#sneakily paid for my drink

[mountttmase]

Winter Sun - Chapter 4

Note - chapter four already 🤭 we’re over halfway now and I really hope you’re enjoying it so far. Thank you so much for all you lovely people who send me feedback, I appreciate you than I could tell you 😘 this chapter is extra cheeky so buckle up and I’d love to hear what you think 🩷

Pairing - Mason Mount × Reader

Word count - 7.8k

Warnings - series will contain fluff, smut & angst

Masterlist

Your tummy had been churning since you woke up. Partly from the nerves of today but also from thinking about what you and Mason had gotten up to last night. The way he'd handled you with such roughness but praised you at the same time had made you head spin and you could feel your knees buckle as you thought about his wet body pressed tightly to yours.

An incoming call made you snap out of your thoughts, Carly’s face filling the screen and you picked it up with a smile.

‘Good morning, sunshine’ you sang down the phone. Popping the last few bits you needed into your bag and her light chuckle made you smile.

‘Good morning to you too. Are you nearly ready?’

‘Yeah just getting the last of my stuff together’

‘Okay well Mason overslept so him and the boys are gonna follow on once he’s ready. I thought we could go for a little early girly breakfast with the others’

‘Ooo yeah okay I’ll be up in a sec’ you told her before popping your shoes on and meeting the others upstairs.

It was only a ten minute walk to the harbour and you managed to find a cute little cafe along the waters edge so you could order some coffee and pastries and wait for the boys. You’d been sat talking for around half an hour when Kayla said she spotted the boys coming, the four of them laughing and joking until they got closer and saw what they’d missed out on.

‘You made us miss breakfast’ Dec groaned, flopping down next to Lauren but thankfully she’d saved him something.

‘Don’t you start’ Mason groaned, trying to fit himself onto the sofa next to you before picking up your glass of orange juice so he could take a big gulp.

‘What happened Mase?’ Lauren asked as the boys surrounded the table but he just huffed as he placed his arm around the back of you.

‘I was exhausted when I got to bed last night and I must have forgotten to set an alarm for today’ he explained, reaching for the half eaten croissant on your plate and taking a bite out of the end.

‘Was turning the alarm off last night really that stressful?’ Woody laughed and you had to bite back your smile. Looking up at him carefully but the small wink he sent you made your heart flutter.

‘What do you think?’ You asked him quietly, head nodding to the pastry in his hands be he just shrugged and threw it back onto the plate.

‘S’alright. Never as good as yours though’

‘You flatter me’ you laughed, rolling your eyes before turning back to the group. ‘Woody? How are you feeling this morning?’

‘Alright I think. I think the sun got to me yesterday and then all that drink, I just couldn’t handle it’

‘You wait till I get you on that boat’ Dec teased, a mischievous look plastered across his features. ‘I’m gonna rock it until you throw up’

You let the boys bicker amongst themselves. Watching Ben pay for everyone’s breakfast sneakily and when he’d seen you’d caught him he looked at you with a guilty expression.

‘You didn’t have to do that Ben, we could of got it’

‘Its fine I-‘

‘Where do I pay’ you suddenly heard behind you, Carly rummaging through her bag to try and find her purse but you managed to stop her before she emptied her whole bag out.

‘Your delight of a boyfriend has already paid for everyone’ you told her, watching her face soften as she reached over to hold him by his cheeks.

‘Oh Benji, that’s so sweet you didn't need to do that’ she told him sweetly, bringing her lips up to his so she could kiss him deeply so you thought you’d let them have their moment. Going back to join the others so you could make your way over to the boat with Dec and Lauren as Mason trailed behind talking to Woody but as soon as you were about to climb on board he snuck in front of you so he could help you climb on. Blushing as he held his hand out for you.

There was space at the back for all your stuff. Everyone stripping down to their swimwear and excitedly walking around but you waited until everyone had mostly gone before you got changed.

‘I’m sorry, what the hell are you wearing?’ Mason asked quietly after everyone had moved to the front of the boat and it was finally just the two of you. His face was unreadable and you weren’t exactly sure what to say.

Your heart sank at his words, looking down at the bright orange set you’d picked especially for him because you thought he’d love it but his tone seemed angry almost and you gulped as you crossed your arms over yourself.

‘What do you mean?’ You asked quietly, not wanting to look up at him as you thought you’d done something wrong but the feeling of his hands on your wrists so he could uncross your arms made you look up at him shyly.

‘You don’t make this easy for me Muffin, you know that right? How am I meant to act like I don’t wanna fuck your brains out every time I look at you when you’re gonna be walking around like this all day’ he told you with a smile and you realised it wasn’t the fact he didnt like what you were wearing, he actually liked it a little too much. ‘I mean what even is this?’ He laughed, fingers gripping the material that hung on your hips.

‘It’s a sarong’ you whispered, shivering as his hand dipped past the split in the skirt so he could grip your thigh. ‘I didn’t wanna walk around in just a bikini all day so it's just a bit of a cover up, that’s all’

‘Well it's making me lose my mind’ he told you quietly, pulling you closer to his body so he could hide is face in your neck. ‘You’re so sexy and you don't even try’

‘You can talk’ you laughed, trying to brush his compliments away as you could feel the effects they were having on you become stronger by the minute. But you also wanted to give him a taste of his own medicine. ‘You think its easy for me watching you walk around with just those little shorts on?’ You laughed, feeling him laugh into your neck as he shook his head slightly. ‘Let’s just try and keep it in our pants, yeah?’

‘I’ll try’ he huffed, pulling back to look at you and the blush across his cheeks made your heart thump. ‘Will you help me with my sun cream?’

‘Of course’ you whispered. ‘Go save us a spot and I’ll be over in a second’ you told him, letting him join the others as you calmed yourself down a little. Once you found the cream you went and sat by him and began to help him apply it, noticing Declan eyeing you curiously from the other side of the boat but you ignored him for now until he made his way over.

‘I think were gonna take turns jumping off the side, you both joining?’

‘Oh um…’ you stuttered, not wanting to be a party pooper but Mason was handing you his phone with a wink.

‘Yeah I’m coming. Y/n promised to get some shots of us’ Mason explained, helping you up so you could join them on the side but he found you somewhere safe to sit so you wouldn’t fall in if the boat swayed about too much.

‘Hey Mase, why have you got a third nipple?’ Woody suddenly questioned. Everyone’s eyes flashing down to Masons chest and the small purple bruise you’d left there last night but you could tell Mason was floundering straight away.

‘Oh that? It’s nothing I just uh- I dropped my shower gel last night and it hit me in the chest’ he lied but you could tell none of the other boys believed him.

‘I wondered what that crash was last night, I could hear it from across the hall’ you chimed in, hoping a bit of support from you would make his silly lie a bit more believable and thankfully it worked. The rest of them making jokes at how clumsy he was before he sent you a quick wink in thanks.

He was trying to impress you, each jump higher and more dangerous than the last and each time he hit the water you felt your heart thump in fear but his little smile as he surfaced always made you feel better.

You left the boys to themselves for a bit, joining the girls for a gossip so you could top up your tan whilst you laughed at the boys trying out silly flips and hearing Masons excited little scream made you giggle.

‘You make sure you don’t hurt yourselves' Carly called over to them before Ben made his way back to her, leaving sloppy wet kisses over her face as his wet hair dangled over her skin causing her to shriek from the sensation. ‘What the hell, Ben you’re all wet’

‘I swear to god Woody, you come near me like that and I'll scream’ Kayla laughed, sitting up as Woody made a move for her, but in the end he grabbed a towel so he could dry off before sitting by her. Dec seemed to have the same idea and knew not to get Lauren wet but you knew Mason was about to do something silly.

You watched him carefully, his towel thrown over his head like a tent as he smiled down at you cheekily but you were slightly distracted watching the stray drops of water travel down his perfect body until they got lost in the waistband of his shorts. You knew he was looking at your mesmerised face and before you knew it everyone began to laugh as he came and laid directly on top of you.

‘You alright there, Mase?’

‘I’m okay’ he laughed, snuggling down into your neck and the cold water made you shiver. ‘You okay?’

‘I’m fine. I mean there’s a heavy weight on me right now but apart from that I’m great’

‘Hey I’m not that heavy’ he moaned, slyly kissing your neck out of the view of everyone else before placing his lips by your ear. ‘Do you ever get sea sick?’

‘Not really, why?’

‘Do you think you could pretend?’ He asked, sliding off you a little so he could rest on his arm and look down at you.

‘Why? You asked with a laugh but his cheeky smirk let you know already.

‘Cause if I don’t do something about the hard on you give me every time I look at you I don’t know what i'll do next’ he explained. ‘Just pretend so I can take you inside and we can be alone for a bit’

‘Just give me some time to get into character. I’ve been sat here chatting like I’m fine I can’t just suddenly be sick’ you explained, watching him excitedly nod at you with a laugh before he got up. Joining the boys again to leave you to it and as the minutes passed, you got quieter and quieter. Resting one hand on your head as the other sat on your tummy and it only took about 15 minutes for everyone to realise something was wrong.

‘Are you okay, y/n? Lauren asked. ‘You’ve gone awfully quiet’

‘I think it's just a little bit of sea sickness, I’m sure it’ll pass’ you smiled but Mason's head was popping up instantly. Ready to get in on the action and make out like you were worse than you were so he grabbed a water bottle and came and sat next to you again.

‘Have you had enough to drink?

‘I’m not sure’

‘You look pale as anything’ he told you, placing a hand on your forehead and making a concerned face. ‘Maybe I should take you inside for a bit, grab you some water and we can stay out of the sun until you start feeling better’

‘Yeah okay, I think that’s for the best’

You let him help you up, holding onto his arm for support as he wrapped an arm around your waist and slowly walked you away from everyone and you thought you’d be away without any issues until someone spoke up.

‘You two gonna be alright? Dec asked, an unreadable tone to his voice but Mason was quick to jump in and reassure him.

‘Yeah, she’ll be fine. I could do with getting out the sun for a bit anyway’ he told him, walking further out of sight. ‘You guys carry on and we’ll be back when she’s better’

As soon as you were out of sight around the side of the boat you couldn’t help but let the giggles take over. ‘I can’t believe they fell for that’ you laughed quietly, opening the door that led to the inside and as soon as you took the first step down you felt him slap your bum gently.

‘Come on Kate Winslet, i’ll sort your Oscar out later’ he teased but as soon as you made it downstairs you realised there would be an issue.

‘We can’t just do it out here’ you told him, looking around at the wide open space. ‘What if someone comes down to check on us? They’ll see everything’

He knew you were right, looking around the room with his lip trapped between his teeth until his eyes fell on the bathroom door and you watched them light up.

‘You can’t be serious’ you laughed, not wanting to to do anything with him in there but he’d already made his mind up and was walking over.

‘This is our only option, come on it’s fine’ he laughed, opening the door and ushering you in. The bathroom was pretty nice and you watched him sit the lid of the toilet down before taking a seat and tapping his thighs. ‘I know it’s not the height of luxury but I’m desperate’

‘I suppose it’s something I can tick off my bucket list’ you huffed, hands reaching to take off your bottoms but one look from him let you know he wanted the sarong left on.

Once you were ready, he shifted his shorts down to free himself before tapping his thighs again so you’d come and sit on him but there was something in the back of your mind that you wanted to do and now seemed like the perfect opportunity.

‘Come on muffin, you know what to do’ he teased, the cheeky smirk on his face driving you wild but you just stood looking at him with your lip trapped between your teeth.

You did know what to do. You knew exactly what he wanted but there was a little voice in the back of your head that was telling you to ignore him and do what you wanted to do. Something you’d been thinking about for days so when you dropped down on your knees in front of him he gave you a confused look.

‘Can I have a taste first please Masey?’ You asked sweetly, taking him in your hand as you looked up at him through your lashes and a sense of pride filled you at the way he was looking at you. His mouth slightly agape as if he wasn’t sure you were being serious but as you began to press kisses to his thighs he nodded his head. Looking on in awe as you licked a long stripe up his length before taking him into your mouth.

‘Jesus Christ, y/n’ he huffed, his hand holding the back of your neck as you worked on him and you felt your legs clench together as the noises falling from his lips.

Mason always liked to keep it very pg in front of the cameras and you knew he swore around his friends but you never knew he had such a filthy mouth until right now. Grunts and groans pouring from him as he repeatedly told you what a good girl you were. That were his good girl and he couldn’t wait to have you so you figured you’d put him out of his misery and came off of him with a pop.

‘Come up here’ he whispered, pulling you up by your arms so you could straddle him and without wasting a second you lined him up and sank down onto him. Giving your hips one roll forward but that was as far as you got before you heard a loud voice and footsteps coming down the stairs inside.

‘Where are you two?’ Dec called, his voice far away but closer than you wanted it to be and the pair of you looked at each other in shock. Almost frozen in fear as if you didn’t know what to do but thankfully Mason took over to try and bail the two of you out.

‘In the bathroom mate. She’s really not well-‘

He was cut off by the feeling of you rolling your hips on top of him. Not caring the Dec was outside the door and this could possibly end very badly but you wanted to teach him a lesson for dragging you down here so he could get his own away.

‘Let me in’ he laughed, trying the handle but luckily enough for you Mason had remembered to lock it.

‘No no no! she’s not well’ Mason shouted. Panicking that you’d be caught in a precarious position but thankfully the door didn’t budge. ‘She’s throwing up she doesn’t want an audience’ he managed to get out, your hips still moving as you tried not to moan and from the way he was gripping your waist you knew he was finding it difficult too.

In the midst of the slight panic you did all you could think of to help and began making fake sick noises. Feeling mason pull you closer, hiding in your neck to silence his laughs as they sounded so terrible before quickly kissing you to make you stop.

‘Do you need me to get anything’

‘No, just go back up and let her sort herself out’ he told him, voice wavering from the way you were making him feel and unfortunately Dec heard.

‘Are you alright mate, you don’t sound too good yourself’

‘I’m fine, just not good with sick. We’ll be back up soon just keep out the way for now’ Mason pleaded. Hoping that would be enough for him to go and before long you both heard him walk back up the steps and shut the door causing you to look at each other again with stupid smiles as you let out a moan in unison.

‘I don’t think you deserve that Oscar now after that performance’ he teased. Pulling down your bikini on one side so he could attach his lips to your chest and the new sensation made you squeeze around him. ‘Just couldn’t wait to fuck me huh?’

‘Nuh uh, and I was under pressure’ you laughed, your head falling forwards until you were touching again and after a quick kiss Mason's lips were by your ear.

‘I need you to keep moving those hips for me, Muffin. Show me how grateful you are for me saving you’ he teased. Hands trailing up and down your back gently as you let out a little chuckle but he was right. You owed him one this time so you did as he asked. Bouncing up and down on him like your life depended on it but as soon as his thumb connected to your clit you knew you were done for.

Thankfully for you, Mason wasn’t far behind you. Your high inducing his own and once you’d calmed down he pulled you into a hug and you both sat there for a few minutes in each other’s embrace as you got your breath back. His fingers trailing across your skin lightly before he nuzzled into your neck so you could hold each other tighter. Both content in the other’s embrace and not caring if it was allowed or not.

‘Come on, we should head back up’ you sighed, getting yourself off of him with a hiss and you quickly dressed yourselves before making sure you looked presentable.

‘Remember you're sick when you’re up there. Don't blow our cover’

‘Well you’ve tired me out so I’ll probably just take a nap’ you laughed. Letting him kiss your check before you both made an appearance again. Carly calling you over to her side and you spent the rest of the time on the boat next to her as she looked after you and kept you hydrated.

‘You’re looking a bit better than before’ she smiled after a little while so you nodded up to her as you sat up properly.

‘Maybe i ate something I shouldn’t have, I feel a lot better now. Thank you for looking after me’

‘What are best friends for’ she laughed, wrapping an arm around your shoulders so she could pull you in and even though you felt bad for lying to her, you were so thankful to have a friend like her to look after you.

You all decided to head back in around 4pm, wanting to get back to the villa for a shower and you all decided you didn’t want a late one tonight after your night before and your packed day today so you found a restaurant in the main town that could fit you all in. Just like clockwork, Mason was next to you with his arm resting on the back of your chair and you felt like a schoolgirl as you looked at him in his tight vest that was under his open shirt and baggy trousers that showed off his bum perfectly.

You couldn’t deny you loved it though, feeling like he was claiming you in front of everyone. Like you belonged to someone and when your eyes met his repeatedly throughout the night you felt the excitement rush through you knowing what you’d done earlier and what you could still do when you got back.

‘Are you ordering dessert?’ You asked him, unsure if you were able to handle one but the cheeky bite of his lip as he looked you up and down let you know he wasn’t about to give a sensible answer.

‘I mean there’s definitely something sweet I’ve been thinking about eating all day but I think I’ll have to wait till we’re back at the villa to enjoy it’

‘Mason’ you scolded quietly, looking around in fear on the off chance that someone heard but they all seem to be wrapped up in their own conversations thankfully.

‘What? There’s a slice of cheesecake in the fridge I got when we went shopping. I’ve been saving it’ he told you before dragging your chair a little closer to his. ‘I’m sorry, Muffin. You wanna split one?’

‘I’m not so sure now’ you laughed, knowing your cheeks were blood red and you didn’t want anyone to be suspicious so you held your menu up to your face in hopes no one would be able to see you.

‘Oh don’t be like that’ he laughed, hand creeping over your thigh as he moved his head next to yours. Dropping a kiss on your cheek as no one could see you both now but it only made you blush even harder. ‘Come on, you pick what you want and I’ll just eat whatever you leave’

‘Bit like my breakfast this morning huh?’

‘Well I was hungry and it was your bloody fault I was late anyway’

‘How was it-‘

‘Excuse me’ you suddenly heard, dropping the menu down so both of your faces were revealed. The whole table looking at you with curious eyes before Dec carried on speaking. ‘What the hell are you two doing?’

‘Looking at the puds. Its dark in here I couldn’t see’ Mason defended before his eyes shot back to the menu. Trying to make it look like he was carrying on what he was doing before but you knew he was acting and it took all of your power not to laugh at him.

You ordered the chocolate cake in the end, taking it in turns to have a mouthful as you spoke between yourselves but it wasn’t long before Dec was piping up again.

‘Is there something you two wanna tell us?’ Dec laughed, waving his fork in between you and you felt your face flush as everyone turned to look at you both.

‘Mate, stop it’ Mason started but Dec was in a teasing mood unfortunately and you felt yourself sink back into the chair.

‘You don’t leave each other alone’

‘We’re the only two single people here, yeah? What do you want us to do? Third wheel you guys all the time? We’re just talking Dec, can you not? You making y/n uncomfortable now stop it’ Mason told him, trying to defend the pair of you as you had been acting innocently for the most part over dinner and now you felt like you weren’t allowed to even look at Mason without someone saying something.

Thankfully Lauren stepped in, telling Dec off for being immature and upsetting you and Mason but even after he apologised you still felt weird. Letting Mason know he could finish it so you wouldn’t get caught being too close and the sad look in his eyes made your tummy churn.

‘Please just ignore him, he thinks he’s funny and he’s not’ Mason told you quietly and even though you tried to send him a reassuring smile, you didn’t feel like you could talk to him how you were before. Choosing to walk home with Carly and Ben so no one thought anything else was going on but you knew Mason had pulled Dec aside to have a go at him as soon as you got back.

You were treating yourself to a drink in the kitchen when you felt someone walk in, looking up to see Declan looking at you with a face full of sorrow so you smiled at him sympathetically.

‘I’m sorry y/n, I didn’t mean to be rude at dinner. And all the other times’

‘It’s fine-‘

‘No it’s not. Mase told me you’re finding it difficult being here with all the couple’s and you’d made a pact to stick together so I’m sorry for making you feel weird about it’ he explained, taking a seat at the island and you could sense he wanted to talk further about it so you took up the seat opposite him. ‘Truth is, I’d love for him to be with someone like you. He’s been single for a while but he picks all the wrong people, it’s exhausting’ he laughed, eyes lighting up in humour as you laughed along with him. ‘I just think you could be what he needs, but I’m sorry for pushing it, I bet I sound insane’

‘You sound like a concerned father’ you joked, making him laugh before he stood up to pull you into a hug. ‘But you know I want the same for him, that’s just not what this is. We’re friends and that’s it’

‘Well I’ll stop acting like a pushy parent now and leave it. But please don’t be awkward around him or anything cause I know he likes hanging out with you and I don’t wanna mess it up’

‘It’s fine, I’ll pretend none of this even happened’ you nodded, pulling back so you could grab your drink but you made sure to get Mason another bottle from the fridge before you made your way outside.

It was still early by everyone else’s standards, all choosing to come back and have a few drinks and a chat round the fire out where you could actually hear yourselves think but when Dec took his seat you realised there were only two left. One next to Kayla and one next to Mason and even though the events of tonight were still fresh and you’d wonder what everyone thought, you pushed through it and took up the seat next to Mason. The biggest smile on his face now that you were back with him as you popped his fresh bottle on the table in front of him. Your heart giving a thump as he wrapped his arm around the back of you and pressed a barely there kiss to your temple.

‘Thanks, Muffin’

‘Just doing my job’ you laughed but he shook his head playfully in response.

Mason kept his arm around the back of you the whole time and eventually you forgot Dec’s words from earlier. But for Mason it had only made him want to tease you even more it seemed, dropping his arm from the chair so it was draped around your back as he secretly stroked his fingers up and down your waist.

You looked up at him with wide eyes, wondering why he was being so touchy after everything that had been said tonight but he just smiled down at you before placing his lips by your ear.

‘You look really nice l tonight, by the way’ he whispered. Your face heating up immediately as you weren’t used to compliments like this from him. He’d never said anything of the sort the whole time you’d known him and you did all you could think of and tried to deflect and be silly with him.

‘You don’t look too bad yourself’

‘What high praise’ he laughed, resting his head on top of yours as he squeezed you a little tighter. ‘You know I’ve been thinking about that cheesecake in the fridge ever since dinner’ he told you and you rolled your eyes at how hungry he always seemed to be but you could tell from the tone of his voice that just like in the restaurant, he wasn’t talking about cheesecake.

‘You can eat for England sometimes I swear’

‘What, it tastes nice’

‘What sort of cheesecake is it anyway?’

‘It’s this new one, I tried it at the beginning of the week actually’ he told you with a cheeky smirk and you wondered what game he was playing. ‘I’ve been looking at it and wanting to try it for a while but I finally got a taste the other day and now I just want it all the time’

‘Oh yeah?’ You questioned, knowing for definite his words had a double meaning as the dark look in his eyes was making you think he wanted you right now.

‘Mhmmm’ he drawled, squeezing your hip teasingly and you knew exactly what he was talking about ‘I think i might have a serious problem’

‘Well don’t leave it in the fridge for too long, someone else might eat it’ you teased and you watched his face fall just a touch before he smiled at you again.

‘No way, it’s my cheesecake this week’ he teased and even though the pair of you were laughing together you felt weird at him specifying it was this week only.

Mason seemed to be on a mission to tease you for the rest of the night. Touching you and stroking your skin in places that he knew would get him in trouble. Kissing your head and whispering directly into your ear and you knew he was doing it so that when you were finally alone you’d be wound up enough to let him have you but little did he know you were out for a little bit of revenge.

‘I think I’ll head to bed now’ Mason announced to the group and you knew exactly what that meant. He was expecting you to follow him but after the way he’d been teasing you all night you were ready to give it back to him. You let everyone say good night, Ben and Dec announcing they’d be following him in a second and as soon the others were out of ear shot a you turned to him.

‘So soon?’ You asked, batting your eyelashes innocently which caused him to eye you curiously. You were pushing your luck, like you had been all evening, and you knew it but you weren’t about to give up now.

‘Yeah, it’s been a long day. Are you not tired?’

‘Not even a little bit’ you replied, winking as you took another sip of you drink. ‘Me and the girls have got plans to play a few drinking games’

‘Oh… okay then’

‘Sweet dreams, Mase. See you in the morning?’ you smiled, kissing his cheek but not waiting for his reply as you made your way back over to where the girls were sat. There were no plans for any drinking games but he didn’t need to know that. You were just waiting to see how long it would be before before he text you to join him or if that didn’t happen then you’d surprise him but the more worked up he was getting the better.

It only took 15 minutes for your phone to buzz, Masons name popping up and making you bite your lip to hold back a smile before you let the girls know you were off to bed too before you all made your way back inside. Them taking the stairs up to their rooms as you went down to yours and Masons floor.

You didn’t reply to him, the anticipation too much for you already so you gently knocked and after his faint come in you stepped inside and locked the door behind you.

Mason was sat in the chair behind the desk to the side of his bed, his back to you but as soon as you stepped in the room he slowly turned in the seat to face you. Arms crossed over his chest to show you he was annoyed but his thighs were wide and legs on show in those shorts you loved so much. His face was set, eyes burning into you as he gave you the once over before they settled on your face and you knew you were in for it.

‘You summoned me’

‘I want you to strip for me’ he told you seriously, ignoring the little laugh that came from you at his suggestion but it only to a moment to realise he was being serious.

‘Mase, I-‘

‘I’m waiting’

It was clear to see he wasn’t playing around, a tingle making its way up your spine as you looked back at him. Heat rising to your cheeks as thought over what you were about to do, something you’d never done for anyone, but even though Mason seemingly had turned into an absolute devil it had been your mission to wind him up and you now had the possibility to get under his skin even further.

It was a risk but you trusted Mason so you got to work.

You didn’t take your eyes from his, fingers heading straight to the top button of your dress so you could slowly undo them one by one and you watched as he started to shift in his seat as your hands got lower and lower. You couldn’t tell if you wanted you to slow down or hurry up as his eyes raked over your body. His hands moving to sit in his lap so he could fiddle with his fingers as he took in a nervous gulp and the way he was reacting to you gave you a little boost.

Once all the buttons were undone, you trailed your hands back up your body, slowly prying the fabric apart to give him a glimpse of the white laced underwear set you’d put on in hopes he’d see at some point tonight but you didn’t think he’d be seeing it like this.

As soon as your dress his the floor you watched the way his Adam’s apple bobbed in his throat, dark eyes seemingly lost as he couldn’t keep up with where he wanted to look and the shuddery breath that left his lips send a tingle down to your core. You were in the drivers seat now it seemed as he looked at you with flushed cheeks and his lip between his teeth but that was all over when you bent down to untie the strap on your heel.

‘Nuh uh. Keep the shoes on’

‘Seriously?’

‘My game, my rules’ he told you, his confident persona now back it seemed as he lent forward with his elbows on his thighs so he could get a better look at you. ‘Carry on’

The mood had shifted again, Mason with the upper hand so you turned away from him, giving him a view of your bum in the lacey thong you had on before reaching up to unhook your bra. As soon it was off you moved your hair to the side so your back was bare for him and you could hear him shuffling around behind you, not content that he couldn’t see what he wanted to and you tried to hold back a smile at the state you were getting him in.

‘Turn around’

‘Patience is a virtue, Mason’ you teased, sticking your thumbs under the waistband of your underwear so you could tug them down, your hips swaying from side to side a little as you pulled them lower before you bent over for him so you could drop them to the floor and step out of them.

Only then did you slowly turn for him, watching his eyes automatically fly to your chest before making their way down your body so he could drink up every last inch of you. You loved the way he always looked at you, like it was the first time and he couldn’t believe what you were hiding under your clothes but once again he switched. Back to his cocky self and you watched as he nodded his head towards the bed next to him with a serious face. ‘Lay down for me’

You did exactly what he said, not messing around as you were quite liking the way he was being with you so you crawled on top and got settled as he stood up. Standing at the end of the bed fully dressed whilst he looked over you naked body before he nudged your legs apart with his knee so he could rest himself in between your thighs.

‘You were really gonna make we wait huh? I’m glad you came to your senses’ he murmured, lips trailing across your chest before licking a stripe up between your boobs until he got to the base of your throat where he left a light kiss. ‘I was gonna make you suffer for that but since you were such a good girl and did what I asked I think I might go lightly on you’

The butterflies in your stomach were swarming, unsure if you wanted him to take it lightly on your or you wanted him to drag everything out but you knew either way he was in the mood to make you feel good. He was unpredictable though and you weren’t sure what he had in store for you so when he got himself settled to the side of you with your leg trapped between his and the mattress you looked up at him curiously.

He paid no attention to you though, picking up your opposite arm and popping a finger in his mouth so he could wet it before positioning it in between your thighs.

‘Get yourself started and I’ll help you in a minute okay?’ He told you lowly. ‘I wanna watch you first’

You didn’t bother arguing, you knew he’d get his own way eventually so you did what he asked, slowly circling over yourself the way you loved. You just pretended he wasn’t there and got into it like you did when you were alone and he mostly left you to it but once you felt his lips around your nipple you couldn’t help but let out a breathy moan.

‘You gonna let me take over now?’ He spoke against your chest and you finally made eye contact with him, his dark orbs on yours and you managed a feeble nod as his hand met yours to pull it away from you before he laid down in between your legs with your thighs pushed up so you were completely on show for him.

He was clearly still feeling devious as he pressed open mouthed kisses all over the backs of your thighs it made sure to stay away from where you needed him most until you started to squirm and he playfully bit your thigh.

‘Stay still’

‘Come on, Mase. I can’t take it anymore’

‘Poor baby. You think this is bad you wait till you see what I’ve got planned for you’

‘But you said you would go lightly on me’ you mumbled, words barely making it out of your mouth as they inched closer to where you needed him.

‘I tell you what, if you promise to keep your hands to yourself I’ll give you what you want right now’ he told you, chuckling as he watched you place your hands under your head so you weren’t tempted to touch him. ‘See, I’ve got you well trained already’

‘I swear to god Mason if you don’t-‘

Your words were cut off by the feeling of his tongue finally connecting with your clit. Short sharp flicks that made your whole body tingle and the most obscene noises to pour from your throat which caused the grip he had on your thighs to tighten a little bit.

‘I wanted to make you suffer for a bit longer but you taste too good’ he moaned, diving back in to play with you as only he knew how and the fact that you couldn’t touch him was making you insane.

That didn’t mean you couldn’t watch him though and you melted at the way he was looking back up at you, a cheeky smile on his lips as he knew how good he was making you feel from the way you were grinding your hips down onto his mouth.

As soon as his right hand started to venture down you knew what was happening and you clenched around nothing in anticipation of his fingers, crying out as he finally began pumping them in and out of you and it was almost as if he’d hit fast forward on your high. His name tumbling out of your mouth in anticipation but just as it was about to hit he stopped all of his movements and your high fizzled away into thin air.

‘What the fuck?’

‘I think you need teaching a lesson young lady’ he laughed, licking his fingers before kissing your thigh again.

‘Are you seriously gonna edge me?’

‘A few times yes. Then you’ll know how I felt having to come here in my own and wait for you’

‘I think I know enough already, please Mase I wanna cum’

‘And you will, I promise’ he told you and you felt like screaming.

But that’s what he did, got you close to your high another two times before stoping just short and you couldn’t be more frustrated if you tried. Every time he took you closer than the last until you were at the point of tears and your frustrations got the better of you.

‘Mase, please. I can’t do it anymore’ you sobbed thrashing your arms when he stopped again and his cocky smile did nothing to settle you.

‘I know, Muffin. I promise I’ll let you next time yeah? I want you cum around me though’ he whispered into your neck, rising up to rid himself of his shirt and you watched through hooded eyes as he undressed the rest of himself. Even the sight of him doing that had you teetering on the edge again. He was perfect and you had to stop the moan that almost came out when he sprung up against his tummy. He was as ready for you as you were for him and when he got settled between your legs again you didn’t have the energy to move.

The feeling of him inside of you was like nothing else, sure his fingers were heaven but there was something different about this. Like he was made for your pleasure and you sighed contently as he filled you to the hilt.

‘I’ll never get over the feeling of you’ he whispered in your ear hoarsely, the sound making you shiver as he began to move his hips. ‘You’re absolutely unreal’

‘Mase-‘ you started but his lips on yours cut you off. He hadn’t kissed you once since you’d got back tonight and the feeling made your heart thud as he poured himself into you. The feeling of him being so gentle with you a stark contrast to how he’d been playing with you this evening and as he pulled away you could tell how close he was.

‘You’ve been so good for me. Keep looking at me yeah? Let me see those pretty eyes so I know how good I’m making you feel’ he mumbled and you cried out as you felt your high coming for the countless time tonight. ‘Go on, you can cum I won’t stop you’

You were seeing stars as you tumbled over the finish line, the most intense high you’d ever experienced thrashing through you as he carried on pounding into you so you could ride your highs out together and you felt like your whole body was singing. Yes you’d been the most frustrated you’d ever been tonight but you’d take it ten times over to have the feeling you had right now. Nothing compared to this and as your foggy eyes looked up to Mason you knew you had a good thing going.

Even if it was just for a week.

y/n

liked by masonmount, laurenfryer_, declanrice and others

y/n Taking the sea-nic route ⛵️

view comments

declanrice you’re spending so much time with Mason you’re even coming up with with shit puns like he does

masonmount excuse me

y/n who do you think wrote it for me 😌

carlywlms_ glad you’re feeling better missy 🩷

y/n thank you for taking care of me 😘

masonmount 😶

y/n you too 😉

okaylaaa imagine that was the last picture of woody and I ever taken. Plunging to our deaths

woody_ bloody hell love

y/n food for thought. Glad you’re still alive though 😭

masonmount how many did you take of me with my shirt off?

y/n that’s for me to know and for you never to find out 😌

rasmus.hoejlund I hope Mason has been getting some training in too

masonmount don’t worry mate, I’ve been getting my blood pumping at least once a day. Sometimes twice 😉

y/n 🤨

laurenfryer_ today was just the best 🩷

y/n it really was 🥺

benchilwell no pictures of me in my in my shorts?

y/n @carlywlms_ has them under lock and key so I can’t show you off

carlywlms_ too right, that’s MY man

masonprivate and the award goes to 🏆

y/n 👏🏻🤭

Tagged: @footiehoemcfc @prideofpd @yoursselo @chelseachilly @willow-writer-ivy @mm-vii @katharinanadiaa @mmountseb @carlottawllms @saltyheartnightmare @masonmtxo @harvestmount @chillymountsjess @treblebluesblog @pulisicsgirl @bluesswift @feelinglikeineedlotsofnaps

[musings-of-miss-j]

no rest for the wicked (nor the foolish)

part seven: in which the obscenely wealthy resident makes himself a permanent fixture to your list of problems, even after you find comfort in the normality of Snezhnaya's city (and its firewater)

a harbingers x gn reader series!! (includes dottore, childe, arlecchino and pantalone x reader. the rest of the harbingers will most likely not be romantic interests)

notes: cuz i set fire to the rain but rain won't fucking catch fire fuck's sake (slowburn), gn neutral sarcastic legend sick of ppl's bs reader, slightly suggestive

series masterlist

author's notes: *throws this chapter at u like its crumbs and ur pigeons on the pavement*

reblog the crumbs my pigeons <3

word count: 5134 words

*  ੈ✩‧₊˚*  ੈ✩‧₊˚*  ੈ✩‧₊˚*  ੈ✩‧₊˚*  ੈ✩‧₊˚**  ੈ✩‧₊˚*  ੈ✩‧₊˚*  ੈ✩‧₊˚*  ੈ✩‧₊˚*  ੈ✩‧₊˚**  ੈ✩‧₊˚*  

Snezhnaya was so cold. Bitingly, piercingly, mercilessly cold. But the city was warmer, more welcoming. Despite the icy wasteland surrounding it, the rows of shops and frosted-over streetlights boasted an almost friendly atmosphere, tinny music trickling through the cracks of some of the doors and stalls advertising ‘the greatest hot chocolate ever sold!’. Childe took hold of your hand under the guise of not wanting to lose you when you passed through a particularly busy street, but neglected to let go even after the crowd dispersed. You let him, and dragged him into a cosy bookstore piled high with well-loved stories. He insisted on carrying every book you chose while you browsed, following you through the shelves with hardcovers piled high in his arms, leading the owner of the shop to shoot the two of you a knowing glance you didn’t particularly like. A clothes shop nestled into a corner also caught your eye, and after a pleasant half hour of perusing the finest selection of furs and suits and dresses you’d ever seen you left with a brand new cloak to replace your lost one, black with silver clasps and a fur trim that would have been expensive enough to haunt you for a week or so, if Childe hadn’t sneakily paid for it the moment you picked it up. He led you to the city’s landmarks; the frozen fountains and an ice rink you refused to step onto, and you even let him drag you into a tavern.

“Eleven, please. I’m far from a good drinking partner.” Your protest sounded weak even to your own ears; you were quite curious to try the infamous Snezhnayan firewater, and the tavern was wonderfully warm.

“Don’t shoot it ‘til you’ve tried it,” he cheerfully replied, pulling you through the door by your joined hands and steering you towards a table near the window. The place was rowdier than you’d expected; a bard sang and danced on a tabletop, strumming a ukulele while the clattering of coins hitting the surface melded with the people’s laughter and clapping hands. You were reminded of the irresponsible, green-clad bard from Mondstadt who’d avoided you at every turn yet shone onstage. Before you knew it, you were laughing and knocking back a drink yourself, leaning back in your seat and letting your voice join the cheers and chatter. Childe marvelled at how much more relaxed you were outside of the palace, the tenseness in your shoulders gone and the sceptical furrow between your brows softened, one arm hooked around the back of your chair while you swirled your drink with the other hand.

“Say, Eleven,” you half-yelled to be heard over the ruckus. “What possessed you to join this Archons-forsaken association?”

“Quickest way to become a better fighter.”

You laughed under your breath, downing the rest of your drink. No more for you tonight, that was certain; pleasantly tipsy was one thing but you were far from keen on being flat-out drunk.

“Is that so?” You quipped back, appraising him thoughtfully. “You know, Eleven, I’ve heard some gut-churning things about you,” you mused, leaning forward to rest your elbows on the table. “That you’re a bloodthirsty maniac. A murderous villain. That your only home is the battlefield.”

His breath caught in his throat. Here you were, tearing out any last semblances of goodness he still thought he had and laying them before him, tattered and bleeding. And you did it all with that small, thoughtful smile. The ambience of the tavern flickered like a faulty speaker, his ears filling with anxious static.

“I think you’re more than half-decent, though.” Alcohol certainly loosened tongues. The cacophony of the bar came rushing back.

You stacked a few coins on the table to pay for your drink, heedless of the relief coursing through his veins like the most potent drug. You knew. He didn’t know how, but you knew about the savagery lurking so near to the surface of the charm that had once come so naturally to him but now took an effort to maintain, and you didn’t hate him for it. More than half-decent. You might as well have called him a prince. He felt giddy, drunk on your praise.

 Breaking out of his trance, he firmly pushed your mora back in your direction and paid for the drinks himself despite your objections. You bickered over the matter the entire trek back to the palace, settling into the easy familiarity of squabbling back and forth with him. He accompanied you to the dining hall, too, claiming he had nothing to do at all even though Pierro was getting impatient at the lack of progress he’d made on tracking the Geo Gnosis; after all, what significance did godhood hold compared to you and the divine splendour of your laughter?

You found Arlie idling just outside. Preposterous, that she’d be reduced to dawdling around in hopes to see you, but there she was nonetheless, with the last plate of your favourite dessert that she’d snagged before a poor recruit could get his hands on it to boot. All damning evidence of her budding affection. Pleasantly surprised to see her, you made to introduce her to Childe.

“Oh, Arlie! I didn’t expect to see you today.”

She and Childe’s gazes met over the top of your head, the latter stupefied at seeing one of the most high-ranking Harbingers being referred to so casually, and by you, upholder of titles, no less, while the former shot him a formidable glare that warned him to hold his tongue lest she rip it out for him. She nodded shortly at your introduction.

“Childe and I are familiar.”

You hummed and pursed your lips. Surely this was ample confirmation that she was a Harbinger.

“Lovely, we’re all friends here then,” you said with just a touch of sardonic humour. “Why don’t we take lunch together?” You suggested, mostly as a way to further observe their dynamic and gather more evidence to support your theory. Arlie handed you the plate without ceremony.

“I’ve already had lunch, but I’d be happy to accompany you.” Even if she found Childe exuberantly foolish.

“I could eat,” Childe seconded, slinging an arm around your shoulders, not missing the way you beamed at her little gift.

Thus you found yourself seated under a gazebo in the palace gardens, pointedly ignoring the strained tension between your two companions while you admired the snow you’d once lamented and contentedly ate the berries from your pavlova. What a funny situation. You weren’t quite sure how you’d ended up befriending two higher-ups from a supposedly dangerous organisation and willingly spending time in their company over a plate of such exquisite dessert, but you supposed life had a way of being funny like that.                                                                                                                     

“Do enlighten me as to how the two of you know each other,” you said, waving your spoon vaguely. They let an ear-splitting silence fall, tense and rigid. You pointedly ignored the on-edge atmosphere, taking another bite of your pavlova.

“Well?” You prompted.

Childe clenched his teeth momentarily. “We were assigned on the same mission this reconnaissance cycle.” Arlie offered a non-committal hum of agreement.

“Interesting. And why is it that you seem on the verge of lunging at each other with the intent of causing as much bodily harm as possible?” You asked in a deceptively innocent tone. Childe wished you weren’t so clever sometimes, while Arlie turned her head away to hide her smile.

“Enough about us,” she interjected, leaning forward slightly to adjust the insignia you had pinned to the shoulder of your new cloak. “Tell me how you liked the city.”

“Snezhnayan firewater certainly lives up to its reputation for being extremely potent,” you replied with a shrug, setting aside your empty plate. “And Lord Eleven has similarly scandalous reputation outside the palace,” you added slyly, just to push his buttons. A bit of payback for not telling the truth about how he knew Arlie.

He choked on air. “What?”

Arlie raised an eyebrow. “What, indeed. Care to explain, Childe?”

“Not really,” he responded airily, tugging at his collar and clearing his throat. One advantage of Arlecchino being disguised like this was that he could somewhat safely dodge her authority under the guise of protecting her alibi.

Childe was saved from describing the reason for his less-than-ideal reputation when a young recruit, barely eighteen from the looks of it, came marching hurriedly towards you. Apparently the Director of the Harbingers himself was requesting Childe’s presence, and he left with more than a little reluctance and a wave goodbye. Arlie watched him rush off and allowed herself a moment’s satisfaction at the timely intervention. You touched her shoulder to catch her attention again, a small leather box in hand.

“I bought you something from the city,” you said, offering it to her. She stared at it in silence for so long you feared you might have offended her, when really her mind was spinning with the implications of you buying her a gift.

You swallowed nervously. She still hadn’t accepted the gift from your outstretched hand, staring blankly at the little box.

“Do you not want it?”

“I do,” she all but snapped, finally taking it. “I was… surprised, is all.”

 A four-leafed brooch lay inside, gleaming black metal inlaid with red gemstones that glittered as they caught the light.

Her silence left you a little nervous, and you found yourself rambling uncharacteristically to fill it. “The merchant was adamant that it’s crafted entirely from the finest silver, but I didn’t test it in the lab yet. But I can confirm that the jewels have a purity of at least seventy five percent, and it’ll fetch a handsome bit of mora if you choose to sell it”-

“Thank you. It’s…” Stunning? Lovely? Beautiful? Arlecchino was truly at a loss for words, and fought not to stare at you. What a warming thought, that you’d spotted a little trinket and your mind had conjured her as a recipient for a gift. How lovely, to think that she occupied your thoughts enough to become a regular visitor. “It’s exceptionally well-made.”

You beamed. “I’m glad to hear that. You seem to prefer black and white clothing, I think the red will serve as a striking contrast.”

“Indeed,” she agreed mechanically, offering you the barest hint of a smile. You could tell her the sun rose in the west and paper was inflammable and she’d probably agree at that moment. A part of her despised how much power that gave you. You took out your pocket watch.

“Ah, perhaps we should go back inside,” you suggested, rising from the bench and brushing away the layer of snow on your shoulders. “According to my observations, the temperature drops quite rapidly at around this time, and I have a few letters to write.”

Arlie quickly excused herself once inside the palace (to ruminate alone over her gift), leaving you to take a pile of your best parchment and a pot of your smoothest, most pigmented ink to the Regrator’s library. It took a moment of fumbling with your stationery to kneel and get the door open, but the sight within was as rewarding as it had been the last time you stumbled upon the place; bathed in the late afternoon’s pale golden light, the fire crackling merrily and glinting off the silver etched into the bookshelves, chairs comfortable and inviting. You gladly dropped into one of them, sighing contentedly as the plush leather enveloped you, and began penning addresses onto envelopes with magnificent blue and purple quill you’d received from your friends as a graduation gift. You still didn’t know where such a large, vibrantly coloured feather could have come from.

Sumeru – Sumeru City – The Akademiya – Scribe Alhaitham

Mondstadt – Mondstadt City – Mona Megistus

Inazuma – Watatsumi Island – Sangonomiya Kokomi

Liyue – Wangsheng Funeral Parlour – Director Hu Tao

Fontaine – Opera Epiclese – Duellist Clorinde

With some reluctance, you also marked an envelope Inazuma, Narukami Shrine for Yae Miko. The contract you’d signed all those years ago to provide her publishing house with what she called ‘light novels’ would never end.

How far-flung your friends seemed, scattered throughout Teyvat with seemingly no rhyme or reason. Maybe you’d take to travelling again once your diploma was finished, a vacation of sorts to see everyone … You filed that thought away for later contemplation.

For a while, the only sounds in the library were the scratching of your quill on parchment, the slight rattling of the stained glass windows as the late afternoon breeze whooshed by and… faint talking? You frowned slightly, glancing up from your writing. Two voices, vaguely familiar and gradually rising in volume; an argument, then. How irritating. You ignored it for as long as you could, until the shouting was clearly decipherable and loud enough to make your quill pause every few sentences to rearrange your thoughts (you and Lisa’s correspondence was mainly in the form of original poetry, and the distraction was making it even more difficult to find a rhyme for ‘Harbinger’.) The noise grew unbearable, and with an aggravated huff you left your things laying on the armchair to ascertain the source and perhaps ask them to quiet down.

Honestly. People’s utter disregard for a library’s rules is intolerable.

After spending  some time weaving through the towering bookshelves and past iced-over windows, angry voices growing louder and louder, you finally located the culprits.

It seemed you wouldn’t be asking anyone to quiet down, considering the argument was between Signora and the Regrator. Just your luck, really. Resigned to sealing the envelopes and finalising the calculations of your lab report back at the dorm, you turned to leave only for them to fall silent.

“(Name?)”

You cursed under your breath and pivoted on your heel to face the mortifying situation you’d found yourself in.

“My lord, my lady,” you managed after a strained moment of trying to collect yourself. “I heard shouting”- Signora and the Regrator shot each other a heated glare- “and thought it might be wise to investigate.” You conveniently left out the part where you’d gotten so riled up that you were quite prepared to admonish whoever it was. They didn’t need to know that.

“Nothing to worry about,” the Regrator assured smoothly, brushing invisible dust off his shoulders. He wore velvet today, supple and sophisticated, while Signora sported a lavish fur collar that she angrily swept back around her neck. You had to admit her elegance indisputably came naturally to her; even with her face twisted into a frown and no one to impress, she still radiated an effortless air of refinement and superiority.

The Regrator was different. Those endless eyes, that deliberate half-smile, his tasteful-bordering on-excessive attire, the guarded disposition… all of it hinted at a man who’d started low and clawed his way to the top. You were willing to bet he still had the blood under his fingernails to prove it, and wondered if it haunted him at all. There wasn’t any hint of remorse in his polished smile or fathomless eyes. An apprehensive shiver ran up your spine, and you averted your gaze.

“If you’ll excuse me”-

“No, no. Sit down, little one, we could use a mediator,” Signora cut in, gesturing towards an empty chair with a tilt of her head, never once breaking the intense glare she pointed at the Regrator. You sighed, thinking of your yet-to-be-delivered letters and the lab report that still needed writing.

“As much as I’d love to act as the referee for your dispute”- the Regrator had to suppress a genuine laugh at your carefully derisive wording, while Signora let an imperceptible, fond smile take over her face- “I’m afraid I have some rather urgent matters to attend to.”

“Surely not so urgent that you’d risk upsetting us?”

How he managed to sound so innocent yet sly was beyond you. The mischievous slant of his lips betrayed the true intention behind his deceptively benign tone; to embarrass its recipient for his own entertainment. Not to mention how breaching etiquette felt akin to throwing yourself to the sharks when it came to him. Something about the Regrator exuded propriety and demanded a similar demeanour to be maintained, unlike the rest of the Harbingers around whom a certain degree of sarcasm could safely be upheld; Childe could even be described as friendly, and despite the Doctor’s terrible reputation and a justifiable ego thanks to his unparalleled intellect your mutual inclination towards scientific progress made him more approachable, while Signora had yet to berate you for any lapse in politeness, instead regarding you with a sharp smile and an air of superiority that made it quite clear to you that she found you funny. Demeaning, really.

Still, your current problem was how to escape the cage of social obligation Regrator had managed to weave.

“I’m afraid so, Lord Regrator,” you confirmed drily, offering him and Signora a shallow bow. “Here’s to hoping your dispute comes to a swift and satisfying end.”

You moved to leave, gladdened by your evidently inoffensive departure. He couldn’t have that, of course; you’d caught his interest and he’d decided to indulge in his curiosity.

“Allow me to join you,” he proposed, falling into step next to you. Signora let out a very audible tsk. You couldn’t help but agree with her.

“I really don’t think that’ll be necessary”-

“Many of the best things in life aren’t,” he responded, guiding you towards the door with a hand on your back. Annoyed by him trying to steer you, you sped up and went to collect the letters; the Regrator, undeterred by how you’d shrugged away his touch, took the stack of envelopes from you. Wary of accepting any help from a Harbinger, you attempted to retrieve them with an array of pleasantries such as ‘there’s really no need, I can carry them myself’ and ‘you’re really too kind’.

To no avail; in the end, he even managed to nick your satchel right off your shoulder and carry it the entire way back to your dorm, much to your embarrassment. You supposed it was only polite to invite him inside, not that you’d expected him to graciously accept your invitation and make himself comfortable in the armchair across the fireplace. You didn’t miss the way his fingers traced the patches of embroidery you’d painstakingly made along the seams, rows of tiny colourful flowers stitched for the purpose of improving your dexterity before a particularly finicky experiment and maybe even to leave a mark of your stay here; the fact he’d noticed them at all indicated an impressive attention to detail that made you wonder what else might stand out to him about your living space. Perhaps he found your accommodations excessively modest. The thought amused you no end; a rich boy out of his depth would never not be funny, after all. He seemed utterly at ease, though, content to watch you shed your new cloak and pick out leaves and cups for tea without any conversation, those dark eyes following your every move.

“You’re staring quite intently, my lord,” you remarked, handing him a cup of tea and wrapping your gloved fingers around your own.

“Beauty should be appreciated, no?”

You laughed under your breath, hoping you weren’t blushing at such a clichéd line. “I suppose I walked into that one,” you conceded, resting your weight against the edge of your desk and wondering how best to broach the topic of why he accepted your invitation to come inside. He smiled and lifted the teacup to his lips, as if aware of your internal dilemma. You cursed every aspect of his polished personality for making you feel like you had to be especially polite.

“Is the tea to your liking?”

“Delectable,” he assured. That vexing half-smile on his face was starting to get on your nerves; it was as though he was contemplating something awfully hilarious about your countenance that you weren’t aware of.

You offered him a nod of acknowledgement, turning to sort through the pages upon pages of calculations you’d made for your next experiment. It pertained to the various elemental crystals that apparently gave Vision holders extra power; a relatively recent discovery you’d made in your last year at the Akademiya and one you were quite proud of. It still needed further testing before you could guarantee the benefits of using them and how to do so, but the theoretical efficiency you’d calculated was very high at a whopping ninety-four point seven per cent. You really were quite proud of this potential breakthrough, and were excited to share it with the Doctor, someone who’d appreciate the complexities of an experiment even before it came to fruition. Maybe you’d gift Childe a gemstone of the Varunada Lazurite variety after the testing stage was concluded, since he was so incessantly obsessed with improving his combat prowess. You doubted Arlie’s illusionary magic would benefit from such a crystal, though. It didn’t quite shock you as much as it should’ve that you were so casually thinking of gifting a Harbinger something, as though you were friends. Perhaps you did consider them friends. Your brows furrowed infinitesimally. How bizarre.

The Regrator interrupted your musings with a slight laugh.

“I must know what’s on your mind to have such a puzzled expression cross your face.”

Embarrassed by his scrutiny, you cleared your throat and neatly stacked your paperwork into the wooden case to avoid looking at those eyes.

“Nothing at all,” you insisted. “Just my research.”

It was becoming a familiar lie.

“Well then, do enlighten me,” he said, peering up at you over his glasses. You paused in the act of rewriting a horribly complex chemical equation with the correct stoichiometric ratios. You couldn’t believeyou’d made such a foolish mistake, and you grimaced at the thought of the ridicule you would’ve no doubt received from the Doctor if you ended up submitting it.

“I doubt it’ll be of much interest to you, my lord.”

“I suspect I may surprise you yet,” he replied, gazing up at you expectantly.

You drummed your fingers against the wooden surface of your desk, deep in thought. From your perspective, common sense dictated that you should not under any circumstances share the details of your research lest someone apply for a patent of the invention before you, and thus take all the credit for the discovery. You suppressed a shudder of revulsion at the thought. No, the Regrator was not to be trusted with the minutiae of your research.

Celestia’s sake, he’s a banker. He’s not to be trusted, period!

You turned to face him, the beginnings of an idea just barely discernible in the quirk of your brows, the smile on your lips that was a little too devious to be written off as merely polite.

“Why not enlighten me with details about your work instead?”

You sly little trickster.

He surveyed you with a half-smile not unlike the one on your own face, impressed by your deflection.

“Hm. Seems we’ve hit an impasse,” he remarked, crossing one leg over the other and leaning back in the armchair, the picture of immovable and infuriatingly self-assured calm. A side effect of being rich, you supposed, watching him get comfortable with mental sigh. You’d hoped he’d be on his way soon; evidently that would not be the case. “We’re both unwilling to part with the secrets of our trade.”

“Yes, quite,” you agreed with a laugh you couldn’t suppress. It was amusing to think that the Regrator, a man who obviously dealt in meticulously worded phrases with a penchant for hiding his true intentions behind walls of elegance, was being forced to get straight to the point with no purposeful stalling whatsoever. Because of you, no less. Oddly enough, he found himself not quite as incensed as he would’ve expected at being the subject of your hilarity. Perhaps that had something to do with how agreeable mirth looked on you, softening the ever-present suspicion even if only for a moment.

What an interesting little thing you were turning out to be.

He watched as your eyes began to wander in the silence that followed, first to your window and the glowing flowers sprouting from the cracks around it, then to the fire in the hearth where it lingered for a little longer, along the walls, tracing the silver lines engraved on them, before finally resting on his hand. He wondered which of his many rings you were so fixated on.

“Perhaps we should both retire for the night, my lord,” you suggested, tearing your gaze away from the diamond ring you were still quite interested in testing. He raised his eyebrows, his smile turning devious.

“What, together? I didn’t think you were so forward, (Name.)”

You almost wished his insinuation was lost on you. It wasn’t, tragically, and you had to contend with the mortifying ordeal of flushing crimson and briefly debating on whether to say the first thing that came to mind, if nothing else to rile him up as much as he did you (‘Well, I wouldn’t oppose to the idea unless you did.’)

Damned banker and his damned dirty mind…

His fingers were still running over your little garden of embroidered flowers, eyes crinkling ever so slightly at the corners from the wideness of his smile. Abandoning any semblance of courtesy, you opened the door and gestured pointedly at him to leave. Your fear of the Harbingers seemed inconsequential compared to the sheer magnitude of the frustration they caused you. You could only maintain a façade of perfect grace for so long, after all.

“With all due respect, my lord”- (how wonderful you sounded without anything to filter your opinion of him in that moment. Even if said opinion was decidedly negative) – “I’d like you to leave. You’re disturbing me. And there’s a cursed redox apparatus I need to wake up at an ungodly hour to check on.” You muttered the last part testily under your breath, dragging a hand down your face and lamenting the fact you hadn’t waited until later to set it up.

“Come, now. Surely you won’t just kick me out like this?” Regrator implored, sounding more relaxed than upset. “The night is young. Let us at least have a proper conversation.”

How you longed to understand why he insisted on pestering you. Surely he had better things to do. Although, you mused to yourself as you openly sized him up, maybe he’ll leave if I talk to him. Just for a while.

“What would you have us speak of?” You asked wryly, folding your legs to perch cross-legged on your desk chair. “It doesn’t seem likely that we’ll find a shared topic of interest.”

“Why ever not?” He returned, raising his eyebrows. “Do you have such a negative impression of me that you think I can’t keep up with you in conversation?”

“Of course not. I never implied that, my lord.”

He laughed at your swift denial. Clearly you were still apprehensive of his status as a Harbinger, not that he blamed you.

“I hear you’ve received an invitation to the annual gala.”

Your face contorted at the reminder, brows drawing inwards and a frown tugging your lips further away from a smile as your jaw tensed.

“Ah, yes. I’d almost forgotten about that. Lady Eight was so kind as to invite me.” Your real meaning was clear despite the unwavering civility of your words: Lady Eight could very well eat her left shoe. Beautiful women can really get away with anything, you mused to yourself.

“Yet you seem less than overjoyed by the situation,” he remarked, sliding one of his rings up and down his finger as he watched you.

With a sigh, you rested your elbows on your knees and your chin in your hands, proper posture be damned to the lowest ring of hell. “It’s just not my scene, I suppose.”

“Uncomfortable with large crowds of people?”

You scowled at the floor in response to his mocking tone. “Displeased by the public’s general idiocy, more like,” you muttered under your breath, hating the Regrator just a little more for coaxing you into revealing your weakness then taunting you for it.

The Regrator was beginning to think that he enjoyed your scorn even more than your artificial flattery. He’d be hard-pressed to think of a more artful way ridicule his opponent in a verbal altercation without being too direct and ruining the element of subtlety he so valued.

“But you’ll still be attending, no?”

“Unless divine intervention occurs for the first time in this century, yes, I will.”

“Good, good,” he all but purred, relaxing even further back in the armchair. You glowered at the floor. Your armchair. That he was sitting in. He effectively snapped you out of your trance of gradually building wrath with his next question.

“Would you do me the honour of a dance, when the gala does roll around?”

It took a moment of unconvinced staring for you to realise that he was, in fact, being serious.

“If you insist, my lord.” You were confident in your ability to sneak off and prevent such a thing from ever happening, in the unlikely scenario that he even remembered. He smiled entirely too cunningly for your liking, as though he knew exactly what you were planning. You shook off the feeling, rising to your feet when he did the same and throwing a mental celebration when he made his way to the door.

“Let’s not make this our last conversation,” were his parting words before he left. You consoled yourself with the fact that speaking to the Regrator was intellectually stimulating if nothing else, what with having to constantly dodge his questions and avoid offending him too much while making sure your own pride didn’t end up bruised. A raven warbled outside your window, and you cracked the window open despite the sigh of frigid air that sneaked its way into the room to feed it.

“Hello there, pretty,” you murmured, scattering an array of seeds and nuts across the windowsill and watching as the raven, one of the flock you’d so tenuously befriended, hopped across the stone and pecked at your offerings. You hadn’t expected them to be so open to human interaction, but the ravens were quite comfortable with waking you at dawn with their incessant squawking and arriving at your window in a flurry of black feathers to demand more food. You liked them, with all their melancholy glory and sharp little eyes and the symbolism of death they were so often associated with. There were worse visitors clad in ebony to have, you decided, an image of the Regrator appearing in your mind’s eye.

*  ੈ✩‧₊˚*  ੈ✩‧₊˚*  ੈ✩‧₊˚*  ੈ✩‧₊˚*  ੈ✩‧₊˚**  ੈ✩‧₊˚*  ੈ✩‧₊˚*  ੈ✩‧₊˚*  ੈ✩‧₊˚*  ੈ✩‧₊˚**  ੈ✩‧₊˚*

cult members taglist peeps: @viridian-coffer, @vvzhyxx, @darifes, @whore-of-many-hot-men, @aenishas, @love13tter, @crownohomo, @redcherrypineapple

if you want to be added or removed then please reply to this post or the series masterlist post !!

[seivsite]

WHAT ARE YOU SMILING AT?

prompt: smiling real hard when texting them.

includes: blade x gn!reader. college au, blade’s in finance/business, he’s a loser as always, reader is the one pinning blade, not the other way around — wc: 670

A typical day at Star Rail Academy was unfolding, with everything proceeding as expected. Caelus continued his routine of rummaging through trash cans, Jing Yuan could be seen feeding the birds and cats in the vicinity, and to everyone's surprise, Blade wore an uncharacteristic, soft smile while engrossed in his phone.

Blade, smiling? That was a rare sight indeed.

“He’s definitely smitten,” Silverwolf whispered to Sam as they sat together, Silverwolf sneakily snacking on some of Sam's food.

“I can see that, Silverwolf. I'm not blind,” Sam replied, savouring his sandwich.

Kafka, always the curious one, leaned in closer to Blade. She wanted to catch a glimpse of the mysterious person capable of bringing a smile to Blade’s usually stoic face.

“Who are you chatting with, Bladie?” Kafka inquired, her curiosity piqued.

Blade swiftly interjected, pulling his phone away from Kafka's prying eyes. “None of your business.”

Silverwolf chimed in mischievously, "You know, I could hack your phone and find out."

Sam, with a sidelong glance, admonished Silverwolf for her antics while she snacked on his food.

Blade, seemingly unfazed, stood up from his seat. "Doesn't matter. Anyway, I've got some things to take care of."

"Hmm? Is it to meet this special someone?" Kafka asked, resting her chin on her hand.

Blade ignored her comment and began walking away from their table, walking past his old friends, collectively known as the High-Cloud Quintet.

Jing Yuan gazed longingly at Blade as he departed, but Blade paid him no attention. He was on a mission to find the person he was eagerly anticipating spending time with.

“I’m gonna be late!” you exclaimed, hastily slinging your bag over your shoulder and bidding your peers farewell.

As you rushed out of the room, your phone chimed, signalling a new message. You fumbled to retrieve your phone from your pocket while swiftly boarding the bus, scanning your card, and finally securing a seat.

Now that you weren’t in such a hurry, you quickly typed out a reply to Blade.

“Bladie! Thanks for waiting for me,” you huffed, sliding into the seat next to him in the booth.

“No worries, I got your drink while waiting,” Blade replied, nudging the beverage toward your side.

Your eyes lit up with gratitude as you took a sip of the delicious drink, but your enjoyment was cut short by a sudden thought.

“How do you even remember my order?” you asked, squinting playfully at him.

Blade responded with a hint of amusement, “You always order the same drink, darling. It would be surprising if I didn’t remember from the countless times you've posted about it on your socials.” He took a sip of his own coffee, a small smile playing on his lips.

“Huff... Anyway, help with this, will ya?” you said, opening your laptop. Blade leaned in closer to get a better view as the two of you began to work together.

As time passed, the two of you tackled your tasks, with Blade’s smart input proving to be immensely helpful. Hours seemed to fly by like water, and before you knew it, the surroundings had transformed into the warm hues of a beautiful sunset.

You yawned and stretched your arms out, finally finished with your work.

“Thanks for accompanying me, Bladie. I really appreciated it,” you said, leaning against his shoulder.

He froze for a moment but managed to muster, “It’s not a problem. I’m just a text away.”

“Hmm,” you replied, seemingly lost in thought.

Then, you leaned in and pecked his cheek, causing a deep blush to spread across his face and ears. You giggled at his reaction.

“As a thank you, I’ll see you tomorrow at the same time, if you’re free,” you inquired, already packing your bag.

“Yes! I mean, yeah, of course, sure. See you tomorrow then,” Blade stammered, rubbing the back of his neck.

You smiled and walked out of the café with a faint jingle, leaving Blade deep in thought as he tried to process what had just happened.

NOTES. context behind the café meeting is reader is confused with some money things so they asked their trusty dusty bladie!

TAG LIST. @yanqingisim

LIKES AND REBLOGS ARE APPRECIATED! ‹3

[itssmean]

𝒍𝒐𝒗𝒆 (𝒃𝒆𝒕𝒂) 𝒕𝒆𝒔𝒕𝒆𝒓

track 10 ; ring ding dong (600+ words)

warning(s) : grammatical error might be occur, harsh jokes?

SYNOPSIS new upcoming app called ‘love alarm’ will be launched ! but it need to be tested before the official launching date, so what ifs the well known enemies— lee chanyoung and park y/n are the one that gonna be the app beta users? does the love between them gonna ring?

After a few days passed, a peaceful weekend finally arrived. At the cafe near the campus’s dorm, there were Y/N and Haewon who’s waiting patiently for the other students who are also ‘beta users’.

Somehow, without Y/N’s knowing, all of her friends (including Anton’s friends) are plotting something behind them. According to Sunoo, his idea to make things work is to deceive both of them to meet each other without them running away with the help of the others mentioned before.

Thankfully after a few bribing all of them agreed to help these desperate friends group (definitely not Taesan’s words!). 

“Well, are you sure that this is the right thing to do?” Yuna asked Sunoo, particularly unimpressed with Sunoo’s idea to spy on Y/N who’s eating with Haewon on the other side of the cafe.

“We need to see the progress, just asking Sohee to make sure Anton is coming with Shinyu and Taesan doesn’t help anything! Plus, who knows if Y/N will just dash out after seeing Anton?” he answered mindlessly while sipping his drinks. 

“Uhm, I hope Haewon will not say anything, I paid her 50 bucks! She just needs to shut up and just go with the flow.” he added. Suddenly, Yuna’s phone beeps— getting messages from Sohee that the three boys mentioned before will arrive at the cafe soon.

“So who will be here soon? Shinyu and Taesan you said? Anton is not coming, right?” Haewon just nodded, scared she’ll spoil the whole thing before the boys arrive.

“Why, do you want him to be here too?” Well, her impulsive thought is winning so Haewon just smirked while Y/N flusteredly shook her head “No, obviously not! Where does the thought come from!” 

“Do you know the first step of falling in love?” Haewon wiggles her eyebrows at Y/N which makes Y/N frown. “No, what is the first step then?”

“Denial.” 

“I hope you choke on your drinks.”

Shortly after that, Haewon waved her hand to signalling Shinyu where they sat as the boys arrived. Both Anton and Y/N didn’t know each other's whereabouts until they faced each other and frowned.

“You said that Anton is not coming” Y/N glared at Haewon who is not saying anything and just sipping her drinks looking around the cafe — well specifically looking for Sunoo and Yuna.

“You said that is just the three of us hanging out” Anton looks at Shinyu, bamboozled. “Who said that? I don’t think I said that.” 

Suddenly, Y/N’s phone rings, which makes Anton’s eye widened. As soon as she opened it, she furrowed her eyebrows along with Haewoon who’s sneakily looking at her phone too.

“Does your phone ring? Why does the heart on my app showing two people ring their love alarm?” Y/N asked Haewon and she just showed her phone, “Mine is one. And only three of the boys are here, so one of you must like me while the rest like Y/N. So who is it?” Haewon slyly asked.

Y/N who is still frowning cannot comprehend anything at that moment with Anton who is also in complete silence fighting with his inner self, trying not to be obvious. However, without anyone knowing Shinyu is typing something in his phone.

“What’s wrong with them? Why does Anton look so scared and why is his phone not ringing? Something is wrong here.” Yuna beams behind the bushes spying on them. 

“Now why are you hiding here Shin Yuna?” Sunoo beams while side eyeing Yuna. Yuna just glared at him and ignored him. Sunoo snickered at the sight. Shortly after that he receives a message from someone and he suddenly drops his phone.

“What do you mean there are other people that like Y/N?”

track 09 / track 10 / track 11

open for taglist!

@kyusqult @babigriin @brachioswrld @dinosluver @rksbae @ilovejungwonandhaechan @bunni

[141trash]

Holy if you do do a secretary König kid fic

How would she go abouts it?! Sneakily drug him to jerk him off? (I know it'd take a lot to drug that boy) Adult conversation? Tries to be sneaky and get him drunk? Oh the possibilities I'm dying 🫠🫠

Beeestie listen listen. Do you really think you've got to go about it sneakily with König? He's been watching you since the moment that you were assigned as his secretary, just sizing you up. He's a busy man, and also socially stunted, he doesn't have the time or want to date. okay fine he wants to date, but he can't get past the trauma from his childhood nor his insecurities to take that first step

I'm certain that as far as he's concerned a cute little secretary dropped into his lap is the perfect way to secure a wife. He's probably in the midst of some awkward courtship dance known only to him by the time you decide that you'd like him to bend you over his desk and pump a baby into you.

I could see actually asking him going one of two ways.

One, he's all for it. You've just made his life easier by being the one to bring it up. Of course he'll give you his children schatzi. How many would you like? 2? 3? 5? He'll give you a whole soccer team if you'd like, it's not like he isn't well paid. What's that? You weren't expecting him to help? Oh no he can't have that. They're his children too. You understand right? He's going to be a good father and a good husband. He's going to bring you home to his mother and grandmother.

This screams older König to me, he's a little more self assured through time and his years in the military. So when you gather the courage to tell him he's surprised and all for it. I hope you thought this through before you brought it up because there's no turning back now.

Two, he's completely floored. Like, I'm sorry what did you just say? His tinnitus must be really bad today because he could have sworn that you'd asked him if he'd agree to give you babies. He's confused, probably hard as a rock at the suggestion because he absolutely was not staring at you the other day when you bent over to file some stuff in his office. He also did not use that image to help get himself off in the shower later that night. I don't think he'd be able to answer you right away so you'd have to tell him to think about it, maybe give him a little wink before you leave.

Perseverance would be your best friend. You want his babies then you have to work for it. He's half certain that he dreamed the whole interaction and is too terrified of the reaction if he were to bring it up and it really was all just a dream.

You catch him drinking alone one Friday night, caught up in his thoughts. You've been tormenting him all week, at least that's how he feels. Every spare moment he has is clouded with thoughts of you. Your softness, your flirty smiles, your beauty. And gods wouldn't you just be such a good mother? He's so distracted by it that he doesn't notice your approach until you're right in front of him. Instead of office attire you've changed into something comfortable, holding your drink of choice in hand. Your smile stretches across your pretty face, as you take a seat next to him without asking.

He doesn't say anything, but downs his entire glass of whiskey in one heavy gulp. Tonight you're his. Whether it was a dream or not he's got it in his head now and there's no going back. He wants you and he's going to have you.

I might still write this but these are my thoughts lmao. I don't think you need very much at all to convince him ;) he's a little pathetic that way, but that's why we love him

[oreharuuu]

éta ritual (6)

Summary: Your apartment's finally cleaned, thanks to Yunho and Mingi. But the stress of university, work, Jieun, and being away from your family took a bit of a toll on you.

Warnings: a lil bit of angst, description of being burnt out, woo and san being a perv, watching without consent

A/N: I lied :) I felt bad ignoring this series so i made a new chapter lol, it's more of a filler with fluff and angst. A lil bit of plot here and there. Anyways, happy reading! P.S. chat me if you'd like to be put in my PERMANENT tag list for every work I've done!

Taglist: @starillusion13

You sighed as you stepped out of the shower, drying your hair as you walked towards the fridge to grab one of the manh drinks Yunho decided to buy for you.

After cleaning everything up, you all decided to order in food since you're all tired. You're surprised when Yunho, who went to kitchen to grab water, stormed in with a clap before smiling. "Let's go grocery shopping!"

"Why, hyung?"

"She has nothing but bottled water, butter, and an opened can of cola inside her fridge," Yunho deadpanned, eyes moving to you as you looked away sheepishly.

"(Name)! How did you even survive?" Mingi asked astonished, which made you glare at him. "Hey! I'm a university student, does it ring a bell that I might have to not spend my money too much?"

Their gaze turned into pity, Mingi dragging you outside of your apartment as you squeaked in surprise. "Hey! What are you—"

"We're gonna buy you food, duh."

"What?! No way, I'm not letting you—"

"Hey," Yunho said as he closed the door, gently grabbing your shoulders. "Think of it as a treat, yeah? Me and Mingi also need a few stuff, maybe we'll buy food and eat."

You continued to glare at the tall man, swatting Mingi as he quietly chuckles at how you have to crane your head to meet his gaze.

"I just feel bad spending your money—"

"Don't worry," Mingi answered. "He's like, rich rich rich, old money basically. So it's not gonna put a dent in his wallet."

"It's about the morality—"

"Oh shush," Yunho cups his hand on your mouth. "Mingi's right. It's my treat, it's rude to decline a helpful offer, no?"

You pursed your lips, crossing your arms before nodding. "Fine, but! I usually have a budget for shopping, so it's still being used."

Yunho shrugged, "Fine by me."

In the end, you did go over budget, no thanks to Mingi and Yunho sneakily adding more items to your cart. Then while paying, Mingi discreetly asked you to help him pick out a new shirt that fits him, making Yunho paid for everything.

You sighed, popping open a new cola before turning on your laptop for background noise. You took a sip, laid down on your bed, and just stared blankly at the wall for you don't know how long.

Work was normal, Mark was also acting normal since you've last met him. University was still shit, Hyein was also busy but she's an angel of course; texting you every now and then with new gossip or just ranting about her project.

San, Mingi and Yunho were all great friends. Mingi and Yunho chatted you everyday to ask for updates or to talk about random things. San, although busy with work, still made time for you to eat dinner together or just binge watch shitty movies.

But with all of that...you still felt alone.

Maybe it's your mind playing tricks, but you felt only emptiness after Mingi and Yunho came by to help you. Going to university only filled the emptiness for a while, you realized that it's only because it took your mind away to actually think about assignments and group projects.

You sighed, glancing at your phone before grabbing it. Scrolling through contact numbers before stopping at one. You grabbed your blanket, quickly covering yourself from head to toe, the sounds from your laptop a bit muffled as you pressed call.

You bit your lips hard enough as the call ring, holding your breath as the person answers after a few seconds of silence.

"Hello? (Name)?"

"Hi, mom."

"Oh, my baby! How are you doing?" Your mom cooed happily at you, realizing that you called her whilst she's washing the dishes.

"It's...fine," You lied. "Just realized I haven't called you in a long time."

"Aww, well I know you're working very hard so I'm fine with you not calling if it means you can graduate with good scores."

You laugh, wiping away some of the tears building up in your eyes as you sighed. "How are you, mom? Anything new there?"

"Same old, same old," She answers. "Your dad met a new friend he could talk about golf, which is making me so happy because I don't understand any if it."

You hum, drawing invisible shapes on your sheets as you continued. "How's Taemin? And Jongin?"

Your mom groaned, making you giggle slightly. "Those boys will be the death of me. They've joined a new dance class since the last class they caused such a ruckus that they got kicked out."

Your eyes widen at the new information. "Wow, what did they do?"

"Let's just say they ruined a teacher's hair with dye because said teacher was being an asshole," Your mother hums.

"Sound about like them," You smiled.

You and your mom talked more, her updating you on the newest gossips around the neighborhood, making you miss your home more than ever. You sniffed a bit too loudly, making your mom pause.

"Honey? Are you crying?"

Seems like those words were your final straw before a loud sob came out of you. "Mom. I'm tired."

"Oh, (name)," Your mom sighed. "Is that why you called? Why didn't you tell me?"

"I didn't want to worry you. I just miss home and I feel burnt out."

"Because of everything?"

You hum, wiping away the tears on your sheets as you didn't notice the shadow looming over you.

"Aish, it happens to everyone. Why are you worried?"

"I don't know," You answered. "I feel tired. I feel empty and alone when I met some of the most wonderful people here. It's eating me up at how little I think about them, I feel bad because it sounds like I'm being selfish here."

Your mom hums, the sound of water stopping from her end. "You know, you're a bit like your dad."

"Ugh, mom. Don't say that," You groaned, making your mom giggle. She always say that you're like your dad, but there's nothing that made you feel like your dad. From looks, personality, or even attitude.

"I'm not lying. You both are such worry warts about a lot of things. And it's okay to feel like that, honey."

"What do you mean?"

"Gosh, he's gonna hate me for spilling this. But you need to know that your dad really is always worried about you being away from home. Sure, he may only send you stupid pictures of our cat—"

You can't help but snort at her words.

"—but he's alway telling me about how worried he is for your wellbeing. I thought my ears are about to be blown away at how much he talks about you. But he realize that you're a strong girl. His strong daughter."

"Mom!" You wailed loudly. "You're making me cry more!"

"Well, you need to hear this, young lady. It will pass," Your mother chided you. "I know how you're always working so hard for your future, but it's not wrong to put yourself first in certain situations. In this one, maybe you need to spare some time to have some alone time. Or maybe with your friends."

"Don't worry about the problems going on right now, you have loads of time to do that. Right now, you need to calm down, take some time off, and do whatever you want. The feelings you have right now will be gone when you have the right people besides you. Or maybe you like to be alone, just like back then in high school when—"

"Mom!" You whined. "Don't remind me of the dark days."

You can't stand your high school days, although it's not necessarily bad, there's a few things you could list from the top of your head on why senior year of high school was chaotic.

"Well, I can't help it," She laughs. "You were such an emotional human for how—"

"Mom!"

"Alright, alright. Please take care of yourself, honey?"

"I will."

"Are you? Because you usually—"

"Mom, I will do it."

She sighs loudly, a whine in her tone as she teases you. "Look at what you've done to me! Now I'm the worry wart worrying about you, that's supposed to be your dad's job."

"Sure, mom," You rolled your eyes with a smile. "I don't know when I can visit you guys, but I'll tell you when I have time."

"Oh, please come home when you can. Being the only girl here is turning my hair faster to white then before."

You laugh, coughing when feel your throat a bit dry from crying. "I will, I will."

"Say hello to Hyein and Jieun for me, will you?"

You tensed up, hearing something shift inside your room but hummed in acknowledgment and ignored the sound. "Yeah, sure. They're...a bit busy though."

"Sounds like them," Your mom commented. "Anyway, I need to pick up the boys from dance class. They'll be all pouty if I'm late for more than two minutes."

"Okay. Have a safe trip, mom."

"Bye, love you."

"Love you too, mom," You whispered, ending the call with a big sigh as you closed your eyes. The weight inside your heart was lifted, feeling like you could breath fully now after talking with your mom. She's always have been able to do that, while your dad tried a lot of times but it never fully worked. You still appreciated his efforts though.

Sitting up with the blanket still covering you, you blindly grabbed at the tissue box on your table, grabbing it before moving the blanket away when you felt something warm.

"Holy fu—"

"Hi, babe," The demon who licked you smirked, standing besides your bed as you groaned, flopping back to the bed as you looked away from him.

"Go away, I don't need you to lick me again."

"Aww, where's the fun in that?" He whined before spooning you from behind, his nose touching the back of your neck. You felt annoyed when his touch was easily welcomed by you, his presence actually soothes you as you realized how tired you are.

"I never formally introduced myself," The demon smiled against your neck, which made you huff in amusement. "Yeah, no thanks. Don't need to know that information."

"Rude. But if you must know, my name is Wooyoung. You can call me anything you want though."

"Bitch? Loser? Piece of shit?"

"I was hoping for something romantic," He huffs, sitting up as he flicked your forehead, yelping in pain as you pushed him out of your bed.

"No way! I'd rather eat with Jieun than call you pet names," You outright shivered, noting how Wooyoung's eyes seemed to darken at the mere mention of Jieun.

"Speaking of Jieun...were you crying because of her?"

"Huh?"

"Your eyes are swollen and red. Were you crying because of her?"

You rolled your eyes, checking in the mirror to see your eyes swollen, making you huff at how messy you looked. "Yeah, sure. You could say that."

"Don't worry, (name), I'm sure karma will get her back."

"Ugh, I don't even want to know how you know my name," You glared at him, making Wooyoung giggle lightly.

"Let's just say I've been told many things about you through an informant."

"Informant my ass," You mumbled, grabbing through tissues before blowing your nose away, looking away from Wooyoung to save yourself from the embarrassment. He huffs loudly, whining as he slumps to your back as you protest and trying to move away from him. "Yah! What are you doing?"

"You weren't paying attention to me," He pouted, nuzzling his face to your neck making you yell loudly. In a matter of seconds, numerous banging sounds could be heard from your front door.

"(Name)?! Hey, what's wrong?"

"Oh, for fuck sake. Can't this day get any worse," You whine, balling up the tissue before throwing it away, groaning when it missed the trash can.

"Party pooper," Wooyoung grumbles, before pecking your cheek as he moved to stand. "Well, I guess that's it for today! See you later, (name). Oh! And don't forget—"

You hold your breath as Wooyoung leaned closer to you, eyes shutting in reflex as he chuckles lowly. "—We're always with you. We're not gonna let anyone hurt our dearest."

"What do you even mean—"

"Shush!" He playfully covers your mouth, proceeding to kiss his hand like he's kissing you. You slapped the back of his head, making him wince and whine loudly. "Meanie!"

"Go away!"

"Later, babe," He smirks before disappearing instantly, making you breath a sigh of relief.

"Hey! I heard someone inside! You better open the door or so help me I'll—"

"San! Shut up!" You yelled, making your way to the front door before opening it, San already rushing in to check every corner of the apartment. "What is going on with you?"

"I heard you yell, I got worried," He frowns before his eyes widen and quickly dashing to your bedroom, you following silently as he looks around the room with annoyance. He looks like a rabid dog just by looking everywhere around the room, nostrils flaring as he growls under his breath.

"It smells like him."

"Huh? What did you say?"

"I said it—" He paused, eyes squinting at your direction before slowly walking towards you, cornering you against the door.

"What? Is something wrong?"

You screech in surprise when San sniffs your neck like a rabid dog, pinching his ear hard enough to make him yell in pain. "What the fuck, San! Why are you sniffing me?"

"You smell like—Wait, why is your eyes red? It looks swollen! Have you been crying?!" He growls, cupping your face between his hands as you gently brushed his fingers against your eyes.

"It's fine, I just called my mom and my emotions just came out," You whined.

San looks at you with disbelief before he nods, glancing to his left before bringing you into a hug as he basically smothers you with his face like a cat. "I told you if you're having problems, you should come to me!"

"Sannie, I thought you were working. What am I supposed to do?"

He seemingly froze, moving his head as he hugs you tighter. "What did you call me?"

You blushed when you realized the nickname you just gave him, shaking your head rapidly. "Wait! Sorry, I didn't realize—"

"Call me that every time, please?"

"Huh?"

He purrs and moved his head back to your neck, before slowly walking backwards to your bed, lying down with him on top of you. Your jaw dropped drastically when you realize the position was far from friendly, stuttering away as you tried to comprehend what's happening right now.

"Woah, woah! What are you doing?"

"Cuddling," San smiles against your skin, humming happily to himself as you slowly relaxed, albeit your hands are stiff when you placed them against his back. "Uh huh, and why are we cuddling?"

"Because I felt like it."

You rolled your eyes, shifting slightly to a more comfortable position before settling. From the corner of your eyes you saw his eyes open slightly, a blank gaze in his eyes before he sighs loudly. "(Name), you know I care for you, right?"

"Of course, you're always helping me."

"Not just me, Yunho and Mingi are also worried for you."

You frown, subconsciously playing with San's hair as you gaze at the blank white wall of the apartment, not realizing how San seemingly tensed before relaxing with a happy sigh, slowly hugging you tighter. "What do you mean?"

"Is there something you're not telling us about Jieun?"

You stopped breathing for a moment, biting your lips as you tried to think about what to say. You haven't told him the reason for Jieun's bizarre behavior. And when you went to file a police report, you declined San's offer on accompanying you, not wanting to tell him the reason why.

"I don't want to seem pushy or anything," He starts. "I just want to help you, that's all."

"I know, Sannie," You whispered. "I'm sorry for not telling you anything. I just—the reason for all of this happening is so weird and unbelievable that I thought you might think of me as crazy."

"I'll never do that to you," San looks up, a crease forming between his eyebrows, making you smooth them with your fingers. He then proceeds to grab your hand, holding it tightly before kissing it, making you involuntarily gasp. "Please, tell me. I want to help you. I don't want you to deal with your problems alone anymore."

You laugh slightly, nodding as you agreed. After the call with your mom, you felt a little better asking someone for help. Maybe it was a bad idea to hide it and try to solve it yourself.

"Alright, I guess I'll tell you everything from the start." And you told San everything without missing any details, letting him comment here and there when he needed too.

"I saw Jieun here and there in university, but she never really stayed long enough for me to confront her. Maybe it's for the best," You tried to shrug, seeing as San made himself comfortable in your neck. "I don't really feel like acknowledging her presence after what she did.

"True," San sniffs. "But...thank you for telling me all of this."

"I needed a little push from you but I actually feel a lot better."

San smiles up to you, hugging you tighter. "Really?"

"Yeah, thanks a lot, Sannie."

San hums happily, nodding his head before sighing. "Your welcome."

A comfortable silence wrapped you and San, your eyes blinking slowly, trying to stay awake before gasping loudly. "Shit!"

"What? What?!"

"I forgot today's garbage day!" You hissed, standing up before running to the kitchen to grab your trash bag before slipping on some slippers. "Sorry, San! I'm going to be back in a minute!"

"You scared me," San whined loud enough for you to hear, but you only giggle at him before slipping outside, not noticing a figure exiting San's apartment, following you with slow steps before observing you from a distance.

San's smile turned from soft to an annoyed one as he threw a pillow to one of the corner in the rooms, making a yelp rang out throughout the room. "You're such a perv for watching, Woo."

"At least I didn't growl when I smelt someone else's scent in here," Wooyoung grumbled as he shows himself, walking to your closet as he hums to himself.

"And what are you doing?"

"Getting a small gift for myself," He replied. "I missed her so much, you know? Can't believe Jjong and Hwa made me go away and flirt with Jieun," Wooyoung shivered as he huffs in disgust.

"That's what you get for breaking our agreement," San smirks as he teased him. Wooyoung only rolled his eyes. "Like you all weren't foaming at the mouth to meet her alone."

He makes a triumphant sound, holding a pair of white silk panties before clutching them close. "Well, hello there."

"Don't get that one, she likes to wear them," San reminded him as he makes himself comfortable on your bed, rubbing his face and groaning at your smell.

"And you call me a perv," Wooyoung teased back before throwing the panties back, searching again before holding up a black lace panties. "How about this one?"

"It's new. I heard her calling her friend saying how uncomfortable it was after wearing it two times, so take it."

"Hmm, I'll tell Jjong about it. Maybe he'll buy new ones for her."

"Buy a cute pair of lingerie for her too," San added. "I don't think she has one. She'll look really good in any color."

"I'll tell Ssangie," Wooyoung hums happily as he stuffs them into his pockets. "Him and Jongho are annoyed that they couldn't participate as much as we can."

"Patience is key. We'll soon move to our next step of the plan anyways," San smirks as he grabbed one of your hair clips from the night stand. "How's it going with that Mark guy?"

"Not a threat so far from what Hwa said," Wooyoung replied. "Just a bit of a pussy to actually tell her how he feels. So he's not really a priority to us."

"He looks weak anyway," San chuckles at the thought of Mark protecting you from any of them, one snap of a finger from them he's dead in a second anyways.

At the sound of the front door opening, Wooyoung playfully salutes him before disappearing, San not feeling his presence in the room so he must be back to the temporary house they call home.

"Hey," You smile brightly at San, making his heart squeeze at hoe beautiful and radiant you looked. "What did I miss?"

"Oh, nothing that you need to know," He smiles innocently.

[blackjackkent]

Looking at the patch notes for patch 5! This is the first set of patch notes I've actively paid attention to and man, it's fucking huge!

Honestly, reading through this, I am just mind-boggled all over again about the scale and ambition of this game. Obviously there were (and probably still are) quite a few bugs, unexpected interactions, etc., but Larian have worked their fucking tails off to make a fully functional automated D&D combat system and a story that has a monumental amount of potential variables, and speaking as a programmer it makes my head hurt just thinking about all of the moving parts that must be involved in making this work.

And they seem to be blasting through fixes at an incredible rate too. This is a good development team who seem to have a brilliant combination of technical know-how, good humor, community-mindedness, and passion for their source material, and I'm incredibly impressed even in the short amount of time that I've been playing the game so far.

Obviously I already knew about the addition of the epilogues, which it sounds like makes the ending much more satisfying overall, but some other things that stuck out to me:

"While at camp, you can now access and manage the inventories of companions who aren't in your active party." Yesssss; this has been one of the more annoying aspects of the game up to this point.

"You can now sell and barter items inside containers when trading." This will simplify things for me given I have a System involving Karlach and Shadowheart each carrying a Bag Of Crap to sell.

"Improved grouping and sorting of items in containers while trading." Please tell me this means all the dyes will finally be grouped together when I try to buy them for hoarding.

"A romanced Minthara can now refer to her bond with you using a drow word for deep, unbreakable love." Minthara is probably coming a good deal later in priority on my playthroughs but this is cute.

"Withers will sneakily resurrect any dead companions that fell before the final battle so they can join the ending cinematics. What a helpful skeleton." Good job, Withers.

"The loading screen art now unlocks gradually as you progress through the game." That's a neat touch.

"Fixed occasional T-poses and frozen animations related to the Incapacitated condition." No more T-posing drunk goblins!

"Fixed the combat UI not automatically skipping to the next available party member after a controlled character dies." I think this was why Hector's whole party almost died to the Selune lasers. XD

"Two new play modes: Honour Mode and Custom Mode." No idea what that implies at all but I'm intrigued. More content!

"Improved Astarion's Ascendant route at-will gnome kiss for masculine body types." This is not relevant to any playthrough I'm currently doing but just reinforces what I was talking about above, regarding the incredible number of variables this game juggles (for the most part super successfully).

Also quite a lot of updates that just made me laugh:

"Boo will no longer take damage when thrown."

"When players start a combat inside the Elfsong Tavern, all the patrons will now cower instead of continuing to drink."

"You can no longer use the awesome force of bombs to flip the switch behind the final door in the Gauntlet of Shar to force the door to open."

"You can no longer loot the entire inventory of unconscious traders - instead you have access to a limited selection, as with dead traders. Nice try, pacifists."

"Added the intensely satisfying 'Ahhh' sound for players who Short Rest using a keybind rather than a UI button."

"Shar is now aware of Shadowheart's actions even if she is using Disguise Self."

"Using the lift in the House of Healing when in Turn-Based Mode no longer causes it to loop between floors indefinitely upon exiting Turn-Based Mode."

"Fixed a rare bug where Halsin would decide to turn into a bear whenever you went to talk to him at camp in the Shadow-Cursed Lands."

"If Wyll somehow managed to avoid Mizora's punishment for keeping Karlach alive, he'll be punished retroactively."

"Fixed Astarion accidentally telling the Dark Urge's future."

"Astarion no longer asks the Dark Urge about killing Isobel even if they didn't."

"You no longer comment on Mol if you haven't met her before."

"Locke no longer blames Zevlor for his death if Zevlor died in Act I."

"Fixed several instances of sleeping goblins waking up wanting a chat when they should have been hostile."

"Halsin will no longer forget about saving Thaniel if you travel back to Act I while he's waiting at the lakeside. Focus, Halsin."

"Players who arrive to the Ketheric showdown shape-shifted will have to face him person-to-person, not apostle-to-badger."

"If Isobel is thrown off her balcony, she'll make more of an effort to get back upstairs again."

"Fixed some beggars in the Brampton District facing the wrong way when asking for coin."

"Dame Aylin no longer waits ten days to bring up the time she killed Ketheric Thorm."

"We have convinced Shadowheart not to join the final nautiloid combat if she is already dead."

"Umberlee's worshippers are now considerably more security-conscious about the donations in the Water Queen's House. "

"Fixed a state where the Chamber of Insight trial could be both succeeded and failed."

"Apprentice Laridda will no longer assume you to be the bearer of bad (break-up) news if you didn't bring her the break-up message."

"Ravengard should now use the correct pronouns when addressing you during the ceremony in Wyrm's Rock."

"Karlach no longer thinks she's left the Hells when you explore the rocky outcrop near Hope's prison."

"Added a profanity filter for custom map markers. You'll have to find more creative ways to label the kennel master."

"Splitting a green dye stack in the Traveller's Chest at camp will no longer change the dye's rarity from Uncommon to Very Rare."

"The hanging cages in Cazador's dungeon will no longer tell you they're safe to step on, only to drop you to your death in the chasm below."

"Fixed Mirkon sometimes cowering in fairly deep water when you talk to him while he's running away from the harpies."

"Improved Cazador's home security by locking a chest and a door."

"Locked one of the Caza-doors."

"Fixed padded armour sometimes appearing as underwear on bigger body types. "

"A dead fisherman on the beach will no longer hint that you can find Shadowheart just ahead if you are, in fact, Shadowheart."

"Minthara's haughty stare will now correctly look at players she's talking to towards the end of the game. "

V excited to continue my playthrough, even more than I was already. Feels like we're in good hands. :)

[charmedtodeath]

Maybe Another Time (Part 1) | Graves/fem reader

Words: ~2.1k

TW/CW: alcohol/bars

Summary: Graves and his administrative assistant are unable to admit there's a mutual attraction.

Read on AO3

Part 2

a/n: fem reader but barely any descriptors

It had been some time since you began working for Shadow Company. You weren't really the soldier type, so you settled for working in the administrative office at headquarters. 

A pretty simple job with repetitive tasks, often involving running around to get various signatures on important paperwork, but you were usually home by 6 and got to brag about having a security clearance to your family and friends. On nights when the boss stayed late, locked in his office where you'd sometimes hear the sounds of heated phone calls through the door, you dutifully remained in the administrative suite to do last minute favors for him and, of course, get the handsome overtime pay.

Occasionally you would find takeout meals left on your desk by your boss when you had to leave the office to complete a task, or a drink from the vending machine that you hadn't asked anyone for. At first, you couldn't figure out which of the admin employees was leaving them for you. There were never any notes on these items and nobody had said anything to you. It would've been nice to pay them back or return the favor, but things kept randomly showing up and you were left to look around the room to figure out who had decided to be so generous.

When the job became busier and you were finding yourself receiving a dozen extra hours of overtime each week, it was finally clear that the Commander was your secret treat delivery guy. He was a relatively pleasant person and always said "please" and "thank you" when he asked you for something, and he wasn't bad looking, either. The increase in attention from the boss wasn't unwelcome, but you had a strict no dating of coworkers policy, and that definitely included your direct superior.

Months went on like this where the two of you would share meals or get coffee together on those late nights, just trying to be the best administrative assistant Commander Graves could have. The paycheck was simply too alluring to look for other jobs, and you'd had your eye on a new car for some time now.

"What do you like to do for fun?" This was the first time your conversations had ever deviated from normal work-related talk, and you were taken aback when he asked.

"I'm sorry?"

"Well, seems like you're here all the time and I feel kinda bad for keeping you late so often. What do you do when you're not here?" Graves was known to be compassionate and encouraging to his people, so it wasn't exactly a surprise when he started taking an interest in your personal life.

"Oh, I don't mind being here a little late. Keeps the bills paid and then some, you know? Anyway, I'm kind of a homebody. I'll go home and bake something or play with my pets or just sit down with a glass of wine and relax. Nothing too crazy or reckless."

"You're always welcome to come out with us some time. Bars serve wine, too." You'd swear at this point that Graves was sneakily asking you out, but he did specify that there would be multiple people from Shadow Company there. You decided that it didn't mean it would be a date and was therefore acceptable in your eyes.

You nodded at Graves and finished looking over the files he had asked you to put together for him. "Um, sure. It might be nice to get a change of pace once in a while. I won't make any guarantees, but you might see me around the next time an invitation goes out." That was good enough for Graves.

About two months later when the latest big mission had been completed, all the paperwork signed and filed, and reports submitted, you got a notification about a celebratory night of drinks. The group who invited you had lovingly referred to you as "That Lady From The Office," but you quickly informed them that you had a real name and were more than just the CEO's assistant.

Since this huge mission had finally been taken care of, your work hours had returned to the good old 9 to 5 and you were free to go home to freshen up and unwind for a few hours. Before heading out to the address specified in the text, you decided to eat at home to avoid drinking on an empty stomach, and told yourself you had a one drink limit no matter what.

You had expected this place to be more of a sports bar type of vibe, but the Shadows insisted that this establishment wasn't sleazy or douchey because it had Tavern in the name and was, in fact, a classy joint. Fair enough, you supposed. Stepping up to talk to the bartender, you handed him your ID before ordering a nice riesling. Better to go with what you know.

"Are you with this group?" He asked as he handed you your glass and cocktail napkin.

"Yeah, I work with them. They're an... interesting crew."

"Forgive me for saying this, but, uh, you don't really seem like the kind of person to go out into a gunfight like some of these big boys."

You laugh at his confusion and set the record straight for him. "Oh, I'm not. I'm just a pencil pusher. I even have my own custom stamp set, if you can believe that."

The bartender chuckles and leans over the bar so he doesn't have to shout. "You know what? This is on the house. Your money's no good here tonight."

"You don't have to do that, really. It's just one glass and I don't mind paying for it."

"It's no trouble. I'm Jesse, by the way." You take his outstretched hand and get a firm handshake in return. He's the confident type.

"Nice to meet you."

You may be here with people from work, but the bartender doesn't count as a coworker and is therefore free game to hang out with. In between serving Shadow members and the other patrons, Jesse comes back every few minutes and learns a new piece of information about you. Not enough to put the whole puzzle together, but you might as well loosen up a bit. It's hard to keep up the conversation while he's busy working, but he's a nice guy and you certainly don't mind having someone to talk to. It goes on like this for the next hour until the stool to your right is suddenly occupied by a new arrival.

"The usual, please." Graves has finally shown his face and he's chosen the open stool next to you when there are plenty of other available seats in the bar. The bartender pours a glass of whiskey and then returns to his conversation with you while Graves sits there pensively, and it makes you wonder what he has on his mind.

A new group of Shadows soon arrive and they greet the Commander before taking Jesse's attention from you, freeing you up for Graves to talk to. You're not really sure what to say to him, too used to work environment formalities to make a decent attempt. Instead, you wait for him to speak first.

"Finally came out with us and got that glass of wine."

"Yeah, and it's a good one at that." There's a murkiness in the air and you suddenly feel like this might be approaching something resembling a date. Sure, you came here separately and are surrounded by who knows how many people from your job, but these two bar stools suddenly feel private and secluded.

You have to think back and wonder if you're misreading the signals and making something out of nothing. Graves has been exceptionally kind to you lately, and the frequency of which he buys you food and treats seems a bit excessive. Perhaps he does have feelings for you, but it's not worth exploring. There's no way you could go out with your boss without it blowing up in someone's face. A man as busy as he is probably doesn't have time for that, anyway.

"Bartender seems to have taken a liking to you." You decide to play coy and get more information from his reactions.

Tucking your hair behind your ear, you play the game with him. "Oh, I guess. He just started talking to me and I didn't want to be rude since I'm sitting right in front of him while he works, you know?"

"He's a nice guy, from what I can tell." There's a question hidden in there. Graves is trying to gauge your interest in the bartender, either due to jealousy or just simply looking out for you. While the latter is kind of him, you certainly don't need his help.

"Uh, whatever gets me a free drink. He said this was on the house tonight," you tell Graves, pointing at your almost empty glass. He nods and sips his drink before getting up from the stool, seemingly pleased that you aren't truly interested in Jesse.

You swivel your stool to subtly inspect the scene that has been behind you the whole time and find that Graves has joined a group near the pool table. You recognize them as his squad leaders; the never ending revolving door of people that filter in and out of his office all day when they're on base. They all watch and cheer for one of the newer recruits who's doing surprisingly well, calling and sinking a few shots in succession. Careful not to linger too long, your eyes find their way back to Graves every so often, and you find that you're not the only one with a staring problem tonight.

Starting to think that maybe you're heading into choppy waters, you slide the empty wine glass back across the bar without saying goodbye to Jesse and head outside. Going straight home doesn't feel right, so you lean against the side of the building and watch the lights of passing cars dance across the damp pavement. It had rained earlier this afternoon and the humidity still hangs in the air. If you were a smoker, this would've been the perfect time for a cigarette. To occupy your hands, you check to see if you have any new messages or emails, but no dice. Of course there's a dry spell when you need something to distract your whirling mind.

Noise bubbles out from the front door as it swings open and shut, and a pair of boots clomp their way closer to you, stopping a few feet away.

"Needed some fresh air?" Of course Graves has found himself outside alone with you. He must have just noticed that you were gone.

"Yeah. Got a little overheated inside." It's not the truth, but your flushed cheeks would have given you away otherwise. You anxiously tap your fingers together, trying to figure out if you should cut your losses and leave.

Graves shoves his hands in his pockets and leans into the wall. "It was nice to see you out and about somewhere other than work. You look nice, if it's not too much to say." Oh. Maybe you were right about Graves being interested.

"Thanks." What next? Your mind is suddenly blank and you can't think of anything else to say other than offering a simple gratitude for the compliment.

Graves laughs at the uncomfortable silence while you stare at the ground. "You gonna come back inside and stick around with us for a while? Things are heating up at the pool table."

"I'm not sure. I was thinking of heading home soon, actually."

"Now, that would be a shame."

"Would it?" You look up at Graves and search his eyes for anything else. He's so effortlessly casual and relaxed. It makes you look like a total amateur.

"I feel like I've barely gotten a chance to hang out with you, just you and me."

"We hang out all the time at work." Graves gets closer until your shoulders are just barely touching as you lean against the bricks. You swallow hard and your heart starts beating a little too fast for your comfort. Graves can probably hear it thumping away in your chest, giving away all your secrets.

"We don't have to hang out just at work, though. I'd love to have another drink with you if you're up for it." He looks at you expectantly, hoping you'll say yes and go back inside with him. That's when you know you have no choice but to disappoint him, and even more so yourself.

"Maybe another time."

Those words are all it takes for him to understand. He tells you goodnight, and you find yourself sitting in your car alone, looking over at the empty seat beside you. Maybe another time you'll find him there.

[maplecaster]

ok i was in school with someone who reminded me a lot of my friend cam so i’ll just call him cam. we got bored and started hanging out with the school grandma who lives inna dark room by herself separated above everyone in the school and we figured she was lonely. however she somehow got a hold of some soda which was against her religion or something and the school got mad but they didnt know who gave it to her so there was a school-wide assembly (only like 50 people tho) where they yelled at us for giving the grandma soda and said that anyone who has soda has to give it up now so a bunch of people were standing up and passing along random sodas. but my friend cam was sitting in the back and hiding behind other people (he is small like 4’9) so he didnt get caught bc they’d recognize that it was his soda she drank. the bell to leave school rang a bit later so we all stood up and left in the middle of the principal talking bc no one was listening to him anyway + i had to be ready for when my bus comes.

little tangent, here’s something that is always in my school dreams because it always happened irl: i need to be vigilant to hear when my bus comes, they announce it over the intercom or you can just wait outside. you had to know your bus number (5, 6, 3, etc) and ask the office which bus that referred to (456, 1338, 712, etc) and just have that memorized all year. when your bus comes, you have like 6 minutes before it leaves and if ur late ur fucked. bus is gone and you have to call your parents to pick you up.

so in my dream, i was a bit anxious after the bell rang that i would miss my bus, but i always had to wait like 30 mins for it to get here anyway. i spoke to cam as we were walking in the hallway. i then did something for him, i can’t remember what it was, i think i gave him something that he’ll give to someone else for a favor, but since i helped, he owed me a favor now. i asked for some soda and he said hed get me some. we went into the teachers office who had held the soda that was given up in the assembly, but it was gone. then the teacher came in and asked what we were doing. the whole room got super tense, but cam being the baller he is, did his best dog robot student* impression and said “oh hello mr [ ]. i’ve just been having a tough— er, ruff day.”

i started laughing, but the teacher seemed unamused, “a ruff day, huh?”

and i said “cmon teach, wasn’t that hilarious? ‘a tough— er, ruff day.’ ha!” the teacher started smiling, then full on laughing realizing it was pretty funny. we were both able to leave after that.

we kept walking down the hallway, i just kept following him cuz he hadnt paid me yet. as we walked there were was someone who tossed him what seemed like a small black and red rock, no doubt something cam will trade for something else later. we enter a room and cam puts his back onto something that was against the wall. he patted it, directing my attention to it, and i realize it’s stacks upon stacks of boxes of energy drinks. like, stacked to the ceiling, taking up like half the wall. not exactly soda, but i’ll take it. there were a couple other students in the room, and the door was wide open. i sneakily grabbed one box and brought it into an attached dark room, setting it down and opening it. i grabbed a can and slid it into my hoodie pocket. hopefully no teacher will ask what i’ve got hiding in there. i go back to the other students who are watching cam trying to climb a stack of boxes in the middle of the room. they’re saying things like “be careful!” “you can skip to the fourth box!” “man cmon get down!” idk why he was climbing it but i told him i was gonna try to catch my bus and left.

i guess i did catch it because i was suddenly home, sitting at my computer with my energy drink and a large box of chocolate peanuts. they didnt really go together but theyre both tasty on their own. Yummm ok the end

*dog robot student = students that are robots that were programmed to do dog stuff or something? idk it was weird but they always make dog puns when they talk (they dont have to its just for fun)

[thistransient]

So my classmates and I went to an izakaya for our departing teacher's birthday. One girl had picked it because it had great reviews, but the service was a bit slow and they were out of so many things we tried to order that eventually they comped us a surprise flight of tequila shots in tiny mason jars.

After we were all a bit tipsy they proceeded to announce if everyone gave them a five star rating right here and now we'd get free dessert. Ah. 原來如此. Of course our morals were thrown to the alcohol-tinged wind as we unanimously desired deep-fried sweets.

Our middle-aged Japanese businesslady classmate was clearly in her element. At one point, as she was getting into the discussion of everyone's sexuality and dating habits, she ventured that she wanted to ask me a personal question. Oh god, I thought, she's gonna ask me if I'm trans. You can ask but I may not answer, I told her.

Her: 你是一還是零? (Are you a top or a bottom?)

Me, completely taken aback and also relieved it wasn't the other question:

She also got extremely huggy and I was glad I was on the other side of the table. I learned our teacher had been scared of me in the beginning because I was "too serious" and had been very proactive in the coup last semester. I actually liked this teacher all along! (This comes in a long line of people misinterpreting both my facial expressions and fashion choices, so at this point I may have to chalk it up to an ASD thing.) Japanese classmate sneakily paid for everything and then wanted to find another venue to continue the drinking, but we outvoted her in favour of not being hungover for class tomorrow, and went home. I took the bus (even though the MRT is faster) because I really like looking out the window at the lights on the way from Xinyi to Shilin. It's getting Christmassy, I feel like a moth to the fairy-light flame, even though it seems like mainly Christian churches that have extravagant displays. A good time though, a good time.

[lucivinyl]

can’t handle the heat?

pairing: kaeya x gn!reader

note: just something silly i wrote on a whim because summer is killing me. somehow became ragbros-centric

“Please get a room.” Diluc insisted for the third time this evening, face twisted in distaste at the scene before him.

Half tipsy, you had your legs swung over Kaeya’s, while your torso reached out of your seat to lean against his chest. The captain couldn’t look more content with a hand placed securely on your waist, and a glass of wine in the other. 

Yet this was not a product of intoxication. You’d come into the tavern like twin popsicles, arms locked around each other as if someone had glued you together. In fact, Diluc would prefer the latter scenario. At least then he wouldn’t be as embarrassed as he was now.

“You wouldn’t understand the agony of summer,” you argued. “I mean, just look at that coat you’re wearing. How have you not passed out?”

“I wield a pyro vision.” 

“Precisely! And I don’t, which means I have every right to complain about the murderous heat.”

That being said, Diluc wasn’t unaware of how hot this summer had been. Even though he himself couldn’t be less bothered, he’d heard sighs and whines all through the season about how the heat clung on one’s body like a second skin, how the once freeing breezes now felt like waves of fire blown from all directions. 

“So you just rolled with it?” Diluc turned to the man next to you.

“Who am I to refuse when my darling comes to me asking for relief?” Kaeya said, words rolling out of him like honey. Even behind the bar, Diluc could still feel the coolness radiating from him. “It’s nice to have some company during patrol.”

“Patrol.” He deadpanned. “You waltzed around the city like this?”

“Curb your disdain, brother—” it wasn’t the first time he had heard that word, and he had long moved past calling Kaeya out on it, but it still sucked the air out of his lungs. “You know how incredibly lonely patrolling gets sometimes.”

Doubtful. “I take it that you’re content with just them here?”

“Of course.”

Diluc barely suppressed the smirk rising to his face. “Guess you won’t be needing this then,” he reached for the bottle of wine on the bar, movement as swift as lightning. Kaeya lurched forward, but he couldn’t move too much without dropping you onto the floor. His outstretched fingers grasped mere air. A pained groan pushed itself out of his throat.

You chuckled at their antics and pointed at your own drink. “You can have mine.”

Kaeya shook his head, dejected. “No, it’s different. It’s not wine, you know?”

“Are you devaluing apple cider right now?” You said in an accusatory tone.

“You have to agree it’s nothing compared to a nice, rich bottle of wine.”

“You know what? Alright. I’m ordering grape juice next time.”

He feigned a hurt expression. “Excuse me-”

Shaking his head, Diluc left to attend to other customers. Later he would come back, sneakily returning the bottle, but neither of you noticed. He would’ve said something if not for the easy smile on Kaeya’s face as he murmured to you, voice carefree and unrestrained. 

Diluc instead held his tongue and let you indulge in your own world for a bit longer. He’d bring it to the grave if he had to, but seeing the genuineness on his brother’s face did something to lighten the worries he so often carried.

(And if you just paid a little attention, you would catch the gentle smile he sent your way.)

[ughsimpp]

You’re Beautiful

Words // 3.8k

Genre // Smut

Paring // soft-dom!yeosang x f!reader

Disclaimer⚠//maturecontent!,chubby!f:reader,protectedsex,bodyinsecurities,bodypraises,f:receiving,squirting,virgin!reader,bullying,strangers to lovers

[ DO NO REPOST!!! ]

I have a feeling there isn’t a lot of plus size smuts on here with kpop idols (i see a lot of anime character ones tho) BUT NO WORRIES bc I’M ALSO A CHUBBY GIRL and I’m here to show love for all my plus size babies and plus size atiny’s bc I fuckin love ya’ll💖

BTW HAPPY BIRTHDAY JUNG WOOYOUNG!!! Ilysm babes💕

masterlist

You’ve always been aware of your weight and was cautious about what you wore around people when you go out. You didn’t wear exposing clothes like other girls did, you wore more comfortable clothes and tried to hide the figure you had. You tried to wear a tight dress one time because you felt really cute and whatever, but not even two seconds in of wearing that outfit, people called you ugly and told you to cover up more. You weren’t treated well in school either, kids would pick on you because you had a little more meat than most girls did. 

You received rude comments from strangers on the streets which made you not want to go out anymore. the only time you go outside your apartment is when you go to work or go buy groceries, but you get laughed at when you pick up a certain type of food off the shelf.

you’re love life on the other hand, not so good. you did date a few guys in the past that liked chubby girl but those ended badly. none of them wanted to sleep with you and one guy told you that the relationship was just a bet between him and his friends. after those experiences you tried to focus more on yourself and not date anyone for the time being.

You decided to go on a diet just to help you body a bit. It’s been a month of dieting and you been making some progress. your stomach has gotten flatter, your face isn’t as chubby like before and you were able to wear 1 size smaller. but regardless of losing some weight, you still tried to cover up your body in any way you could.

since it’s been a month of being healthy that you wanted to celebrate. you went to the nearest convenient store to grab some ice cream and strawberry milk to celebrate.

you were welcomed by the store staff as you headed to the back where the ice cream and drinks were. you grabbed some of your favorite ice cream and 3 strawberry milk. you were debating on what else to get. in that moment, someone came into the store. you looked up to see a handsome guy that may look like he came out of a anime. he had a dyed hair, tall, deep beautiful eyes and a birthmark near his left eye. he came into the store when two other guys which they were also very handsome, but your eye focus on the man with the birthmark. he made his way through the aisle.

you suddenly made eye contact with him, causing you to drop down and hide from him. you sneakily crawled to the cashier and paid for your items quickly. you looked back to look at the handsome man, causing you both to make eye contact again, but this time he smiled at you. you turned around and bolted out the door and quickly made it home.

you pressed in your code and closed the door behind you. you leaned against the door in relief. you couldn’t believe you made eye contact with a handsome stranger, and wasn’t sure if he actually smiled at you.

you calmed yourself down and sat down on the couch. it was your chest day so you got out the snacks and drinks to started to binge watch some Running Man.

the next morning you woke up from the couch as you remembered from last night that you stayed up watching episodes of Running Man and fell asleep.

you looked at the time and saw that it was 10:30am. you jumped out from your spot and went to the bathroom to get ready. you forgot that you had work today. you worked at a small book store nearby that sold many genres of books, college textbooks, magazines, manga's, and comic book. the bookstore was actually one of your friends parents bookstore. you helped them a lot with the business and got a good amount of pay, enough to pay for bills and food.

since you haven’t showed up for a whole months and so you finally decided to go in. luckily they understood why you took such a long break and was happy for you to come back.

you made it to the bookstore after grabbing 4 drink by the coffee place next door, you were welcomed by the parents and your friend. it was nice to see them again and to be back at work.

you help organized the books in order and unboxed the new books that came in that need to be priced and displayed. you were working in the front for most of the time. you welcomed people who came in and thanked them for stopping by. you heard the doorbell ring and greeted them but you were busy fixing the books at one of the shelf’s that you didn’t realized who came in.

“hello welcome!”

“hello...”

after fixing it, you turned around and saw that it was the same guy from last night. you covered your face and hid once again from this man. you tried to crawl to go to the back but got stopped by someone.

“what are you doing?...”

you looked up and saw the guy standing right in front of you. you felt embarrassed that you quickly got up and put on a fake smile.

“Ah! just uhm....making sure the floor is clean...haha...did uh...did you need help finding a book?”

the guy gave out a cute chuckle as he looked at you. he can tell that you were flustered. he looked around among the shelves and scratched the back of his head, pouting.

“I’m actually just gonna look around first but if I need anything, I’ll call for you to help me.”

He gave you a sweet smile as he continued to look around. You were left puzzled, maybe he didn’t recognized you because you wore a little bit of makeup and wore glasses but you still couldn’t get that cute smile of his out of your head.

you went back to the counter and waited. you greeted a few more people who came in and checked out some books that were being purchased. 20 minutes later a group of guys came in. you recognized who they were, only because it was the same groups of boys that use to terrorize you back in school. They bullied you for days that it made you miss a whole school year. 

“Welcome...”

“bro isn’t that y/n? broooo she still looks the same, maybe even bigger!”

One of the guys high-fived the other one as if it was an accomplishment. Another guy knocked down some books that were stacked on the table onto the floor.

“mhmm...funny..anyways, can I help you guys with something?...”

You definitely didn’t want to help them, but didn’t want to get a write up for not helping any customers. one of them walked up to you and threw his toothpick on the ground. it was Tony, also known as their leader. always flashing his brand new name branded clothes and shoes. He was such a good looking guy but didn’t understand with he’s such a jerk. Not gonna lie that you did have crush on him before his friends and him started bullying you.

“I need books for my Literature class and my Physics II class at . I hope you know what those are but...probably not since I’m guessing you’re not in college? I’m going to Hanyang University if you’re wondering.”

you scoffed at him and left the counter and came back with his books that he asked for.

“That’s gonna be 120 for the two books...is its cash or card?”

he smirked and leaned towards you.

“Why don’t you pay for them, sounds good? Or if not, I’ll make your life hell again just like middle and high school.”

You looked him dead in the eyes. Tony was about to grab his books but and leave but someone pushed him back. It was the handsome guy from earlier. He bend down to grab the toothpick Tony flicked on the ground and held it up near Tony’s face.

“First off, there's no need for you to liter in a nice place like this, so pick this up and those books you guys purposely dropped. And two, pay for your own college books unless you want me to tell the Dean of your school. Hanyang University was it? Mhm I heard that his punishments are quite serious when it comes to bullying others...”

Tony looked straight into the mans guys and was debating on punching him, he looked up at the corner and saw that there was a security camera and handed you his card. The man scoffed and handed the books to Tony.

“See that wasn’t so bad right. Now go on ahead.”

Tony grabbed the toothpick from the guys hand and looked back at you and the man as he made one of the guys pick up the books that was on the ground. After they left, the weight on your chest lifted as you were happy someone came and saved you.

“Oh my goodness, thank you...”

You thanked the man and felt relived. giving him a smile as you thanked him again

“I didn’t know you knew the Dean of his school..”

“I don’t even go to his school, my University is in another district and I’m also an artist..”

“Mhm..well thank you again, for saving me..”

“I’m sorry for asking, I overheard what he said...is that true that they use to bully you in school?”

“Yea...a lot back in school. It was to the point that i had to take a break from school...I almost didn’t graduate but lucky for me and my brain, I was able to get a scholarship and was able to go to the dream college. I’m only taking online class so I’m mainly at home or here working...sorry I didn’t mean to ramble on..”

He laughed at how you kept on apologizing. He handed you two books, one was a poetry book and another one was a Lord of the Rings book. 

“Lord of the Rings huh?”

“Haha yea..one of my buddy told me to read it since he made me watch the whole Harry Potter movies with him..”

“That okay, haha and good choice on the poetry book, I love the author, she’s amazing.”

“Really? Maybe when I’m done reading this one, you can give me suggestions of her other work.”

He smiled at you and could tell that you were kinda blushing away from his gaze.

“I’m Yeosang by the way.”

“Y/n..”

“Pretty name for a pretty girl...ah I didn’t mean to say that out loud.”

He covered his face as you giggled at him

“Its okay, but thank you.”

“Kinda embarrassed by that but I happy that I said it though..”

“Its fine. I should be the one embarrassed, no one really compliments me beside my parents and grandparents..so its nice hearing that from someone.”

Yeosang glanced at you and leaned forward, taking off your glasses. 

“What I see is a beautiful and smart girl...I remember those eyes from last night at the store. Those pretty and soft-hearted eyes.”

He gave you a soft smile and brushed your bangs away from your face. You couldn’t scan the books properly due to his actions. You blushed even harder because he was very close to you.

“He-here you go...uhm you’re total is $25.55...”

He handed you his card and gave it back with his books after swiping it. You couldn’t even make eye contact with him. He remembered you from last and didn’t know if he was just saying that to be nice but your heart fluttered at his words.

“Thank you.”

“Listen, uhm can you give me your number? I wanna take you out sometime if that's okay with you.”

You were surprised that he wanted your number. Didn’t expect it coming from a guys is looks way out of your league. You hesitated to give him your number. You wrote down on a sticky note and handed it to him.

“Great. I’ll text you later...y/n.”

He gave you one last smile and left the store. You suddenly felt your legs getting week. You can’t believe that just happened to you. All of these crazy scenarios came to mind. You even said that you wouldn’t talk or date anyone anymore and try to focus on yourself but that didn’t last long.

You heard your phone buzz, it was a text message.

Unknown Number: ‘ It’s Yeosang, I hope I get to see you soon...<3′

You screamed at the message, causing the people who were still in the store to look at you like you were crazy. After work, you headed home, ate dinner, shower and got ready for bed. You laid in bed and thought of what happened today. You grabbed your phone and looked at the message once again and silently screamed into your pillow. You edited Yeosang’s name to ‘Yeosang💙’

After a few weeks, You and Yeosang has been texting for a while as you were able to learn stuff about him and he was able to learn stuff about you. You knew what he likes and dislikes, what kind of music listens to, and even funny stories of his friends. 

Yeosang💙: “Hey I was wondering if you wanted to go on a date tomorrow”

You were taken back at his question. You haven’t been on a date in a while and was afraid of what other people would say if they saw a tall handsome man with a chubby girl.

You: “I’d love to but...I’m don’t have confidents in myself...”

It took Yeosang to reply back to you. You were scared that he was gonna block right after denying his request. You faced your phone down and left your room to grab some water and calmed down. You came back and saw that Yeosang texted back.

Yeosang💙: “It’s okay, I have something planned and an idea on where to go if you feel like that. I just want to spend sometime with you.”

You thought of what he said and maybe it wouldn’t be such a bad idea. You wanted to build that confidence and be able to go out with him without worrying about what others say. 

You: “Okay...we can go out tomorrow. Come by 6pm? I’ll send you the address.”

You sent Yeosang the address and quickly took a shower and began to look through your closet for an outfit. 

The next morning you woke up feeling great but kinda anxious about the date later. You did your little work out and took another shower. You got ready and finally chose which outfit you wanted to wear. 

One outfit you picked out was this cute long floral skirt, paring it with a long sleeve shirt and platform sandals. And for the second outfit was a pair of boyfriend jeans and oversized t-shirt and paring it with a jacket with platform shoes.

You chose to wear the first outfit and did your makeup and hair quickly. The outfit covered up your body but having a little confidence made you think that you weren’t scared of peoples thoughts. 

You heard your phone ring as you saw it was a text message from Yeosang. You grabbed your purse, Chapstick and went downstairs. Outside you saw Yeosang leaning against a nice black car. He waved at you as you waved back. You walked up slowly to him. 

He looked at you and noticed that you dressed differently than the first time he saw you. He smiled at how much effort you did for a first date. He appreciated it. 

“Hi...You look nice today I mean..you look nice all the time even in the selfies you send me...”

You looked down as you told him.

“Thank you, haha you look really good too. Very cute today.”

He laughed in a shy way as he opened the door for you. You went in and got into the car as we quickly made his way around the car, sitting in the passengers side. He drove you both out of town to a small cute cafe near the beach. Yeosang got out of the car and opened the door for you. You got out as he led you inside.

No one was around in the cafe. He sat you down a a table that gave and went to order drinks and some snacks. You looked around the cafe and saw pictures of everyone who came into the cafe, written notes on the pictures.

You looked at Yeosang who was talking to the employee. He literally is a perfect guy. Very nice, sweet, openminded, and very charming. A couple came in as Yeosang came back to the table with a smile on his face. You loved his cute smile, it made you smile at him. 

You both started talking as one of the employees came and brought you your drinks and snacks. Yeosang handed you a pink drink with strawberries in it and set got some of the cheesecake on a fork and tried to feed you. You were shy at first until he pouted, causing you to laugh and ate the piece he gave you. The cheesecake was sweet and creamy.

The whole time you noticed Yeosang glace at you when you laughed. He smiled a lot and made funny jokes. You both talked for hours that you didn’t want it to end.

“How about a walk down the beach?”

Yeosang suggested as you nodded.

He grabbed your hand and led you down the stairs to the ocean. His hands were gentle, soft and warm. You took off your shoes as Yeosang took them from you and continued holding your hand. The walk was nice. The wind blew your hair to the side as Yeosang was able to see your face clearly. 

You both stop to sit down as watch the waves move and the sunset. He laid his jacket down for you to sit on. You both continued to talk about your issues and was able to connect with one another. He brushed your hair behind your ear and stared at you. You looked at him, his eyes were sparkling and bright. Even with the sunsetting, you can tell he was really good looking.You looked at his lips and blushed away. Your heart was beating fast and unable to control how loud it was.

“After spending time with you today, it makes me want to spend more time with you.”

“I want to spend more time with you too. Today was great, thank you.”

“I should be the one thanking you. I got to go on a date with a pretty girl.”

You blushed at his comment.

“I don’t normally do this when it’s the first date, but can I kiss you?”

You looked at him to see if he was joking, he wasn’t. You looked at his lips one more time as he leaned in for a kiss. His lips were soft and plump. He was gentle and sweet when he pressed his lips on yours. You kissed him back as he laid you down, He hovered over you and softly palmed your face.

Yeosang deepened the kiss and soon backed away. He looked at you with a different look in his eyes. You got butterflies in your stomach and your heart kept thumping.

“You want to go back to my place?..”

You quietly asked him as smirked at you. He grabbed your hand and led you back to the car. He drove back to your apartment. No time was wasted when he landed a kiss on your lips once again. You led him to the bedroom, undoing his shirt. You sat down as you took one look at his body. He was ripped with muscles and you can tell his growing bulge forming through his pants.

You hesitated to take off your clothes. Yeosang kissed you and kissed your forehead, assuring you that it would okay.

You slowly took off your shirt, leaving yourself only wearing your bra. Yeosang smirked as he saw your boobs. He laid you down on the bed and kissed your neck and chest. Skillfully took off your bra and attacking your boobs one by one. 

You softly moaned out as he teased you. You wrapped your arms around his neck. He made his way down your stomach and left light kisses. He looked up at you and removed your skirt and underwear. He stood up and looked at your body.

“You look so fucking beautiful. Fuck...”

Yeosang took off his pants, letting his cock spring out. You saw his size, it was bigger than you expected. You watched him as he pumped his cock a few times. He came towards you and kissed you once more before going down on you.

He lifted your legs up as he began kissing near your heat. You felt him eating you out, the feeling felt different but amazing. He slowly entered a finger and began it pumping inside you. The feeling was unreal, causing you arch your back and moan out his name.

“Ah! Yeosang!!”

You ran your hand through his hair as he looked up at your expression. He hummed in response, causing you to leave you breathless.

“Ah fuck!!! right there Yeo-ah!!”

Yeosang began pumping in faster. You suddenly felt like you needed to pee. You didn’t know but you came and squirted all over Yeosang’s face. You were taken back at what just happened and apologized. Yeosang looked at you and smirked, he wiped his mouth and licked the rest off his lips and your thigh.

“No need to be sorry baby, you just squirted on my face because you felt good. It was hot that I want you to do it again.”

Yeosang pushed you back down as he grabbed a condom out of his wallet and put it on his cock. He lined up with your core and slowly thrusted in. Yeosang knew you were a virgin so he entered slowly. His dick stretched you out as he slid in deeper.

You can feel him hitting your g-spot as he thrusted in. Yeosang kissed you for comfort and held your hands, leaving marks on your chest. You left out soft sweet moans and called out his name. 

“Fuck...ah Yeosang..”

“Shit you feel so good baby...so fucking tight for me..”

You left scratch marks on his back and ran your hands through his hair, holding him close. Yeosang could tell that you were getting closer to coming. He sped up his pace and gripped onto you thighs. You felt that feeling in your stomach again.

“That’s it. That’s my girl.”

His words made you come all over his dick.

“My beautiful baby, ah fuck..”

 A few more thrust, Yeosang came after. He kissed your lips, giving you that sweet smiling. You knew Yeosang could never hurt you. You felt safe with him. He laid next to you and held you close. 

“I forgot to ask but, do you wanna be my girlfriend?”

[leejungchans]

order up : y.jh

word count: 2.4k

pairing: yoon jeonghan (svt) x gender neutral reader

warning(s): food mentions, swearing

genre: fluff, humour, non-idol au, strangers-to-friends/implied lovers au, barista au, yoon jeonghan being too cute for his own good

summary: the new barista at the café keeps misspelling your name on your cup. you know he’s doing it on purpose and is merely waiting for you to confront him, but unfortunately for him, you decide not to give him the attention nor satisfaction. two can play at that game, baby.

a/n: more tropes i am a huge sucker for: the cute barista who gets your name wrong so you’ll talk to them 🤩 but then i thought “well what if you didn’t because you know it’ll drive them up the wall?” 😼😼😼 and thus this fic was born

You’re in a fantastic mood when you walk into Pinwheel Coffee. You got most of your assignments done; you passed a test that you were sure you were going to bomb; your schedule is clear for the rest of the week—life couldn’t get any better.

Well, at least for this week, but you’re not complaining.

Pinwheel Coffee has been your go-to café ever since it opened on campus, and it seems as though everyone else feels the same because of how busy it gets during peak hours. But if you pick just the right time, you’ll manage to snag a table where you can study or work on assignments for hours while binging on pastries and of course, coffee.

Seungcheol and Seokmin, who work as baristas there, will also sneakily give you free refills whenever the manager disappears into the back, so that’s definitely a huge plus.

You love your friends.

Normally, you’d get your pick-me-up from the convenience store for your next class since you’re always rushing late. But today you have half an hour to kill, and what better way to reward yourself than strolling into class leisurely (five minutes early, mind you) with a cup of fresh coffee?

Nothing. Nothing will top that, save for taking naps maybe. Unfortunately, you don’t have that kind of luxury at the moment.

As you approach the register, you notice that instead of Seokmin, it’s an unfamiliar face working alongside Seungcheol behind the counter, and you make a mental reminder to check up on your friend later.

Not Seokmin is the one who takes your order as Seungcheol is busy making the orders, and you have to stop yourself from doing a double take because he’s simply beautiful. God really spent their sweet time on him.

“Hi, welcome to Pinwheel Coffee,” he greets with a charming smile. “Can I take your order?”

“One large iced latte, please.”

Not Seokmin hums, grabbing the marker from the pocket in his apron as well as a to-go cup. “Your name, please?”

“Y/N.”

You don’t why he looks like as though he’s realised something, but you also don’t particularly care. Maybe he’s seen you around campus or something, you don’t judge.

“Y/N, okay,” he repeats with a beam, yanking the cap off with his teeth before scribbling your name onto the cup. “Your order will be ready soon,” he tells you once you’ve paid for your drink. “Please wait over there for a moment.”

You thank him and move aside to the designated waiting area, scrolling through Instagram to pass time when you hear Seungcheol calling your name and order a while later.

“Hey, busy today, huh?” you ask sympathetically.

“Yeah,” he sighs, “haven’t stopped since my lunch break en—hold on, there’s a bit of coffee there. I’ll get that for you.”

Your friend grabs a towel from the counter to wipe down the outside of your cup when you notice him suddenly frowning at something on the plastic.

“Everything okay?” you ask tentatively.

“Oh, yeah,” he says with an exasperated glance towards the register while sliding your drink across the counter. “I’ll text you later, these orders won’t make themselves,” he jokes.

“Right, good luck. See you later!” you say with a wave before grabbing your drink and walking towards the exit.

It’s when you settle into your unofficial (but still kind of official) seat towards the back of the lecture room that you realise what Seungcheol was frowning at earlier.

It’s your name, only that it’s slightly misspelled. Still, you can’t find yourself minding all that much, even though you don’t think your name is that hard to spell correctly. Maybe the cute barista at the register is not the best with spelling, or maybe he just had an oopsie moment from working all day.

Whatever the reason, good coffee is still good coffee, so who cares if your name wasn’t spelled perfectly?

You shrug to no one in particular before taking a long sip of your drink and sighing contentedly. Bless Choi Seungcheol and his wonderful coffee-making skills.

Turns out you were correct when you said that you’d only get to enjoy that one week of freedom, because the week after that you found yourself swimming in a sea of never-ending assignments, projects and deadlines.

University, gotta love it.

You barely feel human when you trudge into the café before your last lecture of the day, after which you‘re supposed to meet with your group mates from another class to discuss an upcoming project, so you need all the caffeine you can get.

“Hello,” Not Seokmin greets when you walk up to the register. “Welcome to Pinwheel Coffee, will it be a large iced latte?”

“Huh?”

He smiles at you innocently. “It’s your order from last time, no?”

You stare at him in shock for a few seconds, not expecting him to remember a random stranger’s order from a week ago. “Oh, yeah, it was,” you finally say while he continues to watch you with a sweet smile, “I’ll take a large iced Americano this time, though.”

He nods understandingly, typing your order into the machine. “Rough week?”

You offer a weak smile. “You can say that. Y/N, by the way,” you supply when you see him grab the cup and his marker.

“Right,” he says, scrawling your name onto the cup. “Your order will be ready soon. Please wait over there for a bit.”

You lean against the pillar near the pick-up area while you wait, lazily watching Not Seokmin and another barista you’ve never seen before dance around each other as they work in harmony to get out their orders, vaguely recalling Seokmin mentioning that he and Seungcheol have been swapping shifts with their coworkers because they also have a lot of deadlines to meet.

The end of the semester is approaching and everyone’s dying. Have you mentioned how much you love university?

You barely register that the other barista is calling out your name because it doesn’t even sound like yours. After looking around to ensure it’s not someone else’s order, you walk up to the counter in confusion.

Rotating your cup to check, you find your name staring back up at you in chunky, bold letters, even more misspelled than the last time. Your sleep-deprived self has run out of fucks to give, however, so you simply take your drink and leave for class, your only thought being that Not Seokmin is probably having as horrible of a day as you are. He’s just much better at hiding it.

You finally realised that Not Seokmin (or Yoon Jeonghan, since Seungcheol finally supplied you with the name of his coworker) is doing it on purpose on the next visit.

He was the one taking and calling out your order, so when you walked up to him at the sound of your name, you couldn’t help but notice that the cup is conveniently turned towards you in a way that ensured you’d be able to see how botched the spelling of your name is.

“Enjoy your drink!” he chirped innocently in that sweet voice of his as he handed you the straw, but you could tell from the faintest trace of a smirk on his face that he knew what he was doing.

You stood there in silence for a few seconds, deciding between remaining unfazed and bringing it up when you realised that the latter is exactly what he wanted. And you were not about to give him that satisfaction.

So you returned his smile with a simple “thank you!” before turning on your heel and grinning to yourself, completely oblivious to the way his mouth fell open in an ‘O’ as he watched you leave with your latte.

You’re on, Yoon Jeonghan.

This brings you back to today as you and Chan walk into Pinwheel Coffee to grab a coffee before working on your project in the library.

“At least we’re in this class together. I’m sick of being forced to pair up with random people who don’t pull their weight,” you say to him while the two of you wait in line.

He nods. “I get that. By the way, did I ever update you on that guy from my Philosophy group project?”

“No, I don’t think so. Did the three of you end up writing that email to your professor after all?”

“Yeah, and she got back to us this morning saying she’ll deduct marks from his individual grade wherever necessary.”

“Good, that’s good,” you say as you approach the front of the line. “I’m glad she took your complaint seriously.”

“Me too. At least that guy isn’t taking credit for the work he didn’t d—oh, it’s your turn.”

Chan lightly shoves your shoulder after the person in front of you walks off with their receipt, and you find yourself facing none other than Yoon Jeonghan.

“Hi, welcome to Pinwheel Coffee,” he says with a devilish smile, the complete opposite of his angelic appearance. “What can I get for you?”

You put on your best poker face. “A large iced Americano, please,” you say as you hand him your card.

“Y/N, right?”

You can tell he’s holding himself back from busting a lung laughing. Your eyes narrow as you nod. Jeonghan says nothing more as he scrawls your name onto your cup—likely messing up the spelling in some absurd way again—with a shit-eating grin on his face. You don’t like the look of it.

Seungcheol doesn’t offer anything other than an apologetic quirk of his lips when he hands you your cup before looking over his shoulder to shoot his coworker a questioning glance. Sure enough, the only letter in your name that Jeonghan got right is the first one. You’re just glad Seungcheol is working today, because you don’t want to think about how someone else would’ve pronounced the monstrosity written on your cup.

In your peripheral vision, you can see that Jeonghan watching you, waiting for any form of reaction. The audacity.

Act normal, act normal, you think as you will yourself to look anywhere but in his direction whilst silently hoping that Chan gets his order soon so you can get the hell out of there.

Your friend snorts when he notices your name—if you can even call it yours based on how unrecognisable it is—on the cup. “Dude, that’s way off.”

“Dude, I’m aware. This isn’t even the first time it’s happened.”

“Obviously,” Chan deadpans, “I don’t think anyone would do this to a first-time customer unless they’re trying to get fired or something. You know he’s probably doing this on purpose, right? So that you’ll go up and confront him.”

“Do you think I’m that stupid, Lee Chan?”

A pause. “...Is that a trick question?”

You elect to ignore him because wow, friends really are a myth. “Of course I know he’s doing it on purpose, which is why I’m pretending to not care even though he’s making my name look like some sort of summoning incantation.”

“Why, though? Just go talk to him.”

“And play into his hands? Nice try, but I’m not losing this game this easily.”

“That’s evil. I like it.”

“You should know better than to expect less from me.”

“Thank God you’re not ordering your coffee to-go today,” Seungcheol tells you with a roll of his eyes as he places a tall glass of latte on your table. You smile in thanks. “Knowing Jeonghan, he’s probably going to start writing your name in Morse code. Have to give it to you, though, it’s pretty funny hearing him whine about you not giving him the reaction he wants.”

You raise a brow. “Which is?”

“Don’t know. Ask him yourself.”

“Nah, I’m good. I’m having fun right now.”

Seungcheol huffs out a laugh. “I know you are. I’ll leave you to your work now,” he adds, nodding towards the notes and markers strewn all over the tiny table. “Let me know if you need anything else.”

You thank him as you watch him slide back behind the counter to continue making orders while Jeonghan works the register.

It’s a relatively slow-paced day at Pinwheel Coffee today, which you’re sure is not unwelcome because the baristas won’t have to work at an inhumanly speed and you can enjoy a whole table to yourself while studying for this test.

You don’t realise that an hour has passed until you notice that you’re down to the last few sips of your coffee. Someone places a new glass in front of you just as you’re about to get up to order a second one, and you look up expecting it’s Seungcheol because he always gives you free refills when you stay behind at the café.

Imagine your surprise when you see it’s none other than Yoon Jeonghan.

“I didn’t order this?”

He shrugs. “I know. It’s on the house.”

“O-oh, thank you,” you stutter, feeling heat rise to your cheeks. “It’s very kind of you. But... who’s working register now that you’re here?”

He nods his head towards the counter, and you find Seokmin looking back at the two of you with a bright smile. You wave to him before turning back to Jeonghan.

“Seokmin came in a little early for his shift. Is it okay if I sit?” he asks, gesturing to the empty seat across from you. At your nod, he slides into the chair.

“You’re killing me.”

You almost choke on your coffee. “Sorry, I’m what now?” You did not expect him to lead with that.

“You’re so stubborn,” he continues to complain with a (rather adorable) pout. “I tried misspelling your name in any way possible just so you’d come up and talk to me about it, but you never did.”

“That’d be way too easy for you,” you smile wryly, “I couldn’t resist watching you struggle for a bit.”

The sulky expression on Jeonghan’s face drops to form a cheeky smile in an instant. “So you admit I had your attention from the beginning?”

“No use denying it now, I guess. I think you’ve suffered enough,” you joke. “Besides, it was clever of you, not gonna lie.”

“Not to toot my own horn, but I am pretty smart.”

A laugh bubbles up out of you. “Humble too, I see.”

“I’d list out all my good qualities, but that’d probably take forever. By the way, I’m sorry if I’m bothering you,” he adds sheepishly upon noticing your assortment of notes, “you looked like you’re studying for something important.”

“I was about to take a break anyways,” you reassure softly. “So by all means, feel free to tell me more about yourself, Yoon Jeonghan.”

a/n: if a fic can’t be about lee chan i will still find a way to sneak him in can you tell i’m whipped 😔💔 he was gonna be the barista but i thought jeonghan suited the character better in the end ;-; but that’s okay bc i already have a fic planned for him 😼 thank you for reading and i hope you’re doing well 💕 feel free to let me know what you think/chat with me!!

[i-cant-sing]

Yandere Rei hurting reader Pt 3

I couldn't write anything for Valentines, but I hope you like this. Enjoy!

Pt 1 here.

Pt 2 here.

Check out my MASTERLIST for more!

Enji wasn’t surprised at your funeral.

He wasn't surprised when Rei had begged him to have you frozen, keep your body encased in a glass box at home.

He wasn't surprised when the kids held her, letting him make proper funeral arrangements.

He wasn't surprised when Rei had a breakdown, punching his chest and thrashing around in Shotou's and Dabi's arms.

Enji wasnt surprised when the divorce papers came. He knew the kids were making her do this, but he didn't care. He signed them without hesitation.

He wasn't surprised when he heard the kids had sent Rei to an asylum. She kept escaping the house to run to the graveyard; she wanted to dig your body up. He understood why the kids sent her back.

He wasn't surprised when he heard Rei had killed herself in that place, 6 months after you had died.

He wasn't surprised when his kids didn't inform him of her death or funeral. If he was being honest, he wasn't even sure if he would've gone to pay his respects.

Enji poured himself another glass of vodka, taking the bottle with him as he sat on his recliner, almost tripping on a few empty bottles.

He wasn't an alcoholic, he was just trying to numb his pain. Its the only thing that helps him fall asleep.

Enji pulled out a cigarette and pushed it between his lips. He snapped his fingers to light it, closing his eyes as he inhaled the carcinogen.

"Again, dad?"

Enji didn't have to open his eyes to know its you.

"You know these things are not good for you."

Enji smiled. You were always so caring.

"Ah, so you do smile? I didn't think you were capable of doing that."

Enji opened his eyes. You were standing in front of him, a grin on your face.

"I smiled a lot more when you were around." Enji said.

You chuckled. "Me too." You sat next to him, before putting your head in his lap. "But you weren't around often."

Enji felt tears prick his eyes. "I'm sorry."

"I know."

Enji woke up the next morning with a massive headache. He went to his kitchen to get himself some coffee. He checked the calendar as he sipped the hot drink.

Friday.

He finished his coffee quickly, before wearing a large coat. He grabbed his car keys and drove away from his house.

When he reached the graveyard, he made sure to wear his sunglasses and a baseball cap, before grabbing the bouquet of white lillies.

Your grave was a little away from the rest, he wanted you to have space, and his family to have privacy when they visited.

He stood in front of your grave. It was clean and the bed of grass of fresh as ever. He had paid the caretaker good money to regularly clean up your resting place.

Enji stared at your tombstone for some time.

Y/n Todoroki.

Heaven's brightest angel

A loving daughter

Now resting safe and at peace

Tears fell free from Enji's eyes at that. "Safe and at peace". Safe and at peace. Two things he failed to give you.

The image of your bloody face flashed in his mind for a moment. Blood coated your teeth and mouth, your gut was also bleeding heavily. Your face was contorted in pain, confusion and betra-

Enji needs to stop thinking.

He sat down beside your grave and pulled out the flask from his coat pocket. He knows he has to drive back. He knows he shouldn't drink, not in front of you at least, but he can't help it. "I'm sorry." Enji whispers before he started drinking. It didn't take long for him to finish the entire flask. It was getting dark and he knew he had to leave before the caretaker came.

Enji pressed a kiss to your tombstone before he turned on his heel to leave.

"Endeavour?"

Enji was stunned to hear his hero name; nobody had called him that in a long time. God, he wished it wasn't the paparazzi. They had no respect for anyone, not even for the grieving or the dead.

But he looked up to see an old face.

"Keigo?"

Hawks smiled. "How are you?"

"Fine. What are you doing here?"

He scratched the back of his head nervously. "I've been meaning to talk to you." Hawks sighed. "I tried contacting you several times but you're impossible to track."

Enji knew that. He disappeared from the public eye after your death. He left his agency to Hawks, and got himself a home hidden in the woods. People assumed that he was just distraught over his wife's death or something. They didn't know about you. Nobody did. He paid off the hospital staff to keep their mouth shut because he didn't want his kids to suffer anymore because of his mistakes.

"What do you want?" Enji asked, gruffly.

"I just wanted to talk to you. Check up on you, y'know?"

"I'm doing great." Enji replied, stepping around him, about to walk away, but Hawks put a hand on his shoulder.

"Enji, its not your fault-"

"Shut up." Enji walked past him and made his way towards his car.

"Enji, listen to me-"

"I said. Shut. Up." He growled out. He didn't need anyone's pity. He reached his car with Hawks running up to him.

Enji tried to open his door but he suddenly felt lightheaded as he fell down.

"Enji! Are you okay?" Hawks kneeled beside him.

"I'm f-fine. Leave me alone." Enji was slurring.

Hawks grimaced when he smelled his breath. "God, you reek of alcohol. You weren't planning on driving in this state?"

Enji pushed him away. "I said I'm fine." Enji stood up before stumbling towards his car again, fumbling with the keys, his vision blurring the more he strained himself.

"Let me take you home, Enji." Enji felt his hands on his shoulder, but just as he tried to tell Hawks to fuck off, his vision faded to black.

Enji opens his eyes and finds himself in his house again. His old house. He's laying in bed when he hears laughter from outside. He gets out of bed and walks towards the source.

The kitchen.

He walks in and sees his family, the sun rays flooding the room, and the golden orange hues illuminating their faces. Rei is mixing something in a large bowl, Fuyumi is greasing up some pans. Natsuo and Touya are eating the chocolate chips from the bag, and Shotou is telling them to save some for the cake. And you. You're there too. Sitting beside Shotou, laughing as Touya sneakily gives you some chocolate chips too. Suddenly, they all turn towards him. Rei motions for him to come in. "Enji! Come in. We're making a cake!" Enji walks towards her, wrapping his arms around her. Rei kisses him, making his kids cringe and tell them to stop. They all laugh. Rei pours the batter into the pans, before raising the spoon. "Okay, who wants to lick the spoon?" And suddenly Touya, Natsuo and you yell "me!" before trying to reach for the spoon. Shotou freezes Natsuo's foot to the floor, while Enji pulls Touya back. Fuyumi grabs the spoon from her mom, and gives it to you, making you smile as you eagerly lick the spatula clean, while Touya and Natsuo whine how its not fair. Everyone laughs as Rei cleans up the batter smeared on your nose with a tissue. Its a heart warming scene. Its all he ever wanted.

But its not the reality he was given now, was it?

As Enji closes his eyes, basking in the warmth of his family, he suddenly hears someone crying. He snaps his eyes open, but the kitchen is empty and dark. He hears the crying again. He gets out of the kitchen quickly, trying to find the source. Its coming from Fuyumi's room. He bursts through the door, looking for Fuyumi, but finds you there instead. You're on the floor whimpering as you're trying to rub your arm with a towel. He kneels next to you. "What's wrong?" You cry when you remove the towel to reveal the huge ice burn on your arm. There were ice crystals littering all over the skin. Enji begins to heat up his palms as he melts the ice downs, slowly allowing the sensation in your arm to return. "What happened?" You sniffled. "F-fuyumi came to my room and said that she wants to go shopping with me, I told her I had to study for my test." You hiccuped. "She didn't like that, she- she said I'm ignoring her, blowing her off- I'm not!" You cried. Enji focused on your arm, heating it up slowly. "I know, you didn't do it on purpose. But maybe you could take some time off school? Think of it as a little break. You could spend more time with Fuyumi, with us." You looked at him in confusion. "B-but she hurt me-" "no, she was just a bit frustrated. You know she didn't mean it, right? She's your big sister, she loves you." You hesitantly nodded. "If you say so..." Enji smiled. "See, its all better now. Let me heat up the towel and wrap it around your arm." He turned to get the towel, but when he turned back, the room was empty.

He heard quiet sobs coming from your room. He made his way to your room and opened door and found you lying on the bed. "What happened?" He asked, taking a seat on your bed. "I saw him, I saw Natsuo put crushed pills- sleeping pills in my food! That's why I've been feeling so sleepy lately. When I confronted him, he told me its for my own good. B-but I know its because he doesn't want me to go out with my friends! He forcefully fed me the food, and then he took my phone away too! He said its because its not good to sleep with your phone but I know he took it because he wants to go through my stuff!" Enji hushed you. "Can you talk to him? Tell him to stop or something." Enji raised an eyebrow. "Natsuo is your big brother. He's just looking out for you. And he's not wrong about going through your phone either. Do you have something to hide?" You shook your head no. "But-!" "Natsuo wouldn't do anything to cause you pain, okay?" You closed your eyes. "Okay." You whispered. Enji closed the door as he left your room. But as soon as he did, he heard banging coming from the basement. He rushed down the stairs and found the door locked. Bursting through the door, he was suddenly engulfed by a small body. It was you again. "I'm sorry! I'm sorry! Please, help me!" Enji pulled you away from him. "Hey, shh. Its okay. I'm here. What happened?" You sobbed into his chest. "I just went to the grocery store- just for 20 minutes!" Enji already knew what went wrong. "You didn't go with Shotou, did you? You didn't even inform him, right?" You shook your head no. "It slipped my mind. I promise I wasn't running away!" Enji sighed, petting your hair. "How long have you been down here?" You sniffled. "I dont know. It was Wednesday when Shotou pushed me in here." Three days. "Its okay. You've learnt your lesson, right?" You nodded. "Please, I don't want to be down here anymore." Enji led you out of the basement. "Just don't forget to tell Shotou next time, or tell us what you need. We'll bring whatever you want." Enji closed the basement door, but suddenly someone whimpered from inside. He opened the door again, but he found himself in the main bathroom. You were standing in front of the sink, putting some ointment on your shoulder. Enji looked closer and found burn marks on your skin. "Did Touya-" You turned around towards him. "Yes." Enji couldn't take his eyes off the red, burnt skin. "Why?" You shrugged your shoulders. "Does it matter?" You slammed the door shut in his face.

Enji didn't even realise he had begun walking away from the door and towards another one. He instinctively opened the door and found Rei and you. Rei had her arms raised, a sharp knife in her hand. "Rei- what are you doing? Put the knife down!" Suddenly, the rest of his kids appeared in the room. They stood between Rei and him, like a barrier. "Honey, its okay! We know whats best for her!" Rei spoke. Shotou nodded. "Yes. You said so yourself." Fuyumi spoke this time. "We're her family! We wouldn't hurt her!" Touya walked towards Enji. "Besides, if something happens, you promised you would save her, won't you?" Enji nodded. "Of course." "Then trust us. Like you always have." Natsuo said. Enji's eyes moved towards you. You opened your mouth to say something but all of a sudden, Enji was pushed out of the room and the door slammed closed. Enji jumped to the door when he heard your painful, gut wrenching screams. "DAD! STOP THEM! HELP ME! DAD!" Enji kept on banging his fists on the door but the door wouldn't budge.

Then it was silent. All too quiet. The door creaked open a bit. Enji didn't know if he wanted to see whats behind there anymore, but he still pushed the door open. How he wish he hadn't.

Lying on the floor, blood spilled from your mouth and your gut. Your body bore burns and scorch marks, the smell of burnt flesh wafting through the air. Enji fell to his knees. Its too late. "D-daddy? It- hurts."your voice was so quiet, so soft, he almost didn't hear you. "Save me?"you coughed out more blood, with each word. Enji started crying. "I-I'm sorry. I'm so sorry. I-I can't." Your eyes dimmed when he said that, your chest finally stopped moving.

Enji finally woke up from his recurrent nightmare. He had been haunted by them ever since your death. Sad thing is, they didn't stray that far from reality. You had come to him many times, begging for help, but he turned you away, assuring you that they're just messing around, that it was an accident, or it was just a one time thing.

It wasn't.

Enji couldn't count how many times you had told him how his family had been hurting you, before you stopped asking all together when you realised he would always take their side.

It took a few minutes for Enji to register that he wasn't lying in his bed, or was in his home for that matter.

Enji groans as he sits up, rubbing his head. He remembers he was at the graveyard and then Hawks was there too. Hawks must've brought him to his home.

Stupid bird. He should just mind his own business.

Enji got up and left the room, leaning against the wall for support as he made his way around the house. Where was Keigo anyways?

He was passing by a garden when he saw someone move there. Enji focused his eyes and saw...you. He sighed. Enji sat down on the porch that opened into the garden. He realised he must've had drank a lot yesterday. Clearly, the effects of intoxication were still there.

You were sitting next to some bushes, trimming up their rough edges, your face turned away from him. You were humming to yourself as you worked.

You always did like plants, flowers especially. That's why he made sure you were buried where there was enough space for some flowers and grass to grow.

"I see you've found her." Hawks handed Enji a cup of coffee. He didn't even realise when he had walked-

Wait.

"You can see her?" Enji asked. Was he still dreaming?

Hawks chuckled. "Of course. She's right there- Enji, did you drink again?"

Enji looked at you, then at Hawks, then back to you. "What?" There's no way. There's no way. Hawks looked at Enji weirdly before he called for you.

"Y/n! Sweetie, come here!" You whipped your head around at Hawks voice.

And Enji sees you.

He wasn't hallucinating. You're real.

You skipped towards them, smiling. And Enji didn't even realise it until you were right in front of them. You had eyes. They were different than your real ones. These new ones, they were the same colour as his. Sharp, turquoise blue.

Were you a doppelganger? Is this some kind of sick joke? He couldn't help but wonder, but some part of him knew that wasn't the case.

Enji stood up when you reached them, the cup falling from his hand.

"Hey, dad."

In a second, Enji had his arms wrapped around you. You're really there. You weren't dead. You're still alive. "Y/n? Is it really you?" Enji asked, tears falling from his eyes as he held you tighter, still in disbelief.

You hugged him back. "Yes. Who else would it be?" You chuckled.

He pulled you away from him, his eyes scanned your face. There was still some charring and faded scars around your eyes, but they were mostly healed. It really is you.

"B-but how?"

You smiled. "Hawks-"

It was like something snapped in him at the hero's name.

Enji suddenly pushed you behind him, taking a protective stance. "What the fuck did you do?!" He growled at Keigo.

Hawks held his arms up in surrender, trying to pacify the man in front of him. "Nothing. I just helped her." Enji pounced at Hawks, pushing him to the ground. He was going to murder Hawks if he even looked at you the wrong way. "Oh yeah? And what the fuck did you want in return, you sick bastard?!" Enji raised his hand to punch him, but he stopped when he felt your tiny hands pull on his arm. "Dad! Please, stop! He saved me! Please!" He could hear the fear in your voice. He got off Hawks and yanked you back to him. "Tell me. Did he threaten you? Harm you? Touch you?" Although Enji's eyes held concern for you, he was scaring you with his grip on your wrist turning painfully tight. "No! Please, stop." You replied, struggling as you tried to free your wrist.

"Enji, calm the fuck down! You're hurting her!" Hawks finally managed to pull his hand off of your wrist. As soon as he did, Enji saw his handprint around your wrist.

Fuck.

You moved behind Hawks, peeking at Enji from between his wings, your eyes pooling with unshed tears. Enji's heart sank.

Looking at your scared form, Enji couldn't help but recall how different it used to be before. How you used to run to him for help, seek his protection.

And now, you need to be saved from him.

"I-I'm sorry. I'm sorry, Y/n. I didn't mean to." He reached his hand out for yours. When you moved further behind Hawks, his heart broke. You were scared of him. Your eyes holding the same fear as they once held for the rest of his family.

"Y/n, darling, why don't you go tend to the bushes. I need to talk to your father." You scurried away as soon as Hawks said that.

"She's scared of me." Enji's voice held guilt.

Hawks patted his back. "Don't worry. She'll come around soon."

Hawks sat on the porch step, motioning Enji to sit beside him as well. He sat but kept his eyes towards your form. "What happened, Keigo?"

"Well, when you had called me, informing me how Rei had stabbed Y/n, I came as quickly as possible. I remember you were holding Rei back, stopping her from entering the hospital room. Once your kids had arrived and taken their mother away, you told me to keep guard while you sorted out some hospital forms." Hawks took a sip of his coffee before continuing. "Y/n had woken up a few minutes after you had left. And she started crying as soon as she was conscious. I tried calming her down, but she was- hysterical. She kept on saying how they were going to torture her again. I told her that Enji would make sure they wouldn't. She kept on insisting that you were going to take Rei's side." Hawks looked at Enji. "And you and I both know know, you would've." Enji held his head shamefully, because he was right. He would've taken his family's side yet again.

"She asked me to kill her, Enji."

Enji's eyes widened at that, turning his head to Hawks. "What?" Hawks nodded, his eyes stone cold. "She said she'd rather be dead than return to your house." Enji felt like someone had drove a spear through his chest. Oh god, how long had you been feeling like that? "Thats when I decided to take her."

"But how? We buried her." Hawks rolled his eyes.

"It isn't hard to find a body. You know that."

Enji nodded. Right. "And her eyes?"

"Got a quirk doctor to replace them."

Enji's eyebrows furrowed in confusion. "But Natsuo said that they were irreplaceable-"

"Natsuo lied, Enji. All of your kids did. They were going to side with their mother, no matter what. And Rei wanted her to remain blind, so everyone made sure she did." He took another sip of his coffee. "You have a fucked up family."

Enji clenched his jaw at that, but it was the truth. "Why didn't you tell me sooner?"

Hawks raised his eyebrows in disbelief. "You're hard to track. You went into hiding and I had to run your agency, clean up your mess so that the public doesn't find out and I had a daughter at home to look after too. I guess you could say, I was a bit occupied."

"Oh. I'm sorry." Enji looked towards where you were, happily tending to your garden, completely oblivious to your surroundings. You looked so lively, so content. "Is...is she happy?" Hawks smiled at that. He still adores you. "Yes. She stays at home mostly, tending to the garden, but she occasionally goes out as well."

Enji looked at Hawks. "Alone? What if she runs away? What if something happens to her?"

Hawks shook his head. "She won't. Where's she going to go? She knows that your kids are still out there, and if they ever saw her, God knows what they'll do to her." Hawks crossed his arms against his chest. "Besides, I gave her a special bracelet. It has a tracking device in it and if she ever runs into trouble, all she needs to do is tap it and I'll be there!"

Hawks really had it all figured it out. Everything was under control, so why was he there? "Why did you bring me?"

"To save you." Enji stared at him in confusion. "You can't live without her, Enji. The past few months are evidence that you can't. You almost drank yourself to death." Hawks ran a hand through his hair, frustrated. "Look at yourself. Your eyes are bloodshot, you drink, you smoke, you're depressed as fuck. Is this the kind of hero you imagined yourself becoming? Is this the kind of father you want to be?"

"Keigo I-"

"You know, she never spoke ill of you once. Never. If anything, she told me that her good memories with your family, were mostly with you. Almost like she misses you."

"What do you want me to do, Keigo?" He asked helplessly, because Enji truly didn't know.

"I want you to stay here." He began. "Be the hero she needs; the father she needs."

"Keep your promise to her." Hawks eyes were full with fierce emotion as he reminded Enji of his promise.

I'll keep you safe. I promise.

Those word had been echoing in his mind forever, always accompanied by gore filled images of you.

"Raise the family you always dreamt of."

As if something had finally clicked, Enji nodded before he slowly made his way towards you. Hawks watched as Enji sat down beside you and talked to you. You smiled slowly before handing him a pair of gardening gloves as you taught him how to plant some flowers.

It was a good thing that Hawks cared about both of you deeply.

He was happy he was going to save his hero, Endeavour.

He was happy that he was going to start anew with you guys.

He was happy as he saw the love of his life and his goddaughter, now daughter, playing in the mud.

He was beyond ecstatic when he had slit Rei's throat in the asylum.

"What?" Hawks asks you, the person reading this story. He leans towards you, face mere inches away from yours, and smirks.

"That bitch had it coming."

So...

How was it?

Oh and yes, I will be taking asks for this (and answering some previous ones as well)

[ttuesday]

my i trouble u for some soft headcannons for the VDL boys?? 🥺 🥺 ur writing is amazing and always cheers me up 💕 💕

awwwwwwww

Arthur

Arthur’s very comfortable around you so sometimes when he’s sat next to you and doodling in his journal, he’ll start to sing to himself.

If you compliment his voice, he starts blushing and stutters over his words but he’s grateful for your praise.

One of Arthur’s favourite things is when you and him are both cuddling in bed and he tells you about his day. Usually he just rambles about something while ye fall asleep but it always relaxes him and it makes him feel like a normal person and not an outlaw.

Dutch

Dutch loves dancing with you. One night when ye were both in Saint Denis after a job, Dutch heard the trumpet player preforming. He asked if you’d dance with him. The street was quiet and it was as if it was just the two of you and the music.

Dutch never understands how you could ever feel insecure or self-conscious. While you sit on his bed, Dutch kneels in front of you and listens intensely as you vent. Afterwards he holds your hand and tells you every little thing he loves about you.

When you both wake up in the morning, Dutch likes to lazily give you some kisses before getting up to face the day.

Charles

One of Charles’s favourite things to do is kiss up your body. He starts at your leg, goes up your thigh, your torso, your chest and then your neck before finally reaching your lips. As he kisses along you, he mutters compliments about how amazing you are.

If you ever fall asleep by the campfire, Charles will carefully pick you up and carry you to bed. 

Charles is so goddamn protective over you. Literally all you have to do is point at someone and Charles will throw them into Flat Iron Lake and go make sure you’re ok. 

Micah

Micah absolutely HATES when people go at his things… but you’re the exception to that rule. If you’re sitting down at the campfire or helping Pearson cook the stew, Micah normally comes over and puts his hat on your head.

It’s his way of ‘subtly flirting’ and he encourages you to wear his hat, telling you it suits you and that it makes you look like a real outlaw.

Micah can get emotional when he’s drunk but it’s the one time he truly tells you how much you mean to him. He knows he’s lucky to have met you and no matter what, he wants you by his side forever.

John

We all know John isn’t the best at art but he loves practising his drawing skills but sketching pictures of you. Sure, most of his drawings look like Jack’s done them but it’s the thought that counts... right?

John loves relaxing with you. In the evening, he sits down under a tree with you and watches life go by. It’s very simple but it’s comforting. 

John isn’t a fan of people going at his hair but he doesn’t mind it when you run your fingers through his hair. He’s even let you put a small plait into his hair once.

Bill

Bill purposely leaves his shirts lying around in the hopes that you’ll wear them. The sight of you in his shirt makes his heart soft and another part of his body very hard.

Bill never really had the time for baths but now that he’s dating you he makes sure to schedule in times to have a bath. Of course you’ll be in the bath too.

When he’s had a few drinks, Bill usually gets tired very fast so there has been a few times where he’s fallen asleep with his head resting on your lap.

Javier

Whenever you feel sad, Javier will try everything to cheer you up. He’ll sing to you, make some jokes, give you hugs and tell you funny stories about robberies he messed up in the past.

Javier was determined to help you learn the guitar when you first joined the gang. Yeah, he was using it as a way to spend more time with you and you didn’t learn much about the guitar but Javier still sees it as being a success.

If you ever get hurt, Javier prides himself on becoming Doctor Escuella and bandaging you up. Even if you just accidentally cut your finger while playing five finger fillet, Javier will take it seriously and take good care of you.

Sean

Sean loves to play fight with you. He brags about how amazing his fighting skills are and that he could show you a thing or two to help improve your skills. But of course he always lets you win.

You don’t need a blanket when you’re dating Sean. This man will literally sleep on top of you to keep you warm. I mean, he adores cuddling so he’ll fall asleep on you anyways but he says he does it to keep you warm.

He has tried to serenade you before. Sean paid Javier a few dollars to play the guitar while he loudly sang to you but Sean had to stop when Miss Grimshaw started yelling at him for being so noisy.

Hosea

Hosea absolutely adores soft kisses, especially when you’re both around camp and he sneakily gives you a quick kiss when no one’s looking.

Hosea has learned that patience is truly a virtue so whenever you’re stress or having a bad day, he knows it’s best to wait until you’re ready to vent instead of asking you a million questions about what’s wrong.

If you ever have any problems, all you need to do is tell Hosea. He gives you a small hug and reassures you that everything will be ok. And by the next morning, Hosea has somehow worked out your problem for you.

Lenny

When you can’t sleep, Lenny goes and gets you a blanket and your favourite book. He wraps the blanket around you both and reads to you until you finally drift off.

If he goes on a job away from camp and Lenny knows he’ll be away for a few days then he makes sure to leave little notes around camp for you to find. The majority of the notes are Lenny reminding you that he loves or a inside joke only you would understand.

Every morning Lenny goes and gets you tea/ coffee (whichever one you prefer, or maybe water if you’d prefer that).

[moral-turpitudes]

Reap What You Sow:

Masterlist | Rules | Peaky Prompts

Trigger Warnings: Angst, Swearing, Sight Mentions of Blood/Gore, Fluff.

Word Count: 3,273

Characters: Thomas Shelby x Female!Reader

Requested: Yes

Requested by: Anon, you can find it here.

Summary: Y/N is accused of stealing a check from the company, resulting in her being fired. But only after a tense situation, does her boss and longtime crush Thomas find out the truth.

It was nearing midnight as Y/N walked through the shop, her heels clicking on the uneven wooden floors as Linda finished the nights paperwork, a nervous look on her face as she shuffled them away.

Y/N paid no mind as she sat down at her desk near Thomas’ office. Tapping her pen nervously as she glanced at her wristwatch. They were supposed to be here by now. All of the Shelby brothers were supposed to be shouting and running through the shops still high on their victory against one of the other gangs in town. They were supposed to be sighing in relief and pouring the boys drinks, but only silence ensued as Linda crept towards the company safe which she’d sneakily found the combination to while going through Y/N’s desk one night. With a quick movement, she unlocked the heavy door, yanking it open and rifling through the stack of blank checks and tearing off a slip.

“Are you alright Linda? Do you need help?” Y/N asked as she saw her walk quickly back to her seat.

“I’m fine, just had to move around the shop a bit. Nerves right?” She said while fiddling with the slip of paper hidden in her hand, out of sight from her curious coworker.

“Yeah, I understand. They should be back by now. I don’t know where they are, but I’m sure Arthur will go straight to you when he arrives though.” She said with a small smile.

Linda nodded and quickly wrote the check out, shoving it in her purse before giving Y/N a small stack of papers.

“I’m going to run a letter to the mail, I’ll be back.” She said, walking out the door before Y/N could speak.

“Weird.” She mumbled to herself as she went back to going through the papers Linda handed her, all ones Thomas needed to sign-off on in the morning.

The cold air crept through Linda’s dress as she walked with her arms clutched around her to keep warm, the mailbox just in her sights as she remembered what she had to do.

“I’ll pay you if you keep quite about us alright love? It’ll only upset Arthur if he finds out. It could ruin our chances of being together if he’s not dealt with.” She’d said to her lover the night before Thomas’ plan went into effect. Tonight they were planning to take down a troublesome gang that strolled into town, but they were none the wiser to who she’d been fooling around with right under Arthur’s nose. The man was one of the gangs hit men, with the precise instruction from Linda to take Arthur out so she could run off with him instead.

The car nearby sent a shiver down Linda’s spine as she dropped the check into the mailbox, hoping it would all be over soon with no one suspecting her. She even used a blank check thinking no one could trace it, but little did she know just how well Shelby Company Limited kept their finances. As the car neared, she hoped Arthur wasn’t inside, meaning her plan had worked and her payment would be sent. But only time would tell.

With quick steps she went back into the shop, seeing Y/N walking out of Thomas’ office as she’d placed the remaining paperwork on his desk.

“Did ya find it okay? I thought you’d left for the night.” Y/N said.

“Everything is fine Y/N. Were you able to get those papers sorted?” She asked, changing the subject as the boys walked through door looking worse for wear.

“Yes.” Y/N answered quickly as she followed Linda’s wide-eyed gaze to the front door.

“Y/N go get the first aid kit. Now!” Thomas demanded as he sat Arthur down in a nearby chair, John helping unbutton his shirt as Finn grabbed the whiskey from Thomas’ office.

“Drink up brother this is going to hurt.” Finn said, holding the bottle to his lips as he chugged the brown liquid.

“My god what happened?” Y/N heard Linda ask as she gathered the first aid kit with shaking hands.

“Those fuckers shot me, one of the fellows almost shot me in the head damn near.” Arthur said through gritted teeth as Thomas looked at the gunshot wound to his abdomen.

“Here Tom.” Y/N said quickly, handing him the kit and crouching near Arthur to hold his hand that Linda was surprisingly not holding.

“It’ll be alright, deep breaths.” Y/N said squeezing his hand a bit to take his mind off Thomas extracting the bullet.

The room filled with Arthur’s shouts of agony as Thomas worked to dislodge it, his blood spurting out every so often from the movements of the tools.

“Linda are you alright?” John asked as he saw her face turn pale. He was holding Arthur back and helpless at the point.

“Yeah. Arthur? Love? It’s me. I want to stay but I’ll be no use on the floor. I’ll go home to be get things ready for you. Stay strong love.” She said quickly, her face sparkling with sweat as she fought back nausea from the sight of her almost ex-husbands blood. A panicked feeling shooting through her veins as she realized her plan was falling apart.

“Oh alright, just go!” He shouted drunkenly as he grew frustrated at the situation. His mind trying to piece together why he was targeted out of all of them as Thomas stopped the bleeding and stitched him up.

“I don’t know Tom, I don’t know why they aimed at me....why he aimed at me I don’t know....” He said, drifting off as he grew tired from the ordeal.

“It’s alright we’ll figure it out in the morning.” Thomas said, helping his brother up as John got the door and helped him into the car.

“Where’s John taking him?” Y/N asked, wiping her hands on her dress as she stared at the bloody mess on the floor.

“Home. He can rest there more than here. Thank you for looking after the shop with Linda.” He said, going to clean up the mess.

“It’s no problem Tommy. Here I can clean that...if you need a moment to rest.” She said, grabbing a cloth near her and dousing it in some of the whiskey.

Thomas stepped back as she wiped the rest of the blood away, her hair falling out of its loose bun as she ringed the last of the blood off the towel and into the small pail that contained the bullet.

“Are you hurt or anything?” She asked, her heart racing as she realized he’d been staring.

“Just a few scratches. Don’t worry about it love.” He said, lighting a cigarette and staring into her eyes. Y/N could feel her cheeks heating up as she looked back towards her desk, the old butterflies she’d had tucked away for the man resurfacing as of late.

“Well if everything’s done here, am I free to go?” She asked.

“Mhmm.” He said, walking towards his office as she gathered her things. His mind racing with why his brother was shot out of all of them. If anything he thought he would’ve been the first on their hit list.

“I’ve left the paperwork from today on your desk if you feel like signing them. Goodnight Tommy.” She said giving him a small smile.

“Thank you, good night love.” He said, his lips turning up slightly as he watched her walking out the door.

The next morning, Michael had came into his office urgently, with a stack of checks in his hand.

“One of them are missing Tom. Wasn’t me but it was recent. I can tell because we just wrote one today and the one before it is gone. See.” He said showing him the checkbook and where the sequence of numbers hadn’t lined up.

“Well who the fuck stole a company check then aye? Only three people know the code and that’s you, Polly, and Y/N.” He said, his heart aching at the thought of her doing something like that when he already paid her more than she’d expected.

“You want me to call a meeting?” Michael asked, rubbing a tired hand over his face.

“Yeah. Whoever did that probably knows about Arthur.” He said, his suspicion growing from last nights events.

“What’s wrong?” Polly asked as they all sat around the large table in the betting room.

“I have reasons to suspect someone has stolen a check from the company. Maybe used it to pay off someone perhaps.” He said, his eyes darting to everyone. Linda looked tired and Arthur sat near her with a pained expression.

“Would any one of you happen to know who it was? It was recent.” He said, placing a cigarette between his lips and lighting it. The smoke filling the room almost as heavily as the tension.

“It wasn’t Michael or I.” Polly said, shaking her head.

“Y/N...do you know anything about this?” Thomas asked, his eyes much more serious than last night. They were frightening in the way they bore into her soul despite her not knowing what was going on.

“No. I haven’t got a clue Tommy.” She said, holding his gaze as her heart raced.

“Linda...you were also here last night. Do you know?” He asked looking at her with the same calculating eyes.

“No. All I remember is I stepped out for a moment to send off one of your letters and to catch some air before you all arrived.” She said.

“And Y/N was the only one at the shop during that time?” He asked.

“Yes.” She said, her eyes squinting slightly at the poor woman who hadn’t done a thing wrong the whole time she’d been there.

“Look, Tommy I-“ Y/N started to say before he interrupted her in a harsh tone.

“I don’t know why you stole it, but somehow my brother was shot the same night and you were the last person I saw in the shop. You were also the only person there while Linda was away. I have no other choice but to fire you, Y/N. Get your things and go.” He said. Y/N’s face paled and her eyes brimmed with tears as she silently left the room. She averted her gaze from everyone, instead looking at the floor as she packed her things and went out the door, thinking she’d never return to the shop again.

She tried to defend herself somewhat, knowing she didn’t have anything to do with what happened. But none of her words would speak sense into him right now. He was too quick to make judgements, but she wasn’t prepared for him to hurt her like he just did. She felt her body trembling and growing warmer as she slammed her car door shut, the sheer embarrassment and anger rising in her as she made her way home.

As the day drug on, Thomas searched with Michael for the check, calling post offices and banks to see where it could have been sent and who had written it.

“It was picked up this morning Mr. Shelby. Doesn’t look like your handwriting though. I’ll have it sent to you. You caught it just in time.” The woman said, glancing at the writing on the envelope.

“Alright, thank you ma’am.” He said before hanging up.

“What’d they say aye?” Arthur asked, wincing as he moved about in his chair.

“They’re sending it back. It was almost sent out so we caught it just in time. She mentioned it wasn’t my handwriting.” He said, lighting a cigarette.

“Christ. What’d Linda say aye? Did her letter get sent out? She said it was for a charity.” Arthur asked, remembering she mentioned a letter.

“I’ve never written one to any charities, not recently.” Thomas said as his eyes narrowed.

“What...do you think...Linda stole the check?” Arthur asked quietly, knowing she was right around the corner.

“It’s possible. I know she’s your wife and all but she hasn’t exactly been helpful around here lately. Also it’s not adding up.” He said, his mind racing as he thought about the meeting.

“Christ....so you think she wrote the letter and the check then? They would’ve found the letter.” Arthur said.

“Aye, I think the letter was a ruse. The woman from the post office never found a letter from us. Just the check.” He said.

“Well let’s fookin’ ask her then. I can’t sleep at night knowing me wife’s trying to kill me.” Arthur said, a bit of panic in his voice as he realized she may have put a hit on him.

Over the next hour Thomas and him discussed the possibility of it being her, or it being Y/N. But now all signs were pointing to the short-haired blonde woman who not only had a knack for stealing hearts, but for stealing checks as well as, the mailman handed Thomas the envelope that had cursive handwriting on it. Inside contained a check and a terribly forged signature, along with her distinctive handwriting. Thomas couldn’t help but look out into the evening sky as he realized he’d made the wrong decision once again.

Linda heard her name being called as Thomas stood out his office door after retrieving the mail, the tension in the air seeming to rise as she reluctantly made her way to him.

“I have something to discuss with you and Arthur.” He said, ushering her into his office.

He locked the door behind her and stood in front of it as Linda sat by her husband. His tone more hostile than it had been at the family meeting earlier.

“So Linda...I’ll ask this once again. Did you steal the check?”

Linda looked around the room nervously as Arthur carefully got up and moved towards the door, officially wary of the woman.

Seeing as she had no way out, she sighed. Kissing the dream of running off with her lover goodbye as she knew how this interrogation could go.

“Y-yes I stole the combination from Y/N and snuck in the safe. The check was...to a man.” She said.

“Well it wasn’t to me. Who the fuck was it made out to?” Arthur asked, clinching his fists.

Linda stared at him blankly as a tear fell down her cheek.

“A man named Isaac. He was in-in that gang. I....I’ve been seeing him.” She said, wiping the tears from her eyes as he stalked forward.

“You fookin’ what?.... No...You don’t just put a hit out on a Shelby. Especially not on your own fucking husband.” He said angrily as Thomas put a firm hand on his shoulder to steady him.

“I did though, Arthur. I wanted to run off with him. I wanted you gone so it would be easier for me to leave. But I can’t do that now.” She said.

“So you knew I’d be walking into a death trap aye? You could’ve gotten more than me killed.” He spat, leaning against the door.

Linda nodded as she tore her gaze from the man she once thought she loved, guilt and anger taking over as she stood up.

“I wouldn’t do that if I were you.” Thomas said, watching her reach for the gun on his desk.

“I just want to leave this place.” She said looking at the gun in her hand as she raised it at Thomas.

“If you shoot us, it’ll make it harder to leave. Put the gun down.” He said sternly.

With a sigh, she lowered the gun and placed it on the table. Wiping her tears away with shaking hands as she walked to the door and stared at Arthur angrily. His hurt expression at her confession barely phasing her.

“Arthur...” She said, trying to grab his hand from the doorknob. With a quick movement he gripped her wrist tightly before speaking.

“Fuck you Linda. I’m glad you failed.” He said with a slightly evil smirk.

“What do you mean? He got the check.” She said, not noticing the post had sent it back.

“We got the check and saw it was in your handwriting...we also killed him after he shot me. He won’t need you where he’s going. On the bright side...now you can suffer alone.” He said, as Linda looked angrily at him. Tears streaming down her face silently as he let go of her wrist.

“Linda.” Thomas said, causing her to rip her gaze from her now ex-husband.

“You should get your things together. You’re fired.” He said.

“You can’t do that! What will I do about money? The house?” She asked.

“You should’ve thought about that before you tried to hire someone to kill my brother. Now go.” He said lighting a cigarette and pointing her out the door.

With one last glance, she ran out of the office. The commotion of her gathering all her things making the rest of the company look around nervously as she did a walk of shame out the door with her stuff. Shoving it all in her car and vowing to never come back.

As the company got back to work for the evening, Thomas quickly ran out too, barely uttering a goodbye to Polly before leaving.

“Where are you going at this hour?” She asked, looking up from her papers.

“I made a mistake Pol.” He said.

“I’m not surprised.” She said.

“Excuse me?” He asked, raising an eyebrow.

“At least get the balls to tell her you’re sorry and that ya like her. Maybe bring her some flowers. We could all see it you know.” She said as he rubbed the back of his neck impatiently.

“Anything else to add Pol?” He asked.

“Don’t fire her again. She’s the one good thing that’s happened to this goddamned company.” She said as he nodded and went towards her flat.

When he arrived with flowers in hand, he didn’t expect to see her in such a state. Her eyes were red and puffy like she’d been crying. And her hair was unkept as she held a bottle of wine in one hand and a cigarette in the other.

“Why the fuck are you here aye?” She asked, slightly slurring her words.

“It was Linda....Y/N. All along it was her. She didn’t mail a letter, she mailed a check. And that check almost got Arthur killed. I’m uh...sorry for all I did back there.” He said.

“What...did you bring me flowers to cheer me up? Fuck off.” She said before trying to shut the door.

“Wait.” He said, holding his free hand out to hold the door.

“I came here for three reasons alright?” He said.

“Well get to talking because it’s cold.” She said, throwing her cigarette over the steps into the damp ground.

“Alright...I wanted to apologize because I know what I did and you didn’t deserve that. And I wanted to offer you your job back.” He said.

“What’s the third aye? I may be tipsy but I can still count.” She said.

“That I like you. I know I’ve been a real bastard recently but I swear I do.” He said.

“What do you say aye?” He asked, holding the flowers out to her.

“Next time buy me roses. And...I’ll accept your offer, but it’s only because I like you too. Now are we going to stand around here all night or are you coming in?” She asked with a slight smirk.

He smiled for what seemed like the first time in forever, taking his cap off as she grabbed the flowers from him. Leading him inside where they would later spend the rest of the night and many other nights to come.

Thomas Shelby Tag List:

@msbzowy, @nofckingfighting, @aranoburns, @sighonahurricane, @ugly-crying-over-bucky-barnes, @gaytommyshelby, @fifty-shadesof-tommyshelby, @inglourious-imagines, @thebloodyshelbys, @tsolomons, @blinder-secrets, @reveparade, @shelby-fanatic, @ta-ka-shi-ma, @psychkunox, @peakyxtommy, @captivatedbycillianmurphy,@dreamwastakenx, @lovemissyhoneybee @thomashelbyswhore @xxbeckybeexx-blog

If you’d like to be added/removed just send me an ask/message! :)