#no mention of him bringing home his college boyfriend to meet his dad/piss his dad off????

[aereres]

Ready - Sidney Crosby

Summary: Sidney Crosby - ex NHL star, the new coach of the Pittsburgh Penguins, the man every woman could wish for, a proud father. His daughter, Lily, is his ray of sunlight, the person he'll always love unconditionally, and when his new girlfriend walks in the picture, things take a turn.

A/N: @beauvibaby​ received an ask about this amazing concept and let me write something about it! Thank you sm girl! ❤️ Definitely not one of my best works or something I’m really proud of, but I decided to publish it anyway

Word Count: 7,4k

Warnings: talks of divorce and absent parent, swearing, mentions and allusions to sex, shitty ass writing

Nerves were eating you alive as you waited on the Crosby household’s front steps, your heart hammering against your ribcage. It wasn’t the new environment - you had been inside the mansion many times before - but rather the new acquaintance you were going to make.

She was a character constantly mentioned throughout the first stages of yours and Sidney’s relationship, a really important character. Lily - short for Elizabeth - was Sidney Crosby’s fourteen-year-old daughter, and as much as it scared you to meet your boyfriend’s daughter for the first time, you couldn’t avoid it any longer.

The front door opened quickly, snapping you out of your anxiety-induced trance to meet Sidney’s dark eyes, the smile on his face reassuring you just lightly. “Hi,” he said, voice gentle as always as he took in your sundress-clad body. “Come in, sweetheart,”

The cake you had made for the occasion was slipped out of your hands after a quick second, and Sidney’s hands were soft on your skin as he led you towards the kitchen with a hand on your smaller back.

“Smells good,” you whispered, leaning on the tip of your toes to press a kiss to his cheek. You let your head rest on his shoulder as you looked around the house again, remembering the familiar couch where you had cuddled together many times before, but also the kitchen aisle where more than just breakfast had happened.

Your cheeks heated up as the memories replayed in your head, extremely not appropriate for that moment. You were just about to meet his daughter, why were you thinking about your private time with him?!

“Dad, Kailynn is asking if I can go to her sleepover on Friday,” an unfamiliar voice said from the distance, the sound of footsteps making you panic. You distanced yourself from Sidney, smoothing the material of your sundress just before the younger girl walked inside the kitchen, her eyes focused on her phone.

“Lily-”

“Please? There won’t be any boys, I promise,” she interrupted her father, head still down to face her device.

“Lily, this is my girlfriend, Y/N,” Sidney’s words seemed to snap her attention towards him, her eyes settling on you before giving you a once-over. “Y/N, this is my daughter, Lily,”

“Hi,” you smiled her way, her hand shaking yours hesitantly as she analyzed you. “It’s so nice to meet you, Lily,”

She didn’t reciprocate your words, keeping silent as she sat down at the dining table, looking down at her phone again. You bit your lip, holding back a saddened sigh as you stayed by Sidney’s side, playing with your fingers.

He seemed to sense your discomfort, pushing you closer to his side as he finished cooking, plating the food for the three of you in silence. You found yourself sitting in front of Lily a few minutes later, her eyes looking at you as you awkwardly ate, your hands cold.

“Lily, will you stop that?” Sidney scolded her, dropping his fork on the table as he faced his daughter.

“Stop what?”

“Making things awkward,” he sighed, shaking his head as he poured you a glass of water. “How was school today?”

“Normal,” she mumbled, picking at her peas as she chewed on some salmon. “So, how did you two meet?”

“Oh-” your eyes widened, not ready for her question. “I work as a physiotherapist for the Penguins,”

“So you met at work?”

“Yes,” you nodded your head, taking a sip of your water to push down the lump in your throat.

“Are you in like, college or something?” Lily mumbled, making her father sigh out loudly.

“Elizabeth-”

“She just looks really young, dad!” Lily exclaimed, giving you another once-over as she waited for your answer.

“It’s fine,” you smiled Sidney’s way reassuringly. “I’m twenty-seven, I graduated college a couple of years ago,”

“Dad, what the hell?!”

Your eyes snapped up from your plate when she raised her voice, staring right at her father with anger as she waited for an answer. “She’s basically half your age!”

“Don’t talk about her like that,” Sidney warned her. “I can easily call Kailynn’s mom and tell her you’re not going to the sleepover if you don’t drop the attitude,”

“Whatever, I’m not hungry anymore,” she spat out, pushing her plate away before folding her arms over her chest, a scowl on her face as she glared at you. “Can I be excused?”

“No,” Sidney said, clenching his jaw before muttering his next words. “Y/N was kind enough to make your favorite cake, so you’re not excused,”

“Cheesecake?”

“Yes,” you breathed out, sending her a quick smile as you stood up to grab the container inside their fridge. “Your father told me you’ve always liked it,”

She hummed absentmindedly as you helped Sidney take the almost-cleared plates to the kitchen, focusing on the dessert just a few minutes later. You handed her a slice, cutting yourself and Sidney your own pieces as she tasted the cake, an unimpressed look on her face.

“It good, Lily?” Sidney asked with a smile, pressing a small kiss to your cheek when you handed him his plate. She took a few seconds to respond, standing up from her chair and grabbing her phone from her back pocket, checking the notifications before looking up at you and Sidney again.

“Mom’s recipe will always be better,”

She was out of the dining room just seconds later, leaving a saddened you and a pissed-off Sidney on your own. “Elizabeth!” Sidney yelled after the teenager, clenching his jaw when he got no response.

You sighed out as you ran a hand through your hair, sitting down to enjoy your cake in silence as you tried not to get too affected by Elizabeth’s behavior. “Y/N, I’m so sorry,” Sidney whispered, shaking his head as he sat down next to you, his hand grasping yours on top of the table. “I don’t know what’s gotten into her, she’s never been like that,”

“It’s okay, Sid,” you smiled sadly, putting your feelings aside for one moment to send him a smile. “I probably should have paid more attention to what I was saying,”

“It’s not your fault, sweetheart,” he whispered. “I’ll go talk to her later. Now, let’s enjoy some cake,”

You smiled his way before you pushed your fork to your lips, another bite of the dessert filling your mouth. Your mind moved elsewhere as you thought about the events of the night, and how much Lily’s words had affected you.

You were sure there was more to her, that maybe it just wasn’t the right time. You were convinced she was actually as amazing as Sidney had described her to be: kind, always smiling, the best daughter anybody could ask for.

Thinking about everything Sidney had said about her really made you realize just how close the two of them were, just how much he cared about her. So you gave yourself a mission, a goal.

You were going to make her change her mind about you.

-----

“And God, he was so rude!” You giggled, head resting against Sidney’s chest as you pushed a raspberry in your mouth. “Like, I just asked for this ointment and he literally side-eyed me,”

Sidney chuckled, letting his hand smooth the skin of your thigh as his eyes held yours, fondly smiling your way. “And what did you do?”

“I just paid and left. What else could I do?” You spoke, running a hand through your hair as your eyes focused back on the TV, where a quite boring reality show was playing. “How was work?”

“The usual,” Sidney stated, one of his hands linking with yours as he kept silent, eyes definitely elsewhere. “Evelyn called last night,”

Evelyn. Lily’s mother.

“Said she needed another check to take care of Lily,” Sid sighed, rubbing his forehead as he thought about the conversation again. “My checks are always abundant, generally more than what she could spend for Lily on the weekend, so I don’t get it,”

You sighed, your thumb caressing the back of his hand as the room fell silent. You had wished many times to learn about their situation, just why he had become a single father at such a young age, or why Evelyn had always been barely mentioned throughout the various months spent together.

It was always a silent wish, though, something you kept to yourself. Sidney needed to bring the conversation out on his own, whenever he felt ready. And you were willing to wait.

“I’m home!”

“Hey, Lily,” Sidney called back, muting the TV as you heard various items hitting the floor of the entrance hall. “How was tutoring?”

“Boring,” she sighed, her footsteps coming closer to the living room second after second. By the time she reached the doorway, her eyes found yours, her rather smiley face turning into a frown. “She’s here,”

“Hi,” you smiled, ignoring her glare and Sidney’s clenched jaw. “I brought some snacks, they’re in the kitchen if you’re hungry,”

“No, thank you,” she muttered, rolling her eyes. “I’ll be in my room,”

With that, she was out of the room, running up the stairs before Sidney could even try to get mad at her. He sighed, rolling his head back against the couch as he closed his eyes. “I’m sorry about that,” he mumbled, his free hand playing with the ends of your hair as you pushed yourself closer to his body. “I’ve talked to her after dinner, the other day, and I was hoping she’d stop,”

“It’s okay, Sid. I get her,” you whispered, planting a sweet kiss on his cheek as you looked into his dark eyes. “I’d be like that too, if I was in her place,”

Sidney fell silent again, your eyes scanning his face as he focused on the wall in front of him, a serious look on his face. “Hey, mister serious,” you mumbled, positioning yourself on his lap as your hands cupped his cheek, bringing his lips to yours. “Don’t worry about it, okay?”

“Okay,” he said with a sigh, stealing another kiss from your lips before you could pull yourself off his lap. “Where are you going, babe?”

“I’ve got dinner with my friend Sarah,” you reminded him, slipping on your shoes in a rush as you felt his eyes on you.

“Right,” he said, his hands finding your waist as he pulled you closer, your body standing between his spread legs. “Call me later?”

“Of course,” you whispered, leaning down to kiss him once more, struggling to pull away when his hands wandered to your ass. “Hands off, mister. I’m going to be late,”

“I know, I know,” he mumbled, pecking your lips again. “I love you,”

Your heart still hammered against your ribcage whenever he mentioned those three words, no matter how many times you heard them coming from him. “I love you, too,”

Before you could leave the house, you noticed that one of the bags of chips you had brought over was missing. Specifically, the one brand Sidney had told you Lily loved, and you were sure it was still there before the teen came home. She took it.

You left the Crosby household with a smile, that afternoon.

-

“What? No,” you scoffed, digging your fork in your salad as you looked at your friend. “Sarah, drop it. She’s not a brat,”

“Well, it sounds like it,” she rolled her eyes, taking a sip of her wine before she kept the conversation going. “She’s been giving you hell ever since she met you,”

“But I get her,” you admitted. “I’m crossing her territory and she’s not happy to have me there, especially since I’m dating her father,”

“She literally mentioned your age gap as if you were still underage dating her father, Y/N,” Sarah spat out, her eyebrows raised as she spoke the truth, a sigh leaving your lips. “Didn’t she mention she didn’t like your cake? Where did her manners go?”

“She said her mother’s recipe would always be better,” you mumbled, pushing your food around the plate as you really thought about the situation.

“She basically told you your cake sucks,” Sarah said, honesty coming out of her words as she stared at you. “Y/N, you deserve better than that, come on,”

Biting your lip, you sighed. Sarah was right, you didn’t deserve Lily’s treatment, and you didn’t want Sidney’s relationship with Lily to be destroyed all because of you. That was a nightmare that, in some ways, often kept you up at night. You would have never forgiven yourself, if you ruined Sid’s relationship with his own daughter.

“Listen, I’m in love with Sidney,” you admitted, running a hand through your hair. “And I will try my best to make things work between Lily and me,”

“That’s good,” Sarah mumbled. “But I still think you deserve to be treated better, especially by a girl half your age,”

“I know,” you sighed. Silence set between you and your best friend as you ate in silence, both of you clearly in your own thoughts.

“You did deliver a hot guy, though,” Sarah started, holding back laughter when you giggled. “I mean, a total DILF, so I get you,”

“Sarah!”

-----

You were humming under your breath, getting the studio clean and tidy at the end of the day with a smile on your face. It was Friday - almost the weekend - and you wanted nothing more than to go home, enjoy a glass of wine in front of the TV, and maybe even chat a little with Sidney, if he was free.

There was something about the weekend that had always made you happy, ever since you were a kid. In elementary school, you were able to spend entire Saturdays and Sundays outside with your neighbors, playing together until the sun would go down; in middle school, you used to take Saturdays to go out with your friends; while in high school, the weekend would be the only free time for awkward dates.

The weekends had taken a turn in college, where you’d get hammered on Friday nights, and spend the rest of your free days trying to recover from the hangover with your friends. They’d become messy, headache-filled, but still the best days of your life.

A knock on the opened door snapped you out of your nostalgic trance, making you sharply turn around to see Sidney standing by the threshold, a smile on his face. “Hey,”

“Hi, coach,” you smiled, his body embracing yours in a soft hug as he pressed a swift kiss to the top of your head. “What are you doing here?”

“Just came by to see you before I leave,” he mumbled, his face settling in the crook of your neck as he let his lips press a few kisses on your neck. You hummed, leaning into his touch as his hands inched closer to your hips, pulling you firm against his toned chest. There wasn’t room for words as he turned you around, his mouth finding yours hungrily as the two of you acted like teenagers again.

His lips were soft, but their movements were anything but gentle. You had to refrain yourself from letting out a whine - remembering you were still at your workplace and that people were still most certainly around - as your hands made their way in his hair, his arms picking you up and propping you on your desk.

“Come back to mine,” he whispered, breathing uneven as he pushed some strands of hair out of your face.

“What about Lily?” You asked, biting on your bottom lip as he leaned down to press a few other kisses on the side of your neck.

“She’s at her mother’s,” he grumbled, his lips finding yours again in another heated kiss as you smiled, arms wrapping around his neck as you enjoyed another moment with him. Your legs wrapped themselves around his waist, pulling him closer to you just as his hands started to undo the first few buttons of your blouse.

His head dipped to the newfound skin, your head lulling back as pleasure shot down to your core, your mind not thinking straight anymore. His mouth was on yours again after just a few minutes, his hands gentle on your lower back as he kept you close.

His phone was what snapped the two of you out of your trance, your bodies parting as he tugged the device out of his pocket, his brows furrowing when he saw who was calling. There was no hesitation when he accepted the call, his phone pressed to his ear immediately.

“Lily? What’s wrong?”

Your eyes met his worried ones at the mention of his daughter, waiting for any kind of information as he kept silent. “She hasn’t come to pick you up?!” He spoke, clearly angry. Your legs clenched at the sound of his pissed-off voice, but you forced yourself to put the heated making-out session behind you and focus on the moment. “Lily, practice ended an hour and a half ago,”

They exchanged a few other words before Sidney sighed a quick ‘I’m on my way’, pushing his phone back in his pocket as he helped you down the desk. “C’mon, let’s go,”

“You want me to come?” You hesitantly asked, knowing it probably wasn’t the best to intrude between him and Lily.

“Please,” he sighed under his breath, rubbing his forehead as you buttoned up your blouse again. “I’m so sorry, I ruined everything,”

“Hey, hey,” you were in front of him in a second, cupping his cheeks as your eyes met. “It’s no big deal. Let’s go get her now,”

He nodded his head, waiting for you to lock the office before the two of you were headed towards his car, speeding off through the streets of Pittsburgh in silence. Sidney seemed tense, gripping the steering wheel tightly as he stopped the car in front of the gym, where his daughter was standing. When she opened the backseat door, you heard the soft thud of her duffle bag hitting the car floor, soon followed by her silently sitting down.

“You should have called earlier, Elizabeth,” Sidney sighed after starting the car again, his voice slightly rising. “It’s cold outside, why did you even stay there waiting?”

“Can we not have this conversation in front of your girlfriend? Thanks,” Lily muttered, clearly annoyed at your presence. You repressed a sigh, the car filling with silence as you looked out of the window.

“Lily, it’s dark outside, God knows what could have happened to you!” Sidney yelled, carding a hand through his hair as he stopped at a red light, his emotions getting the best of him. “I need you to answer me. Why didn’t you call me?”

Elizabeth stayed in silence, arms folded over her chest as she looked straight ahead, eyes on the street. Silence set between the teenager and her father as he waited for an answer, his jaw clenching as he kept his eyes on the road, almost home. “Elizabeth?”

“I thought she was going to come and get me!” She yelled. “I wanted her to come and get me!”

Sidney had just parked inside their garage, and with her last words, she left the car. She shut the door angrily, leaving you and her father on your own inside the vehicle in silence. A sigh left his lips as he rubbed his face with the palms of his hands, clearly tired.

He hopped out of the car after a few minutes, helping you out of your seat as you silently made your way inside the Crosby household. Lily was nowhere to be seen, the living room was silent, and so was the kitchen. You guessed she was in her room, the place you had learned she loved the most.

Sidney didn’t talk much throughout the night, exchanging a few words with you just to order dinner and to ask you to stay the night. It was a no-brainer for you, with a whispered ‘yes’ you smiled his way, feeling reassured when he sent you a small smile back.

He seemed to be unreadable, no kind of emotion showing as he mumbled something about going to take a shower, his voice barely a mumble. Lily’s plate of food was sitting in front of you, her chair empty. It felt quite lonely to sit on your own at an empty table.

You grabbed her plate, walking towards the kitchen to heat it up as you let your thoughts crowd your mind, a long sigh leaving your lips. It was clear that with her words she wanted to express how much she wished for her mother to actually take care of her, to treat her like a daughter.

You dragged yourself up the stairs with her plate in one of your hands, your nerves yelling at you to go back downstairs. When you were faced with her door, you studied the banner with her name attached to it: it was a deep shade of purple, definitely a big contrast to the white wood of the door.

With your last ounce of courage of the night, you knocked on her door. “Lily? I brought you food,”

There was no answer from her, so you took it upon yourself to leave her plate on the floor, guessing she might have wanted to eat on her own. You headed towards the master bedroom soon after, closing the door behind yourself when you saw Sidney standing inside the ensuite, only clad in a pair of boxers.

You walked up to him, circling his waist with your arms as you let your cheek rest against his back. “I brought her food,” you whispered, pressing a kiss on his shoulder blade.

“Thank you,” Sidney sighed, letting one of his hands slip inside yours. “For everything,”

“Don’t worry about it,”

You stayed like that for a while, your body close to his as he got himself ready for bed, parting only when you decided to take a shower, too. When you climbed in bed next to him, he seemed to be snapped out of a trance, his arms embracing you in a hug.

“I can’t believe Evelyn didn’t pick her up,” Sid sighed, burying his face in your hair. “It was clear in court, she needs to take care of her daughter,”

“Why is she so distant with Lily?” You asked, voice as thin as a whisper as you traced the prints on his shirt with the pad of your index finger.

“I have no idea,” Sidney mumbled. “Ever since we got divorced it’s like she hates the kid that we’ve both created,”

He stayed in silence for a while, carding a hand through your hair as he wondered whether it was a good time to let you inside his life even more, to talk about his past and tell you one of the most important stories of his life. The story of his daughter.

“You know, we wanted her,” Sidney started after pushing all his internal worrying aside. “We had been married for a year, and we were ready for a baby. Evelyn fell pregnant after a few months of trying and we were more than happy to finally build a family.

“Lily was born a little earlier than expected, but she was healthy, and we were happy. I spent almost an entire year off, I was training but not going to games, while Evelyn worked from home, we were organized.

“By the time Lily started elementary school, I went back to playing hockey full-time but Evelyn wasn’t happy with it anymore, so she decided to get a divorce. I- I didn’t think she was feeling that way, I felt so shocked,” he mumbled, his arms tightening around your body. “We went to court, I was able to see Lily only during the weekends, and I could tell she wasn’t happy with her mom.

“I had teachers calling me, telling me nobody had picked her up, or that she had no lunch for the day. Lily even went as far as to say something about the entire situation to a friend, who later told her mom, who told the teacher that later enlightened me about the fact that my kid wasn’t being treated right by her own mother,” he sighed, your eyes veiled by a layer or tears at the heartbreaking story.

“So I dragged her to court and I was able to get custody of Lily on the weekdays. Truly the best day of my life after the day Lily was born,” Sidney spoke, his fingers drawing shapes on your smaller back as silence filled the room again.

“You’re a good father, Sid,” you whispered, letting your forehead rest against his. “Don’t ever think otherwise,”

He stayed in silence, carding a hand through his messy curls before settling your body on top of his, his hands oh so gentle on your skin. “It’s late, we should probably go to sleep,” he mumbled, leaning down to press a gentle kiss on your lips. You nodded your head, agreeing with him as you let your head rest against his chest, hearing the sound of his heartbeat. “Good night, sweetheart,”

“Good night,” you whispered, keeping your eyes open for a little longer when he turned off the lights. Sidney seemed scared: scared to not give a good enough life to his daughter, scared that Lily might not feel loved, scared that it could be his fault.

He didn’t deserve it, was what you thought before falling in a deep slumber, wishing he and Lily could feel better by the time dawn rolled around.

-----

“And where exactly do you think you’re going?”

Sidney’s voice snapped your eyes away from your laptop, making you face Lily standing in the middle of the entrance hall. She was wearing a yellow sundress, dark hair pulled up in a ponytail as she slipped on a pair of sneakers, ready to leave the house.

“What do you mean?” She called, facing her father with a confused look. “I have that date? With the brother of the little girl I tutor?”

“A what?!”

You gripped Sidney’s hand over the table when he slightly raised his voice, side-eyeing him as the teenager’s eyebrows furrowed. “A date,” she repeated. “Dad, I asked you last week if I could go, and you said yes,”

Sidney’s own eyebrows furrowed, making you notice all the similarities the two of them shared just then. Even if Sidney’s hair had silver streaks, Lily shared the same dark shade of curls; you could often see them using the same facial expressions, from the confused looks, to the way their noses would scrunch up any time something didn’t make sense to them. Lily was Sidney’s copy, and the best way to really notice it was during arguments, as bad as it sounded.

“Well, I probably wasn’t in my right mind, back then,” he spat out. “You can take your shoes off, you’re not leaving the house,”

“Dad!”

“Elizabeth, you’re too young to go on dates,” Sidney spoke, his palm leaving yours when he folded his arms over his chest. “I don’t even know who this guy is!”

“Dad, you literally know his parents,” Lily whined, carding a hand through her hair as she sighed out. “And we’re only going out for ice-cream,”

“I don’t care,” Sidney stated, stubbornly keeping eye contact with his daughter. “You’re not going out with him, and I won’t change my mind,”

“Sidney,” you scolded him, his eyes moving towards yours as he turned around to face you.

“What? Don’t you agree with me?” He asked, Lily’s distant footsteps making you realize she had gone to her room.

“She’s almost fifteen, Sid, and it’s just an ice-cream date,” you sighed, lifting your eyebrows slightly at his clenched jaw. “I went on my first date when I was her age, and it went just fine,”

Sidney kept silent after your confession, staring straight ahead of himself as you looked at him, waiting for any kind of reaction. Lily had seemed to be hurt by his words, especially since she looked more than happy to go on her first-ever date, and you at least wanted him to realize that.

“Sid?”

“Fine,” he grumbled, sighing heavily as bit the insides of his cheek. “She can go, but only if we tag along,”

You jokingly rolled your eyes at his rule, standing up from your chair to press a swift kiss to his cheek. “I’ll go talk to her,” you whispered, ignoring the way your heartbeat had just picked up at the thought of having an actual conversation with Lily again.

By the time you reached her bedroom door, you were more than nervous. Your hand was shaking as you knocked on the door, waiting for any kind of response from her. “Lily?”

“Y/N, go away. This is not the right moment,” you heard her say, voice strained and distant.

“Lily, I need to talk to you,” you gently said, playing with your fingers. “Can I come in?”

There wasn’t a proper verbal answer, but the door snapped open after a few seconds of shuffling, and you quietly entered the dimly lit room. It felt strange to walk into her personal world, her room representing her in some kind of way.

A large bookcase filled with novels caught your attention from the start, a smile forming on your lips when you noticed the fairy lights that gave the room its quite cozy vibe. Lily was laying on her bed, face buried in her pillow as she stayed in silence, only sniffles coming from her.

“Lily-”

“I just don’t get it,” she sniffled, sitting up as she wiped a few tears from her cheeks. “I asked him, and he was okay with it,”

You felt shocked at how open she was, considering just how much she didn’t want anything to do with you, but sat down next to her. “What was he doing when you asked him?”

“He was on the phone,” she admitted after a beat, playing with her hands in her lap when you sighed, knowing that Sidney was never as concentrated as he usually was when he was on the phone with someone. “But I thought he had put the other person on hold, and that he was listening to me,”

“I know how you feel, Lily,” you admitted, smiling softly at her as you stood up and reached for her mascara sitting on her desk. “When I was your age, my dad was really protective of me, too,”

“He was a little pissed off when I asked him if I could go on a date,” you mumbled, lifting her chin up gently as you opened the small bottle. “But my mom made him change my mind, and I was able to go play bowling with the weird kid that sat behind me in Spanish class,”

Lily suppressed a giggle. “And how did it go?”

“It was really awkward. Never went on another date with him, after that,” you laughed, applying a light layer of makeup on her lashes carefully as she looked up at you. “And you’re ready to go,”

“What do you mean?”

“C’mon get up,” you smiled, holding out a hand to her as you stood up from your spot on the bed. “Your dad is allowing you to go,”

“What?!” The smile on her face was priceless when she processed your words. “Really?”

“At only one condition,” you lifted up a finger, jokingly mocking Sidney’s voice. “You can go, but only if we tag along,”

Lily giggled, nodding her head as she slipped her shoes back on, a smile on her lips as she did so. You were about to leave the room in silence to get ready yourself, but Elizabeth’s voice stopped you.

“Y/N?” She called for you, voice hesitant. Your eyes met, a frown forming on her lips as she tied her shoes. “I’m sorry, for everything,”

“It’s fine, Lily,” you whispered, sending her a reassuring smile.

“It’s not,” was all she said as she stood up. “I wasn’t ready to see my dad with someone else, and you came in, and you’re so perfect, and I don’t know why I acted that way,”

You wrapped your arms around her at her confession, her body reciprocating the hug in just a few seconds as comfortable silence filled the room. You had to hold back a tear as you pulled back, smiling down at her. “We’re fine, Lily,” you whispered. “Now, it’s better if we get going. Don’t wanna be late, do we?”

She smiled up at you, shaking her head before looking back inside her room, mumbling something about having to find her purse. As you made your way down the staircase, the sight of Sidney standing by the front door with a beaten-up look met your eyes, making you chuckle. “Is she okay?” Was all he asked, his hand finding yours when you stepped in front of him.

“More than okay, now that she gets to go on her date,” you whispered, leaning up to press a quick kiss to his lips.

“Are we ready?” Lily yelled from the stairs, a happy smile on her lips as she made her way down in a rush, throwing herself in her father’s arms quickly before opening the door.

“We are,” Sidney spoke, smiling at her silent way of thanking him as he followed her outside, dragging you along by the hand. The drive was filled with soft music from the radio and excited giggles coming from Lily, and by the time you reached the parlor, the teenager was more than ready to throw herself out of the car.

Sidney was about to follow her - probably to have some words with the guy - but you stopped him, a hand on his bicep as you made eye contact. He sighed, understanding what you meant with just a look of your eyes, sitting back in the driver’s seat.

“Have fun, Lily!” You cheered, sending her a smile as she shut her door, waving towards the two of you as she walked away.

The smile on your face didn’t leave as you took a look at Sidney, who was focusing on the rearview mirror a little too much, trying to see Lily and her date and what was happening.

“Oh, Sidney,” you laughed, slipping your hand in his to give his palm a squeeze. “Let them at least grab ice-cream, before you judge the guy,”

“Hey! I’m not judging anyone!” He scoffed, smiling your way when he saw the look of fondness on your face, your hands cupping his cheeks before you leaned in for a kiss.

“Sure, mister serious,”

-----

The sound of the Penguins’ game playing on Sidney’s TV was filling the living room quite loudly, your eyes following the movements on the screen as you mindlessly stuffed your mouth with popcorn.

It was a Thursday night that would have been perfect, if Sidney was home. He had been in Vancouver for two weeks, instead, so far away from you it almost hurt. You had grown so accustomed to his presence around the mansion, after moving in with him and Lily, that it physically hurt to see him leave, even if it was just for a few days.

The house always felt quite empty when it was missing his laughter, or his music that Lily couldn’t stand, or even his booming voice when he heatedly spoke on the phone. In some way, every single part of you was missing him. Sitting in front of the TV on your own often made you realize that: just how lost you felt without him, without his presence, or his support.

On the other hand, Lily was the ray of sunshine that made your days just a little better, when he wasn’t around. Maybe it was the bubbly personality that she had slowly shown you, or maybe the inside jokes you had grown to share.

Lily had opened up to you after the ice-cream date - and even when you had thought things between you and her still felt quite tense, the smile on her face when Sidney had told her you were going to move in was enough to make you think otherwise.

Sidney appeared on the screen for a quick second, but the sound of the front door snapping shut was what brought you out of your thoughts, a smile on your face when you realized Lily had finally come home.

“Hey, Lily!” You got no response from her, only hearing her shoes hitting the floor before she made her way towards the living room. “How was tutoring?”

“Good, until James decided to be a dick,” she sighed, flopping on the couch with her eyebrows furrowed.

“James as in your-almost-boyfriend? The one from the date?” You asked in shock, pushing popcorn in your mouth when Lily nodded her head. “No way,”

“I was doing maths with his little sister, and he had the great idea to interrupt us by coming in with his friends,” Lily started to explain, clearly pissed off at her peer. “They were screaming and it was so hard to hear the little girl talk,”

You shook your head in annoyance, handing her the bowl of popcorns as you focused for a second on the TV, checking the score. The Penguins were winning, but the Canucks weren’t ready to surrender.

“Eventually, they calmed down and went to the living room,” Lily continued. “But I heard them talk about some bet, and it didn’t take a while for it to click in my brain,”

“A bet?!”

“A bet, that’s all the date was!” she repeated, nodding her head at your shocked face as she let her arms fold over her chest. “I confronted him about it and he even tried to play nice and act as if he had been forced to do it!”

“No way,” you whispered, jaw slack as you watched her for any kind of reaction. “I’m so sorry, L,”

“It’s fine,” she huffed, stealing a handful of popcorns as she gave her phone a quick look. “It’s not like he was the best almost-boyfriend anyway,”

You giggled, pulling her closer as the two of you silently watched the game, your heart skipping a beat every time they showed a concentrated version of Sidney - hair perfectly styled and suit neatly ironed.

He seemed tense, eyebrows furrowed as he shared a few words with the team, or watched his players skate around the rink. His concentrated look was something you had fallen for, painting his face so many times on a daily basis you sometimes got worried his muscles got stuck.

Sidney Crosby was fascinating, to say the least.

“Don’t tell dad, though,” Lily whispered from your side, still thinking about what had happened with James. “He already didn’t want me to go on the date with him, if he had to know about this, he’d probably kill James,”

“I won’t, don’t worry,” you whispered back, carding a hand through her hair just as the Canucks scored, making the both of you groan out in unison.

“Oh no,” Lily sighed, giggling soon after. “He’s gonna talk about this goal for the next week, I’m so sure,”

“He is,” you agreed, holding back a chuckle as you stood up from the couch, heading towards the kitchen to grab more snacks for the two of you. “Ready for girls’ night?”

“We’re having girls’ night?” Lily asked, a smile on her face as she looked at you.

“It’s always girls’ night, when your dad’s not home,” you winked, coming back with enough chips and candy to keep you full for an entire weekend. She giggled at your words, shaking her head before heading upstairs to get changed.

As you got settled while waiting for her, you hoped to stay awake just enough to be able to see Sidney. He was supposed to be home early the next morning, and you were willing to stay up the entire night on your own if it meant you’d get to hug him as soon as he’d be back.

When Elizabeth came back down the stairs in her pajamas, she said the words that in some way, reminded you of Sidney. They left his mouth just so often, and you had connected the phrase to him.

“Are we ready?”

You smiled up at the teen, nodding your head as she sat down next to you, draping a blanket over her legs. “Ready,”

-

The sound of Lily’s bedroom door opening woke you up from your deep slumber, your eyes struggling to adapt to the still dark room as Sidney’s frame sat on the bed next to your half-asleep body.

Lily was still lightly snoring by your side, one of her arms holding the bag of chips she had been nursing before falling asleep, the other draped over your stomach. “Hi, baby,” Sidney whispered, carding a hand through your hair as you snuggled your head closer to his thigh.

“Hi,” you whispered back, breathing in his scent as you relished in his closeness. “I missed you,”

“I missed you two more,” he said, bending down to press a quick peck to the top of your head, soon moving towards Lily’s. He stayed in silence for a few moments, your sleepy eyes holding his as you relaxed. He was finally home.

“Let’s get you to bed, sweetheart,” he whispered after a beat, lifting you up in his arms effortlessly just as your eyes started to droop again. With your head against his chest, you sighed in content, letting one of your hands touch his warm skin as if to make sure he wasn’t just a dream.

By the time you were carefully let down onto the expensive - and way too soft - comforter, your eyes were still staring up at his. The covers were pulled over your body by Sidney, giving you just enough time to read the digits on the clock standing on his bedside table.

It was well past three in the morning, the moon still shining in the darkness of the night as you tried to keep yourself awake to enjoy a moment with the love of your life after the two weeks spent apart. He had turned his back to you, his opened button-up sitting on his shoulders as he took his wristwatch off, the sight leaving you speechless.

“You should close your eyes, my love,” he spoke, a gentle smile on his lips as he looked at your mirror reflection. “It’s late,”

“I need you close,” was all you whispered, biting on your lip when he finally undressed, joining your body underneath the warmth of the duvet. He pulled you in closer, his lips meeting yours in a gentle kiss as you tried to keep a few happy tears at bay, way too tired to contain your emotions.

“Sid,” you whispered as soon as you pulled away, catching his attention as he pressed a swift peck to your forehead. “I love you, so much,”

He smiled at you, biting on his lip as his hands rubbed your smaller back. “I love you more, Y/N,”

“I- I feel so empty when you leave,” you admitted, your fingers drawing shapes on his chest as you revealed the feelings you had been developing for months. “You’ve become the best part of me, and I don’t think I could ever be able to live a life without you,”

Sidney was silent as you talked, carding a hand through your hair as he listened to you, trying to impress your words in his mind. “I don’t want to spend my life with anybody else but you and Lily. Fuck, I don’t even know where I would be, if we hadn’t crossed paths.

“I know that maybe it’s too soon, and that it might not be the right time, but I just felt like telling you. You’re the one that I want, for the rest of my life, even when I’m old and ugly,”

Sidney suppressed a chuckle at your words, leaning his forehead against yours as you stopped for a second. “I don’t think you could ever become ugly, darling,” he admitted, his nose touching yours as you giggled softly.

“That’s not my point,” you jokingly slapped his chest, your eyes meeting his again as you formulated your next phrase in your head. “I’ll be waiting for you, Sid. I’ll be here when you’ll be ready,”

He stared at you with a smile as you finished your monologue, his heart beating so fast against your palm it almost got you scared. After splitting with Evelyn, he never thought he’d be ready. He hadn’t been ready to leave the house, the first few days after the divorce. He hadn’t been ready to love someone as much as he had loved Evelyn, until you came along.

It felt like old Sidney came back, when you became part of his life. He was happy, genuinely ready to love again, and you were the angel that made it happen, the reason why he felt ready, after all that time.

“I’m ready,” was everything he said, eyes staring deep into yours as he let his forehead touch yours, his words making your heart leap out of your chest. “I’m ready,”

Taglist: @thirstyybitch​ @bellaguarneri​ @boqvistsbabe​ @trashforbarzal​ @captaindaddies​ @keithseabrook27​ @heatherawoowoo​ @sidscrosbyy​

[abbynx]

Being Sorlato’s child + Being babysat by La squadra

A/N: Soooo, this is a direct sequel from the one-shot “Encounter” if you haven’t read it yet, feel free to browse it here 

Genre: Fluff, platonic, wholesome headcanons

- After the encounter, the couple found themselves thinking about it all the time, how different they acted to a child at the face of danger, and how afraid they were and how quick they were to act upon instinct and save you. There was certainly something the couple felt in their chest they can’t fathom but somehow liked the pleasant feeling. 

- One time Sorbet was found lounging around the La Squadra headquarters with a pamphlet regarding parenting whilst waiting for the meeting. When asked why he was reading that he nonchalantly replies that the thing was lying around and decided to read it because, “Why not?” One knows not to question him any further, so they let him be. 

- Gelato was found longingly staring at parents with their kids on the playground whilst on a mission and again, no one dared to speak a word of it. He didn’t leave even if the mission was over, until Sorbet was called in and had to physically drag him away. 

- They both knew it was getting out of hand because all they can think of now was wanting to raise a child of their own but they knew their circumstance were the least ideal to put a child in. For crying out loud, they kill people for a living and they didn’t really want to subject a child into this mess of their’s. 

- “God, is this what baby fever feels like?” 

- The couple has discussed about this, over and over than they can recall. When Gelato would suddenly mention, “You know, if we were to have a son I think that you can teach him how to ride a bike. That’d be sweet to watch to be honest.” or Sorbet saying, “If we were to have a daughter, I get to threaten her boyfriend to bring her back home before dinner.” 

- Once again, they were out to go on their once a week date all to their selves and decided to go to the same restaurant they had to stop in to save the child. And on their way their, what are the odds, the aforementioned child coming up to them and greeting them. 

“Ciao signore Sorbet! Signore Gelato!” 

W-was this a sign??? 

 "Ahh, Y/N!" Gelato was practically enthusiastic, he can just pick you up, but of course, he has to bind himself down. 

 "Out in the middle of the night again, I see." Sorbet points out. 

 "Aheh, yes sir..." You sheepishly responded. "But I really have to do everything if I want to graduate elementary with high marks." 

 - After a brief chat, weather, school and whatnot, once again you went on with your merry little way. After that, it was back for longing and yearning for the couple. 

 - The rest of La Squadra noticed this, but didn't knew how to help; until Melone picked up on the signs the couple were exuding: Sorbet reading the parenting pamphlet, Gelato longingly gazing towards parents bonding with their children, the two of them talking away about 'If we were to have a child...'— why, Melone's diagnosis: Baby fever. 

 - Melone somehow came up with an elaborate scheme involving an orphanage, did a couple of research. Due to some... Fortunate moment, somehow, someway, the figure running the same orphanage you resided in has made quite the list of enemies all his years. 

 "Melone you know that you can just tell them it's okay for them to adopt the child, right???" Risotto looks up from the detailed, complex document sent in by Babyface's user. 

 - Yes, it was stupidly complicated and a lot of work compared to just simply signing papers and adopting the child. The paperwork would be, again, stupidly complicated, but at least it doesn't involve bloodshed. It's not like the couple shied away from shedding blood but that wasn't the point. 

 - Capo Risotto had to consider their circumstances to adopt a child. Like I said, the dilemma was killing them and simply can't act out of selfishness and adopt a child just because they wanted to, it wasn't the same as a adopting a pet.

 - Cue the four hour meeting with the couple, discussing about what they can do and what they cannot do. Risotto was most certainly happy for the two of them to be adopting a child of their own, taking care of them and along of those lines but again, the fact they are a part of a crime syndicate and there were a lot of things they discussed about. 

 - After that, everything was settled and got started with the process of adopting the child. They didn't have to chose, they already had their eyes set on a specific kid; Y/N L/N, age eleven, abandoned by their parents when they were born, who adores reading and loves (insert food) and— what? They've done their research!

 - The couple was just beyond elated!

 - Through the process of adopting you they learned you were six 

 - Now that fact was uncovered, they were now more concerned and pissed why the orphanage would neglect a first grader and let them return from school at eight in the evening. And the fact that they met you under the circumstance of danger, pretending to be the couple's kid in desperation. 

 - Needless to say, a lot of things are going to change in your life, especially at the aspect of your security. They are a part of those people you should fear at night, admittedly gelato has almost pulled a gun on you that fateful night out of sheer jealousy, and didn't even register the fact you were barely half Sorbet's height.

 - First and foremost, you won't be staying in school longer than six thirty, as the couple takes turn on picking you up. They understand and adore the fact you're a hardworking kid thriving to have a scholarship in college despite being a literal first grader, but being a little kid walking alone in the middle of an evening is frightfully concerning. And in those times wherein either sorbet or Gelato picks you up, they'd buy you treats you want but not enough to spoil your appetite for dinner. 

- You did not hesitate to address them the way you addressed them that one fateful night when they tucked you in your new room for the very first time.. Gelato cried after that and Sorbet had to hold him to his chest to clam him down. Ugh, you were so effortless at making the two of them so soft. 

 - They're underpaid, not broke, so the couple spoils you in an overwhelming rate, the entirety of La Squadra were beginning to get concerned. Proscuitto scolded the two that they might spoil you rotten, but they reassured them you weren't. 

 - Speaking of La Squadra, the couple considered them as their family. Sorbet and Gelato did not hesitate to introduce you to them not as La Squadra, but as your uncles.

 - All of them were touched that Sorbet and Gelato want them to be a part of their child's life, that one of them would often volunteer to watch over you if the two were away. The couple were not going to introduce you to them as assassins and took advantage of your gullible nature as a young child. they don't intend to hide it as a secret from you. Perhaps someday they'll tell you their line of career, but six was not the right age to do so. 

 - Which brings us to their circumstances, the fact that they're assassins and how it is not an ideal career for people who has an attachment outside of their jobs. They were extremely careful in terms of that, wanting to protect and prevent others from using you against the couple. Well, now there's now a fate worse than death if ever that happens. 

 - With new responsibilities, Risotto understood them and gave them less jobs in order to take care and watch over you. But there were times where the two were both absent, prompting one of La Squadra to babysit you.

- Melone, Formaggio and Proscuitto are top picks for babysitting duties! but, of course, there are disadvantages. Melone is... Melone. Formaggio can and will act as a kid rather than an adult. And Proscuitto, well, he can be a bit too domineering. So yes, they are A-tier babysitters, nonetheless. 

 - B-tier babysitters would be Illuso, Pesci, and Ghiaccio. Illuso can be a bit too dismissive, Pesci will be too anxious and overprotective-- like in an extreme rate, and Ghiaccio... Hide your copy of Merchant of Venice, and you'll live another day. 

 - S-tier would be Risotto, except the fact that he is always busy. He is good with kids and he can guarantee their safety, I mean, need I say more?

 - Under no circumstances, are they allowed to swear around you. The couple already had restricted their foul language around you, and they expect the others to do so as well. Ghiaccio is highkey sweating when you started saying bullshit whenever you're frustrated. He profusely begged you not to day that again in exchange for ice cream. 

“Bullshit!” Ghiaccio’s heart skipped a beat after hearing your small voice whisper-shout on the dinner table as you attempted to solve a rather difficult math problem. 

 - Your relationship with them was well. They were protective of you, love you and support you. They're very affectionate, but not in an overwhelming amount... Well, at least they try to hold back but all they want to do is to spend time with their baby and love them unconditionally, as they should. 

 - Padre Gelato is more of a fun dad, very playful and energetic. He likes lifting you up to his hip before gently nuzzling his nose against yours. Dad jokes subconsciously slips from his mouth, be careful. He does a lot of cool tricks with his butterfly knife, twirling the sharp blade around while you stare in awe, whilst Papa Sorbet was more concerned that he'll accidentally cut himself, or that you might try the trick unsupervised. Needless to say, Padre was responsible enough to keep his knife in his pocket at all times to prevent that. 

“When will you teach me how to do that, Papa?” 

“When your old enough, N/N.” 

 - Papa Sorbet is a bit more reserved, but certainly not distant. He will not hesitate to kill someone who tries to hurt you. So he's the perfect person to serve as your teacher, as he helps you with school work and help you learn other practical things: cooking, baking, doing laundry by hand (which product is more effective to get blood off clothes), self-defense, etc. 

“So if there’s a stranger following you, what do you do?”

“Cling to the nearest person I see and pretend that I know them?”

 - They both tuck you into bed after reading you a bed time story, though it only lasted until you were nine because you insisted you were already grown up (cue, Gelato hiding his face on Sorbet's chest because his baby is all grown up--), but some things don't change because by bed time, they just check up on you even if they won't tuck you in to sleep.

 - Extremely supportive and encouraging. Like, they're basically the gasoline you pour on fire to intensify the fire of your passion. Like, they'll cheer you on sport games and competitions, tries their best to attend recitals, etc, etc. Though sometimes one is missing due to missions, sometimes both, but in the end of the day, you were confident that they would have loved it. 

 - Unbeknownst to you, at the end of the competition, a certain figure will come behind you and lock you on a headlock before harshly rubbing their knuckle atop your head. Uncle Formaggio can be a mean sometimes. So yes, if ever the couple is absent from your competitions, one of your uncles would volunteer to go. 

“‘Sup, little sport?” 

“Uncle Formaggio, my hair--!”

 - The first time you celebrated your birthday with your new parents was your seventh. They wanted to throw a goshdarn ball, but you insisted to keep the party amongst yourself. Just you, your papa and padre, and your  seven weird uncles. You were already a big family, and you were happy with that.

[littlemisskookie]

Piss Off Your Parents

Piss Off Your Parents Ship: BadBoy!Jungkook | RichGirl!Reader Description: Roommates!AU | BadBoy!AU | FakeDating!AU | In an effort to piss off your parents you move in with their worst nightmare- a boy with tattoos, a rock band, and an irresistible charm. Warnings: Dom!JK, Daddy Kink, D/S Themes, Spanking, Pussy Spanking, Intercourse, Rough Sex, Dirty Talk, Creampie, Fingering, Oral, Multiple Orgasms, Squirting, Size Kink, Hair Pulling, Praise Kink, Lots of Pet Names, Angst, Fluff, Drug Use (it’s just weed) Word Count: 16,411 A/N: Based on the song 18 by Anarbor! This ends my hiatus! I’ve been writing this for literal months so I hope you guys like it. Happy Early 3rd Year Anniversary!

"Oh, you must visit us in Morocco! We got a summer home there not too long ago, and it's absolutely divine!"

"You don't say? We were thinking about visiting there! It was between there and Budapest."

"I went to Budapest not too long ago, actually. Remember when I was telling you about Belgium?"

"Belgium? I remember Prague..."

"Oh yes! Prague, that's it. Well, it was the trip after-"

You rolled your eyes, internally groaning as you listened to your mother speak with the Senator's wife. You hated going to these. The senator loved to host "intimate" parties, which mainly compromised of the 1%. Everyone knew it was because the next election was coming up, and he wanted to raise funding. As if he needed it, you mused to yourself, admiring the interior of the mansion. Spilling wine on a nearby couch would cost as much as some student loans.

Still, you were the daughter of a wealthy family, trust fund baby among other things. Your college was paid for, not including the bribing, and you were the darling among many. Daddy's little jewel, and one of the few brats who wasn't forced under the scapel at 16.

You couldn't stand the boys in that circle. They were all the same, figuring that a man of their "status" should have a trophy equally worthy. Or perhaps they wanted an arranged marriage, no bullshit, simply in hopes of linking the family businesses together and gaining your father's support. Often times they were just men who had never heard the word "no", and didn't like hearing it, wealth be damned.

You feel sick to your stomach, seeing one of your "suitors" eyeing you when he enters. He's different from the others, no suit adorning his figure. Instead of a suit and tie, he wears all black, leather jacket and combat boots. The graphic tee is tucked into his ripped jeans, accentuating his tiny waist. You peak at the tattoos on his hands, and the jewelry he wears. Lots of rings, some earrings, and a chain necklace, with a matching one on his pants. He had long hair that hung around his ears, making it where he had to flip his hair to see what was in front of him.

You felt as though the world had stopped, holding your breath as you simply stare at him. He gives you a charming smile, surprisingly cute dimples showing up on either cheek. It felt as though the breath had been knocked out of your lungs, and your stomach was doing flips.

"Oh, that boy! I told him to dress for the occasion," the Senator's wife scowled. She smiles towards you and your mother. "If you'll excuse me."

As soon as she scurries away, you turn to your mother, eyes wide with wonder. "Who's that?"

Your mother gives a judgemental stare to the boy as he's approached. "The Senator's son- Jungkook. You grew up with him when you were about toddlers."

"The Jeons created that?" You couldn't believe it. Those two had sticks shoved so far up their asses you were sure you could see the end whenever they opened their mouths. You would've remembered growing up with a specimen like that. "How come I haven't seen him until now?"

"His parents sent him off to boarding school in Switzerland, hoping it would whip him into shape. It didn't. After he got his degree in college he decided to make some rock band. Apparently he's back in town to work with this new record label- or was it to own his own guitar shop?"

"So he's some baddie rock star?"

"Dear, I told you to speak properly. Like a lady." Your mother sighs. "But in other words, yes. Figures the Senator would make the living embodiment of teenage rebellion- though I'm surprised it's lasted this long."

"I'll say." You hadn't been able to do anything of the sort. Your parents were strict to whip you into the shape, not allowing any form of rebellion, though you have your tiny ways. You learned to appreciate the little things. So when you looked at the Senator's son, in all his indie-rock glory, you couldn't help but admire him.

"I'll see you in a bit, Mother. I do believe I have to acquaint myself," you say, sliding away with ease.

"Y/N!"

You're long gone, though, the lecture Jungkook was surely hearing now over as his mother stomps away, shaking her head. You combed your fingers through your hair, hoping you looked good. You wore a tight red dress, though it wasn't too revealing, as well as a matching set of diamond earrings. Don't even mention the carats on your necklace.

"Hey," you say, giving the coy smile you had mastered so long ago. "Jungkook, right?"

"That's me," he says, taking your hand to bring it up to his lips, winking at you. "And who do I have the pleasure of meeting?"

"Meeting?" You feign slight offense. "Don't you remember me? Y/N. We grew up together as toddlers." Before he has time to take it seriously, you let your expressions melt back into a smile. "Though I wouldn't worry too much about it- it was long ago."

"I don't think I'll be forgetting you again any time soon," he says, a smirk on his lips.

You giggle at that. "So what brings you here? Doesn't seem to be your kind of scene."

He shrugged. "My dad's the senator, as I'm sure you already know. He figured I'd be able to bring in a few dollars with promoting to our 'friends', along with getting me on the 'right track'. AKA his track. Y'know, politics and that sort of stuff."

"I get that," you nod. "My parents have been pushing me most of tonight to find myself some new boyfriend here."

"And why haven't you? I'd figure a gorgeous girl such as yourself would have no problem."

"The problem isn't with me, mind you," you say, sighing. "Let's just say that most of these guys aren't exactly my-" You nod to the suitor who had been eyeing you the entire time, though he now glares at Jungkook. "-type."

"They aren't my type either," Jungkook jokes, waving in acknowledgment to the man. He leans in close to whisper in your ear, and you can't help but feel your knees go weak at his scent. Was that cologne or did he naturally smell good? "What exactly is your type then, hm?"

"I'm talking to him."

He smiles at that. "Good move, princess."

"Who do you think you're calling princess?"

"Oh? What would you like to be called, then?"

"Wouldn't you like to know? You already have too much power over me. That would just be my one-way ticket to doom." You let your fingers twirl around a lock of his hair, admiring how soft it was. "My name will do for now."

"Fair enough," he chuckles. "Do you want to get some fresh air on the balcony? It's just that wonderbread over there seems like he wants to pick a fight, and I'd rather not get blood on that white shirt of his."

"Is that why you're wearing black? So the blood won't show up?"

"You're wearing red- it'll do just as well."

"Touché. No fighting tonight, though. Wonderbread can't even handle a nosebleed."

"Lead the way then, Y/N."

You're happy to do so but already find yourself cringing as Wonderbread catches up with you before you can leave. "Hey! Y/N! Where are you going off to? The party's just started"

"Jungkook and I are just going to get some fresh air," you assure him, trying to smother the rising feelings of annoyance as well as the urge to groan.

"Jungkook, huh?" Wonderbread looks him up and down, eyes squinted, glaring at his appearance. "The senator's son?"

"That's me," Jungkook says in response.

"You don't look like the type," Wonderbread mutters.

"You mean boring?" Jungkook snorts, giving his own dirty glance up and down Wonderbread's form.

"What are you insinuating?" Wonderbread's face was already getting red. It was always so easy to offend these sorts of guys. They could dish it, but not take it.

"I mean black is slimming. You should dress in a way that flatters you, y'know?" Jungkook plasters on a fake smile that could rival your own. He reaches for Wonderbread's tie, toying with it between his fingers for a few moments. "But judging from your choice of baby blue, I don't think you do."

"Why I oughta-"

"I think now's a good time to get that fresh air!" you say, pushing Jungkook off in the direction of the balcony. "Right, Jungkook?"

He simply shrugs, taking the hint before stalking off in that direction. You're about to follow him when Wonderbread yanks on your arm, a scowl on his face. "I thought you had better taste, Y/N. That you were smart."

"Let go of me, please."

His grip tightens. "Didn't your parents tell you to stay away from guys like that? He'll just get you into trouble- they always do. What with their piercings and tattoos and drugs- stay away from that. He had a choice and could've been like that, but it's clear he wants to be a rebel and get himself in jail."

"I said let go of me." You try to pull your arm back, but he stays firm.

"Why don't you just listen to me and stop for a second. Guys like that will just hurt you. They hurt everyone around them, including themselves. They're scum-"

"I said-"

"Don't be an idiot and stick with your own kind."

"If you don't let go of me right now, I'll scream. I don't care," you grit.

Wonderbread scowls again, muttering to himself as he finally lets go of you. You rub your sore arm, glaring at him. He simply scoffs. "You'll be the laughing stock when you go crying back to your parents."

"Have you ever considered I don't want to be like you people? Like us? Look around, Wonderbread. None of us are happy. You clearly aren't because you can't get laid, at least not by 'your own kind'. I haven't done anything with Jungkook, I just met him tonight and we're getting air, and even if I did, it'd be none of your business. So stop staring at my rack like you have been for the past hour and get a life."

You turn on your heel, marching over to the balcony, leaving Wonderbread far behind you. Jungkook's waiting for you, leaning on the railing.

"Are you ok? I saw some of that back there. I wanted to help, but I didn't want to go all 'Alpha Douchebag' like other guys. Besides you seemed to be able to handle yourself at the end."

You huff, brushing your hands through your hair. "I'm able to defend myself once in a while. I'm not some damsel in distress."

"Never said you were, princess. And trust me when I say I'm no white knight."

"That's why I'm here with you instead of Wonderbread."

"No one with a personality spicier than flour would want to stick around with Wonderbread," he responds.

"You've got a point," you huff. "Guys like him are hard to shake off."

"It's not hard to see why. You're gorgeous and rich, double whammy," Jungkook winks.

You groan. "God, not you too. Besides, you're one to talk. You waltz in here, dressing like sin, son of the senator no less, and you don't expect girls to fawn over you?"

"Who said I didn't expect it?"

"Plus, it's different for guys and girls. In this sort of society guys just want a trophy wife. The girls want a trophy too, though. The hottest guy, the richest guy- a provider," you state. "The gender roles of the high class still stay in the 50s, I'm afraid."

"So you followed me out here because you see me as a provider, huh?"

"Did you invite me out because you saw me as a trophy?"

"No." He shakes his head, his locks bouncing as he did so. It was strangely attractive.

"Well if I just wanted a provider I'd stick with Wonderbread. He'd be more than willing to 'provide' for me."

"The only thing softies like that can't provide is an orgasm," he bluntly says.

You burst out laughing at that. "Oh my god, don't-"

"I'm just saying," he chuckles. "Besides, it's not all that bad. So you're hot and rich- boohoo. First world problems, am I right?"

"I know, I know, I'm privileged but- God, it's annoying."

"It's just a few guys who want to marry you- what's the big deal?"

"What's the big deal?" You hold out your hand, tallying off the reasons. "My parents are pressuring me to marry young, wanting to trust their wealth to a man they don't even know rather than the daughter they raised. I'm constantly sexually harassed, and most of the time when I reject the guy he either doesn't take the hint or just says I was fat or ugly to ease his bruising ego. Everything I do is perceived as a ploy to get a man, and the other chicks go as far as to slut-shame me or say I think I'm better than everyone else because I'm some SJW who doesn't want to get boob surgery to please a man, despite the fact he'll probably be sleeping with an 18-year-old when we're 50 and hating ourselves."

"If it helps, I think your tits are great as they are."

"Did you listen to anything I said?"

"Of course I did, baby. But you have to keep in mind when a guy hears the words 'boob surgery' he tends to tune in more," he jokes. "But yes, I get your struggles. I grew up in the same environment, for the most part."

"Why aren't you out here trying to win a trophy, anyway?"

"Didn't you hear? I was sent off to boarding school. It's good to see an outside world that doesn't cater to your every need," he shrugs. "You know, a world where women are more than trophies and guys are more than the thickness of their wallets."

"Instead the thickness of their cocks?"

He winks. "Now you're thinking like me."

"So you got outside perspective and chose to follow that instead of a life that would've provided you with everything?"

"What can I say? I've got passion for things outside of elections and sexism."

"Let me guess- you're in a rock band, ride a motorcycle, and play guitar," you roll your eyes. "Color me impressed."

There's a moment of silence, and you turn to him, finding him bashfully stunned. "No shit! You're actually all of those things?"

"I'll have you know I own a guitar shop along with the band. Have to pay the bills somehow."

"Oh my god- you're like every teen girl's wet dream! The living embodiment of a Harry Styles fanfiction but without the toxicity!" You guffaw. "I can't believe this. I should've known. Leather jackets, long hair, tattoos- fuck!"

"Yeah yeah, you've made your point, princess."

"I mean, I thought I was a bit of a parent's worse nightmare when it came to youthful rebellion but you're the icing on the cake," you continue. "Fuck, you'd piss my parents off."

"Getting turned on by the thought of it, little girl?" he teases, trying to get you to back down, quirking a brow at your amusement.

"You know it," you flirt back, tugging at his belt, fueled further. "I love nothing more than showing them I'm more grown-up than they realize."

"Oh?" He starts to take you seriously, gulping. "I would've figured a Daddy's girl like you would've loved pleasing her parents."

"I guess you could say I'm a different kind of Daddy's girl," you wink. You laugh at his serious expression, knowing your little joke was in full effect. "Calm down, Jeon. I'm not going to fuck you on the balcony- despite how my type you are."

"I'm your type?"

"Haven't I made it obvious?" you snicker. "I told you I loved nothing more than to piss my parents off- and you're the embodiment of that. I could see my dad's face going red already! I mean, motorcycles, rock band, tattoos, leather, guitars- already my type, but it's the cherry on top."

"You're weird about that, huh? I knew some girls were into this whole look, but I wouldn't have figured it was for the same reason as you."

"All girls who are attracted to guys like you are attracted for the same reasons," you muse. "Daddy issues."

"Makes sense," he hums. "But I'm not all that dreamy, princess."

"Oh? Explain."

"I drink."

"Vodka I hope."

"I also smoke. Weed."

"Better than vaping like the 'cool kids'."

"I'm broke."

That's the one that takes you by surprise. "How's that? You're the senator's son."

He shrugs. "My parents cut me off after I came back from boarding school and told them I wanted to join a rock band and make a guitar shop. They hate my look as much as your parents would- though they brought me here in hopes that those my age could rub off on me in time for the election. I make enough to live in my apartment and provide for myself, but I don't think I'd be able to be the same kind of 'provider' as Wonderbread over there."

"Well, what do you think I'd use Daddy's card for?" you say. "It has been gathering dust..."

"God, you're serious about this," he laughs. "I'm on a fast track of getting a rich girlfriend and I didn't even have to lift a finger. I'll have to start calling off my other girls soon enough."

"Not quite," you say, pressing your finger against his lips. "There's one thing that'll prevent me from dating a guy like you- no matter how appealing you may seem."

His brows furrow in a state of confusion. "And what's that, princess?"

"There's one thing that's very consistent about men like you- what, with your 'bad boy with a heart of gold' persona," you say, tilting his chin up a bit. "Heart breakers. All of you. In all of the stories, fiction or reality, it ends the same. A broken heart one way or another, even temporarily. I'm guessing with you it'd be those other girls you mentioned. If not that, arguments because of how different we are. Or perhaps it'd be my parents saying enough's enough and taking me away or something- I don't know. It's the only thing that my parents and Wonderbread get right, though."

"So what does that boil down to?"

"It boils down to the fact that I wouldn't fall for someone like you."

"Charming?"

"Sleazy."

"Handsome?"

"Generic."

"Dangerous?"

"Extremely."

Jungkook chuckles at that. "I don't think you'd be able to choose whether or not you fall for someone, princess. I've been told I'm quite irresistible."

"I'm sure you are- but I made my choice the moment you stepped through those double doors," you smile, tapping his nose. "I'm not going to be another broken heart. That I guarantee."

"Oh, you read too much fanfiction. What Harry Styles fanfiction gave you this mindset? The Bad Boy's Rich Girl?" He laughs. "I see it now. I assure you, baby, I'm a lover, not a fighter."

"I can handle fighting. I was raised in it. A lover like you isn't what I need."

"Are you sure? I'm confident in my loving abilities."

"Ha," you flatly say. "Sure you are. Choke me, baby."

"Give me the safe word first, baby."

You roll your eyes. "You're no good for me."

"Poison."

"You'd break my heart."

"Like so many others'."

"You'll call me?"

"At 2 AM."

"God, you're sleazy."

"You love it, baby."

"Shut up and put your number in my phone so I can wait two days to text back."

-

You and Jungkook had been texting non-stop since the senator's party. Surprisingly enough, between the banter and flirting, he was a very genuine person. He was caring and sent the same memes, though you were considering unfollowing meme accounts so that you'd be pleasantly surprised. Damn him for having the same sense of humor as you.

You were in the middle of spamming the skull emoji when your mother called for you. You rolled your eyes, huffing as you put down your phone, checking your appearance once more in the mirror. Your parents told you to get dolled up for the evening, and you could only hope they were taking you to see the musical that was in town.

Once you glided down the stairs, however, you were supremely disappointed.

"Y/N," your mother beamed, "this is Jin. He's a doctor, and he's involved in-"

"Non-invasive surgery," Jin interrupted, already pissing you off. "Pleasure to meet you- your parents told me all about you."

"Pleasure's all mine," you say through gritted teeth, already absolutely pissed. You turn towards your mother. "May I talk to you for a moment?"

"Of course, sweetheart." You see her internally roll her eyes as she escorts you to the kitchen, where you immediately turn on your heel.

"This is the fifth boy you've brought home for me to date! How many more do you need to bring for you to realize I'm not interested in them?"

"Sweetheart, you have to understand-"

"Understand what? No means no. I don't like any of them. The fact you won't stop pressuring me into dating strangers isn't helping, either."

"We just want to see you settled down with a proper gentleman-"

"Settled down!? I'm in my young 20s! I'm nowhere near menopause, for your information. I've got my whole life ahead of me before I even have to think about marriage."

"Don't raise your voice at me, young lady," she fumes. "What, would you rather we bring... bring a Jeon Jungkook?!"

"Is that what this is about?"

"We know you've become affiliated with him, yes. We're trying to get you on the right path."

"To hell with that noise!" you burst. "Jungkook is no less- no, more of a man than those dweebs that walk in! You want to know why? Because he's honest! I know these guys better than you. They might act all nice and charming to you guys, but that's just because they're after your money. You can't seem to see that, however, because it's not your tits they're staring at! It's not you who's the trophy. It's not you who is sexually harassed and seen as a prize to be won!"

"Young lady, I won't stand for such behavior!"

"I'm a grown adult, and I'll date bastards like Jeon Jungkook if I so please," you huff, turning away. "Tell Jin it was so nice to meet him, but unfortunately another 'proper gentleman' is keeping me occupied."

You stomp away before she can grab you and force you on your date, and by the time you're in a secluded area, you burst into tears. You simply wish your parents could see you as an adult who is capable of making her own decisions. That you're allowed to live your life and you're different from them and that's ok. They couldn't seem to get it through their thick heads, however.

You were sick of it. Absolutely sick of it. Over 20 years of this bullshit, and now it was worse, what with them pressuring you to jump into marriage with someone 'respectable'.

There had to be some way to get back at them. To get it through to them. To get back at them for their bullshit or get them to see you're not some naive 16-year-old or something.

With a shaky hand, you pick up your phone, dialing the number to call your friend.

"Jungkook? Yeah... yeah, I've been crying. Can you, uh, do you think you could do me a massive favor?"

-

Jungkook had to admit, it came as a surprise when you asked to move in with him.

It really didn't register with him, however, until you pulled up in front of his building in your luxury convertible, boxes filling up every inch of space.

He had no problem with you becoming his roommate- after all, you promised you wouldn't bother interfering with his bachelor lifestyle. In fact, he was quite amused.

Fake dating. Your deep-rooted frustration for your parents was quite apparent, but he didn't think it'd go this far. You'd live with him for a while under the guise of boyfriend/girlfriend, at least to your parents. He didn't quite understand the revenge scheme or how it worked, but he understood enough. Between your choked up sobs, you had explained the plethora of men your parents have brought to your house under the guise of a date when in reality they were trying to pressure her into marriage.

Even if that hadn't been happening, Jungkook would've let you come in. You two were friends. You had insisted that you would pay your half of the rent and wouldn't become his actual girlfriend, and admittedly, Jungkook liked the thought of a roommate.

"What happens if your parents cut you off?" Jungkook had questioned you, knowing how rough it had been for him when it happened.

"Unbeknownst to my parents, I have a job," you explained.

"What? You said you just used your father's credit card when we first met!"

"I barely knew you! Now that I know you're not some creep I can tell you. If you must know, I'm the assistant to some chief executive for a fashion company."

"The Devil Wears Chanel?"

"It's The Devil Wears Prada, but close enough."

Still, he couldn't help but feel a bit worried for you, especially now that he saw you again. You lifted your designer sunglasses to reveal tired, worn eyes, a look only achieved through crying. He greeted you with a smile, however, hugging you once you stepped out of your car.

"How you holding up, princess?" he questioned, giving you a warm embrace.

"God, better now, thank you." You melted into his hug. "Thank you for doing this. It means a lot."

"Hey, I promised to piss off your parents, didn't I? I'm a man of my word," he chuckled. He stepped back, combing over your hair affectionately. "Now, here's the deal, oh precious fake girlfriend of mine. As roommates, we've got a few rules. Rule number one: No fucking after 3 AM. Despite my many escapades, I have a bedtime. Rule number two: when one person cooks, the other washes the dishes. Simple. Rule number three: Be honest. We're living together, so we've got to be honest. Lying, secrets- none of that. You've got something on your mind, you say it. We'll yell at each other for a few minutes and settle it. Sound good?"

You nod. "Sounds like a plan."

"Alright. And the fake dating rules, baby?"

"Nothing much. Drive with me once or twice to visit my parents, to show we're 'serious'. We can go into details about our story if need be. Keep up the act around rich brats."

"Sounds good," he chuckles. "Already turning into a Wattpad fanfiction, isn't it?"

You smile weakly, a light giggle escaping your lips. "Oh god, it really is, isn't it?"

"Hey, there's a reason they're popular. We've just got to do it better." He looks back towards your car filled with boxes. "Here, let me help you with your things, Your Highness."

"Why thank you, my humble servant," you say, getting a box yourself. "I sure do love a big strong man!"

"If only I weren't a peasant boy who worked at the stables."

"Indeed. You're filthy- I shouldn't even let you touch my valuables," you snicker, "but I suppose you'll have to do."

"You're right about the filthy part," Jungkook winks.

-

Being roommates with Jungkook wasn't what you expected.

Your work was getting more hectic, so you were arriving later than usual. It absolutely exhausted you, and you'd be stumbling in, kicking your heels off at the front door only to collapse into Jungkook's arms, who would wait for you. Every. Single. Night.

You had told him that he didn't have to wait for you. His work ended at 6, and even the nights when he'd play with his band wouldn't go too late, as they play until midnight for their usual gigs.

Still, he had insisted. Something about not wanting you to feel alone. You'd never tell him how much you appreciated it. Instead of the vast, empty mansion, you lived in, where the only thing that would embrace you was dust, you lived in a small, messy apartment and collapsed into a pair of warm arms.

On the few days you were off you were able to properly spend time with your roommate. Every other Friday would be movie night, where one of you would pick the movie for the two of you to watch, all because you believed the other was "tasteless". Nevertheless, it was time you truly enjoyed, and you were genuinely disappointed whenever you had to miss it because of your job.

Living with him was domestic in a good way. It was a friendly face to come home to every day, a warm hug to embrace you whenever you kicked off your heels. It was burnt bacon on some mornings and lazy Sunday clothing to borrow whenever you felt like it.

Sure, it wasn't always the greatest. Often times you guys would bicker over some basic chores and neatness. Jungkook left his clothes everywhere in the living room, and you'd leave all your heels in a heap in front of the door. However, you thought it'd be worse.

You were suspecting people over every other night, all as tatted and pierced as he was. Weekly bong parties where they'd try to hotbox the apartment, maybe. Women draping themselves over him every other morning, wanting to stay for the day, glaring at you because they saw you as a threat.

There was some of that, but not really. Jungkook, when it came down to it, was just another ordinary guy. Human. He'd have some of his bandmates and friends come over once in a while, and they were just as handsome and tatted as he was. They were polite and friendly, though, and didn't even leave much of a mess behind. Jungkook would get weed for the two of you to smoke once in a while. As for the women? Well, there was only one woman you had encountered.

It was a Friday night and you were able to come home at the usual hour, kicking your heels off and letting out the high ponytail you had in your hair. You massaged your scalp, making eye contact with Jungkook from his position on the couch. You strut over, plopping yourself down by his side and positioning yourself where you can lay your head in his lap.

"How was your day at work, princess?"

"Exhausting," you groaned. You'd never admit it to Jungkook, but you had warmed up to the nickname as of late. It made you feel warm inside. Special. You weren't a princess. You were his princess.

His fingers start running through your hair, giving you a gentle massage as he hums in understanding. "Want to talk about it?"

"Just the same old shit, honestly. You'd figure I'd be used to it by now."

"You'd figure," he chuckles. "Well, I'm glad you're working hard. It might be difficult, and the boss may be a bitch, and the pay lower than it should be..."

"But?"

He smiles. "But... if it makes you happy, then I'll support you."

"God, I think you're halfway to fixing my daddy issues already," you grin. You look up at him, noticing his long hair was styled, and a leather jacket adorning him. Typically when he was in the apartment he'd simply lounge around with uncombed curls and glasses, one of his baggy white shirts revealing the tatted sleeves you loved. "Hey, what're you all dressed up for?"

"Oh? This? I've got a date tonight," he shrugs, eyes back up on the TV.

"Oh," was all you could manage to say. He had said it so bluntly like it wasn't a big deal. Well, it wasn't. He was your roommate. Why should you care whether or not he's got a date? It's not like you had feelings for him or anything. That would be ridiculous. It would only complicate things.

Jungkook was your friend. He let you move in with him and comforted you in your time of need. Sure, you guys flirted a lot, and there was a lot of physical affection, from combing through each other's hair, cuddling on the couch during movie night, or tight hugs on especially rough days. But none of those meant that he liked you. Maybe you just kept thinking back to the air of mutual attraction, the first night you met. Maybe you had lulled yourself in a false sense of comfort, thinking of him as a boyfriend.

But he wasn't. You guys didn't kiss. You guys didn't have sex. You guys didn't even say anything about liking one another. For all you knew, he saw you as a sister at this point. The two of you knew each other like the back of your hand at this point.

Besides, the worst thing you could do was fall for your roommate.

Not an option.

Still, there was a feeling in the pit of your stomach that made you squirm in discomfort. You felt... unsettled, by the thought of Jungkook with another girl.

Was she pretty? Was she like you? Or was she more like him? Was she covered in tattoos and a cute septum piercing to go along with it? Did she have brightly colored hair and like punk rock? Yeah, you could picture Jungkook with a girl like that. They'd make an aesthetically pleasing couple.

"So, tell me about her," you say, realizing the two of you had been silent since you got lost in thought.

He shrugged again. "Not much to say. She's nice. She's been visiting my shop a lot recently. She's got some old guitar that she refuses to let go of, so she visits me for repairs. She visits so often I started to think she was breaking it on purpose. Eventually, she asked for my number and... well, now I've got a date."

"Cool," you nod. "What time do you have to leave?"

"I'll probably leave to pick her up in about 15 minutes," Jungkook says, looking down at his phone. "Actually... I think I have to leave now. I lost track of time."

You raise your head to let him up, and he checks himself once more in the reflection of the microwave in the kitchen. You chuckle, walking up to him and straightening out his clothes, fixing his hair a bit.

"There we go, now you look... maybe presentable," you smile.

He laughs a bit at that, ruffling your hair. "I promise we can have movie night tomorrow. If not, you can pick. We can even watch that god awful Fifty Shades movie you've been bugging me to watch."

"It's for the irony! We'll be watching it to make fun of it!" you exclaim, part of your usual banter about the series.

"Uh-huh. Just don't get horny based on that garbage, or I'll have half the mind to kick you out," he jokes. He grabs the key to his motorcycle and grabs the extra hot pink helmet- the one the two of you had picked out together once you started riding with him. "Don't bother staying up for me, ok? You need your beauty sleep."

"Is that your way of saying I'm ugly?" you say, quirking a brow in a comical manner.

"Absolutely hideous," he grins, kissing the top of your forehead. "Sweet dreams, princess."

He shut the door behind him, and you felt your heart sink in your chest.

Maybe you did feel something for Jungkook.

-

She wasn't exactly what you were expecting.

To be fair though, there was no way for you to expect waking up to a nude woman in your kitchen.

Typically you would've ignored Jungkook's suggestion for you to go to sleep, instead opting to head to bed once he left. You had been completely wiped from the workday, and could barely keep your eyes open. Maybe your body simply had pity on you, choosing to put you in REM sleep before you had to hear the two of them having sex.

Maybe you thought Jungkook was the type to do it at the girl's place. Maybe you thought he was the type to kick the girl out as soon as the deed was done. However, he was neither.

You had woken up to go to the kitchen, prepared to make your morning cereal when you heard the sizzling of bacon on a pan. Ah, Jungkook must be making breakfast. No doubt he's burned it again by now- something about not liking the bacon to be too fatty. The two of you really knew it was because he couldn't cook anything other than ramen.

"Jungkook, are you- oh shit!"

Instead of your edgy roommate, you were greeted by a woman wearing nothing but an apron. Literally nothing. She had been turned away from you, and you had gotten a full view of her ass and sideboob through the apron.

Out of instinct, you cover your eyes, hearing her shriek.

"I'm so sorry! I didn't know someone else lived here. You're not his girlfriend, are you? He told me he was single!"

"What? No, no! I'm his roommate, Y/N," you say, slowly peaking through your fingers. She was facing you now, and though she couldn't change at that moment, the apron covered up everything. You let out a sigh, lowering your hands.

"Oh, well nice to meet you, Y/N!" She smiled brightly, offering an awkward hand. "I didn't know Jungkook had a female roommate."

You shake her hand, quirking a brow. "You didn't see all the shoes by the door?"

"I was a bit... preoccupied, so to say," she chuckled awkwardly. "I'm Solji."

"Nice to meet you, um, Solji," you say. "You're Jungkook's date from last night, right?"

"Yeah." Solji tucks a piece of her hair behind her ear, and at that moment you completely get it. She's pretty in that natural kind of way. The kind of pretty that looks gorgeous without makeup, but would probably look good either way. Anything she did could be done with grace.

Jungkook walks into the kitchen in only a t-shirt and briefs. "What was that scream about- oh."

"Hi, Jungkook." Solji's voice is breathy, as though even seeing Jungkook again made her dizzy. You knew that feeling all too well. "I-I'm sorry. You were asleep and I couldn't bear to wake you up, but I thought it'd be rude to leave, so I thought I'd make breakfast! And then your roommate..."

"Y/N," you help, noticing she had forgotten your name already.

"Y/N! Right, sorry." She smiles apologetically. "And then Y/N walked in..."

"We're good now though, I think we were both just startled," you say. You look between the two awkwardly, an air of silence hanging over the three of you. "I, um, need to... pee."

You exit the situation as quickly as you could, holing yourself up in your room for the majority of the day. It isn't until later that day, when you lounge in the kitchen, stuffing your face with pop tarts after doing your best to avoid social interaction that you see Jungkook.

"Hey, Kook," you say, wiping the crumbs off your face. You probably looked like a mess right now, from lounging in your sweats. You couldn't care less, though. You were starving, and Jungkook had seen you worse. "Where's Solji?"

"Hm? Oh, she left."

"She left? But she seemed so happy to be here."

"Well, then I guess a more blunt way to put it is that I kicked her out," Jungkook shrugged.

You're stunned by his clarification.

As though sensing your shock or judgment, Jungkook quickly changes the topic. "So, movie night tonight? Since we missed it last night? I can make the ramen."

"I... yeah. Let's do it."

He grinned. "Great! I'll get alcohol too, and we can take a shot every time they say some cringy dirty talk."

You rolled your eyes, unable to hold back the smile that tugged at your lips. "You really want to destroy my liver, don't you?"

The two of you didn't speak of Solji again.

-

You still hug on tightly to Jungkook's waist as he rolls up to your parents' mansion, clinging even after his motorcycle comes to a complete halt.

"You know, I'm pretty sure your waist is smaller than mine," you note, finally loosening your grip. You had seen Jungkook shirtless plenty of times- the man child had a tendency to prance around the apartment half-naked. Still, his abs were rock hard- and you felt so squishy in comparison.

"That's just because I work out, baby," he chuckles, taking off his helmet and giving his locks a dramatic swoosh of freedom. He grins boyishly at you, helping you take your helmet off as well. "It wouldn't kill you to get out of the apartment for something other than work, you know."

"Excuse you! I work out plenty in the confines of my room," you fume.

"Sure- like those little girl weights do anything," he jokes.

"Well, I oughta-"

"Miss Y/N."

The two of you look up at the front door, the butler looking at you with that usual scornful expression of his. He glowers at you and your fake boyfriend, giving a sneer. You'd figure after all these years the man would show a little warmth towards you- but then you remembered it was your parents who were paying him, not you.

"I do believe your parents are expecting you and your... boyfriend, miss," he says, eyes scanning over Jungkook with clear disdain.

Jungkook only grins in response, putting the helmets up and helping you hop off, wrapping his arm around your shoulders. "Lead the way, chump."

The butler scoffs at that, turning on his heel to follow Jungkook's orders as the younger man giggles. One of Jungkook's favorite hobbies, as it turns out, was pissing off rich people. Must be the socialist in him.

"Chump?" you question, raising a brow. "What century are you from?"

"Oh, don't say that. Besides, I highly doubt I would've been let in if I had called him a cuck."

"I'm surprised we even got this far."

Jungkook, determined to help you piss off your parents, had decided to wear a plain black t-shirt that revealed as many tattoos as possible, as well as chains and hoop earrings. His jeans were ripped, his sneakers were scuffed, and he was the most handsome man to walk the earth.

Your parents had insisted that you finally visit them. You had never been away from home for this long, and they had suspected you'd be on your knees groveling by the first week. Still, you held your own and seemed to be doing well for yourself. So naturally, they had to see the boy who agreed to take you in, who they were sure would break your heart by this point. Perhaps they'd beg for you back while they were at it.

They didn't do that, however, instead greeting you with a hug.

"Darling," your mother says, giving you that familiar tight embrace that left you unable to breathe. "We've missed you."

"Missed you too," you grunt. "How have you two been?"

"Fine, fine, the usual," she says. Her eyes glance over the two of you, and Jungkook quickly locks his hand with yours, fingers interlocked as he gives a tight squeeze of support. "And... you two?"

"Thriving," Jungkook interjects. "She really takes care of me. I don't know how I got along without her."

"I don't do much- he's the one who usually stays up to make sure I'm home safe, as well as help me with the dishes... Or at least tries." The two of you exchange a small smile at that.

"I see..." Your mother's mouth goes small, and at that moment you have a hard time reading her. Or maybe she was having a hard time reading you. Maybe she could sense something was off. That the two of you weren't real.

Your heart started racing in your chest, and you silently prayed to yourself that she wouldn't be able to see through your ruse.

Before you could overthink further, however, she smiled. "Lunch, then?"

Your father claps his hands in delight. "Dear, you'll be glad to know we have your favorite! We had the cooks make it especially for you."

The four of you walk to the dining room to eat, and Jungkook leans in. "Wait, what's your favorite?"

"It's literally just spaghetti."

-

Surprisingly, lunch went better than expected. Your parents asked you and Jungkook exactly how you two came to be, and you had your story under lock. Most of it was the truth- you had reunited at the Senator's party and gotten to know each other through becoming friends. Eventually, the two of you began to form feelings, dating a bit before you decided to leave your parents and move in with him. You explained a lot about the living arrangements between you two, aside from the fact you two were just roommates. You'd explain small things like movie night and how you'd leave your shoes by the door, or how he'd burn anything that wasn't ramen and how he'd wait for you to get home every night without fail.

Before you knew it the lunch was over and you had to leave. Jungkook was getting the motorcycle started, making sure everything was in order while you hung back to speak to your parents at the front door.

"So..." You trailed off, unable to start.

"So?" Your mother looked at you quizzically. "Dear, remember what I told you about finishing everything you start. That includes sentences."

You take a deep breath. "So you're not going to insist I move out of Jungkook's apartment?"

Your parents exchanged looks before turning back to you.

"That was our original plan, however," your father sighs, "it appears that this isn't a situation we can put in our own hands. We'll let you two stay together."

You furrow your brows, confused. "Wait, what? You're letting me stay with him?"

"Of course, darling. We know you may think of us as evil capitalists, or whatever the liberals try to convince you of-"

"Father."

"-but we aren't evil enough to stand in the way of love."

"...Love?"

"Yes, love," your mother sighs. "We were prepared to demand you move out the moment you got to the door, but you look at that boy the same way I look at your father, and the way he looks at me. I suppose you reminded me of how we were in the old days."

"Besides, you do seem very comfortable with the boy. More sure of yourself. Perhaps it is beneficial for you to be living away from your parents- after all, we won't be here forever," your father says.

"Don't say that," you say, frowning.

"It's true, dear. Not that we want it to happen any time soon, or to be morbid, but we're simply glad there's going to be someone to take care of you after we're gone." Your mother looks back to Jungkook, who is now looking at the three of you with curiosity. "He might not be the most dignified boy, despite the fact that he comes from such a prestigious family. However, he loves you, I can say that much. I don't think he'll break your heart any time soon."

"If he does though, I'll kill him," your father threatens.

"You won't be killing anyone," you assure him. "Jungkook treats me well."

"That's all we ask." Your mother gives you a kiss on the forehead. "Love like that can't be faked, my dear. Who are we to step in the way?"

You give the two of them a tight hug, tears springing in the corners of your eyes. You wipe them away quickly before looking back at Jungkook, who was still waiting for you patiently. "Well... I should get going."

"Remember we love you."

"Love you, too."

-

You put down the hot pink helmet, silent. You and Jungkook had just arrived back at the apartment, and neither of you had said a word about your parents.

"So..." Jungkook trails off. "What'd your parents say? Right before we left? It seemed pretty serious."

You were silent as Jungkook continued.

"Let me guess- 'You can't go out with that boy! He's a good for nothing, disgrace-'"

"They said they liked you- us." You cut his impression short. "They said love like ours couldn't be faked. They're letting me continue to live with you."

"...Oh." Jungkook clearly didn't know how to respond to that. He was stunned, a deer in the headlights.

The two of you are silent, awkwardness hanging between you two.

"Ridiculous, isn't it?" you say with a nervous chuckle.

Please say it isn't.

"Yeah, totally," Jungkook laughed along, his smile matching yours. "Must mean we did a good job of faking it, huh?"

I wasn't faking it.

"Maybe we should go into acting," you smiled. "Prepared to have me live with you forever?"

"Always, princess," he grins, ruffling your hair. "You know I can't have a moment go by without you by my side."

"If only my parents could've heard that."

"Yeah," he chuckled. "Love like that can't be faked- little do they know."

"Yeah." You wave it off with a laugh, putting an end to the awkward discussion.

Little do they know.

-

Tonight was the night you were finally going to see Jungkook's band, Obsidian Chaos, perform.

Sure, he had many other performances, but you were never able to make them because of work. Your boss, however, seemed to have an extreme case of the swine flu, and therefore was unable to perform her duties. Code: Day off.

So here you were, in a bar that would have any other girl of your social standing shriek in horror. Everyone here looked something like a freak show in a conservative's book, and the place reeked of weed and liquor. You were living for it.

You were singing along to one of the band's newest songs. You knew the words already, having listened to the songs on repeat using your Spotify Premium.

Jungkook looked good on stage- his skin shiny with sweat as he poured his heart out into the songs. He was really revving it up on the guitar, the bassist and drummer both keeping up in stride. They were truly something special, and you found yourself glad that they were a bit more underground. It made you feel like you could keep them to yourself.

It wasn't until they finished you were able to meet the bandmates.

You had never met them before, as they were always practicing in the drummer's garage. They didn't have much need to go to Jungkook's apartment.

They were similar to him, though, also dressed in dark clothing with piercings and tattoos. Equally as hot, in your opinion.

The drummer greets you. "So you're the girl our precious guitarist is going on about!" He picks you up and gives you a hug, twirling as he did so. "I'm the drummer, Jimin!"

"Hey, Jimin!" You didn't even mind how affectionate the guy was, as it didn't seem perverted in the slightest. Perverted hugs were something you had to get used to at a young age, sadly. You shuddered to think back to your father's friends who would give you tight, lingering hugs at 14, all in hopes to feel your developing breasts against their chests.

"Ignore him, he always acts like a puppy whenever there's a pretty girl," the bassist says, extending his hand for you to shake. You did. "I'm Yoongi, the bassist. If I had known Jungkook's roommate was so gorgeous, I would've smoked some of his weed a long time ago."

"I could've just brought it to you, dude," Jungkook says, rolling his eyes.

"I don't trust your shit, man."

"You guys were great up there," you compliment, grinning. "I seriously think Obsidian Chaos is my most played artist on Spotify. The name's pretty neat too- both pretentious and edgy."

"Well, thank you. Jungkook here wanted our name to be ReBex- but luckily seniority rules. We've got a new album coming up soon- Jungkook's gotten a lot of inspiration to write, as of late," Yoongi says. "I wouldn't have thought a girl like you would be into our music, though."

"What's that supposed to mean?" you say teasingly, feigning offense.

"You don't exactly fit in here, sweetheart. You stand out," he chuckles.

"How could she not, though? She's hot!" Jimin exclaims.

"So I'd blend in a bit more in something like this?" You yank Yoongi's beanie off, messing up your hair before sliding it on. You pose in it, wiggling your brows as though to get under Yoongi's skin. "I think I look better in this than you do."

"I agree," Jimin says, smiling.

Yoongi only smirks at that. "I agree too- but I think you'd look better in nothing at all, personally."

"Is that so?"

"Hey hey hey!" Jungkook jumps in before the sexual tension can jump further. "Rule number four! I'm adding this now- no fucking the members of Obsidian Chaos!"

"Wouldn't that include you too?" Jimin questions.

Jungkook thinks for a moment. "Revision! No fucking my bandmates."

You all laugh at that.

-

Jungkook wasn't sure what was keeping you so late.

Today you were supposed to be out clubbing with a few of your friends. You definitely deserved a night of fun, and seeing as you weren't lounging around a mansion anymore, your preppy friends hardly got to see you. Jungkook told you he thought it was a good idea for you to be dragged out, and despite the fact he wished he could've come with you- just to keep an eye on you, of course- he had to tend to the shop and write songs with Obsidian Chaos.

Still, this was a ridiculous hour. He had gotten used to staying up this late for you- your job was an abhorrent one, in his opinion. No one should have to stay at work for that long.

The only thing that was keeping him awake was the worry that wracked his brain. Even he didn't club this late- and he had been to quite a number of clubs.

His heavy lids stayed pried open as he wondered where you were. Were you all right? Was everything ok?

What if you were hurt?

What if you had gotten into an accident on the way there? Or the way back home?

What if some creep roofied you? What if your friends had left you at the club?

He shook his head, running his hands through his hair. No, he had to stay optimistic. You were a grown woman, you could care for yourself.

Right?

He began biting his nails as he read his messages to you, asking when you were coming home. It was a nervous habit he had picked up as a kid. He couldn't believe he was regressing back to these habits, yet, here he was.

He huffed, grabbing a jacket, on his way to the club, when suddenly he heard the rattle of the doorknob.

You burst through the door.

With someone else.

The stranger was all over you, his hands roaming up and down your skimpy dress. You awkwardly kicked the door shut, your eyes firmly shut and mouth pressed against his. You moaned when he pinned you against the door, your wrists trapped in his large hands as his mouth began to travel to the nape of your neck, leaving marks in his wake.

Jungkook was frozen, immobile as he watched you hook your leg around the stranger, drawing him closer, pressing his body impossibly closer to your own. The stranger let out a husky growl that had you shuddering beneath him.

There was something oddly familiar about the stranger, though Jungkook knew he had never seen him before in his life. Maybe it was the tattoos that peaked out from beneath the sleeves of his leather jacket. Maybe it was the combat boots or the multiple ear piercings, or even his shaggy hair.

Jungkook couldn't help but realize the man's alternative style was eerily familiar to his own.

It was at that moment you finally opened your eyes from the pure bliss, only to come face to face with Jungkook.

You gasped in surprise, quickly pushing against the stranger's shoulders to pry him off you. "Taehyung," you said in a serious tone, though you sounded breathless.

The man grunted, confused as to why you wanted to stop. He got off of you, turning around to lock eyes with Jungkook.

"Oh, sorry man, didn't see you there," Taehyung chuckled. "Was occupied, you know?"

Jungkook finally found the words to speak, though his mouth felt dry. It felt as though his tongue were too big. "I- yeah, no worries, dude. I'll leave you two to it."

"I- Jungkook," you said.

"Shit, is she your girl?" Taehyung questioned.

"No, my roommate," Jungkook answered. "I was just waiting for her to get home- make sure she's safe and all."

"So you wouldn't mind if we...?"

"Just, um, keep it down. I'll be heading to bed."

"Sweet, bro," Taehyung grinned, turning back to you, leaning in to give you a kiss.

Jungkook finally unfroze, quick to turn on his heel and retreat to his room. He could go to bed now, seeing that you were home safe and sound. He should have no problem falling asleep, what with the anxiety and worry no longer plaguing him.

Despite this, however, as well as the soundproof headphones he had on his ears, he wasn't able to get a wink of sleep.

It was probably apparent the following morning. He had bags under his eyes and kept looking as though he'd faceplant into his cereal.

"You look like shit this morning," you remarked, reaching over to tousle his hair.

Jungkook noted that your new boyfriend was nowhere to be found. You seemed well put together. Your hair was pulled up in a bun instead of the bed head he had been expecting, and you wore the same pajamas as always. Maybe it was the post-sex glow that made you seem so lively.

"Don't worry about me," he yawned, stirring his spoon around in the cereal. He usually loved Lucky Charms, but he found his appetite... absent. Addressing the elephant in the room, he sighs. "So, where's your boyfriend?"

"Boyfriend?" You looked at him quizzically before a look of realization painted your features. "Oh! You mean Taehyung?"

"That's the fucker."

"I kicked him out once you went to bed," you shrug.

"Huh?"

"We... Well, we didn't do anything. I wasn't in the mood to have sex last night, I guess," you clarified.

"I... um..." Jungkook didn't know what to say.

"Yeah, so... sorry if you put on those bulky headphones of yours. Knowing you, you just played Waterparks at full blast in an attempt to block out noises that weren't being made," you chuckled nervously.

"You didn't have to kick him out on my account," Jungkook said, scratching the back of his neck. "It's still a bit before 3. It's not against the roommate agreement."

"No, no, don't worry. I wanted to," you said, offering a weak smile. "I was just... tired."

"You sure? I mean it- you don't have to stay abstinent on my account. I've brought someone home before. It'd be hypocritical of me being upset with you doing the same."

"I mean it, Jungkook, I wanted to.  I just wasn't in the mood."

You seemed to be in the mood before, Jungkook thought. Had he not walked in, he had no doubt the two of you would've gotten more hot and heavy than earlier.

Jungkook felt guilty for ruining your potential hook up. "Alright, well, if that's what you wanted, my guy."

Your smile faltered a little. "No princess?"

Jungkook chuckled warmly at that, reaching forward to pull you in. "My bad, princess," he said properly, pressing a kiss to the top of your head. "I was just relieved that you were here and safe. I won't lie when I say I wasn't worried- I was just about to head out to look for you."

"Thank you for staying up so late for me."

"Anything for my princess."

-

"I'm pretty sure your father would send a SWAT team on my ass if he found out I was letting his little girl do this," Jungkook laughed, watching as you coughed after taking a hit.

"Shut-" cough "-the fuck up, Jungkook."

The two of you were sitting on his couch, smoking weed. It was the first time you had ever smoked pot with Jungkook, as the moment you got home after a long day at work, you asked whether or not you two could smoke together. Well, demanded was a more accurate term. Jungkook didn't question it though, instead giving you that same, obnoxious, amused smirk.

"Is this your first time smoking weed, baby?"

"I haven't smoked since I was 16," you say, taking another hit, letting it settle deep into your lungs before coughing numerous times. "It was only twice with some guy who thought I'd blow him if I got high enough. My first time I didn't feel anything despite four hits. The second time I took 6, but his weed was so weak I didn't feel much. Man, was he pissed."

"A guy like Wonderbread, I'm guessing?"

You laugh. "Alas, even commoners feel privileged. I'll let you know though I didn't even touch his little cheesedick."

"You just used his pot and took advantage of him, huh?"

"Oh please! That's not it at all. Either I take advantage of him than the other way around. His intentions were totally sketchy, hoping I'd become inebriated enough to fulfill the lewd fantasies he had garnered. If he was willing to waste weed on a girl, he should've left it at that. I didn't owe him anything. No matter how much shit guys give, whether it's weed or Lamborghinis, you don't owe them anything. You don't owe them love, sex, or a relationship. It's their choice whether or not they want to buy your affections, but those feelings cannot be owed. Women are not in debt to men because they fool themselves into thinking that they deserve blowjobs because they're 'nice' or 'waste shit' on the woman."

Jungkook whistled. "I sense a lot of pent up anger today. I gotta say, I never expected you to demand my stash. Wait, no, I did. But I expected it sooner."

"My boss is a bitch," you mutter. "She's great at her job, and I admire her, but God, she's a cunt."

"What'd she do?"

"She's just-" You let out a frustrated groan, taking a deep inhale from the blunt before puffing it out. "She's so condescending and demanding. She expects me to be little miss perfect and thinks I'm lazy because I'm privileged. It's like no matter how hard I work and prove myself she still can't see me as anything other than a spoiled rich brat. Every tiny mistake I make confirms it, and every big accomplishment goes ignored."

"Are you unhappy enough to quit?"

You sigh, taking another hit. You could feel it setting in now. Your limbs felt lighter, but your head a little heavier. One thing was for sure- this shit was a lot stronger than what you had at 16. "No. I love my job, and I still respect and admire her. I may complain about it a lot, but I still love it."

"You complain about me a lot, though, princess," he laughed, nudging his thigh against yours. "Does that mean you love me?"

"Well, yeah."

Jungkook tenses up at that. "You do?"

If your head wasn't as cloudy as it was now, you wouldn't have opened your trap. You felt uncaring, however, speaking freely as you took another hit. "Yeah, I do. I love you. We've lived together for months, Jungkook. You're one of the people I'm closest to. You mean the world to me."

You lean your head against his shoulder, fluttering your lids as you shut them, concentrating on his breathing. The rise and fall of his shoulders lift your head along with them, and he lets out a chuckle. His fingers comb through your hair, doting. "I love you too."

You take a hit, playfully blowing some of the smoke in his face. "I'll always be your princess, right?"

He smiles again. "Didn't figure you as the affectionate stoner. Usually, you're acting like a brat, y'know."

"What can I say," you hum, nuzzling your nose into the crook of his neck, planting a small kiss there. "Pot gets my panties wet."

Jungkook freezes underneath you, and you continue, sucking lightly on the skin to leave small pink and red marks, nipping a bit. You put your blunt in a nearby ashtray and find yourself climbing into his lap, his blown-out pupils locked with your own.

You wouldn't be doing this if you were sober. But right now you were releasing every pent up frustration you had- whether it was anger towards your boss or the sexual attraction you felt to Jungkook.

Jungkook's silent, only staring at you, waiting for your next move. You place your hands on his chest, feeling how quickly his heartbeat raced. You wondered for a moment if yours was doing the same.

And then you stopped thinking.

Your hands slid up from his chest and around his neck, tangling into his long locks as you close your eyes and kiss him. He kisses you back after a few seconds reaching behind you to put out his blunt before gripping onto your thighs, tugging you closer to his body.

You two were completely intertwined, wrapped around one another like ivy, a small, intimate moment that felt so grand in the scheme of things.

And then it stopped.

Jungkook pulled back, gripping your arms to push your chest a few inches from his, ending the kiss. "We can't."

"Why not?" You weren't angry, but rather curious. Your voice didn't even show a hint of confusion, instead instantly accepting it. Maybe it was the sober part of you that knew what you two were doing shouldn't be happening.

"I just... We're roommates."

"I don't remember not hooking up being one of the rules."

"It's an unwritten rule not to sleep with your roommate, I think," Jungkook says, his cheeks turning red. It was as though he were admitting he wanted to sleep with you.

"But you flirt with me all the time and act like you want to..."

"Fuck, I do, princess, I do." Jungkook brushed your hair out of your face, looking into your eyes with as much sincerity as he could muster. "But I don't want to be like that asshole you met at 16, or Wonderbread, or any other asshole you met. I don't want you to think I had ulterior motives or I'm trying to take advantage of you in this state. For all you know I'm exactly like the asshole before but with better shit."

"But you're not, Jungkook. You respect me, I know that."

"Just trust me on this, ok? Nothing changes between us." He presses a kiss against your forehead, as though to further confirm it. "I still love you, of course. You're my roommate, after all. It makes living together a lot easier. I just don't want you to wake up and see me as another douche who saw you as nothing more than a status symbol."

Your voice is quiet, like a child who's parents were disappointed in them. "Ok."

"You did nothing wrong, Y/N."

You nod your head. "Mhm."

Jungkook sighs, gripping onto you tightly before standing up, walking you to your room. "C'mon. Let's get you to bed, princess."

-

Usually, when something was up between you and Jungkook, you'd resolve it quickly.

You guys had been roommates for what felt like forever, now. Of course, you had issues. Of course, you've gotten into arguments. Typically you'd resolve it quickly.

After the encounters with Solji and Taehyung you guys talked about it immediately. Even the smaller things. One time Jungkook accused you of hating a new song he was working on, and you guys argued about it then and there. Another time he had been lazy and forgot to do the dishes, and you had been in a bad mood and lashed out over the small detail. Another time you were just looking to fight for the sake of fighting, and Jungkook called you out on it, resulting in, what do you know, more fighting.

This time, however, was different.

The two of you were barely talking, mainly speaking in grunts and noncommital nods of the head. Neither of you really even used the living room anymore, simply going into the kitchen to make food and eating in isolation in your rooms.

Jungkook still waited for you to get home, though. He wouldn't greet you, however.

You two still kept up with your dishes and cooking, sometimes leaving the food for the other on the countertop.

You started lining up your shoes instead of kicking them to the side, as though to be more mindful.

Both of you hated it, though.

A week without interacting with the person you lived with? Who treated you as a best friend? Agony.

Jungkook was the one who acted on it.

He knocked on your door before opening it. "We need to talk."

Clearly he had just gotten back from hanging out with his bandmates, what with the slight sheen of sweat on his forehead and his locks looking particularly unruly. He hadn't even bothered taking off his leather jacket. You could only guess that he marched directly from the front door to your room. It was such a stark contrast from you, who was only wearing pajama shorts and a tank top.

"Why?" You felt shame and embarrassment, your cheeks burning red. Every time you looked at him you could only think of when he pushed you away. When you had made a fool of yourself and climbed all over him. When you made him uncomfortable and overstepped your boundaries. When you ruined everything.

"You know why." It was clear Jungkook was in a confrontational, no-nonsense mood now, having finally mustered up the courage to face this head-on. "We need to talk about that night."

"We were high-"

"No, it was more than that. Otherwise, we wouldn't be in this... this funk."

You could feel tears springing up in your eyes. "Yeah? So?"

"What do you mean so?"

"I mean so?" You let out an exasperated sigh, still unable to meet his eye. "Who cares?"

"I care!"

"I don't want to have this conversation."

"Well, I do." He kicked the door behind him, crossing his arms. "Why're you acting so weird?"

"What? I'm not the only one acting weird, you know. It's a two-way street," you seethe.

"I've been making attempts! I have," he insisted. "I tried talking to you just yesterday in the kitchen when you were washing dishes. You just ran away to hole yourself up in your room. We need to move past this."

"I'm sorry, ok!" You fume, crying out the words. "Is that what you wanted to hear?"

"Sorry for avoiding me?"

"Yes- No-" You bury your face in your hands. "I'm just... I'm embarrassed, ok? You wouldn't understand."

"You're embarrassed because of that night? Because- what, it's me?" Jungkook tilted his head, as though wanting you to meet his eye. "Any other guy and you wouldn't be acting this way."

"Yes, partially because it's you. You said nothing would change between us but clearly it has," you sighed. "I fucked everything up, Jungkook."

"No, you didn't. I told you that you didn't do anything wrong."

"But I did! You respected me at least, and stopped it from going further because you knew that I wasn't in the right mindset or wasn't capable- I don't know, but the point is that you put in my feelings and thoughts for if I'd be sober and such, especially with that big monologue I had given. But..."

"But what? I don't get it. Did I do something wrong?"

"No, you didn't. I'm glad you respected me. But I didn't respect you." You wiped at your eyes, frustrated with yourself. "You were also smoking that night. Yet you thought of me and if I was in the right headspace to consent or think about things, but I didn't think about you. I of all people should've been able to realize that."

"Oh." Jungkook seemed stunned, as though that wasn't the answer he was expecting. "Y/N, it's ok. I've got a lot more resistance than you do, and I'm a lot bigger. I wasn't nearly as affected as you were."

"It still doesn't take away the embarrassment of climbing all over you. I feel stupid," you huffed.

"You're not stupid-" Jungkook stood in front of you and reached out, only to have his hand slapped away.

"Shut up," you hissed. "You're not the one who made a fool of themself."

"Don't lash out at me, princess. You didn't come off as stupid or anything else- you're just overthinking as always."

"As always?!" you mimic. "You're full of it, you know that? God, I hate you sometimes."

You try to push at his chest out of annoyance, but it grabs your hand, keeping it there. "Say that again, I dare you," he growled.

You gulped, able to feel the deep vibrations against the palm of your hand.

You were quiet, whimpering as he towered over you, with you still sitting on the bed and him standing before you. Your eyes lock with his, finally, his hard glare making you cave in on yourself, all of the rage dying within you, leaving something else in its wake. Sensing your submission and the shift in the air, Jungkook only lets out a dark chuckle, leaning in.

You lean back, falling onto the bed as he climbs over you, one leg between your own. You brace yourself, feeling your muscles get tight as he hovers over you, not touching you. You feel the anticipation build as his nose grazes the side of your neck, similarly to how you did that night. His scent overwhelmed you, despite the fact you should've gone nose blind to it after all this time. Still, his cologne and natural scent overpowered you, enveloping you completely.

"You know, I'm getting real tired of your attitude, little girl."

You stiffen at that, his hot breath sending shivers down your spine.

"Have you had any alcohol, or smoked anything, or taken anything that might affect your senses?"

"Huh? No?"

"Do you want me to touch you, princess?"

"I..."

"Be a big girl and tell me what you want, baby."

Baby. Princess. Little girl. All names he had called you before, but tonight they hit differently.

"Yes."

"Do you want me?"

"Jungkook..."

"I want to hear you say it, Y/N."

You took in a deep breath. "I want you, Jungkook."

He smirked at that. "That's a good girl."

Before you had time to process anything, he was positioning you where you were lying on your stomach beneath him, with his knees on either side of you as he straddled the backs of your thighs.

"Jungkook-"

He yanked down your shorts, exposing your panties before giving a sharp spank to your ass.

"You know, it's really unfair that I call you so many pet names and don't have a special one of my own," he says, his voice hot in your ear. "Don't you think so, princess?"

You shuddered beneath him. "Yes."

"Yes, what?" Another spank.

You groaned at the sensation, burying your face into the mattress as you muttered the words.

He pulled your hair, lifting your head so you couldn't hide your face. "What was that? I don't think I heard you. What did I say about using your big girl words?" There was a rain of spanks with those last few words. You could feel your ass start to warm up now.

"Yes, Daddy," you said, biting on your lip from the pain of the slaps. The pure irony of the daddy kink being used, no doubt because of your daddy issues. Your revenge against your parents using Jungkook had finally come full circle.

Jungkook grinned, giving you two more slaps, this time as a reward. "Now was that so hard?"

You feel his fingers go down to the wet spot on your panties, now sticking to your folds, evident from your arousal. You shook your head, gripping the sheets. "No, Daddy."

"Mm, I think my princess liked her spanking," Jungkook hummed, twirling the pads of his digits around your clit, watching you squirm beneath him. "Did you like being put in your place for being such a brat?"

"Fffffucckkk." You couldn't think straight, your hips raising from the bed to buck at his hand, needing more friction.

"Such language, princess." He gives a quick swat to your pussy, watching you twitch and yelp in surprise. "I would've thought a little rich girl like you was taught to avoid such language."

Jungkook was generous as always, giving you what you needed as he continued to pet your folds and rub your clit. He seemed to know exactly how to touch you, drawing small circles as he admired how you squirmed and panted into the sheets. You'd wiggle beneath him, your skin still red from his earlier ministrations.

"I-I'm gonna-" You bit into the sheets. You've never cum this fast with anyone before, and over such a small thing. Jungkook was just rubbing you over your panties and you were losing it. You'd never live this down.

"Oh? Gonna cum in your panties like the disgusting little girl you are?" Jungkook let out a dark, sinister chuckle, leaning down so his lips could be felt at the shell of your ear. "Go ahead and cum, dirty girl."

You felt yourself come undone, thighs shaking as you moaned into the sheets, knuckles turning white from how hard you were gripping them. Jungkook rubbed you through it, letting you see the orgasm until its end.

You panted as he flipped you onto your back, petting your hair as you came down from your high. He pressed his hand against your cheek, letting you feel the cool metal of his rings against your hot skin. "How're you doing, baby?"

"I-I'm good," you murmur, eyes drooping and fluttering. "Thank you, Daddy." You turn your head to the side, capturing his thumb in your mouth, sucking on it lightly as you twirled your thumb around it, tasting the metal against your buds.

"Fuck," Jungkook groaned. "You're gonna be the death of me."

Slipping his hand away, he pulls your clothes off, one by one, until you were completely bare beneath him. Your panties are the last to go.

"I think you've ruined these," he chuckles, pulling on the waistband of your underwear to let it snap back against you. "Now it's your turn."

You don't bother covering up, comfortable with him and in your own body. Jungkook grins, leaving a trail of kisses down your chest as he descends further down.

He spreads your legs, arriving at his destination. You let your fingers gravitate to his silky hair, tugging to bring him closer to your goal. He chuckles at the action, answering your request as he lets his mouth finally meet your folds, laving his tongue over the area to help you relax.

You gasp at the feeling, arching as he gets quick to work spreading you open with two fingers so he could have easier access to the area. Your thighs twitch as his tongue finally brushes against your clit, and upon noticing how sensitive you still were, he runs his tongue over it, again and again, a smile evident as you let your thighs tense with every movement.

It wasn't until his lips finally suctioned around it that you felt his finger slip into your entrance as well. It was easy, no friction necessary from your copious arousal, and the feeling overwhelmed you. He crooked his finger up as he pumped into you, finding the bundle of nerves with ease as you found it harder and harder to contain your moans. Before long he had to insert another finger, scissoring the digits to stretch you out.

"So fucking tight," he panted, breathless as he continued to place sloppy kisses against you, rubbing your g-spot in an effort to see you squirm. "Gotta stretch you out to take me. You're so small, I'll probably break you."

"I want you to break me," you reply immediately. "Please, please, please, Daddy!"

Jungkook let out a smirk at that. "Seems like that bitchy attitude is finally replaced with manners. Since you asked so nicely..."

His mouth returns to your cunt, french kissing and sucking harshly on your clit has his hand hammers into you, rough and sloppy thrusts helping catapult you towards your high. Before long your eyes were rolling back, hips rising into the air as you feel your high overpower you, and you were cumming against Jungkook's tongue.

He eased his ministrations, slipping his fingers out despite your whine at being empty. He let his tongue run over your folds, soothing them before he came up for air, lips meeting yours with a sloppy kiss. You realized the two of you hadn't kissed at all since this whole ordeal, and you pulled him closer between your legs, pulling him closer as you let your tongues dance together.

He breaks away again, but keeps his forehead against yours, as though to assure you he doesn't intend on ending it just yet. "How're you holding up, baby?"

"Mm good," you hum, still high on bliss. You reached down to his crotch, palming it, pleased to feel the stiffness beneath the material of his pants. "Want Daddy's cock."

"How can I say no to that? You just can't get enough, can you? C'mon then, take me out so I can get inside that dirty cunt."

You do as you're told, finally able to get his cock free as you hook the waistband of both his pants and boxers around his thighs. As you do so he takes off his leather jacket, tossing it to the corner of the room.

He pumps himself, jerking off into his hand as you watch. He was about as big as you expected- then again you always fantasized about Jungkook having a big cock. One by one he was fulfilling all of your fantasies, and creating even more.

He pressed the head of his cock against your pussy, rubbing up and down the slit for lubrication. You ogled his size, wondering how much the stretch of his girth would burn. As though reading your mind, or just the expressions on your face, Jungkook stops. "Are you sure you want me in this messy cunt of yours, baby?" he questions. "We can wait. I can eat you out some more if you want."

"No, I need you inside me," you immediately respond.

He can't help but grin at that, cooing at you with a condescending, sickly sweet voice. "No please? So demanding. Spoiled little princess, used to getting what she wants." He pushes inside of you inch by inch, and you hiss at the stretch, loving the slight burn.

When he bottoms out inside of you your foreheads are pressed together, hot and sweaty, but oddly intimate. A single tear runs down your cheek, and he reaches up to wipe it away, cradling your cheek.

"Look at me, Y/N."

You do so, eyes locking with his. "I'm ok," you confirm before he can ask. You were able to read his expressions as easily as he could read yours. "Move, please."

He nods, doing so, starting a slow rhythmic pace as he pumps into you. You groan at the feeling. You couldn't remember the last time you had been intimate with someone, especially someone who fills you up so completely, unable to even avoid the sensitive parts within you.

Soon Jungkook was picking up the pace, the thrusts becoming harder and quicker, more precise as he lifted himself up onto his arms to look at you, admiring how your eyes would roll back every now and then. He reached between you two, spreading your lips apart with two fingers to properly look at how well you were taking him.

"Fuck, you're just sucking me in baby," he hissed, doing his best to compose himself. "This pussy was made for me, wasn't it? No one else."

You moaned at that, biting your lip. "D-Daddy..."

"That's right- Daddy. This pussy was made for Daddy, all for him," Jungkook went on, now beginning to rub your clit with your thumb, feeling you clenching down on him with his words."Remember that. Who am I again?"

"My Daddy."

"That's right. Yours. Who's the only person who can fuck you this way?"

"You. Fuck, Daddy, I'm gonna cum. Let me cum for you?"

"Good girl. And who are you going to cum for?"

"You Da-Daddy- ffffffuck-"

"That's right, cum for me. Give me one more, I know you can. Be a good little girl and cream on my cock. Get me as nice and messy as your dirty little cunt."

Your eyes rolled back as your third orgasm shook through you, more powerful than the first two. Droplets of cum sprayed out, getting all over both you and Jungkook. You moaned, shaking as Jungkook groaned in satisfaction.

"Fuck, you just squirted everywhere," Jungkook said, his thrusts getting sloppy. "You're so perfect."

"Cum in me, Daddy. Use me," you asked, looking up at him with pleading eyes. "Use my body."

"Shit, shit, shit-" Jungkook grabbed your wrists, roughly pinning them to either side of you as he thrust into you like a mad man, using your body to jerk off before finally, he was erupting inside of you, filling you to the brim as he bottomed out inside of you. He panted, hands squeezing your little wrists like a vice. You were positive there would be bruises by the morning.

Soon he collapsed on top of you, sweaty and out of breath. He rolled over, chest heaving as he stared at you, grabbing you and tugging you close so he could bury his face in the juncture of your neck, acting as the big spoon as you two cuddled.

You slowly regained your breath, reaching back to comb through his hair.

"Just stay like this for a minute," he said, eyes closed and voice soft, a stark contrast to his dominating demeanor before. "Let me just hold you for a few minutes and then we can go take a bath, ok? I'll take care of you."

You let him do exactly that.

-

The morning after didn't feel as awkward as you had expected, Instead of the uncomfortable air that had been left after the two of you made out, it was oddly comfortable. Not the kind of comfortable that was there before, with you two bickering and joking with each other, but rather a far more affectionate one.

The two of you had been waiting for months to be able to touch each other how you wanted, and now you had the opportunity. You weren't able to keep your hands off of Jungkook, and not even in a sexual way. You'd let your hands roam freely over his body, whether it was combing through his fluffy hair or feeling the broad expanse of his chest, and the hard muscles beneath his band tees.

Jungkook wasn't much better. You'd be doing as simple as making yourself a bowl of ramen and he'd press up behind you, wrapping his arms around you and burying his face in your hair, breathing in your scent. It was like nothing was between you anymore, and it felt so right. Jungkook was your best friend, your roommate. The man you had lusted and pined after for what felt like forever. He just got you.

Or that's what you thought at least.

The two of you were watching a movie again, as always, but instead of the casual arm draped around your shoulders you two were completely intertwined, ignoring the movie as you two shared small, slow kisses. You let yourself melt in the moment, the taste of him addictive.

He gives you that look that you love, the one where his gaze is deceptively soft and solely focused on you.

"You know," he says between pecks, "I meant what I said before."

"Meant what?" you smile.

"That I love you." He pushes a lock of hair behind your ear, staring at you. "I think I've been in love with you since my father's little party."

You stiffened.

In love?

That was very different from the love you had interpreted.

You plaster on a fake smile, hoping he didn't notice how you had tensed up. "Is that so?"

"Mhm," he hums, pressing a small kiss on the tip of your nose. "Did you mean it when you said you loved me?"

"I did," you tell him, burying your face into his chest to avoid looking at him, focusing on the vibrations of his chest as he hummed with delight, wrapping his arms tighter around you as he pressed his lips against the top of your head.

That night you slept in his bed, his arm wrapped tightly around your middle. You didn't get a wink of sleep that night, and the moment he rolled over to his side, you knew what to do.

When Jungkook woke up, you were gone.

You had seemingly left no traces. Your bed was neatly made, your dresser drawers were empty. It was like you didn't exist.

Jungkook was absolutely distraught. He had the shop closed down for a bit, instead choosing to lay around in the apartment you once shared, playing the same few chords on his guitar.

He was angry. He was sad. He was pissed and frustrated and miserable and confused. He felt so stupid for fucking everything up. He wondered if what you said was a lie. Was everything between you a lie? It had to be. How else could you just cast him to the side like that? Like he meant nothing to you?

In the end, it seemed you truly were just using him. He should've known any affections you had for him were just some phase. You were just indirectly lashing out at your parents and using what you knew would piss them off. He knew that since the beginning, and still let himself get fooled.

That didn't stop him from sulking, however.

It wasn't until Yoongi barged into his apartment that Jungkook was forced to do something.

"What the hell man? You've been skipping out on practices- where have you been?" Yoongi looked around, seeing the apartment a mess.  Jungkook didn't look much better, sitting upside down on his couch in sweats and greasy hair, strumming on his guitar. "Jesus Christ, dude. I got you were a mess from the lyrics you've been sending me, but this takes the cake."

"What do you want, Yoongs?"

"I want you to pick your ass up and get out of this funk! I've noticed you haven't been running your shop for a little bit, and it seems clear to me that you've just been sulking around. Where's that roommate of yours? I would've thought she'd tell you to get over whatever it is you're sobbing about and do something about it."

"I don't want to talk about her," Jungkook muttered, striking a chord that had many of the notes clashing.

Yoongi winced at the sound. "I always thought that you two weren't just roommates. She always looked at you how a puppy looks at their owner- and you weren't much better."

"Well, she's gone now," Jungkook said bitterly.

"What happened?"

"She didn't love me, simple as that."

Yoongi shook his head. "That's a lie, dude. That girl was crazy about you."

"Well, that's what happened. I told her I was in love with her and the next thing I know, I wake up and she's gone."

"Maybe it was something else," Yoongi shrugged. "Then again, you knew her better than me. But you can't let some girl keep you cooped up in your apartment. Sulking isn't going to bring her back. Obsidian Chaos is going to be releasing the next album in just a month- you need to have your shit together by then. Don't tell me that you want to quit the band."

"No," Jungkook sighed. "It's just... I miss her. And I feel confused and-"

"You feel about a million emotions, my man, I know. And none of them are exactly helping to motivate you," Yoongi finished. "Do you really want her to see you in this state, though, when she comes back? If she comes back?"

"No," he admitted.

"You can't expect her to come and save you. You've got to save yourself first. She was never responsible for your happiness- remember that. Pick yourself back up and who knows, maybe she'll be waiting for you."

Jungkook did pick himself back up after that. He took a shower and opened the shop, going day by day, and though he still felt heartache and longing for you, he was able to pull himself together a bit more with each passing moment.

Obsidian Chaos released their next album, Oblivion, shortly after. Jungkook wrote most of the lyrics, and every single one was about you. Maybe it was like a siren call, trying to call you back to him. Luckily for them one of the title tracks blew up on a few websites and apps, giving them a lot of coverage and publicity. Their popularity had blown up overnight, radios constantly playing the hit song, making it impossible to escape their sound.

It was a rainy day, about a week after the release of Oblivion when there was a knock at the door. Jungkook thought it was a bit too early for him to have stalkers, but he was precautious, looking through the peephole.

To his surprise, it was you. Your hair was soaking wet, your designer clothes sticking to your skin. Your makeup seemed to be running a little.

Jungkook immediately swung the door open, shocked. You were here. You were really here.

"Hi," you said, your voice meek and small. "Can I come in?"

Jungkook stepped aside to let you in, closing the door behind him. He was speechless. There were so many things he had wanted to say to you, weeks of planning some long monologue for nothing. It felt strange seeing you in his apartment, despite the fact you had been there countless times before and lived there yourself. You seemed foreign, out of place, even though it hadn't been that long.

"Congrats on your success, by the way," you said, filling the silence. "Oblivion seems to be a big hit."

"You heard it?"

"I stayed up all night waiting for the release. Besides, your song plays everywhere I go. People love it. I couldn't escape your voice even if I wanted to."

"The song was about you."

"Yeah... I know." You wiped your wet face, taking in a deep breath.

"Y/N, what are you doing here?" Jungkook finally asked.

Your breathing was shaky. "I came to apologize. I know I don't deserve your forgiveness but... It was wrong for me to flake out like that, to leave without explanation."

"Why did you?"

You seemed unable to look him in the eye. "Every time a guy told me he loved me, that he was in love with me, it turned out to just be to use me. It was a way to get on my good side and use me for... Well, ulterior motives. When you said you loved me, I had spent so much time convincing myself that you didn't see me that way that I assumed you only meant platonically. Even if I wanted it to be in a romantic sense. When you confirmed, though, that you were in love with me, it just sparked so many memories of guys before. I was stupid. You've proven time and time again that you're honest and genuine, and that you respect me in a way those boys never could, but I couldn't handle it. I needed time away to figure my shit out. So I left and went to my parents', and I told them everything. The fake dating, the roommate situation, the job, that you were in love with me- all of it.

"My parents have been wrong about a lot of things. About what I should be, about what kind of guy would make a suitable husband, but they were right about one thing." Your eyes finally locked with his. "I was stupid to let you go, especially when I'm as head over heels over you as you are for me."

"So..." Jungkook didn't know what to say, overwhelmed with your speech. "What does this mean?"

"It means I love you too, Jungkook. I'm in love with you. I meant it when I said it back then, the same way you meant it. I took a taxi and ran over here as soon as I realized that. I've been in love with you for God knows how long, and I want to be with you, for real this time. That is... if you'll take me back."

Jungkook couldn't help but melt at that, smiling as he pulled you into a tight embrace, despite how your wet form began to dampen his clothes. "Always, princess."

[hoodharlow]

El Cumpleñero

AN: Fatass shout out to @aliencal​ and @hoodschick​ for letting me bounce ideas around, esp the last scene. And to my girl @d-oaks​ for editing as usual.

Request: 1 & 73 with Cal please? xxxxx “Stay here tonight.” “I missed you.”

Warnings: mentions of alcohol, smut, mentions of toxic relationships towards the end

Word Count: 3.5k words

January 2019

“Here, you can borrow something. Again, I’m so sorry.” Calum stammered as he guided Claudia in his room. He’s mentally punching himself; the one chance he had to impress her, he blew it by splashing beer all over her dress.

“Don’t worry about it, Calum. It was a moment of celebration. It’s not everyday we beat Luke and Sierra at beer pong. Plus, I finally get to raid your closet.” She reassured him.  

Claudia grabbed his white dress shirt with the thin black lines and went into the bathroom. She rummaged in her bag until she found some safety pins to pin them inside his shirt, so it looks better fitted on her. The shirt stopped a bit after the curve of her ass. Her long black boots gave her extra oomph, and she decided to slip on her leather jacket to give more attention to her ass. 

Calum was left speechless when she walked out of the bathroom. Sure, he had imagined her in one of his shirts, but he was not prepared for the actual thing. He caught a peek of the black lace covering her breast. Also enjoying how the bottom hugged her ass perfectly. Wordlessly, they walked out of his room. 

Drake’s verse in SICKO MODE echoed through the house, reminding her that Michael was in charge of music.  He  had volunteered to be the party’s designated DJ in the group chat where they had planned Calum’s party.  Luke said he was just going to connect his phone to Spotify and see what played. 

Duke ran up to her, standing on his hind legs to get her attention. 

"Duquito! I missed you, babas." Claudia exclaimed. She picked him up and kissed all over his face. She started to baby talk to him. Duke rested his head on her shoulder, and Calum never felt more jealous of his dog.

“You saw him less than five minutes ago.” 

“I know, those are five minutes too long without my Duquito.”

Calum shook his head at her comment. He reached for her hand and guided them to where the rest of the boys were. 

Luke and Sierra gave each other a knowing look when they saw the pair approach them hand in hand. They both claimed that Calum and Claudia are dating, but Ashton knew that they weren’t. Calum confided in him that she broke up with her boyfriend of three years in September, and he didn’t think it was okay for him to make moves on her. 

Calum sat down on one of the seats with Claudia taking a seat on his lap. He casually rested his arm around her waist and played with the hem of his shirt as they talked to the group. It was a simple gesture, but Claudia couldn’t help thinking about how his fingers would feel in her or while he gripped her hips as he fucked into her. 

“I'm gonna get another drink,” Claudia told him as she slid off his lap.

Calum watched her beeline to the makeshift bar with Duke on her trail. He looked back at the group, and everyone stared at him. 

“What?” He said, taking a sip of his beer.

“You need to make a move. She fucking likes you. You have to be blind to not see it, Cal.” Sierra said. 

Before Calum was able to respond, Ashton beat him to it. “You've got to be kidding me. She actually showed up.”

All their heads turned to look at the one person Calum didn't want there.

***

“Hey you might want to slow down. You've taken like eight shots of Patrón.” Claudia suggested as Calum poured himself another shot and one for her, sliding it to her. He downed his without a second thought.

“Well, what would you do when you see your ex at your birthday party?” Calum asked, downing another shot.

“Well, I hid in my room, watched all the Barbie movies on Netflix and kept sending my niece to bring me food until it was time to cut the cake.” Claudia replied. She was still angry that Paco was invited to the party. It was supposed to be just a family thing, so she made up the excuse that she had a bunch of homework to avoid going downstairs. Instead, she wrapped herself up in her blanket and ate gelatina.

“You also Facetimed me, remember?” They FaceTimed for a good three hours after his show. 

“Oh, yeah.”

“Okay, fine.  I’m taking your advice and going to watch Barbie in my room. Let’s go.” He stood up, knocking down his chair. Duke, who had been napping on Claudia’s lap, jolted awake. She caught him before he fell to the ground.

“I didn’t say that! I was only telling you what I did.” Claudia giggled. Her phone buzzed, showing a picture of her dad. She cursed, sliding her phone open. “Hi, papi.”

“Is that your dad?” Calum asked, shoving his face on her phone. “Hi, Mr. Santos.” 

Calum took Claudia’s phone and started talking to her dad. She passed Duke to Calum's lap and went to the kitchen to the fridge and got out the cake. 

"You don't seem like the type Cal goes for." Calum's ex said from behind her, startling Claudia and nearly making her drop the cake.

"Excuse me?" Claudia asked, confused. She turned back, looking to see who she was talking to. No one else was within ear shot, so she was obviously talking to her.

"Nothing, just expected more I guess. I mean," she gestured to herself. She was light skin and beautiful, the opposite of Claudia. 

Claudia knew deep down Calum wouldn't go for someone like her. A brown and ordinary college student. "Um, I'm not sure what you're trying to say. If you'll excuse me."

Calum watched Claudia grab the cake and candles and headed to the yard. Luke met her halfway and took the cake off her hands. Calum turned back to his ex, who was rummaging through his fridge as if she was welcomed in his home.

“What the hell are you doing here?” Calum asked her.

“I was invited, duh” She said, rolling her eyes. 

Calum looked over his yard where Sierra and Claudia were clearing a table for the cake while they laughed at something Luke said. 

“She’s cute. Though you could've done better. She's a bit… simple."

"I think you should leave." Calum said.

His ex sauntered over to him, smirking. He recognized that smirk, it was the one she always plastered on her face when she preyed on someone or something. Calum took a step back and she followed by taking one towards him. She laid her hand on his chest, grabbing a fist full of his shirt.

"Oh shit, sorry. I, uh, Ashton asked me to get you. I'll tell him you're...busy." Claudia stammered from the entrance way. Calum noticed her cheeks slightly flushed, as she stepped back to the yard.

"You're right, I should go." His ex let go of his shirt and smoothed it out. "You should go cut your cake."

"Fuck off." Calum slid away from her. Her cackle echoed through his ears when he went to meet his friends. 

Claudia felt like she was in a telenovela, and she was the dumb protagonist that caught the person she loved with the person they needed to be with. She even did the dramatic running away scene. All she needed was Calum to go after her.

"Claudia,"Calum called her.

Chingada madre, she thought. She turned around and looked at him. 

"Look what you saw back there wasn't what—"

"You don't have to explain yourself to me. Again, I'm sorry for interrupting." She made her way to Sierra, throwing an arm around her whispering something in her ear earning a laugh. Claudia watched as some of the party goers joined them and sang to Calum. 

Calum solemnly walked over to friends. The rest of the band joined him and took pictures with him. They did some Charlie's Angels poses.

"Your turn Claudia." Ashton nudged her.

"Oh, no I'm fine. I'm not a picture person." She began.

"We took like a million selfies in the bathroom when I got here. What do you mean you hate pictures?" Sierra asked. 

"Here's Duke so it can be like a family picture." Ashton said. 

Calum caught the teasing tone. He quickly glared at him when he grabbed Duke. 

Claudia made her way over and near him. Duke squirmed in Calum's arms wanting to go with Claudia. She grabbed him and on instinct he laid his head on his chest. She felt Calum's arm wrap around her waist, pulling her closer to him. The picture was taken and Claudia quickly pulled away from Calum's grip. She went over to the bar and drank, downing  shot after shot after shot. She closed her eyes, letting the alcohol do its thing. 

A plate of cake landed in front of her. She looked up and met Ashton's hazel eyes. She poured herself another shot in disappointment that it wasn't Calum.

"You shouldn't let her rile you up. She does that all the time to piss Cal off." Ashton explained, stealing her shot.

"I don't know what you're talking about." She said, poking at the slice. She spent all morning baking the cake. It was red velvet with vanilla cream cheese buttercream. She got the "H" in Happy Birthday that she promptly smeared.

"Please, one moment both of you are oozing sexual tension and the next you can't even look at each other. His ex was something else quite honestly. In the time that they were together I never saw them act the way you both do. He's happy around you." Ashton patted her hand and went over to the boys. 

***

An hour so passed, and the party died down. It was just their little group now. Even Roy had left with a girl he had met. After helping pick up most of the Solo cups and bottles, Claudia wandered back to Calum's room to get her bag. She dumped her bag on his bed looking for her phone. Then she remembered Calum had it when he hijacked her call. 

The door opened making her jump. It was Duke and Calum. Duke trotted over to her wanting cuddles from her.

"Hey," they said simultaneously.

"Do you have my phone?" Claudia asked him. 

"Yeah, here." He dug in his pocket and pulled it out. 

"Thanks, I need to get a ride home." She said, checking the prices between Uber and Lyft. 

"Stay here tonight. It's late. I don't want you in a car with some stranger. I've read one too many articles about rideshare apps being the new way human traffickers kidnap young women." Calum said.

"Fine." She said, closing the app. He had a point, not to mention she had one too many drinks. 

"Okay, yeah. I'll drop you off in the morning."

"It's morning right now." She showed him her screen. It said 1:28 am.

"The reasonable morning, smart ass." He said, earning a giggle from her.

They made their way down when they bumped into Michael.

"We should get going. I'll come by and get the speakers tomorrow." Michael told them. 

"Just text me." Calum said. He lifted the arm he had around Claudia and fist bumped him. 

"We should get going too. Ash, you need a ride?" Luke asked him. 

Ashton glanced at the Calum and Claudia. "Yeah."

They made plans to meet up for a late lunch before bidding each other goodbye. Calum watched Claudia make her way to the kitchen and pull out a pizza box from the oven. She grabbed a paper towel and placed a few slices on it, sitting on the counter to munch on it.

“What?” She giggled when Calum approached her. Without thinking he grabbed her wrist and bit the slice she was eating. Claudia let out a dramatic gasp. “There’s plenty more in the box, why did you eat mine?” 

“Because I’m the birthday boy, and I can eat what I want,” he said. 

Claudia opened her legs, letting Calum take a step closer to her. 

“Well, actually it’s almost two in the morning. Your birthday ended a few hours ago.” She said matter of factly and took a generous bite of her pizza all the while turning  back to point at the time on the microwave. 

“Pretty girl, no one likes a smart ass.” Calum said, leaning closer to her. He caged her in with his body, not that she minded. 

Claudia took in his scent, bright and woody cologne mixed with  tequila. It was a comforting scent, as if she was at home. She looked up at Calum, and he glanced down to her lips. 

He met her eyes and pushed back some of her curls before cupping her face with one hand and using the other to balance himself on the counter. His hand landed on the napkin piled with pizza and slid. 

Claudia let out a snort. “Smooth, Cal.”

“I get a do-over. It’s my birthday.” Calum said candidly. 

“It’s not your—”

He cupped her face with both hands, which was what he needed to do in the first place, and kissed her. The kiss was slow, a test of  water, but urgency took over soon. Claudia’s hand twisted against his shirt. Their tongues battled for dominance, and Calum won. They kissed for what seemed ages until they needed to breathe.

They both pulled away, winded. 

“No one likes a smart ass, pretty girl.” Calum panted. 

Claudia rolled her eyes. Then she threw her arms around Calum, pulling him back to her and kissed him. Calum pushed himself against her legs to give him better access. His hands grabbed her ass and grinded her against his crotch. Claudia threw her neck back, revelling in how good Calum felt against her. She mentally gave herself a pat on the back for wearing full lace panties. 

Calum nipped and sucked down her neck to find her sweet spot. He barely caught her strangled moan when he nipped the spot between her jaw and neck. He repeated his actions, earning a louder moan from her. He smiled against her neck, wondering how she would sound when he makes her cum time after time.

“Bedroom,” Claudia moaned. 

"Yeah?" 

"Yeah."

The walk to Calum's room took seconds, but it was going to take longer to go inside of it. Claudia was pinned up against the wall next to his room. While they kissed, she impatiently unbuttoned the shirt revealing her black lace number. 

Calum was rendered speechless. He let go of her and kissed all the small tattoos sprinkled all over her tummy. He kneeled down when he got to the ones near her hips and stomach. He lowered the waistband of her panties and kissed the small 'wildflower' tattoo on her hip bone. 

"These look nice on you, pretty girl." Calum said, toying with the waistband of her panties. "But I think they'll look better on the floor."

"Guess, we won't know unless we see it." Claudia teased. 

With that Calum gripped the sides and tore her panties off . 

"No mames! Those were my SavageFenty chonis!" Claudia exclaimed. She had joined the Xtra VIP exclusively for those panties. 

"I'll get you a new pair." Calum shrugged as he gently pushed Claudia against the wall and tugged off her boots. He lifted one of her legs, placing it on his shoulder. Meeting Claudia's gaze, he licked his lips and kissed around her thighs. He adjusted her legs for better access to her. 

With one lick Claudia was ruined. She nearly toppled to the ground. Luckily the grip she had on Calum's curls helped her stay up. Her grip only tightened as Calum squeezed her ass as he continued to have her. He bent his arm to rub her clit. At first it felt strange to have fingers that weren't hers rubbing her clit, but she loved how Calum's felt. 

"Fuck! Calum!" She moaned. 

"Love your taste, pretty girl." He stated. 

Claudia felt a familiar tug in her stomach. Before she could process what was happening, she yelled out Calum's name pleasure. He continued to rub her clit until her high wore down. He gently dropped her leg and held on to her hips keeping her balance. 

Claudia had closed her eyes, trying to control her breathing. The last time she panted like this was when she had to run across Cal State Long Beach because she mixed up her Tuesday/Thursday classes with her Monday/Wednesday a few days ago.

***

"I'm sorry. I swear I wanted this. I just— I get it if you hate me and never wanna see me again. I'm gonna go." Claudia said. She wrapped the bed sheet around her chest and looked for her clothes.

Everything was going great. He had gone down on her again, and she gladly returned the favor. They made out some more. Then Calum reached for a condom. That was when shit hit the fan. Claudia pushed him away and called him by her ex's name.

"Claudia," Calum called her as she walked away. He quickly put on his boxers and went after her. He found her outside hugging her knees, crying. "Hey, what happened back there?"

Claudia wasn't with him. She was in the backseat of Paco's Honda Civic. She had driven down for Labor Day weekend because her Friday class was canceled, so she decided to go visit her family. She texted Paco if he wanted to go to Las Cuatro Milpas after work. After eating they went to Por Vida for an horchata latte. Claudia found a chafita version of Por Vida in Long Beach, but their horchata lattes were abysmal. 

They drove back to his place. His parents were in Mexico and his little sister was at her friend's house. They had house to themselves. Much for Claudia's dismay. 

The hangout started normal. They were in the living room watching some Fast and Furious marathon when Paco started to get handsy. Like Danny when he took Sandy to the drive-in theater. Claudia began to feel uncomfortable. 

"Paco, stop." She shrugged him off for the nth time within the hour she was there.

"Baby, you know you like it." He began to bite her neck and grope her breasts. 

"Paco, I said stop." She said pushing him off her.

He glared at her as he let her go. "I'm getting sick and tired of you acting like a fucking prude, Claudia. We've been together for three years. I should get something out of it."

"I'm starting to feel uncomfortable. Can you please take me home?" 

"No." 

"You're unbelievable." 

"I'm just asking you for one thing."

"No, you're not. Sex is more than one thing. It's a lot deeper than that."

"You're full shit, Claudia, and I'm done."

"What do you mean?"

"I mean that you can suck my dick one day, but the next you won't let me touch you. We're done, get out of my house."

"Paco, you can't do that to us. Was all the shit you went through with Danny, not worth us." Tears streamed down her cheeks as she spoke.

"You're not worth anything. The next fool that has to deal with your prude ass is just going to leave. I was doing you a favor for when we broke up eventually. No one wants a fucking a virgin." 

Calum placed a hand on her knee, startling Claudia. She blinked up at him, tears still free falling. He reached over and wiped away her tears. She pushed him away and began picking her up her clothes. 

“Did I do something wrong? If I did, I’m sorry.” Calum said.

"You're good, it's all me." She dismissed him. She turned back and saw the look on his face. His brows were furrowed and he was in deep thought. He was beating himself up. Claudia dropped her shoulders in defeat. "I’ve never had sex. Which was the real reason why my ex broke up with me, not the distance or whatever excuse he used to make me look bad. He said that no one wanted a virgin and that I'm not—"

Calum wrapped her up his arms. She tensed, but then relaxed. Claudia held on to him as she cried. She never told anyone the real story. She felt a bit embarrassed, but overall relieved that huge weight on her shoulders was gone.

"He's a selfish idiot." Calum said. He pushed back some of her hair and kissed her forehead. "I'm sorry if I pressured you into something you aren't ready for."

"You didn't do anything wrong, except rip my SavageFenty panties." She began. "I felt safe with you. You made it seem like you care about me."

"I do, you know, care about you. I've had feelings for you for a while, to be honest." 

"I know, and I also like you too. You're the best." 

Claudia pulled his head down and kissed him. It was a reassuring kiss. It let them know what they mean for each other. They'll take things slow, and see where things go from here. 

[since0202]

Chapter 28: Getaway

“Stay safe, okay? No cliff diving or swimming with sharks or trudging through alligator infested swamps,” Edward warned as he leaned down to press another kiss to Bella’s forehead. The terminal at Sea-Tac was bustling around them, not paying much attention to the odd trio. 

“I will,” Bella said, “Stay safe I mean.” Edward gave her a gentle smile and looked to Grace.

“Got everything you need?” he asked. 

“I think so,” Grace held up an ancient tome of Shakespeare’s collected works. 

“Good, I’ll see you two in four days,” he let a dramatic sigh and Bella gave a laugh wrapping her arms around his neck and kissing him again. Grace rolled her eyes and turned toward the gate waving a fruitless goodbye to the engrossed couple. 

As they boarded the plane, Grace checked her phone before turning it off. Jake, as usual, had been MIA for the few days after her birthday when she turned him down not so subtly. She could tell from her rounds with Embry that he wasn’t taking it well but trying his best not to let it show. To her surprise, she had a new text. She tried to contain her excitement as she opened it. 

SMS Text—8:32 a.m.: Paul

Have a safe flight. 

“Whaaaat the fuck,” Grace groaned looking at her phone. 

“What is it?” Bella said behind her. Grace snapped her phone shut and powered it down. 

“Nothing.” Why was Paul texting her of all people! Of all people!?

Florida gave Grace an excuse to bust out her real summer wardrobe, one that she usually flaunted during the humid Oklahoma summers—crop tops and stringy tank tops and bralettes that she tried to tell her mom were bikini tops. Bella was a little overwhelmed by this suddenly exuberant, bare skinned version of Grace. 

“Prude,” Grace teased her as she removed her spirit stone and laced a thin gold chain around her neck like a choker. It glittered against Grace’s perfectly sunkissed skin. The Florida sun was kind to Grace. Bella...not so much. Renee had slapped a giant wide brimmed sun hat on her on their first day there on the beach slathering her in sunscreen while Grace and her mother laid out in the sun. 

“So, tell me about Edward,” Renee probed as they settled on the back porch of her bungalow that faced the silver sanded beach. The girls were each given a glass of white wine as a celebration for their graduation. Grace was already sneaking them extra glasses when she went back to the kitchen for a napkin, an ice cube, some lotion. 

Bella’s explanation came in around the end of her second glass. “He’s…..” she looked at each woman for a moment and then with an exasperated huff she said, “He’s perfect. Really. I have no idea how this happened...to me.” Both Renee and Cherie let out little sighs of appreciation. 

“Tell us more!” Cherie prompted. “What’s he like? What drew you to him? How did you two first meet?” 

Grace smiled behind her third glass of wine and could only imagine the scene playing Bella’s head. What had drawn her to him? Mmm, the fact that he was a dangerously handsome and alluring vampire that had a thing for her blood? How did they meet? Oh, he saved her from getting smashed by a van and she just knew he was the one. 

Bella looked to Grace for help, her mouth hanging open, not sure how to explain. 

“They met in biology,” Grace replied easily, completely toasted, “Super romantic.”

“Biology is a very romantic subject. Huddled around a lab table. Dissecting frogs,” Renee teased. 

“Mom,” Bella groaned. 

“What?! He seems very nice from the very little that you tell me,” Renee said, giving her a smack on the arm. 

“Tell me about it.” Cherie said, taking a sip of her wine. 

“What does that mean?” Grace tested. 

“Nothing, only that apparently you had a boyfriend out in La Push for like two months and I had no idea until you two had broken up. What was his name,” Cherie snapped her fingers together multiple times trying to recall his name, “Uh...uh.”

“Paul, mom,” Grace said, annoyed and downing the rest of her glass. She got up to get another, not even offering an excuse this time. 

“Paul! Paul Lahote!” Cherie said triumphantly, “I knew the Lahote family when I was there. Nice people. Well, except for the dad. Jeremy? Jerry? He had a bit of an anger problem.” 

Grace rolled her eyes in the kitchen and filled her glass close to the rim. 

“My relationship with Paul is not...was not like Bella and Edward’s. They are madly in love with one another. We were just hanging out,” Grace said, shooting Bella an uncomfortable look. Bella watched her face and knew that that wasn’t true. 

“Well you still could have told me,” Cherie said a little disheartened. 

“Sorry, will do next time.” Grace said dismissively. 

“What about Billy’s son? Jacob?” Cherie offered. 

“Mom, no.” Grace groaned. 

“What!? Charlie said you two were hanging out and I didn’t know if it was the same kind of hanging out that you do with Paul or?” She waggled her eyebrows at her daughter. Grace couldn’t help but laugh. 

“Mom stop!” Grace said a smile cracking across her face, “It’s not like that. And anyway, we’re talking about Edward and Bella.” She motioned to Bella. 

“There’s not really much else to tell, we’re together, we’re happy, I hope that continues….forever,” Bella breathed. 

Renee looked at her daughter carefully and patted her thigh. The rest of the evening was spent talking about colleges, plans for the future, Cherie’s upcoming interview, and Renee’s adjustment to Florida life. 

At a little past 1 a.m., Bella and Grace turned into bed and told their mom’s to leave the dishes for the morning. The two women had their arms around each other and were singing an old Fleetwood Mac song at one another and Grace gave a delighted snort. 

“Cute.” She poured the half glass of wine left in the bottle into her glass and followed Bella to bed. Grace was definitely drunk. She had probably coasted through an entire bottle of wine by herself tonight without her mother knowing. Something about that gave her a freeing sensation. Bella went to the bathroom to shower and left Grace alone with her thoughts. 

The words that her mother had mentioned at dinner swirled around in her head.

What was his name? Paul! That’s right! Paul Lahote. 

Grace tried to shake her head of her last memory of her and Paul alone. He had undressed her and though he tried his best not to look, she could feel his burning gaze all over her. Now, in her drunken state it annoyed her. 

What about Billy’s son? Jacob?

Grace let out an audible groan. Of course her mother would know about Jake. And what was worse, she knew her mother could see that she had blushed profusely at his name. A dead giveaway. 

Why was this all so complicated? Did her ancestors have a death wish for her? Was this supposed to bring her some sort of triumph over adversity thing? Or was she truly just meant to be miserable forever? And why did she feel like she was doing this alone? 

Her eyes lazily landed on her phone plugged in on the nightstand. 

“Fuck this,” Grace said, grabbing her phone and dropping it on the floor accidentally before scooping it up, downing the rest of her glass and finding the right contact in her phone. 

“Hello?” It was late here but it was only after 10 p.m. back in Forks. Of course he’d be awake. 

“You really piss me off, you know that?” Grace said pointing to the air in front of her. 

“Excuse me?” 

“You have the absolute audacity to look at me the way that you do on a daily basis and think I won’t notice? You stare. STARE at me and I can see it you know? Some people would say that’s pretty creepy, that’s pretty stalker-ery of you, yah know?” 

“Grace, are you drunk?” 

“Listen to me! I know how this is supposed to go. Guy meets girl, girl falls for guy and then a bunch of stupid shit happens and now guy’s like ‘Hey, I’m gonna stare at you from afar and not fucking talk to you won’t that drive you crazy?’ And it does! It does! You did it. Congrats. You did it. It’s driving me crazy.” 

“Grace, calm down for a sec—” 

“Don’t tell me to calm down! Do I need to hold a sign? Helloooo, Do you need me to spell it out for you?” 

“I have no idea what you’re talking—” 

“Yeah right, you know. You know. You’ve known this whole time. You’ve talked to Ti’Hal, you know.” 

“Grace, let’s just talk about this when you get home.” 

“No! I want to talk about it right now. I want to tell you what I’ve been thinking these past three weeks. The thing I couldn’t say and up until now, I didn’t know if I should, but I’m gonna and you’re gonna hear it buddy. You hear me?!” 

“Grace what are you doing?” Bella came out of the bathroom and was wrapped in a robe, her hair up in a towel, “Who’s on the phone?” 

“Hold on, Bella’s here.” Grace turned drunkenly to Bella stumbling a little. “I’m just gonna tell him.” She said confidently, shaking the phone and slurring her speech now.

“Grace, let’s go to bed. Give me the phone,” Bella approached her like she was a rabid animal, knowing she needed to get that phone away from her before she made a mistake. 

“I’m just gonna tell him!” Grace turned to yell into the phone, but Bella was quick, “I’m in love with you! You complete fucking—” the phone was already knocked out of her hands and Bella had slammed it shut. 

“Are you nuts?!” Bella said, laughing a little. 

“Probably,” Grace sighed sitting on her bed and flopping back onto the pillows. 

“I’m holding onto this until morning,” Bella said, putting it in her robe pocket. But Grace was already asleep. Bella popped open her phone to look at the last outgoing call. Unsurprised, Bella gave a short laugh at the name glowing from the small screen: Jacob. 

The next morning, Grace woke up to a splitting headache and an overwhelming thirst. She dragged herself up out of bed and splashed cold water her face before brushing her teeth and changing into a fresh set of clothes for the day. 

As she wandered down into the kitchen, she found Bella washing up last night’s dishes at the sink. 

“Goooood morning, drunk dialer,” Bella said, “Drink that, and take those.” She nodded to a talk glass of water on the counter and a couple of pills. 

“Nice,” Grace said. “What do you mean drunk dialer? Have you seen my phone?” Grace chugging the water and swallowing the pills. Bella produced Grace’s phone from her back pocket and set it on the counter. 

“I’d wait until you rehydrate before checking those texts.” Bella warned. 

“What?” Grace grabbed her phone, weak memories coming back to her from last night. She pulled her phone toward her desperately and pulled it open quickly navigating to her inbox. 

SMS Text—1:23 a.m.: Jacob 

Grace, call me back. I need to talk to you. 

I know you’re drunk but I thought you said...

Just call me back, 

SMS Text—1:43 a.m.: Jacob 

I’m sorry I’ve been staring at you, I like you. 

Sue me. 

Or don’t. Just call me back so we can talk. 

SMS Text—1:47 a.m.: Jacob

You’re unbelievable you know? 

You get drunk 2,000 miles away where I can’t get to you to drop this? 

Not. Cool. 

SMS Text—2:03 a.m.: Jacob 

Text me or call me when you wake up. 

We need to talk about this. 

Grace threw her head back and groaned: “Fuuuuu—morning mom!” Her mother came around from behind her.

“Good morning my only daughter.” She planted a kiss on her cheek. 

“You say only daughter like you have another daughter hidden away in a  basement somewhere.” Grace grumbled.

“Are you two ready to go kayaking in the Everglades? Renee’s quite the thrill seeker.” Cherie ignored her and looked to Bella.

“Yeah, should be fun!” Grace said, perking up. She pocketed her phone and resolved to bury her head so deep in the swamp that an alligator would surely come and tear her to pieces so she’d never have to face Jacob again. 

Floating in the kayak was peaceful. Grace let herself drift down the thread of water choked by duckweed and low hanging spanish moss, the morning sun glittering on the water. Ahead, Renee and Cherie were chuckling about something and Bella was gliding quietly next to her. 

Lost in her reverie, she didn’t realize Bella was next to her until their kayaks bonked together. 

“Ooh, sorry,” Bella apologized, trying to steer herself straight. “Kayaks aren’t meant for the uncoordinated.” Grace laughed and gave the back of her kayak a nudge forward. “Thanks.” 

“Yeah,” Grace said simply letting the sound of the water against her paddle lull her into another reverie. But it was short lived. 

“So, do you want to talk about what happened last night?” Bella said, giving her a knowing look. Grace internally groaned. 

“Not much to say that you didn’t already hear,” Grace said while she weaved her kayak around a particularly dense patch. 

“Mmm I think there’s more to say. You’re in love with Jacob...but you don’t want to be with him because?” Bella prompted. Grace was silent, her eyes on the water, “He’s crazy about you you know. Even when you thought there was something going on between us..which to be fair he did have a crush on me for awhile...but even back then, you’d always come up in our conversations. In everything. He’d always ask about you.” 

Grace had tried to block those early days out. The ones where she was so furiously drawn to Jacob and her stomach would flare angrily when she overhead him and Bella talking. 

“It’s not as easy as just saying I’m in love with you.” Grace finally said. 

“You had no trouble saying it last night when you were wasted,” Bella joked, ducking her head just in time to not get slapped in the face by moss. Grace shook her head. 

“You don’t get it,” Grace said, “I’ve already done the heartbreak thing once. You were there, remember?” Bella gave her a pained look as she continued, “For whatever fucked up reason, my ancestors think it’s pretty funny to have no one imprint on me or me imprint on anyone, but I still get to fall in love with them. Do you know how excruciatingly awful it is knowing you love someone who can and would leave you if someone they were meant to be with came along? That you could never measure up to? Because of some impossibly, supernatural standard?” Grace was desperate now. 

“Yes,” Bella said softly, casting her eyes down. Grace stopped at this. That made sense. 

“Of course,” she said, “Bella, I didn’t mean it like that but, you can see why I’m hesitating to jump into anything with Jake. Not to mention, Paul and I just broke up like 3 seconds ago and I’m still trying to figure all of this,” she gestured to her whole body, “out.” Grace let out an exasperated breath. “It’s exhausting. And the worst part is….” she paused here not sure if she wanted to go there. But why shouldn’t she? Bella drifted in front of her, looking at her calmly, openly. Bella wouldn’t begrudge her her feelings, nor was she in danger of unwillingly sharing them with Jake since her mind was protected from Edwards. 

She could tell her this here, in this calm swamp away from everyone, “The worst part is, I so so so want to be with him. Everything in my body, absolutely every part of me wants him. It’s terrifying thinking you’re staring at your stupid soul mate but knowing that they’ll be snatched away from you any second. I can’t live through that. Not with Jake. If we were happy and he--,” she choked here and took a minute to stop and compose herself, moving forward, her voice hard, “and he left, willingly or unwillingly, I don’t think I could come back from that. So I can’t risk it Bella, I can’t. And it hurts so much every single day to hold that resolve. It feels like it’s going against everything to hold myself back. But I just...can’t.” 

After a few minutes paddling forward together, Bella looked at her sadly and nodded, “Okay.” Grace gave her nod, “I understand.” 

“Good, now let’s talk about something else.” Grace bumped her boat into Bella’s. 

��Well, since we’re sharing secrets…” Bella looked down shyly and Grace’s eyes shot toward her, “Edward asked me to marry him.” 

“WHAT?!” Grace shouted as she rocked her kayak dangerously. Their mother’s who were further down the way looked over their shoulders and called out: “Are you okay?” 

“Yeah! I think she saw a snake!” Bella called back. “Chill!” she said to Grace laughing. In a hushed voice Grace said: 

“Marry?! As in til death do us part, rings and bells?” Bella nodded enthusiastically. “Woah.” 

“Tell me about it.” Bella replied. 

“So what did you say!? Did you say yes?! You’re 18!” 

“I know I’m 18.” Bella replied, a tinge of annoyance not targeted at Grace layered in her voice. “And it’s not the first time he’s asked me. This is like a regular thing with him.” 

“ARE YOU KIDDING ME!?” Grace said splashing her paddles around her dramatically. 

“Grace!” Bella said, darting her eyes toward their mothers again who were laughing and paddling a ways up. 

“This isn’t the first time?! What is he a glutton for matrimony?” Grace pulled a face and Bella laughed. 

“I don’t know, maybe.” 

“SO?! What did you say this time?” Grace begged now. 

“I said….I said yes.” Bella said barely over the sound of splashing water with a shy smile on her face. 

“Oh my GOD! BELLA!” Grace smacked her boat with her paddle. 

“Girls!” Cherie called back to them. 

“Yeah! Coming!” Bella called back as she tried her best to paddle away. Grace was after her in a second yelling “We’re not done talking about this!” 

It was their last night and Grace was cuddled up on an outdoor sofa under a soft blanket with her mom. Grace was thumbing through her Shakespeare collection and her mom was finishing a crossword. 

After a serene silence that Grace recognized as a common occurrence between the two of them, she heard her mom set down her pencil and look over at her. 

“How have you been? Really, I mean.” Grace looked over at her slowly. This was a weird turn. Could her mom sense something was up? Grace squirmed a little and her heartbeat picked up. 

“Fine, really. Forks is great and like I said, the council gifted me that run down house that I’m fixing up so it’s going well.” Grace repeated the same status update she had given her mother on their first day. 

“But...I know it was hard for you to return to all of that...without your dad, I mean,” Cherie spoke quietly now. 

“Mom.” Grace said softly coming closer to give her a hug, “It really has been okay. I’ve found a great family out there and it’s been good being back on the rez.” 

Cherie clasped her hands around Grace’s shoulder and pulled her tight to her. 

“I just worry about you Little Bird,” she whispered and kissed the top of her head. That had to be a coincidence. Grace sucked in a deep breath and looked up at her mother. 

“I’m okay….really,” she said this gently but meant it. Tears were in her mom’s eyes and she nodded. “Get a grip mom,” Grace laughed and Cherie echoed her. 

“I just miss you.” Cherie said. 

“You’re always welcome to come and stay. And I’ll visit more,” Grace promised. Cherie was satisfied with this and pulled her back into a hug, rocking her gently as the waves crashed off the shore. Grace was almost whole. 

[toddtakefive]

Can I Have a Ride Home? I’m at a Party and I Don’t Know Any1

fandom(s): Gravity Falls, Over The Garden Wall

pairing(s): Pinescone , Mabcifica (mentioned)

words: 5314

rating: M (reasons listed in trigger warnings + swearing)

work type: One-shot , AU

tw(s): homophobia , use of slurs , violence and references to past violence

Also on AO3!!

Wirt wasn’t entirely sure how Sara had managed to drag him along with her to Senior Prom, hell he wasn’t even sure how she had managed to get a suit for him when he’d refused to go in for a fitting, but now he was standing in a crowded gym full of high-schoolers and he already wanted to leave. In his defense, they’d already been there an hour and that was an hour longer than he was at most parties.

If he was going to be completely honest, the party wasn’t that bad. Sure the music would cut off whenever there was a swear - everyone would still sing it anyways -, and sure the punch tasted weird, but it wasn’t necessarily a bad party as most parties go. The reason it was a bad party is because it was a party full of nothing but high-schoolers, and high-schoolers are scary. At least to Wirt.

He lost Sara twenty minutes ago -he’s honestly starting to think she’s underneath the bleachers flirting with the girl from her Chem class- and he’s getting bored so he pulls out his phone and starts typing a quick text to Dipper.

‘Bored. Wish you were here :/’.

The reply is immediate, 

‘Lol r u a postcard??’ ‘Wish I wre ther too <3 drving rigt now txt you lter′. 

The next text he receives is a picture taken by the person in the passenger seat, likely Mabel, with a peace sign while Dipper attempts to get his phone back without taking his eyes off the road. The caption for the photo is ‘road safety laws are bogus B)’. He laughs to himself. Yup, definitely Mabel.

He looks up at the sound of steps approaching, expecting it to be Sara but instead seeing evil incarnate. He takes in a deep breath before plastering on a fake smile.

“Hello, Trevor.” he says. 

Trevor Martin. No offense to the British actor Trevor Martin, of course, but Wirt fucking hates this guy. He’s book smart, Wirt’ll give him that, but that’s his only redeeming quality. Not only is he a totally fuckwad, but he has the audacity to say he’s not and try to date Sara, a very loud and proud lesbian. Like, dude, at least Jason Funderberker had the decency to back off when she came out. Plus, never trust a guy with a first name for a last name.

Trevor, wearing his slimy little smirk like he always does, doesn’t even meet Wirt’s eyes. “So, where’s Sara? I figured she’d be with you, you know, since you’re like her fucking boyfriend or whatever.”

Wirt scrunches his nose just slightly, he doesn’t want this situation to escalate more than it has to. “I’ve told you this a thousand times, Trevor. She is not my girlfriend.”

Trevor rolls his eyes, “Sure. You get pissed off that I’m trying to date her because you aren’t her boyfriend. Got it.”

Wirt shakes his head, “I get pissed off that you’re trying to date her because she’s a lesbian. Which is literally common knowledge, by the way.” he throws away his plastic cup and walks out into the hallway. Trevor, being an idiot in everything but school subjects, follows him into the hallway.

“She’s not a lesbian, she’s just saying that to get me to leave her alone.” Trevor explains, causing Wirt to roll his eyes as he walks.

“That’s not how that fucking works, Trevor. Besides, if a girl is literally resorting to faking being a lesbian to get you to leave her alone, maybe you just don’t know how to take a hint.”

He hears Trevor scoff, “Well she’s dating you, so she isn’t a lesbian.”

“She isn’t dating me! And you do know people can be bi, right?”

“If she isn’t dating you then why are you always talking about your relationship in World Civ?”

Wirt, just wanting this idiot to leave him alone already, stops walking abruptly and turns around. Trevor runs into him and falls back a little bit, he has a look on his face that Wirt thinks is his ‘gotcha’ face, but he’s really had enough of the whole ‘Wirt and Sara are dating in secret’ thing when they’re both very out homosexuals.

“Because I have a boyfriend, Trevor.” he deadpans, and sees that smug look fall off of Trevor’s face. God he loves the look of confusion that floods his features, it’s pure poetry.

“What?” Trevor asks, with all of his genius.

“The reason you hear me talking about my relationship -in conversations that didn’t involve you, by the way- is because I have a boyfriend. He lives in California.”

Trevor looks as though his entire world view just got re-shaped. He’s between wanting to believe and wanting to think it’s a prank, but, to Trevor, Wirt isn’t cool enough to pull a prank like this with a straight face.

The long minutes of silence is starting to get awkward, but just as Wirt is about to walk away Trevor speaks up again, “Wait so,” he pauses, “you’re a faggot?”

Wirt tenses immediately. That word. God he hates that word. The first time he heard it was when he came out to his biological dad when he and Dipper started dating back in Sophomore year. It wasn’t a great conversation, and Wirt vividly remembers the bloody nose he got out of it.

“I- uhm. Y-yeah. I- yeah.” Wirt stammers out. Trevor’s entire demeanor changes.

“Wait, what the fuck?” he says, distancing himself from Wirt by a couple inches. This causes Wirt to snap out of whatever funk he was in. He raises an eyebrow.

“Me having a boyfriend isn’t new information, Trevor. You’ve heard me get teased for talking about him before.”

“Yeah, but I thought they were joking! I didn’t think you were actually. You know.” he makes a wild hand gesture in Wirt’s direction.

“Gay?” Wirt asks with a furrowed brow.

“That! That. I didn’t think you were that.” Okay, now Wirt’s getting pissed. Obviously the use of the slur pissed him off, but not even being able to say the word gay? Come on, dude.

“Is there a problem with that?” He asks, crossing his arms. He’s not entirely sure where this newfound courage is coming from, but he can think about it later.

“No it’s just, dude have you been checking me out in the locker rooms and shit this whole time!” Trevor asks, his stance becoming defensive.

Wirt flinches back a bit at the question. “No. Why would I do that?”

“Because you’re.” Another wild hand gesture. Dude, just say the word.

Wirt sighs, “Gay. Right, yeah. We’ve established that. But I don’t go around creeping on the guys in the locker room. That would be fucking weird. And, again, I have a boyfriend, and you also aren’t my type so we’re covering all the bases of ‘I’d never do that’.”

Trevor takes a step forward that causes Wirt to take a step back, “I don’t believe you.” he says, voice lined with anger.

Wirt, quickly realizing he should have just walked away while Trevor was confused, holds his hands up in defense, “Good for you, but I don’t really care.” he glances over Trevor’s shoulder to see if he could make a break for the door. That idea is quickly thrown out the window when Trevor grabs Wirt by the collar. Wirt laughs a bit to himself, “You know, this looks kinda gay.”

Trevor’s hold on the front of his shirt tightens, he brings his hands up higher to make sure he isn’t touching the other boy anywhere, “Okay! Okay, okay, okay! Okay. Look, honestly man, never watched you while you were changing! I don’t think we’ve ever even had a P.E class together, if I’m being honest. And besides, I don’t think watching sweaty teenage boys change is that appealing. Especially not you, cause no offense you’re not really anyone’s type. At least not any gay persons type I mean! I’m sure some girl at the college you attend will think you’re hot, she’ll probably have kinda low standards but a girlfriend’s a girlfriend, right? And she’ll marry you right outta college, and you’ll become a fucking accountant or something else just as soul sucking, and you’ll have two kids, and a dog, and feel free to cut me off whenever you like.”

There’s a crunch and a massive amount of pain that makes Wirt stop talking. His head is spinning faster than a tornado, but he knows the feeling of hitting the school floor well enough to know it happens somewhere within the time he gets punched in the face a second time and kicked in the stomach the first.

He’s not entirely sure how long he’s on the floor, but he does know that when he finally opens his eyes Trevor is standing above him, heaving, staring at his own hands like they’re covered in blood- oh they are. That is blood. That is definitely blood. That’s a lot of blood. Wow.

Wirt pushes himself off of the ground, there’s an ache in every fiber of his being but the floor is cold and dirty and he’d rather not be down there right now. As he rises, slowly, he can see a steady drip of blood coming down from his face. That’s not good.

By the time he’s fully standing, Trevor looks ready to burst. “Wirt! Oh my god, dude. I am so fucking sorry, I didn’t. I don’t know why I. I never. Fuck I didn’t, I just, shit are you fucking okay?” the questions are rapid fire. Wirt’s a little too out of it to be able to tell if they’re genuine or not, and he doesn’t really care if they are at this point. This guy eats paste.

“Trevor.” Wirt finally says, “Shut the fuck up.” his words are slurred, and it’s obvious he’s still scared if the tremor in his voice is anything to go by, but he really just needs it to be quiet right now. To his credit, Trevor does shut up, but he just stands there.

There they are, two guys standing in a hallway, five feet apart cause one just beat the shit out of the other for being gay. Prom night is great. In his delirious state, Wirt can faintly hear ‘Lover Is a Day’ by Cuco playing from the gym. The beats pulse under his feet, and it’s just adding onto the pain right now.

After maybe five minutes, Trevor speaks up again. “Wirt I really am sorry, dude. I don’t know why I did that. I was pissed and you wouldn’t shut up and I didn’t what else to do! Fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck!” Trevor hits the locker to his right with the side of his fist. The sound rings through the otherwise empty hall, and Wirt just stares at the first still on metal.

Wirt runs a hand through his hair, “That’s great and everything, but was the getting on top of me and repeatedly punching me in the nose necessary? Or, you know, any of it? You just fucking committed a hate crime dude, do you even realize that?” he’s talking slowly, his voice is tired and he would rather be anywhere else.

“I know! I know it was! But it honestly didn’t have anything to do with you being,” he pauses, and Wirt is about to finish for him before he continues on his own, “Gay. It didn’t have to do with you being gay, okay. I just. I have like severe anger issues. It’s some fucking long ass name, but the shortened thing is IED. It’s not really something I have any control over, and it’s been a while since I’ve had an episode that bad, and I promise it has nothing to do with you being gay or anything! That fucking chill, man! This stuff literally just happens, I swear on my motherfucking yeezys!” Wirt, who is finally coming back down to Earth and is able to process English language again, raises his brow, “ Okay, I don’t own yeezys, but you know what I mean.” He looks down to the floor, stuffing his hands in his pockets.

Wirt sighs, wiping under his nose with his suit sleeve. It doesn’t help, the blood keeps flowing and now his suit is ruined. Fuck Prom night, dude. “Look, Trevor. If you actually have a genuine mental illness that does that, you get a fucking pass on the beating the shit out of me part.” Trevor flinches at that, “But you’re still kinda homophobic dude.”

Trevor looks up from the ground, “What? How?”

Wirt shrugs, crossing his arms again. “Assuming someone isn’t a lesbian when they say they are is pretty high on the list. Actually, assuming a gay guy is checking people out while they’re changing is also pretty high on the list. Both of the things you said are pretty high on the list, actually.”

This time it’s Trevor who furrows his brow, “But she isn’t a lesbian. I asked her why she thought she was a lesbian a couple weeks ago and she said it’s because she thinks girls are hot and that she wouldn’t mind kissing them, but that’s normal. Like, I know a couple guys in my classes that I wouldn’t mind kissing or like fucking or something and I’m not gay or whatever. Everyone thinks like that.”

Wirt’s mind just fucking imploded on itself. He’s joking. He has to be joking. Oh fuck he is not joking. Oh dear. Wirt cringes to himself, “Oh Jesus.” he whispers, “Trevor, you do know that isn’t a universal thing, right? Like, you know not every guy would be fine with fucking another guy, right?”

“Wait, really?” Trevor asks, his voice quiet. Wirt simply nods and watches as Trevor seems to contemplate his whole existence in front of him. “But I’m not. My mom told me that I couldn’t be gay, I just needed to find the right girl and it would be fine. I don’t like guys like that, I’m not.”

Fuck, why does Wirt have empathy. If he was a dick he could just walk away from this situation and not feel a thing, but he can’t leave this guy in a crisis. Even if he did just beat his ass.

“Trevor, why do you like Sara?”

“She’s funny, and kinda cool, I guess. I just want to hang out with her more, plus my friends kept saying I should go for it, so I figured why not.”

“Dude, you just want to be her fucking friend. That’s, what you want is a friendship. Jesus dude, you don’t even actually like her do you?”

Trevor shrugs, “I don’t know. I mean, she’s cool and everything.”

“Would you kiss her.” Wirt asks.

“What?” 

“Would you kiss Sara. Or any girl for that matter.” He asks again, slower this time.

Trevor rolls his eyes, giving Wirt a look that suggest the answer should be obvious, but when he opens his mouth, no words come out. It stays open for about ten seconds before he frowns. “No I. I wouldn’t” he lets out a dry laugh void of humor. “Holy shit, I fucking wouldn’t. What the fuck.”

Wirt sighs taking a few steps over to Trevor, placing a hand on his shoulder. “Go home, Trevor. You have had more than enough action tonight.” his hand slides off and he turns around to find the nearest bathroom, he about to round a corner when he remembers something and looks over at Trevor, who hasn’t moved an inch, “Try to refrain from using the f-slur before you figure out your whole mess, maybe?” He gives the other boy a quick smile before walking away.

The nearest bathroom is way too fucking far away, in Wirt’s humble opinion. And why are half of the lights off in these hallways? God, he feels like the character about to die in a horror movie. Thankfully, the light switch in the bathroom was easy to find so he isn’t completely in the dark.

He grabs some paper towels and wets them, and then he finally looks in the mirror. Jesus fucking Christ.

Trevor did a number on him, and if it were any other situation that required less brain power he would be kinda impressed. His nose is definitely broken, if the aching and gushing blood are any indicator, he’s got a black eye, a busted lip, bruises across his face and collarbone -and if the amount of times he was kicked in the stomach is as many as it felt, he’s got them there too- and, the cherry on fucking top, his suit jacket ripped a little bit.

His phone buzzes in his pocket as he finishes wiping the blood from his face, but his nose is still bleeding. Pulling his phone out of his back pocket he finds two new messages. One from Sara, saying she scored with the girl from her chem class and that she has a date next Saturday, and one from Dipper saying they’ve finally stopped driving.

Wirt texts Sara back congratulating her on her suaveness that she most definitely didn’t have (see: nearly puked on a cute girl for complimenting her shoes once) before opening up his texts with Dipper and taking a picture in the mirror holding up a peace sign. He masterfully captions the photo: ‘babys first hate crime <3′. 

His phone rings immediately.

He picks up right away, and is greeted with a very frantic, “Where are you?” there’s faint music in the background, they must be at their dance right now.

“Uhm. The bathroom in hallway E, I think. Why?” Wirt asks, throwing away the bloody paper towels.

“We’re on our way.” Is all he gets in response.

“What? You’re in California how are you supposed to. Did he fucking hang up on me?” Wirt pulls his phone away from his ear, “Wow, okay.” He pockets his phone and stares at himself in the mirror for a few seconds. It’s gonna suck having to explain this to anybody, and he knows his mom will go full Godzilla mode on the school board if he tells the truth, but he can’t just out someone. Fuck, man.

The door to the bathroom swings open and two rapid sets of footsteps approach him, he’s almost expecting to be beaten up again until he’s turned around and hugged tightly. His confusion only lasts for a second when his land on Mabel, but then it flares up again because what the fuck that’s Mabel.

He pushes away from the person hugging him and is met with a person he both did and did not expect to see.

“Dipper.” He not shocked that Dipper did actually find hallway E, they broke in last summer to investigate if the place is actually haunted (it is), so he learned the layout pretty well in that instance, but he’s shocked that he’s even in the room. “Wait. Am I concussed? Is this a hallucination?”

“Er, wrong!” Mabel says, pushing Dipper out of the way and hugging Wirt tighter than a strait jacket. He lets out a sound of pain and she lets him go immediately. “Sorry! I forgot you’re like, dying right now.”

“Not dying, per se, but getting there if my nose doesn’t stop bleeding soon. I didn’t even know I had this much blood, if I’m being honest.” Mabel laughs a bit and wow did he miss that sound. He missed them, really. It’s always better when they’re around.

“What happened?” Dipper’s voice finally enters the conversation, and it makes his heart flutter but also reminds him the situation in which they’ve been reunited. Especially if the pissed off tone is anything to go by.

Wirt shrugs, “I got into a fight?”

Dipper gives him a look, “You called it a hate crime, before.”

Wirt laughs, “Yeah, I know. But it wasn’t, technically? I don’t know I’m still having trouble processing the whole ordeal. But I just got into an argument with Trevor, you know who I’m talking about, and he got really mad so he fucking beat the shit out of me and,” Dipper turns to walk out the door but Wirt pulls him back by the arm, “don’t walk away, I’m not done yet. He has a thing called IED, or something? He didn’t know the full medical name for it, but he said it had to do with like uncontrollable anger? Like it just happens or something.”

Dipper nods, “Intermittent Explosive Disorder.”

“Yeah, probably. But he felt really bad after, and I can’t blame him for having something he can’t control, dude. That would be a dick move. But yeah, we talked it out I guess. I think I just made him question the entire universe.”

Dipper sighs, still tense but loosening now, “So you called it a hate crime, because?”

“Well, I mean, okay. At first I thought he did it because I was gay, but from our little conversation we had after, it was definitely not that.” 

Both twins raise eyebrow, “Are you gonna give us any more info, or?” Mabel asks and Wirt just shrugs. Dipper lets out another, deeper sigh. He’s known Wirt long enough to know that little shrug means ‘never in a million years ever’. 

“What are you guys doing here, anyways? I mean, I’m happy you’re here, but I live in Arizona? It’s like an eleven hour drive.”

Dipper shrugs, taking Wirt’s hand. “Guess I missed the ‘Team Roping Capital of the World’.” he teases and Wirt groans.

“Shut up! You know I think that’s stupid as shit.” He says, and as the twins laugh at him he takes a second to admire his boyfriends face. Dipper always laughs freely, and Wirt thinks that’s one of the reasons he fell in love with the younger (”by two days!”) boy at summer camp. His hair isn’t in his usual baseball cap with a pine tree on it, and is styled just the right way to cover his birthmark. He looks happy, if not still tense about the fact that Wirt got his ass beat. An easy smile finds it’s way onto Wirt’s face as Dipper calms down.

“Let’s get the fuck out of here.” Dipper says, leading him towards the door. Mabel follows quickly behind, flicking off the light. She runs ahead of them, twirling around the hallway and nearly falling over herself in the process.

“So, I know Wirt is gonna wanna bounce because he’s covered in human juice.”

“Stop calling blood human juice.”

“Don’t interrupt me, Dipper. But what are we gonna do when we skedaddle out of here?”

Both twins look to the brunette for an answer, he huffs as he tries to think of something. “We could get burgers and shakes at McDonald's? And then head home, probably. Greg’s gonna be super excited to see you guys.”

“Oh! I can’t wait to see him! We’re here for the next four days, by the way, god I can’t wait!” She pushes open the doors to the gym and the music floods over them. Jesus, was it always that loud? How long had Wirt been away from the party?”

“What time is it?” He asks Dipper, trying to ignore all of the strange looks that are being sent his way. He can’t blame them, it looks like he got mauled by a pack of wild dogs.

“It is, nine forty-eight.” The other boy responds, Wirt nods as they exit the gym into the parking lot. Dipper’s car is still as messy as it was the year before, if not more, but Wirt thinks that just adds to the charm.

Sara, who had apparently been in front of the gym the whole night, drops her punch at the sight of Wirt. “Oh my god! Wirt!” she rushes over.

“I’m fine, Sare. Really. It’s all good.” He gives her a smile, but she doesn’t stop giving him a look.

“Trevor did this, didn’t he? You know he came out here like thirty minutes ago fucking covered in blood and looked like he pissed himself when he saw me. So don’t cover for him.”

“I’m not covering for Trevor! There were circumstances that I don’t know if I’m allowed to share.” Wirt says, gesturing wildly with his hands, thankfully Dipper doesn’t seem to mind.

“Wirt, if he’s blackmailing you just tell me. I can fix it!”

“Sare, I appreciate the thought, but this is really something that should be left alone, alright? I might tell you on a different day, but right now it is confidential. No I’m not being blackmailed, if anything the information I got out of him after everything could be considered blackmail, just. Not tonight, okay?” He can tell she doesn’t want to give up but he really can’t explain all of this right now, “Please?”

She sighs, “Alright. Fine. But I expect a detailed report of what happened tomorrow morning.” Wirt nods and it’s then Sara finally notices the twins, “Oh. You found him. Cool, see you guys.” The twins giver he simultaneous ‘later’s’ and she walks back to the girl from her chem class.

Mabel moves to get in the front seat before she’s stopped by Dipper, “Ah ah ah!” he says, gaining her attention. He passes her the keys and she whines but moves to the other side anyways.

“You fucking suck, Dip-stick.”

“Sorry that I want to be able to comfort my boyfriend in the backseat of my own car and can’t do that when I’m driving.” he opens the back door and motions for Wirt to get in, and once they’re all set they drive to the nearest McDonald's.

Ordering food had thus been the easier part of Wirt’s night, but he’s hoping things will start going up from here.

The food sits in the passengers seat in the quiet car before Mabel presses play on the car stereo. Wirt immediately looks up from where his head was buried in Dipper’s shoulder, a smile crossing his face.

“Isn’t this the mixtape I made you?” He turns back to Dipper, absolutely beaming.

Dipper’s face is red, but he nods. “Yeah. I listen to it sometimes.”

“Liar! He listens to it all the fucking time. I have it memorized by now.” Mabel calls from the front. Dipper kicks the back of her seat, “Shut up! At least I don’t have an entire folder dedicated to pictures of him on my phone!”

“My Pacifica picture collection is none of your business! And you have like eight hundred Polaroids on him on your wall, don’t even try that shit with me!” 

Dipper’s rebuttal is cut off when Wirt presses a kiss to his cheek. The younger boy turns and immediately presses their lips together in a kiss. It’s soft because of Wirt’s busted lip, but it’s still incredible. It’s never not incredible when it’s the two of them.

Mabel makes fake barfing noises, causing Dipper to flip her off, causing Wirt to laugh. They pull up to the drive way, walk through the front door, and are immediately greeted by Greg. He rushes into Wirt, giving him a tight hug. Even at ten years old, Greg still has as much energy as he did at six.

“Welcome home, brother o’ mine. How was, whoa what happened to your face?”

Wirt ruffles his little brothers hair, “I got into a fight with a dragon, dude. I won, obviously, but my jacket didn’t make it out alive.”

“I can fix that for you.” Mabel says taking his suit jacket, she’s almost knocked over when Greg charges into her next which makes her laugh. “Hey there, space cowboy. I missed you too!” She pulls him into a tight hug twirling him around the foyer before setting him back down. Dipper gives him a hug as well, just as tight but without all the spinning, and then Greg’s attention is back on Wirt.

“Okay. Why was this dragon mad at you?” He asks. This had become their thing ever since The Unknown. They would talk as if they were still there, or at least like they were in a fantasy world, and explain things to each other that way. Wirt thinks it helps them cope, but it’s probably just a result of being some weird kids.

“Anger issues.” Wirt says. That’s way too simple a phrase for it, and he knows that, but Greg is nine. He can explain it another day, but this is now and it’s ten o’clock.

Greg gives him a goofy grin, “Alright!” he says, skipping into the kitchen. The three teenagers follow him, Dipper once again takes Wirt’s hand.

“What were you doing in here little man?” Dipper asks, noticing that all of the chairs at the edge of the kitchen.

Greg picks up Jason Funderburker, the frog, and smiles again. “Well, Wirt was at his dance, and I wasn’t allowed to go with, so I made my own! Mom and dad are out tonight, too so I can play is as loud as I want!”

Greg being allowed to stay home alone tonight was a big decision. Not because no one trusted him but... okay yeah no one trusted him. Plus, it was dangerous! But, tonight was their mom and Johnathan's ten year anniversary and his mom didn’t want him to miss out on his Senior prom -no matter how much he assured her he could live without having gone- so it was the only option. No one was available to babysit, again prom night, and they couldn’t exactly take their nine year old to a bar. It doesn’t look like anything is on fire or broken yet, so Wirt can say it’s been a success so far.

“Alright then,space cowboy, lets get this party started!” Mabel says as she turns up the music. The song is ‘You Really Got Me’ by The Kinks, how Greg knows this song Wirt has no clue, and it bounces off the walls echoing up the stairs.

Greg does his weird jump step thing that he’s been doing since he could walk. It’s literally just jumping side to side to music, with the occasional dangerously fast spin, but it’s not a bad move. Jason Funderburker looks sick from all of the motion and Greg stops his movement just to let the frog go.

Mabel has always been a crazy dancer, just jumping around, arms flailing, hair going everywhere from her shaking her head. She’s probably going to poke someone’s eye out one of these days, but at least she’s having fun. Or, maybe she’s trying to poke someone’s eye out. Either way, she’s having a good time.

Dipper makes sure his arm movements hit every beat, spinning around for the parts where there are no hard beats to hit but smiling nonetheless. He looks like an idiot, and he knows he looks like an idiot, but what’s the point in being around all of your favorite people if you can’t look like an idiot in front of them?

Wirt, not much a dancer in normal circumstances, is going all out right now. He’s much more graceful than Mabel is being, but other than that they’ve got practically the same vibe. Except that Wirt actually did hit Dipper in the eye on accident earlier, but that’s in the past now.

The song ends and another begins and that cycle repeats for an hour until they’re all too tired for it anymore. Wirt sits down in one of the chairs, looking out over the kitchen. Greg is sitting on the floor with Jason Funderburker while the twins argue over what terrible movie to watch simply to make fun of it.

They both turn, “Wirt,” Dipper says, “What do you think?”

Wirt smiles. Maybe Prom night isn’t so bad after all. 

[wantstoflyafraidtofall]

Summary: The Christmas season was always hard for the Novak family but this year Castiel has someone to help him through it. Dean is determined to help his boyfriend, Cas, get through a holiday gathering with his family.

Read on Ao3

(Fic bellow the cut)

Families can be hard. And if Dean ‘my dad’s homophobia made me too afraid to come out of the closet even after he passed’ Winchester had one goal tonight, it is to make this as easy as the universe would allow him. Having your parents know that your a biromantic asexual and actually coming home with a boyfriend are two entirely different ballparks.

Cas had insisted that Dean should come to meet his family this Christmas. The previous years they had always gone down to Dean’s basically surrogate father’s place. Bobby was a bit rough around the edges but was all gushy at the core and welcomed Cas to the family with a smile and slap on the back(He could have sworn he heard a ‘finally!’ as well).

Ellen and Jo both gave Cas some… stern talking-to’s about what getting with Dean entails that left him a little shaken, but over the past four years of being Dean’s ‘boyfriend’ instead of ‘best friend’ has shown him worthy of Dean’s heart. Jody and Donna had been more than welcoming as well, even inviting him and Dean over for a nice dinner one night.

Sam was probably the most excited. He flew all the way from California to congratulate them in person and even got a little teared up by Dean accepting himself for who he was. He had stayed the remainder of the week and spent the whole time smiling at them and helicoptering around them to make sure it was real.

Dean has to admit, he is kinda glad they aren't spending the entire Christmas weekend at the Novak’s. He loves Cas and would do anything for him but his family gives him the creeps. It’s a good thing Cas doesn’t want to stay either. He found that the Winchester Christmases with movie nights, warm fires, and eggnog, much more enjoyable than “an uncomfortable, over formal Christmas dinner where the chairs are replaced with the sticks up their asses”, as Cas once put it.

He didn’t begin to feel the pinpricks of nervousness until they steered the impala into the gated neighborhood where Cas’s family lived. The tall borderline-mansion houses could be seen across the large well-trimmed yards, illuminated by professionally hung Christmas décor and outdoor spotlights.

“What did you say the address was again?” Dean asked, leaning toward where Cas sat next to him, fidgeting nervously.

“1574 Rosealee Court-” Cas sat forward pointing out the window at the house, “-That’s it, right there.”

Dean turned into the driveway, internally judging how they had lined the entire perimeter of the pavement with tiny white lights. He slowly rolled to a stop a little past halfway around the U of the driveway, pulling the keys out of the ignition. The silence replaced the loud rumble of the engine and quietly playing songs from the Christmas cassette Dean had gotten for Cas a few years back after discovering his love for the seasons music.

“You all right, sweetheart?” Dean spoke softly and slid across the bench seat to wrap an arm around Cas’s shoulder, his other hand finding Cas’s and gentle squeezing it.

“Yeah, just a little nervous.” Cas was squinting up at the house and it’s artificial Christmas feel.

“Hey, look at me,” Dean waited for Cas to turn to him, his too-blue eyes shining in the bright lights, and pressed a gentle kiss on his warm lips. “It’s going to be all right. I’m going to be here the whole time. Won’t even go for bathroom breaks.”

Cas smiled and Dean didn’t fight the grin that bubbled out of the warm feeling in his gut. He leaned forward and placed one more chaste peck on Cas’s lips before ushering him out of the car. Taking Cas’s hand in his, they made their way up to the door, ringing the doorbell and waiting for the blurry figure to appear in the  beveled glass To let them in.

“CASSIE!” Gabriel shrilled as he opened the door, pulling his younger brother into a tight hug. Dean must have been staring because next Gabriel turns to him with a wide smirk. “Aww, Dean-o, is my baby brothers boy-toy feeling left out? Come’ere-” He pulled Dean into a bone-crushing embrace that left him a little light headed when the shorter man set him down back onto his feet.

“Gabriel, I didn’t expect you to be here.” Cas said, surprised.

“Well, I wasn’t going to come but when I heard Cassie was coming and bringing ‘his significant other’ I just had to make sure it was Dean here they were talking about. I am hurt that not once you mentioned to me that you two finally pulled your heads out of your asses and got together. I mean, I am your brother and-”

“Is that Castiel?” A voice said from behind.

Gabriel stepped back to reveal its owner, and it was no one other than Naomi Novak, Cas’s mother. She walked up to the door, shooing Gabriel to the side and gesturing for them both to come inside. She smiled when Dean looked at her but it didn’t reach her eyes and looked unnatural on her tight face.

She closed the door behind them and waited for them to strip off their coats, scanning their jeans and Henleys with an air of distaste. Naomi kept that smile plastered on her face, however, as she led them deeper into the house to what must be the family room.

There was a gas-lit fire burning in the large fireplace under the mantle where the TV hung, traditional Christmas music playing off one of those music channels. Cas led him over to the couch, adjusting the throw pillows to make the stiff furniture a little more comfortable. Gabriel strode in just as they got settled and splayed himself out on a white leather chair across from them.

“I’ll just be a moment. Your brothers are in the kitchen, I’ll go bring them out to say hello to you and…” Naomi looked over at Dean questioningly.

“Dean. Dean Winchester.” Dean said, finding it a little odd that Naomi couldn’t remember his name. He’s come over for barbeques and such as a friend before, perhaps she was doing it to piss off Cas.

“Yes, Dean.” She finished, the ugly smile twisting her lips again. “Oh! And I almost forgot to mention, your father decided to join us tonight as well, he is upstairs and will be down soon.”

He felt Cas squeeze his hand tighter and his face paled slightly at the mention of Chuck. Gabriel sent a worried glance their way as Naomi strutted off to the kitchen, satisfied with her work.

“It’s going to be ok, I’ll be right here.” Dean whispered and Cas nodded in reply.

Cas hated his father. Chuck left when he was 5, disappearing until he was almost 15. Naomi welcomed him back as if he was never gone, ignoring the fact that he was a broke alcoholic. Cas had a horrid few years till he got out of the house and to college where he met Dean.

Dean was studying to be an English teacher, Cas a writer. They had met one eventful evening when Dean rounded a corner too fast, running straight(haha yeah right) into Castiel in a fatal collision that ruined 2 cups of coffee and a shit ton of papers.

“So,” Gabriel said, attempting to clear the tension, “how long?”

“What?” Dean said, looking over to where the man was sprawled out in the chair.

“How long have you two been a pair?”

“Uhh,” Dean glanced over at Cas who shrugged. “You sure you wanna know?”

“It’s not like it's been going on for that long. Spill!”

Dean cleared his throat, “about four years now.”

“Ha nice try. For real now, how long?”

“He’s right, it’ll be five years next fall.” Cas stated.

Gabe’s jaw dropped as he looked between the two of them. He seemed to catch up because the next moment he was standing up and shrieking, “ WHAT! Four years! Cassie why didn’t you tell me!”

Cas cowered back into the still cushions, but thankfully, whatever was about to happen was interrupted by someone clearing their throat from the doorway. Michael stepped into the room, tailed by Lucifer and Naomi. They all walked over and settled down one the couch and the remaining chair, leaving a space for Chuck.

They ease into a shallow conversation about the rise in profits at Michael’s company. Dean tunes out, letting the sound of Michael’s money talk become background noise to his thoughts. Cas was still gripping his hand tightly, his posture ridgid as if waiting for something to pounce.

Dean rubbed his thumb gently over Cas’s knuckles in a soothing gesture, hoping to silently comfort and remind him of his support and presence. After a while, Cas did seem to relax a bit. His grip was a bit looser and he was leaning back against the couch now. Everything seemed to be going great until Chuck Novak made his way into the room and sat down on the couch where he could look directly at Cas and Dean.

Cas immediately was on alert once more and even Dean felt the hairs on his neck rise. Chuck skimmed over them with a blank expression, pausing briefly at their conjoined hands.

The thing is, Chuck 'doesn't mind the LGBTs’ as long as it’s not his son. When it comes to this, the cowardish, skittish little man Chuck appears to be takes the back seat while a stone cold, angry version takes up front. Dean has only seen that happen once before when Gabe had mentioned relationships he has had with members of the same sex before he had met Kahli, and he is not happy to be seeing it again.

Dean tries to turn his attention to the conversation. Lucifer and Michael are explaining in extraneous detail what the company's main goal is to Naomi who seems to be understanding most of it. He thinks for a second that tonight may just go ok when the conversation ends, allowing the main focus to switch to the couple.

“So,” Naomi asks, “how long have you been together.”

“Four years.” Castiel states, looking his father in the eyes as he does so.

They all look a little taken aback that the two had been together for that long without anyone knowing about it in the slightest.

“And how’s that going for you?” She says through her fake smile.

“Quite well, actually,” Dean says, “We have an apartment together in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Im a High School English teacher there. We are really happy there.”

“Are you sure?” Chuck cut in.

“What?”

“Are you ok with… you know?” Chuck said, waving his hands around like Dean was supposed to know what he was talking about.

“If he ok with what, Chuck?” Cas said, a hint of anger in his voice. “Me being asexual?”

“Honey, there is no need to get angry, we are just making sure Dean thinks it’s a fair relationship for him.” Naomi chides.

A burst of rage sparks in Dean’s chest and he can see the turmoil in Cas’s eyes as he glares at his father. How can someone speak like that about their child? About someone as amazing as Cas?

“Dean, you can’t possibly be happy in a relationship like that! People like you love sex, right?”

This isn’t the first time the comment has been thrown his way but after what they had just said to Cas, it snaps something in Dean. A tight ball of anger bubbles in his chest as he fights to keep from blowing up. He takes a deep breath and meets Chuck’s eyes.

“People like me, meaning Bisexuals?” Dean says, keeping his voice as cool as possible.

Naomi flinches at the word a bit but agrees.

“I am perfectly happy in my relationship with Cas. Contrary to your belief, bisexuals are not sex driven animals and asexuals aren't broken people who will never find love and you have to be seriously messed up to think that sex is necessary for a relationship.” Dean snaps before standing up from the couch, pulling Cas up with him. “Thanks for having us, we’ll be leaving now.”

He borderline stomps to the front door and helps Cas with his coat before donning his own and they head out to the impala. He starts the car, blasting the heat and driving off in silence. They are just pulling out of the suburb area when he hears a sniffle from Cas. Dean instantly pulls the car over and flicks on his hazards before slinging across the bench seat.

Dean opens his arms and Cas slides over and buries his face in Dean’s chest, his fingers twisting up in the back of Dean’s coat as a sob slips out. Followed by another, and another until Cas is clinging to Dean, crying into his coat as Dean gently runs his hands up and down Cas’s back, whispering soft affirmations between kisses into Cas’s hair.

When Cas’s breathing evens out, he leans back from Dean, wiping at his red eyes and nose with his sleeve.

“M’sorry.”

“Nothing to be sorry for, sunshine. Hey, how about we go to that festival we saw driving in, hmm?”

Cas nodded and buckled back into his seat while Dean buckled his own and pulled back on the road. He turned up the volume as I’m Dreaming Of A White Christmas began to play. Dean smiled as he thought back to the first snow of the season. It was early November when the weather took a dip.

Cas’s cheeks were rosy and he kept wiping his nose, the cold air making their breath come out in small puffs while they trudged their way up the hill, dragging the plastic sled behind them.

When they reached the top, Dean pushed the sled down into the snow and plopped into the back of the bright orange contraption, planting his feet to make sure it wouldn't slide before they were ready. Cas straddled in front of Dean before sitting down and falling back against Dean’s chest, putting his feet in the front of the sled and trying to make enough room for Dean’s with the thick snow pants on.

Dean wrapped his arms around the front of Cas to grab the thin rope used to steer the thing, Cas grabbed a hold too, smiling in anticipation. Dean scootched forward and the sled barely moved an inch. Cas laughed and began scooching in sync with Dean and before they knew it, Dean had his feet up in the front of the sled with Cas and they rocketed down the hill, whooping and laughing all the way down.

The thought helped ease some of the emotions swirling in his stomach as they drove into town. Knowing how much Cas loves it, despite his insistence on the opposite, Dean begins singing along to the song.

“I’m dreaming of a white Christmas.

Just like the ones I used to know.”

Dean looked over at Cas and gave him a smile before continuing.

“ Where the tree-tops glisten,

And children listen,

To hear, sleigh bells in the snow.”

He hears Cas clear his throat and join in on the next line.

“I'm dreaming of a white Christmas

“With every Christmas card I write

“May your days be merry and bright

“And may all your Christmases be white”

Cas laid his hand palm up in the middle of the seat and Dean took it, lifting it up to his face and dropping a kiss to his knuckles before singing the next lines.

“I'm dreaming of a white Christmas

“With every Christmas card I write

“May your days be merry and bright

“And may all your Christmases be white

“May your days be merry and bright

“And may all your Christmases be white”

The song ended just as they pulled into the lot. There weren't many people here, but that’s perfect for them tonight. The soft colored lights and sweet smells of the carnival made the night seem warmer than the frigid temperature it actually was.

Dean reached over the seat and came back with some hats and gloves for him, mittens for Cas. He put his on, waiting for Cas to do the same before they got out of the car and held hands as they made their way to the small ticket booth by the entrance. Dean handed over some cash and took his tickets with a ‘thanks’ before making his way towards the rides.

“Ooo let’s go get some hot chocolate.” Dean said, pulling Cas over to the warm, coca scented tent and ordering two cups.

The heat from the paper cup could be felt through Dean’s glove as he walked, taking careful sips to not burn his tongue on the too-hot chocolate.

“Dean, can we go on the ferris wheel?” Cas asked, gesturing towards the white metal ride with red and orange lights making spirals along the beams.

“Sure, why not.”

They went up to the lady sitting by the control panel and handed her the required amount of tickets for the ride and stepped into the carriage. Dean watched Cas from his side of the car, watching how Cas looked out the window, wiping the glass when his breath fogs it up too much to see out of. He feels a small smile tug at the corner of his lips when Cas turns and meets his eyes.

“Dean,” Cas starts.

“Yeah?”

“Does it bother you? My asexuality?” Cas said, looking down at the floor.

“Of course not Cas! I love you. I don’t need sex to love you. And it’s not like we’ve never had sex, just not frequently, and I am ok with that. I love you and love to spend time with you and that’s what matters to me.” Dean says softly, leaning forwards across the narrow aisle to take Cas’s hands in his.

What did Dean do to get someone like Cas? Someone so caring and compassionate, so smart and creative, so… Cas.

“Castiel James Novak, my sex indiferent asexual boyfriend and best friend, I love you so much. More than pie, more than Baby, hell, more than anything. Any day I spend with you is a good day. You are the kindest, smartest, most caring person I know and I’ll be damned to let some asshole make you think that you could ever not be loved.”

There were tears flowing down Cas’s cheeks and Dean wiped them away with his thumbs before pulling Cas in for a caste kiss, and another, and again. He peppered Cas’s forehead, cheeks, nose, and lips with soft kisses before pressing his lips firmly but softly to Cas’s warm, slightly chapped ones.

Cas let his tongue flick out on Dean’s bottom lip and taking full advantage of the opening Dean’s gasp gives to dive deeper into his mouth with his tongue. Dean gives as much as he gets, trying to push as much of his love into one single kiss as humanly possible.

When they break away, both panting slightly, their car is stopped at the top of the Ferris wheel. They look out the small windows at the town and its rows of light adorned houses.

“It’s beautiful.” Cas sighs.

“Not as beautiful as you.” Dean replies.

“Aww getting all sappy, Dean?” Cas chuckles.

“No- I- No-” Cas cuts Dean off by pressing another kiss to his lips.

They break apart in fits of laughter, their car shaking as they laugh and laugh and laugh. They only stop once the wheel begins moving again but when they get off, they both have bright smiles on their faces.

The smiles stay the rest of the night and all the way home as they sing Christmas songs on the ride home all the way to the moment they strip out of their winter clothes and get ready for bed, curling under the soft covers in each other's arms.

“I love you.” Dean whispers as he tetters on the verge of sleep and just as he tumbles over, he hears Cas say back, “I love you, too.”

~~~~~~(Feel free to ask to be added to the tag list)~~~~~~

@kinda-not-really-vibing

[lost-n-stereo]

can we steal a moment of happiness

A/N: Harry/Allie New Year’s Eve AU. Prompt by @livinginrhythm

There are at least fifteen people in this room that he doesn’t know.

When he was sixteen it would have been exactly his scene because when he was in a room full of loud people it meant the shit in his head was a little quieter. Booze and pills, random girls that didn’t mind that he had a girlfriend when he kissed them, driving down an empty freeway at three am in a car that cost more than most people made in a year also did the trick.

His dad’s death fucked him up, in more ways than one, not to mention the news that his mom was screwing his girlfriend’s father barely a year later. Everyone looked at Harry Bingham like a rich asshole, which he was (is, sometimes even now) but no one ever really looked beyond that.

Well, except a feisty blonde that made him feel more in two days that anyone else ever did.

It’s been months since he’s laid eyes on Allie Pressman and it’s not as if he thinks about her every day or anything. But sometimes when he’s sleeping alone, which lately has been more often than not, he thinks about her in his bed, blonde curls spilling over dark navy pillowcases, and he thinks maybe he can still smell the perfume she wore in high school.

Luke and Helena are throwing their first New Year’s Eve party as a married couple, which he honestly thinks is a little fucking crazy because they just barely graduated from college. He’s not sure he’ll ever be ready to settle down. He can’t even make a lifelong commitment to what kind of shampoo to use, let alone who will share his life until he’s fucking dead.

Somehow their entire group of friends managed to stay friends through their college years, even though they spread out literally from coast to coast at various universities. It doesn’t really surprise him that most of them ended up back in the area after graduation. All of their families have been friends for generations so it’s just a given that they all come home for holidays and vacations.

Helena’s parents gifted her and Luke a two story house as a wedding present, a couple acres of land and a wraparound porch, but instead of looking like a newlywed’s sweet little home it currently looks like a fucking frat house. Bodies are everywhere, red solo cups in sweaty hands, and he sees two girls making out in the corner while a group of idiots cheer them on.

He honestly thought he left this shit back in college but hey, what are holidays for?

“Harry Fucking Bingham!”

Hands hit his shoulders and he laughs as Grizz turns him around and pulls him in for a hug. “What’s up, dude?”

Grizz shrugs, takes a pull from a Stella bottle before pointing it at his boyfriend across the room. “Just drove in last night and then picked Sam up from the airport this morning. When did you get in?”

They make small talk, which he kind of hates, and catch up on all the stuff they’ve done since the summer. Harry spent Christmas in London with his mother, which was more of a business trip for her than anything resembling family time. They got back into town two days after Christmas and besides gifting him a new Rolex and the keys to his late grandfather’s Manhattan penthouse, his mom hasn’t said two words to him since.

He sees Cassandra standing in the kitchen, arm around Gordie who’s telling Kelly a story that makes her whole face light up with laughter. It’s hard not to miss her, they weren’t always great together but they spent basically all of high school as a couple but now their parents are together and it’s just weird.

Cassandra makes him think of Allie and he finds himself looking around, eyes searching the crowd for a mess of blonde curls and a surly attitude.

“She’s not here yet,” Grizz says, a smirk playing across his face. Harry raises an eyebrow and his childhood friend laughs. “Oh come on, man. I know you’re looking for Allie.”

He could play dumb or just own up to the fact that yeah, he had a thing with her for a very short time many moons ago and the last time he saw her it was through a diner window in the dead of summer. Kill him for wondering how she’s been.

Instead of saying anything though he just nods, drinks half of his bottled water in one go, and checks the door every few minutes as he’s joined by more of their friends.

It takes an hour before she finally walks through the front door but he doesn’t miss the way her arm is extended behind her, some too tall Hemsworth wannabe grasping her hand as he follows her into the house.

“Allie!!!”

Kelly, Helena and Elle all rush her immediately and Too Tall smiles fondly down at her, kisses her forehead and yells over the music that he’ll grab them some drinks.

He feels a little like he’s been kicked in the stomach but he has no idea why. They slept together two times over four years ago. He shouldn’t give a second thought to her bringing her boyfriend to a party. Then he thinks about it and if she’s bringing him here that means they probably spent the holidays together, with her family, and that means it’s probably serious.

Fuck. Why does he even care?

Her eyes meet his and its then that he realizes he’s been staring at her like a creepy asshole. His first instinct is to just smirk and nod at her, which makes her roll her eyes but he can see the tiny smile playing on her lips.

She might have always seen past his asshole ways but not too long ago she liked how cocky and confident he was.

Her boyfriend joins her after a few minutes, hands her a glass of white wine and joins the conversation she’s having seamlessly. It’s obviously not the first time their friends have met him and he’s kind of surprised no one told him about him.

Then again, no one really knows that they had their little two night stand so he can’t say that he blames them.

“Not drinking tonight?”

He turns around and Cassandra is eyeing his water bottle with a surprised look on her face.

“Nah,” he says, shrugging. “I don’t drink very often these days.”

“Not even on a holiday?”

Harry laughs and rolls his eyes. “New Year’s Eve isn’t a holiday. Just a good reason to party because no one has to work tomorrow.”

“Say hi to my sister yet?”

He’d really like to know why everyone just assumes he wants to talk to Allie.

“Nope,” he says, popping the ‘p’ like a jerk. He doesn’t mean to be this way but the entire vibe of this night is just pissing him off. If Luke wasn’t one of his oldest friends he probably would have blown off the entire thing.

“You should meet her boyfriend Tommy. He’s a great guy, just graduated top of his class at Stanford.”

He nods and tells her that he’ll get right on that, thinks to himself that he’ll probably keep referring to him as Too Tall in his head, and seriously considers finding a bottle of scotch and making himself at home.

***

The best thing about this house is the wraparound porch. There’s a line of trees at the edge of the property and he lowers himself down on an Adirondack chair that looks straight out of a Pottery Barn catalog.

“Didn’t expect to see you here.”

He doesn’t have to turn to know who that voice belongs to. Sometimes he still hears it whispering in his ear, an echo from long ago that never really seems to go away.

(I’m sure, Harry. I’m ready just…go slow.)

“It’s New Year’s Eve in West Ham, Al. Where else would I be?”

She’s wearing this romper dress thing that he hates immediately but her hair is down and messy, just like it always is. He’s glad to see that hasn’t changed.

“Where’s your boyfriend?”

Allie sighs and sets her glass of wine on the table next to him before sitting down in the other chair. “Tommy is inside with Gordie, discussing the time space continuum.”

“Fascinating,” he says with a grin. She rolls her eyes but can’t hide her smile.

“Shouldn’t you be inside, celebrating the last few minutes of the year?”

“Shouldn’t you be with him?”

She’s quiet and when he looks at her she’s staring in the direction of the trees. “What do you think is beyond that tree line?”

He’s not going to make a big deal of her completely ignoring his question, especially since he ignored hers.

“I dunno,” he says, interest piqued at how she’s studying the landscape so intently. “Wanna find out?”

Allie looks back in the direction of the house. “I probably shouldn’t.”

Harry scoffs. “I didn’t ask what you should do. I asked what you want to do.”

“I don’t know,” she says, so seriously that he wonders what exactly she’s thinking about. “Do you?”

“Do I know what I want to do? Fuck, Allie. Not really.” They both laugh but he’s kind of serious. He graduated pre-law but the idea of going to law school gives him hives. “I just want to be happy, I guess.”

She smiles. “Is that your resolution this year?”

“Sounds simple, doesn’t it?”

He watches as she shrugs, takes a tiny sip of her wine and holds the stem gently between her fingers. “I think I have the same resolution. Just find a way to be happy, every day, if only for a minute or two.”

“Are you happy now?”

The wind blows her hair around her face a little and he realizes she must be fucking cold because it’s December in Connecticut and she’s not even wearing a coat. “I am, right this second.”

He doesn’t know what that means, if it has anything to do with him, but he finds that he can echo her sentiment without any trace of a lie.

“Me too.”

There’s yelling from inside, the countdown is starting (at twenty seconds to midnight because these people are idiots) and she sighs, stands up and runs her hands down her sides.

“We should head inside,” she says needlessly and he nods. She surprises him by reaching for him, giving him a hug and kissing the side of his mouth lightly.

“Happy New Year, Harry.”

“Happy New Year, Al.”

***

He hears through the grapevine that Allie broke up with Tommy shortly after Valentine’s Day.

It’s not that he cares but he does file the information away for later.

***

Summers after college don’t feel the same, on account of the fact that almost everyone has a real job and can’t just take three months off to do nothing.

After some serious soul searching he decided to forgo law school. He’s still not sure exactly what he wants to do but he’s got some irons in the fire in Manhattan, some companies reaching out to hire him so for now he’s considering his options and what he wants to do for the rest of his life.

Or at least for the near future.

There are a few people home though, and he smiles when he sees Allie walking down the street near their high school. He pulls his car over and rolls down the window.

“Want a ride?”

She startles at first before she sees that it’s him. It’s ninety degrees outside but she’s still in jeans and a mint green hoodie. “I’m not sure,” she says with a smile.

“You look hot,” he says, and when she raises an eyebrow he points to her hoodie. “A sweater in June, Al? I mean, come on.”

She climbs into his car, making fun of how ostentatious it is and he shrugs.

“What can I say, it makes me happy.” She’s hiding a smile behind a fist and he nudges her with his elbow. “What about you, Allie Pressman? Are you happy?”

“Right now?” She asks as she clicks in her seat belt. “Absolutely.”

[honeycomq]

        yo  ,  waddup  waddup  !!!  it’s  simba  again  &  this  time  ,  i’m  giving  you  a  glimpse  into  the  life  of  the  party  and  fellow  lambda  sigma  omega  man  himself  ,  ARTHUR  CHAE  !  before  reading  the  listed  triggers  will  be  present  :  self  -  inflicted  injuries  ,  mentions  of  violence.

        *   ☆  ◞  IM CHANGKYUN. CISMALE. HE/HIM.  ◟  wait, wasn’t that ARTHUR CHAE? they’re a TWENTY-ONE year old JUNIOR, hailing from ALBANY, NEW YORK. i heard they’ve chosen to study PERFORMING ARTS while living at LAMBDA SIGMA OMEGA. word around campus is that they’re EASYGOING & WARM-HEARTED but also quite AWKWARD & REMOTE. if you happen to see them walking to class with their earbuds in, they’re probably listening to BON BON CHOCOLAT by EVERGLOW. ( simba, 18, cst, she/her. )

first  off  .  his  music  choice  ???  i’m  STILL  laughing

anyWAy  ,  onto  this  ...  fucking  disaster  ,  jfc  .

arthur  was  the  result  of  a  hookup  gone  bad  .  his  dad  was  a  male  escort  and  his  mother  was  just  a  client  who  had  bargained  for  more  than  she  could  handle  .  was  literally  given  to  his  dad  after  turning  two  and  has  never  seen  his  “surrogate”  ever  since  .

his  dad  was  just  turning  his  life  around  for  the  better  .  got  out  of  the  game  and  got  a  real  job  working  for  his  uncle’s  mechanic  shop  .  this  was  where  his  father  would  meet  his  now  step - mother,  or  his  real  mom  as  far  as  he’s  concerned  .

had  two  twin  siblings  three  years  later  and  would  snap  necks  if  something  happened  to  them  .

was  a  child  who  possessed  an  idgaf  attitude  at  a  young  age  .  he  was  quite  the  little  shit  ,  tbh  .  always  taking  things  without  asking  ,  breaking  something  and  hiding  it  ,  throwing  rocks  at  the  neighbor’s  kids  .  quite  an  interesting  asshole  .

maybe  it  was  because  he  stayed  up  night  and  watched  programs  he  shouldn’t  have  .  and  porn  but  HEY  .

this  carried  on  into  his  childhood  days  ,  which  caused  a  lot  of  fucking  trouble  .  he  practically  lived  in  the  principal’s  office  at  school  by  this  time  .

arthur  didn’t  care  .  and  it’s  all  because  of  the  followers  he  gained  .

known  the  “arthur  the  asshole”  among  students  ,  and  some  teachers  ,  this  was  when  he  started  loving  attention  .  he  was  needy  for  it  ,  would  literally  die  without  it  .

even  much  so  ,  he  noticed  that  some  teachers  would  actually  feel  sorry  for  him  ,  thinking  something  is  going  on  at  home  .  which  brings  up  into  how  he  was  sent  to  live  with  his  uncle  on  his  step - mother’s  side  .

arthur  thought  it  would  be  funny  if  he  came  to  school  one  day  looking  like  he  was  almost  road  kill  and  blamed  it  on  his  family  .  it  gained  him  attention  ,  but  not  the  kind  he  was  used  to  . the  school  immediately  contacted  cps  .  this  stunt  nearly  cost  him  his  sisters  ,  and  that  was  when  he  quickly  admitted  to  hurting  himself  .  dad  wasn’t  happy  ,  step - mom  felt  bad  but  thought  that  he  just  needed  to  get  away  for  a  while .

a  while  turned  into  years  .

as  a  teenager  ,  he  grew  quite  the  reputation  .  fuckboy  and  liar  .  how  pretty  .

schmoozed  his  way  into  anyone’s  hearts  then  proceeded  to  break  them  bc  that’s  the  tREnD ,  riGHt ?????

honestly  this  all  started  when  he  was  used  as  a  bet  for  a  football  player  to  make  a  “gay”  come  out  .

he  knew  he  was  bi-sexual  so  this  was  just  the  icing  on  the  cake  .  they  dated  undercover  for  five  months  ,  which  led  to  him  losing  his  virginity  to  this  guy  .  the  outcome  ?  having  a  video  of  him  giving  the  guy  a  bj  displayed  during  a  prep - ralley  .  

his  response  ?  “this  just  proves  that  i  can  take  your  boyfriends  ,  ladies  !  might  wanna  watch  keep  an  eye  on  him  before  i  change  his  life”  and  a  fUCKING  WINK .

literally  fought  his  ex  that  same  night  on  the  football  field  and  won  .  he  punched  until  he  saw  red  .  then  proceeded  to  cry  in  the  school’s  pool  area  afterward  .

the  kid’s  just  dsyfunctional  .  doesn’t  know  what  to  do  especially  now  that  his  uncle  is  a  drug  addict  .

came  to  the  conclusion  one  night  after  smoking  for  the  first  time  with  the  old  man  across  the  street  that  he  was  gonna  do  something  that  would  make  him  proud  .

turns  out  being  a  male  stripper  was  harder  than  he  thought  so  ig  college  will  do  for  now  .

the  old  man  across  the  street  soon  became  his  second  father  and  helped  pay  for  his  tuition  .  actually  got  a  scholarship  for  being  left -  handed  but  was  right  so  WHOOPIE  .

went  to  nyu  so  he  would  still  be  somewhat  close  to  the  elder  .  contacts  him  anyway  possible  .

his  freshman  year  was  a  breeze  .  he  stayed  to  himself  ,  got  his  work  done  .  was  all  about  making  himself  &  the  ones  he  loved  proud  his  first  semester  .  it  was  second  semester  that  was  just  ...  wOw  .

the  partying  scene  consumed  him  .  it  was  his  literal  aesthetic  .  empty  beer  cans  in  the  morning  ,  the  pain  from  the  sun  blinding  your  eyes  ,  the  intense  head - pounding  from  drinking  .  he  BREATHED  that  shit  .

became  well - known  on  campus  after  diving  into  the  crowd  from  the  upstairs  balcony  of  a  party  .  the  guy’s  fun  to  be  around  .

was  offered  to  join  the  zetas  but  kindly  refused  since  he  hated  how  they  acted  .  SHOCKING

after  becoming  a  party  animal  ,  he  went  on  to  being  the  heart - breaker  as  well  .  this  was  actually  on  accident  ,  i  swear  .  the  boy  has  the  mindset  that  nothing  good  ever  stays  and  that  you  can’t  trust  no  one  .  he  broke  up  some  really  long - lasting  relationships  because  of  this  .  even  platonic  ships  didn’t  last  long  .

now  in  his  junior  year  ,  arthur’s  starting  to  see  that  life  doesn’t  fucking  matter  LMAO  .

like  in  a  “if  you’re  going  to  fuck  up,  fuck  up  all  the  way.”  type  shit

in  conclusion : arthur  is  the  human  definition  of  trying  but  also  the  definition  of  damaged  .

FUN  FACTS !!!!!!

my  favorite  fact  about  him  :  he  joined  lambda  sigma  omega  bc  he  fucking  hates  zetas  .  the  parties  are  nice  ,  yes  ,  but  fuck  those  guys  .

when  he  first  heard  about  the  frat  opening  he  laughed  bc  why  the  hell  would  these  idiots  want  to  piss  off  two  HIGHLY  liked  greek  houses  ?  then  realized  “...  that’s  literally  what  i  do”  so  into  lambda  it  is  !  was  gonna  be  vice  president  bc  why  the  fuck  not  but  didn’t  want  to  risk  fucking  up  a  freshman’s  life  so  he  stuck  with  just  being  a  pledge  .

honestly  ??  just  wants  to  shut  up  the  zetas  soon  .  give  them  a  taste  of  their  own  medicine  .

can  be  noticed  on  campus  rocking  a  black  hoodie  and  black  nail  polish  .

never  spoke  to  his  twin  sisters  since  leaving  but  does  write  them  letters  even  though  he  hates  it  .

lowkey  cries  in  his  sleep  but  shush  .

aquarius  in  sun  ,  moon  in  libra  .

joined  the  baseball  team  as  well  as  the  campus  radio  station  and  theatre  club  .

if  you  can  approach  him  when  he’s  sober  you’re  braver  than  the  marines  .

kinda  cocky  ,  a  little  bit  conceited  but  it’s  only  because  he’s  tired  of  feeling  hated  by  everything  so  he  just  ..  hates  himself  so  it’s  easier  ???  if  that’s  a  way  to  describe  it  .

[a7xlizardqueen]

Title: Your Knight in a Sweater Vest

Overall Rating: NC-17

Overall Warnings: Parental bullying, mentions of bulimia, nudity(?), drinking, partying, cursing, very slight mention of war and trauma, smut

Pairing: Reader x Steve Rogers

Summary: When you need help dealing with your rude and overbearing family, your best friend Steve Rogers comes to the rescue. Modern!AU - For @barnesrogersvstheworld Writing Challenge Shot Through the Heart #shotthroughtheheart3k

Chapter: 3/10

Word Count: 1,682 words

Chapter Warnings: None

-X-X-X-

Steve sat you down in that dive bar and made sure you ordered whatever you wanted, and made sure you ate until you were no longer hungry. Then he plied you with whiskey and you played pool and laughed. It was what a perfect date would be, if it had been a date. But it wasn’t. And when Steve dropped you off at home later he only walked you to the door to make sure you wouldn’t trip on the way.

Thankfully Monday brings normalcy back to your life, as well as Monday night football. The guys bring the beer and you provide the food. This is exactly what you need to wind down from the stress of yesterday. You can be you around your boys.

“How was the barbecue, Y/N?” Bucky asks during a commercial break.

You smile at Steve, “It turned out a lot better than expected.”

Sam notices and scoffs, “Yeah, yeah, what heroic thing did Steve do this time?”

You chuckle, “Not sure I’d call it heroic, but it sure was something. Why don’t you tell them what you did Stevie?”

Steve’s cheeks redden slightly as he sinks down in his chair. His arms cross over his chest. He clears his throat, “I pretended to be her boyfriend.”

“Of course you did!” Bucky rolls his eyes. “I bet you charmed the family so that they’d never think of saying a bad word against Y/N again, right?”

“Not exactly,” Steve smirks.

“What you do?” Sam returns the smirk.

“Well- ”

“Steve told my entire family off!” You laugh, “It was the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen!”

“They were way outta line,” Steve’s expression turns serious, “You guys woulda done the same thing.”

Your phone rings. It’s your father.

“What’s up Pops?” You answer, “Hurry up, the game is almost back on.”

“So I hear you got yourself a new man, Sweetie,” his tone is playfully accusing. “When were you gonna introduce him to your old man?”

Shit. You should have known your sister would tell your dad.

You clear your throat and smack Steve on the arm, “Yeah dad, his name is Steve. Sorry I didn’t mention it before, it’s still new. You really wanna meet him?”

Steve’s eyes widen a fraction and you can just barely hear Sam and Bucky laughing behind you.

“I’d like to meet any man who tells your mother off!” He chuckles, “I got tickets for the game on Friday. How 'bout you two join me?”

How can you say no to free tickets?

“We would love that!”

The commercials end, causing you and your dad to quickly say your goodbyes before hanging up.

“So, we’re a We now.”

“Hey, you got yourself into this mess, bud. Deal with it.”

-X-X-X-

The crowds were thick around the stadium. You grabbed Steve's hand, pulling him with you as you wind my way through, eyes peeled, watching for a familiar balding head. You find him standing close to a hot dog food truck, halfway through a cigarette. Your dad's girlfriend Trish comes forward to give you a hug.

"Hi, Sweetie," your dad follows, wrapping his long arms around you and lifting you onto your toes.

"Hi, dad," you smile, returning the hug with enthusiasm.

Your dad and his girlfriend couldn't have been more different from your mother and stepfather. They had fun with life, and didn't care about appearances or money. Your mother had actually left your dad when he began balding years ago, you was about 8 years old. She'd quickly found someone with more money, and a more "presentable" appearance.

"Dad, this is Steve. Steve, this is my dad," you introduce.

"Hi, Steve," they shake hands, and you can tell by the way Steve's arm clenches up that neither one of them are going easy on the other, "I'm Doug, glad to see you're rooting for the right team," he smirks, pointing to Steve's jersey, "Although I gotta say, you look like you should be out on that field, boy."

Steve chuckles, "Yeah, I've heard that before. Was never really my thing, though; besides, I had other stuff going on."

Your dad nods in understanding before throwing his cigarette to the ground and stomping on it.

"Who's thirsty?"

You get through security, buy your overpriced beers and popcorn, and make your way to your seats. Third row up, centre field.

"Dad, where the hell did you get these tickets?" You ask in awe.

"I'm doing really well for myself, dear. These are my new season tickets."

You smile and kiss his cheek, "I'm proud of you, Dad."

-X-X-X-

The game starts. Your dad is pleasantly surprised to see that not only is Steve just as into it as you two, jumping to his feet and yelling at the field, but he doesn't try to stop you from having fun, either. As soon as your beer is empty Steve is on his feet, climbing the stands to get more.

"I like him," your dad states firmly.

You smile, "You've barely spoken."

"Don't need to. Got a good handshake, looks me in the eye, and he loves you. Really loves you, not like that little bitch from before."

You shake your head, "We're not there yet."

Trish laughs, "Maybe you aren't, honey, but he sure is."

-X-X-X-

You brush off Trish's comment. Of course you and Steve love each other. You're best friends, have known each other for years. That's what she and your dad are seeing. Steve returns with more beer. You watch the game without further conversation until half time. Steve is about to get up for more beers when Trish stops him.

"I'll go get it. You three chat."

"So, how'd you two meet?" Your dad asks, throwing some sunflower seeds in his mouth.

"We met in college," Steve smiles.

You get a look of disbelief from your dad, "You met this guy in college, but you dated Percy instead?"

You smack him on the arm, "Dad!"

"I gotta say that was my fault. If I'd known Y/N was about to date that asshole, I'd have made my move way back then."

"Ha!" You throw your head back, "Yeah right, you had no game in college! Sam probably would have had a better shot than you."

"Oh, wow, I never knew your opinion of me was so low," Steve feigns hurt.

"I think you'll be just fine," You coo, getting up, "Now excuse me. I've gotta take a piss."

"See you in a few."

You look back once you get to the top of the stands to see Steve and your dad talking easily. As if they've known each other for years. You get back just as the game is starting again. When you sit Steve lays his arm over the back of your chair, his fingers play idly with the tips of your hair. It feels really nice.

Everyone's attention is brought to the jumbo-tron during a huddle as the Kiss Cam starts up. The announcer's voice booms out of the speakers, urging the people to kiss when they show up on camera. You watch with a smile as embarrassed couples one by one get singled out. Then your face appears on the screen, and Steve's face, too.

Then a pair of soft, warm lips are on yours, a nose is brushing lightly against yours, facial hair is tickling your chin, a hand is on the side of your neck, your stomach feels like it's about to jump up your throat, and your body is tingling all over. As quickly as it began it is over, and when you open your eyes Steve's crystal blues are watching you. You giggle nervously and take a few deep gulps of your beer, hoping that your cheeks aren't too red.

The game continues and once it's over you say your goodbyes before climbing in a cab. The silence is slightly awkward until the cab pulls up at your apartment. Steve asks the driver to wait while he walks you to the front door. He rubs the back of his neck, the signal that he's nervous.

"I'm sorry if I made you uncomfortable with the kiss," Steve blurts out.

You shake your head, "No, it's okay."

"I just didn't know what to do. I saw our faces on the camera and I thought your dad might think it was weird if we didn't do anything."

"Steve, it's okay. You didn't do anything wrong."

Steve nods and shoves his hands in his jeans pockets. "Well, I had a good time."

"Me, too."

"I like your dad a lot, actually."

"Yeah, he liked you, too."

"Well, I guess I'll see you tomorrow, then. You're coming to the pool party?"

"Yeah, absolutely. I'll see you tomorrow."

"Kay. Have a good night."

"Night, Steve."

He hesitates for a moment, as if he wants to say something else. Instead he turns and walks back towards the cab. You notice the way his shirt stretches over his shoulders, the roll of his hips. He turns and waves again before getting in. The cab drives off and you lean back against the door, putting your fingers to your lips. You jump when a light tapping comes from the door behind you. You turn to find your young neighbour Peter, and his friend Ned, waving from the other side.

"Sorry, Miss Brown. Didn't want to scare you, but I also didn't want to open the door while you were leaning against it. Did you have fun at the game?"

You clear your throat, shaking yourself out of whatever strange state you'd been in with Steve, and nod and smile, "Yeah, Peter, it was good. How are you doing?"

"I'm doing really well, Miss Brown. Got an internship with Stark Industries!"

"That's fantastic, Peter."

"Have a good night, Miss Brown."

"Night, Peter. Say hi to your Aunt May for me."

Peter and Ned walk off down the path and you enter the building. Ned's voice floats back to you, "Dude, your neighbour is so hot."

You smile and climb the stairs to your apartment.

[muskywolfthings]

Stiles squinted across the room at Derek, watching the way he swung his frats tank top around- lips pursed in thought, and even if they hadn’t been dating for six months, he would’ve known what he wanted, because Derek was a transparent puppy, and Stiles actually had a brain. Surprisingly.  “You’re coming home with me this weekend Derek, you can’t be hungover, or worse, still shitfaced after a rager when you finally meet my dad.” Derek’s mouth fell open a little, and Stiles went back to duel wielding highlighters and focusing on his textbook.  “Come on I wasn’t-” Yes you were.”  “Okay, but I wouldn’t even-” “Yes, you would.” “I do have some semblance of self control, you know.”  Stiles’ eyebrows might as well have flown right off his fucking forehead at that- and he slid his books aside to pick up his phone- holding up a finger as he scrolled through its contents, Derek becoming increasingly more nervous the longer he went without speaking, because Stiles didn’t not speak. He couldn’t still have it, could he? There’s no way, Derek had taken precautions. Roughed up those who still had copies, even paid Danny to hack Stiles’ Icloud to get it back from him. He had been a desperate man once. 

And apparently all that meant shit, because the familiar beat of music rose out of Stiles’ phone, and Derek only had a second to catch himself on the screen before turning away with flushed cheeks. Thank god his stubble worked a duel purpose, hiding embarrassment and rubbing Stiles’ asshole raw, He wasn’t nude in the video, no, that would’ve probably been better. No, he was on a sofa, blackout as all fuck, in tighty whities that were soaked with both sweat and piss- whooping and hollering at the top of his lungs, fist bumping to the beat and slurring about how he was going to get his balls drained that night.  Coincidentally, he and Stiles met the day after, Derek with very full balls and a need for either coffee, or death, and Stiles...well, he was in college, so basically the same.  Their bathroom goings on in the coffee shop are no ones business but their own, but let’s just say Derek left, his headache worse than before, his cock wet and balls sucked dry- he’d forgotten his coffee at his table, but he did have Stilinski’s number scratched on a napkin clutched in his hand, and the promise of the ass eating he deserved. Plus spaghetti. Derek loved Spaghetti.  Now six months in, Derek was surprised at how happy he was with...everything. His boyfriend was incredible, his frat was partnering with a fitness company-mostly do to Derek being scouted while out in the city, for his enormous size and peak physique- that was bringing money to the frat, eliminating the fee to actually pledge that year, and maintaining the house, leaving their fundraisers as just fun ways to raise money for charities.  Not to mention his boyfriend was a fucking animal, who would just as much like to massage Derek’s calves after an intense leg day- sucking the soreness right out of his toes, before feeding Derek his cheat meal for doing so good-  than he would like to feel Derek’s cock creating a black hole in his ass (Stiles’ words, not his).  Derek had had a hard time dating since middle school- his size either intimidating people, full on frightening them, or making him some sort of attraction to be played with just for the story. He’d long since given up even trying, college presenting an older but no more mature audience since high school. He wasn’t a virgin by any means, but no one had ever been able to please him before Stiles. Maybe it was because he was just as insatiable as Derek, or maybe its because he genuinely cared for Derek as a person- maybe both, but whatever he was, Stiles was the cherry on top of the amazing cake of life Derek had carved out for himself.  Which is why he didn’t want to disappoint when finally meeting his dad.  Strictly speaking, Derek didn’t /have/ to be in attendance to what could very well be the biggest party that had ever been thrown their side of L.A. Would it be nice to celebrate with his frat? All they’d accomplished? Yes. Would it be nice to kick back in the DJ booth with a few friends, maybe take a couple of shots, ignore his diet in favor of the hoard of food trucks that were probably arriving right that moment? Absolutely. But that’s not how Derek rolled. See, Derek had a nickname, something that was only whispered about now that he and Stiles were together. The video Stiles still managed to get his sexy little fingers on had been the last appearance of ‘Blackout Hale”. When Derek had a few, he had a lot, and seeing as how he couldn’t hold his alcohol well anyways, even for a man of his size, Blackout Hale made regular appearances at any party Derek was invited to. But that was six months ago, and he was definitely a changed man. He’d opted out of the keggers and ragers that had been thrown thus far, in favor of spending the night with Stiles. Because sometimes the boy would strip down and make Derek watch him play with himself- his long fingers stretching his tight pink hole, Derek’s cock aching from across the room to fill him up- feel his heat, the wet of his hole stretching around Derek’s ridiculous length, his foreskin pulled taught back against Stiles’ rim when he’d first ease in, and it would fucking reek afterwards- when they woke up from a fucked out nap, and Stiles was suckling the cum and ass stink from the filthy folds- cleaning Derek up so good. Shifting in his seat, and adjusting his cock in his shorts, Derek huffed.  Yeah, Stiles made it worth his while to stay away from that scene.  But dammit he was going tonight! Stiles couldn’t /make/ him stay! He was a grown man who could make his own damn decisions and he wasn’t going to let his boyfriend decide everything for him. Probably. He’d maybe approach him less aggressively, unless he wanted to be sleeping on the floor.  “It’s the last party of the damn season Stiles, come on.” Sliding over on their bed, Derek shifted his work supplies over, pulling Stiles into his chest with little resistance, smirking to himself as he bear hugged the man with just a little too much force- laughing when he squirmed and fake choked.  “You can even come with me if you want, keep me in check if it’ll make you feel better, even though I promise or whatever that i’ll be the perfect attendee.” Glancing over at the work load his boyfriend was still powering through, it seemed unlikely, but he’d be damned if he didn’t at least try.  Slipping around until he could straddle Derek’s lap, Stiles cupped his scruffy face- pressing their foreheads together and letting out an exaggerated deep breath.  “I Just don’t want my dad to pull me aside tomorrow and ask if i’m really sure about you. I want him to love you just as much as I do. To see right away why i’m even bringing you home, which I’ve never done before.” He reminded him, tilting his head up and frowning at Derek’s frown- pressing kisses to his forehead to get rid of his crease lines.  “Not to mention he’ll already be intimidated by your size- you really want him thinking the giant his son is dating is also a raging alcoholic who could potentially, and literally, snap his son in half in a drunken rage?” Derek couldn’t argue with him there. No matter how sweet he could be with Stiles, he’d understand the sheriffs worry. Derek had been afraid of breaking him at first too. Why wouldn’t Stiles’ dad think the same? “But he doesn’t trust you yet. Not like I do. Which is why I want you to go, and have fun for the both of us.” Stiles grinned against his cheek, where he’d been enjoying the itch of Derek’s stubble on his cheek- letting out a sharp breath and groaned when Derek tightened his hold on him- flipping them around so he was pressing Stiles into their bed- his signature wolfish grin tugging at his lips as Stiles rolled his eyes. “You serious? I can go? You’re not gonna be here worrying all night will you? I promise it’;ll just be a fun get together. I’ll check in if you-”  “You’re taking Scott.” Stiles cut him off, rubbing his hands over Derek’s shoulders, and snorting when Derek’s grin dropped, and he just stared.  “Not because I don’t trust you, I just want someone to keep an eye out on you. I’m not gonna be there to help you back if you do end up three sheets to the wind tonight- which i’m counting on you not being, by the way, you promised. He’ll just go and hang out, make sure you’re okay. Plus he’s been bugging the shit out of me to ask you to let him tag along, so two birds, ya know?”  Derek thought about it for a few minutes, eyes slipping closed as Stiles slid shirt up and off- kneading the hot, sensitive flesh of his sides- his back, scratching sure fingers through his wild crop of black hair. Finally, he looked down at him, and nodded. “Got yourself a deal, Stilinski.” He didn’t sound too thrilled about it, but Stiles could see him fighting off a smile.  “Why don’t I make it up to you? When you get home...before, if you’ve got time..” Stiles murmured, right into his ear, as he cupped the fat heft of Derek’s cock through his shorts- he was still half mast, and hovering over Stiles like he was now was just like dangling it in front of him. Literally. “You probably have to get ready though, go make sure everything's set up, be the head honcho and all.” Stiles mumbled, tugging Derek’s shorts down, watching as his cock and balls flopped out- his throat going dry while his mouth was suddenly too wet.  “I don’t wanna go out with blue balls, you’re getting me off.” Derek growled, shifting up on the bed until he was straddling Stiles’ face- one hand braced against the wall, and the other fisted in Stiles’ hair, pressing his cute face between the crease of his thigh- eyes fluttering closed as he felt the others nose huffing and rubbing up and down- sliding over to press right in the seam of his fat nuts- Derek peaking through one eye to see the weight of them spilling over his face, almost completely covering his face.  “Fuck, you’re such a pig for me.” He rumbled, and Stiles whined, reaching under to tug Derek’s shorts further down over his ass- smacking both open palms on his cheeks and laughing against the others balls as he yelped, and ground back into his hands as he began massaging his cheeks.  “Yeah, get those balls nice and hot. Work up my fucking load, because you’re gonna be covered in it.” Derek was working himself up with his own words, his foreskin pulling back just a little as his cock filled out more and more, and he pulled Stiles’ head back just for a second- to latch on to the head of his cock to suck up the few drops of piss he hadn’t shaken off a while ago that were threatening to spill on the bed.  “I fucking love you.” Derek moaned, fucking into Stiles’ mouth with short, rabbit thrusts- his sloppy foreskin pulling back each time and filling Stiles’ mouth with his funky cock taste- and Derek reached back to cup him through his sweats.  “If you can make me cum before I leave, i’ll let you blow your load in my ass.” He smirked, throwing his head back as Stiles picked up the pace. That always got him. Always. 

“Be good.” Stiles whispered, pulling Derek down for a kiss goodbye- loosing himself in it, knowing Derek could taste his cum on his lips- the way he almost purred in the back of his throat as he slid his tongue into Stiles’ mouth and licked along his own, before Scott cleared his throat from the other side of the door and tapped his metaphorical watch. “Come on, don’t you have things to supervise? I gave you guys plenty of time for this before I got here don’t ruin this for me.” Scott whined, and Stiles huffed, pushing Derek out the door with a smack to his tight ass one more time. “Have fun, seriously. I want you to have fun, just....maybe without so many drinks.” Stiles shrugged, and Derek saluted, before swinging an arm around Scott and tugging him in close- laughing loudly down the hall at the way Scott flailed and tried to escape. “I’m not your bro, this is bullying, let me go!”.  Stiles shut the door before he had to listen to an argument break out about what constitutes bullying.  His work kept him busy, his fingers sore from typing so much by the time it got dark out- he checked his phone periodically for any signs of an SOS from Scott, but nothing. It made him smile, like a fucking idiot as he worked, hoping Derek was really having a good time. Which was finally confirmed when he got the familiar ding from his snapchat- opening the app to see a video from Scott, and the caption had him holding a hand over his mouth to keep him from spraying snot all over his phone. His boyfriend was a fucking goof, no one could tell him differently.  Another two hours passed, and Stiles had only just given up on getting any more work done, and opened up Netflix, when he got another snap from Scott. This one only slightly less charming, but it Still made Stiles smile. Derek semed fine, he was having fun, and Scott was still keeping an eye on him. As far as he was concerned all was still well, and he tossed his phone aside and stripped out of his clothes- squeezing on his soft cock for fun, still a bit tacky from fucking into Derek long after he’d cum- the mans hairy ass getting loud and creamy after a while, until he’d had to get ready, and Stiles finally slid out- keeping Derek from tasting him and promising him more fun when he got him. Stiles’ cock was rock hard and leaking before he’d even finished recapping their afternoon, but he wouldn’t cum. Not yet anyways. He’d tease himself while watching The Vampire Diaries. Duh. The beep of his phone a few hours later tugged Stiles out of his half sleep, half Damon Salvatore fantasy with a jolt- rubbing his eyes and thrashing around to find his phone. Another notification from Scott, and this one just had him staring, watching it replay over and over again, before he let out a long breath, and fell back on his bed. “Fucking....Derek Hale, you’re ass is grass.” He mumbled, groaning the whole way out of bed, too tired to be really angry, so he was just silently fuming. Which wasn’t helped when Scott send another clip, he himself obviously just as smashed- their cheeks red, their eyes glazed over, and the biggest grins on their faces.  “Derek’s fine, he’s.- Hiccup- “-fine, totally fine.” Scott slurred, spilling the drink in his free hand all over himself, which had them both laughing like it was the funniest shit in the world. “Don’t be mad Stiles, ‘m’fine, and I love you sooo much, I just-just love you, so much. You make me so happy, and i’m having so much fun, wish you were here- I can still feel it dripping out of me.” Derek added after his drunken rambling, the video cutting off just as Scott’s face fell, no doubt trying his best with his inebriated brain to try and understand what Derek meant.  And Stiles..Stiles didn’t know how to fucking feel, because Derek was being honest, he could see it, and hear it in his stupid fucking voice that he genuinely wished Stiles was there. And that...did things to his heart, okay? “Jesus Christ.” Stiles moaned to himself, scrubbing his hands over his face before getting dressed, grabbing his keys, and heading out. The venue for the party was half an hour away, so he just thought about what he’d asked of Derek, and kind of felt like an asshole. Sure maybe his dad would judge him, but who the fuck cared? Stiles was kind in love with Derek, Derek loved him, they worked scarily well together, and if his dad couldn’t see that, he’d have to get over it until he did.  Pulling up near the venue, it seemed to be winding down just a tad- which was probably good, it was nearing five in the morning. Stiles let the security know who he was here to see, and they let him pas- pointing him towards the stage. The music was still loud, the attendance still big enough that he had to squeeze through them, and finally, he spotted Derek- shirt off,  shorts sagging below his commando ass, and trying his best to keep partying, even though Stiles could see the strain in his muscles.  “Derek! It’s time to go!” He shouted over the music, waving his arms to get the man's attention- his eyes going wide and puppy-like when he spotted Stiles, and he nearly fell in his haste to hop down from the stage and embrace him- Stiles doing his best to pull his shorts up and around his waist once more as he accepted the kisses to his face- a little too wet, and a little too much tongue for parts of his body that weren’t his hole or mouth, but he went with it nonetheless- taking Derek’s to find Scott- tugging both of them outside the venue- sitting Scott on the curb to wait for Allison, while trying to fend off Derek’s wandering hands.  “I’m fucking wasted.” Derek giggled, actually fucking giggled, and Stiles rolled his eyes. “Sorry I broke my promise.” He whispered, all joy gone from his voice, and Stiles looked up over his shoulder at him- his face creased down in worry again. “We gotta see your dad t’day.” He mumbled, trying to grip onto his memories of the day, and Stiles just smiled softly, shaking his head and pulling Derek’s face down to his shoulder, so he could kiss his cheek. “I’m not mad dude, don’t worry. It’s all good.” He assured him, kissing him a few more times, before Allison finally showed up, and she and Stiles had to lift Scott into her pickup- seeing as how he’d passed out on the sidewalk while Stiles and Derek had their moment. Derek was quiet, yet content the whole ride back to their apartment- Stiles helping him out of the few clothes he still had on, steadying him and holding his cock while he pissed the nights contents away, and finally downing a few glasses of water at Stiles’ instruction, alongside a few advil.  “Derek continued muttering apologies while they settled in, tossing and turning as he did so, before Stiles finally turned him on his stomach, and ran his hands over his back slowly- snorting when Derek let out a content sigh, and blasted a wet sounding fart below their blanket. Laughing about it after, before trying his best to shove Stiles under the blanket.  “You’re like a grown baby, I don’t know why I put up with you.” Stiles laughed, the stink from under the blanket wafting up as they swatted at each other, his cock getting hard- Derek shifting his knee to press into it, while opening up his ass inevitably under the blanket and making it easier to grunt and blast farts very few seconds.  “Lick me a little, just to clean me up.” Derek whispered finally, sounding the most sober he had since he left. Stiles’ cock aching by this point, his balls already drawn up tight. “It’ll help me fall asleep.” He added, and Stiles couldn’t argue with it.  Tossing the blanket over himself, he shimmied down to Derek’s ass- reeling back with a pinched expression as another loud fart ripped from between Derek’s now clenched cheeks. The stink of it making Stiles’ eyes water, but he breathed it in like he couldn’t live without it. Squeezing Derek’s cheeks, and pressing them impossibly tighter together, to make the next fart nice and loud- visceral, Derek’s hole still full of cum and wet. Stiles lips were bleeding with how hard he was chewing on them, spreading Derek open finally as the man settled in, legs drawn up a bit to give Stiles access. “There we go.” He moaned, halfway between a yawn, fat cock leaking steadily against their sheets as Stiles licked around his twitching pucker- sensitive enough to squeak out a few more foul puffs of gas against Stiles’ tongue as it delved inward- tasting the sweat and musk of Derek’s night of partying, and the dried sloppy cum that had slid down his taint and crusted to the back of his balls. If this is what he got after Derek partying, he’d gladly reconsider everything if he hadn’t already.  Derek was a big sleep farter, so Stiles was up long after the man had started snoring- digging his tongue deep into his hole, sucking out every last drop of cum, with the help of a few sloppy wet cum farts here and there. Stiles came twice while eating Derek out, and once all over one of the others huge sandals while sniffing his feet- sucking his sour, smelly toes, and rubbing them all over his face while the rough rubber flip flop scraped his sensitive cock so good. He woke up to Derek pulling him up the bed, since he’d fallen asleep sprawled out over his lower half, drooling over Derek’s heel. “Someone had fun last night.” He chuckled, and Stiles nodded, eyes still closed as he turned Derek around to cuddle him, loving the feel of his hulk of a boyfriend melting into his little spoon position. “That makes two of us.” Stiles mumbled, nuzzling into Derek’s neck, and coaxing a hot, warm morning breath kiss from his boyfriend- Derek sniffing at his face and making that same soft purring noise in the back of his throat. “You smell so good.” He rumbled, and Stiles smiled.  “What time is it?” Derek asked suddenly, and Stiles sighed, turning over to find his phone and squint at the screen.  “Almost 2:30, why?” “We were supposed to be on the road to your dads at noon.” “....Fuck.” 

((TADA! So like I said, this may not be for everyone, but I had a really fun time writing it, and ‘editing’ that little clip show of Danny. I just love sweet frat boy Derek, and him being as big as Danny, and he and Stiles being nasty boyfriends, and fluff, and feels, and cuddling, and farts. I love many things :3 Hope you guys enjoy, I know this is a long one, so for anyone who stuck it out till the end...I love you the most <3!))

[chocolatemillkk]

Intimidated (JM)

Request: Can you do a jack Maynard imagine were he meets your parents and your older brother and sister and they get protective over there younger sister and question him and he admits he loves you and you overhear it all

"So?" I ask my boyfriend. We wait on the platform for the train to take us to my parent's home on the outskirts of the west end, where I grew up. "How are you feeling?"

"I'm alright," Jack nods but I notice the way he clutches his duffel bag tighter than normal.

I lean my arm on his shoulder and bring my face closer to his. "You sure? My siblings can be a little intimidating. I just want to give you fair warning."

"I'm sure it's alright," Jack bluffs. "We've been dating for six months now so-"

"Oh," I laugh, cutting him off. "My college boyfriend in second year. We dated for a year before he came around and my sister got her claws so deep he literally avoided me for a week before I had to pull it out of him."

"Wow," Jack breaths as our train comes into the station and to a stop. The cart is pretty empty and we find a row of seats to ourselves.

"You're tougher than him though," I push his shoulder with mine.

"I am?" Jack responds.

"Yeah," I kiss his cheek and he turns to look at me. We gaze at each other like it was our first date and the anticipated kiss was finally happening; but with Jack, it was like that. Every time I saw him after a day of work, or woke to him on any morning, my breath would catch for a second. I felt like I was falling for him for the first time every damn day.

"Something on my face?" I ask with a teasing smile, not breaking eye contact with Jack.

"Yeah, actually there is." Jack leans in so our foreheads touch. "Such beauty."

I throw my head back and laugh, not minding the other strangers on the train. "You're full of shite!" I exclaim.

Jack chuckles, "It's one of the many charming qualities you love, isn't it?"

My laugh dies down as I shake my head. The L-word makes the moment tense and Jack quickly catches on. We hadn't said it to each other yet, which may have been weird...but I couldn't tell. I'd had boyfriends who said it two months into dating and others who'd taken a few more. I wasn't worried because I knew we were very much in love. But not hearing it also made me quite uneasy, especially when Jack used the word so casually as he joked.

After a moment, Jack puts his arm around me and I rest my head on his shoulder. We stay that way, comfortably snug like pieces of a two-person puzzle until the last stop is called and we have to grab our bags to exit.

"That's my brother's car!" I shout as we leave the station, I recognised the ugly shade of blue anywhere. "Ben!"

"Y/N," my brother spots us, a smile blooming on his face. We shared the same smile and the same gap in our teeth but Ben looked nothing like me otherwise. "The last time I saw you-"

"I was in diapers," I finish my brother's famous line. Anytime more than a month went by, it was criminal of me not to have seen him.

"Hey," Jack says as my brother and him do the hand-grabbing, back-thumping hug.

"If you two actually hugged, how many inches would your masculinity shrink?" I say.

"Oi," my brother ruffles my hair. "There are children around."

"Really?" I open the car door, expecting Ben's step-daughter inside but find no one.

"Yes, you're the abnormally tall child. Now get in." Ben gets into his driver's seat and I hop into the passenger, shooting Jack a questioning smile. He flashes me an I'm okay so I settle in, flipping through the radio stations.

"So...Jack," Ben starts as we head to our family home. "How do you put up with this crazy one all the time?"

Jack laughs awkwardly and I can tell my brother is checking him out in the rearview. "You should ask how she puts up with my crazy really." Jack responds.

My brother laughs and I let out a small sigh in relief, knowing Jack was in Ben's good books for now. The formal interrogation would start later.

"How's the family?" I ask Ben.

"Great, not that you ever visit."

I flick Ben on his arm in response.

"The wife's at work though so you might only see her tomorrow," Ben continues.

We talk some more about his step-daughter who was only two and a half and Jack joins in on family as we drive to our own.

•••

My mother loves Jack as soon as she meets him and my dad eyes his nose ring but warms up to him after he mentions that his dad attended the same university as him-my dad still had a few of his school paraphernalia mixed with our own school photos and family vacation snapshots.

My sister Amy, on the other hand, gives him a warm and welcome smile but I was used to her routine. She was sweet but cautious, eyeing him while he talked to my dad.

"Doesn't seem your type," my sister says after. We wait for the kettle to boil in the kitchen while everyone gets to know one another in the living room.

"What are we gossipping about?" Ben joins us.

"Not gossipping, Amy was just being judgmental again." I roll my eyes.

"He's good looking, I'll give him that." Amy continues.

"Y/N lands a pretty boy," Ben agrees. "Not her usual type."

"That's literally what I just said," Amy looks at me but I'm saved by the kettle and begin pouring out my cup of tea.

"Does Jack take sugar?" Amy says his name like he was a school crush and Ben snorts.

"How are you two older than me?" I ask.

"We're teasing," my sister says. "We love you and he clearly makes you happy-we see that."

"We just don't know him," Ben finishes.

"Well then get to know him," I walk out and miss the look the two exchange.

"Oh thanks love," Jack takes the tea from me and makes room for me to sit.

"Dinner is in an hour!" My mom exclaims.

"If was a long ride," I use as an excuse but she huffs and goes into the kitchen.

"How is it being a Youtuber?" Amy asks eventually.

"As if you haven't watched his videos," I tease.

"I want the bts!" Amy shrugs and we laugh.

They talk some more and it's pleasant enough that I feel like I could leave Jack alone with them. The day was taking a toll on me.

I pat his leg and head to the kitchen to see if dinner needed an extra pair of hands. My mom shoos me off and recruits my dad for help so I sit on the stairway and scroll through my phone for a bit. That is, until I hear the inevitable.

"So what are your actual intentions with our sister?" I hear Ben ask. I put down my phone and strain to listen, ready to move in at any second.

"Uh-"

"Because if you plan to hurt her, maybe string her along for a few months and-"

"I would never," Jack gets in.

"Good," both my siblings echo.

"You two have been going out for...?"

"Six months or so," I hear Jack's strained voice.

"Hm," Amy says. "You two don't live together right?"

"Not yet," Jack says and my heart skips a beat. He wanted us to? We'd never talked about it but I spent most weekends at his place anyway.

"Soon?" My brother asks.

"I hope," Jack chuckles. "I'm serious about your sister bro. I would never hurt her-you can trust me on that. She means everything to me."

My heart melts at Jack's words.

"She knows this?" Amy asks.

"Well-yeah..." Jack trails off.

"Y/N is our baby sister," Amy reitterates. "So we want what's best for her."

"Nothing against you," I hear Ben say. "But if you hurt her in any way-"

I get up from my seat and walk to the bottom of the stairs. It was getting heated and I was a second from moving in.

"Listen," I pause when I hear Jack's voice. "I don't know what I would do if I ever lost Y/N. She really is everything to me. I-I love her."

I'm glad my hand was gripping the banister so hard because I almost fall over hearing those words I'd waited to hear but trusted were there.

"Y/N/N," a small voice calls out. I was so engrossed in the conversation happening in the living room I hadn't noticed my niece standing at the top of the stairs. She rubs her sleepy eyes and stares at me.

"Ohh you're awake!" I scoop her up and place her on my hip. "Let's go distract dad from scaring my boyfriend off okay?"

She blinks slowly at me and buries her sleepy face into my shoulder as I walk to where the interrogation was going down.

Ben jumps out of his seat as soon as he sees us and takes his daughter from me. Amy gives me a mischevious smile as she says something about dinner and exits. I'm left with Jack alone.

"You weren't lying about how intimidating-"

"You love me." I interrupt Jack. "You love me?"

"You heard that," Jack gets up.

"The last bits," I say.

Jack rubs my arms. "I feel like you already know it. I don't know why I never said it out loud-I was scared you might not feel the same way. But yeah, I love you. Like crazy."

I cup Jack's face, "When did you know?"

"A couple months ago," Jack curls my hair behind my ear. "It was a Saturday morning. You were complaining about my shower or something and you were wearing your shorts and a tank top while you braided your hair. I was still in bed-it was 8am-but you were buzzing about with all this energy but then you crawled back into bed with me and put your head on my chest and I knew it then."

I bite my lip to keep from tearing up but Jack knows me too well because he swipes at my eyes.

"I love you too," I say and Jack's smiles in relief. "I knew it a few months ago-on my birthday-when you got piss drunk and then tried to seduce me at Conor's while he attempted to sing Beyonce."

"That's a terrible moment to fall in love with somebody," Jack groans.

"It's part of the charm," I smile as I lean in and kiss him.

"And that's what you love about me?" Jack remembers the moment from the train.

"Mhm," I hum and tiptoe as Jack kisses me again.

"Should I turn around and pretend I didn't see this or act casual?" My dad's voice behind us interrupts the moment.

I turn, blushing, and give my dad a look. "The third option-make everything awkward!"

Jack laughs as does my dad but I roll my eyes and grab Jack's hand.

"We'll be out back," I drag Jack with me as we step outside, away from my overwhelming family for just a small moment of privacy.

[averymessyxmas]

Chapter 3: The Dinner

(No, POVs in this chapter)

 Everyone was sitting at the dinner table, passing food and making small talk. It had been 10 years since everyone had come together for a meal, but it was still extreme tension in the Richards house. MJ decided to break the ice and ask what probably was on most people’s mind. “So, Vi, what you been up to? we haven’t seen you in like 10 years” MJ said. Vada looked around the table at everyone, the spotlight was on her. “Well after I left Atlanta, I moved to New York and got myself enrolled at NYU. I graduated in Fashion in 2012, got my first job as a Fashion Merchandiser for a little-known boutique called Fashion Forward Inc. I was then approached by Denise Wilburn to be an intern and assistant at Essence Magazine, then I was promoted to personal stylist for photo spreads in the magazine”.  She smiled, because she was happy to brag about her successful life. Janessa felt a hint of jealousy being that she is on the verge of struggling. “Vada I’m so proud of your success, I always knew you be okay, because you’re a go-getter like your old man” Malcom Sr. said. Janessa picked at her biscuit and looked at Vada and Michael smiling at each other. “So, Michael how did you and Vada meet?” She said looking sternly at Vada. If looks could kill Janessa would be dead. “We met our freshmen year in College, we had met at orientation, we both had trouble finding our History class” Michael said smiling at Vada. Sharice sipped on her wine, feeling more of a buzz than before. This was her 5th glass. “MJ, I’m so proud of the family that you have, your children are beautiful” Vada said. MJ smiled looking over at Danielle, who was still pissed at him. She lightly smiled at Vada. “Janessa what about you, no man?” Vada asked. Janessa chugged her wine looking around at everyone, Vada was smiling ear to ear. “I’m actually been very busy in um L.A. actually” She said keeping it short. “What do you do there?” Vada asked eating her mashed potatoes. “I um, I work for a telemarking company, I work from home” She stated. Vada smirked, she knew she was living better than her sister and that made her feel good. “Ding, Dong” The door bell rang. Malcom Sr. got up and grabbed the door. “Umm Narkim, your girlfriend is here” He said. Everybody looked as Denisha walked in. She had on thigh boots with a crop top sweater and booty shorts with fishnets and a crop bubble coat. Sharice mouth was agape. Damien and Nylah started laughing silently. They knew Sharice was already not fond of Denisha. “Hey yall this is Nisha, my girl, Nisha this is my mama, my dad, my sister and her boyfriend Mike, my brother Damien and MJ, and his best friend La-La, MJ’s wife Dani, there kids over there at the kid table and My sis Nessa and you know Nori”. She smiled slightly and waved at everyone. They all said their hellos and waved. She took a seat next to Nori, “Hey girl” She said smiling at Nori. Nori and Nisha were good friends. Everyone was waiting for Sharice to say something. She kept looking over at the couple. Narkim was fixing Nisha a plate. “So Denisha right? How did you and Narkim meet, he hasn’t mentioned to us he had such a pretty girlfriend?” Danielle asked. Denisha smiled and looked around at everyone who was all curious. Narkim was nervous, and Nori could sense that. “Thank you, so are you. We met a year ago, at my job”. Danielle smiled and nodded, she really jus was trying to break the silence. Sharice was still not intrigued by Denisha. She reached for the pie that was on the table and started cutting into it. “Where do you work?”. Sharice asked. All eyes shifted to Denisha. Narkim was praying she wasn’t going to say she was a stripper. “I work at Blue Flame” Denisha said confidently. MJ started coughing on his beer. Damien and Nylah got their phones prepared.  Narkim’s leg was shaking from nervous ness, causing Nori’s leg to tap. Janessa just shook her head, she knew this wasn’t going to end well.  Sharice nodded. “I heard of that, it’s like a club, are you a waitress?” She asked. Denisha shook her head. “No mam, I’m a dancer”. Narkim palmed his face. Nori just pretended like she didn’t hear anything. “Jesus, help her” Vada whispered to herself. Sharice gulped down her wine. Malcom Sr. just shook his head. Damien tried to hold in his laughter. Denisha peeled at her chicken, she wasn’t ashamed. “Narkim, your dating a stripper?” Sharice asked, at this point she was drunk and was about to say what was on her mind. Narkim looked up at his mom. “She’s a dancer mama not a stripper”. Sharice bust out laughing. “A dancer huh?” Denisha was starting to get annoyed. “Yes mam, I dance for money because I got to do what I have to do to support myself”. She stated. Vada was never a stripper, but she understood. “No judgement here” Janessa said. Everyone nodded. Sharice was not having it. “Yall may not care but I do, you come to a family dinner looking like Blac Chyna, it’s 30 degrees outside young lady, you couldn’t wear anything else? I’m sorry but I don’t want my son dating a stripper”. Denisha stopped eating and looked at Sharice. “I’m grown, I can wear what I want to, I strip because it pays my bills, I don’t care what nobody got to say about me?”.  Denisha put on her coat and stood up. Sharice rolled her eyes. “My son is in college about to be somebody, he doesn’t need no hood rat to trap him and make him a baby daddy, I know how yall operate, you see rich college boy and see him as a way out, I’ll be damned”. Sharice said. Malcom Sr. stood up and grabbed her arm. “Your drunk Rice, enough”. He said to her. She snatcher her arm away. Denisha was about to leave when Narkim grabbed her. “Baby wait”. Narkim looked at Sharice. “Mama that was wrong bruh”. Sharice grabbed at Narkim. “Narkim sit down”. Narkim was embarrassed and mad. “I’m not going to pop off cause your Narkim’s mom, but Ima pray for you, I love your son, I’m far from a hood rat”. Denisha stormed out. “Nisha! damn it mama!” He said. Sharice looked at him crazy. “Let her ass go, you really thought it was okay to bring some hoe up in my house?” She asked. Danielle got up and went over to the kids table to take Leiana and Christian upstairs, so they wouldn’t witness the drama.  Narkim shook his head. “Mama please chill off him” Nori said. “Mama you can’t be telling me, who I can’t be with, I’m grown”.  Narkim said. “What your mother is trying to say is son you can’t be messing with no girl that will not benefit your future, your trying to get your PHD, she will only distract you”. Malcom Sr. stated. Narkim sighed loudly. He wanted to tell his parents he dropped out so bad. “Sharice no more wine tonight”. Malcom Sr. said grabbing the glass from her. “See this is why I don’t come home” Vada whispered to Michael. “It’s fine” He said. Janessa was having flash backs of when he father spazzed on her for bringing Dylan home. Nori started to feel nauseous “I got to go to the bathroom”. Nori ran off. “Malcom stop trying to tell me how to act in my own house! You don’t live here anymore so you don’t dictate shit!” She yelled. Everyone looked at them. “Mom what you mean Daddy don’t live here?” Janessa asked. “I guess since we’re all here, it’s time to let yall know we are getting a divorce, I have moved out already” Malcom Sr. said. “What?!” They all said. MJ looked at Damien. “You knew?” He asked. Damien nodded. “They wanted to tell yall in person, I been had the talk 7months ago” He said. MJ started laughing. “You talk shit about my marriage but you out here divorcing mom and shit” He said. “Watch your tone Malcom Jr. your still are my son, and you need to respect me”. He said. “Psshhh” MJ said waving him off. MJ went upstairs. “Well this is my family” Vada said to Michael.  He just nodded. Damien just palmed his face, Nylah played with her fingers. “Well I’m out, I got places to be and my relationship to fix”. Narkim said grabbing his coat. Nori came back from the bathroom. “Wait! Where are you going?” She asked. She followed Narkim outside. “Man, I got to go talk to Nish, and I got to meet with some friends really quick, I’ll be back man”. Nori nodded and went back inside. “Welp, dinner was nice”. Vada said sarcastically. Vada and Michael excuses themselves. Nori was looking at everyone confused. “What happened?” She asked. “Daddy and Mom are getting a divorce and Daddy moved out” Janessa said. Nori sat down in shock, although she knew it would soon happen. “Wow” Malcom Sr. sighed loudly. “Regardless of the circumstance, were still having Christmas as a family, and it won’t be any different, now I expect everyone to make the most of it”. Malcom Sr. sternly said. “I’m to tired to clean up, Damien, Nylah help Janessa and Nori straighten up please”. Sharice stumbled to her bedroom. “Ding Dong” The doorbell rang. “Bruh who the fuck here so got damn late”. Damien said. Malcom Sr. who was watching the football game in the living room answered the door. “Kristen…I forgot about tonight” He said to the women at the door. She smiled, “It’s fine, I assumed you got my message about me running late”. She said. He smiled and shook his head. “I um it’s not a good time”. He said. She nodded. “I understand, it’s late”. He wanted Kristen to meet his family but after the dinner he knew not to even dare to do that. “I can fix you a plate really quick, I know you are starving come on inside” He said. Kristen smiled, and walked in. The kids were cleaning the kitchen when Malcom Sr. walked in. “Hey um kids, this is my friend Kristen” He said. Everyone stopped to look, Damien turned around to see his dads’ friend and his heart dropped. “Ms. Madison?” Nylah said. Damien dropped his mom’s fine china plate. Kristen’s eyes widened, and Damien was in shock. “Damien!” Nylah yelled. Everyone looked at Damien. “I sorry man, the plate slipped”. Nylah helped Damien pick up the pieces, “Are yall like dating?” Nori asked. Malcom Sr. nodded. “Yes but were just friends until the divorce is finalized”. Damien helped Nylah throw the peices away and walked out of the kitchen. He walked into the bathroom and put water on his face. He was in shock that his dad was dating, and dating his teacher, who he was also sleeping with. “What the fuck”.He opened up the door and Kristen was in front of his face. 

[wannawrite]

Can’t Tell If It’s An Imitation

who?:Wanna One’s Lai Guanlin

genre: 🌸

type: bullet point

blog navigator.

with pressure from your family, friends and the public, you sign a contract to have a fake boyfriend 

i didn’t think I’d enjoy writing this AU so much tysm anon!! omg this got so out of hand i’m sorry!!

- Admin L

you aren’t one for fakes

growing up in a rather well-to-do family with both parents always hard at work and an older brother to take care of you in your penthouse, real luxury goods were all you knew 

since your parents are such significant people in the business realm, your family is bound to have powerful allies 

in fact, your best friend is the eldest daughter of the Lai family 

 if you want to know how important the Lai family is….if you don’t know them, you probably can’t get a job in the field 

it’s always your family and the Lais' 

every time you step out to go shopping with your best friend, there’s at least a couple of paparazzi following you 

it kind of only worsened when your brother went and became an idol, debuting under the globally popular WannaWrite Entertainment 

or when you signed to be a model with them too 

but that is a story for another time 

your whole life, you’re swarmed with attention 

from your brother

your nannies

 ‘friends’ in school 

and the media 

it’s irritating, to say the least 

one day, your parents come home and announce that they’ll be meeting up with the Lai family for dinner the next day

it excited you because, at dinners like this, you usually need to dress up but you don’t exactly have to act princess-like in front of people you call your second, unrelated family 

 it’s always banter and one of the more pleasant events you enjoy 

also because you kind of want to see Lai Guanlin, the only son, all suited up 

and probably wearing his huge circular glasses 

you’ve grown up with Guanlin, you two have known each other for your entire lives yet, you aren’t the closest 

most of the time, he is deep in conversation with your brother

you feel bad if you interrupt 

it’s always a rare and blessed moment when Guanlin talks to you 

currently, he’s in Taiwan and you suppose that’s the reason you’re going out for dinner 

Guanlin was in Korea for a few years to train as an idol 

he still goes back and forth periodically 

which is why you haven’t seen him in a while 

great, now the royal family will have two idol members in their midst 

excited chatter fills the limousine as your family makes your way to the restaurant that probably cost your entire life savings to furnish and run 

you’re a regular at that place and the staff don’t even need to be told to usher your family into a private room 

the other family hasn’t arrived and you take that time to talk to your parents and brother 

ah yes family bonding time :“)  

you and your mum exchange a normal conversation before she asks “do you have a boyfriend?” 

‘Nope. why?

‘hmm, just checking…..what about Lai Guanlin?’

‘…mother, why?’

she smirks and sighs, ‘why not? he is a fine and good looking young man. i would definitely support your relationship.’

‘Besides, half the boys in your grade aren’t even good looking?’

your jaw drops and giggles fall from your lips 

Mum shrug, “just keep an open mind. he’s always an option” 

then, there are two polite knocks on the door and Mrs Lai steps in, greeting you with a smile 

thank God, she’s busy with other things now so she won’t pose any other strange questions

your mother runs over to envelope her in a tight hug

they kind of knew each other back in college and finally reunited again 

“my son has returned from his journey to Korea!” 

at the mention of Guanlin, you can feel the heat rising to your face and your heart starts beating madly 

especially after what your mother has said 

me and Guanlin

Miss Lai brings you in for a loving hug

despite the age gap, you two never felt awkward. 

Guanlin strolled in a few seconds later, warmly welcomed by your brother and family 

you gulp and is unable to even look at him 

of course, his father follows suit and once again, the power families are together

dinner continues as per normal

questions, small talk, savouring the good food 

after some time, your best friend points out that your parents have been conversing with her own for quite awhile now 

lowkey you’re worried because of the serious looks etched on their faces 

is it about me…..

suddenly, Mrs Lai clears her throat and turns to you, silencing all previous conversation 

“Y/N darling,” she says “have you…started seeing anyone?”

you were just counting the number of minutes it took for someone to pop the question

so far, the record was 86 minutes and 17 seconds 

the last time, it was your cousin who asked you about your tragically non-existent love life 

you dabbed your napkin onto the sides of your mouth and smiled before replying, "no, I’m not dating anyone at the moment” 

a knowing smile dawns on her lips while your mouth falls open at her next sentence 

“what about my son?” 

ASDFGHJKL WHAT’S IT WITH THE PARENTS TRYING TO GET US TOGETHER 

Guanlin’s chopsticks are set down on his chopstick rest and he wants the floor to swallow him up 

his parents were talking about that matter earlier that day

‘ma, please don’t be like this,’ he reasons and shoots you an apologetic smile 

the blush on your cheeks is your response

“I’m just putting you out there since you aren’t doing it yourself Lin, I’m not getting any younger…” she shoots back

friendly reminder that Guanlin is still a minor and sexualising him is disgusting  

“you two would be perfect for each other,” Mr Lai adds. “its good for your wellbeing, it’s only a bonus its good for the press” 

your brother - seated next to you - can’t hold in his snickers and tries to cover up with a cough 

his acting is pretty awful but no one pays him any mind 

you open your mouth to reply but your father holds up a hand 

“give it a thought sweetie, taking chances never hurt” 

then all reverts back to normal but your life doesn’t 

the next week or so, your parents keep bringing it up over meals or just giving you that look 

 it’s driving you mildly mad though the thought of having Guanlin as your boyfriend does sound very appealing 

but if he isn’t comfortable with it, you won’t have even if you’re forced t

there’s enough stress and pressure from the media about your life and you really don’t need your parents to worry about it either 

after one supper of constant discussion about that matter, you give up, flop on your bed and call your best friend 

she answers right away, already suspecting what the call is about 

“h-”

“hANG ON I NEED TO SCREAM” 

your rant is a mixture of emotions that have been pent up and unable to be released. you spend the next hour filling her in on all the details. how your parents have been leaving more hints and encouragement to date, someone

*cough* Lai Guanlin *cough* 

she reveals that things in the Lai mansion have been about the same as yours. it is kind of pissing everyone off but no one has the heart to crush their parent's hearts like that 

“it’s better than last time when my dad tried to arrange my marriage with some dude. it got called off, in the end, thank God.” 

you’re about to YELL when she stops you, “Lin and I have been talking and…I think we have a solution to at least get the family off your backs. Come over.” 

well, you clad in your comfy pyjamas and it’s 9pm, you want to sleep but this is a life or death matter so you find yourself pulling on another outfit and dashing out the door 

“bye mum, I’m going to the Lai’s house!” 

“okay! sure sweetie!” she replies “don’t even think about coming home for the night” she nearly adds 

NO 

your chauffeur is wondering why you’re hurrying there so late but she doesn’t mention anything as the car arrives outside the mansion 

the Lai siblings are already running out to receive you 

“shall I wait for you?”

you stare at the mansion’s daunting double doors and then back at your chauffeur, “it’s fine, you can head back. thanks, see you!”

‘my parents are probably in the sitting hall so….be prepared,’ Guanlin whispers as he ushers you inside, his sister checking the foyer 

you hastily greet them before the siblings make a noise about your purpose of visitation and bundle you upstairs to Guanlin’s bedroom 

the interior hasn’t changed much since you were last in his room, just a bit more messy and maybe a couple more of gleaming basketball trophies displayed 

his sister snatches a manila envelope of documents off his desk and hands it to you

you peel it open to reveal a fifteen-page contract 

Guanlin and Y/N’s fake relationship™ to be specific 

“i hope you’re prepared to be up all night establishing contracts and signing them. this is just a rough draft.” 

Guanlin scans the pages over and immediately makes a couple of changes

“consensual skinship and other intimate actions such as hugging and kissing” is added 

“to make it more realistic…you know” he mumbles in embarrassment 

but you kind of feel the same way so you add “cuddling” in there too

it’s nearly 12am by the time the contract is finalised and printed 

there’s no way you can call your chauffeur now so you decide to sleepover 

besides, it has been awhile since you and your bestie had a sleepover 

you get confused when she shoos you off to Guanlin’s room but hands you an oversized shirt and a pair of running shorts

you change in her room then venture to Lin’s 

“goodnight!” 

Lin isn’t in his room but you find him in the gaming/lounge room where there’s a mini bar, many game consoles, a television, a sofa with a chaise lounge and even a pool table 

He is playing a game on one of the consoles, Overwatch, you think it is

wordlessly, you sit next to him and scroll through your IG feed, unsure of what to do since you literally got thrown out of your sleeping place 

thanks a billion bestie

“so we’re a couple now,” Guanlin breaks the silence. “we should act like one.” 

he leans closer such that his mouth is close enough to brush your cheek and murmurs, “We need to act like one. Let’s make it believable. They’re watching us through the security cameras” 

you chuckle, “oh god. I know all about security camera footage.” you reminisce you rebellious teenage days when your parents installed a camera outside your room door to track what time lights went off 

like a professional, you tuck your legs under you and lean your head on Guanlin’s shoulder, taking note of how his breathing abruptly stopped when you wound your arm through his

you would have opted for holding his hand but he’s holding onto the gaming controller 

it’s so comfortable you can almost fall asleep in that position 

“…by the way, you look really good in my shirt…” 

a hot blush creeps its way to your face and you stammer back an incoherent reply. “O-oh, s-sorry. Your sister gave it to m-me. B-but t-thanks.” 

thANK YOU BEST FRIEND 

you should have known he was a Thrasher kind of guy 

get you a man who lets you sleep in his Thrasher shirts

“hmm, let’s get to know each other. I think the last proper talk we had was in 8th grade and clearly, things have changed.” 

Guanlin snorts. “Yeah, who would’ve thought we’d date.” 

you have to constantly remind yourself it’s a fake relationship. It doesn’t feel like one and you don’t want it to be one 

the convo lasts till 2am and Guanlin decides that you need to sleep. pretty much forces you to take his bed while he sleeps in the gaming room’s chaise lounge 

but the bed is foreign to you and you have a hard time falling asleep so you wander back and join him on the other side of the couch

at least, you have that assurance that your ‘boyfriend’ is beside you 

no one questions your new attire or manila envelope when you arrive back home after a long night

Guanlin insisted on walking you up to your penthouse, he pecked you on the cheek before bidding you goodbye 

on Monday, you’re really confused when you emerge from your room, clad in your school uniform and find Guanlin sitting at your dining table, talking to your parents 

when he sees you, he beams, like an actual gummy smile you can’t fake

“good morning bao bei. did you sleep well?” 

chemically combusts @ bao bei [宝贝, baby in chinese] 

you rush to pull him into a warm embrace 

“why are you here? what is happening?” 

‘i’m sending you to school today” 

throughout the ride, there’s small talk and it makes you feel very…refreshed and excited 

there’s so much adrenaline pumping in you, at the end of the ride, you lean over and press your lips to his 

“bye! thank you! see you later babe.” 

djskdhkss wow yes totally a fake relationship 

also your first kiss wAS WITH YOUR CRUSH KIND OF BOYFRIEND 

Guanlin so shocked he can’t remember how to drive and nearly reverses into the driveway pillar 

after school, it’s like a scene from a Kdrama 

“hey, whose man is that?”

Guanlin is casually leaning on the bonnet of his expensive, shiny car with his sunglasses up and is fully suited up - minus his jacket hanging in the backseat. 

yOU WANT TO DIE 

RUN ME OVER

but at the same time, you kind of want to show the world your 'boyfriend’ 

Lin Lin isn’t the kind of guy who shies away from you, though he does feel his insides churning with the entire school watching him 

you feel your backpack being lifted off your shoulders just as you were about to hug your friends goodbye 

‘babe!”

gasps and whispers break out from the other students, your friends can die of laughter 

Guanlin waits for you to catch up, slipping an arm around your shoulder while the other carries your school bag 

“how was school today? did you miss me?”

“you’re doing this because of the contract aren’t you?” 

a look of confusion crosses his face but he tries to conceal it with a nod. “You know I’m not one to break contracts” 

but you’re one to break my heart….

the relationship comes to the light on Friday 

the family is freaking out and congratulating you like it’s your wedding day 

you even set reminders on your phone saying 

'your boyfriend isn’t really yours’ 

it kind of hurts but it also reminds you not to immerse yourself too deeply into this situation

you find that your phone is always chiming with notifications from Guanlin, much more than usual 

he wants to know if you’re eating, sleeping and staying hydrated 

you feel touched until you realise it’s on page five of the contract 

on Saturday, an event is arranged for the two of you to go public

you’re going out shopping in the hottest part of town where you KNOW cameras will be 

they don’t fail to meet your expectations 

other than the annoying flashes, you’re genuinely having a good time with the 'boyfriend’ 

he buys you an ice cream and holds all of the shopping bags 

nothing seems forced or fake, it’s like a real relationship 

BREAKING: Power families have joined forces through blood, Y/N and Lai Guanlin confirmed to be dating 

[ JUST IN ] Lai Guanlin and Y/N spotted enjoying a shopping date downtown. New celebrity couple on the rise?

[ NEWS ] Your new OTP! Y/N recently went public with boyfriend, Lai Guanlin and they are the cutest couple we have ever seen!

 it’s the only news the tabloids will report about 

 it is brilliant news though, even the reaction’s are positive, the world loves you guys so much 

all is well for months 

you really warm up to having Guanlin as a boyfriend 

dates with him are never boring, it’s always something new and enjoyable 

once it was ice skating

you found out that while Lin was athletic beyond words, he wasn’t the best at skating but the two of you still had a blast 

the number of memes you got from him falling was amazing 

another time, you took him to see a ballet, Romeo and Juliet to be more specific 

it was nice to see him all suited up, just for you 

ballets could be boring when you went by yourself 

so you were glad Guanlin was there to accompany you 

he kept his hand in yours throughout the entire 3 hours

during the intermission, he purchased a $4 bottle of mountain springs mineral water for you

how sweet 

you got mad because that water is SO overpriced and he shouldn’t be making reckless financial decisions just because he’s rich

Lin just ruffles your hair, other arm slipped around your waist 

“babe, you worry too much about me,” 

“weLL AS YOUR GIRLFRIEND I SHOULD BE” a hand flies over your mouth after you realise what you blurted out

his eyes widen significantly yet he doesn’t correct you about the 'fake’ part, instead, he holds you close to his side and waltzes back into the amphitheatre 

other days, it’s either you’re at his mansion or he’s at your penthouse 

just fooling around 

in a cute way, like hide and seek around the house

which leads to nearly knocking over a ton of expensive house decor 

wh00ps 

baking goods following Buzzfeed recipes

“wait, this actually tastes edible…?” Lin says tentatively

you laugh, “maybe it’s because you made it.” 

‘it’s the best” 

then again, you’re a biased adjudicator 

Lin is that kind of chef who tries to play a prank and make things taste terrible but unknowingly, he adds ingredients that make the cookies taste much better 

then you guys cuddle on the couch snacking on cookies and watching Netflix shows 

and you’re entering Autumn as a 'couple’ 

you can’t wait to do seasonal activities with him, you even made a list 

suddenly, Guanlin suddenly asks, “….when do you want to terminate the contract?” 

 then, your heart shatters into pieces 

you stopped the reminders on your phone and making mental notes that it was a faux relationship 

you stopped wanting it to end 

and that was your biggest mistake 

you might as well just scrap all the dates you planned out since this is ending

instead of crying, you crack a smile and tell him you’ll bring your manila envelope over to his place the next day to review the contracts 

“get home safe,” he wishes and leans in for a kiss which you dodge but hug him 

hurt and puzzlement flashes in his eyes but you know he’ll understand 

the tears finally fall in the car, way past his front door, and your chauffeur pulls over to pass you tissues 

everything was just too good to be true 

no one could tell it was fake 

in your penthouse, you ignore the files and ponder about burning them in your fireplace 

nothing was real 

you just tricked yourself into believing so 

perhaps he found someone else, someone else he could be with happily, with no extra baggage tagging along 

he deserved that freedom and a joyous, legitimate relationship 

it hurt, it truly did 

it was like everything you did or said in the last half a year meant nothing 

tears cloud your vision, you throw yourself onto your bed and sob 

regardless of your puffy face or tired eyes, you’re at the Lai mansion the following day with your document 

the silencing is deafening as you two are going through the contract and a new set of documents is printed 

you decide not to involve your best friend this time 

you can’t bring yourself to tell her anyway 

she had high hopes for the two of you, despite knowing that this day would probably come sooner than she expected 

the sniffles won’t stop and the tears are filling up your eyes, with every flick of your paper, one threatens to fall

the silence can strangle you, you aren’t used to quietness with Guanlin at all - there was always something to talk about

“…is this your first breakup?” he questions

you shoot him a weak smile and nod, scribbling your signature on the second last page of the document 

every time the tip of the pen touches the paper, you feel it pierce into your heart

why do you want it to end?” you whisper, voice barely above a mutter 

Guanlin sighs and looks down at his hands, he hangs his head in shame 

“you know it has to, we can’t go on like this forever” 

what he says is true, you find yourself agreeing to it 

“but-but I don’t want it to,” you retort softly despite it all 

he spreads his arms open, inviting you for a hug which you instinctively respond to. crawling across his bed to settle in his comforting embrace 

“i-i know this is tough but believe me, it’s for the better” 

you can’t tell what’s 'good’ for you anymore 

maybe you shouldn’t have agreed to this in the first place 

first heartbreaks are unforgettable 

your life is just too centred around contracts, paperwork, it’s all you have ever known since the start 

Guanlin rocks you in his arms for probably the last time ever and tears drip down your face 

“ahh, don’t cry! i’m sorry, but i have my reasons,” he coos as he swipes the tears away with the soft sleeve of his sweater you lost count of how many times you have fallen asleep in 

“i can tell you one of them” 

you don’t know if you can take it 

a billion thoughts swarm your head 

“i hope you’ll still take me back” 

nothing registers anymore 

you realise you really liked Guanlin 

and now, it’s coming to an end 

“y/n” his hand encloses yours, the one that holds the pen 

the pen that paused on the last sheet of the new contract 

Guanlin grins at you, cupping your face in his hands 

you force the tears to stop 

“I just want us to be real, no contract, no paperwork, just us” 

the dilemma between killing him and kissing him is extreme 

“ Lai Guanlin! How dare you! I wasted all this pen ink on you!” 

“…you’re worried about pen ink?”

you fold your arms and huff in frustration, the tears melting away like ice and anger frosting over

but he shoots you a gummy smile and apologetic puppy eyes and once again, your heart has warmed 

Guanlin pulls out a Tiffany & Co. box from his desk drawer, offering it to you 

inside, captured between plush velvet cushions is a gleaming gemstone ring 

gasps and splutters of words leave your mouth 

“ADOSISODJSJSNDJSPSDJ WHAT” 

“it’s a promise ring. I promise we won’t have to 'act’ like a couple but we can be a couple” 

you want to yell 

he kinda just does that husband thing and slips it on your ring finger

you still can’t believe your eyes, your jaw has numbed off from being open for too long

“is-is this real?” you squeak, marvelling at the promise ring 

Guanlin winks, “you know I’m never one for fakes”

you groan, poking his cheek. “I told you to stop making reckless financial decisions!”

he just shakes his head as he chuckles 

“babe, when it comes to you, you’re worth everything. trust me, this isn’t an imitation. I hope you love it,”

you lean closer and capture his lips with your own, kissing him with that passion and adoration that can’t be faked 

[vrenaewrites]

After by Anna Todd thoughts: Ch 51 - 97

Full video here.

CH 51:

Noah was in her room waiting for her when she came in from a fight with hardin

Hardin confesses his feelings in FRONT OF NOAH

Hardin deleted all of Noah’s voicemails the night before

NINETEEN: The “Give me another chance” “you said you don’t date” “not before you” all in FRONT OF HER BOYFRIEND!!!!!!!

TWENTY: NOAH YOU SHOULD GO?!?!?!?!!?

Honestly thought they’d start banging right in front of him so…

TWENTY-ONE: “I know it is the calm before the storm, but hardin is my anchor. I just pray he doesn’t pull me under” - tess

CH 52:

PART-TIME HO MOLLY!!!!!!!

CH 53:

TWENTY-TWO: S my c...just...why and then she says “um yeah if you want me to”

TWENTY-THREE: Have you seen one before? Yeah i walked in on a neighbor watching a naughty movie.

Everything about her seeing his ween for the first time is cringe.

Of course, she’s the best he’s ever had

CH 54:

“I’m not like the other girls”

CH 55:

Hardin’s dad, aka school chancellor, calls her out of class to ask her to convince hardin to come to his wedding. Profesh

CH 56:

TWENTY-FOUR: “I give the proud rebel a kiss on his cheek” - HUH?

CH 57:

TWENTY-FIVE: “I know getting eaten out wasn’t on my schedule this morning, but I can’t think of a better way to start my day”

“It’s only tuesday and molly has almost used up her skank quota for the week”

CH 58:

Landon talks tessa into going to the party to see why hardin didn’t invite her

Molly is on hardin’s lap!!!!!!!!

CH 59:

Zed makes tessa a couple drinks and she gets blitzed and gets dared to kiss him in truth or dare, pissing hardin off

And then zed gets dared to take tessa upstairs and hardin’s like “this is stupid”

Aw zed doesn’t wanna do anything because she’s drunk! Team zed????

He asks her out but wants her to answer when she’s sober!!!!!!!! So sweet!!!

“Molly is perched on his lap like the whore she is”

Hardin dares molly to kiss him, dickhead

CH 60:

SHE SMACKED HIM! GOOD!!!!

Landon comes to pick her up and hardin says he loves tessa in front of everyone at the party

And she calls him sick, GOOD JOB!

CH 61:

She’s staying at landon’s because she thinks hardin will go to her dorm to find her and she sleeps in hardin’s room

CH 62:

She wakes up to find hardin watching her

“We have the same fight over and over, but worse each time” that is why this book is 98 chapters and nothing fucking happens

Kisses her without her wanting it, literally pushing her away

“You made yourself an easy target” - hardin

CH 63:

She decides to go on a date with zed and he brought her a flower!!!!!!!

Zed is literally too good for tessa

He kisses her hand!!!!!!!!

TWENTY-SIX: The heavy handed wuthering heights allegory in class dude…

CH 64:

The parents are getting married next weekend and i already know hardin is going to show up unannounced and make a grand gesture and this is when they’re gonna do it, it’s gonna be like chapter 97…

Hardin never tells anyone he loves them, not even his mom???? Tea

Hardin showed up to dinner!!!!!!!

“One more chance” AGAIN?!!?!?!?!?!?! SIR!!!!!!!

She done left Hardin in the dust to meet zed, yes ma’am

CH 65:

Hardin is at the bonfire with some girl, bro, c’mon

The same shit just keeps happening

Oh shit the girl is gay!

She’s going to zed’s house!?!?!?

“You’re different from the rest of the girls here”

For some reason, zed mentioning that hardin was looking for wedding attire makes her realize she’s in love with hardin

CH 66:

She chases him down, he got in a fight at the bonfire, and takes him his dad’s house

CH 67:

TWENTY-SEVEN: You constantly provoke me - hardin RED FLAG! RED FUCKING FLAG!

She tells him she loves him

TWENTY-EIGHT: “I love this damaged, self-loathing asshole”

CH 68:

TWENTY-NINE: He is like a drug - vomit.com

He takes her shirt off and she mentions it’s again, without her permission

THIRTY: Undress “yes ma’am”

But he won’t have sex with her because….?????? The 60 chapters of her grinding up on him aren’t enough evidence that she’s sure about it??

Because this fucking book needs to be another 30 chapters

CH 70:

THIRTY ONE: When hardin calls me baby my blood sings in my veins

CH 71:

THIRTY TWO: “I love that you are so shy and innocent, but you let me do dirty things to you”

CH 72:

Him and his dad get into a thing and he destroys his bedroom

THIRTY THREE: “No, i’m nice because i love you,” he whispers, and i swoon. “Sleep, beautiful”

CH 73:

TESSA’S MOM SHOWED UP

CH 74:

Ew tessa’s mom convinced noah to take her back despite her being a whore

She calls hardin a freak??? Tf?

She’s threatening to take away her tuition if she won’t break up with hardin

So hardin says they can move in together...they have known each other...for two months…

CH 76:

This bitch got a whole ass office in her internship

Hardin has a job at a different publishing house…

He’s mad that she wants to know about his job?? Fucking weirdo

And she calls him out, good

CH 77:

THIRTY-FOUR: You know what happens when i sleep without you - NEGGING ASSHOLE!!!!!!!

CH 78:

They finally do it and at least she’s honest that it’s not always fun to lose your v-card

THIRTY-FIVE: “This beautiful flawed man who has just made love for the first time in his life”

CH 79:

He won’t talk to her about his job...but wants her to move in with him

CH 80:

She says hi to a guy in the hall AT HER JOB and hardin goes cuckoo bananas

CH 81:

Molly broke up Steph’s relationship because she’s a hooooo

They’re in another fight because he introduced her as his friend

Who tf is jace?

A big creep, hence the friend thing

CH 82:

THEY ARE MOVING IN TOGETHER??????

CH 83:

Jace is at the frat house with his shit friends

Hardin tells her to stay in his room and she won’t because she hates molly so much

They’re playing suck and blow and the guy kisses tessa and hardin starts CHOKING HIM

CH 84:

“If you’re gonna have a problem with every girl i’ve slept with, you need to transfer schools”

He kicks her out!!!!!

But then he tells her to come back?!?!?!

THIRTY-SIX: I happen to be vigorously in love with you - hardin

WHAT. PARDON.

CH 86:

Noah calls to check on her and offers to talk to her mom for her because he is too good for this world

THIRTY-SEVEN: Everything about the apartment: modern but old, the fun indie tiles, etc.

This bitch got an apartment with no credit

THREE MONTHS. SHE HAS BEEN IN COLLEGE FOR THREE MONTHS. THEY HAVE ONLY KNOWN EACH OTHER FOR THREE MONTHS.

CH 87:

He didn’t get rid of the bloody sheets from their first time...they’re in his trunk…

Hardin is jealous of noah

CH 89:

So is she just not going to school anymore??

Hardin doesn’t come home and doesn’t text her

When he does come home he’s drunk and has been fighting and is being mean to her about being on his case

CH 90:

Omg hardin’s mom got gang raped in front of him because his dad pissed off some dudes

No wonder he hates his dad

CH 91:

Tessa mom is out for blood

Well yeah, she got a call that her 18 year old moved out of her dorm…

CH 92:

Tessa’s mom says she’s stupid for moving in with a boy she barely knows and honestly, agree

TESSA CALLS HER MOM A BIIIIITCH!!!!!!!!!!

Damn Tessa brings up her dad and Tessa’s mom slaps her

I cannot get over how judgemental tessa’s mom and noah are about the tattoos...people like that really exist?

CH 93:

THIRTY-NINE: Hardin, who listens to metal, gives the fray another try because tessa likes them, and he plays her “never say never”

THIS IS PEAK FANFIC MATERIAL

CH 94:

“Ken rubs the back of his neck just like Hardin” hardin doesn’t do that, once again

The wedding is a dream of course

CH 95:

Hardin wants tessa to go to england with him for christmas

Tessa asks what hardin is gonna be up to and he freaks out about her not letting stuff go????

Tessa calls zed to find out what’s up with hardin but he hangs up

CH 96:

Tessa hunts down steph at a bar

Hardin, molly, and jace show up and it comes out that they live together

CH 97:

HARDIN MADE A BET TO TAKE TESSA’S V-CARD

THAT IS WHY HE KEPT THE SHEETS!!!! TO PROVE IT

AND EVERYONE KNEW INCLUDING STEPH

[queen-of-deans-booty]

You Check In With Sam At Stanford

Characters: Reader, Sam

Word Count: 1,083

Warnings: nothing here worth mentioning

Author’s Note: In this, the reader and Dean are 23 years old and Sam is 19. Thank you for @jarpadandjensenaremyheroes for this idea! Go follow her because she’s amazing! If you ever have any ideas that you would want to see before the first episode, don’t be shy. I love writing about the series and making the reader’s character stronger.

Feedback is always appreciated

Tags at the bottom

.

One of the hardest thing you ever had to do was watch Sam leave you and his family. He always wanted to do more than hunting and he should get to explore the world. You were going to miss him like hell but you didn’t want to hold him back from the things he wanted to do.

John was pissed as hell and you didn’t blame him. Sam and John never got along but that was because they were so similar. They both wanted more with Sam wanting to study law and John wanting that for his kid.

But it still broke your heart. Dean was broken about it probably the most because this was not only his brother, but his brother that got to do what he wanted. You knew Dean wouldn’t have choose hunting if he had the choice. Dean never got a childhood and Sam is just leaving as if he had one.

You wanted to be there for him and support him I whatever he wanted to do but you were hurt. Losing Sam was like losing a piece of you. He was one of your best friends and after being with him for so long, it was very sad.

But he left and has been gone for a year. John and Dean fought a little bit after Sam left but now, they work in harmony. Without Sam, it was like they could get the job done because there wasn’t any fighting to happen.

Luckily, one of your cases brought you to California, close enough to Stanford to visit but far enough that you would need to drive. Dean wasn’t going to let you use his car and John and Dean were too held up on the case to know just how close Sam was.

You talked to Sam almost every day but you wanted to know how he was doing. Of course, you would want to surprise him so you didn’t say anything to Sam. You didn’t say anything to Dean or John because they wouldn’t let you do this.

That is why you snuck off right when they fell asleep and hitch hiked your way to Stanford. It didn’t take you long to reach the school and when you did, you knew where to go. Sam told you what room he was staying in and all kinds of things about his life. You knew he met a beautiful young woman named Jessica Moore.

You felt happy for him but you wished he would come home already. You hopped one of the fences and snuck inside, making sure no one saw you. You saw the building where you knew Sam was staying but frowned when you saw it lit up. Man, they must be having a party. So unlike Sam.

You picked the lock and snuck inside the building, going up the stairs to the floor you knew where Sam was. As you got closer, the music got louder and louder until you were by his door. Weird, the music wasn’t coming from his dorm. You looked down the hall and saw a much bigger dorm having the party.

You walked inside, smiling at all the college kids having fun. But you were on a mission. You kept your eyes peeled for the tallest Winchester. You felt your phone vibrating and when you looked at it, you saw that it was Dean calling. Shit. He must have woken up.

It wouldn’t be long before he or John would trace your phone. You took it out and decided to message Dean instead.

I am okay. I just thought it would be nice to take a walk. I will be home soon. Don’t wait up for me.

Okay, please be careful. Just come back before my dad wakes up.

“Are you new here?” You looked up to see a petite blonde girl who was smiling and had a beer in her hand.

“Yeah, I am. Today is my first day. I just transferred.” You lied, smiling at her. You looked around for Sam but didn’t see him.

“Welcome, then, my name is Jessica Moore. What’s yours?” Your head snapped to hers and you knew Sam would be looking for her.

“Miranda Long.” You said, thinking on the spot. You couldn’t tell her your real name because then she would tell Sam and this would all be blown over.

“It’s nice to meet you, Miranda. Want to meet some of my friends? My boyfriend, Sam is around here somewhere.” She said, looking around.

“Sam? What’s his last name?” You asked.

“Winchester. Why, you know him?” She asked.

“From a long time ago. High school mostly. How is he doing, by the way?” You asked, looking around.

“He’s good. He’s doing very well in school and I can see him being a very successful lawyer one day.” She grinned, proud of her boyfriend.

“That’s so nice to hear.” You said honestly.

“Let me go get him. Maybe you two can catch up.” She said, walking off. This was your chance. You got what you wanted and now you can leave. You snuck away, walking to the door of the dorm. You saw Jessica walk back with Sam but she looked confused.

You were hidden by the door and saw Sam talk to her. You saw them talk but they were interrupted by their friends. Sam laughed and held a beer, happy and content here. You smiled softly, knowing that when he left, he made a good choice. Not that hunting with Dean and John is a bad thing but you wished you could have something like this.

You left the dorm, happy that you got what you wanted. You didn’t want to bring this up to John because then he would get pissed at you and if you mentioned this to Dean, he would get very upset. So you hitch hiked back to the motel room.

Dean and John were both asleep and that was a good thing. Maybe with Sam being gone and you knowing he was safe, you could be able to sleep just a little bit better.

Forever and ever:

@maddieburcham1 @ginamsmith @mogaruke @whit85-blog @inlovewithbja @spn67-sister @kdfrqqg @jarpadandjensenaremyheroes @roxyspearing @supercalifragilistic26 @mishamigose @cobrakai1967 @essie1876 @innernightwerewolf @wishedworld @justanotherdeangirl @crispychrissy @laqueus-ludovicus @nostalgic-uncertainty @jerk-bitch-and-an-angel @potterhead1265 @starswirlblitz @untitled39887 @ta-n-ja  @deans-fallen-angel-boy @scarletluvscas

Series Rewrite:

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Other tags:

@notnaturalanahi @thing-you-do-with-that-thing