#their return always delights me if only because they sound like a car engine turning over in the swamp

[abirddogmoment]

A yellow headed blackbird

[silkling]

Could you please write another “Sierra joins Team Prime” fic? I loved the first one, I’d really like to sea Sierra meet the rest of Team Prime and talk with Jack, Mimi, and Raf.

YES!!!! I would be very happy to! I have ideas for Smokescreen and Sierra shenanigans! Smokescreen is basically a giant puppy because he tries very hard and only wants to make people happy and he doesn’t have the necessary life experience to understand why the things he’s doing may not be the best. But he tries!!! And I love him. :D

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There was a white, blue, and red sports car parked outside the school when Sierra stepped out from the doors. She stopped for a second when she saw it, before she managed to get over her shock and walked over to it. She supposed she shouldn’t have been surprised, she mused. Jack, Esquivel, and Nakadai did get picked up by their guardians everyday. It made sense too, if she thought about it further.

She came up to Smokescreen, running the tips of her fingers along his hood. She was about to call a greeting when she heard someone behind her.

“Smoke- I mean, Sierra, hi!” It was Jack.

She turned to face him, smiling. “Hi Jack.” she greeted. “Is there something you want?”

Jack was shifting. “Uh, no? I mean, yes. I think that car is here for me?”

“So you own a motorcycle and a sports car now, do you? I didn’t know working at KO burger paid enough to earn that much extra cash.” she said dryly. She could see both Esquivel and Nakadai hovering nearby, obviously listening in. They were probably worried she was close to learning their secret.

“No, I mean, it’s not? Not mine, I mean.” Jack fumbled as he spoke.

Oh, poor boy. She could see his brain working in overtime trying to produce a good excuse. She supposed it didn’t help that he still had that crush on her. She’d noticed. Of course she had. She wasn’t blind, thank you very much.

Sierra decided to be merciful. “Actually, Jack, this is my ride. I’m sure your motorcycle will be here soon, though.” she said cheerfully. Then she turned, smoothing a hand over her partner’s hood. “Hey, Smokescreen. Thanks for coming to get me. Do you mind if I get in?” She knew she had to anyway, but it always paid to ask first. Besides, it was only polite to make sure the giant robot you were about to hitch a ride with was okay with you climbing inside them.

“Sure!” The young bot answered. His voice was quiet, but still cheery.

His driver’s door popped open partway, and she pulled it open enough to climb inside. It closed after her, and once she buckled herself in she looked up to see Jack and his two friends gaping at her. She smiled at them, lifting her hand in a wave, and then Smokescreen was backing out of the parking space and driving off. They got further away from the school, and then both of them broke into laughter.

“Oh, the looks on their faces!” Smokescreen gasped, delighted. “Sierra, Sierra that was amazing. Oh Primus Sierra you should have seen how they reacted when you called my name. I’m never going to forget it.” he sounded so giddy. It was adorable.

Sierra giggled, a hand curled over her mouth. “I wish I did, but their faces as you drove off will have to do. God, Smokescreen. I don’t think I’ve ever seen a teenage boy look that confused by something that wasn’t the opposite sex.” she said, very delighted. Just because she had manners didn’t mean she didn’t like having fun, after all.

Smokescreen made a sound that couldn’t be described as anything other than a giggle. “I really don’t know what that means. But I think I get the idea. Did you see Miko? I don’t think I’ve ever seen her speechless before.”

She smiled, patting his wheel. “I did. I don’t know her as well as you but from what I’ve seen of her I’d have to agree with your sentiment.” she said lightly.

She glanced up to see they were coming up to the base. Mentally, she planned what she’d need to do this evening. She had homework to complete, and she needed to do it because she refused to fall behind in any of her classes. She didn’t care that she was now privy to America’s greatest secret, she had a GPA to maintain and no giant alien robot war was going to stop her. But, after she did her homework, she fully intended to relax and have fun. She was, after all, partnered to a giant alien robot. She had to take advantage of that.

When Smokescreen pulled up into base and popped open his door, she grabbed her back and slid out. “Thanks for the ride, big guy!” She said brightly.

Smokescreen transformed, rising to his full height. “It was my pleasure!” he chirped, his winglets–or doorwings, as he’d told her they were called–wriggling at his back.

Sierra smiled, and was about to say something else when she heard engines, and then Jack came in on his motorcycle, shortly followed by a green SUV and a yellow sports car. The other humans disembarked, and the three other bots transformed. Sierra smiled, waving. She’d met them the night she’d been introduced to all of this, after Agent Fowler had gotten her up to speed on everything. She liked Bumblebee. He was sweet. It made her determined to at least try and learn to understand him.

“So what’s the deal, huh?” Miko demanded, looking irritated and ready to storm over. “This was supposed to be just our thing! How’d you find out about it?”

Sierra snorted, and turned to Smokescreen to find he was already crouching and offering her his palm. She smiled, stepping up and gratefully letting him transfer her to his shoulder. It seemed he liked having her close just as much as she liked being up here. It was cute. He was a sweet bot.

“Calm now, Nakadai.” she said dryly.

“It’s Miko!”

“Fine. Miko.” Sierra rolled her eyes. “I found out because Starscream decided to try and abduct me. Apparently, the Decepticons have been watching you three and have learned that I mean something to Jack. They thought they could use me against you.” She said, directing the last part towards the boy in question.

Jack looked stricken, his face paling and his eyesight blowing wide. “Oh hell, Sierra, I’m so-“

“Save it.” she cut him off. “I’m not mad. It would be wrong to say you’re not allowed to have friends beyond Miko and Esquivel just because you know a secret like this.” he said, making a vague gesture around her.

“Um, you can just call me Raf. Or Raphael. Whatever you prefer.” Esquivel said, sounding a little awkward.

Sierra shot him a warm smile, then turned her attention back to the still irritated Miko. “Anyway, Starscream was about to grab me when Smokescreen stopped him.” she said. “He got me out of there, brought me back here, and now I guess I’m part of this, too.” he shrugged.

Miko huffed, obviously still annoyed that the secret was even a little less exclusive now. Still, she made no more arguments, instead walking to the small deck Smokescreen had described as the “human entertainment nook” and firing up the TV. Raphael stared, looking back and forth between the two girls before sighing and going up to join her. He sat on a separate seat, pulling out his computer and settling back. Jack stared at Sierra, then sagged and sighed.

“I am sorry.” he said after a moment. “But I am glad you’re alright too, and that you’re here. Welcome to the team, Sierra.” he said, then quickly went up to sit next to Miko.

Sierra snorted, arching a brow and glancing at Smokescreen. “I’d say that went quite well, wouldn’t you?”

Her partner snickered, his doorwings fluttering, and even Arcee chuckled as she went off to do…whatever she did in her spare time. Bulkhead looked incredibly awkward and sheepish, shooting Sierra an apologetic look as he moved further into the base. Bumblebee, for his part, just buzzed his amusement and went to sit on the ground by the entertainment hook.

Sierra hummed, then shared one last look with Smokescreen before she settled further on his shoulder and pulled her bag off her shoulder.

‘Well,’ she thought. ‘Time to get to work.’

——————————

Sierra had just finished her homework and was settling down on the couch to read her novel when Smokescreen returned. He’d gone out at some point in the past hour, leaving her in what she’d decided to simply call the Nook, and gone off to do…something. Currently, Raphael was up on a higher platform doing something with the computers, Miko was in another room playing her guitar with Bulkhead, and Jack was curled on the Nook’s armchair watching TV. As far as she could tell, Arcee was off doing…her things, Bumblebee had gone out for a patrol, and Optimus was with Fowler, trying to deal with something. Ratchet was working quietly with Raphael. It was peaceful.

And then Smokescreen came back, and it caught Sierra’s attention because he was walking. He held his hands cupped in a sphere in front of his chest, padding over to the Nook and beaming. Immediately, Sierra started getting a feeling in her gut that Something Was Up.

“Sierra!” her partner greeted cheerfully. His doorwings flapped. “I remember you were telling me about your research for school, about the local wild animals, and I thought I’d help!”

‘Oh no.’

“Help.” Sierra said carefully. “I see. Help how?”

Smokescreen looked like he was going to say something, but then-

“BLAAAAAAAAA!”

Sierra froze. Jack froze. Raphael froze. Ratchet froze and turned to face the scene very, very slowly. The look in his eyes promised doom and destruction. No one said anything.

“Smokescreen.” Sierra said slowly. “Please don’t tell me you caught a wild goat for me.”

The adorable, idiotic giant robot tilted his head. His right doorwing twitched once. “I didn’t? I caught that sheep thing you mentioned.”

“You caught a desert bighorn sheep.”

“Yeah, that’s the one!”

“BLAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!”

“Smokescreen, put it back.”

“What? Why?” And bless him, he looked so confused.

Sierra could see Ratchet losing his patience. She had to diffuse this, fast. “Because it’s very cruel to take a wild animal from its home. It’s terrified, Smokescreen. I can finish my research with stuff from the library. I don’t need an actual bighorn sheep. I wouldn’t know what to do with it. Please put it back.”

Smokescreen blinked. “Oh.” he paused. “I guess I shouldn’t bring you that owl you really like, in that case?”

And oh no, he sounded so sad. The poor bot just wanted to make her happy. Oh, oh no. She couldn’t be mad at this. He was trying so hard and she couldn’t fault him for genuinely not knowing any better. He hadn’t been here for years and years like the other bots had. God, he was just excited the have a friend, wasn’t he? It was almost like he didn’t have the type of social connections he so clearly craved with the rest of Team Prime.

‘I will find who hurt him and I will destroy them.’ she vowed to herself. ‘It is going to be slow and painful, and I will make the devil himself fear my fury.’

“Probably not.” she agreed, her expression and tone gentle and kind, showing nothing of how she actually felt. “But how about you can come and get me and bring me to it if you ever see an animal you think I’ll like?” she offered. “And if you know I’m busy, I’ll never say no to a picture.” she gave him a warm grin. “Now, how about you and I both go put that back, and I’ll even tell you more about that species on the way?”

“BLAAAAAA!”

It seemed the sheep agreed.

“Alright.” Smokescreen said, sounding faintly embarrassed.

Sierra put her book down, then took the Nook’s stairs to the floor and looked up at her partner. He set the sheep down and transformed, then popped open his backseat door. Before she sheep could bolt, Sierra scared it back towards her partner and herded it to jump into his backseat. The door slammed shut, and Sierra hopped in to the open driver’s seat. Then, they were driving out of the base.

In the rear view mirror, Sierra could see the shock on Ratchet’s face. Almost like he hadn’t expected her to fix the situation the way she had. It made something angry curl in her gut, as she remembered how tired and resigned her partner had sounded that first day when Ratchet had been scolding him over the comm. line. It made her wonder how the bots usually dealt with Smokescreen making mistakes. She hoped it wasn’t just yelling and berating him.

Sierra sighed, forcing those thoughts to the back of her mind, and refocusing on her partner. “So.” she said. “How’d you even catch it, anyway?”

“Oh that? It was pretty easy, actually. I accidentally scared it off a cliff and I caught it before it could fall.” he said cheerfully.

‘Huh. That’d work.’

“Well, thank you very much for bringing it to show me, Smokescreen. I appreciate the thought and the gesture.” she said.

“You do?”

“Of course! You saw something you thought I’d like and you brought it back for me. That makes me happy. Just, please. No more animals, okay? I won’t say no to plants and flowers, if you really want to bring me something. No cacti, though.” she told him.

She could practically feel him brightening now that he knew what he could bring her instead. “Alright!”

“Now, let’s get this guy home. I’m sure it’ll be very happy to be back where it belongs.” she looked back at the terrified sheep huddled on the backseat. “Right, fella?”

“BLAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!”

‘I’ll take that as a yes.’

———————————————————————————————————

And there it is! I know it’s not exactly what you asked for, but there was some of Sierra talking with the others! The idea with the sheep just wouldn’t leave my head though so I had to. I just did. I hope you liked it!

This ‘verse is fun. I like it. But for now, back to my other work!

Until next time, friends!

[my-writings-and-musings]

Rodimus/Reader

My first commission from an awesome person!

Rodimus takes his human SO on a drive to a lovely lookout, where they proceed to have fun with his holomatter avatar.

Very considerable Lemon, Reader uses she/her pronouns and has cis female anatomy.

The soft padding of the faux leather seat beneath you was butter smooth and polished to a sheen one might usually expect from diamonds, and despite the fact that your driver would claim such a look was effortless, you knew a very pricy balm had undoubtedly been used to achieve the effect. Mostly because the faintest hint of beeswax still lingered despite the sweet scent of cinnamon swirling through the interior of your ride. Obviously, the smell was the result of some lavish products as well, but like the polished seats, it would be passed off as natural to the interior if you asked about it. Not that you minded any of the bluster. Quite the opposite, actually, you found the tireless efforts to impress you incredibly endearing.

This was Rodimus, after all.

Looking away from the pristine twilight view outside your window, you subtly turned your head towards the driver’s seat, where an impossibly handsome but mostly normal looking man had a casual hold on the wheel. Any person that beheld him would have had to do a double take, as his entire outfit hardly blended in with the modern era, but in your mind he rocked the 80's look perfectly. But the gravity defying perfection of his auburn hair was, admittedly, a pretty obvious clue to his inhuman nature.

"Admiring the merchandise?" He asks suddenly, catching you off guard without startling you. Despite not needing to "look" at the road to see, he still keeps his head facing forward as he gives you a playful side eye, the depths of his irises showing the tiny refractive glint he taught you to recognize of holomatter avatars. For some reason seeing it while hearing his warm voice sends delightful shudders up your spine.

"I like to appreciate every form you have." You reply carefully, not wanting to let him know just yet how excited you are. Plus, it was true, from his towering robot mode to this properly sized human projection, Rodimus was fine, even his altmode could quicken your pace at a glance. Adjusting casually in the silky-smooth seat, you scanned the dark exterior outside your window for a moment, noting how the ocean had come into constant view as he drove along the forgotten road. Hopefully the destination he'd apparently spent weeks picking out was close, because you were getting rather... eager for what you knew was coming upon arrival.

"I did make a few adjustments, just for you." He said a little unexpectedly, drawing your full attention back to him. Under the cocky tone you recognized the ever present need for approval he carried with him everywhere, and it occurred to you that if he was losing control and letting his insecurities slip through then he must have also been growing impatient to reach the destination. For all his talk, the big bot couldn't stand much in the way of delays when it came to your affection. Knowing he was needing you put a smile on your face as he coughed softly and murmured almost bashfully. "I was hoping you'd like them..."

You couldn't resist; you had to tease him.

"If you're talking about the tattoo, I was waiting for you to let me admire how you masterfully patterned it over those muscles. Ideally with a hands-on on inspection." You said, turning in the chair to look at him directly. It wasn't purely a playful nudge, you did want to lay your hands on the toned arms he'd clearly worked so hard to accentuate with Cybertronian inspired patterns, if only because you adored the strength and warmth beneath your fingers. The fire pattern had been lovely, but this new one was striking, the black ink drawing in your eyes like a wonderful trap. Hm, just thinking about how heated and natural his holomatter was to the touch and squeezing those muscles-

"Oh, definitely!" He countered in a failed attempt to stay smooth, which deteriorated when his voice broke in a needy squeak. Swallowing in a perfectly expressed gesture of helplessness, he moved a hand down to his heavily personalized radio equipment, fumbling over the flame decals before hitting the proper buttons. "We're almost there! Let's uh... Let's put on my mix in the meantime."

A lovingly arranged playlist of soft but passionate hits started pumping through his speakers, and you were delighted enough by the sound that you didn't bother to ask if he'd forgotten he could just turn on his music without using his holomatter avatar. Slow beats thrummed through the air and into your body, enticing you by offering a taste of what was to come as the melody filled you from head to toe. Biting your lip, you prayed he was feeling the same thing, or at least an equal amount of anticipation. Mostly because you were not planning on wasting time.

"Hey, there it is!"

The excitement in his voice was tinged with relief you became too occupied to notice. Like something sculpted just for the two of you, the earth flowed upwards and outwards over the sea in a picturesque lookout beneath the stars, a lovely covering of grass and wildflowers swaying in the ocean breeze as Rodimus eased his way to the flat top. Beaming all the while, he explained himself at a level of ease that belied the build-up he'd been applying to this little trip for the past few weeks. "Found the spot on a planetary scan, along with a bunch of other potential locales. It took the lead once I confirmed the cliff doesn't get much in the way of visitors."

"It's beautiful, Roddy." You said in genuine gratitude, aware that planning something so sweet and quiet and then keeping it secret would challenge his naturally effusive and chatty nature to an exhausting limit.

To think a bot who'd traveled the stars could find such joy in spending time alongside you, to the point he painstakingly arranged these little trips just to show you the depth of his adoration, was enough to make your heart skip a few beats. "Thank you... I know you spent a while on this."

"Anything for you, babe." He said softly, unbuckling the seatbelt he wore entirely for show as his alt mode pulled to a stop on an especially flat expanse of ground, leaving just enough space from the cliffs edge to be secure. Taking off your own seatbelt, one that he insisted you wear for your own safety, you heard his engines settle into a gentle purr. Loving the sound, you briefly recalled the first wonderful night you'd enjoyed one of these escapades. It had been unplanned at the time, and you hadn’t felt even the slightest hint of hesitation on your part, despite knowing that having sex with an alien robot while his physical body was a car might be called "odd" by some. As far as you bothered to care, those people just didn’t know what they were missing. Stretching out on his seat and making quite a show of opening up his lap in the process, Rodimus looked at you with what was likely meant to be suave relaxation, but you heard the eagerness in his voice. "But, I think we both know what we want to happen next, so how about we skip ahead...?"

"Does that pass for flirting on Cybertron?" You teased right back, triggering a blush in the holomatter's cheeks. Some very unorthodox upgrades had made the program capable of replicating every physical action or reaction one could draw from the bot, and in moments like these you wanted to thank some higher power for the incredible delight that had given you so far, as well as all the ways it would undoubtedly benefit you in the near future.

Recovering by pretending to adjust his sweatband, he was quick to fire back a line with his almost trademark cocky tone.

"Well... There aren't too many incredibly attractive humans on Cybertron, so I don't think it matters too much." He bantered smoothly, unaware of how precious his finger guns made him look in the process. In fairness, they absolutely were having the desired effect, as you wanted more than ever to pounce him. Watching as his internal biolights grew brighter to advertise his increasing excitement, you planned your move accordingly, knowing from experience how easy it was to crawl over into the driver's seat. You let him give one final quip to provide you with the perfect setup. "However, on the Lost Light and Earth, it's been working out pretty well so far."

Not able to imagine a more perfect leading line, you left your seat in one solid and unerring movement to plop yourself gently but eagerly into his lap, loving how the interior warmed around you in response before you had even finished moving. Engines hiccupping, he looked at you the same way one might watch a natural wonder unfold as you secured yourself by straddling him. "You would know, Captain."

Smoothness lost its status as an imperative to him in that instant.

Helpless adoration and lust filled his eyes almost to overflowing as he slipped a hand behind your head, insistent and needy but never anything less than gentle while his fingers looped under your hair. The scent of cinnamon moved through the air in sweetly smelling swirls as you let your body press against his, the warmth of his holomatter not quite comparable to an organic form but wonderful all the same because it was him.

Though you'd yet to tell him, the way his altmode came alive around you both as he grew more aroused thrilled you in ways that were impossible to explain. It was like you could feel him on every level, more than just the physical delight of skin on skin, and that feeling came into marvelous actuality as soon as your lips met his. A helpless sound of need from him coincided with a tremor through the seat below. Despite how he always wanted attention, you knew straight away he was especially craving it tonight by the fervent kiss he returned against your lips, followed by his cautious hands sliding up your sides. Without words he was trying to convey a request to get undressed.

"You look hot, how about we take off that vest?" You said in act of mercy, not at all opposed to getting naked as soon as possible. Rodimus had, after all, painstakingly designed the body of his avatar to express his favorite physical features in human form. To say he'd done a fantastic job would be an understatement. Easily slipping the loose orange garment off his broad shoulders, you had to smile at the multiple shirts still awaiting their turn, all three of them looking far more out of place without the vest to tie them together. You tugged on the collar of the outermost as you made your request indirectly. "Along with some of the other layers?"

"Yes, please..." He replied softly, sounding out of breath despite not needing to breathe.

The limited space of his altmode's interior was no match for the two of you working in sync, and if anything you could swear he seemed to move around you to aid the process, but that might have just been the result of his delighted frame humming in encouragement. By the time you got to his Autobrand bearing T shirt he was getting visibly flustered, his big expressive eyes looking into yours with an ocean of mixed emotions. There was want, adoration, longing, and a touch of disbelief, but also the deeply buried worry that what he had wasn't enough. As always, you got to reassurance straight away. Removing his last shirt to reveal a panting chest rippling with every breath was the first step.

Your next move was to kiss your way down his toned stomach, slipping beneath the steering wheel so you could park yourself between his spread legs. Quick as ever, the hint of a bulge in his pants became a tent of need in response to your proximity. No amount of self control could stop you from biting your lip at his flattering enthusiasm.

"How about I start by thanking you for this date?" You said in your best shot at a throaty purr. Admittedly it was hard to focus on being sexy when you were beholding such a banquet of handsome and helpless allure.

A sigh that trembled out into a whimper passed his lips as he gathered the strength to nod, spreading his legs as the fabric over his crotch stretched to make room for his growing arousal. Had you not already known the outfit was also holomatter you never would have been able to guess. Just watching how naturally it cupped his sizable package was making your head get fuzzy... Hearing the clink of a belt buckle helped you focus, especially when you discovered it was your own hands undressing him, the heat from this part of his body delighting your fingers as they worked not to stumble. As eager as you were down low, poor Rodimus was desperate.

Shaky breaths became increasingly more perceptible moans at every exhale, a phenomenon you noticed was harmonized to rhythmic trembles in the vehicle around you. Despite his will being concentrated in the holomatter, the pleasure he was experiencing must have been affecting his altmode. Such a loss of control was exactly your goal as his pants finally slid down his legs. Simple boxers of dark coloration remained your only barrier, the synthesized elastic bearing a tiny Autobrand that was warped by the jutting erection presented for your indulgence. Unable to delay for the sake of buildup any longer, you hooked your fingers into the stretchy fabric and pulled smoothly but quickly, revealing an eager erection that swung up to greet you.

"Oh God..." He whispered in overwhelmed ecstasy, covering his mouth beneath a hand. His own altmode overrode the attempt to stay quiet, rumbling with primal delight that all but begged you to keep going, a request you had no desire to delay fulfilling.

Hot and smooth while simultaneously soft yet firm, he was a none too easy fit in your mouth despite how badly the two of you wanted it to happen, but you were absolutely fine with a bit of a challenge. He had personally designed this part of himself as well, the goal of which was being just big enough to provide some extra fun without running the risk of hurting you. Humming to give him a little more stimulation, you secured your fingers around the base and started to search for a rhythm, brain buzzing from the simple thrill of intimacy on this level. A shaking hand cupped your head gently, hesitating so as not to throw you off or come across as trying to control your movements. Hesitancy in how he played with your hair was somehow adorable. You read his every move as you continued to bob your head, sucking on his throbbing girth in the way that drove him the most wild; slow yet passionate. This bot had done so much for you, and you wanted to return the favor, putting your all into every suck to show him how dearly you desired him back...

"W-wait..."

The full extent of him that you could fit in your mouth came out with a wet plop, surprising you almost as much as his tender request for you to stop. Rodimus never wanted to pull back once things got going.

"Is something wrong?" You asked while wiping your lips, looking upwards from his still throbbing erection to the flushed expanse of his chest and similarly heated face. There wasn’t a trace of anything in his expression but want, yet he was careful as he tugged you back up into his lap, letting you settle your own clothed crotch against his exposed eagerness. For a second the contact made his mind go visibly blank, with all traces of thought disappearing from his eyes at the unmatched desire you stirred in his spark. Sheer willpower enabled him to recover and speak seconds later.

"I need you. I... and I won't last long if you stay down there..." He explained through his panting, holomatter looking as if he'd just run a marathon.

"I don't mind." You replied, grinding your hips forward to let his hot and unsatisfied erection rub against you. Plenty wet beneath your own clothes, you knew that Rodimus would never allow only himself to be gratified, so you were fine finishing him off first. Watching that beautiful face disappear between your thighs afterwards would be well worth the wait.

Clearly he was tempted too, never having been the type to hold off on pleasure in the present regardless of how much it would earn him later, but you could see a rare patience in his whole demeanor as he looked back to you. Even his altmode hummed a little more calmly around you, as if to show his commitment. This mech wanted tonight to be special. "If it's okay, I... I'd rather have all of you."

That was more than okay for you. To show just how fine you were with the proposal, you looped your arms around his neck and went in for another kiss, feeling the heat and gentle tingling of his holomatter against you. When you had to pause for air, a playful whisper made your answer quite clear.

"Well, you are the Captain."

A soft moan of open ecstasy was his first reply. What had started as a tease had evolved into a kind of kryptonite for him, to the point that even hearing you whisper his title got his engines revving. Hitting him with it now resulted in a throbbing erection pressing more insistently against your pants, and while you loved the helpless arousal on display, the tone of his voice was also a fantastic prize. "You know what happens when you call me that!"

"Care to remind me?" You whispered in devious torture, growing foggy with lust of your own that would soon make such teasing impossible. All around you he began to hum in eager arousal once more, his vents blowing hard to keep the air cool in his interior. Catching the smell of cinnamon again, you let him dangle in the wind only a moment longer, feeling his grip on your shirt tighten as he gasped out some quiet pleading.

"Please, help me-"

"I'll show you how this is done again, if that's what you mean." Trying to play it cool only for one more tease, you grabbed the bottom of your shirt, having undressed yourself for him many times in the past. Whether or not he was being honest about not understanding clothes hardly mattered to you as you pulled on your top and lifted it over your head, revealing the bare expense of your body save for a bra. As the clothing was haphazardly tossed aside you found his eyes locked on nothing but you, as if by merely becoming undressed you were beyond anything he ever could have imagined, and that level of adoration threw you for a loop. Muscling back into control, you went for the clasp of your bra next. Feeling his gaze on you made your voice tantalizingly soft. "See? Now this..."

A front facing clasp came undone easy, but removing the now open underwear wasn't at all mundane to your audience, regardless of how many times he'd seen what was beneath. Bare breasts came into view and your bra joined your shirt in the passenger seat, where his holomatter clothes had been set before fading away now that he wasn't focused on them. Actually Rodimus only looked to be capable of focusing on one solid thing.

You.

"You're my... my everything." He whispered with overwhelmed adoration, far too proud to care about sounding corny while he beheld the perfection of your body. All of your ability to play it cool evaporated at the pure love in his eyes.

"I love you too, Roddy." You said back without any kind of playful intent. The hands keeping you supported on his lap slid over the wealth of bare skin now open to him, but his touch felt like he was worshiping you, his grip tight only for the sake of ensuring you were real. Every curve brought his intoxication to new levels.

"I love you and I need you." He whispered into a kiss on your collar, hugging you tight so that his soft hair brushed your cheek. The ever present electric energy tickled your nose as you breathed in his scent, and while you'd heard holomatter avatars didn't smell like anything, you could swear you caught the faintest hint of the frilly brand of fruit scented polish he used in those perfect auburn locks. A tiny but very happy sound of awe preceded another whisper against your exposed neck. "Please, I... Oh man, do you know what you do to me?"

"I know what I want you to do to me."

The reply was even more lusty than intended. Perhaps dropping your hands to your still present pants was the cause of that, but the effect it had on him was far too lovely for you to care. Strong hands took hold of your behind as the radio amped up its volume, bringing the bumping bass of an 80s mix out to thump in your chest alongside your love-struck heart. Pants and underwear began to descend your thighs in a single motion as he uttered one final phrase.

"Let's do it then..."

Limited space was more of a blessing than a hindrance as you worked together to remove your pants, as it kept him wonderfully close to your naked body while you slipped the restrictive bottoms down to your ankles, fighting to keep your lips on his the whole while. It was perhaps a little awkward, but such triviality didn't even register as you finally wiggled out after a fair bit of contorting. All that mattered was holding him close and taking care of the need thrumming through your bodies. Straddling him once more brought a still eager erection close to an equally heated wetness between your thighs, making you moan into a kiss as you anticipated what was coming.

Tender fingers slid between your legs to blindly feel out your entrance, a common habit of his to ensure you were ready. Not needing to see, you rubbed yourself against his offered hand, making your heat and excitement very obvious to the one who'd caused it. The music briefly slowed like someone gasping in awe. Lips on yours, Rodimus guided you towards his erection as quickly as he dared, spare hand supporting your back as you moved with him in beautiful sync.

Sinking down on him happened in an instant but felt heavenly enough to last a lifetime. How he made you so eager but so relaxed was a mystery you didn't care to solve, especially as he was taken in to the base without so much as a pause on your part. Both of you were reduced briefly to soft moaning at the sensations you'd never have your fill of; delicious fullness and friction for you, delightful warmth and squeezing for him. It was heavenly enough that you just had to deepen the kiss to a fervor and hold him tighter at the same time. This bot felt like everything passion was supposed to be, especially as he gathered himself and began to bounce you in his lap, engine roaring in time to every thrust as the pleasure overwhelmed him.

Rocking your hips as the car shook on the spot, haggard breaths filled the interior from you giving him your all, your kisses growing sloppy while you lost yourself in the fun. He felt good, and you wanted more of him every minute of every day. It didn't matter if you were from different worlds, you loved him with all of your currently hammering heart. Judging by how he thrust upwards in perfect sync the feeling was more than mutual.

A shaking hand squeezed between the two of you to curve downwards and feel out your crotch, a habit of his you knew well enough to angle your lower body to assist him. Still bouncing along his throbbing girth, stars burst before your eyes as eager fingers found your clit, shaking but insistent as they rubbed a solid circle into the erect bud. It brought you careening to a glorious finale in what had to be record time. "O-oh God, Rodimus, I'm..." You held him tighter as the world melted away, his EM field spiking so hard it made your body vibrate in a way that was not at all unwelcome. It was a sign you'd learned meant he was also close. Considering how you had moments until climax, that worked out beautifully, and you cried out one final time to sing out his praises. "Captain, I'm gonna-!"

He was gone the moment his beloved nickname passed your lips. Hard squirting inside of you tingling with the faintest hint of an electric burst came just as you throbbed around him, your body rolling on waves of pure ecstasy that drew out shameless cries of adoration every time you hit the peak. You could feel his head buried into your neck as he came, and how he moaned out endless "I love yous" while his physical self trembled even through the padded seats. For what might have been a tiny eternity it was just the two of you in shared, heavenly bliss.

The afterglow was a warm soft bed that seemed to swaddle you as you fell limp on top of him, your naked bodies trembling and heated but satisfied beyond belief. Still atop his lap, you doubted you'd find the strength or will to move anytime soon.

"Primus, you are my everything..." He rasped out with a kiss to your neck, brushing aside some of your hair to leave a few more tender pecks along your jaw. Spent but buzzing from the thrill, he pushed his sweatband back into a less crooked position and laughed breathlessly, his lidded eyes meeting yours to look lovingly into their depths. "How did I ever get this lucky?"

"I should be the one asking that about you." You replied playfully, fixing some of his hair into a slightly less wild look.

Laughing again in the way he only did when blissed out, he ran a hand down your sides, tracing your lovely curves as he settled back into the polished chair he'd have to clean again very soon. "A better question might be; how are we ever getting back to the ship? I can't... I can't feel my actuators..."

"I can drive." You retorted only half as a joke, knowing that it was possible to steer a bot in vehicle mode if they allowed it. Most hated to have a human anywhere near their equipment, but Rodimus took the proposal with a grin, one that wasn't at all dismissive of the idea.

"Ohh, can you?" He purred while gently pushing your back against the steering wheel, giving it a little turn both ways to tickle you while he played the fake tough bot. "I'm a lot to handle. Ever drive a Cybertronian speedster?"

Even with your body still tingling from orgasm, you were as quick as you were merciless to shoot right back. "No, but I have ridden one."

His head moved forward to squish between your breasts like a worshiper bowing at an alter.

"God I love you." Came his surprisingly soft reply, before he looked up at you with unabashed adoration and spoke without a trace of innuendo. "Let's just... take our time. I've got towels in my dashboard subspace, I can clean you up, then we can go from there. Sound good babe?"

"That sounds very good." You agreed, becoming aware of a growing sticky mess between your thighs. Such a thing was common when the two of you really got going, the natural result of the overpowering pleasure that could only come from the connection you shared, but you were still happy he always offered to clean it up. To convey your gratitude, not just for the towels but everything, you settled a loving kiss on his forehead and whispered.

"Thanks, Captain."

[mieohmy]

𝖥𝗋𝗈𝗆 𝖬𝗒 𝖬𝗈𝗈𝗇 𝗍𝗈 𝖸𝗈𝗎𝗋𝗌 | 𝖪𝗂𝗆 𝖲𝗎𝗇𝗐𝗈𝗈

PAIRING: kim sunwoo x fem reader

GENRE: fluff, humor, angst, hotel del luna! au, head manager! sunwoo, hotel owner! reader

WC: 1.9k

NOTES: mentions of ghosts, murders, heavily hotel del luna inspired

↳ "What if my greatest pain was not being able to stay by your side?"

update: part two !

✵

You slump back in your chair, drained. You spent the whole day filing taxes and guest requests. Looking outside, you realize it was still bright out, the sun filtering through the window. You didn't particularly care for it. Craving for a drink, you requested a staff member. They bow before politely asking, “What is it, Boss y/l/n?” You tap your freshly painted nails on your chin before ordering a bottle of champagne and a shrimp cocktail. That would put you in a good mood. 

Imagining the taste of the bubbly concoction, you let out a content sigh before looking at the next case file. -A loose spirit, but this one was tricky. Liked to scare victims with their greatest fear or loss. You make a note in your head to warn the manager. 

You’re interrupted by one of the maids wheeling in your order. Squealing in delight, you dismiss her with a wave. You easily pop open the bottle of luxurious champagne, indulging in the sound of the fizz. Pouring a glass, you hear a familiar voice echoing, getting closer. Your face automatically darkens. 

“Miss y/l/n, what are you doing?” You scowl, raising the glass to your ruby lips. After taking a sip, you let out a satisfied exhale. Slowly turning to face the person who was the bane of your existence, you let out a small tch! “I was enjoying myself before you interrupted, Kim Sunwoo.” He automatically frowns in disapproval. “It’s Manager Kim, you know. You’re the one who hired me for the job. Actually, more like forced me.” You roll your eyes, muttering, “against my will...” 

Sunwoo claps his hands. “So, what kind of ghost are we seeing today?” You gulp the rest of the drink down. “Wandering spirit. But I warn you, this one’s a little feisty.” 

He looks at you curiously, “What is it this time? Revenge, lost lover?” You sigh again, standing up and stopping in front of Sunwoo. Leaning in, you whisper into his ear, “They'll show you what causes you your greatest pain. I’ll tell you now, I'd be careful. It would be the fastest record for a new manager if you don’t watch out... ” Stepping back, you notice him shiver. You walk to the doors, grabbing your latest purse that you bought behind his back. "Don't forget the keys to my new Ferrari, I want to take it for a test drive!"

  ✵ 

Once you arrive at the abandoned church, you shut the car door close, lowering your thirty-five thousand dollar sunglasses to get a better look at the place. Sunwoo stands next to you, taking it all in. He turns to you. “Should I go first? Or?” His face seems relaxed, but you know him well enough to tell that he’s scared. “No,” you reply, curt. “I’ll go.” 

You push the doors open with a bang, eyes scanning over the old place. It was dusty, cold, dark. Sunwoo follows in after you, voice echoing, “What kind of place was this?” You examine a rotten bench, dust floating in the air as you hum softly. “Old church. Used to be very popular until the rumors of a ghost spread and it was abandoned.” 

Sunwoo walks down the path before turning around to you so his back was facing the altar. “Do you think-“ but you don’t pay attention to the rest of his sentence as you zero in on who’s behind him. Specifically, what. It was the spirit you were looking for. To anyone else, it would be a horrifying, monstrous demon girl, but to you, it’s just an annoyance. She stares at Sunwoo’s back, a chilling smirk appearing on her face. You glance back at him as you see her change into a horrifying picture in the corner of your eyes. 

Sunwoo’s staring at you, confused at what you’re looking at and beginning to turn his head. You immediately call out his name, desperate. He can’t look at the image behind him. You effectively get his attention, his attention moving back to you again. He’s saying something, but you ignore it and rush forward. 

Wrapping your arms around him, you place a hand behind his head, keeping it from turning. His arms instinctively hover above your waist. “Y/n- what-“ but you tighten your grip on him. “Whatever you do, do not turn around,” you softly murmur into his ear. 

Your eyes are still focused on the spirit, the monstrous image. You think it's Sunwoo’s parents. Murdered, brutally. Their bodies floating midair and the look of pure terror present on their faces. You had no idea if this was what actually happened or not, but you keep your grip on him tight. 

You remember the words said years ago. Sunwoo’s parents were gone from a young age. That’s what your former manager and Sunwoo’s grandfather told you. It was only him and his grandparents from a young age. You would never admit it, but you always held a soft spot in your locked away heart (if you even still had one) for the former Manager Kim. So when he asked, no-begged, for you to take his grandson as your next manager when he was old enough, you had to accept. You warned him about the repercussions, but he only let out a small smile and assured you Sunwoo was strong and especially stubborn enough. 

✵

"That boy will take care of you well." You scoff, twirling a piece of your hair. "And how old did you say he was?" Manager Kim only smiles. "Of no matter, the age. After all, it is just a number. You would know that best, wouldn't you, Miss y/l/n?" You turn your head aside, suddenly staring at a painting of interest. He continues. "I think you two will get along quite fine." Your eyes flick back to him. "But he has a soft heart, so I beg you to be a little less harsh on him. He's already lost so much from a young age.."

✵

The words echo in your head. That’s why you couldn’t let Sunwoo turn around. You didn’t know the details -it was a sensitive topic- but you were sure this might break him. You feel him shaking. “Is it the spirit?” he asks quietly. “Yes,” you reply, “Don’t you dare look.” You feel him bury his face in your neck as you focus your attention on the spirit, mouthing commands and chants. 

She hisses a horrible screeching sound before you’re finally able to control her, and the image collapses, something dropping on the ground. You carefully loosen your grip, leaning back to look at Sunwoo. 

You don’t know what it is, maybe the vulnerable expression on his face that makes you want to protect him forever or the way his dark eyes bore into yours, but you slowly lean in, softly placing your lips on his forehead between his styled hair. Sunwoo blinks, staring at you with a dazed expression. You're not sure how long you look at him until you come to your senses. It's a moment before you step back, walking over to pick up the tiny keychain that fell. 

When you turn around to Sunwoo, he clears his throat. “Well.. I guess we’re done here,” Your eyes follow him walking to the exit, knowing he’s slightly shaken.  

  It’s in the car, when he asks, “Can I know, what it was?” “Nope,” you reply as you examine the keychain. He frowns, turning on the engine. “But-“ “Unless you want to be sent to a mental hospital and never work for me again, then no. But that would’ve actually been pretty nice for me..” you say, pouting slightly.  

Sunwoo looks at you, annoyed. “Hey! But, how come the spirit didn’t show you your greatest fear or anything ?” You scoff. “Cause you’re just a weak human who has emotions, and I’m a dead person who doesn’t feel things, idiot.” He turns to look at you, indignant. “What do you mean you don't feel things? Doesn't this make you feel something?” He suddenly leans in, face less than an inch away from yours. You freeze. You catch his eyes glancing down at your lips. Why does it suddenly feel so hot?

You immediately snap out of it, smacking his chest. "Ah, idiot! Just drive, just drive!" you yell angrily, trying to hide the fact that you were flustered. He immediately laughs, a grin appearing on his face as he turns the car on.  The two of you continue to bicker as Sunwoo drives on. 

✵

You two were in your office later that night, organizing a giant stack of papers you neglected. You told Sunwoo to go home and get sleep since he was still a human and needed the rest, but he firmly insisted on helping you, stating, “I know you’re gonna just give up after five minutes and leave it messier than before.” 

It’s silent. The only thing heard was the sound of papers shuffling. You’re examining a document, Was this really 50 years ago? when Sunwoo calls your name. 

You look up. “What?” you demand.  He puts some papers down, before sitting on your plush, fancy couch, and looking at you. You can't read the expression on his face. “What’ll happen when I die? Or even, you move on to the afterlife?” 

You stare at him. Why was he suddenly asking if he already knew the answer? Clearing your throat, you move to sit beside him. “Well, I’ll have to get a new manager. Life continues. And... if I leave, you’ll return back to your normal life, like all other humans.” Sunwoo fiddles with his tie, and you notice. He never liked wearing ties, but you forced him to for the job. “That’s it?” he says, “you’ll just get a new manager?” 

You frown. What’s going on with him? Sunwoo was mischievous, witty, stubborn. So why was he acting so fidgety and shy? “Yeah, why? That’s how it is.” You pause, adding, “Unless I go first. But who knows when fate will relieve me of my duty.” 

Sunwoo mumbles something you can’t hear. You move closer to him. “Hmm??” He clears his throat before saying softly, “So you won’t ever think of me when I’m gone? Remember me?” Your eyes widen. Huh? His ears are red, and he isn't looking you in the eye. “I-I mean, I know one day I’ll be gone, you’ll be gone..." You interrupt him, turning his body so he's facing you. "Sunwoo, what's going on? Why are you suddenly saying this? Was it because of what happened earlier?" You look deep into his eyes as if you'll find an answer in there.  

He swallows, looking down at your feet. Hesitating, he finally speaks. "What if my greatest pain was not being able to stay by your side?" 

Your body stills, heart skipping a beat. Slowly turning to face him, you realize how close the two of you are. “You.. you shouldn't worry about losing me. But if I ever make you feel that way, find the moon.” Sunwoo furrows his eyebrows, speaking softly. “Why the moon?” 

You look out the window, staring at the moon outside which was partly covered by clouds. His eyes follow yours to the sky. “Even if my moon is in a different world from yours, even if my moon is a thousand years away from yours, it’s always there.” You turn to him once more.

 “Just like how I'll always be there too.”

[hiccstrxd]

a winter wonderland in spring

Behold the ice skating au no one asked for! My first multi chapter and i'm already dreading not finishing it lol. Read it on ao3.

Summary: Rayla glided, her skates creating a grinding sound on the ice. She felt a hand coming to encircle her waist from behind, it's a feather-light touch; the jolt of electricity wasn't. There's something unspoken that hung in the air between them, a connection that hadn't been there before, a delicate balance.

Rayla is in search of a skating partner, she might have just found the one. Perhaps even more.

Ever since she can remember, a pair of skates under her feet felt like the whole universe was within her reach, and the unachievable turned achievable. It’s everything she has known, everything she has put her entire heart into. It brought her a sense of serenity and freedom, peacefulness and strength; it’s her primary source of self-confidence and gallantry. It’s part of who she is.

She first fell in love with it when her surrogate father took her for the very first time to their local ice rink as a child. The wonder in her eyes, the pure delight in her smile and the giddiness that overtook her as she saw countless skaters performing tricks and spins and footwork on the ice is something that she still remembers rather vividly. It’s what called to her, after all.

Later on, that sentiment was fueled by her father teaching her some basic moves. She didn’t think it was possible to fall even more in love, but it turned out wrong because she ended up getting impossibly eager to start classes right then – which subsequently became a reality and led her to become the professional skater that she is now, twelve years later.

She was very determined even as a kid.

So she doesn’t see how this is any different. But somehow it is because then she wouldn’t be so nervous about asking for this one request (maybe because she knows the answer and dreads it).

Rayla paced back and forth in front of her coach’s office, worrying her bottom lip in between her teeth, hands shaking in anticipation. She would occasionally glance at the door — a barrier between herself and her next goal on the ice — and glare daggers for it seemed to be outright mocking her lack of resolve.

She knows she can do it, but she’s not exactly thrilled for the resistance that’s bound to come.

She raised one hand, a fist mere inches away from making contact but she couldn’t bring herself to knock. The number of times she has come after practice thinking that today would be the day she would do it just for her to end up going through this exact ritual is more often than not. No, this time she’d do it for sure. Rayla took one last deep breath, closed her eyes, and murmured encouraging words under her breath because nothing could deter her now.

And she would not go out of that office with a no for an answer.

Before Rayla could back out once again — and all the courage she had mustered could fade away — she knocked thrice at the door and it was immediately followed by a muffled come-in from the other side.

She gripped the handle and pulled, and upon seeing her coach, she squared her shoulders to make herself seem more confident than she felt.

“Ah, I was wondering when you’d knock.” Runaan didn’t even bother to avert his eyes from the forms he was filling. Her posture faltered a bit, blushing at the revelation that she wasn’t being as discreet as she thought she was being. For one week straight.

“Coach,” She gave him a court nod and waited for him to pull the paperwork away. Rayla shifted uneasily on both feet while trying hard to push down the nagging turnabout of thoughts — perhaps this could have been a whole lot easier if she had decided to do this at home, Ethari would have been a nice backup if things went sour.

When she was sure she had his full attention, she cleared her throat and set her jaw, “I’ve decided I’m ready to try pair skating.”

Rayla could practically foresee his exasperated sigh and the furrowing of his eyebrows before any of them could take place. “Rayla—“

“And I know what you are going to say, but I’ve mastered all the solo techniques, spins, and jumps already. I’m a proficient single skater and my skills are one of the sharpest out there.” She looked him in the eye, staring closely for a change in his stern expression but all he did was fold his arms across his chest, leaning backward on the chair. Seeing as he made no attempt to cut in with an argument of his own, she continued on with the spiel she has been practicing beforehand for the past few weeks.

“I’m aware of the strenuous work that goes into pair skating, I know about its complexity and hardship but I feel ready. I want to do it.”

Runaan only stared at her, unmoving, with his characteristic frown whenever she decides to defy his authority (which are more times than he’d like to, she’s sure). It should make her back out. It doesn’t.

She stood firm, undeterred, doing her best to make herself look bigger under his gaze.

He leaned forward, resting his elbows on his desk and intertwining his fingers together, a pensive look on his face. “A talented skater such as you should not depend on someone else. Your skills must not be at someone’s expense.”

She had expected that answer, of course, it’s what she has been hearing every time she brings the topic up during practices, dinners, and car rides. And just like the other times, Rayla had to swallow down a retort that would surely land her two weeks off the ice, which would certainly make matters worse. “It would be a crime, for the expertise you’ve got it’s too highly thought of for someone else to come and taint it. Besides, pair skating is ten times more difficult than single skating — more effort is put into each move, each trick.”

“And I’m willing to take every risk.” She said, not missing a beat. He needs to realize that she has never been more certain about something in her life. She raised her chin up, eyes solemnly staring at his, though she’s sure her nerves are pretty much transparent at this point.

Runaan blinked, clenching his jaw, brows furrowing further. “Rayla, I just don’t think it’s such a good idea for your career. I believe this could either end extremely good or extremely bad.”

“I know. But that doesn’t change the fact that I will do it.”

His patience was running thin. So was hers.

He took a deep breath, his nostrils flaring in the process. “Very well, then.”

Rayla had to physically restrain herself from widening her eyes in disbelief because despite coming in here with determination in her tone and confidence in her posture, part of her had expected this reunion to be futile like the previous ones. He had always been very firm when it came to sharing his thoughts on pair skating — which he had oh-so-fondly labeled every solo skater’s doomsday — and it was clear that he had some type of reservation towards it. She envisioned nothing else but rebuttals from his part.

“Let me make several calls, ask if a skater is looking to pair. In the meantime, you can put a notice on the bulletin board or an ad on the web.” He said at last and regardless of his suggestion, his lack of enthusiasm was more or less translucent. “Heard those new databases are great search engines for a skating partner.” Runaan mumbled under his breath.

Rayla knows for a fact that, in spite of his demur and the hesitancy he’s got for pair skating, he’d still give his best to coach her — and her partner — through.

“You are dismissed.”

She smiled, “Thank you, Runaan.”

He gave her a small smile in return.

She exited his office feeling lighter on the shoulders, relaxed on the limbs, and calmer within. It was something that had been troubling her for quite some time now, and its resolution was like a breath of fresh air, a weight off her mind. Truthfully, she had been prepared to give thoroughly thought reasons to his upcoming excuses. She’s glad she hadn’t need to put those into use.

Just as the door closed behind her, a feeling of excitement came over her in full force, though she tried to contain it in as to not make a scene in the middle of the hallway. She can’t say she did the same in the enclosed quarters of her room.

Now, all that rests to do is to get to work in those ads.

How hard could it be to find a partner?

[dragonsareourfuture]

Mello/GN!Reader — I Forgive You (Part Two)

⚠️Warnings: mentions and descriptions of bullying/abuse. Please do not continue if you are sensitive about that kind of thing or do not enjoy reading about it.

If the title wasn’t enough of a spoiler in the first place, here’s part two lol. Link to part one is right here!

Later that week Mello unexpectedly announced that he was taking you on a drive, instructing Matt to hold down the fort and put down his video game for at least a couple of minutes to watch the security cameras the three of you had set up overlooking the suspected Kira’s home. Once in the car, intense curiosity filled your head as blaring rock music invaded your ears. You cringed, reaching to switch off the radio so you could actually think coherent thoughts.

“Where are we going?” You questioned now that the music wasn’t in the way of your voice reaching Mello’s ears. “And shouldn’t we be helping Matt?”

“He can handle himself.” Mello kept his eyes on the road, switching the music back on and tapping his thumb on the steering wheel of Matt’s old Camaro.

“You still didn’t answer my question. And why aren’t we taking your motorcycle?”

“Jesus, you ask a lot of questions.”

“I just like to know where I’m going with the strange man who used to beat me up all the time. Is that so wrong?”

Mello let out a sigh. “No, I guess not.” He was almost inaudible over the music. He gave you no clues as to where your final destination was, and you began to wonder if he even knew, himself. But eventually, with a sigh of relief that you weren’t lost, the car pulled into a parking garage after you got a glimpse of a sign for a mall. You recoiled in surprise, but said nothing, figuring he was just using that parking garage to be discreet while your actual destination was down the street or something. However, when you exited the car, a surprisingly eager Mello took your hand and dragged you out of the parking garage and towards the front entrance of the mall.

“Wait— Mello, what are you doing?”

“Just hurry up! Let’s get this over with,” Mello huffed, fighting against your resistance by pulling at your hand harder, coaxing a whimper from your throat.

“M-Mello, stop! You’re hurting me—“

At your words he let go instantly, causing you to fall backwards into the pavement.

“Oh, god, (name)! I’m sorry!” He shouted, throwing his hand out to help you up and freezing when all you did was flinch and hide your face.

Mello carefully retracted his arm and crouched down next to your form. He could only gape wide eyed for a full minute, stunned at the effect his past self had on you. Guilt made itself known inside his chest, weighing him down like his heart had suddenly turned to stone. He wondered if his heart had always been cold if he ever thought of treating someone like he once did.

Mello went for attempt number two, gently brushing his fingers over the hands that covered your face and wrapping themselves around your wrist. He pulled you to your feet and stuffed his hands back in his pockets to show that he meant no harm.

“I...I thought that we could go shopping. Didn’t you want someone to take you to one of those little shops in your town? Well, this is the closest thing we got here.”

Your eyes flitted to the giant, glowing logo above the entrance to the mall. You nodded slowly and took your place alongside Mello as you both entered the castle-like building. Mello asked you where you wanted to go first, pointing you over to a directory and listing a few stores he thought you might like, strongly urging you to stop by Hot Topic at least once during your trip. You agreed, wanting to see why he was so fond of the store.

Once you arrived at the small section that was dedicated to “Hot Topic” you immediately saw what attracted Mello to the store so much. Even the entrance practically screamed “Mello” and the inside was even more uncanny.

The blond explored the isles, offering clothes or accessories to you occasionally and, if you felt they’d suit you, you accepted them. There was still a tinge if tension in the air — as Mello hadn’t seen you in a long time and even when he had, he never took the chance between punches to note your clothing style — the two of you quickly collected enough items to load a truck. Mello shepherded you into a dressing room and, as you tried on different outfits, gladly took back the clothes you eliminated from your mountainous pile, handing you new sizes if you needed them.

When it came to be checkout time, you had two bags worth of clothes clutched in your hands as Mello dug through his wallet, which you couldn’t imagine there being that much money in until he pulled out a credit card. Although the cashier accepted it without a problem, you whisper yelled to Mello, “Where on earth did you get that!?”

“Don’t worry about it.”

You rolled your eyes, but let him continue. The cashier handed Mello back “his” credit card and beamed at the pair of you. “Here you are. And, may I add, you two are an adorable couple.”

You and Mello both looked at each other, surprise and uneasiness swimming in your eyes, but acting as a couple would be much better than trying to explain your complicated situation to this poor person who just wanted to complement you.

“Thank you.” You and Mello droned animatedly, hurrying out of the store with your bags to allow the next person in line the check out.

This little exchange didn’t come up again until the drive back to the apartment when Mello asked, “Do you think we looked like a couple?”

“Nah,” you shrugged, rifling through your shopping bags to peer at your new items excitedly.

“So, are you at least close to forgiving me?”

“I might be on my way,” you said in a joking manner, but in truth you were quite serious. A single shopping trip wasn’t going to change much, though it did spark something in your heart when you thought about the gesture. “How did you know?”

“Hmm?”

“How did you know that I wanted someone to take me shopping? I only wrote that in...oh...”

Mello would have hung his head in shame if he didn’t have to keep his eyes on the road. You shifted uncomfortably.

The sound of the engine and the tires against asphalt being the only sound in the car became too much to bear. You reached out and turned the radio on, rock music filling the rest of your drive home.

Mello occupied his thoughts with the next entry of your journal that had embedded itself into his mind. This particular entry raved about the food in your town and how it always smelled so good from the whiffs you got from outside. You wished you could go in and try some but, given your filthy state, the employees would have thrown you out. Besides, what money would you use to purchase such food?

For the next day or so, Mello looked up the best restaurants to visit. Ones that had good yet also fairly cheap food since he blew most of his money treating you to new clothes. Matt would’ve killed him if he found out that their survival money was being spent to simply prove a point to you, but luckily he never did.

As it turned out, there was a fairly well known cupcake shop that resided in the walls of your small town that also happened to be a wide-spread chain throughout the current area.

Mello snapped his laptop shut and grabbed his coat from the back of a chair.

“When’s (name) coming back?” He hurridly asked the redhead, who was busied with his game console and a family-sized bag of chips.

“Uh, I don’t know. Soon. Why?” Matt responded lazily.

You were on a supply run for the bare necessities and it had taken Mello around forty five minutes to find the location of the cupcake shop just outside of the city already. Without any time to waste, the blond wordlessly threw open the front door and sprinted out to his motorcycle parked in the sketchy parking lot outside the apartment building. After revving up the engine the blonde went at top speed in the direction of the cupcake shop, wanting to greet you with the cakes when you returned. This was futile, however, as you arrived back at the apartment from your shopping trip early and waited for nearly an hour before a huffing and puffing Mello came bursting through the door.

Both you and Matt reached for your guns before you realized it was only Mello, startled as the door was practically knocked off its hinges. Mello shielded himself with the white box he clutched in his gloved hands, screaming that it was only him.

“Your point?” You asked, keeping your gun aimed at the panting boy half jokingly before lowering it with a sigh. You gestured to the box. “What’s that?”

Mello placed the box on the coffee table and slid it over to you, knocking headsets and game cartridges out of the way in the process. You peered through the translucent window on the top of the box and your gaze softened. “Oh, Mello...”

“I found that one cupcake shop in your town—“

“You went ALL THE WAY—“

“No, no! There’s another one right outside the city.”

“That’s still a long way.” By now you had opened the box and plucked a red velvet cupcake from the assortment. “Thank you.”

“It’s nothing. I should be lying down my life for you because of what I’ve done.”

You stayed silent, unsure of what to say and peeled back the wrapper on the fluffy red cake, taking a bite. You hummed in delight and picked up the box carefully so that none of the cupcakes tipped over, offering it to Mello.

He raised his hand in protest, falling back into a chair after tossing his coat onto the armrest. “I couldn’t. They’re yours.”

You wouldn’t relent, thrusting the box into his chest. “True, but I’m willing to give up at least one.”

Mello allowed the slightest smile to tug at the corner of his lips, reaching his hand in and picking out a chocolate cupcake with rainbow sprinkles scattered over the icing. He thanked you in a hushed tone as he licked the stray bits of icing from his fingers.

“What, I don’t get one?” Matt intruded. You picked a vanilla cupcake from the collection and shoved it right onto his lips, the icing and sprinkles sticking to his face. “Gee, thanks.”

You giggled and plopped yourself down onto the couch after slapping Matt’s calf as an instruction to get it out of your way or else you’d crush it with your butt.

After happily chewing and finishing his cupcake, wiping off the chocolate residue from his face and hands, Mello directed his attention to his cellphone which had just started ringing. The blond clicked the “answer” button and he pressed the phone to his ear as you and Matt carried on your careless banter right beside him.

Mello listened for what felt like an eternity, yet the numbers on the digital clock by the couch never changed. He hung his head, determined to keep his reaction to what he was hearing secret from the two people beside him as blond strands of hair fell like a curtain over Mello’s sharpened features.

“It can be resolved by having a name written in the notebook?” The blond mumbled, his back slumped and elbow resting on his knee. His words seemed to catch your attention as you cleaned Matt’s face of vanilla icing with a spare napkin. “Well then...if I don’t do it...”

“Mello? What’s wrong? Who is that?

Mello waited for an opportunity to hang up, doing so and gazing up solemnly through his bangs which still covered the majority of his narrowed, blue eyes.

“Nothing to worry about,” Mello assured, sharing a knowing glance with Matt before shoving his phone in his pocket and out of sight, “Just a wrong number.”

You shrugged and took another bite of your cupcake, blissfully unaware of the battle ensuing inside Mello’s head.

When they told you their plan, you had all but thrown a tantrum. It was insane, reckless, and was sure to fail miserably but that didn’t seem to stop the duo as they rushed out the door to execute their foolish plan. Of course they had waited until the very last minute to actually mention to you what was going on, knowing full well that you would protest.

“It’s not gonna work! You’re both smart enough to know that so why on earth are you going!?” You hollered, stomping your foot like a child and throwing your hands about in a fit of anger and panic.

“It’s all gonna work out in the end, I promise,” Mello rambled hurriedly while throwing on his biker jacket and tossing Matt his car keys. The blond shoved his hand in his pocket and felt around for something before he tore it from its hiding place and thrust it in your hands. “Even if I’m not here to see it, you will be.”

You stood in utter shock, having heard him basically admit that the plan was a suicide mission, as the brunet and the blond slammed the door in your face. Their footsteps carried all the way down the flight of stairs until they disappeared. The silence surrounding you seemed to break you from your trance as you tore after them, only to catch up enough to see Matt pulling out of the parking lot and Mello just placing his bike helmet over his head.

Your ears seemed to ring as you clutched what he had given you to your chest — an envelope. Mello mounted his bike, ready to drive off when he saw you standing by the apartment building’s entrance. Though it was tough to see through the tinted wind guard of his helmet, you could have sworn the boy shot you a smile full of regret.

Before you knew it, he was gone in a cloud of smoke.

You hadn’t even realized you’d been crying until the splash of your tears on the envelope caught your attention. As you listened to the retreating sound of a Camaro and a motorbike, you tore open the envelope and pulled out a crudely folded piece of paper. Upon unfolding it, the writing was messy and rushed. You assumed Mello had written it in the few moments that he had before he had to leave. You were able to decipher the chicken scratch nonetheless.

 (Name)—

This isn’t how I imagined formally apologizing to you, but it’ll have to do.

All I ever got to do for you was ruin your life and then give you some lame attempts at making it up to you.

I swear if I come back from this I will take us off the grid. I’ll take you back to your old town and you can live how you’ve always wanted — you can eat in all the dumb little cutesy bakeries and shop in the most expensive stores. You’ll live the life you’ve always deserved and I’ll do everything I can to make sure that happens. I swear to you, if I make it out alive, I can be that person you’ve always wanted you hold you when times get tough and give you advice about some stupid guy you like. Because, even after this short amount of time we’ve spent together, I realize that if anyone deserves that, it’s you.

If I don’t make it out alive then, well, that sucks for me. If that happens to be the case, I’ve collected all that money that I’ve “earned” and used it to get you a plane ticket to England. You can live that amazing life you’ve always wanted without the burden of me there dragging you down and reminding you of some of the the worst times in your life. Just make sure to find me a nice burial site, alright? Or maybe cremate me. I don’t know, whatever.

I guess the whole point of me writing this letter is to say that I’m so, incredibly sorry for everything that I’ve done and have yet to do. My words will never be enough, written or otherwise, but I just want you to know how deeply I wish I could go back in time and fix my mistakes. Fuck the butterfly effect.

Just do me one favor and please live a happy life without me there to ruin it for you.

-Mihael

 You dug into the envelope once more and, sure enough, there was a plane ticket to Winchester, England. He knew he wasn’t coming back.

And, as Mello had planned, you boarded that plane on your own, nothing but a carry-on bag filled with new clothes and his letter to accompany you. The tear stained sheet of paper had worn terribly from how many times you read it. Your eyes scanned over the messily written words during the entire flight, fingertips delicately tracing the indents the pen had made. You tried to be happy for your friends who had sacrificed their lives for the good of humanity, but you couldn’t help but sob silently for the entirety of the flight. You thanked the heavens that no other passengers were in your row of seats, as they might have heard you whisper through dry and cracked lips,

“I forgive you.”

[katelyn--renee]

Sweet Cherry Pie

Title: Sweet Cherry Pie

Fandom: Supernatural

Characters: Dean Winchester, Sam Winchester, Bobby Singer (Mentioned), Reader 

Pairing: Dean Winchester x pregnant!Reader

Words: ±1860

Description: You and Dean have only known each other for a short time, six months to be exact, but a lot can happen from then to now - especially when you’re expecting, twins no less. Just how close have you gotten? Dean is eager to tell you.

Square Filled: Fluff @anyfandomgoesbingo​

Warnings: Fluff and lots of it, pregnancy (with twins)… that’s it… Did I mention fluff?

Author’s Note: I had no beta for this and this is honestly my first fic - I’ve done a lot of RolePlaying over the years, though, and this fic was actually inspired by my most recent RP. 

I hope you enjoy, it’s short and sweet and any/all mistakes are my own. Please feel free to leave feedback and give me any tips for future fics. Or feel free to give me some ideas for another fic and I’ll see what I can do. :) 

Enjoy!

Check out @talesmaniac89​ for more awesome page dividers!! 

Disclaimer: I do not own any photos or gifs, all rights go to original creators/owners.

BONUS: Here is a crackship I made that helped inspire this fic.

Interested in more of my work, check out the link below.

Masterlist

        The Impala came to a stop in the old scrap yard and found its usual spot near the weathered green Chevelle, the infamous rumble of Baby’s engine announcing their arrival. Dean glanced through the open window as his green eyes scanned over the old, yet familiar, home in South Dakota. Bobby’s home. The place had become like a second home to the Winchester’s over the years, (the first being the Impala) Bobby almost like a second father and so any time they were near, they’d make a point to swing by, even if the visit was only brief. It was always good to see the old grouch.

    He exhaled a heavy sigh through his nose, reminiscing a moment as the old place brought up so many memories; both good and bad - but mostly good. A particularly fond memory came to mind and he thought about when he and Sammy were younger, picturing his kid brother running around while he taught him how to properly throw an old football they’d found lying around in the field.The memory made his lips twitch, a smile threatening to form. 

    The picture shifted and changed as he tried to imagine what the future might hold for him and the woman who had captured his heart and carried his children - (Y/N). He could practically see their little faces, a perfect mixture of himself and the woman he loved; Her (Y/E/C) eyes and his freckled nose, two wonderful little clones, reenacting the cherished memory he shared with Sam. 

     Their identical grins were wide and bright, beautiful in so many ways. Children had never been a part of his plan before, never really given it much thought before six months ago. Hell, he never even considered it a possibility in their line of work. Who knew that a shared bottle of whiskey and a one heated night in the back of the Impala would change his mind. Sure, he’d been careless and stupid, but did he regret it? Not one bit, because it led him to (Y/N).

    The smile won and formed on his lips with the thoughts, growing in size until it crinkled the edges of his green eyes. He shifted his gaze back to the kitchen, finding her very pregnant silhouette through the window. He tracked her through the windows, watching as she moved from one side of the kitchen to the other and kept herself busy, more than likely filling Bobby’s house with her latest inspiration. It made his heart swell with joy. 

    He knew she’d be safe here with Bobby and after several long hours of debate, she’d finally agreed to stay behind from now on - although swore she wouldn’t make it easy on him and even threw in her best (and cutest) pout. It was in the best interest for everyone involved and he knew that she knew that, too, but also knew that hunting was a big part of who she was; (Y/N) grew up in the life, just like he and Sammy had and so he understood just how difficult it was for her to sit on the sidelines. 

    But there was just too much at risk and Dean would never be able to forgive himself if anything were to ever happen to (Y/N) or those precious babies, especially if it could have been prevented. 

  Sam climbed out of the vehicle first, the creak of the closing door breaking Dean from his thoughts. He removed the key from the ignition and followed Sam’s lead, sliding out from behind the wheel and climbing the old staircase. The wood groaned and creaked under their added weight. 

   They were just returning from a hunt and so, naturally, they were a bit worse for wear; their jeans and henleys were spotted with dirt and grime, their boots caked with mud, their skin scraped and bruised in various places, but it wasn’t anything they couldn’t walk away from and so Dean considered that to be a win. 

    As Sam pulled open the screen door, Dean’s eager grin nearly split his face in two. His stomach was just as eager as it audibly growled, the scent of freshly baked cherry pie wafting out from the open door, filling his nose and making his mouth water. Sam greeted (Y/N) in passing and flashed her that signature boyish-grin, dimples and all, as he made his way through the kitchen and into the study, joining Bobby so that he could update him on the case they had been working. She smiled back with a “Hey, Sammy,”, waving awkwardly over her shoulder with the oven mitt still covering her hands, before turning back to her task, removing the pie from the oven. 

    Dean stepped in behind his brother, but unlike Sam, he remained in the kitchen. He leaned casually against the fridge, crossing his arms and ankles while he watched her with adoring green eyes. The light was hitting her perfectly, illuminating her body like a halo. It was breathtaking. Dean was positive that it was the most beautiful thing he’d ever seen and it wasn’t just (Y/N)’s physical beauty that drew him in.

    It was the way she’d sing out of tune to his favorite songs and didn’t care who was listening; it was her love of baking and knowledge of classic rock and vintage cars that frequently surprised him; it was her heart of gold, her fierce independence and stubborn attitude; it was the way she could hold her own in a fight against something or someone twice her size (he was certain that she could still kick his ass, even if she were six months pregnant); it was her fiery passion and witty humor that would quite often put him to shame; but most importantly, it was that little round belly behind her sunflower apron that made her the most beautiful thing in the world. 

    (Y/N) were carrying his children and that was a gift all in its own, something that he never dreamed of having. But there she stood, giving him the most precious gift he never knew he wanted. Or needed. And now, he knew he could never live without her or those two tiny humans.

    He pushed himself away from his spot against the fridge and closed the distance between the pair of you with three long strides, his heavy boots making the floor creak beneath him. His strong arms wrapping around her waist and a smile formed on her lips with the contact. His large hands caressed the sides of her belly, sliding around to the front where his fingers spread out over the round surface. He pulled (Y/N) near, nuzzling himself against her affectionately. 

    A delighted hum left her lips as he gently kissed the exposed skin of her neck, paying special attention to his favorite freckles lining her shoulder. She tipped her head to the side, giving him more space to show his affection. She reached up to touch his face in greeting, his stubble rough against the palm of her hand. A smile bloomed over her face as she leaned into his touch, taking advantage of his firm chest.

    “Hey good lookin’,” He greeted between each tortuous kiss. The tip of his nose brushed over her skin, featherlight as he worked his way across her shoulder and back toward her neck. His lips left a wet trail as he went, only stopping at the soft patch just below her ear. (Y/N) shivered against him, the sensation leaving goosebumps over her body and making her crave more of his attention. She turned in his arms then and her hands found his broad shoulders, the tips of her fingers brushing along the back of his neck. 

    His eyes found hers, dipping into her soul and seizing her heart. It took her a moment to remember how to breathe or speak. “Hey yourself, Winchester,” She replied once she’d found her voice, her breath hot and sweet against his face, her mouth only inches from his. She leaned forward, standing on the tips of her toes to meet his lips, her hands cupping the back of his head to deepen the connection. Her lips molded together with his, hot and greedy after the extended time apart. His firm hands slid down to her hips during the exchange, steadying her and holding her against him. She broke away with reluctance, her eyes fluttering open. 

    A smirk played on his lips and tugged the corner up, his jade eyes full of mischief. “I was talking to the pie, Sweetheart, but I guess you’re not so bad yours-” She gasped playfully and smacked him in the chest, feigning offence and he laughed, the sound coming deep from inside of his chest. She tried to keep a serious face, but his laughter and dazzling smile forced one of her own. His happiness was contagious. She shook her head and crossed her arms, refusing to give in. She even added her most convincing pout, the one that Dean found so cute, and refused to look him in the eye.

    He sighed and his expression softened as he reached up to pinch her chin between his thumb and fingers,tenderly tilting her head so that she’d meet his adoring gaze. He was the one who leaned in this time and he kissed her sweetly, silently apologizing with his lips. She forgave him instantly and melted into his touch - both loving and hating the way he so easily affected her. He pressed his forehead against hers and just held her there against him, staring into her (Y/E/C) eyes. 

    “(Y/N) I…” He started to say but he cut himself short, his voice a little shaky with nerves. She watched him for a moment, curious, before she gave him a smile of encouragement, wanting to hear what he was thinking. “I love you, you know.” He admitted after several minutes, breaking the silence and surprising her. 

    A smile broke across her face and tears welled in her eyes, her emotions a little extra sensitive thanks to the two little Winchester’s growing inside of her. “ I love you, too.” She confessed happily, her voice shaky but her heart full of a love she’d never experienced before. “And I swear to God if you say you’re talking about that damn pie again…” She teased, quickly brushing away the happy tears before they could fall completely. 

   “…well….” Dean made a face as if he were considering this, teasing her, but then quickly flashed her another prized winning smile to assure her that he’d meant what’d he said. He dipped his head again, planting a quick kiss against her lips before dropping himself lower, crouching down until he was eye level with her round belly. Bracing a hand on either side, he closed his eyes and pressed his lips against the firm surface twice, one for each baby Winchester nestled inside. 

“And daddy loves you.” He muttered, his voice low and meant for only them. She smiled softly during the exchange, her eyes welling again as she affectionately combed her fingers through his hair, her heart completely full and happy.

Thank you for reading!! Remember, your feedback gives me liiiife!

Taglist!

Supernatural

@akshi8278​

[missmonsters2]

Between the Lines || II

PAIRING: Steve Rogers & Fem!Reader (Platonic) / Natasha Romanoff x Fem!Reader / Wanda Maximoff x Fem!Reader / Natasha Romanoff x Fem!Reader x Wanda Maximoff

Summary: Vampire AU. Life has changed drastically since the 1600s. Things are always on the move, and you’ve been very careful to not get on SHIELDs radar. Living on the down-low owning a café, you’re content to live out a quiet existence. That is until the Avengers enter your life.

[Set after the New York Invasion, in CAWS, and goes up to AoU. Canon divergent after.]

Warnings: This series will contain smut(**), poly-relationship, and dark themes.

Note: Enter stage left; Natasha. I’m excite guys. Please let me know if you want to be on the taglist for this fic :)!

PART I

PART II of XX

Count: 2842

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"This is really good, how'd you know about this place?"    

You grinned as you watched Steve take a massive bite from his steak, groaning slightly in delight as he did. You had ordered yourself a steak and was in the process of cutting up, eating it slowly.   

"Sarah, the employee at my shop, recommended it. She says her boyfriend loves it here, so I thought it might be a great place to try. I'm glad you like it. The steak just melts, hey?"   

Steve nodded as he swallowed. You thought it was funny as he was a little confused, and maybe even a little grossed out when you had gotten your steak blue rare. But if you were going to eat a steak, you might as well get it as rare as possible. The food itself tasted great, but you knew that even if you felt full, you couldn't get any of the nutrients from the meal. The venom would break down the food completely, taking nothing, and you would have to feed later on tonight.  

You had also picked this restaurant because it was further from the Stark Tower. You were right that David was entirely pissed you were taking it as far as you were, but when you're alone for centuries, being around someone felt amazing.  

The 'friend date' was going well. They could talk and laugh, ask questions that allowed them to get to know each other more without revealing anything too deep.   

Still, something was missing, and you couldn't put your finger on it. Maybe it's been too long since you've had a human friend? Was it because everything about you guys was fake since you were both hiding things from each other?   

They walked through Central Park, enjoying the beautiful weather. They were currently debating who was more iconic; Ella Fitzgerald or Louis Daniel Armstrong.   

"Oh man, I might have to ban you from the café if you insist on Armstrong."   

Steve laughed as he shook his head. "C'mon, he has so many classics!"   

"Shh, Steve. I will hear no more of this nonsense from you," you said with a wag of your finger at him. Steve laughed softly once more, his eyes softening as they continued to walk.   

Miraculously, the rest of the night continued on as normal. Steve was dropping you back at the café so you could get your car and then go relieve the babysitter you had gotten for Allison. Like a gentleman, Steve walked you to your vehicle to ensure you would get in safely.    

You turned on your engine with the car starter, turning back to Steve. You did, you really did like Steve as a friend. He was funny, gentlemanly, and definitely not hard on the eyes. Yet, for some reason, you felt like you there was something off. It wasn't like you hadn't been in contact with humans before while keeping your secret. You couldn't understand.   

"Thanks for coming out with me tonight," Steve said, almost too politely, and it made you chuckle.   

"It was lovely," you replied, watching as Steve's eyes crinkled at the corners from smiling. You sighed wistfully. Stepping forward, you put your hand gently on Steve's cheek, tippy-toeing to kiss him softly on his cheek. His face immediately flushed red, traveling all the way up to the tips of his ears.   

"Goodnight, Steve, see you later." With that, you got into your car, driving off.   

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"Thanks again," you said as you handed the money to the babysitter. The young lady waved it off and left. Allison was thankfully already put to the bed by the sitter, and you quietly checked on the young girl to make sure everything was fine. Once you were satisfied, you shut the door and made your way to the basement.    

Down there, there was a fridge that had an electronic passcode lock on it. Once unlocked, you grabbed a bag filled with blood in it out. You used your teeth to tear the corner and tipped the bag into your mouth. After the long swig, you lowered the bag, sighing as you sat down and leaned against the freezer.

Suddenly, there was vibrating in your pocket, and you pulled the phone out, answering it without even looking.   

"Hey, David."   

"How'd the hangout go?" He immediately asked, a slightly disapproving tone in his voice. You didn't even dignify it with an answer. Instead, you took another mouthful of the blood bag.   

"Do you have enough supply over there, David? If not, I'll send another shipment over from the hospital to you."    

David makes a noncommittal sound, indicating he's fine, so you move on. "Any updates then? Not like you to call me to check on my personal life."   

David snorts, "Only when I think it'll put you at risk. But, you're right. I do have something."   

You sat up, readjusting yourself to sit straighter. You quickly finished your bag of blood, wiping your lips slightly.

"Got two things for you. First, I've got some intel that HYDRA has an escapee. They call him The Winter Soldier, a man with a metal arm," David says as you switch the phone to your other ear.   

"Where was he last seen?"   

"Europe, but it looks like he's heading towards America."    

You hum. You had heard about HYDRA over the years, it was another organization that you needed to keep an eye on, lest you wanted to be caught by them. You never had to deal with them directly as to when they became a problem, Captain America came to be and 'handled' it.    

Maybe that was the problem. It was difficult to be friends with Steve, knowing you couldn't talk to him about anything when you had more in common than just the average person. Was it guilt that was stopping you?   

"Keep me updated on that situation. Let me know if you catch sight of him," you said, getting up to throw out the empty bag before making your way to your private bar to pour yourself a drink.   

"Already surveilling. Second thing...I think I've found the descendants of Tatyana."   

Your grip slipped slightly, spilling the liqueur out of your glass slightly.   

"What?" You breathe out shakily.   

"They're in Sokovia. I'm waiting for a little more intel to come in."   

"Send me everything you have, and the second you get more," you breathe steadily, wiping the spilled liqueur and resumed your pouring.   

With nothing left, David hangs up.    

Tatyana...   

Flashes of silk and a peal of feminine laughter passed through you. You quickly shut it out and downed your drink.   

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"Everyone clear on what their duties are?"   

With a collective yes, Fury had ended the meeting. The aftermath of the invasion was still affecting many people. Tony had set up a foundation for families who were directly affected by the invasion and donated millions. Bruce had a side research assignment for SHIELD while helping with the cleanup when he could. Thor had left immediately with Loki, and they were unsure when he would return. Steve was doing a lot of interviews and press reviews to help the Avengers look better in the public's eye. As Nat and Clint were spies, they needed to keep unknown to the public, so Nat went back to being Pepper's PA, and Clint, well Clint left.   

Steve was already leaving, thinking about heading over to the Café to see you. He didn't have anything scheduled until tomorrow, and he had a feeling after that, he would be tied up for a while. As he was walking down the hall, Natasha came up next to him and fell in step.   

"Where are you heading to?" She asks casually.

"Just out."

"To the place you've been mysteriously disappearing to every day for the last two weeks?"   

Steve looked surprised. "Not every day..."   

He looked around to make sure no one else is there. A part of him was still wary about Natasha, but he was resolved to place his faith in her and trusted her, and she trusted him.    

"I met a girl at a café two weeks ago, you know, when Bruce recommended me that book?" He says as he turned his attention back to her.   

"Dating?" She says as if almost impressed by it.

Steve shook his head. "No, she doesn't know I'm Captain America. We're just friends."

"Because she doesn't see you like that?" Natasha asked.   

Steve rubbed the back of his head.

"Both of us don't see each other like that."   

Natasha raised an eyebrow, looking unimpressed, but Steve waved it off. "It's fine. I'm not looking to date anyways."   

She looked like she wanted to say more, but before Natasha could ask anything else, an intern interrupts them, saying she needed Steve.   

Natasha stopped walking, clicked her tongue as she tapped her foot and looked at Steve walking off with the intern.    

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Steve wasn't able to visit You for a few days due to all the PR he had to do, but now that he was back, he planned and seeing you right away. The moment he entered, he noticed a familiar redhead sitting with you.   

There Natasha was, sitting at a table with you, drink in her hand as they chatted away. He furrowed his brows and frowned as he walked over to them, grabbing their attention.

Natasha smirked at him, and he gave her a look. You called out to him, and he nodded his head at you but turned to Natasha.   

"What are you doing here?"   

You looked surprised as you looked between the two of them. "Oh, you know Miss Rushman here?"   

"Natalie," Natasha corrected. Steve gave her another look that she shrugged off.   

"We're acquaintances," she explains easily, keeping Steve's secret. You hum a small 'o,' and it's silent again. It seems almost tense for a second before Natasha gets up, stating she's got to go back to work.   

"It was great meeting you, Natalie. Come by again for life-changing coffee," You bid her goodbye, getting a brief smile from the redhead.    

Once Natasha is gone, you turn back to Steve, "Your acquaintance is nice."   

Steve only laughed awkwardly.   

He had his peaceful hour with you before leaving. When he got back to the tower, he found that it was only him, Tony, and Bruce in the building.   

It wasn't until late evening that Natasha returned.   

"What the hell was that today?" Steve immediately asked, catching Natasha in the common area kitchen while no one else was around. It looked like Natasha had freshly showered and changed, coming in to get a late-night snack.   

Natasha sighed as she faced Steve and uncrossed her arms. "Look, I'm sorry, Steve, but I just want to make sure she's safe for you, okay?"   

Steve's face softened, and he was pacified by Natasha's underlying words that she cared about him, and this came from a place of concern.    

"So," he says after a moment. "What did you think?"   

He watched as Natasha shifted, hesitating to tell him what she honestly thought, but with the look on his face, she knew better than to lie to him about it.   

"There's something off about her," Natasha finally says, shifting her weight onto one foot and crossing her arms.    

"Off about her?" Steve questions with a raise of his eyebrow. "Like...secretly..."

He had heard of Tony talking about his own past experiences before he had met Pepper. Something about aborting if it's a stage 5 clinger.   

"No," Natasha replied, rolling her eyes slightly.    

"I mean, she's hiding something."   

⊶⊷⊶⊷⊶⊷⋆⊶⊷⊶⊷⊶⊷

There was a degree of surprise for you when Black Widow had shown up at your café. Though, you supposed it was bound to happen with Steve showing up as often as he was. You just expected it to be another Avenger.    

When you heard about the Avengers Initiative starting up from David's intel, he had sent you files on the candidates. Natasha Romanoff's file, as expected, had nearly nothing in it. You got her birth name, occupation, and a really shoddy photo from a street camera.   

This was going to be a problem, you thought. David really would want you to disappear if Black Widow was going to be involved. You would have to convince David that disappearing would be even more suspicious and warrant the spy to look more deeply into you if you left without a trace. You just needed to be normal because even if she tried to look you up, nothing out of the ordinary would come up anyway.   

You put on a friendly face as Natasha came up to the counter. "Hello, how what can I get you today?"   

"Just looking for a little pick me up, but not something that will have my hands shaking." Her voice was husky, and you licked your lips.   

"Sounds like a long day," you said, starting to make the drink. You had a lot of customers who came through asking for something different like it was a bar, but you didn't mind.     

There was a delicate but husky chuckle in return, "And it's not even halfway through."    

"Name for the drink?"   

"Natalie."   

You hummed quietly, writing on the cup in a cursive font.    

There wasn't much more chatting after that as you focused on making the drink. Natasha noticed right away walking in that you were beautiful, there were no physical imperfections about you. Even the way your hair fell seemed to fall perfectly in place. It was hard to place your age, but there was something youthful about you. Natasha had also noticed the strip of flour on your cheek.   

"Guessing hectic day for yourself?" Natasha said, breaking the silence. She watched as your brows furrowed with your lip slightly jutted out in a pout as you looked at the redhead.    

When Natasha pointed to her own cheek to mirror where it would be on you, and you quickly swiped the area with your gloved fingertip and then checked with a small laugh.   

"Oh, yeah. My one and only employee has called in sick today. I'm starting to think I should hire another one."   

Natasha tilted her head, "Oh, you own this place?"   

"Sure do! I'm Elaine. Nice little shindig I got here, right?" You grinned, and Natasha smirked in return.   

"I'll reserve my thoughts until I try the drink."   

You lightly laughed, putting the finished drink in front of the redhead. "Fair enough, and not to toot my own horn, but this drink is going to give you a happiness you'll never be able to achieve anywhere else. If that's the case, this tip jar could use some friends."   

Natasha gave a friendly snort, not replying as she took a sip and immediately moaned involuntarily.   

"Oh shit, is there crack in this?"   

You let out a burst of full laughter, the kind that reminded Natasha of a warm day in a meadow—whatever that means.   

"No crack, unfortunately, but it will get you through the day without your heart going 100 miles a minute."   

Natasha smiled slightly, pulling out a Benjamin and throwing it in the tip jar, clearly overpaying for the drink, but you didn't say anything and grinned.

The redhead looked around, finding a lot of shelves with books on them on the other side of the café.   

"Bookstore as well? Busy, busy, I see."   

You hummed, "Sort of. I don't really make people buy books here. There's a college nearby, and I have a lot of students come here. I get a lot of textbooks and then let students rent them out. They put a security deposit on the book, which is 100% refundable provided the book isn't damaged."   

"Quite the lucrative business you've got going on," Natasha said, mildly impressed, and you shrugged.   

"Well, I'm not too sure what an accounting major would do with an Intro to Anthropology textbook if they had to keep it, so I guess everyone wins in this situation."   

Somehow after that, they had moved over to the table to continue talking, most of it being light banter.   

Still, Natasha found you odd. As a master conversationalist, she recognized that you had the same skill, which meant that while you were incredibly talkative, there was nothing personal about their conversations. There was no asking where Natalie worked, or what she was doing around this neighborhood since she wasn't a regular. She could see this was not your goal to pry for information.

There was the thing with the gloves as well, but Natasha did not ask, and you did not explain even if you found Natasha staring.    

After she left when Steve showed up, Natasha looked back at the café on the corner of the street.   

She had to admit, she did not mind you; she was curious if anything. She could see why Steve would like hanging around you, but you did not give any vibes that indicated to Natasha that you cared all that much.    

Still, Steve liked you, and Steve was family.   

And she would always protect her family.

PART III

[darkficsyouneveraskedfor]

Omertà👄10

Warnings: noncon sexual acts (oral, handjob, masturbation); tags to be added throughout series

This is dark!Bucky and dark! Loki and explicit. Your media consumption is your own responsibility. Warnings have been given. DO NOT PROCEED if these matters upset you.

Summary: Your father was a bookie and taught you everything you know about numbers. After his death, you were taken on as a bookkeeper for Loki Laufeyson, resident crime boss in Manhattan. But can you keep your place in the background when a man from Brooklyn threatens to drag you to the forefront?

Note: I don’t know how much I’ll be writing of this since I’m totally wiped out by my cramps and hormones sucking ass! But hey. we’re onto the next ‘phase’ of our story and it’s gonna get wild. I hope.

Hope you enjoy it. Thank you. Love you guys!

As always, if you can, please leave some feedback, like and reblog <3

Loki didn’t let you out of his sight for a week. Those nights when you did return to your own apartment, it wasn’t for long, though your days were. Your workload doubled as you went over the new list of expenses acquired along with the casino, not to mention Loki’s increased attention. He went out of his way to try to distract you with his lingering glances and unwanted touches. You had yet to fully accept the new status quo, not that he cared.

And Bucky disappeared. 

Despite your hopes, you just couldn’t imagine that he had been deterred by Loki’s little show. He wasn’t the type to tuck tail and run. Perhaps, he had simply got what he wanted and had moved onto the next unlucky soul. You wouldn’t mind that so much, but something told you that wasn’t so. 

When the time came for the weekly collection, your confusion was heightened as Bucky did not arrive to take his cut. Instead, he sent Steve, who didn’t even try to hide his smirk from you. Loki handed over the money and swiftly sent him off. He voiced his own curiosity at the sudden elusive nature of his adversary. You shrugged and went on with your numbers.

One morning you were filled with a gloomy sense of deja vu as you entered the office. Thor sat behind Loki’s desk once more. He grinned as you tore your eyes from him and went to your own desk. You set your purse in your chair and fished around for your phone. The door opened once more as you went to the safe you paused to glance back at Loki.

“Don’t get too comfortable,” He bid you as he strode over to his desk and turned to Thor. “We’ll be off shortly. You recall what I told you.”

“You worry too much,” Thor leaned back and lifted his feet onto the desk, crossing one leg over the other. “You know, London isn’t so different.”

“Thor,” Loki arched a brow. “I have too much too worry about to be--”

“You sound just like father,” Thor waved his brother away like a gnat. “If I have any trouble, trust me, you will be the first to know. As always.”

“And be the one to clean up your mess. As always,” Loki countered wryly. “You make me wonder if you left London on your own accord.”

“London is tied up neatly with a bow. Val has it all in hand,” Thor assured him. “Besides, you said you needed muscle. I brought you my best men.”

“And what have they been doing, yeah? Lazing around in my warehouses, smoking and gambling,” Loki scoffed.

“So they will be great patrons for your new venture, eh, brother?” Thor taunted.

“Eh,” Loki echoed mockingly. “You,” He flicked his fingers at you. “Get your stuff and let us go.”

You kept quiet as you opened the safe and retrieved the ledger. You shut it and spun the dial. You grabbed your bag and passed behind your desk as you crossed to Loki. You were tired. Sore. He held the door as he watched Thor. 

He followed you and the door clicked shut behind him. He told Lopez he’d be back the next day and ushered you out of the shop. You hoped that the ledger would save you from his games. He led you to his car and you climbed into the passenger seat, your purse at your feet and the thick book across your lap.

He turned the engine and sighed as he pulled away from the curb. You could sense he was in a mood. You didn’t dare to ask where you were going. It was easy enough to guess.

“Next time he’s there before me, you call me.” He said. “And wait outside with Lopez.”

You peeked over at him and ran your nail along the edge of the ledger. 

“Understood?” He snarled.

“Yes,” You said. “Got it.”

He was quiet until you hit the parkway. You were too. The wind formed a tunnel outside the car and you leaned back as the subtle vibrations lulled you. You felt the ledger move and looked down as Loki’s slender fingers slid it off your lap. You grabbed it before it could fall entirely and he gripped the other end.

“Darling,” He warned. “Don’t make this difficult.”

You clung to the ledger and stared at the mirror. His green eyes met yours then flitted behind to the reflection behind him. He veered into the other lane recklessly and received a honk from another driver. You squeaked and released the book. It fell heavily onto your purse and caught between your feet.

“It’s gonna be a long day,” He grasped the bottom of your skirt and pushed it up to your thighs. “So why don’t you help ease the stress?”

“Can’t this wait?” You looked out the window as a car passed in the other lane.

“Don’t worry, you’ll be doing all the work,” He leaned in his seat and took your hand. He pushed it between your legs. “Go on. Let me hear you purr, darling.”

Your lips parted in disgust and you shoved his hand away. You crossed your legs and sidled to the edge of your seat.

“Why don’t you focus on the road?” You hissed.

He reached over and grabbed the back of your neck, the nose of the car swayed slightly as he did. He squeezed until you whimpered.

“You can do what I say now or when we arrive.” He sneered. “I’m certain Diablo and his men wouldn’t mind the show as much as you, darling.”

You gulped and uncrossed your legs. His fingertips dug into your neck and made you cry out. He drew back and gripped the steering wheel. 

“We’ve got a couple hours,” He intoned. “Let’s not make them tedious.”

You huffed and lifted your ass to roll up your skirt. You sat back down and rested your hand on your thigh. You closed your eyes and held back the bile. Loki tisked and you looked over at him sharply. Once more you met his gaze in the mirror and you pursed your lips. You slid your hand down and pushed aside the crotch of your panties.

“I want to hear you cum, darling,” He smirked. “And if it is not to my liking, you will keep on until it is.”

You rolled your eyes and stared at the dashboard. You tried to focus as you rubbed your fingers along your folds. There was a slight tickle and you squirmed in your seat. You delved deeper as you spread your legs further apart. You bit down as your finger flicked over your clit and sent a chill through you.

The car was uncomfortably quiet. You could only hear Loki’s breath, your own, and the muffled noise of the highway traffic. You kept your fingers moving along your folds and back over your clit. You circled the sensitive bud and felt yourself getting wet. Your cheeks burned as your breath hitched.

“Don’t be shy,” Loki taunted. “I think we are past that.”

You let out a mewl as if on cue. Your fingers swirled instinctively and you could hear how slick you had become. Your thighs tingled and your spine arched as you leaned into the pleasure. Your moans grew louder as you pressed yourself back into the seat and looked to the roof of the car.

You bit your tongue and whined as you sped up. You were startlingly close. You had so quickly worked yourself up. It was humiliating and yet you couldn’t stop and not just because of the man beside you. Your knee pressed against the stick and your other was lodged against the door.

Your cries got loudly and spiked in a pathetic keen as your body shook. You came as you played frantically with your clit. Your other hand flew back and gripped the headrest and you writhed in your seat. Your moans petered out and your hand dropped weakly against your thigh. You let out a long breath and covered your face.

“Mmm,” Loki hummed. “Impressive…”

You closed your legs and felt your wetness on the seat below you. You wiped your fingers on your bunch up skirt as Loki snickered beside you. He peeked over, just for a second, before he focused once more on the road.

“My turn,” He said. “Take your time with me, darling.”

You blinked at him and his lips curled. His tongue poked out and he wetted his bottom lip. He sped up and you shakily reached over the console. You twisted your body awkwardly as he eased up on the gas and you pulled his jacket aside. You fumbled with his buckle just above the bulge already straining against his trousers.

You finally got his belt undone and his breath trembled as your palm brushed him. You unbuttoned his fly and carefully unzipped it. Your mouth was dry and you could only focus on what you were doing to keep from being overwhelmed in your shame. 

You pushed the front of his boxers down as you slipped your hand down them. You gripped him and stopped. It was as if you’d been slapped across the face. What were you doing?

...Surviving. At least that’s what you told yourself.

You pulled him out above his boxers and stroked him slowly. He groaned in delight as the leather of the steering wheel echoed him. You grasped him more firmly and kept your motion steady. He purred louder with each descent of your hand and twitched as you rolled your hand around his tip.

“Faster,” His breaths turned thick and carnal.

You obeyed and grunted. His body tensed and his leg shook. He reached over to pet your head as his other hand clutched the wheel.

“Darling, you’re going to make a mess of me,” He slithered. “Best use your mouth to finish.”

You closed your eyes and shivered. You reached back to unbuckled your seat belt and bent over the console. You paused as you watched your hand glide up and down his length. Trapped between him and the wheel you pressed your lips to his tip and your mouth followed your hand down his shaft. He hit the back of your throat and you pulled back sharply.

He grabbed the back of your head and forced you down. You choked as he slid down your throat and you strained awkwardly to take him. You bobbed your head in tandem with the movement of your hand. His groans grew louder and louder as he urged you on. You bided them if only to have it done with. 

His entire body stiffened as he came and you tasted his hot cum as it filled your mouth and throat. You coaxed him through his climax and tried not to wretch as you drew away from him. You sat back and covered your mouth as you fought to swallow. He snickered and you gulped loudly, holding back a gag.

“Good girl,” He teased. “Don’t get too cozy. I’ll not be long…”

👄

You were both reviled and astounded by Loki’s stamina. Another tortuous blowjob and you were sick to your stomach, all while he grinned and sent you flagrant looks. You were relieved to arrive in Atlantic city and yet anxious. You were certain that any could see it on your face. That it wouldn’t be so hard to guess what you had just done.

You fixed your skirt as he drew up to a boarded up building, a familiar vehicle just ahead of him. You squinted, certain that your own lack of automotive knowledge was getting the best of you. You got out as he did and ignored the exaggerated way he straightened his jacket. You retrieved your purse and the thick ledger before you gruffly swung the door shut.

You turned as he came around the car and stared up with him at the fading moniker. You frowned and crossed your arms. You chewed your lip.

“Is this it?” You wondered. “Loki, I would say you’ve been grifted.”

“It is an investment,” He argued. “I was made well aware of the state of things.”

“Do you know how much it will cost to get this place--” Your voice caught in your throat as the front door opened and a blond head emerged from within. 

Steve Rogers strode out as he chuckled over his shoulder at another familiar man. Bucky wore a button-up decorated with flamboyant petals, the sleeves rolled up to his elbows as he rubbed his hands together. He stopped dead behind Steve and grinned between you and Loki.

“Did he really make you aware?” You muttered to Loki.

Loki stepped up and met Bucky’s proffered hand with a firm shake.

“Barnes,” He greeted tersely, though his confusion glimmered in his eyes.

“Sweetheart,” Bucky nodded at you as his lips remained in a coy arc. “I tried to wait but we figured we’d have a look around.”

“Wait?” Loki repeated. “What do you--” He blinked and recoiled. His confusion mixed with anger and his face paled with realisation. “Pray tell me what you’re doing here. At my property.”

“And mine,” Bucky announced. “I believe I own half. Or to be more specific, fifty-one percent, which would make me the majority shareholder. That’s what my lawyer said.”

“Fifty-one?” Loki reached into his jacket. He shook his head as he pulled out his phone. “Excuse me for just a moment.”

You felt like laughing as Loki marched away as he held his phone to his ear. Bucky seemed unfazed as he kept his attention on you. Steve shuffled around beside him restlessly as he searched his jacket for a lighter, a cigarette hanging from his lips.

“So, sweetheart,” Bucky said. “You look… great.”

You glared at him and said nothing. You hugged the ledger to your chest and turned away to watch Loki as he paced along the pavement, waving his hand as he snarled into the phone.

“Don’t worry about him,” Bucky came closer, his arm touching yours as he gazed over at Loki. “He will be much too busy to worry about us.”

[jiejie-eonni-onee-sama]

Sending my love to you

For the lovely @fandoms-are-my-friends-1321​ 😍😍😍😍

Hope you’ll love the story!

TW: Smut, swearing (Roman being Roman)

The songs quoted are not mine.

"No, thank you! For the umpteenth time, I'm not interested!"

"Oh come, doll! Why do you refuse to have some fun with me?"

(Y/N) (L/N) rolled her eyes, exasperated. The thug who was trying to make a move on her was annoying!

"Are you deaf? I already told you that I don't want to be with you! I'm already with someone!"

"And then? I don't care!"

"Oh? Well, maybe you would care if I told you that I'm Roman Sionis's fiancee?" she snapped.

(Y/N) tried to hide her delight when she saw her suitor being terrified at the mention of Roman Sionis, one of the most powerful mobsters in Gotham City. 

Also known as Black Mask, he was notorious for his bad temper and his tendency to murder those who dared piss him off.

The thug stepped back and said with a quivering voice:

"Okay, okay... You win. Please, don't tell Sionis!"

"If I'm in a better mood, perhaps I would act as if nothing happened! Now, get out of my view!"

Once her admirer ran away, she sighed and pinched the bridge of her nose. 

She could not wait for her future husband to come back from his business travel around Europe. 

(Y/N) smiled while thinking about her fiance: Roman might be terrifying for many people, but when he was with her, the mobster was different.

Indeed, he was the perfect partner for (Y/N): he wasn't only a loving and considerate boyfriend but also a good listener and a supportive companion. After all, he never asked her to give up her career as a fashion designer when they started dating.

But now, all she wanted was to come back home, relaxing on the sofa and waiting for Roman.

She got up, went to her car, and drove back to the penthouse. 

Once she arrived, she politely saluted the doorman and went upstairs. Then, she turned on the lights and sat on the sofa, reading her mail.

A blue envelope caught her eye, and she smiled in pleasure: it was Roman, without a doubt!

(Y/N) opened the letter and saw a beautiful card with a picture of Venice at night.

She turned the card around and read the message:

My future queen,

I can tell you that my business trip is coming to an end, which is a relief.

I know that you're longing for me, but I'll come back as soon as possible. And you know I'll always keep a promise, only for you, my jewel.

Be a nice girl as always, and wait for me.

You know the song:

Treasure these few words 'til we're together

Keep all my love forever!

P.S. I love you, you, you, you

I'll be coming home again to you, love!

Wait for me, sweetheart.

Your future King.

Roman Beauvais Sionis.

(Y/N) fondly smiled: since the beginning of his travel, her fiance always send her postcards from different countries with lovely messages.

According to Victor Zsasz, Roman "became a helpless romantic" when it came to her. However, he did not say that with harshness: after all, she became the only person he accepted to be close to his boss.

She won't say that she and Victor became friends, but they trusted and respected each other. That was enough for her. As she relaxed against the sofa, the young woman was impatient to hold her boyfriend in her arms. They will be together again, no matter what would happen...

The next day.

"I think we should hire this group for the Special Saturday. What do you say, Miss (L/N)?"

"This is an excellent idea, Sally. I've heard that they are becoming popular in Gotham..."

"Indeed, yes. So, shall I book the Thunder Boys for next Saturday?"

"Okay, let's do it. Can you call the manager for me?"

"Already done, Miss (L/N)," smiled Sally as she picked her phone.

(Y/N) smiled: she appreciated Sally since the kind blonde woman started working at the Black Mask Club as a manager. Her main task was to organize special events at the club, and she excelled in her work. Even Roman praised her choices!

As she walked around the club, checking on what the employees were doing, she asked the waiters:

"Is everything ready for tonight?"

"Yes, Miss (L/N). The drinks are in the cellar since this morning. The digestives are in the fridges, and we are waiting for the pastries. The bakery called us to say they are on their way. They will arrive around 10 minutes!" answered Kyle, the bartender.

"That's perfect! You did a good job!"

"Thank you, Miss."

"You're welcome," she answered before examining the decoration.

Since their engagement, Roman appointed her as the co-owner of his club, and she appreciated the gesture. (Y/N) had many occasions to design and create outfits for the staff on special events, such as holidays or theme parties. The patrons of the club and Gotham's elite always admired her work.

She smirked as she remembered her first meeting with Roman: it was during the Gotham Fashion Week, two years ago. He was a VIP guest, and she was presenting her new collection. 

This week was a success for her, and she caught his eye after a fashion show.

He felt immediately attracted to this lovely and charming young woman and asked for her number, under the pretense of ordering a new suit.

Since then, they always were together, and the media pictured them as the "Power Couple" of Gotham. 

An unofficial title that amused her more than anything. But right now, the young woman longed for her beloved mobster, as soon as possible... 

Meanwhile, at the Gotham airport.

"FINALLY! This fucking business trip is finally over!" exclaimed Roman as he put his suitcase in the car trunk.

"You're right, boss. But at least, we are at home!" stated Victor.

"Indeed. I'm fucking tired of those fucking jackasses. Remind me to never deal with German mobsters again!"

"Noted, boss."

Sionis sighed before smiling:

"But, let's not killing the mood! I would finally be reunited with my queen!"

"And I'm certain she was impatient to see you again!"

"Obviously: it was the first time we've been apart from each other for a long time! It must be so painful for my little Coco Chanel!"

"As it was distasteful for you!" grinned Victor.

"It's an understatement, Vic!"

Both men entered the limo and when they were starting the engine, Roman's phone buzzed.

"Ah, wait a minute!"

He picked up the call.

"Hello, Roman Sionis's speaking!"

**"Hello, darling."**

"My beautiful future wife! How are you?"

**"I'm fine, thank you. But I miss you, handsome!"**"

"Aw, my lovely doll. I miss you too! But don't worry, I'll be back soon!"

Roman and Victor heard a soft sniffing from the other side of the line. They look at each other, upset: was she crying?

"Baby, you're alright?"

**"Yes, of course. I'm just tired, but it's fine. Don't worry about me!"**

"What kind of husband I would be if I do not care about my lovely wife? Now, baby: don't panic, I'll be home soon, 'kay?"

**"Okay. Come back safe and sound, it's all that I ask!"**

"Don't ask me twice, darling! And be sure that I'll spoil you rotten when I'll return!"

**"You don't need to, Roman!"

"Darling, that's my duty as your fiance, and it would be my duty as your husband!"

He heard her soft laugh.

**"You're incredible!"**

"That's why you love me, beautiful. Alright, I must go. See you later, darling!"

**"Okay, see you later. I love you!"**

"Love you too."

He hung up the phone and said:

"Victor... Tell me I did not mess up everything!"

"I don't think so... I guess she is just unhappy to not seeing you right now... If only she knew that you called her from the airport!"

"I wanted to surprise her, not making her sad!"

"Don't worry, boss. I'm sure (Y/N) will forget it when she will see you!"

"I hope so... Now, let's go! I have some business to deal with before coming back home."

"Here we go, boss..."

Timeskip. In the night, at Sionis's penthouse.

(Y/N) was sitting in her armchair, drawing some sketches of new dresses for the waitresses for the Special Saturday. She had many ideas in her mind for this event, and she was confident about the achievement of this happening. Roman would be proud of her... 

Thinking of her fiance made her heart ache, and she stopped drawing.

(Y/N) hoped that he did not hear crying during their call. She knew that it would agitate him until they meet again, and she wished that it would not trouble him for his business.

The silence in the penthouse was oppressive for her, and she tried to fill it by humming a song:

I'm coming home.

I'm coming home.

Tell the world I'm coming home.

Let the rain wash away all the pain of yesterday.

I know my kingdom awaits, and they've forgiven my mistakes.

I'm coming home.

I'm coming home.

Tell the world that I'm coming home.

Unbeknownst to her, Roman was already in the penthouse when he heard her singing. Smiling, he advanced stealthily behind her and softly sang:

As I write this letter, send my love to you.

Remember that I'll always be in love with you.

Treasure these few words till we're together.

Keep all my love forever.

P.S. I love you, you, you, you.

I'll be coming home again to you, love.

And till the day I do love.

P.S. I love you, you, you, you.

Startled, (Y/N) turned around and let out a cry of happiness when she saw Roman standing behind her, a triumphant smile on his lips.

"Hello, princess. I'm home!"

"ROMAN!" she yelled as she jumped on her feet and ran into his arms.

He laughed as he wrapped his arms around his fiancee, holding her tightly.

"Looks like someone missed me!"

"You have no idea. It seemed like an eternity!"

(Y/N) looked at him with a slight frown on her face.

"But I thought you were still in Europe when I called you!"

"I was at the airport when you call me!"

She playfully punched him in the shoulder.

"You jerk!"

"Ouch! Baby, why do you hurt me?" he laughed.

"Because I was sad!" she answered.

"And I'm sorry about that. I wanted to surprise you, not upset you!"

He gently touched her cheek.

"Now, I am here, and I'm not leaving you! 'Kay, pretty woman?"

"Okay."

He grinned.

"Now, my queen, why don't you give your beloved king a well-rewarded kiss?"

"With pleasure, your Majesty!" she laughed before pressing her lips against his.

Roman welcomed this gesture with a moan of pleasure and started to stroke her sides, sliding his hands under her shirt.

She gasped:

"Hey, slow down! Are you that hungry?"

"You have no idea, doll. I missed your touch for too long, and I want to catch up time!"

She saw the lustful sparkle in his eyes and smirked:

"In this case, we are two of us!"

She asked:

"I forgot! Where is Victor?"

"I gave him free time! He deserved it, after all!"

"So, it's just the two of us?"

"Absolutely."

He scooped her up.

"Roman, I have legs, you know?"

"Yes, but I love carrying you like a princess! Besides, consider it as a rehearsal for our honeymoon!"

"Oh My God! You're kidding!" (Y/N) laughed.

"I'm serious, darling! Now, let's have some fun! We both deserve it!"

On these words of wisdom, he walked to their room with his fiancee in his arms.

Once they arrived in the bedroom, he gently laid her down on the bed before closing the door.

Then, he topped her with a hungry smile.

"I've missed you, (Y/N)"

"I've missed you too, Roman. Kiss me, please!"

"Your wish is my command!" smirked the mobster before kissing her.

She answered the kiss feverishly, slightly moaning as he bit her lower lip.

Without interrupting the kissing, they hurriedly took off each other's clothes, impatient to feel their bare skin under the hands of their beloved one.

Within a few seconds, they were completely naked, admiring each other's beauty.

Roman started kissing her before letting his lips tracing down her body, making (Y/N) shivering with pleasure. 

Chuckling, Sionis continued his little game by peppering kisses on her stomach and thighs before licking her entrance.

Gasping, she clutched his hair, making him groan.

"Hey, hold on, tigress! Do you want to scalp me?" he chuckled.

"S... Sorry!" she moaned.

"Nevermind, it's alright... Where was I? Oh yes!"

And he continued teasing her by kissing her intimate parts, tightly squeezing her sides.

(Y/N) was fogged with pleasure: she knew that Roman was an experimented lover, but Lord! He knew how to take her to cloud nine!

As for Roman, he enjoyed making her scream with pleasure: it turned him on every time. But now, he wanted to take the next step.

Withdrawing, he came back to face her again while adjusting his member near her entrance.

They looked at each other, their eyes filled with love and desire. The only sound they heard was their accelerated heartbeats and their erratic breaths that filled the room.

"You're ready?" he asked in a hushed voice.

"I'm always ready for you, Roman." whispered (Y/N).

"That's my girl!" he chuckled as he kissed her lips before penetrating her.

When she felt him inside her, she panted before rolling her hips against his as he started thrusting.

If it was slow at first, his poundings were faster each time their hips rubbed against each other, making her cry with desire. 

Roman groaned with lust as he heard (Y/N)'s voice moaning his name. Her hands scratching and holding his back made him hard: God, she was so addictive!

Tangled in the sheets, they accelerate their "dance" without stopping their cries of bliss. 

Ultimately, they reached cloud nine in a last outcry of desire. Panting and tired, the lovers held each other with tenderness. (Y/N) puts her hand on Roman's chest while her beloved fiance gently stroked her hair.

The silence stopped when the young woman muttered:

"I'm so happy to have you here."

"I have noticed." chuckled the mobster as he kissed the top of her head.

He added with a soft voice:

"I've missed you too, princess."

"I have noticed, you know," she smirked.

She sighed.

"I tried to be strong, to make you proud of me."

"But babe... You don't have to prove anything to me. You're the only woman I ever dreamt of being mine forever.  You are strong, confident, creative, smart, friendly, and so beautiful. I cannot be more proud of you than I am now. Otherwise, I would never choose to marry you!"

"That's true: you have a reputation for being a womanizer!"

"I used to have this reputation. Now, the only woman I ever laid my eyes on is you!"

(Y/N) raised her head and met his deep blue eyes. Usually, they were icy or fiery when he was with business partners or enemies. But when he was with her, they were soft and loving.

She was the only one who can appease the mobster - and Victor was grateful to (Y/N) for that.

The young woman smiled before kissing her lover:

"I love you, Roman."

"I love you too, (Y/N). Now, let's have some sleep, 'kay? We have a kingdom to rule, my beloved queen!"

"So, sleep well, my dear king!" she muttered before drifting away in her sleep.

"See you tomorrow... my love," he murmured before falling asleep.

As they were slipping in the arms of Morpheus, the two lovers enjoyed the presence of their significant other, finally reunited.

After all, what better place to be than home, when your beloved one is waiting for you?

🎵Songs used:🎵

🎵Coming home - P. Diddy, Skylar Grey, and Dirty Money.

🎵P.S: I love you - The Beatles.

Thank you very much for the reading!

I hope you enjoyed the story, and I’m waiting for your reviews!

Don’t hesitate to send me a request!

Take care and see you soon! 😘😘😘😷😍💖

[hawthornsybil]

5 Times Eddie realizes how caring Buck is + 1 time Eddie shows Buck he’s loved.

(I lost count as I was writing and ended up with 6 instead of 5 ooops)

1.

Eddie and Buck are sitting at the table in the station’s kitchen when Hen gets to work. Eddie is reading a book and Buck is watching a video on his phone so intently that he doesn’t even look up when she greets him.

“What you got there, Buckaroo?” she asks and looks at Eddie to see if he knows but all she gets in return is a shrug.

“I’m trying to learn something.”

“You’re always learning something,” she teases him. He’s always deep into researching the most random things and as much as Hen likes to teas him a lot of the time, she knows how smart he is. “What is it this time?”

“ASL.” His reply is short but not rude and Hen is surprised, looks at Eddie again and finds him staring at Buck just as incredulously.

“You’re studying sign language?” Eddie asks. 

Buck nods and then gets up and leaves with his phone.

Eddie can’t help the fond smile that breaks out on his face “Of course he is.”

They think it’s just another thing Buck is interested in, until later in the day they find themselves staring as Buck is crouched down in front of a kid they just pulled out of a fire, a smile on his face while his hands move a bit stiffly between signs. They watch on as the kid smiles at Buck, fear long forgotten, and re-arranges his fingers in the right way.

Chimney comes over to stand next to Hen and Eddie so he can help pack everything up. He looks at Buck too. “What is he doing?”

Buck gets up, patting the kid on the head and walking him over to his mom before he finally goes over to the rest of the 118.

“You know sign language?” Chimney asks.

“I started learning after we saved that woman the night I met Red. I couldn’t reassure her as much as we usually do so I figured, next time I can be better prepared.” Buck shrugs like it’s not a big deal and then walks off, going to help the engine crew to pull back the hoses.

All they can do is stare after him.

2.

Eddie is pushing the cart, Buck in front of him selecting things from the shelves all the while keeping up an easy conversation. It’s a lot different from the last time they came to Howie’s Market with Bobby and truth to be told, Eddie is surprised they haven’t been banned.

Buck puts one box of cereal in the cart that Eddie knows that’s not on the list.

“Buck?”

“Chris ran out, you mentioned it this morning.”

All Eddie had said was ‘I gotta stop for cereals on the way home tonight’ and somehow Buck had remembered. He shouldn’t be surprised, he knows this by now, Buck always pays attention to him and Christopher.

“We should also get him those dinosaur shaped chicken nuggets he’s been asking for.”

“Buck…”

“I know, he shouldn’t eat them.” He looks at Eddie with a soft smile, not looking sorry at all. “Good cop, bad cop, you know?”

Eddie laughs, pushes his cart into Buck’s hip in retaliation.

3.

“Am I going to die?”

The woman they’re trying to save is hyperventilating and won’t stay still long enough for them to reach her, her seat belt the only thing stopping her from falling through the broken windshield and plummeting to her death in the water below.

“Ma’am, what’s your name?” Buck’s voice is calming, his eyes assessing the situation.

“Me-Megan.”

“Hi Megan, I’m Buck and that’s Eddie. We’re going to get you out, alright?”

Eddie still has no idea how they’re going to do that. They used the rappelling kit to get down to her car, but it was going to be hard to grab her and get her out.

Buck reaches inside carefully passing the rope around her chest, keeping her distracted. “I’m getting you out, promise.”

The first thing they’re taught, is to not make promises, and Buck should have learned from the train derailment, he was ready to risk his life because of a promise and that had infuriated Eddie to no end. Buck was always so quick to throw himself at danger as if he didn’t have anyone counting on him, loving him.

“I thought these things only happened in movies, you know?” Megan says and she doesn’t seem to realize that she’s almost free.

Eddie reaches inside from his side, knife ready to slice through the seat belt. He looks at Buck, finds his eyes and waits for him to give him the nod before cutting her free.

They barely manage to pull out before the car jolts forwards and then free falls into the ocean.

Eddie’s first instinct is to check on Buck, make sure he got himself out, but he finds him focused on Megan, joking about how cool that looked and how he couldn’t wait to rub it in Chimney’s face.

4.

“’Cap, I’m telling you, I can get him out.”

That’s all Eddie hears while he’s passing the woman he’s just pulled out of the fire to Hen. 

“Buck, we’ve been over this, I can’t let you risk your life for…”

“Hey, listen, it’s on me. I think I can do it.”

Eddie knows Buck is asking Bobby to trust him. He watches them hold each other’s gaze before Bobby gives in, shoulders slumping as he nods.

Buck is running into the house a moment later.

“Did we miss someone?” Eddie asks.

“One of the kids Buck pulled out said they have a blind dog still inside the house.”

Bobby’s worried eyes stay focused on the door of the house, hands poised on his radio ready to call Buck out. Eddie takes his helmet off, trying to get his hair out of his face and waits with Bobby. Just as he’s about to run inside and drag Buck out, he walks out, dog hiding under his turnout coat. Buck’s smile is blinding.

5.

The only thing Eddie hates more than 24-hour-shifts, is having to do one when Buck is on a day off. On the bright side, by the time he drags himself home, back killing him, he knows Buck is going to be there, probably half asleep on the couch with Chris.

When he gets inside the house, he follows the sound of Chris’ laughter into the living room where he’s sitting next to Buck at the table. Eddie just leans against the door and watches them for a second.

“Chris, is not very nice to laugh at your friends, you know?” Buck is saying, head bent over one of Chris’ books, tongue sticking out in concentration. Chris only laughs harder at that.

“Math again?” Eddie asks, his own laugh bubbling out of his chest.

Buck glares at him but Chris laughs harder. Eddie walks over, one hand ruffling Christopher’s hair first and then Buck’s.

“See if I help you again, Chris,” Buck protests but they all know that Chris has Buck wrapped so tightly around his finger that he could ask for the moon and Buck would find a way of getting it.

“Chris, you know Buck doesn’t know math, mijo.”

“Hey, tell you what, tomorrow I’m going to bring my old fire science book to the station, and we’ll see who gets the most correct answers.”

Eddie rolls his eyes. Coming home and finding Buck and Chris waiting for him together, never ceases to make his hurt squeeze painfully in his chest, yearning to make Buck stay, keep him here with them where he belongs.

“Your kid is a bully, Eddie.” His eyes are full of mirth and Eddie can’t help himself, runs his hand through Buck’s hair again, this time slow and deliberate. 

“You let him bully you, that’s on you.”

Chris giggles from where he’s sitting. “Buck, I’m sorry.”

Buck’s face softens in that fond little smile that Eddie has come to catalog as Buck’s Chris smile. Eddie’s not too sure what he’s ever done to find someone who loves his kid as much as he does, but he’ll be damned if he doesn’t let Buck know how much it means to him.

6.

They’re responding to a call in a hospice, someone trapped on the roof, when Eddie notices Buck speaking with one of the patients, an elderly man that looks frail where he’s sitting in a wheelchair. Buck is crouching next to his chair and Eddie gets curious.

He looks to where Chimney is checking over the man they’ve just saved and figures he can take a few seconds to go check on Buck. When he’s near enough he hears Buck laugh, his face going pink as soon as he notices Eddie coming over.

“So, you haven’t done it yet?” the man is asking Buck just as Eddie reaches them.

Buck gets to his feet looking shy and uncertain. “Not yet.”

“Hey, Buck, we’re almost ready to go,” Eddie tells him.

“Eddie, this is Ronnie, Ronnie, this is Eddie.”

“Nice to meet you,” he says while shaking the man’s hand.

“Nice to finally meet you, too. I was starting to think you weren’t actually real. Buck here never shuts up about you.”

He’s so confused. “I’m sorry… how do you two know each other?”

Ronnie looks delighted at the question. “Oh, Buck comes to read to me once a week. Brings some beauty and companionship in an old man’s life.”

“You’re not that old, Ronnie,” Buck deflects.

Eddie can’t help but stare at him. Sometimes he feels like all he does is looking at Buck, couldn’t look away if he tried. He’s almost certain that Bobby has caught him staring more than once, Chimney and Hen probably did too; Eddie doesn’t really care.

“Anyway, we should go. I will see you next Wednesday, okay?” Buck is pulling him away before Eddie can get a word in edgewise.

“Is this why you’ve been blowing me off?”

Buck scoffs as they reach the truck outside. “I’d hardly calling it blowing you off. I skipped game night like, twice, so far. I know I’m irresistible but I’m sure you can entertain yourself without me for one night a week.”

Eddie raises an eyebrow and grins at him. Too easy. “I can definitely entertain myself.”

Buck pushes him and Eddie can’t help but laugh.

+1

Eddie knocks on Buck’s door twice before finally saying screw it and using his key to let himself in. The apartment is dark except for the light coming from the TV on in the corner.

“Buck?”

When he gets no answer, Eddie can feel the worry he’s been feeling for the last few hours of his shift getting stronger. He walks over to the sofa and finds Buck passed out, brow furrowed in pain, his hand holding his side even while he sleeps.

Eddie sighs, tells himself to calm down and then crouches by Buck’s head, one hand coming to cup his cheek, thumb stroking gently.

“Buck, hey, wake up.”

Buck moans, tries to turn away but he puts too much weight on his injured side and stirs, eyes blinking open slowly.

“Eddie?”

“Yeah. How are you feeling?”

Buck doesn’t move so Eddie lets his hand rest on Buck’s cheek, eyes fall to Buck’s pink lips.  

“You’re an idiot, you know? I told you to wait for me but no, you just had to throw yourself inside.”

“She was going to die.”

Eddie pulls back, sits down on the floor, his eyes remaining locked with Buck’s. “I wish you’d get that your life is not expendable, you are not expendable.”

“Comes with the job.”

“You don’t have to be so reckless all the time just because you want to save everyone. You always think it’s going to work out in the end but sometimes it doesn’t, you know. One day it won’t work.”

Buck closes his eyes, readjusts himself so he’s sitting up. Eddie can’t help himself, puts his hands on Buck’s knees, thumbs digging into the bones. Buck is okay he keeps repeating in his head.

“I know you care about saving everyone but Buck, I need you to save yourself too.”

He stares at Buck, sees his eyes soften in the blue light of the screen. Eddie pushes himself on his knees, comes to stand between Buck’s legs. His eyes search Buck’s for a moment and then he can’t help himself and leans close, his breath catching in his throat for a second before his lips touch Buck’s. It feels like he’s breathing for the first time after being underwater.

[giorno-plays-piano]

Sinking under Part 2

Pairing: detective!Steve x Reader Warnings: yandere, stalking, death of minor character, allusion to non-con, swearing, brief mention of suicidal thoughts. Words: 1931. Summary: You are suspected of a murder you did not commit. Steve Rogers, a detective employed by the mother of a victim, makes your life even more pitiful than it already is. Part 1 P.S. A big shout-out to awesome @tansypoisoning​ who helped me a lot with this part! If not her, I think I’d never write this :D Sending you lots of love! _____________________________________  You were shaking like a leaf, your hands trembling so badly you couldn’t hold your phone, and Steve quickly put it in the pocket of his formal black pants. He was hugging you close, your head on his chest again like when you had encountered him in a supermarket half a year ago. You were leaving the courtroom. You were not the defendant. You were asked to participate in the trial as a witness.

“You’re a fucking slut!” A woman’s high-pitched voice almost made you deaf. “I KNOW IT WAS YOU! IT WAS YOU! YOU! I’LL SUE YOU, YOU LITTLE BITCH!”

Steve fastened his pace, and the two of you were pretty much running away to the exit, rushing before the crowd would come out of the room. The murderer had been found, and they proved he was guilty for your neighbor’s death, not you. It took them long six months before the judge stated that the best friend of the victim was found guilty as there was more than enough evidence to support his charge. 

Six months. Six months of constant fear for your own life, barely moving outside of your house, being scared to touch your phone to see hate messages from the family of that dead bastard, taking more pills than you had your entire life. Six months of being continuously bullied and followed around. You could hardly count how many times you wanted to jump off the bridge or take too many pills at once.

“It’s alright, it’s alright, darling.” Steve easily pushed through the line of reporters with their microphones, recorders, and cameras. “We’re close, hold on to me.”

All other voices blended into incomprehensible noise: people asking you thousands of questions, someone still yelling from the back, and policemen demanding everyone to keep out the way. You saw nothing, moving fast with Steve to his car. He was your shield; the one who kept protecting you at all costs.

When he found out about hate mails, he simply took your SIM card and gave you a new one with just his name in the list of contacts. When he saw his own employer coming over to your house to harass you with her accusations, he found a cheap apartment in the outskirts of the town and helped you to relocate fast. Steve had been helping with the investigation, tracking every other suspect down and telling you every significant detail he wanted you to know. He followed you too, of course, to pretend he was doing his job and avoid any suspicion. No one needed to know the nature of your relationship.

What was it, anyway? First couple of months it was hard to tell. You felt like he was simply using you to satisfy his own needs, though Steve was a considerate lover to an extent. He could fuck you literally anywhere, including the back of his own car. He enjoyed making a mess out of you, your makeup smeared and hair wild, and sometimes it was either driving you mad or making you frightened. But then he was really great at aftercare, getting very affectionate. He could help you to wipe your face and adjust your clothes carefully, and if you were home he would bring you to the shower and wash your hair so tenderly it could make you cry.

Nonetheless, it felt rather strange he was ready to trade sex for protecting you from the accusations of his employer. You couldn’t understand why he went through all this hassle just for a chance to fuck some girl. With his angelic appearance women would probably line up to get into his bed.

You had finally landed on the car seat, Steve on your left already turned on the engine and moved before you were approached by a few reporters who kept following you.

“You’re safe.” He said softly, turning his head to you and curling his lips in a heartwarming smile. “We’ve won, baby. Fuck all these scumbags, we’re done with this shit.”

You burst into tears with your hands still trembling, and Steve reached out to grab your palm. Forcing yourself to smile back at him, you wiped your face with your other hand. You were lucky he was with you.

“T-thank you, Steve.” You murmured quietly as if you still couldn’t believe it’s over. “Thank for everything you’ve done for me.”

“Come on, darling. I only did what I thought was right.” His smile grew wider at your appreciation of his efforts, and he rubbed your hand. “You can’t imagine how happy I am we’re through this goddamn investigation. It calls for a celebration, don’t you think? I want some champagne and oysters.”

You laughed through tears, shaking your head. Steve had one quality you were always jealous of – he was optimistic. Even at the worst times, he was able to keep his head high and pull himself together. Then he helped you to get through with your issues too. Of course, he demanded to listen to him, to follow the rules he set for you – don’t mess with other men, don’t go where I can’t follow, don’t speak to police unless I instruct you to, don’t leave without telling me first – but it was a small price to pay for the protection he offered.

“Now we don’t have to hide anymore.” Steve turned the car, and you saw he was bringing you to his house. Naturally, celebrating there would be better than in your half-empty apartment since Steve’s place was more comfortable and cozier.

“Do you mean I can finally return to my house?” You thought of the grass on your backyard that probably grew higher than your pretty red fence.

“What?” He sounded surprised. “Why would you want to come back there, right next to the house where that piece of shit died?”

“I can’t keep living in the apartment. I’m very thankful to you, it really became my hideout, but I have my own place.”

“No, baby, come on. Friends of that guy still live in the neighborhood. I don’t want anything bad to happen to you.” He brought your hand to his face and left a tender kiss on your knuckles, bringing you to tears again. “You can live with me now before I find a better place for us somewhere else.”

You gaped at him openly and heard your heart pounding in your head. Did he just offered you to live together with him? Was he so scared those men would hurt you for real? Or did it had to do something with your relationship? Wait, no, it couldn’t be. Maybe Steve liked to cuddle and spent some evenings together as if he pretended to be your boyfriend, but you never took it seriously. There was no reason to.

“You mean… you want to live together? Like a couple?”

“Well, yeah?” He flashed his beautiful smile, and you held your breath. “We can start like a couple if you need more time.”

What’s that suppose to mean?

“Steve, I don’t understand anything.” You told him honestly.

“We don’t have to pretend like we’re strangers, darling, since that old bitch can’t do anything anymore. Honestly, I’m tired of dating secretly, aren’t you too? All this precautions, living in different places so that no one knew, hiding from the windows. It was exhausting.”

Although you could agree it was really unnerving, you still didn’t understand why he called it a secret dating. Wasn’t it just… sex?

“Now we can take our relationship to the next level.” Steve was delighted, a bit too exited maybe, and then whistled, turning the car again – you were already in his neighborhood.

You couldn’t bring yourself to say anything and just kept staring at the man, taken aback by his words. Apparently, you had been missing something very important all these months. But you could swear you had never talked about anything like that before. You didn’t even remember discussing your feelings for each other much.

Obviously, Steve wasn’t happy with your silence, peeping into your absent eyes. He frowned with annoyance: usually you were much more responsive than now, always listening to what he had said.

“What is it, baby?” He asked you, his voice tight. “Don’t you want it?”

You awakened from your stupor and grasped the fabric of your dark blue skirt.

“No, it’s not that… it’s just…” You mumbled, unsure of what to say and feeling a bit scared of his displeasure with you. “We just never talked about it. I thought… I thought you didn’t want t-to be romantically involved.”

Steve blinked at your sudden confession. It took him a moment to put his thoughts together, and he rubbed his forehead with his thumb several times. Meanwhile, you remembered all those times when he brought you nice food and wine, watched movies with you, combed your hair because he really liked how pretty it looked, and made you a shoulder massage when you were too tired. He bought your meds and always took care of your mental health the best way he could. Even if you had never talked about love, do fuck buddies normally do things like that? You were not so sure anymore.

“Damn, I get it.” For some reason he laughed, shaking his head. “I didn’t say it properly to you. You’re right, it’s completely my fault. I took it for granted that you saw me as I saw you, but I’ve never verbally admitted what I wanted from this relationship. I’m sorry, darling. Please, let me do it properly this time.”

You nodded, still feeling uncertain about all this. It felt a bit unreal at best.

“I love you.” He said with a grin and placed his hand on yours again. “You’re my precious little girl, and I want you to be with me. I want to keep you safe. I want you to stay close, so I would be able to protect you.”

You didn’t know why you cried, but your pathetic whimpering made Steve look at you with awe and admiration, his other hand gently caressing your wet face. He unclasped his seatbelt and moved closer to you, kissing your forehead. It only made you cry harder.

“It’ll be alright, baby. I know you’ve been through a lot this half a year. I’ll keep helping you, ok?” He shushed you gently, your phone still in the pocket of his black pants.

“Ok.” You managed to utter between your sobs.

“That’s it, darling.” Watching you with adoration, he took a wet wipe from the box in a car seat pocket and gently rubbed your face with it. “Everything gonna be alright. When you move in with me, I’ll take care of those guys, the friends of your neighbor, and you’ll be safe. But before that, promise you’re gonna listen to me, alright?”

You nodded once again, and Steve carefully wiped the tears streaming down your cheeks.

“You’re so good for me, baby. I’ll take care of you, I promise. Just keep following the same rules we had before I deal with all those fuckheads, and nothing bad gonna happen, believe me.” He was gently rubbing your face with the wet wipe and taking off your smeared makeup, occasionally kissing your face. You kept nodding at him, not even listening to his words properly and trembling again like after leaving the courtroom when your neighbor’s mother shouted behind your back.

It was over. The trial was closed, and you were ought to be safe. But why, why did it feel like nothing had changed?

[ephemeral-sorrow]

The Sweetness of Frenemic Love

Sometimes the strangest thoughts enter my head and make me write something bizarre but really touching at the same time. :D

pairing: Lilly x Male!MC

summary: It`s one step from hatred to love.

warning: a bunch of fluff  ;)

Have you ever experienced resentment towards someone you`ve never met in real life? 

Felt irritation and anger bubble up inside your head like lava slowly filling the volcano to the brim, almost turning your eyes into two sizzling hot coals? 

Lilly had been familiar with these disgusting sensations even before she got to knew MC - the obnoxious stranger Hannah sent her number to and the one who managed to infiltrate their group and spread insurgency among everyone and everything around. Her sister`s disappearance ruined their peaceful lives, putting Lilly and her parents into huge stress, when each day with news even more horrible than on previous one, took away all their hope. So, to conclude it all, a completely unknown weirdo, who gained access to different sorts of information as well as trust of her blindly oblivious friends, now was sticking his nose into other people`s business without pangs of conscience.

The way things were progressing kept Lilly infuriated and incredibly... depressed. She refused to admit that to herself, but she was even angrier because of her own helplessness. She wanted to do something useful and finally get a clue that might come in handy or at least set things up so that the investigation would be faster and more efficient. However, guys from the group already had their own theories, sources and clues, took part in various events and furthermore, acted carelessly, not paying attention to threats.  ... They made it clear that Lilly`s advice was pointless, just like her participation.

That`s why the mere thought of some stranger doing more for Hannah than her family made something snap inside, clouding Lilly`s judgement and true character with boundless spite. Not to mention, pure fear engulfed her at the suggestion that MC may be the real culprit, and here, cards played so flawlessly right into his hands...

                                                       *     *     *

Now it was a completely different story, and it was kind of hard to believe that was how she used to think of him only a year ago. A lot happened, making those restless days seem like a distant memory or rather a thrilling movie, characters of which were another people, portrayed in another places and time.

“So, what do you make of my new car?”

Lilly blinked, snapping out of her flooding thoughts and returned her attention to the cup of chocolate icecream with gente, pink frosting before her -  and finally, stared at the rest of the group, that made themselves comfortable at the cafe table. Today was the celebration on account of Dan`s grandiose purchase - dashing, brand new Audi A3 model. It costed him a fortune but didn`t lessen his enthusiasm nor pride(having exited the hospital as soon as possible, he spent a great deal of effort in finding a good job AND cutting down on alcohol). As a result, every time he ordered apple juice at the Rainbow cafe he declared: “Cool dudes drink only juice!”.

“Dan, that was the hundredth time you`ve asked this question”, despite the fake bored tone, Cleo wore an amused smile, dropping her usual strictness.

“What can I possibly do when all of you are so short-spoken?” Dan dramatically leaned back on the soft cushion. “I need details. Not talking about this pretty girl is a sacrilege”.

“If she was mine, I`d call her ‘babe’ “, ice cubes softly clincked against the glass, as Richy thoughtfully twisted his cocktail in his hand. “And the quiet purrs of her engine are the same as a hearbeat--”

“Now, now, you`re just being ridiculous!” Hannah`s melodic laugh ringed before drowning in the chatter of the crowded cafe. Lilly`s insides warmed up upon seeing her sister smiling sweetly in the Thomas` embrace. She was safe and sound, cheerful and full of love for the surrounding world. Everything was back to normal and it made Lilly genuinely happy--

She felt hot breath pleasantly tickle her ear before a crisp, familiar voice sensually whispered to her:

“I don`t know about others, but if you asked me, the only ‘babe’ I see is you”.

Lilly couldn`t really help the flush that spread on her neck, so she coughed, pretending to be extremely interested in her icecream, which was already starting to melt.

She casted a quick glance at the man beside her, attempting to look unfazed by his sudden compliment only to be met with his mischievous, affectionate eyes.

“MC, we`re... we`re in public”, she whispered back rather shyly.

“You were kind of dreamy while looking at Thomas and Hannah, so I decided to remind you that you didn`t come here alone”.

“Hmph”, Lilly pouted, fixing the fallen lock of her hair. “as if I need your tasteless remarks to cheer up. You should come up with something more original”.

MC laughed airily, flashing his signature confident smirk. Lilly took a small breath, furrowed her delicate brows and turned away stubbornly, turning a deeper shade of red. She didn`t like her heart clenching bittersweetly at his actions, especially in front of her unsuspecting friends. It was difficult to keep a perfectly composed face.

“I`ll cook you Peking meat by my special receipt tonight”, MC continued as if nothing had happened, absentmindedly observing the lively conversation between Jessy, Dan and Thomas, and how Cleo was showing Hannah something on the phone.

“I’ll take it as an invitation to your house?” Lilly inquired. “Why are you so sure I`m going to accept it?”

“Oh please, sweetie, do you want me to list all reasons in front of so many people?” His expression was calm and serious, but Donfort knew better: he was mercilessly teasing her, not caring about precautions at all.

Lilly hit his leg under the table, earning a triumphant ‘ouch’ in response.

                                                     *     *     *

Later that evening at his place, after having had a fair piece of the most delicious meat she has ever eaten, Lilly was helping MC to wash the dishes, drying the shiny plates with a cloth and placing them into the cupboard. He was mumbling a delightful tune under his breath. She glanced at his features. Somehow simply being with this person made her forget about all troubles. But what about him?

“MC”, Lilly tried to sound not too curious. 

“Yes?”

“Why did you choose me of all girls? I mean... I`ve never thought that you might become interested in me after what I did to you a year ago with that video and vote. Like in person, let alone a woman. You`ve been best friends with Jessy from the start, so it would`ve been logical if you two have had a thing”.

“To be honest with you, your brother said the same”, he smiled with the corners of his mouth. “What I found in you”.

“Excuse me, what!?” the girl exploded with outrage, dropping the cloth out of surprise. “Jake, that little jerk!! He`s supposed to back me up in situations like this!”

MC was holding his laughter for his dear life or he would inevitably get a handful but frankly, it was getting harder.

“What did you reply? Come on, I want to know!!” Lilly was worried and frustrated at the same time, looking at him impatiently and expectantly, like a little kid who desired to know their present for birthday.

“You seem so desperate-- HAHAHA, I CAN`T!”

Lilly groaned and threw a sponge at him on full speed, not bothering that it was still wet and full of soap. What was so funny when all she wanted to hear was these important words of confirmation?

MC cleaned his face and came closer.

“I replied that you`re the one who understands me. The one who always makes my day brighter. Also you are kind and candid”, his palm rested against her cheek, tenderly caressing it, as she leaned for his touch.

“I can often be impulsive and sharp”.

“That doesn`t make you worse. You always speak your mind. I think it`s admirable. Not to mention, you are a truly charming and elegant woman”.

She didn`t let MC finish his sentence because their lips collided in a soft, albeit passionate manner. Lilly lived up to her statement - this kiss was spontaneous and full of feeling. She traced his wide shoulders, stopping when her hands found their place in his unruly hair, slightly tugging at it. 

They parted once they ran out of air.

“Jake additionally said my romantic confession would lead to this”.

“Ugh, you`re terrible!!”

[tarithenurse]

Stolen - 14

Pairing: Loki Laufeyson &/x fem!gifted!reader Content: Gambling, mentions of heavy drinking, boredom. A/N: Survival mode: active. Clean up program “Vacation 1.0”: final scan.

14. Snake Eyes and Sissies

... Loki   ...

A nudge of a finger, a tap by the thumb, is all that’s needed to turn [Y/N]’s steps to thread an invisible route down the street. Every step she takes sends a bump into his palm. Whenever she sidesteps to avoid colliding with someone (who receives a harsh glare from Loki afterwards), it tugs at his body and he knows that he follows as much as he leads. Across a catwalk and into a lower section of Knowhere until they reach the destination in the shape of a secluded workshop with the owner’s name as the only identifier. Finally, Loki dares let go and he’s pleased to see she keeps close even as he pushes the door open and they’re met with stale air carrying the scents of hot metal and smoke.

“No credits. Only trades.” The creaky voice calls out sharply from behind a heap of scrap on a table in order to be heard over the grind of sawing through metal.

Loki smirks. “Think you can match a Stealth Hawk, Ek’ir?”

The screeching of the tool stops abruptly and a few of the pieces in the pile shifts due to movement behind. “What’s condition?”

“It’s seen some years...got a few dings, too.” Despite the reputation of the Skrull’s fleet, he knows this will be a hard sell. “Nearly intact and with full manoeuvrability.”

A small figure appears at the top of the scrap heap, round eyes invisible behind the goggles and the skin colour indistinguishable due to layers of oil and dirt. Still, Loki knows how carefully the craftsman is at sizing anything (and anyone) up.

“Define...nearly.” Hopping down from the table, they pads towards the potential customers.

“Got no blasters,” the Asgardian reluctantly admits.

Nearly through the first round, Ek’ir stops circling [Y/N] to stare at the Jotun with open mouth. “Why the Flerken would you dismantle the blasters?!”

“It was that or lose the entire ship.”

Meanwhile, the human is trying to come to terms with the situation. Born on a primitive world, her wonder at space travel and the visit on Alfheim had been reasonable, however she is bordering on rude if she doesn’t stop staring at the short person.

“If, and I mean if, it’s in good shape...” The cogs are turning behind the goggles to evaluate the potential gains and losses. “I’ll have to inspect it.”

“Of course.”

“Got a good few counteroffers you can choose from, at the moment.”

Loki arches a brow. “Freedom of choice?”

“We’ll see...but the Reach stays off limit!”

Few things would be as satisfying as wiping the smirk off Ek’ir’s proud little face. A Reach. Maybe the shop owner doesn’t know who Loki really is, but the species has a natural affinity for knowing exactly what a customer wants the most making it rare for one of their kind to settle in this kind of trade.

“Fair enough,” the god shrugs, “would’ve been nice to break open my casket of Asgardian mead onboard an Asgardian ship, though.”

It’s silent enough to hear the rowdy main street several blocks away as the trader pushes the goggles up onto the forehead, revealing exquisite lashes bordering yellow, cat-like eyes with deceptively narrow pupils. Small feet carries their owner right in front of Loki as if Ek’ir could stare down the much taller god.

“You got mead?” Loki shrugs once more. “How...how’ve you gotten Asgardian booze?”

Wouldn’t you like to know? “How have you gotten a Reach?”

...   Reader   ...

You’ve given up figuring out what Loki and the little person is talking about, preferring instead the distraction of the mess surrounding you. It’s a crammed place, heaps of scrap metal and tools tucked under an inconveniently low ceiling – although the owner wouldn’t have an issue with it, you suppose. Trying not to stare at the short person, you begin a game of guessing which parts could go where on a spaceship. The mental images quickly become grotesquely cartoonish, resembling the work of imaginative kids rather than actual space ship engineers.

Lost to your own musings, the gentle touch of Loki’s hand brings you back with a start.

“Come,” is all he says.

The delighted glint in his eyes doesn’t bode well as you follow both him and the alien out and back the way you came, mostly. A slight detour is allowed to bring you along to another dock with several vessels of different size and type one of which is the focus of attention. The Asgardian is playing it cool but you can see by the slant of his smile that he’s delighted with one of the ships in particular, commenting on its current state versus the original specs which are far beyond your grasp.

However, he doesn’t seem to strike a deal before having led the little one back to the ship that was your prison. It is the first time you really get to look at it without being in a rush (the second time seeing it from the outside at all). Sleek and silvery with a shape reminding you of a jagged spearhead it looks as lethal as you originally felt.

A Bugatti of space? Honestly, neither interstellar nor earthly transportation has mattered much to you as long as it worked and got you from point A to point B – you didn’t even own a car because that’s just silly when living in the city – but you’re pleased with the analogy.

“You got a deal if you throw in the cask of mead too,” the alien creaks.

"You drive a hard bargain," your travel partner retorts dryly.

Back and forth they go, inspecting ships and trying to outdo the other in tall tales about the vessels' past travels while you're bored out of your mind, eventually plopping onto the soft seat in a cabin of what they call “the Reach”. From there, you can see past the broken metal that could have made out the temporal bone (when the place wasn’t a wannabe planet) and to the stars beyond. How far are we from Earth?

This is only the second place you've been to since life changed drastically. In a way, it makes you feel special. Privileged. Deep within you a primal urge to keep moving is stirring, it's vibrating through every cell of the body until they ache with a need you can't satisfy on your own. Glancing briefly at Loki, you prefer to think it's also that longing, roaring silently and sending the butterflies in your belly swarming over a fire pit below.

"The rules are clear?" the little alien, Ek'ir, asks.

The Asgardian nods. "Doubles top with sixes as the best. Everything else reads as they show."

Propping yourself up on an elbow, you see them on either side of the table with a dice cup in between (where ever they've gotten that from). A wooden cask balances at the far end – a trophy on display. Memories from the parties you've gone to come back followed by vague rules from drinking games which always became less important as the nights carried on.

Ek'ir begins, slamming the cup down after having thoroughly rattled the dice around. A short peek. A frown.

"42."

Loki's face doesn't betray whatever he might be thinking. Slender fingers simply grab the cup and scoops up the roll to mimic the shop owner's motions. "Snake eyes."

The small hand with suction cups hovers in the air as the owner thinks carefully. With a flick of the finger the claim is proven true, resulting in a woody groan from this round's loser who of course is intend on revenge – a drawn out duel marked by small increments in the rolls before the Asgardian finds himself bested when trying to bluff. He takes it neatly, even sends you a wink.

"32," Ek'ir opens the third and final session.

"54."

The dice rattle a bit longer than strictly necessary. "65."

"Snake eyes," the god offers politely on return, causing the adversary to freeze.

Even you hold a breath. You have no clue why it's so important to get a different spaceship (and particularly this one except that it's aesthetically pleasing), however some sneaky plan must be depending on it or Loki wouldn't have gone through the trouble of bartering with the little alien.

"Naaaah..." They don't sound convinced. "A second one that soon? You think I'm gullible?" Still, the cup remains untouched, looming on the table.

"If you think me a liar, simply call my bluff." There's an air of nonchalance to the taller of the players. "Otherwise...best it."

"Probably counting on it, aren't you?"

There's no reply other than a shrug and a non-committal arching of the brows. He's bluffing. Admittedly, you're not sure. Yay for not playing him. Surely, Asgardian mead can't be that amazing?

"Ha!" Wrinkly hands snatch the cup away, a bright gleam in the alien eyes and a smile to match. Only...the glee dissipates as the roll is revealed: two ones.

[originofjaehyun]

Interlude: No More Drama | Part 10 | White Night

Interlude: No More Drama Masterlist

Word count: 4,689

Warnings: Angst

Part 10 | White Night

“Dream of you all night long.”

Prev • Next

You say that I'm selfish,

Get it all off your chest

If we're being honest,

Without you I'm a mess, oh

Cause when I'm at my lowest, oh I run too

Don't matter the problem it's always you

Give me no reason to question you

Give me no reason to question you

“Who’s that?”

He broke the song on the stereo, no longer able to contain his curiosity. 

“Someone, Yuta.” You brushed him off, not in the mood for feeding his interest.

“I bet he’s not just someone.” He said, sarcastically.

You rolled your eyes, “When is your birthday?”

“Hm?” He only took a quick glance at you, since he was focusing on the steering wheel. “October 26th. What about it?”

“Ah, a scorpio.”

“Is there anything wrong with me being a scorpio?”

“No, but you’re fearlessly curious. Sounds very scorpio to me.”

Yuta lets out a chuckle, “OK, you seem to know a lot about scorpios. Your boyfriend is a scorpio?”

“Aquarius.”

“So he is your boyfriend?”

You couldn’t believe how you just automatically answered him.

“He’s not. I mean, he was, but not anymore.”

He reached the traffic light, finally looking at your direction, “I’m sorry. Didn’t mean to touch the sensitive subject.”

“Well you keep asking about him, no wonder I let it slip, jerk.”

He laughs again, so free and pure. His smile is brilliant, completely washed away the cold demeanor that he has. 

“You’re funny, [Y/N].”

His compliment makes you scoffed dryly.

“Want to go out with me?”

Whether his words are true or not, it definitely succeeded in shocking you.

“Excuse me?” You asked him to repeat his question, making sure you didn’t hear him wrongly.

“Go out with me, [Y/N].” He said as he changed the gear, being so casual about it.

“Other than the fact I know that you’re Doyoung’s partner –not sure whether you guys are considered friends or not, and the fact that you are a Japanese, we literally only met once over a brunch and this is our first time going out together.”

“We can find out about each other later. If you want me to re-introduce myself, hi, I’m Nakamoto Yuta. You just found out that I’m a scorpio and you better remember my birthday. Osaka’s pride. Takoyaki’s my favorite food, what else…”

You laugh at how absurd he lets the conversation flow, “You don’t need to shove that much information at once, you know.”

Yuta beaming at the sound of your laughter, “Laughing suits you better. So, can I take it as you agree on slowly knowing each other better?”

At the rebound of the topic, you entwined your fingers together, “Why are you so eager about this? I bet you don’t even like me.”

“Says who? You’re pretty attractive to me.”

Your cheeks rose red at his directness. Fortunately Yuta’s eyes were fixed on the road, else he would tease you about it.

“Yuta, I’m flattered you think of me that highly, but I just broke up with him like a week ago. I don’t think I’m ready for another relationship.”

You were hoping you didn’t make the atmosphere awkward. It didn’t, as Yuta’s smile is still apparent on his face.

“We don’t have to officially date, you know? I’d like to get to know you personally, you seem like a great girl. You have a charming personality.”

You stayed quiet. It’s not like you don’t like Yuta. As the reality of the matter, you share the same feelings towards him. His directness is like a fresh air, filling your lungs and clearing your mind. However it’s quick to judge whether you’re ready to jump to another relationship.

“Just be with me,” He continues, holding your hand now, and thankfully Doyoung’s car is a matic car, if not you’d be screaming at the way he recklessly drives, sort of. “We’ll figure out the details later.”

Before you know it, you’ve reached Doyoung’s apartment parking lot. He parked the car, yet Yuta leaves the engine going because he’s still waiting for your answer.

“Yuta, really, I’m delighted that you see me… that way. But I don’t think I’m ready.”

The answer is already set way before Yuta gave you any time to think. In all honesty, after his sudden confession, all you can think about is the face of your previous lover. You could imagine Jaehyun’s face if he figured this out. How his heart would shatter when he knows you moved on so quickly from him. How awful it would be for him after he declared his profound love towards you.

Yuta sighs in disappointment, conscious of the catastrophe which you have brought upon him. He thought he would have a glimmer of chance. After all, he might not be Jeong Jaehyun, but Yuta is not losing in terms of look. His features are so easy on the eyes, more so when his radiant smile decorates his expressions.

“But,” You resume, seeing him frowning. “Let’s be friends. I know this is me stereotyping you and please don’t be offended, but I'm a fan of Ghibli and maybe we can start there?”

In a blink of an eye, you can hear the sound of his laughter, “No offense taken.”

–

The cloudy sky greets you once you open your eyes.

Yesterday was probably the busiest you've ever been. After three months since the unfortunate event, your project with NCT Corp. almost comes to an end. All it has left is the launching event that will only happen on the following week. You returned home very late last night and only up when the clock almost hit noon.

Even though you’ve been going back and forth to their office, you consistently avoiding Jaehyun with all your might. He sends you texts, only for you to leave them on read. His display picture would appear first whenever you upload something on your socials, and you tried your best not to do the same.

You’ve lost in touch with Jaehyun.

The situation is in contrast with Yuta. You’ve been talking to Yuta a lot, to discover that he does read manga, but wasn’t a fan like you. He turned out to be as sweet as what you expected, because he would actually watch anime with you. What makes it even more charming of him is that he even bothers to tell you the Japanese trivias along the way.

It’s funny. Yuta has been very gentle to you, yet you still need time to recover from your old flame.

Despite his strong appearance, you thought he would lose his patience but he doesn’t. Yuta never forced you to like him back, or asked you the ‘hey-are-you-ready-to-date’ question again. And you’re grateful for that.

Maybe time is all you need to heal. Maybe you’re like one of the arrow in a clock, and you’re slowly ticking your way to meet Yuta’s.

It was not your usual Saturday afternoon. By now, Yuta would relaxedly lounging at your couch, crossing his arm over your shoulder while you lean your head to his shoulder. He would probably browse any available movie to watch, before it bugs you and you would end up deciding the final verdict.

Other Saturdays Doyoung would come and pay his visit. He checks on you regularly after what happened. He may seem indifferent, but that is just Doyoung’s way to show his affection. After you moved back to your place, he would come to pick you up, just to make sure you’re in one piece.

On this irregular Saturday, both of them are in Osaka. They were a business partner before they became friends (partially because Yuta’s glued to you, inevitably making their interaction go beyond partnership). Today is the day where they have to make a business trip to Japan, leaving you all alone this weekend.

You stared blankly at the window, still nuzzling yourself to the cozy duvet. It’s been awhile since you’re completely by yourself, and it’s probably the therapy you need.

It would probably be best if you don’t waste anymore time, so you force your step to the bathroom for a quick shower. Prep yourself afterwards before marching outside.

As odd as it might seem, you actually savor the cloudy weather. You take it as a constant reminder that life is not all sunshine and everything nice. You love the trickling sound of the raindrops. And the best part is when the rain finally over, you get to see rays of sunshine peeks through, as if the weather tells you that even at the darkest hours, there would always be light. That there would always be hope.

Whenever it almost rains, you would often make your way to the small coffee shop near your place. You reach the front door, where the word Interlude is written on the store’s sign. Though small, they feel like home. The store is unlike other popular cafes, in fact their customers are probably only the loyal ones. However it only means that you could spend your time looking at the window while admiring the rain passes without having people talking in the background.

It’s been awhile since you last visited. You don’t even share this place to your best friends. It’s a silly rule you apply to yourself, keeping this place as your personal oasis. It’s thrilling, and you feel secured to have a safe place where you can run to which nobody knows its whereabouts. 

So it’s shocking to see Jaehyun sitting down at your usual spot, turning his head to your direction after hearing the bells at the door rang at your presence. Making eye contact with you.

“[Y/N]...”

Desperation filled his voice. His cheekbones look more apparent now, and you’re guessing due to him neglecting his diet. But you’re glad at least his eyes weren’t as hollow as the last time you’ve met him.

“Jaehyun… What are you doing here?”

“I’ve been coming here every week.” He said while scratching his head.

You furrow your brows, “Every week?”

“I… remember when you said you have this one coffee shop that you always visit whenever it's about to rain.”

You tilted your head, thoughts wandering through your memory.

“It was when I stayed over at your place. It was raining cats and dogs, so we cancelled our plan to try the new bubble tea place. We spent our days at your bed, with your laptop and you were playing The Notebook.”

And that was a long time ago.

“You told me that the view from the furthest window at this place is the prettiest when it rains. You said the rain would gently hit the rocks, making the most soothing sound. I could remember your eyes were practically shining when you told me that it is very satisfying to see the shadows that the sun made, saying that it looks like a painting.”

How you wished your feelings are numb, because all you can feel right now is the heartache that creeps and consumes your heart whole.

“I asked you to bring me here, but you told me since it was already raining, I wouldn’t get to enjoy the whole experience. You promised that you would bring me here next time.”

He grazed his gaze to you, “I guess… You kinda did now?”

You bit your lower lip, feeling extremely guilty, “So you’re telling me... you’ve been coming here every single week?”

He nods at your repeated question.

“But… it’s been a while since I last visited…”

“I know. This is my new Saturday ritual, I guess. Whether it’s sunny or rainy outside, I would still come, in hope that you’d appear from that door.”

He lets out a soft sigh, “To be honest, I’m not fond of this weather. It gets dark silently as it seems about to rain. Still, you like this deafening weather. After coming here for weeks, I encounter days where it actually rains. That is when I grew to like rainy days. It looks beautiful from here, like what you said.”

You could only taste the bitter sorrow at the tip of your tongue. The sadness travelled through the stifling air. Memories start to flood in your head. The days you’ve spent with him. His gentle touch. His smile that is always followed by his pair of dimples. But it was probably his voice that you miss the most. The richness of his low rumble that always wraps you warmly. The gentle voice that feels like a melody to you.

The thoughts make you want to return to his arms. How you wish you could brush the disheveled bangs that covers his eyes, so you can have a clearer view of it. How you long to caress his face, intoxicated from his signature musky scent that is mixed with nicotine that is now that he’s only a few inches apart from you.

Yuta.

The thought of the Japanese man refrains you from doing so.

“How are you?” He asks, breaking the silence.

“I-I” You stutter, don’t know how to react, head hung low. “I’m doing fine, I guess.”

You return your gaze to him, “What about you, Jaehyun?”

He lets out a smile that is dyed with woe, “I’m coping, [Y/N].”

Jaehyun can’t seem to divert his gaze other than to your eyes.

“God, how I longed for you to call my name again,” He said, squeezing his own palm that he tugs inside his jacket’s pocket.

“So,” He sidetracked, as if he didn't want to make the situation even more awkward than what it already was. “I heard you are almost done with the project. Johnny said we wouldn’t be able to pull through if it wasn’t for your directions.”

You beamed at the sudden praise, “He’s just being polite, Jae. Johnny is more than capable of doing it himself, to be honest. He’s a man with many talents.”

“I agree,” Jaehyun muffled, “Still, do give yourself credit. I know how you always work hard and how dedicated you are.”

The quietness speaks louder than both of you.

“Can I hug you?”

He spread his arms, not widely but enough for you to be in his embrace.

Of course, you were not expecting it.

If only I have the rights to permit you, Jaehyun.

“You know we can’t Jaehyun.”

“Is it that guy?”

You give him a look that asks him to further elaborate his statement.

“The one that picks you up that day?”

“Are you talking about Yuta?”

He flinched at the mention of another man’s name. The gleam in his eyes starts to fade.

“That was him?”

“Yeah, if you could recall, he is Doyoung’s partner from Osaka.”

“You’re seeing him now?”

Hurry can be heard from his tone, as he demands for an answer.

“We’ve been talking a lot.”

“Has he been treating you well?” Jaehyun felt your answer was ambiguous, not confirming anything.

You took a pause before you replied, mustering all of your strength to do so. Hoping that he could swallow your answer, “He’s wonderful, Jaehyun.”

Jaehyun looks down, fussing on his shoes.

He never felt this dejected.

“Strange, isn’t it?” Jaehyun looks at you, “To wake up and your eyes just naturally search for someone that’s not there.”

“Jaehyun…” You pleaded for him not to continue, as you have the hunch that his next sentences will tear you apart.

“I wake up, only to do the necessities for the sake of survival. Better eating, nice sleeping, don’t know what it is.” He shrugs his shoulders, “Instead, I wish I could live on my dreams.”

“My dream is still you. You left traces of you, entangled me. But all I want is to stay.”

A part of you wished you didn’t reject his invitation to hug him. It destroys you when Jaehyun was being so vocal about his heartbreak, and all you did was to run away from him.

“Forget it,” Knowing you’re struggling to get a word out, he did the call. “I guess I’ll go now.”

“You’re leaving?”

“Yeah, it’s about to rain and I finally get to meet you. I don’t want to interrupt your quality time with the rain.” He peeks at the window, confirming that it’s about to drizzle anytime soon. “Don’t look at me like that [Y/N]. It makes it even harder for me to leave.”

“Jaehyun, I-”

“No, I understand [Y/N].” He stopped you from continuing your sentence. “I’ll leave now. I’ll see you at the launching event.”

You saw him disappear through the front door.

He left, yet he still lingers.

–

“You sure it’s OK?” Yuta asked in the front corridor, fixing his suit in front of the mirror.

“What do you mean?” You shouted from your room, making final touches with your lipgloss.

“Well, this is a company event and not just some random party. And he would be there too, ri…”

Your sudden appearance hushed him. Your dress for the night was a maroon halter maxi dress. It was a simple silk dress, but the backless design and the fitted waist feature definitely add more flare to it.

“You look beautiful.” Yuta fixed his gaze on you, not looking away even for a second. “They say the dress made the woman. I say the woman makes the dress.”

His admiration flushed your cheeks, now noticeably pink. “And you look dashing, Yuta.”

He finally looks away, reacting awkwardly over your compliment.

“To answer your question,” You tug the wild strand of hair that decided to rebel itself from the rest of Yuta’s hair. “Yes, even I would love for your company. Johnny already confirmed to me that it’s OK for me to bring a plus one.”

He leans forward, kissing your lips softly, “Who would’ve thought that I would eventually be your plus one.”

You smacked him playfully, “Now, I never know you’d like my lipgloss that much you’d steal it. Should I tell you which brand it is?” 

–

“Ms. [Y/L/N]! Glad you made it in time!” Donghyuck greets you, joyful that he finally has a company.

“Donghyuck! You’re here.”

You held Yuta’s hand while walking towards Donghyuck, who’s busy talking to the waiter nearby. He noticed that your eyes travelled somewhere else, so he is guessing that you might be looking for another person’s stature.

“Mr. Jeong has not arrived yet.”

Your eyes bulged from the false allegation, especially when you’re holding another man’s hand. “I was about to ask about Johnny, though.”

“Ah, sorry!” Donghyuck immediately regrets his choice of words, late at realizing that your hands are firmly intertwined with Yuta’s.

“Mr. Seo said he’s going to be a tad late. He mentioned he would probably come with Mr. Jeong, I guess that is why I mixed them up.” Donghyuck made a poor effort of an excuse, “They got something else to take care of, it seems.”

Soon after, all heads turn towards the entryway. While everybody was mesmerized, you’re the only one who turned pale.

“What’s wrong?” Yuta lowered his face, meeting yours who is busy looking at the ground. He took a gracious glance at the center of the attention, quick to make his deduction. “That’s him, right?”

You gave him a small nod, refusing to tilt up your head.

Fear consumes you.

“Mr. Jeong! Sir!” Says the few people who crowded next to him. “I heard our young Jeong Jaehyun was involved in this project. As expected from your son!”

“Ah yes, this is nothing. This should be the standard coming from my son.” He replies, uninterested to keep them entertained while Mark on his side tries not to show his sour emotion.

“It would be an honor if I could speak a few words to him, sir. Is he not coming with you?”

Before Jeong senior could answer their pathetic efforts to gain his favor, two men entered the hall, almost too dramatic. It was easy to find the reason why people’s attention averted so quickly, they are practically a show stopper.

Today’s event was free from any dress codes, nonetheless both of them are instantly stealing people favoritisms by wearing white suits. Johnny opted for a more toned-down version. Only when you carefully zoomed in the details, you will realize that the lapel was finely embroidered in tiny black sequins. Jaehyun, on the other hand, looks stunning in his choice of suit that is printed with big black and white floral patterns. It’s nearly impossible not to look at them.

“Father,” Jaehyun greets out of courtesy. “I’d like you to stand by near the stage.”

His father gave him a confused look.

“Also,” He continues, “Please bring Ms. Hyun along. I’d like to make a few announcements.”

Even the distance you can tell that whatever Jaehyun is telling his father brings so much delight to him. You never see that cold man look so happy before.

You were in daze before Yuta pulls back your attention, squeezing your hand tighter.

“It’s going to be fine.”

You nod and smile, feeling a bit more relaxed after his words of assurance.

Then you feel like someone is looking, so you look back. 

You regret doing so.

If looking back means you have to see Jaehyun’s broken-hearted face, you would keep your eyes fixed on Yuta's instead. As if his soul was crushed, he never knew seeing you in another man’s arm would hurt so much.

He thought that it should be him, holding your delicate hand. He should be the one who makes you laugh.

Yet he’s only able to stand from afar. 

Yet the only touch that he could give you is the same air that you breathe. 

His tears are dry, but he’s drowning in remorse.

Unable to bear the pain any longer, he walks away. Your eyes are still motioned at his direction, saw how he whispers to Johnny before separating their way. You pretend you didn’t anticipate Johnny’s arrival, when in fact you saw he’s coming to where the three of you are.

“[Y/N]! You’re here.” Johnny warmly hugs you, followed by a friendly peck on your cheek.

“Johnny, look at you, how marvelous!”

“Ditto, [Y/N]. You should’ve checked the mirror!” He returned the compliment, before looking at the man who stands right beside you. “And this is…”

“Oh, how rude of me.” You let go of Yuta’s hand. “Johnny, Donghyuck, this is Yuta.”

“Ah! Nakamoto Yuta, right? [Y/N] briefly told me about you.” Johnny reconfirms, and Yuta replies with a polite smile. “Hi, I’m Johnny Seo.”

“Nice to meet you, Seo. Nakamoto Yuta.” Yuta firmly shakes Johnny’s arm. “[Y/N] on the other hand told me plenty of you. She told me you’re a powerhouse, so I’ve been wanting to meet you.”

Johnny shifts his gaze to you, “Powerhouse? [Y/N], what have you been telling your boyfriend?”

“Nothing, Johnny.” You chuckled. 

Suddenly Yuta’s phone rang, regretfully breaking the friendly atmosphere. He quickly excused himself before ruining the mood further.

“And,” You quickly continue, making Johnny tilt his head closer to yours. “He’s not my boyfriend, Johnny.”

His eyes grow bigger, showing that your statement took him by a surprise, “I’m not Jaehyun, you know? You don’t have to be polite, I saw how you guys cross your fingers together.”

“From the beginning, in fact.” Donghyuck adds.

“Hyuck!” You protested. “I mean, we’ve been seeing each other. But technically we’re not dating yet.”

“Should I emphasize the word yet?” Johnny said, receiving your slap in return. “I mean, if you never clarify, I wouldn’t be able to tell. You are gleaming next to him. Jaehyun saw it too, and…”

“Attention, ladies and gentleman.”

The MC of the night cuts Johnny abruptly, marking that the event is about to start. All of you quickly find your seat, including Yuta who just returned following her cue. After she gathered everyone’s attention, she proceeds on her MC-ing. 

“My name is Mina and I will be your host for the night. First of all, we’d like to thank all of you for coming to our launching event. It’s a great honor to be able to stand in front of our esteemed guests.”

Claps followed her after she reached the full stop. “Of course, tonight’s celebration can’t begin without a grand start. Without further ado, I’d like to welcome our very own COO, Mr. Jeong Jaehyun.”

She left the mic stand, and was quickly replaced by Jaehyun’s figure. Your table is located on the left side of the stage, securing the prime view of the stage. Enabling you to see Jaehyun oh so very clearly, with all of his glory.

“Good evening, everyone.” His low voice echoes, “I’d like to welcome each and every one of you tonight, and thank you for sparing your time to join us.”

He backs off, clearing his throat, “Tonight is the night where we celebrate the launch of our latest and our proudest project yet, Neo Zone. After months of R&Ds, working in between departments, countless sleepless nights from the staff, including myself,” The audience gave him soft giggles in response, “I’m very proud to say that tonight is the origin of a new era for NCT Corporation.”

“Before we take a deeper dive, I’d like to invite important people to the stage because I have an important announcement to make.”

It’s almost peculiar how you saw the MC’s reaction. She wasn't aware of Jaehyun’s sudden declaration judging by the way she looked. As if she didn’t receive the brief beforehand.

“Father, Ms. Hyun Kyungmi, would you take the honor to come to the stage?”

Your heart sank. The addition of Kyungmi, grinning as she couldn’t contain her happiness, makes things worse for you. The sight of his father, escorting her while she can’t stop being so giddy causes you to feel like your stomach to turn inside out.

They’re going to announce their engagement.

Yuta, who even supposedly clueless about the situation, even grasps the whole meaning of Jaehyun’s action. He saw the tense your facial muscles are. He was about to hold your hand so you can relieve the stress, but Johnny outdid him.

“It’s gonna be OK, [Y/N].”

You looked at his rich hickory eyes. While you, and even Yuta are baffled at the sudden detour of the event’s agenda, Johnny shows an opposite reaction. He is very calm and collected despite all the fuss. Confident, even.

Kyungmi didn’t show any signs of hesitation once she reached the stage, trying to act like a smitten fiance and rushed to hug Jaehyun. Jaehyun managed to dodge the worthless affection as he quickly reached out for the mic again.

“As most of you should know, the man standing beside me is the founder of NCT Corporation. Today he is not standing alone as he is accompanied by Ms. Hyun Kyungmi, the daughter of the founder of Hyun Ventures.” Jaehyun quickly introduced them. While his father is keeping his stance, standing tall and pride, Kyungmi is already acting like she’s on a pageant, showing her overly white veneers.

“Without a doubt, I wouldn’t be standing here confidently if it wasn’t for their attendance at tonight's event.”

Jaehyun's speech gains two different reactions. One, Kyungmi that is all over the moon and his father is now busting his chest out, ready to share the happy news. You, on the contrary, wished you were not a VIP for this event, ready to flee. What are they doing, celebrating your sorrow?

Jaehyun cleared his throat, ready to continue his speech in a single breath. Smirk appears on his face, almost too smugly.

“Hereby I’d like to use this opportunity to declare my father denouncement, as he is proven to be guilty in the act of illegal transactions; including drugs, gamblings, prostitutions, and sexual assault. Officers, please guard both Mr. Jeong Sr. and Ms. Hyun.”

The room’s atmosphere took a grand fall. You move your palm against your mouth, at a loss for words as suddenly four people in uniforms enter the stage, married with the audible gasps that echoes in the hall.

A/N: I’m not sure about you guys, but I felt so many emotions writing this chapter. I wish I could have this version of Jaehyun in my life minus the mafia background please. Also! Grab your popcorn people, I think the next chapter should be quite exciting to read :) 

Fun fact: White Night is probably my favorite track on this album, so that is why I was so attached to this chapter?

[kingofstag]

butch4butch story  Chapter 9: Party Shoppin’ In The House Tonight

Hey friends! This is a short chapter but only because I’m eager to get to the good stuff. Thank you for your continued reading. A reminder that Rye is nonbinary and goes by they/them pronouns. Books is a butch lesbian that goes by he/him pronouns. Also, if you read this series and have the time I'd love to hear what you think about it. Please enjoy. 

Chapter 9: Party Shoppin’ In The House Tonight

The day preceding Friday was uneventful. I went to school and work. I even returned to the library, heart swelling in my throat as I rounded the corner on the third floor. It was empty, like it always was. Except for once. I nearly thought of nothing else. Critiques tended to take longer than our regularly scheduled class-time and Rye was waiting for me outside when we were dismissed. They flashed their lights upon my departure from the building. I made the short walk to their car, tugging at the handle. I entered, tossing my bag to the floor between my feet. They smiled in glee, announcing musically. “Shop-ping.” They shimmied their shoulders in delight, hands on the wheel. 

“You’re so eager to poison the public with your atrocious idea of a snack.” I smirked as they traded their smile for a pout, nose wrinkling in displeasure at my statement. “Cauliflower is good. You just only have eyes for meat.” The emphasis was made clear. I pressed my lips into a line, blushing in my defeat. “Drive, Rye.” I submitted, staring through the windshield, their monstrous smile just on the edge of my peripheral. They toed the gas, laughing. “Yessir.”

We turned out of the lot, briefly delayed by the line of traffic spilling from the only exit. Rye flipped the radio, leaving it at a murmur. We were granted departure, finally speeding down the street, the school a streak in our rearview. The sky was just on the edge of darkening, clouds smudged across the inky blue in lengthy tendrils. We accelerated onto the interstate, blending seamlessly between the blurring cars. An approaching vehicle roared to the right of me. I whipped my head towards the sound, disappointed at the sight. It was white, a monstrous thing boosted up on large wheels. It zoomed by; I missed its rumbling all the same. We took the next exit, departing from the interstate. Rye eyed me briefly, gaze flitting between my face and the road. 

“B.” They started, soft over the volume of the radio. They didn’t look to me but I knew I had their attention. I stilled, they continued. “What are you thinking?” They questioned in earnest, but it was smooth around the edges; nonthreatening. I swallowed, the dull bite of my thumbnail curled into my palm. I pictured his face, easily called it into memory. What if he came to the party out of politeness and nothing more? What if I'd conjured the special warmth of his smile in my mind; a fantasy? What if Friday was the last I’d see of him? What if the impression of him left my chasing the thunder of passing cars? What if I had to forget him?

“What indeed.” The words dropped into my lap and I held them aching in my palms. Rye’s eyes remained on the road. I was grateful for the privacy of not being seen. We turned into the lot, weaving around wayward carts. We scored a spot near the door, the engine silencing. I hopped out, circling the car to pull their door open. They smiled kindly, stepping out and arresting my arm. I closed the door with my unoccupied hand. The weight of their arm deterred my sour musings. I smiled too, renewed. We walked gleefully towards the entrance. I only parted from their side to enlist a cart, wheeling it back to where they stood waiting. They met my stride and we entered together. I saw the cauliflower, packaged innocently amongst the assortment of vegetables. Rye made a noise like victory; I gagged in defeat.