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caelesjjk · 4 years

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a place where hands can’t reach | l.h. (Greek god!Luke)

A/N: I have worked tirelessly on this, and I am really proud of it to be honest. Its long as hell, over 17k. But i would appreciate more than anything if you guys took time to read it and tell me what you think. Thank you!!

I also wanted to give a shout out and recognition to Amara ( @dammitbands ) and her fic Wasteland, Baby which you can find here. I was super inspired by her fic and decided to give my own go at a Greek god AU.

“Touch me with your words. Penetrate my mind. Hollow me out. Leave me gasping, scratching, wanting more. Touch me with your words in all the places your hands can’t reach.”

Ares will always be known as being the brutal God of War. He was almost uncontrollable and bloodthirsty when it came to battle, something that made him hated among the other Gods as well as the humans on earth.

It took thousands of years and too many battles to count for the pain and terror of war to finally take its toll upon him. Ares wanted more from this life. There had to be something more. He had become fascinated by the humans and the way they lived and wanted to leave behind the memories and all the blood he had on his hands on Mt. Olympus, and go to Earth where he could be more than just the God of War.

His plans to leave Olympus were not received well. The other Gods knew if Ares left that they would have no one to fight their battles for them. No one to blame for all their misfortunes. So Zeus took it upon himself to punish Ares, telling him that if he chose to go to Earth and live with the humans he would be cursed for as long as stayed there.

Ares was told that he would never be able to touch another being with his hands without killing them. His darkness and brutality that lingered deep within him would consume them, and there would be nothing he could do to save them. They would crumble in his fingertips, drift away on the breeze, or burn to ash the very moment his bare hands touched them in any way.

But to Ares, this punishment would be as easy as breathing compared to the weight he carried on his shoulders now in Olympus. And so, he retreated to Earth, taking a human form. He knew that he would spend the rest of eternity alone, and banishing himself to Earth was supposed to make that easier. And at first, it had been. Hundreds of years he walked the planet, lying low and keeping to himself. He took on the name Luke, in hopes it was average enough to let him stay below the radar of wondering humans.

Luke was still the God of War, and it was in the darkness that he found the most comfort. He walked around in all seasons with leather gloves on his hands, in hopes that he would never accidentally touch someone and consume them with all the evil that lingered inside of him. He had never had a desire to touch someone while he was here, and he wanted to keep it that way. He needed to make sure that he proved the other Gods wrong so that one day they would understand that he was more than just their war horse.

Like most nights, Luke found himself in the corner booth of Gordo’s diner down the street from his apartment. He preferred it over the bustling restaurants and casinos that most humans frequented in Las Vegas. The décor was hideous, with all the red knick-knacks lining the dusty shelves on the walls and the faded yellow tables with chips in the tabletops. The food was shit, and the coffee was even shittier, but if he was being honest with himself, he didn’t come here for either of those things. He came for her, the waitress with the raven colored hair and the face full of freckles. She wore chunky boots and mood rings on each of her thumbs that were shaped like crescent moons. Her name was Anna, and she one of the few humans Luke tolerated. She was sweet and soft spoken, but she also had an edge about her that had Luke coming back in every night. He refused service from anyone other than her. It was like she could tell that he wasn’t much for talking, because most nights, she didn’t press him.

“Want any more coffee?” She asked, breaking him from his thoughts of the past. Luke shifted in his seat, clearing his throat.

“Think four cups might be my cut off.” He answered, using his gloved hand to push the white coffee cup towards the edge of the table.

“Are you cold? I could ask them to turn the heat up in here.” Anna motioned towards his gloves, Luke quickly pulled his hands beneath the table into his lap.

“I’m fine.” He picked up the book he had been reading before, trying to get her to walk away from him without any more questions. Anna gave him a small apologetic smile before picking up the empty coffee cup and heading back towards the kitchen.

“Such an idiot.” Anna sighed to herself as she dumped the arm full of dirty dishes into the sink. She had always seen him wearing those gloves, never taking them off, even in the dead of summer. Obviously there was a reason behind them. And Anna knew deep down that it must have been something that he didn’t want her to know.

“What is it about the weirdo in the corner booth that you like so much anyways?” Michael, one of the other servers asked as he plopped a small pile of whipped cream onto a piece of pie as he spoke.

“I don’t like him, really. I’m just sort of fascinated? I know it’s weird.” Anna leans against the sink, looking towards Michael and the complete mess he was making of the pie slices he was about serve.

“Yeah, totally weird.” Michael teases, throwing the small plates onto a tray and lifting it onto his shoulder.

“Are you going to serve it like that?” Anna giggled, pointing to the mess.

“It’s for a bunch of drunk frat boys, I doubt they care how pretty it looks.” Michael sighs, pushing open the door of the kitchen. “At least help me hand these out?” He stuck out his bottom lip, trying to be as cute as possible and persuade Anna to help him.

“Fine. Let’s go Mr. Puppy Eyes.” Anna holds the door open and lets Michael walk through before they both approach the rambunctious table. Of course they’re all smacking each other and throwing shit around the table. Typical drunk asshole behavior. Michael and Anna were used to dealing with these types on their late shift. Las Vegas was always full of surprises.

“You brought a friend with you, Mike.” One of the frat boys brought attention to Anna, making her cheeks heat up and her blood pump a little faster.

“She’s just helping me hand out your order, man. No need to embarrass her.” Michael tossed a few plates onto the table in front of them, some of them snickering and not trying to hide it.

“What’s your name, sweetheart?” One asks, touching Anna’s wrist when she places a plate in front of him.

“I assumed you being a college boy and all that you could at least read.” Anna points to her nametag that’s attached to her black apron. Most of the others laugh at his expense when Anna makes the comment, steam practically billowing from his already red ears.

“Got a mouth on you. I like that.” Frat douche pulls Anna down onto his lap. She pushes at his chest and pulls at his hands.

“Let go of me!!” Anna shouts, looking to Michael for help, but the other guys at the table have him blocked from getting to her.

“Calm down, babe. Just having some fun.” His mouth is against the shell of her ear, Anna feels dirty when he breathes on her neck.

Quicker than she can comprehend, she’s being pulled off of the frat guys lap in a blur when a leather gloved hand wraps around her wrist. Anna finally focuses on what’s in front of her again, the first thing she sees is the broad leather clad shoulders of Luke stepping in front of her, grabbing the frat guy roughly by the back of the neck and slamming his head down against the table, his face flattened against the surface. The sound of glasses and silverware clanging to the floor is quickly followed by yelling from the other guys that had been at the table.

“Get the fuck off of me!” Touchy Frat guy says, struggling against the grip of Luke’s hand. But he isn’t able to move at all.

“Apologize.” Luke leans down towards his ear, saying the words quietly. Blonde curls falling on his forehead in the process.

“Fuck you! Get off!” Frat douche continues to struggle, Luke rolls eyes and uses his gloved hand to lift the assholes head and slam it back against the table once more.

“Luke!” Anna shouts, her pretty green eyes meeting his when he looked up. They were the same color as fresh moss growing against the trunks of trees. Beautiful and alluring.

“Apologize, shit bag.” Luke says between clenched teeth, eyes never leaving Anna. He could tell he was frightening her and that alone made the evil threatening to spill over inside him retreat back to where it came from.

“Sorry…I’m sorry!” The frat guy finally gives in, and Luke stands him up straight, practically kicking him towards the door.

“You’ll hear from my lawyer!” Frat guy tries to get the last word in, but Luke only smiles widely, slowly bringing up his middle finger for the group of frat guys to see. They all continue yelling all the way out the door, the bell above the door jingling over and over until they were all gone.

“Luke…what…why did you do that?” Anna brushes her hair away from her face, her chest heaving in surprise.

“Find comfort in the fact that I would have done much worse if you had not been watching.” Luke says, heading back towards his table. He picks up his things and starts to walk towards the door.

“Wait…just, thank you.” Anna steps in his path, reaching out a soft hand to touch his forearm. Luke freezes momentarily, then quickly pulls his arm away and rushes out the door of the diner, the bell clattering against the glass once more.

“Did that all actually just happen?” Michael says, still a bit in shock as he takes off his black beanie and ruffles his hair. Anna sighs, turning back towards Michael and the mess they were about to clean up.

“What exactly am I paying you two for?” Gordo, the cook and owner of the diner says from the door of the kitchen.

“Great timing, Gordo!” Michael rolls his eyes, bending down to start picking up the mess on the diner floor.

Anna takes a moment to watch Luke out the window. He has his hood pulled up over his head now, crossing the street in a hurry. She had no idea why he had done what he did. Perhaps he was just being nice and chivalrous. Perhaps it was something else entirely. But with how limited their conversations usually were, she wasn’t sure she would ever get the answer she was looking for. The desire to be closer to him was odd, but strangely welcomed even now.

Luke had been denying the power he possessed for a very long time. Though sometimes, he did give into the voice inside of his head. He kept an array of weapons inside a secret wall compartment in his apartment. And now and then he would take one out, preferably his sword. He would swing it around with more precision than any other God or mortal would ever be capable of. It was only enough to release just the slightest bit of the pressure he felt from not using his power, but it was enough.

He merely wanted to get home before his desire to kill the group of idiots from the diner had him hunting them down. But, deep down Luke knew that they wouldn’t go about their nights quite so easily.

They waited a few streets down in the alleyway, waiting for Luke to come by so they could jump him. And unlucky for them, Luke had a feeling that they would. He had been around long enough, seen enough human weaknesses to know that something like this would happen. He sighed loudly when they rushed him and pulled him into the darkness of the alley.

The one who he had publically humiliated back at the diner, took a swing at his jaw while two others held onto his arms. Luke wasn’t even trying to get away from them. He was only slightly hoping to quench that nagging feeling in the back of his mind that was asking for him to slaughter them. He had been denying himself his own power, rarely using any abilities for a very long time. It wasn’t easy, but he wanted to do it.

“Who the fuck do you think you are?” The frat guy yells as he swings at the other side of Luke’s face. Of course Luke feels the pain of the blows, but it doesn’t affect him the same way. Pain is something he has learned to tolerate so well after the thousands of years of enduring it. He can taste the blood in his mouth, letting it drip off his chin as he looks up at his attackers with a devilish grin on his face.

“Perhaps you should keep your hands to yourself next time?” Luke says with a small laugh.

“What the fuck did you just say?” One of the attackers says.

“I said…” Luke spits some blood onto the ground so that it sprays across the original douche’s shoes. “Keep your fucking hands to yourself, asshole.” And with that Luke was taking punch after punch to his torso and face, others choosing to join in now as well. He let it happen for a few moments longer, soaking in the feeling of the attack. It was exhilarating. And he knew as soon as he was finished here, he would need to stop. He would need control himself. He didn’t need the other God’s coming around saying “I told you so” any time soon.

“You needed someone to teach you a lesson, blondie.” One of them says as they back away to admire their handy work. Luke his bent down on one knee, taking a few deep breaths to gather himself. He had to control it because if he didn’t, he would kill them and he already had enough blood on his hands from all the wars he had fought in.

“This will only hurt a little.” Luke spits more blood onto the ground, boots scraping against some loose gravel as he starts to stand up. His eyes begin glowing a bright blue, the light scorching through his veins.

They all begin to scramble away, but Luke raised one of his hands in front of him, shaping as if he had it wrapped around someone’s throat, all of the frat boys halting to a stop. The group of them grasp at their necks when their air flow starts to wither away. Luke pulls his hand higher into the air, and their feet lift up off the ground. Their legs kicking as they yell with the last bit of air they have left in their lungs. Luke breathes in another long breath, then snaps his fingers and sends them all flying in different directions until they slam into the walls of the buildings they had been standing between. They hit with loud thumps, sliding down the walls. Most of them have fallen unconscious, others scrambling to stand up, Luke brushes off the front of his jacket and begins walking back towards the street. His wounds dissipate as the blue light still simmering in his veins heals him completely. He picks up his book from the ground and turns left out of the alley to make his way back to his apartment.

“Miss it, don’t you?” Luke heard a voice say from behind him. He turned his head to look over his shoulder and see a face he hadn’t seen much of in recent years.

“Apollo.” Luke said flatly, his jaw tightening slightly as he turned to face him. He was dressed in all white, and Luke would never understand why the Gods thought white was such a glorious color. Apollo’s black hair was quite a contrast to the rest of him.

“No need for formalities, friend. It’s Ashton when I’m down here in this hell hole.” Ashton sighs with a look of mild disgust on his face and flicks his hand towards nothing in particular, taking a few steps towards Luke.

“We aren’t friends.” Luke scoffed, folding his arms over his chest.

“Still holding that grudge?” Ashton asked, small smirk on his face.

“You mean the one where you did absolutely nothing to help me when Zeus was handing out punishments?” Luke steps cautiously towards Ashton now.

“I’m not the one who desired a human life, Ares.” Ashton said, smile growing wider.

“Well let’s just say I’m still bitter, and you’re still an asshole.” Luke turns to begin walking away, until a wall of burning arrows fall down in front of him, blocking his path. His jaw and all the muscles in his back tighten in frustration.

“We should talk.” Ashton says.

“What could you possibly have to say, that I’d want to hear?” Luke turns back around.

“All those wars all those years ago…we may have underestimated the other gods then. But we know where we went wrong and we can correct it this time.” Ashton closes a bit more of the gap between them.

“This time? You’re insane.” Luke laughs. “I won’t be a part of it.”

“Won’t you hear me out?” Ashton asks.

“Go fuck yourself, Ashton.” Luke whips his hand in the air, the fire on the arrows behind him smothering out in the darkness. He steps over the burnt remains and begins walking again.

“I thought you might say that. I’ll make you see things my way, Luke. I’ll see you soon.” Ashton calls from behind Luke. But when Luke takes one last look over his shoulder, Ashton is already gone. He throws his hood back over his head and crosses the street towards his apartment building.

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Anna Bradley wished more than anything that she didn’t have to work her way through grad school. That somehow she could afford her apartment. But life just didn’t have those things in the cards for her right now. She struggled, and she knew she wasn’t the only one but that didn’t stop her from feeling just the slightest bit sorry for herself now and then.

She hated the way her hair was always frizzy, no matter how many times she used a deep conditioner. There wasn’t a product out there that had tamed it so far. Every morning while she looked in the mirror was a string of frustrated sighs and annoyed groans.

Her one bedroom apartment was filled with things that Anna loved. She painted the brick walls with light yellow paint in an attempt to make it feel warm. Her window sills were filled with plants of all shapes and sizes. Some with flowers, some with vines. Every morning she made sure to say ‘hello’ to them, gently patting the top of the cactus’ before opening the curtains to make sure they got all the sunlight they needed.

Magenta was Anna’s 10 year old dachshund who loved to lay on her fluffy pillow at the end of Anna’s bed and soak in the sunlight as well. Her sweet little face was graying slightly around her eyes and nose, but she was still Anna’s little baby that she adored. Every morning before Anna left for class, she made sure that Magenta was comfortable, kissed her head and told her to watch over the place. It was routine for them all.

It was quiet inside the small apartment, which was something Anna appreciated. There was a constant buzz of sound outside in the busy city, but not in here. She kept an endless supply of tea in the cabinet just to the left of the sink and every time she opened that particular cabinet she was met with the worlds most flavorful aroma.

“Rents late again, Anna.” Mrs. Parks said as she caught Anna trying to sneak through the lobby of the building.

“I know. And I swear, any tips I make tonight are coming straight to you, Mrs. Parks.” Anna tries to smile convincingly. Mrs. Parks sighs and motions with her head for Anna to go. Anna quickly mouths ‘thank you’ before heading outside into the crisp night air.

Nights were surprisingly cold in Las Vegas, it was something that took a bit of getting used to. Working the night shift at the diner was something else that took some getting used to, but there wasn’t another option when classes took up most of the day otherwise. So she drug her tired body into Gordo’s almost every night so she could serve to drunk college kids and late night casino goers.

And then there was Luke. He always sat at the same table, most of the staff knowing not to seat anyone there because he would inevitably be coming in. He had floppy blonde curls on his head and a perfectly sculpted jawline. Not that Anna was paying attention to those types of things. But she may have noticed a time or two that his nose turned up just slightly. She knew that the hottest fires truly burned blue, and that his eyes were no exception to that. Most of his wardrobe consisted of black and leather, which wasn’t unusual for the most part but he wore it always, even this past summer when it was practically radioactive outside. Those gloves he was always wearing had to be ridiculously uncomfortable.

It bothered Anna that after knowing him all these months, she truly didn’t know him at all. Maybe that’s why he was so alluring. Maybe that’s why she had such a desire to be close to him. But any time she tried, he literally and figuratively pulled away. He was untouchable.

“Schedule says 9:00pm, Anna.” Gordo shouted through the order window as Anna walked briskly through the diner door, seeing the clock on the wall read 9:03pm. She rolled her eyes.

“Got it, Gordo.” Anna slipped into the back where Michael was tying his apron on behind his back.

“Everything okay?” Michael asked, noticing Anna’s frustration.

“Yeah…I just really need to make a ton of tips tonight before Mrs. Parks kicks my ass to the curb.” Anna sighed, throwing her apron on over her head and tying it haphazardly.

“I can help you, if you just ask.” Michael leans against the wall watching as Anna rushes around, grabbing her order pad and pen from the basket on the counter.

“I’m sure I’ll be fine. But thank you, Mikey.” She pats his shoulder quickly, throwing her hair up messily and then pushes through the swinging door to get out onto the diner floor.

The night was slower than usual, frustrating Anna to no end. She could feel herself getting more and more upset, but she held back as much as she could so no one would notice it. But Luke noticed everything about Anna, and he knew something was wrong.

“More coffee?” Anna asked him as she approached the table with a smile, but it didn’t reach her eyes like it normally did.

“Do you get a break?” Luke asked, closing his book quietly and sitting it down on the table.

“What?” Anna asked, shocked that he had asked.

“A break. Will you have one soon?” Luke said.

“Yeah…I mean I could.” Anna shuffled over the words she spoke, still flustered that he asked her.

“Sit.” He motions towards the seat across from him at the table. Anna stared at him a moment longer, then blinked to clear her thoughts.

“Michael, I’m on break, okay?” Anna looked behind her to where Michael was standing at the register.

“Sure thing.” Michael smiled and wiggled his eyebrows at Anna, her cheeks heating up as she quickly turned away to look back at Luke.

“Right. Um hi.” She said as she slid into the booth across from Luke.

“Why are you upset?” He asked bluntly.

“I’m not upset.” Anna replied, biting at her lip nervously. Luke merely raised one of his perfect eyebrows in disbelief. Anna sighed. “I just have a lot on my plate. Grad School. Trying to pay my rent. Just feeling the effects tonight I suppose.”

“Your struggling upsets you?” Luke asks, watching her face carefully, wishing he could pull her lip from between her teeth as she chewed at it.

“Yes. More than usual.” Anna sighs, her breath blowing her hair away from her face, slouching back into the booth as if she’s deflated.

“The tips you receive here, they go directly to you?” Luke asks, reaching into the back pocket of his black jeans and grabbing out his wallet.

“Most of the time.” Anna laughs a little, knowing Gordo likes to keep extra for himself now and then.

“Then put this in your pocket, and pretend I never gave it to you.” Luke opens his wallet, and pulls out four one hundred dollar bills and sets them on the table in front of her. Anna almost chokes on air as she gasps.

“Luke, I could never accept this.” Anna pushes the money back towards him.

“Why not? It’s your tip.” He closes his wallet and puts it back into his pocket.

“It’s too much. Way, way too much.” Anna’s eyes are wide as she looks down at the money.

“I don’t understand. Your service is always impeccable, I’m merely giving you what I think is deserved.” Luke pushes the money back towards her as he begins to gather up his things.

“Luke…I can’t.” Anna shakes her head in disbelief that he would even consider leaving her this much money.

“Consider it a loan then. You can pay me back when you’re able.” He stands up, pulling a black beanie onto his blonde curls and slipping his backpack on.

“You’ll let me pay you back?” Anna asks, her mouth dry.

“Of course. When you can.” Luke smiles, giving her one last look before he starts going towards the door.

“Luke! Wait!” Anna quickly hops out of the booth and stands in front of him before he gets to the door. “Why would you do this for me?”

“You deserve to have a place to sleep and food to eat. It’s simple.” Luke sighs gently, wishing the freckles on her cheeks and nose weren’t so endearing. Anna bites her lip and closes her eyes for a moment.

“Thank you.” She steps up close to him, lifting up onto her tip toes and pressing a quick kiss to his cheek. Luke can feel his skin warming under the feeling of her lips. It was the most affection he had felt in ages. He gave her a tight lipped smiled and proceeded the rest of the way out of the diner.

Anna had no idea why he really did what he did. He hardly knew her and still so willingly handed over more than enough money to help her get ahead on things for the time being. She looked at the money once more and then shoved it into her pocket before anyone else could see it, her smile widening. The troubles she had been feeling just minutes before this slowly lifted off of her shoulders and chest and she could breathe again. Paying Luke back was one thing, but making it up to him would need to be really special.

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The next night, when Anna came in for her shift she was immediately met by the frustrated face of another waitress that she did not recognize. Her blonde hair was swept up into a nest on top of her head and her hands were on her hips as she approached Anna.

“Is that guy your boyfriend or something?” She huffed, her Brooklyn accent very thick as she pointed towards Luke in the corner booth. His usual black leather gloves on his hands as he flipped through pages of yet another novel.

“No, he isn’t. But if you’re new here, you probably didn’t know that he only wants me waiting on him.” Anna explained, her cheeks heating just a little.

“Yeah, well he’s a real dick. Literally wouldn’t even take a glass of water from me.” She pops a piece of gum into her mouth and rolls her eyes dramatically. “All yours, honey.” She slips past Anna and heads towards the kitchen. Anna can’t help but smile as she approaches Luke’s table.

“Giving the other waitress a hard time?” She asked.

“She’s dreadful.” Luke replied, marking his page and setting down the book in his hands.

“You know, everyone that works here is capable of pouring you a cup of coffee.” Anna sat down across from him, knowing her shift didn’t start for 10 minutes.

“I only want you.” Luke said, his hands under the table as he watched Anna’s face. When her eyes widened momentarily he thought about his words and backtracked. “I mean, I prefer your service.” He clears his throat.

“What do you do when you come in on my days off?” Anna asked.

“I don’t come in.” Luke shrugs his broad shoulders and leans back against the back of the booth. Anna decided it was probably best to drop this subject when he seemed uncomfortable.

“I’ll um…I’ll pay you back what I owe you soon, I promise.” Anna says.

“I’m not worried.” Luke slowly brings his gloved hands up onto the table and links his fingers together.

“I wanted to do something more than just give you the money…like maybe I could take you to get a real cup of coffee? One that doesn’t taste awful?” She laughed lightly, looking to Luke for an answer.

Luke wanted to say yes so badly. He wanted to tell her that he would do ungodly things just to know more about her. But getting to know her was dangerous, for both of them. She would never understand the burdens he carried, and Anna did not deserve to carry any of them with her. She was far too smart and far too beautiful for this world.

“I…can’t.” Luke said nervously.

“Oh. I’m sorry, you probably have a girlfriend or something right? That would be totally inappropriate for me to ask that…god I’m just…sorry.” Anna stands up from the booth and Luke does the same.

“No. No girlfriend. It’s me” Luke tries to explain, but knows he sounds ridiculous.

“You’re really going to use the ‘it’s not you it’s me’ gig already?” Anna’s eyebrows scrunch together in confusion as she turns to begin walking to the kitchen.

“Are you angry with me?” Luke asks, following her down the row of tables.

“Why would I be angry?” Anna turns to face him quickly, almost making Luke bump into her.

“You seem angry.” Luke sighs, hands going into his jeans pockets.

“I’ll bring you more coffee soon.” Anna spins around and moves swiftly into the kitchen through the swinging door. Luke stands there a moment, not sure what to do. And as he’s about to go back to his table, Anna is shoving through the door with plates in her hands, not bothering to even look in Luke’s direction.

“You’re visibly upset.” Luke says quietly as he follows her to another table.

“I’m not.” Was all she said as she sat the two plates down on the table in front of the hungry customers. Anna continued to ignore him, moving past Luke and walking towards another table.

“Will you stop for a moment?” Luke asks, stepping in her path.

“I’m not upset with you, I’m upset with myself.” Anna says, looking over Luke’s shoulder as Gordo throws another order up into the window.

“Why?” Luke moves until her green eyes focus on him again. For a moment, Anna considers telling him the truth. That all she wanted was a few hours outside of this diner where she could talk with him.

“It’s nothing, Luke. I have work to do.” Anna brushes past him again and Luke sighs in defeat, going back to his table, running his gloved hands through his messy mop of curls.

Luke watches Anna as she hastily moves around the restaurant, she continues to smile for each customer, never forgetting anything they ask for. She grabs a coffee pot from the counter where his eyes follow and land on Ashton, who sits at one of the stools at the front counter, a smile on his face when their eyes meet. Luke tenses, his jaw tightening when Ashton waves Anna over to him. What the fuck did he think he was doing?

Ashton leaned his elbows on the counter when Anna approached him, making sure to smile kindly for the human girl.

“What’s good to eat here, darling?” Ashton asked, watching as Anna’s cheeks tinged pink when he called her by the endearing name. Pathetic human, he thought.

“Pancakes are always good.” She said, taking the coffee cup off the counter and filling it, sitting it in front of Ashton.

“How’s the coffee?” Ashton smiled at her a little more.

“Pretty awful.” Anna shrugged.

“Should we maybe grab something better then? If you’re free that is.” Ashton asked, long fingers dancing around the coffee cup on the counter.

“I don’t even know your name, and you’re asking me out?.” Anna laughed, her hand going to her hip. Luke was still watching, but his anger was literally beginning to burn.

“Ashton. And yours?” He asks.

“I’m Anna.” She reaches out and shakes his hand and already Luke knows that’s something he would never be able to do.

“So what do you say, Anna?” Ashton asks as he straightens the lapels of his long coat. Luke pushes out of the booth and storms across the diner until he reaches the two of them.

“She can’t.” Luke says, blue eyes meeting Anna’s green ones, pleading with her.

“What?” Anna asks, confused and the slightest bit annoyed.

“She can’t go with you…because she’s going with me.” Luke glares at Ashton, knowing he’s feeding right into what Ashton wanted to happen. Now he has something to hold over Luke’s head.

“How did you even hear what we were…” Anna begins to say but Luke cuts her off.

“Anna, please. I was wrong to turn down your invitation earlier.” Luke stands next to Ashton on the opposite of the counter from Anna.

“He turned down your invitation? What a fool you must be.” Ashton pats Luke’s shoulder much harder than necessary. Anna looks to Luke, who looks desperate for her answer.

“I um…I’m sorry, Ashton. I think Luke and I need to talk.” Anna smiles kindly at Ashton. He is unbothered of course, but slides a business card towards her.

“Call me when you’re ready, Anna.” With a wink, Ashton glides back out the door. But before he does, he makes sure that Luke sees the triumphant smile on his face.

“Fuck.” Luke says under his breath, pinching the bridge of nose in frustration.

“What the hell was that?” Anna crosses her arms over her chest and looks at him expectantly.

“I don’t like him.” Luke sighs.

“Do you even know him?” Anna scoffs.

“We are…old friends.” Luke leaves it at that.

“Do you actually want to have coffee with me or was that just some jackass move to make me feel even worse?” Anna’s voice is a bit sad, her hand rubbing the back of her arm nervously.

“Where shall we go?” He asks. Anna smiles, a real smile. One that reaches her eyes and lights up her face in the most angelic way Luke had ever witnessed.

“I know a really nice place. It’s not too far of a walk from here.” Anna leans over the counter, Luke does the same, feeling like a magnet that can’t escape her pull. “Will you wait for my shift to be over?” She says quietly.

“Of course.” Luke replies, his mouth aching to cover hers, but he really could never let himself. Anna bites into her bottom lip gently.

“Okay. It shouldn’t be long.” She says.

“Why are you just standing there, Anna? Tables!” Gordo shouts from the pick-up window, his gray hair sticking out in a dozen different places. Luke wishes he could make him talk to Anna the way she deserved.

“On it, Gordo.” She smiled anyways, rolling her eyes playfully.

“See you soon.” Luke says, walking back down the row of tables until he reached his booth where his things were still sitting.

The rest of her shift, Anna felt nerves bubbling in her stomach. She had been hoping for this moment for such a long time, that now that it was actually happening she had no idea what she was going to do or what she was going to say. Luke didn’t seem like the type of person who wanted to make small talk, he was more of the deep conversation type. He was constantly reading or writing things down and Anna just knew that any typical type of conversation just wouldn’t do. And all of these thoughts swirling around her mind were making it harder and harder to come up with anything at all.

She slipped into the bathroom at the end of her shift, washing her hands and arms and slipping into some clean clothes in hopes of smelling less like a diner and more like herself. Her hair was a mess, but she pulled it down from the hair tie and tried to run her fingers through it over and over until it looked presentable. She looked at herself in the dirty mirror above the sink wishing she had brought her make along to work so she could cover up the imperfections, but what she saw in the mirror would just have to do, she didn’t want to keep him waiting any longer. For all she knew, Luke could have taken off by now.

But he would never. Anna didn’t know it, but Luke never wanted anything bad to happen to her. Never wanted her to feel a bit of sadness. She radiated so much goodness. And when she nervously came out of the bathroom, carrying her bag on her shoulder and running her hands over her hair once more, Luke knew he was fucked.

“Are you ready to go?” She asked him when she approached the table. Luke stood up quickly, gathering up his things and throwing his bag onto his shoulder.

“Lead the way.” He said with a small smile and motioning for her to walk in front of him. Anna smiled, walking just in front of him as they moved towards the door of the diner. Luke tried not to stare, but Anna’s body was something to admired and praised. She was soft and curvy, and Luke was forever day dreaming of all the ways he’d like to touch her. But that’s all it could ever be, just day dreams.

They walked side by side, Luke staying just the slightest bit behind Anna as they made their way through the always sidewalks of Vegas. It was ingrained in his DNA to always watch his back, and he was feeling particularly protective of the beautiful girl he was with. Their walk was mostly silent, neither of them feeling the need to say much at this point in time. It wasn’t necessary or uncomfortable.

“Here we are.” Anna’s sweet voice broke Luke from his thoughts and he quickly moved to the door to hold it open for her. She smiled saying a quiet thank you as she stepped through the door. The sweet smell of baked goods and the strong smell of good coffee wafted into both of their noses as soon as the door closed behind them.

Anna ordered her drink, opting for Chai tea over coffee. After Luke ordered his drink, he reached for his wallet in his back pocket but Anna’s hand gently touching his forearm had him freezing in place. Her soft mossy colored eyes met his and he softened just the slightest bit.

“It’s on me, okay?” Anna handed some cash to the barista before Luke could argue with her. Luke nodded once, taking his coffee from the counter and following her to a table. He sat his cup down quickly and moved behind her to help her take off her coat.

“There you go.” Luke said next to her ear then placing her coat on the back of her chair. Anna hoped like hell that he couldn’t see the goosebumps covering her skin.

“Chivalry isn’t dead then, is it?” Anna smiled over the rim of her cup as she sat down in her chair.

“Not for me.” Luke replied, removing his own leather coat before sitting down across from her.

“You aren’t from around here, are you?” Anna asked, licking her lips after she sat her cup down, watching Luke carefully.

“No, certainly not.” He smiles, leaning back in his chair, his long legs opening and taking up practically all the room beneath the table. Anna was fascinated that someone could be as breath taking as Luke and still seem like he was loneliest person on the planet.

“You aren’t going to elaborate on that?” Anna knew the answer, but hoped Luke may give away little parts of himself at least. He merely shook his head ‘no’ as one of his fingers slid across the lip of his coffee cup. Anna sighed. “What will you tell me about yourself?” She didn’t want to push, but she needed something.

“I don’t think it’s a good idea that you know much about me, Anna.” Luke didn’t meet her eyes, he knew she was looking at him, but he didn’t want the temptation of telling her everything.

“How will we be friends if you don’t tell me anything about you?” Anna asked.

“Friends?” Luke wasn’t sure why that word gave him such a strange feeling. Friend was such an understatement for what he wanted Anna to be.

“I think we’ve known each other long enough to at least be friends, don’t you think?” She leans her elbows onto the table, her face and every little detailed Luke adored coming closer to his. Luke instinctively leaned closer to her, the magnet effect taking over his will power.

“Perhaps.” Luke gave her a lop-sided smile that had Anna’s stomach flipping it circles.

“How long have you lived in Vegas?” She asked. Fifty years, Luke thought to himself.

“Quite some time.” Was all he was willing to give. Anna sighed again.

“Alright, Mr. Cryptic. Maybe less personal questions? What’s your favorite book you’ve read lately?” Anna tried to keep things light without being intrusive.

“I try not to get attached to the novels I read.” Luke explains, twisting the silver rings on his fingers.

“That sounds a little tragic, actually.” Anna says, surprising Luke with her answer.

“Why is that?” Luke asks.

“All those books I’ve seen you reading at the diner. None of them good enough to be remembered? Just seems a little sad, maybe discouraging even.” Anna sips her tea, her cheeks turning slightly pink.

“Things begin to blur together after you’ve read so much.” Luke says, hoping that it didn’t sound too strange. Anna looks at him for a moment and then nods in understanding.

“Maybe you’re right.” She says. Luke can’t help but laugh at her answer. She was the type of person who truly tried to see things from everyone’s point of view.

“Tell me more about you, Anna.” Luke said.

“What do you want to know?” Her eyes lighting up slightly.

“Everything.” Luke smiled, a small laughing passing through his lips when Anna did the same.

She had no problem telling him anything he wanted. She told him about school. About her family. What she wanted to do with her life. All the things and people the inspired her. Things that she feared. The way she considered her friends her family. How she would eternally be staying away from tequila. Where the best pizza in town could be found. How cheesy movies and kit kats were the best way to cheer her up. Listening to her talk was everything Luke had hoped it would be.

He wasn’t ready to give up much of himself. He didn’t think he ever would be. He mentioned tiny things, enough to make Anna feel as though she was getting to know him as well. Some things that made him seem normal. Human. It was hard to keep things from her when she was so open and accepting. But this was the best thing he could do for her.

“Shit, it’s like 3:00 in the morning.” Anna laughed after looking down at the time on her phone for the first time in hours.

“You need to rest.” Luke said gently, standing up to help her slip her coat back on.

“I actually don’t have class tomorrow.” She said, sliding her arms into her coat and turning to face Luke. “Do you want to maybe, hang out?” Anna asked, her lip pulling between her teeth.

“Hang out?” He smiled, taking in the way she looked with tired eyes and a happy smile.

“Yeah…I mean we could check out some hidden Vegas gems.” Anna said as the two of them made their way out of the 24/7 coffee shop.

“I’d like that.” Luke said, another smile spreading across his face. “Even if I think it’s a bad idea.”

“Do you think it’s worth it to find out?” Anna asked, stopping outside as the door closed to look up at Luke.

“It is.” He replied, his gloved hands going into the pockets of his jacket. “Goodnight, Anna.”

“Night.” Anna was hopeful that if she was patient, the mystery of Luke would unfold for her and he would realize he could trust her. He needed all the patience she could muster.

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There were more and more days and nights spent together after that. Luke had little to no self-control when it came to Anna. He was crazy about her if he was being honest with himself. And even though he was uncharacteristically happy, he was still worried. He knew deep down that Ashton would be planning something. Something to get Luke back on his side and back into Olympus. But Luke didn’t want to be anywhere but here in this dingy diner with Anna watching him from the corner of her eye, thinking that he couldn’t see her.

The freckles on her cheeks had darkened after they’d spent all day yesterday lying in the sun on the roof of Anna’s apartment building. Luke read aloud from the newest novel he had picked up and Anna laid with her shoulder against his and her eyes lazily closed as she listened to every word he spoke, soaking up the sound of his voice as if it was the rays of warm sunshine they were lying under. Now and then she allowed herself a peek at the way his lips moved when he pronounced the words through the dark lenses of her sunglasses. Noticing the way the blonde curls on his head practically matched the sunlight that warmed the tendrils against his forehead and around his ears. She relished in the way his fingers felt when they brushed against hers, whether it was by accident or on purpose, she couldn’t bring herself to care. Anna had determined some time ago that Luke was not someone from this time. The way he spoke and carried himself was nothing of this world even. It was farfetched really, but how could he be real?

“Shouldn’t you be focusing on all of these diner patrons instead of me?” Luke asked when Anna approached his normal booth in the corner.

“None of these diner patrons look as good in a leather jackets as you do.” Anna teased, making Luke laugh quietly.

“Is that so?” He asked, eyes meeting hers, his skin warming when she smiled down at him.

“What can I say? I’ve got a thing for leather.” Anna slid carefully into the booth, sitting next to Luke, his arm moving to hang over the back of the seat behind her. The close proximity was overwhelming. She smelled like the rose scented shampoo that she loved so much, and Luke could not have picked a better scent for Anna if he tried.

“What else?” Luke asked, their faces very close together.

“Hmm.” Anna pretended to think for a moment. “Motorcycles.” She said suddenly.

“Motorcycles?” Luke laughed.

“Why not? It’s extremely attractive!” Anna laughed as well, lightly nudging Luke’s ribs with her elbow.

“Don’t ever let me catch you on motorcycle, Anna.” Luke’s eyes were a darker blue as he spoke.

“What will you do if I decide to take a joy ride around the city one night?” Anna continued to push.

“Let’s not find out.” Luke smirked, sitting back and creating a bit of space between them to try and extinguish some of the tension building.

“I wanted to ask you something.” Anna cleared her throat and shifted slightly in her seat.

“Ask away.” Luke said turning his long body to face her in the booth. He was becoming less and less wary of answering her questions.

“Tomorrow night, some friends are going to the big arcade downtown. Laser tag, ski ball, dumb stuff like that. Will you come with me?” She pulled her lip into her mouth, her teeth chewing it nervously. Luke moves his gloved hand to her mouth and uses his pointer finger to pull her lip from between her teeth, his eyes staying trained on her mouth. Anna feels her heart pound in the confines of her chest.

“Have you known me to say no to you?” Luke says quietly.

“It’s always an option.” Anna breathed.

“I’ll go, if that’s what you want.” Luke moves a stray piece of hair away from her face, wishing he knew what it actually felt like as it passed through his fingers.

“Great. I’ll meet you there at 8:00 then?” Anna says, stumbling a bit as she scoots out of the booth when she hears Gordo yelling from the kitchen.

“8:00 it is.” Luke picks up his coffee cup and takes a sip, watching her walk away as she waves over her shoulder and pushes through the swinging door.

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Anna walked quickly through the streets on her way to the arcade. She couldn’t stop the smile on her face from widening as she got closer. Luke had agreed to come, and it was unexpected. She knew that if she wanted something to happen between them, anything at all, that she would have to be very careful with how she approached it. Luke seemed like he could make a run for the hills at any moment, and that was slightly unnerving for her.

“Anna?” She heard as she slipped past someone on the sidewalk.

“Oh, Ashton. Hi!” Anna smiled, stopping to turn around and speak with him.

“Such a big city, surprised I’ve run into you again.” Ashton moved closer to her, his stare making Anna feel slightly uncomfortable. His long trench coat making him appear even more intimidating.

“Yeah. Really surprising. How are you?” Anna asked.

“I’m quite well, Anna. Thank you for asking. If you don’t mind telling me, how’s Luke?” Ashton tried to pretend he was interested.

“Oh, you guys are old friends right?” Anna remembered Luke saying something of that sort weeks ago.

“Ah, yes. Very old friends.” Ashton laughed a little at the thought.

“I’ll let him know that you were asking about him.” Anna took a few steps back, trying to indicate as politely as possible that she was going to leave.

“Do that.” Ashton said, watching as Anna’s smile dropped when she started walking away.

Anna couldn’t help the uneasy feeling she felt, but she didn’t want it to ruin her night with her friends and Luke, and when she saw Luke standing outside of the arcade, all the worry seemed to melt away. He was dressed in his usual black jeans, but rather than the black t-shirts and leather jackets she was used to seeing him in, he wore a white t-shirt that he had messily tucked in. He had pulled his hair back into a bun on the back of his head, which was one of those things that Anna never thought she would find attractive until that very moment. When she was just a short distance away, he turned around, smiling when she approached him.

“Sorry if I’m late.” Anna said, feeling a bit out of breath.

“Not at all.” Luke opens the door to the arcade and let’s Anna go in. She leads the way over to a table in the food court area where some friends are sitting.

“Guys, this is Luke.” Anna said, Luke gave them a quiet hello and a small wave.

“Diner guy! Glad you could join us!” Michael says loudly, clapping Luke on the shoulder. “You’re on my team.”

“Excellent.” Luke says, eyes meeting Anna’s when she laughs at his reaction. He craved that sound.

The group makes their way to the laser tag area, everyone strapping a kill counter to their chest and grabbing a laser gun from a shelf on the way into the arena. Michael is already planning strategies and bragging about how his team is going to be victorious.

“See you out there.” Anna says to Luke as she moves to join her team on the opposite side of the arena.

“I think the point is that you don’t see me.” Luke answers with a grin.

“We’ll see.” Anna jogs the rest of the way over to her team, all the lights in the arena going black before the black lights and neons pop on to reveal the course they were working with.

“Everyone spread out!” Michael yelled, moving to duck behind a fake boulder. Luke rolled his eyes, knowing that battle strategy was literally all he ever used to think about.

Someone from Anna’s team started yelling, telling everyone to attack and Luke could suddenly hear the sound of the laser guns being shot and the beeping sound of the kill counters going off as people began taking shots. He felt is heartbeat pick up, every ounce of him wanting to absolutely dominate at this, but it was just a game. Luke needed to keep his cool and not let the instincts take over. But no matter how much he tried to bury it, he was still an amazing shot. He kept his distance, taking shot after shot and never missing a single one. But he had not been able to see Anna the entire time the game had been going on.

Luke got down on his hands and knees, carefully carrying his gun in one hand and slinking across the arena towards the other teams side. He could see Michael rolling around like some sort of ninja from the corner of his eye, keeping most of the other players distracted while Luke made his way into enemy territory.

He moved behind one of the fake boulders, the smoke machine in the corner coming to life and creating a fog that was slightly obstructing his sight as he continued looking around for Anna. Perhaps she had already lost all of her lives and was sitting out somewhere. Luke stood up straight, pushing some loose curls away from his face and releasing a long breath he felt like he had been holding in forever. As he turned to head back across to his teams side of the arena, Anna popped out from behind one of the boulders, pushing Luke’s shoulders until he was backed into a dark corner.

“Boo.” Anna said, smiling widely and triumphantly. Luke instinctively moved his gloved hands above his head against the wall in an attempt to keep himself from touching her.

They looked at each other for a few moments, both of their breathing uneven and mingling together. Anna stood on the tips of her toes, gently brushing her nose against Luke’s as he stood frozen. His stomach somersaulted when her hands slipped off his shoulders and rested against his chest, their mouths continuing to gravitate towards each other.

“We shouldn’t.” Luke whispered, eyes falling shut when he felt Anna’s eyelashes brush against his cheek.

“Tell me not to kiss you.” Anna breathed, praying he wanted to kiss her as much as she wanted to kiss him. Because she wanted to kiss him until there was no oxygen left in her lungs. Luke opened his eyes to look at her, eyebrows scrunching together knowing it wouldn’t be true if he did say the words.

“You will be my undoing.” Luke pressed his forehead against hers, but Anna was no longer feeling patient as her lips found his in a sweet kiss.

It was as if time had decided to forget all about them. Luke craned his head to the side, appreciating the way Anna’s lips fit with his. Her hands twisted into the material of shirt, needing something to hold her the earth before she floated away altogether. Kissing Anna was easy. It wasn’t messy or rushed, just lips and occasional meeting of tongues. Luke wanted to breathe her in and keep her in his chest for the rest of eternity. It wasn’t until he felt her smile against his mouth that he remembered to breathe at all.

“What is it?” He asked, opening his eyes and taking in the way the whites of her eyes glowed in the neon lights. Anna slowly lifted the laser gun in her hand and pointed it at at Luke’s kill counter on his chest. Anna quickly pecked his lips once more before pulling the trigger and the loud beeping noise from the counter started going off. She laughed manically as she started running back towards the action happening. Luke was slightly shocked, but mostly impressed as he pushed off the wall and took off after her.

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Things were too good to be true.

Surely Luke was not truly allowed to be this happy after all the awful things he had done in his life.

But he found himself sitting amongst a large crowd of adoring parents, students and their families as he watched the girl he adored walk across her graduation stage with the happiest smile on her face that he had seen since he met her. Anna was deserving of this accomplishment, more so than anyone else he knew. And no matter how exposed he felt being amongst this crowd, he would not have missed this for the world.

At the end of the ceremony Anna made a beeline for Luke as he stood towards the back of the building. She jumped into his waiting arms, wrapping her own tightly around his neck. He pressed kisses to her cheeks and lips, making her laugh and return them all the same.

“Very proud of you, sweet girl.” Luke said only loud enough for her to hear. Anna’s cheeks heated, but she couldn’t help the need to get her lips back to his. She kissed him as if no one else was there, her body pressing into his. The leather of the gloves on his hands was cool as his fingers ghosted down the exposed skin of her arms.

“All I could think about while I was up there was how badly I wanted to be doing this.” She said against his mouth, both of them smiling and gently bumping teeth.

“Not thinking of how all your hard work has paid off?” Luke carefully sat her feet back on the ground.

“I was a little.” Anna sighed. “But it meant a lot to me that you came. I know crowds aren’t your thing.”

“I seem to have lost all sense when it comes to you.” Luke told her, his leather clad hands leaving her arms and clasping behind his back.

“I think that’s a compliment.” Anna laughed, shaking out her hair when she pulled off her graduation cap.

“Are you ready to go to the after party?” Luke asked, offering her his arm to take.

More and more, Luke began to understand how his curse from Zeus was actually a punishment. All these years he spent alone, it never mattered. He never needed or wanted to touch anyone with his hands. But now that this human girl was in his life, it was the purest form of torture that he could possibly imagine. He wanted to know what her skin felt like against his fingertips. How soft her hair was when he ran his fingers through it. Sure, he could feel her with other parts of him. On his lips. But it wasn’t that intimate feeling that you feel when you touch someone with your hands. And sweet Anna never pushed for answers, though he knew she was curious as to why he did things the way that he did them. Never taking off those gloves no matter what. And more so than ever, he was terrified to accidentally hurt her. He would truly never forgive himself.

“Actually…” Anna took his arm, fingers moving over the material of the black button down shirt he was wearing. “I was thinking maybe we could skip the party? Have it just be the two of us tonight?”

“Oh…” Luke swallowed hard. “What did you have in mind?”

“I thought maybe you’d finally show me your place? I’ll make you dinner, we can drink as much wine as possible?” Anna looked up to study his reaction, watching his face go through 20 different emotions in just a few seconds worth of time.

“If that’s what you desire….this is your day, after all.” Luke smiles, a nervous pull in stomach trying to tell him it wasn’t a good idea. But he was incapable of saying no to Anna Bradley. Some almighty god he’s turned out to be. And when she squeaked and clapped her hands together happily, he knew that there was not a god on Olympus that could say no to this earth bound angel.

They quickly made a stop at the grocery store when Anna excitedly explained to Luke that she had the most perfect recipe for a spinach tortellini dish and that she had to make it for him. Luke followed her through the store, adoring every moment he was allowed to spend with her. But there was a feeling deep in his gut that told him something awful was going to happen that would ruin it all, and he hated that it wouldn’t go away.

Anna was nervous, and she tended to seem overly excited when she was nervous. She wanted this night to end a certain way, and hoped that wooing Luke with food and wine would make him feel that way as well. She knew they needed that next step. She wanted him to feel safe with her. To let down some of the walls he kept so high. And when he agreed to let this night happen at his apartment, she felt just the slightest bit of hope that he was going to let her in and show her parts himself that he was so desperately trying to keep hidden.

She watched in awe as Luke pulled into the parking garage of one of the most expensive tower of penthouses you could live in Las Vegas. She hadn’t imagined this type of place for him, but he was continuously surprising her.

Luke carried the grocery bags and led Anna towards the elevators, pressing the button for the top floor just as the doors closed behind them. Her lip was between her teeth up until the moment the doors slid back open. There were only two doors on this entire floor, which meant that Anna had completely underestimated the size of Luke’s apartment once again.

The door opened with a push of Luke’s foot after he had unlocked it with a set of keys from his pocket. He stepped to the side, smiling gently when Anna slid past him into the apartment. It was mostly dark inside, just a bit of light from the sunset coming in through the wall of tall windows at the far side of the room. It was one big open floor plan, the kitchen and the living room area were all connected. Anna stood in the foyer, not sure if she should just walk in. Luke took the bags of groceries into the kitchen area, pressing a few buttons on what Anna assumed was a security system.

“Are you alright?” Luke asked as he approached her again.

“Of course. Your apartment is…big.” She laughed, not sure what else to say. Luke laughed quietly, taking her hands in his gloved ones and pulling her gently towards him and further into the apartment.

“I’ll show you around a bit.” Luke says, flipping on a few light switches. Anna’s eyes can hardly focus on just one thing in the room.

Thousands of books are stacked on floor to ceiling bookshelves next to the fire place. The black leather couches make a complete circle in the middle of the room, where you have to step down slightly to reach them. There are glass cases lining the walls filled with artifacts. Anna was not exactly a history buff, but she could tell the pieces here were ancient. There were paintings in perfectly intricate silver frames taking up almost all the available space on the walls that were not converted into bookshelves. Marble statues of what she assumed were greek gods, guarded the doorways and some of the corners. It was beyond anything she had imagined and so incredibly beautiful. But it was also unnerving to think that maybe she didn’t know Luke even the slightest bit.

“There’s so much to take in.” Anna finally released a long breath, her fingers running over the spines of the books on the shelf closest to her.

“I’ve had a lot of time to collect things.” Luke moved to the fireplace, turning it on with a remote he picked up from the mantle.

“You always say things that make you sound ancient.” Anna meant to be teasing, but Luke laughed, running his fingers through his hair.

“You’re quite observant, Anna Bradley.” Luke sighed, his blue eyes coming back to her face and watching her carefully.

“You’re cryptic.” Anna tried to relax the muscles in her shoulders.

“I have my reasons.” Luke stopped to stand just in front of her.

“Are your reasons going to make you disappear without a word one day?” Anna’s eyes were pleading as she looked up at him. Luke felt his chest and his jaw tighten at the same time.

“Let’s not do this tonight, Anna.” Luke watched Anna’s eyes close for a moment in frustration.

“You’re right. I should make that dinner I promised.” She moves to step around him, but Luke places his hand against the wall so that his arm blocks her path to the kitchen.

“Trust me, please?” Luke speaks lowly, close to the shell of her ear. Anna wished it was easier to be angry when it came to Luke.

“I do.” Her hands find his curls and pull his face down to hers until their noses brush. “I just want you to trust me too.” Anna whispered, even though she knew she didn’t have to.

“For tonight, just know that it pains me to keep things from you…and perhaps one day, I’ll be able to tell you more.” Luke was hopeful, but how he ever could, he wasn’t sure.

“For tonight.” She sighed, but Luke captured her lips with his and swallowed down the rest of the sound. They let their mouths do the talking for a few moments before Anna pulled back just enough to speak. “What was that about?” She smiled when referring to the sweet kiss.

“Just want to start making up for all the time I should have been kissing you.” He kisses her again, the both of them smiling against the others mouth between pecking lips.

“Let me make this food for you, before I decide to forget it altogether.” Anna playfully bites onto Luke’s bottom lip before pulling away to walk into the kitchen. He watches as she goes, focusing in on the way her hips move and how she devilishly smiles over her shoulder when she notices his eyes on her.

Cooking was one of those things that Luke had never bothered much with in his hundreds of years as a human. He could handle the basics and could get by on simple recipes. But when the smell of the food Anna was making began wafting through his apartment, he suddenly wished he had at least tried taking an interest in it. She was quite masterful as she moved around the kitchen, throwing spices onto the chicken while the noodles boiled in a large pot on the next burner. Every now and then she would look up from what she was doing to smile at him, and Luke couldn’t begin to imagine how he had gotten this lucky.

“You could at least open that bottle of wine if you aren’t going to help, Lu.” Anna said, popping one of her fingers into her mouth to taste the sauce she was making. Luke moved from his spot where he had been leaning against the counter to grab one of the bottles of moscato from the fridge.

Anna could practically feel herself salivating when Luke opened one of the higher up cabinets and reached for the wine glasses he kept there. His shirt slid up his stomach as he stretched and she wanted nothing more than to get her hands on the skin there. He noticed her watching him and couldn’t help the grin that spread across his face.

“How’s the food coming?” Luke teased, breaking Anna from her trance.

“Almost finished.” She breathed and half laughed, trying to clear her mind.

“Smells perfect.” Luke sat the wine glasses down on the counter, opening a drawer on the kitchen island to retrieve the cork screw.

“If I’m known for nothing else, hopefully it will be this pasta.” She laughed lightly. Luke’s face got serious for a moment.

“You’ll be known for so much more than a mere pasta dish, Anna.” He said, jaw slightly tightened.

“I hope you’re right.” Anna met his eyes, and it only took a second for Luke to step around the counter and reach her. His gloved hands went to her hips and turned her away from the stove so he could kiss her. It was so incredibly gentle and sweet that it took Anna’s breath away.

“You are incredible, Anna Bradley. Nothing less. And if I need to remind you every day, then that’s I’ll do.” Luke said the words against her lips, still brushing them together between words. Anna wasn’t sure she would ever understand Luke’s unwavering faith in her, but she couldn’t deny that made her heart swell.

“I’ll hold you to that.” She finally said when they unwillingly pulled their lips apart. Luke smiled and pressed a lingering kiss to her forehead. “Now stop distracting me.” She playfully pushed against his chest before turning back to the stove to finish the food. Luke poured wine into the glasses and handed one to Anna.

“Cheers to you, sweet girl.” Luke clinked his glass against hers, watching her freckled cheeks tinge pink as she took a long sip.

Anna plated the food she had been working on so meticulously as carefully as possible. She wanted it to be absolutely perfect, and that there would be no chance that Luke wouldn’t be impressed. She was convinced that this food was going to be that thing they both needed to get to the next step of their relationship. It was a long shot, but one that she knew would be worth it.

There was not a lot of food out there that Luke had not tried at least once. He had been many places and tasted many things. He had probably even eaten this exact dish at some point in his human life, but nothing had ever tasted like this. Something that someone he cared about deeply had put so much love and care into was an untouchable taste. It warmed him from the inside out when he didn’t think it was something that he was capable of.

“What do you think? Anna asked from the stool next to him. They were both sitting at the large kitchen island with their food and wine.

“Perfection.” Luke took another bite, making Anna smile widely as she did the same.

When they were finished, Anna stood up and reached over to take Luke’s plate. He stopped her hand with his, giving her a look of concern.

“I was just going to clean up.” She said.

“You’ll do no such thing.” Luke takes the plates from her hands and heads over to sink to begin washing the dishes. Anna picks up her glass of wine and walks into the living room area where she notices a vintage record player sitting near the entertainment center.

“Can I play one?” She asks. Luke looks up smiles as he continues washing the dishes.

“Of course you can.” He replies. Anna kneels down in front of the crates full of records stacked next to the record player and begins flipping through until she finds one that she loves. She quickly places it on the records player and settles the needle into place.

The record spins and begins filling the space with music. Anna sighs in content as she takes another sip of her wine. It takes her a moment to realize that the water of the sink is no longer running, and that Luke has made his way over where she’s been gently swaying to the music. She turns and finds him walking over to her with his hands behind his back.

“Is this one okay? I could always put a different one on.” Anna says, her nerves trying to trick her.

“Anna, this is fine, I promise you. Just dance with me.” He puts his gloved hand out towards her. She sits down her glass and wraps her fingers around his. Luke twirls her around once, making her giggle before he firmly presses her body against his.

“Is there anything you can’t do?” Anna asked referring to how effortlessly Luke seemed to be able dance. She watched his face drop and brows furrow as if he was thinking of something specific, but wasn’t willing to speak it out loud. “What is it?” She finally asks.

“There are so many things I want to do, that I simply can’t. Things that seem so small until you realize you can’t do them.” Luke leans down and presses a kiss to Anna’s shoulder. She looks at her hand in his, and decides to ask the question that she knows Luke has been avoiding since they met.

“Luke…Why are you always wearing these gloves?” She looks up at him and he sighs.

“Because I don’t want to hurt anyone. Especially you.” He explains.

“That…what does that mean?” Anna searches for more.

“It means just that. And I need you to believe me.” Luke’s face is a bit sad as he watches Anna contemplate his words. If she was anyone else, he knew she would have taken off a long time ago.

“I do.” Anna said softly, bringing his gloved hand to her face and cupping her cheek with it. Luke’s heart pounds when she leans into the touch. “I still feel you.” She presses a kiss to the leather covering his palm.

“I’ve waited a very long time for someone like you, Anna Bradley.” Luke breathes out, his hand moving to the back of her neck and gently pulling her closer to him.

Luke connects their lips in a soft kiss. He wants to relish in the feeling of her pouty mouth against his for as long as possible. Anna’s arms wrap around his waist until she can clasp her hands together at the small of his back, holding him to her tightly. She slid her fingers up and down his spine over the material of his shirt, making Luke shift slightly. He swiftly lifted her onto the counter, Anna’s face becoming even with Luke’s as they continued their kissing. Anna was intoxicated by the smell of his cologne that wafted into her nose as she took deep breaths through her nose while her mouth was occupied.

Nimble fingers made their way from Luke’s back to his front, where Anna began popping open the buttons of his shirt. She needed to get her hands on every inch of his skin as soon as possible. Luke could feel panic begin to blanket him and he gently pulled away from the kiss so he could speak.

“It’s…it’s dangerous for us to do this.” Luke’s voice shook slightly, he wanted her so badly.

“How can I make you see that it’s not?” Anna ran her thumb over Luke’s bottom lip.

“I can’t hurt you. If I accidentally touch you with my hands…” Luke ran his hand through his hair in frustration.

“What will make you feel safe?” Anna kisses him again, hoping that he feels her sincerity through her lips. Luke thinks for a moment, running through options. Finally, he stands straight and lifts her off the counter and sits her on her feet.

“Come with me?” Luke motions towards one of the doors on the other side of the room. Anna knew this was what she wanted, so she moved to follow him towards his room.

Another wall of windows with light from the busy city below is found on the far side of Luke’s bedroom. Long white, flowy curtains hang at the corners. His oversized bed sits against another wall, more white sheets and pillows are placed perfectly. The floors are a dark wood and the rug that’s placed at the end of the bed looks like it’s made of golden fur. What really catches Anna’s attention, is the huge painting that hangs above the bed. Without googling anything, it appears to be some sort of Greek war with soldiers and horse drawn chariots. But before she can observe it any further, Luke is gently touching her shoulder and bringing her attention back to him.

“Is this okay?” Luke says, referring to his bedroom.

“It’s beautiful in here. Your whole space is beautiful honestly.” Anna reassures him, Luke smiles.

“It isn’t too much?” Luke asks, gloved hands going to the rest of the button of his shirt and making quick work of them. He slips the material off his shoulders and lets it drop to the floor. Anna’s mouth drop open slightly at the sight of him. His chest was unbelievably broad with a gorgeous layer of hair spread over it. His torso was long and the muscles beneath his skin moved in a way that had Anna crossing the room towards him in a daze.

“You’re beautiful.” Anna sighed. “Like one of those statutes you have out there.” She bit her lip and watched as Luke froze slightly for a moment, then shook his head almost in disbelief.

“I think you’ll have this figured out much sooner than I had anticipated.” Luke says, confusion covering Anna’s sweet features.

“Figure what out?” She asks.

“Nothing. Nothing at all.” Luke dodges the questions for now. He moves over to the bed and sits down on the corner before meeting her eyes again. “Come over here so I can touch you, sweet girl.” He pats the spot on the bed next to him. Anna is moving quickly, not meaning to seem so desperate.

She sits down against the soft sheets, scooting until she’s right next to Luke, who gives her a gentle smile. He leans over, connecting their lips again. His tongue immediately brushes the seam of her lips, asking hers to mingle. Anna shifts her weight onto her hip so she can face him more and deepen the kiss at the same time. Luke’s hands ached to touch her, and he was too afraid to lose control.

“You’re holding back.” Anna said against his mouth with one more peck to his lips.

“Do something for me?” He stands up and walks over to his closet. He disappears inside of it for a moment, then reappears with a red neck tie in one of his hands. Anna swallows hard before speaking.

“What are you thinking?” Anna asks, her lip becoming sore where she’s been nibbling it.

“I’m thinking…that I need you to tie my hands behind my back.” Luke approaches her slowly. Anna’s eyes widen for a moment, her heart pounding at the thought of tying Luke up. She had no idea that was something that would turn her on in the slightest. But now that it was right in front of her, she knew that it most certainly did.

“Will that make you feel like we can go farther? Safely?” Anna rubs her thighs together, her body wanting some friction when Luke looks at her with lust filled eyes and slightly swollen lips.

“It will never be a good idea for me let this happen. But I’m a selfish bastard, and I want you so badly, Anna.” Luke stands in front of her where she sits, and Anna stands up slowly.

“Okay.” Anna whispered, reaching out and touching his chest, fingers brushing through the hair. Luke released a shaky breath and closed his eyes at the feeling of her touch.

“Take this.” Luke handed her the red tie, and turned around so that his back was towards her.

Anna admired expanse of his broad back and shoulders. All the light colored freckles sprinkled over his skin. How the muscles tensed when her fingers traced down the length of his spine. Her hand caressed his skin, fingers dancing across small of his back where the hem of his pants sat. Luke shivered when Anna pressed her lips to the middle of his back and kissing down his spine. Luke sighed again, bringing his hands back behind him so he could twist his gloved fingers into the material of Anna’s shirt and pulling her closer to him. She continued pressing kisses to the backs of his arms as she tied the silky tie around his wrists, making sure it wasn’t too tight. Luke knew if he truly wanted to get out of the bindings, he could with ease, but he hoped feeling the tie wrapped around his wrists would remind him that he was with the most important person in his life, and he needed to keep her safe.

“Finished.” Anna said, her thumbs rubbing at Luke’s wrists a few times before he turned around to face her. He leaned down and kissed her once, then moved back to the bed and sat down again.

The humming of Anna’s heart in her chest was making her entire body overly aware of the beautiful man sitting on the bed. His hair was a mess of curls and his eyes were soft and pleading. She crossed the space between them, throwing one of her legs over once side of Luke’s hips and gently settling the other on the other side. Her fingers immediately lace into his hair, angling his face up so she can kiss him deeply. Luke hands are already aching to be touching her. They want to feel her soft hips as he pulls her down against his crotch. But instead, he settles for attaching his lips to her neck. He sucks gently at her skin and revels in the sounds leaving her mouth as he does.

The only other sound is the light hum of the record player in the living room area that has stopped playing but continues to spin. Luke skims his nose across her jaw, kissing the space where the bones meet.

“This really must go.” Luke says, nudging at the neckline of Anna’s shirt she’s still wearing. She doesn’t hesitate, smiling widely before grabbing the hem and yanking it over her head in a swift movement.

There was no possible way that Luke could ever forget the way she looked right now. It was all he ever wanted to see each time he closed his eyes from now until the end of time. She more perfect than any goddess he had ever seen. The way she curved was sinful. He leaned forward pressed a few kisses to the swell of her breasts that popped over the cups of her bra. He used his teeth to bite down on material of the cup and gently pull at it, signaling he needed the bra to be gone as well.

“This too?” She finally said, kissing his lips quickly as she reached behind her to undo the clasps.

“This body of yours should never be hidden by clothes.” Luke kissed her shoulder and watched as she slipped the straps off of her shoulders and down her arms.

“I think society might feel a little differently about that.” She laughed, her hands moving to rest on his shoulders as he took her in.

“They are absolute fools.” He whispered, his mouth ducking down so his tongue could flatten against one of her nipples. Anna groaned, eyes fluttering shut at the feeling. Luke did the same to the other one, his breath rushing over the sensitive nubs causing her to shiver and lean into him more.

“Lay back.” Anna said, half breathless as she finally opened her eyes to look at Luke again. He obeyed, letting his upper body fall back against the mattress and the down comforter splayed across the bed. He couldn’t focus on the discomfort of his arms being beneath him when she hovered above him, bringing their mouths together again in delicious kisses.

Anna sat back up on her knees and slid her one of her hands from Luke’s chest down to the button on the jeans he was wearing. She kept her eyes locked with his while she undid the button. Luke knew his breathing was uneven and quick, watching her slide the zipper down. The lights from the city coming in through the windows behind them was glowing against her skin and it was possibly the most beautiful sight Luke had ever seen, and he had seen many magnificent sights on Mount Olympus.

He let her pulls his pants off of his hips and crawl back up his body. But as she settled back on his hips, he lifted them slightly, bringing her knees off of the bed. Luke shifted, moving to one side and bringing Anna with him. She squealed slightly when her back hit the mattress and Luke was now hovering above her. His arms still behind his back, he bent at the waist and kissed a line of warm wet kisses down her stomach. She hummed appreciatively, squirming a little as her arms raised above her ahead.

“How will I ever get enough of you?” Luke pressed another kiss above her navel, then nudging the button of her pants with the tip of his nose. “I regret nothing more than all the time I could have had you this way and was too scared to have it.”

Anna sits up on her elbows and looks down at him, resting his forehead against her lower stomach. One of her hands slides down and into his curls, lightly scratching at his scalp and gently pulling until he looks up. Her eyes tell him everything he needs to know. He’s quickly moving back up her bosy and finding her lips, almost falling over when he doesn’t have his arms to balance himself. Anna laughs quietly against his mouth.

“There’s no reason for you to be afraid of me.” Anna tells him, fingers caressing his cheek.

“Just afraid that one day the universe will realize I am not worthy of you, and I’ll lose you altogether.” Luke sits up and Anna follows keeping her hands cupped on his cheeks.

“The universe wouldn’t dare try.” Anna smiles, the most contagious and convincing smile Luke had ever seen. And even if it’s just for tonight, he believes her.

“The heavens have nothing on you, Anna Bradley. You are painfully beautiful.” Luke kisses her hard, her head bobbing back and falling back onto the comforter. “Now get the rest of these clothes off before dispose of them with my teeth.” Luke says, playfully biting her bottom lip and causing her to giggle.

Beautiful hands slip down her body and quickly rid herself of any remaining clothing items. Luke moves until he’s on the floor at the foot of the bed on his knees. Anna hooks her legs over his shoulders and Luke pulls with his upper body until her dripping core is face level with him at the end of the bed. Anna digs her heels into the space between his shoulder blades, her patience growing thin. Luke makes sure she’s comfortable, slowly pressing kisses to the inside of her thighs that seem to tighten around his head each time he gets closer to where she truly wants his mouth to be.

“Luke…” Anna groaned, hips moving towards his face. Luke laughs against her skin.

“Don’t worry, sweet girl. I’m going to take care of you.” He moves his mouth up and presses a kiss to her clit. The feeling as Anna squirming and begging him for more.

His tongue circles it next, then licks through her folds, tasting her all over his wet muscle. The tip of his nose nudges against her as his tongue continues to delve inside her, not letting a bit of her wetness escape him. Anna’s hands grip at the soft comforter but she can’t resist lacing them into his wild blonde curls and gently pulling him until his tongue is buried deeper inside of her. His name falls from her lips over and over as she comes undone, and Luke just knows he will never hear a more beautiful sound. Her back arches off the mattress and Luke licks up everything she gives to him.

Luke licks his lips as he comes up to have a better look at her body as she comes down from the orgasm he had given her. Her breasts move up and down with her heavy breathing and her hands leave his hair to brush through her own. She takes another moment, then sits up on the edge of the bed, Luke still kneeling between her legs. Their eyes meet and breaths mix together as they both try to calm their rapid beating hearts. Anna moves one of her hands to the back of Luke’s neck and pulls him forward until their lips meet. She tastes herself on his lips and immediately wishes he could be between her legs forever. But there was something else she wanted.

“I want to have all of you.” She said between kisses.

“You do.” Luke replied quickly without hesitation. Anna felt her breath leave her lungs at the sweet words. How could her heart possibly not be bursting through the confines of her chest?

“You have all of me too.” She reassured him. Luke smiled, leaning forward to nuzzle his face into her neck when her arms wrapped around his neck.

“Hold on tightly, little angel.” Luke whispered against the shell of her ear. Anna wrapped her legs around his waist and tightened her arms around his neck. Luke stood up with her wrapped around him and carried her up to the head of the bed. “Tie me hands to the head board, okay?” He sat her down on the bed and turned so his back was facing her. Anna touched the gloves on his hands, the leather was warm from Luke’s warming body. He flinched slightly and Anna undid the knot of the red tie.

When his hands were free, Anna pressed a kiss to each of Luke’s wrists where marks were slightly showing. Luke turned and moved to get on the bed, his back pressing to the metal bars of his black bed frame that stood tall against the wall. His gloved hands went above his head and his fingers wrapped around one of the bars tightly. Anna held the tie in her hands and slowly moved to straddle is hips again. She wrapped the tie around his wrists and attached them to the metal bars of the bed frame.

Warm kisses were left against his chest and stomach as she made her way down his body. Anna looked up and found Luke’s ocean colored eyes watching her carefully as she pulled his underwear off of his hips and down his legs. He was so hard and aching to be inside of her at this point he could barely keep himself still. Anna took her lip between her teeth and bit down while wrapping her hand around his cock. Luke groaned her name, her touch overwhelming him even more than he expected. Her gentle hand pumped him a few more times before her mouth was finding his length and letting is disappear down her throat.

Luke knew that this must be what heaven was really like. It wasn’t Mount Olympus and all of its kingdoms amongst the clouds, it was this girl and everything she made him feel. His wrists strained against the tie that he so desperately wanted to snap.

“Anna…baby, you have to stop.” He said, voice raspy and mouth dry. She pulled off of him slowly, smiling sweetly as she moved back up his body and found his lips. They kissed for a moment before Anna began rolling her hips and grinding down against Luke’s crotch.

“I need you.” She whispered against his greedy mouth.

“Take everything you want, sweet girl.” Luke said breathlessly.

Anna continued to kiss him as she situated herself over him, her hands using his broad shoulders to steady herself as she slowly began to sink herself down on Luke’s cock. Her eyes rolled to the back of her head as he stretched her so deliciously. Luke was leaning forward his lips finding her chest and pressing kisses to every bit of skin he could get to. She was beautifully warm and incredibly wet around him. She moved her hips upwards and slowly slid back down as she began to find a mind blowing rhythm that had Luke falling apart much quicker than he ever imagined he could. His arms still straining against the tie, fuck he wanted to touch her.

“You feel so good.” Anna moaned, finger nails scratching against Luke’s shoulders as she continued rocking her hips.

No longer being able to bear the torture of being confined, Luke merely pulled at the tie and snapped it as if it was nothing at all. Gloved hands rush forward and grip onto Anna’s hips and quicker than she can even process Luke has her back pressed to the bed while he settles between her legs. He angles her hips up slightly and begins moving his hips in a slow yet hard pattern. Anna moans his name over and over, locking her ankles around his ass to keep him going deeper and making her see stars behind her eyelids. Luke buries his face in her neck, kissing and whispering praises as he chases the high he so desperately needed to reach.

“You are my heaven on earth, Anna Bradley, and I need you to cum for me. Let go for me, baby.” Luke kissed her swollen lips and swallowed down her angelic moans as she came undone beneath him. As she tightened around his length, Luke felt himself releasing inside of her as well. It was like nothing he had ever felt.

His arms gave out from under him and Luke pressed his sweaty face into Anna’ chest so he could listen to her heart pounding in her chest. Her fingers slid into his hair and moved it away from his forehead. They stayed quiet for what seemed like forever before Anna spoke.

“Did you really rip that tie from the headboard?” She smiled looking down at him.

“I think I did, yes.” Luke craned his neck so he could look up and meet her waiting smile.

“Adrenaline is a crazy thing.” She laughed, her thumb gently rubbing against his jaw. Luke merely shook his head.

“You should get some sleep.” He finally said after a moment.

“What about you?” Anna yawned, her dark hair fanning out over the pillows as she adjusted herself on the bed.

“I’ll be right here.” He said, moving from between her legs to her side and wrapping his arms around her body.

“Promise?” Anna said sleepily.

“Nowhere else I’ll ever want to be. Sleep.” Luke pressed a kiss to her shoulder as she began to drift off to sleep.

“I’ll make you breakfast in the morning. Bacon…hmm.” Anna said with a mumble. Luke didn’t reply this time, just held her a little tighter.

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It was 2:00 in the morning when Luke found himself wondering into his bathroom. He stared at himself in the mirror for what seemed like a lifetime. Mostly wondering where the almighty god of war had gone after all this time. Ares was nowhere to be seen in this reflection, and Luke started to think that maybe he liked the way that looked.

He used cold water to rinse his face a few times and made his way back out of the bathroom. As she shut the door behind him, he suddenly felt that something wasn’t right inside of his apartment. Someone was here that shouldn’t be. Luke rushed forward, pressing a panel on the wall on his way to his bedroom where one of his swords was hidden. He grabbed the handle, feeling its power pulse through him as he dashed back into his bedroom.

There, Luke found Ashton sitting on his bed next to Anna’ sleeping body. Luke felt his heart stop beating all together in fear.

“Hello, old friend.” Ashton said, making himself more comfortable on Luke’s bed. “I’ve made sure your little human can’t hear us. We need to talk.”

“If you touch her, I’ll kill you.” Luke threatened through gritted teeth, slowly moving towards the bed with his sword pointed at Ashton.

“No need to be pointing that thing in my direction. Nothing has to happen to the girl.” Ashton puts his arms behind his head and relaxes against the headboard.

“What’s the catch here, Apollo? What do you want?” Luke continues to move around the room slowly.

“I want to finish what we started. You’re the only one who can help me get what I want.” Ashton said, a smile on his face.

“That’s not me anymore. You’ll have to find someone else.” Luke glared at Ashton. He didn’t want that life of constant battles anymore. He found something he loved more.

“Then maybe you need something to persuade you?” Ashton moved his hand towards Anna, gently tapping his fingers against her hand. As soon as he did, she began gasping for breath in her sleep. The strangled sounds of her breathing had Luke in an instant panic.

“What are you doing?! Stop it!” Luke lunged forward, his sword immediately swinging around and pointing directly at Ashton’s throat.

“Give me what I want, or she dies. It’s simple.” Ashton continues to smile as Anna convulses against the bed. “She really is beautiful isn’t she? Might even give Aphrodite a run for her money.” Ashton laughed. Luke’s mind was all over the place, but he knew what he was going to have to do.

“Alright. I’ll do it, just stop it.” Luke practically sobbed. Ashton clapped his hands together in triumph before tapping Anna’s hand again and she fell still in her spot on the bed.

“I knew you’d see things my way.” Ashton stood up, straightening out his suit jacket.

“I want to add my own terms to this deal.” Luke slumped against the wall, shoulders falling in defeat.

“Go on.” Ashton said.

“When this battles over, and you’ve gotten what you wanted, you have Zeus make me human. And I never see any of you ever again.” Luke pushes his hair away from his face as he watched Ashton contemplate his terms.

“Alright, Ares. Deal.” Ashton walks over to Luke where he shakes his hand in a binding contract.

“Let me say goodbye to her, please.” Luke says, letting his sword fall to the ground as he makes his way over to the bed.

“I’ll wait downstairs.” Ashton disappears from the room and Luke goes back to lay next to Anna.

He presses his chest to her back, kissing her shoulder. He moves her hair away from her ear and presses his lips against the shell.

“I didn’t want this for you.” He whispers. “I wanted you to go about your life without me in it. But you sucked me in and I had no chance of escaping. I have been selfish when it comes to you, because I wanted every second I could get with you. You are precisely and entirely what I needed to start living again, and I will be forever in your debt for that Anna Bradley.” He kisses her cheek. “And I love you. That is something that will never change so long as I am alive.” Luke gets up from the bed before he no longer has the energy to do so.

He watches her a moment longer as she sleep peacefully against the white sheets of his bed and then walks out the door.

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Anna was late getting into her office that day. Her coffee practically cold as she sipped it in the elevator on the way up. Her briefcase was especially heavy with reports she had been working on from home to keep herself busy.

She needed all the distractions she could get so that she didn’t have to think about him. How he left her and never came back over six months ago.

Anna had gone back to his apartment time after time to find it empty. Everything was gone, including him. He never answered his phone. He never tried to call. He just disappeared, and Anna’s heart was broken.

“You have a client in your office, Anna.” Her assistant said as Anna entered the office.

“I wasn’t expecting anyone today.” Anna said, fumbling with her briefcase and oversized coffee cup. Her assistant merely shrugged and went back to answering the phones. Anna sighed and walked down the short hallway to her office.

Once inside, she noticed someone sitting in one of the chairs in front of her desk. The blonde curls on back of his head eerily familiar.

“I’m sorry I’m late, I wasn’t expecting anyone today.” Anna made her way into her office as the person in the chair stood and turned to face her. She froze in place, dropping her briefcase and coffee to the floor.

“Could spare a few moments for an old friend?” Luke said, a gentle smile on his face.

“Luke…” Anna choked out, her throat tightening.

“Hello there, sweet girl.”

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stardancerluv · 4 years

Text

Anguish & Changes

Part One of Three

Warning: Death, bare breasts

Arthur’s Note: I can’t believe there is no fanfic for him. This can be considered a side story to the movie. (I used shots of Natelie to help show Y/N)

Despite losing, daddy three years ago you and mother had been able to make a go of things. She was a wonderful teacher to the young kids and you, had become the new IT GIRL. You were a girl, that many an artist wanted to paint. Your face was on countless products. More then you would ever be able to buy.

You had gone into Chicago to collect your father’s traps. He had been killed after a night of playing cards.

While there artist saw you. He tracked you down and so your career took off. So you and mother lived comfortably. She continued to teach and you let him paint you. Some of those products were funny, one in particular was a new fangled powder for the teeth which you actually liked using.

So despite meeting your father your mother and you had a good life. As a special treat, you took your mother to go and see a show in the big city.

You were walking back to the hotel when your life changed forever.

“Ladies, empty your pouches.”

“What do you want?” Your mother always outspoken.

“Your money!”

“We have none.”

He closed the distance, “You do!” He ripped off the brooch off her dress. She reached and grabbed for it. His gun exploded. You screamed.

“Damn it.” He muttered. Then leaned over you, his breath sour. “Don’t speak a word of his.” He rasped and hit you with the butt of his gun, he grabbed your little bag an ran away.

“Mother...mother.” you sobbed and cradled her lifeless body in your arms.

*****

6 Months later.

You had to get away and well, not look back. You only kept a few possessions. You had heard the west was dangerous. So you would have to find a wagon train of some sort. That was going to be tedious. You were a single lady. Many didn’t take too kindly today. So you were prepared to do anything. You didn’t care too much about anything except keeping yourself safe.

It already had been a long journey from Chicago when you reached Huntsville. You walked into the stop to grab a few things.

“Do you know if there is any wagon train going out west?” You asked the kindly looking shopkeeper.

He smiled. “You came to the right place little lady.”

You swallowed. “Oh?”

He smiled broader. “Walk to the other side of town, they are gathering there. You will want to ask for ah...ahh...John Bishop. He’s putting one together.”

You gave a low, key smile one that would get you by. The day where you smiled were gone when that man gunned down your mother over a brooch and hit you with his gun. It was no longer part of who you were.

“Why, thank you sir! Fantastic. I will take all of this and that right behind you, keep the winter’s chill at bay.”

“I am so glad I could get you to smile. You looked like a such a sad girl. And no one deserves that kind of sadness. Anything else, I can grab for you?”

You grimaced. “That’s a nice thought. And thank you.” You put the items in your satchel.

You straightened, your hat. Your heart was racing. You ducked into a small ally. You were terrified. You needed to get out there, you needed protection. But you wanted to set yourself apart for any other woman who came there way.

You still remembered when the artist had told you that if you wanted to make even more money you could shed your bustle and be painted for those special books. Those books kept men warm at night. They made them feel not so lonely when they went to war. You had been so outraged. The nerve, how could he even ask such a thing. When you told him this, he apologized and never mentioned it again. Though right now, if you wanted to survive there were things that needed to be done.

As you hankered down in one of the narrow pathways before the end of town. There gathering your bravery, you heard hushed voices. You held your breath as you listened. You heard, “the women, and cat house” so you knew what these men were gonna try.

Your thoughts had been right, you’d have to resort to anything to survive. You could do this, you knew how to approach this entire situation.

Taking a deep breath, you envisioned several walls going around your heart, and the small part of you that could still and wanted to dream. You hoped that if your were frank with those men, they would be with you.

Walking you continued to the end of town. Once there you saw several people there you saw quite a few people, families..and others ladies. Someone was playing a fiddle others were dancing. Everything, was so lighthearted.

There, somewhat in the middle of the people fastening things down, you spotted a big man. Maybe he John Bishop, if he was it wouldn’t be too painful to offer what you were offering. He was not hard on the eyes. As you went over to him, you watched as he pulled a cloth over some crates then he went onto fasten it down with some rope.

“Hello, excuse me.”

He spit and rubbed his face with his gloved hand before looking at you. His eyes grew as his face fell over you. He looked you up and down.

“Hello.” His voice came out as a croak. He cleared his throat. “Hello, how can I help you?”

Your lips creeped up a touch. Look up into his brown eyes, “I am looking to join your wagon....”

A bark of chuckle came from him.

You took a step back.

“Look, I’m sorry.” He took his hat off, he ruffled his hair before putting his hat back on. “I’m not the leader type is all. I just do honest good work for him and along side the others. “You will want to talk to his right hand man first, Vic. It’s his baby brother. He tests everyone.”

“Ahh ok.” You relaxed, and stepped back. “Where is Vic?”

He pointed. “See that scraggly, skinny fellow with the corn colored hair?”

You followed his finger. Your stomach turned. He looked a like a coyote.

“Yes, I do.” You squinted and shielded your eyes from the sun.

“Well, there you go.” He grimaced. “Hope they say yes, a woman shouldn’t be alone out here.”

“Thank you.”

John then was most likely hideous, if his baby brother looked like that. Your survival, that is why you were there. You could handle this. He did not have to be attractive.

He walked away just then. Your heart picked up speed. He went over to the small cabin that was nearby. You had to stop him before he went inside. “Hello, excuse me?” You tried to keep your voice light, as nervousness grabbed you.

“Ah...yes?” He ran his fingers through his stringy hair. A stale, tobacco scent wafted off of him, your stomach lurched.

“I was told that John Bishop is running a wagon train.” Meeting his brown eyes you noticed flecks of green. “I would like to join.”

As you saw hesitation beginning to raise in his face you looked past him. In the warped glass you spotted someone.

“Well, ma’am you see we are leaving at dawn, we really can’t take anyone else on.”

Maybe that was his brother, you thought looking past him again your eyes met theirs. You could have sworn that he was gesturing to you.

“Umm...looks like” You looked into the window, you pointed. “I think he is gesturing to me.”

He looked behind the two of you. He shrugged. “I guess so.” He pushed open the door.

Your heart caught in your throat how could the man outside be related to this man. It was like night and day. Literally, where the brother had light hair and brown grounded eyes, the man you were looking at now had hair black as night and his eyes were like the sky on a cloudless day.

“Something, I can help you with?” He asked, softly.

“I’m hoping ride west with John Bishop’s party. Fella outside said there was no room.”

“That’s my brother, Vic. He’s an unyielding sort. What’s your name?”

“My name is Y/N.” You could see, feel as his blue eyes, looked over you. He bit a little harder on his cigar.

“Tell me something, Y/N how many is in your party?”

“Just me.” The more you spoke the more you realized one of the voices you heard belonged to him, perhaps the other one belong to his brother but you couldn’t be sure.

“Husband?” A small smiled played on your lips.

“Don’t have one. After my father died in the war, I was taking care of my mother and didn’t have time for suitors.”

“Where is your mother?”

You sighed, it still stung. “She got killed by a thief.”

“You’re only a slight thing, Y/N. I think we can accommodate your request.”

You had to act now, you began to undo the buttons of the top dress.

“Y/N,” A plume of smoke came from his mouth as he exhaled, his eyes widened. “What are you doing?”

“I am not a stupid girl.” You swallowed, you undid your buttons to your waist. “I can see you wanting to make money, lots of money with them.” You gestured the ladies outside the window.

“I’m listening.” He sat back in his chair. His eyes didn’t leave yours as you spoke. “I don’t blame you.”

“Why, aren’t you as sharp as a razor.” He bit down on his cigar, his lips curled. He rocked a little on the back legs of the chair he sat on.

You flushed, a rich chuckle came from him. You dipped your head just so. When you met his eyes again you looked at him from under your lashes. “I am offering you me.”

He moved forward then. “Oh, are you?” He tilted his head to one side.

Grateful, your fingers didn’t shake, though inside you felt like you had been. Reaching up, you pulled back the top of your dress including the soft cotton chemise. Your full breasts were on full display.

He put his cigar down. Silence appear to fill the room completely. His mouth became a grim line. Not sure what that meant you continued.

Moving your hands down, grabbing the skirt you began pulling the skirt up and got to your calf when he slammed down hard on his chair and came around to you.

“Stop.” He shook your hands free of cloth you held. The skirt flowed back down to your ankles. Slightly winded, his eyes lingered on your bare breasts. His gloved hands grazing your skin pulled the chemise closed followed by the top portion of your dress. “Button that back up.”

You tilted your head to one side as he loomed over you. “So does this mean I’m yours?” A very slight smirk curled your lips. “And you don’t want to share?”

He cupped your chin, you exhaled by the force of it. His thumb caressed your jaw. “Do I own you completely, to do with as I wish?” He leaned in close.

“Protect me on this journey, and I will welcome you to bed every night. I will flirt, helping to sweeten any deal you need to make.”

His blue eyes which had been like chips of ice were now flames, his gaze burned right through you.

“I will be your kept woman. Any itch....any desire and I satisfy you as you see fit. And finally believe me when I say this.” You hoped this honesty would pay off. “If you take me as yours, you will be my first. I am no whore. So please don’t share me.”

He nodded. “Answer me one thing, before I tell my decision.” You were certain he would take you as his own.”

“Yes?”

“What made you this hard?”

“Life.”

*****

When you awoke, peaking out the flap you saw the purple hue still hung in the air. John, you noticed was ready up. Sitting back, you hugged your knees to your chest.

After a month, you were finally getting used to life in the wild. Though, you were very aware that you were traveling far more comfortably then most of the wagon train.

The smell of fresh coffee tickled your nose. Not being able to resist that, you stretched and pushing aside the flap you climbed out. After attending to your needs and splashing some water from the brook on your face, you let your nose lead you the coffee. As you walked over, your braided your hair which had become loose in the night.

“I knew the coffee would wake you.” John said. As you new close, he poured and handed you a cup. His suspenders where down and since the hour was so early he was rather unkept. You always liked this look.

“Thank you.” Wrapping your hands around, you blew on hot inky liquid before taking a sip.

He came around to you, “I have some news that will please you.” His voice was low.

“Yes?”

He smoothed his black mustache. “By this time tomorrow we will be entering a town.”

Your heart lifted, “Does that mean...”

“Yes, you will have a bath and...” his arm wrapped around your middle. “We can enjoy a bed.” His lips curled up.

You slid him a look over the cup. “That will be very nice.”

“We will be there a two days before moving on.”

“Oh...two days in a bed, I may never leave.”

A smirk played on his lips. “If that is what you wish.”

The two of you shared a look.

******

Climbing, back up into the wagon, you went back braiding your hair. Belonging to John you kept a respectable appearance.

“There you are.” His voice was low.

“I wanted to tidy up, my appearance before everyone would see me at breakfast.”

“I do appreciate that you care for your appearance as much as I do.”

“I do like pleasing you.”

He smiled. “Since you have given yourself to me. I wish to reward you with all the information, you’ve given this past month.”

“Oh?” You never expected or wanted anything except his protection. He had already shown much more kindness than you could have expected. “You don’t have to.”

“I want to, you bring out another side of me, I didn’t know I had.” He smoothed his mustache. “Vic, has told me there are lovely dresses for women there.”

“He noticed?” You couldn’t stop your tongue. You looked down, “I am terribly sorry, I shouldn’t speak of your brother as such.”

“You are not wrong. There have been many a time when he speaks too much, and I’ve wanted to cut out his tongue.”

You nod, hearing threats like that reminded you of who you belong too. In the course of the month, to keep the wagon train in line there had been moments of incredibly voice. He had expelled one of his men for being so forward with one of the single ladies. Another person got whipped for stealing.

“I would never do that you, my dear.” Holding your chin, moving it so you kept your eyes downcast. “Let me see your eyes.”

You looked up.

“There you are.” You met this blue eyes, he did not appear upset. “Have I given you reason to fear me in this month?”

“No.”

“Then do not hide from me.”

*****

As you wandered the camp you picked up pieces of conversations here and there, as the people ate their breakfast. In month, they had learned to like you despite sharing a wagon with John.

Today was interesting with what you over heard. Keeping it to yourself, you went over to the oldest member. She and her his husband were awfully sweet. You would let them know a town coming.

“Hello Martha.” You said sweetly.

“Hi deary.” You sat next to her. I have some exciting news for you and Henry.

“I have great news for you.”

“Oh? Would you like some?” She scrapped some eggs off the pan.

“I am good, what about Henry?”

“He’s off with the men. I gave him his first.” She shrugged. “So tell me what’s the news sweetheart.”

“We’ll be in a town tomorrow.” Happiness bubbled from you.”

“That is very nice. I will sell my scarves for some more supplies.”

“How many have you made?”

“Two.”

“Oh! You will get alot for that.”

“Sitting up here with us boys, Y/N or will you be lounging in the back?”

“I’ll sit with the two of you.” John offered you hand as you climbed up.

“Thank you. I have news, John.”

“Tell me later.”

*****

At one point, the rhythm of the wagon made you drift off to sleep. As you startled awake, you realized your head had come to rest on John’s shoulder.

“I am sorry.” You immediately sat up and straightened yourself and dress.

“Must have been tired.” He gave you a half smile. “You will be more awake for tonight.”

*****

Vic, continued to drive the wagon you and John were on. You looked at John, “But..but...” You noticed five of his men accompanied along side the wagon.

John, smiled. “I decided to reward some of the men and us.”

The sun, was beginning to set and the sky was turning a rich orange.

It was times, like this that made you forget how he could scare you like he did in the morning.

*****

It felt so pleasant to walk through a town. You carried your bag and one for John.

When he entered the hotel, you looked around it was quite grand.

“So Mr. and Mrs. Smith?” The hotel owner said when we walked over.

Vic, chuckled. “She’s his personal whore?”

You felt like you were slapped across the face at his words.

John, turned so face. “Vic?”

“Yes?” He asked, a dopey grin on spread across, John back handed him across the face.

“Hey!” He called out holding his face.

“Get out of my face. You can sleep in the barn. Not in the wagon.” He hollered.

He took a breath. “Now, I will take a room in it we would like two baths with two bars of soap.”

The hotel owner looked sheepish. “That is alot sir, especially at this hour.” He scratched at the wisps of hair that remained on the back of his head.

You came forward then, “Sir,” you said sweetly. You got his attention. You exaggerated a stretch, displaying your attributes tastefully. “John and I have been traveling for over a month. Laying on rocks, in the dirt. There is nothing we’ve been looking forward to more then having a hot bath. When we knew we were going to reach your establishment our desire for a bath grew.” Holding, your collar you made the top of your dress billow. “And sir, there more of us coming, we are bringing lots of patrons. Please take care of us.” You looked over at him, you could not read his expression. “John and I will make sure, they come and see you.”

“Well..well...then..I suppose I could make it work. While you two wait, I could scrounge up some food.”

John came forward then, his hand rested on your lower back. “Wonderful. I knew you could make it work.” He pointed at the owner, he smiled. “Now while you go about doing that, find some rose smelling soap for her.”

“I can do that sir. Perhaps some saddle-wood and thyme for you?”

“Great! We’ll take a seat back here, while we wait.”

*****

Striking a match, he lit his cigar. He inhaled and pulled back on it. He exhaled contently. “Y/N,” he rested a hand on your thigh.

@theblackmaskclub @rosionis @brookisbi @johallzy @dance-like-russia-isnt-watching @shantellorraine

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lovemesomesurveys · 4 years

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How do you feel about full length beards? I’m not into a lot of facial hair. I like some scruff, but that’s it. Have you ever been to a circus? Yeah, once. I was naive and didn’t know about the abuse that went on at the time. Do you know anyone who’s gone to a Fat Camp? No. Do you use Facebook IM everyday? No. I don’t even remember the last time I used it. How many surveys have you done already today? This is my first.

What’s the WORST show on Adult Swim? I don’t care for the Adult Swim shows. Family Guy and American Dad is okay, but after that it gets too stupid and weird for me. Sorry. Like once I saw this show, Mr. Pickles, and uh... wtf. The episode I saw was very disturbing. I don’t get the appeal of Rick and Morty at all. And why the hell is Mike Tyson Mysteries a thing? That’s just to name a few. I see previews of other shows and I just... wow. Do you have any relatives that have shunned you, or vice versa? No. Has anyone ever posted a HORRIBLE picture of you for everyone to see? Not maliciously or because they thought it was horrible and wanted to embarrass me, but yeah. My mom has posted photos where she didn’t see anything wrong and she thinks I looked fine, but I was like EW NO take that down it’s hideous. I reallyyyy don’t like photos of me taken by someone else. I have to take my own photos if I’m going to take one at all because I know the angles and lighting and can add a filter. Plus, I can take a ton before finally settling on one. If someone else takes the photo and they want to post it, I have to approve. Which grade in school was the most fun for you? I enjoyed elementary and middle school. High school had its ups and downs, but there were parts I liked. I liked the last 2 years the best. Which would you rather have, a new puppy or kitten? I wouldn’t want another pet right now to be honest. We have our doggo and one suits our family best right now. Does drama seem to follow you everywhere you go? No, thankfully. I have other issues I struggle with, but not drama. Do you ever just want to go away to a new place where no one knows you? I don’t live in a small town where everyone knows everyone and I was never Miss Popularity, so apart from family and a few other people, not a lot of people know me. However, I do want move away to a new place. My family and I have wanted to for a long time, we just haven’t been able to. A change of environment and scenery would be really nice. You’re ordering a pizza, you can have any kind of toppings, what are they? I’m a simple gal, I just like white sauce, feta and ricotta cheese, garlic, spinach, and crumbled meatballs with pesto drizzled on top. Do you hit ‘quiet’ or ‘ignore’ on your cell? Which one usually? Nah. If my phone rings and I don’t want to answer it, I just let it ring. Do you ever regret giving your number to people? I have before with some people. Have you ever been told that you’re afraid of your own shadow? Haha yeah. Have you ever tried Gouda cheese? Nope. Does/did your high school have pop machines? No. They decided to remove them the year I entered high school, which I was mad about. Do you use a public computer, or do you have your own? I have my own laptop. Do you ever find it odd how you type LOL when you’re not really laughing? >> No, because I understand that its function has moved far beyond representing actual laughing-out-loud. <<< Yeah. I remember discussing that in a class once. Have you ever gambled? A couple times. Not my thing. Although, what really made my experience unenjoyable wasn’t so much the gambling, it was that the casinos I’ve been to allow smoking and I don’t do well with cigarette smoke. At all. It gives me a killer headache, makes my heart rate go up, and makes me feel dizzy and sick. It’s awful. The smell in the casinos was too overbearing for me, so I spent very little time inside. Do you know anyone who’s won the lottery? No. If you could work at any retail store, which one would it be? I really don’t want to work retail. And that’s not shade toward retail workers AT ALL. I salute you, honestly. You deal with a lot of shit. What’s the shortest you would ever cut your hair? I had a “bob” for a few years. Do you listen to any deathcore? No. Do you subscribe to any teen magazines? Which ones? No. I’m also 30 years old. Do you know someone who never smiles? Never? No. Has anyone ever made you feel uncomfortable at work? I’ve never had a job. Do you still watch South Park? I never did. I mean, I’ve seen bits here and there before because my brother used to watch it, but I was never into it myself. Tell me one movie you’ve seen recently that sucked: My mom, brother, and I recently watched this movie on Netflix called, The Platform. It had potential and was interesting at first, but the ending was just... no. It seemed abrupt and I was just really confused. Have you ever carved something into a dinner booth somewhere? No. When’s the last time you were carded at a bar? When I last went to the bar, which was almost 10 years ago. Do you smoke little cigars? Have you ever tried them? Nooo. You’re babysitting, what do you expect per hour for pay? Pfft, no I’m not babysitting. What’s the last thing you returned at a store? I very rarely return things so I have no idea. It’s been a long time. What’s the name of the last cat you pet? I don’t even recall the last time I petted a cat. Do you still look at clouds and make shapes of them? I haven’t in a long time. If you had to dye your hair for one year, what color would you pick? I already do, I dye it red. Who’s got your heart? Me. What’s your television addiction? I have several shows that I’m into. Have you ever stringed green beans before? No. What do you do to make yourself more relaxed when you’re nervous? It’s hard to calm myself when I’m anxious, but I try to distract by talking to someone, listening to ASMR, watching TV or something on YouTube, or reading. Do you cook? If so, what’s the last thing you made? The only thing I cook is ramen. Oh wait actually I made a grilled cheese sandwich the other day. ha. Have you ever had any painful dental work done? If so, what? Yeah, a few things. How do you usually spend your Saturdays? I spend all my days and nights the same, really. Do you make your own jewelry or clothing? Last year I briefly got into making beaded bracelets. I made a few. What’s your favorite thing to do when you’re bored? I do the same things everyday whether I’m bored or not: spend time on my social medias, watch YouTube, read, watch TV, scroll through Tumblr, do surveys, just lie there.... ha. Somedays just feel like they’re dragging and going by extra slow and the things I listed above that I like doing just don’t cut it so I just lie there mindlessly watching TV or go to sleep. Do you use drawing to describe what you’re feeling? No. Do you like the smell of new school supplies? As a kid I did. Like getting a new box of crayons. Do you give everything you do 100%? No. I certainly haven’t with life... Do you shop at any independent music stores? No. I don’t shop at any music stores. How do you feel about mainstream music? I like a lot of it.

What song lyrics describe your mood at the moment? *shrug* Do you have healthy eating habits? No. My eating habits are messed up. I have issues with appetite and other issues.

If you could transform into any kind of animal, what animal would you be? A dog. Are you superstitious? If so, what are you superstitious about? I do the knock on wood thing, but it’s just out of habit, really. If you could travel anywhere in the world where would it be? There’s so many places I’d like to visit. What food disgusts you the most? I don’t do seafood at all. What is your favorite thing to cook? Ramen. One place you would never want to get lost in in the dark? I wouldn’t want to get lost anywhere in the dark. :O Are you claustrophobic? Yes. What is your worst flaw? Oh where to start. One thing that always creeps you out? ALL bugs. What is your biggest fear? Losing loved ones, death, never getting better/getting worse, never doing anything with my life and just wasting away... If you could be reincarnated, would you come back as another human or an animal? If an animal, what kind? I don’t believe in reincarnation. Ideal way you’d like to die? Obviously painlessly, but jeez. If you could be roommates with anyone of your choice, who would you pick? I like living with my family. What is the most ridiculous thing you’ve ever heard? Uh, a lot of things. Your favorite kind of dog? I love doggos, but I definitely have a special thing for Labs and German Shepherds. Do you have any scars? If so, how many? I have a lot of scars. I’m not going to count them. What is your favorite scary movie to watch in the dark? I don’t watch them in the dark. Unless I’m at the theater, obviously. I love scary movies, though. Would you rather be buried or cremated when you die? Cremated. What is your favorite thing to drink? Alcoholic and non alcoholic? Coffee and Starbucks Doubleshot energy drinks. That’s also coffee, but you know what I mean. I don’t have a favorite alcoholic drink, I don’t drink. What is your favorite food around the holidays? I love either ham or turkey depending on the holiday and mashed potatoes with gravy, stuffing, and rolls. Easiest way to scare you? I’m such a jumpy, easily scarable (it’s a word, shh) person so you could really just say hi and I’ll jump. haha. Like my back faces my bedroom door and if I don’t hear anyone coming in or they just poke their head in to say something I’ll jump. lmao. Tell me one of your biggest secrets? Nah. What was your last nightmare about? It’s been awhile since I’ve had one, thankfully.

#personal #text #survey #surveys

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sgnhoetaek · 4 years

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All of this was for Hoetaek and it was meant to be a gift, celebrating their friendship’s anniversary, not a parting gift. Seungah couldn’t bear to keep it in her room any longer. It just made her sad. She had one of the other girls take it to his dorm and to make sure he receives it, but will not say anything about it coming from her. Not wanting those who knew her better to see through her cold exterior how much this hurt her.

In a suit bag was his white suit and pants, the one she promised him and expected him to paint on someday. It had several pockets but the inner pocket of his suit was well sewn closely where his heart would be when he wears it. His name embroidered where a clothing label could be sometimes found and next to his name was a peach blossom. The suit jacket and the pants were made from the same material, sewn by her to perfection with every chance she got to sit in her room to be alone with her thoughts. Rich and dark red suit lining had gold specks on it like stardust. Red has always been her color but the gold specks were him. A representation of him being part of her being in every sense.

In the box was the denim jacket was made to replace his hideous jacket with excess fabric for its sleeves. There was no clothing tag on it, instead, it had the same embroidery of his name and the same peach blossom next to it. The clothes were basic in every sense which he could probably get anywhere he wanted or have them tailored to fit him perfectly but these were made by her, not because it’s a requirement for her class but because it was a reminder, an offering to Hoetaek for all he had done for her.

Seungah has had Hoetaek’s measurements because she often used his body measurements for her projects. Underneath the folded jacket, sits the final sketches for his suit and denim jacket. The drawn model was Hoetaek and underneath was Seungah’s signature and there was a date, not just any date, the date that they met. When he wore that poor hideous orange jacket that hurt her eyes. Along with the sketches in the box was an envelope that contained a handwritten letter from Seungah, which she wrote long before he decided to keep her in the dark and her having decided to cut ties with him.

“My Taek,

This letter must have come as a surprise to you, that’s why I wrote it. Surprise! I don’t think we ever celebrated our anniversary neither do I think we’ve ever set a date on one, so I’m saying that the day we met would be that and I will not hear any objections from you, here’s why: I think the fates have decided that the threads of our lives were meant to be tied together and we were bound to meet each other at one point. When or how, was the only question. It happened on that first day of school. You with your poor choice in fashion and I, a bitch who doesn’t hold her tongue. Maybe the reason I spoke to you was your jacket but your laughter was a confirmation, one that sealed our fate.

We’ll be in each other’s lives no matter what.

Forever that is.

Thank you for all you’ve done to keep me safe and sane, on top of making me feel loved when I stopped believing in it so early in my life. I’m sorry for entrusting you with the heavy burden of my broken heart and having to deal with me as nothing but a plethora of madness. Still, you stuck by me and loved me for what I am without wanting to change a thing about me, though I always want to change your entire closet which I won’t. Because that’s what makes you, YOU. I do love you and I will forever cherish you, Kwon Hoetaek.

Forever stuck with you,

Your Seung.”

✘✘✘

hoetaek is surprised by the knock on the door. surprised to see one of seungah’s girls on the other side with a delivery in her arms. when he registers what it is, however, he realises he shouldn’t have been. seungah had told him she’d finished his clothes and that she’d have them delivered, and here they are. if hoetaek’s honest, a part of him had almost expected her to just get rid of them. cut them up and use the fabric for something else, he wouldn’t have blamed her. but really, he knew she wouldn’t have done something like that, wouldn’t let all that hard work go to waste. and receiving them is a reminder of what he’s done. of what he’s lost.

it takes him some time before he can open the packages. they sit on his dinning table over night and the whole next day, until he can’t ignore them anymore. he sits down, his heart in his throat, and slowly unzips the suit bag. the suit is beautiful, not that he expected any less, but it still takes his breath away when he sees it. he runs his fingers over the lining of the jacket, fingertips sliding over silk. he traces the stitching of his name with his pointer finger, letting it rest on the peach blossom. it looks right. his name next to her symbol. her red with his gold. partners in crime, best friends for life, a bond that should’ve been unbroken.

he takes a breath, sets the suit aside, and opens the box. he smiles, bittersweet, at the sight of the jacket. the same embroidery instead of a tag. it’s simple and it’s perfect and—when hoetaek slides it on—it fits like a glove. he hold his hands up to inspect the sleeves. they’re an appropriate length, and hoetaek lets a sad burst of laughter escape his lips when he imagines doing that in front of seungah. -look, you made the sleeves too short! -shut up you dork. an alternate universe. one in which he’s not a complete idiot.

he almost misses the paper in the bottom of the box, not expecting anything other than the clothes. the sketches catch him off guard—seeing himself drawn by seungah’s hand for the first time in a long time—and the date. of course he knows it immediately. of course he remembers the date of their first meeting, the orange jacket that started it all. he picks the letter up last, stares at it still in it’s envelope for a good few minutes, as if it’s going to prepare him for what’s inside. it doesn’t, of course, and he slides the paper out with a shaking hand.

the letter hurts. obviously written before everything happened. it hurts because seungah doesn’t feel this way anymore. it hurts because it’s all his fault. the words in this letter, this is how it’s supposed to be. hoetaek’s the one that’s supposed to be supporting her through everything, her shoulder to cry on, the person she can trust when she can’t trust anyone else. but he’s broken that trust, became a reason for her to cry, and he can’t imagine a time when he will ever not hate himself for it.

“fuck. I have to fix this.” but how?

#—✘ I know I always come and go | &seungah.#—✘ for | me.#( everything hurts ;; )#submission

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jessikahathaway · 6 years

Text

Cornfields

Holy shit, an update. Sorry it’s not Owner guys, I swear I’m working on it! But for now, enjoy Yoongi as an awkward as fuck alien.

DON’T OWN THE PHOTO

Traveling through space with an alien was weird.

Like, being a human aboard a spaceship was unheard of in these times, but it happened...

It started like any other, dark and kinda cold. You lay in bed, contemplating what the following months would bring. Dreading the day you’d pick your marriage partner. The human species was slowly going stagnant. If the race did nothing, humans were going to die out, and that apparently wasn’t an option.

So now, you had multiple tests done and fertility clinics were all the rage. People were chosen for one another based on successful impregnation statistics and compatibility of gene pools.

Was this to be the rest of your life? Living with a man you didn’t really know, just to produce more people for a dying race? Some found it noble and accepted their new fates with big shoulders to rest their burden upon. You?

The idea of being stuck on this planet for the rest of your meagre life seemed a bit dull, to be completely honest. Ever since new lives and new species started coming to Earth, many of humanity had left the planet, rathering to travel the stars in search of a better tomorrow or some shit.

A loud crash and a bright light encased your room. You bolted from bed and looked at the scene before you. A ship, lodged into the cornfield next to your house. This felt like a cheap old movie from the early 2000’s, almost two thousand years ago ironically. However, enticed by the cliche you ran down the stairs to find an alien staring at his ship in distaste.

He was something to behold. Looking almost humanoid, except his eyes were bright green and his hair a naturally occuring royal blue. He also had body markings over his slightly gray tinged skin. He was a sight to behold in this boring world.

“Well this is, what do the humans call it? Unfortunate,” he said, staring at the crumpled piece of metal with mused interest.

“Hi,” you said lamely, trying to figure out how to keep this person’s interest. Slowly, he turned and looked to you.

“Are you human?” He questioned, coming slightly closer. You backed up slightly, but held a firm stance.

“Yes, why?” you confirmed.

“Just wondering if the stupid GPS got me to the right planet, and it didn’t. I typed in Humanix, stupid thing took me to the closest planets with humans instead. Great,” he huffed, annoyed.

“Are you hurt?” you asked, looking at the state of his vessel, then to him. He shook his head and pointed to an escape pod a few hundred meters down the field.

“Ditched it before it crumpled under the pressure difference of your atmosphere. Stupid thing really wasn’t worth the credits I spent on it.”

You spent the night speaking with whom you found out to be Min Yoongi. A Uzmanic from the planet Utheridian. They were fairly close to humans, however they didn’t die as quickly nor were they a favorite amongst the people of the universe. They had been known to worm their way into politics and cause chaos and throw the worlds into disarray for the short handed amusement it would create. They don’t particularly care for much. However, they are truly beautiful to behold.

Yoongi, as you discovered, didn’t really like a majority of his kin and ditched them. Rathering to research the stars and the people they harbored.

It was a noble enough cause, so you naturally wanted in.

He had stayed with you for three weeks, working on his ship everyday and carving his way into your heart. The morning he was supposed to leave, you walked out with him, in the same field where you’d met.

“Yoongi, I’m going to miss you,” you said, biting your lip as he ran a few more diagnostic tests.

“Well, seeing as how I have become a constant in your life. Now that I am going to depart, sadness is to be expected,” he announced, not looking up from his device.

“Are you going to miss me?” you asked, feeling human emotions of possessiveness and the need to be wanted running rampant.

“For a bit I guess, but I’m young and I’m sure I’ll forget you one day,” he said, the sharpness of his words cutting you like a knife.

In the time you’d known Yoongi, you’d quickly figured out words were not his forefront. He often said things without thinking about the consequences they’d have on more emotionally fueled species, humans being the main example.

“Ah, I see,” you said, tears beginning to well up in your eyes. Yoongi’s head lifted at the waver in your tone. He hadn’t heard that sound from you before. The wetness in your eyes confused him. What were you doing that for? It seemed inconvenient after you had painted your face with ‘cosmetics’ as he noticed your eyelashes looked clumpier.

“What are you doing?” he asked, coming closer. You pushed him away and rubbed your eyes in frustration.

“Crying you idiot, it’s what humans do when they’re hurt or sad,” you explained, trying to save your makeup with a tissue.

“I know you’re sad ‘cause I’m leaving, but it’ll be alright. You’ll meet that marriage partner you were telling me about, have someone to be with,” he tried to make you feel better. But that only made the crying continue, at a much more alarming rate.

Sobs echoed through the field, birds going silent for fear of the unknown sound. Yoongi watched as your face turned red and your eyes produced an astonishing amount of liquid. He’d seen other creatures do something similar to this crying, but it wasn’t as hideous as this. Your nose was running as you fell to your knees. Yoongi, now worried for your safety followed you down and tried to see where the injury was.

“Are you hurt?” he asked, wondering if sadness truly was the cause of this outburst.

“Yes,” you whimpered, unable to really speak through the mess of snot and tears. Yoongi’s heart rate jumped. You were injured! He had to help you! The human race was rare enough as it was in the cosmos, and even more so on their home planet. To hell he’d let such a species die right before him.

“Where? Where does it hurt, what happened?” he asked. You pointed to your chest, right where the human heart should sit.

“My heart hurts,” you said, a tear falling from your eyelashes and hitting the ground below. Yoongi reached forward, touching your chest in a hurry. An unexpected pain hit his face and he held his cheek in astonishment.

“You hit me,” he said, his tone incredulous.

“Don’t touch my chest you weirdo! What the fuck do you think you’re doing?!” you screeched, tears stopping and face turning less red, a more pinkish color now, focused mainly in the cheeks.

“You said your heart hurts, I’m trying to save your life! And now my face hurts, you jerk,” he said, rubbing his tender flesh.

It was deathly quiet, before a snort erupted from your throat. Suddenly, you were laughing. The sound reached Yoongi’s ears and the familiarity of it soothed his worried mind. Yoongi offered a cock eyed grimace with no real malice inside. Just pure wonderment at a species that could literally change emotions with two or three seconds.

Once your laughter died down, you gave him a smile. Yoongi felt confusion sweep over him again. You still had tears of sadness in your eyes. But a smile generally meant humans were happy, did it not? How could you hold two emotions on your face? Humans truly were incredible.

“I really am going to miss you,” you said, reaching out to touch his face. Yoongi flinched, but then relaxed into the warmth of your palm. Uzmanics general run ten or twenty degrees lower than humans. Helping them adapt to the heat of their planet.

Yoongi felt a pang inside of his chest. An emotion unfamiliar to him.

Sadness.

He was sad that he was leaving also. But he knew there was much to do out in the universe. It was vast and unexplored and there was much to see. He couldn’t live here with you...

Uzmanics had a telepathic ability. If touched on the skin, they were able to see what the other was thinking. Generally, they had to get the person to relax and open up allowing them to see inside their mind. However, he didn’t have to search for your thoughts. They were there, almost pushing their way into his mind.

Yoongi’s face smiled back at him. The corn in full bloom. Your hands outstretched before him, reaching for his form. He came running back, taking your hand and leading you out into the blazing field, drenched in the afternoon sun. He watched as the two of you played in the field of corn, running amongst the stalks and laughing. When the night became dark, Yoongi saw himself in your bed next to you, sleeping soundly. Next he saw you looking down at your stomach, a wide bulbous mass in front of you. Yoongi was on his knees before you, placing his mouth against your skin. Then there was no longer a large mound on your body, but a small bundle in your arms, a tiny face with bright green eyes peering up at you.

A child, looking at it’s mother.

When you took your hand away, Yoongi almost followed. Wanting to continue to live in that fantasy you dreamed up for him. However, when your touch left, so did your emotions. He realized how ridiculous that was. Staying here? A dying Earth with a species that was already abandoning the ground for the skies. There wasn’t a chance he would stay here... Except, maybe for you.

“Yoongi?” you asked as the two of you stood from the ground. His hand was on the clasp for the ship, readying himself to pull open the door.

“Hmm?” he asked, turning to you.

“Can I ask a favor?” you offered, coming closer.

“I guess, what is it?” he said, dropping his hand from the metal.

“It’s human tradition to hug when there is a departure... I was wondering if we could hug, because your leaving and stuff,” you said, biting your lip.

“How do we hug?”

You chuckled at the question and came forward, wrapping your arms around his torso and leaning your head on his chest. Yoongi wrinkled his brows in confusion, but mimicked your behavior. The sensation was one of comfort, he realized. You didn’t want him to leave, so this was your way of seeking his comfort for the departure.

“I have to go,” he said, pulling his arms off of you.

“I know,” you said, doing the same.

“Hope your life goes as you want it to. Don’t die young, don’t be stupid and don’t cry so much. You look really gross when you do that,” he said, offering his advice. You laughed softly and nodded.

“I’ll try my best, thank you Yoongi,” you said.

“For what?”

“For crashing into the corn,” you explained.

Yoongi wasn’t sure how his desecration of your crops was a good thing, but he didn’t question it. He nodded before hauling himself into his ship and beginning to start the engines. His mind can’t shake that image though...

The look of pure happiness on his face, how happy you longed for him to be...

You were back on your porch, watching the spaceship beginning to depart. Your heart was breaking a thousand times over again. He really was leaving, he wasn’t going to stay with you... No matter how much you dreamed for it to be true.

Yoongi looked and used his heightened abilities to gaze at you on the porch, the tears were apparent still. But it wasn’t sobbing like earlier. It was just broken, small hiccups that shook your frame every now and again as you saw the engines begin to phase in correct alignment.

Pain gripped his heart as he saw you in that state. He didn’t know why the pain was there, but he didn’t like it one bit.

A fairly stupid idea struck him...

Perhaps you couldn’t live in a corn field together... But you could travel the stars together...

Yoongi jumped from the ship and ran across the field. You noticed his frame and began to run as well. Tripping over your legs and rushing to be by his side again. Once near each other, you wrapped your arms around his neck. Yoongi, unsure of what kind of expression this was quickly unraveled your limbs and took your hands.

“Yoongi, what-”

“Come with me,” he demanded.

“What?”

“Get into that spaceship, and come with me,” he said, pointing to the door.

“Are you serious?” you asked, smiling at him then the ship before you.

“Of course I am, but are you?” he asked, raising a blue eyebrow at you.

“Definitely.”

And that’s how this journey started. In a field of corn, with a dream.

* * *

Now, you had been traveling with Yoongi for almost two years. The two of you were the best of friends. The only friend he’d ever had, really. The Uzmanics don’t really form bonds with others, it is seen as messy and kind of unimportant to tangle yourself with other individuals in their eyes... But, when they do form a bond it is an intense one.

Yoongi and yourself had seen many things together. Some terrifying, some incredible. And everything was still ahead of you. There was too much out there to see, and not enough time to see it. But like fuck if you weren’t going to try.

Yoongi had decided upon another topic of research... Saving species. How to do so and how to make them repopulate in an efficient manner. He’d been reading for almost three months, and you were getting rather bored with it all. The last planet you’d been on had a stagnant population and was dying out rather quickly. It was a similar background as yours, but a few stages further along.

Ever since Yoongi saw the dead fetus in their laboratory, something struck within him. He never wanted to see that again.

Although, being on warp speed for a few months can get really fucking boring.

Time to pester!

You wandered down the halls of the ship, making your way to Yoongi’s study. He’d spent most of his time in here as of late. And you were not happy with the abandonment.

Knocking on the door caused a muffled groan of ‘enter’, from Yoongi’s lips. You strolled in, smiling and ready to cause mischief, it was one of your specialities.

“Yoongiiiii~” you breathed, sitting on his desk next to him as he read his book.

“What is it, Y/N. I’m busy,” he announced.

“Busy, oh I see. Am I that uninteresting that you’d rather read your book?”

“If that’s how you want to take it, sure,” he said.

You peaked at the book he was reading.

Anatomy of the Human Male - Volume 12

He was reading about your species? You wondered for what purpose.

“What are you reading that for?” you asked, leaning against his shoulders.

“The human race is one of the races closest to extinction. I am wondering if breeding with other species will help the gene pool become more varied, helping with fertilization. I’m studying up on the males to see what sort of species could be compatible,” he said.

“Wow, you really want to save us,” you explained. Yoongi looked at you and nodded.

“I never want to see the result of infertility again. It was horrific,” he swallowed thickly.

“Well, what species have you found to be compatible?” you asked.

“A few, humans are a fickle race. Females don’t breed easily, and when they do the fertility has to be timed and cycled correctly for the egg to be bred correctly, then the female has to take care of the-”

“Yoongi, I know all about that. I happen to be a human female myself,” you commented.

“That’s right, I forget that sometimes,” he sighed. “The Adamantians might be a good fit, however their abandonment of young might not feel correct for humans.”

“Absolutely not,” you said.

“What?”

“Is that the thing you’d have females breeding with? Hell no, for my fellow human females I’ll be the one picking here. Show me another one,” you said.

Yoongi flushed slightly, but continued with his list. “The Extraxians also pose good numbers, however the males are a little awkward to say the least... The females might have good luck with human males though,” he noted.

“Ew, gross. I could never have sex with that,” you stated. Yoongi sighed and continued on down the list.

Failure after failure. Yoongi kept running into the same problem.

His lack of knowledge on the actual act of breeding, as well as the females anatomy. All of the books of female reproduction and breeding are highly sought after, due to their rarity.

“Y/N, quit making gagging sounds over there and help me figure this out,” he said rubbing his face in frustration.

“Well, Yoongi it sounds like there is a lack of data for the experiment. So, gather more data. Find more books to read and stuff,” you said, pushing your hair out of your face.

“I can’t gather data on a dying race, there isn’t enough of them. Plus, the books on female anatomy are far too expensive, I’d have to sell everything in order to purchase just a chapter,” he said, rubbing his face.

“Yoongi,” you whispered, biting your lip yet again. He was worried for the skin there.

“Hmm?”

“What if I told you, there was something better than a book that could tell you everything you wanted to know about female anatomy of the human race?” you said, blushing. Yoongi was confused to say the least. What could possibly be better than one of the most sought after pieces of literature in the modern age?

“What are you talking about?” he asked, taking his glasses off to look at you.

“Yoongi, I am a human female.”

“Yes,” he nodded. “We’ve discussed this,” he muttered, losing interest.

“Which means I have female human anatomy,” you said. Yoongi thought about your statement.

“Y/N, it’s so kind of you to offer, but I don’t want to kill you and cut you open for science. You’re a friend of mine,” he said, pushing his hair up off of his face.

“What? No! I don’t want you to dissect me! I’ll show you on my body, Yoongi!” you said. Yoongi thought about it for a moment. It seemed like a rather good idea.

“Alright, that’s fair. How would you like to proceed?” he asked.

“Well, I guess you could ask me what parts you’re confused about and I’ll show them to you and explain how they work,” you said, coming closer. Yoongi nodded and looked at his book.

“Alright, so the hips seem to be mentioned frequently. Can you show me your hips please?” Yoongi asked, you nodded and slowly lifted your shirt, exposing your stomach to him. He marveled at the smooth texture it appeared to have.

“My hips are here,” you said, pointing to the joint just underneath your ribs and the skin that slightly flares out. Yoongi nodded and came closer.

“Am I allowed to touch you?” he asked, looking up for permission.

“Yes,” you breathed slowly. Yoongi nodded and reached forward, his skin touching yours. Ever since the two of you began traveling together, he put up an impressive mental wall to keep your thoughts yours and his thoughts his. But your skin was beautiful. He loved how soft and supple it felt against his hands. As primal as humans could be, they had a very lovely feeling.

“So your bone should be,” he gripped a bit tightly. “Here.”

He smiled and turned to his notebook, writing down a few obscure scribbles.

“Next the Iliac Crest,” he announced.

“It’s kind of hard to show you, let me guide your hand,” you said, reaching your palm towards him. He nodded and let you move his hand down your stomach along the side of your hip that sloped towards your lower body. “Do you feel that dip? That’s the Iliac Crest,” you confirmed. Yoongi nodded and felt your skin, enjoying the sensation.

“Interesting, how about the breasts?” he asked. You squealed slightly, moving up to cup your chest from nerves. “Where are they?” he asked, wondering what was taking you so long.

“U-um, well. Those are considered intimate parts to humans...”

“Y/N, I’m not going to hurt you. It’s scientific, I promise you. I just want to help,” he said, rubbing his thumb against your hip gently. The feeling made you crumple and you nodded.

“This is embarrassing for me so, don’t be so... blunt, please,” you said, pulling your shirt over your head. Yoongi stared at the new skin revealed to him. You had more fabric on underneath the shirt you were wearing... How much clothing did you need?

“So, where are your breasts?” he asked yet again. You blushed and unhooked the oddly shaped clothing item and let it fall to the floor. What he saw were two peaks with a beautiful rosy nub at the tip.

“T-these are, um... My breasts,” you said, trying not to cover yourself.

Yoongi stood up and surveyed the territory. Men didn’t have these, that was for sure.

“What do you have these for?” he asked, looking at them, wondering about their purpose.

“To feed children when they’re born. Much like animals with their kids, human mothers produce milk from their breasts full of nutrients to help their young,” you explained. Yoongi nodded and wrote down the information.

“May I, uh, touch them?” he asked, not wanting to over step.

“Yes,” you whispered. “Just be gentle... They’re, ah, very sensitive,” you commented. Yoongi nodded and reached his hands forward cupping your skin in his palms. The rounded buds poked at his skin.

“What are the pink colored buds at the end of your breasts?” he asked, continuing to feel your chest.

“A-ah, they are my nipples... That’s where the child feeds from,” you said, biting your lip. Yoongi squeezed particularly hard and a moan ripped through your throat. Yoongi dropped his hands and looked at you with concern.

“Are you alright?” he asked, touching your shoulder. You nodded quickly, eager for his touch.

“It’s fine, like I said it’s just... sensitive...”

“Okay, that’s alright... Um, well. The next thing would be the mons pubis?” he said, looking at you expectantly.

“Oh,” you said, looking at the ground.

“Is something wrong?” Yoongi asked.

“Well, that’s a woman’s most sensitive place... That’s our genitals. Everything we need for making the baby is down there,” you said, pointing to your pants. Yoongi nodded.

“I don’t have to see it, if you don’t want me to... You can just explain and I’ll try to find out from there-”

“No,” you said firmly. “I want to help too. If me being a little embarrassed can help save humans then I can tough it out,” you said, getting up on his desk.

“What are you doing?” he asked, looking at your position on his desk.

“I need you to help me take these off,” you said, undoing your pants. Yoongi nodded and came forward, helping you push the material off of your legs. You sat on his desk, clad in only your light blue panties. Yoongi observed you, assessing the situation.

“Are you certain we can continue, I don’t want to make you uncomfortable,” he said, touching your knee.

“Yeah, it’s alright, I’m alright.”

Yoongi nodded and slowly pulled your panties down and off your legs, exposing your vagina. Yoongi dropped to his knees before you and pushed your legs apart slowly.

“Alright so where’s the mons pubis?” he asked, gazing at the pink tones.

“Up here,” you said, moving your hands against your pelvic region. Yoongi nodded and took a few notes.

“Alright and-”

“Don’t you want to touch it?” you asked, Yoongi flushed.

“I don’t think that’s going to be necessary you seem nervous and-” he was cut off as you moved his hand to your skin. He felt the soft hair that collected there. As well as the heat that was radiating from further down.

“W-what’s next?” you asked.

“The Labium Majus?” he stated. You moved your hand and his down to the lips of your center. He touched the hot skin there and grabbed his pen once more.

“Right here,” you said, panting at the attention he was giving you.

“I see,” he noted, writing again.

“Where else do you want to see?” you asked, waiting for instructions.

“The Labium Minus,” Yoongi said, lifting his eyes from his books to look at your center.

“Those should be, right-ah!” you gasped, feeling his finger brush against your clit. Yoongi looked to you with concern.

“Did I hurt you? Are you alright?” he asked, moving his hand away. You nodded quickly.

“You didn’t hurt me, but that’s another part I’ll teach you quickly. That’s the clitourous, it-it’s one of the most sensitive parts on the female body. It provides pleasure during intercourse,” you explained, trying to keep your heart rate under control.

“Oh, I see...” he commented, looking at the small bud with curiosity. “Can I touch it again?” he asked, wondering if your reactions would continue.

“Yes, please,” you begged. Yoongi moved his thumb over your pearl again and you arched your back into his touch. Yoongi noticed your reaction and made a note of it in his mind. A willing female participant and a compatible alien...

The final and most likely pair to create an offspring was a human female with a male Uzmanic...

Yoongi kept his pace up, watching as your skin began to flush and turn a soft shade of pink. He stared at your center as it began to lubricate itself, or he assumed that’s what you were doing.

“Y/N, you’re creating a substantial amount of fluid-”

“I’m wet for you, Yoongi,” you breathed, staring into his eyes.

Uzmanic males had similar biology to human males. They looked rather similar from the books that Yoongi had read, however Uzmanics were a tad bigger than the average human male. However, they had the same set up. Testicles and a penis all in the same areas on their bodies. Although he had a feeling his intercourse was much different than the human’s.

Although Yoongi couldn’t figure out why human men had nipples. Since you just stated females used them during feeding their young, did males feed the young as well? Seemed a little much to be completely honest.

“Y/N, I need to tell you something,” Yoongi said, pulling his hand away and lifting you up towards him. You looked at him with slightly glassy eyes, a hunger set within them... But you were still attentive.

“What is it?” you questioned, suddenly feeling the chill of your nakedness. Yoongi brought you closer to himself.

“After you’ve told me your biological set up, and from the few things other anatomy books have had to say. I believe I have a perfect match for the female human specimens,” he stated.

“Alright, but if it has tentacles I’m out,” you said, resting your cheek on his chest.

“Uzmanic males would be a highly successful test subject with human females. Uzmanic males share many traits as human males do,” Yoongi sighed.

“Wait, what? You mean your kind and mine would have a good chance with having kids?” you questioned. Yoongi nodded.

“Yes, Uzmanic males are very virile, due to the process being rather uneventful not much comes out when ejaculate is produced, so what is given to the females has to be effective,” he stated, thinking back on the times he took part in breeding on his home planet. It was usually quick, boring and slightly messy. All together, it was an uninteresting experience.

“Yoongi, are you suggesting we... we try to have a baby?” you asked, lifting your head and looking at him with curiosity. Yoongi thought about it for a moment.

“Well you responded nicely to my touch not too long ago, so perhaps we should try it. We could figure out if intercourse between our species is successful. Some species don’t react to each other, so the mating process can’t continue,” he explained.

“Uh, so you want to try having sex with me?” Yoongi thought for a moment, he wasn’t feeling particularly aroused by you, but he was curious.

“We could try, I suppose,” he said, looking at you.

“Will I get pregnant?” you asked, feeling a sense of overwhelming nerves hit you in the stomach.

“I’m not too sure, we’ll have to see,” he said, pulling his shirt over his head.

“Yoongi, do you know anything about human intercourse?” you questioned as he took his boots off.

“Not particularly, but I know how my species breeds so I’m assuming it’s fairly similar. Seeing as how our species have some mimicry in our structural set up. Why, is there something I should know?” he asked, coming closer.

“Um, no... Just, not sure about this,” you breathed, looking at the marks on his skin with interest.

“If you aren’t sure then we don’t have to do this. You’ve shown me a great deal, so I can just go find another human female who might be more comfortable with the idea-”

“Absolutely not,” you stated, feeling jealousy burn in your cheeks.

“But, Y/N if you don’t consent then I won’t feel comfortable-”

“Put whatever thing you have into me and don’t mention another girl ever again,” you growled, gripping the desk with rage. Yoongi was startled at your statement, not expecting such ferocity from you.

“Alright then, when would you like to have intercourse?”

The desire for him you felt earlier was slowly fizzling out with all the scientific talk, you had to salvage this.

“No time like the present, I’m already naked so,” you said, covering yourself slightly. Yoongi nodded and continued where he left off. You watched as his markings became more apparent to you. His skin was rather beautiful to behold. The deep royal blue that weaved with his muscles made your heart race. Yoongi looked at you watching him. You truly were entranced by him, and he felt something stur in his stomach. What was that feeling?

“Okay, how do we proceed?” he questioned, looking at himself then to you. Your mouth was dry at his appearance. Already, you could see striking differences between him and other human men. First, he had no belly button or nipples, it was a smooth expanse of skin that all wound around, covering his flesh. His eyes were bright green against the pale gray of his body, making your stomach clench. He was truly something to behold.

“H-How do you guys have sex?” you asked, looking at his length, sitting flaccid against his thigh. Yoongi shrugged.

“Nothing too exciting. The females release a pheromone into the air that gets us males enticed and then we approach. Once the female consents to the union she takes us into her opening and squeezes, providing us with stimulation that’s enough to produce ejactulate. Once that’s over she’s usually pregnant,” he said, rubbing his arm. You blushed.

“Where are the females openings?” you questioned. Yoongi’s hand came to your skin and poked your belly button. You squealed at the sensation, making him crack a smile.

“Around this area, we ejaculate directly into the womb, seeing as how our females don’t have a great deal of reproductive organs,” he explained.

“Mine is a tad lower than my belly button,” you stated.

“Belly what?” Yoongi asked, looking at your stomach in confusion.

“Don’t worry about that, I’ll tell you later. Let’s focus on this right now,” you said, taking his hand.

“Fair enough, but how do you humans have sex? Is it different?” he questioned, looking at your belly button with mute wonder.

“A bit, firstly you don’t stick anything in my belly button,” you laughed.

“I still am confused on that part, but continue,” he said, crossing his arms.

“Well, you have a penis. So that makes things a little less confusing for me,” you said, gazing at his cock with a throb going straight to your center. “And you put it in my vagina, then we sort of, just go at it... Pretty simple,” you said.

“What do you mean, ‘go at it’? Do you not squeeze like female Uzmanics?” he questioned, wondering what kind of stimulation you provided to get his semen.

“A bit, but I don’t do all the work like the other females do. We work together to finish,” you explained.

“Finish what?” he asked. You smacked your forehead.

“We both ejactulate,” you tried again. Yoongi screwed his face in distaste.

“Well I certainly don’t want to get pregnant,” he said, looking at his stomach. You sighed, rubbing your face in frustration.

“Yoongi you won’t get pregnant. Women orgasm, it’s a rush of pleasure that signals the ending of sex... Sometimes. Women can generally have multiple orgasms. There’s research to suggest that it’s a reward to promote more sperm competition and things of the like. Generally, women just want sex because it feels good. However, we’re working for a very specific goal so I don’t necessarily need to orgasm to get pregnant,” you said, already hating the idea of being left high and dry by this male.

Yoongi seemed to think for a minute. “Sex feels good for you?” he asked, looking to your vagina with curiosity. You swatted him away and crossed your arms over your chest.

“Yes, it does. Pleasure is the way that keeps humans from dying off... However, that didn’t help when gene pools became stagnant...”

“That’s interesting, so say you did get pregnant and have a child. You’d want to continue having sex after the birth of this child because it feels good? You wouldn’t feel like sex was just a means to have a baby?” he quizzed. You nodded.

“Most humans don’t have sex to produce offspring, they do it to feel pleasure and to become closer to another,” you explained. Yoongi nodded and grabbed his notebook quickly, jotting your statements down.

“I see, that is very different from Uzmanics. Women only breed once then are finished,” he said. “So you’re saying that you can have multiple children in succession to one another,” he confirmed.

“Yes, but it is very difficult on the female body. Usually women try to have children with a few years between them so their bodies can recover from the stress of bearing a child,” you stated. He seemed to understand this and continued his note taking. “However, we’re getting very off track. We’re supposed to be having sex,” you said, reaching for him. Yoongi looked at your outstretched arms with confusion.

“What are you doing?” he asked, looking at you.

“I want to kiss you...?” you questioned, wondering why he was so weirded out by your approach.

“I don’t know what that is,” he said, looking at you and raising his eyebrow.

“It’s a way of showing affection, we put our lips together and... Uh, kiss,” you said, struggling to come up with better explanation but failing.

“Is it necessary for breeding?” he questioned, looking at your lips with curiosity.

“It will help me relax,” you said, lifting your gaze to his. Yoongi nodded and accepted your advances this time.

Slowly, you leaned forward and placed your lips on his in a soft kiss. Yoongi sat there wondering what this had to do with anything. It wasn’t that he didn’t like it or anything, it just seemed a little unnecessary. Yet again, there was the stirring in his stomach that made his penis twitch oddly. He jumped from the sensation and your lips seperated with a pop.

“Are you alright?” you asked, looking at him with concern in your features. Yoongi nodded, looking down at his genitals, disoriented.

“Yeah, my penis felt weird for a moment. Anyways, let's continue,” he said, coming forward and moving to press his lips to yours this time. You didn’t have time to question his little outburst before his mouth hit yours. You felt his cool skin against your lips and sighed in pleasure. He wasn’t moving, just sitting there with his mouth touching yours. It was a bit odd, so you started to move your lips slowly, trying to encourage him to do the same. Yoongi pulled back for a moment, staring at your mouth.

“Yoongi, this isn’t going to work if you keep moving away from me,” you sighed, exasperated at his constant stopping.

“This isn’t doing anything, why are you insisting upon it?” he asked. You bit your lip and wrung your hands together.

“It’s apart of human nature to show affection during this process. Since it’s in our biology to do this to make a child, it’s a romantic gesture... Usually it isn’t so test tube and scientific, the mood isn’t right. I can’t relax when you keep acting like a stranger,” you accused.

Yoongi frowned. Was he truly too detached from this experience? It was obviously putting you in a negative mood, something not helpful when trying to produce a child. He wanted you to be comfortable and happy during this time, perhaps he should attempt a different method.

“I’m sorry,” he began. “You know I’m not good with emotions, no Uzmanic is. That’s probably the biggest difference between humans and us. You are creatures of feeling and sensation. Uzmanics believe in logic and science above all else. That’s where we’re getting stuck,” he explained. “So, I will try to get out of my own head and be here in this moment with you. Because, I’ve found over traveling with you for so long... Being in the present, the here and now seems to be the best place for me... As long as you’re there with me,” he said, pressing his forehead against yours in an affectionate way.

Yoongi waited for your response with bated breath, hoping that his little show of emotion would help break down his walls and help you come to him. A small smile lit across your face, burning away the sadness and discomfort of earlier.

“Thank you, I appreciate that. I think another reason we’re getting stuck is that I’m in your study and not on a comfortable surface. Let’s try moving this somewhere else,” you suggested, standing up.

“That could be a good idea,” Yoongi agreed.

“Alright, let’s go to my room.”

* * *

Yoongi was sat on your bed, a robe wrapped around his frame. You insisted that this would help set the mood. He had been waiting for you to finish in the bathroom, yet another thing you said would be crucial in the long run. He ran the fabric between his fingers, letting the softness warm him. However, a sour taste reached his mouth as he realized... It wasn’t as soft as you.

Eventually, Yoongi was certain you had fallen asleep in the bathroom and was going to abandon this for the time being when the door opened. You stood there in a robe similar to his, but much shorter and made out of a different material. The color was a deep, royal blue... A color familiar to him as he looked at his skin.

“Are you ready?” he asked, watching as you came forward.

“As I’ll ever be,” you breathed, standing right in front of him.

“So, how should we proceed?” he asked, looking at your wet hair. “Did you bathe?” he questioned, taking a strand between his fingers. You nodded and lifted your leg onto the bed.

“Touch,” you offered, pulling the robe up off your thigh slowly. Yoongi nodded and reached out, placing his hand on your shin. Your skin was warm to the touch, his cool skin meshing with your own nicely. He heard you sigh in content, closing your eyes and relaxing. “Go higher,” you suggested. He did as instructed, moving his hand up over your knee. The skin he found was so smooth and soft, it was pleasant to feel.

“You’re soft,” he said quietly, admiring the way you reacted to his touch.

“Thank you,” you commented. “I’m going to take my robe off, but keep yours on alright?” you requested. Yoongi nodded and closed his eyes.

“You may disrobe whenever you like,” he said, keeping his eyes shut. He felt your hand on his cheek, causing his eyes to lift open. You were staring at him, a soft look in your eyes.

“Don’t look away, I have something to show you.” Yoongi nodded and did as you asked, keeping his eyes open and on your body.

With patient movements you undid the tie around your waist, pulling the silken fabric apart. Yoongi wasn’t sure what purpose this served, but it was almost irritating how slow you were. He wanted to see you again. He came to the conclusion that he like how you looked naked. You were different than Uzmanic females, of course, but it wasn’t a bad different. The pink tones of your skin made him more worked up than he had realized.

Finally the robe fell to the floor and you stood before him with more material over yourself. He recognized the design of the clothing, but didn’t know what they were for. “You still have more clothing on? How long does the mating process between humans take?” he asked, propping his head up on his palm. You made a sort of distressed squeak and crossed your arms over your chest.

“This is called lingerie, it’s used to help women arouse males with pretty fabric,” you said, turning around to show him. Yoongi did think that it looked nice, but it was still on you and keeping him from touching your skin.

“Seems a bit redundant when it’s just going to be taken off anyways,” he feigned irritation, raising an eyebrow. You huffed in annoyance at your seducing techniques going AWOL.

“I’m trying to arouse you! Do Uzmanics really not enjoy sex to the point when a woman offers themselves up to them on a silver platter, they turn around and say they wanted gold?”

“I never said I wasn’t aroused,” he said, keeping a level face. Yoongi couldn’t deny that you looked good. But it all seemed a little useless when the process wasn’t going to be very long.

“A-are you aroused by me, Yoongi?” you asked, a blush rising to your cheeks.

“Sure,” he said, not conveying any kind of emotion to back up his statement.

“Sure? I’m stood here in the nicest set of lingerie I own and all you can say is sure? What do I have to do to get you excited to have sex with me?” you asked, coming closer.

Yoongi thought about it for a minute... The female pheromones that were released during their breeding sessions usually made him feel a little sick, not aroused. But he wasn’t sure if he’d ever been truly aroused in his life. The women of his home were pretty, sure, but nothing of great importance. You were already much more beautiful in his opinion. Especially with your soft skin...

“Not too sure, I don’t know if I’ve ever been aroused in my life... Uzmanics don’t use sex as a means to procure pleasure. We do it so our race doesn’t die out. Necessary evil if you will. It’s painful for the woman and the men don’t generally get much enjoyment out of hurting their partner, so it’s all together kind of boring and unsatisfying,” he said.

“Is your penis sensitive? Like, do you gain pleasure from being inside the females?” you asked. Yoongi thought back and nodded.

“Yes, it feels nice when we’re inside them. But generally they are screaming so you feel bad to gain any kind of pleasure from the encounter,” he explained. You sighed in relief and went to your knees.

“Then I have an idea,” you said, crawling in between his legs.

“What is it?” he asked, looking at you being so close to his length was sort of awkward.

“I’m going to blow you,” you said, moving his robe aside and looking at his length with determination in your eyes.

“Blow me what-ah!” Yoongi yelped as you took his penis in your mouth. He gripped your shoulders and bit his lip, not knowing what to do with the sensations. It was so hot inside of your mouth. Since Uzmanics have their lower body temperatures the feeling of being enveloped by something so warm and wet was incredible.

You wrapped your hand around his shaft and began pumping up and down, ensuring every inch of his cock was covered in slick. Yoongi trembled at the sensation, eyes closed shut from the feeling. He couldn’t seem to catch his breath as he focused on your touch. The way your skin felt against his, caressing his length unlike the females he’d been with before.

“Do you like it? Does it feel nice?” you asked, licking the underside of his shaft and sucking on the tip like a popsicle. Yoongi wasn’t sure he could speak, so overwhelmed by you. Every slight adjustment of your grip on his dick made him shiver slightly. He gave a nod, biting his lip harsh enough to draw blood.

You stared at his face, feeling pleasure course through your core. It was almost embarrassing how soaked your panties were, enough to stick to your center. Yoongi was slowly losing grip on his mental state, slowly feeling your thoughts sweep into his mind.

He could feel your pleasure just from sucking him, how much you got off on it. Your emotions plus his own physical state started pushing him towards an edge. He’d ejaculated before, obviously, but this sensation was something completely heightened. Different than the times he’d bred before.

“Y-Y/N, I feel really weird,” he warned, trying to get you to stop. But you wanted to taste him, more than anything.

“It’s okay, Yoongi. Let it out, let me taste you... I want it, please give it to me,” you whined, pumping him aggressively. Your words caused a wire inside him to snap.

He came with a shout into your mouth, surprising more than you with the velocity and the amount he produced. He couldn’t seem to stop, he wanted to fill you up... When the sensitivity set in, Yoongi pulled himself from your mouth. You swallowed his cum and wiped your lips, looking Yoongi in the eyes with desire. Without knowing why, Yoongi surged forward and captured your mouth with his, causing you to fall back onto the floor. He followed you, not severing the kiss, moving his palms to yours. You interlocked your fingers and encouraged him to kiss you deeper. Yoongi seemed to pick up quickly, licking into your mouth with fervor.

Yoongi pulled back and licked his lips, tasting himself on your tongue. “I can see the appeal of kissing now,” he breathed, leaning back down and swallowing your mouth once again. You gripped his neck to keep yourself grounded. The lack of air made your head spin, but you didn’t want to be seperated for even a moment. Yoongi finally let you pull back, as a gasp filled the air.

“Touch me,” you pleaded, pulling at his robe. Yoongi nodded and ripped the material off, relishing in the smooth feeling of your skin. You moaned as Yoongi licked at your throat. He wasn’t sure why, but he wanted to lick and kiss every part of your body. Leaving bruises and marks in his wake.

“I feel like I can’t think straight... What’s going on with me,” Yoongi wondered out loud, looking at your frame beneath him.

“I know... I feel it too. Please, please fuck me,” you moaned, trying to lift your hips for any kind of friction. Yoongi almost yelped from the sensation of your wet heat trailing across his aching length. You looked up at him with pleading eyes, biting your lip intensely. Yoongi moved forward, kissing your stomach then lower, right above your center. He wasn’t sure why, but the smell coming from there made his mouth water uncontrollably. He wanted to lick you there, taste you as you tasted him.

“Y/N, can I?” he begged, gazing up to you for permission. You nodded quickly, brushing his blue hair from his eyes. Without any form of restraint he dove into your center, tongue laving a large swipe from the base of your core to right below your panty line. An agonized moan left your mouth at the sensation. It was almost too good. Yoongi went right back to your mound and licked at your center like a man possessed. He’d never smelt something so arousing. He felt he could burst again at the taste of your liquid sliding onto his greedy tongue. You arched your back and felt his nose brush against your clit, causing you to hiss in pleasure.

“Yoongi, my clit... Please focus there, I wanna cum,” you murmured, tangling your fingers into his hair. He complied, moving his muscle over your sweet pearl. He sucked and pulled at the flesh, wanting to hear more of your sounds. You panted his name, watching as he kissed your clit multiple times. The building of your orgasm was beginning to reach its peak. Yoongi couldn’t seem to get enough, kissing your lower lips and sucking to get more of your flavor in his mouth.

“So sweet,” he moaned against your core, pulling your leg over his shoulder so he could move deeper into you with his tongue. He found a hole towards the bottom of your vagina. He experimentally dipped his tongue inside to explore, when you cried out in pleasure. Yoongi looked to you with worry, but you shook your head quickly.

“Yoongi, please don’t stop. Feels good, keep going baby,” you pleaded, almost on the verge of tears because you wanted to cum so badly. Complying with your request Yoongi slowly pushed his tongue back inside your cavern, feeling the velvet of your walls touch him softly. He moaned at the feeling, wanting to put a different part of himself in this place.

He was rock hard against his thigh, dripping down onto the floor, making a mess of the carpet. However, he couldn’t find a single fuck to give at the moment. All that mattered was you. The sounds you were making and how you felt against his body.

“Gonna cum, ah-ah!” you whined, back arching off the floor and you flooding Yoongi’s mouth with your juices. He swallowed, slowing his licks, as you shuddered from your high. You dropped to the ground with a thud and your chest was rising and falling with the effort of breathing. Yoongi could feel your heart rate thrumming in your inner thigh and he was almost alarmed at the pace.

“Breathe, Y/N,” he coaxed, kissing your stomach slowly. He relished in the softness against his mouth. Every part of your body was enticing to him. How hadn’t he noticed before this night? How beautiful you were? How fast you made his heart beat...

When your breathing evened out, Yoongi nudged your cheek with his nose. Sleepily, you turned your head and caught his lips in a kiss. He parted your lips with his tongue and you could sense his urgency against your thigh. “Yoongi,” you whispered, hand coming up to cup his cheek. He leaned into your touch and gazed into your eyes. “Make me a mother, please,” you begged, wanting to be filled up so much you couldn’t walk the next day.

A possessive growl filled the room and Yoongi hauled you from the ground and onto your bed. A searing kiss placed on your lips made you moan, wrapping your arms around Yoongi’s neck as he pulled at your bra with irritation. “Get this off,” he demanded, sitting back on his haunches. You sat up and undid the back, letting the material fall off your wrist and onto the floor. Yoongi pushed forward, gripping your breasts with his hands, kneading your sensitive flesh.

“Ah!” you cried out, giving Yoongi’s neck open mouthed kisses as he fondled your chest.

“These will be swollen with milk for our child,” he moaned, moving his mouth to your nipple and sucking it into his mouth. You cried out and ran your fingers through his hair. Encouraged by your sounds, he continued, flicking the bud with his tongue and gently nipping with his teeth. You could feel your wetness sliding down your thighs as Yoongi continued with your breasts.

“Please, please stop teasing me and put it in,” you sobbed, shaking from want. Yoongi pulled back and nodded, grasping his length and pushing it against your center desperately.

“I-It’s different than our females... W-where do I?” he asked, looking to you for help. You gripped his length and guided it to your entrance, feeling it dip in slightly due to Yoongi’s work earlier.

“There, just be slow... It’s going to sting for me a little bit,” you said, shifting your hips slowly. Yoongi felt his heart jump. Sting? It was going to hurt you like it hurt the other females?

“I-I can’t hurt you... I won’t,” he stated firmly, beginning to pull away.

“No!” you cried, reaching for him desperately. Yoongi was shocked at your outburst, but remained still. “I need you, please... Please put it in, I want the pain... I want it all because it’s you. I want all of you with me, forever. Yoongi please,” you whispered into his neck.

“I crashed in your cornfield, I probably destroyed hundreds of years of work,” he stated, already losing his moral compass at the feeling of your breasts pressed against him.

“Then make it up to me and plant another seed,” you said, taking his hand and resting it on your stomach. Yoongi stared at your hand and his, interlocked over where your womb should be... His heart throbbed at the want... A family that he could be apart of. Not one that only wanted him for a few moments. Someone who wanted him because they desired his company and enjoyed being around him...

“I will,” he said, cradling your head in another kiss and following you down onto the mattress. Yoongi found your entrance with ease and looked to you for one final blink of permission. You nodded and he slowly pushed forward.

The heat hit him first. It was hotter than your mouth, tighter too. The feeling of being enveloped so entirely in the plush walls of your core. Yoongi gripped your waist and kept you still. A soft yelp came from your kiss swollen lips.

“Oh fuck, Yoongi,” you sighed, leaning your head back on the bed and gripping onto his bicep for some kind of traction to keep you in reality.

His throbbing, thick length had you gasping for air. You’d never experienced something quite like this before. So cool, yet pulsating in rhythm to Yoongi’s heart beat. His hands were practically glued to your sides, making you squirm from the unrelenting pressure.

“Please, move Yoongi. Fuck me,” you cried out. He stared at you with confusion. You weren’t squeezing like you were supposed to.

“How am I supposed to move? Why aren’t you clenching tightly?” he questioned, sweat pouring down his face.

“Oh I’m sorry I’m not tight enough for you,” you said, trying not to clench out of spite. Yoongi whined, rutting against you almost instinctively. Unsure of how to continue, he kissed your lips for reprieve.

“How? How do I do it? Y/N, tell me how do I fuck you?” he asked, licking into your mouth with such wanton desire it was contagious.

“Your hips,” you rasped. “Move them back, then forward again. Build a rhythm,” you said, trailing your hands to the flesh of his ass and gripping tightly. Yoongi squawked and bucked into you harshly, drawing a grunt from your lungs. The harsh strike of pleasure hit your spine and you arched into him.

“Like this?” he questioned, pulling his hips back then pushing back into your heat again. You nodded, drawing marks down his skin. Watching as they swelled up and rivaled his natural skin tone.

“That feels so good,” you panted, watching as his cock disappeared inside of you and reappeared with your fluids covering it in the glimmer of the dim light. You observed as Yoongi’s eyebrow furrowed with effort, trying to keep his pace as well as deliver pleasure to both parties.

“Shit, I’ve never felt anything like this... What is this sensation, being inside of you is so incredible,” he gasped, his head falling into the crook of your neck. Yoongi splattered kisses there mindlessly, so focused on the feeling of you consuming him. You gripped onto his biceps and rocked your hips against him, easing him into the rhythm.

You couldn’t breathe evenly, Yoongi’s thrusts becoming harsher as time went on. “Oh fuck, Yoongi!” you yelped, digging your nails into his beautiful flesh and watches as blood pricked against his skin. He hissed but the pain only egged him on. He plunged into your heat with desperation, the sensation becoming overwhelming.

“Y-Y/N, I feel really weird,” he warned, continuing the watch the lewd scene before him.

“Are you gonna cum, Yoongi?” you asked, reaching up to wrap your arms around his neck, forcing your hips down against him. Yoongi whined at the feeling of your walls clenching down on him.

“W-What’s does that mean?” he asked, grasping at your chest. Kneading the delicate skin to provide you more pleasure.

“Means you’ll finish in me, and get me pregnant,” you breathed. Yoongi gasped at the statement.

“Oh, fuck,” he groaned, tensing up. Suddenly, there was the overwhelming heat that signaled his release. The watching Yoongi’s face cloud over in pleasure sent you over the edge. Your walls fluttered around Yoongi, pulling another shot of cum from his length.

A few moments later, Yoongi collapsed onto the bed. You felt his length slide out of you, causing a shudder to rush down your spine. Yoongi and yourself were panting harshly, feeling the afterglow of your orgasms flood your system.

Silence rested in the room, not uncomfortable or unwanted. Yoongi’s breathing began to even out and your mind became a little less foggy.

“Yoongi?” you whispered, feeling the dampness between your legs grow uncomfortable.

“Yeah?” he whispered back, turning his head to look at you.

“Can you get me a washcloth?”

“Why?”

“Because your stuff is drying on my legs and it’s disgusting,” you stated. Yoongi cleared his throat in embarrassment but quickly got up and went to the bathroom. He was back a few moments later and crawled onto the bed, between your legs once more. You couldn’t help the thrill of pleasure that ran down of your spine at the sight.

“Don’t clench like that or I’m going to fuck you again,” he warned, wiping your legs down.

“Well... Maybe we should make sure I really do get pregnant.”

Silence.

“God damn it, get on your knees.”

---

You woke up three weeks later, fitful stomach the only thing on your mind.

Quickly you threw yourself through the bathroom door and emptied last night's meal into your toilet. Yoongi ran in, sleep still present in his face but concern running through his veins.

“Are you alright?” he asked, coming next to you with a cold cloth to press against the back of your neck. You nodded, leaning into his touch.

“Stomach is upset,” you complained. Yoongi’s head perked up, looking at you with raised eyebrows.

“Is this morning sickness? Are you pregnant?” he asked. You thought for a moment. You weren’t due for your period for another week, however it didn’t hurt to check.

“I’m not sure. I’m not late, but you can give me a test and I’ll take it,” you said.

Yoongi booked it out of the room and grabbed his medical supplies kit. The dreaded white stick was handed to you and a timer set.

You walked out after washing your hands. Yoongi and you leant against the wall, waiting for the test to develop.

“Do you want to be pregnant?” he asked, looking at you with his bright green eyes.

“If it’s with you, then yeah,” you breathed, gazing down at your fingers. Yoongi’s heart rate sped up, a sense of longing coming over him.

“Me too,” he said, taking your hand in his.

Beep. Beep. Beep.

“Do you want to see it?” you asked, coming out of the bathroom.

“Just tell me,” he breathed.

“It’s negative,” you said, holding the stick out to him. Yoongi frowned.

“I wonder why, we’ve been having unprotected sexual intercourse.

“Sometimes women need a couple tries before they actually get pregnant. The human fertility cycle is a fickle thing,” you stated, rubbing his shoulder.

“Are you disappointed?” Yoongi asked, throwing the used test in the garbage.

“A little, but at least I have an excuse to have sex with you again,” you smiled.

“You don’t need an excuse, I like having sex with you,” Yoongi stated, a blank expression on his face.

“Oh, I’m glad you enjoy it,” you said, feeling a little offended that’s all he liked.

“But I think I like it because it’s with you, I don’t know if I’d enjoy having sex with anything else,” he said, pulling his face into a confused look.

Before he could open his mouth again you covered his lips with yours. Yoongi fell into the rhythm quickly, wrapping his arms around your waist and pulling you closer.

“I might like kissing you better than sex, however,” he stated, resting his head against yours. You smiled and started leading him towards the bed.

“Let’s try again,” you breathed, laying down.

“Try what again? Sexual intercourse? I thought I was improving, you seem to be enjoying it as well. I thought you made me deaf in one ear from all the screaming,” he said, rubbing his ear for effect.

“Getting me pregnant, idiot. I wanna have a baby with you cause I like you,” you said.

“Oh, I like you too I guess.”

You frowned.

“Never mind, take me home,” you pouted, sitting up and crossing your arms.

“Why? Did I offend you again?” he asked, sitting on his knees.

“Yes, you’re being an asshole.”

“I don’t see how my inability to understand you relates me to the place you defecate from but whatever,” he sighed. “But I do like you,” Yoongi confessed.

“How?”

“Do you want an explanation of how I like you or the reason or-”

“No for fucksake Yoongi I want to know if you like me cause I give you sex or because of my personality,” you sighed, rubbing your forehead in frustration.

“I liked you before we started having intercourse. I wouldn’t have brought you along with me if I hadn’t. You’re my first friend, first kiss, lots of other things too. First cornfield to crash in,” he said, counting on his fingers.

“Yoongi, do you love me?” you asked, letting your walls down for once.

“Is that the human emotion that you talk about a lot?” he questioned. You nodded in response. “Then, yes. I do love you, Y/N,” he said, smiling a little at the end of his sentence.

You were quiet for a moment. Yoongi bit his lip, had he upset you again? Damn, he really tried that time. Suddenly you launched yourself at his mouth. He almost didn’t have enough time to breathe with all the mouth action going on.

“D-Did I-” Kiss. “Say something-” Kiss. “Right for once?” Kiss.

“I love you too, Yoongi. Now take your clothes off.”

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allthephils · 6 years

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Repose

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Word count: 3592 Rating: M (language, adult themes, drinking, mentions of sex, sleeping beauty au)

Chapter 4

It rained the whole way home. Phil watched the water dribble down over the window. He was glad the sun had disappeared behind grey clouds. It’s exhausting being sad in good weather. Louise was kind enough to let him alone on the drive, except for the occasional pat to the knee when she noticed him wiping a tear. Phil felt so much grief, like he was walking away from Dan forever. He’d already been through this process and those old wounds stung in a new, deeper way.

When you’re in love with a member of the royal family, you don’t have to try to stay abreast of that person’s well being. Phil had actively avoided any news about Dan but he still had constant reassurance that he was was alive and well. Now, there was no guarantee that Dan would be either of those things. If all this curse nonsense was true, one of those eligible women could well be his destiny. The royal decree had been clear, whoever delivered the kiss that woke Daniel from his sleep, had the right to marriage and all that entails. The other possibility was that none of those women were Daniel’s true love and he would stay locked in sleep forever. There was a third option as well, that there was no curse and Daniel was just in some sort of unusual variety of coma. He could be lost before they even knew what was happening, and not to sleep, but truly lost. Phil couldn’t fathom the last one, but he honestly didn't know which of the first two was worse.

Louise had to get home to Darcy. She gave Phil a tight hug at the curb with promises to check in and reminders that he could call her anytime, day or night. He tried to tell her how grateful he was for her but the rain came down and they were cut short. Phil brushed his teeth and took a shower. He really just stood under the water, trying to feel something other than grief and sadness and frustration. Phil just wanted to climb into bed but it was only 3 in the afternoon and he didn’t want to risk causing himself a sleepless night in the state he was in. He pulled on his Star Wars pajamas and went to grab t-shirt from his drawer. He dug to the bottom to find a really old, soft one. When he saw the green pattern, he wondered which shirt it was for a moment until he realized it was Dan’s Versace. It had been left behind in the laundry but Phil always thought Dan left it on purpose. He knew Phil hated that shirt. It was hideous and spending over 100 pounds on a t-shirt was just wrong. Now though, as he slipped it on, it felt precious to him.

Phil padded in socked feet down to the kitchen and made a cup of coffee. He carried the mug to the sofa and turned on the television. He couldn’t be bothered to put in a DVD so he scrolled through amazon video and played Jurassic World. Watching Chris Pratt flex and fight dinosaurs sounded like an ideal distraction. Just as he pulled a blanket over his legs, his phone rang, like actually rang. He almost ignored it, completely unwilling to take on human interaction right now, but he didn’t get many calls, it could be urgent. It was Phil’s brother, Martyn.

“Hey Martyn.”

“Hey buddy.” His voice was overly kind.

“What’s up Martyn, I’m kinda busy.”

“Yeah I see you’ve had a busy day. You’re quite the hero on Twitter and Tumblr. Mum’s not loving it but I think she is secretly a little proud.”

“Excuse me?” Phil wanted to throw the phone across the room. Couldn’t he get one day off from all of that? “What are you on about?”

“Phil, I saw the video of you at the castle gate. It’s pretty impressive, I have to say. I don’t want to say I’m surprised but I’m surprised. You stood up for what’s right. The hashtag was bound to happen, it’ll blow over.” Martyn talked to someone on his end for a moment. “Cornelia says to tell you she ships it.”

All at once, Phil remembered, #Phaniel. He hadn’t told his family about Dan, he couldn’t. They knew he had had a boyfriend and that it ended badly. Martyn had come to see him in those dark post break up weeks. As far as Martyn was concerned, Phaniel was no different than Phimmy or Philirific. There was a knock at the door, a merciful interruption. It was the first time in his life, Phil had been happy someone was at the door, except all the times Dan had knocked of course.

“Thanks Martyn and tell Corn I love her. I’ve gotta run, someone’s knocking on my door.”

Martyn tried to argue but Phil hung up, pretending not to hear. He got up and hoped whoever was at the door was ready for the stunning outfit he was sporting. It was a courier of sorts, or was it a process server? “Philip Lester?” He asked, looking down at his clipboard.

“Yes?” Phil felt a twinge of nerves, what was all this about? He really hoped he hadn’t been sent a stripper as he was really not in the mood. They handed over a rather impressive looking envelope with Phil’s name and address written in beautiful calligraphy. The clipboard was shoved into his hands, “Sign for receipt please.” Phil was baffled but he signed, hesitating a moment because he almost wrote amazingPhil. The courier nodded a thanks and turned to leave.

Phil closed the door behind him and sat on the sofa. He turned the envelope over in his hands. There was an honest to god wax seal on the back. He peeled it away, opened the flap, and pulled out the letter. The paper felt wonderful in his hands, it was weighty, and soft to the touch. He held it up to the light and saw the fibers of cotton dispersed throughout. The black ink was deep and rich and Phil marveled that the letter was hand written. He expected some kind of royal decree, an order to cease and desist, or maybe even a restraining order, but that’s not what he read.

Mr. Lester,

It has come to our attention that your presence at Prince Daniel’s bedside may have had an effect on his well being. The queen requests your return to discuss your visit with the royal physician. Your continued involvement may or may not be desired by her majesty and any further invitation will be extended at a date and time yet to be determined. A car will be sent for you tomorrow morning at 8.

With regards,

Virginia Richards

Senior Secretary

to her Majesty the Queen

Phil snapped a photo and sent it to Louise, who responded simply, with WTF? After Jurassic World, Phil watched an episode of Black Mirror and ordered Thai food. He went to bed early since he’d be getting up in the morning like a normal adult human, for the second day in a row.

Sleep came easy and he dreamed of dragons and enchanted swords, of thorny vines that wound their way up and over Windsor Castle. He saw pink roses, the color of Dan’s lips, bloom between the thorns. Phil, in his dream, approached the gate, his sword dragging behind him, and the thorny tangle unwound and opened to him. He walked through and climbed a winding staircase, dropping his weapon somewhere along the way. Dan lay in repose in a tower surrounded by an artificial night, the moon shone down on his face, and stars drew constellations around him. Phil leaned over to kiss him and Dan’s lips felt cold against his. As Phil stood, Dan’s arm dropped off the bed, limp at his side. Phil woke with a start and checked the time, 6am. He didn’t feel rested, he felt like he’d run a marathon. Nevertheless, he got out of bed and into the shower. He made coffee and forced some cereal down. He took his time dressing but wore his usual plaid shirt and jeans. Phil had no idea what was ahead but he wasn’t feeling particularly eager to please. Seeing Dan again was his only incentive to cooperate and he held on to a sliver of hope that maybe Dan was doing better, maybe he could help him.

Louise practically bounced in her seat, Phil’s phone in her hand. Opposite her, Phil was stress eating, inhaling pizza. He was already on his 3rd slice.

“You have him programmed into your phone as Dan?”

“He told me to call him Dan! What was I supposed to put, Prince Daniel, Duke of Cambridge, future king of England, the one with the nice arse?”

“That’s more accurate, so yes.” Louise thought out loud, “He’s clearly into you. You need to seem interested but not overly excited. He probably gets all kinds of crazy attention.”

“What do you mean, clearly? We said 2 sentences to each other and I was a bumbling mess. Anyway, he said he hoped we’d be friends.” He started on slice 4.

Louise looked Phil dead in the eye. “Are you serious? So you think a prince who has been skirting gay rumors since he was 16 gave his bodyguards the slip and stalked a super cute guy with a matching haircut because he wanted to be friends? You think he hands his phone number out to strangers on the regular?”

Phil blushed, “Guess not.” Louise hit send and handed the phone back.

“Oh my god, you sent it!?"

Phil: Hi Dan, It’s Phil, from the bakery. Sorry you had to run. Can we pick up where we left off?

The phone vibrated and Phil jumped, slamming it face down on the table with a small yelp. Louise rolled her eyes and picked it up, reading aloud.

Dan: Phil! You texted me! I wasn’t sure you would. Does this mean I get to see you again?

Phil put his head down on the table to hide his burning cheeks. He was terrified and giddy and insanely flattered. Louise leaned over and shook Phil by the shoulders.

“Oh. My. God. Philip!”

Phil played it as cool as he could, saying he’d love to hang out but he did have a lot to do this week. This was an absolute lie considering Phil had literally no schedule and no one to answer to but himself. Dan told Phil that he’d be spending the next 2 days in Hackney, helping primary school kids plant a vegetable garden, but that Saturday would be a perfect night to meet up.

Saturday night at 8:30, there was a knock at the door. Phil looked in the mirror, repaired his splinges, and unbuttoned his top button. He opened the door and waved stiffly at Dan who waved back in a sweet attempt at breaking the tension. He followed Dan out the front door to a waiting car. A strong looking guy in a suit held the door open for them and they climbed in. Phil recognized him from the bakery and Dan introduced him as Dennis. Dennis did not say hello, but leaned in and handed Phil an Ipad. “Standard non-disclosure agreement, sign with your finger please. And I’ll need to see your ID.”

“Nice to meet you too, Dennis.” Phil snarked. He pulled his ID out and showed it to Dennis, then signed the screen. Dennis shut the door and walked around to the front passenger seat.

“Sorry about him, he really is a nice guy.” Dan said.

Sometimes, YouTube sent cars to take Phil to events. He tried to pretend this was no different, that there wasn’t a bodyguard in the front seat and a prince sitting next to him.

“So, where are we going?” In an effort to avoid staring longingly at Dan’s beautiful face, Phil watched the scenery go by through the tinted window. It was going to take some time to see him as flesh and blood and not the heartthrob Phil had been stanning for months.

“Knightsbridge.” Dan said, “A few of my friends are having a party in this amazing apartment. You’ll love it. There should be food there if you’re hungry.”

Phil liked a very particular kind of party, the kind with a few close friends playing board games and eating pizza. What Dan was describing sounded like Phil’s own private hell. There’d be weird food he’d never tried, expensive furniture for him to spill drinks on, and loads of new people to judge him for looking awkward and uncomfortable the whole time. Normally, these types of parties wouldn’t be a problem because Phil would never be invited to one but now he had unwittingly agreed to attend. He was just going to have to be brave, there was no way he was giving up this chance to spend time with Dan.

They pulled up in front of a smart looking building. Dennis got out, exchanged some sort of secret lad handshake hug with the doorman, then leaned against the hood of the car and lit a cigarette. Phil followed Dan into the building and to a private elevator. Dan punched a code into a keypad on the wall and they went up. And up. And up. Phil leaned on the railing and closed his eyes as his stomach traveled into his throat. He took a few deep breaths to recover from the elevator induced motion sickness and straightened himself up. The doors opened onto an opulent lounge the size of Phil’s entire apartment. The longest sofa he had ever seen stretched along the length of two walls, dotted with couples and clusters of people. The sofa was white and Phil vowed to stayed far away from it. A huge wall of windows revealed a balcony with a firepit in the center. Across the lounge, there was a banquet table covered in food. Phil took a step closer to Dan, who leaned in to his ear. “Don’t worry, I hate parties too. This is just one of the few places I can be without hiding. Let’s go loiter by the food.”

Phil exhaled and the two of them hurried through the scattered crowd. They grazed on tiny cakes and Dan served up some strong smelling punch. They drank and chatted about nothing and soon the party disappeared. It was just Dan and Phil, not a prince and a YouTuber, just a couple of dorks debating which is the best Mario Kart. Phil refilled their glasses and eyed a small card set on a plate of hors d'oeuvres.

“Dan, what exactly is an artisanal pickle? And why does it need to be said that it’s gluten free?” Dan laughed, covering his mouth to keep from dribbling. ”Don’t ask me mate, I’m a royal not a hipster.” He handed Phil his glass, moving in close enough that Phil could smell the cherry vodka on his breath. “I need to powder my nose. Be right back.”

Phil watched Dan walk away with perhaps just a bit too much attention, but soon snapped back to realize he was stood alone, at a party, full of posh people he doesn't know. He backed himself into the kitchen and leaned on a counter, staring into his punch. There was a couple making out against another counter but the kitchen was so big, it didn’t seem an issue. Phil began absentmindedly playing with a set of crystal salt and pepper shakers next to him, naming them Dan and Phil, and walking them down an imaginary aisle. Just as he said the second I do, someone sidled up next to him and he jumped, shoving the shakers away so fast, one tipped and spilled.

“You’re amazingPhil.” He was as tall as Phil with a mop of curly hair that hung down into his striking green eyes. Phil was hastily brushing salt off the counter into his hand. He threw a bit over his shoulder to avoid angering any malevolent spirits and let the rest fall to the floor.

“I am. Hey.” He really hoped this guy would walk away but that didn’t happen.

“I’m PJ, so good meeting you.” He shook Phil’s hand briskly and spoke just as fast. “Love your videos. You came with Dan, yes? Dan and I met in grammar school. He’s a grave disappointment to his parents as am I, so we bonded right off the bat. Can I pick your brain about YouTube? I find it fascinating.”

“Hi PJ, It’s eh, good to meet you too but I feel like I should see where Dan ran off to.”

“Oh Dan? He’s right over there.” He gestured over his shoulder. “He got ambushed on his way back from the loo.”

Phil looked over to see Dan talking to a very pretty young woman in tiny shorts and a bolero jacket. Her heels were so high, she could look Dan right in the eye. Her right hand rested on his forearm and the other gesticulated wildly, spilling drops of her drink onto the cream colored rug. Dan caught Phil looking for him and he rolled his eyes and grinned before going back to feigning interest in her non-stop talking.

“So,” PJ drew Phil back in, “you guys a thing then?”

“Me and Dan? Oh no. We only just met. We’re just friends.”

“Really? Hmm. Didn’t look like friends over here canoodling in the corner.” PJ crunched a tiny pickle.

“Canoodling? We weren’t… he’s not interested in me like that.” Phil moved to get himself more punch and PJ followed, standing beside him.

“You see the girl he’s talking to? That’s Iris Spencer. She comes from just the right sort of family and has been educated in all the right schools. If Dan’s father could choose anyone for him to marry, she’d be it.”

“Marry? He not even 19.”

“Well, they’d wait till after university of course. To call her Dan’s ex-girlfriend would be a stretch so let’s just say they’ve spent some time together and she’s not accustomed to being turned down. Anywho, she’s been talking his ear off for a good 20 minutes and he hasn’t taken his eyes off of you.” PJ slurped from his cup of punch to drive his point home. “He’s into you.”

Phil kept his head low but glanced up, trying to discreetly watch the interaction. Dan nodded occasionally but his eyes stayed fixed over Iris’ shoulder, across the room, on Phil. Their eyes met and and Phil bit his lip to keep his smile from spreading too wide. He looked at PJ who grinned and slurped again.

“He’s out of my league.” Phil said, shaking his head softly.

PJ leaned in close and whispered, “Phil, he’s looking at you like you’re a damn buffet and he’s not sure which end to start on. Go. Get. Your. Man.”

Phil sputtered a laugh and looked at PJ with wide eyes. He couldn’t argue with that so he tipped back the rest of his punch and stood up as straight as his nerves would allow. He marched right up to Dan and took his hand.

“Phil! This is… Oh!” Dan was cut off mid-sentence as Phil pulled Dan along with him, never stopping.

Iris fumed, “Oi! Dan!”

Dan looked over his shoulder, “Sorry Iris, got a better offer!” They drew some attention as Phil led Dan out onto the balcony. Phil spotted a huge tub of beers and grabbed two. Dan did the same. They followed the balcony around the side of the building and squeezed past a stack of extra patio chairs to find a few feet of blessed empty space. They both sunk to the ground, giggling. Dan popped the tops of his beers on the slats of a chair and handed one to Phil, who held his own two beers up, “Great minds,” he said as he put them aside.

The clinked their bottles together and Dan opened his mouth to give a toast but paused, “I just realized all the toasts I know are dirty, I don’t want to offend you. You got one?”

Phil though for a second, cleared his throat, and said, “I’d rather have a bottle in front of me then a frontal lobotomy. Cheers!”

Dan chuckled and drank. “Phil, I’m sorry I brought you here. I wanted to go somewhere I could be myself but this scene is garbage, I know that.”

“I dunno. I’m actually having a really good time, Dan. I met your friend, PJ. He’s… interesting. He’s actually pretty cool. I don’t care where we are as long I’m...” Phil stopped himself just in time but Dan wasn’t gonna let him off that easy.

“I’m sorry, what?” Dan stared at Phil, eyebrows raised, hand over his heart. “Phil Lester, were you gonna say, as long as you’re with me ?”

“No. I mean, that’s weird. We just met. I… I just...”

“You were gonna say that!” Dan was getting such a kick out of Phil’s utter embarrassment. “You cheesy mother fluffer. You were playing it so cool, but I broke through, didn’t I? Admit it, you like me? You think I’m fit.” The emphasis Dan put on the word fit had Phil completely flustered. He put his forehead on Dan’s shoulder and groaned. Dan laughed a little to loud.

“It’s ok, Phil.” Dan’s voice softened, “I like you too.”

#phan #phanfic #phanfiction #sleeping beauty au

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sethnakht · 7 years

Text

étude #5 (luke + vader)

insp. by this post.

Those robes weren’t meant for running, Luke thought as three of them stumbled past, red and shining and clearly not used to moving.

He waited, two, three, half-expecting another one - for symmetry, he supposed. None of this actually made sense, the guards in red visors and robes, the actual lava, the palace that looked like a cross between a sorcerer’s tower and a prison. None of it was anything he’d ever imagine wanting.

The sound of stumble-running had become fainter.

Luke closed his eyes, and suddenly trusted himself - he was jogging past the corner, towards his reflection in gleaming steel.

No guards, as far as he could see. But what about behind the door? - he closed his eyes and bit his lip and decided that no, his first assessment stood.

Only one person waited there.

Father, he tried again.

The lack of acknowledgement was hard to process. It was like, Luke thought, his father was asleep.

Yeah right. Darth Vader caught unawares - sleeping? That would never happen.

This plan was going to get him killed. Luke sucked in a breath and tasted sulphur.

Then he was in the room, eyes opening to complete and utter darkness. Not even the sound of -

The lights sprang on, making him jump. Great, he thought as acid lapped past his throat. Definitely going to die today.

It only took his eyes a few blink-cycles to adjust to the lighting. Not as bright as he’d initially feared. Already the room was retreating away into shadow. What few reflective surfaces he could make out quivered in the green light of a steadily blinking machine.

Next to the machine was a bed. Luke winced at it, expecting - he wasn’t sure what. The respirator, playing in his head right now - broken inhale, mechanical release, but that was in his head and not here.

I guess he is asleep, Luke thought, and found himself moving closer to the bed. There was a blanket, he realized, glittering hard in the light like it had been poured from the lava outside, then cracked into shards and piled into a burial mound.

A blanket with a distinct absence of limb-like structures underneath.

Luke sucked in a breath, but either his father was truly asleep or didn’t care if he was seen this way, listless and laid out like a patient in a medcenter. The more Luke allowed himself to think the possibility, the more he was reminded of such a place.

It even smelled of bacta.

Sometimes, when not even bacta could really help -

Luke made a decision. He’d shoot one good look at his father, take away from that what he could, and then leave.

Looking had been a mistake, Luke realized in the same moment he recognized a feeling from Bespin.

(monster - run - )

And yet he couldn’t look away. Scars had eaten into his father’s face, sunken mouths like Sarlaacs, rotten pits of black flesh. Surrounding them was skin so colorless it seemed to have no other purpose than to announce the strain of staying alive. A black respirator had been fitted over the nose and mouth, and there was a pipe coming out the bottom that looked like a severed spine.

A sound, out of place. Luke glanced to the door, then waved a hand at the locking mechanism.

Still, he felt nervous grappling for his comlink. “Artoo,” he hissed. “What’s going on out there?”

Luke couldn’t actually understand most of what Artoo was saying, but the melody was comforting.

“Sounds like you’ve got everything under control,” he said, and felt himself smile at the trilling response. “Yes, I’ll be right there.”

When he turned back for a last look, his father’s eyes had opened.

Little cracks, but the Force was suddenly alive in a way Luke hadn’t realized it wasn’t before. Shadows leapt from corners like dragons from their nests.

Around the bed, they gathered and gathered until Luke thought he could almost see claws and eyes.

“Father,” Luke said with all the dread he felt.

He couldn’t look. “Please, I know this was immensely stupid and you weren’t expecting me and you’re probably really mad but I had to come, I had to see …” Luke no longer knew what he was saying, only that he was afraid to say it even to the dark. “I had no idea. I’m sorry.”

The room was so still, and his senses so desperate for feedback, Luke finally heard the respirator. Quieter than his (constantly crinkling) outer flight suit (idiot - should have taken it off), he’d missed it over the hum of its operating machine. The inhale sounded like a shifting dune.

Pressing his eyes more tightly shut, he realized he couldn’t take it anymore and opened them.

What he saw was quite bizarre.

Instead of lashing out, instead of summoning a saber and dismembering him, instead of setting dragons upon him - the monster laid in bed and watched him and breathed. Breathed and smiled with nothing but the folded corners of his eyes, lashes fluttering closer and closer to sleep.

Luke felt his insides twist. How - how someone so ugly could still feel - feel -

His hand was hovering over the bed before he realized he couldn’t bring himself to touch that.

“Father,” he said, uncomfortable with his own disgust.

Flutter, and then a sound from the respirator, something more than sand and metal. But not yet human.

Luke wondered if he should probe or just let it go.

“It’s alright,” he said, drawing on experience with Artoo to keep his voice light. “We can talk some other time.”

He really should go, he thought, and yet there was movement under the hideous blanket, almost like his father was trying to a roll a shoulder, and that made it hard to look away, because - Luke knew that feeling of missing a limb and expecting it anyway -

“I like haa- having you in my dreams,” said the respirator.

This was shock, hitting Luke in the stomach like a first punch. This was shock, stealing the breath from his longs, and not because of the oddly phrased confession or the vulnerability it implied.

This was -

the cadence of a stranger

- his father’s voice.

“This isn’t a dream,” Luke said.

Instantly he hated the sound of his own confusion. This wasn’t the time to fall apart! Artoo was waiting for him, and - he was no longer that starstruck boy, looking to the desert sky for answers. “Father, I’m here because I wanted to talk to you —”

Vader’s eyes twitched and were suddenly wide with color, a bloody blue like milk from a sick cow.

As Luke’s thoughts derailed, he found himself the object of scrutiny. That calm gaze made something under his skin itch. It felt … a little mad, more than a little precarious.

“You should take a sss - a schower.”

“What?” Luke heard himself say.

Troubling as he found Vader’s reactions - his lack of them - Luke couldn’t help but feel more insulted by his words.

“Smell like a swamp.”

That was him, sputtering, because -

Because he hadn’t been this offended since he’d first met Han. “Well, excuse me for not meeting your …”

He’d trailed off in alarm.

The respirator was making a horrible grunting sound, like physical overexertion combining with the static hiss of malfunction. Worse, Vader was lifting his chin like a Bantha smelling danger from dozens of clicks away, eyes growing wider and shinier with increasing desperation.

Luke looked at those animal eyes and thought: I’m not up for this.

Only to suddenly remember Dagobah.

“Hey,” he said with a gentleness modeled from Leia, “I’m right here.” And he leaned forward just close enough that the respirator might pick up engine grease and cockpit leather and the sweat gathering in the armpits of unwashed flight suit.

“See?” he heard himself say. “No swamp.”

“Smell-ed,” Vader said, his absent tone telling Luke he’d already moved past the thought.

A thought about Bespin, apparently.

“Right,” Luke said, straightening back and away. “Well, I guess you’ll be glad to hear that I don’t live in a swamp any longer.”

The words echoed hollow.

Flexing his new hand in its glove, he glanced at the door and resolved to leave.

He would get no answers here. Looking back to his father, he saw eyes that were darting back and forth like a droid beyond repair. There was no way human eyes could possibly register anything at that speed.

Some kind of sedative, Luke thought. That would explain it.

Everyone needed medical attention from time to time. There was nothing he could do about it, and nothing his father could give him, not today.

Not like this.

“I hate this place.”

Milky eyes rolled back into his skull as though Vader wanted nothing more than to never again see his surroundings, becoming more yellow and grey as they turned.

Luke felt his forehead wrinkle. “Yeah, me too,” he said, and heard his own relief.

Well, at least they could agree about something. He was speaking before he could stop himself. “Gives me the creeps, if I’m being honest.”

“Mustafar …”

Suddenly Vader’s forehead rumpled, the white ridges that once must have carried eyebrows springing out at Luke like swords crossing.

Finally, Luke thought, and was surprised by his own eagerness. But then again, why not? His father was finally coming to his senses. Maybe this hadn’t been a total waste after —

“I killed you,” said Vader.

He spoke with force, with a thick and stilted and horribly familiar desert accent. Yellow glazed his eyes, suddenly focused on Luke’s. “I have no compunctions about ending you again.”

Luke thought about the blaster at his hip.

“I can sense your fear,” said Vader with a cruel smile in his voice.

Then the respirator echoed the grunt-hiss from earlier. Focus still on his blaster, it was with detached absorption that Luke saw it. A vein - twitching, insistent, single-minded in its awfulness - emerging on the plane of a hideously bald forehead.

“It has always made you weak.”

Meaning set in only fuzzily, etched in the form of a bulging vein. Then the picture before him began to evoke pity.

And with pity came clarity.

This was his father, struggling to free himself from the heavy blanket and obviously not realizing he could sit up and let it fall - confused, disoriented, flapping for arms that weren’t there …

“You never killed me,” Luke said, shock and pity together evening his voice into something almost compassionate. “I don’t think you even knew I was alive until recently.”

“No!” shouted the monster.

Run, said the feeling from Bespin.

Help him, said the longing, as yet uncrushed part of him, captivated by a bulging vein.

“Many times,” seethed his father, “have you survived, and each time, I have killed you.”

He made it sound very convincing. For the first time, Luke noticed the hypos and stims in metal cases next to the breathing machine, the examining table with monstrously sized restraints, the unbreakable chain between the bed and the wall.

It was all rattling.

Even the blanket seemed no longer a blanket but a straitjacket, fixing his father in place despite - because of injuries and violence.

“Don’t think you can run!” Vader shouted with all the rawness of a man made impotent. “My hatred for you is stronger than you can imagine, Skywalker.”

(not a bedroom a psychiatric ward)

“Father,” he managed beyond the hysterical thought. The door was so so close, mere steps behind him -

Except that the monster had gone still at the word, losing its interest in overthrowing the blanket. Wide eyes roamed the room, warily searching.

Compassion felt almost like surrender. I can help him, Luke thought in the rush of it.

He reached out, ready to this time to touch.

(stupid stupid)

Vader had flinched, and Luke dropping his hand like it was on fire seemed only to worsen matters. It took no time for his father to go from vulnerable to volatile, for his color to purple with outrage.

Like slavering dogs awaiting a signal, the shadows responded. They rippled in black, vicious with anticipation.

“You have no father,” said the monster with teeth. “I would know. Obi-Wan … would have been wiser to cut off your head!”

Obi-Wan?

Somehow Luke had ended up looking to Vader’s eyes for answers. But they were near-blank to him, bright and brimming only with loathing.

“You’re sick!” he heard himself say, hand on the hilt of his blaster.

A flash of irritation, then Vader’s expression settled into something lofty. If he knew he was limbless in a medbay bed and restrained like the insane, he didn’t seem to think it mattered.

“Indeed,” he said in a voice strengthened by malice. “But if it is too late for me, then it is far too late for you.”

This was clearly a threat, a reason to finally get out of this loony asylum - and yet something about the words caught in Luke’s mind like fabric distorted in a snag, like Aunt Beru’s thin blouses when he hadn’t been careful. It was like - there was something here he should be able to figure out.

He took in a breath.

Trusted a whim. “I think you’ve confused me with someone else,” he said, and closed his eyes to Vader’s simmering expression of dismissal.

Remembering the effect one word could have, he decided to try it again. “Father, it’s Luke. I’m your son.”

When he opened his eyes, he saw that Vader’s forehead was a storm of confusion.

As he watched, his father’s eyes grew blue-red, translucent and runny. “My son …”

His voice was soft.

“Yes,” said Luke, and remembered to lift his hand from his blaster.

He tried to smile, but it only came out pained in his voice. “I came to see you.”

Vader was blinking too rapidly to see anything, but Luke took a brave step forward anyway.

It felt strange not to extend a hand, but the risks of triggering some new episode seemed too high. His hands ended up as fists at his sides. “Father, I’m right here.”

A shake of that bald head, and then Vader was looking to Luke with emotions too contradictory to define. Terror, perhaps, filtered through overwhelming disdain.

“Where is my son?” he asked, demanding but also subdued. “Is he safe?”

The incredulity Luke felt was quickly becoming anger.

“I’m right here!” he shouted, all the pent-up frustration about his abandonment, his dismemberment, his disillusionment breaking into his voice. “Here, you dimwit!”

And not even the surge of guilt was enough to stop his next words. “You know what? This is pointless.”

Artoo must be worried sick. Pressing the scowl on his face into something resigned, avoiding his father’s widened eyes, Luke turned from the bed and fished for his comlink.

“Don’t go.”

“Come in, Artoo,” said Luke, and if that pang was a sense of betrayal, he wasn’t going to feel bad about it. “Yeah, yeah, I’m ready. Just make sure none of those guards catch sight of me on my way.”

He wasn’t going to look back. Shoulders straightened, he made for the door.

“Don’t go,” Vader said with plaintive desperation.

Bitterness felt warm in his center. “You won’t remember this anyway,” Luke heard himself mutter.

“Come back!”

He almost did.

#all the usual disclaimers apply #also this actually makes no sense #call it a force-induced dream #the feverish products of my incoherent mind #i wrote this instead of my dissertation #posting to kill it #to stop thinking in it #writing practice #my writing #suckage #luke skywalker #darth vader

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quack-and-yellow · 7 years

Text

This Is How You Let Go - Raúl Jiménez One Shot

Written with the huge help of @nosequeurlusar. My heartfelt thanks to you, Ile, for everything. Always. <3 For the anons who waited patiently for this. :)

—

He looks happy.

That was the first thing Esther thought when she saw Raúl again at Lisbon Airport. It’s one thing to see his smiling handsome face on screen and another thing to see him in person, when his smile reaches his eyes and his whole face lights up. If this happened a year ago, she would have been livid. She spent sleepless nights creating scenarios of them crossing paths again. In her imagination, Raúl would be miserable. Raúl would be begging her to come back. Raúl would ruin his career because they broke up. Esther carefully rehearsed in her mind what she would say to rub salt in the wound. She knew she was being ruthless, but she also knew he deserved it. A year ago, she had convinced herself Raúl deserved anything but happiness.

But he is happy now and last year seemed like ages ago. Little by little, Esther stopped crying herself to sleep. Little by little, she forgot about the different scenarios. Little by little, her heart felt lighter.

Esther smiled to herself. She’s okay. She’s not hurting. She turned to leave just as Raúl looked up and spotted her, and something in his eyes held her in place. A few meters separated them but she could see his face break into a surprised smile. He stood up from where he was huddled with his friends and walked towards her.

“Esther? Is that you?”

His deep voice made her breath catch in her throat. It’s been a while since she heard it, but it had the same effect as the first time she did. She nodded with a small smile. A wave of emotions washed over her in a split second, preventing her from immediately finding her voice.

“I… I can’t believe it. You look…” He looked her up and down, making Esther wrap her arms around her stomach self-consciously. She gained weight since they broke up. But Raúl’s gaze settled on her hair and he motioned at it. “Different.”

She laughed in relief as she touched the ends of her curly chin-length hair. “Yes, I… I like it short.”

“It suits you,” he said, his eyes going soft.

“Thanks,” she mumbled, flustered.

“So uhh… You’re going somewhere?” Raúl glanced at her side but found no luggage.

“Oh no.” Esther shook her head and gripped the strap of her small shoulder bag. “I… I just accompanied Ale. She left for Denmark.”

“Oh! Ale?” Raúl asked, his eyes widening. “I remember her. She’s funny but also scary.”

Esther laughed. “Yeah, that’s Alejandra alright.” She suddenly missed her best friend and wondered what she would say about this meeting. “What about you?”

She glanced at his friends and realized she didn’t know any of them. She also made a mental note that there were no girls, and she hated herself for being relieved about it.

Raúl turned his head to his friends. “We just came back from Ibiza.” Some of them nodded at their direction and he gave them a thumbs up.

She bit her lip. Ibiza. That was never her thing. They used to argue where to go for holidays. Raúl wanted to go to the beach with friends. She wanted a new country to explore. They settled for going back to Mexico every year instead to visit each other’s families.

“Did you go somewhere for the holidays?” Raúl asked as he turned his attention back to her.

“Yucatán,” she replied. It took her a moment to answer.

“I remember how much you love that place.” Raúl smiled, as if caught in some distant memory.

Esther’s heart skipped a beat. He remembers her favorite place? Her love for nature and history? She shook her head. This whole reminiscing thing is too much.

“I- I should go,” she said quietly. She took a quick glance around and saw people starting to notice them.

“Wait, are you free now?” Raúl asked. “Can we go somewhere? I’d love to catch up with you.” He didn’t seem to be bothered by the attention.

She peered at his smiling face. No trace of anything. It’s been a year after all. Surely this means they are on good terms? She did not want to seem bitter by refusing and she did not want to sound eager by answering so she simply nodded.

Raúl’s smile widened in relief. “Great! Let me just get my luggage.”

Esther watched him jog towards his friends. She couldn’t hear what he was saying, but some of them looked at her and she pretended to look somewhere else.

“I don’t have a car anymore, by the way, so…” she said as they started walking towards the exit.

“Oh.” His smile slowly disappeared. “That’s not a problem.”

Esther was expecting his reaction, considering that he gave her that Mercedes Benz on their last anniversary.

Raúl called an Uber and it was quiet throughout the ride. They maintained a good distance inside the car. She noticed it. She noticed also that the car took a familiar route across the city, and her heart started pounding as huge modern houses came to view. They were in the distant part of Lisbon. Raúl’s neighborhood. Her neighborhood a year ago.

Esther glanced suspiciously at Raúl but he was busy on his phone. As always, she rationalized his actions internally. She came up with two things. One, he must have taken her here to be away from the prying eyes of the public – and for a good reason too. She didn’t need another fan knocking on her door asking about Raúl. Two, this means he is single. Did her heart just skip a beat at the thought?

Sure enough, they stopped at the same two-storey house she used to call home. Seeing Raúl again gave her a pleasant feeling but stepping inside this house made her want to throw up in nervousness. How much of it has changed? How much of her did he erase?

The answer was everything. Her stomach started knotting as she walked into the house, with its furniture rearranged and walls repainted white. She used to know her way around here. Now it looked and felt like a stranger’s house. Is that what he is now? A stranger?

“Have a seat,” Raúl said, gesturing at the couch. It was a new one, as spacious as a bed and with a hideous tan color.

Esther sat down hesitantly and looked at the shelf where their pictures and her books used to be. It was now empty. It stood at the corner of the room instead of its usual place beside the wall mounted television. She realized Raúl was looking at her so she quickly lowered her eyes and silence filled the room.

She was starting to regret coming here when he sat beside her, two bottles of beer in hand. She did not even notice he left the room.

“You’re quiet,” Raúl said with a small smile.

She laughed nervously and took the bottle of beer he was offering. “To be honest, this just feels weird.”

“I know,” he said. “But I can’t think of any place where we can talk privately.”

“I kind of figured that out, thanks. I don’t need people knocking on my door and asking about…” She hesitated for a second. “Asking about us.”

“Oh?” Raúl turned to her and propped his head on his hand, a look of interest on his face. “They did?”

Esther nodded. “The first few months, yes, but not anymore. I guess Ale scared them away.” She laughed at the thought.

“She scared me too the first time,” Raúl admitted.

She raised an eyebrow. “She did? You never told me.”

“Remember when we picked her up from work? She exchanged seats with you in front and started interrogating me,” Raúl said. “I couldn’t concentrate while driving.”

“I didn’t know that!” she said, cracking up.

“Yes, but she’s a good friend.”

Esther gave a tight-lipped smile and took a sip of her drink. Ale was there for her when she and Raúl broke up. She put up with her until she could go out on her own again. She was more than a good friend. Ale was her anchor.

“So why did Ale go to Denmark?”

“She landed a job there as a teacher.” Esther twirled the bottle in her hand. “But if you ask me, I think she just followed this Danish backpacker she met last month.”

Raúl’s eyes widened. “Really?”

“They hit it off pretty quickly,” she continued, smirking. “I have to admit, they look like they belong together.”

“What about you? Are you seeing someone?”

Esther stopped twirling the bottle. She was kind of expecting the question to pop up, but his straightforwardness still caught her off guard.

“I wouldn’t be here if I were seeing someone,” she said with a straight face. “And you?”

“You wouldn’t be here if I were seeing someone,” Raúl answered with a smirk.

She pursed her lips and turned to him. “Fair enough.”

He winked at her and laughed, the corners of his eyes crinkling. Esther remembered how much she loved it. Her thoughts gave her a start, and she quickly finished her beer and reached for another one.

The silence that followed reminded Esther of Sunday mornings a year ago, in the same living room. She would read a book while lying on Raúl’s lap and he would play with her long hair then. Now she was staring across the room, lost in her thoughts.

“Why didn’t it work out for us?” Raúl blurted out in a low voice. He stared blankly at the six empty beer bottles on the coffee table.

Esther caught the longing in his voice. The sadness. She heard him swallow back his tears and she felt like crying too.

“We stopped trying to make it work,” she whispered. She did not know what else to say, but it was the truth.

“You gave me reasons,” he said. His voice was so quiet, as if the pain would diminish with its tone.

Esther glared at him. “Did you convince yourself all this time that it was only my fault?”

“I didn’t say it was,” Raúl said calmly. “But you made your choice.”

“And you didn’t?” Esther yelled. Her face felt warm. She was not sure if it was because of the alcohol or her anger.

“I chose you, Teté,” he said, deadpan.

She flinched. It was his nickname for her and she loved hearing it more than anything. It still made her heart skip a beat. Still made her hurt.

“I- I don’t want to fight,” she said, her voice quivering.

“I’m sorry,” Raúl said, and before Esther knew it, she was in his arms.

Let go, he told himself. But he couldn’t bear to see her cry again. He held her close, the familiar warmth spreading throughout their bodies.

Let go, she told herself. She felt his touch linger as he wiped her tears. He began kissing her, and even with the taste of alcohol, she recognized the fluid movement of his mouth on hers. Gentle. Warm. Full of apologies.

Let go.

With trembling fingers, Raúl took off his clothes first then hers. She quickly covered the parts that reveal her weight gain, and he gently pried her hands off. He stared into her eyes as he lay her down. She was so beautiful.

Let go.

Esther knew his touch all too well. No man has touched her after him. There was simply no way to forget it. His hands roamed her body as if a trail was laid out for him. He knew where to go to turn her on. There were still traces of him on her skin. In her heart.

They made love like they were trying to make up for lost time. Like they yearned for it. Like it was worth waiting for.

Esther did not know how long she had been staring at the ceiling, trying her best not to move. Raúl was lying face down beside her. She did not notice when he had stopped caressing her cheek and started snoring. She did not want to look at him. She did not even want to touch him. He felt like a stranger. The silent house felt like a stranger’s.

Why did you let this happen? You were doing well without him.

Esther felt sick in the stomach. She got up and put on her clothes. She gathered her bag from the other couch and tiptoed to the front door. Before opening it, she looked back at Raúl. His eyes were open, watching her silently, sadly. It was painful to look into them.

Let go, she told herself again as she stepped out of the house.

But she knew she didn’t. She just walked away.

#raúl jiménez #raul jimenez #raul jimenez one shot #raul jimenez imagine

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alexiela73 · 7 years

Note

Sorry to add more to the prom dress requests but they are too cute! If you could I would love to see junkrats and roadhogs reaction

I’m glad everyone is enjoying them, and that the prom dress request fan fics seem to be so popular! They really are fun to write

Junkrat

Growling, you were walking around the Numbani in search of your incredibly strange boyfriend, Jamison Fawkes (a.k.a Junkrat). Yesterday he’d said that he’d likely be at the scrap yard looking for new parts, but you’d checked and he wasn’t there.

It wasn’t that, though, that had you muttering under your breath. It was the fact that in the bouqet of roses he’d left for you this morning had one of his small ‘Love me!’ bombs, and the smoke from the small blast had set off the sprinklers inside of the house.

So half of your morning had been spent with you attempting to mop up the water and blow dry the furniture. The two of you had already spoken about bombs in the house and he’d broken the rule...again.

Yet, as you searched the city, you couldn’t seem to find him anywhere. Where had that damned man gone, you thought. It wasn’t like Jamie was usually hard to find. After all, wherever he went there was a trail of trouble and smoke.

At one point you were heading back to the city center when you heard a small commotion. You could hear a strong Australian accent talking fast and excitedly, and looking up you saw the tiniest wisps of smoke in the air. It had to be him.

Heading around the corner, you frowned when you saw Jamie scuttling from people to people, showing off something rather proudly. You couldn’t hear what, but the people he spoke with seemed mildly uncomfortable till an omnic waiter shooed him out of the outside dining area.

“Jamison Fawkes,” you said angrily with your hands on your hips. Junkrat stiffened and blinked, slowly turning to you. “What on earth have i told you about bombs in the house? Do you know what i had to do all morn....”

Your eyes caught on what was in his hand. It was a picture of you in your prom dress, what had been a bit frilly and pink...the color drained from your face and you stepped back. Hadn’t you burned all of those dreaded pictures?

“I’mma sorry, darl’, but i just wanted me best girl to know how much me loved ‘er!” Junkrat pouts. “The flowers were nice, right?”

For a moment you didn’t say anything. Junkrat frowned and hobbled closer on his peg leg, staring at you in curiosity. Your eyes hadn’t left the picture and when he looked down and realized what he was holding, he blushed.

“I, ah, found it’n the fire place, darl...poor place fer such a pretty picture, i say,” Junkrat says carefully, slowly coming closer.

“Is that a joke? Look at that picture! That dress...god, i look hideous,” you whisper, and you saw panic set in Junkrat when tears welled in your eyes. “W-were you...showing that to other people?”

Junkrat frowned and cupped your face, his metal hand gently pushing back your hair. “I’mma sorry, darl’. I just thought you look’d so pretty, and i felt so happy again that a gal like you would like a dongo like me...” Junkrat said quietly, thumb stroking your cheek and leaving a little smudge of dirt and soot.

It didn’t bother you though, as you looked at him with surprise. “Your not a fool, Junkrat,” you said softly, your hand coming up to cover his.

“I am, dearie. I didn’t mean to upset you, darl’. I was ‘ere just really proud that...that out of all of me mistakes, i still somehow won the love of such a pretty gal like you,” Junkrat said softly, looking a bit sad. You realized that for Junkrat, it had been really important of him to show off the picture and show that he had a life similar to everyone else, one that wasn’t just bombs.

Even though you still hated the picture, Junkrat wasn’t a good liar and so you decided to believe the words he considered true. Honestly too, the man looked like a heart broken puppy. Jamie hated when you were upset with him...

After a moment you sighed and pressed into him, hugging him tight. Immediately his arms enveloped you and the two of you headed back home after a few minutes. You even let him keep the picture, for what it was worth.

“You’re still in trouble, Jamie. That bomb...”

“I know, darl’. I love ya, k’now?” he said, walking hand in hand.

With a smile, you glanced at him. “I know.”

Roadhog

Your lover, Roadhog, was a very quiet man and honestly, it suited you as you too were also not much of a talker. The two of you seemed to share a connection of a sort that allowed silence to mean as much as words. Just being in the presence of each other was good enough.

Today the two of you had gone to Numbani. It had taken some convincing to get Junkrat to agree to the both of you leaving without him. But the two of you rarely went on dates alone, and there was a food festival in Numbani that you were dying to go to.

Food was one thing that the both of you very much enjoyed. Roadhog’s size had never bothered you before, and honestly you still found him cute. The best part was that you were currently going to school to become a chef, and so every week Roadhog would let you use him as a guinea pig to use for new recipes.

Your boyfriend was even honest. If it didn’t taste great, he didn’t tip toe around it. But there was only one time that had ever happened, and since the dish had been intense to make in the first place, you were actually thankful.

Holding his hand, the two of you were slowly making your way through the 40 or so food trucks and stands. It was a nice day and there were a lot of people there. Some of them looked at Roadhog and moved aside, rather intimidated. It didn’t surprise you, as Roadhog really was a large man and the mask didn’t exactly scream friendly.

But it just made you press closer as you hummed quietly, taking it as permission to keep him all to yourself. Nothing about Roadhog scared you.

“Mako! Mako look over there!” you gasped, letting go and running to a stand. The stand had what looked like belgium chocolate covered kabob sticks that had pieces of banana’s, strawberries, grapes and marshmallows on it.

Immediately you looks at him with big eyes. The food looked so good...

Without question, Mako pulled out his wallet and took out a 5. Beaming, you handed the tiller the $5 and received a plate with two kabobs. They looked so good and messy...

Turning, you beamed. “Thank you!” you squeaked, handing him the plate so you two could find somewhere to sit. You tended to be a bit clumsy and drop a lot of things, so whenever you felt you were carrying something delicate you liked it when he held onto it.

Before you left the stand, you noticed something on the ground. “Mako, you dropped something...” You said, picking it up. You weren’t going to look, as it was none of your business, but then your eye caught on something familiar.

Looking at the picture, it took you a moment to realize what it was. It was a small photo of you from prom, wearing a pretty green dress and a chef’s jacket. Embarrassment filled you and for a moment, you could only stare at it. This photo was not one of your best moments.

“Why...why do you have this?” you asked in a small voice, looking up at him with wide eyes.

Roadhog didn’t say anything and after a moment, turned and started to walk away. Distress filled you but you followed him to the edge of the festival, where he sat with a thump under a large tree that cast some shade over the grass. Putting the plate beside him, he patted his knee.

Hesitantly, you sat on his lap, clutching the photo.

Reaching up, Roadhog unlatched his mask and it took you a moment to realize the poor man was blushing a bit.

“I...I like carrying it,” he rumbled softly, his voice deep and scratchy. “I...get a bit sad when you leave, so i like looking at the photo and thinking of how amazing my little chef is going to be.”

For a moment all you could do was stare. Roadhog rarely said anything about how he felt or gave you compliments, even when it was a two-way street. So it touched you more then you expected you would.

“Are you angry at me?” Roadhog said finally, cradling you against his stomach.

Eyeing him and then the picture, you sighed in defeat and shook your head. “Its really hard to be angry when you say something as sweet as that,” you said, patting his stomach and resting against him. “Is there any way i can just get you a more recent picture when i don’t look so ridiculous?”

Shaking his head, a smile quirked his lips. “I like this picture. It doesn’t look silly. I think you look very...pretty,” Mako says, struggling to think of which word would be better.

After a moment you couldn’t help how your face softened, loving when he said dopey things like that. “Okay, you sentimental fool, i guess i can let you keep the photo. But only on one condition,” you said seriously.

Roadhog stared at you, one eyebrow raised slightly.

Picking up the plate, you grinned. “I get both kabobs,” you claimed earnestly, and immediately started to dig in.

With a little rumbling laugh that shook you, Roadhog easily gave up the chance of food for the ability to keep your photo in his wallet, and carry it everywhere he went.

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anavoliselenu · 7 years

Text

Complete me chapter 10

My phone rings, and I balance the flowers on top of the condiment bar so that I can retrieve it from my purse.

Monica taps a fingertip on her screenplay. “I better get back to this. But I’m so glad I figured it out. Maybe I’ll see you again. I come here all the time.”

“Sure,” I say, as I answer the call.

“Well, Texas? Are you a proud new business owner?”

“Evelyn! Hang on a sec.” I wave goodbye to Monica, then tuck the phone under my chin and pick the flowers back up. I use a hip to push out the door, then start off down the wide sidewalk back toward my office. “Can you believe it?” I ask. “I feel all grown up.”

“I’m proud of you,” she says. “And I mean that in a totally non-patronizing way.”

“In that case, thank you.” I actually preen a bit from her words. I fell in love with Evelyn Dodge the moment I met her. She’s tough and no-nonsense and says what she thinks. I’ve pretty much decided I want to be her when I grow up.

“So tell me about the place.”

I describe it to her in detail, then mention that Giselle is going to come by later to talk art.

“I probably owe you an apology for that,” she says. “I know she’s not high on your list these days, but she seemed pretty intent on making it up to you.”

“No, no,” I say. “It’s fine. I’ve got my jealousy all reined in, and I know she feels bad about what happened.” To be honest, I can’t help but wonder if she didn’t let the truth about the painting slip to someone else who then shot off their mouth to a reporter. I don’t mention my theory to Evelyn, though, because I’m afraid she might float the possibility by Giselle. And if it’s true, I don’t see the point in making her feel worse than she already does.

“So when can I see it?” Evelyn asks.

“It? You mean the office?”

“You’re there now, I assume?”

“On my way back from Starbucks.”

“Good. Give me the address. I’m in the area. I’ll be right over.”

She arrives less than twenty minutes later, bursting into my office after being announced by the building’s very efficient receptionist. “Not bad,” she says, looking around. “Not bad at all.”

“You’re completely transparent, you know,” I say. “There is no way that you were in the area. Sherman Oaks? You? Sorry. Just not buying it.”

“Busted,” she says with a grin. “No, the truth is I had a meeting with a director friend, and he’s doing reshoots all day at Universal. But I would have come to see you, anyway. We have business to discuss, Texas, and I’m damn sure not letting someone else steal my thunder as your very first client.”

“In that case,” I say as I ease behind my desk, “pull up a chair and let’s talk about it.”

We end up going down the street to a deli where we spend a full two hours chatting and eating and—at least on Evelyn’s side of the table—drinking our way into the afternoon.

“I talked to Charlie today,” she says as she stabs at the piece of cheesecake we’ve ordered to split for dessert. “Couldn’t get him to give me the details of why he’s still in Munich, but he did mention that Sofia’s on the loose again.” She shakes her head in exasperation. “I swear, it’s a wonder that girl didn’t drive Justin out of his head ages ago.”

“So she’s always been like this?”

“Oh, yeah. Smart as a whip, that one. Reminds me of you in a lot of ways. But she doesn’t have your backbone, she’s never learned to cope, and she runs instead of fighting.”

I’m shaking my head slowly. Backbone? Coping? Who the hell does Evelyn think she’s looking at?

“Don’t you pull that with me,” Evelyn says, eyeing me knowingly. “You’re a survivor, Texas, and we both know it. I never played the bullshit card with my clients, and I sure as hell don’t do it with my friends. And it’s a damn good thing you’re a survivor, too. Because no one else could last a week with our boy.”

That makes me grin. And, honestly, so do her words. Because the more I think about them, the more I realize how true they are. Yes, I’ve got some ginormous issues, but I’ve been tackling them. And for the most part, I’ve been beating them.

“I can tell you the exact way it’ll play out when she finally turns up, too. Justin will head over to London to make sure she’s okay and get her admitted to yet another facility. And the press will start speculating that Justin’s tossing Sofia aside in favor of you. Or vice versa.”

“Tossing her aside? But they’re not together. Justin told me they haven’t been together since they were kids.”

“When has the truth ever bothered the press? Every time they’re photographed together, the London papers practically have them engaged. It’ll be more interesting this time around, now that you’re in the picture.”

“Interesting isn’t the word I’d choose,” I say dryly.

“If you can’t make them stop, at least let them entertain you,” she says. And I have to admit, that’s probably good advice.

“Speaking of speculation,” she continues, “the rumors are also flying that I’m returning to agenting.”

“Are you?”

“Fuck no,” she says, with a sound that is somewhere between a guffaw and a snort. “But my old firm’s been doing the full-court press, trying to get me back behind a phone and a desk. And you know what? Who knows. Maybe if they sweeten the pot enough I’ll reconsider. Right now I’m just amusing myself watching them run around talking up potential projects. Like yours,” she adds with a wicked grin.

“Mine? My what?”

“Take your pick, Texas. There are producers salivating to get you on reality TV. And there are at least half a dozen companies looking to hire you to do product endorsements. Want to be the face of a makeup line? I could arrange it like that,” she says with a saucy snap of her fingers.

I just shake my head. “This is the weirdest city.”

Evelyn snorts. “Hell, yes it is.”

“If they’re just looking for a face, tell them to look at Jamie’s. I look better in real life than I do on film, but Jamie was made for the camera.”

“Good point there, Texas.” I’m joking, but I’m not entirely sure Evelyn realizes that.

I’m still buzzing from sugar and conversation when Evelyn heads back to Malibu and I return to my office. I study the portfolio of Blaine’s work that she left with me and make a few notes for the app she wants me to design. I want it to stand out—to have more functionality than simply as a portable display case—and I am so engrossed in brainstorming that I don’t realize the time until the intercom buzzes and the receptionist tells me that a Ms. Reynard is in the lobby.

“Oh, right. Send her on back.” I remain seated when she comes in—I’m the boss, after all—and greet her with my Professional Selena smile. Another perk of my horrific childhood—I am well-versed at hiding my emotions under a variety of tried and true pageant-quality smiles. So I am confident that Giselle has no idea that I’m still wary—or that tiny seeds of jealousy remain buried just below the surface, ready to sprout if she says the wrong thing or looks at Justin with the slightest hint of attraction.

The truth is, I don’t want to be wary or jealous. I don’t like that girl, and I don’t want to be that girl. But I can’t flush from my mind the simple truth that she did date Justin—and that where Justin is concerned, “date” most likely means “screwed.”

“Selena!” she chirps as she comes through my door, and I have to force myself to up the wattage on my smile. Giselle reminds me of Audrey Hepburn—her hair, her frame, her poise. I do not usually get intimidated around other women, but around Giselle, I feel off my game, and I can’t help but think that this is a huge mistake.

If she notices my hesitation, she’s kind enough not to say anything. Instead, she focuses on the space, her eyes roving over the empty walls and the furniture before landing back on me. “It’s a great space,” she says. “Small, but airy and well laid out. This beige on the walls is hideous, so that’s the first thing we’ll want to change. Then we’ll want to hang some art. Not too much. Probably one large piece to anchor the room, and then a few smaller pieces to provide some balance. I have some artists in mind—I’ll bring a portfolio by the next time I come. And some paint chips, too. Something professional, but bright. Maybe a pale yellow,” she adds, almost to herself.

I glance around, trying to imagine the walls in yellow. I have to admit, it might look nice.

She seems to realize she’s gone into the zone, and aims a ten-thousand megawatt smile in my direction. “Thanks again for letting me do this.”

“Sure,” I say. “I have to be honest. The rent on this place isn’t bad, but it’s more than I planned to spend my first year out of the gate. I don’t know that I can justify a decorating expense, too.”

She drops gracefully into one of the molded plastic guest chairs. “No, no. You misunderstand me. This is my treat. Well, for the first year. Then if you want to keep the canvases, you can either buy them or we can discuss a lease. As for the painting, this place is a shoebox—no offense—and I’m sure I already have the perfect color in storage.”

I tilt my head, trying to process this. “Giselle, I know that you didn’t mean to upset me when you told Bruce about the portrait. If you owe me anything, it’s an apology, and you’ve already done that.” I don’t mention Justin or my little stabs of jealousy. Other than having a history with him, she’s done nothing to incite the little green monster.

“I appreciate that, I really do. But I want to do this. I know how much all the press bothered you, and I can’t help but think that maybe that’s my doing, too.”

I sit up straighter. “What do you mean?”

“Well, I obviously wasn’t thinking. What if Bruce said something? What if I told someone else and just don’t remember? What if someone overheard us talking?”

Her words echo my earlier thoughts. “Even if that’s what happened, it’s blown over. And, honestly, Giselle, I don’t want to stick my nose into your business, but can you really afford to work for free?”

For the first time her expression loses some of the long-lost-girlfriend cheerfulness, and I know that I have hit a nerve. What I’m not sure is if I’ve crossed a line. I’m about to apologize and tell her that it’s none of my business and if she wants to work for free, then more power to her, but she continues before I have the chance to speak.

“The truth is that I can’t afford to make ends meet with just the gallery. I know that Justin and Evelyn aren’t gossiping about me, but at the same time, people talk, so I’m sure you’ve heard that my divorce is not, well, pleasant.”

She pauses, and I smile and murmur the appropriate condolences.

“Be careful of men,” she says darkly. “Fuck them, but don’t trust them. Not any of them.” She looks hard at me. “That’s a lesson I should have learned before I married Bruce. It sure as hell applied to the men in my life back then. All of them,” she adds.

“I couldn’t live like that,” I say coldly. I’m not sure if she’s trying to be a bitch or do the girl-bonding thing, but I don’t care. I don’t want to think about the fact that she dated Justin, much less discuss it. And I sure as hell don’t want to hear about why I shouldn’t trust him.

She exhales and slouches a bit so that she no longer looks like one of LA’s beautiful people but like a harried commuter. “Sorry. I’m too bitter by half. The point is that I need to increase my cash flow, and so I’m ramping up my design work again. And I could use this—doing your office, I mean. I don’t want to be crude, but having Justin Stark’s girlfriend on my client list isn’t going to hurt my business.”

Strangely, that makes me feel better. I don’t particularly want to be friends with Giselle, and I’m relieved to realize that she isn’t looking to be besties with me, either. Business is different, though, and if she wants to bling out my office so she can promote her talent, then as far as I’m concerned that’s a win-win. Especially if she can do most of the work when I’m not actually in the office.

“All right,” I say. “I guess we have a deal.”

“Fabulous.” Her bright smile has returned, banishing the look of defeat. “I’ll pull some material together and give you a call. In the meantime,” she adds as she rises to her feet, “be sure and give Justin a kiss for me.”

She sweeps out of my office, and I watch her go, bemused. After a moment, I shrug it off. If she’s playing games, I’m not going to get drawn in. And if I’m imagining things—well, then I really need to get over it.

I spend another hour making notes for Blaine’s app, but then I can’t take it anymore. The sun is setting outside my window, and I still haven’t heard from Justin. I try his office, but Sylvia tells me that he’s still in meetings. “It’s been a crazy day,” she says. “Since he just got back, everyone wanted a piece of his time.”

I can’t help but smile. I understand the feeling.

“He should be done soon, though,” she says. “Shall I have him call you?”

I tell her not to bother, and then switch over to my messaging app to send him a text. To the CEO of Stark International from the CEO of Fairchild Development: Regarding my previous request for an appointment, does this evening fit on your calendar?

I don’t expect a quick reply and am surprised when my phone pings almost immediately. I think I can squeeze you in.

I practically trip over my fingers typing the reply. I’ll be right over.

No. I will. I have plans for your new office . . .

I smile in anticipation and wonder how I’ll survive the time between now and when he arrives.

Since I can’t concentrate on work with the prospect of Justin’s pending arrival hanging over my head, I abandon Evelyn’s art app in favor of going through my emails and clearing them out. I make the mistake of opening the one my mother sent while I was in Munich. The one that tells me that I really should work on my personal skills, because ignoring her calls and emails is simply rude and not the way she raised me. I see that your current fling got away with murder, she writes. Hopefully that means you’ll quit playing Florence Nightingale to his troubles. It’s simply a waste of time, and there are any number of men who are equally as eligible. Honestly, Nichole, once you pass the ten million dollar mark, one man is essentially the same as any other. Think about what I’ve said. And call me. Kisses, Mother

I want to delete it. Right at that moment, actually, I want to delete it even more than I want to breathe. I don’t want that woman in my head. She may not have ever taken a knife to my flesh, but I know without any doubt that she bears as much responsibility for the scars on my hips and thighs as I do. I want to delete that email and prove to myself that I’ve moved on.

I want to . . . but somehow I can’t quite manage.

Fuck.

I slam the top down on my laptop, not bothering to close any of my programs.

“Bad first day?”

I look up to find Justin leaning against the door frame. He’s dressed for the office in a tailored gray suit, white shirt, and a burgandy tie, and he looks for all the world like a long, tall drink of sin. “Not anymore,” I say. “How did you get in?”

“Apparently your receptionist reads the papers. She knows we’re together.”

I lean back in my desk chair and eye him. “Are we?”

He steps inside my office, then pulls my door shut behind him. He pauses, then very deliberately locks the door. “We are.”

“Well,” I say as I feel the temperature rise between us. “That’s very good to know.”

“You look very authoritative behind that desk, Ms. Fairchild,” he says, then glances around the small office. “So this is where the magic happens?”

I’m grinning. Whatever remnants of gloom remain from my mother’s email have been firmly swept away. “It’s pretty cool, isn’t it?”

“It’s wonderful,” he says. “I’m so proud of you. Tell me all about your first day.”

I give him the rundown on the lease and on Giselle. I can hear the lilt in my voice, the excitement from setting off on this new adventure. And I see my own happiness reflected in Justin’s smile. “I even have my first client,” I add, then tell him about Evelyn’s app for Blaine.

“You’re amazing,” he says.

“It feels good. You were right,” I add. “I took the plunge and it feels great.”

“I knew it would,” he says, then lowers his voice to add, “I thought of you today.” He strides toward me as he speaks. The room is small, and it doesn’t take him long to cross to my desk. “I pictured you the way you were last night.”

“Oh.” I swallow as the temperature in the room rises.

“Then I pictured you like that here. Naked and bound and ready for me. Wanting me.” He comes around the desk, his eyes never leaving my face. I feel my pulse beat in my neck, and I’m having a little trouble breathing.

“I—oh. Yes.”

“It’s intoxicating, you know.”

I squirm a bit in the desk chair. As far as I’m concerned, it’s his voice that’s intoxicating. “Um, what is?”

His eyes dance with heat and humor as he leans forward and puts both his palms on my desktop. “Knowing that I can bring a powerful woman like you to her knees. A woman with her own company, her own empire. Knowing that I can make her wet with my words. That my voice can make her nipples peak and her clit tingle. That I can shove her skirt up and turn her over her very own desk and spank that perfect white ass until it glows and then, when the scent of her arousal covers the desk and fills the room, I can fuck her until she comes so hard she screams for mercy.”

“Oh, God, Justin . . . ” My blood is pulsing, my body quivering.

“Stand up, Selena. Go over toward the window.”

Though I’m not entirely sure my legs will hold me up, I comply. He looks me up and down. The high-heeled red pumps, the tailored skirt, the silk shell under a light summer jacket.

His eyes never leave mine as he sits in one of the guest chairs. “Take off the jacket.”

I do, tossing it over the arm of my chair behind the desk.

“Now the skirt.”

There is a challenge in his voice, and I know that he expects me to protest. To tell him this is my office and that I have a receptionist just a few feet outside that door. I don’t. This is exactly what I want, too, so I reach behind me, tug down the zipper, and let the skirt fall to the floor, revealing the red thong panties.

He says nothing, but I can see the heat building in his eyes, and my body responds immediately, my sex quickening, my nipples getting tight and hard beneath the lace of my bra. “Well, Mr. Stark,” I say as I slowly walk toward him. “What do you want from me now?”

His answering smile is like a slow caress, and ripples of desire break through me like foam upon a sandy shore. “Stop,” he says, when I am about five feet from him.

I do, my heart pounding with anticipation.

He lifts a finger and makes a spinning motion. I roll my eyes, but take a step forward, do a runway-style turn, and then repeat the process, effectively rotating a full three-hundred-sixty degrees for him. I put my hand on a cocked hip and tilt my head. “Like what you see?”

“Oh, yes,” he says. He leans back in the chair, his casual posture belied by the tension I see in his face and shoulders, and by the firm slant of his mouth. His gaze flicks over me, and I swallow, hyperaware of my body’s reaction. Of how I react whenever I’m around this man. No wonder he always says that I glow. Justin is like a switch, and it is he who turns me on.

The thong is wet against my sex, and the pressure makes me even more needy. It’s not the thong I want touching me—it’s Justin. He, however, remains resolutely still, his hands resting on the arms of that uncomfortable chair as he examines every inch of me, his gaze lingering at that tiny triangle of material.

“Spread your legs—that’s my girl. Now stay still for just a moment.”

My skin prickles, as if my body is anticipating his touch and is protesting that his hands aren’t upon me and his cock isn’t deep inside me. Then his eyes drift lower still. I don’t move, even though I know what he is seeing. The scars. Not too long ago, I would have curled up on the floor and cried if someone looked at me so intently. Hell, that is exactly what I did when Justin did that very thing. Sometimes it amazes me how fast my world has changed with Justin in it. And not just my world, but me. He’s my anchor. Something to hold on to as I dig deep inside myself to find a strength I never even knew existed.

Somehow, though, Justin always knew that it was there. More, he trusted that I would find it, too.

He has always seen so much. Not just the beauty queen. Not just the scars. He’s seen all of me, and no matter whether I’m in panties and high heels or the most couture of evening gowns, I am always standing naked before him.

Once upon a time, I would have found that thought terrifying. Now, I take comfort in it.

But this is not a moment for deep reflection, nor do I want to think about scars or strength or the battles that we have fought. All I want is Justin. And I want him right now.

Boldly, I take a step toward him.

“No,” he says. “Stop.”

“Stop?”

He arches a brow.

I cock my head a bit to indicate I understand, then raise a brow. “Yes, sir.”

“Good girl. Now spread your legs, just a little. That’s right,” he says when I comply. “Stay like that.”

I am about two feet from him, and breathing hard. He is sitting in the chair, which puts him about eye level with the red swath of material that barely covers my sex.

Slowly, he lifts his eyes. “There’s something I want,” he says.

Shock waves cut through my body, because I want it, too. I want Justin inside me. I want his cock in my mouth, in my cunt. I want him to whisper to me, to make love with words in that extraordinary way that he has. I want him to fuck me so hard and so deep that I cry out from that singularly exquisite pleasure that is wrapped up in pain.

Most of all, I want him to touch me.

I start to take a step toward him, but he stops me with a single shake of his head. It is a miracle that I don’t weep with frustration.

“Not that,” he says.

I swallow, suddenly uncertain. “Then what?”

“I want to watch.”

“Justin . . . ” I have touched myself for him before, but not like this. Not like a show. I swallow, a little bit embarrassed, but undeniably excited, too.

“Close your eyes,” he orders.

“Why?”

“Because I said to.”

I close my eyes.

“Good girl. Now take off your top. Do it slowly. Take the hem, and hold it as you trail your fingers up. That’s it, just like that.”

I do as he says, trying to breathe steadily as I slowly peel the silk blouse off. It’s not easy, and I feel my stomach twitch with my breath, with the intimate touch of my own fingers.

“Imagine it’s me,” he says. “My hands easing your shirt off. My hands cupping your breasts, pulling the cup of your bra down so that you spill out over the top. That’s it,” he says, as I follow his lead and adjust the cups to expose my breasts and nipples. “Do you feel my touch? The way I’m tugging your nipples? The way I’m stroking my fingertip over your areolae?”

My breasts are full and heavy, my nipples puckered with desire. I pull gently on my nipples and the corresponding tug in my sex makes me gasp.

“Justin—”

“I know, baby. You can feel it, can’t you. The way your sex throbs. How hard your clit is.”

“Yes.”

“We’ve done this before, remember? Our first night. You in the back of my limo, and I was miles away on my phone and so hard I thought I’d explode.”

I nod. It’s one of my most vivid memories. I was drunk and heady with lust, but I was alone and I could fool myself into believing that the extent of my arousal was my own secret.

Now, there is no hiding how turned on I am. And even though this is Justin, who has seen me at my most wanton, my most needy, it has always been for him that I have opened myself. Now, it is my own touch that I am craving. My touch, and his words. I feel naughty. Reckless. And, so help me, I want him to take me all the way. I want to finger myself until I come in front of him—and when I do, I want to open my eyes and see my own passion reflected right there on his face.

“I didn’t have the pleasure of watching then. I intend to enjoy it now.”

“Yes. Yes.” It’s the only word I can manage. It’s the only word that fills my head.

“Slide your right hand down. Take your time, baby. You have such soft skin, I want you to feel it. To touch it.”

Once again, I comply. I keep my left hand on my breast, almost like an anchor, then spread my right so that my palm grazes my belly, my pelvis, and then my fingers dip under the band of my thong. I bite my lower lip as my hand slides over, then moan as my fingertip brushes my clit before easing farther down to soft, slippery flesh.

“Open your eyes,” Justin orders. “Look at me and touch yourself.”

“I—” But my words die on my lips when I open my eyes and see his face—the bold heat in his eyes, the flush of his skin. His hands are on the armrests of the chair, and he is gripping it so tightly I can see the whites of his knuckles. And his cock is so hard beneath his tailored trousers that I am afraid it will split a seam.

“Fuck me,” I whisper. “We both know you want to.”

“More than anything,” he says as our eyes meet and lock. Sparks burst through me merely from the connection of our gazes, and the heat grows in anticipation of his touch. “But no,” he says, making me want to weep. “This is about you. I want you to feel it, too.”

“Feel what?”

“The pleasure I take from your body,” he says simply. “I want to watch. I want to lose myself in the vision of you.” As if in illustration of his words, his eyes drag slowly over me. “Don’t stop, baby. Slide your fingers inside. Tease your clit. Let me see it. Let me watch the way your skin moves when you’re about to come. Each tiny gasp, each shudder. The way you drag your teeth over your lower lip. The flush that colors your skin before orgasm, and the just-fucked look in your eyes after you come.”

I am so hot, so wet, and I do as he says, fingerfucking myself hard and then lightly teasing my clit. I am dizzy with lust, and I reach out with my other hand, taking it off my breast so that I can clutch the side of my desk to steady myself.

“Oh, God, Selena. Do you know how much watching you turns me on? How hot you make me? I have only begun to memorize the bits and pieces that make up you. You are my obsession.”

“Yes,” I whisper. “Oh, yes.”

The sharp shrill of my phone fills the room, and I jump. “Don’t stop,” he orders. “Just ignore it.”

I do, too lost in this sensual haze to care about something as foolish as a phone. I grind my hips in time with the rings, then keep going even after it stops. I hear the ping that indicates a voice mail, followed by the buzz of a text message.

I manage to stifle the urge to throw my phone out the window.

“Don’t even think about it, baby. Just this. Just us. You’re so close, Selena. God, I can see it on your face, in the way your lips are parted. Imagine it’s my mouth on your cunt, my tongue stroking you, tasting you. Baby, you taste so good.”

I whimper, so close, but not quite there, and my hips grind against my own hand. Soon, soon, so very soo—

“Ms. Fairchild?”

The receptionist’s voice bursts through the speaker, and I jump, feeling guilty and exposed, even as Justin bites out a curse.

“Ignore it,” he growls, but the voice continues, unable to hear our side of the conversation.

“Mr. Stark’s assistant is on the phone,” she says, as cold fingers of dread trail up my spine. “Apparently a Ms. Archer has been trying to reach you. I’m afraid there’s been an accident.”

Chapter Seventeen

I release Justin’s hand and burst through the door to Jamie’s tiny room on the third floor of the San Bernadino hospital, then sag with relief when I see her sitting up in bed watching SpongeBob. There’s a nasty bruise rising on her left cheek, and a white bandage taped across her forehead. Other than that, though, she looks intact, and for the first time since Sylvia called, I breathe easily.

“I’m sorry!” she says the second she sees us. “I’m so, so sorry.”

“But are you okay?” Thanks to Justin’s helicopter, it didn’t take us that long to get here, but I still spent the entire flight imagining the worst. Now I rush to her side and wince at the bruise that covers one arm, then disappears under her hospital gown.

“I’m banged up, but I’ll be fine. Really. But—I mean—oh, shit.” She glances Justin’s way. “Oh, God, Justin. The Ferrari’s toast. I totally fucked up.”

“You’re not badly hurt,” he says, moving to my side. He twines the fingers of one hand with mine, then takes Jamie’s hand in his other. “That’s all that matters.”

“Is the other driver okay?” I ask.

“It was just me,” she says, her voice as anguished as I’ve ever heard it. “I’m such a fucking loser.”

I am fighting hard not to cry. “You’re not, and you know it. It was an accident,” I say, but Jamie just shakes her head and doesn’t meet my eyes.

I frown and glance at Justin, who looks at least as concerned as I feel.

“So tell me what happened,” I say gently. I ease up to sit on the edge of the bed and Justin pulls up a chair. I put my foot on the seat cushion beside his leg, and he rests his hand on my ankle, just below the platinum and emerald bracelet. I focus on his touch, grateful for his strength and so desperately relieved that he is here with me.

Jamie sniffles and drags the back of her hand under her nose. “I went down the mountain to go check out some happy hours,” she says. “I mean, I had this frigging awesome car, so why not, right? And I met this guy and he was so totally hot.” She looks toward Justin and shrugs almost apologetically.

“Would you like me to step out?”

Her eyes widen. “No! I mean, you deserve to know how I totaled your car. And it’s not like my reputation doesn’t precede me, right?”

Justin, wisely, stays silent.

“Go on,” I prompt.

“Well, there were sparks, you know? And I haven’t banged anyone since Raine except for that one time with Douglas,” she says, referring to our horndog of a neighbor. “Honest,” she adds, holding her hand up in a Boy Scout salute. “I was practically a nun while you two were in Germany. Anyway, he needed a ride home, and I was happy to oblige because, well, why wouldn’t I be? And that part was great. And the part after was great, too,” she adds, cutting her eyes toward Justin.

I get it. For that matter, I’m sure Justin gets it, too. She fucked the guy. A perfect stranger. But this isn’t the time for yet another lecture, and I bite back my reprimands and instead say simply, “Go on.”

“So I’m lying there, right? And it’s nice. I mean he’s nice. Or at least, I think he is. Until this alarm clock beside the bed goes off. Then he sits up and starts pulling on his clothes.”

I catch Justin’s eye. I do not like the direction this is heading, and I already know that it ends badly.

“I ask him why he’s getting dressed, and he snaps at me to hurry. Because his wife—his fucking wife—is going to be home soon and I need to get the hell out of there.”

“Oh, Jamie . . .”

“I know, I know. Believe me, I know. But right then I was just pissed. And scared, because he tells me his wife’s a cop. I mean, seriously, it’s like a goddamned movie of the week or something.” She draws in a deep breath. “So I’m hurrying, right? And he’s pushing me to move faster, and he’s basically turned into this total asshole. And I swear, if she wasn’t a woman who carried a gun I would have stayed and told her that her fucktard of a husband screwed around. But I’m not keen on getting shot and he’s practically screaming at me by now.”

“And somehow the wife caused the accident?”

Jamie shakes her head. “Other than by coming home and scaring the crap out of me? No. But I pull out of his house and I head down the street to get out of the subdivision and back to the main road. I’m distracted, and I know I’m driving faster than I should, and—oh, Justin—I’m so, so sorry. But that was it. Just too fast. I wasn’t being reckless, I swear to God. But when I turn the corner, this other car is pulling out. They couldn’t have planned the timing better if they tried. I mean, it was like they were just waiting for me to come, which is stupid, right, but that’s just the kind of day I was having. So I swerve, and I lose control and I wrap the car around this huge stone fence that marks the edge of the development. The airbags did their thing, but I still managed to bang my head.” She presses her fingertips to the bandage on her forehead. “I’m not even sure what I hit it on.”

Her shoulders rise and fall as she takes a deep breath. “So that’s it. The whole thing was my fault. I was pissed off and driving too fast and the whole goddamn thing is because I spread my legs for some fucking stranger who only wanted a quick lay while his wife was off catching bad guys.”

I know she wants me to console her. To tell her it wasn’t her fault at all. And sure, that kind of accident can happen to anyone. But Jamie has fucked around for too long, with me and everyone else telling her that it can only end in trouble. I’m not about to say “I told you so,” but I’m also not going to tell her it’s no big deal and that it could have happened to anyone.

“You scared the shit out of me, James,” I finally say, and feel the tears well in my eyes again. “What would I do if something happened to you?”

Jamie got lucky—that’s the basic, bottom-line, absolute fact. A few inches in another direction, a few miles per hour faster, a little bit of oil on the road—just one tiny change and things could have been much, much worse.

I shiver, unnerved by the direction of my thoughts. By the knowledge that I could not stand to lose my friend. And by the certainty that if the worst happens, it is the sharp steel of a blade that I will crave—and if Justin is not beside me, then it is a blade that I will turn to.

Unnerved, I squeeze my hands tight, feeling my nails dig into my palms. Justin’s hand tightens around my ankle.

I sigh and savor the connection. For right then, it is enough.

When the nurse comes in to take Jamie’s vitals, Justin goes out into the hallway to find someone who can bring pillows and extra blankets. There is a hideously uncomfortable chair in the room that pulls out into a hideously uncomfortable bed, and that is where I am sleeping tonight, curled up tight against Justin’s side.

Despite the uncomfortable bed and the nurse visits that wake us every three hours or so, I am actually somewhat refreshed when I’m awakened the next morning by the smell of strong, slightly burned coffee.

“Nectar of the gods,” Justin says as he presses the Styrofoam cup into my eager hand. I sip it, make a face, and take another long swallow.

“The gods aren’t too picky this morning,” I say.

He brushes a kiss across my lips. “I’m sure Edward will be happy to stop for a latte.”

I frown, confused. “Why is Edward here?”

“I’m sending you and Jamie home in the limo.”

“We’re not riding back with you?” I hear the near-whine in my voice and immediately wish I could take it back. Yes, it’s Saturday, but the man has an empire to run, and he’s already been away from it for far too long. “Sorry,” I say. “I know you have to work.”

“There are things I need to take care of,” he says, and something in his tone catches my attention. “I’m going to San Diego,” he adds, obviously noticing my frown.

“Oh.” His father lives in San Diego, and I realize that he is going to confront the man about the photos sent to the court. I do not envy him the trip. My mother may have failed Parenting 101, but Jeremiah Stark never even took the class. “Hurry back,” I say, even though what I want to do is throw my arms around him and keep him safe. I do not want to see his heart wounded any more than it already is. And yet at the same time, I’m silently cheering inside. He could have so easily told me that he had business meetings, but instead he let me in. “I love you,” I say.

He cups my chin and tugs me in for a kiss. “Stop worrying. I’ll be fine.”

I nod, desperately hoping that he is right about that.

Since the cogs of the medical establishment do not turn quickly, it’s a full two hours before Jamie and I are finally settled in the limo. “If I have a mimosa, are you going to lecture me?” Jamie asks.

“I haven’t lectured you at all,” I reply indignantly. “I’ve been extremely non-lecturey. And it’s not like you have a drinking problem, James.”

“You’re right,” she says as she pours two and passes me one. I’m not really in the mood, but I take it anyway. Best friend solidarity and all that. “I don’t have a drinking problem; I have a fucking problem.”

I happen to agree, so I wisely say nothing and just take a sip from my mimosa. Since Jamie is a reasonably observant person who happens to know me well, my silence isn’t lost on her. She shrugs. “I know,” she says. “Nothing you haven’t been telling me for years.”

“I just don’t want to see you get hurt,” I say. “You were lucky, James. But this could have been bad.”

She doesn’t meet my eyes. I’m not surprised. Jamie has moments of self-awareness, but long contemplation is not her strong suit. But at least the wheels are turning.

“I called Ollie,” she says. I blink, confused by the transition. “I’m elaborating on my fucking problem,” she says, by way of explanation. “I called him after Raine got me fired from the commercial.”

“Oh, Jamie,” I say. “You promised me. For that matter, he promised me. He told me there wasn’t anything going on with you two anymore.”

“Wait. You talked to him? When?”

“He was in Germany,” I say. “The firm sent him over to help with the trial. You didn’t know?”

She shakes her head. “I haven’t seen him. Not since . . . well, not since he came over that night.”

“You called him.” It’s not just a statement. It’s an accusation. Hell, it’s a reprobation.

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