#they should've been hit like seven times

[biblicallyaccuratetrain]

oh wow there's a surprise new cast member this season!! my old enemy plot armour!!

[slut-for-evans-stan]

Mission Accomplished

Pairing: Soldier Boy x f!reader

Word count: 3.4k+

Summary: Ben and you can't stay in the same room without wanting to rip each other's hearts out. The Boys, tired of dealing with you, decide to take matters into their own hands by tricking you two into completing your most crucial mission yet— resolving your problems. One thing leads to another and you discover that there was an easier, much more enjoyable method to resolve everything between you all along. (I'm sorry I suck at summaries.)

Warnings: SMUT!!!! (18+), Enemies to Lovers, Soldier Boy being Soldier Boy, Dirty talk, oral (m+f rec), fingering, unprotected sex (wrap it before you tap it fellas), hate fucking!? (kind of), rough sex, swearing, choking, squirting, creampie.

a/n: this is my very first time writing smut. Not proofread, please pardon me for errors if any! I tried my best :')

I'd really appreciate if you could like, comment and/or reblog, it'll make me really happy <3

Being a Supe with extraordinary powers didn't mean you were ready to exploit people for clout, with how things were at Vought. So when Starlight and Hughie learnt that you declined Ashley's offer to have you join the Seven, they convinced you to join hands with The Boys to ensure that the arrogant liars claiming to be "Saviours of the World" got what they deserved. Despite feeling a bit unwelcome at first due to Butcher's distant behaviour, you quickly settled in and felt accepted, and connected to everyone in the team, everyone except the newest member to join forces with you all to help in taking down Homelander and others; Soldier Boy.

In the dimly lit room, stood Soldier Boy in his silk robe, a cigarette in one hand, one leg on the bed, the other supporting his weight on the floor; his back facing the door. Upon hearing a soft knock, he turned around with a smug grin on his face. He began,

"Well, hello there gorgeous! You've sure kept me waiting long enough for someone who made eager promises to choke on my dick."

Unamused, and somewhat disgusted by his comment, you shot him a stern look,

"I'm not here for your entertainment, I need to run a few tests on you. So it'll be nice if you'll please spare a few minutes before you run off to get your dick wet. We need to be sure that you're not going to explode and kill us all."

Soldier Boy's smirk echoed through his room as he eyed you with an amazed expression. Undeterred, he sauntered over to you, leaning in and mistaking your seriousness for a mere challenge.

"Sure. Whatever it is, let's get it over with. Maybe after this, you and I could-"

You cut him off with an icy glare

"Save the charm for someone who cares. I don't have time for this bullshit, we've a mission coming up."

From your very first meeting that started with a misunderstanding, it would've been an understatement to say that Soldier Boy annoyed every living cell in your body. You were both constantly arguing and bickering about something or the other, always at each other's throats.

Soldier Boy's deep, intimidating voice echoed through the room, your comment having hit a nerve.

"You know what, you're insufferable."

"At least I'm not stuck up." he shot back.

What should've been a meeting to discuss the upcoming mission, turned into yet another baseless argument between the two of you. Making your teammates uncomfortable with every passing moment. Hughie, Frankie, Kimiko and others exchanged uneasy glances as the tension thickened. You continued,

"I can't believe I've to be stuck with an unbearable asshole as you. Butcher I think I'm gonna skip this mission. Don't want us to end up in another mess like the last time."

At this point, it seemed like you were both minutes away from strangling each other. Soldier boy chuckled,

"Why, you're so intimidated by a real hero you want to hide away like a pussy?"

Eyebrows raised, you retorted, "Real hero!? More like a reckless liability. I've seen toddlers with better impulse control."

Sensing a storm brewing, Hughie spoke with a shaky voice, attempting to intervene and diffuse the situation. "Can we focus, guys? We have a mission-"

Your gaze never wavered from the supe. "I'll focus when he stops acting like he's better than everyone else. He is not the only one with superpowers here, he might be strong but he doesn't scare or intimidate me in the slightest."

Rolling his eyes, Soldier Boy muttered, "I wouldn't need to if you could follow a plan for once in your life."

Butcher commented shutting you all up "Oi. Enough! No one is backing out. You two should go fuck it out or something, whatever issues you stupid cunts have with each other. Don't need any fuck ups in the mission."

The tension spilled into the supposed battlefield, your bickering a dangerous undertone to the chaos around you. Clashing on missions, your mutual disdain fielding your actions, each vying to outdo the other. Yet beneath the surface, a spark lingered, an undeniable attraction that you both, despised and desired, but neither of you wanted to acknowledge.

On a particularly precarious mission, your incessant bickering almost jeopardized the entire operation.

Amidst the mayhem, you found yourself pinned down by one of the opponents, wounded and unable to use your powers, and Soldier boy reluctantly came to your rescue.

You grunted, "I didn't need your help."

He shot back, "Don't get used to it. I'm saving the mission, not your sorry ass."

Watching the scene unfold from a distance, your teammates exchanged knowing looks. After the mission, they decided they'd have enough, and decided to take matters into their own hands, realising that the unresolved tension between you two threatened not just personal dynamics but the success of missions itself.

On Butcher's suggestion, the team tricked the two of you into thinking there was another mission but instead locking you up in a safe house together,

"Sort this out, or we'll all end up as collateral damage."

warned Hughie before haphazardly shutting the door and leaving, forcing you to confront your issues, facing a choice: either talk and resolve the conflict or risk tearing each other apart. Silence filled the room. However, it was short lived.

Taking a deep breath, you plopped on the sofa across from where he sat and spoke as calmly as you could.

"Great, those little shits tricked us."

Soldier Boy scowled, "This is ridiculous. I don't need couple's therapy, I need a way out of here. I'm gonna beat the shit out of these fucknuts."

This made you roll your eyes and cross your arms. "Maybe if you weren't so intolerable, we wouldn't be stuck in this situation in the first place."

As another argument filled the space, the air in the small living room of the safe house shifted. Soldier Boy's tone somewhat softened, revealing a vulnerability he rarely showed.

"You think I enjoy being like this? Constantly on edge, wondering if I'll turn into a goddamn weapon."

You sighed, your defenses momentarily crumbling.

"I didn't sign up for this either, you know. Being a supe's babysitter wasn't in my job description."

As you bickered, underlying desire simmered beneath the surface. Soldier Boy's gaze lingered a moment too long, making a very visible flush rise in your cheeks.

A smug grin playing on his lips, as he said,

"You can't resist me, can you? Admit it, there's something between us, more serious than all this bickering. You know, I think you want me-"

You cut him off, but your voice wavered. "Keep dreaming, I still can't stand you." This remark gave rise to another banter.

"Don't get over yourself. I was only pulling your leg. You're insufferable."

Accusations started flying like daggers, each word cutting deeper than the last. You walked into the kitchen, grabbing a beer from the fridge, making your way back into the living room, catching him intently staring at you. Frustration morphed into a heated exchange of longing glances.

Tension crackled in the air, and just when it seemed the room might implode, his expression shifted.

He got up from the sofa, walking over to you, cornering you till your back hit the wall. He leaned in, his eyes darkening with a growing desire, his voice dropping to a low, almost conspiratorial tone.

"You know what? Maybe you're right. I can't stand you, because everytime I look at you, this is all I want to do."

You arched an eyebrow, caught off guard. "Wait, what?" But before you could process what was happening, his lips crashed against yours in a passionate kiss, making the beer bottle fall from your hands, effectively silencing any protests. You caught hold of the shirt he was wearing, kissing him back with equal fervour, savoring the moment as if it was a dream that would end all too soon. All your pent up anger and frustration showed up as the two of you desperately tore at each other clothes, never once breaking the kiss. A battle of tongues. He only pulled back for a second, with a sly grin on his face, his eyes dark, pupils dilated with glimmers of lust.

"There, no need to argue when we can do this instead. We should've figured this out sooner." Rubbing you over your panties with two of his fingers, he groaned.

"You're such a slut. So wet already and I haven't even touched you. You want to get railed till you can't walk, don't you?"

Before you had a chance to say anything, he reclaimed your lips in a hunger fuelled kiss. The room once filled with tension, now crackled with a different kind of energy. Pieces of both your clothings flew across the room. Soldier boy lifted you up and carried you to the small table in the kitchen and set you down hurriedly. The two of you continued to kiss while he rid you both of the remaining pieces of clothing. He kissed you like a mad man, biting and marking every inch of your skin he could in his desperate need to be close to you. Starting from your neck, moving to your tits, taking one nipple in his mouth, sucking and biting it while palming and squeezing the other roughly, then switching and doing the same to the other one. He moved back up to place another rough kiss to your lips, both of you moaning and biting each other's tongues and lips, intoxicated with the feeling of being so close. With an animalistic growl he parted, giving you a look so intense, it could scare the bravest of people.

"When you feel the need to scream, moan my name. Scream it as loud as you can."

With that he roughly nudged your legs apart as wide as they could go and dived right in, eating you out like man starved, licking and sucking your most sensitive parts like it was his last meal. You pulled his hair, legs shaking and trembling with pleasure. His gruff beard giving you a delicious burn, that would heal in no time. He started flicking your clit with his tongue and entered two of his fingers inside you, moving them in and out rapidly. When he added two more fingers, you lost it. Screaming his name and cumming all over his face, your legs wrapped around his head, making it impossible for him to move away.

"Fuck. Ben. I can't-"

you tried pulling away but he didn't stop even then, holding you down with his arms, making you cum two more times before finally deciding to let go. You were dazed in pleasure, but still wanted more. Jumping down the table, and on your knees, you made eye contact with him as you slowly took his long, thick and veiny cock in your hand, stroking him and giving a few kitten licks from the base to the tip and sucking off the beads of precum, moaning at the salty taste, making him groan. You then looked up at him, taking him as far as you could before pulling back again and asking him to fuck your face. He hesitated for a second but his resolve crumbled as soon as you opened your mouth, showing him you were waiting for him. He grabbed your head with both his hands and pushed himself into your mouth, roughly thrusting in and out again and again, moaning your name, cussing like a maniac. You could tell he was close, and then he held your head as close as possible, making you gag a little, his eyes closing, his head thrown back, as ropes of his cum shot down your throat.

In ragged breaths, he said "Be a good little slut and swallow it all."

As you did, you opened your mouth with your tongue out, showing no remnants of his release. He chuckled, pulling you up by your arms, surprising you with a softness in his gaze as he asked

"You sure you want to go further? If you don't, we'll stop right here and pretend this never happened-" you cut him off with an aggressive kiss "Fuck me as hard as you can. I won't break. Take all your frustrations out on me."

With that he smirked and rapidly turned you around, bending your back and shoving your face on the table with his hand, setting it for support right by your head. He entered you with one brutal thrust, making the both of you moan and groan loudly, not giving you a second to adjust as he started ramming his cock into you, hard and deep, his hips moving at an inhuman speed.

"That's it. This is what you wanted right? Now take it. I don't think I'm ever going to let you go after this. You feel so good. Gonna make you my personal little fuck toy. Such a perfect fit."

Hearing all the filth leave his mouth made you clench around him, making him throw his head back in pleasure, never once letting his pace falter.

"Ah you love this. I can tell by the way your tight pussy's choking my dick."

At this point, all rational thoughts had left your brain and all you could do was moan and revel in the pleasure he was giving you. One thing you knew for sure was that he had ruined everyone else for you. After a few moments he moved the hand on your back between your legs to rub your clit and you started screaming in pleasure, feeling yourself flying close to the edge. As soon as Ben realised how close you were, he pulled out and turned you around, lifting you on the table and onto your back, swiftly entering you again.

"I know you're close. I wanna see your face when you cum all over me."

He moved his hand back between your legs to rub your clit in circles, while his other hand moved to your neck, choking you, as he went back to thrusting at his original, rough pace. This new angle somehow making him go deeper than before, hitting that one spot that made you see stars.

"Fuck. I don't think I can last long either."

To that, you finally managed to say

"Cum with me."

which sounded more like a moan than a sentence. You both looked into each other's eyes, moaning, grabbing each other, raking your nails all over his gorgeous, broad shoulders, not breaking the eye contact once. After a particularly hard thrust, you felt a funny sensation, one that you have rarely ever felt, only while pleasing yourself and before you knew, you screamed and started squirting your release, coming undone while Ben kept thrusting into you.

"Oh yes. Fuck. That's so hot baby. Cum all over me. I don't think I'll ever get enough of the look on your face right now. I think I've finally managed to shut you up, fucked your brains out. Fuck I'm cumming."

His thrusts grew frantic, and much harder than before, kissing you roughly, your teeth clashing, and he finally slammed his hips into yours one last time, holding your hips so tight, you were sure you would bruise for atleast a few hours, despite your super healing abilities. Groaning and grunting in his deep voice as thick ropes of his cum filled you to the brim, triggering yet another release out of you, making you squirt even more. He collapsed on top of you, careful that he wasn't crushing you with his weight.

The two of you stayed like that, entangled with each other for a few minutes, trying to catch your breath, before he slowly pulled out of you, making you both wince at the sudden loss. As he walked to the living room, "That was it" you thought, a one time rendezvous with Soldier Boy that might have either helped you two or made things worse. He sauntered back in with a towel in hand, towards the sink to wet it, also filling up a glass of water and quietly walking to you, cleaning you up without a word, handing the glass for you to drink. Taking it from him, you looked at him mumbled a soft "thank you", getting down the table, you nudged him to walk out with you, sitting down on the couch and covering yourself with a blanket, while he picked up his surprisingly untorn boxers, putting them on and sitting next to you, making you turn to face him. You both understood you needed to talk about what had just happened.

The shared realisation that the animosity between you two that had led to this impulsively passionate encounter, had somewhere blurred the lines between desire and hate.

Ben began to say "Look, about earlier... I didn't mean half the things I said."

You replied "What? You didn't mean it when you said you want to kiss me and do other filthy things to me everytime you see me?"

Taken aback, with a raised eyebrow and confused express Ben said, "Oh no, no lies there. I've wanted you from the moment I saw you."

You cut him off saying "I know, I was just pulling your leg. I've felt the same way about you. Your reputation preceded you and it made me crazy knowing I still wanted you."

He replied, "I think we let our tempers get the best of us." sighing, he continued "I care about you more than I let on."

Which made you sigh in response. "Then why do you never act like it? Making me think of you as a douche who loves berating me?"

Ben ran his fingers through his hair. "I guess I feel scared. Scared of how much of a hold you have had on me from the very beginning. It made me feel like a fool at times, I thought the only way I could supress these feelings were by acting like an asshole towards you. I'm really sorry."

Your gaze softened, "I'm really sorry too, my behaviour towards you hasn't been any better either." You continued, "I thought we were destined to be enemies. I don't hate you, I never did. I just wanted you to see the person I am beyond the righteous supe everyone else sees."

Ben slowly took your hands in his, making you look into his eyes. "Now I see you more than I ever thought I would. Maybe.. maybe there's something more here."

You replied, "Maybe there is. What happens now?"

To which he said "We talk. Like normal people. No more running away or avoiding things and arguing for no reason. We figure out where we stand, one step at a time, together."

You smiled, nodding your head. "Agreed. No more hiding how we feel. Besides, I guess I like this way of solving our issues much more." Which made him chuckle and pull you into his arms, staring at you intently, pressing his lips to yours.

Back at the Flatiron building, Hughie sat at his table across from Frenchie, fidgeting with his cup. "I'm worried. What do you think? Will they make up or kill each other?"

Butcher entered the room, a smirk plastered over his face "I'm pretty sure they are fucking like rabbits back there." And boy, was he right.

The two of you went multiple rounds, thanks to your super stamina, christening every possible surface of the safe house. From the couch, to the bedroom and the floor, and the shower too. You had both awoken a hunger, only the other could satiate.

"Now that we're not at each other's throats for the wrong reasons, I think maybe, we'd make a good team after all."

Said Ben, holding you close, running smooth circles on along your arms, with the two of you lying on the bed, tired and basking in the afterglow. You smiled, turning to face him. "We'll have to see about that, you might just be right. For now, I can't believe I'm saying this but I need sleep, we both do. You've worn me out completely."

He chuckled, tightening his arms around you, placing a soft kiss to your forehead and lips, and the two of you drifted off to sleep, feeling content in each other's embrace.

It was a start of a connection and understanding that arose from the most unexpected places, even amidst the chaos of a world filled with superhumans and the fight for good. Fiery exchanges and whispered confessions bringing in an unexpected depth to your dynamic, proving that there can be a fragile, pure connection between two polar opposites. Serendipity, often painted as an unusual force, interweaves with fate, guiding people towards love where they're least expecting to find it.

Your story a testament to the unpredicted twists of the heart, proving that even the fiercest adversaries can find redemption in each other's arms.

a/n: Finished watching Season 3 of 'The Boys' just a few days ago and let me just put this out here, Jensen as Soldier Boy is one of the best things to ever happen to this world. Oh! the things I'd let this man do to me-

Been planning this fic for a week now, I really hope y'all enjoyed reading as much as I did writing this.

I'd really appreciate if you'd comment any thoughts, improvements, suggestions or requests that you have! Thank you ^_^

Credits: Banner by @mykento

post divider by @saradika

[samuel-de-champagne-problems]

Hi so I wanted to request something I just thought of if that’s okay! A little meet cute story from season 4 where reader is the midwife who helped deliver Henry and her and Reid meet in the hospital and just hit it off🥺

this is so cute! this strays a lot from the plot of the episode because i haven't watched it forever and don't feel like it lmao

The Lanky Guy in Room 603

She wasn't sure if the long, lanky man curled up in the uncomfortable chair was Jennifer's brother or husband. He looked young; with a blemish-free baby face and a mop of soft brown hair. She could tell it had a slight curl to it and she had to resist an urge to tuck the stray pieces that fanned out behind his ear. Perhaps it was because she spent her days and nights caring for expecting parents, she just couldn't help but want to care for the sleeping man.

Jennifer was watching television, a pained look on her face as she held her round belly.

"You said it would be today," Jennifer groaned, the pain of labor evident on her face, "It's almost tomorrow."

Y/N sat on the stool beside Jennifer's bed, "I know I did, honey." She pressed a damp cloth to Jennifer sweaty face, attempting to cool down her body temperature. "But it seems like this little baby's got a mind of their own."

"Just like her mother."

The voice came from behind her. The sleep man, now not sleeping, unfolded himself from his pretzel-like position on the chair. He joints popped as he stretched his legs. Y/N noticed his socks were patterned. His left foot donned socks with gray tabby cats and a navy blue background. His right foot donned pumpkins on a lavender background.

Jennifer smiled, thanking Y/N for the damp cloth, as her companion checked her vitals. He peered at the numbers, probably attempting to decipher their meanings regarding his wife's health.

"Your wife is perfectly healthy, sir. You''ll have a healthy, sweet, baby within the next day. I'm sure of it."

Jennifer chuckled, "He's not my husband. Spencer's my....."

"Co-worker. Very proud godfather of her soon to be born baby girl?" Spencer injected, still reading the vitals.

"I'm concerned about JJ's vitals. Are you sure that her lab work is updated? It needs to reflect the high stress nature of her job. And her blood pressure? It was last checked thirteen minutes and twenty seven seconds ago. And does the satellite birth center have enough blood in the bank. On average a laboring mother may loose about...."

"Spence," Jennifer, or JJ as the man named Spencer called her, "I'm going to be just fine. The baby is going to be just fine. Please don't harass the midwife. Or I'll have to switch you out for Penny instead."

"You know if you wanted to get stuff done, you should've picked Hotch or Emily," Spencer countered, "I'm just going to be a nervous wreck."

"You're going to be fine. And think of it as practice for when your wife is pregnant. You'll be a pro by the time that rolls around."

Spencer chuckled dryly. His cheeks blushed crimson as he checked the clock. "It's now been fourteen minutes and thirty four seconds." He whispered under his breath.

"Are you and your wife expecting as well? It kinda smart for her to send you here for a dry run?" Y/N commented, making light talk with Jennifer and Spencer. Through her couple of years a midwife, she learned that many laboring parents and their companions need to have their minds occupied.

"N-no, no wife," Spencer said, his lips formed a tight smile as he looked at Y/N and then back to Jennifer, "We have a very time consuming job. Dating is hard. And family life is even harder. It’s common for many families in the BAU to end with divorce between the two partners.”

“Thanks for the vote of confidence, Spence,” Jennifer quipped as a wave of labor pains came over her.

“I don’t mean you and Will,” Spencer backtracked, “You’re not even married to him.”

Jennifer rolled her eyes at Spencer, and Y/N got the sense that the Spencer and Jennifer shared a sibling-like relationship. It made sense, she supposed as she watched Spencer continuously checked Jennifer’s vitals. He hovered like a mother hen, but made no attempt at physical contact like the husbands usually did.

“Distract her,” Y/N whispered to Spencer, “And don’t talk about how her marriage is statistically likely to end in divorce. That’s not the way to comfort a mom that’s about to push a 8 pound baby out of her vagina.”

Spencer shut his mouth quickly, returning to Jennifer’s side. As Y/N walked out of the room, she noted that the soon to be godfather asked her if she needed anything.

***

“Y/N!” Nurse Lorraine said from her perch. “That tall kid from Room 603, the one that looks like he’s about to faint? He’s looking for you.”

Room 603? Y/N checked her chats, shuffling through the pile of laboring parents.

Ah! That would be Jennifer Jareau. And her very eager friend/co-worker/godfather of her child.

“Oh, Spencer? He’s a sweetheart. Trying to help her. He could teach those husbands a thing or too.” Y/N said, as she typed away at her computer.

“He’s not the husband?” Lorraine questioned, her tone making Y/N stop typing.

“What are you doing, Lo?” Y/N sighed with exasperation. “You’re meddling. And it’s not a cute look, I’m afraid.”

“It’s been how long since that idiot of a man dumped you for his unpaid intern? Todd? Taylor? What was his name again?”

“Tyler. He was an ass. I don’t think I’m ready to get myself back out there. He really did a number on me.” Y/N lamented. She took a sip of her third coffee of the day. It was a distraction from tearing up or worse, actually crying in front of Lorraine, the hardass nurse who makes Attendings cry.

“Y/N, honey,” Lorraine sighed, “Don’t waste your youth or your beauty on someone who doesn’t deserve it. I’m not saying that man in 603 deserves you, but he’s holding his coworker’s hand as she’s delivering a baby that’s not his. All because her boyfriend is stuck at work in New Orleans. He’s a good man. And he’s looking for you. And he blushed when he asked for you.”

Y/N rolled her eyes at Lorraine’s gossipy tendencies. “How do you know all that? I’ve been with him all day and I hardly can get him to tell me his name. Beside the snide comments about me not checking the vitals enough.”

“See! He’s protective over people he cares about, even if talking to the gorgeous nurse terrifies him. I can lock you two in the supply close if you’d like. I mean the piles and piles of extra large padsicles and bed pens aren’t very romantic, but maybe romance isn’t what you need right now.” Lorraine quipped.

Ignoring Lorraine, “I’m going to see what he wants from me.” Y/N said, recoiling because she knew Lorraine would twist her words into some sort of sexual innuendo.

“Go get’em, Tiger!” Lorraine called from the Nurse’s Station with a mischievous glint in her eye.

***

“Spencer?” Y/N whispered, noting that Jennifer was sleeping in her bed, “Nurse Lorraine said you wanted to speak to me.”

Even in the dark room, minus the glow of equipment monitoring Jennifer, Y/N could see his light blush. He was cute. She thought that before Lorraine even broached the subject. She though that when she silently wondered if he was Jennifer’s husband or not.

He was cute. Handsome, even.

Spencer couldn’t be more than 26 or 27. He had brown eyes that were kind and warm. Spencer looked gentle, and that was evident by the easy way he cared for Jennifer.

“I wanted to make sure I was doing it right,” Spencer confessed, “I’m not really good with all this,” he waved his hand around the room to show what he meant, “My mind can only focus on the possibilities of what can go wrong. I’m not cut out for this.”

“For what being a companion? A godfather? Spencer, Jennifer clearly cares for you and wants you in her baby’s life. She sees that you’re kind and caring and gentle.”

Spencer cracked a smile, warming Y/N heart. She hated it. Yet she liked it. And that only made her hate it more.

“Thanks.” Spencer said, taking a sip of his probably now cold coffee.

“You know there’s an excellent microwave in the nurse’s lounge room. Lorraine bullies enough attendings that I can totally sneak you in there to warm up your coffee.” Y/N offered, “Jennifer needs sleep. It’s the best thing for her right now. Besides, I can teach you how to swaddle a baby and change a diaper.”

“I know how to deliver a baby,” Spencer said, “It’s a lot messier than I thought.” He said with a shiver.

“Are you in healthcare?” Y/N asked they walked to the nurse’s lounge. It was so late that most of the families were either sleeping, in labor, or being discharged. “You certainly know a lot about medicine. And for the record we do have plenty of blood in stock. But we’re looking for donors every third Tuesday if the month.”

“Not technically. Well, not the doctor you’re thinking of at least. I have three PhDs. In mathematics, chemistry, and psychology. It’s….a lot I know,” He offered a small smile, “People either think I’m like some super genius or a freak. But not. I’m just….me.”

“Well I happen to think that you’re pretty awesome just being you. I can’t technically say it, but you and Jennifer are my favorites of the night. So it’s only my duty as a L&D nurse to make sure you are the best baby swaddling godfather in the metro area.”

“Now that’s quite the title to live up to. Do we use real babies or dolls to practice?” Spencer inquired.

Y/N giggled as she reached into the supply closet, “I’m in the business of delivering babies. Not kidnapping them, Dr. Spencer……?”

“Reid.”

“Reid.” She nodded, handing him a baby doll to practice with. “If it was twelve hours earlier I would be making you wrap my burrito to practice.”

“I think I’m going to equally as bad as wrapping a burrito as I would be a baby.” He confessed.

“Fear not, young grasshopper, your teacher is here.” Y/N teased, grabbing Spencer by the arm to the table where she ate lunch every day with Lorraine and Hector, her favorite to nurses on the floor.

She laid out a blanket and a baby on the table as her and Spencer stood side by side. “So fold the corner of the blanket down for the baby’s head to rest. And the you gently lay the baby down. Now wrap over the left triangle to the baby’s middle.” She watched as he followed expertly, “Good! Now fold up the little triangle at the baby’s feet. Make sure it’s snug, but not too tight.”

“It’s easier than it looks,” Spencer said as he folded the last part of the blanket and held up a swaddled baby doll.

“Now try when it when a baby is screaming at you and you’ve been on your feet for ten hours.”

“I’ll sit to my day job,” Spencer joked, “But call me if you ever need a swaddling partner.”

Y/N’s face heated at the thought of calling Spencer, of talking to him beyond this night when he friend was about to give birth.

“Where did you learn how to deliver a baby?” She asked, hoping to divert the conversation.

“I read about it.” Spencer replied.

“In college? Did you take a human biology class on pregnancy as well?”

“Uh, no,” Spencer said, scratching the back of his neck awkwardly, “I read about it. I read it today when JJ was getting admitted.”

“Getting admitted takes like 30 minutes? How on Earth did you read about human delivery in 30 minutes?” Y/N asked with awe on her face.

“Actually, it took 31 minutes and twelve seconds. Which is 2 minutes and 39 seconds faster than the average,” He blushed when Y/N raised eyes meant his comment only added to her questions, not answered them, “I have a very good memory. And I can read fast.” He explained.

“Oh,” Y/N said, taking out two mugs from the cabinet, “that explains the three PhDs and how you hounded me about vitals before. You’re brilliant. And a very good friend.”

“I don’t get brilliant often. Genius, yes. Freak, yes. Strange, yes. But brilliant isn’t usually reserved for me. I think my quirks out weigh my strengths and thus that changes how I’m perceived.”

“Well, I don’t see a freak or a stranger,” Y/N told him, “I see a man who’s probably 6’3” that crammed himself into a tiny plastic chair and has been fetching ice chips and throwing down with the toughest nurse to get his friend a blanket. That’s not a freak. Or a weirdo. Or anything besides a good, gentle, kind man. I don’t really know you, but it’s my job to watch people here. I watch all these husbands who don’t dote on their wives as they push a whole baby out of their bodies. They complain to them about how long it took to find parking, or that they had to pay 10 bucks for a decent cup of coffee at the cafe, or that the chairs hurt their back. I haven’t heard you say that once. You’re good, Spencer. There’s a reason Jennifer wants you to be her baby’s godfather.”

Stunned, Spencer’s lip twitched into what resembled a smile. He bit his lip as his eyes scanned the room.

“Thank you,” Spencer whispered, “it means more than you know.”

“Good. You seem like the kind of person that deserves to hear good things. And plus, I’m sure your wife or girlfriend will be very happy you spent the night learning how to swaddle babies and change diapers.”

“Uh, I’m not committed to anyone.” Spencer corrected, the blush returned to his face, this time it crawled all the way up to his ears. It only increased his cuteness as it increased the way Y/N’s heart pumped blood. Her nervous system was on overdrive and she hasn’t even touched the man. Yet there was something about him that drew him to her.

“Oh, seeing someone casually and don’t want to freak her out?” Y/N offered. “Because I will admit that’s not what you want to say to the girl you have a situationship with.”

“A situationship?” Spencer questioned, shaking his head. “Never mind. I’m not seeing anyone casually or otherwise. It’s never been my strong suit.”

“Seriously?” Y/N said, pouring her coffee and Spencer a cup, “That’s very surprising.”

“Why?” Spencer asked, accepting the coffee with a tight lipped smile.

“Not to cross any professional boundaries, but you’re literally what most girls look for when they want a partner. Especially one that they want to you know,” she gestured to the baby doll on the table, “settle down with. You’re husband material.”

“Husband material?” Spencer asked, clearly beyond confusion. It was like it was his first time hearing that he was desirable to women. An overwhelming urge to tell him just how desirable he was to her overcame Y/N.

She fought it hard.

“You know,” she started, “you’ve got a great job, nice and normal friends, you’re close friends with a woman, but there’s zero sexual tension between the two of you. That means a lot to girls. It means that you can see women as whole people.”

“What else would I see them as?” Spencer questioned aloud. “They’re people. Not props or conquests.”

Y/N threw her hands up in surrender as if she finally has given up. “See, you’re like perfect. Not to mention you’re very nice to look at.”

Spencer gulped a big sip of coffee, but the burning liquid spewed out all over him and the table. Y/N dodged it, spending nearly three years getting out of the way of mysterious liquids from all different patients had certainly paid off.

“Sorry, sorry, god that was embarrassing,” Spencer lamented. “I hope I didn’t get it all over you.” He apologized.

Holding in a giggle, Y/N waved off his fears. “Don’t worry. You’re just fine, Spencer.”

In more ways than one, she thought silently to herself.

“I apologize if I made you uncomfortable. It’s highly unprofessional of me to comment on your appearance.”

No matter how attractive she finds him.

Spencer’s face melted as she apologized. “No!” He practically yelled. “Don’t think that. Please don’t think that. I didn’t mind it at all. It’s just, I’m not used to hearing it. Especially from women that are like you.”

“Like me?”

“Smart. Hardworking. Kind. Funny. Beautiful.” Spencer confessed.

The last one hit a certain part of her heart that went pang. Tyler never called her beautiful. He would call her hot and sexy, but not beautiful. But maybe once he did. But he said she “looked beautiful” not that she was beautiful.

There was a difference between looking beautiful and being beautiful. And she was looking right at it.

“Spencer,” Y/N whispered. “Once Jennifer is discharged from L&D could I maybe take you out on a date?“

Spencer nodded, and she swore she could see his eyes light up at the possibility of something between them.

“Sure. Isn’t there a blood donation clinic next week?” He smiled and took a sip of his coffee, “I promise I won’t spew coffee all over you when you compliment me again,”

***

Tagging people who are active But please reblog and comment if you stumble across this. It’s a great way we can show our love :)

@reidsbookclub @boldlyvoid @foxy-eva @candlesandsoftrain @radiant-reid

[heavyhitterheaux]

Got Me Thinking

Part 3: Kiss it Better (NSFW)

Synopsis: Jack ends up getting into an argument with Kelsey and quickly makes it up in his mind to visit you in order to take his mind off of it. Little did the two of you know that those feelings that had been buried all those years ago would come straight up to the surface.

Pairing: Jack Harlow x Reader

Read Part 1 and Part 2 first

Do not engage if underage

Please Do Not Repost My Content Anywhere

Jack let out a frustrated sigh thinking about the argument that had ensued between him and Kelsey that morning as he was now currently on a plane to California for Druski's premiere. All that he asked of her was to be a little more supportive as he had been under a lot of stress lately and wasn't taking his feelings into consideration and that sent them into a full blown yelling match with her accusing him of saying that she wasn't supportive of him at all.

Shaking his head and trying not to think about it, he pulled out his phone to text you and see what you were up to since he wanted to see you before leaving the state. Druski's premiere was later on that day and he didn't plan on doing anything after except being with you if you were available.

Ever since the two of you reunited at his birthday party, you were all that he could think about. For the entire week that you were there, he spent about every day with you and it was safe to say that he missed your presence and being around you.

And his feelings that were buried deep down had made their way to the surface and had hit him like a ton of bricks.

Yes, he married Kelsey. But did he love her? When they got married he definitely did, but he didn't love her as much as he loved you and knew that no one else on the face of the earth would be able to fill your shoes. He was hurt when he found out you got married, but what could he had done at that point? The two of you hadn't spoken for years and even though he wanted it to be him, he was happy that you found happiness and would never try to ruin that for you. But now hearing about how Xavier had been treating you, he wanted to get you away from him as soon as he could. He knew you were trying to plan everything out, but he didn't want you to have to deal with that situation any longer.

Jack Jack- What are you getting up to tonight pretty girl?

You- Eating and sleeping. My all time favorite pastimes.

Jack Jack- Hmm, now you can't do that if I'm coming to see you, now can you?

You- 👀

You- When will you be here!?!?

Jack Jack- In about an hour or so. I know you're still working but I'm going to Druski's premiere and I wanted to see you after. So around 11 tonight? Is that too late?

You- Never too late when it involves me getting to see you. Now I'm hoping the day goes by a little faster.

Jack Jack- Aww does someone miss me?

You- Don’t push it lol

Jack Jack- Been having a shitty week but I know seeing you will make it better.

You- Oh no. My poor baby. Tell me all about it later. Just text me the address of your hotel and the room. I know how reserved you are and highly doubt you want paparazzi in your face.

Jack Jack- Can't wait to see you

Clay looked over at Jack and immediately asked what had him in such a good mood since he had literally been pissed off less than ten minutes ago.

“Who are you texting that has you smiling like that?”

“Well we know it's not Kelsey.” Urban muttered and Clay couldn't help but to stifle a laugh.

“My guess is Y/N, since he hasn't stopped talking about her.”

“The person that you should have married.”

“And how many times are you going to remind me? What was I supposed to do? Make her divorce him so I could marry her? We hadn't even talked in seven years at that point!” Jack exclaimed while looking at both of them.

“You should've been like I OBJECT!”

“I mean…… that plan could work because she had straight googly eyes when yall made eye contact.”

“And she didn't leave your side the entire night.” Urban added.

“And you don't like your wife. None of us do.”

“I… not too much on Kelsey now!” Jack said while attempting to defend his wife, but all they did was look at him.

“Bruh… DIVORCE.HER.ASS.”

“Because we're legit confused on how and why you married her in the first place. We told you not to and now look, sitting up here miserable and unhappy.”

“I care about her!” Jack said, defending his actions.

“Notice how you said care and not love? Yall argue every waking hour and you are always grumpy. You haven't been grumpy and in a mood since you basically spent your entire birthday week up Y/N's ass. Well except for today when you know, got into an argument with that woman who shares your last name.”

“Wait…. did yall… fuck? As in you and Y/N?”

“NO URB! I didn't cheat on Kelsey and did we forget that Y/N is married too?”

“What is that supposed to mean? We don't like him either. Don't even know shit about him, but he's not you and you and Y/N belong together. Don't make me start singing Mariah Carey.”

“And Kelsey treats you like the gum on the bottom of her shoe.”

“Facts, no printer.”

“Yall just don't know her like I do.”

“And we don't want to.”

Jack sighed and ran a hand through his curly hair because he knew that they were exactly right.

“Think about it like this. Your own wife didn't come to your birthday party yet, your EX-GIRLFRIEND from when you were in HIGH SCHOOL did. What does that tell you?”

“And who is she married to?”

“His name is Xavier.” Jack answered as he pulled up your instagram and handed Urban his phone.

“Oh.”

“Oh? What do you mean oh?” Jack asked as everyone had now gathered around Urban to get a glimpse.

“If this is the dude you're competing with, you can take him.”

“Maybe we could set up a boxing match.”

“Jack is definitely a lover and not a fighter. He wouldn't make it to the second round.”

“HEY!”

“Don't get mad at me because it's true.” Clay replied while holding his hands up in defense.

“But the thing is, Y/N told me she's divorcing him.”

“Good! Then ease your way in!”

“And he's about to have a baby on her.”

“Well got damn. HE CHEATED? ON Y/N? LIKE… JACK IF THAT WASN'T YOUR GIRL…”

“Don't finish that sentence, but yes.”

“Well divorce the wicked witch of the west so you can marry her.”

“Clay! Stop calling her that!”

“Why? It's funny and she's evil so it fits her personality.”

“Not the point!”

“Oh, so you agree?”

“Look, I’m going to try and make it work with Kelsey.” Jack told them, but at this point he didn't know if he was trying to convince them or trying to convince himself.

“I think I threw up in my mouth a little.”

—

You couldn't wait until your last case of the day since that would then let you go home and sleep until It was time to meet up with Jack. It was nice since Xavier was now on another one of his business trips, but you knew all that meant was his was with the woman who he was cheating on you with. He had hid it well when he first stepped out on you, but within the last year he had grown sloppy, but he still had no clue about you knowing.

It was still early in the afternoon when you decided to shoot Jack a quick text to let him know that he could now come over to your house seeing as your husband was nowhere to be found and went off to take a shower to wash the long day off of you.

You saw Jack's reply once you stepped out of the shower and he said that he would let you know when he was on his way. There were still a few more hours left to kill so you decided to take a short quick nap before he got there. But as much as you wanted to, your mind just wouldn't turn off.

The thoughts that consumed your mind consisted of Xavier and Jack and how you never should have ended your relationship with Jack because you knew for a fact that you would have been a lot happier. But, you loved Xavier too despite what he's doing to you even though it hurts to no end. He barely showed you any affection anymore and if he did, it felt forced. But when Jack did it? Felt like something out of a fairytale.

You simply wish you could fast forward to the part where you were happy.

Startled by a sudden knock on the door, you lifted your head to peek at your phone and noticed it was around 11:15 and instantly got excited because you knew it was Jack.

Once you opened the front door, you immediately tackled him into a hug as he kissed the top of your head.

“Hey Buttercup.” Your heart instantly fluttered hearing the nickname that Jack had given to you when the two of you were fifteen and the smile on your face couldn't help but to get bigger.

“Hey, I think the day went by extra slow because I couldn't wait to see you.” You replied as you stepped to the side to let him in.

Once he was in the foyer, he was taken in by his surroundings.

“You mean to tell me yall got this big ass house for only two people?”

“The goal was for it to be filled with little ones but that dream has quickly gone out the window.” You quietly answered and it looked like he was about to say something, but stopped himself.

But it came out anyway.

“You wouldn't want to be tied to someone like that for the rest of your life anyway. You deserve better than that.”

“I… I know. I just feel that I'm in a difficult position. But moving on because I know you didn't come here to hear me whine about him. Let me give you the grand tour.”

“It doesn't bother me. If you need to vent, I'm always going to be there to listen. No matter what time of day or night it is.”

“I really appreciate you saying that.”

Moving throughout the house, you showed him everything there was to see and you simply left your bedroom and closet for last knowing that he was going to spend at least an hour admiring your shoe collection.

Once you opened the double doors to the master bedroom, he simply laughed to himself.

“What in the world is so funny, Jackson?”

“I can tell that you designed this, didn't you?”

“He let me have at it so I simply did what I want with it.”

“So this is where the magic happens?” He asked, wiggling his eyebrows and you rolled your eyes.

“Magic? As in me using my vibrator because that is literally the only magic that happens here. Anyway, let me show you my closet because I know you'll definitely like it.”

“So, we're just going to skip over the vibrator part that you mentioned?” Jack asked and you simply shrugged.

“Not every guy is in tune with his wife's body and knows how to please her, but that's a story for another day.”

“He definitely should be and there's no excuse for that.”

Jack then followed behind as you led the way into the walk-in closet and he immediately took note of your shoe collection just like you knew he would.

“I… Well damn. Maybe you should be an ambassador for New Balance too.”

“I can't help it. I literally buy a pair every time I go out. And a lot of that time is spent thinking about how my life is a hot ass mess. Sorry I'm doing it again. Now what had you upset earlier?”

“You don't have to apologize and it was Kelsey.”

“What happened?”

“All I asked was if she could be more supportive since I have had a lot going on and been kinda stressed out. She took it upon herself to accuse me of saying she's not supportive at all and it turned into a screaming match. Well her screaming at me really.”

“Did she not comprehend what you were saying?”

“As of lately, it seems like she's not comprehending anything when she used to not do that. Clay calls her the wicked witch of the west.”

You couldn't help but to immediately laugh.

“I'm sorry, but that is hilarious.”

“It's sad to say but I've gotten used to it.”

“Why? You shouldn't be used to arguing with your spouse all the time.”

“No, but… I don't know. I always say that I want to try and make it work between the both of us but when I replay these incidents over and over again it makes me think that it might not actually be worth it.”

“Then if it isn't worth it, let it go. Why would you want to be married to someone like that anyway?” You said which was similar to what he had told you earlier.

“Hmm, you want the honest answer?”

“Of course I do.”

“Only because my real bride was already spoken for.” He answered while looking directly at you.

You didn't answer him as he had quickly gotten distracted with something hanging up in your closet.

“Wait… Is this my hoodie? You've had it all this time?” He asked while holding it up and inspecting it.

“Yeah, it was comfy so I decided to steal it and never give it back.”

“Hmm, how does your husband feel about you having your ex-boyfriend's hoodie?”

“Well it's a good thing he doesn't know now isn't it? It still smells like you too believe it or not after all these years. And why should he even care? It's not like we're having sex with each other because that's exactly what he's doing and ended up getting her pregnant.”

“We're not, but it definitely sounds like you need someone to please you because he's not doing his job.”

The two of you were now dangerously close as Jack once again started playing with the ends of your hair as the hand that wasn't occupied cupped your face. Before you knew it, he leaned in and his lips were on yours. After kissing him back you immediately pushed him away from you.

“Jack… we can't and you know that.” You said not believing your own words for a second.

“Is it the fact that we can't or the fact that you don't want to admit that you feel the same way about me as you did when you were fourteen?” He asked you as he closed the space in between the two of you once more.

When you were quiet, he asked you once again and your thoughts were running rampant.

“Y/N, do you want me to stop?” He asked as he began to kiss down your neck and you could feel the river that was beginning to form between your thighs.

“No.” You breathed out before bringing his face back close to yours.

His hand reached under your shirt and was surprised to find out that you weren't wearing anything underneath and began to massage them and roll your nipples in between his fingers instantly making them hard as he kept his mouth on yours.

You broke apart from him as he was simply staring at you with his thumb grazing your cheek.

No words were spoken as you led him back into the master bedroom with both of you trying to strip out of the clothes that you were wearing at a rapid speed.

Once you were left bare underneath him, he slowly inserted two fingers into you seeing how wet you were and he immediately smirked as he leaned down to kiss you.

You moaned into his mouth and that was when he increased his pace moving his fingers in and out of you.

By this point your eyes were closed and you rightfully gasped as you felt him take one long lick across your folds. Jack then spread your legs to the point where they were behind your head so that he would have enough room.

“I don't think your husband would take it too well that I'm fucking his wife in his bed but clearly someone has to do it since he can't get it right.” You heard him say and you let out a quiet laugh before you once again felt his mouth on you.

You couldn't even remember the last time that you were in that much pleasure, but knew that Jack was only getting started.

Between him using his mouth and his fingers, you knew it wouldn't take long in order for you to reach your peak and you decided to speed up the process by playing with your pierced nipples.

As you loudly moaned his name, Jack then went to suck on your clit and you knew it was only a matter of seconds before you were going to hit your peak.

“Oh, fuck. Right there, stay right there.” You said as your hands were now tangled in his hair in order to be able to keep him as close as possible.

“Baby, I’m about to…”

“Then do it.” Jack said as he broke away from you to answer but went right back to his original position.

Your orgasm hit you like a ton of bricks that your legs were shaking, but Jack hadn't stopped eating you out which quickly made you go into having another one.

No sound was coming out of your mouth as Jack let you ride it out before detaching from you and crawling back up your body with him planting kisses on your skin along his path.

Once he reached your lips, he gave you several pecks before you felt his fingers now massaging your clit and he was now smirking at you.

“You ready for me, sweet girl? I can tell that your body is, but I need to hear you say it.”

“Been ready for you.”

As you noticed the precum leaking from the tip, you sat up and quickly took him in your mouth, making him hiss and throw his head back in pleasure.

You used your hand for where your mouth couldn't reach and you soon felt him twitch and took that as a sign that he was growing closer to hitting his peak when he suddenly lightly pushed you away from him and you quickly looked up at him confused.

“There's no way I'm about to last much longer and I need to feel you.”

“I'm on birth control, so it's all good. Nothing to worry about.” You said as you got settled once more at the top of the bed as he took hold of your hips and slowly entered you, leading to a moan escaping both of your mouths.

“You feel so good around me, but you have to relax baby and give me some room. Just relax, I got you.”

It was definitely easier said than done.

But once you did and the two of you got in a comfortable rhythm, your arms went around Jack's neck as he buried his face in your shoulder.

Hearing him moan in your ear let you know another orgasm was right around the corner as you then reached down to play with your clit. Your hand was soon replaced with his as you then heard the garage door open.

“Fuck, he's back early.”

“We're not leaving this bed until you scream my name, you understand?”

You immediately nodded your head as Jack then increased his pace as you were hoping to not get caught by your husband. But at this point in time, you didn't care.

The thrill of being caught got you excited.

“That's it. That's it, pretty girl. Are you going to cum for me? Cum all over my dick.”

Without another word, both of you hit your peak at the same time with you loudly moaning in his ear. As he was letting you recover, he placed kisses all over your body before planting one more on your lips which immediately made you smile.

“We need to hurry up and get dressed before he comes upstairs? Don't you think?” Jack asked but not before taking one of your nipples in his mouth and lightly sucking.

“Don't start because now we definitely can't finish.”

“Hmm… to be continued.”

Once the two of you slipped your clothes back on and made your way back downstairs you were now sitting on the couch with the television on as Xavier walked in.

“Oh hey, you're back early.” You said as he leaned down to kiss you which now left a sour taste in your mouth.

“I figured why not since I wanted to spend time with my wife. And who do we have here?”

“Jack this is my husband Xavier and Xavier this is Jack. We went to high school together and he was in town so we decided to catch up.”

“Nice to meet you Jack.”

“You too.” Jack replied as he was taking in meeting your piece of shit husband in person for the first time.

“Doesn't surprise me you two are still catching up at 3 in the morning. Y/N has always been a night owl.” He said in a somewhat accusatory tone, but Jack quickly shut it down.

“Well I had a premiere to go to and didn't get finished until late, but I was just leaving since I have an early flight.”

“Well next time you're here, we all should go out.” Xavier offered and Jack quickly agreed.

“Sure thing and I can bring my wife so it will be a double date.”

Hearing him say that immediately made your stomach go into a series of knots.

“Come on Jack so I can walk you out.”

Once outside and by his rental car, the two of you immediately busted out laughing.

“I don't think I've ever gotten dressed that fast before. That had to be some type of record.”

“I mean he could have always come in to get a few pointers from me.” Jack replied and you lightly hit his arm.

“What? You know I'm telling the truth. When's the last time he made you feel that good?” Jack asked as he whispered the last part in your ear and slipped a hand in your shorts.

“Babe…”

“I take that as the answer being never.” He said as he removed his hand and brought it up to his mouth to suck on his fingers.

“Taste so good and you are making it so hard for me to not fuck you again right here and right now.”

“Behave, Jackman!” You exclaimed as he quickly began playing with your hair and the two of you stood in a comfortable silence.

“Until next time, buttercup.”

“Until next time, Jackson.”

“Oh and I hope you don't mind me taking these?” He asked as he reached into his back pocket and pulled out the purple thong that you had been wearing earlier before it got discarded on the floor.

“You know purple's my favorite color.” Was all he said before he placed a kiss on your cheek.

After Jack had drove off, you went back into the house and the realization of what you had just done hit you.

You just cheated on your husband with your ex-boyfriend.

And didn't regret it one bit.

[kaztheghost]

Oh my gosh Tubbo freaking out about Bads INSANE reaction time to save richas is so silly but it also reminds me of this short little moment that happened months ago, I think around the time the Ninho was just finished and one of the first instances of an egg downing while it existed, and from all the parents perspectives they were scrambling to work the remote and figure it out and it took a bit before they could really get it but they saved the egg and I remember Bad afterwards just fiddling with the remote and opening his inventory and moving things around and I remember him timing himself and his reaction time to it, murmuring along the lines of, 'however long it takes me to get this remote interface open is time that is taken from saving the egg', where 'they could get hit again and be permakilled or we take too long and it's over', and he sounded so upset with himself for panic having taken over his motor ability to properly navigate it and the chat was like don't beat up on yourself the egg is fine it happened to everyone and he just couldn't let it go that he needed to do better and be faster and he afterwards mentioned to all the parents the remote should be in the hot bar and honestly, after every kids knock down he would tell himself that he should've been faster and now, to Tubbo's timing, it takes him seven seconds flat to open the remote to warp to teleport the egg and to start res-ing them, that's /insane/ and it all leads back to Bad's insistent self blaming nature that if HE isn't doing the absolute most, then it will always be his fault when something goes wrong

[slash-me-please]

can I request you an alpha!thomas x omega!reader?♡

Omfg i wrote something!?

Volunteer Work

For a moment you had thought of going back home. The cold breeze during such a dead night had kept you on your toes, looking over your shoulder- looking for something. The walk to the Hewitts was just as dead as the night, nothing but old roads guiding you to their dilapidated mansion- you should've told your folks no, having been offered up as some kind of half-hearted help, as they couldn't find it in them themselves.

It all started when you and your mother stopped by an old gas station near your home, and she handed you a few crumbled dollars and told you to give it to Miss Luda-Mae at the counter. "Just take whatever she'll give you, we need to get home soon." She spoke to you, waving you away and out of the passengers seat. You stumbled out of the car, shutting the door behind you with an attitude your mother would ignore. With that you walked yourself over the dirt pathway, lifting your sundress slightly and ignoring the lingering looks from a gang of bikers. Then when you opened the door, it should've rang, but it seemed the bell had broke between now and the last time you had been here.

You released a sigh of disappointment when at least three of those bikers had been in line already, Luda-Mae arguing with one of them about the price of gas- although this had to be the only gas station in town, so there were no ongoing rates. The two of them ran about for a bit, before the man gave up and the line moved after what felt like five minutes. As expected, the door opened once more for your mother, a scowl on her face as it seemed you took too long. She walked over to you, as soon as it was your turn to talk to Miss Hewitt, and she huffed at you with an annoyed glance.

"Hi Miss Luda, how are you doing today?" You smiled, flattening out a five dollar bill against the ridge of the counter as you conversed. "Busy day, these bikers were raised with no respect. Makes 'em harder to deal with- insults to their mamas." She responds, looking over her glasses at you. "I completely understand, this one here always has something to say. This- that- my momma woulda' hit me." Your mother interjects, snatching the money out of your hands to give to Luda. "We ain't got much, just seven dollars on... One? Yeah, One." Luda nodded. "Thomas is like that now, he's getting older and-" her voice lowers, "All them ruts alone are getting to him." Your mom shakes her head in understanding, her eyes shifting to you and you laugh- pushing her away. "Actually, Y/N, if you're interested, he just built this little dresser for his room- and he's talkin' about painting it but he ain't patient enough to paint the darn thing. I think he would appreciate if you helped him out some time soon." She continues, looking over to your mother. "Of course she can! She'll be over tonight, ain't got nothing else to do."

And that's why you're walking over to the Hewitts after dark, speed-walking down the side of the road. After a while you reached their home and familiar smells welcomed you. Luda-Mae always smelled of cigarettes, She was a respectable beta woman, living with a shifty beta man. You'd only met Charlie a few times, he'd wink at you then and there, he smelt of rotting wood. There was something off about that man. Then there was-

"Thomas! I didn't see you there," You yelped, stumbling back a few steps as he emerged from behind a tree, axe in his hand, previously doing lawn work- probably. His eyes moved down your body, admiring your sundress, only to nod at you. "Your mother said you needed some help painting your dresser?" He nodded again, dropping the axe at his side and beginning to walk towards his house. When he makes it up the stairs and you don't follow, he turns to you and gestures up to the door- as if to say "let's go."

You follow him through his house and into his room, the white paint and brushes on the floor catching your attention. He looks almost ashamed of the outcome, strokes of paint coming from every direction and some of them hitting the wall- you release a breathy laugh. "I can fix it, don't worry." You tell him, but he still looks disappointed. "I wish I could build like you, must be a good quality- yknow- for the omegas 'round here." He shakes his head no immediately, watching as you sink to your knees and begin to brush the paint against the rough wood. "C'mon, last week I saw you talkin' to one of those bikers that are always hangin' out with Luda. She had those bright eyes and enthusiastic too- that's all an alpha could want." He shakes his head no again, this time seemingly annoyed and you drop the subject.

For a moment you two sit in peace, and even though the paint is strong his scent seeps into your skin, leaving you practically dizzy. You realize you shouldn't have done this in his room of all places as the heat builds and starts to soak your underwear. He practically tastes it too, and he rests his head back against the wall, hands balled into fists. "You like it?" You ask, setting the paintbrush down on the floor. His head snaps up, eyes wide until he realizes you're talking about the dresser and he nods. "Im only half done, but I'm tired, I'll finish it for you tomorrow?" And he agrees, walking over to help you off the floor.

When he grabs you, your head spins and you inhale more of his thick smell unintentionally. It makes you whimper in the heat of the moment and his eyes narrow at you. "Sorry- my knees are hurting." You stutter, pushing your hair away from your face. "Can you bring that outside? It's getting kinda congested in here." He nods again, and you're not sure he's even listening to you as you begin to say your goodbyes.

"I gotta get going but maybe I'll be back to finish this tomorrow?" And he nods once more, his arms opening a bit to invite you into a hug- one that you took eagerly. Thomas' arms immediately wrapped around you, pulling you against his chest, keeping your face pressed against his scent gland. And he held you there. Your self control was not apparent today, legs squeezing and rubbing together immediately. He stumbled forwards, trapping you against the wall and adjusting his arms around your waist so he could place a kiss against your bare shoulder. You buried your face further into his neck, a low whine on your tongue as you began to lick at the thin skin on his throat. "Alpha?" You purred. His fingers twitched against your back in a display of unwanted self control, one that had your omega whining once more.

His throat rumbled, he was pleased at your reactions- a heat spreading through you that he smelled and wanted. Thomas lifted you up, his strong arms carrying you over to his bed, just to lay you down in his heap of pillows. His sheets smelled of him- sweat, caramel and power, it make you keen. As you basked in his scent, he made his way with your clothes. Yanking down your sundress, he gifted unspoken praises to your body as he noted the lack of a bra. His hands made quick work of you, calloused hands rubbing against the soft, thinner skin of your nipples with an admiration your last lovers hadn't given you.

His scent had gotten stronger by the minute, seeping into your body and melting your brain into a puddle of mush. You couldn't help yourself but to pull the edge of your sundress up, exposing yourself to his greedy eyes. His grunts of approval music to your ears, even moreso when you pulled his unoccupied hand to your drooling pussy. He held a sharp breath within, dipping a finger into the heated hole he'd soon bury his knot inside. His left hand moved from your nipples to your throat, holding you down as his right began to thrust in and out of you, thumb rolling over your throbbing clit. "T-Thomas!" You moaned, wrapping your smaller hands around his forearm, leaving it covered in thin scratches- none deep enough to scar. His fingering began quicker, pulling you to a high end before you wanted- but your begging for his knot convinced him not. "Alpha! Please god!" Grinding against his hand, that would eventually have your end. With a loud whine, you came on his fingers, and he retracted. His mouth immediately moved to his belt, undoing the clasps and pulling his cock out and pulling your recovering body to the edge of his bed.

Pressing a kiss to your sweating forehead, he entered you fully. And soon he began to thrust inside of you, your walls singing happily, head craned to the side presenting an unmarked throat to him. Which he'd take your offer, listening to you worship his title as his canines punctured the vent of your skin, mark fresh and bleeding. Your arms wrapped around Thomas' chest as his thrusting sped up and you heard whispers of "Omega," under his breath as he filled you with his seed as you finished underneath him. He began to slow, but didn't stop there until you released a sleepy whine into his chest, eyes closing with a rumbling purr.

[athanasius-symposium-of-writings]

Hi there! I was wondering if I could request a scenario for Identity V? Specifically for Norton? I love the way you write for him!

Okay so, it’s safe to say that since Norton and Fools Gold are basically the same person, they feel the same way about things, including people. What if the reader (female or gender neutral) discovers Norton’s feelings toward them after having a match against Fools Gold and confronts him about it? Like rather than chair the reader, FG acts possessive toward them and teases them? Confrontation with Norton could end in fluff or NSFW, up to you!

Thank you!

Fool's Gold be normal challenge part 2 lol but im mad i lost my idea midway (curse u adhd!)

Rated Mature | Warning: relationship -in psychologist voice-

With how long you have been running your chest is starting to hurt, which does not help the limited places to run are getting smaller and smaller. Luckily, the map is Chinatown and there are plenty of places to hide. Not so lucky, as the hunter is well aware of those places. Not a rare map to be placed in but frequent as the Arms Factory or Sacred Heart Hospital. 

With a dash upstairs and your legs give out, your chest burns but your heart does not stop racing as the hunter is still nearby.

You have been tunnel-hunted before by hunters, never for a reason-- Sometimes. However, you have never felt like a mouse in a game of cat and mouse, there is a teasing nature and you hate it. Fool’s Gold can be mean but he is no Ithaqua or Ripper, still for him to get seemingly off on you running away— His laugh loud— Worries you. The costume he has on does not help as he looks like a demon from the seven hells ready to claim your soul!

“Sparky, where are you~!” In a sing-song voice as he comes up the stairs. You go still, your dark costume is to your advantage as you hide behind a mannequin. The heavy footsteps have you holding your breath as you emerge from the stairway. His eyes looked around, his intimidating height towering above everything. He turns in your direction, golden stylized pickaxe but then lowers it as he hears a cipher pop.

“I will be back for you later.”

You have experienced fear but the rush of it never gets easier.

The hunter throws his weapon before using the magnetism to pull himself out of the opening in the store. You dash immediately out the other way refusing to just pray he forgets you.

He does not, he waits for you to be rebirthed by Embalmer's casket. You stumble out still hurt but alive, Fool's Gold leaning against a wall cleaning the caked-on blood on his hand, his pickaxe nowhere in sight.

“Sparky.”

“Only Norton calls me that.” Getting ready to book it.

“I am Norton.” Stepping forward, “Better than that brat.” You step to the side.

“No, you are some fucked ‘what if’.”

Fool's Gold stands at his full height, his one eye glowing almost brighter in this dark area, “Careful, sparky, I can let you escape through the dungeon if you behave.”

“I will hit you.” That makes him laugh, “I have one fuse left, we can go together.” Because you are not above being crazy.

“That I do not doubt,” Closer but you stand firm, “But you used all your tools. Too bad it didn't help that prison rat.” When you actually attempt to hit him, he is careful not to use his solid hand. His deformed hand holds you in place, the magnetism holding it together is used to keep you on the table as you try thrashing about. “You could've left him alone!”

“Yeah? Maybe you should've let me have you.” Standing over you, “Kiting me only pissed me off.” It is true the time he had you in his sights you made your business to be annoying. He scares you! Like right now. Being pinned down on a table with him between your legs. His solid hand traces your face.

“He didn't mark you.” Spoken when he yanks down your top to expose your neck and part of your chest. The marks on your skin are always from Norton, friends with benefits arrangement.

“What, you plan on doing it for him?” Playing fearless but you are fearful, this is the darker part of Norton. The demon everyone tries to hide made manifest, Norton hates it— Hates him.

“Why else do you think I have you here and not bleeding you out.” As if he would waste his time bleeding out anyone, maybe himself but that work he does not feel like bothering with. “Are you going to fight me?”

You weigh your options, “Mess around and find out, sport.”

His grin is wide, His teeth look sharp, and your inner masochist is excited.

He let you go via the dungeon, your legs hurt and you know your chest and neck must look like a mess. Easy to hide until you find Norton in your room waiting. He hates it when you have matches with his counterpart, especially the tunnel-hunting you most of the time.

“(Name).” Standing up the moment you entered, he put down the charm you made him on the bed where he was sitting.

“We should talk.”

Talking usually with Norton means he has to sit and listen and consider things, you only inform him so he has time to process and return to you. However, given the things Fool's Gold— Other Norton—was open about. Details are murky as he is not exactly like Norton, but the raw feelings are there, all laid bare because he refuses to standby and let his other self be an idiot.

The conversation is long, but no tears, and a few awkward silences but it ends with an understanding. Sex does not happen, Norton learning the ability to be grateful does not mean sex. Plus, the prospector is conflicted about how his other self thinks he has the right to touch you.

“I mean he is you?”

“I don't care! You're mine.”

“Oh, can you say that again for me, sport?”

[wordsarelife]

vampire

pairing: rafe cameron x fem!reader

summary: you tried to make him feel better, you really did, but love isn’t always able to heal everything

warnings: toxic relationship, manipulation, mistrust, both reader and rafe are hurting, a teeny bit of physical violence at the end

note: there is a bit more fluff at the end then there was so supposed to be lmao

tag: @mqstermindswift

word count: 2.4k

the golden hue of the sun was bathing your skin in its warm softness as you stared across the waves that hit the beach in a steady rhythm.

"you're back" a voice behind you made you perk up and you noticed rafe cameron. his hair had grown a bit since the last time you had seen him. he was wearing worn out trunks and a white shirt, which were both wet and had stains of the sand all over.

without waiting for your answer or any form of allowance, he sank down in the sand beside you. "how are you?" his voice was tender, although a bit unsurely.

"fine" you shrugged. you had left the island right before your parents had gotten divorced, spending a few months at your aunts house to try and process all the events.

"good" rafe nodded "me too" you turned your head to look at him and you recognized the hint of a smirk. he knew that you hated to talk about it, or your feelings regarding the divorce. now it had just been a normal question you would ask a friend you hadn't seen in a long time.

"how's the water?" you asked, pointing at the wetness of his shirt.

"warm" rafe grinned and rose back to his feet, making a gesture for you to follow him into the waves.

you spent the whole evening, swimming and chasing each other through the water, until it was pitch black and rafe drove you home.

"can i call you?" he asked, right before you went inside. it was not like you weren't already friends, but you could recognize that he meant the question in a more intimate way. you nodded.

"rafe cameron?" your friend, lia, asked as you told her about him calling and hanging out with you a few times, a week later.

"yeah" you shrugged "he's different, less childish"

"well, he's not seven anymore, right?" lia exclaimed with a roll of her eyes "he's bad news, y/n" she warned "i heard he had a lot of problems, especially with his father and he often goes too far because of it"

"he's always been respectful"

"until he isn't anymore" she said worriedly "look, you're old enough to decide this for yourself, just be careful please"

lia's words moved more and more into the background of your mind as the months passed and you and rafe started dating.

dating rafe was adventurous and never boring, he took you out and showed you places you had never thought of going.

you couldn't have asked for a better boyfriend. he was lovely and attentive. he made you gifts (not that you would've been mad if he hadn't) and proved that he really know what you were into. he plannes dates and invited you to tag along with him and his friends.

it couldn't have been more perfect, until it wasn't.

it started slowly, like it always does.

you had accompinied lia and her boyfriend to a party, well thinking that rafe would come around later. he didn't make it and when you came to search for him later, he was screaming at you.

"what's wrong, baby?" you asked as you noticed the look he was giving you when he opened the door.

"nothing" he shook his head, walking into the house. you closed the door and were hot on his heels.

"something is wrong" you pressed "why are you acting like this? did something happen? you didn't even kiss me"

"oh sorry, sweetheart" he replied in a sarcastic tone "do you feel disrespected?"

"what?" you asked, confused at what he was hinting.

"well, i sure as hell did, when you went to that party without me!" he screamed, pushing his hair away in frustration, his cheeks reddened from anger.

"you said you'd come later" you defended yourself, not that it was necessary, but he gave you the feeling it was.

"you should've gone home when you noticed that i wasn't going to come"

"what the fuck, rafe?" you questioned, your anger now matching his.

he sighed, wiping his face with both hands. "i just- sorry, okay?" it was as if he had suddenly realized how ridiculous his accusment and anger was. "i'm just tired and irritated and thought you would come sooner"

you sighed too, losing most of your anger as you breathed in and out deeply. "this was not okay"

"i know" he nodded eargerly "will you stay?"

you thought for a moment, before you finally nodded, following him up the stairs to his room.

the fighting only got worse and more frequent over the months to follow. he would make ridiculous requests, possessive ones, accusing you of cheating or that you thought about breaking up with him. neither of that was true of course and he often felt sorry just a few minutes into the fight. it was as if he had been blindsighted, as if he was corrupted by an invisible force, whispering lies into his ears, until he wasn't sure what was the truth anymore.

you felt alone anytime that happened. you loved him, so so much, but you wouldn't accept being disrespected because he was insecure about you possibly leaving him.

he was so scared that you would break up with him, the only thing he was seeing was range.

you wasn't sure what was responsible for him feeling the way that he did. you had tried to find something in his past, like an ex-girlfriend cheating or betraying him in any way, but he assured you that that had never happened. he had normally been the one to end the relationships, which made you wonder all the more.

"you're different" he said to you one night. "it doesn't feel like a relationship, it doesn't feel like a responsibility with you"

"what does it feel like?" you asked, your hand holding his underneath the blanket. you couldn't see his face. the room was dark and you were laying with your head on his chest.

you could hear his heartbeat calm "it feels like breathing" he admitted softly "and i'm scared that i will suffocate when it's over"

"you won't" you assured "because it won't be"

"i have done so much wrong these past few months"

"i know" you answered "but love is forgiving and i am too"

that had been the end of your fighting for a while. he had bettered himself, pushing whatever part of him felt the need to scream at you, down, until there was just peace between the two of you.

he became a lot less controlling. and you hoped that after all, staying had been worth it.

you couldn't have guessed that just one single evening could trigger everything he had tried to get rid of so suddenly.

"i didn't do anything!" you were screaming defensively as soon as you got home that evening. rafe was seething ever since jj maybank had complimented your dress.

"you clearly smiled at him"

"i smiled at him?" you repeated in fake surprise "i mean how could i, right?"

"this is not funny, y/n" rafe argued and his anger only seem to grow as he noticed that you didn't even take the situation seriously.

"it is a little bit funny" you admitted "you're acting like an idiot"

"and you're acting like a slut" you could see that he regretted the word, but did not say anything else.

you laughed sarcastically "well, if that is how you see me, why are we even together?" you asked, crossing your arms.

"i'm asking myself the same thing"

"okay, great" you screamed as you tried to stop the tears from flowing over your cheeks "this is it then, right?" you didn't wait for his answer, as you grabbed your phone and jacket and walked in the direction of the door.

"y/n" rafe called, but you ignored him. you didn't stop walking until he quickly catching up with you, standing in between you and the door. "don't be difficult" his anger had subsided momentarily.

"me? being difficult?" you couldn't believe his audacity "you're the one that always has a problem, remember?"

"i worked on that"

"yeah" you nodded sarcastically "you made great progress"

"let us talk, yeah?" he pleaded "we've both said things we didn't mean"

"you might have, but i meant everything i said" you protested, pointing an accusing finger to his chest "and i'm tired of always catering to your hurt feelings, your so damn insecure and i hate that you always give me the fault for everything"

"y/n" rafe repeated his pleading "come on, you know i'm still working to fix that"

"maybe you should think about how ridiculous every fight you start is, before you start them. you would have to apologize a lot less"

"i'm sorry" he said "let's go to bed"

"no, rafe" you shook your head, moving your arm, so his hand would lose it's grip "you're not listening to me, i'm done, okay? i'm not letting you treat me like this anymore"

"it was just this one relapse" rafe argued, his voice raising "it won't happen again"

"i know" you said "because i won't let it happen again. you had enough chances already and you blew them everytime and i still stayed, but i have had enough"

"you don't get to leave me like that" he stepped to the side after you had done the same, trying to walk around them to get to the door.

"oh, i get to do what i please now that i have no one whining about it anymore" you crossed your arms, trying to side step him again, but he followed suit "let me go, rafe"

his cheeks were reddened from anger, as he shook his head "you're not thinking rationally. i won't let you decide this before you can think rational again"

"you're not my dad"

"i'm your boyfriend"

"not anymore" you shook your head and scrunched your brows as his anger only grew. he grabbed your wrist.

"you don't mean that"

"let go of me, rafe" you pleaded, a bit fear swinging in your voice now "you're hurting me"

"tell me that you won't leave me" rafe pleaded angrily, tears running over his cheeks and you were feeling a bit pity for him.

"i can't" you muttered, a lot less smug "i already left you, rafe"

"you can take it back" he promised as if to assure you. his fingers pressed into your wrist and you were sure they would leave marks.

"i won't" you caught his eyes and could see the heartbreak in them. but still, there was so much anger. anger he couldn't even control himself.. how where you supposed to do it? "please, rafe. you're hurting me"

rafe recognized the pain in your eyes and he let go of your wrist. "i'm sorry, i don't know--" he tried to excuse, but you shook your head, holding your wrist with your other hand.

"don't say the same thing you do every time" you asked of him "just this last time, don't be like that"

"you're really done? you're not gonna think about it?" he asked softly and it was like you were talking to a whole different person.

a weight lifted off your shoulders from his words. they made you realize that you were free. all the manipulation you had to endure, all the happiness he had robbed from you. after a year of all of that you were just tired, but now you didn't have to do it anymore, you could leave.

"it's my final decision, rafe" you said and you could see the contemplation in his eyes "please, just accept that. don't plead with me, don't do something that will make you or me feel even more uncomfortable"

"i won't" he nodded, but his tone was regretful. you opened the door, after he had stepped to the side. "i love you"

"bye, rafe"

you left the garden of the cameron house and did not look back once. you felt his eyes on you until you were out of sight and you sighed in relief.

the golden hue of the sun was bathing your skin in its warm softness as you stared across the waves that hit the beach in a steady rhythm.

you had spend the last few months of summer with your dad, who had moved away from the outer banks, only returning at the start of the new season.

"you're back" a voice behind you said and you felt like you were living a deja-vu

"yeah" you smiled, holding a hand over your eyes so you could block the sun away. rafe looked good, better than he did after your breakup. both of you had had a hard time processing everything.

his hair was wet and shorter than when you had last seen him. he was only wearing trunks, his tshirt a scrunched up ball of fabric in his hand.

"how are you?" he asked, but did not sit down beside you.

"i'm good" you smiled.

"me too" he answered without you having to ask him. "i had hoped to see you sooner, honestly. i just wanted to apologize for, well, everything. i did you wrong and you didn't deserve that"

you were proud of his honesty, but you wouldn't coddle him. "you're right i didn't" you nodded "our relationship wasn't perfect and you often made it hard for me"

"i know" he nodded, regret plaguing his features. "i wish i could change the way i treated you"

"i wish love could've fixed us"

"yeah, me too" he closed his eyes and you both listened to the sound of the waves crashing at the shore. "it was good to see you, y/n"

"you too, rafe" you smiled and watched as turned away and started walking back to his car. "don't be a stranger" you called after him, and you could hear him laugh and nod.

there was a lot you still had to process about your relationship, but after all of it you just hoped that both of you would be alright some day. that you would be able to get rid of all the effects his constant manipulation and mistrust had left on you. and that he would get the help he needed, realizing that people loved him because they did, not because he had to fulfill certain requirements. also, love definitely wasn't something you could just lose from one second to another.

you just hoped that there was healing for the both of you...

[atarathegreat]

The Colonels Best Recruit König

König knew there was something special about you from the moment you landed on base. From the way you walked behind everyone and kept them in the same area to the way you were merciless during training, König was sure you were going to be his star recruit. And you didn't disappoint in the slightest. Always top of your teams, the first one to volunteer for activities and team bonding, advocating for your peers.

To say you had made a name for yourself among even the commanders was an understatement. You had made tidal waves in KorTac, and König was thrilled that you were under his jurisdiction, that he got to boast your credentials at every meeting. There was no greater feeling for a Colonel. Such a team player, a powerful force to be reckoned with, an absolute unit on missions. He was far from surprised that your goal was to climb rank and become stronger than the others. Even so, you never forgot compassion and friendship. A perfect combo.

It was a decent morning, early training for the recruits, and Konig decided that he was gonna come down and see how the fresh meat was doing. A few of your peers flocked him to ask for tips, some of the girls trying to weasel in some flirting for better scores. Not you, though. You were busy on the opposite end of the field entirely, lost in your own stretches with ear buds dangling to your shoulders. For a few minutes, the lieutenant instructor watched König stare at you, but it made the man uncomfortable, "Recruit! Eyes up!"

You listened perfectly, obeyed easily, and smiled beautifully. König nodded and motioned at the earbuds with a thumbs up. If it helped, he'd allow it. He wasn't exactly a strict man, though he should've been.

"They're perfect, Lieutenant. How's the morning looking?" König towered over the instructor, but everyone on base was used to it by now. The instructor nodded, "Two morons are in jail. The rest are too busy trying to fall in love with each other."

"And them?"

Your instructor grinned, "In the middle of their stretches. In their lane, and focused on the end goal."

It was great to hear. König needed more soldiers who were focused on the task at hand and prepared to take everything on. There would be no room for fuck ups. He would've stayed a while longer and watched you show the others how it's done, but he had his own things to bother with. Meetings, briefings, debriefings, and some paperwork and reports. Lengthy bullshit he wished he could pass on to the next guy. Besides, he knew he'd see you at team night anyway.

So while you spent the hot summer week training and helping around base, getting absolutely sweaty and needing every shower you were afforded, König sat behind his desk and basked in the AC, while he wasn't on a mission of course. Friday rolled around, and thankfully, team night was at a bar this time. You needed to unwind, and a nice jack and coke was the way to go.

You and your team laughed, shared drinks, got into a couple fights, and bar hopped until König finally found you all and kept you in line. By that time, you were decently hammered, and Konig rarely wore his snipers hood off base, giving you the perfect opportunity and liquid courage to hit on your Colonel.

"Say, Colonel, you ever joined the recruits in training?" König thought your drunken rambling and slurred words were slightly endearing. It was a different state than he was used to seeing, at least. Made you seem more human to him, in a way. "A few times." He admitted, though truthfully he hardly did, "Not a lot of greenhorns like to go against a Colonel, though."

Not surprising. The rank was intimidating enough, but then you got a look at the man. Nearly seven foot tall and built like a damn monster truck, even you wouldn't go toe to toe with him. And you definitely wouldn't after watching the way he slammed through walls. Man was a menace.

All the same, you admired him.

"You ever think about joining in on our training? I think it would be a nice change of pace." No, you didn't, you filthy liar. You would shit your pants if he ever went hand to hand with you. Though the lie was a perfect segway to what you really wanted. König chuckled, "Are you trying to get shown up, maus?"

It was meant to be a dig at your smaller frame, the way he dwarfed you in every sense of the word. But damn you, if it didn't turn you on. "Maybe I wanna see what my Colonel can do." The hand around your drink drifted to his thigh, a bold move you wouldn't have made sober, "Maybe see what he's packing."

You knew how to mess around, König would give you that. It was in your eyes, the pressure of your hand on his leg, the way you leaned towards him. You thought you could take him.

But not in a fight.

König was going to prove you wrong, even if the whole damn bar heard. He grabbed your hair and jerked your head back, "Look at yourself, I want you to see your face when you realize you can't handle me."

To have his best recruit below him like this, pupils blown wide with need as your face grew red at the sight of yourself. "Be embarrased, soldier." König slapped your ass as hard as he could, feeling a strange sense of pride as the redness whelped up in the shape of his hand, "I want you to see how your eyes are going to cross when I'm pressed deep." There was a certain type of heat that slammed into your gut when König spit into his hand, intensifying when he slapped it painfully to your core. The colonel was a brutal man, but be damned if you didn't find the pain delicious.

He found it enticing that you were so eager for him and ready for him to be balls deep in your body. The sound of his zipper echoed around the bathroom as he pulled out his cock, "Don't prepare yet, I'll warn you before I sink in." A deep, gutteral groan sounded from the deepest depths of his lungs as König rubbed the head of his cock against the hot skin of your ass cheek. Feeling the heat from your skin on his tip, it made his spine tingle. "Shit...I'm going in, brace."

You were too quick to grab the sink, plant your feet, and arch your back. But it still wasn't fast enough. By the time you had planted your feet, König had slammed into you. He loved the way you felt, the sounds you made, the way your eyes went wide, and then crossed. His large hand wrapped under your chin, forcing your eyes to the mirror, "Watch yourself come apart on my cock, fucking watch as you realize you're foolish."

Every moan and sound that came from your throat echoed beautifully around the walls of the small room. It wasn't until König started to move, pressing as deep as he could and as hard as he could, that you were able to understand not only his size but the strength your colonel possessed. Even if you were fifty percent sure he was holding back a little bit. Large hands gripped your waist, jerking you back onto him, his own heavy groans sounding above your head. In the mirror, you could see the way his eyes were trained on where he was sinking into you, completely entranced that you were taking him despite his size and force.

"Good, good job, love." König praised you, spitting on the connection, "Keep gripping the sink, baby. Don't let go."

It didn't really matter, though, because the more he moved, the closer you got. It was like he was filling every little spot, rubbing and then-

König chuckled as you came, your hands slipping on the sink, and your cry of pleasure was music to his ears. He brought you down from the clouds, slowly easing you back to your mind. "Are you with it, schatz? Present and capable?" He was gentle now, stroking your jaw and practically cooing. Patience was a virtue, and when you nodded, König chuckled and eased out of you, "Have you learned your lesson about challenging a colonel?"

Shit... of course you didn't.

[beauty-and-passion]

Eurovision 2024: broken promises and one last hope

Hello.

I know this post took a bit longer than usual, but I needed some time to collect my thoughts about this year’s Eurovision.

Yes, I watched it. Why? Because it wouldn’t have been fair to the artists, who took part in this year’s competition. It’s not because of them that the show was so polarized, so they didn’t deserve to be punished for that.

Also, I needed to see how far the EBU would go. I needed to see and I needed to remember. And everyone needs to remember too. Remember this year and remember what happened, when the EBU followed its policy so strictly, it ended up making the most tense show I’ve ever watched.

I will share my thoughts and I will try my best to do it effectively. It won’t be a short post and I apologize, but I tried my best.

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Sweden: was it worth it?

We all had big expectations for this year’s show. There was Petra Mede, everyone’s favorite host. And Sweden is well known for doing great shows. This year should've been great.

 The first semifinal starts and we're bombarded by greatest hits of the past. Cool for five minutes, boring after one hour.

I’m disappointed: I expected something better from Sweden, not them recycling something already done in the past. But that’s what they did by sending Loreen back to win again, so I suppose it’s fitting.

Okay, so we have Johnny Logan, Ireland’s three-time winner. Is he singing one of his songs? No, he’s singing Tattoo.

Weird choice. Why call Ireland’s three-time winner to perform a Swedish song? Why call a representative of the nation who won as many times as you and make him sing one of your songs and not one of his?

If I were to think badly, I would think this was Sweden's subtle way to impose its supremacy on Ireland. A sort of: "You're not the best anymore, I reached you and I will surpass you. You will succumb to me". But Sweden would never do something like that, wouldn’t it?

Then we have the second semifinal. And we have a song, which can be resumed as follows: “We know we stole Finland’s victory last year, but instead of admitting there is a problem with the voting system (and the entire system for that matter), we’d much rather prefer to whine, because people have been sooooo mean with us. And yes, we will keep sending the same stuff every time, because it makes us win. At the end of the day, all we want is to keep winning, so shut up and love us.”

I don’t know you, but the line between being self-aware of your flaws and openly admitting all you want is to win (all while insulting the country that almost won last year, by saying that their show would’ve been so stupid ah ah, while ours is so cool, see how cool we are?) is very thin. And even the greatest hosting country of all time can succumb to its own hubris once in a while.

Then we reach the final. Okay, the semifinals' shows were meh and left me with a bitter aftertaste, but hey, that’s the final! It must be awesome!

After two hours, I was looking at the clock, waiting for the entire thing to be over.

Did we really need a thirst song about Martin Österdahl, the most hated EBU Executive Supervisor? Was it really necessary to sexualize this man? Is it because he’s Swedish? Is it because Sweden needs to kiss the ESC’s ass even more? Or is it because the ESC really really wants to make this guy more popular, considering people hate him?

After hinting at them in every possible way for the entire week, in the end we got AI-generated ABBA. Well, shoutout to the real ABBA for not participating in this: last year they said they would’ve not taken part and they didn't. Respect.

Alcazar were the biggest surprise of the entire week, because they are a piece of my childhood and Crying at the Discoteque is still a huge bop. But heaven forbid we having fun for more than five minutes, so they were sent away immediately.

At the end of the day, my question is: was it worth it, Sweden? Was it worth winning seven times, only to celebrate with the most boring show ever?

I cannot believe I’m saying this, but I missed Portugal’s show. Yes, the show I called “torture”, because they kept spamming the entire country for days.

You know what? I’d rather watch a country constantly spam its beauties and its culture, than another greatest hit compilation. By god, you’re hosting Eurovision. That's your chance to display your country on the greatest window Europe has to offer. And you use that chance, to repeat over and over “Eurovision good” and talk about it only.

I know Eurovision is good and cool and I love the reminder... but please, give us something more, Sweden. Something you. Listening to a country say: “We don’t have anything else to offer besides Eurovision” does not make me laugh. It makes me sad. It's not that you don't have anything else to offer, Sweden: it's that you don't want to show what else you have to offer.

You have gorgeous natural places (Höga Kusten and Gotland just to name two). You have the second-longest bridge in Europe and it's fucking impressive. Your capital is full of wonderful islands - and I found out there are tours with buses that go both on the ground and in the water. How fucking cool is that?!

Do we want to talk about culture? Your coffee breaks are literally part of your lifestyle and even have a specific name. You have that great concept of lagom which a lot of people should learn too. You are full of beautiful art and funny foods - heck, there is even a Disgusting Food Museum in Malmö! And I didn't find out thanks to Eurovision, but thanks to fucking Tripadvisor.

It's just sad, you know? Don't underestimate yourself so much, Sweden. You have a ton to offer besides this show.

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 The Netherlands: victim of paradoxes

Europapa was one of fan’s favorite songs and of course it was: a catchy tune, funny singer, fun and happiness for a song that was both a celebration of Europe and a touching love letter from Joost to his parents.

Of course it got people’s hearts. We all love the story of a character who comes up with a dream and wants to fulfill it. And if we can, we want to make that dream come true.

So just imagine how devastating it was, to find out Joost has been disqualified. I was minding my own business when I found out and I was shocked, so I can’t even imagine how bad his hardcore fans felt.

The first question was, of course, why. What happened? What could’ve done a man who has always wanted to attend Eurovision, to get disqualified? Not warned, not penalized. Disqualified. What did he ever do, to put in jeopardy his lifelong dream like that?

I don't know if we’ll ever find out the whole truth. All we know is that Joost asked a woman to stop filming him, she refused and kept following him, so he made a “threatening gesture” towards the camera, while not touching her.

Which gesture? No idea. Maybe he showed his middle finger, maybe he tried to lower the camera, maybe he said “fuck you and stop filming me”, maybe he tried to hit the camera. I don’t know. But in this case, I would really like to know - and not just what he did, but how the whole thing went.

If this year taught us something, is the importance of context. If Joost Klein tried to punch the camera is one thing and he should be condemned for that. But if Joost Klein tried to punch the camera after being filmed without his permission, because a woman was harassing him and following him, thus breaking the agreement that wanted him to not be filmed after stage… well, that's another thing.

Sure, he shouldn’t have reacted this way. But you can understand by yourself that snapping at someone out of the blue is one thing and snapping because you’re fed up with harassment is another thing.

Did Joost deserve some punishment? Sure. But did the person filming him without consent deserve punishment too? Of course. If you have to apply punishments, you have to do it equally, not with a double standard. So if he was disqualified, that woman should've been removed from her position too. But as far as I know, she wasn't.

Also, why didn't the EBU tell exactly what happened right from the start? Why refer to it as “an incident” and give only vague explanations? Why not mention Joost's disqualification during the Grand Final? Why did people have to find out through social media and the Grand Final happened as if nothing?

That's weird, that's not the behavior of someone who has nothing to hide. What’s the matter, EBU? Why this weird lack of communication? And why not show the footage of the incident and make everything clear? Now you’re respecting Joost’s right to not be filmed? A bit too late for that, isn’t it?

So yes, in a paradoxical turn of events, Joost Klein got his dream denied by the same show he wanted to be part of. The guy with the most European song ever, the one who stuck to the ESC motto “united by music”, the one who celebrated Europe, the one whose childhood dream was to be part of this European show, got disqualified by the same European show.

What can I say? I just hope karma will do its job for him. If he's innocent, he will get good things. If he's in the wrong, he will get his punishment.

In the meantime, you can still support him, stream his songs and check his albums. Here on YouTube you will find basically all of them, since it doesn’t seem he has a YouTube channel (yet).

And if his fans still find everything absurd and unjustifiable, don't worry: if Eurovision 2023 (and all previous ones) taught us something, is that you don’t have to be the winner, to steal people’s hearts. Sometimes, you just need one performance.

And this one stole everyone's heart.

Also, since apparently paradoxes were not enough, it seems like European flags were banned for being political? European flags during a European show in a European country in the European continent.

Uh?!

EBU, one question: on which continent do you think you’re in? Spoiler: it’s not America.

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EBU’s biggest mistake

Let's talk a bit about the current global situation, shall we? No, you can't escape from it.

So, unless you lived under a rock until now, you know that the Israeli-Palestinian conflict has been going on for a long time and that recently it intensified again because of the new Gaza conflict. Israel pretends to not have committed war crimes, the rest of the world tells them to stop committing them, there are protests everywhere and people are ready to jump at each other’s throats to defend one country or the other.

Now, you’re the EBU. You say your show isn’t political. And that’s true: Eurovision isn’t political. Eurovision is a musical competition. It has nothing to do with politics.

But Eurovision takes place on planet Earth. And, as said, the situation on planet Earth is a bit tense right now. So you already know that, if you stick one single finger in this situation, you will get BIG reactions from the public.

So, what do you do, when Israel asks you to participate?

a) You tell Israel, very politely and very professionally, that you appreciate their application, but cannot accept them this year, because the situation is what it is and letting them in would bring chaos and potential dangers into a contest whose main foundation is being safe and non-political.

b) You let Israel in and let Palestine participate too, at least in spirit through people’s voices and decisions to mention it. This way, no one can say you’re taking sides, since you’re letting both sides participate.

c) You let Israel in and censor everything and everyone else, so not only you bring chaos inside your non-political contest, but make it even more political than ever and end up taking sides too.

Guess what EBU chose.

In order to stick to their non-political policy, EBU put blinders on and ignored the rest of the world. In order to let one country in because "Eurovision is non-political, so everyone is allowed to participate", they brought politics into their non-political show.

And no, it's not unexpected: it was obvious that, by letting Israel in, politics would've entered the competition too. This country and politics are bound tightly now, because of the current situation: of course if you let one in, the other will enter too.

And with politics, all the chaos of the current situation found its way in too. And that means EBU literally put in danger:

25 artists and their teams coming from all over Europe

the same Israeli gal and her team

all the tourists coming from all over the world to attend Eurovision

Swedish people who were living their normal lives and were suddenly surrounded by protests and chaos

the protesters who could've been involved in potential clashes

members of the police who also could've been involved in potential clashes

“But hey”, you might say, “nothing bad happened, in the end! You’re being too negative!”

Sure, thankfully nothing bad happened. But the risk was there, it was huge and it's not that "it would've been here anyway": the risk could've been completely avoided, by applying just a bit more human reasoning.

But even after politics found its way into the show, even after that, EBU could've saved the whole thing. If only one human being with a functioning brain said something like: "Okay, politics is in, even if we didn't want to. Now all we can do is let the other side of the conflict speak too, while we stay neutral".

But no, oh no. Mentioning Palestine and ceasefire means politics and our show isn't political. So let's ignore the fact that our decision to follow the policy verbatim led to politics being inside the show and let's keep applying the rules as if nothing: no one should mention politics, so Eric Saade cannot perform with the kefiah, Bambie Thug should remove their messages about ceasefire, Iolanda cannot keep her nails with Palestine's colors (seriously?!) and people's booing should be drowned with anti-booing technology.

You know, it's incredibly fascinating how EBU's stubborn decision to strictly follow the rules not only allowed politics inside the show, but led to the EBU itself taking a political stand, all while censoring every other opposition. EBU's rigid, mechanical application of the policy led to the EBU contradicting the same policy it was oh-so-religiously following. By making sure the show wasn't political, EBU applied censorship and not only made it even more political, but politically oriented towards one side of the conflict.

I don't know who the EBU members are and if they're human beings with functioning brains or just AI-generated bots, but please: stop following the rules like mindless robots and start using human reasoning in your decision-making process. And use common sense too, because if an idiot like me could foresee the consequences, you should've been able to foresee them too.

_________________________________

Israel: bullying cannot buy you victory

Now, we have Israel in. And the Israeli gal and her team perfectly know that their sole presence will lead to controversy and political stands.

So, if you were in their place, what would have you done?

kept a low profile during the entire competition;

showed at least an ounce of regret for unintentionally putting everyone in danger;

bullied everyone and tried to find any possible chance to beef with the other artists;

Guess what the Israeli team chose.

During the entire competition, these people kept harassing other artists, filming them without consent, calling them names, misgendering them. They kept this arrogant behavior, as if they owned the place and all other countries were just invited to their show.

And if there’s something I hate more than arrogance, is arrogance with a side dish of bullying.

So, to all the people whining because “Martina Satti yawned while Eden was speaking and Joost hid his face”: if that’s bullying, for you, you have a great life and I envy you. I wish I was bullied like that in school. But my bullying was more like… well, calling me names, harassing me and listening/spying what I was doing without my consent.

But apparently harassing the competitors wasn’t enough, so Israel decided to harass the viewers too, by begging for votes. Yes, they begged for votes. Yes, they spammed ads all over YouTube. Yes, I got one too and it was on a Eurovision-unrelated video and it made my blood boil. Yes, they were this desperate. And yes, that’s pathetic.

Also: is this legal? Is this allowed? EBU, are we sure this is part of the rules you follow so strictly? And please, tell me: is harassment also part of those same rules?

But do not worry: in the end, karma found its way. And despite the arrogance, the harassment, the tons of money spent to beg people, none of these means was enough to grant Israel the victory they oh-so-desperately wanted.

On the contrary: in a wonderfully ironic twist, the winner was one of the artists they kept misgendering and harassing. Mmmh, delicious irony, my favorite.

So thank you Israel for wasting money all over YouTube, I hope they were a lot. Thank you to all the people who made a political vote, you really got the spirit of the show, I hope you will never watch it again. Thank you Israeli team for harassing everyone and making an already tense competition even more tense. And, most importantly, thank you EBU for bringing politics in a non-political show: great fucking job, I hope someone will get fired.

And now, let's finally talk about music. Israel's song was nothing special, just the umpteenth bland song I've listened to 200 times already. And we all know it didn't get 300+ votes because everyone was in love with it. People's taste is not so bland and boring. And the final points proved it.

(On a side note, if I were Eden, I would be offended by these votes. At least the people who voted for Loreen last year didn't do it because of Sweden, but because of her talent. This year, I doubt that the people who voted for Eden gave a shit about her talent at all)

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France: I need to make some apologies

Listen, you have to understand: we Italians know that French singers are good. We laugh, we say they’re “so French” and they keep Frenching and everything, but we know they rarely disappoint.

The problem is that France is good at the same things we’re good too. We’re both good at soccer, we’re good with food, wine, fashion. And we’re both good at singing.

So, France, remember: we might make fun of you but my god, your artists are amazing. When Slimane sang that part acapella two meters away from his microphone, I literally got shivers. He is a fucking great singer, his voice is incredible and he deserved more than 7 points.

I know French Frenching, but we should give credit when necessary:

_________________________________

Estonia, Spain and basically everyone else: two words and more apologies

Estonia 20th and Spain 22nd? Super robbed. The ignominy. The audacity. They served us beautiful Estonian language and a Spanish gal with a soft voice and that's how they got rewarded? They deserve more and better and people are stupid.

Also, I don’t know what kind of beef Greeks have with Marina, but she was good and doesn’t deserve all of this hate. Also because most of the complaints I've heard about make no sense, so… uh?!

Germany: fucking finally, people gave you votes. Thank you for persevering, your song was truly nice and I liked it too.

Armenia: yes, top 10! For great, lively, wonderful Balkan rhythm! You deserve it and your country deserves love and appreciation.

Italy: I’m okay with this result. Angelina’s performance was better, compared to the one in the semi-finals (also, better costume too, the other was too revealing and too much in general). 7th place is fine.

Ireland: I know that’s not a song for everyone and okay, fine, maybe it’s nothing special either… but my god, have you seen the performance they put on? A-ma-zing. It was interesting, captivating and full of details. And the narrative is perfect too: you can see how Bambie slowly befriends the demon and ends up killing it. It was truly enjoyable to watch. So I’m glad it got 6th place, they deserve an even higher position.

Ukraine: please keep slaying, your artists are always so great and they keep proving it every goddamn time. Also, that moment when Ukraine surpassed Israel was delicious: money truly cannot buy you love and support.

The UK: seriously, why are you whining about people not giving you points? The song was okay, but nothing truly special. Still, you got 18th place! What should Norway say, instead? Poor Norway, it has all my sympathy, the song wasn't this bad.

And now, to you all: you know what to do. Follow your favorites, stream their songs, shower them with love. Eurovision is over, but these artists are not disappearing. They are still out there, making beautiful music. Go check on them.

_________________________________

Croatia: “the audience will come to my concert, not the jury”

Baby Lasagna was a blessing and as Italian, I want to properly apologize for giving it 16 points total only. You deserved 24, shame on us for being stupid morons.

Croatia gave us a beautiful song, from a beautiful artist with a great message and upbeat sounds. And I’m not the only one who thinks this, because the rest of the public agrees with me. Marko gave us pure joy and entertainment in an evening that was mostly sadness, tension and boredom.

And yes, it’s sad he didn’t win… but he knew it, before Switzerland’s points have been announced. Look at his face, during the final voting: as soon as Petra said Switzerland only needed 182 points, he realized he was going to lose. You can see him understanding and accepting it. He knew Switzerland would get these points. I knew. Everybody knew.

So no, this wasn’t like last year: last year, it was a one-on-one game between Finland and Sweden and a tug-of-war between public and jury. This year, we had a lot of favorites. Marko was the favorite, but if Joost wasn’t disqualified, maybe the points would’ve been even more distributed.

But you know what? Marko actually got the best possible result you can get in Eurovision. People adore you, you become a legend and your country doesn’t have to deal with EBU’s bullshit. You get the best of both worlds and it doesn’t cost you a cent.

Also, consider that Marko accepted his 2nd place graciously and maturely, went back home and was welcomed by basically the whole Zagreb (Let3 were there too! Kings supporting a king, very fitting). And in an interview, he said something like “I don’t care about the jury points, because the jury doesn’t come to my concerts”. Which proves he is:

a mood

a king

the truth oracle

everyone’s spirit animal

the winner of the people

the coolest guy ever

So, Croatia: I understand your disappointment, the jury system REALLY needs to change. And no, you won't host Eurovision next year. But consider that you're everyone's favorite country now. And you won't have to deal with whatever shit will happen in 2025! So sit back, relax, may your tourism thrive and your quality of life be high.

And if all of you people really enjoyed Baby Lasagna, please consider he has a YouTube channel and there are two other songs, besides Rim Tim Tagi Dim. One criticizes social media and the influencer system, while the other is a piece of great life advice from the title: “Don't hate yourself, but don't love yourself too much”. Thank you, king, for being so real.

And in case you’re wondering, yes, they’re both huge bops.

Do your magic, people: subscribe to his channel, stream his songs, watch his videos, shower him with love and, most importantly, meow back.

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Switzerland: a contest that can live up to its promise

In the end Switzerland won. And it’s a good victory, you know? You might not like the song, but consider that Nemo sang pop, rap and opera, all while jumping on that rotating platform-thingy and running all over the stage. And they even bent back, while keeping a high note and rotating. I can’t even keep a high note by standing still, let alone by doing all the stuff they did.

Also, this is the first victory for a non-binary person, so great for them. And basically no one knew Nemo before Eurovision, so the show came back to its roots, by giving fame to an unknown artist.

Last but not least, in an ironic turn of events, this victory is the least political thing that happened on that stage. In the most polarized, political show ever, the winner is the quintessential neutral country. Almost poetic, in a way.

And this victory is also a huge slap in the face for the EBU: in the end, it wasn't its rigid adherence to the policy that made the show non-political, it was the jury’s vote. How the tables have turned.

But there is another reason why this victory is good after all and it’s because it’s a hopeful one. The winner isn’t famous, they didn’t harass anyone, they didn’t use money to win, they brought nothing besides their identity, a kind heart and a flag they had to sneak in because of the weird “flag rule” EBU pulled out.

And I would like to remind you that, during their victory speech, Nemo said this:

"I hope this contest can live up to its promise and continue to stand for peace and dignity for every person in this world".

I think it’s a speech that tells everything about this year’s show. This year, the contest didn’t live up to its promise: it put people in unnecessary danger, it brought tension, it made it political. EBU’s strictness led to a lot of consequences, the exact ones it tried so desperately to avoid.

As a result, no one enjoyed their time. I didn't enjoy my time. When Sunday came, I was relieved that the week was finally over and I was able to leave Eurovision behind. I didn't feel an ounce of the usual post-Eurovision nostalgia. I was just glad it was over.

And it's sad and unfair, because Eurovision isn't this. Eurovision is a perfect little window of peace and unity, away from the chaos of the world. For a few hours, three evenings a year, we can leave the real problems behind and focus on silly ones, like which country should win, which should be forever ashamed and which artist will become a legend.

This year, it wasn't like that. This year politics found its way in and wrecked everything. What was supposed to be a silly, funny, lighthearted show became so heavily politically charged, it broke under the weight.

And now that I think about it, Nemo breaking the trophy is the perfect metaphorical representation of this year's competition.

Just like that trophy, Eurovision is something frail and beautiful and mishandling can break it. And oh boy, the EBU truly mishandled it. Even if it was an accident, even if it wasn't done on purpose, the trophy is still broken. The show is broken.

But when asked about their broken trophy, Nemo didn't mourn it: Nemo gave words of hope. Maybe the broken trophy can be repaired. And maybe Eurovision can be repaired too.

How? Well, maybe by starting to learn when and how to apply rules. By using common sense and sensibility. And by checking the world outside too. If we want Eurovision to keep being that small window separated from real world problems, we can't just ignore them: we need to check them and react accordingly.

And if we have to break a rule to guarantee peace and safety, then so be it. One broken rule is not as important as safety and unity.

After all, what makes Eurovision isn't a set of rules: it's the artists, with their talents, their messages, their hopes, their voices, their dreams. They are Eurovision. They are the pull that draws everyone in. They are the reason why people are "united by music". Not because a rule orders them to, not because of the EBU: because of these artists.

Maybe the EBU can start from that. Maybe it can start by looking at the human aspect. Maybe it can start by going out and looking around. And maybe it can learn to take more care of the artists who are the foundation of the show.

And maybe, maybe, they will be able to repair Eurovision too.

See you, hopefully, next year.

[leavingsunsets]

"ᴵ ᶠᵉˡˡ ⁱⁿ ˡᵒᵛᵉ ʷⁱᵗʰ ʸᵒᵘ ᵃᵍᵃⁱⁿ."

a short Jamil Viper oneshot.

The sunset painted the shore a beautiful orange hue.

The misty breeze was like a comfort, a gentleness that soothed you away from your worries.

The warmth of your lover's palm against yours, fingers intertwined.

A small beach walk. That's what this is. A momentary silence, a way to forget your worries, even for just a minute. You both rarely get any, after all.

A content sigh escapes your lips. You enjoy this. This peacefulness. This feeling of home. The way time seems to stay, to slow down, to breathe. This... view.

Jamil keeps his gaze towards the horizon, quiet. You know he's just basking in the moment, just as you are.

His hair is undone, locks swaying in the breeze. Eyes softened to a familiar look, with the soft sunlight hitting his skin in an ethereal glow.

For a moment, your heart warms. The soft feeling spreads to your cheeks, tinting your face pink. This sudden warmth gets your hands all clammy, and you can't help but feel a little embarrassed when Jamil notices.

He turns, looking at you so tenderly that you thought your heart might've skipped a beat.

"Something wrong?" Jamil speaks softly, voice in a hushed tone.

You shake your head, giving him a small smile. "No, it's nothing."

A chuckle, before he gives you a cheeky grin. "Oh really? Is that why you've been staring at me for the past five minutes?"

Jamil bursts into a small laugh at seeing your pink expression. He expects you to swat at him, maybe even grumble and deny his words with flushed cheeks.

However, he doesn't expect you to actually answer.

"Just.. you were so breathtaking I just thought my heart was falling for you a second time."

The boy blinks, eyes widening just a fraction in suprise. "You..." he trails off, before closing his mouth. Jamil tries to fight the sudden heat against his cheeks, and quickly turns his head away.

"Geez. You're so cheesy." he grumbles, letting go of your hand. He hopes you don't notice the way his pulse quickened, or the way your lovesick gaze had him weak in the knees.

You pout at this, obviously. "But it's true! You were looking at the sunset all cool and stuff, and then just looking at you my heart was beating really fast and—" rambling on, you interlace your hands together again, which does not help Jamil's heart in any case.

"Stop, stop, I already got your point." He hides his burning face with his hand, avoiding your eyes. "Let's just- let's just go already. It's getting dark."

Looking around, it is indeed getting dark. The orange horizon's given way to a pretty blue, reminding you of your curfew. "Oh, right. Mann... I should've at least taken a picture. The sunset looked pretty."

Jamil just nods, tugging you along. "Maybe next time then."

You gasp excitedly. "We're going on another beach date??"

"...yes."

"Is it because I said you look cool staring at the sunset? You look cool anywhere, you know."

"Quiet, please."

Sevens. It's hard to quell his racing heart, not with how he can't help but feel like he's falling in love with you all over again.

[kookslastbutton]

Love's Remedy ༓ jjk (m) l Ch. III

✑ Summary: Jungkook is a romantic. He comes from a highly intelligent family who wants him to carry out the lineage. Being this way, he goes to college to be a pharmacist but his friends say college isn't just about studying! With a little persuasion, he goes to his first frat party thinking his hat will help him pick up a girl-or woman he means.

Pairing: STEM major!virgin!jungkook x STEM major!hot girl!reader

AU/genre: angst, smut, fluff, s2l, college au, mini-series

Rating: M, 18+

Word Count: 4,378

Warnings: jk is very determined to "win" oc, jk a romantic, oc has philophobia (fear of relationships), protective!koo again, oc is an engineering student, PC Bang, jk is a king at LOL (League of Legends), jk lowkey flirts with new person, oc gets cold feet but please don't blame her 🥹, jk and oc get on level ground after hashing things through, themes of stalker-ish behavior (not oc or jk!), feat Jackson and Jae-beom, if i missed warning lmk!

Now Playing: seven, summertime sadness, she’s kerosene, angels like you+

A/N: For reference a PC Bang is: "a type of LAN gaming center and Internet cafe in South Korea, where patrons can play multiplayer computer games for an hourly fee". Also, I am not a gaming guru but I try for this chapter that means I researched haha Enjoy! 💞

<< ch. II ༓ ch. IV >> | series masterlist

A week later, Jungkook waits for you at your agreed rendezvous point; for over an hour. You promised to meet him near the campus garden at 7 pm but here it is almost 8 pm and you're a no-show.

He checks his phone for the fourteenth time since arriving–no reply.

Jungkook tries not to jump to conclusions but you broke your word and you ghosted him.

He thinks back to last week when he'd stepped between you and Jun-ho. And when you followed him back to his dorm where he told you he could love and take care of you, as you helped patch his wound. Had he come on too strong? Did you get into more trouble that he didn't know about?

He kicks a few pebbles by his feet, sending them flying in every which way, as the number of endless possibilities rattles his brain.

"Stupid," he cusses himself. "You're just so fucking stupid."

How could he believe that after two short weeks of random run-ins with you that he'd earn your interest? You told him you don't do relationships yet he still shows up, anxiously presenting himself as your knight in shining armor. Any sane person would tell him he was barking up a dead tree.

"Might as well get a head start on next week's homework." Jungkook loses hope, trotting back to the dormitory with the wind howling and mocking behind him.

"What do you mean she ditched you?" The boisterous inquisition belongs to Jackson who's looking thoroughly offended once hearing his new best friend was shown up. He isn't sure how much this woman meant to him, but either way, it makes him livid. Even if you weren't going to go out with him, you should've at least told him like a decent human being.

"I really thought she'd come," Jungkook replies with his heavy eyes. He walks alongside the blonde-haired boy, dirt crunching below his feet. "Guess she had something better to do."

"No." Jackson stops in the middle of the road. "You know who actually has better things to do? It's you. What do you say to hitting up the PC Bang downtown? Play a little League of Legends or Overwatch?"

Jungkook shrugs with less enthusiasm than a snail. "Sure…"

"Hey man," Jackson puts a hand on Jungkook's shoulder. "I'm sorry about you and __. It sucks being stood up. I've had my fair share and you just gotta take it as a blessing that nothing else happened between you both. Nine times out of ten, it didn't have anything to do with you either so don't blame yourself. Take it as a lesson and keep working on yourself until the right person shows up. They'll be the person you can truly give yourself to."

"Hard to believe you've been shown up. You're charismatic, confident, in good shape, have good facial features, and you're getting your MD." Jungkook's aware of his friend's attempt to lift his spirits but he can't fathom anyone not giving Jackson the time of day. Due looks like a pop star in the making.

"Nah, most of what you just said is me bullshitting my way through life. I'm not all that," Jackson rejects, striding forward. "I got rejected by a girl a few days ago myself."

"Had a boyfriend?"

"Nope, just didn't like me. And she doesn't go out with first -years apparently."

"Oh," Jungkook's eyebrows shoot up. "She was an upperclassman?"

"Yup, on her third year."

At this Jungkook's mouth gapes open. "No wonder she said no. What the hell are you doing trying to go out with a third-year?” The accusatory tone spins Jackson's head–he's a sad little puppy with you but a bulldog with him. What a puzzling fellow.

"Same thing you're doing trying to convince someone who doesn't want a relationship to go out with you."

Jungkook dials back his previous assertion. "We're idiots."

"Correction. we're dreamers." Jackson slaps him on the shoulder. "C'mon, let's go burn some shit up at the internet cafe."

By the time he and Jackson get to the cafe nearly all the computers are taken. It's no surprise since PC Bang's are quite a rave amongst university students like themselves. You can play the hottest games for hours while stuffing yourself full with whatever food's served on the cafe menu–all for a small fee of course.

"Let's go here." Jackson manages to grab two free id cards from the counter–guiding them to two empty PCs, side by side to each other. "How long do you want to play for?"

Jungkook sinks himself in the leather gaming chair and powers on the machine in front of him. "I'm good until 6 pm, but then I should head back to my dorm and do homework."

"Cool, same for me. We'll play for three hours then."

"What should we play?" Jungkook tosses the headset over his ears and scrolls through the game options. Jackson does the same.

"Kinda in the mood for LOL." He flips to the game's screen card. "Gonna need to join a team though."

"No problem.," Jungkook clicks the game on his own pc until the loading screen covers his view. "So many people play League of Legends. We'll be able to find one in no time."

Jackson nods and opens LOL himself. "Let's kick some ass."

"Fuck yeah," Jungkook mumbles, inaudible to everyone but himself.

An hour passes and he and Jackson have been hammering their opponents into the digital abyss. The thrill and surge of adrenaline cause him to forget previous heartaches–aka you. Plus, after finding a team of three to jump into; one member who happens to be female, Jungkook's been able to turn his attention to other prospects.

"Soomin, how long have you been playing LOL for?" Jungkook decides to learn more about his female teammate after claiming the final victory over the opposing team.

"Five years," her raspy voice comes through his headset. It sure is a unique voice, he notes.

"Same. We should play on a team more often. In fact, Jackson and I are thinking about building an official LOL team so we could use a third person. You're really good so if you want, we'd love to have you." Beside him, his friend gives him a confused look. 'We are?' he mouths silently which Jungkook ignores.

"Wait really?" She pauses a moment. "I've never been on a permanent team before. I guess that'd be cool."

"I play late at night sometimes too. Meaning if you ever wanna jump on with me shoot me a message or something."

"Alright, I'll jot down your username."

"Already got yours memorized," he says, a tad more cocky than he meant.

"Damn," she cusses. "You work fast. By the way, do you go to university?"

"Yeah, I go to Seoul National University."

"No way, what year are you? I attend there too. I'm a second-year."

"What?!" He nearly hits the ceiling once the information is disclosed. He had no idea Soomin would be this close and that he could meet her in person. call him eager but should he ask her out? No…he's already made that move with you and look where it left him. He'll ask to hang out first. "We should meet Soomin. As long as you don't mind that I'm a first-year that is," Jungkook chuckle lightly and looks over to Jackson who immediately gives him a double thumbs up.

"Well I'm kinda busy this week but how about next week? Also, if it's good with you, can my boyfriend come?"

Fuck. If this is some kinda joke he'd like to catch a break any time now. Not that he was as intrigued with Soomin as he was, or still is, with you but he definitely thought it was going somewhere!

"You're dating?" Jungkook watches Jackson lower his double thumbs up, frowny face on.

"Yeah, we've been together for a year. Met as classmates." When she giggles Jungkook has the unexpected urge to roll his eyes. Of course, you did, he mutters, just a perfectly peachy coincidence for you two.

"Well that's nice," he says bitterly.

"Oh, I'm sorry Jungkook. He's actually calling me now so I have to go but I'll talk to you soon. And message me when you want to meet. I'll tell my boyfriend about you!"

Great. Jungkook bids her goodbye and she signs off.

"Sorry about Soomin. She seemed cute." Jackson slides his headset off his ears to rest them around his neck. "But you know what? You're still a force to be reckoned with inside the virtual world. I honestly don't know how you do it."

Jungkook grins shyly and slips his headset on the desk. "I've been playing for a long time. Must be something to do with that." He throws a hand over his abdomen when his stomach rumbles at the same time. "We should order food." He browses the cafe's extensive menu on his pc. Nothing but rows and rows of tasty options flash back at him, urging him to spend fortunes.

Still, he's got to cap it at some point with only about 2,000,000 Korean won (about 1,500 USD) in his bank account. The Jeon family is wealthy but Jungkook is not. His parents are especially careful to inform him that generational wealth is not going to be given to him freely. Instead, he is to earn his own money, starting at the car wash which he worked at over the summer.

"I'm getting an order of Tteokbokki and a soju. What about you?" Jackson punches in his order, sparing a glance at Jungkook who's tapping on his keyboard with one hand while the other rests under his chin.

"The Jjajangmyeon looks good. I'll get that with a soju too." After Jungkook enters in his own order he strolls his chair out from under the gaming table. "Do you see a bathroom around here?"

"Yeah, it's all the way to that far right corner." Jackson points in that direction with his thumb.

"Okay, I'll be right back."

Bathroom, bathroom, bathroom.

Jungkook repeats the simple word to himself. He scans the corner Jackson gestured towards earlier but sees nothing except a giant blank wall. Must have meant the opposite direction. He turns himself around to scout the other side of the floor.

"Excuse me sir-" a voice chimes close behind him.

"Oh sorry." He steps aside to let the young lady by and as soon as he does his whole body jerks forward in shock. "__!"

You turn around with the tray of food in your hand in what looks like a work uniform. "Yes, what can I do–Kookie?" You grip the plastic tray firmer to keep it from shaking uncontrollably, though the clamminess of your palms makes it a challenging task. Seeing Jungkook at the place you work was bound to happen being that the PC Bang is close to the university. You just weren't prepared for it to be tonight during one of your last shifts of the season.

"I didn't know you worked here."

"Yeah, only part-time." After bumping into Jungkook moments ago, you found it inevitable to avoid him further. You agreed to meet him outside once your break started. "I'm planning on leaving before the semester gets crazy. I have about a week left probably."

It dawns on Jungkook that he doesn't know what you study so with shifty eyes and clenched fists, he asks. "What are you going for?"

"Engineering." You can tell he wasn't expecting that for an answer; most don't be a woman in the field and all. "Jungkook, let's not do this. I'm sorry about what happened the other night." A sick queasy feeling settles in your gut–you're well aware you did Jungkook wrong. You're not proud of it in the slightest and him standing in front of you right now only reminds you of your guilt.

"I waited for you __. You said you come even if it was a rejection." A twinge of hurt laces behind his words and he keeps a controlled stance. He doesn't get in your face, demanding for an answer, nor does he break down and cry. He's more inquisitive than anything else. "Where were you? Why didn't you come?"

"I–" You intertwine your fingers, a nervous habit you picked up in childhood. "I panicked Kookie. I'm so sorry."

Jungkook stiffens when he hears the endearing name drop from your soft lips again. It was nice at first but now it feels like a sharp pain twisting in his side, like a thorn only for his misery. "Can you not call me that, please? It's–It's making me uncomfortable."

"Oh god," you lunge forward out of instinct but freeze when he steps back. "Jungkook I really am sorry. I was planning to see you. I had my shoes on and everything. Like I said I panicked, I'm not suited for relationships. And I'm not suited for you."

The last part stings the most.

"But–"

“There’s no buts Jungkook." You place your hand on the door of the building. " I have to get back to work."

"Wait!"Jungkook moves to face in front of you from an angle. "You say you're not suited for relationships but why did you get ready to see me? Why didn't you just say no to me? And last week when you told me you needed more time to think…was it a lie?"

"Because I like you okay? You're cute, protective, sweet, but you like me too much." you release the handle. "You don't know anything about me yet you've already got into a fistfight with an obscene jerk for me and claim you'll wait for me even when you just met me. If you love me this much now how much more will you love me later?"

" I'll love you for eternity."

"See this is it, Jeon. You saying stuff like this before anything real has happened between us–it's too much. How can you be this devoted to basically a stranger? You'll love me for eternity but have you considered that maybe I won't?"

"What are you saying?"

"What makes you think I'll love you as much as you do me?"

" I don't think like that __. I don't want a relationship so I can see what I can get. that's not how my mind works. I understand that I've been very forward with you. I should have been more conscientious about how that would make you feel but when I say that I love–"

"Please, don't drop the 'L' word. If you're saying love then you don't love me; only the idea of me."

Jungkook pauses, wordless

"Never thought of it that way huh? Guess not. Let me ask you something…do you know what I do? With men?"

He swallows and shakes his head no

"I sleep with them. A new guy a week if not twice a week. People call me a whore, and I'm spreading my legs for everyone and anyone willing. Do you want to get involved with someone like that?" You wipe away an escaped tear.

"I don't care about that at all __."

"Well, you should! This is who I am Jungkook. I can't let you be responsible for me. So unless you want a one-night stand or a friends-with-benefits relationship, I suggest you forget about me. I can't be your girlfriend."

"__!" Your manager shoves the front door open, causing you and Jungkook to jolt in surprise. " Where have you been? We have about twenty orders that need to be served."

"Sorry Manager Choi. I'll get right on it." You spare Jungkook one last glance before disappearing back inside the PC Bang. "I'm sorry," you say with a lowered head.

That night Jungkook lays on his bed, thumb hovering over your name in his contacts list. His logical side whispers for him to delete it. His heart says to call, text, or do something to–no. He remembers your pained facial expression; on the verge of tears as you explained to him that he'd been too quick in making his mind up about you. But then he replays your final words.

"…unless you want a one-night stand or a friends-with-benefits relationship, I suggest you forget about me. I can't be your girlfriend."

Well, he doesn't want the first two but if it meant he could be in your life longer–stop. His logical side intrudes. "You don't want to go down that path," he matters to himself. "It's better if you just delete the number." Jungkook moves to tap the trash can icon on your phone contact, a pang in his chest. Just as he's mustered up enough strength his phone buzzes off, screen lighting the entirety of the darkened dorm room. His roommate groans at the sound and rolls over in their bed.

"Jungkook," said roommate rubs his face. "I have an 8:15 tomorrow morning. Please speak take it in the hallway."

Jungkook quietly jumps out of bed not solely because of courtesy to his roommate but also because it's from you.

"Jungkook… can you um…"

"__?" He eases the door shut behind him and paces up and down the hallway. "Are you there?"

"Can you meet me at the bus stop near the campus library/ I'm sorry to be asking you it's just that…Jun-ho's–"

"What is it? Are you okay? What about Jun-ho?"

" I'm taking the bus back from work and he's on the same one he keeps staring at me and I'm scared of following me back to my dorm. Please Kookie-Jungkook I mean. I don't have any right to ask you, I know. He won't try anything with the bus driver here but once I get off I'll be alone. I have some pepper spray in my bag–"

"Yes, yes I'll be right there. How far are you out?" This isn't about pursuing you, impressing you, or anything like that anymore; it's about your safety. Jungkook leaps into his room, grabs his wallet, and shoves the sneakers on his feet. "__? Did you hear me?"

" I'm five minutes from the stop. Oh, he's, he's still staring at me."

"Don't look at him __. I'm walking down right now. Stay on the phone with me. I'll be waiting for you when you get there okay?"

"Thank you Kook. I'm sorry."

"Don't apologize. If Jun-ho's tracking you down like a wolf, it'll be his funeral." The icy tone in Jungkook's typically warm, milky tone sends a shiver up your spine.

The bus you're on pulls up in exactly five minutes, as you estimated. Jungkook frantically searches for you through the window glass, growling when he sees Jun-ho standing up a few rows behind you. He makes sure to be as close to the bus's exit doors as possible so he can grab your hand as soon as you step out.

"Hey!" He greets you loudly. "How was your shift?"

"Great! We were running around like crazy but thankfully, I didn't have to work through the night." You cling his hand tighter, slinging your other arm around his.

"That's a blessing." Jungkook and you walk faster, putting more space between you and Jun-ho. "You must be tired."

"Oh yeah, I can't wait to slee–ah!" You trip over a ledge on the sidewalk. Jungkook grips you before you completely fall flat on your behind.

"New feet?" He can't help but joke and you slap his arm. Jungkook helps straighten you back up, your hands remain interlocked. When it comes to a split in the road, you and Jungkook filter to the right side towards the female dorms. You hope to god Jun-ho takes the left.

"He's such a fucker." Jungkook curses, peering over his shoulder just enough to see Jun-ho faltering at the intersection. He burns holes at both of you so much that it makes Jungkook feel like kneeing him in the gut but he doesn't want to provoke the bastard–putting you in unpredictable danger. "I'll get you to your dorm. Which one is yours?"

"Up ahead." You gesture at the brick building with the number 318.

"We can let go of our hands now." You're the first to speak after arriving outside your dorm.

Jun-ho thankfully did not follow you any more than back at the split in the path between male and female dorms. The fact that he still attends school here makes your skin crawl. You don't exactly like calling people a mistake but Jun-ho is by far an exception. You messed around with the guy one time while you both were a bit tipsy and he keeps hounding you. If you need to, you will make him stay away from you permanently.

"Promise me you'll get a restraining order on him if this happens again or gets worse." Jungkook ignores your suggestion to release your hands. "That idiot has no right to be around you."

"I will. Thank you for coming out. I was nervous to call you being what happened earlier. I truly, from the bottom of my heart, am sorry. And I know having to go back to work left things hanging so if there's anything else you wanted to talk about or tell me, please feel free."

"Anything for you–" slips out of his mouth before he can stop it. He slaps a hand over his mouth instantly, you chuckle softly.

"It's okay Jungkook," you reassure. "I can tell you wear your heart on your sleeve. You're naturally very accommodating and flattering."

"And you're beautiful. Damnit, I did it again. I'm sorry __, but whenever I look at you I feel butterflies and I say a lot of fluffy stuff. I'm not trying to flirt or impress you by using what can be in the right context, shallow methods. But yeah, I was thinking about what happened at the cafe earlier tonight and I think get it–I've been too quick to the draw. I'm honestly not sure why I'm so attracted to you other than the fact that you're breathtakingly gorgeous in literally every way, both physical and non-physical. It makes me want to know you more. And the fact that assholes like Jun-ho won't leave you alone makes me want to be your personal bodyguard or something. I don't lift as much as him but fuck, I can keep him in his place. I'm starting to sound crazy, aren't I? It's like you said, we're strangers after all…right?"

Jungkook waits for you to respond. The cool autumn air is crisp against your cheeks, not cold enough to see your own breath, but enough to have you secretly grateful for the warmth that comes from his hand. That's right, you've been clinging onto his hand for dear life for the past fifteen or more minutes. You should probably let go now if weren't for the fact that he's also clinging onto yours just as hard.

"You really want to know me Kookie?" You brush a few strands of his hair that have blown in front of his eyes. He's incredibly handsome now…how did you not see it before? Sure he's cute with his bunny-like smile, mole on his button nose, and his adorable voice that makes you oh so soft and comfortable inside. But he's also handsome with his piercing oak tree-colored eyes, perfectly sharp jaw, and eager yet tenacious energy that always seems to show up for you.

Jungkook takes your other hand in his, swinging them between you both. "Of course," his earnest voice chippers. "It’s next to impossible for me not to want to know you. I'm sure I'll eventually move on if that's what you really want, but if there's another alternative that can avoid that I'd like to take it. You seem to be in deep thought about something…" he switches up his response when he notices you don't look as alert as you usually do. “__.”

"I'm here," you say, the tiniest bit dazed. "I was just thinking about something."

"Yeah I know, but about what?"

You swallow before replying. “…You.”

Jungkook smiles sheepishly. You're unsure if he's pleased or nervous. "Is it–is it something good or should we leave it here?"

"Are you free tomorrow?" You bite the inside of your cheek, begging yourself not to take it back. "It's Sunday so I get if you have some last-minute studying to do. Just thought maybe we could do something….together." Jungkook goes to reply, cheeks more than raised but you continue speaking before he sounds a word. "It's not a date per se. I'm being crazy annoying but I'd like to be friends first with something extra."

"You said no to friends before though. This isn't an offer to be friends with benefits is it?"

"That was when I wasn't sure what I wanted with you if anything. I didn't want to take advantage of you or anything. I want to start as friends so we can see if we can somehow be more. I'm interested in you Jungkook so no, not friends with benefits but rather, friends with the potential to be more."

"Okay," Jungkook squeezes your hands. "I can do that. What do you want to do? What time do you want to meet? What do you want me to wear?"

"First of all, if we're going to do this I'm going to need you to treat me like your bro. Wear what you want, we can meet afternoon and we'll figure it what to do along the way." You think your suggestion is fair yet it's crystal clear that it's not ideal for Jungkook, given the pout on his face.

"I don't want you to be my bro though," he whines.

"We start as bros or we're not hanging out." You're firm because you want this to work but you know yourself, and you need to take this slow.

"No wait, okay. Bro it is. You'll be the prettiest bro of mine."

"Jungkook," you snort, undignified. "That sounds weird."

He shrugs, "I'm weird when I'm with my friends. Especially when they're as pretty as you, it makes me all dumb because I can't seem to think straight anymore."

"Alright Romeo," you say, face flushing. "Save the rest for tomorrow."

<< ch. II ༓ ch. IV >> | series masterlist

A/N: This was originally going to be three chapters but it will be extended 😶 Lmk what you think and if you wanna to be tagged fill out tag form or ask 💞

Masterlist

Taglist:

@hoseokteardrop @skzthinker @igchochi @jksjx

no reposting, copying, or translating my work– © kookslastbutton

[lost-girl-2021]

Imagine part of why Neytiri is so insistent on Spider 'being with his own kind' is because Spider almost died in her arms when he was younger and it scared her so much that she closed herself off from him entirely. ik this doesn't super make sense canon-wise, but . . . idk, deal w it y'all.

Spider was maybe six or seven, barely old enough to go outside with the smallest size mask they had. He was with Lo'ak, Kiri, and Neteyam by the creek, Neytiri supervising from the treeline as she foraged. He was finally getting used to this whole outdoors thing, taking to it all quickly. His spare mask was glinting in the sunlight from the branch he'd hung it off of before joining his friends in the water. It was knee-deep for them, but nearly to his waist. Even though he was the oldest, the other three had already outgrown him.

It didn't feel like they were much bigger, though. After months spent together in the forest, it felt like the Na'vi kids had nearly forgotten he was human. Kiri had started helping him paint stripes on himself and Neteyam had promised to show him how to use a bow for his birthday that year. After a lifetime surrounded by adults in the lab, he was happy to be with his friends.

And then, he fell.

Neteyam had faked a lunge towards him and he'd tripped over a log in the water, falling head over heels into the currant. It wasn't bad at all standing up, but he was disoriented and the water was murky from all the mud they'd kicked up in their playing. His body was being sent further down the creek and it was suddenly too deep and Spider couldn't stand up and he didn't know how to swim. His mask hit something hard and came flying off, whisked away into the water. The sting of whatever hit his head was enough to make him gasp and then he was maskless and underwater—

It only took twenty seconds for a human to pass out in Pandoran air. Four minutes to die. That was for a grown-up and Spider was small for his age, Norm said so just the other day.

So, he shouldn't have been surprised when black dots filled his vision and he was just . . . gone.

—

Neytiri's children had been playing in the creek with the Sky People boy all morning. She was foraging for a specific herb, at her mother's request, and all four children were blessedly entertained splashing each other. She'd agreed to take Spider with them when she left the village that morning, Norm and Max looking beyond tired. Apparently, the boy had been staying up late to stargaze, meaning that they had to stay up late making sure he didn't decide to play with any of the lab equipment (again).

She looked over at the four of them, smiling softly as Lo'ak tried to climb up his big brother, slipping and sliding all over. A glint of yellow flashed in her peripheral and she turned away from them, smiling when she found the herb she'd been looking for all morning. It was perfect timing, too, right before they would head back to the village for lunch. She'd settle Lo'ak down for a nap, but Kiri and Neteyam would probably insist on trying to help her prepare their midday meal. She'd have to leave out some seasonings if she was going to feed Spider, but—

Kiri screamed. It wasn't the high-pitched squealing thing she'd been doing a few minutes before, when Spider and Neteyam had splashed her simultaneously. It was one of fear.

She whipped around, looking for an animal or injury or something. Her three children seemed uninjured, but they were splashing around wildly, looking for something.

For someone.

She was in the water before she could think, practically diving downstream. The water reached her knees at it's deeper point, too tall for the Sky Child. She should've known the current would pull him, that he was too small still, too young.

She caught a flash of pink skin and blond hair and reached down, pulling the limp boy from the water. His lips were turning blue and his mask was gone. She must've shouted for Neteyam to grab the spare hanging from the tree, because in the ten steps in took her to get back to her children, he'd climbed up and grabbed it, flipping switches on the battery back she didn't know he knew how to use.

She didn't let him go as she reached for the mask, able to hold him in one arm as she pressed the device to his face.

Please, please, she silently begged, praying. Her children were watching, the boy was . . . he was too fragile to be in such a place. She was foolish to bring him out of the safety of the lab.

Spider took in a sudden choking gasp of air, turning on his side. He coughed once, twice, water and spit hitting the inside of hie mask. He grimaced, before sinking into Neytiri's arms, falling back asleep instantly. She let out a sigh of relief, rocking back on his heels.

"He's alright, he's alright." She promised, looking at each of her children. Kiri was crying and her boys didn't look far behind.

She led the home without complaint from anyone, something that would be unusual under other circumstances. She went straight to the shack, meeting Norm inside the airlock. She handed him over easily, clenching her fists to hide how her hands shook.

She remembered Jake, nearly dying in his human body. Frail and desperate for air. Spider was a child, barely more than a baby. She could barely stand watching her mate suffer through humanity. It would be cruel to make her children grow up along someone bound to die painfully. (It would be unbearable for her to take in the human as her own, like Jake had been hinting at for years now, if she would just lose him).

Idk what this is, it's like 4 am and I had an idea. Please forgive any typos, I'm too tired to proofread atm.

[winniemaywebber]

Honeysuckle Rose • Part 8

james douglass x olive lewis

part one part two part three part four part five part six part seven

masterlist ao3 olive's playlist

notes: a little heavy petting 🤭

Something big is brewing on base, the Brass keeping their cards close to their chest. The Red Cross Girls navigate their way through revelations, chance meetings and feelings from the past that rear their ugly head.

Despite the very few hours of sleep she had gotten, the sun rising over the beautiful Suffolk fields as the gang had all congregated in the cool morning air in celebration of no longer being a fractured bunch, Olive felt refreshed. 

The group had left the club in the early hours to see the sun rise, telling each other that the lack of sleep would be worth it. The gang, joined by Curt’s co-pilot Dickie, sat on the surprisingly soft grass of the airfield in a gentle silence. The sweet countryside air whipped all around them, Olive finding warmth tucked inside of Dougie’s jacket, his arm around her as she snuggled into him. She laid her head on his shoulder, him smiling as she stroked his face. The fiery hues of the morning sky brought out the beautiful blue of his eyes, Olive practically falling into them as the two of them seemed to slip into their own little world. It was at this moment she realized; she was falling in love with him. It had hit her like a freight train, the thought causing her to gasp out loud.

“Okay, doll?” James asks, holding her even closer to ward off the cold.

“Never better, honey.”

—

The early start came with the beginnings of a headache from lack of sleep. However, Olive found herself extremely peppy for this time of the morning. She, along with Tattie, had gone about most of their morning duties occasionally exchanging quiet conversation and Tattie preparing herself for her impending hangover. “It doesn't knock you on your ass if you don't go to sleep,” she laughs, wincing at the sound of her own voice. 

“You didn't sleep? Jesus Christ, Spaatz. You mad bugger.”

“There was no point,” she replies, beginning to daintily arrange donuts on a tray. “By the time I'd have got myself into bed, it would have been time to get up again. There,” she says, placing the tray on the counter. She lights two cigarettes, handing one to Olive before pouring them a cup of coffee each. “This'll perk us up, kid.”

A bark echoes through what feels like the whole air base, Olive and Tattie both jumping at the sound of it. “Hold on to your hats,” Tattie smiles. “Here comes trouble.”

“Oh, yeah! He's brought Meatball with him too!”

Benny strolls up to the Clubmobile alongside Meatball, stifling a yawn as he approaches. 

“Demarco!” she cheerfully greets, pouring him a coffee before he even has a chance to ask. “What are you doing up so early?”

“Meatball was crying for the bathroom, then I saw Lemmons while we were out there. Said he needed me to look over something on Our Baby.”

“Ah,” she nods. “Leave the good boy here with me. It seems pretty easy out here today, so it's no bother.”

“Thanks, Ol. Hey, everything worked out now?”

“Oh, yes,” she blushes. “Everything smoothed over. What about you?” she enquires, eyebrow raised. “You set him straight?”

“Too right. I made it clear that it's only him you care for in that way. I told him that if he thinks he saw what he thought he saw, he should've asked me; I also told him that if he ever made you cry again, he'd pay for it. He got a little sheepish at that.”

“Christ,” she whispers, shaking her head in amusement.

“Hey, no hard feelings. We shook hands, back to being pals. No harm done.”

“Well, if you say so. Here,” she says, placing another two cups of coffee and a few donuts in front of him. “One for you, the coffees and other donuts are for Kenny and Wink.”

“Thanks. Run over and grab me if the dog is too much trouble.”

He turns on his heel and departs, Meatball barking incessantly as his person walks away from him without so much as a pat goodbye. 

“Benny!” Olive shouts. “You forgot something!”

—

“Good morning boy, hi!” Olive hears, seeing Meatball perk up instantly with his ball in his mouth, expecting playtime at the sight of more people walking up to the Clubmobile. Val bends down to pet him, scritching at the dog's ears as he drops the ball at her feet and pants happily in her face. “Did you have a nice snooze?”

“He snoozed more than any of us, that’s for sure.” Helen says, rolling her eyes and smiling.

“When I checked last night, you were snoozing on top of Dickie,” Olive smiles, cheekily pointing at her friend with a triumphant grin.

“He was closest,” Helen grumbles. “And Tattie took the dog.”

“Surprised Benny didn’t put up more of a fight for him honestly,” Tattie says, stubbing out her cigarette and turning to begin spot cleaning the counters.

Mentioning Benny's name seemed to be a careless mistake. At the mention of his name, Meatball leans forward and begins howling, Cleven’s assumption once again being proved right. 

“That wolf is part dog,” he had grumbled to Olive, a few days after their first meeting. Seeing her love on him, he crouched down beside her and told her all about how he'd come to be the group's mascot. 

“Benny won him,” he laughed, holding a hand out for the dog to sniff at. “Craps.”

“Probably the luckiest win of his life,” Olive had replied, nuzzling into Meatball for warmth. “Wait, how did you get him here all the way from Greenland?”

“He flew with us. Howled the whole darn way, Lewis. It was unbearable, let me tell ya.”

“I'll bet,” she had said, raising her eyebrows. 

“Benny joked that his dog was part wolf,” he pauses, standing up and wiping his hands on his slacks. “I said that wolf is part dog.”

“Okay, Meatball, shhh.” Olive crouches down to ruffle the fur between his ears in comfort, when suddenly, the dog mistakes her loving on him for playtime and jumps up onto her, pushing her to the floor.

“Oh, Meatball!” Val laughs, unable to pull him off Olive and help her friend as he continues to lick her face. Through the chaos, laughter and struggle, a familiar voice booms across to them, with Everett Blakely following closely behind.

“Wow, and here I thought I was the only fella who got to smother you in kisses!” Dougie’s voice calls out as he walks up the path to the Clubmobile, a smirk about his lips. He seems to have woken up incredibly happy, a jaunty little pep in his step as he walks up to greet everyone. 

“Fella, yes,” Olive looks up at him from her place on the ground, his blue eyes softly boring into her. “But he’s not a fella, he’s a Meatball.”

“Well, then he’s the only Meatball who gets to smother you in kisses.” Dougie approaches the dog, gently tugging at his collar to get him off Olive and helps her stand, his hand stroking hers as he does so.  

“Did anyone get any sleep last night?” Dougie questions everyone, looking at their exhausted faces as he helps Olive dust off, tickling her playfully as he does so. 

“James!” she shrieks, playfully swatting at him.

“Barely,” Val sighs, answering his question through Olive’s giggles. She moves slightly, joining Ev and snuggling into him. “I can’t remember the last time I stayed out all night like that.”

“Had to be sometime before the war…” Ev sighs, placing a kiss to the top of her head. 

“Somehow it always involves Curt.” Val groans, her back turned to the path the aforementioned man is now sauntering down. 

“Hey, yous guys!”

“Talk of the devil…” Val begins.

“And he shall appear,” Olive and Helen finish, climbing into the truck and pouring coffee for those who have now congregated around the area. They hand out the cups, now knowing each coffee order by memory. If anything proved how close these girls had gotten to these men, it was this very thing. Sometimes, all these men needed was a silent nod and a wry smile as a perfectly warm beverage and donut was set in front of them without a word. All the girls could do was hope they were able to make the same coffee the next day, hoping more than anything to keep seeing these familiar faces, just as the men wanted to see theirs. 

“Ol, Harding wants to see me. Not sure what it's regarding but I'd better get there al momento. Curt says he'll be on Meatball duty but–”

“Yeah, he'll sod it off after five minutes,” she titters. “Need one of us to go with?”

“Ev is giving me a hand, thanks, doll.”

“I'm sure he is, you cheeky pair.”

“Leave it, English,” she scolds with a wink, surprising her with a kiss on the cheek. “Be back soon, ‘kay?”

“Tell me what it's about when you're back! I may be sleepy but I am still nosy!”

—

“Mail's here!” Tattie yells, wafting a letter in front of Olive's face. She takes it from Tattie’s fingers with a smile, and takes in the unfamiliar penmanship written upon the envelope. It feels thick, the paper creaking slightly as she squeezes it to survey its contents without needing to open it. Not able to keep herself waiting any longer, she rips it open with her thumb and removes six thick pages, tied with ribbon, along with a single sheet of paper that's been beautifully folded into three. Setting the wad of paper to the side for just a second, she quickly scans the letter: your friend, Juliet.

“Aw!” Olive says, stuffing the papers back in the envelope they arrived in. “Brady's girl wrote me back. That's so sweet.”

“What you got there?” Dougie asks, stuffing a second - or was it a third? - donut into his mouth, looking at the huge stack of papers in Olive’s hand. She opens it, a huge smile spreading across her face, causing her cheeks to glow a little. Dougie feels his breath catch in his throat as he sees her eyes light up, quickly taking in the first three pages. It's the dimple in her cheek as she grins, the way her eyes sparkle and crinkle as her cheeks lift, the subtle glow of them, too. He clears his throat after realizing he's been holding his breath, a hand out towards Olive.

“I've got a few minutes. You wanna go somewhere quiet and read that?”

“I'd love to! Helen?” She calls, turning her head to find her friend. “You good here? I wanna go read this,” she says, gesturing to the thick pages in her hands. 

“Gosh, yes!” she cries, beginning to pour herself a coffee. “Take your time. I'll have Meatball bark if I need you!”

—

Sitting on her bunk with a sigh, she pats the space next to her. “Are you staying?” she asks Dougie, who is standing awkwardly by the door.

“Am I allowed in here?”

“It's just me, so, yes, I'd say so. Don't be trying to come in when we're all in here though; it gets a little cramped.” She pats the blanket again, hoping he takes the hint. “Come sit, darling.”

He finally begins walking towards the bunk, swiping up Val's copy of Screen Romances as he reaches Olive. “You think she'll mind?” he asks, holding it out toward her. Smirking, she shakes her head, beginning to open the letter again. Dougie sits down next to her as gently as he can, his arm wrapping around her shoulder. Her head falls on to him right away, as if his shoulder was always its safe place.

“How long do you have?” she murmurs, looking up at him from where she's laying.

“I've got a little while,” he smiles, opening the magazine right at the gossip column. “How ever long you need, Ollie.” 

She whizzes through the essay, her head on Dougie’s shoulder the whole time as he flips through the magazine, letting out little gasps and even an “ooooh!” when he reads about Clark Gable's latest exploits. Olive folds the papers back together and ties them with the ribbon they came with, smoothing out the silk as she ties it as neatly as she can, trying her best to replicate Jules’ expert handiwork. She looks over at Dougie, shifting slightly under his arm so she can sit up. He doesn't realize she has moved at first, his eyes still on the page and his brow furrowed in concentration. She smiles softly at him, trying her best to take in every detail of his sweet face.

“You're so into the gossip in that magazine, huh?” she asks, breaking the silence. He jumps, face now turning toward her. “Gossip queen.”

“What can I say? I like to be in the know,” he laughs. 

“That's just called being nosy, my love.”

“Yeah,” he blushes, taking her hand. “But you know you love it.”

“I do,” she sighs, her face coming towards his to kiss him as her eyes flicker down to his plush lips. She kisses him gently, her heart growing lighter as he smiles down at her. She doesn't pull away right after, and he isn't about to let her. His hand gently tilts her chin up to him and their lips meet again, the both of them softly falling into each other with a sigh. He delicately strokes down her chin to gently grip the side of her neck, an action that causes her to gasp and push her tongue into his mouth. A breathy moan leaves his lips as she kneels - never breaking the kiss -  and places a leg on either side of his lap. Her hands wander up to his cheeks, letting them take in his features without needing to open her eyes as his hands fall to her waist, gently squeezing and stroking each curve he can reach over her clothes. Sighs and moans pass between their lips, both of them fighting the urge to not get totally lost in it, a whine of displeasure leaving her as he pulls back to catch his breath. 

“Ollie,” he whispers, his chest rising and falling rapidly. “You're so pretty.” 

That does it for her. She quickly closes the distance between them, tugging on his shirt to bring him impossibly closer, intent on getting the very thing her body craves from him the most. The warmth of his body touching hers, the way he touches her: being so gentle with her that it was like she was something precious and made of fragile porcelain. Her mind recounts previous kisses with previous people and she is sure it’s never felt this good with anyone else, nor has anyone else treated her so lovingly. She sighs back into him, pushing her hips into his. 

She's not sure how long they stay like that, herself pulling away to catch her breath. The rule, it seemed, was that she was allowed to do that and he wasn't. Either way, she hated losing the time but loved the split second of taking in his half lidded eyes, as if he were in some kind of dazed state. His expression made a warmth erupt within her, her lungs filling with a contented sigh. She couldn't get enough of knowing she had got him into this state and only she was ever going to make him look like this. 

She adjusts herself on his lap, feeling him rock hard underneath her as she sits back down on him. As she moves, a hearty moan leaves him and his breath hitches and she begins to slowly rock on top of him. 

“Aaah,” he sighs, his hands now in her hair as he pulls her face away from his. He sees a worried expression flash across her face, her kiss swollen lips beginning to pout as he holds her hips still. 

“Why did you stop me?” she asks, intertwining her fingers with his. “Did I do something wrong?”

“No, no! God, no,” he urges. “I really really want to do this. But I don't want it to be some quick thing where we don't take our time. You deserve better than that.”

“I don't care,” she whimpers, planting urgent kisses all over his face and neck as he laughs. 

“I do,” he sighs, kissing her back once she breaks away. “I can't give you the time you deserve right now. I wanna do this right, take our time. Show you how you should be treated. Okay?”

“Fine,” she pouts, her eyelids blinking up at him.

“Hey, don't be like that, angel. Soon, I promise. Pinky promise,” he says, joining their pinky fingers together and kissing her hand. 

A tap, tap, tap on the window pulls them out of the moment. They both turn towards the window and see Ev standing out there, urging Dougie to go to him, Dougie patting Olive's behind to get her off his lap. “Give me a second, honey,” he says quietly, planting a chaste kiss on her forehead as he gets up off the bed. 

Olive watches them through the window, Dougie's eyes widening slightly with whatever information Ev seems to be relaying to him. She sees his shoulders droop slightly before Ev pats one of them, beginning to walk towards the hut, and gesturing by pointing at the door for Olive to let him in. She gets up off her bunk, placing the letter on the small desk next to it and walks towards the door, opening it quickly.

“You can open it yourself, Ev,” she laughs, smoothing her hair down quickly.

“How was your, uh, reading?”

“Educational, thanks,” she replies, blushing and giggling. 

“Can't believe that guy got to sneak in here before me,” he complains, shaking his head and pulling a small sheet of paper from Val’s stationary.

“Maybe you're not picking the right moments, Blakely. What are you doing?”

“Leaving a note for Val, English.”

“You're so sly,” she pokes, reading it as he places the small sheet of paper on her pillow. She catches sight of the last line and gasps, almost squeals, in fact. Love you.

“Don't let that slip before I can, Ol.”

“Don't know what you mean, Everett,” she winks, nudging him with her elbow into his ribcage. “I promise I won't tell her before you do.”

“Good. Then I promise to not tell you before Dougie does.”

She processes what he has just said. What did that mean? 

“Ha ha, yeah, good one.” She stumbles over each word, her mouth drying as her hands clam up. A false laugh tumbles from her lips as she rushes towards the exit, finding Dougie still outside and waiting for her and Everett.

“Everything okay?” he asks, her hand finding his instantly. She feels him relax into her touch, his face softening as she silently comforts him. She pulls him towards her and holds him close, breathing him in as she savors the words that have just been said. “I promise to not tell you before Dougie does.” 

“I've gotta go,” he sighs. “We're taking the new boys on a practice run.”

“New boys?” she questions, realizing that was why Val was beckoned by Red and Chick earlier. 

“Yeah, replacements came in today. Ev says they seem a little nervous, but–”

“Hey, you've both got it,” she says, pulling him close. “You'll lead them through,” she soothes, beginning to stroke the back of his neck. “I know it.”

“Thanks, sweetheart. I'll be back later, okay?”

“Yeah,” she smiles, kissing his cheek. “Be safe, all of you. Especially you.”

—

Olive spots Tattie leaning against the vehicle, smoking a cigarette and deep in conversation with Jack Kidd, Tattie breaking into peals of laughter at something he has said. Olive subtly looks between the pair of them, him smiling down at Tattie as laughter rises from her throat. She sees his whole face light up with joy as he watches her laugh, the first time she has seen him without a scowl upon his face. The air somehow feels different between them, and Olive finds it best to not disturb that. 

She feels a wet nose poking into her leg and turns around to see Meatball sniffing at her incessantly. “Hey, buddy,” she says, leaning down to pet him and making kissy faces at him. 

“Hey, kid,” greets Tattie, making Olive jump slightly. “Val and Helen are tidying up after greeting the new guys, so we're on Meatball duty.”

“I guessed. Ev had to come grab Dougie from me so they could go on their practice run,” she shrugs. “Curt just go too?”

“Jesus, no,” she laughs. “He gave up on doggy daycare after five minutes.”

“Why am I not surprised?” she replies, smiling. “What do you need me to do?”

“There's a load of donuts we need to get rid of before they go stale. Know anyone on the ground that would be interested?”

“Seems I know just the guys, Tat. You parcel them up and I'll take Meatball over to the hardstands to see Kenny and Wink. This dog needs a run around anyway.”

—

The sun tucks itself behind the clouds, the skies graying as the afternoon passes slowly. It seems that British summer time never changes, Olive thinks to herself as loads up a tray with coffee and donuts for the ground crew. Placed in the middle was a paper bag stuffed full of donuts, the bag being found by Tattie as she rifled through the last of the day’s newspapers.

“Ah,” she declared, somehow expertly turning it inside out without ripping it, so as not to get newspaper ink on the baked goods.”Just perfect,” she had said, a half smoked Lucky Strike hanging from her red lips. Without warning, the smoke had risen up from the cigarette and crept its way into her eye, her hand instantly clamping over it as a single tear ran from the lid. “Darn it!” She had shrieked, whipping a cloth from Helen’s shoulder as she secretly tittered, her own hand over her mouth. Olive tries her best to hold it in, the full coffee cups shaking on the tray she was holding. 

“Get gone, English, before I clip you around the ear hole for laughing at me!”

“Yes, ma’am,” Olive giggled, slipping Helen a subtle wink as she departed.

Left with no other choice, Olive lets Meatball walk off leash. “Don’t make me regret this, buddy,” she urges, watching him walk not in a straight line but in some strange zig zag motion, as if to antagonize her into dropping the six cups of hot liquid straight on to the pavement. 

“Woah!” she scolds, nearly tripping over the furry fool’s body as he stops suddenly to sniff the air, panting at the sound of his friends’ voices from afar. He almost looks like he’s smiling at her, seeming to enjoy her almost panicking at each drip of coffee falling from its full cup. “Meatball, we’re about to not be friends if you have me tripping face first into the ground.” 

He suddenly obliges, though not to appease Olive; a baseball lands right at his feet and he’s off like a shot towards the hardstands the second he retrieves it in his mouth.

A few moments later, Olive finds him being fussed over by Lemmons. She places the tray down on someone’s tool chest, rubbing her sore arms. 

“Heavy?” Wink asked, nudging her with his elbow.

“Not really,” she replies. “Not much weight to it but it was the keeping it upright that was the challenge. Especially with trying to keep Meatball close by and not have me tripping over my own feet. Here,” she says, handing him his cup. “I know it’s a little late in the day, but–”

“No, it’s much appreciated, Lewis,” he replies, taking a deep sip. “We’re out here for a while longer anyway, and this’ll keep the energy up for sure. We’ve got a long night ahead of us, I think, judging by Harding’s urgency.”

“You know what it’s about yet?”

“I was going to ask you the same thing,” he laughs. “You seem to be in the know. Friends in high places and all that.”

“No special privileges here, Wink,” she jokes back, opening the bag of donuts and offering it to him. “I know as much as you, kiddo.”

“Olive!” Lemmons greets, grabbing a coffee from the tray. “Y’know, I expected more cold beer than hot coffee for keeping your little secret, but seeing as you brought donuts, I’ll let it slide.”

“You’d better,” she smiles, handing him the bag. She realizes that Wink is still standing in the same spot, absolutely in earshot. He is either too invested in his donut to look shocked, or there’s the alternative. Olive’s eyes narrow and bore into the young man in front of her, happily sipping coffee and petting the dog.

“Kenny…” she says through gritted teeth. “Did you tell anyone else?”

“Oh, heck,” he murmurs, his face dropping and growing ashen by the second. “Y’see, I just– well, he wanted to know why I was just so het up and I–”

“So you told Wink, without checking with me first, and he–” she stops, turning to the man beside her. “You’re fine with it?”

“Yeah, Olive. I was telling Kenny you seem a little different and I was just putting it down to you being English.”

“But I let it slip. I–I’m sorry, Ol.”

Her teeth bare again, her brow furrowing so hard that she is sure it could one up Valencia’s famous glare. “Kenny,” she growls, her eyes beginning to fill with angry tears. She drops the act the second she sees him wince at what’s coming next. She laughs, wiping her tears and sees his eyes grow wide. “I’m only fucking around, pal. It’s fine, you’re grand.”

“Jesus, Ol,” he breathes out, relieved. “Ya scared me, girl!”

“I told you, I’m an actor. I’ve got to pull it out every now and then to mess with my friends, it’s only fair.”

“Well, it worked! Hell fire!” He wipes his brow, finally taking a bite of the donut he had picked from the bag a few moments ago.

“Will you keep the dog for a little while? Me and the girls want to be ready for when the boys come back and we don’t want our nicer uniforms covered in dog hair.”

“What, not just this once? Take a little Meatball to dinner with ya?” Kenny coos, bending down to be close to Meatball’s face and pouting. Laughing, he stands up and brushes at his knees. “Sure thing, buddy. I’ll bring him back later.”

“Thanks, Ken. See you later!”

“Hey, thanks for dinner and a show!”

“You’re welcome!”

—

Back at the hut, Olive slumps on her bunk with a tired sigh. All this staying out into the early hours of the morning was beginning to take a real toll on her, no matter how fun it was. She feels herself getting drowsy, a sleepy warmth washing over her as she lay her head on her pillow for just a moment, to get the room to stop spinning. She calculates how long it's been since she went back to Pearl, and sits up in shock. Her whole body suddenly tense, she makes a mental note to go back as soon as possible. Not knowing how time will behave and treat her, she feels a panic rise up in her chest, the breathlessness of it making a rush of heat run up her body and burn her throat.

“Ol?” a voice, Helen’s, but sounds like it's underwater. “Olive, look at me,” she urges, her hand now on Olive's forehead. “Breathe, girlie.”

 She nods weakly, and begins to look around the room as the walls begin to close in on her. She tries to find something to focus on, her eyes falling to the bed opposite hers - Valencia’s bunk - with the note still sat prettily atop the pillow. Disappointed that Val hadn’t seen it yet, she hopes that she arrives back soon to retrieve it. It’s this simple thought, the thought of her friend smiling as she reads it, that brings her back to herself. 

“There,” Helen comforts, wiping Olive’s face with a damp washcloth. “I’ve got you. What pulled you out of it?”

“Thinking of Val’s face when she sees what he’s written.”

“Oh, I know!” She squeals. “I can hardly wait. Did she tell you who I met today?”

“No!” she cries. “I haven’t seen her since this morning. Oh my gosh, spill!”

She begins, her words coming out of her dainty mouth at a mile a minute as she regales the tale of meeting ‘the most handsome pilot I’ve ever laid my eyes on.’

“The most handsome?” Olive teases, hanging on every word.

“Yes!” she giggles, once again describing him. As she continues to chatter and giggle, Olive joining and doing just the same, the door swings open. Their conversation stops, their eyes sparkling and smiling widely at their friend. 

“You’ve got mail…” Olive sing songs playfully, pointing over at the pillow.

“What don’t I know?” Val smiles, her pretty green eyes narrowing at the two giggling girls on the bed opposite. 

“Nope,” Olive says, truly sticking to her promise of not revealing anything. She mimes zipping her lips, the action sending her and Helen into a peal of girlish giggles all over again.

“Olive!” she stomps, shaking her head at the mischievous pair who are falling over themselves with laughter. 

Olive sees Val’s eyes read the note one, two, three times, each time with a little extra speed than before. She stands up from the bed and stands in front of Val, that all knowing, cheeky glint still sparkling in her eye. 

“He…oh my God…” She stutters out, her hand flying out to find Olive’s to steady herself.

“He what, honey?” Helen asks, despite knowing exactly what she is referring to. 

“That’s the first time...in a note!” She cries, trying to find a way to steady her heart’s rhythm at the revelation. 

“The first time for what?” Helen teases again, still perched upon the bed with the same all-knowing look Olive has on her own face.

“Val, honey, are you okay?” Tattie asks, quietly entering the room. 

“DID YOU KNOW?!” Val yelps,  her attention turning to Olive, who is taken aback by the way Val’s voice is a few pitches higher than they’re all used to.

“Did I know what?” she asks innocently, almost winking at her.

“THIS!” she shrieks, waving the paper in front of her eyes.

“What’s it say?” the Brit asks, trying to peer around the paper to read the words she’s already read numerous times today.

“English, please!” She releases Olive’s hand and sits on her bed, her lungs tightening in her chest.

“Okay, okay,” she relents, taking a seat beside her on the bunk. “I promised,” she says, crossing her heart, “that I wouldn’t let it slip before you found out or he told you.”

“How did you…”

“Dougie and I were in here earlier,” she smiles at the memory, remembering the way he touched her hours before sending her organs dancing into a frenzy. “I was reading my mail when Ev came looking for him.”

“Yeah, okay, you two were ‘reading,’” she kids, rolling her eyes at her friend.

“Don’t change the subject, Valencia!”

“Olive!” Helen calls, her face now suddenly a picture of disgust. “Please tell me I’m not sitting where…”

“No, Helen, you’re safe. Nothing happened.”

“As long as I’m not–”

“Would you two please focus?” Val urgently cuts Helen off. “Everett just said he loves me!”

“Well of course he loves you!” Tattie says, rolling her eyes as she walks past the hubbub on her way to the shower block. 

“No, I mean, that’s the first time he’s ever said it.”

“I find that hard to believe,” she yells, turning one of the showers on, the squeak of the pipes causing her to need to raise her voice so she’s heard.

 “What makes you say that?” Val queries, the note still in her hands. 

“Well, for starters,” Helen begins, hoping she is not interjecting on whatever Tattie has to say. “It’s the way you gaze into each other’s eyes when you think no one is looking…” She rolls over, her stomach now on the bed with her feet kicked up behind her. 

“Or when we are looking,” Olive teases, nudging her a little. She reaches into her pocket and grabs her cigarettes, lighting two and handing on to Val. “Here, chicken, come on…”

Val takes the cigarette from Olive’s fingers and takes a long drag before exhaling quickly, Olive seeing that the deep breath she took is beginning to somewhat ground her. She begins to talk again, in her normal tone and slower this time, the words accompanied by a plume of white smoke as she speaks. Her eyes seem to glaze over, like she’s lost in another time far away from this one.

“The last person who told me they loved me,” she begins, blinking suddenly.

“There was someone before Blakely?” Tattie calls, her head popping around the wall of the tiled bathroom as she dries herself. 

“I don’t like talking about it,” Val sighs, her eyes almost back to their usual green tone. “We met when I started working at the bank. He was a big shot and I was a secretary.”

“Val, you don’t have to tell us.”

“No, it’s okay,” she sighs, looking between her friends. “I want to. I think I need to, to finally be rid of him.”

“Rid of him?” Helen questions.

“He was a real sweet talker,” Val starts. “Not like Curt or Ev. He was the kind of guy who could charm the skirt off a nun. Not even Curt can do that.” She titters, taking another pull of the cigarette in her hand.

“Oh…” Helen cringes slightly, still intrigued by Val’s story.

“So, he charmed me. Charmed me real good, made me lots of promises.”

“Val, did he…” Olive asks.

“No,” she urges, shaking her head. “I was so enthralled by him, I had wanted to.”

“So, what happened?”

“The secretaries would always leave at five in the dot. So, there would be nights I would go home and he would still be working, and so Curt would meet me and walk me home. And one night, we were walking home, we came up to the picture house, and there he was.”

“Oh no!” Helen cries, her hand slapping to cover her mouth as she figures out where this is going.

“He was with another woman,” she sighs, shaking her head. “I don’t know who she was, but I begged Curt to take me home.”

“Did you ever see him again?”

“Yes,” she says quietly. “In the police station, after Curt beat him within an inch of his life. They both got arrested for a public brawl.”

“Valencia!” Olive cries, somewhat shocked but not shocked at all at the mental image of Curtis Biddick defending his best friend with his boxer’s fists. 

“I had to identify them both. Curt had claimed self defense, so, when it came time to make my statement, I said that my ex had attacked me, and Curt fought back in my defense.”

“Oh my God!”

“I tried dating other fellas after the dust settled, but Curt was always wildly protective and made it difficult. I get why he did it.”

“He really is your protector, isn’t he?” Olive soothes, her fingers intertwining with Val’s.

“Until I found out he was the one who divulged my cocktail order to Everett…”

“Curt did?!” Helen cries happily, almost cheering at the discovery.

“He did,” Val smiles, the cigarette long ignored as it burns its way down to her fingers. “He surprises me in funny ways like that.”

“Insufferable, that one,” Olive chuckles, shaking her head. “But he really is a good egg.”

“What are you going to tell Blakely?” Tattie asks, joining the others in the room again. 

“That I love him too,” she grins, showing her perfect teeth. “Because I do love him.”

“Ohhhhh!” It’s Olive’s turn to squeal, almost jumping up and down in excitement. “I knew it!”

—

Olive and Helen watch as Val takes Ev’s note and delicately places it between the pages of the book that rests on her side table. Everett Blakely’s first ‘I love you’ was now secretly pressed between chapters seven and eight of The Great Gatsby. The girls then found themselves in front of the mirror, prettying themselves up for dinner. Being invited to eat in the Officer’s Mess was slightly anxiety inducing anyway, but even more so when Chick Harding would be sat just a few tables away. They dug out their cleanest uniform, once again glad that Olive had sent Meatball to the airfield for his daily exercise. For such an occasion as this, the uniform needed to remain dog-hair, coffee stained and donut sugar free. 

Olive watched as Valencia expertly daubed rouge on her cheeks and her signature Victory Red shade on her lips, pouting occasionally in the mirror so as to ensure she’d got the right shape. She tries her best to mimic her movements without making it obvious, pulling her dark brown hair out from under the silk scarf she had used to keep it contained all day, now pinning it away from her face. She had found the perfect shade after the disastrous testing and application of Val’s Victory Red on her first night in the hut. It’s one she will be happy to have kissed off her mouth later, that’s for certain. 

“That color looks good on you,” Val utters from next to her.

“Yeah?” She replies, meeting her glance in the reflection of the mirror and resuming the primping of her hair, hoping to somehow smooth it into submission. “It’s not too dark?”

“Not at all. It’s the perfect red for you.”

“I think only you can pull off that Victory Red,” Olive chuckles, the pair of them remembering how that shade had been much too light against Olive’s pale skin, it washing her out and making her impossibly more pasty. “It was not for me.”

“Oh, gosh, do you remember how fast you wiped it off?”

“Immediate no,” she laughs. A sigh leaves her lips, throwing a stray hair pin that had escaped from her hair onto a nearby table. “Ugh, this side does not want to cooperate!”

“Here, let me…” Val stands and walks towards her friend, standing behind her as she begins gently rolling Olive’s hair between her manicured fingers and pinning it in the desired spot.

“How do you do it?” She grumbles, her hair now perfect within seconds, all thanks to an expert hand. 

“From an early age, my mother taught me how to be a ‘proper lady’,” she replies, Olive stifling a giggle at Val’s impression of her mom. “‘Valencia, don’t leave the house without lipstick on. Don’t forget to set your hair.’”

Olive laughs fully now at the broken English accent that comes out of her. She is so good at it that it’s almost like her mother is in the room with them. “Is that what she sounds like?”

“Oh, yes,” Val nods. “And Nonna, not a word of English.”

“Well, you’re a whizz,” she compliments, looking up as the final pin is placed in her hair. “I need to pay attention to how you do your hair.”

“You’re doing just fine, chickie,” she winks, walking over to her side table and putting on her watch before collecting her jacket. Olive does just the same, Helen waiting impatiently by the door. “We were all there once.”

“Thanks,” Olive beams at her friend, shoving her arms into her own jacket. “Now, come on. It’s almost 5:30 and if I know those two…”

“They’re probably already outside,” she finishes, Helen opening the door. 

The two men stood outside, smoking together and deep in conversation, no doubt about the replacements that had joined them today. Listening in as they mischievously stare through the screen door at  their fellas, they catch that Ev had taken a few of the boys up and tested them on formations and calling out navigation patterns. Dougie had simulated a bomb drop for them, the pilot and the bombardier agreeing that two forts in particular had impressed them - the rest, not so much. 

“I wanted to take Ol to the pub tonight, but that’s not happening,” Dougie grumbles as he senses the girls making their way towards them. 

“I know,” Ev groans in response. “I owe Val a date but, based on what Jack told me earlier, we’re about to go through the mud for a bit.”

“This whole place is mud. Never stops raining!”

“This one sounds big,” Ev musters, his voice low. 

“He say where?”

“No, Harding’s keeping it close to the vest.”

“Dammit,” Dougie shoots out, teeth slightly gritted together in annoyance. “It would be nice to know what we’re up against for once.”

“Yeah,” comes the quiet reply from Everett, the final ember bursting from his cigarette. “Explains why he wants us looking after these new kids.”

“Fucking replacements…”

The conversation carries on, the men so involved in it that they still haven’t noticed the girls right by them. The compliments flow, them talking about a pair from Laredo who seemed to be the only ones worth their salt. 

Dougie does a double take as he realizes his girl is right by him. He throws his finished cigarette into the makeshift ashtray in front of the hut and smiles his sweet grin, holding out his hand. 

“Hey,” he murmurs. “You look beautiful.”

“Heh, thank you,” she giggles, feeling herself blush at his compliment. “You’re looking mighty fine yourself, my love.”

“Good day?” he teases, kissing her gently on the mouth.

“Hm, it was okay, I guess. Nothing much happened,” she pauses, this time being the one to initiate the kiss. “A lot of reading.”

“Oh yeah, we definitely read a lot. Can we read more tomorrow?”

“Only if you buy me a drink later.”

“Deal,” he winks, pulling her close. “Oh, you smell divine, Ollie.”

“Yes, I’m quite appealing when I’m not covered in dog hair and coffee.”

“I think you’re just as beautiful all the time,” he whispers, his voice in her ear sending a delicious tingle down her spine. She lets him keep gently whispering sweet nothings in her ear as she catches sight of Val and Ev going on ahead, the pair of them walking in step as he wraps his arm around her shoulders and keeps her close. 

“We’d better go,” she laughs, nodding her head towards their friends. “We’re gonna be late.”

“If that hut is empty, I’m fine being late.”

“James!” she scolds, but laughs nevertheless. “You are so cheeky!”

“Yeah,” he grins, his eyes beginning to light up. “Only for you, though.”

“Oh, it had better be only for me, Douglass,” she flirts, batting her long lashes at him. “Nobody else is getting a piece of this!”

“Nu-uh, no, ma’am. Never.”

The evening air has a chill upon it, Dougie feeling it the moment they begin walking towards the Officer’s Mess. He throws his arm around Olive’s shoulders and pulls her close, the warmth from his body edging the cold away with each step. 

“I’d give you my jacket,” he offers. “But I’d have to put it right back on in a second.”

“I understand, sweet. No bother at all.”

He stops, taking her face between his hands and plants a deep kiss on her mouth, both of them feeling the other smile as their lips meet. She giggles as they break apart, taking her thumb to wipe the lipstick from his lips. “Oh, seems this red is your color, too.”

“I knew it. Does that mean I can keep kissing you forever?��

“Sure,” she swoons, the word ‘forever’ sending her insides melting. “I’d like that.”

“Me too,” he whispers, a tone of nervousness to his voice. “Come on, pretty girl. We’re late.”

— 

Upon entering the mess, Dougie’s arm once again wraps around Olive, they hear Val’s voice loudly making a remark to Harry Crosby. Gesturing to the couple who are smiling themselves into oblivion, they hear “that about answer your question, Croz?”

“Sure does,” he laughs in response, smiling at them both as Dougie, ever the sweet gentleman, pulls the chair out next to Val for Olive to sit on before rounding the table to sit opposite her, next to Everett. 

“So, fellas,” he pipes up, his eyes crinkling from his smile. “How’s it going then?”

“Could ask you the same thing, Dougie,” Brady grins, nodding towards Olive.

“Oh, I’m great,” he enunciates, winking at his girl opposite him, who rolls her eyes in return.

“Brady,” Olive begins, tapping his hand to get his attention. “I just wanted to say how lovely your Juliet is. I received her reply today, and I’ve got to say, what an amazing person. What a magnificent writer she is. Those kids are lucky to have her as their teacher, that’s for sure.”

“Oh, thanks, Olive,” he smiles, his cheeks turning red at the mention of her. “Make sure you mention that in your next letter. I tell her that all the time, yet she never seems to take it in from me. Maybe she’ll listen to someone else.”

“Maybe so! I’m very much the same, John. It’s a girl thing.”

“She write you an essay?” he jokes, shuffling with the salt and pepper shakers on the table.

“She did, actually,” she nods enthusiastically, promising to show him tomorrow.

“Yeah,” Dougie interjects. “We read it together.”

The men at the table give a roaring cheer at his remark, Olive feeling herself turn a deep shade of beetroot as she begins to laugh. “James!” she says, holding on to Valencia as they both laugh with tears in their eyes. “Keep it quiet.”

“Yeah, Doug,” Ev says, ruffling his hair a little. “Keep it quiet.”

Next to her, she sees Val catch the eye of one of the new replacements that had been mentioned earlier. Due to her having not been introduced to them yet, she is finding it hard to place which one had captured Helen’s heart and mind this morning from description alone. Nevertheless, Olive smiles brightly at them in greeting, the curly haired mustached man waving across to Val. 

“Hey, Val,” Benny calls from the other end of the table. “Looks like you’ve caught the eye of some of the replacements.” Olive sees Everett’s head twitch just a little at Benny’s words, turning his head slightly to get a better look. “Starry eyed kids.” 

“Rosenthal and his crew?” Val responds, shaking her head with a laugh. 

“Uh, no, actually…”

“What?” Ev scowls, and finds the men Benny has been referring to. His eyes narrow towards them, his gait akin to a wild cat ready to attack. Olive feels her chest tense up, hoping and praying this isn’t the start of a whole new argument, so soon after getting over the last one. 

“Everett, they’re not doing anything,” she pleads, her voice soft. “They’re just–”

“Drooling at my girlfriend like a pack of dogs.” 

Olive quickly looks over each of her shoulders, hoping that brotherly Curt Biddick isn’t in the vicinity. Olive isn’t sure who Curt would go for first in this situation - Ev for acting in such a way, or the new boys acting like uncouth savages whose mothers hadn’t taught them manners. 

Dougie places a hand on his friend’s shoulder, bringing him out of the envious trance he’d gotten himself in. “Ev, hey pal. They’re just kids, they’ll learn.” 

Olive sees Ev’s eyes unlock from the group with a shake of his head as he hears Dougie’s words, the ready-to-pounce stance dropping almost immediately. 

“Yeah…learn not to ogle other people’s girlfriends,” he spits, pointedly talking to those same boys, whose faces had dropped a mile in fear. 

“Everett…” Val warned, her eyes meeting Olive’s in some kind of confusion. Before he can respond, Gale Cleven stands with his hands on his hips, ever the authoritative figure. Major Buck Cleven addresses the boys, their faces now pale and their eyes darting to fixate on anything but Everett Blakely. 

“Fellas,” he nods. “Those girls will get your utmost respect, understood?” 

“Y-yes, Major,” they all stutter out, Buck nodding before moving along to say hello to everyone. 

“Boys. Miss Lewis, Miss Val,” he smiles, giving Val a little wink after realizing she has heard his talk with the replacements. “Enjoy dinner, everyone.”

“Thanks, Major.”

“Thank you, sir.”

Val and Ev, who are sitting opposite one another just like Olive and Dougie are, begin quietly talking to one another. Olive finds it best to not listen in, having found that this situation was enough drama for one night. Instead, she catches the eye opposite her, Dougie shaking his head and rolling his eyes with a smile as the pair murmur next to them.

— 

Dinner finishes, and the group finds that the tiredness has finally caught up with them all, Olive and Val exchanging tired glaces which are not just from feeling full after all they’d eaten for dinner.

“So, club?” Dougie asks, taking a drag of his just lit cigarette and passing it across to Olive.

“Hmm, no. Not tonight,” she shakes her head, blowing smoke out of her mouth. “Unless Val wants to?”

“Hell no,” she laughs, dark circles beginning to form under her eyes. “I need my bed.” She pauses for a second, evidently piecing a thought together. “Why don’t we just go sit outside our hut for a while?”

“It’s a nice night, I don’t see why not,” Olive agrees, already beginning to stand. Dougie rushes up behind her and helps her with her jacket, holding out his hand for her to hold. “Come on, honey,” she smiles, before leaning up to kiss him on the cheek. “We can have a cuddle.”

“Perfect.”

The group makes the short walk back, Dougie not letting Olive’s hand go for a second. Every now and then, he puts it to his lips and kisses the back of it, smiling softly at the sight of their fingers linked together. Once the hut is reached, the girls rush inside and place a vinyl on the player, gesturing for one of the guys to grab a chair and prop the door open so the music can be heard from where they will sit. 

“Ev, we need a record player in our rack,” Dougie says, handing a cigarette up to Olive who is sitting on his lap, his arm around her waist, holding her close to him. 

“Croz has a record player,” Ev responds with a sigh, him and Val squeezing up to share a chair so they can be as close as possible to one another. 

“Yeah, but he plays fancy stuff,” he laments, his free hand squeezing Olive’s waist a little more. 

“What exactly is fancy stuff, Doug?” Val asks with a laugh. 

“You know, opera and stuff.”

“Classical music is nice,” Val reasons to him, her eyes softly narrowing at him. “Nonna plays a lot of classical Italian at home. It’s actually quite nice.”

“Hey, Ol,” Dougie asks, nudging her a little. “What does Pearl play?”

She smiles, happy that this is a question she can answer truthfully.

“A lot of Glenn Miller in her house,” she sighs, another reminder to go back to her and reality looming over her. 

“She has good taste,” Ev offers, nodding. 

“Heh, yeah. She sure does.”

The four of them excitedly begin exchanging anecdotes about their families, Helen and Tattie joining them while Ev is in the middle of a story, regarding his mother and how she dealt with his rebellious behavior as a child.

“All I heard was, and it scared the life out of me, let me tell ya, was ‘Everett Ernest, if you so much as look at that vase–’”

“Wait, wait!” Olive shakes her head, wanting to make sure she heard him correctly. “Your middle name is Ernest?”

“Yes, and what of it, English?”

“I'm sorry, it's just–” she is cut off by the sound of a cackle erupting from her own throat, clutching her stomach as her eyes squeeze shut. “I didn't expect that. You don't–” she squeals, trying to compose herself. “You don't look like an Ernest, that's all.”

“Go on then, what's yours?”

“Maude,” she giggles, catching the glint in his eye as she says it. 

“Maude? Jesus, Ol, that's somehow worse than Ernest!” It's his turn to laugh now, the pair of them throwing their heads back and laughing loudly into the night. 

“I think it's cute,” Dougie says, sweetly tapping her nose with his finger. 

“Thank you! I think so too.” Her nose wrinkles sweetly as he touches it, him mirroring her expression and pulling her into a quick peck on the lips. 

Tattie lights one of the last cigarettes in the pack, passing it between the group. 

Helen, the most inexperienced smoker of them all but not wanting to be the odd one out, keeps coughing at each drag she takes. The dainty little noises leave her every few seconds, her chest heaving delicately as if she were a sickly little kitten.

“Helen, doll,” Olive urges. “Put that out. You're hurting yourself!”

“I don't wanna look like the party pooper!”

“I can promise, you're not,” she laughs, gesturing with a wave of her hand to give her the cigarette, the tip covered in her lipstick. As she stubs it out, she sees four men round the corner, all of them wide eyed and seeming to be taking in their new surroundings. Val looks up with a grin and waves, beckoning them over while Helen visibly swoons at the sight of the thin, dark haired pilot. 

“Ohhhh,” Olive says, knowingly. “That'll be Nash, then.” Helen simply giggles, tucking an invisible strand of her behind her ear.  “There is no hair loose, my girl,” Olive guffaws, shaking her head. 

“Ol, come meet the new fellas!” Valencia calls, three of the four in front of her. Nash had made his way over to Helen without a hello, his target clear from the moment he'd seen her leaning against the wall of the hut. 

“This is Robert,” Val begins. “Speas here is Nash's co-pilot and…where's he got to?”

“I'll give ya three guesses,” the round faced blond man perks up, eyebrows wiggling.

“That was fast. He's keen.”

“Sure is. Sorry, Miss…?” he says, looking at Olive.  

“Lewis. Olive Lewis.”

 “No way!” he gestures to himself, patting his chest three times in a fit of excitement. “Pappy Lewis!” 

“Oh, what?!” she squeals, clutching on to his arm. “I mean,” she stutters. “It's a pretty common name, Pappy.”

“Never met a Brit with the same one before though. Truth be told, never met a Brit til just now.”

“It's your lucky day. A Brit and a long lost cousin,” she jokes, stubbing out the last of her cigarette. 

“Oh! You're right! Hey, Rosie!” he calls over to him, not realizing he's still stood right next to him so he almost deafens the curly haired pilot. “Came all the way to England to find my cousin!”

“Pappy, she's not–”

“Long lost cousin Olive,” he says, pulling her into a hug. Olive pulls away as he loosens his grip on her, platonically grabbing his arm to lead him over to Ev and Dougie. Olive catches sight of Everett talking in hushed tones to Dougie, his hand on his shoulder. Ev is carrying an expression that's rarely seen, his brow softly furrowed and his body squared up as if to cover Dougie’s from where he is sat. The pair seem to be speaking softly, Ev obviously talking Dougie down from a mood that hasn't been apparent thus far. Olive worries, instantly trying to break the ice between them and her new friend. She rifles in her pocket and pulls out the box of cigarettes, somehow hoping that a simple gesture will give some ease to the surrounding atmosphere.

“Smoke?” she offers to Pappy as they reach the two men. “You guys have–”

“We've met,” Dougie says sharply, taking the last pull of his Lucky Strike as he stands. 

“Doug…” Everett urges, gesturing for him to sit back down. Olive can clearly see Dougie’s neck tightening, a vein beginning to pop out on his forehead. His face is covered with a thin sheen of sweat, him wiping at his brow quickly as Olive takes in his expression, her eyes full of concern. 

“Excuse me, Pappy,” she says, placing herself in front of James. “Honey,” she soothes. “What's up?”

“Nothing,” he replies, his voice meek and quiet. “It's nothing.”

“You wouldn't be acting like this if it was nothing.” She puts a hand on his face, before raking her fingers through his dark hair. “Come on, come with me.”

She links her fingers with his and takes him to a quieter spot, the back of the hut where they can't be seen. Instantly, she crosses her arms and shakes her head, as if to urge him into telling her what's going on.  “Well?” 

“I need you to know I'm not mad,” he begins, his eyes stuck on a spot on the pavement below. “I just…I get uneasy sometimes.”

“Can I ask why?”

“Someone - an old girlfriend - stepped out on me. Was unfaithful and I don't–”

“My goodness. I could never. I would never.”

He sighs, the back of his head against the wall as he breathes out. “I just need to know you're my girl.”

“Oh, James,” she mollifies, lifting his chin to have him look at her. “I'm your girl.”

“What if you change your mind?” He sounds so unlike himself, his voice, so small and meek, barely above a whisper as it cracks just a little.

“I will never change my mind. D'you hear me?” He nods, his blue eyes suddenly swimming. “Never, ever. However long you want me for, at least.”

“Oh, I'm planning on a really long time.”

“Good,” she smiles, pulling him closer to kiss her. “I'm yours. Okay? And when you feel ready, you can tell me the whole story.”

“Okay.” The deep breath he seems to have been holding escapes him, Olive seeing his chest collapse a little with relief. He smiles at her, gently stroking her face. “Hey, you think we can sneak in and do some more reading?”

“No chance of that, darling,” she says, nodding towards the group still outside. “But I’m sure we can read here for a little bit. Maybe a bedtime story, hm?” She grins at him, and he catches a cheeky glint in her deep brown eyes as she kisses him, open mouthed and firm. He gently pushes her against the wall, her opening her legs slightly to accommodate his lean body pressing on hers. Gentle moans pass between their mouths as they kiss, pushing their tongues together, trying to find a moment to breathe. His hand gently strokes down her neck, her eyes squeezing further shut to bite off a groan that’s trying to escape from her throat. It’s when he softly presses his fingers on the area he is holding that the moan crawls from her mouth and into his, him laughing on her lips in return. 

“You’re fresh, James Douglass,” she murmurs, his lips capturing hers again as the hand eases its grip. She finds his bottom lip with her tongue and gently nibbles, her hands finding themselves in his hair, softly gripping his hair and mussing it, the pomade slightly sticky upon her fingertips. She doesn’t care. All she cares about is the man in front of her, his mouth moving and working upon hers as if he never wanted to kiss another woman this way ever again. She shivers at his touch, the hairs all over her body standing on end as he plants soft kisses on her jawline and neck, making Olive quietly moan, her warm breath condensating in the dark, starry evening. 

“Can we say goodnight like this all the time?” he mumbles into her skin, his tongue finding her jugular. 

“Yes please,” she whines, her hips bucking into him as she goes to grab him once again. “And good morning, good afternoon, good evening…” her voice drifts off as he presses his lips to hers again, silencing her. He teasingly breaks away as she gasps, sighing in frustration. She catches sight of him in the moonlight and cackles for a second, his kiss-swollen lips covered in her lipstick. A familiar voice booms over the whole base, shocking the couple slightly. “The light was on. Everyone get back to your racks,” followed by a very stern  “James Douglass. Bed. NOW!”

“I’m beginning to think we need to find better hiding spots,” Olive says, rolling her eyes.

“Come on,” he whispers, pulling her off the wall. “They’ll be wondering where we got to.”

“Oh, I think they’ll know. Come here, love,” she says, pulling a spare handkerchief from her pocket. “You need this.”

“Do I look pretty?” he pouts, leaning forward to get her to clean his face. 

“Always, doll,” she reassures, touching his nose with her own. “There,” she nods, not a smear of lipstick to be seen. “They’ll never suspect a thing!”

The two round the corner, still giggling from their little tryst as they catch Val smiling sweetly at them. She gives them a little wave as she makes her way into the hut, leaving the door open for Olive. The lull of the night surrounds them as they quietly bid one another goodnight. A sweet kiss planted on her lips makes her toes curl. He kisses her cheeks, her nose, her forehead and touches her nose with his one final time. No words are spoken; it’s as if nothing else needs to be said, the actions seeming to do the talking. She watches as he turns and walks away into the night, Olive finding herself thanking the stars above for bringing her here.

taglist: @sagesolsticewrites @ginabaker1666 @hephaestn @manonsmanicmind @derry-rain @bobparkhurst @archival-hogwash @lestweforget5 @butterfly9012

[dollyyun]

𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐠𝐢𝐫𝐥𝐬 | 10

SYPNOSIS: wherein Hwang Stella's life is tangled in a predicament involving her clandestine identity as a racer, her seemingly daily life as the official heir to the Hwang Empire, and seven guys with whom she has a complex history with. PAIRING: non!idols enhypen members x fem!oc. GENRE: 18+ (mdni), reverse harem, chaebols, semi-college, racing, eventual adulthood, eventual enha being f1 drivers, multiple povs and written in fic. WARNINGS: mention of abuse, expletives. WORD COUNT: 10k+ FEATURING: ITZY Yeji TAGLIST: @aishigrey @kgneptun

✘ SERIES MASTERLIST ✘

Since Yeji is a part of my trusted inner circle, I decided to reveal to her my passion for racing. I expect her to berate me since it is a dangerous motorsport, but instead, she gives me a proud smile and tells me to keep continuing to do whatever I want.

"But what about your position as the heir?" Yeji asks as she sits across from me. We are presently at a fine dining restaurant for dinner, and the best thing about dining out with your older sister is that you don't even have to use your money as she will be the one paying the bills.

I sigh, leaning my back against the leather seat. "That's the thing. Even though I am passionate about racing, I know that I'll have to let go one day when the time comes."

Yeji offers me a sympathetic smile as she puts down her glass of wine. "You know, if being the heir is not what you want, then you can always just back out."

"No, being an heir is equally important to me." I assert, though there is ambivalence lingering in the air. "I've been trained since I was fifteen, after Oppa was disowned," I pause. Bitterness touches my tongue as I recall. "So I can't allow all my hard work to go to waste. Besides, I don't think I have much of a choice, given how I'm the most capable and competent compared to Rena, which was why they didn't want to choose Rena in the first place."

"They're taking advantage of you." There is a scowl on Yeji's face. "The least they could do is treat you better, but no. They're still as insufferable as they were on day one."

Curiosity sparks within me. "Before I was born, were they as cruel as they are now?"

Yeji seems to be reminiscing while the frown on her lips deepens. "Minhyuk wasn't that violent. Sure, he had slapped our brother a few times due to how rebellious he was, but he didn't hit me. That was until after Mother got pregnant with you. Why do you ask?"

My eyes turn downcast. "It's just that our parents, especially father, seem to loathe me more than he does to you and Oppa." Then I recall a certain memory. "The other night, when he punished me, he said something about how mother should've aborted me. I guess he hated me even before I was born."

Not only has that statement been engraved in my mind, but Minhyuk also said something about how he made me the heir so he couldn't get to me. The question is: Who is he?

"I wish I could bring you with me to live in New York." Yeji's statement brings me back to reality. "If you had lived with me, you could do anything your heart desires, and I would provide for you financially until you're stable enough to stand on your own."

I can already imagine what it's like to move to New York, one of the cities I've always wanted to go to, and to have the freedom of not being tethered to the Hwang name anymore. Even the thought of it is already rather tempting, but I know I can't.

"The only goal I have in mind is to bring Oppa and Uncle Minjun together once I wield full authority and power. Speaking of, I've hired someone to do my dirty work since, for some reason, our parents, especially father, forbade me to ask questions about Uncle and even threatened me not to search for him."

Intrigued, Yeji leans forward with an eyebrow arched. "Dirty work? Am I supposed to be worried?"

"No. In fact, you should be glad that I've never given up on searching for Uncle Minjun." I smile. "Though there hasn't been any update yet, I'm positive that I'm getting closer to finding him."

"Uncle Minjun. We had lots of great memories with him." Yeji smiles faintly while nostalgia gleams in her eyes.

My heart aches. "We sure did. He's the main reason why I'm passionate about racing, because he used to be a racer too."

"At least one of us inherited the racing genes." Yeji chuckles.

"But it's peculiar, though." My smile falters. "A week before Uncle Minjun's disappearance, he gave me a debit card and made me swear that our parents could never know about it."

"Really? But why?"

"I don't know, and I don't know why I'm the only one who received it." I answer honestly, my eyebrows furrowing. "The amount is more than I thought. I haven't used it, though. I'm just saving it for an emergency."

"If I weren't so jealous, I'd say his favourite niece was you." Yeji gives me a playful scowl, to which I roll my eyes. "But Uncle has always treated and loved you more than our own father has."

"Yeah." A sad smile dawns on my lips. Just before Yeji can speak, we are interrupted by a certain someone who has me staring at him with my jaw unhinging.

I have never seen Jungwon decked out in a formal suit before, let alone how his hair seems to be a tad permed, looking incredibly attractive than he usually is. He offers me a smile with his dimple that I so badly want to poke. "Hey, Stella."

"Jungwon." I attempt to compose myself, but my eyes continue to shamelessly check him out. "What are you doing here?"

"I'm having dinner with my father and his business partners. We're seated on the second floor. But I want to head out to get some breather." Jungwon informs before his eyes shift to Yeji, and they widen. "Yeji Noona?"

"Jungwon." Yeji acknowledges him with a smile. "My, my. You're all grown up now."

Yeji used to help me out by sneaking Jungwon into the mansion whenever I wanted to hang out with him. Our endeavours in the past were certainly memorable.

Jungwon smiles sheepishly, making my heart flutter. "Thank you. I haven't seen you in years."

"Oh, you didn't know that I moved to New York years ago?" Yeji asks before looking at me in confusion. "You didn't tell him?"

Right. I forget that Yeji didn't know about our friendship fallout.

"Long story short, we weren't friends for seven years, but we've already reconciled." I answer. "Anyway, nice meeting you, Jungwon. Let's go, Unnie."

"Actually, Jungwon can keep you company." Yeji stands as she grabs her purse. She gives me a smile—a cunning one at that. "I have to meet an old friend at a bar. Jungwon, be a dear and send my darling sister home."

"What?" I look at her in disbelief. "Yeji─" But Yeji leaves our table in a swift manner.

Despite the fact that there is no air of awkwardness, Jungwon and I still haven't talked about the kiss we had. I look at him, just to accidentally lock eyes with him.

"It's okay if you don't want to accompany me. I'm sure you'd want to head back to your father." I say, chuckling nervously.

"Honestly, I'm dying to get out of here." He extends his hand to me. "Would you care to join me?"

─── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ──

With my black dress that matches his suit, we look like we could be a couple. Silence engulfs us as we walk hand-in-hand on the pavement. Holding his hand has become the norm for me. I like the way he holds me, like he wants to protect me from harm.

"Stella, can I ask you something?" He breaks the silence, prompting me to look at him. His tone sounds serious, as does the look in his eyes.

I halt my steps, and I notice his car is parked by the curb. "Of course."

Hesitancy resides in his gaze momentarily. "Would you be mad at me again if I leave?"

Confusion clouds my head. "What do you mean?" Then comes the sadness. "Are you leaving?"

"No. At least not yet since nothing has been confirmed." He quickly answers. "I just wanted to know if you'd be mad."

"Maybe, but I'll try to understand your situation." I pause before my eyes turn crestfallen. "Who am I kidding? I'm not going to be mad, but devastated instead. You're my best friend, Jungwon. You leaving me the second time will inevitably hurt me."

"What if I say that I'll be the first to find you after all is well?" He cradles my face, allowing me to lean into his gentle touch. "What if I tell you that once I find you, I'm never going to let you go, ever?"

The butterflies in my tummy intensify the longer he gazes deeply into my eyes. "So you're going to have me locked up in a tower?" I jest, attempting to get rid of the flutters.

His eyes seem to darken at the thought. "Maybe. You seem to underestimate how possessive I can get."

"Funny." I force out a chuckle.

"I'm not joking around, Bubs." His hand slithers down to wrap around my waist, pulling me close to him before he slowly backs me up until my back hits his car.

My eyes widen in shock, and my mouth is unable to form any words due to Jungwon's abrupt turn of behaviour. The way he is staring at me alone feels intimate. His touch on my body feels electrifying.

"Jungwon." I utter his name nervously while my heart is pounding hard against my chest, feeling his body on mine. The addictive scent of his cologne makes me lightheaded.

"I've been holding myself back for so long, Stel." His voice drops to a lower octave. "I've been waiting patiently, dying to touch you just like my best friends do."

My breaths catch in my throat as he leans down to my ear, his lips touching my earlobe. "I know, Stel. I know that you have long since become one of their girls."

With each passing second, I feel breathless and intoxicated by the thought of my best friend desiring me. Butterflies awaken in my tummy at the moment his lips touch my neck.

"Jungwon, not here." I say shakily, aware that we are still in an open area.

"You're right." I detect annoyance in his voice before he pulls away. He opens the passenger door for me, allowing me to enter.

As I wait patiently for him to drive, I don't know what awaits me next.

─── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ──

What I anticipated had something to do with Jungwon's lips on mine and his hands roaming around my body, but what I hadn't anticipated was heading over to Kim Sunoo's apartment, as he had urgently called Jungwon earlier in the car.

"Were you two on a date or something?" Sunoo asks, his eyes narrowing at our attire, before he looks at Jungwon in disbelief. "Was that why you ditched me for Stella? I thought you promised to accompany me to race!"

Jungwon rolls his eyes in annoyance. "As if you wouldn't ditch me for Stella."

Sunoo pauses before his eyes direct me, and he unfurls a smirk. "I would ditch anyone for you, darling." He taps his finger on my nose, causing me to blink my eyes while my cheeks feel warm.

"For the record, I didn't ditch you for Stella. My father forced me to go for dinner with his business partners." Jungwon sighs. "And I hate this stupid tie." He grumbles, touching his black necktie and attempting to remove it, while I am in awe of how he is doing it in an oddly attractive way. "Do you mind if I borrow your clothes? I do need proper attire if we are going to race." He asks Sunoo.

"Fine." Sunoo sighs loudly as he drags his feet to go to his room. "But you owe me!"

As soon as Sunoo is out of sight, I avert my gaze elsewhere, feeling his gaze on my face as he is leaning against the wall with his arms crossed. Jungwon and I haven't had a proper conversation since our moment earlier. I was mostly hesitant and embarrassed to face him.

I clear my throat as I rise from the couch. "I'm just gonna grab a drink."

I walk past him, but a startled gasp leaves my lips when his hand grabs my arm firmly before he makes me turn around to face him. "Jungwon─"

Jungwon silences me by kissing me squarely on the lips while his other arm is wrapped around my waist to hold me steady and the other one cradles my face. He kisses me with such urgency, as if he's afraid that Sunoo might come out any time soon.

"Jungwon." I whisper, feeling short of breath as soon as he pulls away. "Don't ever do that again. Sunoo might catch us."

His lips unfurl a soft, attractive smirk, and he doesn't seem to have the intention of letting me go. "That's part of the thrill, isn't it?"

"Jungwon!" We hear Sunoo calling for him from his room. "Do you want the red or blue one?"

Instead of answering Sunoo, Jungwon slams his lips against mine once more as he moves me to the kitchen, pinning me against the wall. I want to be furious at him, but the way he is kissing me weakens me.

"Yang Jungwon!"

Jungwon pulls away, breathing heavily, while the thrill in his eyes is apparent as they stare straight into my panicked ones. "Your pick, Sunoo." He answers loudly.

"Jungwon!" I whisper harshly right after he pecks my lips briefly. I ignore how hot my cheeks feel. It feels like we're in a forbidden relationship, not wanting anyone to find out about our scandalous act.

His smirk widens before he leans in to kiss my cheek. "You're so adorable, Bubs."

"Hold on! I'm trying to find the red one for you!" Sunoo informs.

Suggestiveness and mischievousness glint in Jungwon's eyes. "More time for us." He whispers with a boyish grin.

The next thing I know, my hands are in his hair, his hands on my body, and my lips on his move in perfect harmony with a symphony of desire and longing.

"I need to tell you something." I say gruffly as I land another hard blow to the punching bag. Sweats are trickling down my skin, and my white tee is sticking to my body due to how drenched I am. Panting heavily, my eyes shift to Jake, who is at the bench press while Jay is helping the man out. Earlier, we agreed to work out at my gym.

I have been keeping it to myself, and the longer I do, the more my feelings seem to be erratic. Maybe I have a death wish, or maybe I don't, but I need to let Jake know about it, even though he might skin my ass alive. The guy is extremely possessive.

"Who?" Jake asks with a grunt, the muscles on his biceps flexing. "Me or Jay?"

Right, I forgot for a moment that Jay used to have an illicit affair with Stella. Recalling the last time he confronted Heeseung and brawled with him, I guess the guy is possessive as well. Great.

Although I'm aware that we all agreed to never fight anymore, especially over a girl, sometimes their feelings may change.

"You." But I answer without hesitation. Plus, Jake had been with Stella first. "But you have to promise me that you won't punch me. You too, Jay."

Jake finally finishes before straightening his back as he sits up. His face contorts into confusion as he wipes off his sweat with a small towel. "Now you're making me want to punch you."

Jay gives Jake a smirk. "Allow me."

"It's not funny, guys." I sigh, removing my boxing gloves. "It's about Stella." I pause, hesitating for a moment, as I scan their faces. "The other night, when I sent her home, I kissed her."

I swear the silence is resounding, and I can't decipher the emotions in their eyes. I run my fingers through my hair. "I admit that I no longer hate her, but I don't know why the fuck I kissed her."

"I knew it." Jay's blank face breaks into a grin. "What did I tell you? Your feelings would change the longer you stick around her."

"Sue me." I groan. "I couldn't help it. There's more to her than just her beauty. All those moments we've spent together, especially during my time coaching her, have shown me the sides of her I never knew existed." As my mind drifts to her, a small smile finds its way to my lips. "She gave me advice even when I didn't ask for it but needed it. The same goes for her. She even laughed at my lame jokes."

"Wow. I never would've thought I'd see the day where Park Sunghoon would be smitten over a girl." Jake speaks up, smirking lightly. "Especially when that girl happens to be the love of my life."

Guilt dawns on me. "I'm sorry, man. It just happened. I didn't have the intention to steal your girl."

Jake shrugs his shoulders, appearing to be unfazed by the revelation. "I guess she's our girl now."

"What?" Both Jay and I stare at him dumbfounded, but Jake remains collected. "What do you mean by our girl?"

"Isn't it obvious? She has us wrapped around her pretty little fingers, and we've all kissed her." Jake states. "I know you expected me to get all possessive and mad, but I'm totally fine about it. Besides, Heeseung even suggested that we share her."

"Share her?" Jay gulps visibly. "But we've never even shared a girl before. I mean, we're talking about Hwang Stella here! And she's not just any girl!"

"I'm not into sharing," I drawl. "But if it means that we won't ever have to fight over her, then I'm in."

"Aside from Heeseung, do you think the others like Stella as well?" Jay asks, crossing his arms over his chest.

"Just yesterday I saw Stella with Sunoo, and from the look of it, Sunoo seemed smitten for her too." Jake chuckles breathily. "The bastard won't even leave her for a minute."

"I think Ni-Ki likes her too." I tell them as soon as I recall the way Ni-Ki looked at her with a familiar sentiment I know all too well. "Just great. The seven of us sharing the same girl? Won't that be too overwhelming?"

"Unless you want to back out, then it will feel a little less overwhelming." Jay gives me a smirk. "Plus, the lesser competition, the better."

"It isn't a competition if we all agree to share her." I snap at him, wanting to punch that annoying smirk of his.

"That settles, then." Jake rises from the bench. "We'll just have to let the rest know about it."

─── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ──

When the next day arrives, I decide to skip my last two lectures and head to our lounging room. I had enough fucking idiots who couldn't even brainstorm ideas, let alone participate in our group project. That's one of the things I hate about college.

With a scowl that still persists on my face, I push open the door and enter, but I halt my steps as soon as I spot Stella on the couch. She appears to have been typing some sort of essay on her laptop. She stops whatever she's doing and diverts her gaze towards me.

"Hey, Sunghoon." She gives me a smile that causes my heart rate to spike, as does how gorgeous she looks. "I hope you don't mind that I'm using this room to do my assignments."

I immediately compose myself. "Not at all. You're always welcome here anyway." I tell her as I make my way to the couch and settle myself next to her. "I thought you'd be in classes."

"I ended mine early." She informs, watching as I plop down next to her comfortably. "You seem rather stressed."

"Not entirely. I'm rather annoyed at our group mates." Naturally, I start to vent to her. "They're difficult to work with and couldn't even brainstorm ideas. I have had to step in and do all the fucking things." I scowl. "The worse part is that I have to survive another week with them."

Stella offers me a sympathetic smile. "I understand you. I hate group projects too."

"Really?" The renowned smart-pants Hwang Stella hates something that is academic-related. I tilt my body to give her my full attention. "What else do you hate?"

"Ummm, my parents," She lists them off, prompting me to chuckle at her first answer. "Liars, insects, and you used to be on the list as well. In fact, you're on the second spot on the list."

I raise my eyebrow at her. "You really hated me that much, huh?"

"You did too." She retorts, rolling her eyes, and fuck does she look attractive doing so. "When did you decide to unhate me?"

"I can't exactly pinpoint when, but it just happened." I tell her honestly as the air around us shifts into something that is unexplainable.

Her alluring eyes flicker down to my lips before looking back into my eyes. "Was that why you kissed me the other night?"

I was hoping she wouldn't bring that up. Fuck me and my self-control for kissing her.

"Do you like me, Sunghoon?" She asks, and her voice drops into a whisper while I realise the lack of space between us.

I gulp harshly. "Of course. That's why I unhate you, right? That's why we're friends now." I'm just spewing words because it's so fucking hard to control myself around her, especially when she looks utterly kissable and alluring right now.

I see disappointment and annoyance in her eyes. "I'm not stupid, Sunghoon. You kissed me the other night because you see me more than just a friend."

"And if I say I do?" A muscle ticks in my jaw as the intensity between our gazes sparks something within me. "What are you going to do about it?"

The confidence she emitted earlier dissipates as she deflates. "I don't know. It just feels weird because we've always been enemies and hated each other's guts."

"You want to know how to make it less weird?" I pull her by the nape, bringing her close to me until her breath fans on my lips. Her hooded eyelids are fluttering close, and I take my cue to connect our lips.

It starts off slow, with me taking my time to savour her lips, which taste like a hint of cherry, but soon, we're kissing each other like two lovers who have been separated for a long time. The next moment I know, she is on top of me with her hands in my hair and my hands on her body, pulling her impossibly close to me. The sound of our lips smacking wetly and her faint moans into my mouth turn me on even further.

She pulls away from my lips to catch her breath, fluttering her eyes open and meeting my gaze. As she pants heavily, her lips are slightly swollen by the intensity of our make-out. When she moves her hips forward, I groan, feeling her core hitting mine.

"Sorry." She whispers, her cheeks turning a shade of pink.

"You're such a fucking tease, princess." I have no intention of letting her go with my hands on her waist. Her sultry gaze alone is enough for me to do things to her. "Tell me, what are you like with the others?"

Her hands drape over my shoulders. "What?"

A smirk tugs at my lips as I bring my hand to caress her cheek. "Do you like it rough? Gentle?" I can't help but pull her down abruptly, bringing a gasp from her mouth. I grab a fist of her hair, though enough to apply pressure and not hurt her, stopping her just close enough with our lips almost touching. "Tell me all the dirty stuff you like." I rasp as she pants lightly through her parted lips. "I'll make them happen."

"You're kinky." She gasps again just as I pull her head to the back, making her neck bare at me before I place a kiss on the skin. "Sunghoon─"

In an instant, I have her pinned to the couch with both hands on top of her head, as I have them locked in my strong grip. She gasps cutely and releases a breathy moan when I press my knee into her core. "What if the others come barging in?" She whimpers as I trail my kisses along her jawline down to her neck.

"I won't stop. I'll let them know that I can pleasure you better than them, show them I can fuck you better." I pull away from her neck, and with my other hand, I wrap it around her throat, enough to assert the dominance I have over her. The smirk on my lips widens as I see the lust in her eyes. "You're liking the idea, aren't you? You dirty princess."

"Sunghoon." She pleads, moving her hips with her core sliding on my knee as though to find relief. I can almost feel how soaked she is. "Please."

Music to my ears. I apply pressure to her neck again, having her gasp once more. I lean down to her face, and my lips teasingly graze against her panting ones. "Only a slut likes the idea of voyeurism." I speak harshly into her mouth. "You're my slut, aren't you, princess?"

I can feel her thighs attempting to clench. "Yes." She whimpers.

With my other free hand, I grab her chin, forcing her to open her mouth for me before I spit into her mouth. "Swallow." She does, moaning as she heeds my command. "Good fucking girl." I praise her softly. "Now, you're going to have to be quiet or else I'll stop, understood?"

Her sultry eyes flutter while the atmosphere feels hotter than usual. "Yes, sir."

I have been contemplating and staying quiet since Heeseung decided to make me accompany him to the race. My mind is occupied with a lot of things, but the idea of sharing Stella and the plan my father forced me to do consume my thoughts.

"Jay." Heeseung's hand presses on my shoulder firmly, pulling me back to reality. "I've been calling for you. You okay?"

I sigh, roughly ruffling my hair. "I don't even know, Heeseung."

Heeseung settles himself next to me with his arms crossed over his chest as we lean against my car. "Talk to me."

I bite my lip harshly. "Jake told us about the idea of sharing Stella, but I can't imagine if she ever finds out that─" I pause, hesitating. "Fuck. I didn't want things to happen, and I didn't even want to be a part of their schemes!"

"I get you." Heeseung says quietly, prompting me to look at him with wide eyes. "Yeah, I know about it. I guess your parents and mine are working together."

My heart clenches in guilt. "If I don't do what they ordered me to, then I'll have to face the consequences."

"That goes the same for me." He smiles sadly. "What a fucked-up world we live in."

"More like fucked-up parents." Sunoo's voice draws our attention, and we spot him and Ni-Ki approaching us, suited in their racing gear. "In fact, all of our parents are in this."

"I don't want to hurt Stella." Ni-Ki says, as the pain in his eyes is evident.

Heeseung leans away from my car. "We all don't."

Ni-Ki shoots Sunoo a scowl. "And now, Sunoo here thought it was a brilliant idea to inform his parents about Stella's secret."

"What secret?" I ask immediately.

The three exchange glances before Sunoo speaks up. "Stella is a racer as well. In fact, she is the mysterious racer Junho welcomed."

"There's no way." I scoff, denying. "Stella is not the type of person who looks like she races."

"Come on, Park." Heeseung sighs. "You're not that oblivious to the fact that the mysterious racer has the same hair shade as Stella."

I gulp down. "It could be a mere coincidence."

"Denying won't do you good." Sunoo tuts while his eyes seem to trail behind me. "If you really want to prove to us that the mysterious racer isn't Stella, I guess this is your chance."

I turn around to see what they're all looking at, and I spot the mysterious racer pulling up at her station. I don't know why I'm still in denial, even when I finally realise how her physique looks awfully similar to Stella's.

"Fine." I proceed to wear my helmet. "I'll just have to catch her in action."

Maybe Minhyuk and Jihyun were right all along about how I'm deviating from my focal point in my obligation as the heir. Just yesterday, my tutor came over, and she reprimanded me for how I've been giving poor performances, of which she would have to inform Minhyuk. I guess I'll be punished again once he comes back.

Even so, it'll be worth it. I should feel regret and reprove myself for changing so much in a matter of months ever since I willingly decided to be more than involved with the guys. But I don't, not even in the slightest.

I can't help it. They're akin to drugs, making me addictive and impossible to stay away from. They consume my thoughts, intoxicating my whole senses. I love being the centre of attention in their eyes, even more so because of their blatant affection for me.

Fuck, I'm spiralling deeper than I thought, and I don't know if there is even a way out of this. It feels as though I'm trapped, chained up, and hidden in a tower with the keys in their hands, away from the world, willing to let them do whatever they want.

I value my position as the heir, but even for a moment, I want to be traded and just become their girl, solely to serve them and do whatever they ask me to. It is as though my life purpose now is them.

My parents were right. I am too far gone and astray.

And so, I find myself in this position, with his hands on my body and his lips devouring me as though he has been starved, making out in the back seat of his car while he has me seated on his lap.

"I'm so fucking mad at you." Jay murmurs against my lips. "You could've told me that you were a racer as well. I'd do anything to keep your secret safe, baby."

Just fifteen minutes ago, Jay confronted me after he won the race against me. He taunted me and made me reveal my identity to him while the other guys watched from afar. Amid the anger, he was shocked as well when our eyes met. Before I knew it, he dragged me elsewhere, away from prying eyes, which led to us in his car. We were arguing heatedly, and the tension between us was about to snap.

I hum against his lips before pulling away. My hands are gently treading the back of his hair while his hands rub the sides of my waist, awakening the butterflies in my tummy. "Just as I said, I didn't want anyone to find out, but I should've known it wasn't easy." I shrug my shoulders.

Jay sighs, raising his hand to my cheek and holding it affectionately. "I won't let anyone outside of our inner circle discover who you are."

I place my hand on his, leaning into his palm. "Thank you, Jay."

A smile graces his handsome face before he leans in to give me a peck on the lips. "You're welcome. You know, you're amazing." He deepens his lips on mine, sighing. "You've never failed to blow my mind away by how amazing you are."

"Yeah?" I chuckle softly into the kiss. "What else?"

"Greedy for compliments, are we now?" He smirks, pulling away from the kiss. "You're just so fucking perfect, baby. If we weren't needed to head back, I'd bring you back to my place so we can meddle about, with me worshipping your body all night."

I hum lazily as I drape my hands around his neck. "If you're brave enough, do it."

His eyes darken. "Don't test me, baby. You know I would."

─── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ──

"My parents and Rena are currently in Miami. They'll be back in like three weeks." I remove my leather jacket as I am beginning to feel stuffy, to which Sunoo assists me. "My older sister, Yeji, has been here for about a week now, and I'm glad. I've missed her." I tell them, and a smile automatically tugs at my lips as I talk about Yeji.

Presently, we are seated in a circle on the asphalt ground. Their attention is fixated on me as they listen to my blabbering attentively. I tell them about my older siblings and my memorable moments with them. But the more I talk about my older brother, the more my heart aches, yearning for him.

"I'm sorry." I rub my nape sheepishly while my cheeks feel warm. "I've been rambling and didn't give you guys the chance to speak."

"Actually, we love to listen to you talk." Ni-Ki tells me, the assurance in his eyes puts me at ease.

"Yeah, you look happier when you talk about your loved ones." Heeseung points out, smiling at me faintly.

"What about your uncle?" Sunoo asks as he sits next to me diagonally. "Earlier, you mentioned something about you racing that made you feel as though you're closer to your uncle. He's a racer too?"

"Was." I say, smiling sadly. "He disappeared out of a blue, leaving no trace of him behind years ago. He treated me better than my parents ever did. In fact, I see him as more of a father than Minhyuk himself."

"And your older brother?" Jay raises his eyebrow. "We all know about your parents disowning the original heir. The media outlet spread the news fast."

I sigh, recalling. "My older sister and I are unable to track him too. But it's okay. I have a plan of my own that involves finding both my uncle and brother once I officially wield the power and authority."

I ignore them when they exchange wary glances at each other. "It's really fine, guys. I have meticulously planned out everything. It's just a matter of months."

"Can we help?" Sunoo asks. "We just want to take extra caution, especially concerning your safety. You can always lean on us for help."

"Sunoo's right." Ni-Ki nods his head. "Whatever you need, Stel, we're at your service."

Butterflies intensify in my tummy as I look at each of their faces, the determination and willingness written on them makes my heart swell with something. "I will."

"Are you guys ready for the Seoul Grand Prix next month?" Heeseung's question draws our attention. "We'll be competing against racers across SoKor."

"Fuck yeah." Sunoo smirks. "I'm more than ready."

Right, the Seoul Grand Prix. It happens every three years. It'll be my first time ever participating, and I can't help but feel anxious. Incidents may happen at a major event like that, given the fact that there may be others who are envious and have malicious intent to bring downfall to their opponents.

"I'm not that ready." I confess, releasing a shaky breath. "I still lack my skills."

"What? But you've already proven how amazing you are at racing." Ni-Ki counters.

"Riki's right." Jay says. "I'm sure you'll do great, as you always do."

"Well, we can't be too complacent." I rise from the ground and dust off my hands. With my hands on my waist, I look at them with a grin. "Let's all compete. Losers will have to forfeit."

Heeseung unfurls a smirk as he stands as well. "Music to our ears."

"You're going down, darling." Sunoo teases me.

"You're going down." I retort before yelping out when Riki slings an arm around me roughly, especially with his tall height that overpowers my figure. "Riki!"

As we make our way to our motorsport vehicles while engaging in banter and our laughter filling the cold air, my heart warms as I am surrounded by them. More importantly, I feel homed.

─── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ──

The guys and I ended our ventures late last night, resulting in me to feel slightly lethargy as soon as I wake up. As I tie my hair into a messy bun, I make my way to Yeji's room, hoping that she doesn't have any plans for today. But I stop in my tracks when I spot her walking out of Minhyuk's office, probably snooping around given how she looks as though she doesn't want to be caught.

Feeling amused by my dearest older sister's antics, I lean sideways against the wall with my arms crossed. "You do realise that there is a CCTV camera inside his office?"

Yeji's body jolts up in surprise before she turns around with her hand on her chest. She shoots me a scowl. "You scared me, Stel. I thought you were one of the helpers."

I shake my head, chuckling lightly, as I approach her. "What were you even doing inside? You might get into deep trouble if Father ever decides to check the CCTV."

Yeji waves her hand dismissively at me. "What could he even do to me? I don't live under this roof, so technically, I don't have to abide by the rules here."

"Consider me jealous." I state plainly. "But seriously, what were you doing?"

Yeji bites her lips, looking as if she is a child getting caught for stealing candy. "I was bored and curious about what Minhyuk has in his office."

"Uhuh." I raise my eyebrow. "So, anything interesting?"

Yeji seems hesitant for some reason. "Actually, there is. Come."

Yeji grabs my hand before dragging me into Minhyuk's office. Without uttering a word, I allow her to drag me as she pleases until we stop at his desk. I watch her in silence as she squads down and pulls one of the drawers before she grabs a file with the wording 'confidential' stamped on it.

Yeji rises and puts down the file on the table in front of me. She flips it open for me. "Read it."

With a frown tugging at my lips and the confusion I feel, I examine the documents. My birth certificate is part of the documents too. As I carefully read through the others, my eyes widen as something catches my eye.

"A DNA test?" I speak out loud as I hold the paper.

"Not only is it a DNA test, but it's yours." Yeji says quietly, her finger pointing at a certain date. "That's your birth date, right? Then there's your name."

My face contorts into confusion. "But why would Father have this? Unless I'm adopted." My heart feels as though it has been stabbed by a knife at the thought of me not being blood related to my older siblings.

"I don't think so. It also states here that the DNA test was conducted when Mother was pregnant with you." Yeji places her hand firmly on my tensed shoulder. "It's okay, Stel. Even if you were adopted, you'd always be my baby sister. I'm sure Oppa would feel the same way too."

But Yeji's mere sentiment doesn't alleviate the confusion I feel. I begin to check the other documents, reading thoroughly while my heart feels uneasy. A sigh of frustration leaves my lips. "It doesn't add up! There must be some documents that are missing."

"You know what? Let's leave this and get out of here." Yeji attempts to snatch away the documents, but I stubbornly refuse, not until I find answers. "Stella."

"I need to know." I say, looking at her with desperation. "Please, Unnie."

Yeji's lips flatten. "Let's have lunch first, okay? We'll find the missing documents later."

I slouch my shoulders in defeat. "Fine."

"Plus, you have friends coming over, right?" Yeji asks, as if she is attempting to distract me, and it works. "I'd love to meet them."

The exhaust of our motorbikes' engines blares loudly as we speed on the road. A smirk pulls at my lips behind the visor of my helmet, loving the thrill of riding along with my best friends. Thankfully, there are not many vehicles on the road, allowing us to play around a little as we taunt each other with how fast we can go.

Soon, we have arrived as we enter through the gates, pulling over on the massive asphalt road that allows us to park our vehicles. I turn off the ignition and remove my helmet, adjusting my dishevelled hair while the background noise consists of my best friends engaging in silly banter.

"You're such a show-off, Park!" Sunoo tells Sunghoon with a scowl on his face.

"You tell him, Sunoo!" Jay barks out a laugh, with Jungwon joining him.

Sunghoon gives him a smug look in return. "Just say that you're jealous of my skills, Kim."

"Did you see my moves?" Ni-Ki asks us rather excitedly. "That's a new skill of mine."

"Yeah, but it's dangerous, Riks." Jake frowns. "You could've gotten into serious trouble if you weren't skilled enough."

I shake my head at them. Such children. My gaze settles on the unfamiliar mansion, which looks bigger than my parents' one.

"Let's get going." I announce sternly as I proceed to walk ahead first. "We're already late."

The guys comply, following suit. I still hear them exchanging words and insults, but I ignore them. I just can't wait to meet Stella again, even though we just saw each other last night.

Before I can press the bell, the door slowly opens and reveals an unfamiliar lady whose features are sharp yet elegant. This must be Stella's older sister. Hwang Yeji.

"Oh!" Yeji appears to be genuinely taken aback as she looks at us. "Stella's friends?"

"Yes." Jungwon answers for us, to which Yeji beams at him with a smile. I guess Jungwon and her know each other, considering that he's Stella's childhood best friend.

"Come on in!" She opens the door wide for us, offering us a kind smile that reminds me of Stella's. "Stella! Your friends are here!"

"What?!" Stella can be heard from the kitchen, and I can discern panic in her voice. "But I'm not done yet!"

Yeji sighs and shakes her head before offering us an apologetic smile. "She's in the kitchen, baking some goods for all of you. You may lounge in the living room first. I'll help her."

"It's fine. I'll help her." I tell her with a small smile, and I don't miss the way her eyes gleam with suspicion.

"Sure." Yeji proceeds to guide the guys to the living room, with Jungwon rambling away by her side.

I make my way to the kitchen, and when I arrive, I am greeted by the sight of cookies and cupcakes on platters. My breath catches in my throat as I look at her, who appears to be focused on frosting the last cupcake. God, she looks truly beautiful. Her hair is tied up in a messy bun with a few strands of hair covering her side frames, and she is wearing a white long-sleeved crop top with grey sweatpants hanging low on her perfect waistline.

"Yeji, I'm almost done─" As she looks up, her eyes meet mine, and they widen in surprise. "Heeseung."

I offer her a smile as I approach her. "Hey, sweetheart. I didn't know you could bake."

Her rosy cheeks tempt me to kiss them. "I'm sorry you had to witness this mess."

"A beautiful mess, at that." I smirk before I point at her lips. "You got a little something on your lips."

She touches her lips, confused. "Huh? Is it the frosting?"

I don't answer, and instead, I swiftly wrap my arm around her waist before leaning down to kiss her squarely on the lips.

"Heeseung!" She squeals into the kiss, but I smile instead, kissing her a little longer before pulling away.

I slowly lick my bottom lip, smirking at how flushed she looks. "Yummy."

"Stella! It isn't polite to keep your guests waiting!" Yeji's loud voice can be heard from the outside.

Stella looks at me apologetically. "Heeseung, can you─"

I plant a kiss on her crown. "Of course, I'll help."

─── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ──

Stella and I fooled around in the kitchen for a short while, with me giving her back hugs and pecking her irresistible rosy cheeks, before I helped her bring out the platters. Fortunately, the guys didn't seem to have any suspicions about us, but Yeji seemed to have a hunch, judging by the way her eyes narrowed at us, but she became distracted when the guys asked about Stella's childhood.

While the rest are busy listening to Yeji as she tells a tale about Stella's childhood with a teasing grin on her face, I spot Stella, who is seated on the single couch across from me with one leg over the other and her hands occupied with a cupcake.

Stella has been trying to prevent Yeji from telling all of us about her embarrassing moment, but she fails. And so, with her eyebrows furrowing, she proceeds to munch on the cupcake while her lips form into a frown.

I stifle a chuckle while a smirk threatens to form on my lips as my gaze on her never leaves. Right now, Stella looks like a chipmunk, aggressively munching away.

"Don't be mad, baby sis." Yeji teases her again as soon as she finishes. "They're your friends, and any friend of yours should know what you were like in your adolescent days."

Stella grabs a tissue on the table before wiping her mouth, and a scoff leaves her lips right after. "Right. You also forgot to mention how I wasn't allowed to be a normal child whenever mother and father were around." She chuckles dryly while bitterness is written across her features.

The air in the living room shifts uncomfortably with a certain frigidity. I exchange glances with my best friends, and as I look at Yeji, she appears guilty and saddened.

"Sorry." Stella sighs, relaxing her tensed shoulders. "I brought the mood down. My bad."

"I'm the one who should be sorry." Yeji tells Stella in a softer tone. "I got so over my head that I've forgotten you had a bad childhood because of our parents." Then, Yeji glances at us warily before looking back at Stella. "Do they know─"

"Yes." Stella interjects. "I trust them. Besides, I was with them the other night when father punished me. I even showed them my scars."

Yeji draws in a sharp breath as she closes her eyes, seeming to calm herself down after hearing Stella's last statement. "Stella, I'm this close to bringing you with me and living in New York."

"I told you that as much as I want to, I can't." Stella emphasises, her eyes turning crestfallen.

"Wait, you had thoughts about moving abroad?" Jungwon asks with a frown.

Stella bites her lips and looks down at her hands. "I had, but I can't due to my reasons." She looks up with a faint smile on her face. "Plus, how could I ever leave you all behind?"

The atmosphere in the air feels delicate and intimate at the same time, with her kind yet beautiful eyes on us and the way my heart flutters because of her. From my peripheral vision, I manage to catch Yeji looking at us with suspicion before she clears her throat loudly, enough to pull us back to reality.

"It looks like I'm going to be late for an important event." Yeji glances down at her wristwatch before she grabs her purse at the side and rises from her seat. She offers us a kind smile. "It's nice meeting you. I hope your friendship with Stella lasts a long time."

With a pout on Stella's kissable lips, she makes her way to Yeji before engulfing her in a hug. "I can't believe you're going out again." I can hear Stella whining even though she tries to keep it discreet, prompting me to chuckle at how adorable she can be.

Yeji pats her back before pulling away from the hug and placing her hands on Stella's shoulders. "At least you'll have your friends to keep you company." I catch a knowing glint in Yeji's eyes. "Plus, I'm also here for both family and business. Unfortunately for you, duty calls."

Not too long later, Yeji has already left, leaving Stella to entertain us as she returns to the living room.

"So," Stella stands in our line of sight with her hands clasped together, and an awkward smile graces her pink lips. "What do you guys want to do?"

"What do you have in mind?" Sunghoon asks, quirking an eyebrow at her, but my eyes narrow at his smirking lips. For as long as I know Sunghoon, I know for a fact that there is suggestiveness hinted in his question. Damn bastard.

Stella purses her lips as she appears to be in deep thought, bringing some chuckles from us at how adorable she looks. She snaps out of her thoughts and looks at us with a sly grin. "Something fun." She takes steps back slowly. "I'm sure all of you will love it. Be right back."

─── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ──

The idea Stella had in mind wasn't what any of us expected.

"Why are we doing this again?" Sunghoon's voice is tinged with irritation, followed by a grumble. "This is meant for girls!"

"Because it's fun!" Stella exclaims, her eyes forming the shape of a crescent, with chuckles leaving her lips.

"Yeah, it's fun!" Sunoo chimes, earning him some glares from some of the guys.

It turns out, Stella brought down a mini-box full of manicures, including nail polishings. She decided that black polish would suit all of us. Unlike the rest of us, Sunoo and Ni-Ki voluntarily offered to polish our nails, as they had no issues with nail polishing.

Presently, Sunoo is attending to Jake, whereas Ni-Ki is attending to Jungwon. Stella has already polished Jay's nails, to which the latter doesn't seem too satisfied, nor does he complain much, unlike Sunghoon. On the other hand, I am waiting patiently for my turn.

"My nails." Sunghoon whimpers, staring down at his nails that are already polished in black, while Stella rolls her eyes at Sunghoon's dramatic ass, but nonetheless, she takes great pleasure in Sunghoon's reaction. "Princess, what have you done?"

"I made your nails prettier!" Stella chirps with a grin, earning her a scowl from Sunghoon. "Trust me, you'll love it!"

"Are these permanent?" Jake asks, the mortification written on his face brings laughter out of Stella. "Love, I don't want to be seen with my nails polished on campus tomorrow."

"What if I tell you they are?" Stella's whimsical remark elicits dramatic gasps from Jake, Jay, Jungwon, and Sunghoon. "I'm just joking. You may remove them only after you get home." Finally, she's done with Sunghoon's nails and rises from the ground before her eyes settle on mine.

I have been staying quiet, just observing the rest and being amused by the sight. I don't feel too keen on Stella's idea, but if that's what makes her happy, then the least I can do is not complain and allow her to do what she wants to my nails.

"You don't seem to complain." Stella tells me with a light chuckle as she settles herself to sit in front of me. She doesn't hesitate to grab my hand and place it on top of her thigh. "At least I won't have to hear you whine and grumble annoyingly, unlike Park Sunghoon and Sim Jaeyun."

"We heard that!" Both Sunghoon and Jaeyun exclaim simultaneously, but she merely ignores them.

"I'd let you do anything to me." I say softly as I watch her polish my first nail carefully yet expertly.

She pauses briefly and glances up to meet my eyes. Her rosy cheeks deepen their colour before she clears her throat and resumes polishing my nails. "So, where is Aera?" She asks. "She would've loved to join me polishing your nails."

"She wanted to follow, but her assignments are due tonight." I inform. "She has a habit of completing her assignments in the last few minutes."

Stella hums in acknowledgment as she proceeds to grab my other hand. "Your nails are already pretty, Hee." She compliments me, her soft tone is enough to melt my heart.

"Thank you, sweetheart." I chuckle lightly, and the next thing I know, she is done, allowing me to examine them. "You know, I think I look great in these nail polishes."

"You are." Stella agrees, though she appears to be flushed with the way her eyes seem to scan my countenance. "The black polish complements the way you look."

I know what she meant. The black nail polish matches with my outfit which consist of black pants and tee with black leather jacket completing the whole look.

This time, my smile transitions into a smirk as I lean a little closer to her. "Yeah? Do I look like your pretty boy now?"

Stella takes me by surprise when she boops my nose with a chuckle. "Yes, you are."

"Stella! I need your help!" Sunoo's intervention causes me to sigh as Stella leaves me.

"You look good with them, bro." Jay compliments me, making me feel taken aback.

"I look ridiculous." Sunghoon remarks loudly, as if he wants Stella to hear who is busily polishing Sunoo's nails.

"Yeah, you do!" Jake grins boyishly at a scowling Sunghoon. "Hey! At least you look ridiculous with me!"

─── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ──

"You guys look so pretty with your nails." Stella coos, a simper smile graces her lips as she looks pleased with our overall look. "See? I told you that you would look good, but you doubted me."

Some of the guys are getting ready to head back while the others will be going for a night ride. They even invited Stella to join them, but Stella wasn't in the mood to go for a ride. In fact, throughout the day we spent time together, she looked slightly distraught but masked it with her smiles and laughters. Or maybe I'm just imagining things.

"I've never once doubted you." Ni-Ki brings Stella into a side hug, blatantly displaying his affection for her when he kisses her crown.

"Same." Sunoo chuckles. "We're your pretty boys, right, darling?" Stella blushes and looks away from Sunoo, but she seems to agree as she doesn't give a reply.

"They're starting to grow on me." Jay says as he examines his nails

"I can't wait to remove them." Sunghoon gives Stella a delightful grin, to which the latter rolls her eyes. "Keep rolling your eyes and you'll lose them one day, princess."

"We better get going." Jungwon announces before he turns to look at Stella with a soft gaze. "I'll see you tomorrow, Bubs." He embraces Stella, hugging her for a little longer.

With each of the guys waiting for their turns to bid goodbyes, I stand just a few metres from them as I lean sideways against the wall with my arms crossed, silently watching them. Some of the guys don't hesitate to give her kisses on her forehead and crown.

I scoff lightly. It is as if they aren't going to see Stella for long when they'll be seeing her tomorrow again with how clingy and desperate they seem, unable to let her go. Soon, they step out of the mansion, leaving Stella and I alone.

"Heeseung, you're still here." Her face contorts into confusion as she walks towards me. "Why are you not joining them?"

"I want to keep you company for awhile." I raise my eyebrow at her. "Do you not enjoy my company?"

"I do." She answers quickly. "Actually, thanks. I do need some company." She sighs, placing her hand at her forehead. "I can't stop thinking about something. I've actually been distraught, but I didn't want to show it to all of you and spoil the mood."

"I know." I lean away from the wall. "I noticed how you looked a little out of it. Care to tell me what is troubling my girl?"

Stella looks at me, seeming to be contemplating. "Not here. Let's go to my room." She grabs my hand without a second thought and proceeds to drag me with her.

─── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ──

Her room is just what I expected. It matches her aesthetic. The size of her room is equivalent to a living room. The queen-sized bed is pushed up against the wall, facing the window. Bookshelves painted black with stacks of books and other decorative items. Just beside her nightstand, there is a mini-fridge and a walk-in closet room. The ajar door of her bathroom allows me to catch a glimpse of a bathtub.

Still holding my hand, she brings me to the centre of the room, where there is a mini couch that fits two people and a small coffee table. On the table, I spot a brown file with the word 'confidential' stamped.

As I take a seat, I watch with a frown as she paces back and forth with her bottom lip tucked between her teeth. "Talk to me, sweetheart."

Stella lets out a sigh as she stops pacing. "Earlier, Yeji and I went into our father's office. Yeji told me she found something that was rather unsettling and that it concerns me." She grabs the file and hands it to me, which I grab and proceed to flip open.

My frown deepens as I examine the documents. What makes me even curiouser is a document that states a DNA test result. I look up at her. "Is this all yours?"

"Yes. But the thing is, there must be other missing documents because it doesn't add up!" Stella's frustration is apparent as she sits on her bed, facing me. "At first, I thought I was adopted, but my mother was pregnant with me when she had the DNA tested."

I close the file and put it back down before I slowly approach her. "And?"

Stella's eyes turn crestfallen. "And I don't know, but mostly I'm afraid of the possibility that there is an ugly truth behind my birth."

I sit next to her, and my heart aches at how she looks dejected. I don't hesitate to grab her hand, holding it close to my chest while my action prompts her to look at me. "Whatever it is, I'll be there with you every step of the way." I place a kiss on her knuckles, a gesture I often find myself doing to her. My eyes soften. "Thank you for trusting me enough to let me know your troubles and concerns."

Stella's eyes soften as well before she goes in for a hug, and I gladly welcome her. Soon, we find ourselves settling comfortably on her bed with my back resting against the headboard and my arm around her body, while Stella has her arm wrapped around me with her head resting on my chest. We bask in the silence, and I swear I can hear the sound of my heart beating.

I allow her to play with my fingers, twiddling them mindlessly on my chest. "You really look good with black nails, Hee." She breaks the silence, murmuring.

"That's because the pretty lady herself polished them." I say softly, unable to resist myself from giving her forehead a kiss, prompting her to look up at me.

She stops twiddling with my fingers. Her eyes flicker at my lips. "Kiss me?"

I gladly do so, dipping my head down to kiss her softly with one hand cradling her face. This kiss feels different compared to our last one. This feels delicate and sweet, tingling with yearning.

We pull away, stopping for a few inches as we flutter our eyes open. She cracks into a grin while the softness of her gaze persists. "You're pretty, Hee."

"I'd rather be called handsome, but if my sweetheart insists that I'm pretty, who am I to deny?" I drawl lazily, smirking at her flushed reaction. Before I know it, our lips reconnect.

I don't know how long we spend kissing each other lazily, cuddling on her bed, and even talking about random stuff in a soft tone, with her occasionally twiddling either my fingers or my necklace, but long enough to hear Yeji's voice and footsteps approaching from the outside.

"Stella! Are you asleep?"

Stella pauses from twiddling my necklace before she looks up at me with wide eyes, but I remain collected and shake my head at her.

"No?" Stella answers Yeji unsurely. "Don't come inside!"

There is a protracted silence before Yeji speaks again. "Just don't stay up too late."

"I should head back." I say after Yeji walks away with her footsteps sounding faint. But I still have her in my arms, unable to let her go. "But I don't have the heart to leave you."

"Then don't." She snuggles into my chest before resting her head in the nook of my neck. "Stay here with me."

I chuckle breathily as I fully wrap my arms around her figure and rest my chin on her head. "As you wish, sweetheart."

Moments like this, I wish they would last. I wish for a lot of things, including living a peaceful life with Stella in it.

As I hold her close to me, I flutter my eyes closed, pained at the prospect of her learning the truth about some of us.

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[dreamauri]

‧˚⊹ 𝗱𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝗶 𝗹𝗼𝘃𝗲 ଓ :: 𝗠𝗩𝟭 ‧₊˚⤾

you are reading :: part eight !!

╭╯ pairing . . . max verstappen x fem! driver! reader ) ┊ summary . . . step back for 17, step fourth for siblings ) ┊ genre . . . angst, psychological ) ╰╮ warning . . . deceptions of mental illness / hallucinating )

☆★ kind of a filler ━━

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You released a shaky breath upon pushing the gate open. Gripping the metal bars tightly, you looked around the abandoned estate, flowers wilting and grass drying from the lack of care.

"Désolé." [sorry] You mumbled upon closing the gate behind you. "Ana bas me7tega a few 7agat." [I just need a few things]. Walking through the ceramic path, all you could see were memories you had created with your late uncle running through the garden.

Walking up the stairs to the front door, you coughed upon entering the dusty house. No one has been in here since August of last year. You'd dismissed all the maids that worked here for good and closed up everything.

Walking up the stairs, you quietly walked to your room, pulling the few articles of clothing you needed from the drawers and your skateboard from behind the door.

"I thought you were coming to see me-" "-Jesus!" You jumped upon hearing his voice. You put a hand over your heart looking back at the vanity mirror where you saw Marawan looking at you playfully with his arms folded.

"Am I going insane?" You giggled nervously, turning to him, tilting your head. He chuckled, shaking his head. "What are you doing, nunu?" You were taken aback from his question, holding up the items you were here to retrieve. "I needed an extra pair of underwear—"

"—I'm not talking about that." He cut you off laughing. "What are you doing with your life?" You closed your eyes, furrowing your eyebrows confused and taken aback. "What do you mean—" looking back at the mirror you felt a pang of fear strike your heart seeing only your mirrored reflection.

"Tik tok, Y/N." Snapping around, you saw your own self in the body mirror in the closet door. But she wasn't like you. Her head was tilted, a sickening smile covering her face along with a dark gaze in her eyes.

You took a step back, swallowing deeply as you shook your head. "I'm fine. I'm fine." A muffled scream came from your lips as you felt her come from behind you, putting her hand over your mouth.

"You're wasting our time." She whispered, gently brushing a strand of hair behind your ear. "Don't make me take things in my own hands. We know how that ended last time. Meike's scar. 6 day walk. We don't want that again, right?" She warned, patting your back before stepping back.

Turning to face her, you're met with your own reflection in the vanity. Shaking body and eyes filled with fear. You released a hesitant breath looking around the room, fear hitting your chest and stomach with each heartbeat.

sprinting down the stairs, you pushed the garage door open, picking up a few tool and wrench boxes. "Hatel3abi fiha lewa7dek?" [You going to modify it on your own] You heard Marwan from behind you. Looking back cautiously you saw him crouched down in front of where your kart should've been.

Seven year-old you nodded quickly, holding up the wrench to show your uncle who only smiled and ruffled your hair. Behind her you saw the other you, holding the back of younger you’s shirt, looking intensely at ( present time ) you, that sickening smile curling on her lips again.

"Leave me alone!" You shouted, throwing the tool box at her, dismissing the memory as you pulled yourself to your feet, sprinting out of the estate. "You can't escape me Y/N." She popped up behind the gate you pulled shut. Tripping backwards, you looked at her from behind the bars while she smiled down at you.

★ ☆ ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━

MEDIA DAY April, Thursday 16 2024 — Circuit Paul Ricard, France

"And- and that is Y/N Kraus arriving to the paddock in her pyjamas on a skateboard." The commentators laughed as they watched you hold onto the spoiler of your brother's car, letting him pull you through the parking lot entrance.

Meike rolled down the window looking back at you with a laugh. "Are you following me?" He joked. Your eyes caught his scar with a shaky gulp. You nervously laughed, telling him to keep an eye on the road.

Walking through the paddock, people could tell something was off. You were practically shaking and alert. Too alert. Not letting anyone touch you or get too close. "There a way we can skip all the media and stuff?" You whispered to your PR who only looked at you concerned before nodding.

"You okay—" you flinched, turning around to face your personal bubble intruder. "Sorry- Didn't mean to scare you." You sighed in relief upon seeing the familiar face. "Oh, it's just you, Yuki." You chuckled, trying to calm down.

"You . . . Want to sit down?" You nodded hesitantly, sinking in a couch from the hospitality, sitting silently.

★ ☆ ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━

"There you are-" You yelped, jumping away at the sudden appearance. Looking back your body relaxed upon seeing Max. "You scared the shit out of me." You scolded nudging his shoulder frustrated.

He frowned slightly, apologising. This must've not been the right time. "I'm— I'm sorry. I didn't mean to be mean. I'm just— a lot on my mind right now— it's way too loud— " "Excuses." You heard a young voice accuse from behind Max.

Looking down, frowning. A gasp left your mouth as you dropped on your knees, catching Leila in a hug. "Bete3meli eh hena?!" [What are you doing here] you held her tightly, finally feeling your muscles un-tense for the first time today, a sigh of relief left your lungs as you pressed a big kiss to her cheek.

"Wa7ashtini awai." She whined, hugging you as you lifted her up. "Where did you find her?" You asked Max, who only smiled shrugging. "She found me." "Wenti be3meli eh labsa dah?" [and what are you doing wearing that?] You picked at the black with pink highlights fireproofs.

She smiled brightly, jumping out of your arms. Holding your hand and grabbing Max's sleeve she dragged you away to the track. F1 must have organised a mini karting event because there were several kids and teens tweaking and sitting in their karts along with a mini track put out on the part of the track.

You stopped in front of the kart you knew by heart. '717' the front read. Leila held her helmet proudly. You could feel your smile slowly leave your lips realising what's happening. Crouching down you looked at the kart and at Leila who sat in it smiling widely.

"Wow. That's amazing." You could hear Max laughing. But you could only hold intense eye contact with your cousin. "I— I wanted to know why everyone was risking their lives for this sport." She mumbled nervously. "I took a ride and . . . I didn't want to get off."

A memory flashed in your eyes, remembering your first time on your own kart. You felt fear crawl up your spine, but you could only smile softly at her. This could be the start of something great . . . Or something terrible. A living nightmare.

She reached forward, pressing a small kiss to your cheek. "They're calling for me. I'll be back." She pulled her balaclava and helmet on, starting the kart and going on to the rest of the drivers.

"So . . . She speaks English." Max cuts in as you stand up watching her. "I didn't even realise." You mumble. A lot changes in a year huh.

"I'm . . . I'm scared." You confessed which made Max's heart skip a beat. You trusted him enough to spill your feelings? "I don't want her to end up like me." You whispered, looking at him to meet his eyes who were already aligned to you.

"That kart is bringing back unpleasant memories." You heard Meike coming up from beside you, folding his arms as he watched the kids one by one start to warm up the karts. "A lot of trauma resurfacing." Max agrees, making you chuckle between them.

★ ☆ ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━

"You've mentioned before that this race is significant to you. Can you elaborate?" You inwardly grumbled at the question in the media pin.

"Are you bothering my baby sister?" You felt Meike come up from behind you, giving a look to the interviewer as he hung an arm around your waist.

"I'm older than by 7 minutes." You reminded him of scoffing, picking his armpit knowing he's ticklish. Meike laughed, pulling away and nudging you playfully. You nudged him back, starting the cycle of going back and forth.

The interviewer wasn't having it as you and Meike wrestled on the ground like children, pulling and pushing and rolling around. Max stopped to watch while Killian dragged a chair and sat watching.

"Peak childhood." The Mercedes driver chuckled offering his second Twix stick to the Red Bull driver.

That was one way to get out of an uncomfortable question. After all, this was the race your mother never got to finish.

★ ☆ ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━

RACE DAY

April, Sunday 19

"Leila looks cute in the race suit." You felt your body tense hearing her voice. "Why are you here?" You asked her looking away from the side mirrors where you could feel her eyes drilling into you.

2024 — Circuit Paul Ricard, France

The grid was clear from humans as the formation lap was seconds away from commencing.

"What do you mean, Y/N? I'm always here." Looking at her, she winked at you before flicking her visor down, mimicking your movements as she disappeared. "I'll be here if you need me."

"It's lights out, and away we go!"

Final Lap :: you could feel your breath clog your throat as you went wheel to wheel with Meike, fighting for P2. This was the highest position you've ever had on the grid so far this year, you couldn't let it go.

"Come on, come on." You whispered to yourself as you overtook him on the first turn in the chicane, only for him to take the next turn first. "You want me to take the wheel?" "No! I've got- umph!"

Accidentally turning into each other, you and Meike took each other out into the barriers while the cars of Yuki, Norris, and Hamilton passed. "Dang it!" You shouted, slamming your fists on the wheel.

Your brother was quick to hop out of his car to check on you. "I'm ok, I'm ok." You assured him he helped you out. "Are you sure?" "Yes I'm su— are you hurt?" You turned the question around, turning him around so you could examine him. "I'm ok . . . But I feel like shit." He grumbled.

"Beep beep!" The twins turned to face the source of noise on the track.

"And Killian Kraus stops to give Y/N and Meike Kraus a ride back to Parc Freme." "A whole some moment between siblings."

You patted Killian's helmet once you were on. You watched as Meike push kicked away a marshal as Killian drove away, singing a song you couldn't quiet hear from his muffled voice.

★ ☆ ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━

meike.25kraus

liked by pieregasly mkayla.r and 10M others meike.25kraus dissapointing race but there are still good things to be happy about

killiank.7 escuse me- who's the chick, and why wasn't i inviteddd??!! IM TELLING DAD AND GRANDMAMA ↳ player.17 that's what im tryng to figure out ↳ meike.25kraus DONT TELL GRANDMAMA SHE'LL KILL ME ↳ player.17 we're counting on that ↳ player.17 wait- i think i know who it is ↳ landonorris no you dont ↳ killiank.7 excuse me- this is a top secret siblings meeting ↳ user💀 ↳ meike.25kraus omgf LANDO GET OUT

user his eyes though, dayum

user they have to make a bite lip emoji so i can spam the comments

user its not a want, its a need

mclarenf1 looking good 😉👍 ↳ killiank.7 dont encourage him

player.17 wait weRE ALLOWED TO DATE?! ↳ meike.25kraus HELL YEAH WE ARE, YOU'RE NOT THOUGH, YOU'RE STILL FIVE ↳ player.17 MOTHER FUCKER, IM OLDER THAN YOU. I'LL KICK YOUR ASS ↳ user is that normal? ↳ user typical sibling shenanigans, dont worry ↳ killiank.7 NEITHER OF YOU ARE ALLOWED TO DATE ↳ meike.25kraus SHUT UP, YOU ARE MARRIED ↳ player.17 AND I WASN'T INVITED TOO ↳ killiank.7 oh shit ↳ meike.25kraus he's hiding in my room, i'm holding him hostage for you ↳ user typical. ↳ user keeping killy in my prayers

user ARIANA (mkayla) WHAT ARE YOU DOING HERE 😉 ↳ user who? ↳ user y/ns old pr ↳ user le tea is hot

★ ☆ ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━

2007 — Stuttgart, Germany

"This is my kart. I built it. I drive it. I win in it." You swung at the car next, breaking the engine. "If I'm not the one driving it, no one else will." You swung the metal rod again and again, destroying the piece of art you created. The machine you sent hours upon hours perfecting.

"Y/N." Leon pulled you back from your bicep after you broke the pistons and the brakes "That is enough. What is wrong with you?" "What's wrong with me is that you are my father. Hate is not a strong enough word to describe how much I wish I was never born to a man like you! It doesn't even describe how much I wish I was never born at all! You stole from me!"

"I did what I must. You're just wasting my time with this stupid dream of yours. You would've never won." "Never won?" You chuckled darkly, looking up at your father with disbelief. "What is wrong with you?" You pulled yourself out of his grip, looking between your father and brothers with a look of disbelief. "I despise this family."

You could feel a gasp leave your mouth and eyes tear up as you took a step back taking control of your body once more. Dropping the rebar before you made your escape.

"Nunu, wait!" [baby (nickname)] Your older brother tried to run after you only to be held back by Leon. "Leave her."

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