#ok goodnight please don’t explode anything while I’m gone

[sunshinecassette]

I would be a cooler main sth antagonist

[chantelle-x0x]

Mixed Emotions 1/3 - M!Sam x MC

A/N: Hey! So it’s been a while. This is the first time I’ve ever written something erotic so please bear with me. It’s not great, I haven’t re-read anything. I cringe too much if I do, but I swear if this isn’t for you there will be two other parts with none so thank you xx I’d also like to add this to the #julychoiceschallenge hosted by @samgtt700​, for day 25 (prompt lace). Thanks for telling me about it, lovely! <3

Rating: Matureeeeee!! Please if you are under 18 proceed at your own risk. I’m not stupid, if you’re under 18 you may be reading this, so if you are under 15-16, DO NOT CONTINUE, and if you do, you were warned.

Disclaimer: I do not own all these characters, only most of the plot! Everything else belongs to PB.

Word Count: 2,221

It hadn’t been too long since Dakota and Sam decided to take their…complicated relationship, to the next level. After that, Dakota knew things could possibly get bad, but they didn’t. They hadn’t slept together since then, but the connection between them had deepened. The only downside to everything was that Sofia was around a lot more often so even if she did want to sleep with Sam again, she rarely got any time alone with him. Tonight, Sam was working late so putting the boys to bed was harder because they wanted to say goodnight first. After what what felt like forever, and five books later, Dakota had finally managed to get Mason and Mickey to fall asleep. As she softly and carefully closed their room door, she bumped into a very tired looking Sam. His hair was a mess, his tie was half done and his shirt was untucked.

‘Hey, are you okay?’ He continued to walk to the kitchen with a sigh. Dakota followed behind him, and stood next to him when he placed his hands on the counter. ‘What happened, Sam?’ He looked at her and she could see some of his anger go away as he locked eyes with her.

‘I found out today, that Sofia, wants us to have a baby once we’re married. To make it seem “legit”.’ His tone was a mix of frustration and worry. Dakota placed her hands on Sam’s chest and she could feel his heart beating above what it should be.

‘Ok, breathe, Sam.’

‘How can I—’

‘Just breathe. In and out, real slow.’ Sam smirked at Dakota’s words.

‘I can think of something else we can do like that.’ He brushed some of the hair away from her face, revealing a deep blush on her cheeks.

‘First, before anything else, talk to me.’ She offered a gentle smile and realised her hands were still on his chest. As she went to pull them away, he took her hands in his.

‘I want to see you under me.’ Dakota laughed slightly.

‘Not dirty. Talk to me about what happened.’ Sam sighed again before letting go of her hands and leaning on the counter.

‘Basically, I spent over an hour on the phone arguing with Sofia on why when we get married, I don’t want another child. I mean, that isn’t necessary.’ Dakota hummed in response as she let her mind wander a bit. She knew she was stupid to even imagine any sort of future with her engaged boss, but, she did let herself have the imagined future of them being together and maybe having one or two children together, maybe two girls to balance out the testosterone in the house, maybe buy their own home. Her taking the boys to her lab sometimes so that they could learn how to make things explode in a fun but safe way. Sam noticed her drift away and he slowly let his hand rest on her arm. ‘Where’d your mind go?’ Dakota smiled shyly before asking him,

‘Would you ever want more kids? Take Sofia out of your future and place the right person there. Would you ever consider having another baby?’ Sam smiled down at Dakota. His hand moved slowly up her arm until he reached her neck. He drew gentle circles on her jaw as he let himself drown in her gaze.

‘If I could be with someone who made me feel alive and loved and got along with my boys. Someone that Mason and Mickey adored too. Definitely a woman that can keep up with me in every way.’ He smirked. ‘If I could just be with someone I loved, I would absolutely consider having a bigger family with her.’ She knew he was talking about her, it was so crystal clear in her eyes. She scared herself though, because she knew she was falling in love with him. Only once ever before, had she fallen in love with someone, but even then it had not felt like this. Sam made her feel like she was worth every second they spent together. ‘Do you want kids?’ It was a question that caught her off guard but it made her feel warm inside.

‘If I was with the right person, for sure.’ She smiled at Sam. Her heart rate sped up as she felt Sam’s other hand touch her waist before he pulled her closer to him. ‘We shouldn’t.’ Dakota whispered.

‘Then tell me to stop.’ His eyes flicked from her eyes to her lips then back again. He lifted her chin up with his hand that was on her jaw and guided her into a soft kiss. Her arms went around his neck in lightning speed and he quickly changed the position of his hands to cup her ass and pick her up. She wrapped her legs around his waist and quickly pulled his lips onto hers. It was as though the world was behind them and nothing else mattered.

‘What if the boys see us?’ She whispered with a heavy breath. He kissed her neck and turned around with her still in his arms.

‘They won’t.’ He turned off the lights and went to his room and shut the door. As much as Dakota wanted to take it in, all she really cared about taking in, was Sam. She kissed him hard before he put her down. She turned around for him to take off her dress. As he unzipped her, he delicately kissed the newly exposed skin until he got to the end and let the fabric drop to the floor. She turned around, glad the light was not on as she had bright red cheeks. It was Sam’s turn to be relieved of his clothes, especially his quickly tightening pants. She did what he did to her back, except to his chest as she took off his shirt, button by button. As soon as his clothes were gone, he almost pounced on her like she was the prey and he the predator. He bit her lip gently after kissing her deeply which made her moan in pleasure. ‘You need to be as quiet as possible.’ She smirked.

‘You may need to make me.’ He growled.

‘Don’t tempt me.’ Her breath caught in her throat as she saw and heard his intensity. It made her belly do a flip and made her core even more wet than she thought possible. He kissed from her neck to just above her panties waist. Sam looked up at her from his position and he could swear he hadn’t felt like this in far too long; she made him feel so animalistic. Her hands flew straight to his hands as he placed one on each thigh. ‘I want your hands to stay above your head.’ His demanding only made her quiver. He held her still as she placed her hands above her head. When he went back to his position, she returned her hands on top of his. ‘What did I say?’

‘I can’t.’ She replied with hardly any volume. He left her on his bed, splayed on top of his cover. It made her feel self conscious as she saw him go into his wardrobe. She knew she looked relieved when he came back, still almost naked but with a box in his hand. He pulled out handcuffs and looked at her. She smiled slightly before placing her hands above her head as a sign of her approval.

‘They’re new. Can’t lie and say I didn’t hope we would be here.’ She groaned as he cuffed her to his bedhead. ‘Now you can’t move your hands. And if you keep silent, you get a reward of your choice.’ She felt him finally put his hands back on her thighs and focused on her breathing and the feelings he gave her as he placed his lips on her; first with her lace panties on, then with none. As she rode her first wave alone, she felt one of Sam’s hands on top of her mouth to cover her sounds. She tried to stop so much of it but she could only withhold so much. Once she gained her breath back, Sam kissed her and whispered, ‘you’re such a good girl, baby.’ Those words from his lips sounded like honey to her. She relished in it all. His voice was so raspy when he said that to her. He then kissed her neck again. ‘What do you want as your reward for being so quiet?’ He looked her in the eyes, waiting for her reply.

‘You. Right now. And no more cuffs.’ He complied. First he undid her handcuffs then took off his underwear. He found it adorable how Dakota still gawked at his size. She pulled him closer to her before kissing him and flipping them so she was on top. ‘My turn to be in control.’ She rummaged through his draw quickly to find protection and quickly ripped it open with her mouth and spat out the wrapper before sliding it onto him. She pumped her hand over him first until he was thrusting into her hand and begging for her to just let him be inside of her. When she was pleased with his begging, she finally let herself go down on him. They both moaned at how good they felt together, as one. Then she started moving. Her hands fell to his shoulders as she grasped them and lost herself in the sweet rhythm of them. She could see he was so close to losing himself so she sped up and allowed him to reach his peak. She lifted herself off of him and allowed him to catch his breath. Once he did, he went to clean himself up before returning to his bed. He knew she didn’t reach her peak with him and he didn’t feel bad, but he didn’t feel 100% satisfied either. When he got into bed he pulled Dakota close to him, her back against his chest, and allowed his fingers to travel to her entrance. Her hand went around and grasped his hair as he started to slowly pump his fingers in and out of her. As she came, he covered her mouth with his large hand again and allowed her to writhe against him. Once her breathing returned to normal, Sam and her cuddled close to each other. Dakota knew she was screwed, but she didn’t know why she’d stop now when she needed to make the most of the time she had left with him. As she drifted to sleep, the last thing she heard was, ‘you are the most beautiful woman I will ever hold in my arms again.’

——

When Dakota woke up, she turned over looking forward to seeing morning Sam, but it was an empty side that she was greeted with. A cold empty side. She felt a pang of disappointment and it only worsened when she heard the clicking of heels outside Sam’s door and the words ‘tell her, or I will do it.’ The elevator door closed and the girl took it as her sign to leave the room. When she saw Sam, he didn’t smile at her like she thought he would and it hurt more than she would ever want to admit.

‘What was that about?’ Sam shrugged leaving her alone in front of his room as he went back to the kitchen. Something was wrong, she knew it was. She followed him into the kitchen and blushed as the memories of the night before flooded her mind. ‘Are you ok?’

‘Fine.’ Sam replied shortly.

‘You’re distant. That’s not fine.’ Sam looked at her, with what she thought was sorrow before they hardened.

‘Were you expecting a hug and a kiss with “good morning, baby”?’ She wasn’t expecting that, but she wouldn’t have complained if she was greeted like that.

‘No, but I just thought after last night you’d—’

‘Last night was fun but, Dakota, it was just sex.’ Just sex. It hadn’t seemed like that to her. ‘It’s always just sex. I’m sorry if you weren’t prepared for that, but I am engaged and you’re a great distraction.’ Distraction. Those words cut so deeply that they would leave a scar. She hated that this was how Sam thought of her. After everything, the secret dates, the almost times, the real, and what she thought authentic, times, all of it was just a distraction to him. She felt tears start to form but she quickly pushed them away when she heard Mason and Mickey’s voices asking if pancakes could be for breakfast. She smiled her greatest fake smile at Sam.

‘I have pancakes to make and I’m afraid you may be late for work if you don’t get ready, Mr Dalton.’ Her words stung him. He had to say what he did but he didn’t realise that hearing so few words from someone could hurt him so badly. He also did not realise that the most common thing he was called, could sound so vile. He wanted to say sorry, but he couldn’t. He just had to bear seeing the pain in Dakota’s eyes for a while. It would wreck him, but he had to. At least that’s what he kept telling himself.

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

Tags: 

@rockme-fabulous @interobanginyourmom @flyawayboo @secretsaladbouquet @hypnosnes​ @rexgwapolagi @choices-addict​ @pralexa01​ @choicesreal​@chrissythadon​ @decadentwinnerjudgedream​ @maxattack-powell​ @txemrn​ @catlady0911​​ @indiacater​ @laiba-the-person​ @violetbumblebee79​ @fallendarkangel693​ @creatingjana​ @choicessa​ I based these off of people that liked/reblogged/commented on two posts I had, if you want to be added or taken off, let me know. Couldn’t tag someone.

[jojo-reader-hell]

Hello Bad Children it is I, Koro, with more 5am angst. Melone x Reader: The Outside

(Writing this was like waking up from a nightmare about my partner cheating and then being mad at him all day for something he did in a dream, and I chose this picture because I’m finna slap the shit out of Melone after this.)

Melone reasoned that his date wouldn’t mind if he was a couple minutes late.

Everything was perfectly set into place. The night was young, balmy, perfect for cuddling close to his special someone. The restaurant was close enough that he could see the flower shop where you worked very clearly from the window. At the table he’d reserved, he knew exactly which way to tilt the chair he sat in so that he could keep an eye on your form at all times, and intended to sneak glances at you throughout the night so he could gloat at the fact that his life was still perfect, and yours was as miserable as he hoped for. It wouldn’t hurt to keep his new flame waiting a little while. She might even be touched, he thought as he strolled boldly into the shop and heard the tinkling of the bell, if he walked in like a prince with a beautiful spray of your favorite flowers to give her. It had to be all of the ones that were your favorites, the same make of bouquet he’d ordered nearly every week to keep you happy. He had to make a statement. Otherwise how else would you know he was doing well?

You had been many things. Faithful. Honest. Receptive. It had only taken you a matter of days, maybe even hours, to accept that Melone was your one true love even though you didn’t know it at first. Months of careful planning and building of your love nest paid off, and it was quite painfully obvious that you enjoyed these passed few years being his kept woman, as he put it lightly. You were a good girl, so obedient, doing whatever he asked without question and even with a smile towards the end when he began losing interest. Unfortunately you were also stubborn, hence why Melone had let the punishment go on for too long.

Truth be told he thought he’d been rather generous that last day. He felt he had to, it was at least fair he treat you kindly in your last day captive in the home he bought for you. It made up for the languid looks up other women’s skirts, the audacity of ogling endless trains of rear ends, ankles and breasts, entering chat rooms to look at bare pictures and post them until one day someone replied back at him just as intensely as he commented. It was only fair he give you one days break from domestic duties. Usually you did the cooking and the cleaning, rising early before the sun came up to make your “husband” something to eat, but he’d decided to surprise you that morning. Let it be known in the records that Melone could cook quite the sumptuous feast for breakfast, and he made sure the omelette came out nice and fluffy, and that the pancakes stayed warm by keeping the syrup on the side, or that the bacon was crisp and the fruit without blemish. Even the orange juice was good, squeezed fresh with a hint of Prosecco, and the coffee was pour over, Melone taking great pains to get the coffee grounds just so that the flavor exploded in your mouth even with the addition of cream and sugar. You were quite surprised when he’d brought it all to you on a tray in bed that you didn’t even register the indifference he had, not bothering to feed you like he usually would and just letting you savor everything until you were full.

“Was it good?” He asked, your name a trill and a light note to begin on.

And then he smiled a saccharine toothy grin as you agreed, praising him and thanking him for spoiling you.

“Good. Because it’s the last meal you’re ever going to have in this house. I want you out before the sun sets.”

“Good evening! I’d like a bouquet please.”

The cashier smiled at him, asked what he liked and set to work filling the order. Melone was almost disappointed that he didn’t call you to the front to work on it yourself, but he didn’t let it show and only met the other man with a smile. This person was one of your coworkers, blissfully unaware that the man before him was the monster that had ripped you from your happy home and completely brainwashed you into making one with him, having only torn you away from it five months ago. It had been hilariously funny to Melone, seeing you trying to reintegrate into society like a helpless idiot. Your coworkers treated you like a simpleton, your paycheck merely a grudging kindness they didn’t have the courage to put an end to. He saw you by chance on the street after the third month of your break up, and you’d been more of a mess than the first night he held you captive. You were fearful of everything around you, comically wide eyed and avoided nearly every attempt at human interaction. Your hair was unkempt, your clothes wrinkled, dark circles under your eyes and you looked as though you hadn’t eaten properly since that last breakfast. Melone had to stifle the laughter in his throat, a sick sense of pleasure filling his tummy as he followed you just out of sight that day. You looked everywhere, wandering in circles around the streets before eventually finding your way into the flower shop where you worked before he met you. Sometimes he checked on you, content to see you miserable as ever working for less than minimum wage, but never once did he bother to see where you were living now.

Probably in a cardboard box in the alley for all I care... he’d thought with a wicked smile.

Those first three months after Melone had quite literally booted you out onto the street were bliss, everything was quiet around the house, he had endless evenings talking to his new flame and hearing her lilting voice comment hotly on all the things she’d do to him once she came abroad. She wasn’t even from Italy, just someone he met online before he broke up with you, telling him she knew how these things worked out and she’d give him time to admire her from afar until he was completely over it. Even though he kept insisting at the begging and whining for her affection, he waited patiently for the fateful phone call that came five months later: she was ready to come to him at last.

He scrambled at the last minute to get the house perfect, rearranging furniture, thankful that your things had long since been thrown out. Even the Junior you’d produced with his Stand had been eliminated a month prior to his date. It used to infuriate him, seeing it look at the frosted glass of the front door as though it was looking for traces of you still clawing desperately, screaming to be let in. God help him, the Junior even pined for you, wondering why Melone wouldn’t just let you come back to live with them and destroying things when he tried to insist that a new mommy would come to take your place. The Junior had thrown a fit before the computerized Baby Face had taken action, and your Junior’s death had been a sick sort of closure for the assassin.

“Don’t open that door.” Melone had told your Junior during the breakup, in more of a giddy coo than the anger he felt hearing you crying for him to please let you back inside.

“... Mommy is out there.” Your Junior had told him, as if he’d missed it. “She’s crying. She’s cold. Why can’t I let her in?”

The sneer he gave your Junior must have set the seeds of rebellion into growth, because he still remembered the look of frustration it gave him.

“She’s not your mommy, she’s what’s called a ‘problem’. And do you know what we do with problems?”

“... no?”

“We work through them. Chase her away, make her afraid to go near that goddamn door. I don’t want her setting foot in this neighborhood ever again.”

Melone was snapped out of his thoughts of the past as the cashier happily handed over the aforementioned bouquet, wishing him a good night and shocking the assassin with the abruptness. He found himself so shocked he left without trying at least to drag the conversation on in the hopes that you’d hear his voice and come running.

This wouldn’t do... he thought, bringing him to his current predicament of waiting out of sight behind the dumpster of the restaurant. This wouldn’t do at all...

Melone knew what he wanted. He wanted to approach you when you left for work. He wanted to make himself known. He wanted pain. He wanted a scene. He wanted your tears and screaming and crying, craved it like a shot of liquid courage to steel his nerves for his proper first date. He didn’t feel these butterflies when he met you, only felt a sense of calm, and he needed some of that to quell the anxieties he felt. You were good for some things after all, he begrudgingly decided. And what better way for a bookended closure than to use you for a last dose of peace before he began what would most certainly be a romantic beginning to living a brand new happy life with the beautiful woman he’d courted for so long.

“Have a good evening sweetie. Do you need any help with those presents?”

He heard the telltale tentative steps of your footfall before he saw you, and he snapped his head up to see your coworker loading you up with a large cardboard box, helping you adjust to the weight of it as you both exited the shop. You were bundled up in an old puffy coat, clearly a donation, your hair pulled back into a bun and combed for once.

You shook your head, avoiding speaking directly and opting to look at the box in your hands instead of his eyes.

“Are you ok to walk home?”

Silence. A nod in the affirmative.

“You’ll let me know if you need anything?”

Affirmative silence.

There wasn’t anything else left to say. The first look Melone got up close was already disappointing and not boding well for his date. If he didn’t do something now, you would already be out of sight and long gone before he had a chance to use you one last time. Already you were backing away, not even bothering to thank your friend nor even wanting to bid him goodnight as that familiar lost look settled over your face. Melone cursed at the stupidity of your coworker, unable to follow you as long as he stood there watching you go. How hard was it to just cut the cord? He wondered, and finally cursing in an exhale of breath when your coworker returned to his place in the shop, allowing Melone to emerge from his hiding place to follow your journey home.

His date wouldn’t mind if he was a few minutes late, he reasoned. Your house couldn’t be that far, and he had flowers. It would be so nice to get your hopes up and then crash them down, it would make his pining for his true love all the more sweeter.

You walked slowly. Seeing without seeing. Hearing without hearing anything as you made the long journey home laden with your large box. There was a slight limp in your step when you walked, and Melone knew with a sickening satisfactory smile that it was courtesy of your own Junior taking the setting foot part literally. He walked a few car lengths behind you. Quiet as a mouse, even with the noise of the flowers wrapped in cellophane. But then again with how out of it you seemed Melone could have been accompanied by a goddamn marching band and you wouldn’t have noticed anything.

After a few minutes he began to get antsy. What the hell... how far away did you live from work? Were you just leading him in your typical circles, looking around for something like a helpless puppy that lost its mother? He didn’t know what you could be looking for, stupid and blind as he’d become by love he couldn’t figure out why you kept stopping, looking everywhere but behind you, then continuing onward painfully slow as though you had no regard for his commitments.

Melone needed no reminder of why he decided to leave.

Finally, when he was sure he should just nut up and turn back without his dose of courage, he saw you arrive at a slum of an apartment complex. Of course you’d be living here, you couldn’t afford house payments on what they paid you at your old job. Couldn’t afford the luxury of the house he bought for you. Not without Passione’s money. It amused him. When left to your own devices you couldn’t even provide a basic pedestrian life. You lived like a dog if left alone.

He formulated a plan. First he’d call out your name sweetly, like he used to, then when you turned around he’d hold the flowers in his hands in such a way that you’d think it was in offering. You would cry, he was sure, and just as you ran to him and reached for the flowers he’d pull them away and duck just out of reach. If he timed it right, and his foot flashed out at just the right time, he’d be able to see you fall and hear you scream out for him as he walked away and back to the restaurant. It was foolproof, and he began to open his mouth.

You turned to one of the ground floor doors, merely turned the door knob, and entered the unlocked apartment that was bathed in darkness.

There was one window in the living space, and when the light turned on it flooded the dark street. You didn’t even have curtains, just had one window facing the street and that was all. On the floor of the apartment was a dingy mattress, shoved in the corner, a thin sheet bunched up on the floor. There weren’t any decorations. No pictures on the walls. No chairs or table. Not even a plant from work. You still had the box in your arms as you stood in the middle of the bare room, looking around, as though you were unsure you’d entered the right place. Melone just watched, unreadable, as you finally set the box down and began to unload its contents.

A package of diapers. Two bottles. A soft blanket. A teddy bear. Some powdered formula. You both stared at them for a long, long time. He only saw the tiny cradle by the mattress when you unzipped your coat, because the bulge under your shirt had grazed it slightly as you bent to lay the teddy bear inside of it. You didn’t react at all. Just sat down at the edge of your mattress and looked at the things your coworker had given you. A hand, from this distance Melone could see how rough and chapped it was, rubbed the bulge of your stomach as you quietly contemplated the things before you.

“Oh...” he whispered.

It was now he realized: you hadn’t even locked the front door.

Oh.

You reached for your jacket, wrapping it around your shoulders. It was too puffy for him to have seen.

Oh no.

You always worked with your back to the door. The plants covered your lower body, you weren’t tall enough for any part other than your head to stick out.

Oh no...

You didn’t move to make anything to eat. You just sat there.

Unblinking.

Lost.

“Oh no...” Melone choked.

The flowers were beautiful, petals scattered all over the street as they dropped from his hands.

What had he done... What had he done?

...

You’d be a liar if you said you didn’t leave the door unlocked at night for the last five months with just the slightest bit of hope.

You lived life purely with hopes riding on being rescued. Taken away from this pain. You wanted to be taken up in thin strong arms, coddled and protected, reassured with that soft voice that everything would be ok.

Days turned into nights, thence into weeks, thence into months, thence into eternity.

He never came.

Did you start losing hope? Yes. The items before you proved that. Everything was real. It wasn’t a dream. Life was going on without you, he was going on without you, everything was constantly spinning and spiraling out of control and you were left helpless in the middle of all of it, your own body betraying you and refusing to wait to let you catch up.

What did you do to deserve this?

Whatever you did... you wouldn’t do it again. Never. Never ever would you act out of line if if meant you’d be cast out like yesterday’s garbage.

The world goes on without you, and leaves you behind. You can’t hear anything. Can’t feel the gurgle of your stomach or the kicks demanding a meal. There isn’t anything tonight. You don’t have enough for meat, all that’s in the fridge is milk that went bad yesterday and the last slice of bread. Besides you can’t find the strength to get up and feed yourself. You’re not used to having no direction in which to turn.

Your stomach growls, but you’re not hungry.

You live life hearing nothing.

Seeing nothing.

Hardly able to process what’s happening around you.

The door opens and slams against the wall but you don’t hear it.

Footsteps hurry toward you, but you can’t feel their slams against the floor.

Someone drags you up by the arms off the mattress, but it doesn’t matter anymore. You stopped feeling when he broke your foot, never got it treated properly, the pain doesn’t register.

The only reaction you have is to the voice that calls out to you, begging, pleading, just like you did all those months before.

“Please...! Please! Forgive me. Amore please!”

You look up. Wide eyed. Heart aching.

“... Melone?”

It all hits you at once, the senses return, and he has to catch you to prevent you from falling headlong into it.

[universalfanfic]

*tears streaming down my face*

I ... did it. ... I wrote something. There is relief in my soul. 

Here is my continuation of @gracieinanovel‘s Wedding Planner AU, because I love it and I needed to join in. :) 

Cora belongs to her, of course. 

Sutton froze over the table, fingers reaching, and Cora wasn’t sure if the woman had meant to try and flee the room or attempt strangling her. Her face was blooming the most vibrant red, and it appeared it took some effort to remove her tongue from the roof of her mouth. 

“Steve!” Sutton finally managed to squeak. “Hi. I’m- I’m good. You? I mean, how have you been?”

“Good. Good.”

Cora almost felt bad about springing this on her. Almost. But if Sutton had gone the entirety of her Paris trip without contacting Steve, then this was on her. She obviously needed a push. 

Steve still looked morose and longing as he shifted further into the room. It must have still been raining, because he looked just as wet as Cora did coming in. 

“Perhaps Steve would like a drink?” Cora prompted. 

Sutton jumped at the direction and opportunity to have something to do. 

“Right; of course! I have some coffee. Coffee good?” 

There was a coffee pot behind the counter; it was still half full and probably should be either poured out or drank before it burned. 

“Do you want a sweet too,” she called out over pouring a mug. “I have a new cupcake-” 

“Oh, just coffee is fine. Thank you.”

Steve rubbed his hand through his wet hair and pulled a chair over to their table. Sutton’s expression flickered before settling back on a forced smile. 

“Ok.” 

Cora internally groaned. 

Watching them interact was like watching two junior highers dance around each other. She’d thought after Steve’s confession things would move forward between them, but Sutton’s doubts about his sincerity and then her internship felt like it’d dragged them three steps back again. 

But there was time for the both of them later. Cora reorganized the paperwork she’d brought and brushed a lock of hair behind her ear. This was still a business meeting, after all.

They ought to get something done.

Sutton sat awkwardly between Steve and Cora, unable to scoot her chair away from him without being obvious, and she passed over his mug as she cleared her throat. 

“So, you probably know who the wedding is for.”

“I might,” he said. “But I might have also signed a non-disclosure.”

Both Cora and Sutton groaned in response. 

“I suppose that just leaves us to figure out the details,” Cora relented. “So, which rooms will we be using, and what are our times?”

They discussed timing and plans and room ambiance. The wedding ceremony was going to be held on the main balcony overlooking the bay, with plenty of twinkling lights and foliage covering the space. The reception would be held in the estates most lavish room, fondly referred to as The Fondue Room due to the high rental costs. 

Eventually, one of them yawned and they noticed the time. The rain had pittered to a spitting mist and the moon rose higher. Sutton collected their empty mugs while Cora collected her files.

“Well, that’s more progress,” she said, forced cheer in her voice. 

Steve and Sutton both nodded, sneaking a look at each other before turning away again quickly. 

“I guess we’ll see each other at the wedding.” Sutton glanced between the pair, rubbing nervously at her sore knuckles. “Unless Fury gives you a free moment before then,” she added hopefully, directed towards Cora.

“Oh, I wish, but I’m afraid I can’t count on it.” Cora smiled ruefully. “You know how Fury is, and with this wedding booked he’s been more frantic than usual. Obviously, because I’m here at this time of night.”

Sutton looked disappointed, but not surprised. 

“I’m telling you,” she said, “you have to start your own business. You’ve got the talent for it, and it’s probably the only way you’ll get your freedom.” 

Cora made a face and shrugged.

“I don’t know,” she said. “At the rate I’m working, anyway, it’d be impossible to find the time.” 

Steve cleared his throat and Sutton finally looked at him, shifting on her feet. 

“It, uh, was nice seeing you again too. Steve.” 

“Yeah. You’ll have to tell me about your trip sometime.” 

“Right, sure!”

Cora winced, but luckily the expression went unnoticed by the other two. She and Steve exited together and Sutton bid them both a goodnight, locking up before moving through the shop to prep for another early morning. 

The quiet night air settled around them and Steve let out a long sigh as he ran his hand through his hair again. 

“Well,” he said, “that… happened.” 

Cora placed a hand on his arm. 

“Hey, everything is going to work out.”

“Three months,” he said. “I just- is it because we-?”

“What? Went on one date?” Cora laughed lightly. “Steve, please. Sutton can just be a nervous person. She thinks-”

At her pause Steve looked over, his eyes prompting her to continue, and Cora shook her head. 

“You both will have to talk if you want this worked out. Now, I better get at least a couple hours of sleep before Fury decides to blow my phone up again. I’ll see you at the wedding.” 

Steve sighed and dug in his pocket for his keys. 

“Drive safe,” he said. 

He waited until Cora was in her car with the doors locked before he started up his own car. Their headlights disappeared into the night and the low lights in the bakery popped off shortly afterwards.

[]

The bell in the shop rung as Sutton pushed open the door to Banner’s Botanicals; the smell of soil and fragrant flowers were heady in the air. 

“I’ll be one moment!”

“Take your time, Bruce.”

A head of dark wavy hair popped up from behind a shelving unit holding some sort of flowering cacti, and Sutton reached her hand up to wave.

“Long time, no see. Not going to lie. I thought you were really done for good this time.”

Bruce Banner pushed around some nearby ferns as he made his way to the front of the shop. 

“Hey Sutton,” he said. “So did I. But apparently I can still be coerced.” 

He frowned at that, and Sutton suppressed a wry smile. Bruce could be stubborn, sure, but he was also a bit of a peacekeeper. It took quite a bit to actually get him to explode. 

“I’m guessing they at least weren’t asking for lil-” “Don’t.” He cut in sharply. “Don’t mention the lilies.”

Sutton held her hands up in surrender and chuckled. 

“Ok. But I would like to see what they did ask for. I’m supposed to incorporate some floral aspects into their cake.” 

He sent her a look before letting out a breath of air and waving her to follow him to the back of the shop. 

“You and Cora,” he said. “You know there’s a thing called email? You can attach pictures? Or maybe even use google?”

“Sure,” said Sutton. “But this gets us out of our offices for a bit. And anyway, isn’t technology just ruining face-to-face interactions?” 

Bruce rolled his eyes.

The further back in the shop, the more expensive the plants got. And for a man who’d sworn to only work with succulents from now on, he sure had a selection of flowers at his disposal. 

“The bride wanted whimsical but elegant,” he said. “And for once, there was even a list of suggestions to work from. We decided on white wisteria, some assorted peonies, and a few gardenias sprinkled throughout. And greenery, of course. I’m thinking mostly ferns. Probably some Israeli Ruscus.”

Sutton ooh-ed over the samples and took out her phone to get some pictures. His selection of plants were second-to-none. No doubt that was the reason this mystery couple chose him. And they certainly had some cash on them, because he was making an example bouquet as well. 

“Can I get a few small samples to take back? Are you still selling individual stems?”

“Do you have any samples?”

Bruce flashed her a cheeky grin and Sutton returned it. 

“All my friends are opportunists,” she lamented. Still, she pulled a small paper box out of her purse and taunted him with it. “I thought you might like some inspiration as well.” 

They exchanged goods, one looking a tad more excited than the other. Sutton sighed as she eyed the delicate petals and the complicated layering of the wisteria. 

“I might be ordering some of these from you. Their order expressly stated little to no fondant on the cake. And these?”

She made a tsk-ing sound against her teeth and shook her head. Bruce spared her a pitying glance until he looked back to his set of cupcakes, and grinned. 

“At least you know they have good taste. Fondant is gross.”

Sutton raised a stern pointer finger as she sucked in a breath.

“Ok, listen-” 

[]

Cora nibbled at her bottom lip as she used a spare, quiet moment to do some personal research. It wasn’t that this particular wedding was giving her an odd feeling, she’d worked a few weddings that had demanded discretion, but generally she could accurately guess who it was for. 

There wasn’t anything in the celebrity gossip tabloids that mentioned possible weddings coming up, no matter how thoroughly she looked. Boo. She supposed she’d just have to wait for the big day to find out the big secret. She pouted and drummed her fingers on her laptop as the digging stopped at a dead end. 

Her notebook was just to the left of her computer and she could see that name amongst the rest of her notes. 

Loki Laufeyson.

She still didn’t understand how one person could’ve garnered such a negative reaction out of Sutton, and so far she hadn’t had the opportunity to really pry into why. Cora cocked one eyebrow and tilted her head as her fingers danced over her keyboard.

Well, she still had a moment. Why not look?

His website was sleek and clean, with accents of dark green and gold adding a sense of wealth and elegance to the layout. He was the sort of wedding coordinator that you had to call to ask about his rates, which generally meant the average person shouldn’t even bother. 

From his gallery, it seemed he’d been involved in some high profile weddings and other various events. Cora hummed. There wasn’t anything that she could glean from his about page to give her any hints.

Even if he was wildly arrogant and obnoxious, Sutton probably would have just said he was a character, or annoying. 

“Are you sitting? At a time like this?”

Cora jumped at Fury’s voice as he swept into the room, camera bags and a tripod precariously cradled in his arms. 

“Do you know how many jobs we have to complete? There’s the party on the seventeenth, the charity event coming up, and that mo-”

“Yes,” Cora cut in. “The wedding, I know.” She hopped up and closed her notebook, gathering all her things and making herself busy. “I have everything under control, sir.”

Fury shot her a piercing look, which was always impressive given he only had one eye. 

“Under control isn’t good enough. This wedding could be what really launches this business into the public eye. Everything has to be perfect. Which is why you’re going to meet up with that Laufeyson and get all the details sorted out. Got it?”

Cora wanted to give him a flippant salute, but she still did need the paycheck. Instead, she grit her teeth behind closed lips and forced a smile. 

“Crystal clear, sir.” 

Well, perhaps she’d get some answers about this guy sooner than she thought.

[lumpy-veev]

Here’s request number two! Kalo babysitting the heroes, and everything going to shit, requested by @prussiastronk​. Sorry this one took so long, I hope you enjoy!

Kalo Babysitting the Heroes

Kalo lazed on the couch with a book in his hand.

The heroes were at school, and he had just finished his latest mission, so he had a rare, quiet moment to himself where nothing was happening and he could just relax.

“Kalo?” said Doctor H, approaching him nervously.

“Hm?” Kalo’s eyes shifted from the pages in his hand to the introvert in front of him.

“I’ve been invited to do a panel for the Universal Inventor’s Convention on another planet,” said Doctor H. “So I’ll be gone for the next week or so. If it’s not too much work, could you take care of the heroes for me?”

“Oh, okay. Sure,” Kalo replied, thinking nothing of it in the moment.

“Thanks! I got contacts and general things-to-dos on the fridge if you need them!”

————————————

The second Kalo and the heroes waved Doctor H. goodbye, the weight of the situation began to settle in.

Kalo panicked a little. Did he even know how babysit them?

Ok, he thought, combing through the situation in his head, I can cook, and I can clean. If they need help with homework, I’m decent at math and stuff. Plus they aren’t actually babies. I’m pretty sure they can take care of themselves well enough…

Huh. Maybe I can do this.

————————————

The day started with a literal bang.

Actually, it was more of thundering BOOM.

Kalo bolted upright in bed. Careful S. threw a worried glance in his direction. He was awake too.

“Do you think it’s an attack?” Kalo whispered.

“D'know,” mumbled Careful S, rubbing the sleep from his eyes.

“Let’s go check,” the two of them slipped out, meeting Careless S, Happy S, and Smart S. outside.

“We gotta see what happened, but be careful,” said Kalo, “It could be anything.”

The others nodded, quietly making their way downstairs. 

“ARE THERE MONSTERS?!” Happy S. leapt ahead, ready for a battle. 

“Happy S, wait-!” Kalo called out. “Huh?”

They were all greeted with the sight of Sweet S, who was coughing in front of the kitchen, which currently had smoke billowing out of it.

It turns out that the loud noise they heard was not a monster, but Sweet S. having an cooking accident. To Kalo’s relief, she escaped unscathed.

“I wanted to make breakfast for you all to save Kalo some work,” she explained sheepishly.

Aww, Kalo smiled a little, his heart warmed at the sentiment.

“I think I left the pan on the stove for too long,” she continued to speak. “But everything blew up when I added the soy-sauce. Maybe I grabbed the wrong bottle…”

“Well, what did you get?” Smart S. asked, slightly intruiged by how Sweet S. managed to blow up the entire kitchen just by grabbing the wrong thing.

“I used this,” she pulled out a slightly charred bottle.

“Hey, I remember! That’s my bottle of gasoline!” Careless S. points out. “But I thought I put it in the fridge?”

“G-Gasoline?!” Sweet S. gasps.

“Nevermind that, how’s the kitchen?” asked Kalo, peeking into the smoking room.

The damage was actually pretty bad. The stove was pretty much gone, and it was at the center of a giant, burnt, black starburst that radiated across the entire kitchen.

The only thing that was still somewhat okay was the fridge, which only had a few scorch marks across the door of it.

At least the fridge’s okay, thought Kalo. I maybe I should call someone to clean this place up.

“Um, Kalo, what’re we gonna have for breakfast?” Happy S. asks, his stomach audibly growling.

“Hmm,” Kalo racked his head for ideas.

“How does take-out sound?” Kalo decided. The heroes chimed back with agreement.

Welp, take-out it is then.

—————————————–

Kalo sighed, strolling through the market.

Sweet S. used everything that was left in the fridge, but of course, the ‘incident’ left eveything burnt and inedible.

So here he was, buying food for dinner.

“Don’t blow the house up while I’m gone!” Kalo had said, but now he was worried that he’d jinxed something.

Dang it, he mentally groaned, it’s only the first day. Am I’m gonna be able to last a week?

Bag of groceries in hand, he began to make his way home. Bright blue flames licked the air around him as he dematerialized into nothing but a blaze of hot blue energy.

Kalo raced home, weaving through buildings and trees, until it thinned out into the familiar desert-like terrain their house was located.

As he got closer, he was relieved to find that the house was still very much intact.

He landed near the entrance and walked in.

“Hey guys, I’m back!” Kalo was greeted to the sight of the five heroes silently sitting on the couch.

They all looked…suspiciously guilty.

Except for Careful S.

He just looked really, really unamused.

Kalo locked eyes with Careful S, and his eyes briefly flicked upwards.

So something happened upstairs, he thought, mentally translating the glance.

“So, did anything happen while I was gone?” Kalo asked, opting not let the rest of them know that he suspected them of anything. He set the groceries on the dinner table.

“No, not at all!” Happy S. grinned nervously, his voice rising an octave higher than normal. The rest of them were trying and failing to seem aloof.

“Really?”

“Yup!”

Kalo raised a brow.

“Alright,” he shrugged. “I’m going upstairs. Tell me if-”

“Wait!” Smart S. yelped. “Do you really need to go upstairs? Maybe you can…uh…dooo something downstairs!”

Careful S. put a hand to his forehead, letting out a small sigh.

The other heroes cringed. They really weren’t good at lying.

Kalo raised a brow.

“I think I’ll go upstairs,” he stepped into the elevator and headed up.

—————————————

The first thing he noticed, was the smell of smoke. It was acrid and metallic.

A bomb.

Then he saw the second floor, or rather, the state it was in.

It looked just like the kitchen, if not worse. The walls were scorched black, and there was a hole in the back of the ceiling.

For a solid minute, Kalo just stood there, trying to wrap his head around what he was seeing.

The heroes came up the elevator right behind him, filing out behind him.

“Uh…we can explain?” Careless S. said timidly.

Kalo pinched the bridge of his nose.

“Please do.”

—————————————

Happy S. slammed his workbook closed.

His homework was finished! Now he could play with the others!

Happy S. raced downstairs. Smart S. and Sweet S. were watching some cheesy soap opera. Careful S. was there too, fiddling with a rubix cube.

“You guys wanna play soccer?” He asked.

“I’m down with that,” Smart S. shrugged. He turned to Sweet S. “Tell me who the murderer is at the end!”

“Mm,” Sweet S. nodded a little, most of her attention still on the screen.

“Hey Careful S, how about you?” Happy S. poked his head. Careful S. sighed and pocketed his rubix cube.

Might as well join. It was easier to give in anyways.

“We should go get Careless S,” said Smart S.

So they made their way upstairs, and Happy S. knocked on his door.

“Careless S.~? Come play soccer with us!”

The door opened with a click, and Careless S. stepped out.

He was holding a bomb.

“Soccer sounds great!” He chirped.

The other heroes gasped and stumbled back. Careless S. blinked, then realized why the others were so startled.

“Ooh, are you guys worried about this? Well, don’t worry, this is an audio-bomb I’ve been working on! It’ll only start if some says 'begin detonation countdown’!” Careless S. stands there, grinning innocently.

The bomb’s timer lit up and began to tick down. The heroes began to panic.

“Turn it off! Turn it off!” Smart S. shrieked.

“Uh, uh, I forgot how!” Careless S. said, his mind pulling a blank. In a panic, he threw the bomb to Smart S, who in turn, threw it to Happy S. like a game of hot potato.

Happy S. attempted to throw the bomb to Careful S, but as soon as the bomb left his hands, Careful S. stepped to the side and teleported away, not wanting to deal with the bomb.

KABOOM

The bomb exploded, blackening the walls and taking out a part of the ceiling with it.

Sweet S. rushed upstairs in a panic.

“Guys, I heard an explosion! Is everyone-?” Sweet S. coughed and waved away the smoke in her face. She froze when she saw the extent of the damage.

For a few seconds, it was just silence.

Then Happy S. spoke up.

“Kalo’s not gonna be happy.”

—————————————-

And he wasn’t.

“I was gone for TWENTY MINUTES.” He’d said, exasperated.

The rest of the day was spent cleaning the upstairs area, redoing the wall paper, and patching the hole in the ceiling.

It was dark out by the time they had completely finished. The upstairs area was pretty much normal once they were done.

Kalo sighed for what seemed like the hundredth time that day.

Well, he thought, at least that’s over with.

Brrrrrring! Brrrrrring!

The phone rattled in its holder.

“Hello?” Kalo picked it Up. It was Doctor H.

“Hey Kalo! So it turns out the convention’s been canceled. Something about an important person being really sick. So I’ll actually be back sometime by tomorrow afternoon,” he said.

“Oh okay!” Kalo replied.

After hanging up, he let out a yawn and headed to bed. He said goodnight to Careful S, tucked himself in, and rolled over.

What a day, Kalo thought. At least I’m not gonna have to deal with a week of this.

Although…

He couldn’t shake the feeling that he had forgotten something.

——————————————-

THE KITCHEN.

Kalo bolted upright in bed, this time not from any loud noise, but from the realization that he would have to practically redo the entire kitchen before Doctor H. came home.

“Careful S, wake up!” Kalo hissed through clenched teeth. Careful S.’s eyes popped open.

“What-?”

“Meet me outside the kitchen, I’m getting the others.”

After rounding up four more sleepy heroes, he began to explain the situation.

“Isn’t Doctor H. coming home five days later?” asked Careful S.

“Well, funny thing is…he’s actually coming home today. This afternoon,” Kalo said sheepishly.

Suddenly, the heroes didn’t seem so sleepy.

Kalo looked at the clock.

8:30 am

They had at least three hours and 30 minutes. Four hours if they were lucky.

“Alright, this isn’t the best situation, but if we buckle down and get to work, we can finish this,” said Kalo. “And don’t worry, I’ll order breakfast.”

———————————————-

Doctor H. stretched when he got off the taxi.

A happy sigh escaped his mouth. It felt good to be home.

He grabbed his luggage, and plodded up the stairs.

“Guys, I’m back!” He called, knocking on the door. Kalo was the one who answered the door.

“Welcome home,” he smiled. Everyone was on the couch, watching TV. It seemed everything was fine.

“I’m gonna go grab something to eat,” Doctor H. passed his luggage off to Kalo, who seemed just a little tenser than before.

He opened the fridge and scanned its contents.

Bread, cheese, ham, hmmmm…I guess I’ll make myself a sandwich.

As he made his meal, he couldn’t help but feel something was off.

“I could’ve sworn the wall paper was a darker shade of yellow.” Doctor H. thought aloud.

…

“Mm. Probably my head messing with me.”

Unbeknownst to Doctor H, Kalo had just doubled over with relief.

[buttercream-me-up]

Drinks & Pranks // Byron Langley

Word Count- 1385

Summary- De-stressing with your best friends ends a bit differently than you expected.

Warnings; N/A

A/n; Ugh, only one more day before I’m back to school.. someone end me please. Also, I got four Byron imagines in one day.. ok. Idk if I like this, but I hope someone does.

Requested; Yes, two in one, hope you both like it! (unless one person requested both, then hello, thank you, though I doubt it.. oh well.) x

req; can you do a Byron one where you've both liked eachother for a while and it takes a game of never have I ever or spin the bottle for them both to admit it

req;  hey could i request an imagine with byron (if you're not fed up with him lol)? one where the reader is a good friend of the boys (not a youtuber and not in a relationship with byron) but the fans know about her and ship her a lot with byron, then one morning joe does a prank on byron and then sees someone else laying next to him, turns out it's the reader and the fans freak out or something? sorry this is very specific you can change anything if you want!

-

You groaned as you walked into the living room of Joe’s flat, where all the boys were waiting, alcohol in hand and in a circle. “Again, really?” You asked, rubbing your head in frustration. “Yup.” Joe said, simply. “I hate you all.” You said, plopping down next to Conor and Jack. “C’mon, Y/N. You’ve been overworking yourself like crazy, you need to relax and this is how we’ve chosen to relax.” Conor said, nudging you playfully, but he had a concerned look on his face.

He wasn’t lying, you’d been having a hard time at work lately. You were falling behind, half of your co-workers had decided to take vacation all at once, and majority of the work was being passed to you, as you were the hardest working and most dedicated in your building. “Fine.” You sighed, you couldn’t resist these boys. Besides, Conor was right, you needed to loosen up.

“What game are we playing today, boys?” Joe asked, you gave him a look. “I mean.. queen and peasants!” He corrected, making you and the boys chuckle. “Never have I ever?” Oli suggested, and everyone nodded in agreement. “I’ll start.” Caspar said, sending a smirk Joe’s way. “Never have I ever kiss someone of the same gender.” He said, and Joe and Jack visibly tensed, before each grabbing a shot and downing it. (Yes, I went there. I love Joeck.) Josh and Mikey also downed a shot, but everyone knew they’d done it for a video. Joe cleared his throat. “Right, moving on, Never have I ever..”

The game progressed for awhile, questions and alcohol passing by quickly. “Alright, Y/N. Your turn.” At this point, you weren’t exactly drunk, but you were quite tipsy. That couldn’t be said for the other boys, who were all very drunk. “Never have I ever… Never have I ever called someone the wrong name while hooking up.” You smirked as every boy except one drank. “You’re all idiots.” You laughed, and Byron, who was the only one who didn’t drink, had an amused look on his face as well.

“Byron, have you even had a drink yet?” You asked, confused. He seemed completely sober. “Nope.” He said, and all the guys gawked at him; as everyone had multiple drinks and were completely smashed. “Alright, Byron. Your go, then.” You said, raising your eyebrows. “Never have I ever had sex.” Everyone looked at him wide-eyed. Joe dropped his beer bottle, Caspar screamed. “What?!” Everyone exclaimed, Conor looked personally offended. Why? Who knows, it’s drunk Conor.

“You’re kidding me, right?” You asked, and suddenly Byron burst out laughter. “Of course I’m joking, you pricks.” He said, and everyone sighed, relieved. “Oh my god, I thought I was going to have to unfriend you.” Conor slurred, and everyone looked at him oddly. “Unfriend him, Conor?” You teased, and he nodded quickly. “Yes!” He said, not noticing how what he said he didn’t make sense. “Okay, I think it’s time for bed.” You said, a bit concerned of how much alcohol Conor had consumed. He usually wasn’t a lightweight, either, so if Conor was smashed, the rest of the boys probably were too.

“Can we have a sleepover?!” Joe asked, excitedly. Yup, they were smashed, alright. “Only because I’m very worried for all of your conditions right now.” “Yayyy! I dibs the bed with Joe!” Jack said, grabbing Joe’s arm and running off, slamming the door behind them. “Okay then.” You laughed, shaking your head. You got the others situated in the living room; pillows, couches, blankets, etc. You definitely were the ‘mom’ of the group.

Once everyone was asleep, which luckily, wasn’t hard, you got up and began to grab your things. “You can stay as well, if you want.” Byron piped up, walking into the room. You turned to face him, to politely decline, but your jaw fell open and your eyes widened when you saw he was shirtless. You were pretty drunk as well, and it probably was the best to stay, and you both knew it. “I’m not sure that’s a great idea. There’s no more room in the living room, and Mikey’s already on the floor.” You said, throwing your bag over your shoulder.

“You can stay in my room, you know. I’ll stick to my side of the bed, I promise. It’s really late, and you’re obviously drunk.” He said, pointing to his room. “I wouldn’t want to intrude.” You said, rubbing the back of your neck sheepishly. “Y/N, I’d rather share a bed with you and know you’re safe rather than you go home and put yourself at risk. Besides, who said I didn’t want you in my bed?” He said, quietly. You almost choked on the air, and looked at him surprised. “Wait, no, I didn’t mean it like that.” He stuttered, and you laughed.

You opened your mouth to reply, but a yawn escaped instead. “C’mon, we can discuss this in the morning, if you remember.” Byron said, pulling you to his bedroom. You stole one of his shirts (with his permission, of course) and it hung loosely past your thighs. You climbed into the side opposite Byron, and faced the back towards him. “Goodnight, Byron.” You said, smiling to yourself. “Goodnight, Y/N.”

You were fast asleep, dreaming contently, when a blaring air horn sounded through the room. You shot up, eyes wide. “Joe!” Byron said, rubbing a hand on his face. You looked over, to see Joe, jaw dropped, holding his phone, meaning one thing. “You aren't.. livestreaming, are you?” You asked, mortified. Joe’s face said it all. “I’m so sorry..” He muttered, looking horrified at the camera. “Um, I’ll go.” He said, shutting the door behind him.

“That is not how I wanted to wake up this morning.” You groaned, and then your eyes widened. “Wait, why am I in your bed anyways, Byron!? Did anything..” You asked, surprised. Byron chuckled. “No, Y/N. You were just drunk, and had nowhere to sleep. Nothing happened, don’t worry.” You sighed, a bit relieved, yet a bit disappointed. You really liked Byron, and wouldn’t have minded waking up to that every morning.

“Well we should probably get up and clarify that little uh.. Incident.” You said, sheepishly. “Oh, yeah. Of course.” Byron cleared his throat, rolling out of bed. You threw on the pants you were wearing yesterday, staying in the shirt Byron gave you. You walked out, realizing Joe was still filming his livestream. “Hey, Joe.” You smiled, waving to the livestream comments, which instantly flooded with comments about you and Byron being adorable.

“We aren’t dating, guys.” You said, a hint of disappointment hidden in your voice. “It was just a misunderstanding. It’s a bit embarrassing to admit, but I had a few too many drinks last night, and all the boys took up all the couches and the floor, so Byron was kind enough to let me stay in his room.” You told the livestream, and checked your watch. “Crap! I’m going to be late! I gotta go, thanks for everything boys!” You cursed, grabbing your bag, which you thankfully packed last night, and ran out the door.

Byron came in shortly after you left, having gone straight to the shower. He looked around, confused. “Where’s Y/N?” He asked, rubbing his eyes slightly. “Just missed her, mate. She had to run, she was going to be late to something. Probably more work.” Joe told him, and turned back to his livestream. Byron walked over, reading the comments flying by about him and Y/N and he chuckled.

“No guys, we aren’t dating. I haven’t even asked her out, yet. Don’t get ahead of yourselves.” He winked at the livestream, grabbing an apple and walking back into his room. He left a shocked Joe and exploding viewers, excitement. “Right, well, I think this has been an eventful livestream. Thank you all so much for watching, and I’ll see you soon with another Sugg Sunday special.” He said, turning off his phone. Joe’s prank didn’t quite go to plan, but it sure as hell turned out good for the both of you, and he was satisfied with that. (He also figured, at least now he had some leverage over the two of you for future uses.)

[bts-fanfiction-9245]

“Duty to Protect” Part 10

Fluff/Angst

Jimin x reader, Jin x reader

Word count: 2, 533

You and Jimin are childhood friends, but he ends up moving away. You sign with Bighit Entertainment and are reunited. Will you too fall in love, or will you both end of falling in love with the other members?

You hadn’t really talked to Jimin since his outburst which was only 3 days ago. You had gone shopping and to the salon with Mi-Yeong though to personally get to know each other without the boys around. You learned that she was a very kind, passionate, and smart girl. Overtime, you got to know each other and became best friends.

///

(Rewind to when you two were hanging out)

You and Mi-Yeong were walking around in the mall, going from store to store. You were laughing when you started talking about your love lives. “Sooo.. do you like one of them?” Mi-Yeong said with a laugh as she nudged you. “To be honest I’m not sure, my feelings are all over the place, and I think Jimin is mad at me soo..” you said. “Oh I’m sorry, well if you need to talk, I’m always here for you,” she said with a warm smile. “Thanks, do you like one of them,” you said with a smile and nudged her back.

“To be honest, I originally fell for Jimin, but my feelings went away. I’m not sure what happened, there’s just something about Jin that’s making me fall for him,” she replied. You both laughed as you were looking at clothes in a store. “You may not know who you like but there’s one thing I know..” she said. “And what’s that,” you said as you laughed.

“Jimin likes you,” she said with excitement. You laughed as you said “no he doesn’t, he just sees me as a friend,” you said in denial. “Yes he does! I see the way he looks at you, the way he’s always there for you, and always with you!” She said. “Ehhh...I don’t see it,” you said. “AWWW COME ON ITS SO OBVIOUS!” She said as she laughed. But deep down, the world stopped, was she right? There’s no way he likes you like that, right?

“Hey, can I ask you a question?” You said. “Of course you can!” She replied. “When we went on that rollercoaster and you sat with Jimin, did you kiss him?” You asked. “Why would I do such a thing? Of course not!” You let out a sigh of relief as you grabbed your chest where your heart is. “I was right, she does like him, they’re meant to be,” Mi-Yeong thought.

Later that night you texted Jin.

You: they didn’t kiss, I asked Mi-yeong and she wouldn’t lie.

Jin: I’m so glad. Thanks for telling me.

You. You’re welcome

///

(Back to present)

Everybody was carrying in boxes into the new dorm. The company said that it was time for everyone to move in together, so you packed up your stuff all day yesterday.

It’s weird not having talked to Jimin in a while, yes it has only been a few days, and yes you didn’t see or talk to him for years. But now that you finally have him, you just can’t let go.

You were carrying a particular heavy box when suddenly Jimin comes up to you. “A princess shouldn’t carry such a heavy box, that’s the prince’s job,” he said as he takes the box out of your hands.

A smile spread across your face as Mi-Yeong passed by “told you he likes you, and I bet you like him back,” she said. “I do not,” you replied. “Your blushing and smile says otherwise,” she said as she walked away. You rolled your eyes and grabbed another box.

Hours passed and everyone was laying in the living room. “I’m so tired and hungry,” Mi-yeong whined. “I’ll go pick us up some food,” Jimin said. “And Y/N will accompany me.” Your eyes got wider with shock since you were surprised, but at the same time, your heart was beating faster. But wasn’t he mad at you? You weren’t really sure anymore.

“Ok,” you replied as you put your shoes on and exited the apartment with him. “What should we get to eat?” He asked. “Jjajangmyeon,” you replied. “Alright,” he said with a smile as he looked down at you as you walked alongside each other.

You eventually arrived at the restaurant and jimin ordered the food at the counter. “Would you like a sample of our new dish?” The employee asked. “Sure,” Jimin said with a friendly smile. The employee gave him the sample and he paid. You both sat down to wait and Jimin stabbed a piece of food and said “Try this,” as he held it up to your face. You ate it and said “mmm it takes so good.”

You waved your arms around in happiness. Jimin chuckled at your cuteness as the employee said “you two are such a cute couple!” Before you said anything Jimin replied with “thank you so much!” He had the biggest smile on his face. After you received your food you began walking back to the apartment.

Hey Jimin,” you said as he looked up at you. “Are you mad at me?” You said. “I could never be mad at you!” He replied. “Why’d you think that?” He asked. “Well when you left the karaoke all of a sudden you looked so mad at me, the look in your eyes..” you said. “I could never be mad at you, I was mad at something else,” he said as he gave you a warm smile.

“Then what were you mad about?” You asked. “Don’t worry about it, everything’s fine,” he said. “Alright,” you replied. An employee called Jimin up to get the food, so you both went up and left. As you were walking back, Jimin said “May I ask you a question?” “Go ahead,” you replied. “Are you and Jin dating?” He asked. “No, why?” You replied. Maybe Mi-Yeong was right you thought. “You two just seemed very couple-y at the karaoke place...and all your attention was on him,” he said. “Oh,” you replied. “I’m sorry that I wasn’t paying attention to you, but there’s really nothing going on between us,” you said.

“Why, are you jealous?” You jokingly said as you nudged him. “Do you want me to be jealous?” He said as he laughed, trying to dodge the question knowing that he most definitely is.

///

Sarang and Jin continued to sit on the couch exhausted. A movie was turned on and they sat close to each other. About a fourth into the movie, Sarang felt something touch her hand. She looked at Jin who was holding it while watching the movie. He glided his finger across her hand and Sarang’s heart was beating so much she thought it would explode.

She couldn’t even focus on the movie, her mind was going wild. He seemed completely unaffected. Then the door opened and they quickly let go of each other’s hands. Jimin and you came inside and brought the food over to the couch.

You all ate while watching tv and when you were done Jimin walked over to a grocery bag in the kitchen. “Do you guys want to play a game?” He asked. He bought pepero for the pepero challenge. You all looked at each other and agreed. “How should we do partners?” Jimin asked. “Girls and boys!” Sarang said. She was still losing her mind and doing the game with him would make her go crazy.

You and Sarang went first and you both were just laughing at the situation and make your pepero very short. Jimin and Jin went and were quite uncomfortable, “don’t mess this up,” Jin said. Jimin rolled his eyes. Jimin was focused on biting but Jin was freaking out and took one less bite before taking it out of his mouth. It was definitely longer than the girls.

“Let’s play again! Jin is a terrible partner,” Jimin said. “Then how should we do partners this time?” You asked. “Me and Sarang,” Jin said. Sarang’s eyes became wide and she was super nervous. She had a reason to be.

The boys celebrated in this minds with their success of partners. You and Jimin went first, you were a little nervous but not so much since it was him. You were dedicated to winning and knew this would be easy. You were both biting and Jimin took large bites. The bit off the last part just in time to have a small bit left.

It was Jin and Sarang’s turn. Sarang had never been so nervous, she just hoped that it would go well. They bit the pepero with their eyes locked. There was just a little bit left and you both stopped. One more bite and they would kiss. Jin winked at her and her eyes became wide. He took it out of their mouths and Sarang sighed with relief. “Here you go,” Jin said as he gave it to you.

“Oh my gosh it’s so short,” you said. They had won, once again just like when you all played volleyball. They were the perfect team.

It was late at night and time to go to bed. Everyone said goodnight and went to their own rooms.

Jimin POV

You laid in bed and couldn’t sleep.

You weren’t sleeping with Y/N for once, you almost always did ever since you reunited. You felt lonely but then it hit you. You wouldn’t be able to sleep together anymore, not as long as Sarang and Jin lived in the same house. It just didn’t seem possible.

You decided to watch tv until you fell asleep. But not long after, your door opened slowly and quietly. Someone tiptoed into your room. “Jimin, I- I can’t sleep,” Y/N said. You sat up as you met eyes with her. “Can I sleep with you, please,” Y/N asked. “Yeah, that’s fine, I couldn’t sleep either,” you said.

She had locked her door to her room before she came into your room so that no one would go in there and suspect anything. She locked your door so that you two wouldn’t be found as well.

She walked over to your bed and got in. She slipped her legs under the blanket and laid her head down. You did the same, laying down your head facing her. You both faced one another, staring into each other’s eyes. You didn’t know what it meant, but you didn’t want it to end.

“Jimin,” she said. “Yes?” You replied. “Will you hold me?” She said. “Yeah, of course,” he said as you began scooting closer to him. She put her head against your chest and you both wrapped your arms around each other. At last you were both able to fall asleep.

///

Sarang sat on her bed, about to go to sleep. A knock was heard on her door, she called them in. Jin opened the door and came in, closing the door. “Is there someone you need?” She said. “No, I just wanted to say goodnight,” he replied. “Oh, well goodnight,” she said. “Wait..” he exclaimed.

He walked up to you and pulled her into a hug. She was shocked but hugged him back. He pulled out of the hug and met eyes with her. Her heart was beating fast. Only he could make her feel like this. He got down close to her face, close enough to kiss her. “Goodnight,” he said. He then moved his head way and smiled at her. He left the room to go to his.

She let out a breath she was holding for a while. What just happened?

The next morning

Jin’s POV

You woke up a little bit early and went to Sarang’s room. You knocked on her door and heard nothing. You opened the door to find her still asleep. You chuckled at how cute and peaceful she looked. “Mi-Yeong, wake upp,” you said as you rubbed her back. She moved a little bit as she said “hmmm?” “Come on, I’ll make breakfast and you can choose the dish.

She began to rub her eyes and sat up. Jin sat next to her and rubbed her arm to help wake her up. She had a little trouble sleeping last night after what you did. She was sitting up but with her eyes closed. She fell back asleep and fell into your arms. You chuckled at how adorable she was.

Sarang’s POV

You fell back asleep but you weren’t laying down. Something or someone was holding you up. Whatever it was, you loved it. It was warm and soft, and it felt so, so right.

Someone rubbed your cheek to try to wake you up. It was sooo soft. You moved your head into what ever it was. You heard a chuckle and someone said “haha she’s so cute.” You slightly woke up “haha who’s cute?” You said as you giggled. “You,” he said as he pet your head.

You giggled again, not knowing what was happening since you were half asleep. “Alright come on now Mi-Yeong, you have to wake up,” he said as he detached you from his chest. On the inside you whined not being in his arms anymore. “Fine,” you said as you finally woke up completely. He smiled and said “alright go get ready, I’ll leave now,” then he exited the room.

Y/N POV

You woke up in Jimin’s arms with him still sleeping. It was so comforting. You looked at the alarm clock, it was about time for everyone to wake up. You carefully got out of his grasp. And left his room to get out before someone saw you.

You exited the room, facing the door while closing it. “What are you doing?” Sarang said. She got up a little bit earlier and you were caught. “Oh I-I was just seeing if I could borrow his toothpaste, I ran out recently and then I couldn’t find his,” you said. “Oh, well why didn’t you just tell me? You can borrow mine,” she said.

She fell for it, you gave out a sigh of relief as you followed her to her room to get the toothpaste. She handed it to you “here you go,” she said. “Thanks,” you said as you went to your room.

She had locked her door to change clothes. You put the toothpaste in your room and went back to Jimin’s room. You went inside and he was still asleep. You went over to him and shook him to wake him up. “Jiminnnnn, it’s time to wake upp,” you said. He opened his eyes and met eyes with you, instantly smiling.

“Why’d you leave?” He asked. “I didn’t want to get caught, but I still did by Sarang. I told her I needed to borrow your toothpaste and she believed me so it’s ok.” “Ohh, well, good morning,” he said as he smiled once again. “Good morning,” you said as you smiled back at him. “Alright now get up and go get ready, we have to go record,” you told him. “Okay fine,” he said as he rubbed his eye tiredly. As he sat up, he pulled you into a hug. He let go and met his eyes with yours. “Alright, we need to get ready,” he said. You nodded and left his room.

“Duty to Protect” Masterlist

[reedusdixonfictionaddiction]

The Summer in Georgia

Chapter 34. Fear and Forgiveness

Rick called Hershel late that night. He told him what happened and said that Isabella wasn’t sleeping well. She had been having night terrors throughout the night. She’d toss and turn and cry out in her sleep. Things like; ‘please don’t leave me’, ‘I’ll be good, I promise’, and ‘please come back’. No one knew what she was talking about. Daryl assumed it had something to do with the reason she ended up in the hospital after her parents died. So, Hershel came over to examine her. He found that her heartrate was elevated and that she was cold and clammy. He told Daryl and Rick not to wake her while she was having the nightmare, just be there to hold her and maybe whisper some comforting things in her ear. He packed up his medical bag and asked Daryl to follow him to the door.

When they reached the foyer, Hershel began to lecture him on the dangers of someone withholding necessary medication. He told Daryl that as severe as her panic attacks were, she should have never been left with her prescription, especially while being alone, with no one to help her through it. He explained that her doctor had her on Xanax for a reason and that they witnessed firsthand what that reason was. He told both Rick and Daryl that the outcome could’ve been far worse and that they were lucky. Hershel said, she should be all right physically by morning, but emotionally, it may take a day or so for her to calm down and regroup. He wished that he knew more about what caused the panic attacks and the nightmares, he said, if he knew, he could maybe help a little better. Lastly, he told Daryl to never do that again and that he’d better come up with a good reason to explain to Isabella as to why he had taken her medication and why she had to suffer, so needlessly. He said, he hoped Daryl learned his lesson and that if there were any changes to call him and he’d come back over. He said, ‘goodnight’ and left.

After Hershel left, Rick started in on him. He told him that he should have been made aware of her problems and that she was on the medication. He wasn’t judging her, he just said that if something like that happened when he was home, he’d know the best way to take care of her. He told Daryl that it was completely irresponsible of him to take the pills in the first place, no matter what the reason was. Rick was worried sick about her, Charlie was still there and he was worried, as well. Daryl was beside himself, he felt guilt like he had never felt before. He was terrified to tell her that he had her medication and that she had to suffer because of him. She would surely dump him after this. He just knew it. He wanted to go back in time to that night and do everything all over again. That night was cursed.

Isabella finally quit dreaming and she settled into a peaceful sleep. She slept most of the next day, Daryl kept checking her pulse and it seemed like it was leveling out, but she was still cold and clammy. He sat with her and dabbed a cool washcloth over her forehead and her neck, wiping away the perspiration. Her shirt was cold and wet, so he took it off her and helped her into another tank top. He stayed with her every minute, all night and all the next day. He might have slept an hour or two at the most. Rick had to go to work the following afternoon, so he left Daryl there alone. He told Daryl not to hesitate to call him if he needed him for any reason. He said, to keep his phone near, because he would be calling every hour to check in on her.

Daryl laid on the bed watching her sleep. His mind was working overtime, trying to find a way to tell her what happened. He’d never been so afraid in his life. He was riddled with guilt, not just because of this, but still from the things he’d put her through the night of the dance and then there was his jaunt with Crystal. He thought about how stupid he was, not just trying to hook up with another girl, but her specifically. He could never let Isabella find out about that. Daryl thought about lying and telling Isabella that she had left her pills in his truck, or maybe act like he found them in the bathroom once the power came back on, but he couldn’t do that. He’d already lied to her about being with another girl, he didn’t want this to become a habit. Besides, lying would make him a coward and that was something he was not. So, he just waited for her to wake up, so he could plead his case and beg her to forgive him.

He’d really let her down. She was sweet and naïve, he liked the idea of being her protector, keeping her safe from harm’s way. She depended on him to keep her safe and he’d failed. He was a bundle of nerves; his stomach was twisted in knots and his heart was racing a mile a minute. He laughed to himself because the first thing he’d thought of was doing a shot to help relax him. God, he was pathetic. Around 4:30 in the afternoon, Isabella started to stir. She opened her eyes and just lay there staring up at the ceiling, like she was in a trance. Then her eyes weld up with tears and she began to cry quietly. Daryl sat down on the bed and asked how she was. Which, was stupid because she was crying. He felt stupid, but he didn’t know what else to do. He reached out and brushed her hair back away from her face.

“Hey, ya’ ok?” He asked.

Isabella wiped her tears and rolled over on her side, facing him. She reached out and grabbed his hand and pulled it to her face. She nuzzled against and kissed the back of it.

“Are ya’ ok? Can I get ya’ anything, are ya’ thirsty. Here.” He said, picking up a glass of water with a straw in it. He held it out to her and she sat up and drank the whole glass.

“I have to go to the bathroom.” She said and tried to get out of bed, but she was a little shaky, so Daryl helper to the door.

He waited outside the door for her to come back. When she came out, he helped her back to the bed.

“What happened?” Isabella asked with a hoarse voice.

Daryl didn’t know what to say, where did he begin.

“You don’t remember anything?” Daryl asked.

“Yes.” She said as she started to cry again. “I was so afraid and you weren’t here. Where were you?”

“I tried calling you for hours, but your phone was dead.”

“I fell asleep, playing music. I guess it drained the battery. There was a loud crash and I woke up. It was pitch black in here.” She explained. “Can I have some more water, please?”

Daryl got her some more water. “How do ya’ feel, now? Do ya’ feel ok?” He asked.

She shrugged her shoulders. “I feel worn out and I feel like something bad happened. I just can’t remember the details. Where was I when you got home? Was the power still off?”

“Yeah, it was still out. I found ya’ in the closet. Ya’ hid in there, you were crying and scared. So, I pulled ya’ out and hugged ya’. Then ya’ calmed down, so I put ya’ in bed.”

“I couldn’t find my pills, but I guess you found them.” She said, pointing to the pill bottle on the nightstand. “Did you give me one? Is that why I calmed down? Was I really bad?”

“Yeah, I gave ya’ one, it took a little bit, but ya’ finally calmed down and went ta’ sleep. Ya’ had nightmares all night long, though. I was worried about ya’.”

“I’m sorry you had to see me like that. I’m sorry I put you through that, I’m so embarrassed.” Isabella sniffled.

‘God!’ He thought. “She’s sorry for what she put me through. Me?’ Daryl felt like an ass. “I gotta’ tell ya’ somethin’, but I don’t want ya’ to hate me. I did somethin’ real bad, I didn’t mean to. I was just worried about ya’.”

“What did you do, Daryl? I’m sure it wasn’t that bad.” Isabella assured him.

“I… Well, I… I kinda’ took yer pills. That’s why ya’ couldn’t find ‘em. I’m sorry, I’m so, so sorry! I… Fuck, I don’t know. I’m just sorry, that’s all. Please don’t hate me.”

Isabella just sat there looking at him. Daryl did something he never thought he’d do, he began to cry in front of her.

“I’m sorry! It’s all my fault. This happened to ya’, cuz a me. Please, say something. Say something, please!” Daryl cried, wiping his eyes with the back of his hand. He was shaking now and his heart felt like it was going to explode.

“Why, Daryl? Why did you take them?” Was all she said.

“Because… because I didn’t want ya’ ta’ take ‘em. I was afraid that somethin’ would happen to ya’, so I took ‘em. I took ‘em and somethin’ happened anyway. I fucked up, I know it. I… I’m sorry”

“Why didn’t you want me to take them? If I know that, I might understand why you have such a problem with me taking something I seriously need. Why, Daryl?” She asked with a stern tone.

“I… I don’t wanna’ tell ya’. I don’t want ya’ to think bad about me.” He blubbered.

“Tell me why! What was so bad, that you put me through the terror and panic I went through last night?” She demanded.

Daryl stood there with tears streaming down his face. He kept running the back of his hand across his eyes, but it wasn’t doing any good, because the tears kept coming. He wanted her to yell at him, he felt like he deserved it, but instead she calmly asked him why and now he had to tell her.

“My mom overdosed on ‘em. When I was 7, she was takin’ ‘em cuz a my dad. He didn’t know it, cuz if he did, he woulda’ killed her. She took too many and she overdosed. I seen her take ‘em, but I didn’t say nothin’ and now she’s dead. Dead! She was in bed and she was smokin’, I guess they knocked her unconscious and she dropped her cigarette and it caught the house on fire.” He was sobbing by this time. “And she died. She burned up in that house and I never saw her again.” He couldn’t catch his breath, but he kept going. “I came home from school and she was gone, just gone. Just gone.” He sobbed. “It was my fault, cuz I didn’t say nothin’. I was afraid that was gonna’ happen to you. So, I took ‘em.”

Isabella jumped out of bed and threw her arms around him and squeezed him tight. “It’s ok, Daryl. Please don’t cry. Come here, baby.” She said, pulling him to the bed. He sat down on the bed and buried his face in his hands. Isabella held on tight as she started to cry too. “It’s ok, Daryl. I’m so sorry, I’m so, so sorry. It wasn’t your fault, baby. You were only seven. It wasn’t your fault.”

“I don’t want ya’ ta’ hate me! I… I just didn’t want anything ta’ happen to ya’ and ya’ ended up gettin’ hurt anyway. I didn’t mean it, I swear! I’m sorry.” He blubbered out.

Isabella started to cry harder. He was tortured like she was, she understood his pain. Only he could remember his mom and she couldn’t even picture hers. Her heart was breaking for him. But, she still couldn’t get past the night of terror he’d put her through She wanted to ease his pain, but she could barely see past hers. Isabella felt like hell and it would have taken too much out of her to get angry at this moment, so she tried to get her wits about her and comfort him. She felt guilty because part of her was resentful. It had become all about him and she was the one who suffered. That didn’t mean her heart didn’t bleed for the burden he’d been carrying around with him for the past 20 years, but she was suffering too, from something that he’d done, again.“

I’m sure your mom didn’t mean to take too many. Maybe she was just feeling really bad that day and she forgot how many she took. I’m so sorry you had to go through that.” She said, softly brushing the hair out of his eyes. “Come on, let’s lay down. I want to put my arms around you.”

Daryl laid down on the bed, he’d stopped bawling, now he was just whimpering. Isabella laid down beside him, he rolled into her and buried his face in her chest. She just held him and stroked his hair softly and let him cry it out. He held on to her tightly and prayed she’d never let him go.

“I’m so sorry, rabbit. I’m sorry I hurt ya’, I’m sorry I hurt ya’ the other night and I’m sorry I hurt ya’ last night. I keep fuckin’ up and yer probably gonna’ dump me. I’m so sorry.”

“Shhh… I’m know your sorry, Daryl. I know you meant well and you were worried about me and you had good reason to be. And I’m not mad at you about the other night. I understand that too. You’re a good man. You have a wonderful heart. A big, big heart and I know you don’t mean to hurt me, but the thing is, you do.” She explained. “and I don’t know how much more I can take.”

“Please, just forgive me this time and I promise, I’ll never hurt ya’ again. I’ve been really stupid. I don’t know what I’m doin’, I ain’t never cared about no one before and I think I’m doin’ shit right, but then it turns out, I’m doin’ it wrong. Can ya’ please just give me another chance, I’ll get better, I know I will.” Daryl pleaded

Just then his phone rang.

“It must be Rick. He’s been callin’every hour, checkin’ in on ya’. We were all so worried about ya’. I better get that.” He said, answering his phone.

Daryl told Rick that she had woken up and that she was going to be ok. Rick was relieved. He told Daryl to give her his love and that he’d see her tomorrow and he hung up. Daryl laid back down on the bed and put his arms around Isabella. She was still trembling and cold and clammy.

“Yer shakin’. I thought ya’ said you was ok.” Daryl said concerned.

“I’m ok, but my nerves are still a mess. It’ll take me a little while to calm completely down. I’m just a little frazzled still, but I’m fine. I promise.” She assured him.

“But why ya’ shakin’ still if ya’ took that pill. Ain’t that supposed ta’ calm ya’ down?” He questioned.

“Yes, but if I wait too long, by the time I take one, I’m already too far gone. That’s what happened last night. I’ll take a warm bath in a little while and that will probably relax me a bit.”

“Ok, why don’t ya’ just lay down here for now. Get under the covers…” He said, pulling the covers over her. “and I’ll make ya’ somethin’ ta’ eat. Ya’ want some soup or I can throw somethin’ in the microwave. Ya’ got them little Stouffer’s mac and cheeses that ya’ like. Ya’ want that?” He asked sweetly.

“Ok, I’ll have some mac and cheese and can you cook… “

Daryl cut in with a smile. “Cook it ‘till it’s crispy around the edges? I know how ya’ like it, rabbit. I’ll go do it now. Ya’ want a ginger ale?” He asked.

“Yes, please.”

Daryl went off to the kitchen to make her food, he popped the dinner into the microwave and brought her the drink, with a straw, of course. He laid down beside her and ran his fingers up and down her arm. She was so forgiving, she always understood things and she could always find a way to smile, even after he’d put her through hell. He wasn’t going to fuck up anymore. Everything was out in the open now. His scars, his mom, him taken the pills from her, there were no more secrets. He thought, then he remembered Crystal, but there was no way she would find out about that. The microwave went off and he went and got her dinner. Rick had a wicker bed tray, so he served it on that. She was starving.

“Ya’ know them clothes I left over here the other day? Did ya’ clean ‘em by any chance?” Daryl asked her.

“Uh huh, why?”

“I was gonna’ take a shower, while yer eatin’.” He explained.

She told him they were folded in the laundry room. So, he went and got them and headed into the shower. When she finished eating, she put the tray down on the floor and climbed back into bed. She felt week and her head was a little foggy. Visions of the night before were flashing through her mind. She felt panicked, she grabbed her stuffed monkey and hunkered down into the blankets. Isabella shut her eyes tight and tried to block out the fear. She focused on happy thoughts, she focused on their possible upcoming camping trip. She was trembling and her heart was racing, so she took some deep breaths and tried to relax. Daryl was out in no time. He smelled so good, so fresh, and clean. She decided she was going to take a bath, hoping that would relax her and it did. When she got out, she felt a little woozy and had to sit down on the edge of the tub for a minute. Once she’d got her bearings, she dried off and slipped on a little flowered, cotton nightgown. She noticed that things were out of place on her vanity, somethings even broken, then she remembered throwing things about last night, looking for her pills. She sprayed on some perfume and went out to find Daryl laying in the bed with his eyes closed.

“Are you asleep?” She asked quietly.

He moved and opened his eyes. “Nah, I was just layin’ here thinkin’.”

“Thank you for cleaning up my things in the bathroom. I appreciate it.”

“It’s no big deal. Ya’ cleaned up after me, right? And I threw up on you.” He laughed.

“Yes, you did.” She laughed back. “Did you sleep at all last night?” She asked.

“Nah, I was up lookin’ after you.”

“I still feel a little out of it, do you want to take a nap with me?” She asked him.

“Yeah, definitely! I’m gonna’ take me pants off, ok? But, I won’t if ya’ don’t want me too.”

She giggled. “That’s fine. I was wondering when I’d finally get you out of your pants.”

Daryl laughed and took his pants off and climbed in bed. Isabella climbed in next to him. He spooned up against her, she smelled so good, her skin was so soft. It made him feel dizzy. They both relaxed into each other and closed their eyes.

“Rabbit?”

“Yes?”

“Do ya’ think I’m a pussy, cuz I cried in front of ya’?”

“Of course, not, why would you ever think that. Oh, my gosh, no!”

“I cried when my mom died and my dad called me a pussy. I ain’t never cried since, until last night.”

“Your dad is dead and gone, Daryl. He has far too much power over you. Crying doesn’t make you a pussy, showing emotion doesn’t make you a pussy. Not communicating, keeping things bottled up, taking the easy way out. That’s a pussy. I could never think about you that way. I’m sorry you had to go through what you did. It’ hurts my heart to think about what you suffered through. I’d kill your dad if he was alive today. I would, I’d kill him dead.”

“You’d have to get in line.” He closed his eyes again and squeezed her tight.

“Daryl?” Isabella said softly.

“Huh?” Daryl answered.

“I’m really mad at you.” She said.

“I know.” He said with a heavy heart.

“When I feel better, we’re going to have to have a serious talk. Ok?”

“Ok!”

“Goodnight, Daryl.” Isabella whispered.

“Night, rabbit.”

He thought about what she said, about going through what he did. He remembered her nightmares and the things she’d said. She went through something too. Something that filled her with fear. When she finally faced it, would she be able to forgive who ever hurt her or would they continue to have power over her, like his father did him. He hoped that she’d confide in him one day, he wanted to know who or what traumatized her. He wanted to know, because he wanted to even the score. He squeezed her again and kissed her shoulder. She sighed and they both drifted off.