you down to the floor.

“(Y/N)? Ah, shit.” He quickly kneeled down beside you and raised his shaky hands, scared to even touch you. There was a large mark on the side of your cheek, tears already built up in your eyes. Dabi’s chest heaved in and out heavily, eyes burning hard as blood leaked from under his stapled skin. Choked and held in sobs racked through his body like thunder. It hurt so much, it hurt that he couldn’t cry, it hurt to have a constant reminder of his past, reminders of his failure, and it hurt to know that he was unwanted and incapable of being loved by another human being. People saw him as a monster, a freak with no heart.

“You’ve failed me as a son, it’d been better if you weren’t even born.”

He let out a loud cry for help, even though the words never came from his mouth, the simple scream of pain was enough to convey his silent plea. His heart, his eyes, his skin, his stomach, his head, his chest, his lungs, everything hurt, a pain he couldn’t handle by himself. “FUCK!!” He shouted, blood dripping onto the floor with the crack of his broken voice. His whole body recoiled and flinched once he felt your soft hands gently caressing his scarred forearm. Why weren’t you leaving? Why weren’t you yelling at him? Why didn’t you hit him back? Why did you take his small abuse so quietly just like he did? Why were you just silently comforting him in the smallest way? “(Y/N)-“

“Shh, it’s okay now Dabi.” He flinched at your voice, firm yet soft, unwavering, no fear or disgust present at all. Just a loving tone for your significant other. Your hands gently pushed his forearms away from him, and you pulled him Into a tight hug, head buried into his neck. “There’s no need to cry, or fear anything... I’m here, Dabi... it’s okay... I’ve got you, honey.” His eyes widened at your sugary words, comforting him even though he’d just hit you. He inhaled your scent, shaking hands slowly resting against your back, squeezing you close with blood still dripping from his scarred cheeks. “Shh... there, there sweetheart, I’ve got you, and I’m never going to let you go okay...? I love you, Dabeebee.”

Love.

Such a big word you throw around so carelessly with him. Hearing such words always made him feel warm and happy inside. Something he missed out on, and had never experienced until he met you. Your poor excuse to cheer him up worked only a little, when he mumbled out an insult. “You’re so fuckin’ stupid you know that? I’m honestly shocked you’re still alive and I haven’t incinerated you yet...” His meaningless insults warmed your heart, your Dabi was slowly coming back. You ignored the harsh stinging of your cheek and focused solely on Dabi, and making him feel better. His breathing was slowly calming down, sniffling and wiping the blood that leaked from his abused burnt up tear ducts. “Do you feel better, Dabeebee?”

“What a stupid question to ask.” He mumbled and pulled away, composing himself briefly before he stared at you longingly. His beautiful turquoise eyes linger to your cheek stained red and he felt his heart break all over again. “Fuck, I’m... fuck I’m sorry... I’m so sorry, (Y/N).” Now that was a rare sight to see, the Dabi apologizing to you? The man who swore to take out the super human society, the man who taunts heroes and kills, apologizing to you? A lowly civilian with a mediocre quirk not good enough to be recognized by society. “This isn’t like you, Dabi... what’s wrong my love? Does it have something to do with your birthday?” He didn’t reply, turquoise eyes just staring down at the floor with a dull gleam. It answered your question as you continued. “I’m sorry... you should’ve told me.”

“Shut up you sweet-loving psycho. It happens every year... this year’s just especially worse.” The villain lowly mumbled as he embraced you. The house was silent for a moment, the only sound that could be heard was the wind rustling outside and the heater turning back and forth. He finally spoke up after his racing heart had calmed. “...I promise, I’ll tell you everything one day. Now isn’t the right time.” That sent a small pang to your heart, after 2 years of dating and he still didn’t open up to you about his past. But god did you still love him with all of your heart. He slowly pulled his blood soaked face away from you, touching the streaks of irony red that flowed from his patchy purple scars. The next thing you knew his eyes were locked with yours, staring intently as if you were the only thing in the world to him. “Just know I won’t let anyone hurt you. I’ll burn them alive and see them in hell to kick their ass again. You’re... the first person to ever see me this vulnerable. Be lucky.”

You smiled. “That’s my Dabi...” Once your lips locked gently with his, the night faded away. Dabi held you tightly in his arms, not wanting to let you go, not wanting to let you slip through his fingers. His heart was still eating him alive at what he had done to you. He had never loved anyone more than he loved you. No one else would’ve accepted him, stayed with him, appreciated his company, love the way he looked even though he hated himself, and loved him for who he was. You didn’t see the evil in his heart, only the pain and rage that wouldn’t stop surfacing.

He hated doing this to you.

The city was in a panic, all evacuated from the Dangerous parts that villains had raided. Dabi had made sure you were somewhere where no one could hurt you. He’d told you to visit your parents a bit farther in Japan, promising he’d return. Of course your protested with a pout, you always did. He loved that too, always wanting to spend time with him. The inky black drops of dye fell off his naturally red hair stained white. His turquoise eyes burned with rage and excitement as he stared down at the man who’d ruined his life. He thought back to you, how you were witnessing his confession, his pain in the television, learning his identity. It hurt to not be there to comfort you, but he needed to do this. He was just happy he’d told you before he ended everything. To finally have closure in his heart.

His staples burned again, blood slowly falling from his scared skin.

*static*

“Now that you all know the truth...” His eyes locked with the camera. “I love you (Y/N). My Sweet Lover.” A pure loving smile. “Ill see you again.”

*static*

[afeb]

Draco Malfoy - Detention

Since Hogwarts came under the control of Snape, it seemed Draco got even more privileged. He didn’t wear school uniform anymore (only ever that damn black suit), he had his own private room near the teachers quarters and seemingly decided which class he went to and when.

Draco had chased me for years, asking me out numerous times, but I always denied him. Now that he got whatever he wanted, my skin began to itch at the thought of him no longer asking, and simply taking. Ginny and Neville had made an effort to always be with me, but sometimes I didn’t have that luxury.

Like now.

“I’m sorry.” Ginny winced as she began collecting her books. “I know you hate being alone.”

I shrugged her off. “Ginny it’s Saturday, I don’t expect you to stay couped up with me.”

She smiled apologetically. “Neville said he’ll be here any minute, so just hang on till then.” And with that she was gone.

I gazed out the window: the world seemed more grey than it did before. My mind wandered to Harry, Ron and Hermione and I wondered what adventures they were getting up to as I sat here, helpless.

“Well well well,” I jumped and cast my eyes to the voice coming towards me. “Little Y/N is all on her own.”

It was Draco and his goons, all with dirty smirks on their face. I frowned and looked down at my books, hoping if I ignored them they’d go away.

“Not going to greet me?” He asked, nudging Zambini.

“I’m busy, Draco.” I mumbled as I tried my hardest to concentrate on my book.

“What is that?” He slid the book over to him. “You need help with Potions?”

I shook my head. “No, I just wanted to read up on it.” I slid the book back over to me.

I internally groaned as they all pulled chairs up to my table, Draco sitting uncomfortably close to me. “Let me help you.” I saw him wink at Goyle.

“Draco, really it’s fine.” I scooted away from him.

He rest his arm on the back of my chair. “Let us keep you company then.”

I rolled my eyes and gazed down at my paper. “God, did you see how short Pansys skirt was earlier?” Goyle said.

“I know, could almost see her underwear.” Zambini said. “I think we all know who she was doing that for.”

Draco scoffed. “Please, I wouldn’t touch her with a ten foot pole.”

“Why? Merlin, if she was giving me that attention I don’t think I could stop myself.” Goyle moaned.

“I’ve got my eye on another pretty number.” Draco huskily said near my ear.

I shrugged him away. “Will you lot shut up? I’m trying to study!” I snapped.

Draco eyes lowered. “I think you’re forgetting who’s Prefect here,” he lowly said. “I can give you detention for that.”

“But you came over here and started disturbing me!” I defended.

“Detention, tonight,” he stood. “Room of Requirement.”

My mouth gaped. “You can’t do that!”

“Really?” He smirked, stepping away. “I think I just did.”

Neville walked in as they were walking out, frowning at me as he sat down. “What did they want?”

“Merlin!” I groaned. “And where the hell were you!”

Later that evening after dinner I made my way to the Room of Requirement. “Are you sure I can’t come? It’s easy enough to get detention.” Ginny said.

I shook my head. “I doubt you’d get detention with me.” I sighed heavily.

We approached the large door and stopped. “Don’t hesitate to hit him if he tried anything.”

I giggled. “Noted.”

I walked inside, gazing up at the piles and piles of disused equipment. Thank god I wore a thick jumper, my body warm, however my legs didn’t have the same luxury. I instantly regretted wearing a pleated skirt, goosebumps littering my skin.

“You actually showed.” I jumped as I turned around and saw Draco leaning against an old cabinet. “And you dressed up for me.”

I rolled my eyes. “Don’t flatter yourself.”

“Wand.” He stretched out his hand, and I begrudgingly handed it over.

“What am I doing then?” I sighed.

“Organising the old books.” He said. “This way.”

I followed behind him, keeping my distance. His legs were far longer than mine and took larger strides, so keeping up felt like running in itself. We came to a large mountain of books next to an equally large empty book case, an old sliding ladder leaning against it.

“I’m meant to do all of that?” I gasped. He nodded. “That’ll take hours!”

“Better get started then.” He smirked, taking a seat on a comfy looking armchair next to the pile of books.

I worked in silence for the first hour, refusing to answer his stupid questions about my love life. He seemed to get bored as well, opting to take a short walk around the room. Whilst alone I began stacking the books high on the shelf, using the ladder to reach the top.

“Lovely view.” I jumped and looked down, Draco staring straight up my skirt. “Do you always wear green underwear?”

I quickly climbed down the ladder, angrily looking at him. “Don’t be so disgusting!”

“Do you want more detention?” He taunted.

“Give me my wand.” I demanded.

“No.”

I shoved his chest. “Give me my wand, Draco! I’m done playing this little game.”

“I’m in charge here.” He warned.

“Oh yeah?” I laughed. “Keep the bloody wand, I’m going.”

I was about to leave when Draco wrapped his arms around me and pulled my back to his chest. I squirmed in his hold.

“Am I going to have to teach you a lesson?” He growled, tugging us over to the armchair.

He easily manipulated me to bend over his lap, I tried to fight him the whole time. “What the hell are you doing?”

His hand went to the back of my neck to keep me in place. “You wanna act like a big girl? You can suffer the consequences like one.”

I gasped as his hand smacked the bare backs of my thighs, causing my hands to ball against the arm of the chair. “Stop!”

He smacked harder. “Every time you squirm I’ll hit you harder.” He told me, smacking again.

He moved my skirt up to expose my behind. “Draco, this is so wrong!”

I moaned as he smacked my ass, hand squeezing the flesh. “Why do you like it then?” He chuckled, slapping me again.

He stood, pulling me with him. He loomed over me, hand securely wrapped around my neck as the other softly ran over my cheek.

“Draco...” I softly said.

“You’ve made Daddy very angry.” He lowly said. “Why don’t you show him what a good girl you are?”

My hands cupped his crotch, gently squeezing. He tilted his head back and let out a long moan, his hand tightening around my neck. I continued to gently rub him, his head tilting down to look into my eyes.

“Such a good girl.” He cooed, pressing a kiss to my lips. “You gonna let Daddy feel you?”

“Yes.” I whispered.

“Yes, what?” He squeezed my neck.

I blushed. “Yes, Daddy.”

He smirked and removed his hand, stroking over my hair before moving to sit on the chair. He pulled himself out, leisurely stroking himself and eyeing over my body. My legs twisted as I watched him.

“Come here.” I slowly moved over to him, knees brushing against his. He reached out and pulled me onto his lap, hands squeezing my hips. “Ride me.”

I bit down on my lip and slowly positioned myself above him, slowly sinking down. His head rest against the back of the chair, smirk on his lips as he watched me moan.

“You’re so thick, Daddy.” I winced, resting my hands on his chest.

“Yeah? Never had someone so big?” He cooed, fingers pushing my jumper up and feeling over the skin of my rib cage.

I slowly rose. “No, you’re the biggest.”

He chuckled. “Show me what you can do, pretty girl.”

We slowly moved for what felt like hours, breathy and slow moans escaping our lips. His hands were everywhere: hips, breasts, neck, ass. He squeezed and stoked, pinched and slapped.

I bit my lip and decided to experiment. My hands that were on his chest slowly slid up to the base of his neck, he eyed me suspiciously. I rose them further until they were wrapped around his neck, very gently, feeling his adams apple bob.

“What do you think you’re doing?” He asked.

I shrugged and continued to move up and down him. “You don’t like it?” I innocently asked.

My hands tightened a little. “Just don’t forget who’s your Daddy.”

I giggled and gasped as he thrust up into me, a smirk gracing his lips. My hands flexed around his neck and he seemed to enjoy the small show of dominance, moaning whenever I constricted his breathing.

The familiar tingle began to creep up my spine as my brows knitted together and my breathing to considerably heavier. He sat up a little, removing my hands from his neck as he softly spoke in my ear.

“Come on, pretty girl.” He encouraged, hand dipping down to rub tight circles into my clit. “Give it to me, give Daddy what he’s always wanted.”

“Please.” I whimpered, my hands winding into his hair. “There!”

He smirked as I came, body shaking against his as I collapsed on his chest. He continued to thrust into me, deep groans leaving his lips before he came deeply inside me. We sat there for a moment, him still inside me.

His hand stoked over my hair as he lifted me up, standing over me. We dressed ourselves and peered at each other.

He leant down and pressed a chaste kiss to my lips. “I think you’ve done your detention.” He mumbled against me.

I giggled. “I hope so.”

“Stay with me tonight.” He ordered. I nodded. “Good girl.”