#people hardly even bother saying goodbye when they leave the office. THEY JUST LEAVE

[mummer]

guys i hate to admit this but i just realized that i have to get up and go to work tomorrow and keep doing that every day after that forever.

[telekineticseance]

BRAVEST FACE

pairing: matt stone x f! assistant reader

summary: matt invites you to go on a mini vacation (fifth part to circumstances)

genre: fluff

word count: 1026

cw: legal age gap although nothing happens....yet

author's note: i’m sorry

if you haven't read the first part check it out here: "CIRCUMSTANCES"

It was now Thursday, despite it being apart of your job, you and Matt would hardly say a word to each other when you'd go into the office. He would just give you a list of things to do in exchange for his coffee, and then when you were finished, he'd send you home. Normally when he'd send you home you'd object but it was different now. Anytime you exchanged glances, the kiss would replay in your mind. The feeling of his lips against yours.

You sat on your couch, watching some random show from Netflix you decided to put on. You just started it and weren't paying much attention because all you could think about was Matt. He kissed you. That was the key thought through all of this. You had thought about kissing him, but he was the one who kissed you. Who knows what could've happened if Trey hadn't knocked on the door?

You jumped from the sound of your phone ringing as you looked down to see the called ID was the man himself. You hovered your finger over the answer option, knowing it could be important but could you bring yourself to have a conversation?

You slowly answered and lifted the phone to your ear, "Hello?" Matt let out a small sigh from the other end before speaking up, "I have a business trip to go on. I need you to come with me."

Your eyes widened softly at his comment, expecting him to at least say something. "A business trip? Where?"

"Colorado. Trey and I have to go to Casa Bonita for a soft opening event. It's kind of like a test opening with just a few people. Most of the crew will go, but I wanted you to go. With me."

"With you?" You repeated the words to him, and he chuckled slightly, "Not with me. But like with me."

Your voice dropped a little bit with disappointment but you tried to mask it, "Oh yeah. Um..yeah I can do that. It's my job after all." You sat up more straight on the couch, pausing the show on the TV before Matt started talking again, "Okay well..be ready by 8am tomorrow morning. The opening is tomorrow night and we're leaving the day after that. But I wanted to give you time to do a little sight seeing and maybe some shopping before we went to the opening. If that works for you?"

You nodded before responding, "Yeah that sounds good. I'll meet you at the airport by 8?"

"No it's alright. I can come get you if you're okay with that."

"Yeah that's fine. I'll be ready by 8 then."

He said his goodbye before hanging up, the silence resonating in the room. You didn't know how you could handle being on a plane with him for a few hours, and you especially didn't know how you would handle going to an event with him, and everyone from the office as well. But the best you could do was put on a brave face and do your job. Right?

———

The next morning you finished packing up the last few things you needed before receiving a text from Matt saying he had arrived right at 8. You took a deep breath as you looked one last time in the mirror before grabbing your small duffel bag and leaving the apartment, locking the door behind you. You took the elevator down to the bottom floor and walked slowly to Matt’s car, each step feeling heavier as you got closer. When you arrived at the car, Matt was waiting outside with the trunk open, and helped you put your bag next to his before you both got into the car.

The car ride to the airport was quiet, and the air felt so heavy you thought you were going to choke. It was even worse than the night Matt picked you up from the bar. At least while you were riding in silence he was glancing at you, now he just kept his eyes on the road as he held the wheel with both hands, not even bothering to drum his fingers to the music. You took a deep breath, hesitating to speak, break the silence, maybe just get the air cleared before you arrived at the airport. Maybe fix things.

“Are we going to talk about what happened?” You squeaked out, barely making it above a whisper. Matt glanced at you before turning down the music, “Hm?”

“Are we. Going to talk. About what happened?” You asked, louder now. Matt thought for a moment, keeping his eyes on the road, his fists tightening slightly on the wheel, “What do you mean?”

Your eyes widened slightly at his question, “What do you mean ‘what do I mean’? Are we gonna talk about Monday? What happened on Monday?”

Matt shrugged, “I don’t know what you mean. When you got sick and had to leave early?” He told you, continuing to stare forward at the road ahead. You felt your stomach drop to your ass as he said this, he wasn’t actually serious was he?

“What do you mean I got sick?”

He chuckled slightly, “Well you were looking at the paperwork, and then Trey came in, and then you said you weren’t feeling well and left.” He glanced over at you, his face serious.

“So nothing happened between us?” You asked, not believing what he was saying. He fucking kissed you, and now he’s acting as if nothing happened. Like his tongue wasn’t down your throat. Like it was something you should forget about.

He’s shook his head while shrugging and you frowned slightly before turning to look out the window, placing your fingers against your lips softly, “Oh.”

You kept silent as you continued to ride to the airport with Matt, his music continuing in the background. You didn't know what to say or what to do. He was acting as if the kiss didn't happen and despite how much you wish you could've done the same, you couldn't. You just...couldn't.

updated a/n: next part

[runningfrom2am]

on the one screen in my town: four

summary:

mason’s life with drew was absolutely perfect, she was happier than ever; until everything came crashing down all at once.

tags/warnings:

drew starkey x fem!popstar!oc, drug and alcohol use, addiction, death, grief, these tags are not exhaustive, idk i'll add to this as it goes on.

wc: 1.9k

disclaimer!!: this part contains a song which i DID NOT WRITE** this is an amazing song by my mother, taylor swift, called “bigger than the whole sky” (i’ll link it here) so yeah i’m NOT claiming to have come up with the lyrics or any of the song AT ALL it just fit the vibes and this is all for fun :)

series masterlist

masterlists

Drew hears the echoing of their piano through the halls of their Charleston house as he sits in his office, trying to finalize all the legal documents and contracts of vendors for their wedding. It's hard when the wedding has been postponed, many of their deposits no longer valid. Not that it matters to him much, but it would be nice to be able to give them a solid date to stick to.

He sighs as he gets up, tiptoeing down the hall, careful not to step on any creaky floorboards as he gets closer to the music. He presses his back to the wall, wanting to listen without bothering Mason. He peeks inside, and the room is in the state it's been for months- papers and blankets everywhere, clothes and abandoned coffee mugs scattered on every imaginable surface. Her "writers cave", as she had jokingly called it before, now looks just as depressing as it sounds.

"Did some bird flap its wings over in Asia?"

He hears the soft tones of her voice now that he's close enough. She was singing so quiet he could hardly pick it up over the sound of the piano, even being so close.

"Did some force take you because I didn't pray..."

The song Mason wrote in the wake of her breakup with Brady all those years ago has now taken on an entirely different meaning for both of them. Drew can hear the shakiness in her voice, the lyrics just slow and torturous enough to leave her attached to the words. Her mother has been gone for months now, and she is doing better with her grief, but Drew can't help but feel like he's mourning not just the woman who would have been his mother-in-law, but also the woman who was meant to be his wife.

It's a beautiful song, and it does take Drew a minute to wrack his mind for its title, placing a weight in his chest when he remembers just as Mason reaches the chorus.

"Goodbye, goodbye, goodbye. You were bigger than the whole sky..."

She plays it slower, pushing the keys down harder, more frustrated that she couldn't get the notes just right as her voice shakes, and more frustrated that the association of the song has changed at all. Drew jumps as she slams her hands on the keys, swiping the sheet music onto the floor and turning on the bench. She freezes when she sees him in the doorway, no longer trying to hide. "Honey, hi.." She sighs, standing up and plastering on a smile.

"Frustrated?" He asks, gesturing to the papers scattered across the floor. He knew she didn't need them when she played, he wondered why they were even there.

"Yeah, sorry." Mason chuckles, walking up to him and sliding her arms around his waist in a hug.

"That's okay." He says softly, planting a kiss on the top of her head as he hugs her back. "We've got that dinner and party tonight, are you sure you want to go?."

"I want to go." Mason insists. It's a casual get together with Drew's OBX cast mates, and they promised they would go. It will be the first time he's seen them since the series finished filming relatively recently, and Mason wouldn't want to take that from him. "Besides, I feel like I'm rotting away in this room. I've got to get out." She chuckles, looking around at the messy space.

"Alright. We don't have to stay long, just make an appearance and talk to a few people and then we'll come back, yeah?" Drew says, not wanting to push her, but he does really want her to go, to get out and see their friends who he knows she's very comfortable with. After all, him and Este have been planning this night for a month now.

Mason nods a little against his chest, pulling out of his arms and gently patting his shoulder as she brushes past him, going to start getting ready.

She's eased herself back into events and public appearances slowly, understanding that life must go on- somehow. Especially when she has so many people waiting on her, looking up to her, even if they've kept what happened almost totally private. Besides their close friends and family, including their friends on the cast- which is the only thing Mason is dreading about this.

"I'm scared they're going to be weird." She says to her fiancé as he drives them towards the restaurant.

"What do you mean?" He asks, tilting his head a little bit as he focusses on the road, one hand on her thigh in the passengers seat.

"I haven't seen them since before mom passed- I just don't want things to be like... different. I don't know." Mason sighs.

"They'll be fine." Drew assured her. "Besides, if you're even a little bit uncomfortable, we'll leave. Just tell me and we'll go, okay?"

Mason nods, swallowing as they pull up to the building. At least it's her favourite restaurant, and she knows she can have her favourite food, if nothing else good comes from the night. They park in the back lot, ready to go in through the back door of the space which is closed to the public for the night. She hops out and grabs her bag from the floor of the vehicle, along with a few gift bags she put together for everyone in the main cast. She couldn't make it to the official wrap party, so she wanted to say congratulations to them all while she had everyone in one place.

Drew wraps his arm around her shoulder as they walk up to the building, giving her a gentle squeeze as the door is opened for them and they walk in. It's dark, and quiet, and Mason chuckles a little in confusion as Drew leaves her side, and suddenly the colourful lights flick on- giving the girl a semblance of vision in the previously pitch black restaurant.

"Happy birthday Mason!" A cheering fills her ears as she processes all their friends standing in front of them as all the tables are cleared. A smile crossed her face and she laughs, shocked too see that this is all for her.

"Happy birthday, love." Drew is with her again, reaching for the bags in her arms. "Here, let me take these..." As soon as her arms are free there's someone throwing their arms around her shoulders.

"It's not even my birthday." Mason chuckles, hugging her best friend back.

"Oh please, it's close enough, Mace." Este replies, rubbing her back. "We just love you, and want you to feel celebrated."

"Thank you, Este." She whispered, pulling away carefully with a weak smile on her face. There was only a few days before her birthday, and she had completely pushed the idea of it out of her mind.

"Now, come on, let's get you a drink!" Este is quickly ushering Mason along, not wanting to give her a chance to overthink anything.

Drew chuckles as they quickly walk off, placing the bags of gifts for his cast mates on a table pushed up against the wall.

"Drew." Madelyn grabs his attention and he turns around to look at her.

"Hey, Mads, how are you?" He smiles, giving her a quick hug.

"I'm good! Thank you for inviting us." She smiles, resting a hand on his shoulder. "How are you doing?"

"Uh, I'm good! Yeah. Everything's great. Well, good. We're going day by day." He shrugs, knowing what she was really asking.

"Good. That's really the best you can do." Madelyn nods, looking over her shoulder at Mason and Este at the bar. "Is Mace doing okay? I've reached out but she doesn't want to talk much."

Drew sighs as he follows her eyes over to his fiancé. "Yeah, I mean, she doesn't want to talk to anyone these days. Please, don't take it personally."

"No, no of course not. That's what I assumed." Madelyn nods, watching as JD and Rudy greeted Mason with a hug, careful of the drink in her hand. "If I can ask, any updates on the wedding?"

Drew shakes his head, looking down now. "Not really. She just wants to keep pushing it back and back."

Madelyn furrows her brow, detecting the frustration hidden in his tone, even with his slightly half-hearted laugh. "She'll be ready one day- but I get it. I couldn't imagine having to plan a wedding without my mom. Forget standing there on the best day of my life knowing my mom isn't there to celebrate with me." She frowns, shaking her head just at the idea of it. "Just, be patient with her."

"I know..." Drew agrees quietly. "I'm trying, truly."

"She's lucky to have you." Madelyn smiles at him, patting his shoulder again.

At that, she walks off to greet Mason, watching her words carefully and trying to be as normal as possible. Este made it so clear to the group before the couple arrived that they need to be mindful about what they say about her mom. After all, they had all written up and signed a card for her when they first heard the news, so follow-up conversation about the topic at her birthday party was hardly necessary.

Mason was quick to hand out the gifts she brought for everyone, and after she opened all of hers, Drew had them sent out to the car while they said their goodbyes. Mason had fun the last couple hours, but just wanted to get home by this point.

They step outside, and unfortunately are greeted by cameras flashing at them from the outside of the makeshift barricade.

"Mason! Did you call off the engagement?" Someone shouts, and she just shakes her head, keeping it down as they beeline for their vehicle.

"Mason! How are you coping with your moms death?" A different voice yells, seemingly upset that they're all just being ignored.

"Just get in the car." Drew mumbles to her, keeping his arm protectively around her side until he could open the door for her, quickly closing it.

"Drew! Does it bother you that she keeps moving the wedding?" He tries to ignore all the shouting as he makes it to the drivers side.

"Drew, are you feeling lucky you won't have to put up with a mother-in-law?" The follow up question comes and he snaps, slamming the door he had just opened to get in and pacing angrily over to the photographer.

"Hey! Watch your mouth or you'll never sell another picture again- hear me?" He shouts, getting up in their face as cameras flash at him from seemingly every direction. "Leave us alone- I swear you'll regret it if you don't."

He shakes out his clenched fist and turns to walk away, not wanting to make more of a scene than he already has. He's quick to get in the vehicle and slam the door again, quickly turning it on as Mason hides the tears streaming down her face with one of the gift bags.

Security blocks off the group of people so they could exit safely, driving home to escape reality for a while again.

taglist: @bookishbabyyy @madelynie, @whore-4-drewstarkey, @slut4drudy, @winterrrnight, @totalswag, @sadfury @fullfledgedemo @rafemotherfuckingcameron, @urfaveluvr, @alimaythings, @chenslucy, @s-we-e-t-t-ea, @tahliac11, @ragingsammie, @suzyheartsrafe, @dee127

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[niall-is-my-dream]

Addicted to You - Part Fifteen

Catch up below and thanks for reading! Em

https://niall-is-my-dream.tumblr.com/post/666267291647950848/addicted-to-you-masterlist

The shops not far from your office were quiet now that the summer holidays were over and people had enjoyed a summer break. Everyone was back at work and kids were back at school. You'd snuck out for an early lunch, avoiding Niall's eye as you left the office at barely noon. You knew he had been looking in your direction from across the office as you left.

But you had been avoiding work this morning and had been browsing the internet for a gift for him. You'd found a gorgeous watch in a jewellers that you knew had a store just a ten minute walk from work. A quick call to the store and they confirmed they had the watch in stock.

You made it there and back via the deli in 40 minutes. You'd have to eat while working, you had hardly done a thing this morning. Procrastinating had the been the name of the game. Emails had barely been touched and your mind had wandered between thoughts of Niall, his birthday and possible time away and the impending court case with Calvin.

Niall knocked on your door not even 5 minutes after you'd sat down at your desk.

"Come in." You said after you made sure the gift was tucked away in your handbag and couldn't be seen.

"Hey." He asked curiously.

"Hi Ni, you ok?"

"Yeah, where did you sneak off to?!" He questioned.

"That's for me to know and you to find out!" You smiled.

"Ah ok." He said seeming to click on that it may be something to do with his birthday.

"Did you need me for something?" You asked him as you opened the wrapper of your sandwich.

"A kiss."

"Yeah? Well I'm sure I can manage that." You giggled as he leaned over and kissed you.

"Oh and Michael and Gerry said yes to having some time off." He smiled as he sat down in the chair opposite you.

"What dates?!" You said excitedly.

"The Friday the 11th through to Tuesday 15th so back to work on the Wednesday. For both of us."

"Both of us?!"

"Yep, said that everything is under control and they can spare us for a couple of extra days. Said to take another long weekend after the trial if we needed it to."

"Do they have a date for that now?" You asked shocked that it had come through so soon.

"Monday 28th."

"Of September?!"

"Yeah, Michael got a call this morning."

"Shit."

"Don't worry ok?"

"No, I'm ok. Just shocked it's come through so quick. I mean I wanted this over and done with but....... "

"You thought it would be ages away?"

"Yeah, I did."

"Do you still want to go away?" He asked you nervously.

"Yeah, of course."

"Shall we look later tonight at home?"

You smiled then. Home.

"What are you smiling like that for?!"

"Just like the way you called it home." You replied.

"Well I've hardly been at mine! Yours does feel like home."

"Do you want to maybe...... "

There was a knock at the door. Niall looked annoyed like he knew what you were going to say, like he'd been waiting for you to bring it up.

"Come in." You called out.

"Hey, am I interrupting?" Jack asked.

"No, not at all." You replied. Niall was still sitting in the chair in front of your desk while you had your sandwich in front of you ready to the eaten. You hadn't been doing anything you shouldn't have, but you were glad it didn't look a bit suspect that you had.

"Just wanted to ask you about the PGR Developments contract but I can call back after lunch if you'd like?"

"Would that be ok if you could? I'm bloody starving."

Both he and Niall laughed.

"Sure. I'm meeting Alex at 1 for lunch but anytime after 2 is fine."

"That's fine lovely. Just swing by here when you're back. I don't have any meetings this afternoon." You replied.

"Great thanks! Won't take long, just a couple of questions."

"It's no bother."

"I'll leave you to your lunch." He said before saying goodbye and leaving.

You picked up your sandwich and took a massive bite.

"Oh that is so good." You moaned your mouth full of the sandwich filled with Italian meats and peppery rocket salad.

"You ok there love?" Niall smirked.

"Shut up, I didn't have anything other than that coffee this morning and I'm starving." You said defensively.

"And you had quite the workout last night." He replied with a wink.

"Oh look at you stroking your ego!" You laughed.

"Don't start talking about stroking stuff!"

"Niall!"

"I know I know we have to behave at work."

You took another bite of your sandwich, shaking your head at Niall's smutty comment.

"Right, I'll leave you to eat your lunch." He said standing up.

"See you later Ni, love you."

"Love you to." He smiled as he left your office.

---------

"So I think that's everything I needed for the PGR Developments Account. We have a meeting with them scheduled for Monday the 14th." Jack said as you sat in your office that afternoon.

"I'm going to need to change that if possible?"

"Let me have a quick look." He replied as he tapped on his laptop obviously looking at his diary. "How about the Tuesday at 10am?"

"We won't be back in the office till the Wednesday." You said without even thinking.

"Oh who's we?! A certain Irish Chief Operations Officer?!" Jack smirked.

"No." You quickly replied.

"Oh come off it Jessica!"

"I have no idea what you're talking about?" You said trying to keep your face neutral.

"You arrive in the same car every morning and leave in the same car at the end of the day. He's always and I mean is always checking you out in meetings. Plus your face is bright red right now."

You could indeed feel your face warming up at being quizzed by Jack.

"Ok ok, just don't say anything to anyone."

"Everyone already knows!"

"Have people been gossiping?!" You said your head landing in your hands.

"Not gossiping, just discussing. And to be honest sweetheart he is gorgeous so I wouldn't blame you!"

"Jack!"

"He is and that accent! Oooff! Bet it sounds amazing first thing in the morning, all husky and sexy!"

"I....I um......" You mumbled. "I can't believe you just said that!"

"It does though doesn't it?! Alex has a Scottish accent and he sounds absolutely divine in the morning!" He giggled.

You loved Jack, he was the person in the office that you were friendliest with. He often dropped by your office for a meeting and stayed for lunch. He and his fiance Alex were planning a winter wedding.

"So, where is he taking you?" Jack asked.

"Well, it's his birthday so technically I'll be taking him somewhere. Just not sure where yet. Also I got him his gift today."

"Ooohhh that did you get him?"

You reached down to your handbag under the desk and took out the box with the watch in it.

"Do you think he will like it?" You asked Jack as you opened the box to show him the Hugo Boss watch that you'd selected for him.

"Wow! Yes he will! Let me ask you something, were you and Niall together at University?"

"Why do you ask that?" You replied.

"Because this isn't something you'd buy someone you'd literally just started seeing. It looks ridiculously expensive."

"We were together for basically two and a half years at University." You admitted.

"This is like something out of a fucking Disney movie!" He exclaimed.

"What? How?" You asked him confused.

"Two young lovers reunited all these years later!"

"Oh shut up!" You giggled. "Honestly is the gift and the 5 day break too much?"

"Five days?! Ah I love this for you both! And no it's not too much!"

"We are going to talk about where to go when we get home later."

"Home?!" He replied raising his eyebrows. "Are you guys living together?"

"Practically.....yeah..."

"I love this so much!"

You chatted with Jack over a coffee for a little while longer before wrapping up the meeting. You trusted Jack and knew he wouldn't say anything to anyone. It had been nice to discuss it with someone who didn't know your history with Niall. Who didn't know you both from when you were first together like Rachel or Ben.

--------

After a late night of wine, take away and sex you were desperate for an early night tonight.

"Shall we call in at Tesco on the way home?" Niall asked as he put on his seatbelt.

"Yeah, we need a few bits like milk." You replied.

"I don't know about you but I am exhausted. I need a quick and easy dinner, a beer and a cuddle on the sofa with you tonight." He said as he pulled up to the exit of the car park.

"Agreed."

You walked around the supermarket with Niall pushing the trolley. Things like this seemed so normal to be doing with him. You really needed to talk about moving in together properly at some point. The last few months of having him back in your life had been some of your best.

"What shall we have for dinner?" Niall asked as he wrapped one arm around you.

"Anything quick and easy."

"I love how you haven't changed at all since University." He smirked.

"What? That I'm still an amazing cook?!" You laughed.

****10 years ago****

You looked at the words in your textbook and grimaced. All the words were merging together, and your stomach rumbling wasn't helping the situation. You abandoned your books and made your way to the communal lounge and kitchen. It was empty part from Louis who seemed to be in a world of his own staring into the fridge.

"Are you hoping your dinner will just jump out of there?!" You laughed as you came up beside him placing your mug in the sink.

"Yes I bloody am, I'm starving and these finals are messing with my head."

"Same babe."

"Got literally fuck all in and I cannot be arsed to go out and get anything."

"What have you got?"

"Got some bread, cheese, butter, baked beans and something in that tub that's been in there about two weeks."

"Your fridge hygiene is questionable Tommo." You laughed.

"I know, I just forget about shit." He said opening up the tub and making a face when the foul stench hit him.

"Could have beans on toast?" You suggested.

"Had that yesterday...."

"I've got fish fingers, I'll share them if you share your bread? Fish finger butty?"

He thought for less than a second before he said "Plan!"

"Get them out the freezer and I'll turn on the oven." You said.

"Is your drawer the second one down?" He asked as he opened the freezer door.

"Yeah." You replied.

"So where's Niall tonight?" Louis asked as he opened the box.

"Went to the gym with Liam, said his brain was hurting." You scoffed.

"Yeah my brain is hurting. Been revising all day, think most of us have."

Louis put on the tv, an episode of Hollyoaks playing on Channel 4 while you got some plates out. Between you both you made some drinks and buttered your bread while you waited for the fish fingers to cook in the oven.

You were just constructing your sandwich some 20 minutes later when Niall and Liam walked into the kitchen.

"Ooohhh what you cooking?" Liam said as he came over to see what you were up to. "I'm starving."

Niall joined him by your side, his arm sneeking around your waist before placing a kiss on your cheek.

"Fish finger sandwiches?" Niall questioned.

"Yeah your girlfriend has prepared me a gourmet meal while you've been out." Louis said smirking making Niall laugh.

"Hey it's a filling and cheap student dinner, nothing wrong with that!" You said defending yourself.

"There enough for me?" Liam asked.

"Yeah lad help yourself, not for much bread left though." Louis admitted.

"That's ok, I've got some." Liam replied. "You want some Niall?"

"Yeah go on then. Let me just dump my stuff in my room."

Niall appeared again minutes later as you tucked into your sandwich.

"Niall you do know that when you and Miss Jessie here get married this is about as good as her cooking will be!" Louis said laughing and Liam smirked beside him.

"Hey I can cook, I just can't be arsed! And Niall is so much better at it!"

"That's it love, flatter his cooking skills, that's what every man wants!" Louis said laughing again.

You sat and ate together at the kitchen table while you chatted, the lull of the tv in the background. Rachel, Ben and Holly appeared from their rooms and after seeing you all eating fish finger sandwiches raided Ben's drawer in the freezer and made their own.

**********

"So, I was thinking I might ask a few estate agents to come around next week and value my flat for me?" Niall said as he unpacked the shopping with you.

"Yeah?" You replied your face neutral but inside you were beaming.

"Would that be ok?" He asked looking nervous. "I know we haven't really spoken much about making this being a permanent living arrangement, but I figured it would be a good start to see how much I could get for my place."

"No, I think that's a good idea. Would you be ok living here at mine?"

"Yeah, I mean it's closer to work and to Ben and Rachel."

"Maybe when the sale is done we could do the same with mine and choose something together?" You asked him hoping that the long term plan included buying somewhere together.

"I'd love that." He said smiling and you couldn't have been happier.

"I'd love a house with a garden instead of a balcony." You admitted.

"There's a gorgeous house in the next street from Ben and Rachel's, a renovation project that looked great potential."

"That would be amazing!" You replied. A renovation project would be so great to do, choosing everything together and starting from scratch to build a beautiful home.

"Probably be gone by the time we are in the position to buy." Niall said disappointment in his voice.

"Might not be. And we could always put both flats up for sale at the same time. I know it'll probably be stressful but better to have that stress at the same time." You replied trying to sound hopeful.

"I'll speak to some agents on Monday for us." He said smiling.

[not-all-dead]

Could you please do angsty #70 but with fluffy ending for Kya/Lin 👉👈

prompt #70 - “After everything we’ve been through, you still don’t think that I love you?”

holy bejesus this ended up long and I’m not sure how fluffy the ending is but it does get happier(?) at the end

some very depressing thoughts from Lin but no s*lf h*rm or anything

Lin sat in her office, the door locked and lights off. There was minimal light coming from her window, the blinds pulled down to hide her from view. She rested her head in her hands, wanting to cry but feeling so overwhelmed that she couldn’t bring herself to. It was hardly afternoon, but she’d already been there for six hours.

Mako and Saikhan had both come to check on her, but she’d not let either of them in. She didn’t want anyone to see her like this, didn’t want anyone to see her at all, really. She was so tired, so sick of being constantly in the spotlight. She wanted to hide, to live a quiet life in the countryside where nobody could bother her.

But at the same time, she had an impossibly strong urge to protect people. She couldn’t retire, wouldn’t retire, if her staying meant order could be kept. She was aware that her being chief wasn’t the solution to every conflict, but she’d managed to keep the city functioning well for many years.

She also knew that part of her needing to stay was because of her desire to be loved by her mother, but she ignored that aspect of it. She didn’t want to think about how little affection Toph had shown towards her, how she’d never once been proud of her. She didn’t want to acknowledge that she’d done everything right in an attempt to earn her mother’s approval, and had still failed.

There were stacks upon stacks of files and papers on her desk, all in need of completion. She stared at them, a sinking feeling in her chest. She knew she’d only feel worse if she left it until later, but she couldn’t bring herself to start. Instead, she fell into her thoughts, her body growing numb.

She thought of all the people in republic city. Of how it was her duty, her responsibility to help them no matter what. She thought of Mako, of Korra, Bolin and Asami. She thought about how she’d been a mentor to the teenagers, and how they were a responsibility to her as well. She thought of her sister and niblings, how she’d pushed them away and still had yet to reconnect. She thought of Tenzin and his kids, how they’d attached themselves to her like an aunt since they were very young. She thought of everyone in her life and those not in her life, and she thought of the guilt she felt towards them, the feeling that she’d never be enough.

She thought of Kya. She thought of how much she’d helped her through, how many times she’d come back from her travels just to be with her. She thought of the habits she’d helped her overcome. She thought of how beautiful she was, and how she’d only grown more so with age. She thought of how she was the only one who really knew her, and the only one she loved completely.

And she thought of how she’d never get that love back. She thought of how Kya would never stop travelling, and how even if she did, she’d never know how much she loved her. She thought of telling her how she felt, but pushed the thought away. She’d never have the guts to do it, and anyway, she’d never get the response she’d hope for.

She was snapped out of her head by a knock on the door. She didn’t move and said nothing, hoping whoever it was would go away on their own. She assumed it was Mako or Saikhan, but was too tired to get up to check. Several minutes went by and she didn’t hear them leave, but they didn't knock again or say anything either. Finally, Lin heard a voice from the other side.

“Lin, can I please come in?” It was Kya.

Lin still said nothing, sinking further down in her chair and using her arm as a pillow on her desk. There was quiet again and Lin expected Kya to leave, but there was still no shift outside the door.

“Lin, please,” Kya said after a long moment. “I’m worried about you. Please let me in.”

Lin waited another few minutes, but Kya still refused to move away from the door. She eventually reached out and metalbent the lock open, allowing Kya entrance.

Kya heard the click and reached for the doorknob, opening the door slowly. She peaked in and saw Lin resting on the desk before entering the room completely. She pulled the extra chair around the desk, sitting herself closely beside Lin.

“Talk to me,” Kya said softly, placing her hand on Lin’s thigh.

Lin turned her head so she was looking at Kya, still using her arm as a pillow. She stared at the older woman, face devoid of emotion. Kya stared back, concern painted across her features. Lin felt a wave of guilt crash over her, and a tear slipped down her cheek.

“I’m sorry,” She whispered, standing up from her desk and going to look out the window.

She pulled the blinds up, watching the people and cars moving below. Her arms were wrapped around her torso, hands tightly gripping her biceps. She could feel Kya’s eyes watching her and her cheeks getting wetter. The street below blurred, and when she felt a hand on her shoulder, she fought to hold back a sob.

“You have nothing to apologize for, Lin,” Kya said, rubbing her hand up and down Lin’s back.

“Please don’t,” Lin said, pulling away again.

“Don’t what?” Kya tried to turn Lin to face her, but she just moved further away.

“Don’t do what you always do. Don’t act like you care, only to leave again. I know you don’t care, but every time you come, you make it seem like you do. Every goodbye hurts more than the last. I can’t take it, especially not now,” Lin’s voice was timid, her tone unlike any Kya had heard from her before.

“Lin, I- ” Kya paused and walked over to Lin, placing her hand on Lin’s shoulder and forcing Lin to look at her.

“After everything we’ve been through, you still don’t think I love you?” A tear slipped from Kya’s eye, her heart clenching with the realization that Lin really didn’t realise how much she loved her.

Lin’s face twisted as she looked up at Kya. She wanted to believe what she was hearing, but her mind still told her that it wasn’t true, that it couldn’t be. She felt a sob build up in her throat, and when at last it broke free, she buried her head in Kya’s shoulder. Kya’s arms wrapped around her, holding her tightly as she sobbed, her own face betraying how much Lin’s anguish hurt her, too.

Lin felt hollow by the time she’d calmed down again and was no longer crying. She felt like her very soul had been pulled from her body, leaving only a shell of a person, a mind numbed of emotion. She stepped away from Kya, letting the older woman take her hands without protest.

“I’m sorry, your dress, I… ” Lin trailed off, refusing to meet Kya’s eyes.

“My dress is fine, Lin. Here, sit, would you?” Kya dragged Lin’s chair away from the desk and made her sit down.

“Listen, I can tell there’s a lot going on with you right now. You’re clearly hurting, and you need help to get through this. I’m going to do anything I can for you, and we can find others to help too if we need to. I’m not leaving this time, alright? I promise,” Kya sat in the chair beside Lin’s, taking her hands again.

Lin nodded and took a deep breath. She squeezed Kya’s hand weakly and raised her head. When their eyes met, she felt like the breath was knocked out of her, and she felt her heart rate rise. Her eyes watered again, though no tears fell, and she forced herself to speak again.

“I’m so sorry I took so long to say something, and- ”

“Lin, no. I’m sorry for being so ignorant and for making you feel the way I did. I promise from now on I’ll do anything to keep you from feeling that again,” Kya squeezed Lin’s hands.

“Thank you,” Lin said, a tiny, tired smile forming on her face.

list of prompts

[ashesandhackles]

More of where Snack came from

This is what happens when you discuss narrative parallels between them and end up creating scenes during the conversation. @thedreamermusing wrote the Sirius parts, while I wrote the Snape ones.

Here is a little AU, where Sirius lives at the end of Order of Phoenix.

When Sirius sees Lily's patronus--beautiful and graceful and almost forgotten in the years in Azkaban -- landing in the kitchen of Grimmauld place, he's mystified, remembering when James saw it for the first time. 'We're made for each other,' he'd said, spinning Lily around in his arms. Sirius reverently reaches out an arm to touch it. And then---'Black,' a silky voice made of grease and cold water says. 'Your godson is of the opinion that you aren't uselessly hiding away in your mother's house and somehow thinks that you're with the Dark Lord. Do try to prove him wrong and stay where you are.' As the patronus fades away, the only thought left in Sirius's mind is 'Motherfucker'.

..

Snape always wondered if his life was an elaborate joke. It was humiliating enough, revealing his Patronus to Black, of all people. He was dreading stepping foot in the house. It was amazing - how showing that vulnerable part of himself, that part he asked Dumbledore to swear no one must know, makes him feel like a teenager again. Powerless. Anxious. Twitchy. This is all the fault of that stupid boy - if he didn't prize that connection of his, if he had heeded what was said, he would not have been in this position. It's only luck that no one got killed for his stupidity. Luck favours everyone but him, apparently.

To Snape's horror, he was early at the headquarters. Black was sitting at the long table, reading a letter. He stilled when he entered. "Snape" Black acknowledged gruffly, without looking up. He didn't deign to respond. It was a trap - whatever it was. He wondered when that ridiculous woman would come and knock over the umbrella, so that the entire house is filled with Black's delightful mother's shrieks. There was an uncomfortable silence, broken by Black looking up at him. "So....Evans?"

Snape's insides were glacial. Don't react, don't react, don't react. He used her maiden name to get a rise out of you .. lull you into a false sense of security...

It seemed that Black was amused by his inability to respond. This made him angry. "Well, it turns out I no longer doubt your alliegances" he continued. "So what's in it for you Snivellus? Revenge?"

Snape raised his eyebrows. "Spare me your curiosity. You know as well as I do that I have no inclination to chat with you". "But I want to chat with you" Black smirked. "You see, I want to make sense of this". Snape reached for the handle of his wand instinctively. "Contrary to whatever you may believe, Black, you are not entitled to any answers and certainly not from me".

"When did you turn spy?" Black asked abruptly. "Were you the one who told Dumbledore that there was someone close to us who had betrayed us?"

Snape said nothing. He would give nothing to Black, no information about that hideous year spent fearing for her life and his own, tangled in loyalties he knew not where. "I am going to take that as a yes" Black said, his grey eyes boring into him. "Why did you do it? What really made you turn?"

"Shut up" he hissed, finally drawing his wand and flicking it into his most useful spell, Langlock. No one can know. No one, he remembered telling Dumbledore.

Black stopped speaking as his tongue got stuck to the roof of his mouth. He looked furious as he whipped out his own wand. The Order filed in just then - all looking unsurprised to see them both pointing their wands at each other. "Sirius, please" the werewolf implored. Black looked up at him angrily, but his jinx rendered him unable to say whatever was on his mind.

For the first time since he stepped into the house, the anxiety in Snape's chest eased a bit. He still had power. He was no longer that young boy - no longer. "Unfortunately for us, Black wouldn't be gracing us with his remarkable wit today," he said, stuffing his own wand back into his robes. The werewolf glared at him. He sneered. "It's quite alright, not like he has been upto anything useful recently - apart from not getting lured into the Ministry to run after his idiot of a godson. And we don't want endless reminisces of that, do we?"

..

'Fucking Snivellus,' Sirius thought furiously, hardly listening to the Order meeting. It burned--burned him to think he owed his and Harry's life to the greasy bastard, that he'd listened to the warning and stayed put, that Harry and his friends were apprehended before they went on to make a tragedy of things at the Ministry. He never would have thought Snape would be capable of such depth of emotion, that he felt so deeply for Lily. He'd known of course that they were friends of a sort in their initial years at Hogwarts, something James railed about constantly back then. But he'd never considered it important, thought Snape was a bit of a charity case for Lily. But he should have known better; Lily wasn't one to make friends out of charity. She'd seen something in him evidently, something they had all missed.

And yet, none of them had seen anything in Peter.

Sirius glares at Snape, who continues to glare back. 'Fucking greasy bat. Why couldn't you just be an enemy?' To think that Sirius had gotten it all so wrong about Peter, his brother in all but blood, the boy he'd patiently tutored through the animagus transformation, the boy who he would have died for while Snape, fucking Snivellus Snape, would end up being loyal to a friend who'd cut him off years earlier, would switch sides and save Sirius's life even--it's funny really. He's tempted to laugh, laugh like a maniac, at the absurdity, the injustice, out of grief--let out all his curled up emotions in a big hearty laugh. But then again, that hadn't worked out so well for him 15 years ago. So the only thing he can do is glare at Snape. But the familiar hatred is more unsettling now than comforting.

..

Snape couldn't help but stiffen at the prickly sensation of being watched during his meeting report. He knew without really looking that it was Black - Black trying to fish out his truth with his grey eyes, truth that he is not willing to give to him. He would leave immediately after the meeting - perhaps ask Dumbledore whether he could just give his reports in person, in his office, rather than bother coming to Headquarters. After all, the Order is hardly a democracy with Dumbledore controlling what information gets presented in his report and what remains between them. What's the difference? It's not a good idea anymore to come here. And Black will surely be prepared for his jinx next time - he can't be stupid enough to hope he will get him to shut up everytime.

So when the meeting got over, he jumped to his feet, ready to escape, when a thin hand gripped his shoulder. Snape turned around, pulling out his wand and wasn't surprised to find it pointed at Black's face.

A small, teenage part of him wanted to yell, leave me alone!

"Easy" Black said, quietly. He made no move to take out his wand. It could perhaps be the werewolf close by, watching them. "I want answers. I am grateful you saved Harry's life- and if I hadn't known what I know about you now, I would have not thought too much about this. But I want to know, Snape. I want to know what happened before they died. I want to know how many other transgressions I should be killing Wormtail for".

Snape took in the look on his face. "You want me to help with murder? Great idea Black, since I was on receiving end of your clever jokes-"

"You don't want to kill him?" Black interuppted, raising a disbelieving eyebrow. "You wanted to get me Kissed by Dementors because you thought I killed her and now-"

"I can't kill him!" Snape hissed at him.A twisted truth came tumbling out of him. He wanted to - oh, he wanted to. He went on: "Unfortunately for you, not every fight is won by smashing your way in like a moronic Gryffindor - there are things only I can do and I don't intend to put myself in any position that is dangerous to the cause".

There was a silence. "Fair enough. " Black said, stepping back. Snape thought it was safer to put his own wand back into his pocket now. "You don't kill him" Black simply said. "You help me find him".

Snape looked at him in utter disbelief. He couldn't believe him ."Didn't you just hear me? I am not risking blowing my cover. There will be a time for that and an opportunity will arise - he is no longer useful to the Dark Lord. But I don't want any eyes on me and certainly not for your schemes. Get your wolf to do it for you - at least he can plead temporary insanity".

"Leave him out of it" Black said harshly, glancing at him sitting close by. "Too late for that, isn't it?" Snape said, softly. "You involved him in the first place. What's the matter? These are your rules, I am just playing by them".

Black looked like he was praying for patience before he said what he did next. "I don't suppose you will tell me about that year". Snape sneered at him. "No, I won't. Now, goodbye Black " he whipped out of the headquarters, hoping he'd never have to step foot in it again.

.

Remus approached Sirius, a little amused. "Well, that went well. " Sirius shrugged. "I suppose. I still need him to tell me about Peter". Remus' eyes were cold. "You think he would help us?"

"He has to," Sirius said flatly. "After what Peter did to Harry in the graveyard, I am going to kill him with my bare hands if I have to".

Now if anyone wants to make this full fledged AU where they all corner Wormtail and revise their traumas and deep projections in the process, feel free to continue. XD

[cocosstories]

Pete Davidson One Shot- Jr Writer Series 2

I would love an expansion or a separate writing of flirty Pete with jr writer where you and Pete are still “casually” hooking up and you catch him flirting with another writer/cast member/co worker. This causes a fight that eventually leads to you guys confessing you want more from the “relationship” I know it’s a one shot but it would be cool.

It had been three months since that first encounter with Pete in his dressing room and the two of you had gotten into a nice rhythm.

You weren't dating, just casually hooking up, pretty much every chance you got. It was fun and with you still being new on the job, you couldn't handle anything more serious.

One day as you were heading off to a writers meeting, you see Pete with one of the other junior writers. You think nothing of it until you get closer to them.

Playful laughs and subtle touches. Most people wouldn't think anything of it but you have seen it before. You know what Pete flirting looks like and that was definitely it.

You weren't jealous or anything. You just couldn't believe he was openly flirting with this girl right where everyone could see.

"Don't you have a meeting to get to?"

You say, giving a small look to the girl then a sharp glance to Pete who seemed a bit startled by your sudden appearance.

She says her goodbyes to Pete and makes her way to the writers room leaving you and Pete standing in silence.

You scoff and begin to walk off when he gently stops you and leads you down the hall to his dressing room.

"What the hell was that?"

He asked once the two of you were out of earshot of everyone else.

"Oh I'm sorry, didn't mean to interrupt your next conquest. Just so I know, are you planning on fucking all the junior writers on staff or just a select few?"

Anger was boiling up inside you as you spoke.

"Are you jealous cause I thought this was casual. I wasn't aware we were in a full blown committed relationship here."

You scoff and roll your eyes.

"Don't flatter yourself Pete. That's not what I was saying. I just think its a little unprofessional to be flirting out in the open like that."

You compose yourself a bit despite the fact that his accusations pissed you off.

"Now if you'll excuse me, I'm late for a meeting."

Before he has the chance to stop you, you walk out the door.

You heard nothing of what was being said during the meeting, your mind still on Pete's words from before.

Jealous? Why in the hell would you be jealous? Sure, you liked Pete. You had been attracted to him since the first time you saw him on the show but you didn't want anything more than what you currently had with him.

So why did him flirting with someone else bother you so much?

You tried to shake the thoughts out of your head and focus on what was being said but you couldn't.

When the meeting was over, you got up to head back to your shared office when the girl from before stops you.

"Hey, I had no idea you and Pete were a couple. I'm sorry. I'll leave him alone."

She says and walks away before you could correct her.

Your phone dings and you see a text from Pete.

'Meet me at the diner. 10 minutes.'

You sigh, grab your coat and head to the elevator.

The diner was packed with people but you finally spot Pete at a small table in the corner and make your way over to him, is taking off your coat and sitting down.

"Look, I don't want to fight. I overreacted earlier ok? I'm not really sure why either."

You begin before he can say anything. Pete looks into your eyes, trying to read you before he finally spoke.

"I know why. I know exactly why. The same reason why I would probably react in the same way."

You give him a confused look.

"And what is that reason?"

The answer was lingering in the back of your head but you wouldn't admit it. The truth is, you did want to be with Pete, you just weren't willing to take the chance of ruining what you already had by saying it. The sex was way too good for you to scare him off with the possibility of a relationship.

"I tried to tell myself I didn't want a relationship. That I didn't need that in my life right now but the truth is, Y/N I do want to be with you."

He finally confesses. You stare in shock for a moment before the memory of him flirting with your co worker comes back into your brain.

"Yeah, really seemed like it earlier. Planning on having this conversation with her later?"

The hurt in your voice was thick as you get up and leave the diner.

"Y/N! Wait!"

Pete follows you out the door and down the street, running to catch up with you.

"Listen, this afternoon, with Y/C/N was a mistake. I'm sorry you had to see that. Fuck I'm sorry I did it. I'm not interested in her. I want you. Only you."

You look away from him, not wanting him to see the full effect of his words.

"Tell me you don't want to be with me and I will walk away right now and never bother you again. Just please look at me."

He takes your hand as you slowly look up to meet his eyes.

"Y/N, do you want to be with me?"

Pete asks, eagerness fully evident in his voice.

"Yes."

The word came out so quickly you hardly realized you had said it. Your heart was pounding as he pulled you close and kissed you deeply.

It wasn't even close to your first kiss with him but somehow it seemed different and new all the same.

"So, girlfriend, you want to go back to the diner and get some food?"

He asks as the kiss ends and you giggle.

"Sure, boyfriend, sounds great."

Pete wraps his arm around your shoulder, yours wrapping around his waist as the two of you head back to the diner for your first official date.

[kaminobiwan]

restraint

pairing: commander cody  x  reader

summary: you put Cody in his place. it just so happens to be in a chair. (or, more accurately titled ‘restrained’.)

warnings: a lil spicey, as all my tho(gh)ts about Cody are. sexual tension. the like.

a/n: dedicated to the sweetest person alive, @milliusprime​. happy birthday, shay, I love you :-) loose sequel to repreive, though I changed the reader to gender neutral. perhaps a trilogy in the making? the subtext of sub!cody be strong in this one.

taglist | masterlist | more gender-neutral fics

The next moment you get alone with him takes place on Coruscant.

You’d seen and talked to him a couple of fleeting times while on Geonosis, gotten close enough to see clearly that he hadn’t been too badly injured from the fray at Point Rain — or the mess that had been General Unduli’s rescue mission, for which you had yet to thank him properly for his instrumental role in saving your beloved assigned-Jedi.

You honestly don’t know why you still have a flat on Coruscant, given that most of your time is spent on the Tranquility or various command centers throughout the Outer Rim, but it’s times like these when you’re thankful to have a semblance of home to come back to.

Although, Cody fulfills that feeling better than any apartment ever could.

Gree had made sport of your visible enthusiasm at clocking out, lazing expertly along your desk as you closed out the rest of your tabs on the fifth datapad you’d held that day. His shift had ended hours prior, orienting the newest shinies to fill the ranks that had been lost since last shore leave. You know it’s a bittersweet feeling for him, meeting the replacements for his fallen brothers, so you let him stay whenever he seeks the company of someone who doesn’t share the face of those he’s internally mourning.

Usually that consists of him bothering you with mindless factoids of the newest fauna he’s become fixated on, but today, he’d burdened you with oversharing explicit details of his most recent passion party.

You’re closer than most officers are with their clone commanders, always have been, but your relationship had only strengthened since you’d covered for him the last time the 41st had been on Coruscant. After a rowdy night at 79’s, he’d been AWOL right until the hour before the Corps were scheduled to ship out, and you’d run into him sneaking back into the barracks covered in the bites and scratches of what had looked to be from multiple species, looking all too pleased about it.

That, and the fact that he’d managed to find out your secret relationship with his ori’vod after finding a yellow-painted vambrace in your cot after a late night of gossiping in your quarters on the Venator.

It was to your endless misfortune that Gree was as smart as he was salacious.

Gree was a good secret-keeper, though, and in exchange for not exposing him as a red-blooded slut to your General, he’d sworn to not tell anyone that you were sleeping with the revered Marshal Commander of the 212th. A tit-for-tat arrangement, on top of your friendship forged in the midst of war-borne ridiculousness and erudite pastimes.

“You know,” He’d grinned at you as you’d shrugged on your coat over your officer’s uniform, “if you and Cody ever want to add a couple people into the mix, I’ve got plenty of suggestions.”

You’d laughed — really snorted at the prospect. It wasn’t that you and the commander weren’t looking for ways to spice up your relationship, but you doubted Cody would be open to sharing your bed with one of Gree’s wild and unruly conquests. Far from prude, Cody wasn’t opposed to less than intimate (or perhaps increasingly intimate) situations, but you knew he had a certain preference for such activities.

Your lover was a particular one.

(Of course, you didn’t exactly fit into that specific preference perfectly, but you also liked to consider yourself more than someone who merely shared the sheets with Cody. A permanent exception, of sorts.)

As you’d respectfully declined the offer, he’d roped you into a one-armed hug and a squeeze to your shoulder. You’d bid him goodbye with a pat to his middle, and discreetly pocketed the durasteel rings you’d snagged from his utility belt as you’d separated from his side to hail a speeder home.

You figured Gree could survive without his stun cuffs for the night. It was the least he owed you after dumping images and stories about his sexual escapades you would never unhear.

‘Home’ is only a ways away from the GAR central headquarters, a short ride to the Residential district, and you’re stepping lighter and quicker than usual as you cross the steps to your entrance as the last rays of the sun tickle your exposed skin.

Not two seconds after opening the door, you look up with a start at the sound of muffled crunching by the sink, and surprise morphs into warmth when you realize it’s Cody, slurping quietly from the bowl he always seems to favor whenever he’s over. He shovels another mouthful in as you look on with barely disguised amusement, bantha milk dripping comically from the corner of his mouth. He’d beaten you here.

The initial stupor fades as you share a laugh, forgoing a greeting in favor of a well-placed jab. “So, not only did you stop by Dex’s and not get me anything, but you’ve perused my groceries as well?” He tries and fails to hide his smile behind his spoon, and you get in another verbal poke before he swallows. “Everyone knows Dantooine cereal is served dried for a reason.”

“I prefer it this way,” he mumbles, staring pleasantly at his evening snack. You know as much — Cody’s secretly a picky eater.

You tuck your coat into the fold of your arm before striding forward, wrapping the other one around his neck to pull him down for a sweet and milky kiss. He murmurs something unintelligible against you before reconnecting your mouths, and you hum contentedly as he balances the bowl to better curve downwards. “Hello,” you trill, tongue darting out to clean his lips. “You shower yet?”

He shakes his head, taking a moment to peer unreservedly at your face. His own brightens at your happiness to see him, and your chest swells at the sight. Unlatching from him quickly, you set your things on the table, making sure to slide them inconspicuously out of Cody’s reach. “Was waiting for you,” he rumbles as he kisses your palm.

Good. A thrum of satisfaction vibrates low in your gut as you hum, plastering a front of nonchalance across your features as he revels in the rare opportunity to drink you in. It’s hardly ingenuine, as his presence never fails to wash away the majority of your worries whenever you’re close. Even in the company of other people, which he sometimes seems to be physically allergic to.

You pat his cheek affectionately and watch him lean into your touch. “You tired?” As you inquire again, you reach for his bowl, holding back a retort when he maneuvers it out of your way. You continue speaking to his back as he turns and washes his own dish, always insistent on cleaning up his own messes. “You wanna sit down?”

He makes a noncommittal sound, but sits anyways after he cleans and dries, and you flock to his lap, presence adoring as it relieves him of any remaining stress of the day. You massage his shoulders without prompting, and he gazes up at you sincerely in thanks.

“Should I be asking how you managed to get a breakfast order from the diner at almost dinnertime?” You melt into his hold as his hands wander your back, uncharacteristically free from his combat gloves and armour. He’s down to his blacks, you realize, and a smile crosses your face at how perfectly the situation is falling into place. “Or is that classified information?”

He chuckles lowly, indulging in your lighthearted ridicules with prepotent comebacks of his own. “Maybe Dex just likes me,” he says, an intentional taunt to his voice. “Hermione always lets me order whatever I want.”

At the mention of Dex’s waitress, you bristle slightly, but respond cooly when he raises a challenging brow at you. He doesn’t usually make such insinuations, but it inspires a prickling jealousy despite. You watch the corners of his mouth quirk up when you reply. “Bet there’s a couple things she can’t give you.”

Cody simpers, far too smugly for your liking. “Maybe.”

You kiss him then, deliberate and vigorous, and he lets you, face angling to yours in an instant. He pushes up from the chair, stretching his torso to meet your touch robustly, and you fight off the daze that threatens to consume you after mere instants of his lips under yours. Lifting one eye open, you reach across the table for your coat pocket the same time you push your tongue into Cody’s mouth.

His grip tightens around your waist as you find what you’re looking for, and while he’s distracted by a few more gratuitous moments of clacking of teeth and brushing of tongues, you capture both of his wrists swiftly and secure them to the middle rung of the chair with a distinct snap.

You detach your from Cody as his eyes shoot open, claps holding tight as he wriggles his arms behind the back of his seat. You hold in a snicker at his expression, though by the ease of which you’d distracted him, you almost wonder if he’d purposefully let you lock him there.

“Binders?” 

“Stun cuffs,” you correct, only for the hundredth time. It was an ongoing argument between the two of you.

Cody rolls his eyes as per usual, so far that for a second, you only see the whites of his eyes before he fixes you with a flat stare. “Only COMMOs call them that,” he chides, managing to still sound authoritative even while cuffed beneath you. “I’ve told you this.”

“Yes, well, you’ve told me a lot of things.” You mimic his actions with a snarky look of your own. “I don’t always agree.”

As you shift in his lap, his eyes flash noticeably. The air thickens again in a second, and you feel your hands tighten around his thighs as he flexes the wide, corded appendage below you. You can tell he’s slowly relaxing into the seat, body loosening as he breathes deeper against your chest, but his last grasp at control doesn’t surprise you. Cody always seems to need to feel like every decision is his own, even when he’s backed into a corner — or in this case, strapped to a chair.

The words send sparks down your spine, nevertheless. 

“I like it when you listen.”

A smile spreads slowly across your face, and you lean closer to him, making sure to drag your hips torturously along his crotch before letting the tips of your noses bump briefly. The action draws a near-silent grunt from the man underneath you, and your lips trail lightly along his as he squirms. After tracing a full circle around his mouth with your own, you deprive him of a kiss as he cranes his neck upwards to reach you. Roguishly, your smile spreads slowly into a smirk. “And I like it when you beg.” The sharp intake of breath that comes from him fills you with much more triumph than you let on. “Am I gonna get that, tonight?”

Cody swallows audibly as his honey-glazed gaze flits back and forth between your eyes. He begins to nod, the last shreds of his resistance falling away to the quickly growing lust warming his skin, but you shake your head in disapproval. “I need to know, Cody.” Your arms stretch behind him to tap the cuffs around his wrists, and you feel his fingers extend to grab for you. They fail, for the most part, but he settles on running his thumb along the back of your hand as he stares at you earnestly. “Is this okay?”

It’s a long time before he speaks, but with difficulty, he manages an affirmation. “Yes,” he whispers, almost inaudibly. “I want it.”

You almost shriek with glee.

Instead, you opt for a restrained grin as you smooth your palms across the width of his shoulders, his admission igniting a heat in your blood that pulses with every second you caress his broad chest. Like a flame creeping towards gasoline, it grows steadily at the prospect of testing the composure of the most patient soldier you’ve had the pleasure of laying eyes — and lips — on.

Because Cody doesn’t come to you for patience. He comes to you for reprieve.

The racy desire rises faster within you the lower your fingertips dance along his body, catching on the thin fabric of his bodysleeve, and the clothing is thin enough that you can feel his abdomen tighten and constrict as you spread your hands over the plane of muscle. Almost cruelly, you sweep your palms back up, thumbing lightly over his nipples before stopping at his arms, squeezing lightly around his biceps, and Cody twitches in response. It’s then that you decide, with little remorse, that yes, you’re going to play with him today.

“Don’t worry,” you whisper, lips gentle along the shell of his ear as you press your body to his. “I didn’t have time to snatch the stun remote.” You nip playfully at his lobe. “Unless you want me to, next time.”

You don’t give him a chance to respond before you descend to his bared neck, skimming your mouth along his pulse point and lightly sucking. You graze his skin occasionally with your teeth, mild lovebites blossoming blue and purple along the dark brown, and Cody releases his first groan of the night as you purse your lips against the base of his throat. Too late, he realizes you’re teasing, and he yanks at his binds as you pull the neckline of his blacks far down enough to mark the juncture of his neck and shoulder, leaving a line of hickeys you know no one else will see but you.

Your fingers spider along his torso, daintily prodding and pinching, and each touch draws a huff or a jump from an increasingly frustrated Cody as they drift across scars and muscle alike. His abs contract deliciously when you ghost below his waistline, but before he can buck his hips for more, your hands are already on his collarbone, barely scratching as you mouth at the spot behind his ear.

When you move along the sharp line of his jaw, pointedly avoiding his puffed out lips, he breaks slightly, voice croaking out a half-baked request. “Please,” he rasps, sounding more desperate than you’ve heard him before, “let me kiss you.”

You don’t cease in your mission to drive him to near-insanity, stringing the beads of sweat that have started to collect on his forehead together with your tongue. Mirth bubbles within you at his plea, though, and you’re surprised at how patronizing your voice comes out in return. “You mean let me kiss you,” you chastise him, mindlessly noting how lovely he looks when he’s at your mercy. He shudders at your admonishment, and you lick your lips at his reaction.

“Yeah. Kiss me.” He says simply. “Please,” he repeats, when you tilt your head loftily.

As you linger above him, taking his bottom lip under your thumb, he slips his tongue hesitantly along the pad of your finger, eyes imploring and utterly helpless. The sight is intoxicating, and you take a mental picture while waiting for your brain to catch up with your body as he mutters a third please.

Your cheeks expand with delight as an answer occurs to you, his favorite phrase coming flawlessly to mind, and you beam at his waiting form as he fidgets impatiently under you. You lower your mouth to his, not quite a kiss — more a dusting of a touch as he strains to press closer. Pushing down with both hands, you breathe against his lips. “Be good for me, won’t you?”

He whimpers.

[backalley-requests]

The Proposal | Chapter One

The Proposal Masterlist

Summary: The Proposal™ au, where Ivar gets swept away in a lie about a fake engagement to stay in the country and needs to convince everyone (including his family) that he’s genuinely engaged to a woman he works with

Warnings: use of the word cripple, mild swearing

Word Count: 1,967

With two cups of coffee in hand and a binder under your left arm, you exited the elevator. It was a delicate balancing act and you already managed to drop the binder once... five blocks from here. Admittedly, the coffees were far more important than that.

“Good morning, Y/N!”

Your head spun around to greet your coworker, a grin on your face. “Well good morning, Paola.” Work was always more pleasant before the boss came in. You walked over and sat upon her desk, enjoying the few minutes of chatter everybody engaged in. It wouldn’t last much longer.

“Did you enjoy your date this weekend,” Paola asked as she looked up on you.

You gave an over dramatic groan and rolled your eyes. “I’d rather not be reminded of it. All he did was talk about his exes. Look, here’s some solid advice, Polly. When a guy says all his exes are crazy he’s probably the problem.”

Granted, you still went out with him to begin with. It was a testament to your own bad taste. “What a shame,” Paola huffed as she leaned back in her seat. “I made a bet earlier with Kara that you’d really hit it off with him.”

“I’ll consider that your karma for making bets about my love life then,” you teased.

The building settled into small talk. You talked more about past relationships and Paola encouraged you to find someone. She was currently engaged, and you figured she wanted someone to relate to her.

“The Tyrant has entered the building!”

A quick warning call from the cubical closest to the elevator. All chatter immediately stopped and people rushed to their desks and pretended to be busy on sight. You hoped off of your friend’s desk and picked your stuff up again. “I’ll talk to you later,” you winked at her.

Right on cue the sound of heavy steps and a cane came from the elevator and out stepped your boss. Ivar Lothbrok. He wore a permanent scowl on his face as he walked by, straight to his office.

When you first got transferred to the department you had been excited to finally get to work with him. The man was handsome as hell. Dark hair, piercing blue eyes, tall. He looked like a dream. His accent didn’t help either. Your dreams had prepared you for some steamy forbidden love office romance, and instead you woke up to the realization that the man was the closest thing to a psychopath you ever met.

As Ivar headed to his office you immediately followed. You knocked twice on the door and entered as usual. “Good morning, Mr. Lothbrok,” you grinned. He didn’t glance up from his desk, his eyes buried in paperwork.

“Set it down on the desk.”

You placed the coffee on his desk and left. There was a routine to things. He stopped being as angry with you even if he was never friendly. You were probably the only person in the office who didn’t get yelled at anymore. Any anger on your end was hidden behind locked lips.

On your way out the door you bumped into Trevor Taylor, the man not bothering to mind his steps as he stormed into the office. You didn’t bother looking back and whistled. It was difficult to hide your amusement. Every so often people came in, screamed obscenities, and got dragged away by security.

—

“You’re firing me!” The voice boomed through the office and every worker immediately stopped. “You can’t fire me, you need me!”

Ivar didn’t glance up, ignoring the postering.

“And you can’t even look at me,” Trevor shook his head. “What are you? Deaf now too? Answer me!” His hands slammed down on the desk.

“Don’t you think an outburst like this is exactly why you’re getting fired?” Ivar’s blue eyed remained frozen. Normally he wouldn’t hesitate to get into a shouting match, say something to make the man cry and watch him leave. The difference today was that Trevor Taylor desired attention so badly that to deny him was more satisfying. Trevor worked himself up to a breaking point. “You should pack your things before we throw them out, Trevor.”

“I’m invaluable to this company. You know that. You’re bluffing.”

“You’re a bad worker. You turn things in late and underperform in everything you do.” The words easily slipped out as Ivar flipped through a file.

“I’m not getting fired from a guy who can’t even chase me down a flight of stairs.”

Those words got to Ivar. The man had had it coming for a while now. “The only reason you lasted this long is that everyone pitied you after your wife slept with your brother. But I didn’t. And I still don’t.” He closed the file and stared up at Trevor.

“You crippled fuck!” Trevor grabbed the coffee and squeezed until it burst open across Ivar’s face and down his suit.

“Get the fuck out of here!” Ivar stood up, grabbing his cane as tightly as he could; thankful the coffee didn’t drip down to his braces. It took everything to avoid throwing something at the man, but he couldn’t deal with another lawsuit like that. “Security,” he called out.

__

Two men came in and Trevor was dragged out kicking and screaming. Everyone in the office watched with great intent. Ivar came out of his office next, drenched in coffee and thankful he preferred cold drinks.

You eyed him and hesitated for a moment before you decided he might need help, even if he didn’t want it. You got up and followed behind him, grabbing the spare coffee.

You found him just inside a private bathroom. The door wasn’t locked and you entered as if you weren’t straight up entering a bathroom.

“I take it that was another successful firing,” you teased to lighten up the mood. He glanced back, his stare shot daggers into your soul. “He had it coming. I don’t think anyone’s taking his side.” You had heard the words being shouted. It hadn’t taken long for Trevor to bring up the man’s legs a few extra times before security arrived times. He had done it in private many times before.

Ivar took off his suit jacket and began unbuttoning his shirt. Your eyes couldn’t stop themselves as they stared down his chest. You bit your bottom lip and pried your eyes away. “I don’t care what they think.”

You knew he did. It was your job to know everything about him. You hated him half the time but there was no way Ivar was as evil as he portrayed. “You can have my coffee,” you placed it on the sink counter next to him.

He grabbed it and took a sip. A moment later he eyed you with amusement. “And I’m assuming it’s not a coincidence we have the same taste in coffee.”

“I’m clumsy. Plus, I had a feeling Trevor wasn't about to respond well to being fired,” you admitted sheepishly.

“I should have you fired for ass kissing.”

“What—“, you blinked in surprise.

“Grab my spare from the office.” He didn’t elaborate and sent you on an errand. “And then take these to the cleaners.” He handed you the stained close.

You nodded your head and left.

—

“What do you mean my visa is revoked?” Ivar demanded as he sat before his superiors in his office. “I’m supposed to get my citizenship by Friday?”

“You violated the terms of agreement. You left the country.”

“I went to Quebec! It’s hardly outside the US! And mind you, it was for this company.” Ivar was angry now, this whole thing was ridiculous. “Look— I’ll just reapply again and figure it out all. In the meantime I can relocate back to Europe for a little while.”

“We can’t have you employed here if you aren’t a citizen or have a visa.” The man before Ivar admitted, “and the process is going to take over a year.”

“So what are you saying?”

Ivar already knew the answer, but he needed to hear them say it.

“Unless you can find a way to legally stay here you can’t work for the company.”

Ivar laughed, “you don’t have anyone else even half as qualified as me.”

“Trevor Taylor.”

“I just fired the guy, he doesn’t even work here,” Ivar scoffed. His hands crossed over his chest as he leaned back in the chair. This whole ordeal was ridiculous. Why was he even putting up with this?

“Well I’m sure he’s looking for a new job then.”

Ivar remained silent for a moment, his brain worked fast to find some sort of loophole. He couldn’t just go back home unemployed to his family.

The sound of the office door opening pulled him from his thoughts. He turned his head and saw you there, anger swelling up inside him. You had came to bring back his dry cleaning. Ivar was on edge and anything would set him over expect—

“Actually this won’t be a problem at all,” Ivar stood up and he walked over to you and placed his free arm over your shoulders, confusion clear on your face. “Because we’re getting married.”

“You are?”

You were frozen, unsure of what you walked in on.

“Exactly. We didn’t want to spoil the whole thing, office etiquette and stuff. But it’s true, we’re madly in love. And since we’re getting married I’ll be staying in the US just fine,” Ivar said.

“I get it, we’ve all had an office romance or two. So long as you get it approved I don’t see a problem with it.” The man said. It was clear he was also looking for any plausible excuse to keep Ivar around. Despite the fearsome reputation, Ivar was great for the company.

The two men exchanged goodbyes while you remained dazed, but rather than question things while Ivar’s boss was in the room you waited until the man left.

“I’m not marrying you.”

“Yes, you are.”

“What just happened?”

“That trip to Quebec cost me my visa. If I don’t have one I can’t stay.” Ivar said so simply, moving back behind his desk.

“I’m forgetting the part where this is my problem?” Considering the fact that Ivar was suddenly pairing you off as engaged you figured you deserved to sit in the chair as you argued with him.

Ivar paused for a moment, the gears turning in his head. “Trevor will replace me if I go. He hates you as much as me right now, so unless you don’t want to be out of a job I suggest you agree. It’s only three years. We don’t even have to live together.”

The whole idea sounded ridiculous but in some aspects he was right. You’d lose your job. You spent far too many souless years working here and the idea of starting over was terrifying. “Well— what if I actually wanted to get married?”

“It’ll take a lot longer than three years for you to convince anyone to marry you,” Ivar said simply as he went back to his work. The deal was sealed in his mind.

You struggled to formulate a response. “Fine. But I get a promotion.”

His blue eyes found yours. “And why would I do that, Y/N?”

You blinked in response. It should’ve been obvious why. “I— well I’m the reason you’re keeping your job. You owe me too. That’s three years of my life for your benefit.”

The offer was made and he was forced to think. “Fine.” His hands were tied and he hated it. “Do you want anything else”, annoyance was evident in his tone.

“A proposal.”

“What?”

“A proper one.”

Ivar’s eyes narrowed. He didn’t care for the idea and admittedly a part of him wasn’t sure he could. He couldn’t get down on one knee. “I’m not doing that.”

A moment of silence passed before you gave up. “Fine. But at least say it. Like you mean it.” You were being petty but it was the least this guy could do.

He took a deep breath and stared at you with intent. “Y/N—“ Ivar stopped himself and paused.

“Do you not know my last name?”

There was more silence as you both eyed each other.

“Will you just marry me.” Ivar concealed any embarrassment he felt over the situation. He appeared tense and a little angry. This was a better proposal than you expected from him, all things considered.

“Yes.”

[writingsfromhome]

Seaside Surprise

A/N: trying a fluffy fic, Y/N and Harry attend a cousin's wedding and you wonder when it's going to be your turn.

"Ms. Y/L/N?" My assistant pokes her head into my office. She has on the type of grin on her face that I know what she's going to say. "Your boyfriend's here."

"Of course he is," I decide I wasn't going to finish this report tonight after all. I asked Harry to wait in the car but of course he came up and charmed his way to my department. Not that my department minded, they were always bursting to see him. "Tell him I'll be a moment."

I slide my laptop into its case and do a quick touch up before heading out. "Hey," I give him a loving smile but my eyes are warning him.

"Hello love," he purposely ignores my warning and gives me a peck. "You've got a lovely staff."

I can practically hear the swooning so I just grab his jacket and haul him off the chair. "They're all very lovely. Let's go before we're late. Happy weekend everyone!"

"Bye ladies," Harry stays behind and rushes to catch up. He puts his hand on the small of my back as he reaches me. "Jealous?"

"No, I just don't know why you lead them on whenever you come up here."

"Well they know their boss is my girlfriend," Harry tugs me to him and kisses the top of my head. "It's nice getting to know the people you work with."

"If that's what you want to call it," I give up on the argument. "Do you think we'll get there by 6?"

"Traffic's not as bad if we hurry, rehearsal dinner's at 7 so that's the latest."

As we step into the lift and go down to the parking garage, I think about the destination ahead. A cousin of mine was getting married, they'd rented out this old castle where a lot of the guests were staying. It sounded magical--getting married in a castle.

I look at Harry, who's backing out and starting the two hour journey there. We met a few years ago and aside from some uncertainty at the beginning, we've been going strong for four years. We talked about kids and our dream weddings but I never fully knew whether he wanted to get married. Or if he was one of the don't fix what isn't broke type. I've always secretly wanted the big wedding so I never asked Harry in case he didn't want that. It would be crushing.

"What are you so quiet about?" Harry glances over.

"Oh just thinking, about the wedding tomorrow. Dinner tonight. I'm going to see a bunch of my family, that stuff."

"Hm," he hums. To avoid further conversation I turn on the radio and settle in for the drive.

***

With traffic we barely make it for 7, having just enough time to look decent before heading to the dining hall. I'm excited seeing all my family and I tear up as we all gather around and catch up over dinner. We're given reminders for tomorrow and the timeline even though we all had the schedule sent to our phones.

"Are you crying again?" Harry leans in. All night he stayed by my side, his arm around me or his hand on my knee. It was comforting having him by my side.

"I'm trying not to," I dab at my eyes with the napkin. "I'm just so happy for everyone."

Harry squeezes my thigh, "You're such a romanticist as much as you deny it."

I look up at him, my heart skips a beat like we were young lovers. I felt incredibly lucky to have him and I want to tell him so I kiss him. "I am. And I'm glad you're here."

"Get a room!" One of my cousins shouts as Harry's about to respond. We break apart laughing and they tease us until we're visibly flustered. What was family for after all.

Later that night as I pin up my wet hair to sleep in, Harry sits up in bed and watches. "Is that for tomorrow?"

"Yeah, so I have nice curls in the morning. The ones you like."

"Hmm, you'll look beautiful tomorrow whatever way you do your hair." Harry says. "Even if you cut off all your hair. I would still love the way you look."

By then I was done so I get into bed beside Harry. "Is that what you want me to do? For me to cut off all my hair?"

Harry cups my face and presses a gentle kiss on my lips. He leans back and I watch his eyes on me. His thumb strokes the side of my face, when it was just the two of us like this. Quiet and alone, with Harry's undivided attention on me, I couldn't help but feel shy. So I grab his hand off my face and thread my fingers through his to have something to do. He finally responds, "I want you to do what you want."

"Well...what do I want..." I think.

"What do you want?" Harry asks back. And I have a feeling we weren't talking about hairstyles anymore. I look away, could he sense the lead up go the wedding has me thinking about him and I. Where we were headed?

"A nice holiday from work, away from the city. A cute puppy, maybe three. Hm what else...world peace, a nicer boyf-"

Harry cuts me off before I could get to the joke. He kisses me so hard I forget anything else I was going to say.

***

The next morning is blurry chaos and I hardly believe I'm standing at the front watching my cousin walk down the aisle in her beautiful ivory dress. I can't help it, I tear up as my heart overflows when she reaches the front and I scan the crowd for my own love. Harry also has tears in his eyes and he's beaming at me. I smile through the tears and focus my attention to the front.

As soon as the newly married couple walk down the aisle the bridesmaids burst into tears. We hug each other, we were all so happy. I find Harry in the crowd and both of our mushy romantics feelings are just heightened by everyone else. Being in love never felt so good than at a wedding surrounded by everyone you do love.

I tell Harry I'll catch up later, heading off with the bridesmaids to help the bride change for the reception.

"So when is Harry going to pop the question?" My cousin asks as I hold her dress in my hands. "How long have you two been dating?"

"Four years," I say self consciously. My cousin dated her husband for two years before he proposed.

"Do you want to get married?" One of the bridesmaid asks.

"Duh," my cousin answers for me. "Y/N remember when we were kids and we made flower crowns and pretended to have fairy weddings?"

"Oh my god," The memory rushes forward. "I forgot about that."

"That's what adulthood does," someone else says. "Makes you forget all your dreams."

"Well it's not like we haven't talked about it," I feel like I have to defend Harry. "It just hasn't been the right time."

"After three years, any time is the right time." Someone else says. I try to brush off but the comments stay with me. Was there something wrong with us, with me, that Harry wasn't proposing?

Halfway through the reception, I catch Harry talking to the groom and I wait around but he doesn't notice so I interrupt them. They both look guilty.

"Hey, congrats, welcome to the family!" I hug the groom but eye them both. "Why do you two seem suspicious?"

"We do?" Harry asks. "You need to let loose, let's dance."

I keep an eye on him but he acts normal, pulling me onto the sparse dancefloor. He tries to make me laugh with his dancing and eventually I give in.

"What's wrong?" He asks later, as the songs slow down. I rest my head on his shoulder, so he doesn't see my face. He always knew when I was lying.

"Nothing," I lie.

"Something's been bothering you since we drove here yesterday. What is it?" Harry asks again.

I sigh. "It's nothing! Just leave it."

Harry doesn't say anything, he just holds me closer. I feel selfish and ungrateful. I had a man who loved me holding me close but I wanted more. Just because everyone couldn't stop commenting on our love life.

Harry tries to cheer me up and I try my best but my mood from the morning shines through only so much. Harry doesn't push it though, even when I crawl into bed while he showers and pretend to fall asleep when he gets out. He just leaves me with a kiss on my cheek and falls asleep beside me.

***

"Morning," Harry says as I wake up groggy and tired from all the dancing in heels I did last night. Harry is up, and ready.

"When did you get up?" I sit up.

"Not too long ago."

"You're dressed," I point out.

"And starving! Get dressed we can get breakfast. We have to be out of here by noon."

I move like a snail, trying to work up the energy for the day. It's sad to say goodbye to everyone, it was rare for everyone to be in the same place at the same time and I was going to miss it. We get back on the road by 11. The breeze whips my hair around but I close my eyes and embrace the beautiful weather.

"Having fun?" Harry asks but I can barely hear him in the roar of the wind.

"Country air really is superior," I sit back inside. I notice we were still on back roads. "Are you sure we're going in the right direction?"

"Yes, I've got the maps pulled up."

"I think we're lost," I lean towards the phone but it shows we're on the mapped path. "Harry pull over we should look at this again."

"Y/N, we're not lost."

"Because you know this area so well? We're supposed to be on main roads by now!"

"We'll get there," Harry says calmly and it frustrates me how calm he was. I just knew we weren't heading right.

"Just pull over, at least we can know for sure."

"Just trust me, we're not lost."

"Oh my god," I look around us. "You're being really bloody stubborn Harry! I know this town and we're not driving through it like we should."

Harry doesn't respond. Like I was an annoying fly buzzing about. I cross my arms and look out the window. "If we get lost, don't ask me for help." I say my final piece and decide to ignore him back. He had the audacity to chuckle at me. I want to take my seatbelt off and strangle him with it!

As we drive further and further in the wrong direction, a cooler breeze filters into the windows.

"I think we're by the water," I sit up, my fight forgotten.

"How do you know?" Harry asks.

"Because I'm part mermaid and I know we're going in the wrong bloody direction!"

"You're so impatient," Harry mutters just as he takes a turn and a parking space comes into view. Were we headed here the whole time?

I look at Harry who has a secret smile on his face. As soon as he parks I take off his sunglasses to read him better.

"Where are we?" I can't hide the excitement. Did he plan a surprise getaway?

"You'll see," Harry walks out and opens my door for me. He holds my hand as we make our way in his direction.

"I've never been here before, when did you plan this?" I continue asking as we walk further.

"I have to cover your eyes," he says. He pulls out his tie from the wedding and I close my eyes. When I open them, it's completely dark except for a small sliver of light on the top. I listen out for Harry's distinct voice.

"Just keep walking," he instructs. "Hold my hand, you'll probably fall if you don't."

"I probably will," I laugh. "You should've told me about this, I would've packed a picnic."

"Then it wouldn't be a surprise," Harry squeezes my hand. "Okay stand here and don't take it off until I say so." His sentence fades out as he moves behind me. My heart was racing on our walk here but now it's beating out of my chest, this was why I sort of hated surprises. It made my palms slick and heart race like I was on a roller coaster.

I strain to hear Harry, the sea laps gently to the right and I can't stop my foot from tapping away in anticipation.

"Take it off," Harry says. I push it off and my breath catches.

A picnic is laid out with two baskets and a bottle on ice. But it's the chalkboard propped up in the sand that catches me by surprise. I read it, twice: marry me?

I gasp and turn around, Harry kneels on one knee and in his hands is a small velvet box, a gorgeous diamond nestled in the cloth.

"Y/N, I don't know why it took me so long to finally ask you. But will you make me the luckiest man alive and marry me?"

My voice gets stuck in my thoat as my eyes water. I just nod, that's all I could do. I drop down in front of him and pull him in, the burst of tears following suite. As he wraps his arms around me. I finally find my voice, "Yes! Of course a million yesses! I though you...I never thought you'd ask. When did you plan all this?!"

I can feel Harry's laugh. He pulls me apart, I didn't even care I probably had snot and tears on my face because the man I love takes my hand and slips the ring on my finger. I was his to-be forever. He wanted to marry me! And all my fretting over the weekend was for no reason!

"I've been planning this for weeks. I found this place and your family helped set it up this morning that's why I was up so early." He points to the distance and two people stand there waving with their cameras.

"Oh my god Harry, this is the happiest day of my life," I kiss him with everything in me. He made me so happy. I can't believe I doubted us.

"Mine too," he slowly leans me back onto the picnic blanket but I remember my family and push him off. He laughs at my embarassment. "I'll tell them to leave. Then we can have our fun?"

"Hurry back," I watch him run in their direction. They end up walking back worh him. to drop off his camera and to say congrats. As soon as they disappear into the horizon I climb onto Harry's lap and just hold his face. "You make me the happiest girl in the world. The entire universe. I love you so so so much." I kiss him with ever "so".

"Just me and you against the world forever," Harry whispers.

"Sounds perfect." I whisper back.

Harry's eyes are shining. We could hardly contain our feelings for each other, how happy we were. I lean back and form my hands into a rectangle frame. I pretend to capture it which makes Harry laugh and pull me back to him, "Just come here so I can kiss my fiancée."

My heart soars just hearing the word.

[star-lemonade]

The Festival (2/3)

A.C.E Junhee x Reader

CW: smut, cross dressing, mentions of pegging

Rating: R

Word count: 3.5 k

The evening had been too short. You did not want to arrive at the hotel, because it would mean letting go of Junhee’s hand. It was warm and reassuring. A blanket against the cool air.

What a terrible night it would be, if you had to say goodbye to Junhee. You came closer to the hotel, you remembered the buildings. If you turned the corner you would be at the hotel.

You stopped and so did he.

“What is it?”

You could not say what you felt, it would seem needy, so instead you said: “I’m not tired. Can we walk for a bit more?”

Junhee did not seem convinced by your explanation but did not challenge it either. The alcohol had tainted his cheeks a light shade of pink and it looked adorable. He looked around.

“That way.”

You followed a street away from the hotel. The area consisted mostly of office buildings with occasional gyms and car dealerships. At this time of day no one was on the streets. In some offices lights exposed those working overtime.

“It’s not the most pretty part of town.”

You nodded and watched as someone exited from a side door of the building on the other side of the street. Junhee observed the man who lowered his head and fled.

“What was that?”

You asked too loud. The slight buzz made it harder to judge how loud you talked. Your hand flew to your mouth. The man had probably heard you. Junhee did not meet your eyes and you wondered if he had not heard you.

“What’s in that building?”

Junhee swallowed but seemed to realize it was better to tell you now.

“It’s the sex shop.”

“Ooooh. Someone is going to have a good time!”

You giggled, but Junhee stayed silent. The man had entered his car and drove off into the night. When the sound of his tires faded away, only your footsteps echoed from the buildings. You seemed to have reached the end of the industrial area as you could see smaller residential buildings further down the street.

“What would you get from the sex shop?”

Junhee tripped and needed to take a last second step to prevent a fall.

“Are you okay?!”

You grabbed Junhee’s arm again.

“Yes I'm fine.”

He licked his lips and looked around. The streets were still empty and you continued in the same direction. The houses on either side were residential now. Fences obscured the views into most of the gardens. Junhee turned into a side street and you followed. The street was slightly sloping down.

A few houses down, you slowed and Junhee stopped in front of a house.

“It’s my sister's house.”

“Oh.”

The building looked similar to the others left and right: a stone wall, metal gate and a tree that was just tall enough to be visible behind the wall.

“Do you... want to come in?”

You had just been on a date and now he is inviting you into his house? Well, his sister’s house. Junhee seemed to realize too how that sounded.

“You could sleep here.”

“I mean just sleep,” he added in a panicked voice. You giggled and squeezed his hand.

The house was dark and quiet. Junhee led you to a room on the second floor. It was clearly a guest room. The bed doubled as a couch and the walls were only decorated with a generic landscape painting. In a corner stood a sewing mannequin and sewing machine.

“You can change here, while I wash this off.”

He handed you some clothes and gestured to his face. You took the shirt and shorts, only to toss them on the bed. Junhee had already turned to leave but you caught his arm.

“Wait.”

Your voice was quiet but still too loud for the silence of the night. You took a step closer and slowly rested your arms on his shoulders. The lipstick had mostly faded but Junhee’s lips still looked so kissable. His arms wrapped around your waist and pulled you closer. His hot breath brushed your face and looked into his eyes. He leaned in and you met him half way. It was the kiss you wanted to have earlier, slow and sweet.

You changed into the t-shirt and shorts that were definitely not Junhee’s. You slipped under the thin blanket and waited. It was warm in the room so the thin blanket was good. The door opening was accompanied by the scratching of wood against wood. After spending the evening with long haired, make-up wearing Junhee seeing him now gave you whiplash. He wore wide shorts and a t- shirt that had been red in the past but looked more dark pink now. His short dark hair was wet and stood off at odd angles. The whole scene was a punch in the gut and you felt confused. He looked stunning.

“Hi, it’s a bit different, isn’t it?”

Junhee did not meet your eyes and sat down on the other side of the bed. He plugged the charger into his phone and placed it on the nightstand before lying down. You faced each other and without the makeup you could see the little beauty mark on his cheek.

“Yes but you’re still stunning.”

Junhee snorted but your pout shut him up. This was the version of him you were more familiar with. Well not exactly like this. At work he usually did not wear shorts and short sleeves. You would be too distracted to work if he showed up like this. At work he had always been that good team manager who took care of the people on his team. You knew that he regularly stood up for the people on his team to the higher ups. He had this aura that made you feel like it was okay to open up to him, tell him what is bothering you, safe.

“I will turn off the light, you have to get up tomorrow morning.”

Suddenly it was dark in the small room. Your eyes slowly adjusted and Junhee’s silhouette became visible next to you.

You slowly reached out to touch his head. He caught your hand and pressed it against his cheek. His skin was soft and warm.

“Are you still not sleepy?”

“Kinda sleepy.”

If you were to be honest, you were kind of turned on by kissing him earlier and literally everything about him you had seen today. Junhee was right though, you had to get up early tomorrow and get back to the hotel.

“What would you need to fall asleep?”

A good orgasm would probably do.

“Can we cuddle?”

Junhee took you into his arms and you draped one leg over one his legs. In the dark your lips found his and softly kissed him. His hands ran up and down your back, a relaxing feeling that really made you sleepy. The light, slow kiss surprisingly also helped. Your eyelids felt heavy and you could not open them anymore. Junhee pulled away and planted a kiss on your forehead.

“Good Night.”

You woke up from a dream that something was brushing over your arm. In the dream it had been something but the memory faded with every second that you were awake. Something was brushing over your arm. You opened your eyes to an unfamiliar room. A painting of a landscape hung on the wall.

“Good Morning.”

Junhee‘s voice was husky like he had not talked for some time. You rolled around to look at him. His hair had dried overnight and stood up in a messy tangle. Very cute.

“Hi.”

He stroked your cheek and smiled.

“I will drive to the hotel.”

“How much time do we have?”

You had no idea what time it was or how long you had slept. It felt like it had not been that long. Your eyes were dry.

“It’s 6 am, you said the conference starts at 9:30 am, so maybe an hour.”

He looked at his phone before placing it on the nightstand again. You bit your lip. One hour was a good time but you could hardly suggest that. The sleeve of his t-shirt had rocked up and you marveled at his arms. In general Junhee was not someone you had expected to have this big of arms. It also made sense to you now that he had opted for long sleeves yesterday. He chewed on his lip.

“Can I tell you something?”

The tone in his voice made you nervous. Whatever it was he wanted to tell you was definitely something big.

“Sure.”

You were awake now.

“Yesterday you asked what I would buy from the sex shop.”

You did not dare to breathe, afraid any interruption would result in him not telling you. Junhee fidgeted with the corner of the blanket.

“I have this fantasy.”

Oh boy, what kind of fantasy? Maybe now was time for some validation.

“Okay. I’m listening.”

Junhee leaned towards you and you automatically mirrored him. He took a deep breath.

“I always wanted to be pegged while wearing a skirt.”

You could not believe what you had heard and your mouth fell open without input from your brain. Junhee blushed and leaned back, bringing some space between you. He cleared his throat.

“Let’s get going, so you can shower at the hotel.”

Junhee sat up to leave the bed but you caught his arm.

“Ya! You can’t drop that and just walk away!”

You blurted out. He looked embarrassed, his face flushed.

“Sorry I didn't mean to make you uncomfortable…”

“Uncomfor-? What are you talking about?”

You stared at him but he still looked down at the blanket.

“I just thought… you liked ..ehm..”

He pressed his lips together. No word would escape through there.

“I what?” You pressed. He looked hurt or upset, you were not sure which but you did not want either to be the case. Not when it came to you.

“I thought you find it sexy when I wear a skirt but I guess I was wrong.”

“But I do.”

“Oh.”

Junhee had misunderstood your surprise as disapproval. You giggled and the tension broke. A bright smile appeared on his face and wrapped your arms around his shoulders in an awkward side hug. You kissed his cheek and he turned his head to look at you.

“You really can’t just talk about pegging tho”, you talk in a low voice. “It gets me riled up.”

He kissed your nose. A gesture too sweet for what he said next.

“Do you want me to do something about that?”

“If you want to?”

You definitely definitely did not want to pressure him into anything. What you said before was meant as a joke.

“You really don’t have to.”

He took your hand and lightly pressed it against the blanket. There was no doubt.

“I want to.”

The words tickled your neck and his lips were on your jaw, kissing down to the collar of your shirt. You pulled away and moved to sit in his lap. The blanket was pushed back and Junhee adjusted the pillows before sitting back against the wall. The converted couch did not have a headboard.

Grinding against his hips made him gasp and you wanted more. More of his noises but also more of what was currently under your cilt.

“So hard already.”

You wondered if you could make him blush again. Blushing Junhee was too cute for his own good.

“We don’t have that much time.”

He said it as if that was a valid reason.

“Then make it fast.”

There would be time to really explode each other some other time, now you wanted to have him in you as deep as possible and release the sexual tension.

“Okay.”

He pushed you gently off his lap. You fell on back thinking he would follow but instead Junhee got out of bed. He rummaged in his suitcase. In a small bag he found what he was looking for and checked the date on the package.

You took the package and opened it. The condom was red.

“Is a little more interesting than the plain ones,” he said in response to your subtle frown.

You experimentally licked it but there was no interesting taste. When you looked up, Junhee had taken off his shirt and shorts. As you know though earlier, Junhee had surprisingly big arms and a stunning upper body. From his sculpted chest to the flat stomach, his form was breathtaking. You found your eyes gravitating towards the flats of his stomach. You could not say what it was exactly that was so fascinating which made it even more compelling to look for the answer.

His hand sank down and your eyes followed as gave himself a few light strokes. You handed him the condom and he rolled it on.

Junhee lowered his body to lie next to you. Your lips found his mouth and your hand landed on his chest. Very solid. You felt uncomfortably wet and you had barely started. Getting rid of the shorts may help. You tried to take them off while not breaking the kiss but that did not work.

He helped you out of the shorts and the shirt. It was always awkward when someone saw you naked for the first time, when you did not know how they would react.

“You’re gorgeous,” Junhee whispered and kissed your cheek before moving to your neck. The open mouthed kisses and sucking on your sensitive skin gave you goosebumps. You buried your fingers in his soft hair, grabbing on to it as if it was the only thing that could keep you grounded. He moaned against your neck and his arms wrapped around your waist, pulling you closer. When he took one of your nipples into his mouth, having a clear thought was a thing of the past. You slid your leg up to swing it over his hips, but bumped into something hard on the way. Junhee gasped and his breath cooled your wet nipple. You reached between your bodys, wrapped a hand around him and stroked him a few times. He pulled back from your skin and closed his eyes, enjoying the feeling of your hand on him. His soft hair had settled on the sheets and you wanted to run your finger through it.

Junhee caught your hand, when you ran your thumb over the head and he let out a not so subtle moan. He placed your hand on his shoulder and rolled over so he was on top. His hips between your legs put some pressure on your clit for the first time and you gasped. You grind your hips against his hips expecting him to pull back, but he did not. His hot kisses and the delicious pressure on your clit make you moan into his mouth. You wrap your legs around his hips changing the angle. He could feel how wet you were now and pulled his hips back, just to slip a hand between your bodies. His fingers circled your clit, rubbing it and going further down, testing the waters. He pulled his hand back.

“How are you? Still good?”

Junhee looked into your eyes. His voice was soft and you felt a pang of affection.

“Yes, I’m very good. You too?”

Even to your ears your voice sounded like you were in love. What kind of spell had he cast on you? He nodded.

“Should we … proceed then?”

You bit your lip and nodded. He teased you, dragging the tip over your clit and towards the entrance, but not pushing in. You pouted and just as you opened your mouth to say something, he pushed in with a sigh.

He set a slow pace that matched his kiss. You grabbed a handful of his hair with one hand while the other explored his back, still amazed at how built he was. You used your legs around his hips to get him to speed up.

“It’s it a bit early for going fast?”

He kissed your neck but his hips moved with the pace you wanted.

“You said we don’t have much time.”

You smirked but not for long as Junhee’s thrusts came quicker and harder. He looked into your eyes, you got lost in the intimate moment. Your orgasm hit you like a truck. One moment it was just a good feeling, but in the next your whole body tensed, your back arched off the bed and a repressed moan escaped your mouth. Junhee stopped moving and he looked spent. His arms barely held his weight from collapsing on top of you. You planted a lazy kiss on his lips.

The third and final day of the conference was both the best and the worst. You had to sneak into the hotel with the same clothes that you had worn yesterday. Thankfully no one from the conference saw you, but one of the hotel staff had been on duty yesterday evening and gave you a knowing look. You fled to your room and took a shower. The hot water was a blessing. When you were dressed in fresh clothes and had packed your suitcase, you had just enough time to eat a quick breakfast, before the first talk.

During the talks you could barely keep your eyes open, last night just had been too short. With some coffee you made it to 3 pm and talking to some of the speakers helped you stay awake.

The first people started to leave and you decided to pick up your suitcase from the storage room as well. You left through the main entrance of the hotel.

“Hey!”

You looked up and saw Junhee standing next to his sister’s car on the other side of the street. He wore a dark tight t-shirt, ripped jeans and a bright smile.

“I thought you had to help your sister?”

You half shouted as you dragged your suitcase over.

“I already did.”

He raised his arms to hug you but let them sink again, unsure what the correct greeting was. You had not technically declared what status you had with each other, despite having had sex earlier. From what you had seen Junhee was more the touchy type who always hugged and touched people he was close with. You planted a quick kiss on his lips and earned a beautiful smile.

“Can you stay here tonight? I will leave for the city tomorrow, maybe we can go together?”

His hands rested on your waist. Junhee had done something to bring his hair under control. This morning when he had dropped you off at the hotel it had been a mess with strands pointing in all directions, but now it had settled for the down direction.

“I can.”

Back at Junhee’s sister’s house you settled in the guest room. The owner of the house was at work and would return later.

When you sat down on the bed, you started to feel the lack of sleep. You rubbed your eyes.

“You can sleep a bit if you want.”

The first answer that came to your mind was to deny it, but you were so sleepy, that you just nodded. You changed into shorts and a t-shirt from your suitcase. Junhee lay down next to you and you grabbed his hand, wrapping his arm around yourself. You drift off to sleep to the steady rhythm of his breathing.

You spent a nice evening filled with laughter in the company of Junhee and his older sister. At first you were a bit nervous. You had kind of just invited yourself to her home but Junhee’s sister was a welcoming person, she did not mind you staying after Junhee assured her that dishes would be taken care of. Junhee and you had indeed wreaked havoc in the kitchen while making dinner. Cooking and cleaning together made it feel like you were living together.

After a good night's sleep on the converted couch you and Junhee left for the city. Back in your empty apartment you began to wonder what would happen on Monday. Had the past days just been a hook up or did Junhee want to be in a relationship with you? At first you dismissed the thought but as Saturday turned into Sunday you were not so sure. You cleaned your kitchen, sorted out some clothes you did not wear any more and even considered looking at the little store room you had in the basement, anything that would keep you from texting Junhee. On Monday you would see him again anyways. No need to seem desperate.

When you went to bed on Sunday, it was with a ball of anxiety in your stomach. You could not fall asleep, your mind playing any number of potential embarrassing encounters.

‘It was all a dare, you did not think I really found you attractive.’

Eventually you sank into an uneasy sleep.

[starlightsearches]

Someone Else Pt. 2

Hello friends! No official request for this one but a few people did say they’d like to see part two and it kind of just . . . happened ¯\_(ツ)_/¯  Here’s a link to part one if you missed it!

Warnings: Language, infidelity, minor sexual content, threats/violence against the reader, so much angst oh fuck, but a happy ending so i guess it cancels out?

    General Hux stares deeply at his own reflection, searching intently for any hint of this deception. His eyes travel up from the bottom of the mirror, catching the shine of his boots as they pass upwards, scanning his uniform, which—as far as he can tell—is immaculate, without a spot or wrinkle. He checks his face next (blank, impassive) before his eyes roam over his stark red hair—combed back, neat. Not a strand out of place. And yet he can’t escape the feeling deep down in his bones, the one that leaches into his consciousness every time he’s with you and she’s still lurking the back of his mind: everybody knows.

    Hux rolls his eyes and gives up on the hopeless view in the mirror, sliding it back into its hiding place before turning to face you. He needs another set of eyes if he wants to know the truth. “How do I look?” 

His heart stutters again when he meets your gaze—stuttering like it did when your palms brushed over his chest, your nails raking thin red lines into his already flushed skin—and thinking about it is fire in his lungs. You’re still looking disheveled: half-dressed, hair wild, and swiveling back and forth in his chair behind his desk, your feet propped up on the surface—a move that would bother him if it were anyone else but you. A smile crawls slowly across your face, your expression blissful as you respond, “you look very handsome.”

Gods, he’s blushing again. It had taken minutes for the color to drain from his face the first time, but a soft look and compliment from your parted lips and brings it all back, alerting anyone who would look at him to his red-hot shame. 

And when you see it, your smile turns sad.

You drop your feet from off his desk, straightening your own uniform with a little less care than Hux had, your steps tentative as you cross the distance between his desk and where he stands by the door—only a few feet, but it feels like miles when you stop just out of his reach, wrapping your arms around yourself, holding tight . . . like he wants to hold you, again. Hux balls his hands into fists, forcing them to remain at his sides, fighting the urge to brush his fingers over the edge of your lips, trace the delicate skin of your jaw. Peel the uniform from your shoulders and snuff out all of his unease with velvet kisses. Hux silences those desires. After everything he’s put you through, he hardly deserves to breathe the same air. 

You examine him with sharp eyes, willfully ignoring his inner turmoil that he’s sure you notice to focus on the matter at hand. Your inspection yields good results; you meet his eyes again with the slightest frown.

“You look the same as before,” you say, corners of your mouth pulling down further, brows furrowing, “no one will be able to tell.” Hux lets out a breath he hadn’t realized he was holding, a mixture of shame and relief filling the empty space in his lungs.

Had he always been such a coward? Hux had never thought of himself as one to give into such base wants, but so far he’s been totally unsuccessful in his attempts to resist you, to bide his time until he’s dealt with the root of the problem. No, he keeps coming back, each time the last time, fucking you in cramped closets and over his desk while she’s warming his bed. Losing himself in the iridescent high of your body and ignoring the sharp pangs of your love that he leaves unopened in your waiting hands. 

Silence hangs, the air full of unsaid things and your lips part—words balanced on the tip of your tongue that would pierce like knives and Hux can’t hear them because it will hurt you to say them, and he’s already caused you so much pain. 

“I have to go,” he says, cutting you off before you get the chance, “Bristol will be back soon.” Her name is out of his mouth before he can think to stop it, and your face falls, a grimace crossing your features that you can’t remove quickly enough. There are tears pricking the corners of your eyes, he thinks, but he’s not close enough to know for sure. He doesn’t step any closer. 

“Alright.” You swallow hard, suck in a deep breath through your nose so that he won’t see you break, but the smile you plaster on your face chips at the corners, and it doesn’t reach your eyes. “I’ll be here.” 

The air in the room is stifling, filled with your deafening sadness, all the feelings you try to keep from him because you know it hurts him to see you like this and you care about him so damn much. You care too much. He doesn’t deserve you. 

“This,” he whispers, like if he’s quiet enough he won’t have to hear himself say it either, “can’t happen again.” It’s not the first time he’s said these words to you, but it breaks you just the same. If it goes on for much longer, he’ll never have the chance to put you back together.

“I understand.” You turn towards the back wall, unwilling to let him see you cry—for his sake or yours, though, he’s not sure. 

Hux leaves without saying goodbye.  

No one gives him a second glance when he steps out of his office doors and into the commotion of the bridge; his worries were unfounded, just as the rational part of him knew they would be. Still, the guilt only grows as he moves through the halls of the Finalizer, on his way to greet his wife.

It wasn’t supposed to be this way. After the wedding, after that night in his office when you had kissed him for the first time and everything felt right, he had made plans—how to rid himself of Bristol and Pryde, plans to keep you at his side, love you the way you deserved to be loved. Plans that had crumbled like dust between his fingers the second he stepped foot off the transport to the Alfospar system.

He couldn’t explain it at that time, the way his resolve shriveled like paper in water when he first saw that gleaming city, the towers and spires of the royal home so different from the sleek, black halls of the Finalizer, towers and spires that Bristol had walked her entire life. Now he knows what caused it: the fear that gripped his heart. Not just fear. Inadequacy. He had looked to his new wife, saw the haughty determination in her features as she surveyed the grand palace with a look of utmost boredom, and he hated her. But he hated himself even more knowing that she was capable in ways he could never dream. She was born to rule. He had done everything imaginable to earn that kind power, and still he came short.

The two weeks in the palace passed in a color-leeched blur. Hux attended meetings. He met Bristol’s family. They consummated the marriage. And he never stopped thinking about you.

When he returned to the ship, he made new plans, plans to remove his heart with surgical precision, plans that would leave him empty and miserable for the rest of his life but would save you from him.

Those plans had crumbled, too, the moment you whispered in the darkness of your quarters, “I missed you, did you miss me?” and he had been too selfish to lie. That was the first time he had fallen into your arms, let you drown out his pain without any concern for your own.

His father had been right all along. Hux is spineless. Everyone else managed to see it. He wonders how he had you fooled for so long.

                 ______________________________

    You’re having trouble adjusting to the quiet. It’s a feat of engineering, really—a true testament to his genius—that the general’s office manages to be quieter than a grave despite the teeming world of the bridge that lives just outside it. It had been the quiet that had first made his office such an appealing location for these meetings. That, and no one would question your presence here.

    You had been careful from the beginning—given no indication of the affair, raised no suspicion, and had been ready to smother any rumor that might have spread. There was never a need for that kind of action; you covered your tracks. But sitting here in this demonic silence, you want to ruin it all. Turn every touch and kiss and loving look into a song, a battle cry. A death sentence. You want everyone to know what you’ve done. Maybe then you’d feel something.

    Your cheeks are sticky with long-dried tears, and you try to brush them off with a sleeve, a brittle laugh escaping your lips thinking back to the day of the wedding. At the time, you had believed your heart to be broken. What a fool you used to be. How little you had known about how it feels to set your heart gently into someone else’s waiting hands and then watch them shatter it.

    You stand from the chair abruptly, cutting off the image before it takes root in your mind. There’s no time for self-pity when you have work to do.

    You grab your data pad from where you left it on his desk, turning the screen face you. Your heart jumps a little in your chest when you see the messages light up the screen, but you’re left feeling sour. None of them are from him. 

    He did that sometimes, after he left you—occasionally sent an apology, told you that he hadn’t really meant what he’d said. Sometimes he wanted to see you again, already, and you’d go searching for whatever conference room or closet he had commandeered, the warmth pooling between your legs erasing any of the harsh feelings from the moments before. 

    But no message this time. Maybe he had meant it. Maybe he didn’t want you like he thought you did. Maybe he never had.

    You’re sure, now, that the uncertainty will eat you alive, burst from your chest like some grotesque thing and feast on every part of you, rip and tear and bite until it’s sated and you’re left in pieces. You wish it would. Death is better than waiting. 

There’s a gentle beep from your data pad, and you look down again, distracted momentarily from your spiraling. It’s an urgent alert, from one of the admirals. They need your help interpreting some notes the general gave them on a recent project proposal. 

You stop just before the doorway, taking in three deep breaths, letting the cool air wash away the fire of your thoughts. There would be time later to ruin yourself over this mess, when sleep evaded you in the late hours of the night cycle. For now, duty calls.

You move through the bridge with ease, reading the messages you had missed. Your eyes scan them with practiced precision, sorting them by urgency and responding to the ones you can take care of quickly as you journey deeper into the ship. It doesn’t take long for you to get lost in the process, the dark tiles passing underneath your feet unnoticed as you lose yourself in your work.

The sound of footsteps in the otherwise empty hallway pulls you out of your trance, and you look up briefly, more out of a passing curiosity rather than any real interest. Your heart grows cold when you catch her eyes, and the feeling spreads like ice over a body of water.

“Hello, your highness,” you try to keep any tension out of your voice as you address Bristol with a small bow, skirting around her in the hallway in your best attempt to avoid her sustained notice. Her eyes narrow when they focus on you, and the cold feeling shatters, the dread climbing up your legs like the water level rising in a sinking vessel.

“You,” there’s venom in her voice, a kind of hatred you never thought you’d inspire in anyone and you feel every barb of it when she latches on to you, gripping your upper arm with such strength that you can feel the indentations of her nails through the fabric of your uniform. 

The wall of the hallway meets your spine as you step back, your attempted escape only leaving you trapped, chest heaving as she stares you down like a predator. It’s clear in every aspect of her being that she’s ravenous.

“Well?” she snaps, and you flinch, the durasteel biting your shoulder blades as you try to gain as much distance as you can from her, straining every muscle in your body for any kind of relief, but she won’t let you take it, pressing you into the wall. “Where is he?”

    “I’m not sure where the general is right now, your highness,” you speak slowly, trying to gauge the direction of her anger, “I was under the impression that he’d gone to find you.”

    The moments pass in deathly silence, and the waiting stretches each second into a lifetime, but there’s nothing comprehensible in her expression. She’s wild, animalistic, the same fierceness you’ve seen in her as a leader now morphed into something frenzied and feral. It’s only a moment before it's lost, replaced with something extinguished and icy. Her grip on your arm tightens.

    “I know you’ve been fucking my husband.”

    You plunge into whatever depths she’s created for you, the shock of it short-wiring your brain and all you can do is gape at her, your mind refusing to form a single thought, let alone any string of words that might convince her to believe a lie. It’s too late anyway; your expression tells her everything she needs to know.

    “How dare you? Embarrassing me like this? I could end your life right here, and he’d have your replacement in his office tomorrow morning.” Each threat brings her closer until you can only see her in fragments—the corner of her mouth as she spits these vile words, the flash of fire in the depths of her eyes. Your heart rate spikes, a rush of adrenaline flooding your veins but your thoughts are still unfocused, without form or direction. Would she really kill you here, now? The look on her face tells you that she might.

    You struggle uselessly against her grip, but she’s got you pinned—one hand on your shoulder and a knee at your hip. Your body goes still when you feel the whisper of metal at your throat. You didn’t know she had a blade.

    “Gods, you’re just as pathetic as he is,” she laughs, quick and sharp, and the weapon quivers—you feel the gentle sting as it parts the first layers of your skin. The sting brightens as she pushes the blade further, leaning in close to whisper her parting words, “maybe you deserve each other.”

    A flurry of movement clouds your vision, and the pressure lifts; in the periphery of your thoughts you can hear the blade clatter to the ground. Your knees threaten to buckle as you lean more heavily against the wall, trying to find the source of your salvation.

The general is there, but as unlike himself as you’ve ever seen him. He looks like a storm, towering over her, shaking with rage. Like a force of nature—it’s the kind of anger you’ve never seen in him before.

Time stops. Understanding crashes into you. It's like you've been blindfolded, without even knowing it, and the covering has given way to an astonishing brightness when you first comprehend what this action means. The realization staggers you.

"You don't-" he can hardly get the words out as he seethes at Bristol, speaking through clenched teeth, "don't ever-"

Bristol quivers, aghast, and it seems that she, too, is seeing her husband with new eyes.

The hallway is filled with loud, echoey beats of a heart, and you're not sure who it belongs to. It strikes you, this sudden fear that someone might be watching these events unfold, that it might be their heart making these sounds, alerting you to their presence. You search the corridor, whipping your head from side to side but there are no prying eyes, no silent watchers, and your heart settles minutely.

You turn back to the general, wondering how he'll react to the news, but his eyes are only on you.

Bristol pulls herself from Hux's grasp and the tension reshapes itself as her mood shifts again, haughty as ever.

"So," she looks between you and the general, and as much as she'd like to hide it, her anger is not gone, "you've chosen the little whore. Interesting."

Hux ignores her statement, still watching you.

"I won't stand for this," Bristol goes shrill now, attempting to pull his attention but his eyes are locked in place and you burn under his gaze. He wants something from you, a confirmation, you realize. He wants to know that you're alright.

You nod—still hesitant, not entirely sure that this is what he's asking for—and only then does he look away, turning back to Bristol with a stare so cold you feel the chill. 

“The next breath you use to threaten anyone on this ship will be your last,” Hux speaks with an authority you’ve never heard him use around Bristol and she flinches, like she’s been slapped, “and you will stay away from my . . . assistant.” 

His eyes flash to yours again, full of unsaid things—a kind of apology for this lapse in language, but you understand perfectly. There are no words to describe what he means to you, either. 

Bristol laughs, one short barking sound, and you know she means to demoralize him, but Hux stands firm, unaffected. “You think you can scare me with empty threats? I’m sorry to say that I’m unimpressed. If only your father were here to see this-”

“But my father isn’t here,” Hux interrupts her, “he’s dead. Because I ordered it. And you should know,” he steps closer to her, his voice a deadly whisper, and she shrinks, “my threats are never empty.”

Bristol quivers slightly, unable to hide her fear and you don’t blame her. She gives up on threatening the general and looks to you instead, her eyes flashing with one last weak attempt to intimidate you before she stalks off, leaving the corridor empty. 

You search for something—anything—to say, your mouth gaping open as the general turns to look at you, but there’s nothing, your mind blank and empty of any feelings small enough to be condensed into a few words. 

There’s no need to shrink your feelings; before you can say anything, Hux has bridged the distance between you, pulling you into his arms with more force than you thought possible. It’s both suffocating and liberating—your lungs struggling for their next breath but your mind is euphoric when you can feel the press of him against you.

He has a hand around your waist, one cupped against the back of your head, and you can feel his whispered apologies as they brush against your hairline, followed by the slow drag of his lips. A low thrill crawls over your skin. How long had it been since he said he’d never touch you again? You’d live through that pain a thousand times if it meant you could experience this.

“Are you alright?” he pulls away slightly, just enough that he can look at you, the pad of his gloved thumb wiping away the thin streak of blood left by Bristol’s blade. His touch ghosts along the injury, but you still feel the sting, unable to hide the way you wince in response.

His thumb stills as soon as he catches the flicker of pain, and there’s deep fountains of regret pooling in his eyes, a sadness so complete you can’t fathom it.

“I’m- I’ll never be able to say,” he swallows, pulls in a shuddering breath, and you feel his hands threaten to part from you but you only hold him tighter, anchoring him to you, “how sorry I am for the way I’ve treated you.” 

The anguish spills over, and he’s crying in your arms a second time, quick tremors shaking his shoulders. You can’t collect the tears fast enough, brushing them away with shaking hands, silencing his fears with soft whispers.

“I love you,” he says through hiccuped speech, “and I always have. And, if you’ll have me-” you silence his doubts with a searing kiss. For you, there has never been—never could be—anyone else.

[farcry5]

but you always were what i came here for

pairing: jacob seed x deputy (theo ward) summary: no-cult au. Jacob spends his nights at the local bar after falling for a certain woman who has been in too many bar fights to count. warnings: alcohol and smoking of course. language. john. but it’s mostly soft. slight ns/fw just in case lol

a/n: anyways loving the idea of john and faith acting like old ladies who love knowing all the gossip and drama that goes around hope county... ---------------

She was always there, late in the night at the only bar in town- the only moderately proper bar in all of Hope County. Tall and beautiful, long black hair falling down her back in waves. She would drink heavily, dance in groups or alone, and laugh with friends and strangers alike. 

There was something alluring about her that pulled people in. Jacob had never even spoken with her before, but he could feel that pull, stronger than ever.

Inside, she was so alive and full of charm, flirting unapologetically and as rowdy and unruly as the country men that crowded around her. There were a few times she had either stopped a bar fight or started one, throwing punches hard enough to knock a drunk out cold. 

Outside, she’d sit on a chair with a cigarette between her lips, staring at nothing, all the life gone in an instant. Quiet and distant, only responding when someone told her goodbye as they walked out of the bar.

He had sat with her a couple of times, in an oddly comfortable silence that he found himself completely lost in. Neither would move for hours, just sitting outside the noisy bar, smoking or drinking without a word. Once, she jolted from her trance and looked around, sent him a gentle smile and ran her fingers through her hair. She had sighed heavily, flicked her cigarette onto the concrete and muttered a soft ‘good night’ to him as she left.

Jacob had been entranced ever since and he’d lie awake every night, thinking about the way her hair would fall over her shoulders, the curve of her lips when she’d smile, the way her body would move as she danced, the sadness in her eyes in the glow of the flame as she lit her last cigarette. The sound of her voice would ring in his ears as he finally manages to drift to sleep, even if only for a couple of hours. 

John and Faith had been constantly bothering him about why he frequented the Spread Eagle every night now, when he hardly interacted with anyone in town, but he could never manage to tell them. 

So the next night, they showed up, much to not only his, but to everyone’s surprise. Mary May watched the two walk in, eyeing them curiously. Theo and her group consisting of Hurk Jr., Sharky Boshaw, Jess Black, and Eli Palmer all paused their conversation to see the unexpected guests. 

John walked in with a rather bored expression as his eyes scanned over every patron of the bar. Faith looked sweet and innocent but Jacob knew there was something mischievous under that smile of hers. The bar was full of people tonight, so they were on the hunt for the only reason Jacob was here.

As soon as they sat down at his table, the attention was gone like they had never interrupted in the first place. Yet, Jacob noticed Theo watching them and he couldn’t help but stare back, at least until Eli touched her arm and she looked away. 

“Oh brother,” John smirks, still taking in the atmosphere. “You look more out of place here than I thought. Still, you fit in better than either of us could.” 

Faith hummed and turned to him. “You don’t seem to be enjoying yourself. I almost imagined you were actually talking to people.”

“Dancing, even.” John interjects.

“No, definitely not that.”

Jacob rolls his eyes and takes a sip of his drink he had left untouched. “Shut it. Why are you two even here?”

Their sister gets up to go get drinks from the bar, while John leans back in his seat. “We just wanted to know what would make the unsociable and grumpy Jacob Seed leave his house every night for two weeks. I had some ideas, but they seemed more my style than yours. Faith was worried you were becoming an alcoholic, yet, that looks like your first drink.” 

A commotion at the bar causes Jacob to turn away from his brother, watching as Theo talks with Faith, laughing together while she keeps the cousins at bay and away from the younger woman. Theo speaks to Mary May for a moment, to which Mary May scoffs and shakes her head, but pours more drinks. 

Faith finally returns, a drink in each hand and she sits down, beaming. “That woman, she’s so funny. Sometimes I forget she’s a sheriff's deputy.” 

“Isn’t she on leave? Something about showing up to work drunk, I think.” John hums in thought, his dark eyes following the woman as Hurk Jr. pulls her to the small dance floor. 

“I thought it was because she got into a fight while in uniform and smashed a man’s windows.”

He knew little about her, only what his brothers grieved about, since she was the one that arrested Joseph for one little accident. Jacob sighs and attempts to tune the two out, listening to the music that doesn’t sound so obnoxious anymore, watching as the woman who seemed to be the topic of everyone’s conversation lately, dances with her friend. 

She was beautiful even then, under the hand painted colored lights, sweat trailing down her neck and strands of her hair clinging to her skin. Her movements were clumsier tonight, the alcohol hitting her harder than he had seen it, but at the same time, she was more sober than most of the people around. 

When he looks back at John, there’s a knowing gleam in his eyes and he smiles, raising a brow, but doesn’t say a word. He may have been freed from answering questions for tonight, but he knew John wouldn’t let him carry on in secret forever.

The rest of the night was spent with Jacob having to suffer through John and Faith’s constant chatter, listening to drunkards sing terrible karaoke, and trying to drown his newfound feelings which never seemed to want to die. His siblings grew tired and eventually left, leaving Jacob alone with the off-duty officer and her dwindling group of friends. Sharky was passed out at the bar, Hurk Jr. was in the bathroom for what seemed like eternity, while Jess and Eli had left around an hour ago. Jacob had noticed the soft touches from Eli that Theo had received all night, but chose to ignore whatever meaning they could hold.

The night ended with Theo and Jacob sitting outside in silence like usual, but something was off. Theo was restless, leg bouncing as she smoked and stared off into the night. He watched her out of the corner of his eye, waiting for her next move, which came sooner than expected and completely out of left field.

“Do you want to go home with me?” 

Jacob turns to look at her, slightly shocked to see her staring back at him. There was no one else there and she wasn’t on the phone, so she was definitely asking him. The silent gazing lasts far longer than needed, but he isn’t sure how to answer. 

Theo laughs, shaking her head quickly. “Sorry, you can forget that.” 

However, Jacob stands and pulls his keys from his pocket. “Should we go now?” 

Her blue eyes watch him for a moment and then she jumps up, pulling her keys from her pocket. He follows behind her on the drive to her home, which isn’t far as she had told him and it’s not long until he’s walking through her front door and she’s pulling him in for a kiss. 

Jacob welcomes it, his boot kicking the door shut and his hands holding her against him. He takes in the way she tastes, the way she feels and smells and her soft moans as his fingers grip her waist. He’s pinning her against the wall as her hands slide over his throat to the back of his neck. 

Theo pushes off the wall, tugging him by the shirt into her slightly messy living room, seating him on the couch. Without a moment to spare, she was on top of him, kissing him hungrily with her hips grinding against his. As she tugs on his belt, she smiles against his lips and starts to chuckle, leaning against his shoulder.

He frowns, hands moving over her thighs to hold her waist, attempting to pull her back. “What’s so funny?” 

“I’m sorry,” Theo gazes at him and smiles, fingers grazing over his jaw. “I was just thinking how funny it was that we always saw each other at the bar but only now-” She can’t finish her sentence, tilting her head as she tugs his belt again, knuckles brushing against his stomach.

“I hate that bar.” Jacob grumbles quietly and then sighs as he settles back into the couch cushions. It wasn’t an honest truth, but all and all, he wasn’t there for any other reason. 

Theo’s smile slowly vanishes and she leans away, blue eyes narrowing at him. “You do? Then why did you go every night?” 

A familiar moment of silence settles over the two as they stare at one another with mixed emotions. She’s confused and slightly hurt, but the lust and hunger was still there. However, Jacob was completely memorized and dazed the longer he watched her, his heart jumping in excitement at every movement. 

“For you.” Was his soft reply, wondering if it was something he would have ever said sober or to anyone else. Words more romantic than a man like him was capable of. 

Theo takes a breath, blinking and then moving her hand at his waist to under his shirt. “Really?” He nods and places his hand over her wrist as she moves up his torso. She smiles again, softer, and leans down, lips close to his. “I’m glad you showed up.” 

The corner of his mouth pulls into a small smirk and his lips are light against her skin. He hums and closes his eyes, placing his hand on the small of her back and moving her closer against him. 

“We usually bar hop and I don’t always go out-” She sighs in content as he places slow kisses against her throat. “I stayed every night to see if you’d be there.” 

Jacob smiles and makes his way back to her lips, careful and steady, savoring the sharp taste of cinnamon whiskey. “I’m glad you did.”

[alpacaparkaseok]

Where you should be

7. Habromania

Genre: Hobi x oc

Warnings: this series contains stalking, blackmail, and similar stressful/fear inducing situations. Also unrequited love, which is perhaps the most terrifying of all.

Word Count: 3.2k

a/n: A song you might want to be familiar with for this chapter is ‘Puma’ by TXT. First off, because it’s a freaking bop. Secondly because Sunny has a bit to do with it and it sets some of the tone for the second part of this chapter. Thanks guys! And, as always, feedback/questions is always welcomed and encouraged!

Habromania (n.) delusions of happiness

“We can be sneaky, can’t we?”

I snort at Hobi’s question. “I can, not you.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?!” He feigns offense, stealing his hand away from mine as he clutches his chest. It doesn’t take long before its back, though, running his fingers over my knuckles. The other hand remains on the steering wheel.

“You’re horrible at being sneaky. Imagine having to be sneaky around your boss.”

Hoseok sighs. “You’re probably right.”

“...but?”

He glances over at me before turning his attention back to the road. “But, I think I can do it. It’s important. Sure, it’ll be hard. But worth it, don’t you think?”

Giving his hand a tight squeeze, I smile out the window. “Yeah.”

As soon as we left the small restaurant, the both of us received a text from Bang PD instructing us to be extra careful and keep our distance from each other. The last thing we need are more photos.

Which left us with one question: what now?

“I feel kind of cool,” Hobi says, his heart-shaped smile making me grin. “Like we’re secret agents or something.”

I chuckle. His idea was to essentially have a secret relationship. I agreed to it, not seeing any other options, but only after Hoseok told me again and again that he had a plan and that this secrecy would be temporary.

“I give you less than two weeks.”

“Really?” The car begins to slow as we reach my apartment building. It’s barely 1 in the afternoon, but Hoseok did tell Bang PD that he was going to take me home. It’d look a little strange if we strolled back inside the Bighit building.

I give him a long look, delighting in the way his lips form a little pout. I force myself to look away before I can lean over and kiss him. Knowing him, he’d probably crash the car.

“Maybe three weeks.”

Hobi laughs as he turns into the parking lot. “How generous. And what? You think that you can do better?”

Winking at him as he parks the car, I slowly take my seatbelt off. “Oh, without a doubt.”

It’s quiet in the car as I contemplate getting out. Even though I know that I’ll see Hobi at work, I don’t know when I’ll get to be with him again like this. He seems to be thinking the same thing, killing the engine as he sits back with a sigh.

“What are you going to do with the rest of your day?” He keeps his eyes on the building, but I know what he’s thinking.

“Come inside.”

He blinks at me. “Wow, so forward!”

Groaning, I hit his shoulder. “You know that’s not how I meant it!” Hobi’s laugh only makes me more embarrassed as my cheeks heat up at the insinuation in my words. “Yah! Not funny!”

Taking both of my hands in his and placing a delicate kiss atop them, his laughter finally subsides. “I can dream, can’t I?”

I’m pretty sure my eyes are popping out of my head as I throw the door open, internally screaming and making a beeline for the entrance. Hobi gets out of the car as well, trailing after me and chuckling darkly.

By the time we make it up to my apartment, I feel like I may melt through the floor at any given moment from the way Hoseok’s eyes are practically undressing me. His fingers dance along my shoulders, getting lost in my hair as he peppers kisses along my jawline.

Fumbling with my key, I silently curse myself for feeling as giddy as a teenager with something so simple as Hoseok’s eyes. I don’t miss the way he smiles against my skin, making me huff in annoyance.

Since when did he become so bold?

I practically slam the door shut as we enter my apartment, Hoseok breaking away from me to look around the room in awe. I can’t help but laugh at his reaction.

“What, have you never been inside a girl’s apartment before?”

He rolls his eyes. “This is...this is your apartment.”

“So?”

He shrugs, wandering back over to me. “It’s nice. I like it.”

I frown, looking around the apartment. It’s a decent place to live; I’ve tried my best to make it look like a home. But in comparison to the immaculate place that Hobi calls home, I hardly see anything to marvel over.

“Why?”

Standing in front of me and looking over every square inch of my face, he gives me a smile so soft that I find myself sighing in contentment.

“It feels like you.”

♟

April 2020

Work falls into a familiar pattern. Granted, I have to avoid Hoseok like the plague, but Bang PD keeps everyone busy enough that it isn’t too difficult.

That, and the meetings we hold every day in Bang PD’s office, trying our best to sort out the entire situation.

“You’re telling me he wants either 1 billion won or a position here?” Bang Si-hyuk sputters out, looking absolutely appalled. “This...this is blackmail!”

Hobi chuckles beside me, Namjoon sitting on his other side and looking none too happy to be a part of this meeting. However, he is the leader of the group.

“Yes, well, I think he did actually state that this was blackmail,” Hobi remarks. “Are you really that surprised?”

Fixing him with a glare, Mr. Bang’s veins look like they’re about to burst. “You’re one of the people that got us into this mess, Hoseok. I’d save the snide comments for later, if I were you.”

These meetings have been going on for a couple of weeks now, and everybody's reaching the end of their patience. Any time we attempt to negotiate with Jihun, he spirals out of control and comes back with a higher demand.

It’s becoming rather tedious.

“Why can’t we just give him what he wants?” Namjoon asks gingerly. “At the end of the day, as long as he leaves us alone, it’s fine, isn’t it?”

Mr. Bang shakes his head. “No. There is no way I’m giving him that much money, and we all know that I would never let him be employed here. He’s a pimp. We don’t do business with his type.”

I stare down at my hands as I wince at his words. While I’m grateful that he isn’t considering giving him a job here, I can’t help but pity him. If what Jihun told me was true; I’m part of the reason his marriage failed.

“He has a daughter,” I mumble under my breath.

“What was that?”

I blink up at Mr. Bang. “He has a daughter.” When he just continues to stare at me with a confused expression, I do my best to articulate my thoughts. “He’s a human being. I mean, don’t get me wrong, he freaks me out. I don’t support any of this, but he’s desperate for something to help him and his family survive. We shouldn’t be making him into some sort of monster-”

“As the two of you made clear to me, this is my company that’s in trouble, so I will treat this threat as I would any other.” Bang PD sits back in his chair, squinting at his computer screen. “Or have you forgotten that your job is also at stake here?”

Clenching my jaw, I see Namjoon laying a hand on Hobi’s shoulder. “Then fix this.” Rising from my chair, the strict tone of Mr. Bang’s voice stops me.

“What?”

Turning to face him fully, I struggle to keep my voice level. “Fix this. Quit talking about it so much and do something. I have work to do.”

Striding out the door, I barely catch Bang PD’s incredulous words. “It’s a good thing she’s talented-”

Namjoon cuts him off. “So what’s our plan of action? Sunny’s right, this has to end.”

♟

I’m staring at the monitor in front of me, only half-listening to what Yeonjun is saying to me as my blood boils.

Or have you forgotten that your job is also at stake here?

I have to fold my arms in order to hide the fact that my hands are currently clenched into fists. Yeonjun and Soobin are talking to both Pdogg and I, going over a track that we’ve been preparing.

“I really like the feel of this all so far, but I feel like we need something a bit more...edgy?” Soobin frowns, looking down at his phone where he compiled his notes. “We really want to have a sharp album, you know?”

I nod, finally returning to reality. “Has anybody come up with any ideas? Lyrics, melody?”

Yeonjun shakes his head. “Actually, I was going to ask if either of you wanted to help us come up with something. I know that we’re dropping the album in May, but-”

“I can do it.”

Pdogg and Yeonjun raise their eyebrows. “That was quick.”

Pdogg shakes his head. “I think Yeonjun is talking about creating a track from scratch, Sunny. That means that after you finish the music, you’ll need to write the lyrics, too. Right?” He looks to Yeonjun for confirmation.

“Yeah.” He shrugs. “Honestly, if you want to do it, I won’t stand in your way. I’m just happy that you want to with such short notice.”

“You think you can crunch it? This is your first time through the entire process, it’s ok if you want to try the next time around and have more time.” Pdogg reassures, still looking confused at my sudden change in attitude.

I shake my head. “No, I can do it. I need to.” The thinly veiled threat on my job pushes me forward, desperate to show Bang PD that I’m not the kind of person that runs away under pressure.

“Alright,” Soobin says, looking at Yeonjun with a shrug. “I guess...do you need us for anything? When can we expect to come in and take a look at the song?”

Ignoring Pdogg’s stare, I glance at my calendar. “Soon. Give me the rest of the week?”

♟

My desk is a flurry of notes, post-its, and discarded ideas. After a brainstorming session, I consulted Pdogg in the next step of the song process. He helped me solidify my idea, offering a couple of tips and pointers.

He’s in the middle of saying goodbye when there’s a light knock on the door.

“I’ll grab it,” he says. I turn back to my monitor, trying to make sure I get everything put together before I forget it.

Muffled voices at the door don’t bother me as my fingers fly across the keyboard. Line after line appears, forming the first verse of the song.

“Hey.” Hobi grabs the chair that Pdogg just vacated. “What’cha working on?”

I glance at the clock, realizing with a start that it’s already 8 o’clock. “New song for TXT.”

“Hm.”

We sit in silence as I continue working, Hobi knowing better than anyone not to interrupt my creative process. He knows how hard it can be to get back into the zone.

It isn’t until nearly nearly thirty minutes later that he finally breaks the silence, but not by speaking. Bringing a gentle hand to rest atop my own that has stilled over the keyboard, he intertwines our hands together.

I lean back against my chair, sighing. Hobi chuckles lightly beside me, completely understanding the feeling.

“It looks like you got a lot done,” he mumbles, using his other hand to tuck a stray strand of hair behind my ear.

“I think I did,” I whisper, still unable to tear my eyes away from the screen. I’ve been completely sucked in, my mind loud with the sound of the beat and the lyrics I’ve written down.

“Should I take you home?”

I shake my head. “No. I’ll take the bus.”

Silence. He raises my hand to his mouth, dusting light kisses over my knuckles. “We’re paying him off.”

Startled, I finally shift my gaze to Hobi. My breath falls short as I see his hair swept back, styled to make him look like some sort of CEO. He must have had a shoot today that I forgot about.

“Really?” I breathe out. He gives me a soft smile, pressing one more delicate kiss atop my knuckle before lowering my hand and enveloping it in both of his.

“Really. Bang PD will just have to swallow his pride.”

I chuckle lightly, shaking my head. “How’d you convince him?”

He shrugs. “I can be persuasive when I want to. We won’t have to worry about him anymore.”

While his words are intended to give me comfort, I find myself doubting them. Something tells me that this mess is far from over, but I smile at him nonetheless. “You’re amazing, you know that?”

Hobi gets up from his seat, embarrassed as he starts heading toward the door. “C’mon, I’ll take you home.”

I look back at my screen. “No, I think I’ll stay here for a little longer.”

“Oh, well then I’ll st-”

“Go home, Hobi,” I turn my chair around to face him. “Don’t worry about me, I just want to finish some of this up. I won’t be long.”

“Good. That way I won’t have to wait long.” Stubborn as ever, he sits back down. “Should I order some food?”

Giving him a long look, I fight the guilt gnawing at me for making him stay even longer. But I really just want to get as far as possible with this project…

“Let me split the cost?”

Laughing darkly as he holds his phone up to his ear, he winks. “In your dreams.”

♟

“I really, really like it, Rin-ah.”

Fidgeting with my hands, I chew on my lip. “Really? Is it too much? I don’t what to overwhelm-”

Cutting me off with an incredulous look, Hoseok shakes his head before pulling my chair away from the computer. “Yes. Positive. They’ll love it. I mean, it’s such a cool idea. You said it was based off a true story?”

I nod, reaching in vain for the desk, I groan as Hobi keeps pulling my chair away. He laughs at my expression.

“Do you have a title idea?”

I shrug, finally giving in and allowing myself to be pulled away. “I’ll probably just keep it simple. Like, ‘Puma’ or something.”

Hobi throws away all of our food containers, nodding to himself. Tossing me my coat and making sure everything is saved and shut off, he opens up the door. “They’ll think it’s amazing.”

Shutting off the lights, Hobi makes a show of double checking that the hallway is clear before grabbing my hand and making his way toward the elevator. It’s only when we’re in the confines of the elevator that he asks me a question.

“What made you want to do it? This usually isn’t your style.”

I let out a long breath, instantly remembering my outburst with Bang PD earlier in the day. “I want to be good at everything. I…” I lean back against the wall, looking up at the ceiling. “I know that sounds stupid, but after Bang PD said that about my job, I felt like I had to do something more. Prove myself to him.”

“Mm.”

“It was time for me to expand. Try something new. And I was already pissed off, so when the boys asked for a more edgy track, I felt like I could do it.”

“Well, you’ve done very well with it.”

I see that Hobi also has his head angled upward toward the ceiling. From this angle, I wonder how I can see him so often and still feel like it’s the first time I’m looking at him.

He looks golden in the dim elevator, the lights picking out the paler shades in his hair and setting them alight. With his hands clinging to the railing at his back and his eyes falling closed, I wonder for a moment if this is right.

“How did I get so lucky?”

I ask the question more to myself than to him, but he hears me nonetheless. Ears perking up and tilting his head to look at me almost with the same mannerism as that of a golden retriever, Hoseok shakes his head.

“I wouldn’t call this luck,” he murmurs. “We’ve fought for this, haven’t we?”

At his words, I feel the exhaustion of the past few weeks sinking in. Sneaking around and hiding our relationship from everyone hasn’t been easy. Trying to navigate a brand new relationship without being able to actually spend much time together is tricky, especially when we are still healing from the hurt we’ve caused each other over the past few months.

Closing my eyes against the reality of our situation, I tuck the image of golden Hoseok in the elevator into the corners of my mind. “Do you think that we’ll ever get to rest?”

It’s quiet for a long moment as Hobi ponders my question. We both know what I’m really asking: will we ever stop hiding?

“Someday.” His voice is solid as he answers me. “For now, I think the seconds between floors 8 and 1 are enough to keep me pushing forward.”

For now, standing side by side and quietly speaking on the elevator, basked in golden light and listening to the whir of the machine are all we need.

However, will there ever come a time when this is no longer thrilling? When Hoseok decides to just leave early rather than hanging around with me?

What if I’m not enough?

Indeed, peeking over at Hoseok who currently resembles some sort of fallen deity who’s basking in the golden light, I can’t help but wonder what it is that keeps him coming back.

Now that I’m finally giving in to his pursuit, will it be over?

The ding of the elevator reaching the ground floor does little to pull me out of my daze, and it isn’t until Hoseok is looking back at me from the other side of the doors that I push off the wall and follow him out into the night.

That night as he drops me off outside my apartment building and pulls me in for whispered ‘I love yous’ and stolen kisses, I can’t find it in myself to bring it up. How do I begin telling him that I’m not sure I’m worth the trouble when he’s sure to write it off as some sort of crazy idea?

As I go to open the door, he grabs my hand, looking at me with a concerned expression.

“You sure everything’s alright? You seem...off.”

I lean across the console, watching with delight as his eyes widen. Swooping around, I kiss his cheek before retreating, laughing a little at his deflated expression.

“I love you.”

He gives a contented sigh. “I love you, too.”

Walking into my apartment building, I hope that he doesn’t realize that I completely avoided his question. I kick my shoes off with a sigh as soon as I enter my apartment, turning around to flick on the lights and lock the door. Making my way toward my bedroom, I don’t see the dark figure resting on my couch until their dark chuckle reaches my ears.

“You were out late tonight.”

Whirling around and stumbling backward until my back hits the wall, I stare in horror as Jihun turns on the lamp beside the couch. He holds up a wine glass, giving me a saccharine smile.

“Come sit down.” Filling the glass to the brim with red wine, he extends it to me. “We’ve got a lot to celebrate.”

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