#the way i have spent the ENTIRETY of the final season in tears

[jojea]

*through tears* tohru honda could fix me

[headhedgehog]

Cherry wine

When he remembered that winter, Kunigami Rensuke tasted cherries. 

Bright and floral as spring, bittersweet and fleeting as summer. The unmistakable, incongruous flavor of Chigiri Hyoma’s attention. 

He landed in Munich the day after Manshine’s season ended, his pink hair half-up and his carry-on packed within an inch of its life. It hit the floor when Chigiri fell into Kunigami’s arms, was ignored as its owner buried his face in the crook of Kunigami’s neck.

“I missed you so much,” he breathed into Kunigami’s ear. 

“I missed you too.”

—-----------------------------------------

Hyoma had never been in Kunigami’s home in Germany. Blue Lock and Wild Card left Kunigami hollow and struggling to connect with anyone, let alone the boy who spent the entirety of the first and second selections hunting for places they could be alone together. When they’d gone off with their respective teams, Kunigami assumed their relationship was over. 

Until he got a birthday card, care of the Bastard Munchen front office.

Happy birthday, Hero. Call me? Followed by a phone number. 

Had he gotten that card three weeks earlier, he would’ve thrown it in the trash. He was still haunted by the look on Chigiri’s face when they parted for the last time. Chigiri tried to hug him, but Kunigami stepped back, left Chigiri to shove his hands in his pockets. 

“Bye, Hero,” Chigiri had muttered. His eyes were the only hint that he was wounded by the rejection.

“Bye, Chigiri.” Not Princess, as Chigiri’s friends affectionately called him. Not Hyoma, as he’d been in Kunigami’s arms. Chigiri. Formal, cold.

Final.

But Kunigami’s arrival in Germany – and his merciful separation from Ego – felt like a new chapter. As he learned to navigate Munich and got roped into outings with teammates, Kunigami noticed flashes of his old self. He blushed when a teammate complimented a pass he made; he remembered to ask about Noa’s sick mother. 

And then his older sister started calling him. She didn’t seem to care that Kunigami barely responded to her, let alone ask her anything. Instead, she called every few days and talked at him about their younger sister, their parents, the neighbor’s new dog, her graduate program. He surprised himself by not hanging up, surprised himself even more by calling her first after two weeks. 

So, when he flopped onto his bed the night after receiving Chigiri’s note, it felt reasonable to dial the number provided.

“Kunigami?”

Chigiri’s voice broke something loose in Kunigami’s chest. He cleared his throat in a vain attempt to mask his emotions.

“Thank you for the card.”

There was a pause. “You’re welcome. I hope you enjoyed your birthday.”

The cool formality made Kunigami feel worse. “I wasn’t expecting you to reach out. After…everything.”

“I missed you.” 

Chigiri said it like he was discussing the weather. Tears Kunigami couldn’t account for rolled down his cheeks, quiet sobs filling the silence between them.

“Are you crying? Kunigami, I’m sorry, if I’d thought it would upset you I wouldn’t have sent the card –”

“I missed you too,” Kunigami choked out. “I’m so sorry for the way I treated you, Chigiri. You didn’t deserve that. I – Wild Card was a mistake. I shouldn’t have stayed there, not if it hurt you –”

“What happened, Kunigami? What did they do to you?”

Kunigami sighed and began from the moment Chigiri was stolen by Isagi’s team in the second selection. When the sun rose the next morning, Kunigami woke up to find that they’d never hung up. Chigiri’s soft snores were audible through the phone; when Kunigami ended the call his chest ached with a longing he no longer had words to describe. 

The calls became nightly occurrences without discussion; texts throughout the day became constant. Kunigami felt his phone buzz in his pocket and knew immediately who it was, smiled preemptively.

Bzzt. This you? [1 attachment: photo of a golden retriever]

Bzzt. I swear if Nagi falls asleep on my gym bag one more time I will strangle him

Bzzt. Can we eat dinner on video call tonight? I’m lonely.

They never openly flirted, never hinted that they were interested in anything beyond romance. Not that Kunigami wasn’t interested – Chigiri made him feel alive in a way he hadn’t since he was eliminated from Blue Lock. He admired Chigiri’s constant reading and his nuanced thoughts on the books he finished, even if Kunigami never had much to contribute to those conversations. He loved Chigiri’s ability to make anything into an amusing story, his beautiful laugh and the way his nose wrinkled when he smiled. 

No, Kunigami wasn’t so far gone that he couldn’t recognize his crush on Chigiri. But reading others’ feelings was still difficult for him. He only hoped he wasn’t pushing Chigiri away.

And then Bastard Munchen and Manshine City played each other in the UCL. 

Kunigami and Chigiri were both starters for the game, and it took everything Kunigami had not to stop and watch Chigiri run. He was more beautiful than Kunigami remembered, a pink blur against the walls of the pitch. Kunigami wanted nothing more than to fall into step with him, to guard him so he could run forever. 

When Kunigami got to the locker room after the game, there was already a text from Chigiri waiting on his phone.

“Dinner?”

If asked, Kunigami wouldn’t be able to recall a single detail from the meal. They went somewhere one of Chigiri’s teammates suggested; they talked too much to eat more than a few bites of their food. Kunigami paid the check; Chigiri led the way back to his hotel room. 

They didn’t hold hands as they walked. Kunigami desperately wanted to, longed to feel Chigiri’s delicate fingers laced with his own, but the idea of Chigiri pulling away hurt worse than the wanting. The hotel room had a couch, and they sat at opposite ends, the conversation from dinner ongoing. 

At some point they moved to sit next to each other. Testing the waters, Kunigami rested his arm over the back of the couch and felt the purest relief of his life when Chigiri cuddled into his side. 

When morning came, Kunigami woke up on the couch with Chigiri asleep on his chest. They kissed when they parted. For the rest of the day, Kunigami searched for the taste of Chigiri on his lips.

Their texts and calls became more explicitly romantic after that, but even so Kunigami couldn’t bring himself to ask how Chigiri understood their relationship. But when the season came to a close and Chigiri floated the idea of visiting him in Germany, Kunigami said yes without a second thought. 

If he’d set up the guest room, just in case, that was no one’s business but his own.

—----------------------------------------------------

They spent the first evening in Kunigami’s kitchen, cooking and standing closer to one another than strictly necessary. The overstuffed carry-on remained near the front door, nagging that they hadn’t discussed where Chigiri would sleep.

“Kunigami,” Chigiri said when they finally settled in to watch a movie, half-cuddled together under a blanket. “Can I ask you something?”

“Of course.”

“Did I scare you that morning after the tournament? With the kiss?”

Kunigami blinked. “What do you mean?”

“You practically ran away. I know you had to leave, but –”

“I have thought about that kiss every day.”

Chigiri leaned away for a moment, considered Kunigami. Tentatively, he pushed the blanket off his legs and brought his hand to Kunigami’s cheek.

The kiss was better than the one in the hotel, better than any they’d shared at Blue Lock. Chigiri was warm and smelled like home. The soft touch of his lips broke something in Kunigami; in a moment his arms were around the smaller man’s body, his fingers tangled in pink hair, his tongue in Chigiri’s mouth. Chigiri moaned into the kiss and climbed into Kunigami’s lap. 

“Should we go to the bedroom?” Chigiri panted after a moment. He was a vision, his lips kiss-red and hair tousled, his eyes hooded and shiny. 

In reply, Kunigami stood, his hands under Chigiri’s thighs, and carried him down the hall.

—-----------------------------------------------

They slept late into the morning, tangled up in the sheets. Kunigami woke first, Chigiri’s hair in his mouth. He removed it and rolled over to spoon his lover. 

“Morning, Hero,” Chigiri said, his voice still thick with sleep.

“Morning, Hyoma.” 

[jellyelley]

03 / 06 / 2024

I lie in the last week, the closing chapter of my university life and cannot help but feel an overwhelming sense of under achievement: a lack lustre burst of the inevitable. I look across my room in hopes of finding some reminiscence between the piles of linen clothes and boxes of hair dye, wishing there was a crack in between the floorboards bursting with the light and memories collected in what is to be known as my third home. It is instead that I cannot remember or count the amount of times I have opened my blinds to let the light in, or kept the door open or turned the bedroom light on. Or knowing that I have spent more nights alone, in the darkness of my bed, and knowing the number of friends I have had to visit does not surpass the number of fingers on my left hand. I haven’t even considered opening my laptop to write for the good part of the year; I do not know if this is because I have been to busy with other commitments or because I struggle to pick up things that I previously enjoyed. Since completing the assessment season of my education (and to be quite honest, throughout the entirety of my final semesters) I feel as if I have forgotten who I am, or that she has become lost and now looks unrecognisable to the girl that used to float along the hallways of my life.

Why is it always at the end that one chooses to reflect, surely by this point it is worthless? Nevertheless there are many things to reflect over the last twenty two years of my life, mostly that it has felt too long of a life. Can a life feel too long after a short twenty two years? I can hardly imagine that there are things past the mundane to satisfy ones self once they are forced to take the steps into adulthood. Is that what university does for a person, delays the inevitable that everyone should, at some point along their own lifetime, make the transition to close the dressing up box for the last time and accept that life from that moment is plain. I think I finally have come to terms with the fact that I, like most, am likely to live a life which is completely unsatisfactory. It is now I must accept that it is not the average person who is granted the wish of enjoying their life but must turn up to a job they do not like and do this simply because they must. How does anyone accept that this is the way life should be? Some may consider me spoilt, or selfish, but I just wonder whether it is this difficult for everyone to come to terms with.

I fear I closed the lid on my dreams far too early, far too early that I would not even be able to reiterate what one used to be. There is an aching pain inside of me which no longer knows anything about the little girl who reflects back at myself in the mirror. I fear she would be so disappointed in the person I am now; I didn’t even try for her. It breaks my heart that I had to grow up so quickly, that I couldn’t let myself linger just a moment longer in the dreams she used to have. If I knew that no matter what choices I made throughout my teenage and early years of adulthood I would’ve ended up in the same position, I just wish I could’ve stayed asleep a little longer. My bones ache, the tears flow effortlessly down my face and yet as I lookout at the my life unpacked in my bedroom I cannot find a single thing little me would recognise. 

And thus the new question which escapes the mouths of every person and every corner of my life; what is next? I believe this to be easier to answer if I was sure that I was going to make it past the hurdle of finishing university and transitioning back to my family home. My biggest fear is to live a life which is not fulfilling or satisfactory, but how can a successful and happy life be achieved when I am weighed down with the disappointment of my education, and absolutely no drive for anything. Honestly, I do not know how long I will be able to go on like this. I want to live a life that is full. I want the sun to seep through my windows every morning without the overwhelming regret that I have already passed what is the peak of my existence. Instead I am to return to the same job, in the same small dead-ended town and pray I am not regurgitated back into the person I used to be. 

[trangenderstan]

Trangenderstan ramble series

I am feeling very extremely sentimental this evening so here we heckin go (shoutout to tumblr user unearlthyfromage whom i am too scared to tag)

I love Stanley’s character development. It’s so amazing in so many ways and nearly perfectly executed. Today i’m crying about one thing and one thing only

THE WAY ALL OF THIS IS SO SO LIFE-CHANGING FOR HIM

“Oh but Arsen of course its life-changing that’s what the show is about” HEAR ME OUTT!!!!

Ever since Stanley was a child he was hurt. Badly. By other people. A huge part of his character is the way he easily slips into a persona. We see it multiple times in the way he talks about himself (By day i was Stanford Pines, Mister Mystery! But by night, i was down in the basement trying to bring the real Stanford back) and just in the general visual language of his character.

And i think a huge part of that persona is just how badly insecure he is. You cannot hate this man more than he already hates himself. But the thing about that is, there’s only so many personal blows you can take in your life, even if you’ve already given up on how you view yourself. It’s been repeatedly stated that Stan is craving positive attention, but he’s just too bad at actually getting people to like him. So he creates this persona that simultaneously shields him and uplifts him. If he is praised, it’s “Oh well i did that! Hell yeah!”. If he’s berated, hated, scolded, cursed, then it’s “Oh who cares, it’s not the real me anyway suckers!”

That persona is such a huge part of his character and is so deeply-rooted he even uses it on Ford a couple times in his teens (namely the swingset scene. Look at how Stanley is smiling throughout, but then falters the moment Ford leaves), it’s only natural that he’d use it around people who genuinely want to help him. Soos, Wendy, Dipper, Mabel - all of them are still faced with that fake side of him all throughout season 1

(i have some beef with The Legend of the Gobblewonker here but all writers make mistakes and no show is perfect)

He cares about them deeply, he spends time with them, but he never gets personal. He never really lets himself slip and just enjoy everyone’s presence. Every minute spent in the room with so many people is every minute he has to have that persona up and shielding him from any sudden criticism his way

BUT THEN THE ENDING. AND THE ENTIRETY OF SEASON 2. GOD FUCKING DAMN IT.

I don’t know how many people noticed how goddamn important this scene is to show his character development. Sure he’s still closed-off and gruff and denies he’s going to miss them, but the bets are off. He isn’t hiding his true feelings at all. He’s crying and while that happened some times in the show, it’s never been shown properly. With drawn tears and everything MAN

Hes just so totally changed by all these people that come into his life. People that finally get through to him with all their collective effort. And i imagine helping him regain his memories did the last of it

All i want is for this guy to get infinite hugs and love and affection and let him do his silly little crimes and then bail him out of jail with a noogie and a “silly knucklehead” god fucking damn it IS THAT TOO MUCH TO ASK

[meliaaizawa]

ANNIVERSARY

Shota and Mei celebrate their first anniversary together.

“Ugh, soooo romantic,” Mei said to Kayama as the credits rolled on the final episode of the K-drama they had been watching together. “I wish I could be in love like that! And the ending being in fall!! It’s the perfect season for being in love!” Kayama replied looking outside her apartment window, seeing the sun set behind the colorful trees in the park just across the street. “Right?? Like, literally imagine sitting on a bench in the park, admiring the fall colors, and then suddenly you recognize the handsome guy coming towards you in the turtleneck and jacket as the love of your life. Oh! And then he’s carrying a picnic basket to have a picnic with you in the beautiful fall afternoon??” Mei said, coming up with the scenario as she went on. “Shota could never,” she then said with a small laugh.

“You don’t think Aizawa would do something like that for you?” Kayama asked, leaning forward on her pillow as she faced Mei on the couch, as if gingerly waiting for Mei to continue her story. “Don’t get me wrong, I love my Sho to death, and he can be extremely thoughtful… it’s just in his own way. For example, once we were out with Hizashi, and he decided to buy us some coffee. Anyways, when Hizashi was paying, I told him I really liked his new wallet. Come to find out, Sho asked him later where he got it and he went out and bought me the same wallet,” Mei recalled.

She slipped off the couch and grabbed her purse sitting beside the coffee table and pulled out a yellow wallet. “Literally, this is a man’s wallet… But Shota didn’t know any better and bought it for me anyway, even though there was no holiday or occasion. Though I sometimes wonder what a K-drama romance moment may be like, I never expect it from Sho, but I love him nonetheless,” Mei said, fondly thinking of her husband. “Forget a K-drama romance!! I want what you and Aizawa have! You two are literally #goals!” Kayama said as she pulled out her phone nonchalantly and began texting Hizashi… She had an idea.

*A couple weeks later*

Mei woke up to a chill, realizing she wasn’t sleeping as warmly as normal. As her sleepy fog began to clear, she realized her husband, a primary source of warmth, was missing from his side of the bed. She tucked herself under the covers further, trying to warm herself until Shota returned from the bathroom, or wherever he might’ve gone. She nearly dozed off again when her inner clock woke her up again. Shota was still missing, now causing Mei to wonder where on earth he had gone.

Today was their one-year anniversary, so they agreed to not take any hero patrols for the day and to spend the entirety of it solely with each other. Even with it being a special day, it was very unlike Shota to be up and about before Mei. *Maybe he decided to fix me a special breakfast or something… how romantic of him* Mei thought to herself, getting out of bed and pulling on her robe. If Shota was cooking in the kitchen, she wanted to catch a glimpse of it. She snuck out of their bedroom and down the hall to the empty kitchen… and empty living room… Shota was nowhere to be found.

 Still puzzled, Mei headed back to their bedroom, picked up her phone on her nightstand, and read a message from Shota. “An important mission came up, I’ll be back soon,” it said. Mei frowned after she read it and sat down on the edge of the bed. *He forgot about our anniversary?* she wondered to herself. She felt a lump in her throat and tears began to well up in her eyes. Shota had never really cared about the theatrics of birthdays and other celebrations, but Mei thought their anniversary would be different. She didn’t want anything huge- a day spent with her husband was enough celebration for her… but she didn’t even have that now, as he was out doing hero work.

As if able to tell how upset she was, Kohi jumped up on the bed into Mei’s lap and rubbed himself against her. “Hey, buddy… at least I have you,” she said sadly to her cat as she pet him. She heard her phone vibrate and quickly picked it up, hoping to see another message from Shota… but it was from Kayama. “Happy 1 year to you and that old grouch. Hope you two aren’t having too much fun today, if you know what I mean 😉” her text read. *How about no fun at all?* Mei thought to herself before typing “Sho forgot it’s our anniversary :/” and hitting send.

“Forreal?! Well, you shouldn’t be alone today, so let’s have a girl’s day out at the park!! Dress up cutely and meet me at the park in an hour!!” Kayama texted back. Even though she really didn’t feel like it at the moment, Mei decided to comply. Maybe going out with Kayama would distract her from the growing pit she could feel in her stomach. Knowing how nicely her friend always dressed, Mei decided to dress up cutely as suggested. After showering, she put on a cozy sweater and long skirt, paired with one of her favorite pairs of boots and a matching scarf. It was a cute and cozy outfit, as she wanted to make sure she would stay warm on the cool fall day.

It was a sunny and clear day with blue skies, so Mei decided to just walk to Kayama’s neighborhood, knowing exactly which park she meant to meet at. While she walked, she occasionally checked her phone, hoping to see a message from Shota, but to no avail. She made it to the park, and decided to head towards the center of it, where a fountain and benches were. “Hey, I’m here! Just chilling near the fountain,” she texted Kayama. Knowing that her friend was almost always late, Mei came prepared. She took a seat on a bench, pulled out her manga and began to read it while she waited.

There weren’t many people at the park, as it was a weekday, but as a force of habit, whenever she heard someone nearby, she would quickly glance at them to see if they were any kind of threat. Upon one glance, Mei noticed how beautiful the fall colors of the trees were, and how the multi-colored leaves danced around in the air as the wind blew them around. She stuck her bookmark in her manga and began to just watch her surroundings, admiring the beauty of the autumn season. Though completely silent, Mei noticed a figure appear from behind a patch of trees in her peripheral vision. She figured the man would walk towards the fountain, but instead she noticed him walk towards her direction, though she never fully turned to look at him.

*Mei… You’re not on a patrol, calm down. There’s no need to be on such high alert,* she told herself. To prove that the man walking in her direction wasn’t a threat, she decided to look up at him, straight in the eye. She looked over at him, and her eyes grew wide. Walking towards her was none other than her own husband with his normal disheveled hair and scruffy appearance… but… wearing a tan turtleneck sweater, with a nice black jacket over it. Mei immediately stood up and faced him as he continued to walk over to her, and she noticed a picnic basket in his hand.

“Who are you???” Mei asked incredulously with her mouth agape, though in the form of a very large smile. “Look, it was mostly Kayama and Yamada’s idea…” Shota replied, rubbing the back of his head shyly. “I could’ve told you that!” Mei replied with a chuckle, trying to cover up how nervous she was… for whatever reason. “You look nice… like, really nice,” Mei said, shyly, blushing under her smile. “Well, it is our anniversary, after all,” he said, trying to gather his words before continuing. “I know I’m not the most romantic partner by any means, but I wanted to thank you for making it through a whole year with me,” Shota said.

Mei chuckled and stepped closer to him, looking up. “You idiot, I didn’t marry you because you’re charmingly romantic… which, you arguably are in your own weird way… but I married you because I had no other choice,” Mei said sarcastically as Shota rolled his eyes, while smirking affectionately at her. “And now I still have no other choice but to stick with you until the very end,” she added, smiling up at him. He shook his head as he continued to smirk subtly at her. “Are you ready for some food?” Shota asked, looking down at the picnic basket in his hand.

“Always… That’s literally the main thing I was looking forward to today,” Mei replied, moving beside him and grabbing a hold of his free arm. *All this work for her serious, romantic K-drama moment… and she can’t help but make light of it… I love her for that…* Shota thought to himself as the pair walked down the brick pathway, looking around as they did so. Anytime they were in public together, he couldn’t help but be wary. “Thank you, Sho,” Mei said, leaning her head against his arm for a short moment as they walked together. “Happy anniversary,” he replied before shifting his arm out of her grasp so he could reach down and interlock his fingers with hers, sticking their woven-together hands into his jacket pocket to keep them warm and out of sight. “I know the perfect picnic spot… how does home sound?” Mei asked. “Sounds perfect,” Shota replied, leading the way.

[ladyartemesia]

All I Want For Christmas is You

Pairing: Kim Taehyung x Female Reader

Summary: When Park Jimin is unable to escort his precious sister through the gauntlet of corporate holiday galas, he blackmails his best friend Taehyung into being her chaperone. After all, who better to safeguard his headstrong sibling than a man who would never want her for himself? (She and Tae have spent the better part of a decade mutually disliking each other, and that’s putting it mildly.) Yet, even the best laid plans may go awry at Christmas and Kim Taehyung is about to discover that the girl he never wanted has become a temptation he cannot resist...

Genre: Comedy • Fluff  • Smut

Tropes: Brother’s Best Friend (Reader is Jimin’s Sister) • Enemies-to-Lovers

Collab: This work is part of the Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tropes Collab featuring original holiday themed works by @ppersonna • @xjoonchildx  • @underthejoon • @yeojaa​ • @untaemedqueen • and @snackhobi

Word Count: 17K (I know���I am shocked too honestly)

Rating: Explicit (18+)

Warnings: suggestive photographs • mention of accidentally being hit with a baseball • hints of jealousy and possessiveness • light tit slapping • explicit sexual content • m/f oral sex • consensual unprotected sex (shield it before you yield it y’all) • Viola’s mirror kink makes yet another appearance •

Acknowledgements:

To @ppersonna​ (Lindy) @underthejoon​ (Fal) and @xjoonchildx​ (Ana) you guys are my heart. Your support, willingness to read (and re-read) and give honest feedback made this fic special. Your friendship is my daily dose of awesome. Truly, I love you.

To @untaemedqueen​ (D) all of the above applies to you, but I owe you a little something extra for the LITERAL HOURS you spent in the doc with me. This fic would not be here without you. You kept me moving. You inspired me. You were amazing. Thank you so very much. This story is lovingly dedicated to you. 

To @hobi-gif​ for being the most thorough and incredible beta reader and for having all the important girl chats with me. I think you learned more about my past than you wanted... Either way you made this story better and I am profoundly grateful for the hours of time you spent. I have removed all the Hope-No-No words in your honor. 

To @lemonjoonah​ as always, you knew EXACTLY what I needed to tweak to make this story work. (Gotta pass that Lemon Litmus Test or no dice lol.) My lovely soul twin. You’re a bloomin’ rockstar. 

Please Picture This Taehyung:

“No.”

“Yes.”

“No. Absolutely not.”

“Yes. Because you absolutely owe me.”

“Then send me a bill, not your unmanageable harpy of a sister.”

Jimin raised a single unimpressed brow. 

“Kim Taehyung. It was exactly five years ago today that I carried your drunken naked ass two miles in the rain after you set your clothes on fire and sprained your ankle at that Beta Phi party.” He paused dramatically. “Do you remember what you said to me that night? After I deleted several pictures off phones and paid off half the party to keep it out of the papers?”

The man in question shifted uncomfortably.

“That incident is a bit hazy in my memory. I’m not sure I recall—”

“Jiminie—you’re the best and I—I owe… you. I owe you the most, Jiminie. I do—I owe you a favor—one BIG favor—anything you ask… Even though... I actually like being naked. I don’t think we need clothes. We should all be naked. Everyone. Then there would be world peace.”

Taehyung’s jaw dropped. 

“You RECORDED IT?!”

Jimin grinned, sliding his phone back into his pocket.

“Naturally. And I had it all ready to go—just in case you needed extra convincing.” He crossed his arms and fixed his best friend of nearly fifteen years with a triumphant smirk. “I’m calling in that favor today, Taehyung. Now are you a man of your word or not?”

“He did WHAT?!”

Your mother winced. 

“Jimin was... uncomfortable leaving you alone for the holiday season. He normally accompanies you to the galas but this year—”

“This year I was going to go alone and finally build my reputation as an asset to this family!”

Park Soomin sighed as she watched her daughter pace fiercely around the living room of their luxury suite. 

“No one doubts that you’re an asset, but… in light of recent events...”

Rage and embarrassment flared up in your chest before you could stop them. 

“This is about Milo… isn’t it?”

The silence that greeted your statement was confirmation enough. 

“Are you ever going to trust me again?” you whispered. 

“Oh sweetheart... it isn’t you we don’t trust...”

Tears burned at the corner of your eyes, but you ruthlessly blinked them back. 

You would play along with their humiliating schemes. 

For now.

“So which one of Jimin’s Ivy League brat pack did he blackmail into babysitting me? 

For the first time in the entirety of the conversation, your mother looked truly nervous. 

“Kim Taehyung.”

You tripped over your own feet and face-planted into the sofa. 

“Jungkook, I need to look into faking my own death. Nothing too over the top. Just a tasteful disappearance—”

The man in question could barely restrain his grin. 

“You don’t pay me nearly enough to deal with your mother in the event of your tragic demise and miraculous resurrection.”

“I could pay you more.”

“Or,” Jungkook replied with a heavy dose of judgment coloring his tone, “you could put on this ridiculous tie and stop trying to weasel out of it.”

“Sometimes I wonder why I pay you at all,” Taehyung growled, yanking the tie from the younger man’s grasp. “Clearly I’m not the one in charge.”

“Your words, sir, not mine. Now shall we go over the details and itinerary?”

If Jeon Jungkook wasn’t the best executive aide in the city (and one of his closest friends) Tae would have drop-kicked him right then and there.

“Could you at least try to look like you’re not enjoying this?”

“I’m sorry, sir. It was insensitive of me to ignore your suffering in this delicate time. The trauma of escorting a beautiful woman to a series of glorified buffets weighs heavily upon you.”

Taehyung tightened the tie so aggressively, he almost strangled himself.

“Beautiful woman?!” he wheezed. “We’re talking about the girl who showed up to our formal graduation party looking like she just escaped from Azkaban.”

Jungkook bit the inside of his cheek thoughtfully. 

“Tae… how long has it been since you’ve actually seen Ms. Park?” 

“Seen? Maybe three—four years.”

The heir-apparent of Kim Holdings avoided the public end of corporate culture like the plague, preferring to leave the requisite schmoozing to his personable cousin, Kim Seokjin. 

However, he had crossed paths with his adolescent nemesis in... other ways. 

Taehyung was romancing a lovely young socialite who suddenly ghosted him after someone told her that he wanted at least eight naturally-birthed children. 

Soon after, your favorite charity received an anonymous 30,000 dollar donation requesting that you be featured in the dunk tank for an upcoming benefit carnival and then the same anonymous patron paid for at least fifteen little league teams to attend. 

In retaliation, someone petitioned the National Aviary Society (chaired by a very influential senator’s wife that no one ever refused if they wanted their permits to go through) to make Taehyung the MC at their annual awards ceremony—knowing full well he was allergic to birds (not dangerously allergic—just enough to be miserable).  

Taehyung had sniffled and sneezed through approximately one hundred parrots, parakeets, and other assorted fowl until he was ready to commit murder. 

The last several years had been littered with similar incidents of the two of you taking thinly veiled potshots at one another. 

“I can’t imagine she’s changed very much,” Taehyung bit off absently. His mind was abruptly consumed by how he could get revenge for those demonic birds. 

He didn’t notice the smile creeping over Jungkook’s face. 

“No, sir. I’m sure she hasn’t changed at all.”

Taehyung had only ever had the wind knocked out of him once before. 

He was Dionysia High School’s star pitcher for three seasons and during one particularly tense game against JY Prep, Lim Jaebeom whacked a line drive right into his solar plexus. 

That’s how it felt to look up and see you at the top of the stairs. 

In his head, you were still the mischievous imp from his childhood. Every prank he played was directed at the fierce little fiend with braids and braces who’d knocked him and his date into the university fountain while experimenting with her friend’s skateboard. 

But she was gone… and in her place was something far more dangerous. 

A woman. 

Silken fabric wrapped tightly over curves you definitely didn’t have four years ago. That wild hair had been tamed into shining waves and pinned elegantly at the nape of your neck. The wicked slit that traveled all the way up your thigh teased a smooth shapely leg that all but demanded the viewer fantasize about running their hand up the length of it. 

Suddenly it was very clear why Park Jimin wouldn’t let his sister venture into the corporate cesspool alone. 

Because the sight of you could make a man desperate. 

Betrayal—of all things—slowly crept over Taehyung as you descended toward him like some sort of angel floating down from the heavens. 

His mind went blank. Just watching the seductive shift of your hips as you swayed ever closer felt like a violation of his friendship with Jimin. He could feel the judgmental stares of an imaginary Bro-Code Council boring into him from on high. 

“I see you’ve recovered from your memorable tenure as the Aviary Society’s Master of Ceremonies.”

And just like that the brat was back. 

Taehyung breathed a hefty sigh of relief, secretly thrilled to be in familiar territory with you. 

“Naturally I was delighted to help Senator Mitchell’s wife. In fact, Mitchell’s office just fast tracked all my pending permit requests for the new year.” He tilted forward, coming into your space a bit. “I should really send you a thank you card.” 

“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” you scowled, breezing past him like an indignant queen. 

Tae could practically see the steam pouring out of your ears. 

“Of course not,” he chuckled.

The first gala of the holiday season was an extravagant annual affair hosted by Min Corp., a Seoul based investment firm that commanded billions in assets. This year, the theme of the event was the Joseon Dynasty and the entire ballroom had been gloriously transformed into a stunning celebration of the Min family’s royal heritage. 

Attendees were gifted their own traditional fan, each uniquely crafted by artisans from Damyang. Taehyung’s was all black with bold silver calligraphy while yours was a beautiful bamboo and silk piece decorated with pomegranate trees. 

You had already whacked three people with it by the time dinner was served. 

“It really is a pity these fell out of fashion,” you lamented. “They’re quite useful.”

“You are deranged,” Taehyung mumbled, massaging his temples in exasperation. 

“Nonsense. I only fanned those who deserved it.”

“Harkins?”

“He was staring at my rack for a solid minute.”

Taehyung could hardly blame the man, it was a battle he himself was losing after all, but Harkins was twice your age and married—therefore his ogling was in especially poor taste. 

“Okay... What about Kang?” 

“He was verbally abusing one of the waitstaff.” 

“Alright, fair enough, but why on earth would you go after sweet old Mrs. O’Malley?”

“She was about to grab your ass.”

Taehyung’s mouth dropped open.

“She’s eighty-five!”

“And still kickin’ apparently.” You shook your head in disgust. “As if I’d whack an eighty-five year-old woman for anything less than non-consensual touching.”

“I- I- mean—surely you must be mistaken,” he coughed. 

“Oh, there’s no mistake. That nasty old crone is a serial offender. She likes to play it off as dementia, but she’s as sharp as a tack. Last year she got a whole handful of Jimin. Honestly, I’d call the police on her, but the commissioner is her grandson so I doubt I’d get very far.”

Taehyung turned to the woman in question just in time to see her totter lecherously toward Jung Hoseok, fingers already twitching in anticipation. 

“Is nothing sacred?” he mused hollowly. 

You shrugged. 

“Many people who accumulate as much as our families have start believing that they are entitled to whatever strikes their fancy.” Your eyes met his with a hint of bemusement. “Surely you should be used to this sort of thing by now?”

“Yes, but I was hardly expecting it from little old ladies!”

The remainder of dinner was a terse affair where you pretended he didn’t exist for the entire meal and he in turn pretended that the spunky young heiress seated to his right was the most darling creature to ever walk the earth. By dessert she was ready to get married and you were ready to vomit. 

Afterward, Taehyung found himself quickly converted to your views on fan usefulness as you began strolling through the crowd intent on strengthening your family’s corporate ties. 

“Kim Taehyung,” you ground out through clenched teeth, “how am I supposed to do business if you keep stabbing everyone I speak to!”

“I don’t know what you’re implying. I’m simply not used to carrying one of these. I may have accidentally grazed a few overzealous individuals—”

“My last three conversations have been rudely disrupted by the blunt end of that accused fan.”

Taehyung crossed his arms smugly. 

“And what of it? Jimin sent me along to keep an eye on you and the gentlemen in question were hardly behaving themselves. No one has to put their hand in my back or lean that close to me when they’re talking business.” 

“That’s because no one wants to get that close to you,” you replied sweetly. “You’re gross.” 

A devastating grin slid slowly over his features as he leaned forward to whisper in your ear. 

“I can think of several women who might disagree.”

He just barely caught the hitch in your breath before- 

“Like who? Miss Blushes-and-Giggles from dinner?”

“Jealous?” Taehyung drawled cockily. 

“Only in your dreams, Kim.” Then, with a deliberate flick of your fan, you turned your back to him. “I’m headed for the ladies room. Do yourself a favor and don’t follow me in.”

It was twenty minutes before Taehyung realized that you slipped out the back entrance of the restroom. 

It took another ten for him to locate you on the balcony flirting outrageously with Min Yoongi. 

The young heir of Min Corp. was just leaning closer to whisper sweet nothings in your ear when a black fan slid right in between the two of you. 

“Lovely weather we’re having,” Taehyung observed cheerfully. His eyes bounced between you and Yoongi with barely concealed fury and you let out a miserable groan. 

“Mr. Kim,” Yoongi cleared his throat significantly. “What an… unexpected surprise.”

Frustration clawed at your chest as your overbearing guardian nodded smugly in response. 

It was time to teach him—and Jimin—a lesson. 

“Yoongi,” you sighed, sliding your hand pointedly through the crook of his arm, “I’m not feeling at all well. Would you perhaps… escort me home?”

Taehyung suddenly looked as if he’d swallowed a live octopus. 

Yoongi grinned, clearly thrilled with the prospect of simultaneously spending more time with you and irritating Taehyung. 

“It would be my pleasure.”

“Jimin is gonna kill me,” Taehyung grumbled as he watched Min Yoongi help you into the passenger seat of his Aston Martin. 

An ugly green feeling he refused to identify twisted sharply in his gut when you smiled coyly at the other man. 

“This is ridiculous,” he snarled to no one in particular before yanking his phone out of his pocket. 

Jungkook picked up on the second ring. 

“Sir?”

“I need you to drive to Ms. Park’s apartment and tell me if she goes in alone or if Min Yoongi goes in with her.”

“You want me to what?!” 

“Just do it!” he snapped, downing an entire glass of champagne before signaling his own driver. 

Fifteen minutes later his phone vibrated from the car seat next to him. 

1 New Message from: Jungkook

Her building has four separate entrances. Which one do I watch? 

Taehyung could practically feel the vein pulsing in his forehead as he scrolled through his contacts. 

You picked up on the fourth ring. 

“Hello?”

“Where are you?”

“Oh it’s you… Wait—how did you get this number?”

“Jimin. Obviously. Now please answer the question.”

“Oh a ‘please.’ Who knew you had manners?”

“Answer the question, Park. I’m tired.”

The distinct sound of a zipper unzipping carried through the speaker. 

“I’m at home, of course. Where else would I be? I just got here like a minute ago.”

He had a sudden vision of Min Yoongi helping you out of your dress. His grip on the phone tightened. 

“Are you alone?”

You snorted. 

“I don’t see how that is any of your business.”

Taehyung saw red. 

“I’m coming over.”

There was a loud crash and several colorful words in at least three different languages. 

“Wha- No! I’m trying to go to bed!”

“With who?!”

“With myself, you idiot!”

“Prove it!”

“Fine! I will!”

The line disconnected and Taehyung swore loudly. He was just about to direct the driver to your building when his phone went off again. 

1 New Message from: Park Gremlin 

He almost choked on his tongue. 

You were clearly in the middle of undressing and—in your irritation—probably hadn’t looked too carefully at the picture you sent.  

At first glance it was simply a shot of your empty room (presumably “proof” that you were alone) but you neglected to consider the floor-length mirror hanging in the far corner…

A mirror that showed you angrily holding up your phone with your gown pooled deliciously around your waist and the soft round swells of your breasts strapped into lacy red lingerie. 

You were exquisite. 

A fierce, hot sensation gripped him ruthlessly, and this time there was no mistaking it. 

Desire. 

Your phone lit up on the bed where you tossed it after snapping a photo for your tightly-wound man nanny. 

1 New Message from: Kim Grinch 

I didn’t know you liked Van Gogh. 

Your head tilted in confusion. 

There was a Van Gogh print in your room, but he couldn’t have seen it because it was behind you when-

Oh NO.

You gasped, scrolling back up to confirm what deep down you already knew to be true. 

… You just sent Kim Taehyung a topless mirror selfie. 

Several miles away, smiling smugly in the backseat of his town car, Taehyung was sure he could almost hear you screaming. 

“Good morning, sir. Which would you like first; the bad news or the worse news?”

Taehyung groaned from underneath his covers. 

“Don’t you ever knock? I could have a woman up here.”

“You’ve never brought a woman up here.”

“Is that the bad news?” Taehyung yawned. 

“No,” Jungkook tossed a small stack of newspapers and printed digital articles into his lap, “this is the bad news.”

Pictures of you, Min Yoongi, and even himself were splashed over the front pages of all of them. 

PARK ANGEL TRADES ONE CORPORATE HEIR FOR ANOTHER AT MIN GALA

WHO WILL WIN THE PARK ANGEL’S HEART? KIM TAEHYUNG OR MIN YOONGI? LET US KNOW IN THE COMMENTS

NEW ROMANCE ALERT? PARK ANGEL LEAVES JOSEON BALL WITH MIN SCION 

“The Park Angel?” 

“That’s what the media calls her... The public is rather fascinated with her actually.”

“Can’t imagine why,” Taehyung mumbled. 

“Of course not, sir. It’s a great mystery.”

As usual, Taehyung chose to ignore his aide’s lethal snark and pressed on to the matter at hand. 

“This is a flaming disaster.”

“Oh I don’t know. I really appreciated the picture of you staring on forlornly while she and Yoongi climbed into the Aston Martin. Takes a real gift to capture all that drama in a single frame.”

“Which one was that?!” 

“It’s right under the MAN DOWN: PARK ANGEL LEAVES KIM TAEHYUNG HEARTBROKEN headline.”

Tae ran his hand down over his face in exasperation. 

“I’m surprised my mother hasn’t called.”

“She has. Twice.”

“I don’t suppose that’s the ‘worse news’ is it?”

“No.”

“Of course it isn’t. I’m never that lucky.” He collapsed backwards into his pillows with a beleaguered huff. “Go ahead then. Tell me.”

“Park Jimin is on the line for you right now.”

After a small eternity on the phone with Jimin (assuring him that NO Min Yoongi had not despoiled his precious sister and YES he would definitely do better next time), Taehyung was forced to attend an impromptu brunch with his mother. It took considerable effort, but he was eventually able to convince her that you were neither breaking his heart nor expecting his child. 

By the time he arrived to collect you for this evening’s event, Taehyung was already sick of hearing your name (he’d spoken it no less than three hundred times since Jungkook woke him this morning).

You were in much the same boat as Taehyung, having spent most of the afternoon pacifying Jimin and clearing up your own mother’s romantic delusions regarding the Min and Kim heirs respectively. 

Tonight’s gala was a Victorian Christmas Ball thrown by the National Literary Fund and the entire venue had been transformed into a Charles Dickens fever dream. 

Unlike the Min Gala (whose theme was guarded like a state secret every year) the Literary Fund’s tribute to A Christmas Carol was tradition and you were dressed accordingly in a custom corset gown with gorgeous detailing. 

Every second of effort it took to lace yourself into the monstrosity was worth the look on Taehyung’s face the moment you slipped off your cape. 

“Something wrong, Mr. Kim?”

Taehyung was desperately trying to look literally anywhere but your chest, where said corset was serving up your breasts like a debauched buffet. 

Jimin. Think of Jimin. Think of what Jimin will do to you. Think of how much trouble she’s caused-

He peeked again.

I would pay a million dollars to suck those tits. 

“Nothing at all,” his voice cracked. 

The itinerary for the evening included performances by a local children’s choir, a traditional waltz, and—of course—dinner.

You both managed to get along without snapping at each other during the choral performance, but as two of the largest donors to the Children’s Literacy Initiative, neither of you could escape being drawn into the waltz. 

The energetic socialite who Taehyung flirted with over dinner the previous night eventually lured him onto the floor while you graciously accepted an invitation from a lovely older gentleman who chaired the Fund’s event committee. 

For the first few movements, you were thoroughly enjoying yourself. Mr. Lee was charming, respectful, and still an excellent dancer despite his advanced age. It wasn’t until a familiar sound caught your attention that the lightness in your chest suddenly felt heavy...

Taehyung was laughing. 

You heard him do so many times over the years, and in each instance, the carefree magic of it never failed to make your heart flutter. 

But now he was smiling down at the pretty little heiress and laughing for her… and the flutter in your chest was accompanied by something else. 

Something that felt an awful lot like longing. 

“Does he know you look at him like that?” Mr. Lee asked quietly. 

Your eyes flew guiltily to his, but it was too late. The old man had caught a glimpse of the secret you buried deeply for more than a decade; so deeply, in fact, there were times you almost forgot it yourself...

Almost. 

“No,” you whispered, “he has no idea.” 

Disaster struck at dinner. 

Taehyung quite liked dancing with the lovely Miss Something-or-Other. She was sweet and funny and (unlike with you) he wasn’t constantly torn between agitation and raging inappropriate lust in her presence. 

The cold shoulder you offered him when he took his seat seemed even more frigid than usual and he spent half the meal wondering what he’d done to earn your amplified disdain when suddenly—

Your hand smacked down on his wrist, seizing it in a vise-like grip. 

Taehyung nearly choked on his steak and was about to give you a searing set-down over your spontaneous grabby-ness when he noticed your expression. 

“What’s wrong?” he whispered, leaning forward in concern. 

“I-I need—” 

It looked as if you were in some sort of physical pain and Taehyung was rapidly becoming worried. 

“I need your help,” you finally managed to whimper and the next thing he knew, you were dragging him away from the table and into one of the secluded alcoves near the main entrance hall. 

“Is there anyone around? Can anyone see us?” The look on your face bordered on unhinged. 

“No. There’s no one. Park, are you okay? What’s going on I—”

“I need you to unlace my dress,” you hissed frantically. 

At that moment, a bomb could have gone off and Taehyung wouldn’t have blinked. 

You, however, were completely preoccupied with your own distress and therefore oblivious to his. 

“My earring broke during dinner and fell down there and now it’s stabbing me—”

Your eyes were beginning to tear. Taehyung remained frozen, still trying to figure out whether or not this was a lucid dream. 

“—it’s definitely pierced the skin and there’s a possibility I’m gonna start bleeding through the fabric—”

The mention of blood snapped him out of his daze somewhat. 

“A-Alright. Just turn around—brace yourself on that wall.”

You quickly did as you were told and Taehyung began to tug fruitlessly at the ties cross-crossing your back.

“Why won’t this—”

His fingers fumbled over the knots, desperately trying to loosen them, but they simply wouldn’t budge. 

“I can’t—I can’t get it. Whoever helped you into this thing made sure you weren’t getting out of it.” 

You whined in frustration and the earring shifted a bit in response. 

There was only one other way to fix this (and you would almost rather be in pain). 

“Taehyung I—” you turned to face him again, forcing your eyes shut before reluctantly doing what had to be done “... I need you to reach down the front of my dress and get it.”

He blinked. Twice. 

“I’m sorry—What did you just—”

“Please, Tae,” you whispered desperately, letting your lip tremble in a way he had never been able to resist, “it hurts…”

He gulped. 

His eyes dropped to the matter at hand.

This is fine. Everything’s fine. She’s in pain, right? You’re basically a doctor right now. You’re just going slide your hand in between the most mouthwatering pair of breasts you’ve ever seen and then—

Taehyung’s manic inner monologue was interrupted by the sound of his own moan. He immediately faked a coughing fit to cover it and prayed you hadn’t noticed. 

(You hadn’t. You were actively being stabbed.) 

“I can’t believe I’m actually doing this,” he muttered, curling his fingers over the scalloped edge of the bodice. 

You bit your lip, desperately trying to hold back any reaction, but when his knuckle brushed the pebbled tip of your nipple, you gasped. 

Oh.

His hand stuttered, lingering a moment too long over the tight little peak as his gaze suddenly shot up to meet yours. Both of you had been studiously avoiding eye contact, yet now it was as if neither of you could look away. 

Taehyung wet his lips reflexively. 

“It’s too tight,” he whispered, “I need more leverage.” 

Then his arm wrapped over the curve of your lower back and he drew you tightly against him, anchoring your hips just enough to fully slip his hand between your body and the corset. 

You were so warm.

So soft...

“I can feel it,” he grunted, “but I can’t get a good grip on it.” 

His mouth pressed into a tight line as he leaned forward, bringing your back up against the wall. You let out a little squeak and his eyes darted briefly down to your mouth before he spoke again. 

“Hold on to me.”  

You nodded and wordlessly slid your arms around his waist.

If you concentrated hard enough, you could almost pretend that this wasn’t one of the most erotic moments of your life. 

You could almost pretend that it meant nothing. 

Your mind was spinning wildly, wondering what he was thinking, wondering if he noticed how strangely you were breathing or how hard your heart was beating...

“I’ve got it,” he murmured. Shivers shot down your spine at the dark timbre of his voice. 

He was so close. You could feel every word he spoke brushing softly against your skin. 

“On ‘three’ I’m going to pull it out… Are you ready?”

You drew in a final steadying breath. 

“Do it.”

He nodded. 

“One… Two… Three—”

Taehyung yanked his hand back and several things happened at once. 

Your breasts bounced almost entirely out of the corset. 

The decorative clasps on the front of your gown tangled with the buttons on his shirt and when he pulled back, three of them went flying off like stray bullets. 

And finally, the corset didn’t relinquish Taehyung’s hand quite quickly enough and, as a result, you toppled forward and crashed down on top of him, smashing your newly bare breasts to his newly bare chest. 

It could have been ten seconds or ten hours that passed by while the two of you lay there, breathing heavily in a pile of confused arousal when—

“... Is… everything alright here?”

You both looked up to find a thoroughly scandalized member of the waitstaff standing over you. 

Taehyung saw his life flash before his eyes—ending (of course) with Jimin murdering him for this. 

He gulped again. 

“I can explain.” 

It was decided—for the sake of appearances—that you would both leave the venue (immediately) in separate vehicles. 

Taehyung dropped a cool three hundred in crisp bills on the unfortunate waiter in order to help him ‘forget’ whatever he may or may not have seen. 

Neither of you spoke another word to each other in the ten minutes it took to bribe all the appropriate parties, gather your coats, and call for two separate town cars. 

Something had happened when he touched you; a subtle shift in the precarious balance of your relationship that you both felt keenly, but could not possibly begin to define. 

Taehyung barely even remembered climbing into the back of a vehicle. His body was firing on auto-pilot after the sensory overload of the last half hour. It wasn’t until he was nearly home that he realized he was still holding onto your earring. 

His mind began to wander as he examined the troublesome bauble in his palm. It was a striking piece; deceptively complex and unexpectedly beautiful. 

Just like you.

He told himself that the heat pooling low in his belly was anger—that the strange anxiousness to be near you was simply a desire for retribution—that it was merely platonic curiosity that left his hands aching to explore the rest of your curves. 

Lies.

… and pitifully transparent ones at that. 

Still, he clung to them desperately out of self-preservation. 

The gentle hum of his phone suddenly disturbed Taehyung’s silent contemplation. 

1 New Message from: Park Gremlin 

I made it home safely. 

Taehyung’s fingers were typing a reply before he could properly consider the consequence of his actions. 

To: Park Gremlin

I require proof… like last time. 

He nearly threw the phone the moment he sent it, running his hands down over his face in disbelief. 

You’re playing with fire, Kim Taehyung. 

And he was burning up already. He had no business sending you texts like that. Maybe you wouldn’t catch it. Maybe he could just-

The phone went off again and it was embarrassing how quickly he scrambled to open your response. 

His heart stuttered in his chest. His breathing ceased entirely-

And he knew—he knew—there was no coming back from this.

At first glance the photo was nearly identical to the shot you sent him last night. Same room, same angle… 

same mirror.

Yet this time, the reflection was quite different. 

The temptress in the glass wore nothing but that sinfully delicious corset and a pair of silky lace thigh highs, each accented with a green satin bow. 

He wanted to rip them off with his teeth. 

 “Oh Taehyung,” he whispered, as a dark wave primitive longing tore through him, “you are in so much trouble.”

Across town (buried beneath a pile of blankets) you were still struggling to process the boldness of your own actions when his response lit up your screen. 

1 New Message from: Kim Grinch

Green is my favorite color. 

“WHERE IS HE—”

Taehyung awoke to a series of crashes and shouts echoing from the floor below him. 

Jungkook was already seated in the corner of the room reading a newspaper. 

“Good morning, sir,” he said without looking up. “Would you like the bad news or the worse news?”

Suddenly the french doors of his bedroom slammed open and one very irate Park Jimin stormed through. 

“I swear I should have seen this coming. The two of you have always been obsessed with each other, but I never imagined—”

Taehyung’s eyes widened guiltily. He quickly schooled his features into a confused glare. 

“Jimin, I’ve only been awake for fifteen seconds. What the hell are you talking about?!”

Another stack of newspapers hit his lap and this time the pictures were mostly of him with his shirt ripped halfway down his chest. 

KIM HEIR AND PARK ANGEL CAUSE AN OLD-FASHIONED SCANDAL AT VICTORIAN BALL

FORGET MISTLETOE: KIM TAEHYUNG DISCOVERED UNDER THE PARK ANGEL AT CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION

NAUGHTY NOEL? PARK ANGEL’S STEAMY AFFAIR WITH CORPORATE PRINCE 

PARK ANGEL TOPS KIM TAEHYUNG’S CHRISTMAS TREE

He winced a bit at that last one. 

“You have ten seconds to explain before I start throwing things.”

Taehyung opened his mouth to do just that, but he was interrupted when his mother marched into the room waving the same articles that Jimin had just thrown at him. 

“KIM TAEHYUNG I raised you better than this! How could you!? That poor girl!”

“Mother!” he squeaked, yanking his blanket up over his chest like a frightened debutante. 

Jungkook began surreptitiously filming the whole debacle from the corner. 

“Indeed,” Jimin added darkly, crossing his arms over his chest, “how could you?”

Taehyung sighed heavily. 

“Is anyone else going to come charging into my bedroom?”

“Just answer me once and for all, is she pregnant?” 

“WHAT?!” 

“NO! Mother! Oh my—”

“Why does your mom think my little sister is pregnant?!”

Taehyung waved his arms wildly in exasperation. 

“My mom thinks everyone is pregnant! You know this!”

Jungkook could no longer contain his hysterical cackling. He very nearly fell off the chair trying to hold it all in. 

“Mr. Jeon,” Taehyung ground out irritably, “if it’s not too much trouble, could you please escort everyone out of my bedroom so I can get dressed!” 

“So you see—I was basically like a doctor,” Taehyung finished emphatically. 

He spent the past twenty minutes explaining to the entire table (which now included both you and your mother) why it was necessary to shove his hand down the front of your dress. 

Park Soomin had shown up at his door looking for answers (and dragging you behind her like a sacrificial lamb) about three minutes after Jimin. 

You had taken one look at Jimin’s murderous expression and insisted that the situation be evaluated over breakfast at the cafe down the street (where there were lots of witnesses). 

Which was how you, Taehyung, Jimin, and both your mothers ended up discussing your cleavage over coffee in a public restaurant. 

Jimin was the first to break. It was a few snorts at first, but he was basically in tears by the end of it, wheezing about how he never doubted Taehyung for a second and holding on to his sides from laughing too hard. 

Taehyung’s gaze met yours for a brief, heated exchange. He conveniently forgot to mention your slightly-less-than-explainable ‘check-in’ texts, but their existence was palpable in the air between you. 

“I think I’ll take a walk,” you muttered, excusing yourself from the complicated atmosphere at the table. 

Taehyung’s eyes lingered on you a tad too long as you wandered away, a fact that wasn’t missed by either of your mothers.

“Just a few more events and you can go back to not seeing her at all,” Jimin chuckled, patting him on the back. 

“Yeah,” Taehyung answered with a tight smile. “That’s… great.”

The cafe had a lovely little balcony area decorated with all sorts of comforting Christmas foliage. It was far more inviting than the awkward conversation and confusing stares you and Taehyung had been trading all morning. 

For the first time in the nearly fifteen years of your relationship (such as it was) you didn’t know where you stood with him… and it bothered you more than you cared to admit. 

Taehyung had always been important to you, whether you wanted him to be or not. He mattered—effortlessly—from the first moment you met him and continued to do so without regard for your sanity. 

Whatever was building between you now would almost certainly bring change… though what kind of change was anyone’s guess. 

It was hard to imagine the years ahead without the strange excitement he always brought to your life, but some things were simply out of your control…

“I never thought I’d see you here.”

A profoundly unpleasant feeling (something similar to falling through the ice on a frozen pond) overtook you. 

“Milo.” Even saying his name felt gross. You sighed. “What is so strange about seeing me here?”

The man in question blushed in a way you once found irresistible. 

“I looked for you everywhere. All your usual places—”

“I avoided them.”

I avoided you. 

Milo nodded. 

“I—I figured.” 

He took a step closer and you instinctively moved back. The hurt in his eyes was unmistakable, but you had long since become immune. 

“What are you doing?” you hissed angrily. “I thought I made myself clear the last time we spoke.”

“Yes, but—” his hand reached out to curl over your forearm and you recoiled, “you didn’t give me a chance to explain—”

“Excuse me.” 

You both turned to see Kim Taehyung with his arms crossed over his chest, glaring at Milo like he was a roach that crawled across his dinner plate. 

“Your mother sent me to come find you. She wants to leave.” 

You nodded and moved to pull away, but Milo’s grip tightened on your arm. 

“No—please if you just give me a minute—”

“That is enough,” Taehyung snarled, seizing the other man’s hand and forcibly removing it from your person. He angled his body between the two of you protectively. “I think it’s time for you to go.”

Milo’s eyes narrowed. 

“You’re Kim Taehyung. I read all about you in the papers this morning.” His lips twisted into an ugly sneer as he addressed you. “You really think you’re better off with him if that’s the way he treats you?”

Taehyung tensed menacingly beside you, but you laid a gentle hand on his arm to calm him. 

“None of that is any of your concern.” Your gaze rose to meet his defiantly. “Nothing about me is your concern anymore.”

Milo’s eyes fell to where your palm rested on the other man’s sleeve, noticing the way you both unconsciously leaned toward one another. 

“This isn’t over,” he muttered, storming off. 

After he was gone, you let out a breath you hadn’t known you were holding. 

“Thank you,” you whispered (though you couldn’t resist adding), “I could have handled it myself of course…”

Taehyung laughed. 

“Oh I know. I was at that party where you knocked out Tyler Jung for grabbing your ass.” 

You grinned. 

“I’d forgotten about that.”

“Well I’m sure Tyler hasn’t.” 

(He neglected to mention that he split Tyler’s lip behind the library the next day, just to make sure it was extra memorable for him.) 

“I wish I could forget about Milo.”

“... Are you still in love with him?” 

The words tasted like ash in his mouth. 

“No.” You smiled softly. “I’m not sure I was ever in love with him actually. It’s more—” you sighed, “—embarrassment… wounded pride.”

Taehyung tilted his head curiously and you found yourself continuing. 

“In the beginning, he was very playful and charming—and obviously handsome. He reminded me so much of—”

you. 

You cleared your throat. 

“Anyway… I was quite taken with him at first. I didn’t suspect any ulterior motives.” You shrugged, trying to hold back the unpleasant emotions that always threatened to overrun you in moments like this. “I just thought he liked me.”

Taehyung’s eyes filled with sympathy and understanding as you spoke. It felt oddly natural to open up to him this way. 

“Jimin is very protective of me—with good reason it turns out. He was suspicious of Milo and hired people to do some discreet digging.”

Your hands wrapped around your body for both warmth and comfort. 

“Milo’s family owns several companies, just like ours, but they’re all struggling. His father sent him to me hoping that he would eventually get compromising information… a sex tape or photographs—something of that nature. They intended to blackmail Jimin into doing business with them.”

Taehyung felt his jaw clench painfully. Fury, hot and profound, rolled through him. 

“I should kill him.”

You shook your head, amused in spite of yourself. 

“That’s exactly what Jimin said.”

“He has good instincts.”

“Scum like Milo aren’t worth it,” you chuckled. “He never got what he wanted… but I was still mortified. I felt like such a fool for believing him.”

“No,” Taehyung’s hands slid up to cup your shoulders, “it’s not foolish to believe that someone cared for you.”

It would be so easy to care for you. 

“Besides…” his eyes fell briefly to your lips as he searched for the right words, “I saw the way he looked at you and—even though he’s clearly a terrible person—I believe his feelings may have been genuine.”

You nodded. 

“That’s what he keeps trying to tell me—that he did have bad intentions, but ended up falling for me anyway.” You shook your head. “As If I could believe a word he says.”

The silence between you stretched comfortably. Taehyung sensed you had more to say, so he waited until you were ready to voice it. 

“I think that’s why I’m so sensitive about handling things on my own lately… and just now even. I want to prove to everyone—to myself—that I’m not a liability.”

“Hey,” he whispered, tipping your chin up till your gazes met, “no one thinks you’re a liability. And even if you are capable, no one should have to fight their own battles all the time—especially when they’re emotionally compromised…” His thumb gently brushed away the small tear that escaped down the curve of your cheek. “That’s the benefit of having people who care about you.”

“... Like you?” 

The words left you so softly, you could almost imagine they were still in your head where they likely should have stayed. 

Taehyung’s eyes widened in surprise. His gaze became even more intent and you ceased breathing altogether. After a moment his lips parted as if he was about to speak- 

“What’s going on, guys?”

You both jerked back at the sound of your brother’s voice. He was standing in the entrance to the balcony, gaze darting suspiciously between the two of you. 

Taehyung was a bit dazed, but you were always quicker on your feet. 

“I ran into Milo… Tae was calming me down.”

Jimin’s eyes hardened immediately. 

“Where is he?”

“Long gone,” you mumbled, ambling over to the familiar warmth of his arms. “I just want to go home.” 

The Black and White Ball was one of the most coveted invitations of the holiday season. 

The dress code was quite strict (all black or all white—no exceptions) and it was one of the few events where people actually arrived in limousines. 

Taehyung loathed limousines. He felt absurdly pretentious pulling up to your building in such a gauche ride, but traditions and appearances meant too much in his world to simply disregard them. 

His ensemble for the evening was a beautifully tailored black suit with hand-stitched baroque detailing. Oddly, he found himself wondering what you would think of it... 

“You look like a vampire.”

Taehyung turned at the sound of your voice and was struck, yet again, by how incredibly beautiful you were. 

You had chosen to wear white, donning an exquisite gown with delicate pearl beading and a daring sweetheart neckline that molded perfectly to your frame. 

If he looked like a vampire, you were surely an angel. 

Still…

Angel or not, he couldn’t let that comment pass. 

“I think I’m offended.”

“I can’t imagine why. After all, loads of women are attracted to Nosferatu.”

Taehyung’s eyes narrowed. 

“There are so many sexy vampires in popular culture, but you just had to lump me in with the creepy bald one...”

You shrugged playfully. 

“I wouldn’t want you to think I was going soft.”

A wicked grin danced over your lips as you strolled past him regally—just as you had many times before... 

This time, however, he let his eyes linger a little longer on the view. 

Lord have mercy. 

“Of course not,” he coughed. 

“You’re what?!”

You rolled your eyes.

Tonight had been going rather well. 

The two of you formed a mutual unspoken agreement to pretend that your last encounter on the balcony (and on the phone) had never happened and (despite the heated glances you occasionally traded) the bickering and playful banter characteristic of your relationship had all but returned to normal...

Until Taehyung learned of your participation in the evening’s main event. 

“I told you, I’m part of the date auction this year.”

“Does your brother know about this?!”

“I didn’t see any reason to bother him with it.” You were suddenly preoccupied with your nails. 

“Woman,” Taehyung sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose, “are you trying to make my life difficult?”

“No, I’m just naturally gifted in that respect.”

You turned and began making your way to the front, but Taehyung was hot on your heels and clearly not ready to let the matter rest. 

“I cannot believe you’re actually going through with this! It’s not 1810, you know. We shouldn’t just auction off women for dates—”

“You’re absolutely right, Tae Tae.” You brushed a condescending pat over his cheek. “Nowadays we auction off the men too.”

Then you sauntered off to join the rest of the participating women—and men—backstage, leaving Taehyung to stew about the entire situation from the crowd. 

“As you know, all proceeds from tonight’s auction go to fight childhood hunger right here in our city. For legal purposes, I must advise all bidders that you are only bidding on the company of the individual in question.”

Taehyung shook his head. “Jimin is probably going to kill me for this.”

“If you place the winning bid, then you and your date will receive two VIP tickets to the Governor's Winter Wonderland Gala which comes with a variety of amenities including; a luxury limousine service, one of the private and famously romantic Winter Wonderland dinner experiences—”

His eyes fluttered shut. “Jimin is definitely gonna kill me for this.” 

“—unlimited free drinks, ten complimentary tickets for each of the grand prize raffles, photos with the Governor and his family, along with many more surprises!”

Taehyung grabbed a champagne flute from a nearby waiter and downed it in one go. 

“And now for our first date of the evening! Mr. Jackson Wang!” 

Jackson went for a cool six grand because no one was brave enough to outbid his girlfriend. 

After him, the beautiful Manoban heiress and her handsome cousin Kim Namjoon went for twelve grand each.

Jung Hoseok started a frenzied bidding war between two young socialites and Mrs. O’Malley. He ended up going to the lovely Ms. Ana Fallon for a staggering twenty thousand dollars. 

Taehyung’s own cousin, Kim Seokjin, paid a jaw-dropping twenty-one thousand dollars for Lin Yuna, the young CEO of Lin Cosmetics. (Taehyung made a mental note to ask him about that later.) 

Then it was your turn. 

“The next lady on our list needs no introduction. The lovely Park Angel has graciously agreed to a date with one lucky bidder tonight! Who will it be? Do I hear ten thousand?”

“Ten thousand.”

Taehyung swung his head toward the first bidder and breathed a sigh of relief. 

Tam Martin, one of your best friends and very gay. 

“Eleven thousand.”

“Twelve thousand.”

“Fifteen.”

“Sixteen thousand dollars.”

“Seventeen thousand.”

“Eighteen.”

Taehyung was having trouble keeping up with all the bidders. His ears were starting to ring again and a strange unpleasant nausea was building in his stomach. 

“Twenty thousand.”

“Twenty-five thousand.”

“Thirty thousand!”

At the sound of the last bidder’s voice, you noticeably paled. Your eyes flew to Taehyung’s and immediately he knew exactly who it was. 

Milo.

Before he could even react to the new information, another voice joined the fray. 

“Forty thousand.”

Min Yoongi smiled smugly from the other side of the room and even had the audacity to throw you a wink. 

You smiled shyly at the young heir’s boldness and Taehyung felt something downright unholy rise up in his chest. 

No. 

Milo was still bidding. 

“Fifty thousand dollars.”

Not her. 

“Sixty,” Yoongi countered.

She’s mine. 

Suddenly Taehyung was on his feet. 

“One hundred thousand dollars!” 

The silence in the backseat of your limousine was deafening. 

Tension charged the air like an electric current as the significance of the last hour weighed heavily between you. 

The spacious luxury vehicle allowed you to sit facing one another. Taehyung’s eyes were focused on his hands, but you were looking at him—letting your mind run wild with speculation. 

And hope. 

Part of you was still there, on the stage, watching him stand up and bid a fortune for the pleasure of your company. 

His gaze was so fierce when he spoke, like an ancient emperor calling out his decree for the people to obey. 

You dreamed about him bidding on you when you signed up for the auction (even before Jimin bullied him into accompanying you). You let yourself imagine him speaking out again and again till the others stepped back—

Yet you never dared hope for it. 

However, the last several days marked an unexpected turning point in your relationship. 

For years, you and he were like magnets with a too-similar charge, but something had shifted irrevocably between you, and somehow your stubborn similarities became opposites that could not resist their attraction. 

Kim Taehyung was one of the wealthiest men in the city…

But he didn’t need to buy your heart. 

It had always been his, even if you didn’t want to admit it. 

He had claimed you tonight—and every single soul in that ballroom knew it. 

The next move was yours and you intended to make it. 

“Mmm,” you hissed a bit, bringing your hand to rest just below your breasts. 

Taehyung’s gaze flew up in concern. 

“Is everything alright?”

“Yes, it’s just that scratch from the earring,” your fingers rubbed gingerly at the spot, drawing his focus to it, “it still stings.”

“Oh… I—” he shook his head, “I didn’t realize it was that bad.”

“Do you want to see?” 

Taehyung’s eyes rose slowly to yours. 

You watched the subtle rise and fall of his chest as he considered your words. Anticipation vibrated through your blood like notes struck on a piano—

Then he nodded...

And you both were lost. 

Trembling fingers slid the zipper down the side of your gown. The dress itself was a marvel of physics designed to support you without the need for a bra. 

Taehyung drew in an impossibly deep breath as the fabric drifted to your waist, baring the perfect mounds of your breasts to him entirely. 

“Here,” you whispered, pointing to a small red mark just under the curve of your left one. 

He bit back a moan. 

“I—I see. That looks… painful.” His fingers dug into the seat beside him. “Is there anything I can do to help?” 

You nodded. 

“Kiss it better.”

Taehyung felt the air knock out of his lungs like a sucker punch. 

This must have been how Adam felt when Eve offered him the forbidden fruit all those millennia ago. 

He knew he shouldn’t—

but he could never deny you. 

“Of course.”

You watched as his tongue darted out to wet his lips. He looked like a man possessed and you reveled in the power of it. 

It was for you. 

He wanted you. 

Your back arched up the slightest bit, beckoning to him—offering him a taste of what he was so desperately craving. 

Touch me… please. 

Large palms landed on either side of your thighs, bracing him on the seat beneath you. The tip of his nose teased the delicate line of your collar bone and he swore violently under his breath. 

Then his lips were on your skin and your mind went blank. 

“Taehyung—“ you moaned. 

Hot open-mouthed kisses spread over the soft swell of your breast and you gasped— shuddering helplessly as a fierce wave of pleasure tore through you.

Sweet merciful heavens. 

Over the years you imagined a moment like this thousands of times in your head—only to discover now that you had pitifully underestimated both his passion and his skill. 

You had dreamed of a quiet fire—but he had unleashed an inferno. 

The lewd sounds of his mouth nipping and sucking at your tender flesh filled the small space around you as he poured himself into each obscene contact—stopping briefly to flick his tongue over the taunt peak of your nipple. You trembled breathlessly at the sharp snap of sensation, letting your head fall back against the seat as you buried your fingers in his soft curls. 

“T-Tae—”

Finally his mouth fastened over the tiny scratch, and the kiss deepened. You knew what he was doing, what the result of his efforts would be—

He was marking you. 

And you wanted it. 

Oh how you wanted it. 

Suddenly the car took a sharp turn, causing Taehyung to lose his grip on the seat. His arms wrapped around your torso for balance, dragging you fully against him.

“Does it feel better, Angel?” he growled. 

You nodded frantically and he nipped at the underside of your breast. 

“Speak up.”  

“Yes, Taehyung,” you whimpered, “it feels so much better.” 

“Mmmm,” he hummed, brushing his mouth along the sensitive column of your neck. “Who knew you could be such a good girl?”

Then his hand came up to grip your chin, turning it so your lips were almost against his—

“Madame. We’ve arrived.”

The driver’s voice cut over your senses like a shard of ice. 

Taehyung jerked backward and immediately buried his face in his hands. 

Your fingers hastily yanked your dress up and you stumbled out of the car in a daze, letting your feet carry you forward until you collapsed on top of your bed. 

Did we just...

You hadn’t even begun to collect your thoughts when your phone buzzed from inside your purse. 

1 New Message from: Taehyung 🙄🥴🙈

I need to know you made it safely to your room. 

You grinned. 

Greedy boy. 

Back in the limousine, the boy in question was nervously tapping the corner of his phone against his chin as he waited for your reply. 

1 New Message from: Angel 🤬🥵😅

Oh? But you saw me walk in… and I’m already in bed.

Taehyung growled in frustration. 

She would be a tease. 

To: Angel 🤬🥵😅

I tend to worry. Put my mind at ease. 

He shook his head. 

I have officially gone insane. 

The phone buzzed again. 

1 New Message from: Angel 🤬🥵😅

Well… We can’t have that can we… 

Taehyung literally felt the whine tear out of him as he opened the picture. 

Your gorgeous body (the body he’d had his hands and mouth on for one glorious minute) was nestled decadently atop a pile of fluffy blue blankets and wrapped in nothing but a tiny silk robe. 

The neck gaped open just enough to show off the pretty red marks he left on the delectable curve of your breast. 

He groaned, biting down hard on his bottom lip.

To: Angel 🤬🥵😅

That's all I get after I made the pain go away? Good girls send real proof, Angel

The screen lit up again almost immediately. 

1 New Message from: Angel 🤬🥵😅

Guess I’m not such a good girl after all...

Jimin came tearing through the Kim Manor front gate at precisely 7 AM—only to find Jungkook camped out at the entrance with several outdoor space heaters and a giant mug of hot chocolate.

“He told you not to let me in, didn’t he?”

Jungkook took a long satisfying sip of his cocoa. 

“I hope you don’t feel singled out, sir. I’m not allowed to let his mother in either.”

“I need to talk to him.”

“Of course, Mr. Park, let me just pull up his schedule—”

“I need to talk to him now.”

“I’m afraid Mr. Kim is booked solid for the morning.”

Jimin stomped his foot like a petulant child. 

“I know he’s up there.”

Jungkook grinned. 

“You’re welcome to climb the trellis and check. I promise not to stop you if you make it all the way up.”

“COME DOWN HERE AND FACE ME YOU COWARD!” Jimin shouted at the top of his lungs. 

Jungkook took another long pull of his drink. 

“Might I inquire as to the reason for your visit today, sir?”

“The reason for my visit,” Jimin yanked out his phone and angrily began typing into the search bar, “is that your boss paid ONE HUNDRED THOUSAND DOLLARS for my sister at a date auction last night and I want to know what the hell is going on between them!”

The article Jimin pulled up (DEVILISH KIM TAEHYUNG BUYS HIMSELF A $100,000 ANGEL) featured an image of the two of you entering the Black and White Ball. Your head was thrown back in laughter and Taehyung was grinning down at you as if you’d personally hung all the stars in the sky for him. 

A genuine smile crept over Jungkook’s face as he studied the photograph. 

“That’s quite a headline.” He handed Jimin’s phone back. “Have you asked your sister about it?”

“No, I swung by earlier, but she wasn’t home so—” His eyes widened. “Oh my—is she—”

Jimin suddenly took off running for the trellis, and Jungkook scrambled out of his chair to chase him. 

“KIM TAEHYUNG IF MY SISTER IS IN THAT ROOM—”

He was already three feet off the ground when Jungkook yanked him back. 

“I thought you said I could climb the trellis!”

“Yes,” Jungkook wheezed, “but I didn’t think you’d actually do it!” That trellis is a hundred years old! A few more feet and I’d be scraping you off the antique brickwork!”

Jimin scowled and crossed his arms. 

“Are you by any chance open to bribes?”

“Normally yes, but Tae promised to double my Christmas bonus if I didn’t accept them today.”

Jimin continued to eye the trellis speculatively, clearly willing to take his chances. Jungkook sighed and rubbed his forehead. 

“Mr. Park, I promise you… He came home alone last night. In fact, they both returned earlier than usual because your sister had a 7 AM finance meeting.” He paused significantly to glance at his watch. “Which is probably where she is right now.”

“Oh… Well.”

Jungkook bit his lip to hold back a snort and Jimin’s eyes narrowed. 

“He has to come down eventually.”

“One would think.”

The young Park heir glanced toward Taehyung’s window again just in time to see the man in question dart back behind the curtains. 

"I KNOW YOU'RE AWAKE, KIM TAEHYUNG, YOU PHILANDERING SLEAZE BAG!" 

Jimin made another jump for the trellis and this time Jungkook caught him in mid-air. 

“Sir, I’m sure it was just the maid!”

“It’s not the maid! I’d know that raggedy mop of his anywhere!”

Jungkook was out of breath at this point. Park Jimin might be small, but he was fierce. 

“Perhaps it’s best if you took a moment to collect yourself,” he grunted. “There’s a lovely new spa down the street and they sent Taehyung two free deluxe packages.”

Jimin stopped struggling. 

“Oh?”

Five minutes later, Jungkook sighed deeply and fished his phone out of his back pocket. 

“He’s gone, sir.”

“Excellent work, Jungkook. I never doubted you for a second.”

“However…”

“... However?”

“I had to give him your spa passes.”

“YOU DID WHAT?!”

“Are you headed for a gala or the guillotine?”

Taehyung rolled his eyes. 

“I don’t pay extra for commentary.”

“It’s complimentary, sir.”

The Kim heir tugged absently at the material of his absurdly expensive evening wear. 

Why do these events always have to be so uncomfortable? 

“Seriously, Tae… you seem,” the young aide searched for the right words, “unusually tense.”

Taehyung’s mind flashed back to three nights ago when he had his mouth wrapped around your breast. 

“Not at all,” he coughed, loosening the collar of his shirt. 

Jungkook bit his lip.

“Is this about Ms. Park, sir?”

The cufflinks Taehyung was attempting to fasten suddenly went flying across the room and hit a lamp. 

Both men winced. 

“I think that was your grandmother’s.”

Taehyung sighed. 

“I admit there have been… some developments.”

Jungkook nodded nonchalantly, trying to disguise the fact that he was internally frothing at the mouth for details. 

“... Such as?”

Taehyung gulped. 

“It started out rather innocently I suppose…” he cleared his throat, “but there may have been some suggestive photographs.”

“There may have been? Are you not sure?”

Taehyung colored guiltily. 

“Well—”

“Do you need me to check for you, sir? I have an art history degree.”

“Absolutely not.”

Jungkook grinned. 

“That’s what I thought.”

Taehyung yanked his tie out of the younger man’s hand. 

“Things have… escalated a bit.”

“Escalated how?”

I licked her tit in the back of a limo.

“Physically.”

It was everything Jungkook could do to maintain a straight face. 

“That’s… shocking.”

“Then why don’t you seem shocked?” Taehyung grumbled. 

A small smile played across Jungkook’s lips as he pointedly ignored the elder man’s observation.

“So what are you going to do, sir?”

Taehyung was silent for a long moment. 

“I honestly have no idea.”

Watching you walk toward him was an experience.  

Taehyung wondered absently if this was how it would be from now on; if for the rest of his life just the sight of you would be enough to scatter his mind and his pulse and even the way he breathed. 

Your dress tonight was deadly. 

It was a decadent red satin halter that clung to every curve. The truly wicked detail, however, was a daring slit that ran the entire length of your leg. 

Taehyung was certain he was going to trip over his own tongue at some point if he looked directly at you for too long. 

Oh help. 

Memories of your previous encounter flooded his senses. Every second you were getting closer and he didn’t know what to do—what to say. 

So he didn’t say anything at all. 

Not a word when you reached the bottom of the stairs. Nothing but silence as he opened the door of the limo for you. More silence and no eye contact as he settled into the seat across from yours—

And you tolerated that for about three minutes. 

“I never thought I’d see the day when Kim Taehyung didn’t have a comment about something. Perhaps I should mark this down on my calendar.”

The words were lightly spoken, but you were shaking on the inside. The last time the two of you were alone together he had your dress around your waist and you were moaning his name. Now he wasn’t talking and you were torn between panic and irritation. 

Taehyung, however, latched onto your passive barb like a lifeline. 

“Is that a hint of sarcasm I hear from the benevolent Park Angel?” He grinned. “Surely not.”

“Red is not a particularly angelic color. Perhaps I’m feeling feisty today.”

Taehyung leaned back in his seat and indulged himself in a thorough examination of your outfit. The urge to run his hands over the satin-covered lines of your body was nearly unbearable. He curled his fingers into fists to keep them from doing just that. 

She is definitely trying to kill me. 

“Should I be worried?”

Now it was your turn to grin. 

“I guess we’ll find out.”

The Governor’s Winter Wonderland Gala was by far the most extravagant event of the holiday season. Tickets cost a small fortune and sold out almost immediately. 

But it was well worth the price of admission.

Thousands of lights sparkled overhead as you made your way through the great hall of Governor Kim’s mansion. 

It was like stepping into a fairytale. 

Taehyung couldn’t take his eyes off you. The sheer wonder in your expression was breathtaking. 

You were breathtaking.  

“Governor Kim, it is such an honor to finally meet you.”

The Governor was a handsome man in his early fifties with a smile that was every bit as lethal as it had been twenty-five years ago. 

“The honor is all mine, Ms. Park. I trust my nephew is treating you well.”

Your eyes widened. 

“N-nephew?”

Taehyung shrugged. 

“I don’t really talk about it much.” 

The Governor chuckled and you cleared your throat to cover your nervousness. 

“Yes, he’s been a very capable escort.”

“Is that so?” Governor Kim smiled charmingly. “Well if it doesn’t work out, my son Seokjin is still single—”

“Thank you, Uncle. It was lovely to see you as always.”

You squeaked as Taehyung placed his hand firmly on the curve of your back and practically dragged you away. 

The Governor just shook his head and laughed. 

“Oh kid, you’ve got it bad.”

Everywhere you looked there was beauty. 

Whoever planned the gala this year had truly gone above and beyond. Surrounded on all sides by glittering trees and snowy vignettes, it was easy to be swept away in the festive magic of the evening. 

All in all (despite some initial awkwardness), you were having a fantastic time...

Until she showed up. 

“Kim Taehyung! Is that you?”

Every single hair on your body stood on end, but before you could determine the source of the shrill squealing, you found yourself being nudged aside by a blinding golden gown and some very high heels. 

“Aubrey,” Taehyung grunted as five-and-half feet of gorgeous wrapped herself around him like a clinging vine. “Long time no see.”

“Not since that vacation in Aspen,” she giggled. “We had quite a time, didn’t we Tae Tae!”

Suddenly you had the most unholy urge to slap the spray tan right off this woman. 

Instead, you plastered on a vibrant smile and placed your hand on Taehyung’s sleeve.

“Um. Excuse me, Tae Tae, perhaps you could introduce us?”

Taehyung looked as if he’d just been served raw fire ants for dinner. 

“Yes. Of course. This is—”

“Aubrey Alicia St. Valentine,” she interrupted with a smug little smirk. “Taehyung and I go way back.” Her expression grew just the slightest bit tighter. “And you are?”

“His date,” you deadpanned. 

“Aubrey,” Taehyung cleared his throat, “I’d like you to meet Ms. Park she’s—”

“Oh my goodness! You’re Jimin’s little sister aren't you!” Aubrey slapped her hand over his chest and he winced. “That is so precious of you to take her around like this!”

Your eyebrows raised right up into your hairline and Taehyung groaned. 

“Yes, he was kind enough to sign me out of the nursery for the evening.” You offered them both a painfully vacant nod. “If you’ll excuse me, I think I see one of my play-dates near the buffet.”

Then you turned on your heel and sauntered off without another word. 

Taehyung moved to follow you, but Aubrey curled her fingers into the crook of his arm and pulled him back. 

“Oh let her go, Tae. You and I have so much catching up to do.”

Taehyung pointedly removed her hand from his elbow. 

“Some other time perhaps.” 

Aubrey pouted prettily. 

“You’re not running off after her are you? She’s a big girl, she can take care of herself.”

Taehyung crossed his arms and fixed her with a knowing look. 

“Funny... that’s not what you were implying a moment ago.”

“A moment ago I didn’t have you all to myself. Now I do.” She had the decency to blush. “Perhaps I got a bit jealous.”

“You don’t say.” His eyes continued to search the crowd for any sign of you. 

“It seems I had good reason to be,” she murmured quietly. 

“Aubrey... Listen I—”

She cut him off with a finger to his lips.

“Don’t bother Tae Tae. I’m petty, but I’ve never been pathetic.”

He grinned. 

“Never.”

The lady sighed and gave him a heated once over.

“What a shame.”

Then she strolled off with a rueful smile. 

“You know what I don’t understand?”

You turn to find Min Yoongi leaning casually against a nearby column. He looked absurdly handsome as always, but his grin was just the slightest bit mischievous. 

“What don’t you understand, Mr. Min?”

The question was clearly a bait, but you were still fuming from your earlier encounter with Ms. St. Valentine and therefore desperately in need of a distraction. 

Yoongi pushed off the column and lazily made his way toward you.

“I don’t understand how a man pays a hundred thousand dollars for an evening with the most beautiful woman in the city, and then leaves her all by herself.” He leaned forward with a playful grin. “Perhaps you could enlighten me?”

Oh he’s good. 

You made a show of tapping your chin thoughtfully. 

“I’m afraid I don’t have an answer for that one.”

Yoongi sighed and shook his head. 

“Couldn’t be me.”

You laughed then. He really was a delightful man. In fact, if you still had your heart, you might have considered letting him take a shot at it. 

Alas. 

You tilted your head speculatively. 

Surely there was no need to brush away good company...

After all, no one else is interested in spending time with me. 

“Since my escort is otherwise occupied, perhaps you could join me for dinner?”

Yoongi held out his hand. 

“I’d be delighted.”

Taehyung wandered around the mansion for nearly forty-five minutes looking for his date.  

Panic was just starting to build in his chest when he finally spotted you

—at his private dining table with Min Yoongi. 

It was everything he could do not to storm over and yank the other man out of his seat by the lapels. 

Alright, Angel. If this is the game you want to play… then let’s play. 

Taehyung felt his anger rise with every step, but he ruthlessly suppressed any sign of it and instead adopted a charming smile. 

“Min, I didn’t expect to find you here. What a… delightful surprise.”

Yoongi’s expression was just a shade too satisfied. Taehyung could already feel his blood pressure beginning to skyrocket. 

“Yes, Ms. Park believed that you were otherwise occupied and invited me to share the meal with her.”

“I see,” Taehyung practically snarled. “However,” his gaze landed heavily on you, “since I paid for this table, I hope you won’t mind if I join you as well?”

You avoided looking at him up to this point, but now you were choking on your wine

“Easy there, Angel,” Taehyung murmured as he pulled up a seat extremely close to yours—so close that your thighs were nearly touching. 

Oh boy. 

Over the next several minutes Yoongi continued to flirt openly and you continued to smile prettily and pretend Taehyung wasn’t there (which naturally infuriated him). 

You should have known he wouldn’t let you get away with such behavior so easily. 

This was Kim Taehyung, after all, and if there was anything that could be counted on when it came to your shared history, it was that one (or both) of you was always ready to escalate. 

You had just offered the young Min heir yet another flowery compliment when you felt Taehyung make his move. 

Two warm fingers slid under the silken slit of your dress, coming to rest possessively over the soft flesh of your inner thigh. 

You squeaked and nearly spat up your drink. 

Taehyung leaned forward in fake concern, wrapping his arm around you as if to offer aid. 

“Are you alright?”

His hand continued to move significantly beneath your gown, but his face was the picture of innocence. 

You glared. 

“Just fine, thank you.”

A slow grin crept across his features as he began to trace soft intimate patterns over your skin.  

On the other side of the table, Yoongi tilted his head in genuine solicitude. “Are you sure?”

You nodded sharply. 

Satisfied, he resumed speaking about whatever it was he’d been saying—though you couldn’t understand a word of it at this point because the torturous strokes Taehyung was leisurely drawing over your thighs were moving closer to your center with each passing second. 

Yet you made no move to stop him. 

You should have. 

You should have slapped his touch away—rebuked him for his boldness—

But you didn’t. 

So he just kept nodding and smiling while Yoongi spoke, even as his fingers teased you with the maddening persistence of a man who knew very well what he was doing. 

You gasped aloud when he finally brushed the pad of his thumb over the thin cotton of your panties. 

“T-Taehyung—” 

“Hmm?” he turned to you, seemingly surprised by your attention (it was—after all—the first time you’d addressed him since the beginning of the meal).

“Could you pass me the salt,” you sputtered (hoping to cover the fact that you moaned his name involuntarily). Unfortunately, Taehyung seemed wholly aware of your ruse, offering you the salt shaker with a superior smirk.

You seriously considered stabbing him with a fork. 

However, before you could carry out any bloodthirsty plans, he pressed his fingers directly over your clit and your eyes rolled back in your head

“Oh my g—” you bit your lip stubbornly, “this lamb is just so good.” 

Sweet mother of macaroons, he is too skilled at this. 

You shoveled another bite into your mouth to cover your whine as Taehyung began to rub tight little circles over your sweet spot. 

Across the table, Yoongi nodded in blissful unawareness. 

“Yes, I agree, the lamb is excellent—very tender.”

Taehyung took advantage of the momentary distraction to slip beneath the fabric of your undergarment. 

Your fork clattered to your plate and your hand came up to cover your mouth as he began running his fingers up and down your soaked slit.

It was everything you could do to hold back your depraved whimpering. 

“I can’t wait to taste it,” Taehyung replied, flicking your clit in a way that guaranteed he wasn’t referring to the lamb. 

At this point Yoongi seemed to notice you were in some sort of distress. He wiped his mouth with his napkin and leaned forward. 

“Ms. Park, are you well?”

Taehyung chose that moment to sink his finger into the welcoming heat of your pussy. 

“Yes,” you almost sobbed, “I’m-I’m very well—thank you.”

“Excellent,” Yoongi smiled as he rose to his feet. “If you’re feeling up to it, perhaps you could favor me with a dance?”

Several attendees were already making their way to the center of the floor and the orchestra was beginning to play.

Your entire body, however, was vibrating like a plucked harp string and Taehyung was still brushing back and forth against your clit, driving you toward a release that promised to be explosive. 

There was no way—simply no way—that you would be capable of hiding it. 

“Yes! I would love to dance with you,” you squeaked, grabbing hold of Taehyung’s wrist frantically. The feel of him pulling out of your sopping core was nearly enough to have you coming right there. 

Thankfully, Yoongi remained utterly oblivious to the debauchery unfolding beneath the table. He took your hand and helped you to your feet with an eager smile (and it was a good thing too because your legs were still shaking). 

When the two of you reached the dance floor, you turned back for the briefest instant—

just long enough to meet Taehyung’s heated gaze as his lips closed over the finger he buried in your cunt. 

Emotions were a funny thing. 

They impacted your judgement, affected your body, altered your behavior… 

And occasionally eroded your common sense. 

Sitting alone in the corner of the Governor’s ballroom, Kim Taehyung found himself experiencing a full spectrum of emotional side-effects. 

His hands clenched as he watched Min Yoongi spin you around the floor. 

His heart pounded every time he caught a flash of your shapely leg peeking through the slit in your gown. 

His blood boiled when you threw your head back and laughed at something the other man said. 

It was difficult to pinpoint which emotion was to blame for each of these reactions. There were certainly a number of them boiling over in his subconscious. 

Frustration—

I didn’t even want to talk to Aubrey! How are you acting like anything she said was my fault?!

Rage—  

Why is challenging people to duels illegal? I would fight Min Yoongi at dawn. I would fight Min Yoongi now. 

Jealousy—

You asked her to dance while my fingers were in her pussy. We are not the same. 

But perhaps the most persistent—the most overwhelming— emotion twisting through him was longing. 

You and Taehyung spent nearly four years apart, and he was so desperate to be near you—even then—that he resorted to childish pranks in order to remain a part of your life. 

He hadn’t recognized his actions or desires for what they were. He hadn’t realized what you meant to him...

But now, after spending the last several days with your hand on his arm and your laughter in his ear, he could no longer imagine spending another moment without you. 

Everything seemed to crystallize as he watched you laughing and dancing in the arms of another man. 

Uncertainty became clear. Complications became simple. 

And when he saw Min Yoongi’s hand slide dangerously close to the perfect swell of your backside—

Emotion became action.

“Mind if I cut in?”

It wasn’t a question really. Taehyung was already shouldering his rival out of the way and pulling you into his arms. 

“Taehyung,” you hissed, shooting the bewildered Yoongi an apologetic look over his shoulder, “what are you doing? This is so rude—”

“You’re absolutely right,” he agreed, sweeping you through the couples on the floor with practiced ease. “It is unpardonably rude to steal someone else’s date. He’s lucky all I did was steal you back.”

Your mouth dropped open. 

“Oh? So you finally remembered that I was your date?”

Taehyung’s grip on the curve of your waist became a shade rougher as he pulled you through the next turn. 

“What the hell is that supposed to mean?”

“It means—” you stepped forward vigorously, nearly smashing your body into his, “—that you spent forty-five minutes with Aubrey Alicia St. Valentine when you were supposed to be having dinner with me!”

Taehyung growled and yanked you flush against him. 

“I spent forty-five minutes looking for you while you were giving away my table to Min Yoongi!”

The two of you sailed through the next several movements glaring at one another before you snapped again. 

“None of this would have happened if you had just told Aubrey St. Spray Tan that you were with me—”

“I did!”

“Instead, you let her call me a baby!”

“What let? Aubrey is a grown woman!”

“But—”

“And—you stormed off before I could say anything, so how would you know what I let?”

“You didn’t come after me!”

“Yes actually I did—but she grabbed my arm!”

“Really? Well what else did she grab?”

Taehyung abruptly realized how silent everything around you had become. 

People were staring—and not even discreetly— just full on staring with their mouths hanging open. 

Well that’s great. 

Taehyung’s hand closed around yours and you suddenly found yourself being marched across the dance floor at a breakneck pace.

“What are you doing?”

“Continuing this discussion in private.”

“We can’t just go somewhere private in the Governor’s mansion!” you sputtered, struggling to keep up with his larger strides. 

“You mean in my uncle’s house? Yes—actually we can—and we will.”

Taehyung proved to be a man of his word, dragging you past two security guards and into the roped off section of the manor with nothing more than a nod. 

The residential wing of the Governor’s home was beautifully decorated with traditional Korean artistic touches—all of which you were unable to appreciate while Taehyung was speed walking you through the halls. 

After a surprising amount of turns and archways, he yanked open an ornate wooden door with the words Reflection Suite written on a plaque above it in beautiful calligraphy. 

You almost giggled when you got a look inside. 

On the surface it was a tastefully furnished guest room with a simple cherry wood desk and a cozy double bed set in an elegant matching frame.

However—

The ceiling and one full wall were nothing but massive mirrors. 

Reflection suite indeed. 

The door slammed shut and Taehyung rounded on you with a stormy expression—though you weren’t waiting on him to fire the first volley.

“This is definitely going to get us in trouble.”

“I told you, I can go wherever I want in this house. It’s fine.”

“Then why did you take us here?”

“Because you were shouting—”

“I was shouting?! You were shouting I just—”

Suddenly your back was against the wall and Taehyung’s mouth was on yours. 

He hadn’t brought you here for this. When he grabbed your hand, he was only trying to get away from the crowds. He told himself that he needed privacy so you could talk—so he could clarify things. 

But the minute the door closed and you flared up again in all your magnificent rage, he was lost. 

He had to kiss you then. 

You were so lovely. So fierce. So wildly irresistible and he was too utterly smitten to fight the need to be near you—to be with you in every way that he could—for a single second more. 

The shock of Kim Taehyung pressing his lips to yours lasted about two full seconds—and then there was nothing but ravenous insatiable need. 

Finally. 

Everything was him. 

Everything was this—this sweet indescribable ignition of a desire that spanned years. You moaned eagerly against his mouth in wanton delight. After a decade of sparks, you were more than ready to burn. 

“Taehyung—”

His name poured out of you like a prayer. You needed him everywhere and miraculously he seemed to understand—

Not that he was prepared to be polite about it. 

“Where’s that smart mouth now, Angel?” he growled, tangling his hands in your hair to expose the tender column of your throat. “Nothing to say?”

Your only answer was a desperate whine as he spread hot-open mouthed kisses down the soft skin of your neck all the way to your collarbone.

Now was not the time for patience. He would be tender with you later. You absolutely deserved soft sweet caresses and slow leisurely love making and he was absolutely going to give them to you—every day if you’d let him. 

But not today. 

The minute his mouth encountered the barrier of your dress, he gripped onto the sides and yanked it down to your waist.

“You knew just what you were doing in the back of that limo, you little brat,” he hissed, taking one swollen nipple into his mouth and tormenting it with his tongue.

“Tae-ahhh!” Your back arched involuntarily in ruthless pleasure. 

“I spent hours—days even—wanting to get my hands on these perfect tits.” He licked the other nipple obscenely, squeezing the soft mound till it bulged through his fingers. “And you offered me the barest taste with that coy little grin, knowing it wouldn’t be enough—” 

He reared back and landed a firm slap on both breasts and you screamed.

It was so so good. 

“Look at them now,” he murmured, “so swollen and needy and mine.”

If any other man had said those words, you would have cut his heart out with a butter knife. 

But you had always belonged to this man body and soul, and to hear him acknowledge it so primitively felt like the sweetest vindication. 

“Yes!” you sobbed.

The affirmation only inflamed him further. He teased and fondled the tender flesh till you were shaking.

Your fingers curled into the soft waves of his hair as he indulged himself. He looked so ridiculously good sucking your nipple, moaning lewdly with his eyes pressed shut in cathartic bliss. 

“This is all your fault, Angel,” he groaned. “You just don’t know how to behave.”

His hands gripped the curve of your backside, lifting you right off the floor and into his arms. Your mouths fused together heatedly as he carried you to the bed, and you giggled against him when his words finally processed. 

“You’ve been saying that for years.” 

“It’s been true for years,” he muttered, pulling one of your legs up around him so he could grind against your cunt while you kissed. 

Your fingers tugged at the buttons of his shirt, tearing them off when they didn’t unhook fast enough. You waited too long to be with him like this to care about anything other than the feel of his skin against your own.

“Impatient, are we?” he chuckled, bringing his lips around to nip at your ear. 

“You’re one to talk,” you shot back, yanking the ruined garment right off his shoulder just so you could sink your teeth into it. 

Taehyung moaned loudly, snapping his hips against yours with an involuntary jerk.

“You really are such a brat,” he hissed, fisting his hands in the satin length of your skirt. “Let’s see how fierce you are with my tongue in your pussy—”

His words were so filthy and raw, yet they stoked a frenzied need in your belly like nothing you had ever encountered. 

“This dress is evil,” he snarled, fumbling with the zipper for a moment before switching to a more destructive tactic. “It has tormented me all night and now it’s in my way.”

The stitching proved no match for his resolve, and—after a few vigorous tugs—he ripped it apart from the slit on up, leaving you covered in nothing but the thin cotton underwear he had breached earlier that evening. 

After disposing of your shredded gown, Taehyung paused for a moment just to take in the sight of you. 

“What a perfect little angel,” he taunted playfully, snapping the band of your lingerie against your hips with a cocky grin. 

Then he brushed his nose right up against the sopping fabric and inhaled deeply. “You smell just like heaven,” he growled before licking you right through the cloth, “and you taste even better.”

The sensations twisting through your body were merciless. You needed more or you were going to shake apart. 

“Taehyung please,” you whined, pressing against him shamelessly.

“Oh a please?” he chuckled, throwing your own words from the first night back at you. “Who knew you had manners?”

You would have screamed in frustration, but he cut you off with an open mouthed kiss right over the wettest part of your panties.

“Perhaps I can make a good girl of you yet,” he chuckled, as you opened yourself wider to encourage him. 

You nodded frantically, letting out another moan when he yanked the flimsy little scrap of lace down your legs—smearing a line of arousal over your thighs.

“So messy,” he tsked, tapping his finger right above your knee where the naughty little streak ended. “What am I going to do with you?” 

Then he pressed his tongue over the shiny trail of slick and licked it right off. 

You gasped loudly and his lascivious smirk was almost beautiful enough to make up for all of the shameless teasing. 

Almost. 

"You want my mouth, pretty Angel?” he whispered, letting the words brush maddeningly against your folds. “You want me to feed on this sweet little cunt?”

Every cell in your body cried out for release. He already edged you under the table at dinner and now he was determined to unravel you entirely. You would say anything—do anything. 

"Please—" you whispered.

"Please who?" 

Normally you met his arrogance with a cutting riposte, but an entire evening of methodical torment had left you beyond desperate. 

"Please Taehyung,” you begged needily. 

He grinned. 

“That’s right, Angel. Kim Taehyung. Not Min Yoongi or any other pathetic trust fund prick that’s panting for a taste of this pussy.” His eyes fastened on yours significantly. “You belong to me.”

Then his tongue licked a flat stripe over your glistening slit and you sagged onto the bed in relief—only to be thrown back into oblivion when his lips closed over your clit. 

Your body arched involuntarily as a ruthless wave of pleasure tore through you. Your eyes and mouth flew open in a silent scream and it was in that moment you remembered exactly where you were. 

Underneath a giant mirror. 

The passionate woman staring down at you was nearly unrecognizable. Her body was littered with her lover’s marks. Her hands gripped feverishly into the sheets beneath her—-

And Kim Taehyung was kneeling between her thighs, suckling on her weeping cunt with obscene satisfaction. 

It was the sexiest thing you had ever seen in your life. 

Your hands reached down to tangle in his hair, using it for leverage as you ground against his face. 

Then suddenly his grip on your legs tightened and his tongue plunged roughly into your trembling core. 

“Tae—ahh oh my—I can’t—”

The sensation was so intense that your hips bucked violently. You could not keep still. You were charging towards an explosion and your body was shaking itself apart. 

The noises tearing from you were incoherent. Everything around you focused in on the juncture of your thighs where Taehyung was licking inside of you again and again until—

You shattered. 

And the force of it nearly bent your back in half. 

Delirious sobs poured from your lips as he worked you through it, letting the obscene flood of your cum soak his face. 

The sight of him slowly lapping at the release between your folds, was unspeakably erotic. He ran his hands in soothing circles over your skin while you twitched and fluttered back down from your high. 

Then he was kissing you again. 

It was softer this time, but you felt truly depraved—and instantly obsessed—with the taste of yourself in his mouth—on his skin.

You could barely understand this ravenous hunger. You’d just found relief, yet you were already reaching for more. 

Your hands snaked down and wrapped around his still covered cock and he hissed in ragged pleasure. 

“So eager,” he gasped, as you pushed him back against the headboard—but you didn’t have time to bother with his teasing.

You were gonna blow Kim Taehyung into space. 

He bit his lip when you yanked down his pants and boxers together, freeing his arousal with stunning efficiency. 

It was almost unfair to discover that his cock was every bit as beautiful as he was.

“Of course,” you muttered. 

The sultry smirk he shot you in return had your cunt flooding all over again.

“You think Min Yoongi has a cock like mine?”

“I don’t think about Min Yoongi’s cock,” you retorted, wrapping your hand around his length, “you’ve always been the biggest dick I’ve ever met.” 

“I knew you thought about my dick,” he groaned as you began to work up and down the swollen shaft. 

After a moment, his hand slid over your chin to grip your hair, drawing you forward till your lips were almost touching. 

“I wonder what this pretty mouth can do,” he whispered. 

You gasped against him and he smiled. 

“Do you know how often I pictured your lips around my cock, Angel?”

You mewled shamelessly and he growled, cupping your cheek as your hands continued to service him. 

“Do you know how often I imagined this perfect throat stuffed full of my cum?” 

His palm slid down to lightly grip the soft flesh of your neck and you shuddered against him with a needy whimper. 

“I know you could suck me so good, Angel. I’ve wanted it for so so long...”

Your mouth actually watered with anticipation. 

The desire to be good for him—to give him whatever he asked for—consumed you. 

Taehyung let his head fall back against the headboard with a groan at the first brush of your lips along his shaft. His hips rutted involuntarily as your tongue wrapped around the tip and you hummed with pleasure at his enthusiastic response. 

After a moment you slid him into the welcoming heat of your mouth, taking him in as far as you could in one stroke. His jaw dropped open and his entire body jerked forward. 

“Yes, that’s it, Angel—feels so good.”

His praise was addictive. 

You loved that you could bring him to this. You loved to see the haughty Kim Taehyung coming apart as you sucked him. 

It made you feel beautiful—powerful even—and you reveled in every second of it. 

Your eyes were starting to tear. His length began to throb and pulse against your tongue and you knew he was close—so close you could almost taste him—

Yet suddenly he was pulling you back and you whined pitifully at the loss. 

Taehyung chuckled, dragging you toward him till your dripping core slid across his cock.

“I’m not coming before I get inside that pretty little pussy,” he swore, working your hips over his sex till it was drenched in arousal. 

The crass words filled you with the fiercest, most incredible want and you clenched reflexively against him in response. 

“Is that what you want?” Taehyung whispered as he bore you back into the mattress, pinning both your wrists above your head. “You want me to fill your empty little cunt?”

You did. 

You wanted it so so bad. 

“Please.”

Taehyung gently lowered himself closer to you, resting his forehead intimately against yours as he lined up his cock at your entrance. 

“Are you sure, Angel? Because there’s no going back after this... If you give yourself to me, then you’re mine—and I’ll fight tooth and nail to keep you.”

“Taehyung, you idiot,”—a tender smile spread over your face as you wrapped your arms around his neck—“... I’ve always been yours.”

He swore violently—letting the slight tremble in his voice betray just how deeply your words affected him. 

Then his fingers tightened on the soft flesh of your hip and he filled you to the hilt with one delicious thrust. 

There was a moment—the smallest space in time—where your eyes locked together and everything seemed to suspend; a strange perfect calm before a monumental storm. 

Then your world caught fire. 

Taehyung drove himself into you with passionate fury, letting years of denial fuel the insatiable rhythm of his strokes. 

Every time he told himself no. Every time he held himself back—

Every bit of it burned away as you screamed his name. 

The feel of him was indescribable. 

You imagined it too many times to count, yet your dreams fell pitifully short of the visceral reality. 

He was bloomin’ magnificent. 

Your fingers clawed up and down his back, desperate to hold on to something while he pounded into your g-spot like an animal. 

“This tiny cunt is the tightest thing I’ve ever had around my cock,” he gasped and you whined needily at his praise. “Like it was made for me—” his hand came up to grip your breast, “like you were made for me.”

“Yes—”

Taehyung’s need seemed to amplify with every whimper and moan that fell from your lips. The feelings you sparked in him were fierce and unapologetically primitive.

He would go to war for you—build a fortress for you—fight a dragon if one dared come close. 

You were his. 

And he felt like a savage every time you cried out for more. 

Suddenly an unexpected movement in his periphery caught his attention.

He’d been so consumed with the extraordinary rush of claiming you that he’d forgotten—

This guest room was thirty-five percent mirrors. 

And now… he couldn’t look away. 

The sight of your bodies tangling together in headless bliss played out before him like a scene from his most debauched and forbidden fantasies. His reflection grinned back at him in fascinated ecstasy while his beloved nemesis lost herself in the pleasure of his cock.

Something dark and wild began to burn in his chest as he studied the lovers in the glass. 

“Look at you, Angel,” he whispered softly, “you really are perfect.”

Then he pulled out of your core and you whined bitterly in protest, chasing his body to rid yourself of the sudden unacceptable emptiness. 

“Still so needy,” he taunted, gripping your hips and flipping you on your stomach before you could even think to protest.

“I want you to watch that pretty angel in the mirror come on my cock,” he groaned, plunging back into you from behind. 

The new angle was somehow impossibly deeper and your body shook as another wave of pleasure overtook it. 

Your fingers clawed into the mattress for purchase as he pistoned into your trembling mound. 

Only Kim Taehyung could rail you like a whore while he worshiped you like a queen. 

He gave you a moment to adjust before drawing your body back against his chest. His arm wrapped over your stomach as he slowly eased your legs apart, unfolding the lewd tableau of your bodies joined together for the voyeuristic gaze of the glass.   

“Look at yourself, Angel,” he growled, mesmerized by the way your breasts bounced with every thrust. “Look at how well you're taking me.” 

Then his fingers slid down to rub your clit and you screamed. 

“Tae! Ah-ahh!”

The pleasure building within you now was violent. You were coiling too tightly, too fast—

“That’s right Angel. Take it all.”

Your eyes locked with his in the mirror for the briefest instant.

And then you flew apart. 

Taehyung threw his head back with a carnal moan as you clamped down around him. His body was hurtling toward its own release with reckless speed. 

“I’m close,” he panted, “where can I come?”

“Come inside me please,” you begged, and Taehyung’s eyes widened in frenzied lust. 

“That’s what you want? Huh?” his thrusts became rougher as he chased his relief, “You want me to fill this puffy little pussy with my cum?”

“Yes, I want it so bad—“ you sobbed. 

“Sweet Angel,” he groaned, gripping at your breasts as he pulled you tighter against him. 

Then he met your gaze in the mirror again. 

“I want everything with you; a home—a family—your body in my arms every morning when I wake up—” his voice trembled, “I want it all.” 

The raw vulnerability in his eyes nearly broke you.

“Tae,” you gasped softly, too overcome with joy to manage anything else. 

His mouth pressed hungrily against the curve of your shoulder. You could feel his cock throbbing in your core as he bent you forward, pounding into your sex with exquisite precision. 

"Stay with me, Angel,” he whispered. His thrusts became erratic as he neared his high. “I don’t want to live without you anymore.”

The glorious thrill of his words tore over your senses with euphoric brutality. Your walls tightened greedily around his cock and the taunt cord of pleasure finally snapped. 

He came with a broken groan, flooding the welcoming heat of your womb with his release. 

“KIM TAEHYUNG!”

The sound of his name being shouted by the absolute last person in the world whose voice he wanted to hear woke Taehyung from a dead sleep.  

His eyes widened in panic as he began yanking pillows and covers from all over the bed in a frenzied attempt to hide—

The doors to his bedroom flew open with a resounding crash. 

“Jimin,” he squeaked, trying to look as casual as possible next to a giant pile of bedding. “What uh—what brings you here at—” his eyes darted to the clock on the wall, “—7:30 in the morning?”

Then he frowned. 

“And how the hell did you get past Jungkook?”

Jimin’s murderous expression broke momentarily to allow for a smug grin. 

“Kendra.”

Kendra Jackson was Jimin’s executive aide. She was fierce, capable, intelligent—

And insanely gorgeous. 

Taehyung groaned. 

Poor Jungkookie never stood a chance. 

To the surprise of absolutely no one, yet another newspaper landed on Taehyung’s lap.

KIM HEIR BRINGS NAUGHTY ANGEL HOME FOR CHRISTMAS

Underneath the headline was a picture of you and Taehyung (dressed in clothes you stole from Jin’s childhood bedroom) kissing passionately against the side entrance of the Governor’s mansion. 

One of your legs was wrapped around his waist and he was clearly grabbing your ass. 

“Ah… well you see the camera distorts everything from this angle—and-and the lighting is bad so it’s not really what it looks like—”

“Is that so? Cause it looks like you’ve got your tongue down my baby sister’s throat!”

“Okay—okay,” Taehyung massaged his forehead nervously, “so maybe it’s sort of what it looks like but—”

“I’ll kill you.”

“No wait—” he held up his hands to delay an already advancing Jimin. 

“Why should I wait?!”

“Because—”

“—I trusted you with the most important person in the world to me—”

“The situation is just not that simple.” 

“—and you grabbed her ass in public!”

“Admittedly not my finest hour.”

“So you tell me right now—”

“But you don’t understand it’s—”

“—Why the hell would I wait?!”

“BECAUSE I’M IN LOVE WITH HER!”

For a moment there was absolute silence. 

Then your head popped out from the massive pile of bedding. 

“Really?”

Jimin’s mouth fell open. 

Taehyung groaned again. 

“As usual, your timing is impeccable.”

You rolled your eyes, ignoring his comment.

“Are you really in love with me?”

“Of course I’m in love with you! What part of I want you to have my children did you not understand?!” 

“I think I’m gonna be sick,” Jimin choked. 

“That’s not the same thing!”

“It is for me!”

A radiant smile lit up your face. 

“I’m in love with you too.”

Taehyung’s expression softened. 

“Angel I—”

Then you were kissing and Jimin swung around with a horrified shout.

“Oh! No no no—Come on!”

He stumbled out of the room, hands firmly clamped over his eyes. 

“This is not over, Kim Taehyung!” the scandalized young Park heir howled in exasperation… but there was a small smile tugging at the corner of his lips. 

Back in the bedroom, Taehyung shook his head at Jimin’s ridiculous caterwauling. 

“No, it’s not over,” he laughed, pulling you deeper into the comfort of his arms. “It’s only just begun.”

Thank you so much for taking the time to read my story. 

This baby took FOR-EVER to write. I started it in November and literally worked on it a little every day. 

If you enjoyed it— even just a tiny bit—please consider taking a moment to leave me some feedback. It is so incredibly uplifting and rewarding to hear reader thoughts and reactions to my work.

I promise to treasure every word like gold. It took a lot to bring this story to life. Your kind words would mean the world to me.

[iwaslut]

— reunited

warning: season four, episode eight spoilers, angst, character death, happy ending?

you have no regrets.

your muscles tense when your ears pick up a subtle thud that’s gone unnoticed by most aboard the airship. sasha has heard it as well and jean shouts for the rest of your comrades to settle down to no avail. they’re too consumed in celebrating paradis’ first victory against marley to properly hear jean’s demand.

when you whip your head around to the open doorway to see a young girl with a gun in hand roll her way inside, your body reacts before your mind can process what’s occurring.

it was instinct for you to push sasha down out of harm’s way.

a splintering pain blooms from your chest and you crumple to the ground.

pain radiates throughout the entirety of your body. people are yelling, shouting at what seems to be the top of their lungs, and you wonder why must they be so loud.

“y/n!” who is yelling for you? your head’s too heavy to turn, but your eyes wander, searching for who called your name. your vision is blurry, but you can make out the faces of sasha, jean, and connie above you.

“hold on, y/n. there’s a feast waiting for us when we get back home.” you faintly register the pressure of sasha’s hand against your cheek. ah, that’s right. that marleyan chef, niccolo was sweet on sasha so he had promised that he would prepare a feast for her arrival after she had pestered him about it. he had said something about making a dish that neither of you had tasted before. you had been looking forward to it.

there’s a heavy weight on your shoulder and your eyes lazily dart over to jean’s face. his face is scrunched up in desperation and he looks like he’s about to cry. you’ve never enjoyed seeing your friends in pain, especially jean, and you wish you could wipe away the tears that are brimming on his lower lash line, but you’re unable to summon the strength to do so.

“we made a promise, y/n, remember? so you have to hold on until we get back to the island.” promise? what promise? your thoughts bleed into one another as you attempt to recall what jean is referencing.

oh, you remember now.

after your brother had died during the battle of trost, jean quickly became overwhelmingly protective of you. you didn’t mind it so much, in fact you sought out the comfort that only jean could provide you with. you had both lost someone immensely important to you - he lost his best friend while you lost your brother that day.

bathed in light from the burning of bodies within the pyre, jean had made you promise him that you would fight to live, no matter what. you only did so after he made the same promise to you first.

but, you’re so tired.

marco’s death inevitably had hit you hard, but you continued to fight.

you fought for your friends, for your comrades, for humanity. you fought for a future free of titans and a chance to see the world beyond the walls.

you have spent the majority of your life fighting, and for what? when will you finally be able to rest?

it’s difficult for you to focus, but your eyes gloss over connie, sasha, and jean. their faces are blurred around the edges, but you can make out the pitiful looks on them.

“i love you,” you manage to croak out. it’s quiet, so quiet that the trio above you strain their ears in order to hear you.

your friends’ voices overlap with one another, pleading with you to stay, but you’re so tired.

perhaps, it’s finally time for you to rest.

you jolt awake with a gasp. you sit up straight and jerk your head around, searching for any sign of jean, connie, and sasha. what happened? how did you end up outside? your mind is racing with these questions and more, and you pray that your friends are safe. the last thing you remember is getting shot and—

“y/n?”

you go still.

impossible.

you haven’t heard that voice in well over four years.

you tilt your head up and your voice catches in your throat with the sight you’re greeted with.

“marco?” your voice is meek and full of disbelief as your eyes soak in his appearance that you had found yourself forgetting with the passing years.

an easy grin crosses his face and a watery laugh fills the air.

“you shouldn’t be here just yet.”

your jaw hangs ajar as your brain attempts to understand how marco is in front of you.

“how- i-i don’t un-under-.” the feeling of marco’s arms around you cuts off your stream of jumbled words. your arms hang loose by your side for a moment before you quickly reciprocate the hug, fiercely digging your nails into the material of his jacket. you bury your face into his chest, inhaling the scent that is distinctly marco’s, and sob.

“i missed you, brother.”

[beifongsss]

fake it till you make it [zuko]

Pairing: Zuko x reader

Requested?: Yes! By a very amazing anon!: “u should totally write a zuko fic wherein he persuades the reader to fake date him so he could make mai jealous but in the end falls in love w the reader ^-^ i love ur writing btw!!”

Summary: Takes place during season 3, “The Beach”. As the request said, fake dating to make Mai jealous but it backfires. For Zuko that is.

w.c. ~4.3k

.masterlist.

~

You had no clue how you had ended up in your current situation. 

Actually, scratch that. Looking back, you knew exactly how you ended up in your current situation. It was all Zuko’s fault but then again, things usually were.

“Will you be my girlfriend?”

Your breath had caught in your throat at Zuko’s question, and you had to hold back your gasp. “W-What?”

“Will you be my girlfriend?” Zuko had repeated, looking at you hopefully. You had looked at him in surprise, your jaw dropping. After years of crushing on the prince, here he was, asking you to be his. You couldn't believe that he returned your feelings.

“I-I, what?” you had finally stuttered, still gaping at him in disbelief. His gaze focused on someone behind you and a blush bloomed on his cheeks. 

“Please (Y/N). You’re my best friend. I-I want to make Mai jealous and you’re the only one I trust to do this with,” he’d admitted quietly, his eyes never leaving the dark-haired girl.

You followed his line of sight, your heart aching when you realized that he didn’t like you; at least not the way you liked him. With a big sigh, you had pushed down your tears, forcing a smile onto your face.

“It’d be my pleasure to court you, Prince Zuko.”

~

That conversation had taken place a few days ago, but your heartache never lessened. 

It was funny, really. After joining Azula on her quest to track down Zuko, Iroh, and the Avatar, you had planned to confess your feelings for the prince. In your head, it all worked out. It was the stereotypical story of two childhood best friends who grew up, fell in love, and got married. 

But it was never that simple. And now here you were, playing girlfriend to Zuko as you watched him pine for Mai. You were, quite literally, acting out your dream.

What made it worse for you was that Zuko was the perfect boyfriend. He was a good listener and always made sure you were comfortable no matter where you were. He would plan little dates and picnics when he knew Mai would be at the palace and treat you as if you were royalty. You knew your crush had turned into something stronger when even the slightest of touches made your heart race. It was time to stop the act before you got hurt.

Unfortunately the news about you and Prince Zuko spread like wildfire through the palace and soon enough, the entirety of the staff and residents knew. It was too late for you to come out and say it was all a lie because both Ozai and your parents were very pleased with the new relationship. To your parents, your relationship meant that you were set for life. They had always been Ozai’s biggest supporters and your relationship with Zuko only cemented their loyalty to the royal family. For Ozai, he was simply glad that Zuko would be distracted; which was why he suggested that all the teens take a vacation to Ember Island while he met with your parents and the rest of his trusted advisors.

You had been walking through the royal gardens with Mai and Ty Lee when Zuko had jogged up to you. He had greeted you with a short hug before nodding to Mai and Ty Lee.

“You three should get to packing,” Zuko said, causing the three of you to exchange confused glances.

“Why?” Ty Lee chirped, looking at Zuko curiously.

“My father has just told me that we’re going on a vacation to Ember Island,” Zuko replied. “We leave immediately so I suggest you all start packing as soon as possible.”

Ty Lee clapped excitedly, already excited to go to the beach. Mai simply nodded in acknowledgment before smiling lightly at Ty Lee’s excitement. 

“Now if you’ll excuse me, I have a few things to sort out before we leave,” Zuko said, walking away before doubling back and pressing a soft kiss to your cheek. “I’ll meet you on the ship.”

You nodded wordlessly, a bright blush spreading across your cheeks at his action. You faced your friends, being met with a large grin from Ty Lee and a small smirk from Mai as they observed you. Nodding at the palace’s doors, you began to walk away from them. 

“I’m so glad you two are finally together!” Ty Lee exclaimed as she bounced up to your side. Mai trailed after her quietly. “It’s about time you guys finally confessed.”

You chuckled lightly at her words, glancing at Mai to gauge her reaction. “I guess it was perfect timing.”

“I’ll say,” Mai spoke up, her smirk growing into a tiny smile. “I was getting real tired of watching the two of you pine after each other.”

A laugh escaped your lips as you all split up to go pack. You finished quickly enough, choosing a few casual outfits and a bathing suit to last you for the few days you’d be on the island. On your way to the ferry you bumped into Zuko, who fell into step with you as you boarded the ship.

“So?” he questioned, looking around to make sure you were alone. “Anything? Is she jealous?”

“No,” you said, shaking your head. “I was trying to get a read on her but all she said was that it was about time we got together, whatever that means.”

Zuko groaned softly before leaning against the ship’s railing. “I thought the kiss would surely tick her off. I guess we’ll just have to keep on trying.”

“Zuko,” you said hesitantly, looking away from him. “I-I don’t think we should keep doing this. I mean, it hasn’t worked so far. What makes you think that it’s gonna be any different on Ember Island?”

He looked at you quietly before coming up to you and taking both of your hands in his. “Let’s keep doing this until after the vacation. If nothing changes, then we’ll stop. I promise.”

You bit your lip softly as you thought over his words. Zuko stared at you intently, trying to ignore the way you bit your lip. After a few minutes of contemplation, you nodded slowly. You would only be at Ember Island for a few days, things couldn’t possibly get any more heartbreaking for you. “Ok. I’ll do it for you, Zuko.”

“Perfect timing,” Zuko said, a rare smile on his face. You glanced behind you to see Azula, Mai, and Ty Lee approaching before looking back up at Zuko. “I’ll make it up to you, I promise.”

Zuko slung his arm over your shoulder, pulling you in close as the three girls boarded the ship. The ride to Ember Island was spent with the two of you sitting together on a bench as the three girls whispered amongst themselves, occasionally throwing glances your way.

“So,” Azula finally addressed you, a knowing smirk on her face. “I can’t believe you two are finally together. I always thought Zuzu had a thing for Mai.”

You felt Zuko stiffen up next to you at Azula’s words. You kept a straight face, looking at the younger girl as you panicked internally. Zuko’s arm tightened around you, pulling you in as he pressed a kiss to your temple.

“What are you talking about Azula?” he asked roughly, his eyes never leaving her. “I’ve always had a thing for (Y/N/N).”

“So you guys won’t mind me asking what it is that you like about each other,” Azula said, a very fake smile on her face. “Right? (Y/N/N), you first.”

You exchanged a mildly panicked look with Zuko before answering Azula. It wasn’t like thinking of an answer was hard; the problem was that you were going to be telling Zuko the truth about how you felt about him, even if he thought you were just playing along. You were baring your feelings not only to him, but to his sister and your friends.

“Well,” you began, taking a deep breath and glancing at Azula before refocusing your gaze on Zuko. “He’s attractive-”

“Even with that scar?” Azula asked, a wicked smile on her face as she noticed Zuko’s uncomfortable expression.

“Yes,” you stated firmly and without hesitation. Zuko looked at you in surprise. “He’s attractive even with the scar. But he’s not just physically attractive. He’s kind and sweet and just a little bit of a hothead but it’s kind of endearing. He’s always there for me no matter what and he’s always put my needs above his own, even though my needs are nowhere near as important as his. He’s my best friend and honestly, I like everything about him.”

The ship was silent as Zuko stared at you in awe. There was an unreadable look on Azula’s face before she turned to face Zuko. “Your turn Zuzu. What makes (Y/N) so attractive to you?”

“W-Well she’s pretty, and she has nice...hair?” Zuko said, stuttering for a moment before shaking his head and looking at you. He stared at you for a few seconds before speaking again. “What I mean is, I like (Y/N) because she’s been with me through everything. She made me feel like I was special, even when we were little kids. She always knew just what to say to make me feel better and she was the only one who was ever willing to put up with me no matter what. She’s the only person I truly trust, and that’s why I’ve chosen to trust her with my heart.”

You looked away from his stare when he finished speaking, knowing that what he had said was probably how he felt about Mai. In Zuko’s head, he began to question his feelings for Mai. Sure, what he had said applied to Mai but as he spoke, he began to realize that you were the one he was truly speaking about. He kept his eyes on you as his inner turmoil raged on, only getting worse when you glanced up at him and sent him a soft smile. 

“Well, I have to say, I was a little skeptical about whether or not your little relationship was real or not,” Azula said, clapping her hands twice before turning away from you. “But now I can see that you truly like each other. You have my blessing.”

Zuko scowled at her before speaking. “I wasn’t aware that we needed it.”

Azula waved him off before walking to the railing and looking out at the water. The rest of the trip was spent in silence as everyone did their own thing and you found yourself drifting off to sleep.

~

“It smells like old lady in here,” Zuko complained as you walked into the beach house. 

“Gee, I wonder why,” you replied sarcastically, yawning as Zuko sent you a half-hearted glare. You nudged his shoulder with yours, giving him a teasing smile. He rolled his eyes and wrapped his arm around your waist from behind, resting his chin on your shoulder.

“Who are those beautiful women?” Ty Lee gasped, looking at the hanging painting.

“Can’t you tell?” Lo asked. “It’s Li and me.”

“It’s Lo and me!”

You all grimaced as Lo and Li copied the pose from the painting, Zuko digging his face into your neck to avoid looking at the scene in front of him.

“Zuko, stop,” you whispered, giggling as his hair tickled your neck. He glanced up at you, smiling at your reaction before he continued to do it. You swatted at his arms, desperately trying to get out of his hold. He simply tightened his grip, grabbing your hands to stop you from hitting him. 

He glanced up to see everyone staring at the two of you, loosening his grip when he met Mai’s gaze. He was surprised to see that she didn’t seem annoyed or upset. If anything, she seemed almost happy, watching the two of you with the faintest of smiles. He loosened his grip slightly, allowing you to slip away from him. You bent down to grab your bag, only for Zuko to step in and take it from you. 

“So, there are only four bedrooms,” Azula said, looking around. “(Y/N), Zuzu, you wouldn’t mind sharing one, would you?”

“Not at all, Azula,” Zuko replied instantly. Your eyes widened before looking at Azula and nodding meekly. 

“Great. Let’s go to the beach, I want to have some fun,” Azula said, stalking off. 

You soon found yourself down at the beach, helping Ty Lee as she tried to find the perfect spot to settle down in. Azula was off terrorizing little kids and Zuko was trailing behind you as he walked with Mai. You ignored the pang in your chest as you glanced behind you, instead focusing on the two boys that were now standing in front of you and Ty Lee. 

“Hey, need some help?” one of them asked, taking Ty Lee’s bag.

“Sure! Thanks,” she said, smiling at them. The other boy took your bag as well, setting your towel down besides Ty Lee’s. The two of you sat down next to each other, squinting in the sun. 

“Could you scooch just a little bit to the-” Ty Lee trailed off as the boys moved to block the sun. She sent them a smile and a wink. “Thanks.”

A few yards away, Zuko was sitting next to Mai under an umbrella. He noticed a shell next to him and picked it up, looking at it while he turned it over.

“(Y/N) would like that,” Mai said dully, glancing at the shell.

“What about you?” Zuko asked, meeting her eyes. Mai snorted.

“No way. A dumb shell? I’m not that type of girl,” she replied. Zuko looked at her for a few seconds before tossing it aside. It landed farther than he meant it to, one of the boys that was with you picking it up and examining it before turning to face you.

“Here, this is for you,” the boy said quietly, handing you the shell. You looked at it before placing it down next to you.

“Wow, thanks. It’s beautiful,” you said bashfully, sending the boy a polite smile. 

“Just like you,” the boy replied instantly, bringing a faint blush to your cheeks. 

Mai watched the scene in amusement, noticing the way Zuko tensed up slightly. “Told you she’d like it.”

“Hey beach bums!” Azula called out, standing by the kuai ball net. “We’re playing next.”

You all made your way over to Azula, both you and Ty Lee giving the boys apologetic looks. The game was pretty intense, all because of Azula. At the end, your team was victorious and you were left standing around as Azula gloated to the other team about her victory.

“Hey, I’m having a party tonight,” a boy said, approaching you and Ty Lee with his friend. “You should come by.”

“Sure! I love parties,” Ty Lee chirped. The boy looked at you expectantly.

“Sure, I’ll go,” you said, nodding softly. 

“Your friend can come too,” the boy added, glancing at Mai. 

“What about me and my brother? Aren't you going to invite us?” Azula asked, staring at the two boys. You don't know who we are, do you?”

“Don't you know who we are?” the boy shot back. “We're Chan and Ruon-Jian. But, fine, you're invited. Just so you know, though, some of the most important teenagers in the Fire Nation are gonna be at this party, so try and act normal.”

“We’ll do our best,” Azula replied, smiling sinisterly. 

~

You had arrived at the party way too early. Watching Azula trying to flirt was painful and so you found yourself tucked away in a corner with Zuko, the two of you quietly munching on some food. 

“So, does Mai seem jealous?” you asked quietly, leaning against the wall as more guests began to arrive 

“Kind of? Maybe? I don’t know, it’s hard to tell,” Zuko muttered, his gaze on Mai as she looked around the food table for something to eat. “She was kind of emotionless when we were talking about you but she usually is so I’m not sure.”

You nodded amusedly, glancing around before your eyes landed on Ty Lee being cornered by a group of boys. “Oh no. Sorry Zuko, I’ll be back.”

You darted away, pulling Ty Lee away from the group before she could chi-block them. She gave you a thankful smile before bouncing away making her way to Azula. You turned around to go back to Zuko to find your path being blocked by Chan. 

“Enjoying the party?” he asked, leaning against the wall as he smiled down at you. 

“O-Oh, yeah,” you replied softly, looking around for any of your friends.

“Yeah, I’m known for throwing the best parties,” Chan boasted, leaning down towards you. “How bout I show you around? Give you a tour of the house?”

“No, that’s fine,” you said meekly, meeting Mai’s eyes. She gave you a nod, understanding that you wanted her to come and save you from Chan. Unfortunately, before she could approach you, Ruon-Jian stopped her and began to talk to her. 

“C’mon,” Chan said, placing his hand on your lower back as he guided you away.

“Stop talking to my girlfriend!” 

The room went silent at Zuko’s outburst and you sighed in relief, before turning around and seeing Zuko standing in front of Ruon-Jian. You swallowed harshly as Mai met your eyes, surprise evident on her face as she looked from you to Zuko. Sensing the tension in the air, Zuko glanced towards you, a panicked expression on his face. 

“I told you they weren’t really dating,” Azula scoffed, looking from you to Mai. “Poor (Y/N) likes Zuko but Zuzu here only has eyes for Mai. Fake dating was the furthest she was ever going to get with him.”

Feeling the tears welling up in your eyes, you ducked under Chan’s arm and sprinted out the door. The room burst into chatter as people began to gossip about what had just happened.

“Mai, I-” Zuko began to speak, stopping when Mai held up her hand.

“Zuko, I’m not stupid,” she said blankly. “We all knew you were fake dating, we just wanted to see how far you’d go until one of you would fess up.”

“Then why didn’t you say anything?” Zuko asked, following Mai as she walked outside. 

“Because after the ferry ride, we realized something,” Mai said, turning around and facing Zuko as she came to a stop. “You’re in love with each other.”

“No we’re not,” Zuko argued. “This whole thing started because I wanted to make you jealous.”

“I know,” Mai said, causing Zuko to look at her in surprise. “You’re not exactly subtle. We could tell that your focus wasn’t on her but I’m telling you that after the ferry ride, something changed. Whether you want to admit it or not, you love (Y/N). You said it yourself, she’s the one that’s always been there for you. She’s the one you trust. What you said was true, Zuko. You just don’t want to admit you’re in love with her because you’re afraid of losing her. But trust me, she feels the same way. You have nothing to worry about. Besides, you can’t tell me you don’t feel anything for her, not after seeing the way you were holding her at the beach house.”

Zuko stood in silence for a few minutes, thinking about Mai’s words. She was right, and he knew it. He had loved you since you were children and he had never told you, too afraid of the rejection that would inevitably follow. Mai was simply a replacement for you, as harsh as that was. He had wanted Mai because she was easy and convenient to be with. But you had always held his heart because as he had said earlier, you were the only one who was trustworthy enough to have it. 

“She’s down by the beach,” Mai said, breaking Zuko out of his thoughts. He looked at her questioningly. “She finds it peaceful down there, it’s where she’d go to be alone.”

Zuko nodded, sprinting down the house’s steps before pausing. “Thanks Mai.”

Mai smiled as she watched him sprint away. After many long, long years you were finally going to be together. And if Zuko messed this up, she would personally make sure that he’d regret it.

~

Tears streamed down your face no matter how hard you tried to keep them at bay. You knew that it was a bad idea to go along with Zuko’s dumb plan but you had always had a hard time saying no to the prince. And look where that had gotten you, heartbroken and crying on an empty beach. 

You picked up random rocks and shells, throwing them into the water as you tried to quiet your sobs. A part of you had always hoped that Zuko would wake up and magically fall in love with you but deep down you knew that you would never be the one for him. When you were younger, maybe. But not anymore. Sighing deeply, you sat on the sand, bringing your knees to your chest and crying quietly as the water lapped at your toes. 

You closed your eyes when you felt someone sit next to you, knowing it was probably Ty Lee trying to make you feel better. “Go away Ty Lee. I just want to be alone.”

Ty Lee didn’t answer, instead wrapping an arm around you. You leaned into her embrace, eyes widening when your head landed on a muscular chest. You looked up to meet bright golden eyes and you threw yourself backwards, escaping Zuko’s embrace. 

“What are you doing here?” you asked quietly, putting more space between the two of you. “You should be inside with Mai.”

“Is what Azula said true?” he asked, his voice equally quiet. “You like me?”

“Yes,” you whispered, looking anywhere but him. You could feel his eyes burning into you, causing you to swallow harshly. “Zuko, please. Just go away. Just forget that tonight ever happened. Once we get back to the palace, we can just ignore each other. Just leave me alone.”

“I like you too,” Zuko said, pausing for a few seconds. “Wait no. I don’t like you, I love you.”

You shot him a look, his figure looking slightly blurry due to your tears. “Please don’t make this worse than it already is.”

“I’m serious,” Zuko said, scooting closer to you and brushing away your tears. “Remember the time we were feeding the turtle ducks in the royal gardens and my mom left us to go get more food for them? You pushed me into the pond once she was gone, as payback for the time that I accidentally made you fall out of the palanquin. I was so angry but when I looked up at you, you were laughing and I couldn’t do anything but stare. That’s when I knew I loved you.”

“We were nine,” you snorted, remembering the incident. “We didn’t know what love was. We still don’t.”

“Maybe not,” Zuko replied. “But I know that I felt something for you. After that, every time I saw you I couldn’t breathe right and I couldn’t stop blushing. Trust me, I fell in love with you a long time ago, even if i didn’t know what love was.”

“Then why were you trying to make Mai jealous?” you asked quietly, wanting to believe his words. 

“Because I’m stupid,” Zuko said, chuckling softly. “Because I didn’t think that we could be more than friends. I didn’t think you’d ever like me back so I went after Mai because she was a safe choice. But it’s always been you, (Y/N). And it will always be you.”

You looked at Zuko, seeing nothing but honesty in his eyes. You scooted closer, resting your head on his shoulder as you looked out at the water. “I knew I loved you when I first met you. I had been so scared when my parents had left me with one of the maids. They had a meeting to get to and the maid was leading me to the kitchen to keep me busy. You came out of nowhere, running from Azula as she chased you and you knocked me over. When you held out your hand to help me up, I knew I had a crush on you. You led me to the gardens and you made sure that I was okay and you even stole a cookie from the kitchen for me to apologize for knocking me down. I was a goner.”

Zuko smiled fondly as he remembered the incident. He had been so worried that he had hurt you. Looking down, he saw you smiling contently, still looking out at the ocean. Softly, he grasped your chin, turning your face towards him. You sent him a questioning look, sighing softly when he leaned down and pressed his lips against yours. You tilted your head up, his arm wrapping around your waist and pulling you flush against him. Your hands trailed up his chest, circling around his neck and pulling slightly on his hair. He pulled you onto his lap completely and you shifted, straddling his lap. You felt his tongue swipe at your bottom lip and you opened your mouth, letting him deepen the kiss. You pulled apart after a few more seconds, both of you breathing heavily as you looked at each other with a large smile on your faces. 

“I told you I’d make it up to you,” Zuko whispered. The two of you laughed lightly before he spoke again. “Will you be my girlfriend?” 

Your breath caught in your throat again as you recalled Zuko asking the same question a few days earlier. You leaned down, pressing another kiss to his lips before you answered. 

“It’d be my pleasure to court you, Prince Zuko. This time for real.”

~

taglist!

@musicalkeys, @mywigglybaby​, @bubblebars​, @iguessthefloorislava​, @dekahg​, @boxofteenageideas​, @bottledcotscowater, @butterflycore​, @coldlilheart​, @the-firebender-girl​, @ajediherowitchrunner​, @lammello​, @astroninaaa​, @samsmultifandomblogs​, @sadskater25, @oddment-niwit-blubber-tweak​, @duh-dobrik, @eternallyvenus​,

[misfits1a]

BABY CLAUS, or alternatively, teddy pierce being in love with santa’s daughter. teddy pierce x reader

fluff; hint of angst

posted. 23 january 2021

notes. follows after santa baby

banner inspired by & template from @cafekitsune​

cw. language; a douchebag male; mentions of sex; unedited

wc. 1.3k

�� needless to say, your father is not happy

he always promised you he wouldn’t watch you while you were with carl and tikki, so what would he call contacting you right after you have your first real kiss with teddy?!

• part of your agreement with your parents was that you’d come back home to the north pole for a week during your christmas break; since your dad was going to be busy christmas eve, you always went the day after christmas

you’d spent quite some time of the last almost five years strongly disliking teddy (you tried to stay away from the word “hate”, reserving it for very few things), so it’s weird to find yourself yearning for him the entirety of the week you were at home

you video chat with him a couple of times, and even got to talk to his sister kate and stepbrother jack

as soon as you’re back in lowell with your aunt and uncle, you text teddy, asking if he wants to meet up; no, you’re not going to tell him how much you missed him the last eight days

• the first weekend after you guys get back to school, teddy takes you to a movie and dinner; you spend about eighty percent of dinner just talking and end up taking most of your food home in to-go boxes

when he pulls into your driveway that night, he turns to you to tell you that he had a good time but before he can say anything, you blurt out “can you kiss me now?!” at first he’s stunned by the exclamation but then he nods, leaning in to do so

• teddy is almost suspensed a month into the new semester, for punching bass (again) after your ex came up to him and told him you were the best he’d ever had and he hopes teddy gets to understand that soon

• falling in love with teddy is way easier (& quicker) than you thought it’d be, and it scares you so much after what happened with bass that you begin distancing yourself from him

there’s a part of you that knows teddy would never hurt you, especially in the way that bass did, but you can’t get out of your head

it hurts teddy,, a lot. and he doesn’t understand why you’re not responding to his texts or answering his calls or talking to him at school; so he decides he’s going to distance himself too

it hurts you both to be away from each other, but you are both stubborn personalities

• you finally work up the courage to talk to teddy, after talking to your mom and dad; they tell you one of the key components to a good and healthy relationship is communication

teddy’s agitated— you haven’t talked to him for almost two weeks, now you want to? but when he sees you tear up, he takes you into his arms and listens. he’s a little upset when you tell him why you’ve been pulling away (sans the falling in love part) but he kind of understands

• you guys spend a lot of time together— getting to know each other, bonding, building your relationship

• he loves taking you on dates, but his favorite thing to do with you is go ice skating. he’s actually really good at it

• three months into dating, you officially meet his family

they all love you, especially his mom (who later pulls you aside and tells you his dad would have loved you; it makes you cry a little bit)

you get really close with katie— maybe how much she loves and respects your parents has something to do with it; you promise to take her to the north pole sometime (not during the holiday season lmao) to visit again

• he meets tikki and carl a week after you meet his family— they love him so much (well they never liked bass so, plus for teddy!!)

they want him over for dinner on friday which sort of confuses you as friday is a family only night. it isn’t until later when you’re all at the table playing uno (“i’m sorry hun, i have to do it” tikki tells you. “no, please! plEASE!!” you beg before she smiles sadly, dropping a draw four onto the pile and calling “uno!” “bITCH!!” you cry out, snatching four cards) that you realise how important it was that they’d invited him tonight— he’s part of the family now

oh shit

• the two of you cuddle a lot & watch netflix shows. you 110% definitely steal one of his hoodies and wear it to bed on the days you don’t see him

• you and teddy discuss sleeping with each other quite a few times. he tells you that he’s a virgin, which you’re a little surprised to find out, but you also feel so honored that he wants you to be his first

• and of course you tell him that bass was your first time. for the first time out loud, you admit how much you hate that you’d ever slept with him but at the time, you thought he loved you

• you say “i love you” first. teddy is silent for a moment, before he grabs your face in his hands and plants one on you; when you pull away, he tells you he loves you too

• your first time with teddy is two weeks before graduation. you’re at your place, tikki and carl having gone out on a very rare date night

as you’re kissing each other, teddy pulls away and asks, “w- won’t your dad see us?”

“what?”

“the song says he’s always watching. i—”

“teddy!” you laugh, smacking his shoulder before telling him the promise your dad had made you. “so he’s not watching us, i promise.”

you pull him in for a kiss, the two of you losing yourselves in each other. afterwards, the two of you cuddle up with each other, eventually falling asleep.

• for his graduation gift, you give teddy a one-of-a-kind camera that you’d made with your dad while visiting home over spring break

he kisses you as his thanks, before his face drops and he mumbles “shit” because he didn’t get you anything; you just kiss him again

• you’d decided at the beginning of senior year to stay in massachusetts for college, eventually choosing the university of massachusetts lowell campus. teddy is going to hamilton, new york for college

• the two of you decide to do the long distance thing

he comes home for thanksgiving and christmas. yes you end up at the north pole for most of his visit, but you usually get a few days with him. you bus or drive to hamilton during other breaks and stay with him in his dorm

• during the summer break before your junior year of college, the two of you go to the north pole

by now, your dad has come to accept your relationship with teddy and even occasionally refers to him as his future son-in-law. your mom knew teddy from the video footage of christmas 2018; she loves him more in person

• yo teddy sure is sus, spending a lot of time with your dad though but whatever, because your mom wants you all the time anyways so

• teddy proposes to you two weeks before he has to leave to go back to hamilton for senior year. the two of you decide to tell his mom and stepdad that you’re actually the daughter of santa and mrs. claus, and wow ok! impromptu trip to the north pole to prove it

• senior year is like, the hardest year of your life thus far. not only is it senior year of college but you’re also planning a wedding on top of that

• but you did it; you graduated college!!

• you guys just decide to elope, and have a small ceremony for your families sometime later

• honestly, if anyone told you six years ago you’d be married to teddy pierce, you’d have thought they were crazy

• but like,, you wouldn’t have it any other way. he truly is the love of your life, and you can’t wait to spend the rest of your days with him

© 2021 misfits1a. all rights reserved. do not repost, translate or claim my work as yours; please credit if you want to repost my work in a fic rec

taglists. @anything-and-everything-20 @allthatgl1tters-1sgold @biqherosix​

[dracoria-azucar]

Since Wilbur and Schlatt’s potential resurrections have started becoming more and more relevant to the DSMP plot, a lot of people have begun pointing out Alivebur’s previous actions and how they related to his relationship with Tommy.

I’ve seen people theorize about Alivebur teaming up with Dream once he’s back or even just Phil and Techno.

I’ve seen people go as far as to believe he may join forces with Jack and Niki. To try and kill Tommy once and for all.

Because Alivebur did some shitty things that could’ve gotten Tommy killed sooner, said some things that made it clear Alivebur resented Tommy in some ways.

But a lot of these actions and statements have some serious depth to them outside of their blatant hostility.

Wilbur legitimately cares about Tommy. 

Their relationship has always been full of playful fighting that borders on getting too real. We know that Alivebur thought of his “fights” with Tommy as mostly positive, because Ghostbur is quick to document it in his memory book! “Bullying Tommy (he’s a child)” is one of the first things he documents, alongside Fundy growing up, alongside Niki and her bakery, alongside sparring with Techno as a child.

While Alivebur and Tommy had an unhealthy relationship in Pogtopia, a lot of the bad things Alivebur was trying to convince Tommy of were things his paranoia had lead him to sincerely believe himself. He wasn’t telling Tommy that no one, not even Tubbo, was on their side in order to alienate Tommy like how Dream was. Alivebur legitimately believed that since everyone (in his mind) had betrayed HIM it just made sense that the same thing would happen again. 

And yes, Alivebur DID work with Dream but they were never FRIENDS. Wilbur always hated Dream he just liked him for his supplies, his power, and his influence. Alivebur needed Dream’s help, Dream benefited from what Wilbur wanted to get done, so they played nice with one another until the job got done. We know Alivebur had no issue with that sort of relationship because he makes it clear to Techno that he felt the same way about THEIR dynamic. “I don’t care if you’re on my side, so long as you’re willing to do chaos with me.”

Wilbur wouldn’t have sat there on the cusp of the afterlife praising Tommy and Tubbo for finally taking Dream down if he thought of Dream as a friend. 

And while Alivebur did or said some things implying he wanted Tommy dead (or that he was annoyed/surprised Tommy hadn’t just keeled over yet) it was probably coming from a place of spite and jealousy. One of the only reasons Alivebur didn’t blow up Manberg the first chance he got was because Tommy and Quackity were in his way. Doing it would’ve meant taking Quackity’s first life and Tommy’s last. So Alivebur spent precious time trying to convince the two of them that they HAD to leave because he was GONNA do it but he didn’t want to hurt anyone, he never wanted to hurt anyone who didn’t deserve it.

Then, when Alivebur makes Tommy president of a land he knows he’s about to tear apart it’s to make a POINT. 

Tommy and Alivebur went through, essentially, the same traumas for the entirety of the first season. For Wilbur, it tore him apart inside. His paranoia and greed took complete control. Then he turns to his ONLY constant companion, who’s suffered essentially the same fate, and sees nothing but hope and determination. So Alivebur gets overwhelmed and annoyed. He TRIES to get Tommy to see that everything is hopeless and that they’re too far gone for a happy ending. While Tommy pushes back against that mindset tenfold. Tommy promises Alivebur that everything will turn out okay as long as they keep fighting and that he won’t let Wilbur get left behind.

But for someone who’s already accepted that they’re doomed, seeing someone be so relentlessly positive about their situation is just infuriating. If Tommy and Wilbur went through the same shit but only Wilbur ends up fucked then Wilbur has to acknowledge that HE’S part of the problem. He can’t blame his own actions fully on the circumstances he found himself in because “Tommy turned out fine”.

Some part of Alivebur just needed to snap whatever piece of Tommy was holding everything together, because if Tommy broke it would “prove” to Alivebur that he would’ve ended up rotten anyways. He gets to frame his own demise as inevitable and he gets to cast off any criticism of him not trying hard enough to be GOOD.

So of course when Wilbur “comes back” to speak with them from the cusp, he’s a little bitter about Tommy making it this far. Since Tommy has been through EVEN MORE terrible shit but is still viewed by others as the hero of the story. Even if Tommy definitely has been suffering mentally from his experiences, he tries really hard to keep the effects hidden and allows others to paint him as just some stupid selfish kid. Not many people have any real way of telling that the trauma’s left it’s mark, not even Wilbur.

And of COURSE Wilbur doesn’t want to be brought back! He doesn’t have any more battles to fight with Dream, Schlatt, and L’Manberg all gone. The only thing for him to do if he’s brought back is face the consequences of his actions. He would have to face Tommy, Tubbo, Fundy, Niki, Techno and Phil. He would have to acknowledge that he did bad things, that he hurt people, and that he’s responsible for the pain he caused.

And if Wilbur REALLY didn’t want to come back, he wouldn’t. He would’ve told Tommy right then and there that he needed to just finish Dream off once and for all, because he wasn’t going to help them any more.

But he didn’t. He just whined, asked if Tommy REALLY kept Dream alive because Tommy wanted him back, and after play fighting like they used to he said he was proud. Then he said “I’ll see you soon.”

It’s incredibly unlikely that a resurrected Wilbur would work with Dream. He has NO reason to do so. 

He might end up with Techno and Phil, but there’s definitely some bad blood there. I personally think that Techno and Phil have a CLEAR history of enabling people with fragile mental states into doing things they shouldn’t or just ignoring their issues until it becomes too much. Phil didn’t know how to help Wilbur or Fundy when they needed it. Techno didn’t know how to help Tommy or Ranboo when they needed it. And to be fair, it’s not really their responsibility to FIX their friends/family but it’s pretty consistently lead to the dynamics crashing and burning.

And I think there’s a good case for Wilbur confronting Jack and Niki at SOME point following his resurrection. I don’t think Niki would take too kindly to the reunion considering everything she’s been through, and I don’t think Jack would be too affected either way. I also don’t expect Wilbur to convince either of them NOT to do anything to Tommy because they don’t have much reason to respect his wishes in the first place. However, even if Niki and Jack DID end up killing Tommy we all know that at this point Dream would just bring him right back. So maybe Wilbur would even enable Niki/Jack letting out their frustrations with Tommy, since it ultimately wouldn’t matter? Who knows

[razberryyum]

Scumbag System (SVSSS donghua) Episode 10 Thoughts (spoilers)

(covers SVSSS chaps 24 - 26, BC Novels Translations)

And thus the first season of the SVSSS donghua comes to an end...rather weirdly abruptly to be honest, but more on that later. Obviously I love the donghua. It was not perfect, but it still exceeded my expectations. I truly appreciate what they were able to do within their budget constraints and I think they captured the spirit of the source material perfectly, which is really all I hope for when it comes to adaptations.  The writing was strong, the humor hit the spot always (for example, when poor Shizun got motion sickness from sword riding, I guffawed), and they also gave us some of the most beautiful characters I’ve ever seen on screen, especially with Shen Qingqiu, Luo Binghe and Liu Qingge. I really, really hope they release official figurines for them. I’m going to start saving my money now just for that possibility.

Even though their time together in this episode was short, the BingQiu love was definitely strong. They gave them a combo move that was not in the source material: for someone like me who grew up watching Cantonese dramas, two characters who have a combo sword move (”雙劍合璧”!) are usually a couple so I was especially tickled by this addition. I am always thankful to the donghua team for the little Easter Eggs they give us for BingQiu, like the way Binghe's eyes lit up when he sees SQQ... 

or when SQQ touches him...

Once again, for those not in the know, it can easily be interpreted as a disciple just being devoted and filial to his Shizun. But for those of us who have read the novel, of course we know it’s indication of Bingmei falling in love with SQQ. I love how subtle yet significant these little expressions of Binghe’s are, and I hope they continue on with these little touches even in the next season. 

Of course then there are the more obvious gestures, like that HUG:

It lasted for a good 15 seconds and oh my God look at the Binghe’s hand placement!  There was totally nipple groppage happening there! This wasn’t in the book by the way...SQQ didn’t get woozy and Binghe most definitely didn’t have to catch him like some fainting damsel, so we have the donghua team to thank for this wonderful moment of (sexy) physical contact between the two of them. 

The donghua team was also especially generous in this episode since not only did we get some BingQiu love, but we got a pinch of LiuShen and QiJiu love too.

LQG’s eyes were on SQQ the entire time! And then Yue Qingyuan as usual took any opportunity he got to touch his Qingqiu.  So all shippers were fed. Hell, they even threw in some more straight-baiting again so peeps who are watching the show for the “straight” romance between Luo Binghe and his never-to-be-future-wife Qin Wanyue were fed too since the scene where Binghe gives her the handkerchief to wipe away her tears were not in the chapters of the book for this episode, and racking my brain I don’t even think it was in the book, period. I’m trying to remember if that handkerchief even holds any significance but even if it does, it’s all for naught since we know Qin Wanyue is at most just a minor side character. She does pop up again later on but then is mostly forgotten, so...not quite sure what that moment was all about other than to, I don’t know, throw off the censors?

I’m also not sure why we spent so much time with Liu Mingyan and Gongyi Xiao in this episode. Nothing against them personally, I like both characters very much (despite my previous complaints about GYX’s character design), and it’s not that they don’t deserve more screen time, but this was the season finale! Even though the next season has been announced, God knows when we’ll see it next year and how many episodes it would be, so every minute of screen time matters! That’s why I was a bit puzzled that they used up half of the episode showing LMY basically facing the same perils with her group of fellow disciples as before and GYX just running from that huge serpent. Even if that thing DOES turn out to be Zhuzhi-lang, it was still a bit much. They weren’t exactly character building scenes either so...why? Budget reasons? Didn’t have enough money to pay SQQ’s voice actor (Wu Lei-laoshi) so they had to stick in miscellaneous scenes to lessen his screen time? 

I’m kidding of course. God I hope that wasn’t the reason because that would just be sad.

Speaking of miscellaneous scenes though, what was going on with these two dudes?

I gotta admit, I’m a bit salty that these two mob characters got to do what our main couple can’t. What’s their story? Why do they get special privileges? Damn these nobodies. XD

All kidding aside, I have to say, of all the episodes this season, this might be the weakest one, not only because of the “filler” scenes, but also, the way the episode ended was so odd, especially for a season finale. The season basically ended on a scene transition. Not a cliffhanger, just a scene transition, and then cut to credits. What?? Why??? It’s almost as if they just ran out of time so had to stop the show all of a sudden. And then as if to make up for it, they added post-credit scenes which, honestly blew me away because it was so unexpected. It was indeed almost enough to make me completely forgive the weakness of the episode as a whole and that weird-ass ending.

I teared up!  The scene was kind of chopped up, didn’t even flow that smoothly, but I still got emotional! I’m sure when I see this scene in its entirety next season I am just going to be destroyed. I think they made it even more gut-wrenching than it was in the novel. Looks like the donghua team really aren’t gonna hold back when it comes to delivering the BingQiu knives. 

We also got to see Mobei-jun appear in the post-credits scene; I guess they had to stick him in there since he was featured in the poster for this season, so it would have been weird if he didn’t at least make an appearance.

I immediately thought of him as Sephiroth’s younger cousin when I first saw him on the poster and I still feel that way. Anyone related to Sephiroth, I will approve and instantly have affection for. For the MoShang shippers’ sake, I hope the Shang Qinghua they create for him will be just as pretty. I think I can now safely discard my guess from last time and also that moon-faced bearded ojisan others have guessed. We actually got a glimpse of the real deal in this sequence:

They strategically made him blurry so you can’t really make out his features, but what we still can tell from there is that he does not have facial hair (hence, he cannot be the ojisan) and the hair crown he’s wearing is silver and different from the twinky sect leader. So I guess we’ll be getting a fresh out of the microwave Airplane Bro instead of any of the no-name potential cannon fodder we’ve already seen. 

We’ll probably get the abyss opening up in maybe even the first episode of next season but that’ll still leave a lot of ground to be covered in just 10 episodes (rumored). There haven’t been any talk about a third season, but I really hope it’ll happen, even though it might take them a while to make it. I know it’s premature to even think of a third season when we haven’t even gotten an actual release date for the second, but I’m greedy because I already miss the donghua. This season was over so quickly, I’m already mourning the lack of new episodes. I hope we get the second season in the first quarter of next year and then by some miracle, a third or even fourth to properly finish out the story. I know we will never get the FULL story, but as long as they keep the spirit of BingQiu’s love and continue to hint at it like they’ve been doing this season, I will be more than satisfied. 

And while I’m wishful thinking for new seasons, I hope we also get a BingQiu duet and character songs. I love the opening and ending theme this season, if they want to save money I totally don’t mind if they just use the same OP/ED themes in the next season as well, but I hope they throw in a good BingQiu insert song and then release some individual character songs as well. I’m still not a fan of Binghe’s voice, but maybe they can have someone else do his vocals for the songs. SVSSS is the older son of MXTX’s works, I feel like it already got short-shrifted in terms of adaptation since it got the lesser budget compared to MDZS and TGCF. Hopefully with how popular the donghua is this season, it will be given a bigger budget next season so they can bring to life all the subsequent proceedings from the book properly. And whatever they’re paying Wu Lei-laoshi, SQQ’s voice actor, they should double it because that man is just amazing. I worship his voice and performance. I wish he would read the audiobook version of the the novel. I would listen to the hell out of that.  I have always loved SQQ, but if I’m going to be honest, I came into the show just a little more excited about seeing Bingge being brought to life. I still love Binghe of course, in all his phases, however, now,  because of Wu Lei-laoshi’s stellar voice performance (and of course SQQ’s beautiful looks), I’m leaving this season absolutely head over heels about SQQ/Shen Yuan. Also thanks to the show, I’m completely obsessed with Liu Qingge as well.  So for those two reasons, I will eternally be grateful to the donghua team.  

[a-dorin]

the pain

pairing: anakin skywalker x senior padawan!reader

word count: 1.422k

warnings: angst, cursing, forbidden love, small age gap, arguing 

a/n: i wrote this at 3 a.m. because i saw a lot of anakin & just wanted to write out some anakin. i hope y’all enjoy :) 

summary: as the padawan of anakin skywalker, you can’t but fall in love with the jedi master. however, one night, after a fight with his lover on naboo, new feelings come to light. 

“good evening to you ms. (l/n),” c-3po chirped, “what brings you here to ms. amidala’s personal quarters?”

“i was waiting on the ship like master skywalker instructed for me to do,” you shrugged, “but i felt a disturbance in the force.”

“oh good heavens!” c-3po shook his head, raising his hands ever so slightly, “i would not advise that you enter the room. master skywalker and master amidala are having a private conversation.”

muffled yells from behind the chamber doors piqued your interest, your brows furrowing, “is there trouble in paradise, c-3po?”

“i am afraid so,” you pursed your lips as his response, “master skywalker seemed as if he was in the most horrid mood.”

“well if i was-” you began, but bit your tongue, “do you think it’s a good idea if i enter the room?”

r2-d2 whistled, advising against the idea. you exhaled, “i just might have to wait with you, r2. i don’t want to backtrack all the way to the ship.”

muttering to yourself, you slid against the wall beside the doors, pressing your ear against it. from the sound of it, things were not going well. even though you were given clear instructions to stay onboard the ship, you couldn’t help but be a little nosy. it didn’t hurt to pry sometimes, especially when it involved your master. 

anakin skywalker was your jedi master, the individual in charge of all of your jedi training. since you began training with him about a year ago, you could sense something different about him. sure, he was a little young to take on a padawan, but it was something else. far more brooding. yet, you could not quite place your finger on it. however, your affection for the jedi clouded any foul judgments against him. 

since you were seventeen, you developed feelings for your master. even though it was strictly forbidden by the jedi, you couldn’t help but fall for your master. after all, he was quite dashing, and carried a wonderful personality. with his unruly, sandy blonde hair, and icy, mysterious, blue eyes, you couldn’t help but fall under his spell. anakin was handsome, without a doubt. 

and it went without a doubt that you were completely and hopelessly in love with him. anakin was in his twenties, and his charming, youthful, brash, personality drew you in as well. anakin was there for you in ways that your fellow jedi padawans couldn’t be. the two of you spent hours upon hours together, traveling for missions, or decoding datapads in the archives of the jedi temple. the two of you were attached to the hip, often praised for your close relationship. 

if anakin ordered you to do anything, you did it with no hesitations. after all, you carried an immense amount of respect for anakin. most of his missions were proven to be successful, and his quick wit and cunning in battle was useful. his desire to never give up was admirable as well. also, you couldn’t help but adore the fact that he would never abandon you. ever. no matter how many times obi-wan kenobi or jedi luminara unduli lectured him on the negative affects of attachments, anakin never left you. 

often, at night, you would overthink the boundaries of you and anakin’s relationship. there were brief moments in which anakin showed more than just a friendship with you. he would carry you to the ship when you were exhausted, injured, or cold. he was ensure that you ate before him. also, he would always tell you goodnight, no matter if you were frustrated, disappointed, or on good terms with him. those were the instances that kept your mind churning at night. you were freshly eighteen now, and a seasoned jedi padawan. maybe the two of you could form a romantic relationship. what if anakin loved you? what if the two of you were in love? what if you both were soul mates?

yet, there was a stark reality compared to your fantasies. although he believed you were deceived, you knew exactly what went on behind closed doors, what occurred when anakin was away. he was deeply involved with senator padmé amidala of naboo. how he was fooling the entirety of the jedi council, along with obi-wan, you had no idea. it was not only deceptive to his comrades, but deceptive to you. his own padawan. the one person who trusted him completely.

“maybe we should take some time apart,” anakin’s sentiment snapped you from your thoughts, “to clear our minds.”

“how can you say that when we’re married anakin?” you could sense padmé’s despair, the tears that she was choking back, “do you think that our relationship can just end like that?”

“i do think so,” anakin’s voice was low, “i’m not sure how you believe that this is working, that we are working.”

“anakin what if i’m pregnant?” padmé’ pleaded, “what if i am carrying our unborn children? what are you going to do? just let our children be without a father?”

“is that a jab at me?” anakin’s voice rose, “i didn’t have a father in my life, but look how i turned out. and i turned out fine, padmé. i am a jedi knight, a general of an army. now, if you are pregnant, then you may reach out to me. i do not sense any other life forms in the room with us right now, so you must be lying. my padawan is waiting for me, i have to go.”

“you can’t just leave me like this anakin,” padmé’ sobbed, “it’s not right.”

“but if i leave it would make your life so much easier! we wouldn't have to sneak around anymore. you could be the senator you always wanted to be, you could be chancellor padmé, i have full faith in your abilities. i just need some time alone.”

“it’s her isn’t it?” your eyes widened, an audible gasp tumbling from your lips, “it’s that padawan of yours, isn’t it?”

“don’t you dare bring her into this. she is my padawan. nothing more, nothing less.” anakin retorted, his tone inflected with venom, “now, i have to go. she’s waiting for me.”

“i love you anakin..” her words crescendoed, meaning that anakin was about to leave the quarters.

you scrambled to your feet, practically sprinting, r2-d2 wheeling after you. you heart raced as your boots thudded against the floor, your mind buzzing as you made your way to the small ship docked in the palace. what did this mean? was their relationship over? did anakin just end the entirety of their marriage in a matter of minutes? did this mean that you had a chance? questions swirled in your mind, like a raging torrent, anxiety gnawing away your being as you slipped into the ship, awaiting anakin’s arrival. 

minutes passed, anakin finally boarding the ship. his aura radiated despair, coming off of him in thick, intense waves. you swallowed, your eyes following every movement made by your master. desperately, you wanted to say something. to make sure anakin was stable, at the least.

“are you all right?” your voice was small, feeble under the roar of the engines. 

anakin shot you a hard look, his icy eyes searching yours, “you heard everything, didn’t you?”

“i couldn’t help it and-” you blurted out, but you were cut off as anakin embraced you, wrapping his arms around your frame. 

sobs racked his body, his breathing shortened as ragged as his painful wails echoed off the walls, r2 in shambles, whistling and beeping. you hushed r2, stating that it would be all right as you rubbed anakin’s back, going in slow, soothing circles. 

“i already know what you want to ask,” anakin sucked in a breath, attempting to regain his composure. 

“i’m not sure what you mean, master,” you whispered, your heart skipping a beat. 

“i love you.”

[pansydaisy]

still into you, ron weasley

based on “still into you” by paramore

a/n: no war au

requested by: @seiinpaii

taglist: @witch-and-a-half

words: 969

Ron was familiar, having been an important part of your life for many years now, too many years to simply count by hand. He’d been there since the day you first stepped on the train to Hogwarts, a friend from that day forward. Somewhere along the way, though, as you grew older and your heart grew bigger, you fell in love with the boy.

He was everything you had ever wished for on shooting stars and birthday candles, the kind of infatuation that was all butterflies and rosy cheeks, messy kisses and tangled hearts, but the kind of love that brought you warmth, peace and safety. He felt like home.

It wasn’t all perfect though, no relationship is. You were two different people with different opinions, mindsets, and thoughts. Even your dreams and plans varied. There were arguments that began with something simple yet more often than not ended up with tears and him sleeping on the couch rather than your shared bed.

But no matter what was said or done, you still loved him, and he still loved you. You actively chose each other, chose to forgive and work together, to care even if the anger or frustration hadn’t quite worn off. And the morning after, you’d talk calmly over a cup of tea, love proving to be much stronger and much more important than hate.

Love had always been worth it. Ron had always been worth it.

Often you let your mind wander back to the first time you ever told the boy you loved him. You were merely seventeen, young and oblivious to the world yet completely sure of one thing – your heart belonged to someone other than yourself.

Summer had finally arrived, and Ron made it known that you were welcome to stay with him at the burrow, too meet his family, and of course to spend more time with him. You didn’t hesitate to travel with him, opting to in fact stay for the season in its entirety.

His family had shown you acceptance and kindness from the minute you walked through the door, hand in hand with the second youngest of the pack. And his mother, Molly, was quite fond of you, consistently offering you tea or food, even hugs and advice when it was needed.

Fred and George on the other hand had an appetite for teasing and pranks, never hesitating to test you or make you flustered. You couldn’t remember even one day where one of them didn’t put a potion in your drink or chase you with bugs in their hands. Though at the end of the day, the two boys would ruffle your hair and make it known they too were quite fond of you.

Ginny had became a friend of yours, someone you could confide in with ease, and she made your stay the slightest bit more comfortable and delightful. And for that summer, she was also the one you shared a room with — each night filled with laughter and conversation before you drifted to sleep.

Ron was ecstatic that you and his family got along so well. He knew you’d make a lovely addition to the Weasley name, in the near future. And in the time you spent at the burrow, he had fallen even more in love with you, the words and touches, laughs and delicate moments he’d shared with you kept in his heart to remember and cherish over and over again.

The months of Summer passed you by quickly, much to your disappointment, but on that last day before you were set to leave for Hogwarts, there was really only three words you had left to say — “I love you.”

A weight lifted off his shoulders when he heard the words, so melodic and cardinal slipping past your tongue. He held you closer then, kissing the top of your head, “I love you, too.”

And even as the years flashed by and your life changed, the two of you left to figure out the world and it’s complications, while still stopping to smell the flowers and breathe in the good things it had to offer, love never drifted away.

Anyone who had ever had a single thought of doubt in relation to your relationship — how long it would last, whether or not you were too young, if the love was even real — you still stood proudly together, as one, showing them that love can be infinite, something to be felt at fifteen or eighty, true and profound.

And you didn’t have to wonder and only dream of a life such as the one you had, because that was exactly it, you had it. It was the lazy Sundays spent in your pajamas, baking blueberry muffins and cuddling in the warmth of the fireplace. It was the rainy days spent splashing in puddles and making a mess of yourselves, kissing under gray clouds and drinking tea fresh from the pot. It was the early mornings tangled together in the sheets, bare skin and soft fingers tracing shapes, sweet sounds for only each other to hear. It was the sunny afternoons, strolling through the park and basking in the beams of warmth, smiles genuine and radiant. Most of all though, it was the bad days, arms to hold you and a shoulder to cry on, slow dancing in the kitchen as a record played on repeat, pinky promises and hot baths meant for diversion and respite.

Life had never been as tranquil and euphoric as it was with him a part of it.

Some things just made sense, some things were meant to be, and this was it. Two lovers with hearts molded together, two puzzle pieces destined to fit each other, only one thing left to do.

“Marry me?”

[ellewords]

“you know i’m in love with you, right?” hinata mutters into your shoulder, arms wrapped around you in a tight embrace.

he had to leave. a team had invited him to play in japan. an opportunity of a lifetime had presented itself to him, and he would be an idiot to pass it up. but that also meant leaving brazil. leaving you.

the pair of you had met pretty soon after hinata had arrived two years before, and there had been a spark from the second you laid eyes on each other. you had never been happier than you were during the time you got to spend with him, and as far as you could tell, hinata shared that sentiment. but you knew from the very beginning that your time was limited. that was why you had never made anything official; it would hurt too much when time ran out. you had too much of your life rooted in brazil to validate leaving, and hinata was rooted in japan. it would be unfair to expect that to change just because of how you felt for each other.

yet here you guys were, hinata holding you like you were his lifeline, face pressed tightly into the curve of your neck, confessing like he’d wanted to from the very start as you sniffled. it was cruel, getting a taste of what could have been just as he was about to board a plane out of your life, but you couldn’t help the watery laugh that escaped your lips.

“i love you, too, sho. always have.”

he pulls back, and his smile is wide and wobbly, and his eyes hold so much love and so many tears, and it hurts. neither of you look away.

you don’t know who leans in first, but before you know it, your noses are nearly touching. he looks just about ready to plunge in and seal the deal when the intercom interrupts with the announcement to begin boarding his flight. he winces, pulling away slowly to look at the throng of people beginning to line up. he needs to go soon, but he can’t make himself move. he doesn’t want to move.

he squeezes your hand and looks like he’s debating whether he should pick up his luggage and begin his departure or stay by your side for forever. instead, you make the decision for him, tugging him towards you gently and pressing a kiss to his lips. it’s quick and light, but it starts a fire in your chest. you almost regret it, feeling the longing begin to start up again, but the thought quickly leaves your mind when you see the way hinata blinks rapidly and a smile finally makes its way to his cheeks. then he pulls you tightly into his chest and spins you around, once, twice, a third time as he peppers kisses across your face. when your feet finally hit solid ground again, he’s buzzing with the energy he always seemed to have as he gathers his things and leads you as far as airport security will allow.

“i’m gonna make you so proud, (y/n)! i promise! and then when we see each other again, i’m gonna take you out on a proper date and ask you to be my girlfriend and—“

“i know, sho,” you interject, heart feeling just a little lighter as you watch him get further and further out of view. “i’m already so proud.”

his smile gets impossibly bigger then, and he turns on his heel to walk the rest of the way up the walkway. he stops right before he can disappear, and he looks serious again.

“i love you.”

“i know.”

“i’ll come back to you.”

your heart skips a beat, but before you can respond, another passenger pushes him forward. he’s out of sight instantly, and it finally feels safe to cry. but your smile is still in place.

“i know, sho. i know.”

-💛

— from elle! 💛anon you make my heart hurt and for what?? oh my gosh this is amazing! like legitimately so perfectly bittersweet !! gosh, i love this so so much and the fact that it's timeskip!hinata just makes it all the more *chef's kiss* anyways, i'm picking up where you left off for my little scenario (under the cut, as usual; feat f!reader to go along with what 💛anon sent in). hopefully, i'm able to do justice what you've sent in. thank you so much for this, i hope you're having a wonderful day <3 also i'm not too sure if this is for the first date margins q but i'm considering it as that just in case

᠃ ⚘᠂ ⚘ ˚ ⚘ ᠂ ⚘ ᠃

it’s one of those rare moments wherein he had gotten more than just a couple of days off; in fact, he actually had a couple of weeks. the off season for volleyball had begun — no matches, no tournaments, and for a short while, no practices. just giving the team some rest after months of non-stop playing and training.

the second he had gotten the email that confirmed his time-off, hinata’s fingers found themselves booking a ticket on the nearest flight to brazil, the flight that would bring him back to you. he promised that he would take you out on a date, he couldn’t just show up without a plan. not when all he thought about for most of his waking moments was running home to you.

so he packs his nicest suit, folding it as carefully as he could as to not get it crinkled, and spends all of the 26 hour flight daydreaming of the moment you two would finally meet again in person. would you run up to him? wrap your arms around him? he hopes you would. 

you had kept in touch of course, hinata couldn’t allow himself the displeasure of not talking to you at least once a day. but late night video chats, early morning phone calls, and text messages throughout the day could only do so much. he wanted to feel your skin against his, to hear your voice untainted by the thousands of miles of distance, to run his fingertips along the apples of your cheeks and cup your face in the palm of his hand.

and hours from now, he would finally be able to.

__

hinata stands in the reception area of your office building, flowers in hand, nervous smile on his face. after a nap and a shower, he raced out of his hotel room in his suit, making a reservation to one of your favorite restaurants.

his foot taps on the marbled floor, glancing at his wristwatch every few seconds. he had placed himself by the elevator doors, making himself the first thing you’d see the second you stepped out of it. hinata’s growing more and more impatient as the seconds ticked by, rocking back and forth on his feet. the clock strikes six, any second now.

__

hinata wishes he could capture the bewildered look on your face, the way you stopped in your tracks the second you made eye contact with him. he gives you a sheepish smile, rubbing a hand on the back of his neck before gesturing into a wave. a quiet little “hi” leaving his lips.

you approach him cautiously at first, tentatively, like you were unsure if he was actually there in front of you. he had told you that he had gotten a couple of weeks off, but he never mentioned using them to fly back to brazil. you’re stunned, breath caught in your throat as your eyes move along the entirety of his figure. there’s no way he was here, this is all just a figment of your imagination; the section of your mind that missed him had finally lost control. you want to keep your steps slow for fear of disappointment.

but your heart and your feet betray you, picking up the pace just as you were a couple of feet in front of him. you practically throw your body against his, wrapping your arms around his neck, hoping he’d be strong enough as to not make the two of you fall on the cold floor of your office building.

hinata takes a few steps back from the force of your body impacting his, but he places an arm around your waist, steadying both himself and you. he hears it, the beating of his heart, loud and clear as he takes in the familiar scent of your perfume.

you pull away, placing your hands on his face just to make sure he was really in front of you. gazing directly into his eyes, you breathe out, “you’re here.”

“i'm here.” hinata confirms, pressing a kiss to your temple; just to let you know he's real.

__

hinata gazes at you from across the table, reaching out for your hand so he could hold it in his; he needed this, the warmth of your touch, a gentle reminder that he was once again in your presence.

and you were not one to deny him such a simple thing, mostly because you need that reminder as well.

this isn’t the first time you had eaten at this particular restaurant. during his two year stint in brazil, the place had become a source of comfort for the two of you. it’s where you celebrated birthdays, big promotions, or just had dinner when neither of you felt like cooking.

hinata still knows your order by heart, surprising you. in all honesty, you thought he would forget all about you the second he step foot in japan. there’s a small pull at your heartstrings, a flurry in the pit of your stomach, a fluttering in your chest.

most first dates are spent trying to get to know the other person, but hinata already knew you like the back of his hand. and the same could be said of you with him. you knew in the light in his eyes as he talked about his new teammates how much he adored playing with them. and he knew in the smile on your face as you rambled on about the book you had just finished reading that it would become one of your favorites. 

you can’t help but stare, how could someone change in just a short amount of time? he had grown more confident, looked the happiest he’s ever been. and it certainly helped that he was wearing a suit — you had mostly seen him in sweatpants and pyjamas, so this was an entirely different look to you.

“you know, i wish you had told me you were coming,” you frown, looking down at your work clothes, knowing that somewhere deep in your closet is a dress that would have been perfect for a night like this, “i would have dressed for the occasion.”

“but you’re already perfect.” hinata says it without missing a beat, with such complete and utter sincerity that your heartbeat pick up just as he said it.

__

like a true gentleman, he walks you back to your apartment. a place that isn’t exactly foreign to him, his feet leading him on muscle memory alone. 

the walk back is filled with his and your laughters, arms looped around the other’s as you made your steps as slow as possible; trying your hardest to extend the time you had. 

when you finally reach the front door, hinata stuffs his hands in the pockets of his jeans, suddenly unsure of himself. was this too much for you? was he coming on too strong?

you chuckle, seeing the complete panic in his features, stepping closer to him. you hold his face in your hands, voice barely above a whisper, “i still can’t believe you’re actually here.”

hinata’s breath evens out at your touch, heart finally calming down, blush on his cheeks. and just like that day at the airport, it’s unclear who leans first, but did that matter at this point? everything hangs in the air, months of unsaid words between the two of you, breath hitching as your noses touch.

“i told you i'd come back.” he mumbles against your lips before letting them meet his in a kiss. 

᠃ ⚘᠂ ⚘ ˚ ⚘ ᠂ ⚘ ᠃

a question: what are the hq characters like on a first date?  |  written on the margins masterlist

taglist : @haikyuutothetop @crystal-lilac @tobioespresso @sushijimawakatoshi @itsmeaudrieee @pantherhappy @jesssobs @mysticstrawberryballoon @cloudedsky_29 @sakusasimpbot​

join my hq taglist here. <3

[jalapeno-princess]

Make it to Christmas

Mark Tuan X Reader

Word Count: 4.9K

Genre: Angst with a happy ending

Summary: Winter was your favorite season and Christmas had to be one of your favorite holidays. However, as the weather got colder, so did your relationship with your boyfriend Mark. When he brings up how your relationship is no longer what it used to be and that he feels that the two of you should take a break, that’s when you realize how much you have been neglecting him and that you are the reason that your relationship is failing.

A/N: Hey guys! So I wrote this last December but I didn’t finish it until earlier this year. This has been in my notes for the longest time and every now and then I look at my many stories that I’ve written and never finished (There are at least seven Christmas imagines that I never took the time or had the motivation to get around to finishing any of the stories). This story is based on the song “Make it to Christmas by Alessia Cara and I would definitely recommend for you all to check it out it is soooooo good and one of my favorite Christmas songs (Even if it is so sad). I’m like 35% done with the last chapter of my “Crazy little thing called love” series and I just want to thank you guys for being so patient (For some reason I’ve been having writer’s block with the last chapter I don’t know why but hopefully I’ll be getting around towards finishing it within the next two weeks). With that being said, happy reading! (BTW, this story might not be as good as my other ones because this one is older and I didn’t feel like editing it all that much but hoenestly who gives a shit not me hahahahaha)

We were warm and wonderful once upon a time But now we're frozen, hanging by a thread Can we wait a minute? Or can we just try to try? 'Cause my favorite day is coming up ahead

Darling, I know that our love is going cold It's just something 'bout the snow This time of year that makes us lose our way Just say we'll make up And hold on a little longer Don't have me spending it alone This time of year is precious Please, can we make it to Christmas? Can we make it to Christmas?

No matter how much you loved the holiday season, you couldn’t say you were all too excited for it this year. Your four year relationship with your boyfriend Mark has been on the rocks lately and neither of you understood where everything went wrong. 

Back in the beginning of the year, you had accepted a job that you have been dreaming about ever since you were a little girl. However, this job took up most of your time, leaving you no time to spend with Mark. This left your poor boyfriend feeling neglected and the two of you would always argue about it to the point where you would leave your shared apartment before things could take a turn for the worst. Then came the cheating allegations. 

At first, Mark was very excited for you to finally get your dream job. He knew how hard you worked in order to do so and how many times you cried during college because of how hard it was. But he couldn’t brush off the green monster on his shoulder telling him that you were having an affair behind his back. He understood how certain jobs would take up the entirety of someone’s day, but it seemed as if you never went home. 

By the time you arrived back to your apartment, he was fast asleep and when he woke up in the morning, you were already gone. This led him to thinking there was someone else. Your relationship no longer felt like a relationship anymore and you could feel it slowly falling apart. You didn’t know what to do in order to save it. As much as you knew you wanted to spend the rest of your life with Mark, you didn’t know if your relationship would last until Christmas. 

Mark thought long and hard about what he should do. The thought of losing you killed him. He loved you with every fiber of his being and you were the sole reason for his existence. However, he felt as if you no longer felt the same and he didn’t want to force you in to staying in your relationship if you no longer wanted to. One night after you came home late again, you were shocked to see your boyfriend sitting on the couch. Normally he was knocked out around this time, but he was just sitting there in the peace and quiet; staring blankly at the tv screen. 

You took a look around the living room and only noticed in that moment how bare it was. Every year since moving in together, you and Mark would decorate it with lights, fake snow and even a train set. This year, you haven’t even set up the tree and the thought hurt your heart. People say change was good, but you couldn’t help but feel that this change was a sign of the end of your relationship. 

“Hey.” He looked up at you and released a long sigh. 

“Hi.” You put down your bags as you slowly made your way to your room. It didn’t take you long to notice him trailing behind you. A part of you hated how awkward things got between the two of you in the last few months, but if Mark seemed unbothered by the distance, you didn’t mind either. However, you were upset that such a thing was happening during your favorite season. 

You didn’t feel like getting in to the holiday spirit nor did you want anything to do with Christmas--there was no point when everything in your life seemed to be falling apart. You noticed your boyfriend took a seat on the bed and you took this time to change and settle down. But before you could walk in the bathroom, he asked for you to sit down. You took a seat next to him and the two of you sat in silence for what felt like hours. 

In the four years of your relationship, there were many times the two of you spent in silence, but it was always a calm and serene type of quiet. However, this was an awkward and tense silence and you were hoping he would speak up soon because you didn’t know what to say. 

“What are we doing y/n?” 

You looked up at your boyfriend in curiosity and only then did you notice how tired he looked. His dark circles were very prominent, his cheekbones were more defined and his eyes no longer held the sparkle in them that they used to have when the two of you first began dating. You couldn’t help but feel that it was your relationship that was causing this and you never hated yourself more than you did in that moment after coming to the realization. 

“What do you mean?” 

He gave you a knowing look and stared at you for a while. It was as if he was looking at a stranger. His heart rate didn’t increase at the sight of you like it used to months ago. It wasn’t because he no longer loved you; Mark knew he was still so in love with you--but sometimes love just wasn’t enough. 

“Y/n, I know you feel it too. We’re not what we used to be. We don’t act like a couple anymore. Hell, I can’t even remember the last time we had a decent conversation. We hardly see each other nowadays, I get one kiss every other day if I’m lucky and even when we sleep together, you’re so far away. I feel as if I’m a burden to you. Ever since you got your job, I feel as if you never make time for me—for us and it sucks. I miss you so much, but it doesn’t seem to bother you. I’ve tried so hard to make it work between us. I can feel you slipping away and I wanted to work on us. I want us to last so badly. But I can’t keep being the only one putting effort in to our relationship y/n. I can’t keep trying to set fire to an already burnt out flame. I’m tired. There’s so much going on in my life right now and I want nothing more to run to you with my problems like I used to. I always feel so safe with you, but now I feel like I can’t talk to you because we’re the problem. Our relationship is killing me y/n. That’s why I think we need to take a break.” 

You didn’t even realize you were crying until he brought his fingers up to wipe away your tears. Here he was trying to console you all the while breaking your heart. However, you couldn’t blame him for doing so. He was right. You made it seem like your relationship was a chore and you hated that it took Mark to tell you how he felt in order for you to realize something was wrong. 

“Mark--baby I’m so sorry--please--please don’t leave. I’ll fix this. I promise I’ll change--“ He pulled you on top of his lap and placed a soft kiss on your forehead. 

“I don’t want you changing anything about yourself. Okay? You’re perfect just the way you are. Couples grow apart and it’s normal. In order to grow together again, we need some time apart. We’ll be okay one day. We need to find ourselves first before finding each other again. I love you with my entire being y/n, but our love just isn’t enough anymore. I sat and thought about this for a while. Never in a million years did I ever think I would ever break up with you. I thought I was going to spend the rest of my life with you and I still plan on doing so. But like I said, maybe we need time apart to realize how much we really need each other. Until then, please take care of yourself. Make sure to eat all your meals and get your rest. I’m sorry things aren’t working out between us but I hope you know that I love you.” 

You held him as tightly as you possibly could, not wanting to let him go because you knew once he left, nothing would ever be the same. Mark was in your life for many years even before the two of you started dating. You hardly ever lived without him. Sure you had your fair share of arguments and disagreements, but break ups weren’t an option. However, you couldn’t help but feel like it was really bad this time. If he wanted a break up, you knew this meant he no longer wanted a relationship with you. 

The thought of losing him upset you, but you didn’t want to continue hurting him. His words cut like a knife. You didn’t mean to put him through all of that and you tried your best to understand why he was giving up on your relationship so easily. But then you thought about what he said earlier. He was putting so much effort in to your relationship but you failed to do so. He slowly got up and you just laid there while watching him get his things. 

There were so many words that were on the tip of your tongue, but you didn’t feel like you had the right to say them. You didn’t feel like you should hold him back from wanting to leave. You treated him like shit, you didn’t deserve him. But you couldn’t picture life without him. Seeing him grab his bags made you want to run up to him and take them out of his hands--however, hearing him ask for a break drained all the energy out of you and you wanted nothing more than to go to bed. There was nothing you could do, his mind was made up--he was leaving you and there was nothing you could do about it. Once he was done, he gave you a sad smile and placed one more kiss on your forehead.

“Please don’t go. I’m nothing without you.” 

That’s when you saw a tear fall from his handsome face. You looked so small, so fragile and he knew the “break” would take a toll on you, but not as much as it would on him. “Y/n--please--I already hate the thought of no longer being yours. But I lost myself loving you. I need to find myself again in order to be happy. Take care of yourself okay?” 

With one last kiss, he was out the door. You don’t remember how long you cried for, but your pillow was soaked with tears. It still had yet to really hit you that the love of your life was gone. He never allowed you to explain yourself and you were well aware that it was because his heart was tired of fighting for a relationship you were no longer putting effort in to anymore.

After what felt like hours, you finally fell asleep. It’s been over two weeks since Mark left and for the first week, you didn’t do anything. You called out sick from work, giving all sorts of lame excuses. At this point you didn’t even care if you got fired. There were many jobs out there, but there was only one Mark. 

As much as you wanted to give him his space, you couldn’t help but ask his friends about how he was doing. He was the only thing on your mind. The second week was even worse. You turned to alcohol to try your best to forget about his absence, but it only made things more difficult for you. Your dreams were filled with some of your favorite memories you shared with Mark. He left a lot of his things at your apartment and they were taunting you--reminding you that he was no longer there and that it was all your fault. 

You found yourself putting on his clothes and sleeping on his side of the bed. The apartment was so cold and empty without him there. Some days you would stay out as late as possible to prevent yourself from having to be all alone. No matter how much wine you would consume, nothing would take away the pain. When Mark left, he took your heart with him. You hated yourself and couldn’t stop blaming yourself for not treating him the way he deserved. He took such good care of you, why couldn’t you do the same for him? Why did you let work get in the way of your only source of happiness? 

Your mom had invited you and Mark to her annual Christmas party and as soon as you received the invitation, you were quick to decline. Nobody but Mark’s friends knew that the two of you broke up. You didn’t want to be around friends and family while you were so heartbroken. Nor did you want to burden anyone with the upsetting news of your break up. Christmas was supposed to be such a happy time, but you couldn’t wait for it to be over with. 

You hated the idea of being asked about Mark and you did not want to receive pity from your family over something that was your fault. However, your mom never took no as an answer. On the night of the party, you tried your best to get ready no matter how tired and drained you were from the lack of sleep. You didn’t want anyone knowing something was wrong even if you were seconds away from a mental breakdown. 

Once you finished getting ready, you took in a deep breath and made your way to your parent’s house. This was the first time you drove by yourself since the break up. You didn’t have enough energy to do anything and you sure weren’t ready to be operating such a dangerous vehicle, but you had to suck it up and be a big girl so nobody could see through your facade. 

Lights occupied the entire front of the house and as much as you wanted to laugh at how obsessed your mom was with decorating, you were too busy wallowing in self pity to even care about anything else other than the pain you were going through. After you parked, you sat in your car for fifteen minutes until you built the courage to walk up to the door. 

“Y/n! You’re finally here! Why did I know you were going to be late? I told Mark to force you to get ready an hour earlier because I know how you can get. Where is he by the way? Is he still parking the car?” 

She peered outside while you snuck in to the house to prevent her from asking more questions. All your family came up to greet you and just like your mom, everyone seemed to want to know where Mark was. You couldn’t blame them. He came for every single party and gathering your mom would host over the course of your relationship and they all grew attached to him. Mark was the perfect guy. 

He was the type of guy you’d want to bring home to your family. You couldn’t believe you mistreated him to the point where he felt as if he had to leave. You were on the verge of tears every time someone brought him up and it seemed as if Mark was the talk of the party, even if he wasn’t there. While your mom was preparing the food, your dad called you over and asked you when Mark would be coming. 

“I know you probably want to sit next to your boyfriend during dinner, but I want to talk to him about the football game.” 

When you and Mark first started dating, he was quick to make his way in to both of your parent’s hearts. With your mom, all he had to do was charm her with compliments and help her around the house. With your dad, they bonded over sports and video games. Your parents were head over heels for him and sometimes you felt as though they preferred him over you, but you couldn’t blame them. Mark was an extremely likable person.

“He’s spending Christmas with his family this year.” Your dad frowned in disappointment and you wondered how he would feel if he knew the real reason behind Mark’s absence. 

“Shucks. Well, make sure he comes for New Years. I bought him a gift. Tell him we’re going to miss him tonight.” 

You gave him a fake smile and headed towards the living room to join your family in the festivities. Everything seemed to be going well—there was a Christmas movie going on in the background as your nieces and nephews ran around chasing each other. Maybe you did need a break from your thoughts and what a better way to stop your suffering than to spend time with some of your favorite people. 

Unfortunately, your grandma brought up how she was waiting patiently for you and Mark to finally get married and that’s when you decided it was all too much to handle. You ran in to the guest room and allowed the many tears to fall. It’s as if the universe wanted to constantly remind you of the mistakes you made in your relationship. 

After getting text messages from some of your cousins asking where you ran off to, you looked in the mirror and began to make yourself presentable enough—as if you weren’t just crying. Immediately after you walked outside, your niece ran in to you and told you she had a surprise for you. You didn’t think anything of it; kids always had little tricks up their sleeves and honestly you were going to take any kind of distraction you could get. 

“Last week in class, we talked about mistletoe and how you’re supposed to kiss the person you love underneath it.” She reached for your hand and dragged you over to the dining area. 

“Stand here.” You gave her a confused look but complied with the little girl whilst taking a glimpse at the mistletoe. Memories of the first Christmas you spent together with Mark came rushing back. 

The two of you had just started dating around that time and since he was your first boyfriend, he wanted to take things slow with you. Even after a month of dating, he had yet to kiss you and you were starting to think it was because he didn’t want to kiss you. You never wanted to voice how you felt over something like that, but you wanted nothing more than to finally feel his lips on yours. On that night of the Christmas party, he sneakily got you underneath the mistletoe and the two of you shared your first of many kisses together. 

Seeing the mistletoe made you want nothing more and to take it down and throw it away. Just a few seconds later, your eyes were being covered and before your mind could process what was happening, a pair of lips were on yours. It didn’t take you long to realize it was your favorite pair of lips and you quickly responded in to the kiss. His arms wrapped around your waist as yours found their place around his neck. You didn’t care that you were surrounded by your family. His warmth and his lips were the only things you cared about in that moment. 

“Hi.” You pulled away and started gently tracing your fingers along his handsome features. The two of you stood like that for a while, with him giggling at your ministrations. 

“You’re here. You’re real. I’m not dreaming right?” He chuckled while shaking his head in disagreement. He placed two soft kisses on both your eyelids while caressing your cheeks. 

“You’ve been crying. And I see you haven’t been eating your meals y/n. You promised me--” You were about to respond when your mom walked over to the two of you. 

“Mark! You’re here! Good, everyone’s been asking for you. How have you been dear? You’ve lost so much weight! Are you on that diet again?” 

He shook his head all the while shooting you a knowing look. You had to remind yourself to inform him that no one in your family knew of your break up. Your mom stole him for a few moments, giving you the excuse that she wanted to “show him off” to the rest of your family—but it was fine, you needed time to breathe. He was here, he kissed you and held you as if nothing was wrong. You weren’t complaining, but you wanted to know why he was here and why he was acting like the two of you weren’t on a break. 

“Ah Mark! I was upset when y/n said you weren’t coming tonight. Did you watch the game last week? The patriots are doing really well this season.” 

Your heart warmed at the sight of your two favorite men interacting like they normally did, but you couldn’t help but feel as if it was too good to be true. Your cousins brought you over to the couch and wouldn’t stop raving about how handsome and sweet your boyfriend was and how lucky you were to have him. As you looked over to Mark, heat rose to your cheeks when you caught him already staring back at you. 

“I can tell that man really loves you y/n. I see the way he looks at you. Even when he was talking to my mom, he wouldn’t stop bring you up in conversation. And look at how well he gets along with our family. You better not lose him. Men like that are hard to find.” 

When you decided that you had enough time being reminded of the fact that Mark was such a perfect human being that you obviously did not deserve, you snuck away back to the guest room hoping Mark would notice your absence and take the hint to come find you. While waiting for him, you decided to lie down and stare up at the ceiling; wanting to give yourself time to recuperate your thoughts and to think about what you should say to him once he were to come in to the room.

Ten minutes later, you heard a soft knock on the door and you told whoever it was to come in. Seeing him again after three weeks of being without him made you realize how much you missed him, how much you loved him, how much you needed him in your life and how you were nothing without him. He slowly made his way towards you and sat down on the bed. 

“What are you doing here?” He reached for your fingers and started playing with them, a habit you noticed would help with calming him down. 

“Your mom, she um—she texted me and told me to get you here earlier since we are always the last ones to arrive because you never know what to wear. I didn’t have the heart to tell her I wasn’t coming nor did I know if you told her about us. I was going to make up an excuse, I’m pretty sure you did too. My parents, they were shocked to see me tonight because they know I’m always with you on Christmas Eve. They kept asking about you, saying how much they miss you and how they can’t wait for us to start having kids so they can spoil them like they do with my nieces. So I ultimately decided to come here. I also wanted to talk to you, if that’s okay.” You hesitantly nodded and motioned for him to continue. 

“I’m sorry. I was stupid for letting you go. I don’t understand why I thought taking a break would make things better. I can’t believe I listened to that “distance makes the heart grow fonder” bullshit. I missed you so fucking much baby. These last few weeks have been a living hell without you. I found myself outside of our apartment on multiple occasions, wanting to come in and hold you for as long as possible. To ask for you back and to pretend that this whole break up never happened. But I didn’t have the guts to do so. Every time BamBam or Yugyeom would bring you up, I’d always have to leave the conversation because it hurt hearing your name and it hurt even more when they would tell me how the break up was ruining you. It was ruining me too. I can’t deny it though, our relationship was tearing me apart. I hated the person I was turning in to. I kept blaming myself for everything bad that was happening to us, I was lashing out on random strangers because of everything that was going on and I even made Youngjae cry by saying something I didn’t mean all because our relationship wasn’t what it used to be. I thought being away from you would help me mentally—I needed time to think. Time to breathe—but if anything, our breakup made things so much worse. I’ve been staying with Jinyoung for the last few weeks and everything reminded me of you. He made me blueberry pancakes, just the way you like them. He uses that same laundry detergent you use on our clothes and he even has that same vanilla candle I bought for you from bath and body and I was so close to throwing it away because of how much it reminded me of you.” He placed a soft kiss on the corner of your mouth when he noticed your dazed facial expression.

“I thought going on a break would help us focus on ourselves and live our lives the way we want to without worrying about each other. It only made me realize how much I’m madly in love with you and how I can’t do anything without you. You’re my soulmate y/n. My person. I was made for you and you were made for me. I knew we were going to get back together sooner or later. Or I at least hoped we would. But I can’t blame you if you no longer want to be with me. I should’ve waited and thought about this longer, but I think the breakup made me come to terms with the fact that I don’t want anyone else but you for the rest of my life. Like, I already know we’re going to get married one day, and like you said, couples fight. It’s only normal. I just didn’t think fighting the way we were was healthy and I saw how much it was hurting you. I hate seeing you unhappy y/n and I couldn’t help but feel as if it was my fault that you were so miserable, so I left. But I’m here tonight, not only to please your family, but to ask for you to come back to me. You don’t have to make the decision now, but just know that I love you, I miss you and I’d do anything to make you mine again.” 

You gently brought your hands up to his cheek and connected your lips to his. He immediately pulled you on his lap and laid down so that you were hovering over him. The two of you made out for a while until you pulled away to catch your breath.

“Do me a favor?” You looked at him in curiosity but hummed in agreement. 

“Tell me you love me. I’ve been dying to hear you say it again. I’ve been wanting to hear those words fall from your pretty lips for months now. Fuck baby, you don’t understand how much I’ve missed you. I couldn’t listen to jingle bells without crying, I’m actually such a loser. I couldn’t stop thinking about all of our Christmases together and I refused to spend one without you. We’ve celebrated five Christmases together so far and I plan on spending every single Christmas and all of the other holidays with you for the rest of my life. Matter a fact—“ Before you could actually process what was going on, Mark motioned for you to get off of him in order for him to stand up. When you saw him get down on one knee, you were a sobbing mess. 

“I’ve had this ring since the beginning of our relationship. I actually purchased it just a couple of months after we started dating. I knew you were the person I wanted to spend the rest of my life with. Our breakup, it only made me realize how much I can’t live without you. I felt like I was slowly dying as the days went by. I really didn’t want to leave. When I walked out the door, it took every bone in my body not to walk back inside and pull you in my embrace. I thought our breakup was for the best, and I thought that with time we would be fine. But then I thought about it. I would rather argue with you, get drunk over you, cry over you and have you be mad at me than to be happy with anyone else. I don’t think—actually, I know I could never be happy with anyone else. It’s you. It’s always been you and it’s always going to be you for the rest of my life and however long time let’s us be together for. Forever I hope. I want to settle down with you, have a big family with you, buy us a nice big house with a pool and a yard. I want to grow old with you. I want to be yours forever baby. You don’t have to say yes right now. I know it’s a lot to take in. Just know you’d make me the happiest and luckiest man on earth if you do so. Just to let you know, you mean everything to me and I love you with my entire being. Will you marry me?” The tears were quickly falling down your eyes and Mark snickered at the sight. 

“How are you still so beautiful when you cry—Ow babe stop. That was a compliment.” 

You sank down to where he was and roughly smashed your lips against his. Words couldn’t describe how much you’ve missed this. Being in his arms felt comforting—safe. It felt like home. When he felt you smile against his lips, he bit on your bottom lip and pulled away to catch his breath. 

“Yes. Of course I’ll marry you. God Mark, I love you so, so much. Thank you for coming back to me. Merry Christmas my love.”

[woah-were-halfway-there]

Leafs in 5

A/N: I was inspired after game 4 against Columbus, what can I say

Word Count: 4.1k

Going into the NHL’s alternate version of the postseason playoffs that 2020 decided to sprinkle in on top of everything else going on in the world, you knew it was bound to be interesting. There was a plan set in motion to keep all the players and staff safe and strict rules that needed to be followed for everything to work the way it was supposed to. Both of these resulted in your boyfriend, Auston, having to stay in a bubble at the Royal York while you stayed alone in your shared condo in Toronto that was just a few blocks away, for who knew how long. 

You were lucky that when the NHL season ended back in March, you were able to travel to Scottsdale with Auston and not be separated. At the beginning of the lockdown, your workplace closed down and moved to a work from home setting until further notice. After clarifying that it’d be at least a month until you could go back, you figured it wasn’t the worst idea to go along with your boyfriend back to Arizona after asking if you’d go with him. Little did you know the two of you would be there for almost four months. 

Although it was a relaxing time, it was also weird. All you really did was hang out with Auston, his family and Freddie while waiting to hear literally anything about things going back to normal, but that never happened. Your work decided that going back wouldn’t be an option even as Toronto entered its reopening phases as a safety precaution. Therefore you’d be working from home for the foreseeable future. 

It sucked a lot. You liked your job, your co-workers, and having your own way to be independent in a professional setting, but a global pandemic makes things a bit pretty difficult at times, and sometimes sacrifices need to be made. Lucky for you, though, it could have been a lot worse. And Auston played a massive part in you being able to adapt as well as you have. 

The time the two of you spent in Arizona together was great. Obviously, during it, you worked, spent time with the boys and the Matthews family, but a lot of new things happened too. You and Auston welcomed Felix, a Bernedoodle puppy home to be part of the fam, and dealt with life as living in a pandemic continued. 

Then the NHL announced its return to play action plan, and things got wild all over again. 

Auston began skating and practicing intently again. Plans were being made to get back to Toronto for training before having to go to whatever hub city was chosen for the Eastern Conference teams. With all the talk of possible locations for the playoffs to take place, you weren’t expecting Toronto to be one of the cities in deep consideration, let alone for one of the so-called bubbles actually to be there. But, that was exactly how things played out, so you and Auston prepared accordingly. 

After some deep consideration and conversations with your boyfriend, you decided that when the time came, you would go back to Toronto when Auston needed to go. However, there was a period where Auston was sick, and that changed things up a bit even more, but eventually, the two of you and Felix were all set and ready to head back to the 6ix without any further delays. 

The two of you settled to being back in Ontario without difficulty. You followed the rules of self-isolating for two weeks upon arriving back to the country, and so did Auston. If he wasn’t at the condo with you, he was at the rink practicing alone, since it wasn’t safe for him to be around his teammates, or the public until those 14 days were up. That was fine though, you both just chilled with Felix, watched the entirety of Sons of Anarchy and Schitt’s Creek, and prepared for how things were bound to change again once the playoffs finally started. 

“I feel bad,” Auston said loudly from the bedroom as you walked down the hallway towards it with the basket full of clothes you’d just taken out of the dryer. 

“Why is that?” You asked once you entered the room, tossing the clothes on the chair, and got ready to fold them. It was his last night in the condo before having to relocate down the street at the Fairmont for the entire Maple Leafs playoff run. He was busy packing, and you were busy making sure everything was organized and ready for this transition. Even Felix was taking part by laying on the bed and demanding attention from both you and Auston every once in a while. 

“You know why,” he deadpanned while looking at you pointedly. 

At that, you sighed.

“Aus, we talked about this.”

“I know we did, but now that it’s actually time for me to leave, I’m dreading it even more.”

As much as you tried not to let the situation bug you, it still did. Throughout your entire relationship, there were many times when you and Auston would spend time away from each other, so that part was nothing new. However, you’d never been in the same city without being able to see one another or know when you’d be able to talk face-to-face and not through a screen again would be. And although the whole bubble situation was something you and Auston had talked about a lot over the last month or so, what it entailed still hadn’t quite set in until that moment. 

“Me too,” you responded quietly and stared down at the pile of clean clothes, knowing that if you looked at your boyfriend, the tears you felt pricking your eyes would undoubtedly spillover. “But it has to happen, Auston. There isn’t much else we can do, unfortunately.”

“But-.”

“No buts,” you cut him off and snapped your teary gaze to him. “This is your career. And the playoffs! Those are no small things. Regardless of how crappy this entire process is, I’m still going to be here, cheering you on as much as possible. It just sucks so bad that things aren’t normal. That I can’t go down to SBA and watch you be the amazing hockey player that you are with our friends and family, or hug you as soon as you’re done your postgame interview and tell you how proud I am. I’m just so over everything right now, and I’m sorry to be taking this out on you, this is the last thing you should have to deal with before going into the bubble. I just-.”

The way your voice cracked at the end of your spiel had your boyfriend next to you and pulling you into his embrace in a second. 

You were on an emotional rant, and Auston knew that. He knew that you had been holding in how you really felt about the NHL’s plan to go ahead with the playoffs, and it was time to let it all out. Although you never expressed your frustrations, you did have quite a few, and Auston was determined to get you to talk about them, especially before he had to leave.  

“I’m sorry I’m a mess,” you mumbled while wrapping your arms around his waist and leaned against his chest. 

“You’re allowed to be a mess,” he replied and squeezed you. “This isn’t an ideal way for the playoffs to happen, believe me, I know, and I’m still not sure how it’s all going to play out. But know I’m sorry you’re feeling the way that you are because of something I have to do.”

“That’s the thing though, Aus, there is literally nowhere else I’d rather be than here for you... but I’m worried. What if you, or another player, or staff get sick? What will the league do then? I get that they’re strict on how things in the bubble will work and everything, but we’re still in a freaking pandemic. I just don’t think it’s necessary. But regardless of what I think about the NHL’s decision to resume, it doesn’t matter. I’m the one who agreed to come back with you, and I’m going to be here still even if you and the team end up in Edmonton for the finals, and I won’t see you until October. Wow, it sucks, even more, talking about it.”

“God, I know,” he responded before pulling away slightly to look down at you. “I’ll never be able to explain how much I appreciate you coming back and being here with me for all of this. I hate that I’m going to be so closeby and not be able to come home to you and Felix and that you’re going to be here alone, but thank you for being willing to do this for me.”

“Of course, I want to kiss your stupid face again as soon as I can after this,” you pouted. “Even if I have to fly to Alberta in order to do so.”

“Wouldn’t exactly be opposed to that idea,” he told you before leaning down and catching your lips in a soft, sweet kiss. It didn’t take long for you to deepen the kiss by wrapping your arms around the back of his neck and pulling him closer. He smiled against your lips, letting his hands linger on your waist a bit as he waited for you to make the next move. But then, you unexpectedly broke the kiss and turned away from him. 

“Well, I guess we better get back to packing, yeah?”

You had the goofiest grin on your face as you reached down to grab one of your t-shirts from the laundry pile, but then Auston let out a dramatic groan from where he stood, and you had to cover your mouth so that you wouldn’t burst out laughing.

“Now you’re just being cruel,” he said as he walked up behind you and leaned his head on your shoulder. You bit down hard on your bottom lip to keep yourself from smiling any wider than you already were as he wrapped his arms around your waist, before eventually turning around to look at him again.

“How so?”

“Seriously?”

“Oh, I’m sorry, I think I hear Felix getting into something,” you lied as you tried to worm out of his hold, wanting to mess with him a bit more. But he was on to you, which is also why you didn’t put up a fight when he didn’t let go. 

“Babe,” Auston whined. “You’re killing me.”

“Well we can’t have that, you have to go into the bubble tomorrow-.”

Before anything else could be said, Auston pressed his lips against yours again, and you let him. You chuckled slightly before reaching up to tangle your hands into the curls forming due to him not getting a haircut. But you didn’t mind, loved it even, and used it as a way to keep him close. 

“You’re full of jokes tonight, huh?” He mumbled against your lips as he slowly guided you towards the bed, all while tugging at the bottom of the hoodie you wore. 

“Just for you,” you replied before pecking his lips and moving away just enough to pull the sweater off and toss it on the ground before quickly kissing him again. You then came in contact with the mattress and let Auston lay you back on it. It wasn’t long before he was leaning over you and letting his lips roam to that sweet spot along your collarbone that he knew would have you seeing stars. “I thought you needed to pack.”

“I’ll do it in the morning.”

“You’re going to regret that decision once you realize you’ll have to get up early to get ready,” you challenged.

“No, what I’ll regret is not finishing what we’re starting before I have to leave tomorrow,” he quipped and continued brushing his lips against your skin. 

“Alright, fair,” you responded, figuring you’d given him a hard enough time and guided his lips back to yours; the night soon fading around you as melted into each other’s touch. 

The next morning, you woke up alone in bed. The blinds were still drawn, Felix was asleep on the rug, and the AC was cranked for some reason. The cold air made goosebumps rise on your exposed skin, causing you to shiver as you pulled the bedsheet up higher to cover more of your body. Just as you started wondering where Auston had gone off to, you heard the shower turn on from the ensuite and suddenly knew where he was. Part of you wanted to just lay in bed for the whole day, but the other more logical part knew there was still a lot to be done before Auston’s departure and that you should probably get up.

You grabbed your housecoat from its place in the closet and put it on before sneaking into the washroom to brush your teeth. Auston didn’t know you were in there with him, but that changed as soon as you finished rinsing off your toothbrush and decided to join him in the shower.

Once the two of you were done in there, you eventually did get dressed and ready to start the day.

Leading up to his last day at the condo, you made sure any running around for him was done so that there would be no added stress, and that’s precisely what happened. The two of you shared a chill morning consisting of a homemade breakfast, packing, taking Felix for a walk, and simply enjoying the other’s presence before Auston had to leave.

And that time came up way too fast.

“I’m going to miss you,” Auston said in the parking lot of the Ford Performance Centre before pulling you in for a hug. You were dropping him off for his last team practice before going into the bubble, but you both knew it’d be the last time the two of you would see each other for a while.

“I’m going to miss you too, so much,” you replied and squeezed him a little tighter. “Even though you’ll be only a few blocks away.”

“It sure won’t feel like it.”

“I know.”

Gradually, some of Auston’s teammates started walking by, and you knew one of you would have to pull away sooner or later. Reluctantly, you were the first to do it.

“You’re gonna be late, Matts,” Mitchy stated as he walked by juggling his suitcase and bags he planned on taking into the bubble. “Hey, Y/N.”

“Hey, Mitch,” you smiled as you leaned back against your car, Auston’s hands still on your waist. “Is Steph still here?”

“She’s just about to leave, I think. Are you two still hanging out this week?”

“Yeah, I’ll probably take Felix over to your house to hang out with Zeus while we watch the game and drink some wine.”

“Sounds like a typical night for you two,” he chuckled and adjusted one of the straps of his bags. “Anyways, I gotta get in there. Actually, we both do.”

He gave Auston a pointed look, and your boyfriend just rolled his eyes.

“Get off my back. I’ll be there in a minute.”

“Yeah, ok,” Mitch responded and started walking again. “See ya, Y/N!”

“Bye, Mitch, good luck!” You called after him before looking back to Auston and smiling at him sadly. “You really do need to get going.”

“I know,” he sighed and began picking up his bags so he could start heading towards the building. “I’ll call you tonight once I’m settled in?”

“Yes, please do,” you replied as he looked to you and nodded. “Just give me a heads up when. I’m supposed to Facetime your sisters tonight to give them a Felix update and catch up.”

“Fair enough,” he smiled, to which you returned before pulling him in for one last kiss. 

“You’re going to do great, Auston. I love you.”

“And I love you,” he pecked your lips again. “I’ll talk to you later.”

“Sounds good,” you said as he began walking away. “Good luck, babe.”

At that, he smiled to you over his shoulder before continuing on his way. You stood there for a moment after he disappeared out of sight, clutching onto the little 34 necklace he had gifted you for Christmas two years prior, before sighing and climbing into your car so you could head back home. 

~*~

After Auston entered the bubble, the two of you FaceTimed every day, it wasn’t always planned, sometimes just in the spur of the moment when you were both bored and missing each other, and it really did make the whole transition a lot easier. 

The first night, Auston gave you a virtual tour of the Leafs floor at the Fairmont. Then, he told you all about the practice and how the guys chirped him for bringing so many clothes. You couldn’t help but laugh, seeing as you knew it was true, before asking you about your day. Your day was much less eventful, so the topic of conversation shifted rather quickly. You somehow ended up playing Mario Kart on the switch from your living room against Tyson, Kerf and Freddie, all while still on FaceTime with Auston. After a few rounds of that, you were more than ready to call it a night. 

Once you had said goodbye to Auston, you curled up in bed with Felix and soon passed out. 

That quickly became a routine almost every night the Leafs didn’t have a game. You and Auston would catch up about the day’s events before getting into some friendly competition with the guys over something that would sometimes involve other wives or girlfriends trying to keep their men at bay as well. 

On the nights the Leafs did play, you always watched the game in some way. You watched their exhibition game against Montreal with Steph at her house, FaceTimed Auston’s family while watching the first game against Columbus from the condo, and so on.  

You witnessed Auston’s goal against the Blue Jackets in Game 2 and couldn’t wait to express how proud you were of him once the two of you were able to talk again that night. You also got to see the 3-0 lead the Leafs lost in Game 3 and listened to your boyfriend vent about it, but still made sure to tell him that you were insanely proud, because you were. 

And then Game 4 happened. 

Going into that game, you didn’t know what to expect, think, or feel. Obviously, you wanted the Leafs to win. You didn’t want their (sort of) playoff run to be over so soon, but also, the selfish part of you couldn’t help but think about how there was a chance Auston might be home that night. The conflict you felt made you anxious for the actual game, which is why you opted to watch it at home alone with Felix. 

You sat on the couch, clutching onto a cushion for the entire game. Before the game started, you decided that although you would have loved for Auston to be home, you wanted the Leafs to push a Game 5. You knew they were capable of going much further than just the qualifying round and were rooting hard for them to win. Still, you gradually became a little less hopeful leading into the last four minutes of the game when Columbus was up 3-0. 

But then Willy scored. Less than a minute later so did John, and then Zach managed to tie up the game with just 22 seconds left on the clock. To say you were on the edge of your seat would’ve been an understatement because it was so much more intense than that. You didn’t think what was happening was real, but the flood of texts you received from friends and family about what happened proved you wrong. 

During the commercial break, you called Ema, Auston’s mom, who was absolutely losing her mind. You stayed on the phone with her, talking with Auston’s family as your heart pounded in your chest while for overtime to begin. 

Then Auston scored the game-winning goal, and you literally screamed. You stood up, staring at the TV in complete awe while his teammates engulfed your boyfriend, and all the Columbus players skated off the ice. Felix looked at you oddly, and you wasted no time in picking him up and pointing to the screen, telling him what his dad just did. 

After the reality of what just happened settled in, you said your goodbyes to Auston’s family before texting Steph and some other friends, still losing your mind. You watched the postgame interviews, chuckling at how it was undeniable that even Auston still hadn’t entirely accepted what happened and couldn’t wait until you received the call from him you knew was coming. 

About half an hour later, your phone rang, and sure enough, it was Auston.

“I am so proud of you,” you stated as soon as the FaceTime call connected. Auston was walking down the hallway of their hotel floor, smiling widely, and you could see some of his teammates in the background on the phone with loved ones as well. “All of you. Holy fuck, you guys did that!”

“It still doesn’t seem real,” Auston responded. “Like this is real, right? I didn’t dream it?”

“It’s real, babe, you’re going to Game 5!”

“Holy shit.”

You could tell he was in his room by that point with the way he flopped on a bed and couldn’t stop smiling. 

“How’s the adrenaline?” You asked and patted the space beside you so that Felix would lay beside you and be in the camera frame.

“Hi buddy,” Auston breathed out, before chuckling. “And oh, it’s pumping. I think I’m going to be up for a while after this.”

“Then what are you doing in your room? Go celebrate with the guys.”

“I know, I will. But I wanted to say goodnight to you first.”

You smiled at how soft he was even after such a significant game, and couldn’t help the blush that burned across your cheeks. 

“You’re too sweet,” you said while shaking your head.

“Only for you,” he replied and sat up as someone knocked on his door. 

“I think you’re being summoned,” you laughed as he rolled his eyes.

“It’s Mitchy telling me to get out of my room.”

“I think you better listen before they barge in.”

“True,” he responded. “I guess I will go. I’ll call you tomorrow? We’re off for the day.”

“I’ll be here,” you answered him softly. “Now, go be with your team, and don’t forget to call your mom.”

“Oh, yes, right, I’ll do that right now. I love you. Thank you for always supporting me.”

“And I love you, babe, I’ll talk to you tomorrow.”

“Ok, bye,” he replied and blew you a quick kiss just before the call ended. 

You stared at your screen for a minute until it went dark and shook your head. Your heart was bursting with how proud you were and how much you loved your boyfriend, that even you weren’t sure if you’d be able to fall asleep right away. After scrolling through social media for a bit and liking every Maple Leafs post that showed up in your timeline, you eventually called it a night and set your phone down.

Just as you did that, though, your phone buzzed with a goodnight text from Auston.

Auston

Sleep tight. I love you.x 

You laid there, smiling at the device for a moment before texting back.

Y/N 

I love you more. Goodnight Auston.x

Auston 

Not possible

Your heart swelled as you read over his last message multiple times before deciding what to text back.

Y/N

Bet. 

Now go, babe. I’ll talk to you tomorrow. I love you.

Auston

Love you too <3

After shutting your phone off again, you finally let yourself relax even while being overcome by an emotional wave of just how much you loved your boyfriend. You knew that whether or not Auston came home after Game 5, the two of you would be ok. The distance hadn’t affected anything, and you knew it wouldn’t even if the Leafs did make it to the finals, and you and Auston were separated for a long time. It’d all be worth it in the end, and you couldn’t wait to see how the rest of the Leafs playoff run was bound to play out.

Hello friends! Somehow I managed to write this in a day, anyways, I’d love to hear what you think! And Go Leafs!