#so. we will just. have to wait til my next paycheck

[fishtank32]

Please expect a serious slow down of my posting, especially fanart or drawings. I'll be getting a second job soon so I'll be busy every weekend from now on + plus my school is starting next month.

[hsdiaries]

‘til forever

chapter one - 3.3k

master list

I used to judged my therapists, based on how their offices were decorated. Plants and warm tones meant they were safe and understanding. Clean lines and modern furniture meant they were there for just a paycheck. Obviously, this wasn't a set in stone fact, but the concept and idea worked in my mind. It worked as a way to avoid therapy for months - until I walked into Jackie's office. Rugs and pleasing mixed patterns, scattered green plants and mix matched thrifted furniture. Her office screamed care and compassion, so I couldn't walk away any longer. I no longer had a valid excuse other than I was scared to deal with everything. I was scared to deal with the fact, Louis was dead.

"You know, if I close my eyes, that night plays back in my memory like a nightmare I can't escape. I remember the look on Niall's face when he came to our house to let me know what had happened. He didn't even have to say anything for me to know something was wrong. His eyes" I paused, swallowing, inhaling sharply, "His eyes were blank, as if no words or emotion could describe what he was feeling at the moment - like there wasn't a feeling known to us that could describe the ache he was carrying in his heart."

"Are you still close with, Niall?" Jackie asked, sipping tea from a giant orange mug, definitely meant for noodles and not tea.

"Yes. He's the only one of our friends I still talk to." I said, fiddling with the hole on my jeans, the threads barely hanging on. These light washed pair of jeans were as old as my relationship with Louis had been and carried the same amount of wear and tear that our relationship had developed over its four year time span.

"Did you two heal together then?" She asked, and I nodded, palms running down the tops of my thighs.

"In a way...we used to talk about it, a lot. But, neither of us dealt with it professionally. I think we held on to the idea that - as long as we talked about what happened over and over, it would eventually not hurt. Or be easy to process. But, obviously I'm here so," I shrugged, licking my lips, cracking a small smile to break any awkwardness I seemed to always create.

"Well I'm glad you came here. I think loss always hurts, we just get it to a place that's bearable." She smiled as a small beep was heard, signifying our hour was up, "Same time next week?"

I pressed my lips tightly, nodding, "Yeah,"

"See you then Bentley." She smiled as we both stood, walking out of her small office. 

In the waiting room was Niall, his brows furrowed as he worked through the next puzzle in his crossword puzzle book, glasses barely hanging onto the bridge of his nose. His eyes flickered up momentarily, his face softening the instant we locked eyes.

"Ben, all done talking about your feelings?" He teased, pushing his glasses on the top of his head. Niall hated the idea of therapy, and speaking to a person who, in his own words, just wrote down your feelings to paraphrase them back to you and pretend they are giving meaning to them. I wouldn't say I completely disagreed with him, but sometimes, that's what I thought a human needed. Someone to sort out their feelings and explain it right back to them.

Though, I wasn't really sure anyone could explain my feelings back to me. I wasn't exactly sure how someone could bring any justification to the fact that Louis wasn't here anymore. How could anyone truly make me understand the reason why he couldn't walk home safely. Understand why someone would pull a gun on him, and shoot him. Once in the chest, and twice in the head.

All I understood was, the man who murdered him wanted to make sure he was successful. 

It had only been six months since that night in November, our final phone call playing constantly in my head.

-

Thanksgiving Night

"Baby, there aren't any fresh cranberries left. But I promise, I can make the canned one taste just as great," Louis puffed over the phone, the hustle of the store could be heard in the background.

"Louis, this is why I asked you to get them earlier this week. Canned doesn't taste the same. It's never going to fool anyone," I said, basting the turkey one final time before closing the oven.

"Okay, okay, I'm sorry. You're right, B. I should have gone when you asked. Look, I'll try that overpriced shop on the corner before the house, okay? If not, I swear, no one will know the difference." He cooed over the phone, trying to soften me up, and of course it worked.

I took a deep breath, realizing I was being too much, on the day I should be most thankful for what I have, "No baby. You know what, just come home-"

"-No, B, I screwed up. I'm going to make it better. That's what I do, remember?" He said, and I could hear his smile through the phone, soon reflecting on my face as well.

"You do make everything better, sweet boy. Okay. Um, call Niall while you're at it? He's almost here and maybe you two can meet up. I know he was walking over with two casserole trays and I love him but-.."

"..-he's the clumsiest ever?" Louis chuckled, making me laugh.

"Yes."

"Alright, I'll be there soon. I love you, B."

"I love you too, sweet boy."

Niall never met up with him. He heard it all happen over the phone. By the time he found him, Louis was already dead.

-

"So you still want to grab an early dinner?" Niall said, his arm moving around my shoulders, crossword book stuck under his arm, pencil behind his ear. He looked so sharp, pressed shirt, soft sweater over it. I loved how he always smelled so clean, a twinge of apricot always seemed to mix into the smell of fresh sheets on his skin.

"Ummm, as long as it's Rizzo's, then yes. I'm in need of a giant pastrami sammy." I smiled up at him, as always, counting the dark flecks of blue that filled his crystal seas.

"Ben wants pastrami, Ben gets pastrami. Come on then," he smiled, leading me out of the office.

Niall had been Louis's best friend since middle school when Louis moved to the states from London. They hated each other on Louis's first day and by the second day they were inseparable. In my mind, that's why he stuck around, never letting me push him away like I had with Mitch, Pauli and everyone else. In my mind, he stuck around because he felt like he owed it to Louis.

He was my best friend now. The reality of it being, he was my only friend. When I isolated myself from everyone, he waited outside my bubble until he realized he needed to pop it and save me from myself. 

My mother had other ideas, constantly alluding to the idea that Niall and I were meant to be together. That the universe knew we needed each other, bonding us for life.

Personally I hated when she made that statement, making me constantly feel like Louis had died for a reason. That reason being Niall and I being together. It was disgusting and made my heart ache in ways I couldn't even describe.

As we entered Rizzo's, I pushed free of Niall gently, walking over to the picture of Louis on the wall from when he won their Massive Sub Eating challenge, kissing my fingers and pressing them against his framed face. He looked handsome as ever, straight hairs on his forehead, facial hair adorned with mustard or marinara, I couldn't remember anymore.

"Miss you babe." I whispered, turning to face the kitchen as loud banging could be heard from the back. A couple dishes could be seen flying up through the order window.

"Holy anchovies, what did I do now!" I heard Linda exclaim from the other side, Niall and I looking at each other and snickering. Linda was the owner of Rizzo's, inherited from and named after her grandfather, Rizzo Manger.

"You alright back there Linds?" I called out as I approached the breakfast bar.

"Is that my Benny girl! Did you bring the leprechaun with you? Clearly I need some luck on my side." She said, her face finally popping up in the order window. Her voice always sounded like she had smoked one pack too many, though she never had a day in her life.

"You know, most Irish people would have sued you for discrimination or something of the sort for that kind of name calling!" Niall teased, Linda shrugging.

"Thankfully you love my subs way too much to even think about that, right?" She chuckled, making Niall roll his eyes as we took our usual seats at the breakfast bar. My eyes looked down at the carving of our initials, 

"L + B + N = 2KFS"

I traced over it with my fingers laughing a bit. Niall looked over, leaning in close to me, "Too cool for school-we were such idiots." He laughed a bit, his finger moving to trace over the end my finger wasn't until they met in the middle. His face so close to mine, I could smell his aftershave even stronger than before.

"New shampoo?" He said, moving back to his seat, looking over the menu as if he didn't already know what he was going to order.

"Huh?" I said, leaning on my hand and raising an eyebrow.

"Your hair smells different today." He muttered, glancing over slightly. Before I could answer, Linda walked over to us, order pad in hand.

"What can I get you two?" She says, already writing our order down without us even answering.

"Steak, rare, with lots of carrots on the side," I tease, Niall joining in shortly after.

"I'll take a burger, just the lettuce and tomato please."

"You both think you're great comedians don't you? One pastrami sam, one mari sub, and two large cokes coming right up." She winked before walking away.

"So, Mitch got a new girlfriend." Niall said, turning in his stool to face me completely.

"Oh, that's nice," I smiled a bit, moving my gaze back down to my phone. I clicked the home screen showing no missed notifications, Niall being the only person who ever sent me anything.

"He asked if we wanted to meet up with them, Chase and Pauli. Get some beers and play pool tonight," I turned to face him, his baby blues filled with so much hope.

"Mmm, I have to organize my pantry. Tomorrow is grocery day, so I have to make sure of what I need and that there is room for new things." I said, pushing hair behind my ear.

"Ben...your pantry?" He said, his face filled with disbelief at my excuse.

"Niall, just...no, okay? You go. Don't push your friends away for me. Go hang out with them, come back and tell me all about Mitch's girl." I smiled, trying to reassure him as much as I possibly could.

"They are your friends too, you know?" He said gently, knowing it was a touchy subject for me.

"Niall. Please." I swallowed, looking back down at my phone, unlocking it and aimlessly scrolling on social media.

"I'm just saying Ben, it's been six months. They gave you the space you obviously needed, but...you need friends Bentley. And they miss you."

"I have friends. I have you. And Linda. And Pug. Pug is the best listener too." I said, pulling out a photo of my corgi making Niall have to attempt to hold back his smile.

"You are...," shaking his head while rolling his eyes, he reached over, pulling me tightly against him. He pressed his lips into the top of my head, making me relax into him.

I couldn't begin to explain how grateful I was for Niall. The way he had stepped up these past six months for me, was everything. We were bonded in this traumatic experience and no matter how hard I tried, he never allowed me to push him away.

During that first week, he wouldn't leave me alone. He was over everyday, even if I didn't want him here. Using the spare key Louis gave him, he would march in, make sure I was fed, bathed and resting. If I asked to be alone, he would leave me in my bedroom while he remained in the living room. He kept my home tidy, stocking it with everything I may need.

Eventually I joined him in the living room. Eventually we talked about Louis. Eventually he made me laugh again. It was like he was finding ways to streamline my pain into other things, reminding me that I had to continue to live.

Because it was what Louis would have wanted.

He couldn't make me hang out with our old friends, that was the only thing he failed at. It wasn't that I didn't miss them; it was simply that I didn't want to have to speak about Louis. I didn't want to rehash emotions with each one of them individually. I had that with Niall, that's all I needed and all I could handle. Maybe it was selfish of me, maybe it made me lack compassion; but it was all I could handle right now.

Linda brought us our food, each of us digging in, and I was grateful when Niall didn't bring it up again. Instead, we talked about Harry Potter. It was the first time he was watching the series, having just sat down with me through the first and second. I explained to him the differences between the book and the movie, small pouts when he wished that they would have kept certain things in. We argued about him being a Gryffindor, me emphasizing that he was too much of a Golden Retriever to be a Gryffindor. He glared at me, throwing chips at me making me cackle.

"You are clearly a Hufflepuff and that's okay. Personally I think they are the underrated house at Hogwarts." I shrugged, dusting away the chip crumbs.

"So you think I'm underrated? That my amazingness isn't valued at its true potential?" He wiggled his eyebrows, making me reach over and shove him.

"Niall James, be quiet." I laughed, his hand catching my arm and pulling me just a bit closer to him.

"Facts are facts, Bentley Rose and I know you only speak truths." He titled his head slightly, his smile big, then soft as he took in my face.

I wasn't an idiot. I was aware of the certain heat that rose between the two of us at times. The sparks that searched for enough friction to try and burst into flames. I was also aware it was all bonded through trauma. Which wasn't healthy. Which wasn't what I wanted nor needed.

Above all, I couldn't handle loving after Louis, another reason I pushed everyone out.

I cleared my throat pulling back, "We should go so you're not late. You're going tonight and I don't want any excuses!" I said pointing my finger at him, making him laugh.

"I wouldn't dream of it," he rolled his eyes. We finished, paying the check and walking outside to the warm summer air, my eyes closing at the pleasant feel of it.

"So you are absolutely sure?" He asked, grabbing my waist gently, pulling me slightly towards him.

"I just don't want to deal with all the, 'How are you really doing?' and hearing how much people miss Louis. I know it's selfish...I just..."

"I get it, Ben, you're fine," he pulled me closer, our hips pressing together, "You have your mace? Taser?"

"Check and check, location is on, and I will text you when I get home," I smiled, my hand pushing back his thick mousy brown hair.

"Okay, you know I care for ya?"

"I know, I care for you too," I smiled, kissing his cheek, before pushing away from him softly, "Have fun, be safe...get laid?" I giggled, shrugging my shoulders as I backed away, turning around and heading home.

Walking down the familiar path, I reached into my purse, pulling out my keys and placing one between my fingers. I hated that my mind was always set to the defense, but after Louis being murdered the way he was, I wasn't taking my chances. I never wore headphones, I paid attention to the footsteps that surrounded my own, their pace, their distance.

And that's why I was in therapy.

I moved down the street, like clockwork, my heart started beating faster as I approached the block before the expensive store on the corner. I stopped, normally turning right on Baker St. and taking the long way around to get home. It was so unnecessary, but I couldn't get past the idea of picturing how it happened. It had been described to me from so many different angles during the investigation, I couldn't help but feel like I would enter a movie scene I couldn't escape if I walked past the store.

And that's why I was in therapy.

I chewed on my lower lip, looking down the street, my feet moving forward before I realized what I had just decided. Before I realized that for some reason, I felt brave tonight, moving closer and closer to the shop. I stopped at the window, the shop name etched into the glass in a beautiful gold.

"Posh Finery"

Taking a deep breath, I moved inside quickly, heading to the little cafe in the corner. I pinched my lip as I looked over the pastries for sale. They had some prepackaged and ready to go, while others were meant to be picked out from behind the glass display. I spotted the last chocolate croissant, pairing it with an iced matcha seemed like the perfect way to end my night. I moved to reach for the chocolate croissant, a tattooed hand reaching at the same time. I jumped back slightly, bringing my hand quickly to my chest.

"Sorry, sorry. You can have it," I pressed my lips tight into a smile.

"No drama, kid. Take it," I heard the tattooed hand say before my eyes traveled up to take in the rest of him. I felt my eyes widen, not in shock from his appearance, olive skin, long hair, piercing green eyes that sat under furrowed brows; but by his use of a phrase I had only ever heard come from Louis' mouth.

"Excuse me? What did you say?" I stood straight, taking in his eyes as he raised a small eyebrow and chuckled a bit.

"It's means no worr-..."

"...-no I know what it means, I've just...sorry. I um, I only ever head one person use that phrase and it caught me off guard," I exhaled, my cheeks burning as I quickly grabbed a bear claw, "You can have the croissant. These are just as good anyways." I smiled, walking past him to the cashier.

"Thanks," he called out, and I turned over my shoulder nodding a bit. I ordered my matcha, handing them the bear claw to be heated up. After paying I walked over and sat at a table, waiting for my drink, watching the man pay for the croissant. He glanced over at me, holding it up and giving me a small nod before making his way out the door.

As he moved past, I couldn't help but envision Louis walking out in the same manner. Fresh cranberries in hand, making the quick turn before heading up to our home. I swallowed, shaking the thought from my head. 

It never happened. He never even made it in the store.

[snelbz]

'Til Death Do Us Part {Chapter Two}

Elorcan. Modern AU.

@snelbz x @theladyofdeath collab.

‘Til Death Do Us Part Masterlist

Elide

—

I stand outside of the restaurant wishing I had brought a jacket. During the day, summers in Orynth are absolute perfection, the sun always shining and the temperature in the seventies, near perfection. At night, cool air drifts from the mountains and a cool breeze takes away what’s left of the warmth. It would not be so bad if my date had been here when I arrived, but there’s been no sign of him. I check my phone. I’ve already been here for almost thirty minutes.

I hate blind dates. The thought has terrified me in the past but I’m at a point in my life that I want a partner. I want to find love, as most people do, but the process of finding love is a painful endeavor. 

It has me standing out here in my finest dress freezing my ass off in five inch heels. Every car that passes me has me excited, borderline anxious, but it quickly fades to annoyance as they keep on driving and no one gets out. I check the time again. It has officially been more than half an hour. 

I’m not sure how long to wait before going home, but I’m starving so I decide to wait it out. The thought of chicken marsala and a glass of wine has my mouth watering to the point that I nearly go in without him, but I don’t. I only have so much money on me. Hopefully he offers to pay. If not, I may only be eating ramen until my next paycheck.

Which sounds delicious right now. Gods, I’m starving.

“Elide?”

I turn towards the sound of my name being called, my eyes falling on the hottest guy I’ve ever seen. His blue eyes smolder in the dim lighting of the restaurant behind us and I swear, you could use his jawline as a knife. He did tell me he was a model, and his profile corroborated that information, but I figured he was lying.

With those cheekbones, I know he isn’t.

“Yes, hey.” I smile up at him. At five foot two, almost everyone I meet is taller than me, but this guy is a good bit over six feet. Even in my ridiculous heels, he’s a lot taller than I am. “You must be Roland.”

“Yeah…” Rather than extending his hand to me or anything remotely appropriate to say or do on a first date, he proceeds to take a step back and look me over from head to toe. He doesn’t say a word, he just keeps letting his eyes dance over me.

Another chilled breeze stirs up my hair and I fight off a shiver. The smile is starting to feel more like a grimace, but I say, “If you’re ready, we can go inside.” He’s been studying me for nearly a full minute now, he had to have noticed I’m not wearing a jacket.

Roland bites his lip, a move I’m sure has drenched many a pair of panties, and crosses his arms. “Listen, you’re…not what I was expecting.”

I blink, floored by his response. “Oh…”

Gesturing to himself and then back to me, he explains, “I’ve got an image to uphold and you…don’t fit that.”

I try to keep myself from gaping. “I’m…sorry. I don’t follow.”

His eyes narrow and he looks at me like I’m an idiot. “Don’t make me be the bad guy.”

I jolt, nearly laughing. “What the hell are you talking about?” At this point, I’m freezing my ass off and I’m hangry. I don’t have time for this guy’s games.

“I can’t be seen with you,” he says, simply, shrugging. “You’re just not my type. You looked different in your pictures. Taller. More put together. Sexy.”

Taller? How does someone look tall in selfies? And more put together? “My gods, I—”

“Feel free to use our table. It’s reserved until nine.” He gestures towards the doors, backing up a few more steps. “The lobster is great.”

With that, he’s gone, and I’m left staring after him like a dumbfounded idiot. I’m not his type? I’m too short? I’m not even going to touch the sexy comment, cause he’s sort of right about that. If I wasn’t a damn lady, I’d be running after him, tackling him to the ground, and punching him right in his pretty boy nose.

But, I am a lady, so I grip my clutch a little tighter and walk the opposite way of the asshole, back to my apartment. I could take the bus, but I’m already so cold that I don’t want to wait at the bus stop. It’s only a few blocks and the walking should help warm me up.

The walk and the newfound anger brewing deep inside my gut.

Not his type? I don’t know who that guy thinks he is. I don’t know how he’ll ever find a girl that wants more than a one night stand. What he has in beauty, he lacks in any sort of inner attraction whatsoever. Not his type. Prick. 

Embarrassed and wishing I had never left my house to begin with, I walk as quickly as I can, although my choice of shoes for the evening protest with every step. I wish I had a car, but a car costs money and so does, gas so here I am, reinventing the walk of shame. 

I hope he gets hit by a taxi.

I should feel guilty for that thought.

I don’t.

I don’t live in the best part of town, but my landlord hasn’t increased my rent in three years. It’s probably thanks to the leaking windows, failing air conditioning, and the fact that the plumbing constantly backs up for no reason, but I won’t push my luck. Not when I can’t afford anything else without moving outside of the city.

I jog up the steps to my floor, ready to kick off the stupid heels the second I get inside, but as I stand outside my door, numb fingers fumbling with my keys, the door across from mine opens.

“Miss Elide, I thought you had a date tonight.”

I turn around and give Murtaugh a tired smile. “It didn’t work out.”

“That’s okay,” he replies, leaning on his door frame. “If it didn't work out, he didn’t deserve you anyways.”

You have no clue how right you are. “Thank you, Murtaugh.”

“You really should give my grandson a chance,” he says as I finally get my door unlocked. “He’s very handsome.”

“If he’s half as handsome as you, then I’m already out of my league.” I step inside, immediately ditching the heels by the door. “Goodnight, Murtaugh.”

His kind smile has been one of the only constant things I’ve had in my life for the past few years. “Goodnight, Miss Elide.”

We shut our respective doors and I immediately hear a tiny bell rushing towards me. A ball of black fluff appears from the hallway leading to the lone bedroom and then rushes towards me. Anneith purrs loudly as I add food to her bowl, despite it being almost completely full.

I leave the ridiculous heels by the door, wondering if it’s too late to return them. I know exactly where the receipt is, and they were only worn for my disaster of a date.

I sigh as I grab my phone from my clutch and head towards my bedroom. I’ve got a few soap orders I need to pack up before bed and last time I checked my email, I had three new orders placed, but I’m drained. I’d been looking forward to that date for days. Roland and I had been talking for a few weeks at this point and I really thought we’d hit it off. We had similar beliefs when it came to our futures and families. He knew I didn’t have a conventional “job”, just like he didn’t. We’d stayed up countless nights chatting and I…

I don’t know why I’m surprised. I’ve been single for almost three years, since Ress and I broke up. There’s a reason for that, clearly. I just need to accept my future as a cat lady and move on.

Before I start making matching T-shirts for me and Anneith, though, I call my best friend as I enter my room and unzip my dress. She answers on the first ring.

“I should not be hearing from you this soon.” Aelin, as always, is far too perceptive for her own good. “I shouldn’t be hearing from you until tomorrow morning when you call me to tell me how big his dick was.”

She says that as if that’s our normal routine, which it sort of is. Or at least, it used to be. It had been very one-sided while Aelin was dating and I was, by no choice of my own, nearly celibate. Then she met Rowan.

“No dick report tonight,” I sigh, tugging a baggy shirt over my head and a pair of comfy pajama bottoms. “We didn’t even make it into the restaurant and he was almost an hour late.”

Aelin is quiet for a moment before she asks, “And do I want to know why you didn’t even make it into the restaurant?” 

I sigh as I fall back onto my bed and close my eyes. “He took one very long look at me and told me I wasn’t his type. Then he left.”

Aelin is quiet for another minute and I prepare myself for her supportive wrath. “I’m sorry,” she starts, “he did what? Who is this asshole? Where does he live? I will burn his house to the ground and laugh as—”

“It’s fine,” I say, although her manic response has me laughing. “If that’s the way he was gonna be I don’t want to sit through an entire evening with him anyways.” Even if the sex would have been good, which I’m sure it would have been. I miss sex. I miss someone else making me orgasm instead of having to work so damn hard for it myself, but I can’t get with the one night stand program. It’s just not how I’m wired. “I think I’ll just pour a glass of wine and eat what’s left of the ice cream in my freezer.”

Aelin sighs and I know she’s frowning. “Hang tight and I’ll be there in twenty minutes with a full gallon.”

“No,” I say, pulling my blankets up over my head. “I know Rowan just got home. You’ve been missing him like crazy and I have the honor of seeing you all the time. Stay with him.”

“I don’t want you to be alone tonight,” Aelin says, and I have no idea how I found a friend so perfect and wonderful to keep for the entirety of my life. “You deserve to have fun, even if it’s not the fun you intended.”

I laugh and shake my head. “If you come here I’m locking you out. Stay home. I can’t imagine Rowan will like me very much if I take you away once he’s just gotten there.” 

She sighs dramatically, but the sound is full of love, and then a familiar deep voicerumbles over the phone. “Thank you, Elide.”

I laugh, despite how lonely the sound of Aelin’s boyfriend makes me feel. “You’re welcome. Glad you’re home safe and sound.” 

Aelin’s voice is much more clear when she speaks next and I know she’s got the phone pressed between her ear and her shoulder. “Are you sure you don’t want me to come over?”

I can tell Aelin is torn between being a good friend and being a good girlfriend, so I make the decision for her. “I’m positive. I’ve got, like, six orders I need to work on to go out tomorrow, so it works out.”

It’s a crappy lie and I’m pretty sure Aelin knows it. Still, she relents. “I’ll come over right after work tomorrow, okay?”

“Okay, now go enjoy yourself.” I rethink the words the second they’re out of my mouth.

“Don’t worry, I will.” I groan and she laughs. “I’m sorry your date sucked, but I promise, I’m going to find you the hottest, most amazing guy ever.”

Aelin had tried playing matchmaker for me before. It always ended horribly.

I’m shaking my head, despite the fact that she can’t see me. “I appreciate it, but you know me, I’m fine on my own.”

And I was. I’d been on my own since I was seventeen. A boyfriend wouldn’t change the fact that I can take care of myself.

I’m just sick of being the only one who does.

“I know,” Aelin says, as if she’s reading my thoughts just like she always has. “I love you. Talk to you tomorrow.”

“Love you,” I say, and hang up as Rowan’s voice echoes in the background and Aelin giggles.

I’m happy that Aelin found someone like Rowan. They’re perfect for one another. I can tell she loves him every time he’s even mentioned. I don’t know how she does it, though, loving someone who is constantly gone. He’s always touring. When he is home it’s for a couple months then he’s gone for the rest of the year, only coming back for a week every now and then. I know he’s loyal to her but that distance… I don’t think I could do it. 

I wouldn’t want to.

I want a man who will wake up beside me every morning and go to his boring 9-to-5 job right here in Orynth. Not that I need a man. I’ve already established that, that I’m well enough on my own. Especially if the rest of the men in this city are anything like Roland.

[butts-bouncing-on-the-beltway]

Managed to obtain wifey's computer chair but finally got outbid on the luggage kit (should have known $10 was too good to be true lol, I'll wait til we're more liquid and try again with a larger budget on a different lot). Hopefully going to be able to pick up the kitty bench tomorrow if it's still available (here's to hoping it doesn't get snagged today) but if it isn't I'll just keep my eye out for new opportunities there too, probably on Saturdays instead of Fridays so I can schedule pick up immediately the next day.

I need to get ahold of some fabric with decent stretch to it, so maybe some old shirts or dresses with decent prints but some wear and tear that can be upcycled. A button jar would be nice too if I can find one, but I'm not too fussed, I can order buttons if I that's the only thing I need new.

The biggest thing that still needs buying is new clothes for wifey, and some of that I can take care of myself with fabric and my sewing kit, and some can be managed with thrifting and time, but at least a couple of items will need to be purchased newly tailored, so we'll have to save up a little for that one (next paycheck I think should have room for it). I may go through some of my clothes and see which ones can be turned into fabric or upcycled for wifey into something new. I know I have an undershirt that I can use, and I think a pair of leggings which would work well for something.there's a dress that doesn't fit me anymore with a black and white gingham pattern that could be good for upcycling into a blouse for wifey I think if I go about it right. I'll definitely have to ask her to let me use her as a model while I drape the pattern though and she'll HATE that lmao, my love does not enjoy standing still long enough for me to drape a blouse. I can picture it though, with a nice deep neck, a little pop of crepe and color at the cleavage, maybe a racerback or thick shoulder but sleeveless straps to make it a nice summer blouse and so it wears well under short jackets or fall sweaters, a scooped hem at the waist so it tucks well or wears gently at the tummy rather than being constricting.

So that's probably 4 items or so I can make with what we have at home. Not quite a wardrobe, but a start! And we'll see what else I find in our closets that can be put to use. I have a skirt that needs badly to be upcycled but no idea what to do with it. The underpinnings could probably be repurposed for...well more underpinnings, and the skirt itself is a breezy cotton, so maybe another blouse? It has a lot of pink, which really isn't wifey's color, but maybe I could pull it off. Maybe for the color pop on that shirt with a matching bonnet for her to wear with her twists once we put them in? We'll see what I manage. There's a lot of skirt to work with, I could probably pull something fun off. Oooh. A matching pullover. That would be cute as hell, and real summery. Maybe I can pull off all three if there's enough fabric and give her a whole set.

Okay, so that's 6 items to go for, largely shirts and underpinnings, which is good and important. But we still need to figure out some pants and a few more shirts before I'll be ready to set this project down, so we'll see what else comes of it. I think I'll take the weekend to break out all these pieces I'm going to alter and break them down to the fabric I'll need so I can just sew when the time comes. Maybe Monday since wifey and I both have the day off we'll do some draping if she's up for it and she and I can listen to podcasts while I get started on the shirt at least. I might be able to make two of the shirt in different iterations if I'm lucky and sizing works out the way I think it will. We'll see. If not, I'll see if any of wifey's old shirts are in a state enough to be upcycled.

I may look into the idea of a patchwork shirt? Scraps from various smaller or damaged garments that wouldn't be able to make a whole garment alone but can be fitted together into a neat design? And some sheet slacks. Those would be nice to do for wifey. Easy to buy sheets for cheap from the theift store and turn them into tailored slacks if I have enough buttons.

Okay. I have my plan. I have enough fabric to work with between now and the end of the month, and then at my end of month payday, we'll go thrufting and I'll get more along with a good button jar so I can start expanding into more complex garments.

[dausy]

oh my, I feel like I've spent a lot of money on myself recently.

I'm trying to work on painting this weekend. I have a long weekend this weekend. So far I'm scheduled to work wed-fri if I don't get a call but I have a dental appointment and hair appointment this week. Theres an interesting breed of drama at work and I think I'm getting too old for this. I just learned I'm literally older than a couple of doctors. I've officially reached that stage of my life where I can be older than doctors. So weird. On the scale of complaints I've had about workplace drama before this has to be some of the most benign complaints I've ever heard and I'm like "do you guys not hear yourselves?". Its just such a non-dangerous issue, that I can't even imagine wanting to complain about it. To me its like a spa day and yall are complaining about some weird stuff. Like come on.

But I keep picking up shifts because its essentially easy money but I'm also dirt tired and cranky. Wearing lead for 8-10 hours a day is also killing my upper back. I don't think permanent OR nursing is in my future. So its affecting my ability to be creative. I'm getting home at 5-6pm and plooping on the couch. I can't draw unless theres lovely sun out.

I still think my spanish is improving despite me getting hit hard with the reality that I don't know what the hell I'm saying often. But I'm still learning new things every day and I'm researching new ways to say things all the time. I think what honestly hurts the most is I keep seeing tiktoks on "white women who did a duolingo lesson once" which is in parts funny, I get it. But also, is me trying to speak with my patients making me fall under this category? am I just another white woman who duolingos? I just want to be effective at my job and communicate where appropriate.

I've also spent a small fortune. I feel like I should do a haul with just stuff I've purchased recently but none of it is art related (sort of). Other than I still have to PPE up at work, my face getting exposure to real air has made me appreciate a little bit of the skin care and make up type luxuries..2 make up items will cost a pretty penny. I got some new make up brushes and got some new things for this ball I have coming up. I just kinda want to look pretty. I'm feeling girly, I want the make up, the cute clothes and shoes etc. But we're just buying make up so far right now.

I also got 2 new work out shirts and a sports bra. I've gotten a wittle chunky this past year and my shirts are riding up. I'ma maybe use those extra calories for some hopeful gym gains. Hopefully I can rev up the gym-going when my husband gets deployed.

shoes, I got some new shoes for work and a new phone case. We also went on a really fancy date night that long ago and me not having a purse was kind of a nuisance so I got a new purse (or two). We have a lot of day trips coming up as my husband is trying to maximize family time before he's gone for the next year. I kinda want to look cute maybe so one of the purses is like a day trip bag.

anyway, I still want to order a couple of things but itll need to wait til the next paycheck.

[toruvi]

hi ley! i know we don't talk but i just binge-read Paychecks with a Side of Intimacy and i just HAD to send you a review. i'll try leave this as spoiler-free as possible.

I AM OBSESSED.

God, this is perfect. I am not exaggerating when I say it's up in my top 10. It's perfectly relatable. I finished uni a month ago and I'm like "?????" or "now what tf do i do" and i am painfully broke... i have definitely considered the sugar baby lifestyle lmao.

I love the interactions between reader and levi. he's so smooth and sauve and SO COOL. HES PERFECT. And you captured his painfully awkward self and his quirks. I stayed up til 2AM reading this and had to get up three hours later but... WORTH ITTTTTT. i would run from the opportunity do any sexy stuff with an irl man 40 years older than me... but if he's 31, is 5'3", has a potty mouth, tons of money and has a mysterious past and is kind in his own weird way and has a tendency to make poop jokes? a bitch might just jog a little

your writing is fabulous. it flows very nicely and is very easy to read! it's descriptive but without too much embellishment. something i could afford to work on, i am very wordy when i write. unnecessarily so. reader's past too, gosh-- the poor girl. i feel so bad. i have no emotional resiliance so i'd be crying nonstop and flipping out at everyone. but she seems to be handling this just fine. kudos. i cry if someone looks at me the wrong way, nvm going through...you know, THAT.

i really hope you continue this! there's no pressure to, but i am eagerly waiting for the next installment!!! 💕💕💕💕

(the smut is extraordinary btw. i was crossing my legs on the bus this morning rereading the car scene.)

- cece ^-^

HI CECE i apologize for not getting to your msg sooner!! AHHHH you are so so sweet ;;; god i understand, the desperation for money is a little too real :') !!!! i hope you caught up on your sleep from reading btw omg????

but if he's 31, is 5'3", has a potty mouth, tons of money and has a mysterious past and is kind in his own weird way and has a tendency to make poop jokes? a bitch might just jog a little" HELP the way i giggled reading this but YES so true so true friend!!!

reader :((( yeah id be constantly crying too i am not strong enough for anything she goes through :') and honestly i feel like im prettyh wordy with my writing (god bless grammarly, my savior, the loml) but AHHH im glad yoiu're liking it so far!!!!!!!! thanks fso much for stoppin by i really did enjoy reading your input! it's much appreciated <33333

[kannagms]

April is killing me, mentally, emotionally, and financially. I make a grand total of $2200 a month. I do get an extra paycheck this month thanks to the way the calendar lines up, so $3300.

April 1 ofc starts with my $1300 rent (cannot wait til my lease is up). At $2000.

I owe $800 in taxes. At $1200.

My cats just had surgery. Low cost clinic, still cost $200. At $1000.

Add in the usual bills, car insurance, rent insurance, internet, electricity, student loan, phone bill, etc. Takes me down to roughly $500.

I had my shipment of cat litter this month (3 month supply), which takes $160 (don't come at me for the price, it's the only litter my pretentious little shits will use. Anything else they'll piss and shit on the floor next to them). That's $340.

The cat food I bought made my cats sick. Had to throw out the $20 bag I got (gave to my mom, her chickens love it) bought a new bag for $30. $310.

Just found out that my insurance no longer covers dental. I have 2 cavities. Basically had to get additional dental insurance just to fix this issue. The first time payment was $90. There's $220 left.

On Tuesday (2 days ago) I'm sitting at work, I have DND on my door because I'm editing video and need to focus. My coworker barges in and starts demanding I do something that isn't part of my job nor do I even know how to do it. Informs me that I'm not entitled to have DND on ever. She could've at least knocked. She scared tf out of me just forcing her way in.

I find out that she's been telling higher ups that I sit in my office and sleep/play video games, which I do neither of. Maybe if I'm clocked out on lunch I'll play some games on my phone. But I'm not on the clock. She's putting my job at risk with her lies.

She also told me I needed to see a psychiatrist and gave me a business card. I'm not in the market for a psychiatrist. Never have been, never said i was. She said it's clear I need to be put on medication.

The Watcher thing happened.

I come home work after the thing with my coworker to find a note on my door. Leasing office is doing inspections today (Thursday). I'm dead in the middle of spring cleaning and my apartment looks like a mess. + my cats are recovering from surgery. I'm just waiting for an inadequate housekeeping charge or something to come onto my account. Plus they're checking blinds and will replace broken ones at a cost to me. I know one needs replaced bc my one cat ripped them up. Additional $35. At $185. And we all know that $185 is gonna go to feeding me, with the bare minimum.

Oh and 2 of my moms cats were stolen and there's no information on where they went. So they're just gone.

[larissa-saponara]

My Story Pt.1

Let's start in 2019, I had recently broken up with my very first boyfriend of you want to call it that. Back story on that in summer of 2017 I was working for an amusment park and we had a new supervisior who had just came back from China and he was transferrred over to the pier I worked on. I was 17 he was 23. That should have been the first red flag to me but I was young and obviously didnt see them. Anyways we started to date kinda. We would hang out at parties, we went on a few dates or whatever. But mostly we were at work talking or in a group setting. Fast forward i was waiting to have sex, as I was a virgin and just didn't feel the need to have sex yet. Well I was pressured into it. I really didn't want to but I did. Me and him were on and off for about twoish summers. Then in 2019 I finally called it quits cause I realized that wasn't what I wanted. Well fast forward to the summer of 2019 and I met a few new people, some that I am still friends with til this day. I met an exchange student. Just for context most of our workers at this amusement park come on a J-1 student work visa. I had been promoted to supervisor and I had taken on the task of a ride/game. Thats were I met my next boyfriend who I had a 3 year realationship with. Now I must have been color blind cause I did not see one red flag. I don't kniw what I was doing. So i had thoought we were jsut causually dating. Apparently not. He never asked me to be his girlfriend so I didn't thin I was. So I was dating other guys as well. Well he had found out and was like well we wouldnt't be hanging out if you werent my girlfriend. Meanwhile he was going out with other girls as well. But I digress . But fast forward $50k lost on him and being depressed and feeling broken. We had moved in together when I moved to New York for University after i had lived a semester in the dorms. he was very controlling, i wasn't allowed to keep my own paycheck. i was only allowed to go to work and nothing else. He would rarely speak to me. Or when we did have conversations he would put me down. We had brooken up a few times in the year we lived together. I know. Well i finally had enough after my birthday when he decided to just disappear to atlantic city with my car and money. But I had paid the rent to the apartment and wasn't leaving. Mind you he never paid for anything. And if he did it was with my money. He finally got his fake greencard and had went home to kosovo to visit his dying father. So I went and got another job and during that time we weren't together and I was sleeping in the second bedroom that we had. I had started to go out and started to talk to new people and going on dates. Mind you no one knew we were together really except two of his friends. He never claimed me. Anyways while he was away he had one of friends "watch after me" which do I look like a child. Basically had his friend stallking me. And when he came home he kicked me out and I slept in my car for a while. Then he let me back casue rent was due and I just wanted my apartment back. So i went back. This man found out i was going out, going on dates, living my life basically. He didn't like that cause he could control me anymore. Well fast forwarf to him stalking me at my new job and being mad creepy. I started seeing my now boyfriend. We started off jsut talking and being friends. We both had crazy partners who are naracists. Lets jsut call it what it is. Well one night we were out drinking and having fun. We were in his car and when I tell you I had a feeling someone was watching us. it was wild cause I was right. My ex was stallking me. Anyway I should have let him get beat up but I didn't cause in that moment I knew I was really done with him. My ex called my mom to tell her i cheated on him which is wild cause me and that man werent together since september its now mid january. fast forward to febuary and I still live in my apartment casue i pay the damn rent. all the cash i had hid and saved to get a new apartment he found and found my apartment applicantions.

[arjaysteez]

Throwing in the towel

I came into this career because I could not stand the push back and the more I waited the longer I strayed away from my goal of being a nurse. It sucks that money was involved and my position is to restart all over again.

Sleep technician

sounded so good on paper when my friend told me about it. The money, time, and freedom that it came with all sounded great. It was too good to be true. The position, schooling, and job was already aimed for. Took them months to schedule me a trainer (mind you I requested early April and didnt get scheduled 2nd week of July) With the trainer I was paired with I could not comprehend her teaching style and pick up on her picky habits. It led me to be frustrated every single day. When things went wrong, it was not a 1 on 1 conversation. Others working the shift heard the mistakes I would make and along with how rude my trainer was talking to me. She made me feel dumb to the point I was losing interest and would hate myself for driving back the next day. I really enjoyed the job and actually picked up on how to scoring/ stages of sleep and arousals. I just could not stand my trainer. I joined at bad time while I had to learn Dr.Chrono I also had to learn AdvanceMD.

Last thursday, I felt I was on a roll I had everything done on a timely manner. My trainer on the other hand was on her phone and eating taco bell all night. She'd check up on me and I'd tell her the things i've done so far. When it was almost time to go she decides to check on my scoring/staging and gets upset when she catches a small mistake that I missed which was one DeSat (OSA). Something she could have caught if she were to check my work earlier in the night. Now we were left staying almost an hour over and she's complaining that she is tired when the whole night all she did was eat and be on her phone. Telling me why are my calculations wrong and that these are people lives if I were to make a mistake. First, my calc. was right til you caught the one DeSat i missed which turned everything wrong because now the AHI is different. Second, dont be angry if you ask me if I remember the patients SpO2 minimum because regardless of my answer of guessing or IDK you were already on my ass about it.

Aside from actually learning how to score and do notes, I looked into the financial part of this job. It was not fit for my lifestyle to live paycheck to paycheck if i were to commute for a minimum wage job. Being a certified tech is already lowest of the low but putting the time and effort into becoming a registered tech still put you in a low bracket. Reaching six figs would require me to work 5+ yrs not to mention other perks to even reach that amount. I seen the bigger picture through a giant magnifying glass. Just to find out that there are more to it. You would think money is good til you realize what you need to put yourself into. They make you read the charts to make sure the patient isnt going into some cardiac arrest but pay you minimum isnt right... they say the job is high in demand but pay is low. Wouldn't you want High pay if in demand??

Anyway, I wasnt fit for the job nor did I felt i belonged. So I made the decision to leave and go for IT.

[cauldroncreations]

today was like. a Lot

[arrowflier]

I’d love to see you write a fic where they go shopping together for clothes or things for their apartment?

“I still don’t see why we had to come here, man,” Mickey complains as they walk toward the store. “We could have gone literally anywhere else.”

Ian sighs and shoves him through the entry, pausing under the Old Army sign to grab a basket. “You get a discount, Mick,” he reminds him, “and we’re poor.”

Mickey eyes him. “Maybe you’re poor, bitch, some of us actually get to keep our fuckin’ paychecks.”

Ian just rolls his eyes. “Shut up and pick out some damn clothes,” he orders, and thrusts the basket against Mickey’s chest. Mickey fumbles with it as Ian walks away, further into the store, and follows him to a rack of menswear.

Mickey pokes through a few shirts halfheartedly, and grimaces. They’re all plain long-sleeved button-ups. Traditional. Boring.

“I’m doin’ just fine wearing your shit,” he comments, flipping a few more hangers. “Don’t need to buy any of this ugly crap.”

“Fine, pick out something for me, then,” Ian offers. “We’ll trade, you get my old stuff, I get something new.” He pulls a muted yellow flannel from the rack and holds it up to his own chest. “What about this?”

“Fuck no,” Mickey vetoes immediately. “I’ve worn enough yellow for a lifetime, put that thing back.”

Ian sighs. “It’s for me, Mickey,” he points out, but Mickey just shakes his head.

“And I’ll end up wearin’ it, so put it the fuck back, Ian.”

“Wha—” Ian cuts himself off, mouth closing as he shifts his feet before opening again. “That ruins the entire point, Mick!” Mickey almost laughs at the frustrated look on his face, rubbing a hand over his mouth to hide it. It was just too easy to get Ian riled up.

“Are you gentlemen finding everything alright today?” a cheerful voice comes from behind them, and Mickey’s hidden smile turns into a scowl as he turns.

“Don’t you have inventory to do or something, Jeff?” he asks acidicly. His coworker’s eyes widen and throat works as he swallows hard in the face of Mickey’s ire.

“Oh,” the man says, voice considerably higher than before. “Hi Mr. Milkovich. I…didn’t expect to see you here on your day off.”

Mickey snorts. “Yeah, well,” he shrugs. “This idiot here insisted.” He gestures over his shoulder with a thumb to Ian, who has closed the distance between them to stand at Mickey’s side. He’s still holding the ugly yellow shirt, and Mickey glares at him before grabbing it out of his hands an tossing it haphazardly on top the clothes rack.

“Hey,” Ian says casually and with a smile, the complete opposite of Mickey’s greeting in every possible way. “How’s it goin’?”

“Oh, uh, hi,” Jeff mumbles, flustered. He looks back and forth between them, clearly trying to fit them together in his head, before giving up. “Sorry, but how do you two…”

“Know each other?” Ian finishes the question for him. “We live together.”

“Wait, you’re his boyfriend?” Jeff asks, sounding astonished.

“No he fuckin’ isn’t,” Mickey interjects, hating the term. He can feel Ian deflate next to him, and rushes to do damage control. “Only teenagers have boyfriends, you moron.” Ian perks up a little, but Mickey isn’t quite done.

“He’s my partner. Family.”

“Mickey,” Ian says softly, and he refuses to turn and see the embarrassing softness he’s sure is there on his face. He really doesn't want to deal with the implication of Jeff's question that people at work know about them, at least enough to know that Mickey is attached.

“Come on, Gallagher, let’s look over there.” Mickey grabs Ian by the hand and drags him away past Jeff, who’s still standing there looking confused. Mickey wasn’t too surprised—the kid had never seemed real bright.

He’s not looking where he’s going, so when Ian digs in his heels and brings them to a halt, they’re standing in the middle of the women’s section. Mickey takes a deep breath and turns, ready to face his sappy-ass partner, but Ian knows him better than that. Having picked up on Mickey's discomfort, he has something else in mind.

So when Mickey turns around, Ian is holding up a Hawaiian patterned blouse.

“This would look good on you, Mick,” he says with false earnestness, pressing it into Mickey’s chest. Mickey wants to scowl, but he can’t stop from smiling instead. At Ian's silliness, sure, but also at the way he's learned not to push, to meet Mickey where he is. To save the soft shit til later and make a joke instead. To keep Mickey comfortable.

“Yeah?” Mickey asks, taking the shirt from Ian's hands. “Think that’s sexy?” He holds it away from himself and eyes it, head tilted, considering.

“Actually,” he muses, “it’s not half bad. Too bad it’s not in my size.” He throws the shirt back at Ian, nearly hitting him in the head with it, and beelines toward something else that catches his attention.

As Ian hangs the blouse back up, Mickey reaches for a pair of women’s skinny black jeans, with rips at the knee and surprisingly real pockets. He twists them around to look at the back, and whistles.

“Hey, Ian,” he calls back. “Think my ass would look good in these?”

[much-obliged-timothy]

Whumptober #5

Borderlands - #5 - Betrayal

*

Jack stomped into his office, Nisha at his heels. 

Timothy looked up from where he was standing, ECHO in hand. He held it out, Jack snatching it from his hand and throwing himself into the chair at his desk.

“How?” Jack snarled as he read through the data.

“There has to be a traitor,” Nisha said, peering over his shoulder to look at the screen. “Someone on Helios is feeding the Crimson Raiders sensitive information. It’s the only explanation.”

“But who has access to information this sensitive?” Timothy said, sounding frustrated. “It doesn’t make any sense. Everyone who can access this can only do so because Jack gave us permission. Only a fool would think they wouldn’t get caught. There aren’t many of us with that privilege.”

Jack scowled, because of course he already goddamn knew that. The remnants of his Elpis team had access to his sensitive plans, because they were often part of them. Timothy not so much, but Jack did pull him from the casino occasionally to send him on missions with Nisha and Wilhelm.

But now the Crimson Raiders and their Vault Hunters were sabotaging those plans. They were robbing secret weapon transports, ambushing Jack’s teams, and just being a fucking headache in general. They were pulling off things they needed sensitive information to be able to do.

Jack had recalled Timothy from the casino and Nisha from Lynchwood to help him look into the leak. He had Wilhelm beating answers out of some employees who had access to secure transport routes, but he didn’t expect that to turn up anything too useful. 

Jack didn’t like where his thoughts were straying, though.

She wouldn’t have. Surely she wouldn’t have betrayed him. Of all people, not her.

Jack angrily grabbed his own ECHO. “Wilhelm!”

“Nothing yet, Jack,” Wilhelm responded. Jack could hear someone begging in the background. “I told you this was a waste of time. And all their whining is giving me a headache.”

“Keep at it,” Jack snarled, cutting the feed. He ran a hand through his hair, trying to calm his rising anger.

Getting mad wouldn’t help him find the traitor. Timothy was right; there was only a small network of people who had access to all that sensitive information instead of just bits and pieces. Jack highly doubted this was a team effort betrayal, so that meant it was one of the few with access. 

He could narrow it down even farther than that. Nisha, Wilhelm, and Timothy wouldn’t sell him out to the Vault Hunters. Not only had they helped Jack rise to power, they had been thriving in his success. He rewarded them richly enough to secure their loyalty. They gained nothing and lost everything by turning information over to that scum on Pandora.

That calmed Jack the slightest. It was a starting point, at least. 

Timothy seemed to notice his mood settled, and he took a cautious step closer. Jack glanced at him, a silent permission to speak. 

“Jack, there aren’t many of us with access,” he said. “It won’t take long to investigate everyone. But you shouldn’t make it obvious that’s what you’re doing. Whoever it is might have a deal with the Crimson Raiders to evacuate them if they feel in danger. We don’t want them to flee.”

That was a good point, and Jack was mad he hadn’t thought of it. He was so tangled in his fear of who the traitor was that he wasn’t thinking clearly.

He had to snap out of it. Angel wouldn’t betray him like that. She was in contact with the Vault Hunters, sure, but it was only to maneuver them where Jack needed them for his plans to work. She wasn’t actually working with them. 

“I...have a suggestion?” Timothy said it awkwardly. The kid never had been good at taking charge. Being a sarcastic pain in the ass, sure, but not much of a leader.

“Timmy, this isn’t school. You don’t need to raise your hand and wait to be called on,” Jack said impatiently, grabbing Timothy’s arm and jerking him closer. “Out with it.”

Timothy winced at the tight grip Jack had on his arm. “We look over a list of who has access, try to determine, say, a list of the top three we suspect the most. Then release a piece of information only they can individually access and see if it leaks.”

“Timothy? With a good suggestion? Now I’ve seen it all,” Nisha said in disbelief.

Timothy scowled at her. “You have a better suggestion, Nisha?”

“Who said you were just a pretty face?” Jack released Timothy’s arm. “A very, very pretty face, I might add. Nisha, get on it. Go tell Wilhelm to kill those suckers he’s beating, and then draw up phony transport routes to upload. I’ll look over a list of people with access to determine who we’re tricking with this. Timothy...I don’t actually have a job for you. Stand there and look good ‘til I need something, kiddo.” 

Nisha swiftly left the office. Jack got on his computer as Timothy stood silently at his side. Jack had whipped a bit of obedience into the kid, the scar on his face really settling the mouthy brat into a much more cooperative mindset. He responded well to a paycheck, sure, but even better to a bit of tough love and branding.

Tough love…

Jack shook his head a little. No, everything he’d done for Angel had been to protect her. She couldn’t control her powers, and it made her dangerous. He’d had no choice but to lock her in the Control Core. He was protecting his daughter.

And she had to know that. She had to know he’d done it because he loved her and wanted to keep her safe. She wouldn’t betray him. 

He would talk to her when he was done with this. Go visit her at the Bunker. It had been a while since he’d gone in person. He would-

The pain took a moment to register, because the shock hit him first. He put a hand to his throat and pulled it away, staring at the blood numbly. He opened his mouth, but all that came out was a strangled whisper.

Timothy caught his hair, keeping his head up. He wiped the bloodied blade in his hand on Jack’s coat before hiding it back up his sleeve.

The pain was setting in now, but Jack couldn’t cry out. He couldn’t yell and threaten Timothy. He couldn’t call for help.

The bastard had slit Jack’s throat.

Timothy lowered his head so that his mouth was next to Jack’s ear. “Good news, boss. Found the traitor.”

He released Jack’s head. Jack slumped forward against the desk. It was getting harder to breathe, and his vision was growing spotty.

“Deed’s done, Roland,” Timothy said into his ECHO. “I’m heading for the fast travel station now. I’m not sure how long I’ll have, but the fool sent Nisha away just like I planned. We should have a few minutes before anyone finds the corpse, at least.”

Timothy clipped his ECHO to his belt and looked back down at Jack. He reached out and took Jack’s ECHO.

He pulled the mask off, revealing his scarred face, an exact match to Jack’s. “I never did like you, Jack. Killing a psycho like you does the whole galaxy a favor. Just wish I’d done it before you branded my face, asshole. Shouldn’t have made me a killer if you didn’t want me to kill.”

Timothy spat on him before replacing the mask and turning his back on Jack. He left the office at a steady pace, looking completely at ease.

Blood was spreading on the desk, pooling around Jack’s head. Jack’s fingers scrambled weakly for anything he could use to get attention to the office. He found nothing.

No, no. Angel. He was supposed to go visit Angel in the Bunker.

He was supposed to open the Vault and wake the Warrior. He was supposed to save Pandora. 

And now he was going to die here. All because he put a gun in some foolish kid’s hands and turned him loose. 

Jack closed his eyes, unable to suck in another breath. His last thought should’ve been hatred towards Timothy, or joy that he’d at least maimed the bastard’s face.

Instead, it was just relief that Angel hadn’t been the one to betray him in the end.

[meltwonu]

| 🍒 CH-CH-CHERRY BOMB! 🍒 |     [CHAPTER 4]

pairing; dom!seungcheol x camgirl!reader

this chapter’s notes; masturbation, usage of toys, dirty talkin’, a bit of a filler chapter after last weeks hehe🍒 as always, thank you again for your continued support for cherry bomb 🥺💕 I'm actually not sure if next week’s chapter will go up on time due to my work schedule for next week but I'll be sure to keep y’all updated! if anything it’ll probably go up on saturday instead of friday... 😭😭 But anyway, have a good weekend yall! 💕💕💕 stay hydrated!! 

chapters; 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - ?

The weekend ends quicker than Seungcheol even notices and while he wakes up Monday morning already thinking about you and your show later in the evening; his face falters when he reads the message on your cam homepage.

‘Sorry everyone :( I think I caught a cold so I won’t be doing a show tonight… I promise I’ll make it up to you on Friday! In the meantime, I’ve uploaded some new pics in our members only room~ I hope it’ll tide you all over ‘til then! xx Cherry 🍒 ’

His first reaction is to immediately panic; reaching for his phone and texting you to get as much rest and sleep as possible. He makes a mental note to check in with you again later, finding that he’s already running late to get to work when he gets out of bed.

“Hey! Seungcheol-hyung!”

The said male turns around, placing the set of roller skates on the ground. “Yeah, what’s up?”

Jeongguk sits next to him on the wooden bench, legs stretched out as he passes Seungcheol an energy drink. “Nothin’, just wanted to say thanks for coming over on Saturday! We should try to do that again, except maybe we can go out for drinks or something? We can give it the good ‘ol college try, maybe bring home a girl, if you know what I mean~” Jeongguk wiggles his eyebrows at Seungcheol who rolls his eyes.

“Uh, I’m down for the drinking part but I think I’ll have to pass on the hookups.”

“Really? Why? Are you dating someone and you haven’t told me?”

Seungcheol thanks the gods that the roller rink is dimmed; neon lights and disco balls the only things keeping the entire place dimly lit when he blushes a deep crimson, face hot as he avoids the younger male’s gaze. “Nah, it’s just, I--I don’t think that’s really for me. I’m more of a, uh, relationship type of guy, y’know?” Also, I’m devoting my time and energy to someone already who isn’t really my girlfriend.

“Mm, makes sense!”

Jeongguk keeps Seungcheol company even on his break, the two chatting about various topics before he lets Seungcheol know his break is almost over.

“Hey, wait! Before you go…” Seungcheol is nervous for some reason, fingers gripping the suede of the rollerskate’s boot as he avoids eye contact again. “Um, this is gonna sound really weird but… Who’s ‘j__min’? I feel like I’ve seen that username before and it’s, uh, I’m just curious how you know them? Sorry if that’s weird, I just--I’ve been seeing them around pretty often.”

“Oh, that’s Jimin-hyung. He’s a friend of mine that games with me sometimes! I’ve never really met the dude in person before, but he seems nice.” Jeongguk nods, staring off into space. “He seems really busy all the time too. And he’s super active on social media, that’s probably where you’ve seen him.”

Seungcheol nods; the guy didn’t seem like any sort of immediate threat so he logs the information mentally for now. He’d just have to do some internet sleuthing himself when he got home.

“Oh, cool, okay! Thanks ‘Guk!” 

Seungcheol groans after the seventh pair of skates he’s cleaned, standing up to stretch and reach for his phone in his pocket. He checks the notifications, noting that you hadn’t texted back or read his messages yet.

A frown paints his features knowing that you were sick, but he makes another mental note to finally buy you that sybian now that his most recent paycheck had come in with it’s overtime bonuses. There were only a few more days until Namjoon came back which meant his extra pays would be over, a sad sigh escaping his lips at the thought. 

The day gruels on; Mondays were always the slowest days for the roller rink which meant Seungcheol spent most of the time cleaning skates and bumming snacks from the concession stand usually. He tries to not pry deeper into Jeongguk’s friends but the curiosity eats him alive so he makes an effort to stay away from the younger male for the rest of the day, this time.

Instead, he spends the day hiding in the employee break room any time he gets; only leaving when Yoongi decides to hide in there himself.

Your head feels like it’s going to spin off of your shoulders once you sit up in bed. The sun sits low in the horizon from what you can see through your bedroom window; noting that it must’ve been the late afternoon already.

You’d woken up with chills, head fuzzy when you’d sat up earlier in the morning. Knowing that you were at least somewhat sick, you quickly wrote up a little memo on your homepage letting your viewers know that there wouldn’t be a show later in the evening. Afterwards, you had quickly downed medicine before curling up under your sheets and going back to sleep. You’d vaguely been aware of your phone ringing on the nightstand next to your bed, but you prioritized sleeping instead, knowing that you had to get better before the weekend came.

You groan once you ease yourself off of your bed, dragging your feet as you make your way to the bathroom in hopes of a warm bath to make yourself feel better.

It’s almost 5PM which means it’s almost time for Seungcheol to finally go home. He checks his phone one more time before he pockets the device, putting away the last few pairs of rollerskates before he starts making his way towards the backroom. 

“Hey! ‘Cheol-hyung, can you come over here!?” Jeongguk yells over the music, arms waving him down frantically before he clocks out.

Seungcheol walks over, noting an unknown male standing with him. “Yes? Did you need help?”

“This guy, sorry I forgot your name?” The male laughs, eyes forming crescents when he smiles brightly at Jeongguk. “It’s Seokmin.”

“Right, right. Seokmin is asking if we’re hiring?” Jeongguk ends with a head tilt, unsure of the answer himself.

Seungcheol bites the inside of his cheek. Technically yes, they were understaffed even with Namjoon around. But Namjoon was also technically the one in charge of overseeing hiring positions. And while they technically should’ve hired more staff, that also meant Seungcheol’s overtime bonuses would be cut anytime they actually had the appropriate amount of staff.

“Uhhhh… I--I don’t think so? I’m not the one in charge. Our manager that decides staff and hiring positions is out of town indefinitely so…” Seungcheol trails off, hoping Seokmin gets the hint.

“Ahh… Should I come back another time then?” Seungcheol nods, frowning slightly. “Sorry ‘bout that man. But hey, why don’t you leave your contact info so we can call you? So you don’t have to keep coming back.”

Seokmin nods, beaming at the older male.

“Sure, that’d be great! Thanks!”

Seungcheol only feels slightly bad when he gets home that night, praying karma doesn’t kick his ass later for lying.

On days when you cancel your show are the days Seungcheol realizes he needs more hobbies than watching your cam shows and gaming all night.

Not that it’s a bad thing, he thinks, just that he could supplement his life with more.

He places an order for a few cookbooks alongside the order for the sybian, soft chuckles spilling from his lips when he realizes what an odd array of things he’s ordered.

Seungcheol manages to fill his night with meaningless tasks; finally cleaning his PC and settling in to watch a movie while he polishes off an entire pizza. He checks his phone a few more times, noting no new messages and he wonders if you’re really okay. A lightbulb goes off in his head, power walking back to his PC as he opens a new browser.

He bites his lip, typing in ‘j__min’ in the search bar to see what comes up. By nature, the username is unfortunately a lot more common than he anticipates and he ends up rifling through a lot of dead ends before he comes upon the profile on the same camming website you used and an instagram that seemed to be updated fairly regularly.

“Let’s see…”

Your body feels hot all over. Pin pricks on your fingertips as a bead of sweat trickles down your temple.

Now, you didn’t feel sick, you just felt incredibly insatiable. Again.

You weren’t sure if it was because your body had adjusted to a certain schedule, but you can’t help the way you toss and turn in bed; thighs rubbing together in hopes of alleviating the growing wetness between them.

Checking the clock, you note it’s already 10PM, close to when you’d normally be doing your show. You sigh, pushing your sweaty hair out of your face as you reach for your phone on the nightstand. You immediately notice a few text messages from Seungcheol; frowning when you notice the text messages were from the morning.

cheollie ✨: hey, baby :( saw your note, i hope you’re okay.

cheollie ✨: make sure to drink a lot of water and take medicine!

cheollie ✨: don’t push yourself too hard either okay?

The messages end there and you pout, unsure what to even say now that it had been hours since he’d texted.

babygirl 🍒 : cheollie… i only saw ur msgs now 🥺

babygirl 🍒 : im sorryyyyy i was sleeping so long but i feel better now!!

Seungcheol closes all his browser tabs before he realizes it, a smile on his face when he sees you’ve responded.

‘That’s okay, I’m just glad you’re okay and feeling better. Promise me you drank tons of water?’

He feels giddy, palms sweaty as he grips his phone.

babygirl: mmhmm! i did… i don’t even feel sick anymore 🥺 but…

babygirl: dunno… i’m feeling needy again… i think my body is used to my usual schedule...

Seungcheol’s body thrums with newfound energy and arousal at your leading comments. He’s unsure of what to say next, fearing he was going to say too much. But his phone pings again, eyes quickly flitting over your messages.

babygirl 🍒 : if ur busy its okay but

babygirl 🍒 : do u think we could cam? just u and me?

babygirl 🍒 : only if ur free tho!!

His fingers are tingling when he sends his reply, making it short and sweet before he places his phone down and makes sure his PC is running smoothly.

‘Of course, you know I’m always here when you need me. :)’

It takes a few minutes for you and Seungcheol to set up your respective spaces and in the meantime, you grab your laptop, propping it open on the bed next to you as you lay in front of it. You had debated on using your better camera which you used for camming, but you didn’t want it to be set up like a cam show.

Instead, you wanted a more intimate and casual video call with Seungcheol, so you made sure your webcam worked fine as you placed it on the sheets.

‘Video Call Incoming…’

You can’t help the blush that coats your skin nor the lust that fills your body as soon as you accept his call; his somewhat blurry figure coming into view.

“Hey, sweetheart!” Seungcheol beams at you through the grainy camera and you already feel yourself clenching around emptiness, words caught in your throat at how handsome he was and how truly enticing his voice was. “H-hi!” Rubbing your thighs together, you peer at the camera shyly. “I--wow, the pictures really… You’re so much more handsome on v-video.” You giggle slightly, leaning in closer to your laptop to get a better view of the silvery-blue haired male.

Seungcheol’s deep laugh filters through the speakers and your toes curl against the sheets.

“You should see me in person, maybe I’ll look even better then.”

You don’t deny that one bit; your own hands already itching to touch yourself. “Oh? Is that an invitation~?”

Seungcheol’s eyes pierce the camera, licking his own lips as you watch him  snake a hand down into his sweats.

“If you want it to be, sweetheart. But tell me about you, how are you feeling? Have you eaten already?”

Gulping, you watch as his hand seems to work slowly and out of view. “I--um, I feel b-better just… Dunno, guess my body’s just used to, um, y’know… A-and I haven’t really had much of an appetite...” You trail off, head still fuzzy from the cold medicines and now, Seungcheol.

In a roundabout way, it almost feels like you’re watching him do a show for you as you watch him slowly get off.

“I’m glad you’re feeling better, baby. But you know you should try to eat, okay? I don’t want you to get even sicker.” You nod, fingertips already at the edge of your sleep shorts. 

“I--c-can I touch myself too?” Seungcheol laughs lightly, nodding as he tilts his head back. “Of course, you don’t need to ask me for permission, baby.”

You grin at him, sitting up as you reposition the laptop. Your hand slides underneath a pillow, grabbing the small bullet vibrator you kept there. “Do you always keep a toy handy?” His voice is airy, teasing in the way he asks.

“Mmhmm~ You never know when you’ll need it~” You sing-song, shimmying your sleep shorts and panties off before you spread your legs in front of the camera.

The air gets knocked out of Seungcheol the second you spread your legs for him and him alone and he can’t help but imagine all the things he wanted to do with you. He watches as you tease yourself, fingertips only grazing across the areas he knew you wanted to be touched the most. 

“I can’t wait for us to finally fuckin’ meet.” He grits out.

A moan floats through the speakers of Seungcheol’s gaming PC, your saccharine voice music to his ears. “M-me too, wanna know what you’d do to me~” You giggle afterwards, pressing the vibrator to your clit as you spread your legs wider for him to see. Seungcheol’s hand around his cock tightens as he watches, an appreciative smirk on his face.

“Oh sweetheart, what wouldn’t I do to you.” You can’t help but slide your fingers through your wet folds listening to Seungcheol’s voice, whimpering when you finally slide a finger in. “Yeah? What would be the first thing? Tell me, ‘Cheollie~”

Even through the webcam quality, you can see the way Seungcheol’s eyes glaze over in complete pleasure. He licks his lips once, leaning in close so that you can hear him clearly.

“I know you probably think I’d get straight to the filthy shit, huh? Pin you to your bed and fuck you until you forget your own name or tie you up to the bedposts and make you beg for me to fuck you. But I wouldn’t. Because I wanna worship your fuckin’ body. I’d take it nice and slow with you, give you as many orgasms as you want.”

“F-fuck, Seungcheol, I–”

“You could use me for your pleasure, y’know? You deserve it. You’re such a good girl. I’d give you anything you fuckin’ want if you’d let me.”

Your choked moans have Seungcheol working his cock faster; nothing on his mind except for you and his impending orgasm. “Oh g-god, Seungcheol, I--fuck, yes, I want that~ I want you to--to make me cum as many times as I w-want!” You mewl, easily working in another finger as you pump the digits inside your pussy.

He smirks when he sees your grip on the vibrator loosening, knowing that you were already too lost in the pleasure to keep the toy on. “And I’d let you. Maybe I’d make you cum on my tongue first. Or would you want my fingers?”

“B-both! Puh--please…” You whine, legs threatening to clamp shut. You curl and scissor your fingers, thrusting them knuckle deep inside yourself as you chase the pleasure that overtakes your senses. “Please, ‘Cheol, tell me more~”

You watch through the camera as Seungcheol pushes his sweats down enough to get his cock into view; mouth watering as you watch it curve up to his lower abdomen.

“I know how much you love being doted on and being taken care of… So after I make you cum all fuckin’ night, you know I’d take care of you. Make sure you’re comfortable and cuddle with you when you’re tired.” His hips cant up into his closed palm, a soft groan on his lips. “And then when we wake up, I’ll eat you out. Nice and slow so you know it’d be worth it.” 

Seungcheol smirks, smearing the precum all over his shaft. “But I also know you like it rough and you like being punished like a bad girl. You like the idea of being tied up and teased and being fucked nice and hard too. I could take it nice and slow, build up the pleasure for you. Or I can take it nice and slow and tease you, I’d make you sit on my cock ‘n make you wait for it ‘til you’re begging me. Or maybe you would want an audience? Let them see you fall apart on my cock when you’re desperate to cum.” 

You press the vibrator against your clit again, Seungcheol’s name falling out of your mouth in a blubbering mess. “Oh--I--!!”

Your legs clamp shut, fingers halting their movements as you cum hard around your fingers. Seungcheol watches as your legs shake, his own hand running up and down his cock in quick motions as he chases his high too. You vaguely hear him groaning your name; the ringing in your ears overbearing as your orgasm continues to wash over you.

The sound of your quick and shallow breaths mix with Seungcheol’s over the speakers as the two of you catch your breath. You slip your fingers from inside of you, wincing when you turn off the toy and toss it to the side.

“Fuck, baby, I--”

“Y-yeah…” You quietly lick your fingers clean, knowing that Seungcheol’s watching. “I… that was the first time I… did that with s-someone…” You giggle tiredly, wiping the rest of your sticky fingers on your shirt.

“Really? Never?” Seungcheol’s surprised expression makes you giggle; his eyes round and mouth wide open as he leans closer to his webcam.

“Mmhmm! Just, y’know, it’s--it’s hard to get close to people sometimes…”

You had mentioned it off-handedly once while the two of you had been texting, that most of the dates you’d been on hated the fact that you cammed. There was always a possessive aura that was present and while Seungcheol would sometimes get a little jealous himself, he also knew it was your livelihood and how you supported yourself.

“Ah, yeah, I can understand.”

The two of you sit in a content silence, Seungcheol reaching for a few tissues to clean off the drying cum on his abdomen.

“Hey, ‘Cheol?”

“Yeah?” He peers up at the camera through his lashes, blinking rapidly as he watches you lay back down in front of your laptop.

“About what you said… earlier…” You pause, shyness overtaking once again. “I--Would you want to meet up? Like, for real? I mean--not--not like tomorrow or something but... Y’know, we can start planning?” 

Any words that come after that turn into radio static in Seungcheol’s head and he can feel his pupils shaking, nervousness already bubbling up inside of him at the prospect of actually finally maybe getting to meet you. 

“Seungcheol? ‘Cheollie? You okay?” 

Fuck.

“Huh? Yeah, yeah! I’m cool, I’m good, sorry, that--that caught me off guard.”

He watches as you talk animatedly, mind already going a mile a minute as he thinks over everything that needed to be done before then. 

“I’m really excited to meet you, ‘Cheollie!” 

[ivyuns]

violation❆♞♣

hwang hyunjin

genre: angst | bit of fluff

word count: 1.7k

warnings: swearing, mentions of guns, blood, death, pregnancy + not proof read oops lol

A/N: lol hyunjin kinda psycho in this

this was drowning in my drafts since may omg

masterlist

mafia!hyunjin x fembarista!reader

y/f/n = ur fiance’s name

you owned your own cafe in downtown seoul. your customers and employees were always great people and bought positivity around you. it was currently a busy day and everyone was in and out of the main entrance. the employees were trying their best to stay calm and keep a positivity mindset. you however, were distracted by the co-owner, hwang hyunjin.

hyunjin always seemed like that flirty but a suspicious type. everyone told you to stay away from him since you were little but how could you when you two were inseparable. it all started in kindergarten.

you were running around the classroom til your teacher yelled out “stop” and everyone looked at her. you saw a little boy. next to the teacher, waiting to be introduced. “hello kids, we have a new student! please introduce youself.” the teacher says.

“hi im sam hwang from korea. please take care of me” he says softly and hides. the teacher tells him theres nothing to be scared of and let him wonder around the classroom. you went up to him and introduced yourself. “hi sam! my name is y/n kwon. i’m also from korea!”. hyunjins head went up and eyes went big. “y-you’re from korea?!” he stuttered since he was lowkey excited that someone in his class was korean, just like him. you smiled and nodded your head. you grabbed his hand and dragged him to the playground to continue recess.

2 years later in summer, your best friend came over with his parents to tell these news. hyunjin came in your room with a sad smile as you were playing with your stuffed animals. you looked up and smiled at him, “hi hyunjin!” you said cheerfully, obviously in a better mood than him. “y/n, i need to tell you something” he said sadly. he went to go sit across of you and picked up some of the toys around your room.

“i’m moving back to korea.” you stopped your actions after hearing what he said. “moving? why?” you looked up at him. “m-my parents said it’s best for us to go back to korea because we only came here for my dad’s work, but he ended up leaving the job and now we’re going to go back” hyunjin looks up to see tears falling out of your eyes. he went to your side and hugged you, telling you that you’ll be spending quality time before he leaves.

-

after moving back to korea after years hyunjin left you, you opened your own cafe. as your shop was almost completed for the grand opening, hyunjin happened to pass by your shop. he looked through the window and saw a girl that looked so familiar to him.

knocking on the window to get your attention, you go the the door to unlock it and stick your head out of the window. “hyunjin?!” he looks at you with his eyes big. “y/n? what are you doing here?” hyunjin asks. “i recently moved here and now im starting a business” hyunjin nods his head.

“are you looking for any employees?” nodding your head. “yeah but i guess around this area, nobody wants to work at a cafe” you joked. “maybe i can help? i-i mean if you want to” hyunjin laughs. nodding your head, you lead him inside the cafe. hyunjin looks at your artwork and the nicely decorated shop, amazed.

handing a paper that has all the requirements and terms in order to start working here. after hyunjin was done signing it, you looked at the paper and gave him a thumbs up. “looks good! ill give you a call whenever we start” hyunjin nods his head and waves a goodbye to you.as hyunjin exits, he now knows where his target is.

2 hours earlier:

“hwang” chan calls out.

hyunjin looks up from his phone and sees chan carrying files. “remember that girl youd always talk about? kwon y/n? your childhood best friend back in america?” he nods. “apparently her dad is in a gang too and stole our money for whatever reason. so now your mission is to find her, bring her here, and kill her”

hyunjin gulps.‘why? did you do something wrong? what do you have to deal with this? does she know about this?’ all of hyunjins thoughts were about you. “ill do it”he knows he cant do it. but he has to or else he’ll be kicked out of stray kids. after moving back to korea and his parents suddenly passing, he was lonely. until stray kids saved him from being in the dark and invited him to their family. he gladly accepted.

hyunjin goes to his room and does research about you. he finds your instagram and sees that youre opening a cafe around the little area of downtown seoul which was a few hours away from his place. after enough of his little research, he grabs his jacket and heads out to find you.

present time:

the first week of the grand opening was a hassle. the cafe was always packed and made the employees feel stressed. as the cafe was almost settled, you told the workers to take a break as you and hyunjin will do everything else.

finishing an iced americano, you could see from the corner of your eyes and sees hyunjins strange actions. ignoring it, you gave the drink to the correct customer and continued making drinks.

-

closing time finally happened and everyone left out a huge sigh. having a group meeting, you gave everyone their weekly paycheck. “thank you everyone for working hard. i will see you tomorrow morning!” you waved goodbye and smiled. as soon as you saw almost everyone leave, you turned around and started cleaning.

hyunjin goes next to you and helps you clean the counters and machines. “jin, you know you can leave you know?” you told him as hyunjin lets out a chuckle. “nah its alright. plus as the second ceo, i shall help you” hyunjin winks. stopping your actions, you playfully smack hyunjin across his chest. “hey hey, im just joking. but still, after we finish cleaning, ill take you home” “but you said you have an exam tomorrow? shouldnt you be going home and start studying?” you asked. hyunjin nods his head, defeated. “alright you got me. i promise ill take you home another time” nodding your head, he goes and gets his belongings and leaves.

quickly cleaning the shop, you turn off all the lights and lock all of the doors. turning around to see the whole cafe in one point of view, a smile grew on your face. plugging your earphones in to walk home with your music blasting and texting your family group chat.

y/n: on my way home. the cafe was a success this week :)

mum <3: cheers to a successful opening

dad: come home safely, my son in law is waiting for you

smiling from the excitement, you started walking down the street to get to your house. as you entered this street, it was dark with the moonlight shining. feeling someone following you, you turned around and saw nobody. pulling up hyunjins contact on your phone just in case something happened, you continued walking in a fast pace, turning the volume down.

feeling the same aura from before, you quickly pressed the call button but you heard the familiar ringtone.

“sleep tight princess”

you wake up feeling sore and lost of warmth. opening your eyes, youre in a room thats filled with drywalls and a hwang hyunjin to your left, sitting on a chair. “h-hyunjin?” you called out his name. he looks up from your phone after reading every conversation you had that was about him. “the princess has finally awoken from her slumber” hyunjin smirks.

hyunjin gets off of the chair and goes by your side, lifting your chin up. trying to protest only to be stopped as you felt your limbs tied up. “now now princess, no need to get feisty” hyunjin laughs. “what the fuck do you want hyunjin” “hmm? you really dont know?” shaking your head, hyunjin gets up and walks around the room.

“so, youre saying you dont know what your dad has been doing? the fact that he stole money from me just to help you other with the small disgusting shop of yours?” it hurt. both you and hyunjin. hyunjin wanted to give his mission up and hug you, wipe your tears away and apologize. you were more than hurt. more like angry. hyunjin knew you wanted a cafe when you grew up and he supported you more than anything.

“the fuck are you talking about? youre assuming that my dad stole money from you? from what information is getting in that head of yours?” you shouted out. hyunjin grabs his gun and clicks it. you hear the click and your attention is immediately on hyunjin. “h-hyunjin whatever youre wanting to do, put the gun down first” hyunjin closes his eyes as he feels fresh tears escaping and shakes his head.

“hwang hyunjin! do you not know what youre about to do? tell me what you want from us. we’ll give you your money back- anything just dont pull it-” you stopped talking as soon as you see him point the gun at you. “please hyunjin dont. im pregnant-”

he pulled the trigger.

everyone in the house heard the gun go off and goes to the basement. stopping as they heard hyunjins sobs, they see him on his knees, holding your bloody body and cries into your hair.

chan goes to hyunjin and pats him on the back. “you finally did it hwang”

as hyunjin takes his seat during your funeral, he sees your family and y/f/n go up the stage. after each family member said what they had to say about you and your death, as well as your unborn baby, everybody was now crying their eyes out. “my sunshine. thank you for everyone you love feel happy and we are deeply happy that you were able to start your own business. with the past events, i shouldve came by and picked you up from work before i lost both you and our child. without your presence, nothing will bring a smile onto my face. i love you so much kwon y/n, and i hope you fly high with our baby girl”

-

lowering your casket down, everyone leaned on each other, crying after they realized the kwon y/n has suddenly passed for an unknown reason at a young age. hyunjin just leaned on a pole and cried. looking up in the sky, he see something that had a little smile form on his face.

‘you’ll be next, hwang’

hyunjin gets into reality and turns around to see who whispered to him. seeing nobody, hyunjins future is now crumbling.

END <3

tf is the end 🥴

[detroitbydark]

Every Dog Has His Day

Chapter 3

Characters: Hound/OC

Summary: Good boys, fuck boys, and the things between

Warnings: Aggression toward women.

A/N: does anyone feel like I should put Mando’a translations in at the end? Would it be helpful?

——-

“Good morning GAR. It’s 0400. What does “o” stand for? Well I can think of a few things but let’s go with Oh maker, I’m ready to hit the rack. Any boys in white care to join me?”

Hound would. In a heartbeat. In a Coruscant minute.

Hound is in the gym early. Really early. He’s never needed much sleep to function at his peak but 0400 is stupid o’clock even for him. He passes the time until the mess opens lifting while Grizzer snores near his armor across the room. Right now the massiff is using his rolled up kama as a pillow and Hound wonders idly how hard it’s going to be to clean the drool off. He’s alone with his thoughts and the radio.

He falls into the steady rhythm of sets and reps. He wasn’t a small vod by any means. There’s been a joke in his batch that the settings had malfunctioned on his pod. He was only a half an inch taller, but he was thicker than his batchmates, not commando big but enough to be noticeable in a line up. Lifting weights kept his bulk from atrophying. He didn’t mind the small layer of fluff over his muscles but he wanted them strong and ready for whatever the Grand Army called him to do.

The radio plays quietly over the weight room’s audio channel. Nuna’s smokey voice is a highlight too late to save a very bad week. Two bombings and a half dozen threats (most, copy cats) had kept the Guard on edge and high alert. He and Grizzer had worked them all, tracking and searching wreckage for survivors. Hound glances at his partner. One too many dead bodies had left the massiff feeling dejected and down. Not even his favorite tug toy or a big meaty bantha knuckle has been able to cheer him up. Hound isn’t feeling much better.

He’s not sure what was causing the surge but he knows he’d give just about anything for it to be over with. On top of that (and a far better distraction than the chaos and death of terrorist attacks), there was still the matter of Nuna herself that had him spun out of sorts. They’d had fun at the Fete, even if it had only been a short time. She hadn’t been faking that and he certainly hadn’t. Maybe he’d come on too strong with the call but, honestly, he’d thought it was cute. Maybe he’d embarrassed her?

He wasn’t ready to give up just yet. It was how he’d gotten his name. Tenacious like a hound. The trainers on Kamino had joked that once he was on a trail he wasn’t giving up ‘til he completed his prime objective.

His prime objective now was getting Nuna Skii’s commlink. And a date.

It didn’t matter that Rule had teased him after his on-air brush-off or that Ryk had given him a look that said he didn’t believe he'd had lunch with anybody let alone Nuna Skii. Hound knew though, and he knew that she’d had fun. If she hadn't, why had she smiled so brightly when he’d asked her questions? Why had she braced her hand on his arm and dissolved into laughter when he said something that was, admittedly, not as funny as it sounded in his head?

The barbell comes to rest on the rack with a clatter. Grizzer looks up from his nap, his great tongue licking lazily at his maw.

“Do you think I’m being stupid?”

The massiff stares blankly.

“Well, yeah, but she did seem interested.”

Grizzer rises slowly, stretching with a groan before ambling over to his partner and laying his head in Hound’s lap. He manages to roll onto his back without losing contact. Hound reaches down to scratch his leathery belly.

“Yeah, well, there’s something about her I really like. I think I should try again.”

Grizzer whines.

“But how, you ask? I’m not sure, bud.”

“In bigger news, it’s the end of the week and I think we all deserve a bit of a treat, don’t you?”

Grizzer turns toward Nuna’s voice and lets out a happy sound. Hound laughs.

“No treats before breakfast, Grizz. You know the rules.” The massiff offers his handler a sad pair of eyes and Hound shakes his head. “Not gonna fall for that.”

“Tonight ladies and lads we’re having ladies’ night at 79’s. Come find yourself a battle buddy and if one of you lucky listeners can find me I may have a special surprise just for you!”

Hound listens intently. Ryk and Rule were sure to be down for a night out after the week they’d had. The Commander has been busy keeping his assistant working late so he likely wouldn’t be game - not that Hound could blame him - but Thire might be convinced. Since the scuffle with the 501st boys a few weeks back the buddy system has been in play. The more the merrier as far as he was concerned. Now all he had to do was find a way to talk to her.

———

“If you pull on the skirt one more time, I swear to the maker I will end you.”

Nuna rolls her eyes at Tully’s threat. The skirt was too short and the Pantoran was out of her fekking mind if she thought this wouldn’t be the way the rest of the night played out.

“I dressed you pretty for a reason. Stop trying to ruin it.”

“I look like a cased sausage.” She tries - and fails - to keep the whine from her voice. Tully softens and grips her shoulders gently.

“First off, if that's the case, you are the sexiest sausage I’ve ever seen.” Nuna stifles a laugh behind a pout. “Second,” Nuna winces as her friend punches her in the shoulder, “There’s more where that came from if I hear one more second of negative self talk tonight. Got me?”

“Kriff Tull-“ Nuna rubs at her shoulder. “Fine, I’m the sexiest sausage Coruscant has ever seen. Just don’t hurt me anymore.”

The Pantoran laughs and leans forward, placing a smacking kiss on the shorter woman’s head. “I love you and your issues,” she mumbles.

“Can we just have a drink now?”

79’s is packed. Shebs to gett’se. There’s the usual mix of clones from various divisions and battalions crowded in small groups of grey and white with pops of color signaling who they were to the world. There’s also a large contingent of women - every species, color and shape known to man. Nuna smiles happily as she brings her drink to her lips only to frown a moment later at the deep plum smear of lipstick on the glass.

“No transfer my ass,” she grumbles as she takes another long pull. Tully bought the first round, and whatever it is is sweet on Nuna’s tongue like star cherry candy with the familiar burn of booze behind it. It’s good but if she fills her night with more of them she’ll be nursing a killer hangover come morning. “I’ve got the next round.”

“As if I was going to let you get away without paying your fair share.”

Nuna rolls her eyes as she finishes the last of her drink. She’s already feeling just a little bit more loose and relaxed. Her hips move in a mindless, lazy figure-eight to the driving thud of the bass. Not her favorite, but Nuna loved to dance nearly as much as she loved music. Well maybe not that much, but certainly a close second.

Back home on Irmenu both had been frowned upon by the Priesthood and if they didn’t approve it was almost heretical to go against them. It hadn’t been ‘til she’d been exiled with her parents that she’d heard her first real music - outside of mindless chanting - and her first experience with really letting go and letting her body take over. It was freeing. Liberating. It was at that moment that she’d known she wanted to work around it, to be part of it somehow, for the rest of her life. It had been the driving force for so long that she had a hard time looking outside of it. Maybe that was how she’d gotten to nearly 25 and had nothing but a paycheck and an empty apartment to keep her company. Tully tries to say something over the noise of the speakers.

She had Tully too. A better best friend no girl has ever had.

“Have you finished yours yet?” The Pantoran holds up her glass, shaking the lone ice cubes around for show. Nuna holds hers up to show hers in the same state of emptiness.

“Ready for another?”

“You have to ask? Pony up girl. It’s your turn.”

There was something nice about the anonymity of her radio persona. As she moves through the crowd she doesn’t need to worry about being recognized or stopped by a fan looking for a picture. The one disappointment was that she still had to wait at the bar like everyone else.

She taps on the bar once to get the tender’s attention. The Twi’lek woman gives her a nod and the finger gesture for ‘one moment’ before quickly changing it to ‘two moments.’ Nuna blows a breath from the corner of her mouth. Ok, maybe a little notoriety wouldn’t be so bad once in a while. She’s waiting patiently, hip pressed against the bar, booted foot tapping along to the beat when someone taps her on the shoulder.

“Nuna?” She cringes at the voice, doing her best to press a convincing smile into place as she turns. “Hey, I thought that was you.” She flinches when a long thin finger flicks at one of the curls she’d managed to cultivate in her short hair. It bounces merrily as she looks into the face of the last man she’d hoped to see.

She only has one to go off of but, as far as exes went, Nuna was fairly certain she had one of the worst. All of the things she’d once found incredibly handsome about Alistar S’uun were now… what did Tully refer to him as?… ah yes, smarmy.

She’d been lonely and wholly too innocent to get involved with him when she’d first arrived in the Triple-Zero, but that hadn’t stopped her from losing her heart - and other things - to the arrogant son of a bantha. He’d been all slicked back hair and clothes that screamed money. He’d taken her to nice places, introduced her to important people. She’d thought it was love until she’d walked in on him and his assistant one day when she’d stopped by to bring him lunch.

To say it ended badly was an understatement, but she’d been lucky. She hadn’t seen him in nearly a standard year. Lucky until tonight.

“Alistar,” she greets, tucking her hair back behind her ears, as if it would stop him from touching it if he wanted to. Alistar did what he wanted when he wanted, and you either dealt with it or got out of the way.

“You look great. Lost a few of those troublesome pounds?”

A wave of annoyance washes over her as she glances back over her shoulder and toward the bartender. She just needed her karking drinks so she could make her escape. The Twi’lek is still occupied further down the bar.

“How have you been?” she asks, ignoring his questions and the undertones it entailed.

“Oh you know, doing a bit of this and that. Father is letting me take some of reins on the new acquisitions-“

“That’s lovely, Alistar. I’m very happy for you,” she lies through her teeth. His father was a shipping magnate and nepotism had been good to Alistar.

Nuna glances toward where she’d left Tully and sees a flash of red and white talking to her. Her heart stutters only to realize that it’s not the now somewhat familiar armor Hound wore. The trooper is somewhat smaller, less broad through the middle. The tell-tale snarl is missing from his helmet.

“I hear that little radio show of yours is still doing well.”

Here it comes, she thinks. This was always how it started. Alistar would make some little undermining comment and she’d get upset. Inevitably she’d be crying and he’d tell her she needed to get a sense of humor. Nuna could see it all unfolding before her eyes, but this time she wasn’t going to fall for it.

“I always knew you had a face for radio-” he smiles widely holding his hands up, “Oops! you know what I meant, right Nunz?”

“Yeah, Al, I got you loud and clear.” Her smile is forced and she grits her teeth with such force she’s surprised one doesn’t crack. “So it’s been lovely catching up but I’m going to go find Tull-“ His hand catches her upper arm as she turns to leave. She regrets wearing the sleeveless top Tully had picked out. She doesn’t like the feel of his skin against her own.

“Still friends with the Pant? Maker, you really are desperate aren’t you? Stay and talk for a while. I’m better company.” She shakes off his grip, his smile now beginning to look just as fake as the one she’d been wearing.

She promised herself wasn’t going to take the bait, really she wasn’t, she was better than that… but he’d brought Tully into it.

“She cares about me more than you ever did.” The smile is gone now and Aliatar’s pale brows arch up in surprise at the venom in her voice.

“So are you laying like a cold fish for her to fuck you too? Low standards-“

She turns to move again, puts one foot in front of the other, before he yanks her back. The heel of her boot slips and her stumble only makes his grip tighten. Her arm twists in a way that sends pain shooting like wildfire from her shoulder to the tips of her fingers.

“Don’t you dare walk-“

Nuna had never hurt so much as a fly in her life, but the blinding rage that rises up from her gut does something to her. Before she can even comprehend what she’s doing her balled up fist is connecting solidly with Alistar’s face. He doubles over while Nuna whines, snapping her hand back to her chest before beginning to shake it roughly. The pain she’d felt in her arm was nothing to what her knuckles were feeling now.

“Kriff, Kriff, Kriff,” she grits out, flexing her fingers.

“Why you dumb little nerf cow-“ She glances up to see Alistar take a step toward her. Something akin to fear prickles at the back of her senses. She’d seen that look before in his eyes. It scared her now like it had back then.

“Whoa. Whoa. Whoa.” Red and white armor steps into Nunas view. “What seems to be the problem here?” Hound's voice is easy going as his head swings from Nuna to Alistar, who is rubbing his jaw, his other finger jabbing accusingly in Nuna’s direction.

“This little bitch-“

“Alright buddy” Hound holds a hand up calmingly “I’m going to stop you right there. Let me clarify-“ he turns to Nuna fully. Her heart stutters as he pulls the hand she’s cradling close to her chest up for inspection. “What’s going on here, sweetheart?” he asks quietly.

“I was just trying to leave and he grabbed me. It hurt,” she tries to tamp down the tremble in her voice, “I just wanted him to let go.”

Hound gives her an unreadable look. His thumbs stroke gently over her knuckles. Something warm springs to life in her belly that takes the edge off her discomfort.

“Hey, you! Clone,” Alistar’s voice rises up, “I demand this woman be arrested. I’ve been assaulted. You’re in the Guard. Do your job.”

There’s a tic in Hound’s jaw, really the only thing that gives the slightest hint of his annoyance as he turns back to the other man. A small crowd is gathering around them, mostly clones with a few civilians scattered in.

“Ok friend, first it’s Sargeant. Second,” he glances around and Nuna sees familiar colors of clone armor; blues, yellows, and reds surrounding them, “From my vantage point it looked like you were hurting the lady.” The clones around them nod in agreement.

“Oh this is just fracking great!” Alistar laughs, throwing his head back and taking a deep breath before glaring between Hound and Nuna. “You’re fucking her aren’t you?” he spits at Hound before rounding on Nuna, “You’re fucking government property now? That’s low even for you.”

Nuna feels tears welling up. She didn’t want to do anything now but go home and get away from the looks she just knew were coming her way. She glances down at her feet. When she looks up Hound is grabbing Alistar by the shoulders. His movements are quick, efficient, and practiced.

Hound tips Alistar forward just enough to bring an armored knee up into the other man’s unprotected gut. Alistar doubles over with a strangled wheeze, gripping at the bar for support before sinking to his knees. Hound turns his soft eyes to her.

“You’ve never punched someone.” It’s not a question. He takes her hand again, thumb stroking over her tender knuckles. “Wiggle your thumb,” he encourages, offering her a bright smile when she does.

“Ok. Good. It’s not broken,” he announces to himself, “Never wrap your fingers around your thumb. Next time you might not be so lucky.”

Nuna nods mutely.

“So what you want to do is-“ he proceeds to shape her hand into a fist. His big gloved hands completely envelop her smaller one as he tucks her thumb against the outside of her balled fingers. He presses it firmly as if to make the point that this was where it was supposed to be.

From the way he’s acting, she’s more inclined to believe she’s part of one of the ‘girl power’ self defense classes at the community center around the corner from her apartment as opposed to a clone bar. Hound is pleasant- no, he’s nearly perky.

“See how much nicer that looks? Certainly safer for your hand.” Nuna hears a few clones around them hum in agreement. Surreal. “Now, it wasn’t a bad first swing, but you didn’t follow through.”

“Kriffing… seven hells,” Alistar wheezes behind them. Hound makes a sound in his throat to catch her attention from the other man struggling to stand up.

“What you need to do next time is follow through. The target isn’t his jaw. It’s this magic little spot behind his jaw. Do you understand?”

Nuna’s eyes are drawn to Alistar who is rising to full height, murder written in his eyes.

“Hound-“ she tries to warn him but he merrily waves her off.

“Let me show you, ok?” The big man turns without missing a beat and his fist makes its best attempt at going through Alistar’s jaw. Her ex crumples into a heap, platinum hair disheveled, onto the sticky bar floor.

“Kriffing glass jawed pretty boy,” Hound mumbles as he turns back to her just as jovial and happy as he’d been devouring the nerf skewers and talking about Grizzer at the fete.

She hears a small cheer of “Oya!” go through the gathered ranks as a few clones grab the unconscious man by the shoulder and the rest begin to disperse back to their various areas.

“See? Just like that.”

Nuna swallows hard, bites back a nervous smile and finds her voice. “Just like that?”

“Yup.” Hound rocks back on his heels. “So do you wanna come have a drink with me- us?”

He sounds so hopeful, like pulling the whole Jedi Knight in shining armor bit hadn’t won him at least a little favor. She nods and he gestures for her to move ahead of him, leaving the other troopers to see her unconscious ex out the door.

Hound takes up a position behind her, his hand hovering over her hip to guide her toward the table his brothers stood around. Tully is already there with a serious look on her face.

“Are you ok?” She takes Nuna by the shoulders, looks her over.

“I’m good. I promise.”

“Maker I hate that no good piece of bantha spit.” One of the Guard behind her chokes out a laugh. Tully’s eyes fly to Hound, narrowed and assessing. “So this is the guy?”

“I’m the guy? What guy?” He looks at Nuna questioningly. Something mischievous sparkles in his gentle brown eyes.

Nuna feels her cheeks heat up as she bites out her friend's name. Tully ignores her.

“You bought her lunch at the Festival of Life?”

“Yes, ma’am.”

“And you called into the show to ask her on a date?”

“Yes, ma’am.”

Tully looks to Nuna and then back to Hound. “What’s up with the ma’am?”

Hound rubs at the back of his neck. His brothers snicker in the background. “Courtesy, ma’am?”

“Call me Tully,” she orders shortly, finally relaxing. Hound breathes out a sigh of relief.

“Vod? You gonna introduce us to your little friend?”

[mlovesstories]

His Thoughts on Therapy 2

Masterlist of Masterlists 

Warnings: cussing, violence, hurt, emotions, therapy, homelessness, VERY hurt characters. 

Words: 2400

Thanks as always to my boo @cherryblossomflowers​ for the help.  Hope you like this, girlie! 

AN- Enjoy! Maybe grab tissues? 

“So what’s up your butt, Winchester?” YN sat on the steps of the office building. Dean stopped when she acknowledged him. 

“I’m sorry about earlier. I am just going through some stuff, and I was about to explode.” He towered over her as he came closer. 

“Ah.” She kicked her feet in the air off the side of the staircase. 

“What’s on your mind, T?” Dean knew her session was right after his. “Don’t you have session now?” 

“Don’t want to.” YN didn’t dare look at him. 

“That’s what I said this morning to my brother. But he made me come anyway.” Dean grinned. “You should go in. Sky will make you feel better. I’m sure you know it too.” He extended his hand to help her up. 

“I got it, thanks.” YN maneuvered herself to a standing position and limped up the remaining stairs. 

“YN!” She turned. “What happened?” 

“I’m fine, Dean.” Now it was her turn to walk away from him without explanation. 

Dean texted YN the next day to check on her. 

YN

I’m fine, Winchester. 

Dean

I can practically see you rolling your eyes at me. 

YN 

Go away.

Dean

We’re texting, where would I go? ;] 

YN

You know what I mean. 

She didn’t text back after that. When he saw her at therapy, she was withdrawn and quiet. 

“Did something happen?” He slowly sat next to her on the steps. 

“Tires were punctured this morning. I hate it here.” 

“Wow. Seriously bad luck.” 

“Can you stay for my session today? After yours?” 

Dean’s jaw dropped but he didn’t want to show his astonishment. 

“Uh, sure. I am done for the day at work.” 

“Thank you,” she whispered. 

Dr. Sky smiled as the two walked into her office. “Dean, we just finished…?” 

“YN asked me to stay for her session. We met outside a few months ago and I’ve seen her around. YN was acting weird today and asked if I would stay for her session.” 

The doctor looked from Dean to the girl. 

“Is this right?” 

“Yeah.” YN nodded. 

“Alright then.” 

They participated in small talk for the first few minutes. 

“So, why is Dean here, YN? Is there something you felt you needed extra support for?” 

“No, not really. I just wanted him here for my session. And to thank him. Thank you, Dean, for being so kind to me. I know I’m an ass sometimes, but you still decided to be my friend.” 

“Sure. We both have helped each other, T.” 

“I think I may know why YN wanted you here, Dean.”

His eyes snapped up to meet hers. 

“Do you mind if I give Dean some insight, YN?” 

“Sure,” the girl shrugged. 

“YN doesn’t trust a lot of people, especially males. Males older than her. From getting to know her, I would hypothesize that you did something very nice for her, and now she trusts you. Would that be accurate, YN?” 

YN nodded. 

“I’m sorry, Winchester. This was stupid,” YN thought she was stupid for even thinking of being so open with Dean. 

“T, it’s fine, come on. Relax.” 

“Fine. I don’t go to KU, okay?” 

Dean cocked his head to the side. 

“What?” Dean gasped. 

“I ran away from home. Let’s just say it wasn’t a healthy situation. And then I find an ass of a guy who actually asked how I was doing.” She rolled her eyes.

“Can I punch someone for you?” Dean gritted his teeth. 

“Stand down, Mister Winchester.” Dr. Sky put a hand up.

“You remind me of my older brother.  I think that’s why you don’t scare me. He was fifteen years older than me.  You kinda look like him too.” 

“Was?” 

“I haven’t seen him in a long time.  Mom and Dad said he couldn’t see me anymore because he was trying to get me out of that house.  They threatened to get him arrested for something stupid.  So… he left.” 

“Damn.  So, you have no idea where he is? Why don’t you go see him?” 

“No, no clue.”  YN wiped away a tear.  “I’m sorry, Dean.  I didn’t mean to make you involved in this.  I’m sorry, Doctor Sky.  This was stupid.” She stood and started to exit.  Knowing that he had to get her attention, he shouted.  

“Tissues!” 

She jumped and turned. 

“Sit down.” 

They finished their session, but both Doctor Sky and Dean noticed how closed off she became.  

“Let’s go,” Dean practically dragged YN to his car.  

“What?” She tripped over her own feet as he pulled her along.  

“Get in.” 

“What?” YN jerked her arm out of his grasp.  

“Get in, we need to have a conversation.” Dean growled, frustrated. 

YN slowly sat in the car. 

“Why didn’t you say you weren’t safe? Someone you know could have slashed your tires.  It may not be a random thing, don’t you get that?” 

“It WAS random! My family has no idea where I am.” She crossed her arms. 

“Fine.  What do you need?” 

“Huh?” 

“Job, food…?” 

“Both?” She sighed. 

“I got an opening at the shop.  You know how to sweep floors?” 

“Yeah…” She eyed him curiously.  

“Great.  You start tomorrow at 7am.  I’ll text you the address.” He pulled out his phone. “Now, get out of my car, and I’ll see you tomorrow.” Dean winked at her. She rolled her eyes.  

“Bye, Dean.” 

The next morning, she hopped off the bus across the street from Winchester Auto.  

“You’re late,” Dean walked past her as she entered.  

“It is 6:55am.” 

“If you’re not early, you’re late.” He gathered up random nuts and bolts on a counter and handed them to YN.  “Sort these.  The breakroom is down the hall.  You can put your stuff in there.” 

Okay…” she huffed.  “Good morning to you too, Winchester.” 

“I’m treating you like anyone else around here.  Hurry up,” he walked her to the breakroom and watched her drop her things.  

“How long is my shift?” 

“Til five.” 

“I don’t have a lunch…” 

“I brought you some.  Lunch is at twelve.” Dean walked to the fridge, opened it and took out the milk.  In a cabinet, he reached for some cereal.  “This is why I said you were late.  Come in early and you can eat before you start your shift.  I get here at six every morning.” 

“Wow.” She smiled.  “Thank you, Dean.” YN whispered. 

“You’re welcome.  Ten minutes, then it’s time to work.” 

“Yes, sir.” 

“This is YN, she is our new rover.  We all know how to be gentlemen in here, so let’s keep it that way.  Any ogling eyes will have their pay cut, you understand me?” He glared at all of the men in the room.  

“Yes, boss,” they all responded.  

YN stayed quiet the whole day, doing what Dean asked her to.  

“You want a ride home, kid? I saw you took the bus this morning.” 

“No, it’s okay.  Thanks, Winchester.” 

“What’s going on?  You’re not telling me something,” he read the uncertainty and lie on her face. 

“I don’t have anywhere to go…” she looked away.  “I lied about having an apartment.  It wasn’t mine…” 

“You’re homeless?  And now you don’t have tires?  Where is your car?”  

“Guy bought it.  I needed the money.” 

“Let’s go,” he took her elbow and practically shoved her in the car.  “Where is your stuff?” 

“In my backpack.” 

“Damn, T.” 

“You don’t have to feel bad for me, ya know.  No one has ever cared anyway!” YN screamed. 

“Well, you should!  This is what it is for someone to care, okay!  Having empathy is caring.  I don’t feel bad for you, just for the record.  I’m angry that you didn’t have somewhere to stay, and you felt like you had to hide it from me.  You had no reason to.” 

“I’m sorry I lied.” YN sighed and looked out the window.  Dean started the car and drove out of the parking lot.

They pulled into the driveway at Sam’s house.  Dean saw that he was already home.  

“Inside, now.” 

“Grumpy old man,” YN whispered to herself. 

“SAM! GET YOUR BUTT OVER HERE!” Dean’s voice bellowed throughout the house.  

“WHY?” Dean heard him yell back from the kitchen.  

“I need you! Hurry up!” 

Sam rolled his eyes.  He carried his water bottle with him to the entry way.  

“Oh, hi, YN.  What’s going on?” 

“YN needs to crash until further notice.  Can she take the guest bedroom?  She’ll be on her best behavior, yes?” Dean glared at her.  

YN nodded and bit her lip.  

“Is everything okay?” Sam looked from her to Dean and then back to YN.  

“Yes.  I just need a bed for a few days.  I won’t cause a problem, I promise.” 

“Okay.” 

“You’ll be here at least a month.” 

“DEAN!” She stomped her foot.

“You barely have any money and no belongings.  How are you going to get a roof over your head in a few days?  Two paychecks and then you can go, you hear me?” 

“Ugh.” 

“Excuse me?” Dean stepped closer to her. 

“Fine.” 

Two days later, Dean came into the kitchen to find YN wiping down the counters. 

“You know, you don’t have to clean all the time.” 

“I’m a guest living in your house for free.  I should still contribute something, and right now, all I can do is clean.” 

“Will you sit down and be still for two seconds?” He yanked the sponge away from her.  “Sit.” She harrumphed and plopped herself down at the kitchen table. 

“What, Dean? I’m trying to make sure I do my part. And stop bossing me around, would you? I’m not a kid!” She crossed her arms. 

“Why should I trust anything you say? You cried in therapy and then drop a bomb on me about how your life is not as you presented it. Now, I get that you’re running away-“

“WATCH IT, DEAN WINCHESTER!” 

“You came to a new town to start over. So start over. Don’t run from what’s going on in front of you.”  

“Hmph.”

“You don’t get to tell me about how to deal with you when you lie.”

YN shook her head, rolling her eyes. 

A FEW YEARS LATER

“DEE?” YN ran into the house. “Sam?” 

“What, T?” They walked into the living room from the kitchen.

“I -“ she sniffled. “I found my brother.”

“What?” 

“Found him on social media. He… he died though. I saw someone tagged him in his obituary.” Her face was red and puffy. 

“Wait, what?” His mouth opened. She ran into his arms. “Oh, T.” He sighed. 

After many minutes of crying, she quieted and wiped her eyes. 

“I’m sorry, Dee.” 

“It’s okay.” 

They sat down on the couch and he pulled her into his side, even though she resisted. 

“I know you’re not a hugger, but you need one. Relax,” Dean whispered. He felt her muscle tension release. “Good job.” They sat silently for a while before he looked down and saw her asleep next to him. “Oh, kid. I’m so sorry.” Dean said in his head. Not being able to move because of YN leaning into him, he fell asleep. 

When he woke up, YN sniffled and wiped her eyes again. 

“YN?” He looked down at her. 

“I need some alone time.” YN stood up and walked out the door.

“Don’t go home,” he chased after her. “Stay here. I want to keep an eye on you.” 

She turned around. 

“I want my blankets, and I want my stuffed animals. I don’t have that here. I moved out, remember?” 

“Fine. Go upstairs, hide under the covers. Sam will go get some of your things on his way home.” 

“No, I’m fine-“ 

“NOW.” Dean said from his throat. 

She swallowed hard. YN respected him enough to know he was serious even though she didn’t understand why he wanted her to stay. YN hung her head and walked back into the house.

“Come on.” She followed Dean to his room. He pulled out a pair of sweats and a shirt. When he offered them to her, she slowly accepted them. “You can go hide now,” Dean winked. 

Later that evening, Dean woke up to sounds in his room. 

“YN?” He rubbed his eyes. 

“I’m going to hurt you for stealing my girl,” a woman hissed. 

Dean tried to get up and defend himself, but his body was under his blankets, rendering him unable to fight back. Something hit his head. 

“Ah!” 

He fought his way out of his sheets, but he didn’t have time to stand up. When Dean put his arms up to protect himself, she slashed him with something, cutting his arms and his cheek. 

YN woke up hearing screaming. She raced to Dean’a bedroom where the noise was coming from. He was on his back with his hands behind him. A very prim and proper-looking lady stood over him with something shiny and skinny going toward his eye. Dean saw YN and indicated to his right. Looking to her left, she saw a lamp. The lady heard YN and tried to stab Dean’s eye with the object. Dean screamed in pain. YN saw the uninvited guest push it onto his eye. He screamed. YN kicked the back of her knee, knocking her off balance. They fought until YN missed a beat. Her opponent pulled out a knife and stabbed Dean in the chest. 

YN ripped the lamp cord out of the wall and chucked the object at the lady’s head. Splintering after it hit her, some of the pieces sprayed all over Dean. He whined. The lady lay incapacitated on the ground. YN pushed Dean to roll over and untie the bandana around his wrists. Crying from his injured eye, YN took her flannel off and put it up to his face. . 

“It hurts!” He made incoherent noises in too much pain to say anything else. 

“I got you.” 

YN called for Sam when she heard the door slam. He barreled up the stairs. Seeing the scene before him, he pulled YN away from Dean and the lady below her. 

“No!” She yelled. 

“Call 911!” Sam shoved his phone into her chest. “Dean,” he reached his older brother, and he took his hand. “Oh, Dean.” 

After Sam started screaming, realizing Dean was so hurt, YN was on the phone with 911, she looked down at the woman bleeding out on the ground. 

“Mom?”

________

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