#trying to puzzle out her outfit was hell

[manaohu]

goodnight

[mandosaur]

New Rules (Miguel O'Hara / Reader)

Fandom: Across the Spider-Verse

Pairing: Miguel O'Hara / Reader

Word Count: 11,320

Estimated Reading Time: 40:58

Summary:

“No.”

Her voice is firm and she jabs a finger at your chest.

“Do not do that. Hit ignore. Block him. Toss the thing at the wall. Do not answer.”

Lyla calls again and sends an alert that Miguel is trying to contact you.

“Hit ignore! Don’t do it!” Gia reaches out for your watch.

You stand abruptly. It’s a stupid, stupid choice. You know it is. Gia is right, you should just chuck the thing in a garbage bag.

But you still fish your phone out of Gia’s purse and toss some cash at the bar.

“I’m sorry,” you apologize.

Your on and off again friends with benefits arrangement with Miguel comes to a close, but you just can’t seem to let him go.

Loosely based off “New Rules” by Dua Lipa.

“One: Don't pick up the phone You know he's only callin' 'cause he's drunk and alone Two: Don't let him in You'll have to kick him out again Three: Don't be his friend You know you're gonna wake up in his bed in the morning And if you're under him, you ain't gettin' over him.” “New Rules” by Dua Lipa.

—————

The outfit you’ve picked out for yourself tonight looks great. It’s a red little number that’s been in your closet for ages aching to be worn. You weren’t sure when you bought it how it would look like on you, but it makes you feel great when you catch a sight of yourself in the mirror. You look attractive, hot, and it steels some of your resolve as you head down to where you and your friend agreed to meet.

If you were being honest, you’ve really needed a confidence boost these past few days. The heart ache nestled deep in your chest wouldn’t go away and simply touring New York looking for villains of the week to fight wasn’t cutting it.

A sigh leaves your lips as you find yourself in a bar downtown. Gia, your roommate, has selected a bar for you both to have dinner at. It’s relatively quiet tonight with only a handful of people, yet it still offers plenty of distraction. You may not have been enthusiastic about going out, but you can appreciate having something else to put your mind to.

Although you can’t tell Gia the truth about your recent stint with heartbreak, she knows the details. She knows you had a little fling going on with a guy who checked all your boxes but just wasn’t willing to commit. He’d take you into his bed then leave before the sun rose. It was a never ending push and pull.

Gia didn’t understand why you couldn’t just block the guy and be done with it. She had already chastised you for your “lack of self control” and “frustrating addiction” to pain.

Of course, she didn’t know Miguel.

Miguel. The man who had come into your universe and invited you into his elite little Spider-Man task force to hunt for anomalies. The man who seemed to understand what loss was better than anyone and made you feel seen. Perhaps the only person who knew you better than you.

Gia didn’t get the song and dance you had around him because she didn’t know what it was like to exist as a masked vigilante losing everyone around you. She didn’t know how lonely it was or how sometimes you couldn’t tell who was under the mask. Or if there even was a part of you left that wasn’t just tied to your responsibilities as a hero.

Miguel was the only one who got you. The two of you had clicked like puzzle pieces after meeting. He favored you over the others and had moments where he seemed like he loved you back. Being with him was like finally finding a piece of yourself that you hadn’t realized was missing.

When the two of you had started sleeping together, you had been hopeful. Perhaps the little arrangement between you both would lead to something new. Hell, there had been plenty of moments where he had seemed softer outside of the bedroom and quite a few times you’d catch him staring with a look of affection-

But then everything would go wrong. The moment the two of you got close outside of a biblical sense, he’d pull back. Close you out and end things with you. You’d go days without speaking to each other feeling miserable and heart broken only to be suddenly called back by him.

He’d pull you back in like a magnet and sleep with you over and over again until the next time you ventured too close and he shoved you aside once more.

It was a very painful back and forth, yet you couldn’t find it in you to end things permanently. Not when he took up a large part of your heart, and not when he was your boss of all things.

Currently, you were on the outs again. He’d called it off a few days ago after a bad mission. He’d come back to HQ in a horrible mood and everyone else had suffered for it. When you’d walked up to his office to check in on him, he had snapped at you to leave. His words had been harsh and cold. He had ordered you to stop acting like his girlfriend, constantly checking in and taking care of him like a child, and reminded you that nothing existed between you other than two adults satisfying some urges.

His words had been a blow to your heart and you had left HQ suppressing tears. Gwen and Hobie had watched you go with sympathy, and Jess had mercifully delayed your missions for a while to give you time to recover. Either that or Miguel had ordered her to keep you away from him.

So, naturally, your best friend had suggested you go out for some drinks. Gia didn’t know about your alter ego or quite who Miguel was, but she knew enough to declare him undeserving of you and promised you’d find someone else.

You look up briefly when Gia arrives. She looks stunning in the neon dress she’s wearing and has done her hair in an elaborate style. There’s a happy grin on her face as she slides in the booth opposite of you and you envy her joy.

She calls your name and hugs you over the table.

“You look hot today!” She remarks.

You offer her your best smile which isn’t much. Already, you can feel some of your earlier apprehension return. You have no energy to be out and about with people. Tonight would have been so much better had you been able to curl up in bed with a box of tissues and some ice cream.

“Meet any cute people?” Gia asks. She rummages through the fries you’ve ordered while scanning the bar.

There’s a group of guys in one corner who eye her with appreciation. You think you catch one looking at you too, but you turn away uninterested. The guy seems handsome, but his eyes aren’t red and he doesn’t have two sets of fangs. He’s not the one you desperately want.

“I’m not feeling too social today,” you admit. You twirl your straw wrapper pensively.

Gia gives you a look with a deadpan expression. You know what she’s thinking. She finds it frustrating you can’t just let Miguel go. She doesn’t get why you’re so hung up on him.

But you are. You genuinely have fallen for him in your time working together. He’s showed you parts of him he’s never showed others. He’s told you about Gaby and how he raised her as a single father in her dimension for months before losing her. He’s told you about how he got his powers and the doubts that come with it. He’s shared his canon events with you and opened up to you about the stress he’s in with holding up the entire multiverse.

He’s let you in where he’s shut others out. You know he feels something for you, are sure of it deep in your bones, but he’s just not willing to admit it to himself. That’s what makes it all so frustrating. Loving someone who doesn’t love you back is torture, but loving someone who does yet won’t allow it for themselves is a death sentence.

Gia sighs and the sound rouses you out of your thoughts. She pinches the bridge of her nose and closes her eyes tightly.

“You have really got to get back out there, babe. He’s not the only man in the world. He’s not adding to your life,” she shakes her head.

You look down at your hands.

“You know I can’t,” you murmur.

A part of you wishes you could. If you could flick a switch and let him go, you’d do it. You’d be better off forgetting all about him. It would save you so much heart ache, but your feelings run deep. He’s captured you completely, tangled you up in his web, and you can’t let him go.

Gia thrusts a hand out at you with a look of impatience. She wiggles her fingers and waits expectantly.

“Gia-“

“Ah, ah, you know the drill. Phone.”

You give her a glare but pass your phone over. Gia has insisted on confiscating it since your last break up. She doesn’t want you to be tempted to call Miguel. Of course, your watch is the only real way to connect with him because of the differences in universes, but you’re certainly not going to tell her that.

Instead, you purse your lips when she slides your phone into her purse and watch as she leans forward. She has a gleam in her eye when she surveys the bar. She’s watching every person carefully trying to assess who’s worth your time.

Eventually, she zeroes in on the guy from before. He’s broken off with his friends and is now sitting alone at the bar. Nursing a glass of something amber, he catches Gia’s eye as he throws another look your way.

You don’t even have time to react before Gia is yanking you up by your hand. She’s pitching you forward before you can even blink. You half wonder if she’s the one with superpowers and not you when you suddenly find yourself in front of the guy.

Gia waves the bartender forward and not so subtly shoves you towards the guy. You catch yourself on his chair with a hiss of her name.

“You alright?” The stranger blinks up at you in surprise.

“I am so sorry,” you hold your hands up, “My friend is drunk-“

Gia swoops in and tosses an arm around your shoulder. She has the same mischievous grin she wore back in college every time she had some idea terrible she was cooking up. It’s gotten you into some trouble before and scares you now.

“Hey, you look like you could use some company. My friend here just left her asshole ex. Why don’t you two catch up while I get us some drinks?” She pats your shoulder and is gone in a whirlwind of energy.

You could melt into the floor out of humiliation.

“OhgodGia,” you groan. You don’t even want to look at the stranger out of sheer embarrassment.

The stranger coughs lightly in surprise before offering you a smile. He blinks in Gia’s wake before offering his hand.

“Oh wow,” he remarks with his own blush, “Well that was subtle. But, please, sit. I-My name is Tyler.”

Knowing that Gia will kill you if you don’t at least try, you slide into the stool next to him slowly. Maybe if you entertain him for a few minutes you can satisfy Gia and convince her to take you home. Then you can proceed to strangle her in a dark alleyway away from witnesses for putting you in this situation.

“I am really sorry about her-again. She means well she’s just a lot,” you run a hand down your face and introduce yourself with your name.

The stranger, Tyler, seems friendly at least. He grins easily at you with his own embarrassment. You can tell Gia has put him on the spot too. At least the two of you have that in common.

“Well, at least she broke the ice for me. I saw you a while ago and thought you were really pretty. My own friends were teasing me too,” he offers.

You wave down the bartender and place an order. You definitely won’t get through Hurricane Gia without a drink.

“So, a break up?” Tyler offers a sympathetic smile, “Been there. I just broke up with my fiancée a few months ago. I think I spent an entire month living off of frozen pizza rolls and watching terrible documentaries just to take the edge off. I definitely know how awful it feels.”

His words put you at ease some. You swirl the ice around your glass.

“Breakup is maybe not the right word. We weren’t really together. I wanted more and he didn’t.”

It hurts to say it out loud. It sounds so pathetic when you put it that way, but you can’t help it. The truth is a brutal knife to the ribs.

Tyler makes a noise of sympathy.

“Well, he didn’t know what he missed out on. It’s his loss,” he lifts his glass to you.

You glance away and see Gia staring from your old table. She mouths for you to keep going. You flip her off when Tyler turns around.

“I’m really sorry about my friend. She’s determined that the way to get over heartache is to find someone else. I’m not really interested in that,” you admit. Better to lay your cards out now.

Tyler leans in like he’s about to tell you a secret.

“Don’t worry, I’m not either. My friends dragged me here tonight too. The one in the gray suit is getting married next month and wanted a chill night out. I’m not here to meet someone. It’s too soon, but maybe we can be friends? Breakup buddies and all that.”

He offers you his cellphone and asks for your number. You bite your lip but decide to take the plunge. Why not? It’s not like you owe any loyalty to anyone.

Once you’ve exchanged information, Tyler’s friends call him over. They’ve decided to move on to another bar across town. Tyler has no choice but to go.

He gets up and gives you a friendly wave.

“Don’t be a stranger,” he turns around then hesitates and turns back to you, “And, for the record, that ex of yours is an idiot. I wouldn’t have let someone like you go.”

Once he’s gone and you’re feeling bashful again, Gia slides into the seat he just occupied. She’s munching on fries like she didn’t just humiliate you. You aim a hard kick to her shin and feel better when she shrieks.

“Never do that to me again,” you warn.

She doesn’t promise you that. Instead, she presses you for info on Tyler.

“You two going on a date soon?” She urges.

“He just got out of a breakup too. He’s not interested either. I’m not going out with anyone.”

Gia sighs.

“Look, the important thing is that you let this mystery guy of yours go. This on and off thing is for high schoolers who haven’t developed their prefrontal cortex and have zero impulse control. You’re an adult. I don’t want to see you so broken up about him. You need to get him out of your system.”

You look away.

It sounds easy, you admit, but forgetting Miguel isn’t an option. He invaded your senses. You remember what it’s like to be held and kissed by him every time you try and push him aside. You remember the way he laughs when you manage to crack through his walls, the way he smiles when he thinks you aren’t looking, and the way his voice gets softer when you call. Even if he’s been yelling at someone moments before, his voice always gets soft when you appear.

He loves you. You know it. He probably knows it. Everyone in the agency knows it. It’s just that he’s not willing to take that final plunge.

Before you can say anything more, your watch begins to glow. Lyla is trying to patch a call through.

Gia doesn’t know much about your watch, but she knows enough to guess you’re being called. She narrows her eyes at you when she sees the way your body tenses.

“No.”

Her voice is firm and she jabs a finger at your chest.

“Do not do that. Hit ignore. Block him. Toss the thing at the wall. Do not answer.”

Lyla calls again and sends an alert that Miguel is trying to contact you.

“Hit ignore! Don’t do it!” Gia reaches out for your watch.

You stand abruptly. It’s a stupid, stupid choice. You know it is. Gia is right, you should just chuck the thing in a garbage bag.

But you still fish your phone out of Gia’s purse and toss some cash at the bar.

“I’m sorry,” you apologize.

The look Gia gives you is murderous. She puts her head in her hands like she’s fed up with you. In her place, you’d probably be fed up too.

Still, you slip out the bar and hit your watch. A little projection of Lyla appears as you duck into a secluded area.

“Lyla?” You tilt your head.

Lyla hums, “Miguel wants you at his office. Says he hasn’t seen you in a while. Poor Miggy is worried for you. You don’t usually spend so much time away from HQ.”

She patches a portal for you. You look around to make sure you aren’t being watched then slide in. Gia will definitely tear you a new one for this tomorrow, but can’t resist the urge not to go back to him.

———————————————

Miguel is standing by his computer when you arrive. He’s reading some reports when you pop in. His eyes glance at you as you emerge and his eyes widen.

You’re still in your outfit from the bar. It’s a little ego boost to see the way his eyes scan you from inch to inch. If nothing else, you can find comfort in the fact that you still have the power to drive him crazy.

“You called?” You voice.

HQ is empty this time of night. Most people are either back in their own universe or staying in some of the dorms on the other side of the building. For now, it’s just you and Miguel.

Some anticipation builds in your stomach. This is how a lot of your late night meetings have started.

Miguel straightens up from his chair. You don’t miss the way he swallows when he sees you.

“Did I interrupt something?”

You can’t be sure but maybe there’s just the hint of an edge to his voice. He sounds a little miffed, like he’s jealous. It’s a nice change from his usual aloofness with you.

“I went out for drinks,” you admit, “What is it?”

It’s been days since you’ve last seen him and you missed him. It’s so easy to miss him. He has a hold on you that you can’t possibly escape from. He’s magnetic without trying, has a good heart even if he hides it behind a facade of anger and coldness, and he cares about people. He’s a good person. You’ve glimpsed it all and have fallen hard. Being without him hurts more than any broken bone or injury.

Miguel hesitates when he looks at you. You take stock of him.

He has dark circles under his eyes and looks stressed. A part of you hopes it’s because your last argument has also been keeping him up. If you aren’t the only one hurting, you think it’ll make you feel better. Then again, there’s a mountain of paperwork on his desk and his computer has a ton of messages unread. Maybe it’s less you and more the job itself that has kept him up.

“Jess said you needed a few days off because you weren’t feeling well. I just wanted to make sure you were healthy,” he turns away from you, “Yet I’m sure you are. If you can go around drinking, you can go on a mission.”

A prickle of irritation fills you.

“Did you just call me here because of that? This could have been an email.”

You hope your face doesn’t show the disappointment you feel. For a second, you had been expecting him to have changed. To have admitted he was wrong and hadn’t treated you fairly. Then again, this was Miguel. Miguel wasn’t exactly known for being sentimental or emotional.

“What else is there?” He doesn’t even turn around before he’s at his computer, “I’m assigning you a case this week. Your little vacation is over. You’re dismissed.”

Indignation fills you. You shake your head firmly.

“Come on, Miguel. Give me a little more than that. I haven’t seen you in days and all you do is assign me more work? That’s it?”

You step forward towards him.

He turns around and glares. His eyes flash with a warning.

“That’s it. Go.”

He’s got the voice he uses for the other recruits. The one you’ve heard him scold Hobie and Peter B. in plenty of times. It’s not one he tends to use on you, and you bristle.

“Why did you call me here? Lyla wouldn’t open a portal for me if it was just for work.”

Miguel’s jaw is clenched.

“Well she did that without me asking. I didn’t want you here.”

His words are a blow to the stomach, and your anger grows. You jab a finger at him and glare.

“You’re not even going to apologize? You insult me days ago then want to be professional again without apologizing-“

“Why would I apologize?” His own anger is rising, “I meant what I said. You knew what this was when we started. I’m not sorry you forgot.”

A huff leaves your lips. You shake your head and take another step forward.

“You’re unbelievable.”

“And you’re annoying.”

You meet each other half way. His face is clouded with anger. You can feel your heart race in your chest from you own rage.

“I can’t believe you won’t admit that you want more between us.”

“And I can’t believe you’re testing my self control showing up here in this dress and pointing a finger at me,” he retorts. His eyes go down to your lips. You can sense what he’s about to do.

You lean in first and he devours you. The kiss is full of fire and anger. You’re both pent up and stressed. It burns and consumes you in a way you’ve been longing.

Anger fuels you and you take his hair in your hand giving it a firm tug earning a hiss from him. He picks you up and sets you on a nearby desk. The files scatter on the ground. Neither of you notice.

“You’re not going to apologize?” You hiss it between breaths.

He makes a sound at the back of his throat, “I’ve got nothing to apologize for. My intentions were always clear.”

His mouth goes for your throat. Your rebuke is lost as his hands begin to inch under your dress. The words he’s spitting out at you hurt, but his fingers soothe the sting when he explores your body.

This is a mistake. Gia is right. You should shove him off you and walk away. You’ll never get over him if you’re still sleeping with him, yet you can’t seem to do that. Your body amidst the haze of ecstasy won’t allow it.

Instead, you close your eyes and give in. You let him fuck you in his office all while telling yourself you’ll deal with the fallout in the morning. You don’t think of the consequences or how much this will hurt when the sun rises-

And it does.

It hurts like hell when you blink awake after dozing off in his chair and find him gone in the morning. He’s left for the day and a note near you is the only thing he leaves behind. You read it then throw it into the waste bin with tears running down your face.

In his messy scrawl he’s written, THIS CHANGES NOTHING.

———————————————

Gia has her arms crossed when you return to your shared apartment. She knows where you’ve been. She can see it in the bites he’s left along your neck and shoulders. The walk of shame you just took burns.

“You slept with him, huh?” Her eyes are narrowed in annoyance.

You sign and bury your head in your hands. She isn’t done with you yet. Her judgement feels thick against your skin.

“And he left again, huh? Right after he got what he wanted.”

The question makes you cry. You burst into tears feeling regret and heartbreak. Gia sighs and her gaze softens. She wraps her arms around you and holds you close.

What’s worse is that the pain of his rejection doesn’t hold a candle to the pain of missing him. It’s illogical and pathetic, but you and Gia both know this won’t be the last time you make this same mistake.

And it isn’t.

Days later, he appears at your doorstep and you welcome him into your bed again.

———————————————

Days after that encounter, you open the door to find Miguel bleeding in the hallway. He has a large gash across his side that looks painful. He stumbles inside before you can even react.

“Miguel?”

You close the door behind you as he hisses in pain.

“I-I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have come, but I need a first aid kit,” he groans.

You’re grateful Gia isn’t here. You don’t think you could explain why Miguel is bleeding in his spider suit. That or why you let your ex back inside again.

Deciding to shelve your personal feelings, you hurry him over to the kitchen and set him down on a chair. There’s a first aid kit under the sink. You’ve used it plenty of times before when you come back from fighting crime.

Miguel is strong and puts on a brave face as you go about patching him up. The gash at his side is the worst one, but his knuckles are also bleeding and there’s a tiny cut on the side of his chin that looks painful too. It doesn’t look like he’ll need stitches, but it does look bad.

“What happened?” You look up at him.

“Anomaly. I took it down, but it got me on the side. I didn’t even think before coming here. I’m sorry.”

He looks away as you work. You wish you could tell what thoughts are running through his mind. Your own are consumed with the fact that he’s here.

HQ was just a click of the watch away. Lyla could have called him to the medics there and gotten him help. Why had he showed up at your place? You haven’t spoken since the night at his office.

The memory of it stings and you purse your lips.

This is probably a mistake. The second mistake you’ve made this week. Things won’t end well if you don’t develop a sense of self control, but you’re not sure you want to let go. Despite everything, there’s still a little nag of hope that’s rooted itself deep into your heart. You don’t want to give up.

“You weren’t at HQ these past few days either,” Miguel speaks up. He suppresses a wince when you finish his side. The skin there is already starting to heal over. A testament to his powers.

The bruises on his knuckles look worse than they are. It takes just a bit of treatment to get them to start healing too. Soon, the cuts are just dark bruises.

“I did my mission. I let Hobie do the report for me,” you explain.

The mission he had assigned you on had been easy. You and Hobie had taken the anomaly down without question. It was just another villain of the week. At the end, Hobie had offered to go back to HQ without you to check in with Jess and Miguel. You had fled back to your universe certain that you couldn’t face people there just yet.

A muscle on his jaw works as he tightens it, “You don’t have to avoid me. I’m sorry for what happened earlier.”

His words make you ache. You hate feeling this way. Always dancing around the truth but never able to fully face it.

The final cut he has is on his chin. You have to look at his face to tend to it. His eyes are trained on you and the depths there take your breath away.

There’s trepidation and nervousness there along with something else. It’s soft and meek like he’s trying to shield it. You think it’s a cross between longing and affection.

He does love you too. You believe it strongly. He just doesn’t want to admit it. Miguel is the kind of man who can face hordes of villains and never falter, but ask him to open up and share his feelings and he panics. He can’t even be honest with himself.

Your fingers trace the planes of his face as you apply a thin layer of ointment on the cut.

“I thought that’s what you wanted,” you whisper. It always seemed like he wanted you as far away from himself as possible. You had agreed to give him that even if it slowly killed you, “Why did you come here tonight? Really?”

Lyla wouldn’t have sent him to you if he hadn’t asked. For all of her teasing of him, she is mostly obedient. She would know not to send him where he doesn’t want to. The fact that he came to your door means a part of him did.

Why? Why tell you to keep your distance then show up at your home anyway? Could there also be a part of him that finds you just as impossible to be away from? Or are you clinging to him and seeing what isn’t there?

A faint trace of color has spread through his face. You blink. Without realizing it, your fingers have been stroking his chin. It’s such a habit that you never even noticed it.

An apology forms on your lips and you drop you hand before he intercepts it. He takes your hand in his and stares down at it. The muscle in his jaw works again.

“I wanted to see you. Hobie said you had been injured on your mission. I nearly came here then and there,” he admits. It’s a quiet breath into the night like he can’t believe he’s admitting it. Your heart picks up.

The injury in question had been a simple broken rib. Your powers come with accelerated healing. By the time you had noticed it, it had already started repairing itself. Hobie and Miguel both know this, yet he had been worried. A part of you dares to hope again.

And then you remember the way he had left you in his office. The note that had broken your heart. The way he took and never gave anything back. An ugly feeling twists in the pit of your stomach.

“I really don’t know why you’re doing this to me,” you breathe out.

It hurts to be led on. It hurts to be discarded. Maybe Gia is right. Maybe you should just let go. Resign from the agency and ignore the thought of him forever.

You pull your hand free and turn around. His eyes follow you as you begin to pack your first aid kit.

When he calls your name, his voice is soft and hesitant. It fills you with a yearning that aches.

“I don’t want to hurt you,” he admits, “We just can’t-“

“We can’t? Or you can’t?”

Miguel is brave but there is one fear he can never face. He’s lost so much already and is afraid of losing more. That’s why he keeps people at an arm’s reach. No one is allowed into his heart because he’s lost everyone thus far. His own daughter, or at least in another universe, had disappeared in his arms. He won’t let anyone else in.

A rational part of you knows it. You know he’s pushing you away because he’s scared. He doesn’t want to lose you to the danger of your jobs or the universe that keeps you apart-

But doesn’t he see that he’s losing you anyway? That pushing you away is slowly killing your worse than a villain ever could?

By the time you turn around to look at him, you are surprised to find him right behind you. His hands slot around your waist and he presses his forehead to yours. It’s an affectionate gesture he doesn’t do often. Perhaps the adrenaline from the fight he just came back from is still coursing through his veins and making him more vulnerable.

Your name falls out of his lips like a prayer. You barely have time to react before he’s kissing you.

This kiss is different from the one at HQ. It’s full of fear and adrenaline. He kisses you like he isn’t sure if he’ll ever be able to do it again. Maybe you should never let him do it again.

It’s addicting. You cling to him like he’ll disappear if you don’t. Surely he will disappear if you don’t. It feels like home when the two of you touch. You’re two halves of a whole never truly feeling satisfied if you aren’t together.

Life would be so much easier if he just admitted he loved you too. If he took a chance on you both. It would save you so much heartache.

It’s a really bad idea to do this tonight, you think. You haven’t discussed anything. You haven’t come to an agreement or settled out your feelings. The two of you are merely working on instinct.

But that doesn’t stop you from leading him to your bed. His injuries don’t stop him from sleeping with you. The darkness of the night offers some cover for what you’re doing. Some way to hide from the emotions you are trying so hard to evoke and he so hard to restrain.

It’s a long night for you both. By the time you’re done, you’re exhausted and he has to go back to his world. You don’t say anything as he turns to dress. Sleep is slowly creeping up along with the smallest whisper in your head that chides you for doing this again. Falling back into his web without measuring the consequence.

Before he leaves, he kisses your forehead. It’s a soft piece of affection he’s never done before after sex. If you weren’t so tired and sleep weren’t already dragging your eyelids shut, you would have asked him to stay.

Still, before he leaves, you swear you hear him whisper an “I love you” into your skin. You can never be truly sure of it. Perhaps it was a dream your subconscious did to ease your heartbreak, but you want to believe it’s true anyway.

It isn’t until the next morning that you wake up alone again and hate yourself for putting yourself through this once more.

———————————————

Avoiding HQ isn’t doing you any favors. There’s a mountain of work with your name on it that you haven’t done in a while. Jess has been patient thus far, but you hate to add more stress to her plate.

You’re an adult. You can do professional. Even if your ex is the leader of the agency, you know you can keep calm and work.

So days after your last encounter, you ask Lyla for a portal and set off for HQ. Gwen nods at you as you pass by and you detect a hint or worry on her face. You offer her a weak smile in turn and hurry to your desk.

Paperwork is tedious. You’ve always hated to write mission reports, but it keeps your mind occupied. You breeze through five entire files before your fingers begin to cramp.

The sun in Miguel’s universe is starting to set by the time you finally give up. The workload has eased some, but you’re stuck on one particular file. The document needs some information that Miguel has in his computer. Lyla doesn’t respond when you call her, likely helping out with another mission some other team has been sent on, so you have no choice but to go to his office.

A pit of anxiety forms in your stomach. You dread walking up the stairs to where his office is. It’s been days since you last made the mistake of letting him in, and you’re not eager to see him again. Still, you can’t just shirk your duties because you’re heartbroken.

So you make yourself a promise not to sleep with him this time and go up the stairs. You tell yourself you won’t let him back in for once. That you’ll cut him off cold turkey and be out of his hair before he can even react. Maybe if you copy the document fast, you can get out before he even has a chance to speak-

But then the sound of voices reaches your ear. You can make out Miguel’s voice and someone else’s. Peter B.? It seems the two are talking in his office.

It’s wrong of you to listen in, you know it, and you almost go back down the stairs deciding to come back tomorrow-

But then Peter B. says your name and you freeze. For a moment, you panic that maybe they know you’re here. Maybe one of them has detected you with their senses or maybe Miguel has smelled you. However, it later becomes apparent they’re just talking about you.

Curiosity burns and you hesitate. It’s wrong, an invasion of their privacy, but you can’t help yourself. If they’re discussing you without your presence, you think you’re owed some rights to hear what they’re saying.

So you inch back to the door and listen in making sure to keep yourself discrete.

Peter B. sounds serious for once. It’s uncharacteristic for him. He’s talking to Miguel and you can hear something in his voice like he’s upset.

“-ow long are you going to keep doing this? You’re both miserable.”

He’s scolding Miguel. His words sound both sympathetic and exasperated. He reminds you so much of Gia that you almost roll your eyes.

“This isn’t your business,” Miguel’s voice is a growl. You recognize the dark tone he uses. It’s a tone he’s used on you before in arguments. He uses it when you pry too close and he gets frightened.

“I’m your friend,” Peter B. argues back, “I’m just looking out for you.”

There’s the scrape of a chair like he’s flung himself into a seat. You can practically imagine them both sitting across from each other. Miguel skulking and trying to ignore him while he talks while Peter B. chastises him.

Since they’ve met, Peter B. has called himself Miguel’s friend. Miguel denies it vehemently and claims not to have friends, yet he doesn’t kick him out when he intrudes. He always seems to let him talk or lets him bring Mayday to work. It’s likely that, like your situation, Miguel does think of Peter as a friend even if he would never admit it.

“We are not friends. You should go home,” Miguel bites back.

Peter makes a sound like he’s shaking his head. You hear him sigh and the chair creaks as he shifts his weight.

“Look, I get it. I do. I was divorced once, but come on, Miguel. This isn’t healthy. You keep torturing yourself with this over and over again. When will you just admit the truth to yourself?” His voice sounds tired.

Miguel is silent. You wish he weren’t. You’d love to hear what he’s thinking.

Peter continues.

“You sleep with her, you ask Lyla to check in with her, you watch her on your screens, you send her out on the least dangerous missions, and you panic when she gets hurt. Why can’t you just admit you’re in love with her and let her in. We all deserve a chance to be happy, right?”

You manage to bite back the gasp that rises up your throat.

There. Peter has said it out loud. The one thing you’ve never said out loud or Miguel.

There’s a very tense silence that follows. Miguel refuses to budge. You can practically imagine him pinching the bridge of his nose the way he does when he’s upset.

Frustration fills you. You wish he’d say something. Anything. Finally admit the truth to someone even if it isn’t to you. Or at least admit the truth to himself.

You know he loves you. Everyone around you knows too. Jess, Hobie, Gwen, Pav, Peter, Ben…Everyone knows. It’s just getting him to say it out loud and do something about it that’s the hard part.

A hand slams on something. You almost jump. It seems Miguel has taken his frustration out on a monitor. You can hear the static chirping as the screen splits in half.

“You have no idea what you’re talking about,” he hisses it out at Peter, “She’s just a colleague.”

Peter doesn’t give up. You hear his chair scrape as he stands.

“You don’t do everything you’re doing for a colleague. Look, I lost Mary Jane too once. She left me and I was miserable. I would have never have found happiness again or gotten Mayday if I hadn’t just let go of my fear. Someone once told me it’s all just a leap of faith.”

A leap of faith. You think you like that expression.

Miguel doesn’t.

“I’m not afraid and our situations aren’t comparable. Your wife was from your universe. You belonged to the same world. She didn’t have powers that made her risk her life daily. She wasn’t always in danger. You know our line of work. You know why I can’t.”

You hear him begin to pace. He’s going for his stage system. If he ascends up, he’ll brood forever and Peter’s efforts will be for naught. You hope he manages to stop him before that happens.

He does. You can hear when Peter clicks off the elevator’s button and when Miguel growls out a warning for him to quit.

“You are afraid, and that’s okay. You just can’t let fear destroy you. I was afraid to have Mayday and look at me! I love being a dad. You should let her in. Let yourself be happy. You’ve already lost enough.”

You think to Miguel’s daughter. The way he had broken when he had lost her. You think of his canon events and the people he’s watched die. It makes sense that he’s so terrified about letting you in. You get it.

However, Peter is right. Fear shouldn’t control him. You’re afraid too about loving someone in your line of work, but you’ve decided to be brave. In a world where you could die any moment, isn’t it better to die having have experienced a great love? Doesn’t the reward outweigh the pain?

Miguel mutters a string of Spanish. He’s irritated and beginning to shut down. Any moment now he’ll close himself up. You just hope Peter’s words were enough to get him to think.

Your hopes, however, are shattered when he next speaks.

“I’ll end things with her then. Happy? Set her free. She doesn’t deserve being strung along-“

“Miguel, that’s not what-“

Peter’s words are cut off as the elevator is turned back on. Your eyes burn with tears and anger floods you.

Stupid, stupid man. Too stubborn and cowardly for his own good.

“Don’t do this, Miguel, come on!” Peter practically begs him as the elevator begins to make its ascent up, “It’s not just you you’re hurting.”

“I’m going to end things once and for all. You’re right. This isn’t fair.”

Miguel’s words are final and the elevator clangs as he reaches the top. Moments later, you hear Peter drop into his chair out of frustration. That’s your key to leave.

You storm off HQ and call on Lyla. This time she answers. Whatever playful retort was on her tongue earlier dies away when she sees your tears.

You don’t give her a chance to ask what’s wrong. Instead, you demand a portal back to your world.

Emerging back into your apartment, you storm over to your cellphone. Gia was right, you think, you do need to get him out of your system. So you scroll until you find the text from Tyler all those nights ago at the bar and you send him a message inviting him over.

If Miguel wants to call things off, then you’re way ahead of him.

———————————————

Tyler is a great guy. He shows up at your apartment with some take out and doesn’t pry when he sees your poor attempt at concealing your pain. He’s entirely platonic and friendly when you invite him in.

He knows this isn’t anything more than a distraction. You two are break up buddies. There’s no romance or lust between either of you, so there’s no nervousness or tension when you sit down to eat.

Gia has left for the night pleased that you’ve finally taken her advice. You don’t have the strength in you to clarify that it isn’t like that and she doesn’t have to leave your apartment to give you privacy.

“Hope you like Chinese,” Tyler holds up some takeout boxes.

“Love it,” you reply. You try to sound upbeat and positive, but it falls flat. Tyler gives you a look of concern but doesn’t comment. He’s willing to give you space.

The two of you plop down on the couch and you let him choose a channel. He opts for a shitty B film with monsters. The acting is so poor that you find yourself snorting.

Tyler makes you laugh too. He makes it a game to spot plot holes and inconsistencies. The one who finds the most will get to pick dessert.

He’s good company. When you find yourself starting to think too long on what happened, he makes a joke to get your attention back. Perhaps if you hadn’t fallen in love with Miguel, maybe the two of you could have been something. In another universe, maybe you do end up with Tyler.

Still, in this universe, your heart is still broken.

At some point, you win and you decide on a key lime pie in the fridge. Tyler brings out some wine and you settle down into the kitchen table.

“I didn’t want to pry, but are you feeling better?” He looks at you over the rim of his glass.

“Better than this afternoon,” you admit. It’s not completely a lie.

You needed this. Being able to spend time with a friend is a good distraction. Tyler is a good guy. He doesn’t pry anymore after that question.

Instead, the two of you talk about anything and everything. You feel at ease. He makes you laugh and smile quite a few times. By the time midnight comes around, you’re surprised that you lost track of time.

He stands up and decides to call a ride-share. You tell him not too. It’s too dangerous for him to be out at night. You offer him your bed and insist when he protests. You’ll take Gia’s bed. She always takes yours when she has family over at your apartment. You know she won’t have a problem if you take hers for a night.

The two of you go to bed in your own rooms. You find your thoughts drifting towards Miguel, but you shut them down. You really don’t want to think of him now. Not when he’s decided that he’s going to end things once and for all.

At some point you drift off to sleep. You don’t wake up until the next morning when someone knocks on your door.

Your room door is still shut, Tyler is sleeping in. You don’t even think before opening the door convinced that it’s Gia coming back. However, the person standing in the hallway makes you freeze.

It’s Miguel, not Gia, who stands there. He’s wearing civilian clothing and looks miserable. There’s exhaustion on every plane if his face like he hasn’t slept a wink thinking. You hesitate.

“Miguel?”

He hangs back taking you in. You must look like a mess in your pajamas. If you weren’t still half asleep, maybe you’d be embarrassed.

“Can I come in?” He calls your name softly and adds a ‘please’ when you don’t move an inch for the longest time.

You glance at your room door hoping Tyler is still asleep when you let him in.

The last time Miguel was here, you two slept together. It feels maddening to have him so close again.

“What do you need? Lyla didn’t call me.”

You try to keep your voice even, steady. It’s an attempt to hide the turmoil inside you. Miguel hesitates when he sees the two wine glasses on the table. You had left them out yesterday. Still, he opts not to ask about it.

“I wanted to talk to you,” Miguel admits, “I haven’t been fair.”

You remember his conversation with Peter. Is he here to end things once and for all? You wrap you arms around yourself to keep you steady.

“I’m sorry,” Miguel murmurs, “For everything. You didn’t deserve it. I took advantage.”

“You didn’t do anything I didn’t want to do,” you shake your head, “It’s not taking advantage if you were honest from the beginning. I just got my hopes up.”

The words feel bitter in your tongue. You look down at the floor.

“But I wasn’t honest,” Miguel admits. It’s a quiet whisper that makes you look up. He looks like he’s struggling. He’s never been good at vocalizing his feelings or talking things out. This is a major effort for him, “I lied. I wasn’t being honest.”

He takes a step towards you and you stare blankly at him. You don’t want to get your hopes up.

He calls your name again. A plea.

“I wasn’t honest when I told you I didn’t want anything between us. I was being a coward. Peter B. poked his nose where he didn’t belong and talked some sense into me. Jess chewed me out too last night. They both made me realize how terrible I’ve been.”

So Jess had talked to him too. It was probably after you had left. Having been on the receiving end of her scolding before, you can imagine it was a harsh awakening for him. It must have been if he’s deviated from his initial plan with Peter.

You wait patiently as he gathers his thoughts. This is a huge effort for him, and you know it doesn’t come easy. Some hope rises in your chest.

“The truth is, I’ve been lying to the both of us for a long time. I-it isn’t just sex, alright? It was never just sex.”

He takes a step closer. You watch him closely. His eyes are open to you now. You can see the emotions there. The affection, the heartbreak, the yearning, the fear, the love. It makes your breath hitch.

“Miguel-“

He cuts you off gently. His hand goes for your cheek. He hesitates just briefly, his fear wanting him to bolt, but he fights it back. When his skin touches yours, a little spark has you both feeling dizzy.

“The truth is, I do want more. I’ve wanted more since you walked into HQ to begin with. I kept pushing you away because I was scared. I know you probably don’t want anything to do with me, I wouldn’t blame you if you told me to leave, but I want you to know the truth. I don’t want you to think it was something you did or that you were never good enough.”

Silence reigns between you both. Emotion chokes your words. He leans in briefly.

“I want this,” he breathes out, “You terrify me, this scares me, and I hate feeling this sense of panic, but I can’t stand it anymore. I don’t like seeing you cry or pushing you away.”

“I-“

The words die in your throat. You think about how you want to tell him that you love him, that you want this with him too, and that you’ve been waiting for this moment. This dream of yours has finally come true and you feel like you can finally breathe again. You want to pour everything you feel into your words so that he can understand everything you’ve gone through. You just don’t know how.

To his credit, he waits patiently. His eyes are warm when he looks at you. It’s the type of look he’s only given you before when he thought you weren’t paying attention. Your heart races in your chest.

Just when you think you’ve found the right words to respond-

The door opens behind you. A half asleep Tyler stumbles out still unaware of his surroundings.

The world stops.

You see the moment Miguel turns his head and spots him. He realizes he’s coming out of your room. Slowly, you see everything start to fall apart.

You want to beg him to listen, explain to him that it isn’t like this, and tell him that nothing happened. Yet he’s already moving away from you. His eyes cycle between betrayal, jealousy, heartbreak, and fury before he closes himself off. He takes a step back and an entire chasm opens up between the two of you. Whatever progres you two had just made is now gone.

Tyler blanches when he spots Miguel. You see the wheels churn in his head and he realizes what happened. What he’s just done unintentionally. The last of the sleep disappears from his system and is replaced by shock.

“Oh god, sorry,” Tyler blanks.

For a moment, you think you see Miguel tense. He’s like a coil waiting to spring. You suspect he’s getting ready to launch himself at Tyler. You take a step between them to try and stop him and try to explain-

It’s too late. Miguel reins in his self control and doesn’t strike. Instead, he straightens himself out and turns away.

“I didn’t realize you had company,” his voice is a deadpan growl much more terrifying than anything you’ve ever heard before. You move before you can think. Your hand snags his sleeve to try and explain what just happened-

He firmly tugs himself free of your grasp. His voice is cold, detached, and guarded when he answers back.

“Don’t worry, I’ll let you two get back to it. This was a mistake I won’t make again.”

He storms out of your apartment with his entire body practically seething with anger. You try and follow only to see him disappear in the middle of the hallway. Lyla closes the portal before you can follow.

Tyler is incredibly apologetic when he leaves. He feels terrible he’s ruined things for you. You half heartedly tell him it’s not his fault. It’s all yours, really.

By the time he’s gone, you feel like someone has taken your heart and crushed it in the palm of their hand. You crawl back into Gia’s bed and sob until your head begins to pound. Everything feels ruined.

———————————————

Gia finds you there sometime in the morning. She smiles and opens her mouth to tease you about your date when she catches sight of your face. Immediately she pales and rushes forward.

“What’s wrong? Did Tyler hurt you?” Her hands come around you and she holds you tightly.

You shake your head.

“Then what happened? You look like you’ve seen a ghost,” she fusses over your tears. Her eyes are wide with surprise. You reckon you’re giving her a terrible fright.

In between sobs, the story pours out of you.

You tell her everything. How Miguel had come to tell you that he wanted a romantic relationship between you, how you had been about to tell him that you loved him too, and how Tyler had given him the wrong idea.

You’re practically shaking by the time you’re done. Gia presses her lips together and holds you closer.

Your heart has never broken quite like this before. It’s in millions of tiny pieces. You don’t think you’ll ever be able to pick them back up. Not with what happened.

Gia holds you until you’re done crying. She’s pensive as she stares out the window. Finally, she sighs.

“Call him.”

It’s such a deviation from her old advice that you blink at her. It pains her to say it out loud. She looks like she bit into a lemon when she does, but she powers through.

“Look, this guy got the wrong idea, right? Go see him and explain things. Don’t let him get away. It sounds like he genuinely cares for you.”

You wipe away at a tear on your cheek and glance at her.

“You hate him,” you mumble. Gia helps you clean up your face. Her hands are gentle.

“I hated him because I thought he was just a booty call leading you on. It sounds like he does love you back. You shouldn’t let him go after a misunderstanding, right? At least explain what happened to him and go from there,” she bites her cheek, “If you’ve been fighting for him all this time, what’s one more battle? Give it one last try.”

Her advice seems so simple. You sniff until some of your tears finally dry. Your head is pounding but it’s nothing compared to the agony that is in your chest.

Gia helps you dress and gives you breakfast. She wishes you well. When this is all over, whether it ends in tragedy or success, you’ll have to thank her. She’s put up with so much on your behalf.

You tell her you’re going to his apartment. Trepidation fills you as you round a corner. You call up Lyla on your watch.

When she greets you, her face is downtrodden. You miss her cheery and teasing personality.

“It’s not a good idea for you to head over there right now,” Lyla hesitates, “He’s in a mood. He’s been smashing things and throwing stuff in his office all morning.”

You wince wracked with guilt. You hurt him. Sure he probably deserved it after how badly he’s hurt you, but you still never meant to do that to him.

“Lyla, please let me in,” you beg.

Lyla looks away.

“He told me he didn’t want you anywhere near HQ for a few weeks. You’ve been put on leave.”

Panic grips you. You need to speak with him. You hold the watch up and beg.

“Lyla, please. Please let me make things right. He’s got the wrong idea.”

It takes some more begging. Lyla looks torn. She doesn’t want to anger Miguel further after this morning, but she also doesn’t want him to hurt himself on a misunderstanding. Finally, she wilts and opens a portal. You jump in before you have a chance to second guess yourself.

———————————————

Lyla had understated the sight of Miguel’s office. It’s a complete war zone. His monitors are smashed on the ground, his desk is half way across the room, and there’s broken glass everywhere. He’s destroyed everything in his wake. You wince as you step over broken wood and metal.

Jess has opened the door for you. She tells you to leave immediately if things get messy. Miguel really doesn’t want to see you right now. Lyla will be on standby ready to send you home or anywhere else if you ask her to.

You wave them both away as you search for Miguel. His elevator is on the ground which means he has to be somewhere on this floor.

After a while, you find him. He’s staring out the window and his entire back is rigid. He senses you before you have a chance to speak.

“Get out.”

It’s a harsh bark of an order that makes you wince. You stay rooted to the spot.

“Miguel-“

“Lyla, get her out.”

He taps on his watch and Lyla appears. She looks between the two of you before shaking her head.

“No can do. Jess has me working a different mission. Sorry, Miggy. Guess you’ll have to talk things out like adults.”

She winks out before Miguel can press her again. You hear the sound of anger he makes as she disappears. He still doesn’t turn around to look at you.

“I came to speak to you,” you hear yourself say. You’re surprised your voice sounds so calm. You certainly don’t feel okay. Your ears are roaring and your heart is going a million miles a minute.

“I don’t want to hear it. See yourself out.”

This time he does turn. His face is completely devoid of expression and he moves away from you.

You spin around to follow.

“What you saw isn’t what it looks like. Tyler and I are just friends.”

Miguel huffs something that sounds like a laugh. It sends shivers down your spine. He says Tyler’s name under his breath like a curse.

“It doesn’t matter,” he waves you away, “You and I are just coworkers. Nothing more.”

His words ache but you don’t let them land. You know the truth. He’s told you it just a few hours ago.

“Miguel, stop,” you come up behind him. He’s completely tense when you grab his hand to stop him.

“Enough,” he says your name with a warning, “Go home. There’s nothing more to say.”

You don’t budge. There’s a terrible voice inside your head that tells you that letting him go now would be a mistake. That if you don’t clarify things, you’ll lose him forever.

You try again.

“Nothing happened between us. I only care about you. Please look at me,” you plea. You try to sidestep him to put yourself in his direct field of vision.

He turns around.

“It wouldn’t matter if it had, you owe me no loyalty. We were never together,” he argues back. It sounds like he’s trying to convince himself of that. Perhaps he’s been turning those words over in his head all morning.

You won’t let him leave. He needs to know the truth. If he decides afterwords that he still doesn’t want you, fine. You’ll give up and resign from the agency. You’ll go back to your old life and force yourself to let him go, but he needs to know the truth at the very least.

“Nothing happened at all. We slept in separate beds. There is no one else but you,” you move forward, “I was going to tell you then that I do want you. That I’ve always wanted you.”

He still won’t look at you. You manage to stand in front of him and force him to see you. You want him to look and see the sincerity in your gaze. The love you hold for him burns bright when you meet his eyes.

Some of the tension from his body leaves. He sees that you mean every word. That if Tyler hadn’t interrupted, you would have told him you loved him then and there.

But he’s still afraid. He’s warring with himself over what to do. His instincts tell him to push you aside like he’s been doing. To save himself further pain by cutting you off once and for all. Another part of him is crying out for him not to. The part of himself he had bared for you this morning wants him to give in. To hear you out and be honest with himself.

You hope that other part of himself wins. You need that part of himself to win.

“Please believe me,” you whisper, “It’s only ever been you.”

His eyes close as your hands trace his face. You have to stand up on your tippy toes to reach him.

After a long pause, he sighs.

“Do you know how much it killed me to see him? To imagine him touching you? I almost killed him. The worst part was that I knew it was all my fault. That you owed me nothing and it wouldn’t have mattered if you had decided to move on because I pushed you away.”

“Do you know how much it killed me to be pushed away?” You murmur. It’s not a rebuke or retort. There’s no poison or malice behind your words, you just want him to understand that you’ve both been hurting.

He winces anyway. His eyes trace every inch of your face as if looking for something. You aren’t sure what he’s searching for, but you do know there’s more you haven’t said.

“I want to be with you. I’ve been fighting for you since the beginning. If you don’t want me, then tell me. Tell me once and for all, so that I can move on because I’ve been suffocating these past few days,” you slowly withdraw from him to give him space, “I love you, Miguel. But I can’t keep doing this. You’re breaking me.”

Silence descends in the room. Your heart beats wildly in your chest.

There. The ball is in his court now. He can either accept or reject you. Either way, this game between you will be over.

He’s quiet for so long that you suspect he’s made his choice. You try not to show how heartbroken you are when you take a step back. You’re about to apologize for wasting his time when he surges forward.

You don’t have time to react before he’s picking you up. His mouth crashes against yours and his kiss steals your breath away. He pours everything in it. His heartbreak, his longing, his love of you. It’s so powerful that you feel your self start to melt. You respond in kind kissing him back just as fiercely.

He holds you to him as if afraid that you’ll disappear if he lets you go. You two meet again and again. In between breaths, he pants your name. It isn’t until both of your mouths are bruised that you manage to come up for air.

He leans into you almost immediately after, kissing your throat and murmuring against your skin.

“I want you. I’ve wanted you since the beginning. I’m sorry,” he kisses your mouth gently in another apology, “I don’t deserve this.”

You cut him off before his thoughts can spiral again.

“I love you,” you repeat. His eyes close like he can barely believe it so you say it again. When he opens his eyes, you see the love for you in them. You’ve always known he loved you. Now, you finally have a confirmation.

“I love you too,” he responds. It takes your breath away. You’ve been waiting for a really long time to hear those words.

The next time you kiss, it’s less frenzied. This time, you both know you have time to pace things out. You’ll have all the time you need from now on. You’re both done pushing each other away and breaking your hearts.

His heart is racing against you and you feel your own beat against your ribcage. Still, you press forward. Declarations of love spill forth between heated kisses and nips. You’re drowning in each other.

For the first time in ages, things slowly start to fall into place. The darkness looming over you is gone replaced by a beautiful sunlight. You feel yourself smile into the kiss and he kisses you more softly as a result.

The two of you will have to talk at length more in the future. You’ll have to discuss what you being in an official relationship will mean in terms of your jobs and your different universes, but that’s all a problem for tomorrow. For now, you’re both content to be with each other and to celebrate the fact that you are now together.

The road ahead will not be easy. Nothing in life ever is. Yet you know you can both weather it if you fight for each other the way you’ve been fighting each other. There’s nothing the two of you can’t survive if you work hard.

Together.

[golbrocklovely]

a witching hour // sam golbach

A/N: so i actually thought of this fic as a colby fic first, but i needed a fic idea for sam and figured this one worked well for him as well. idk if you've ever seen halloweentown two, but there is a party scene where kalabar turns everyone into what their costumes are, and that's kinda what this one is like. except with a bit of sexy twist lol hope you enjoy and happy 13 nights of halloween !!

prompt: something is incredible off at sam and colby's halloween party. everyone is acting like their costumes, and nothing makes sense. and then you run into sam… dressed as a vampire. || fem!reader x sam golbach

trigger warning: vampire!sam, cursing, drinking, party scene, mentions of blood and killers but you don't see any of that, blood drinking obviously, crush-confession, twist ending?, manipulation powers used on reader, possessive language used by sam, also he's a bit of a dick in this lol but only slightly

word count: 3381

I constantly run late to everything: meetings, work, important events, and on this night... parties.

It was Sam and Colby's annual Halloween bash. After yet another successful Hell Week, the boys were throwing an all-out banger with every influencer in sight. And I, like usual, ran late to the party.

I'm not sure if you can be late to a party like this, but my texts from Sam and Colby said otherwise.

My excuse this time? I couldn't figure out my costume. I couldn't decide between two costumes, so I ended up going as a witch. Basic, I know, but classic. I finally called an uber, after pregaming a little at my apartment, and headed over to their place. On the way over, a flash of green lightning lit up the sky for a brief moment, in the same direction as their house. I stared at the window, puzzled. There's no way only one flash of thunder would happen if it was going to rain. Especially being green. It must have been a light show or fireworks nearby.

I got dropped off at the front of their house, sending them a quick text that I was outside. As I got to their gate, where usually there would have been a line with a security guard, there was nothing. Maybe I wasn't late after all and instead was super early. Checking the flyer they sent out, that wasn't true. It was already after midnight, and the party started at ten.

I walked into their property, shutting the gate behind me. I expected to see tons of people out front, since that usually was the case; but there was no one. The music was still playing loudly in the house, so there must have been people inside. As I walked towards the front door, I passed by a pile of Barbie dolls.

Who would bring a bunch of Barbies with them?

I glanced at the dolls, bending down, and picking one up. She was very pretty, but her outfit was unlike other Barbie fits I had seen before. Something about it was very revealing for a kids' toy. Granted, the last time I played with Barbies was when I was 10 so maybe my memory wasn't proof enough.

I stared at the doll's face a bit longer. Something about it was so familiar. She looked like someone I knew in the eeriest way. Staring at it too long, I thought I saw it blink. I lightly dropped the doll on the ground, standing back up again.

Just when I was about to open the front door, a soft 'meow' echoed behind me. I turned around and saw two cats, one all black and then another one.... that was pink.

Who the hell would dye their cat pink?

I wanted to reach out and pet them, but they scattered from the noise in front of me. The front door had opened on its own. I stepped forward, walking into Sam and Colby's home.

The place was completely trashed.

Furniture was ripped up, the mirror was smashed in, tables flipped over, cups all over the ground. It looked like a stampede ran through the house. I walked over the broken glass, looking around for anyone. I could see out the back door that no one was there either. Or if they were, they were hiding.

"Sam? Colby? Guys?" I called out, trying to reach for a light.

"Don't do that!" Responded a soft voice from a closet nearby.

I turned around and saw a friend of mine, Sarah, dressed as Rapunzel. She waved me over, opening the door quickly. I jumped over the broken furniture and made it over to her.

"Sarah, what the hell happened?" I asked as she closed the door.

"I'm sorry, you must have me mistaken for someone else. My name is Rapunzel." She smiled.

I rolled my eyes. "Okay, very funny, Sarah. But tell me. What happened? Did someone break into the house?"

"I don't really remember everything that happened. Everyone was outside, having fun. It was like the lantern festival! And then, a witch appeared on top of the house and yelled out something. It must have been a spell of some sort. And everybody started running." Sarah gasped, recounting the tale.

"How is that possible? And lantern festival? Why are you taking this costume to heart? I don't think this is the time for that." I glared, annoyed.

"This isn't a costume. This is how I always dress." She argued quietly.

"Rapunzel!" Someone yelled from behind the door. "Let me in! It's Velma."

"What's the password?" Sarah questioned, raising up a frying pan in defense.

Where the fuck did you get a frying pan from?

"Scooby snacks." Replied the voice.

"Oh okay," Sarah opened the door politely. "It is you Velma! I just had to be sure."

"You can never be too safe out there." Alice, another friend of mine, responded. I glanced up and down at her costume: Velma. From Scooby Doo.

I huffed, "Okay, you both seriously need to tell me what the fuck is going on?"

They both gasped. Sarah covered her ears lightly, in unison they hushed, "Language!"

"You're kidding me, right?" I deadpanned.

"Who are you?" Alice questioned.

"This is.... uh," Sarah started, then turned to me, smiling. "You actually haven't said your name."

"I'm Y/N..... we've known each other for like five years?" I scowled.

"We have?" They replied.

I rubbed my temples, feeling like my brain was going pop out of my eyes from how annoyed and confused I was. "Alright, can either one of you explain what is happening right now? Quickly."

"I can't remember much, but I've been searching for some clues while I was running around the house. What I remember happening was a witch of some kind appeared on top of the roof-" Alice began.

"Said some form of spell, and everyone started running? Yeah, 'Rapunzel' told me that already." I quipped.

"It wasn't just any spell, it was spell turned everyone into their costumes... whatever that means." Alice stated, putting her hands on her hips.

My face dropped. "I'm sorry, what?"

"Oh! Green lightning flashed over the sky when she said the spell!" Sarah jumped, excitedly. "She must have been an evil witch."

"Witches aren't real. It most likely was a trick of light, kind of like what magicians use to hide their tricks." Alice mentioned.

"I saw the lightning on my way over here...." I shook my head, sighing. "There's no way this is real. You guys must be pranking me or something. Is this Sam and Colby's doing?"

"I don't know who a 'Sam' or 'Colby" is." Sarah replied innocently.

"The guys that invited you to this party??" I pulled out my phone, pulling up a picture that one of them had posted on their snapchats. "These guys!"

"The vampire one went upstairs, and the pirate one is outside fighting a prince in the backyard." Alice pointed out, pointing to Sam, and then Colby.

"Fighting? What do you mean by that?" I furrowed my brow.

"With swords." Alice said plainly.

"Oh no! Your hand is bleeding!" Sarah gaped, gazing at Alice's hand.

"I must have cut it looking around for clues." Alice commented.

"What clues are you even...." I grumbled, trailing off and glaring up at the ceiling.

Sarah wrapped her hair around Alice's hand, holding it lightly. She then began to sing. "Flower, gleam and glow..."

Her hair began to light up slowly, starting from her scalp and eventually ending at the ends of her braided hair.

I can only imagine how expense that wig was.

Sarah pulled her hair away from Alice's cut... and it was gone.

I blinked. "I'm sorry, am I super drunk right now, or did your hair just heal her cut?"

"Jinkies..." Alice whispered, staring at her hand and blushing.

I took a deep breath, needing to get out of this closet. "I'm gonna go find Sam."

"He's a vampire, right? My mom warned me about men with sharp teeth. Be careful." Sarah informed.

"Right..." I opened the closet door, turning back around for a moment. "Hey Alice? I mean, Velma?"

"Yes?" She asked.

I grabbed her glasses off her face, dropping them onto the floor.

Sarah, Rapunzel, whatever, frowned dramatically. "Well, that wasn't very nice.

"My glasses.... I can't see without my glasses." Alice, Velma, whatever waved her hands around, trying to find where I dropped them.

"You don't even wear glasses! Oh my God, you guys are the worst!" I groaned, stepping out the closet and shutting the door.

I rushed over to the stairs, needing to get upstairs as soon as possible. As I reached the top, I gazed down over the railing. I watched as someone dressed as Ghostface ran after.... Britney Spears.

Britney Spears was at this party? Like 'Baby One More Time' Britney? There's no way. Maybe they weren't joking about the witch turning everyone into- NO. This is all some weird joke, probably pulled by Sam and Colby because of how often I'm late.

This isn't happening, this isn't happening, this is NOT happening.

I opened the bedroom door to what used to be Colby's room. I wanted to see the entire backyard from a safe distance. The room was dark, the only light coming from outside by the drawn curtains. I raced over to the windows, looking around outside. The backyard was equally as trashed.

A man-wolf monster stood on top of the slide for the pool, letting out a deep, animalistic howl. By the basketball courts, Colby was sword fighting with a guy dressed in a prince costume. Other people, or characters, were hiding around, peaking out occasionally from their spots. And I swore for a moment I saw someone fly away on a broom stick.

"What the fuck?" I whispered, my eyes widening at the scene.

"It's dangerous out there." A familiar voice rang out.

I jumped, a squeak leaving my lips as I turned around. In the shadows of the room was Sam, gazing at me mischievously.

"Oh my God, Sam. You scared the shit out of me." I clutched my chest, taking a deep breath. "What the fuck is going on?"

"A witch did this to us." Sam replied casually.

"That's what Alice and Sarah said. That a witch turned everyone into their costumes. Wait, how do you remember?" I inquired.

He shrugged, stepping towards me. "I'm just a generic vampire. So I guess I remember everything, and I'm still me."

"And since Colby dressed up as a pirate, he thinks he's a swash-buckler?" I joked half-heartedly.

"I guess so." Sam chuckled.

I questioned, "How long will this last?"

"An hour. So, in ten minutes it will be over." He confirmed, crossing his arms tightly.

I sat down on the edge of the bed, "Oh, well that's good. Since I think I saw Ghostface trying to kill Britney Spears."

"That would be such a waste of blood..." Sam's voice deepened.

I leaned away from his voice, "That was kinda freaky of you to say."

He smirked. "I can't help it. I'm a vampire."

"For ten more minutes. Maybe stay over there until this is all over." I hissed, uncomfortable.

"Why?" He leaned towards me, still far away, "You think I'm gonna bite you?"

"Probably." I teased.

Sam shook his head. "I would only do that if you asked me to."

“Well that's not gonna happen. So, let's stop talking about it.” I sassed.

"I think I can sit next to you though." His body appeared next to mine, sitting on the edge of the bed.

I jumped up, turning to him. "Jesus! You have fucking speed abilities?"

He hummed, "I guess so. You know what other powers I have?"

"No, what?" I jeered slightly.

"I can make people do what I say." He grinned wickedly, his fangs shining in the light.

I raised an eyebrow at him, "How do you even know that?"

"I told all the people hiding in this room to leave and go somewhere else. Some of them are outside in the backyard." He answered.

"Well, that was a little rude of you to do." I narrowed my eyes.

He scoffed. "This is my house. I'm allowed to kick people out of it."

"I guess you can. But maybe be a bit more conside-" I started.

He cut me off, his tone changed. "How would you feel if I drank your blood?"

"What?" I turned and looked at him.

His eyes caught mine, and suddenly I was entranced. "How would you feel if I drank your blood? Be honest."

The truth came out of me easily, I couldn't stop it from slipping from my lips. "I wouldn't mind it."

"And why is that?" He continued, standing up.

"Because I've had a crush on you for a while. Plus, vampires are really hot. And you as a vampire is, like, extra hot." I admitted in a daze.

"Wow...." Sam beamed, pulling his gaze away. "Now that's insane."

The moment I could think for myself, I spun around covering my face. "Oh my God, Sam! Why would you make me say that?!"

"I didn't make you say anything! I just made you tell the truth." He explained defensively, almost jokingly.

I whined, "Still! You didn't have to make me do that."

"So... do you want me to bite you?" He asked again.

I turned back to him, pissed. "No, I don't."

"Really?" His eyes somehow caught mine again, and I was lost. "Be honest."

"I would totally be into it," I squeezed my eyes shut as Sam looked away smugly. "Oh my God, you suck."

"Only if you want me to...." He teased.

"That's not..." When I opened my eyes again, his were already boring into mine. I felt lightheaded, and immediately could barely think. "Fun...ny."

"Get closer to me." He ordered.

My body moved without my permission, stepping up to Sam. I could feel his warmth radiate against my skin from how close we were together.

"Do you actually have a crush on me?" He queried.

I nodded my head. "Yeah, I think so."

"You think so?" His hands trailed up and down my arms, soothingly. "Would it be a bit stronger if I bit you?"

"It would." I revealed, unable to lie.

"Okay then. Good to know," he snickered. "Tilt your head and show me your neck."

I followed Sam's command, tilting my head to the side and allowing him more access to my neck. Sam's hold around me tightened, his mouth lowering down until he was almost against my neck.

"I'm not gonna hurt you, Y/N. I would never hurt you," his voice was just above a whisper. Sultry and seductive. "Also.... I like you too."

I exhaled, "Wha-?"

Suddenly his fangs sunk deep into my neck. A soft wince escaped my throat, my body tensing up. I gripped onto his arms, my nails almost digging in. It was a bit painful but exhilarating at the same time. I felt high, each breath feeling like a rush of dopamine.

Sam moaned against my neck, removing his mouth for a second. His tongue lapped at my skin, getting all of the extra blood that fell from his mouth. "Fuck, you taste heavenly."

"Sam, I think you shou-" I mumbled, my voice raspy.

He plunged his teeth back in, a harsh gasp falling from my lips. I thought of pushing him away, but instead my hands pulled him in more. My vision began to blur, and my legs could barely stay up on their own. I felt my legs give out, but Sam held me up, his torso crushing into mine.

"Don't worry, Y/N, I got you. I'll never let you go. You're mine, forever." He growled.

"S-Sam." I choked.

My eyes began to flutter, my breathing slowing down to an almost halt. And still, he continued to drink and drink. I felt like I was floating and falling all at the same time. And I didn't even care. It felt so good to be in his arms, to have him consume me.

I could hear a soft whisper in the distance. It sounded familiar but was muffled. It grew louder and louder by second, saying the same thing over and over again. Finally, as it sounded closer, I could make out what it was saying: my name.

And then like a freight train, someone screamed it. "Y/N!"

My eyes popped open, focusing immediately on Sam's face. He was looking down at me concerned, almost in a panic.

"Y/N, oh thank God. I thought we were gonna have to call 911 or something." Sam sat back on his knees, his chest heaving.

I glanced around as my eyes adjusted to the light. I was in Colby's room, but from an angle I wasn't used to. I tried to sit up, suddenly realizing I was on the floor. Sam propped up an arm around me sitting me up and leaning me against the couch.

"Wha... happened?" I uttered, rubbing my neck.

"Well, we were all downstairs partying, and you said you didn't feel good all of sudden. So we both came up here, and I went to use the bathroom. And when I came out, you were passed out on the floor." He responded, worried.

I squinted at him, confused out of my mind. "So... there wasn't a witch that turned everyone into their costumes?"

He blinked. "Should I still call 911? How hard did you hit your head?"

"No. No, I'm okay." Sam helped me up slowly, still propping me against the couch, "I must have had one hell of a dream when I passed out."

"Are you feeling okay? Tell me, seriously." He looked into my eyes.

I glanced away quickly, "Yeah, I'm... fine. I don't even feel drunk. What time is it?"

He checked his watch. "It's 1:05."

"After midnight..." I realized, muttering.

He furrowed his brow. "What?"

"Nothing. I'm okay Sam. Really. You know how I can get sleepy after I drink too much. Maybe that's what happened." I tried to reassure.

"Yeah maybe..." He trailed off.

"I'm gonna go to the bathroom real quick." I stated, standing up completely.

Sam stepped towards me. "Do you need help?"

"No, I'm okay." I grinned at his nervousness, "Seriously, I'm fine. Don't worry."

I trudged over to the bathroom, leaning against the sink to collect my thoughts.

So.... that was all a dream I had while passed out? Holy shit, I'm never drinking again.

I looked up, scanning my face slowly. I looked the same as I did when I left my house. Except, I had no recollection of how I got here. I mean, in the dream I took an uber... so maybe that's what happened? But God; that dream felt so real. It truly felt like Sam was drinking my blood and draining me. And holy shit, I confessed I had feelings for him!

I sighed deeply, looking over my face once more. My eyes drifted further down and widened at the sight. Two fang marks were right by my jugular, right where Sam had been biting me.

"Sam! Can you come in here for a second?" I yelled, my breathing speeding up.

A moment later the door opened, Sam entering. "What's wrong?"

I spun to him, glaring. "Why do I have two fang marks in my neck... like a vampire bit me?"

"What are you talking about?" He puzzled.

I pointed to my neck. "Right here! What are these?"

"Y/N, there's nothing there." He informed.

"Yes there i-" I turned around, looking in the mirror. He was right. The marks were gone. My skin was clear, as if they never existed in the first place. "Oh."

"Are you sure you're okay?" Sam wrapped an arm around me sweetly, rubbing my back.

I stuttered, "Y-Yeah. I must have just saw something."

"Must have. Because like I said, there's nothing there." His gaze met mine in the mirror, "Right, Y/N?"

"Right. There's nothing there." I said dreamily.

"Good," he smiled warmly. "Now, let's get back down to the party. If you're feeling up to it, of course."

I nodded, taking Sam's hand and leaving the bedroom, following him back to the party.

[movedtone0mile]

spin the bottle

college AU

mark x popular!f!reader

warnings: smut (titfucking, oral m!receiving, unprotected sex DON’T DO THIS) minors dni!!!, brief jock johnny x reader, chenle is a reader hater, Mark is shy and awkward, reader is not very considerate of his feelings? like not at all, bad english from a french person, first time writing smut Im not confident in this OK, also this is my first fic so Im a complete amateur.

word count: 4.5k

summary: Mark has a crush on the campus it girl, but he’s a romantic and shy guy and she’s a player. At Ten’s party, to which he went only to see you, someone suggests a “spin the bottle” and Haechan thinks it might be Mark’s chance. 

    

 « So, are you going to talk to her or just spend the night sitting here with me? » Chenle raised his eyes from the game he had been playing on his phone since he had arrived one hour and a half ago, to stare at his friend sitting beside him on the couch. 

« What? What are you talking about man? » Mark answered, puzzled. He seriously thought he had been discreet in his staring and fidgeting. 

« Oh so now you think I’m a dumbass. » His friend rolled his eyes, before resuming his game of whatever he was playing. « Do you really think she’s going to notice you if you just stay here, staring into her soul? »

Mark’s eyebrows furrowed as he mumbled: « She doesn’t need to notice me she already knows who I am… » and his cheeks reddened when Chenle shot him a glance that made him realize he had just admitted that he was, indeed, staring at you.

Mark had arrived at the party about fifteen minutes before Chenle did, and you were already there: a red cup in hand as you were chatting with some friends of yours. Starstruck by your smile, and bewitched by the outfit you decided to wear tonight, Mark had not been able to engage in any discussion or activities, other than admiring you from afar. 

Mark had the biggest crush on you for a few months now. You weren’t exactly friends but you have been paired for a few class projects before and when you saw each other on campus you always shot him your brightest smile, and even sometimes, when you felt like it, he was lucky enough to get a kiss on his cheek. This, had Mark’s friends tell him that you certainly had a thing for him as well. But he, on the other hand, wasn’t so sure. 

Being one of the most popular girls on campus, he could not imagine you being interested in a guy like him, when you could easily get any of the hot jocks he always saw you hanging out with. Plus, you somehow behaved like this with everyone: he was not the first boy you have kissed, or hugged in the hallways, and was certainly not the last one. 

So no, Mark was not as convinced as some of his friends that his crush on you was mutual. But, he wouldn’t miss a chance to interact with you though, or well, at least to see you…

Tonight Ten Lee was throwing a party, and the whole campus was invited since the huge manor of his parents was located not far away from campus. And of course, you would attend (Ten must have even invited you and your friends personally), and so would Mark. 

But as you were now dancing between Johnny and Jaehyun, he couldn’t get himself to stand up and try anything. He watched you throw your arms around Jaehyun’s neck, and Johnny’s hands grip your hips while you swayed them to the beat. Hell, how was he supposed to make a move? 

« I told you not to believe Haechan ». Apparently, Chenle had caught up on the situation too and felt the need to let Mark know that he was probably right to never support his crush on you. In Chenle’s eyes, you were just some bimbo, who probably spent more time hooking up with jocks rather than studying, which was what uni was supposed to be for. You were not a girl for Mark, and he was certainly not your type anyway. 

« I know dude just- just don’t say it like that ok? » Mark groaned. 

« Don’t want you to get your hopes up. » 

꧁ ♡ ꧂

When Kim Jungwoo came in the room and shouted that they were playing spin the bottle in the other living room, Chenle decided he had enough and was going home, offering Mark a ride back, which he almost accepted. But that was before he saw you and Haechan giggling together and walking up to the living room the game was taking place in. He couldn’t believe his eyes, what the fuck was he up to?? Mark got up and followed the two of you to the room where a group was gradually gathering. 

When he spotted Heachan again, he was sitting not so far from you and was beckoning him to come and sit next to him. He did so and immediately started questioning him: 

“ what the fuck bro? What are we doing here? And why were you laughing with Y/N?? ” he shouted-whispered his last question for you not to hear it. 

« Mark, try to think and be thankful for once in your life! » Seeing that his friend still looked puzzled, Haechan went on with his explanation. « Since you couldn’t have the balls to make a move on Y/N, I got you maybe your only chance to kiss her! »

Mark’s eyes went from Jungwoo, putting an empty glass bottle in the middle of the circle the group had formed, to you, four persons afar, as the dots finally started to connect in his mind.

« Thank you Donghyuck! » Haechan mimicked with an intentionally ridiculous voice. 

« B-but what if the bottle lands on you?? »

Haechan waved « don’t worry it always stops in between two people, I’ll just say that it is closest to you. » 

Mark shrugged, Haechan always was so confident in what he said. So, he believed him, as if Mark and Haechan were the only two people you could land on to spin the bottle.

꧁ ♡ ꧂

Well, a good twenty minutes have now passed and it has not once stopped in between two people, so Mark was growing nervous, forgetting that Haechan was certainly not the only thing he should be worried about right now. But the bottle now landing on you would probably be a good reminder. 

« Finally! I was starting to get bored! » You let out, unaware of the anticipation growing inside of Mark. You eagerly spinned the bottle, impatient to get some action, and Mark could feel blood invade his mouth as he bit into his cheek. 

Shouts of excitement and whistles raised in the living, but Mark could only hear a long wheezing, as he silently prayed for the floor to swallow him whole. How did he not consider this very obvious possibility?? Was he that stupid?? No, it was all Haechan’s fault, it always was. How could he lead him into this trap, when a good friend should have preferred to protect him from the atrocious vision he was about to witness?

« Come here doll. » Johnny grinned as you got up to stand right in front of him. He stood up too and immediately gripped your waist to get you closer to him, as your hands rested on his broad shoulders. Johnny didn’t waste any time attaching his lips to yours in a greedy kiss, almost too heated for the game. 

Mark couldn’t do anything other than shoot a dreadful glance at Haechan who also looked mortified, (he would never admit that he had made a bad decision though). People continued to whistle and make comments Mark decided not to concentrate on, as Johnny continued to kiss you like he meant it. Did he? Only the thought of it was enough for Mark’s blood to turn cold. 

Watching you « jokingly? »  make out with your hot, tall, strong friends was one thing. But if you actually became the girlfriend of Johnny Suh, out of all people on campus, you would be even more unapproachable than you already were, and Mark did not stand a chance against him, he knew that perfectly well. 

A final smooch sound took Mark out of his depressing daze: you and Johnny were finally done, and so were Mark’s hopes as he watched you untangle from the tall guy, all smiley and giggly. 

Zoning out again, Mark did not notice when Johnny spun the bottle and it landed on you.

« Again?! » you exclaimed. « Well, guess it is my compensation for not playing earlier. » 

Your manicured hand landed on the bottle again and pursued to spin it. Mark didn’t want to see you kiss another person again, the first time had already crushed his poor heart, and you didn’t seem to care less about it. (Not that you knew how he felt though.)

People all laughed and talked, building up anticipation as they waited for the bottle to stop spinning. Mark then felt his heart beating even faster than before as the bottle slowly came to a stop, pointing in between him and Haechan. He couldn’t believe his eyes. Both men looked at each other, alert. They were ready to argue, already collecting arguments in their minds when you clapped your hands.

« Mark! » he turned his head back in the direction of your pretty voice wording his name, confused as hell. 

Things had happened according to Donghuck’s plan (well except for the Johnny part, but) the bottle did stop between him and Mark. However, it was clearly closer to Haechan.

But you were now approaching one of them on all fours, a teasing smile on your face and it was not him. 

Mark looked up at you, questioningly, and he felt his body freeze as you only smiled at him and got closer. With a mischievous glimpse in your eyes, you took his face in your hands and got even closer, your only touch sending shivers down his spine. You leaned in, pressing your lips lightly against his, as whistles were heard in the room.  Mark was melting into you, and your lips moved passionately against each other.

He was in heaven. It was everything he ever dreamt of, hell, even better than he imagined it. He would have given everything he had for this moment to last forever. 

The room around you had already faded away when you slightly pulled apart, just to whisper in his ear: “I’ve been waiting for an excuse to do this.” 

He suddenly felt an overwhelming warmth radiating through his chest, along with pure shock as well as confusion. What could you mean by that? Did you feel the same about him? Before he had the chance to think about it more, you took him by his shoulders and crashed your lips onto his once again. But this time, the kiss was much more feverish and eager, and Mark, drunk with lust, found within himself the courage to wrap his arms around you, deepening the kiss. 

After what had felt like an eternity (at least for Mark), you parted from him and shoved him playfully. As you got back to sit in your corner of the circle, he smiled like an idiot, unable to contain his joy or the blush that was coursing through his cheeks. Mark was currently on cloud nine. Haechan had to elbow him several times before getting him out of his trance. 

“Thank you Donghuck, you’re my best friend in the world! You’re so smart, so caring, so funny and smart! What would I do without you?!” He was back at it again. 

Mark couldn’t answer his friend, nor was he able to follow the course of the events that took place as the game went on. What had just happened? He had been dreaming about the day you would return his feelings, and you just kissed him all of a sudden? Well, ok it was part of the game, but you could’ve kissed Haechan! And what you said to him… Have you really been waiting for a chance to kiss him? 

Without Mark realizing it, the game came to an end as everyone had grown tired of it somehow. Haechan nudged him to stand up when they were the last ones sitting on the floor. “Come on dude, you have to take action now!”

“What? What do you want me to do?” Mark retorted, oblivious. 

Haechan pinched his friend’s arm, unhappy with his inaction. “What do you mean what do you want me to do? Hit on her! She has just kissed you and you plan on not doing anything?!”

Mark was not stupid, he understood that he had to make a move, that now was his chance, but he just couldn’t get himself to approach you. Whenever you interacted, you were the one who had come to him in the first place. 

“She made the first move, now’s your turn!” Haechan was right (not that he often was). Mark had to do something, otherwise, Johnny, or even Jaehyun was going to take you home, and he had seen enough of it.

꧁ ♡ ꧂

Mark had been standing awkwardly in the corner of the living for what? hours? Haechan had given up on his case and went dancing all by himself, and Chenle had gone home a long time ago. He was starting to think that it would probably be better for him to do the same. Yes, he wanted to approach you, more than anything, but he had been thinking about what to say for months now, and nothing sounded alright. He thought about all the catchphrases he could think of, things he have heard in movies or that Renjun said to his girlfriend, but nothing good enough for you came out of it. 

Eventually, he resigned himself, setting his drink down. He took his phone out of his back pocket and typed a text to Haechan, telling him he was going home. But when he looked up, you were standing right in front of him.

He took a step back, you had caught him off guard. 

“I hoped you would come and talk to me.” You said, a sultry smile on your face that had Mark melting on his spot. 

“I hoped so too…” He thought, out loud. 

Your grin widened and his cheeks reddened, realizing what he had just said. 

He sucked in a breath as you got closer, the taste of your lips still lingering on his, and the scent of your perfume poisoning his mind. “You’re not very good at this, are you?”

“No… No, I’m not…” He was not even sure about what you were talking about, but he would’ve agreed with anything you said. 

“Well, lucky for you, I am.” Your body now inches away from his own, you took his hand. “Why don’t you let me show you how to have a good time?”

Mark had let you lead him upstairs, filled with a mixture of both fear and hope. Now in the hallway, you stuck your ear to several doors, hoping to find one quiet. 

It took four tries but Ten’s manor was big enough for you to find what you were looking for. 

You ushered Mark inside and closed the door behind you. You were finally alone. Not that the crowd bothered you anyway, but you had observed Mark enough to understand that he was not this kind of guy. 

You two stood there in silence for a moment, catching your breath and taking in the peace of the quiet room, contrasting with the full-swing party downstairs. Eventually, you took a step in his direction and he reflexively took one back.

“Are you afraid of me Mark?” You frowned, a bit offended by his gesture. 

“No! I-I’m just.. a bit intimidated…” Oh now he was stuttering, great.

“Do you think I’m intimidating?” A smirk appeared on your face as you continued to make your way to him. When you were close enough to feel the warmth of his body, you lifted a hand to his face and ran your fingers through his hair. At your gesture, Mark closed his eyes and held his breath, before whispering that yes, he found you intimidating. 

Both of you could feel the tension growing, and you took your chance to crash your lips onto his once again. Drown in the heat of the kiss and the sound of sighs of contentment and whimpers, you felt him up with an increasing fever. Without breaking your embrace, you got to the bed, on which Mark stumbled and you took advantage of the situation to straddle his lap. 

With newfound confidence, Mark grope your hips as you started to grind on him and tug lightly on his locks. Your skirt had rolled up and you were able to feel that he was already hard. He let out a moan when you leaned down to attach your lips to his neck, where you left wet kisses. 

He called your name, but that wasn’t enough to interrupt you, as you kept sucking and licking his neck. “Y/N… I…” He paused for a second when your hand went down to feel him. “Y/N I have something to tell you…” 

“Tell me…” You whispered. 

He took a deep breath and breathed: “I like you.”

You paused, slightly moving away from him. Mark met your eyes, unable to tell what they were reflecting. However, he was sure his were only expressing anxiety and apprehension.  The light sound of your giggle broke the awkward silence and you went to resume kissing him. 

“Oh Mark, you’re so cute..” Deciding not to address his declaration yet, you got down on your knees, in order to both distract him from his feelings and pursue what you were here to do in the first place, which was definitely not to have some feelings declared. 

His head was boiling with desire and his crimson face was good evidence of it. Excitation had him shaking on his seat and he almost jumped when your hands went to his fly. You rushed to take off his pants, drunk with arousal. Mark was not sure he was entirely processing what had and was about to take place. He was probably in some kind of fever dream, except that it felt much better than all the dreams he ever had about you. He watched you pull his pants and briefs down, closing his eyes in anticipation of your reaction. That made him miss your pleased expression as you bit your lip. 

“Don’t close your eyes, baby.” You whispered and made him shiver at the contact of your hot breath on his skin. “Watch me.”

He tentatively glanced at you, and the view of the girl of his dreams, kneeling between his legs, sent a shiver down his spine. You wrapped your hand around his shaft and gave it a few pumps, tightening your grip every once in a while. 

Mark threw his head back, breaking eye contact, to which you responded by stopping your ministrations. Alert, he looked back at you in haste, his breath jerking. You let your hand make its way under his shirt to feel his torso, before returning your attention to his cock. You tried laying a kiss on the tip, satisfied when you heard him hiss, chuckling through the entire process. 

Deciding to accelerate things, you began to lick his shaft, up from the base to the tip, smiling at him when you had the chance. Mark, on his side, strived to keep looking at you, just like you told him to, as difficult as it was. He thought that his face was certainly all scrunched right now, as he struggled not to just shout out his euphoria, for the whole house to hear. You alternated between expertly circling your tongue around him and licking, watching his fists clench (of course he would never grip your hair instead). 

You sucked on his tip for a moment, before slowly taking him into your mouth. Mark gasped and gave a little start as you took in more and more of his length. When you reached your limit, he released a breath he hadn’t realized he was holding. 

Breathing through your nose, you began to bob your head up and down, chasing his release. Mark stayed like this, not knowing what to do with his hands and biting hard on his lips to try and muffle his noises. 

The view and the feeling of your lips wrapped around him was too much. The constant eye contact made the experience even more exhilarating. You were oh so right to order him to watch you, even though it was torture. 

Picking up your speed, you clawed at his thighs, leaving red marks on his skin. It slightly burnt, but he didn’t mind, too far gone to care. 

His grunts grew louder and raspier and he began to mindlessly thrust into you. Eventually, he froze, and you felt a hot liquid invade your mouth. 

Without realizing it, he had cum down your throat and he shivered at the sensation of you humming around him. You released him with a pop and grinned when a string of saliva connected you both. Mark felt dizzy when he caught on to the fact that you had swallowed down his seed. You observed him for a moment, catching your breath. He was even cuter in this position, and you would be lying if you said you hadn’t been waiting for this to happen. Of course, you were aware of Mark’s crush on you, it was obvious and everyone on campus would’ve been able to tell. However, you weren’t looking for a relationship and he didn’t seem like the type of guy to fool around, so you had to have him in a situation like this one, in order to get what you wanted from him. 

You waited for him to come down from his high, before deciding to torture him more. 

« You see Mark, all those times I caught you staring at my chest… I’ve never said anything, because deep down, I’ve always loved being the centre of your attention… » His attention was back on you now, and holding eye contact with him, you slowly lifted your top, all with the same smug smile you had when you went to kiss him earlier in the living. « And lucky for you, I’m feeling extra generous tonight… Might make all your dreams come true. »

With your chest finally free from your tight camisole, you captured him between your breasts, earning a whimper of both pleasure and surprise from him. You chuckled and started to jerk him off with your tits, pressing them together with your hands. Whimpers wouldn’t stop flowing out of Mark’s mouth and he just couldn’t hold eye contact anymore, which this time, you decided to overlook. His thighs tensed once again, way too early for your liking. 

You got up on your feet and the desperate cry he let out sprayed a smile on your face. You considered not having mercy on him, but you judged him as unable to handle it yet. Maybe for another time.

Pushing him to lay back on his elbows, you straddled his lap, your miniskirt rolling up even more than it already had. “Don’t worry baby, I’ll make you feel good.” 

Even though his vision was blurred ever since you blew him, Mark caught a glimpse of you pushing your panties to the side as you lowered yourself on his still-hard length. You hissed as it stretched you out slowly until your hips connected. 

You stayed still for a moment, and you both tried your best to breathe heavily, but you grew impatient. Looking into his eyes, you waited for his approval, and when you got it, you began to move up and down. Mark moaned with every move you made, thrill coursing through his body. He would’ve sworn on his life, that he never felt so much pleasure. 

To steady yourself, you placed your hands on his chest, your nails beginning to scratch his skin when your speed increased. Eventually, you found a steady rhythm that had him panting and you humming and moaning, as he stroked all the right places within your heat. 

Mark was lost in the feeling of your warmth and the view of your tits bouncing with each of your movements. “You wanna touch ‘em?” you asked tauntingly, fully aware of his staring. It was like his head nodded on its own since he was in some kind of bliss, that prevented him to form any words or sounds, other than moans and sighs. With his agreement, you took his hands that were gripping your thighs for dear life and attached them to your chest. He wasted no time and began to fumble them. You continued to bounce on his lap for god knows how long, the room heating up to a suffocating heat. 

As you expected, and to his horror, he was not going to last long. Mark started to shake as he reached his high for the second time tonight, his body tensing.

“Y/N… I… I’m about to… Y-you need…” The groan coming from his throat stopped him from finishing his sentence, but you got what he was worried about. 

“Don’t worry baby.” You wouldn’t admit it later but the pauses you took in between your sentences were necessary for you to catch your breath. “I’m on the pill.” 

Mark’s eyes widened at your words, and he asked if you were sure about what he thought you were asking him to do. 

“I would really like you to…”

Your seductive voice was enough for Mark to let go and release inside of you, as he clasped your hips and gave one final thrust. He gritted his teeth in the process, in order not to scream out loud, and closed his eyes because if he saw any more of you, he felt like he could have died on the spot. 

You did the same and helped him ride his orgasm. You could tell he was overwhelmed by pleasure, and you sweated like never before as warmth flooded through you. 

Without giving him a minute to rest, you kept on riding him, and your movements grew sloppy and unsteady when you felt your climax approach. Leaning down, you caught his jaw: he looked completely fucked. You slightly shook his head to bring him back to Earth and leaned in to kiss him. Your lips met softly, softer than they ever had tonight and you were confused to feel your heart race with what you thought was excitement. Taken aback by the feeling, you straightened and pushed him even further on the mattress.

Before you knew it, something snapped inside, and euphoria took over you, your moaning becoming loud enough for the other rooms to hear. A comforting heat washed through you and you shut your eyes in order to feel it thoroughly. Your mouth hung open, as you rode this wave of pleasure with your breath held and your eyes tightly shut. 

Mark watched you with pure admiration in his eyes. He always thought of you as the prettiest girl he had ever seen, but getting to watch you in this position was something else. He must be the luckiest man on the planet. His heart throbbed, and he knew that if he hadn’t before, he was now close to being in love with you. 

Out of breath, you leaned down and gave him a final kiss, before dropping all of your weight onto him and rolling down on his side. Mark stared dreamily at the ceiling, which looked more like clouds to him right now, gasping for air and zoning out. It was definitely the best night of his life. 

You, on the other hand, had a great time and made a boy’s dreams come true… what a good person you were. Well, guess you had done your good deed of the day. 

[mrslankyman]

After All

Sir Pentious x (fem) Reader

Word Count: 1K

I’ll make a better one later

I love him

★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★

Sir Pentious. The one sinner who you actually enjoyed being around. The one who didn’t quite get every joke you said but laughed anyways. He was so kind and yet somehow wound up here in Hell.

The thought of him was imprinted in your mind. He was your best friend. He trusted you to help him with his inventions and babysitting the egg bois. Your feelings were slowly growing for him.

During the worst time. He would not stop talking about Cherri Bomb. Ever since she came by to hang out with Angel Dust he wouldn’t stop ranting to you about her.

You didn’t mind listening and giving advice. Being a good friend through and through.

But a part of you broke the moment her name slipped out of his mouth. Wishing it was your name he was rambling on about. It wasn’t and you had to accept that.

Shoving your pillow over your face as you groaned into it to muffle your frustration. It was too late at night to really scream. Even if it was day time you’d hold it in. You didn’t want him to think you were some psycho jealous bitch.

Jealous yes psycho no.

Sleep finally pulled you in after a few hours of staring at the ceiling in thought.

Eyes closing and the dreams of it being you and not Cherri Bomb taking over.

—

“Sssso do you think this looks good?” Pentious asked as he held up a new suit he bought. It looked the exact same as his other one. You let out a laugh and looked at him. He titled his head and eyes you curiously. “Whatsss wrong with it?” He looked at the suit puzzled. Something must be off about it if you were laughing.

“Nothing nothing it’s just that, you own that suit already. Why did you buy the exact same one?” You questioned walking over to him.

“It’sss not the sssame.” He huffed and pointed at one of the yellow stripes. “The ssstripesss are different ssshades of yellow ssseee.” He smiled holding the new suit next to the one he had on. The stripes were a few shades darker on the newer one. “I suppose you’re right but still.” A smile displayed on your face and quickly he smiled back. Realizing you weren’t being rude just teasing.

“I think Cherri Bomb will like it.” He closed his eyes, holding his head high. You rolled your eyes at the mention of her. Of course this wasn’t just a new outfit, it was a way to impress the girl of his dreams.

“Yeah I'm sure she will love it.” Despite the gut wrenching feeling in your stomach you gave a smile and words of encouragement. Resulting in him thanking you and stating you were his best friend.

Best friend.

Of course.

That's all you’d ever be.

He hugged you, his arms wrapping around you. For a moment you closed your eyes and let the moment sit. Knowing one day it wouldn't be you he would hug. It would be her.

He wouldn't need you once he got with Cherri Bomb. You’d be casted aside for the better girl.

Though a part of you knew Pentious would never do that. He cherished you and you two had been friends for a good while. He never left you even when you made him mad. He didn’t throw you out of the blimp when you had broken one of the levers.

He would get mad or sad and then calm down. Apologizing and saying you were his best friend. His only friend in all of Hell. Besides his egg bois you supposed.

And now besides Cherri Bomb.

She didn’t even speak to him when he tried so hard to get her attention.

She would brush him off and go to Angel Dust.

You’d just watch from across the room as his happiness faded and he would slink off to the bar. Thank Lucifer Husk could keep a secret. He knew about your feelings for Pentious. He would never tell him what you said when you got drunk just as he would never tell you what Pentious said when he was drunk.

He let go of you after a few moments pulling you out of your fantasy world.

—

Today was the day you dreaded. Cherri Bomb was coming over to see Angel Dust. Though to Pentious it was the day he could try and flirt with her. He had his new suit on and was ready to impress. Though he was obviously nervous.

You gave him some words of encouragement.

“I’m sure she will love the new suit.” You patted his back. He turned his head to you and smiled. “Really.” He asked his flaps sticking up happily. You giggled slightly and nodded your head.

“Yes. Trust me. Any girl would like it.” You pushed him forward slightly. “Go get her!” You cheered as he slithered off. His confidence had skyrocketed thanks to you.

You stood there watching him go, the smile on your face fading slightly.

Angel Dust stood in the corner eyeing you down. Noticing how your shoulders hunched and you sighed.

—

“Misss Bomb.” Pentious smiled in front of Cherri Bomb. She turned to him with a curious look. “Yeah? Aren’t you supposed to be with your girlfriend?” She tilted her head laughing at how he held up a flower. “Girl friend?” Pentious asked, confused as he held the pathetic flower up.

“Yeah Angie told me all about how you and {Y/N} are always together. I just assumed.” She shrugged, not noticing the look on his face.

He stared at Miss Bomb. Did Angel Dust really think he was with you? In fact did the whole hotel think that? What if Husk told his secret.. He knew he shouldn’t have blabbed off when he was drunk.

What if you knew? What if thats why you had been acting so weird around him. So off putted and disinterested about certain things.

What if she knew this crush on Cherri was a distraction.. He started to sweat. Freaking out as Cherri Bomb stared at him. Angel Dust walked over.

“Is he.. Okay?” He asked Cherri Bomb as Sir Pentious looked at him.

“Don’t think so.” Cherri Bomb looked at Angel Dust concerned.

“Don’t tell me you know my sssssecret!” Pentious stared at Angel Dust and Cherri Bomb.

“What secret?” Cherri asked.

“The one where you like Cherri?” Angel laughed and Sir Pentious grabbed his flaps and covered his red face.

“Not that, the one where I like {Y/N}!” Pentious shouted out.

“Oh yeah half the hotel knows.” Angel teased.

—

“Are you even sssure this is a good idea? Ssshesss my besst friend..what if sshe doesn’t like me.” Pentious gulped as Angel Dust and Cherri Bomb instructed him on what to say to you. “It’ll be fine. Stop being a pussy.” Angel Dust shoved him to your room door. He and Cherri Bomb slid behind the corner.

Pentious took a breath and knocked on your door. A few moments later you came and opened it. Looking at him curiously. “Oh.. Hey Pentious.. How did it go?” You asked opening the door further to allow him to come inside. He smiled nervously and slid into your room. “It went.. Ugh well..” He took his hat off and fiddled with it nervously. You closed the door and turned to him.

“Umm well.. {Y/N} there's something I wanna tell you…” Pentious looked up at you, his face red. Surely everything went fine. Pentious was the sweetest sinner you knew. No way Cherri rejected him.

“Yeah what is it.. Did she.. Not like the suit?” You stepped closer to him. He shook his head. “No no it’s not that.. It’s not about her.” He looked to the side as you waited for him to explain.

“It’ss jussst that.. I umm. Well.. I don’t know how to say this but…” He dropped his hat and wrapped his arms around you. Dipping you down as he held onto you.

“Pentious..?” Your eyes widened as you looked up at him. Unsure if this was a dream or not.

“Are you okay..?” You questioned again after he didn’t reply. “I’m more than okay.” His face turned red and he leaned down. Kissing you softly.

Your heart thudded in your chest and your face turned red. Closing your eyes and kissing back quickly. Once he felt your lips move against his, his flaps shot up instantly. He pulled you back up and they fell back down once you both pulled away.

“Pentious what about… Cherri..?”

He shook his head. “I love you. I ssshould of never tried to hide that fact.” his eyes watered up and he hugged you.

“Oh Pentious.. I love you too.” You hugged back. He smiled wide and pulled you even closer.

Angel Dust and Cherri Bomb peeked over the corner as you and Pentious came out of the room. Smiles and blushed on both your faces.

“Glad he found his happy ending.” Cherri smiled.

“Me too, maybe he’ll shut up now.” Angel snickered and they both walked off.

[ladykailitha]

All My Roads Lead Back to You Part 15

Hello! We finally get to Kenny’s plan and the last puzzle of the past drops into place. I’m not sure how much more of this story there is. I don’t want to rush the ending but it feels pretty close to me. If you have any ideas of what you would like to see before I get to the ending and the epilogue, put it in the comments or tags. I might not include all of them, but if I see something I like I’ll let you know.

Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 Part 4 Part 5 Part 6 Part 7 Part 8 Part 9 Part 10 Part 11 Part 12 Part 13 Part 14

***

What Kenny’s plan was, no one knew and when they would ask, he would just smile at them.

But they really didn’t have time to dwell on whatever he was planning because Junior Prom was upon them and the four of them decided to go as group. Both Mandy and Edie were lesbians but they both knew if they showed up with other girls or even with each other, they would be turned away from the door. So Harri and Kenny were playing their beards so that they could go and have a little fun for a night.

Steve and Miri, Jeff’s wife, took the girls out shopping while while Eddie and Jeff took the boys out to get their tuxes.

Edie and Mandy tried on several dresses, with Edie deciding on long grey, almost Grecian style dress. But Mandy was at a loss before the seamstress came up with an idea.

She got together a few things and then shoved Mandy into the dressing room.

When Mandy walked out, Steve and Edie whistled and clapped. Mira looked her over with a raised eyebrow

“Damn, girl,” Edie said, “give us a twirl.”

Mandy spun slowly in place. She was wearing a long black shirt with the slits up the side that stop in the middle of her thigh. She had on a white tuxedo shirt and black suit jacket.

“If we nip the waist a little,” the seamstress was saying, “and give it a little bit more of an hour glass, it would be perfect.”

Mira stood up and walked over to her daughter. “Do you like it?”

Mandy chewed on her lip. “You don’t?”

Mira grabbed her by the shoulders. “That wasn’t the question, honey. It doesn’t matter what I or anyone else thinks, and that includes your dad. It passes that stupid fucking dress code list they gave us. Do. You. Like. It?”

Mandy nodded.

Mira turned to the seamstress. “How long will the alterations take?”

The seamstress cocked her and said, “Three days?”

Mira nodded. “Then we’ll buy the whole lot. Go pick out shoes and accessories, sweetie.”

Mandy jumped up and down excitedly. Edie grabbed her hand and they ran into the depths of the store to try on everything they could ever want to go with their dresses for prom.

“Ma’am?” the seamstress said. “Do you have the list with you? Of things that they have to adhere to?”

Mira shook her head.

“I do!” Steve said pulling it out of his pocket. “I brought it with me because I already tangled with the principal once this year, I figured two would be pushing it.”

He handed it to her.

The seamstress poured over the list very carefully. She grinned and turned to Mira.

“You want to make your daughter love you forever and still color inside the lines?”

Mira tilted her head. “I’m listening.”

After she told them her idea, Steve burst out laughing. “She’ll love it.”

Mira nodded. “Hell, yeah.”

*

The night of prom came along and everyone looked fucking fantastic. Kenny was in a traditional tux, while Harri paired his suit pants and black button up shirt with a leather jacket. The top three buttons were undone and he wore chains on his neck.

Edie paired her grey gown with a tarnished silver shrug jacket and matching kitten heels. She looked stunning, but the star of the night was Mandy. She wore black high heels with chunky crystal buckles on them which matched the rest of her jewelry. But what really set the outfit off was the tuxedo pants that she wore instead of the skirt.

The teacher at the door scoured the list for any sign that girls couldn’t wear slacks. But there wasn’t any and the teacher was forced to let them in. She scowled at them all for toeing the line without crossing it.

Edie and Harri stopped short when they saw who two of the parent chaperons were.

Standing on opposite sides of the gym trying to pretend the other wasn’t there were Steve and Eddie.

All three of Kenny’s friends turned to him in shock.

“How the hell did you managed that?”  Mandy asked, her eyes wide.

Kenny chuckled. “My mom is president of the PTA and on the dance committee. She is two things.” He held up two fingers. “Charming and persistent. My dad uses her to get the stingiest people to open their wallets for his pet charities all the time. I just merely suggested that your dads would be the perfect people for the job and let her do the work.”

Harri and Edie exchanged a glance.

“Huh,” Harri said. “Could work. Especially if you make them stop ignoring each other.”

Kenny looked over at them standing there awkwardly. “That might be the hardest part, yes.”

Harri ran his tongue over the top row of his teeth as a plan formed in his head. “Don’t worry. I’ve got this.”

He marched up to his dad. “Why didn’t you tell me you were going to a chaperon?”

Eddie winced. “I was hoping to get out of it, if I’m honest.” He scratched the back of his neck in embarrassment.

“It’s mortifying!” Harri insisted. “I’m going to be the talk of the school on Monday on how my lame ass dad was standing there awkwardly all night while Edie’s dad gets to be the cool chaperon!”

Eddie’s head reared back. “Hey! I can be cool too.”

Harri crossed his arms and leaned back on his foot. “We both know that you have been cool a single day in your life. The closest you get to cool is by proxy. Being in a rock band and working with cool people on their albums.”

“You little punk!” Eddie teased back, ruffling his son’s hair. “I’ll show you who’s cool.”

Harri scoffed. “Mr Harrington looks cooler than you and he’s just standing there.”

Eddie looked over at Steve who was wearing a classic tux. He had his hands shoved in his pockets as his eyes wandered over the throng of bouncing teenagers.

“After all according to Uncle Jeff,” Harri said, driving the point home, “he was prom king, super popular, and was actually called King Steve...you can’t get much cooler than that.”

Eddie scowled. “And did Uncle Jeff mention he was a bully, too?”

Harri half shrugged. “Kept the real bullies from doing real damage is what I heard.”

Eddie frowned. Okay, yeah. Fine.

“I can be cool.”

Harri lifted his chin. “Prove it.”

Eddie brushed past him and marched over to wear to Steve was standing.

Harri’s friends came up to him.

“What was that about?” Mandy asked.

“Yeah,” Kenny said. “Whatever you said seemed to light a fire under his ass.”

Harri just grinned. “One thing my dad can’t stand is being called uncool. So I may have poked the bear a bit.”  

Steve laughed and they all turned to see Eddie and him laughing at something Eddie had said.

“Congrats!” Edie said. “It worked.”

“Which means it’s party time!” Kenny said rubbing his hands together.

The other three cheered and got down to enjoying themselves.

*

Steve was going to get a migraine. Why did he agree to this? He had already caught three idiots trying to smuggle beer into the dance. This offended him greatly as he had managed to sneak in booze at all three dances he went to without being caught.

He just made sure that when he told the kid that, that he was out of hearing range of another chaperon or a student that might tattle. It was always the quiet ones you had look out for. They could be snitches or didn’t care and you were never sure which one you were going to get.

Eddie came up into him early in the dance and they had fun playing spot the idiot. Trying to figure out which ones had booze, which ones had weed, and which ones were out to do real harm.

Eddie actually managed to catch one kid with drugs. Actual drugs. They managed to confiscate it without alerting the principal or one of the other chaperons but that was a trip and half. One they weren’t going to tell their kids.

This was only one of the ‘highlights’ of the evening. The main one came when Edie saw Steve with a small plate of the little h'orderves and said something about it.

“I really hope that’s not all you’ve eaten today,” she said glaring at the plate.

Eddie who was nearby, frowned.

Steve scowled at her. “You had dinner with me earlier. You know it’s not.”

“But that was just a little meal to tide me over until I went out to eat with my friends,” Edie protested.

“And I ate more of it then you did,” Steve countered. “I’m fine, honey. Please just leave this alone. Go have fun with your friends. Don’t make tonight about this. Please.”

“I just don’t want you to faint again!” Edie hissed.

Steve turned and saw Eddie standing there. He turned to back her and said, “I’m done talking about this.”

He threw his food in the trash and stormed out the double doors. The banged shut behind him.

Edie gulped. Eddie raised an eyebrow at her and her shoulders slumped.

“I fucked up.”

“It certainly sounds that way,” Eddie said. “There is obviously something going on there, and you’re going to worry. But you have to understand, you’re his daughter. Not his wife or his mother or even his friend. You pushing him like this only making things worse.”

She folded her arms across her waist and looked away. “You sound like my therapist.”

Eddie scoffed. “Then maybe you should have been listening. Go back to your friends, Edie. Have fun. Stop being your dad’s keeper for a single night. Leave it to me.”

Edie nodded. “Tell him I’m sorry, will you?”

Eddie smiled. “Sure thing.”

He went to go tell another chaperon that he was going out for a smoke and followed Steve out the double doors.

*

Steve was pissed. He had told her over and over again not say anything in front of other people. And yet, she still did it all the time. This was the last straw. There was no way that Eddie didn’t hear her.

Who was pretty much the last person Steve wanted to know. But it was out of the bag now. The question was to tell him why.

A shadow fell over him and he looked up to see the worried expression on Eddie’s face. Of course he was going to tell him. He deserved to know. He just wished it had been on his schedule.

Eddie sat down next to him on the ground and bumped him gently with his shoulder.

He pulled out a cigarette and offered one to Steve, who took it gratefully. Eddie lit both their cigarettes and they smoked in silence for a moment.

“I was going to tell you,” Steve murmured. “About the time I collapsed. Fainted. Whatever. Just...”

“Not in a crowded gymnasium filled with horny teenagers?” Eddie asked.

Steve huffed out a chuckle. “Yeah.”

Eddie looked at him a moment before it clicked. He rolled his head back and licked his lips. “Fuck. It was just before Jay’s funeral, wasn’t it?”

Steve hung his head in shame. “I was at the airport on my way to England when I collapsed in the fucking boarding area.”

Eddie’s head snapped in Steve’s direction. “What?!”

“Edie doesn’t know about that part,” he admitted quietly. “Dustin told her that we were at the house when I fainted. I still don’t know how Dustin kept it out of the press. I suspect Nancy was involved.”

Eddie sighed. “What happened, Stevie?”

Steve let out a sob. “After Andy, I just got so depressed. So...broken. I couldn’t eat, I couldn’t sleep. I understand a lot people with depression actually sleep more. But not me. No, the Upside Down fucked that up too. Edie had just started school and Jeff had to take her.”

“Did he know why?” Eddie asked, gently. He wouldn’t be mad at Jeff if he knew about what happened and he didn’t. Look, he was fucked up, but he wasn’t that fucked up, you know? It was very personal for Steve and if Jeff and Dustin were the only people who knew, then Eddie was grateful damn it.

Steve shook his head. “Not until after the funeral.”

Eddie closed his eyes and opened them slowly. “I’m guessing he took Edie in while you were in the hospital?”

Steve nodded. “Dustin and Suzie couldn’t take her because he had to run the company. After the hospital I was put into on of those fancy rehab centers. Not for drugs or alcohol–”

“For your eating,” Eddie said getting it instantly.

Steve lifted his head as he tried to choke back tears. “Apparently the sports and my parents and the whole fucking Upside Down gave me a really unhealthy relationship with eating.”

Eddie flicked his cigarette out on the pavement and wrapped his arm around him. “I’m sorry you went through all that, sweetheart.”

Steve just started sobbing into his arm, unable to stop once the tears began.

“I’ve got you, Stevie,” Eddie murmured. “I’ve got you.” He kissed the top of Steve’s head fiercely. “I’m here now. It’s not okay and maybe it never will be, but I’m here now. I’ve got you.”

After awhile, Steve’s sobs slackened and he just finally relaxed.

“I didn’t tell you,” he murmured, “because I was afraid that if you knew, you’d pity me. I didn’t want to guilt you into being with me.”

Eddie’s eyes went wide. “You still...”

Steve nodded. “But not yet. I can’t–I just...not yet.”

Eddie hugged him tighter. “Oh sweetheart, I waited twenty years thinking you didn’t return my feelings, I think I can wait at least that knowing that you do.”

Steve took the ring off his hand and slipped it back on Eddie’s right hand, where it belonged. “This is my promise to you. I do want to be with you. Just...I need more time.”

Eddie looked at the ring on his finger and smiled up at Steve. “We’ll still be friends, right?”

Steve let out a watery laugh. “Oh yeah! You’ve got me for life, Munson. You’ll find I’m like a cockroach that way. You’ll never be rid of me now.”

Eddie grinned. “Yeah, okay. I think I can work with that.”

Steve lurched to his feet. “We should probably get back in there before someone decides to burn the school down.”

Eddie laughed. “Yeah, there is probably a version of me in there and I shouldn’t leave them alone for very long.”

Steve laughed too. “Yeah, but it’s the prom king you should look out for.”

Eddie put his arm around Steve’s shoulder and led them back into the gym. “Yeah, why’s that?”

“Because I’m pretty sure I saw him spike the teachers’ table’s punch.”

Eddie blinked. “You mean the punch that was already eighty percent alcohol?”

Steve hummed in response.

“Dead god,” Eddie said wide-eyed. “Those poor teachers are going to have the worst hangovers tomorrow.”

“Not you?” Steve asked, leaning into the warmth that was Eddie Munson.

“Nah, babe,” he said, pulling out a hip flask. “Rule number one of any high school dance is never trust the punch.”

Steve laughed as they walked back through the double doors and back to the dance.

***

Part 16 Part 17  Part 18  Epilogue

Tag List: @spectrum-spectre @estrellami-1 @zerokrox-blog @artiststarme @swimmingbirdrunningrock @gregre369 @pyrohonk​ @trashpocket @goodolefashionedloverboi @chaoticlovingdreamer @maya-custodios-dionach @messrs-weasley @val-from-lawrence @plyerice27 @mightbeasleep @thedragonsaunt @chaoticlovingdreamer @trashpocket @sapphirecobalt-1 @a-little-unsteddie @i-must-potato @danili666  @carlyv @rozzieroos @wonderland-girl143-blog @itsall-taken @steddie-as-they-go @lillemilly @callas-shitshow @bisexualdisastersworld @renaissan-vvitch @immortal-iratze @bookbinderbitch @cardigangoth @lilacrobin @nightmareglitter @nerdsconquerall @stxrcrossed186 

[soupandflowers]

School Dance - Day 1

Made a Tumblr solely for @hongiceweek!!! This is probably all what this will Tumblr contain. I have not written for in years and this is the first that I have so? Please be kind about it. It was really difficult for what I wanted the first half, not to mention I had to cut things out from what I originally planned from my outline. But, I definitely did had an easier time around the second half. Maybe it's noticeable. Or not. Anyways this is set in nation verse. Sorry for the late submission! I'll probably get this uploaded to AO3 when I have a proper account, but please enjoy it here. Tags: Iceland, Hong Kong, Seychelles, Liechtenstein, hurt/comfort, nationverse, school dance, idk how this works Also 3,432 thousand words woops The Gang Joins In a School Dance!

As the group strolls their way down the dusk streets of London, damp lawns are dotted with blooming flowerheads and the clouds reflect the skies’ gradient sunset colors above as if the neighborhood matched the group’s enthusiasm. The friends excitedly babble amongst themselves chatting about the evening that awaits them.

Well, save for Iceland. 

As the sounds of muffled music, dancing, and obnoxious teenagers grow near, Iceland doubts swell and he shoots one more look at Hong Kong, who coolly keeps a steady stroll. Now, Iceland trusts Hong Kong, that’s for sure, but what he isn’t sure about is this boy’s ability to abide by the law and not risk himself getting arrested for it, nevertheless to add his friends to the equation.

And added to the equation that Iceland himself has been unfortunately added to. When Hong Kong called and invited Iceland to a questionable plan, he shot down the idea. Determined to change his mind, Hong Kong had spent the next 10 minutes trying to persuade his best friend to go- in which proved to be ultimately ineffective. However, to his dismay, the rest of his Nordic brothers overheard the conversation and, sold by Hong Kong's idea, they too collectively pestered Iceland to go. Outnumbered, he reluctantly agreed.

Fast forward to now, his reluctance still hasn't changed. Iceland, who once again is wondering if this is the best way to spend his little free time, glances warily ahead at the chirpy other three, who are now all flaunting in their best attire. 

“Lili! Let me help you out with your bow!”, exclaims Seychelles as she trots behind a flustered Liechtenstein . Hong Kong chuckles in their direction as he strolls alongside them. Hong Kong is sporting one of his best suits from England, while Seychelles nearly trips over her glittery blue long-dress, Liechtenstein fiddles with her rose colored and frilly outfit and as for Iceland… he opted for his world meeting attire.

As they near the high school building, Iceland slows to a halt. At his pause- the rest of the group turns back to look at him in confusion.

"Okay, Leon, are you actually sure about this?", stresses Iceland. "Because getting me to come here is one thing, but do you have any idea how we're actually going to enter?"

Hong Kong only returns a puzzled look.

"I mean, surely these people would realize we’re not actually students, right? That they realize who we actually are and we’re not supposed to be here."

"Yeah and? That's fine.” Hong Kong turns and continues walking.  “The worst that happens is that we get turned away. We'll just find some other way to crash."

“What the hell do you mean “crash!?” Iceland catches up next to him with the girls following right behind them.  “If we get caught, our bosses are going to give us hell for intruding amongst humans, especially in a private event!”

“Um, he’s got a point..”, Liechtenstein timidly adds. Hong Kong shrugs and passes Iceland,  striding forward to the gym entrance.

"No- You can’t just waltz right in...” And then Hong Kong proceeds to waltz right in.

Iceland’s face scrunches in disbelief. He watches his best friend disappear into the crowd.

Seychelles, not wanting to miss out, takes Liechtenstein's wrist and brushes past Iceland, eagerly following Hong Kong’s lead.

Iceland was left dumbstruck and he stood there for a solid minute. 

Through the entrance, colored spotlights flash accompanied by blaring party music, as voices of mingling students contribute to the racket.

Iceland cringes warily at the immense atmosphere. He heaves a frustrated sigh and subsides into the crowd to find the others.

—

As Iceland navigates his way through the gym, the music is blaring in his ears and already he feels suffocated by the swarm of people around him. Not even too long into the event and he already feels like all the noise and lights is trying to burst his head open. Hoping to find a familiar face soon, he scans the room as he struggles his way through the crowd. Fortunately, he didn’t need to take very long.

To his left, he spots Liechtenstein in the corner- who is hovering by the food stand and warily looking amongst the party around her.

He pushes his way through the crowd and upon approach, Liechtenstein’s shoulders lowers in his presence. Iceland returns with a polite gesture and glances around Liechtenstein.

He raises an eyebrow, “Where’s Jaqueline? Weren’t you with her?” 

Liechtenstein blinks. “Oh, Jaqueline? We were together, but she got caught up in the crowd.. And then I couldn’t find her.”

“Really? I know she wanders off easily, but I didn’t think she would leave you behind like that.”

“I don’t think she meant to do so.”, she sighs. “But regardless I tried looking for her and I cannot find her…” Iceland places a reassuring hand on the girl’s shoulder. “Ah geez. Well, at the very least we can look for her together. In which.. have you seen Leon as well?” “Uhh..”, before she could begin her sentence their conversation is immediately interrupted by Seychelles bursting from the crowd, waving her hand up high and smiling and running up to the pair.

“Lili! Lili, Lili, Lili!”, smiles Seychelles. She runs up to her and takes both of her hands, holding it and starts apologizing profusely. “I am sososososooooo sorry for leaving you behind like that! I tried to find you but I got swept away and I was like freaking out because we got separated and I tried to asking others for help but there was this really mean group of boys who were so rude for no reason and then these girls came along and-” “Yo, Jaque!!”, shouts an unfamiliar voice. A teenage girl in a seafoam dress also emerges as well with 4 other girls trailing behind her. “Where did you go, and-”, Seafoam glances behind Seychelles. ”Oh my gosh, is this your friend who you were talking about? Oh my god she is so adorable!!”

Liechtenstein smiles nervously and blushes, as the other girls surround her and start showering her with compliments and questions about herself and her attire, as Seychelles looks proudly at her best friend. 

Meanwhile, Iceland is to the side watching the girls’ shenanigans unfold, unsure what to say, especially not when he didn’t understand the social manners of the opposite gender. 

He wouldn’t admit it, but seeing the girls interact and socialize with ease makes Iceland a little bit envious. People is something that Iceland has yet to figure out completely. 

“Oh!” Seychelles looks past the girls and finally notices Iceland. “I didn’t even notice you were there!” “Oh, uh- don’t worry about it, it’s fine”, shrugs Iceland, trying to play it off. Seychelles steers off from the group and trots towards Iceland. 

“I didn’t actually think you would come join.” “Well, I don’t know”, Iceland’s brow furrows. “I’m only here because I got dragged to it in the first place, alright? Otherwise, I wouldn’t know what else to do with my time.”

Seychelles grins and places a hand on Iceland’s shoulder. “Well, I’m sure happy that you decided to come along, Emil! It’s not very often that we get to hang out, do we?” “I guess so, but I’m still not very sure of this.” “About getting caught? I don’t think it’s been an issue so far.” “No, not that- well, yes, actually you’re not wrong about that but like”- he puts his hand on his chin. “I’m not used to events like these, especially with a lot of people at once.”

“Hm? But there’s always the world meetings and you’ve never had any issues with that?”

“That’s because I’m with my brothers. Outside of you, Lili, and Leon, the only people that I’ve interacted with were out of diplomacy- not for getting to know them.”

“Well…”, Seychelles smiles widen and her eyes meets Iceland’s. “Then why don’t we try helping you with that?”

“What?” Suddenly, Seychelles turns out and cups her mouth with her hands.

“HEY GUYS!!”, Seychelles calls out to her new profound friends who were exchanging accessories amongst each other. “COME MEET MY OTHER BEST FRIEND!!”

Iceland falters back and his face flushes in surprise. It also does not help that Seychelles sudden shouting has also drawn the attention of the other students. The group of girls run over and greet him enthusiastically.

Seychelles steps aside and proudly introduces him. “Like I said, this is my other best friend, Emil! He knows a lot about poetry, can read maps pretty well, and knows super awesome Norse stuff!” As the girls nod in response, Seychelles’ comments pique the interest of a girl in a yellow dress. “Ohhh, really? I study European history too! What do you know?”

Iceland rubs the back of his neck. “Oh, uh- for starters…”

The girls introduce themselves to Iceland and he exchanges the gesture in return. For a while, conversation and different topics ended up being thrown around in exchange, with Liechtenstein and Seychelles tuning in to the group. For someone not used to being surrounded by those unfamiliar to him, especially not all at once, Iceland finds himself starting to think that maybe it was not such a bad idea to come along after all. Although he can’t quite put his finger on it, there seems to be something missing.

Suddenly, the familiar tunes of obnoxious electronic beats and hip-hop come onto the speakers that Iceland and God knows that only one person can enjoy. He looks up to the far end of the gym.

Hong Kong has taken over the DJ System at the front of the stage. He has upped the blaring stage lights to flicker faster and has turned the volume to full max and is furiously headbanging to the terrible rap music that he has put on. He grabs a mic and fist-pumps it into the air. “LET'S HEAR IT FOR GROVELAND HIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIGHHHH!!”

The audience uproars in response and their partying immenses. Seychelles and Liechtenstein beams and cheers at Hong Kong’s sudden takeover while Iceland stands there agape at what he is witnessing. 

What the genuine fuck??? wonders Iceland.

Hong Kong spots him in the crowd. They make eye contact. As Iceland's puzzled gaze meets him- Hong Kong only returns with a smirk.

Hong Kong points to Iceland in the crowd. “This next one goes out to my one and only man, Emil!!” 

And then Hong Kong proceeds to play a popular track from an Icelandic band. 

Hong Kong beams brightly at him from the stand, but Iceland can’t help but feel like a deer in headlights. As the other students turn to look at him, some staring and some giggling, Iceland can only stand there dumbfoundedly in embarrassment at the sudden turn of events against him. Nevermind that he was willing to give socializing a chance; he’s just been singled out with all eyes on him. 

Suddenly, Iceland nearly trips over himself as Seychelles drags him and Liechtenstein to the dancefloor, with the newly befriended teenagers joining in. As Iceland regains his balance, Seychelles takes Liechtenstein by the hands and they start dancing together. Liechtenstein is taken by surprise and her footing is off, but Seychelles guides her pacing and soon enough; they’re frolicking and laughing on the dancefloor. 

Iceland just blinks, who is once again unsure what to do next. As if the prom wasn’t overwhelming enough, being in the center of it only amplified it. His head is starting to throb. The music is blaring and it's a racket to his ears. The flickering of the lights have only grown more colorful and intensified. As everyone is jumping up and down around him, it’s already making him weary. He tries to exit the crowd, but someone shoves into him. They snarl at him. He apologizes, but he can barely hear himself over the noise.  

With this many things to process all at once, he is already weary. He hasn’t been here for that long, but Iceland feels so pathetic for getting so overwhelmed in a short amount of time. To give reaching out a chance, it’s something that he is no longer sure he’ll ever be able to figure out. Sure, that thought sounds irrational, but it’s a feeling he is unfortunately familiar with by now.

Then, he feels a familiar presence appear right beside him. 

“You okay?”, asks Hong Kong.

“Huh?”, Iceland slightly falters back and faces Hong Kong. The boy is giving him a concerned look. Realizing that Hong Kong was just on the stage only a couple of moments ago, he turns and squints up at the stage to see the former DJ handling the booth again. His look is frustrated as he figures out how to restore the original playlist. The DJ presses something and all of a sudden, the music amplifies even louder, causing Iceland to wince. From the look of the DJ, it is safe to assume it was an accident.

“I said, are you okay?!”, shouts Hong Kong. Iceland turns back to meet Hong Kong’s gaze and not wanting to look meek in front of his best friend, only responds with a weary nod and squeezes his eyes shut. Hong Kong shoots him a concerned look and grabs his hand, leading him through the crowd.

As Hong Kong navigates him, Iceland’s eyes are still squeezed shut and he presses his palm to his forehead. He squeezes Hong Kong’s hand and feels himself shuffling in between the party goers as they exit the crowd. As Iceland keeps his head down, he thinks about how stuffy the gym is and the mere embarrassment of his social progress only coming up short handed.

The noise gradually grows distant and he hears the opening of a door and shutting behind them. He opens his eyes and much to his relief, they’re back outside with the party now merely muffled behind him. The sun is long gone and it’s already dark. “Thanks”, mutters Iceland. At the warmth of the evening, he removes his coat. Hong Kong clasps his shoulder and steers them to a nearby bench under a tree. They both sit down. 

For a moment, it’s still between the two of them. Trying to pull himself back together, Iceland looks amongst the warm lights emitting from the windows of the neighborhood. The warm May breeze parts his hair. The only thing he hears is a distant family arriving home and the bare noise of the school gym.

Other than that, all is quiet, but it’s a pleasant contrast compared to where he was before. Iceland sags forward and rests his head on his fist. He glances over to Hong Kong who is studying him. He watches the street lamps turn on behind him. “Hey.” “Hm?” “Sorry about earlier.” “Ah. It’s alright.”

“Not really? Given the look on your face earlier.” “Well I mean, yeah, of course I wouldn’t enjoy being singled out like that.”, uncomfortable, Iceland looks the opposite way. “But it’s fine.” “Mmm..”, unsure what to say either, Hong Kong leans back against the bench. A moment of awkward silence sits between them.

Hong Kong breathes in. “I’m also really sorry for forcing you into this.” Iceland sighs. “No really, don’t worry about it. But, I’d think I’d rather just stay out here. Don’t you have a party to go back to?” “Sure, I guess, but what’s the point if you’re not even there?” “Huh?” Iceland looks back at Hong Kong, whose arms are now sprawled on the top part of the bench and his eyes are apathetically staring ahead. “Like, I wanted to hang out with you again. Lili and Jaque are easy to pull in, but it’s been a couple of months since I’ve last seen you. Excluding the calls,” Hong Kong nudges Iceland’s arm with the back of his hand. “I’ve missed you, man.” Iceland’s brow furrows. Great. Now he feels like a jerk for even complaining in the first place. 

Socializing has never been his forte, but for the past few months, he’s brought himself further away from the rest of the world, secluding himself to the Nordics and the occasional foreign nation for diplomacy, but besides that, he never realized it and it was for reasons he was unsure why.  Now, he is dealing with the pang of guilt of realizing that upon his negligence, his friends have been missing him.

Iceland was unsure how to respond, but Hong Kong seems to have already read his mind. “I thought sneaking into some high school prom would help get you back out there. After all it’s just a bunch of teenagers, who are like, waaaay less serious than adults. In which you have been spending all your time around with.”, Hong Kong jokes, but returns back to his concerned demeanor. “But I guess I thought wrong and it upset you. It didn’t work out.”, Hong Kong sighs. “I apologize.” “No..”, Iceland glances back. “You did your best. I can tell you at the very least, you’ve gotten some success.” Iceland gives his friend a lighthearted grin, who returns with a raised eyebrow and a smirk. “Watcha mean?” “I mean, more like Seychelles had more success. Have you seen her? I don’t know how she did it, but she managed to befriend like 5 or so people within like 15 minutes.” Iceland chuckles. “Suddenly, her friends were swarming Lili and then she redirected them towards me, all of them asking about Iceland and history and stuff like a swarm of Puffins and a Herring!” Hong Kong’s grin widens. “Really? I thought I was irrational, but I’m starting to think she is like, way more impulsive than me.” Iceland gives him a light punch on the shoulder. “You still called me out and played fucking Icelandic rock. What the hell is wrong with you, man?” “Hey, I’m still sorry about that.” “Even then, how the hell did you even get up there? I swear to God, there was some guy before and he was not you.” “Gift from Alfred to Matthew to me, the guy’s got like serious fireworks.” “You brought fireworks!?” “Ehhh, just a small one. Got the guy distracted long enough for me to take over.” “You’re so fucking stupid.” “I know.” They both grin at each other and they burst out laughing. As the crickets begin to overtake the grasses and early birds residents dim their lights off for the night, the laughter of two, flawful boys fill their air. Maybe Iceland can’t get around to understanding people just yet, but even then, as Iceland watches Hong Kong’s smile grow, he at least realizes how much people would be willing to try to understand him. Ironically, for that alone, is all that needs his knows to willingly take the first step in reconnecting again. And Hong Kong seems to be his first step. Iceland couldn’t imagine any better option. Abruptly in the distance, a door slams open and the boys whirl their direction back towards the school. They see Seychelles and Liechtenstein bolting out of the gym with a group of teachers sprinting after them. Back at the gym entrance, the students are gathered and the peaceful night air is interrupted by collective howling and cheering for the girls.

“RUN!!! RUN!! THEY’VE FOUND US OUT!!!”, Seychelles screams at the two and the girls run past them. The boys immediately got up and started sprinting after the girls. “Nevermind, I think Jaque is more stupid!!”, shouts Iceland. They both crack a smile and they both burst into another round of laughter as Seychelles yell at the both of them. Despite currently being chased, Iceland feels everyone’s spirits high and he laughs louder with Hong Kong beside him. Then, they run off into the night.

[lovejosephquinn]

Love! I just thought of this, Joseph wants to take reader on a nice date but the reader pouts that she has no clothes to wear. But the reader’s closet is filled with clothes, new too. He gives her a look and picks out an outfit for her 🥰

Say no more bestie ❤

One fluffy saviour and adorable Joey coming right up

Sitting atop the stool against the island in the kitchen of your flat, Joe was in the shower, so you took the opportunity to check your phone after a long shift at work, you'd not touched it since you started this morning and gotten so flooded with stuff to do, getting it out of your bag you opened the text you received from Joe a few hours prior.

'You, me, dinner at our favourite place tonight. Be ready for 7pm beautiful.'

You placed your now locked phone on the side, ignoring the other notifications you had and began rubbing at your eyes with your fingers. Tapping back to see the time it was just after 6pm. You had just under an hour to make yourself look reasonable.

You dragged yourself into your bedroom, making yourself look somewhat presentable by freshening up your hair and makeup, your stomach rumbled at the thought of the beautiful Italian food that you'd be consuming in the next couple of hours. But the next hurdle to tackle was what in the hell you were going to wear. Even though you'd been with Joe for a couple of years, you still liked to make an impression when you went out together, just as he did you.

You paced around your bed for a couple of minutes trying to imagine an outfit suitable in your head. Sitting on the edge of the mattress after your brain giving you no answer to your problem, Joe wandered in smiling at the sight before him. "Hi pretty girl, how was your day?"

You shot a look up to him of irritation but smiled anyway, trying to hide it. "Busy, but I just got your text and now I'm freaking out."

Joe's puzzled face stared down at you, droplets of water skimming down his forehead from his undried curls. "Freaking out, why?"

"Because I have nothing to wear."

He outright laughed at your worry. "You always say that, yet you always manage look so beautiful in anything you wear." he pointed at the closet next to him. "You have plenty of clothes."

You huffed a sigh watching his humoured expression. "Nothing I want to wear." Joe opened the door, sneaking a look inside.

"Well, what's that hanging above your shoes?"

Your now bewildered appearance saw you stood up and mooch over to the closet, switching the light on and turning your gaze over to the right of you was the most beautiful red satin slit dress you'd ever laid eyes on, your eyes fluttered a huge twinkle as you turned back to Joe and leaped into his arms.

"Oh, my goodness, it's beautiful! When did you- How did you- Why?"

"Because first of all I knew you'd panic when I threw the idea of a fancy dinner date onto you at last minute and second, because you're my girl and you deserve to be spoilt, you spoil me in return by wearing it and making me the proudest boyfriend to have you on my arm in all of London."

You tightened your grip around the back of his neck, giving your boyfriend the sloppiest peck on the lips.

"You know me too well. Honestly, thank you, you didn't have to do this."

"Seeing your face light up makes doing anything for you an easy job, baby. Big or small. You're worth it all."

[thewertsearch]

TT: When was it exactly that you read my walkthrough? GA: A While Ago [...] GA: Ive Been Experiencing Something Like GA: Impression Whiplash GA: Since That Time [...] GA: At First I Thought You Were Foolish And Incompetent TT: My apologies for whatever misstep I may have taken to dispel that impression. TT: It was an honest mistake, I swear.

If you're still wondering why Rose is my favorite character, observe how she flips on a dime from an ominous justification to flirtatious self-deprecation.

GA: That Was A Very Snarky Remark That Happened Just Now GA: Stratified By Your Signature Varieties Of Insincerity Which Cut Through The Literal Meaning Of The Statement Like Colorful Ribbons GA: And The Net Intent Is Something Maddening To Try To Know GA: Its Meaning I Think Exists At The Inscrutable Nexus Of Semantic Space Where Humor Chafes Against Soft Malice GA: A Place Perhaps The Human Mind Occupies More Comfortably I Dont Know GA: Xenopsychology Isnt My Strong Suit

But trolls like Terezi and Karkat are pretty good at this sort of thing, and Alternians do, in fact, have a concept of sarcasm. Post-Hivebent, it's starting to feel like Kanaya, specifically, struggles with certain social cues.

Her mind games with Rose were sophisticated, and she put a lot of effort into puzzling them out. It occurs to me that if your first instinct is to logic your way into a friendship, maybe it's because the rules of friendship aren't intuitive to you.

Hell, it's even possible that it's Kanaya's logical approach to relationships that made her such a popular auspistice on Alternia. After all, logic in teenage relationships is in short supply.

GA: Why Dont You Put The Turtle Ruins Down GA: And Return To Your House GA: I Have Sketched Some New Outfits For You That I Think Are Nice GA: We Could Try To Make Them

That didn't work out too well last time - but I like that you're willing to try again.

Rose is in over her head, but she's no Vriska.

TT: Maybe later. GA: What If There Isnt A Later TT: Well, we already know there won't be. [...] GA: There Not Being A Later Might Happen Sooner Than You Think [...] GA: For You Specifically

Ah, shit.

[draft-void]

DV!Underswap Cyan characters

Finally! Here are the designs for the USC AU! Here is the first part, introducing Martlet, Dalv, Chujin, and Ceroba!

It went surprisingly well drawing the four since I'm used to drawing skeletons and humans, and I barely draw animals and other creatures, anthropomorphic or not.

Though I gotta say that Chujin and Ceroba (mostly Ceroba) gave me hell designing them, so I had to research the costumes (why are there so many sexualized samurai outfits for women-) and use reference from other UTY Swap AUs-

Anyways, the info is down below!

------------------------------------------------------

Martlet "Are you... a human? N-no, it can't be. It cannot be. Your kind has hurt and attacked us even if we were trapped down here. Why? Why are you here to torment us?? Y-You have to leave. NOW."

Swapped with Dalv

Former Royal Guard and expert builder

Resigned ever since the attack in Snowdin

Born without feet, so she built mechanical legs to replace it

Very paranoid. She used to be cheerful and peppy until the Snowdin attack.

Because of her paranoia, she built MANY traps and puzzles around the Dark Ruins, making the area difficult to explore.

Has guilt from failing to protect the monsters in Snowdin

If spared in a Pacifist / Compassion run, she will become friendly to Kanako despite the awkwardness.

In a Genocide / Cruelty run, she will try and stop Kanako from going out of the Ruins.

Friends with Clover and Dalv

Dalv "Dalv, Master of Puzzles! I am here to stop you, human! ... Quick question, was that good?"

Swapped with Martlet

The "Puzzle Master" and watcher of Snowdin

Accompanies Kanako if you spare him

Who let this guy become a builder or something? His puzzles usually collapse or ends up in smoke

Most children sees him as a funny man, but a few fellows from Snowdin sees him and his puzzles as a nuisance

Tries to act cheerful and confident, but he's a mess on the inside

Actually introverted and awkward

Has a strong morale to protect Snowdin even if he didn't live there yet at the time of the attack

Despite his crappy ability at building puzzles and traps, he prefers growing vegetables and writing. The young monsters in Snowdin likes his stories

Fears befriending others as they might leave him in the end

Befriended Martlet even if he hadn't seen her until the True Pacifist / Patience ending. He'd usually give her corn through the closed door and tell her stories about the puzzles. Martlet usually listens to his puzzle stories and gives him a few tips on improving his failed puzzles.

Ceroba Ketsukane "East Sun" "Stop right there, intruder! You have come across the borders of the Far East! You don't want to face the wrath and justice of the East Sun Samurai!"

Swapped with Starlo

Known as the "East Sun Samurai", called East Sun for short

Chujin's wife

Very skilled with swords and fighting even if the whole "Far West" stuff is just for fun and roleplay stuff

Energetic and adventurous

Knows everyone... but she struggles knowing things about herself.

The sun of the Forest Caves, though her samurai antics come off as a bit anoying sometimes

Has a short temper

Gets carried away, and it sometimes end up doing things that she regrets (for a very short period of time)

On the inside, she's full of grief from losing Starlo and Clover. Seeing Kanako reminds her of Clover.

She just wants to make Chujin happy, that's the whole point of this samurai thing. Even if one day she might fully lose a sense of who she used to be and truly is.

Chujin Ketsukane "No matter what, I try to do good for humanity and fix my mistakes. But one after another... it just takes something away from me in the end."

Swapped with Ceroba

Given the role as "The Wise Mentor", gives advice and knowledge to East Sun

Former Royal Scientist

Ceroba's husband

Resigned after Clover's disappearance

Skilled with swords and magic

Very knowledgable... he's a nerd lol

Silent, observant, and mysterious

Used to be a brilliant and cheerful scientist until the events after the Snowdin attack

Secretly likes aliens and Ben 10

Resents Queen Toriel for her cowardice

Doesn't speak his opinions until something doesn't serve others well

Realistic except for when it comes to his goals and dreams

Straightforward and prefers to end matters quickly. Get's annoyed if it takes too long.

Before, many sees him as a scientist who can do anything. But for Chujin himself, one mistake proved otherwise.

Very secretive and hides it well

Will achieve his goals... even if it comes with consequence and it destroys him from the inside.

[dorayakimanjiro]

Imagine Revali watching the Barbie Movie

After watching the Barbie Movie myself, I got curious if Revali would be willing to go to the movie.... it's been like 3 weeks since I watched the movie but school's been awful with homework and team assingments. Finally found the motivation to finish this :)

Enjoy^^

This was the pinkiest photo I found of Revali *.*

"Hey Revali! Lets go watch the Barbie movie"

"Is this a serios suggestion? You think that a champion as great as I would even consider watching such... such tripe?" His in denial at first.

You try gaslighting him with "All the other champions are gonna watch it, even Link and Princess Zelda"

"Don't be absurd. I'm not going to be wasting my time with a girl's movie"

"Excuse ME?!? The Barbie Movie is an cinematic masterpiece fyi, everyone honors it by wearing pink clothes to the theater, it's way superior than all your mocking nonsense" your confidence on to cuz NO ONE has the right to insult the Barbie Movie.

"Very well, if you wish. But know my reputation and dignity wil be tarnished in the process, because it's nothing more than a silly, feminine diversion. Nothing of importance"

'THIS LITTEL BI-...' you save the thought.

"I have you know that even the king of Hyrule, King Rhoam loved the Barbie movie, that man has good taste. PERIODT.

Revali sights in defeat, tired of your whims "Whatever, let's just watch this"

"YAS! That's the spirit! Now... we need to change into something pink and I just have the perfect outfit for myself!"

Revali rolls his eyes "Ugh! Changing clothes... You can't be serious?

You slowly reveal a pink scarf that has been hiding in your back.

A big mischievous smile on your face.

"No, absolutely NOT!" Revali stutters at seeing the scarf.

"Yes, absolutely YES!"

"I refuse the scarf! There's no way in hell I'm wearing-"

You both are in the theater buying your movie tickets with Revali wearing his pink scarf.

"I- this is ridiculous!" Looks around, sees everyone's wearing pink clothes.

"Why did I let you drag me into this?!"

"Cuz I'm ur cool friend who keeps you updated with the latest trends and besides, you had all the right to refuse it yet here you are~" cheeky smiles at him.

"Because you were persistent..." he mutters under his breath.

"Hmm yeah, whatever. Lets go to the movie!!"

"Alright, fine" he groans and walk's after her to the theater, "So... this movie is about Barbie? A doll?" he asks.

"Exactly! A live-action movie about the doll"

"...And let me guess. Barbie has a lot of adventures?

"She is EVERYTHING you could ever dreamt of being; she's an astronaut, a doctor, a firefighter, a lawyer, she graduated from every possible career" they enter to the movie theater.

"Wait... she graduated from being..what?-"

"Look! Everyone's in pink clothing! How cool is that!?"

"Why did I agree to this?" he mutters to himself.

They sit of their assigned seats.

"You're not seriously going to... enjoy this?" Revali asks.

"I'm gonna enjoy this with. every. single. cell. in my body-" interrupting your menancing speak, you turn to the source who called you out.

It was Urbosa!!! With Link and Zelda seating besides her.

"Gurl! What are you doing here?! Zelda and Link! Hii guys!" you happily greet and wave at them.

"Wait...why are they here too?"

The guy in the fronts seats recognizes your voice and turns around to greet you, it was Daruk!

"Ayo Daruk! You're also here?! Gosh this is epic" High-fives Daruk.

You feel a gentle hand poking your head, turning you head, Mipha and Sidon were also here!! Seating behind us.

"GUYS!! All the homies are in the house! Let's freaking GOOO!"

Revali is genuinely puzzled at this point "What in the... Why is everyone here?"

All the champions congratulate you for convincing Revali to come watch Barbie "I told you all I could easily managed it! Piece of cake" you brag.

Revali sighs in resignations "This is a nightmare"

"This gotta be the best day of my life!" you rejoice.

"I'm gonna to die of embarrasment. What will everyone think of me now that I've been seen in pink and attending some ridiculous girlie movie that's supposed to be entertaining?! Oh Goddess...

Raising your eyebrow and asks shamelessly to the champions, "Do you guys think Revali's ridiculous for wearing pink and coming to the Barbie movie?"

"Don't you DARE-"

Revali's threat was cutoff by the champions replies.

Urbosa feels glad Revali's here, she thinks his mind need a break from all his intense training and champion's duties. Daruk comments he's glad Revali is trying new stuff out of training stuff. Everyone agrees with both champion's statements.

"Told ya"

Revali is too stunned to say anything, he still can't believe this situation you dragged him into..... or that he's wearing pink.

"You're a little to hard on yourself, just relax" Offers him popcorn.

Taking the popcorn, still shocked and embarrassed, he quietly looks down, a low "...thank you" comes out of his peak.

"It's nothing. Oh! The movie's about to start!"

The movie starts and he's secretly watching it.

After 20 minutes into the movie he slowly starts enjoying it, even admiting to himsef it's quite comical.

He gives up and finally admits he IS enjoying the movie.

Thinks about the Mojo Dojo Casa House a lot.

Eventually chuckles at the funny scenes, keeps it lowkey.

Once the movie is over, you DEFINETELY tease him about how he actually liked the movie.

Even thought he tried to be annoyed, he can't hide the fact he liked it.

And for the cherry on top, you both went to have dinner in a spicy fried chicken restaurant and had a competition of how could it the chicken the fastest....

And of course Revali won, has an advantage considering his peak.

[snowfrostssimp-books]

HARLIVY'S CHILD

Grow up absolutely loved and cherished.

You always had space to be yourself and be confident in your ways.

Reluctantly on your part joined the Batbrats but they treat you like family.

Alfred helping you stitch up after a mission since your moms are at home binging the pottery wars or something.

"Uncle A, I got shot again." "Sit down child."

"Don't worry he looks much worse than me." "I don't doubt it."

"What will my moms say?" "They'll go on a bounty huny if not already on one." "Right, Ma talks with plants like me." "Hmm."

Bruce secretly adores your.

"Hey uncle B." "Can I help you?"

Dick sees you as an annoying little sister. "Hey Mr Glutes." "It's weird because your moms also call me that." "Suck it up."

Batgirl is like your big sister that Harlivy easily get annoyed with. But let's it slide cuz she's a good influence on you.

"BG, how you been?" "Hey you! How's training going?"

Damien is confused but not repulsed by your company.

"Batbrat stop with acting like you're a sweet potato pie." "I don't have to act. I just am."

Best schools attended. Genius child. Duh look at your moms.

Gymnastic training. Variety of martial arts training. How to connect with the green training.

Gardening with Ivy and anti-heroing with Harley.

You're 70% Anti-hero.

The other 30% dislikes humans.

Missions goes something like this...

Nightwing: "Give it up Riddler we solved the puzzle."

Riddler: "No. You cheated."

Y/n: "Uncle R, why don't you come in peacefully and I'll show you the unsolvable puzzle book collection I got for my birthday?"

Riddler: "Unsolvable?"

Y/n: "So I've been told."

Riddler: "Fine, lemme see it."

Most of the Rogues are actually just like your aunts and uncles. They're your family but you have no problem with kicking their asses if need be.

"Aunty L, you coming for dinner?" "I should be out by Friday kid." "See you then."

You, weirdly enough, get spoiled by Joker much to Ivy and Harley's dismay.

"Hey J, I got your present and I like it. Thanks." "Anytime."

No one knows why he cares but people suspect it was his wife's doing.

Harley and Ivy can be hard on you wanting you to be your best version of yourself. But you still have many rants with them knowing they won't judge and feeling comfortable with them.

You tend to seek comfort from Ivy but when you need a cry you'll go to Harley she's much better at comforting you.

Ivy doesn't do good with tears, but atleast she's learned hugging works so if you start crying she just hugs you letting you cry into her shoulder.

May the gods have mercy on whoever hurts you because your moms sure as hell won't.

You got 2 cats from Selina who's like your cool wine aunt.

The others are confused at how much Selina adores you but your moms love it.

"I'll name them Bruce Jnr and Selina Jnr." "Just like your mom, you suck at naming animals." "You named your cat Isis, Aunty Sel, you can't judge."

Kingshark is your favourite uncle/babysitter.

"And to hack the govermen is easy." He teaches you how to hack like a pro.

Shark hugs all around.

Clayface would always morph into you and you'd be fascinated by the sudden appearance of a twin.

Clayface loves taking you on shopping sprees even if you don't like it as much you enjoy seeing him try on outfits and rant about what characters it fitted. You loved letting and watching him delve onto his creative mind. Often asking more about the characters letting Clayface get lost in his world of imagination.

The Justice League has recruited you but you didn't like being associated with them but always help out when they need it. You're on their 'Phone In Case Of Emergency' list.

Bane is your favourite uncle.

"Big B, are we going to the dog show next month?" "You bet we are!"

Sometimes you take him to the spa for a day to just relax or go to the gym with him to blow off some steam.

Beware any creeps that stare at you for too long. "Bane sees you staring at my gym partner!" He doesn't care if everyone hears and looks over.

Lex has tried recruiting you for The Legion Of Doom but Ivy made it clear just how she disapproved of his choices. Harley made sure to also give him a piece of her mind.

You live a free and wild life but you have protection around every corner on every side. The Batfamily. The Rogeus. All your family.

[asterkiss]

"I thought I heard your footsteps in the hall" Make it mysterious if you can

This one had been stumped for a while hence the wait!

-KNOCK KNOCK

Mabel was in her shared bedroom with Dipper posting some more pictures in her scrapbook when she heard movement from outside.

She bounced up from her spot on the bed, quickly wandering over and throwing the door to the attic open wtih a grin. 'I thought I heard your footsteps—'

Except nobody was there.

Her grin faltered, replaced by a puzzled frown. She could have sworn she heard Bill's familiar footsteps.

She closed the door. 'Guess I'm hearing things.'

But as she turned back around she stopped dead in her tracks. Because there, laying on her bed amongst her scrapbook material, was her.

'Wait, huh?'

Knock. Knock.

The brunette flinched, swivelling back around on her heel with wide eyes at the closed door. She quickly looked back to the bed where she was sleeping except she wasn't! She was standing right here!

Then did that mean... she was dreaming right now?

Knock. Knock.

Mabel snapped her head around at the knocking that sounded much more insistent, almost as if it was responding to her internal thoughts and confirming them.

Oh boy.

'Um, hello?' she asked, stepping towards the door. There was no answer. Urgh, creepy. 'Bill? Is that you? I thought I told you not to invade my dreams without permission!'

Still no answer.

She reached out for the door handle, feeling uneasy. But just before she could turn it there came a reply:

'Don't open the door, Shooting Star.'

She froze. The voice had come from the other side. 'Bill?' She blinked. 'Why not? What are you playing at anyway?' She began to turn the handle.

'Don't open it.'

The girl froze at the guttural growl lacing his words. '...Why not? It's you, right? On the other side of the door, I mean.'

'Exactly.'

Her eyebrows furrowed together and she released an exasperated groan. 'I don't get it, why are you being so weird and creepy? You're the one who came here!'

'Eh, it's more like I got dragged here. It's... a weird and long story.'

'Huh?' She began to turn the handle again only for something heavy to slam against the door with such velocity it rattled the hinges. Mabel jumped back in surprise, eyes wide. 'What the hell!?'

'Quit being a brat and do as I say unless you want to know what nightmares are made out of,' Bill hissed from the other side.

'I don't get it, what happens if I open the door?'

'You don't wanna know.'

'But it's you, right? And we're- I mean, we're sort of allies now. You wouldn't hurt me.'

A pause and there was a tapping as if he was drumming his fingertips along the wood. 'I don't really get a say in that right now, Shooting Star.'

'What the heck does that mean?'

'It means I'm a demon, kid. And there's a lot you don't understand. So for both our sakes, do me a favour and don't open the door regardless of what you hear. I kinda like you and it'd be a shame to lose that.'

A chill ran through her spine. Spooky. 'You like me?'

'....Seriously, that's the part you focus on?'

She shuffled on her feet for a moment before approaching the door once again. Placing her back against it, she slid down to sit on the floor in front, hugging her knees to her chest. She heard a soft thump on the other side and wondered if he was doing the same. Urgh, her curiosity was eating her up! She seriously wanted to open the door. What if he was just in a super embarrasing outfit or something and that's why he was acting all shy?

...No, she'd behave. This time anyway.

'I kinda like you too. When you're not being crazy and trying to take over the world or kill my family and friends, we get along.'

'Heh.'

Welp, guess she was waiting here for a while.

...

'You're not like naked on the other side of this door, right?'

'If it was just me being naked, things would be a lot more simple, kid.'

'Hmm. Noted.'

[hikari-ni-naritai]

3 6 10 11 12 18 21 23 26 27 29 30 31 36 45 50 52 54 55 57 58 59 60 62 69 (nice) 74 76 86 87 90 95 97

3. bubblegum or cotton candy?

man . theyre both kinda. painfully sweet. bubblegum i guess? i also like cotton candy tho its just hard to pick

6. pastel, boho, tomboy, preppy, goth, grunge, formal or sportswear?

i dotn know what like. most of these words mean. how are half of these related even. tomboy.

10. game you were best at in p.e.?

man i fucked hard at dodgeball

11. what you have for breakfast on an average day?

these days shredded wheat

12. name of your favorite playlist?

the fuck is a playlist

18. ideal weather?

yknow, cloudy, warm, smells like its about to rain

21. obsession from childhood?

warriors cats babeyyyy. and bionicles

23. strange habits?

man i KNOW ive got some but i cant think what they are. i do this wrist flick manoeuver to crack it.

26. favorite activity to do in warm weather?

if im actually out in the warm weather? take a nice walk maybe.

27. favorite activity to do in cold weather?

yknow. i havent done it in ages but i really like doing jigsaw puzzles. maybe put some jazz on.

29. best way to bond with you?

i dunno honestly! i dont have an answer to this one. it takes a lot of time and effort i think.

30. places that you find sacred?

the woods. the woods the woods the woods you have no idea. the woods. its the woods.

31. what outfit do you wear to kick ass and take names?

i would die if i tried to do either of those things

36. what is the first meme you remember ever seeing?

like...... charlie the unicorn i think.

45. which genre: sci-fi, fantasy or superhero?

fantasy obv

50. what made you laugh the hardest you ever have?

god there was something that destroyed me but idr what it was. the hardest in recent memory was me trying to tell a REALLY really stupid joke that wont make sense to any of you. i did not manage to say it bc i was laughing too hard.

52. favorite font?

i absolutely do not have an opinion on this

54. what did you learn from your first job?

you know at mcdonalds in order to work the grill you have to be willing to put your arms under a hot piece of metal that drips boiling grease on you? thats what i learned.

55. favorite fairy tale?

what IS my favorite fairy tale....... we'll go with red riding hood bc her modern interpretations are always the cutest

57. the three biggest struggles you’ve overcome?

damn what. uhh ok, having to rebuild my entire social life after the shit that happened a couple years ago, the several year process of going from hyperconservative christian to a . whatever the hell i am now. some kind of far left girl. and uhhhh. figuring out i was trans i guess? idk

58. four talents you’re proud of having?

four??? im good at ff14 raiding, im good at writing, im good at.... uhh... im pretty funny i think, annnddddd uhhh. i dont know that its a talent, but i like to think im good at making people feel safe talking to me.

59. if you were a video game character, what would your catchphrase be?

heh... guess i shotcha... uhh 'god im fucking tired'

60. if you were a character in an anime, what kind of anime would you want it to be?

ISEKAI OBVIOUSLY specifically something like slime 300 but ill take almost any of them.

62. seven characters you relate to?

SEVEN............ god.... uhh hanako ikezawa, hikari finalfantasy (im cheating), (god i got to ONE and already had to start cheating...) yumiella dolkness, man im tappin out. look at my list of ocs i put way more of myself into them than there could ever be in any other character

69 nice. a fun fact that you don’t know how you learned?

i feel like i know how i know most of my fun facts bc if i didnt i would not really know if i could believe them or not.

74. at what pain level out of ten (1 through 10) do you have to be at before you take an advil or ibuprofen?

like 8 or 9 probably. i dont really go below a 5 so. its gotta be like migraine or vertebral artery dissection bad before im like 'i should really get some meds'. unless im doing it preemptively which ive done for like when ive got raid later.

76. what’s your favorite potato food (i.e. tater tots, baked potatoes, fries, chips, etc.)?

man fuckin SCALLOPED POTATOES BABEY

86. cookies or cupcakes?

the amount of qualifiers this question needs.... cupcakes tho probably.

87. your greatest fear?

dying.

90. luckiest mistake?

i mean most of my mistakes havent been lucky, the best i can think of is when i accidentally followed my girl @handinvampirichand and now we're mutuals with wildly different taste in things but we're cool.

95. favorite app on your phone?

i like tumblr

97. how many phone numbers do you have memorized?

uhh mine, my moms, my moms house, my brother's, my dads. jg wentworth 877 CASH NOW. so thats 6

[raynelovesyoongi]

Love me again

He wants me so bad. || Chapter Three

Paring:Xu Minghao x Fem!Reader

Warnings:cussing, slight angst(not rlly), drinking, mentions of menstrual cycle, flirting again (platonically)

Wordcount: 2,239

Prev masterlist next

"Y/n? Are you okay? Do you need pads? I have some in my car, I can go get them if you need them." You heard Miyeon knocking on the door; how long have you been in there for?

    "Oh no! Don’t worry, I’m perfectly fine! it was just a false alarm, haha." You yelled back while pacing around the bathroom. You looked at yourself in the mirror and at your outfit.

    "Thank god! I thought I’d be on my period next since we always sync, and I don’t even have pads. I said that so you could feel a bit of comfort. Anyway, I’m getting back to work. Hurry your ass up because we’re busy!" Miyeon laughed, but you completely canceled out her voice, thinking about how Minghao looked. FUCK! He looked so good today, and you were dressed in your lazy hangover fit; you hadn’t even put any make-up on. If you knew your ex-boyfriend was going to randomly show up at the cafe you work at for some reason, you would have gone all out for it. You can’t let him see you looking like a bum after your breakup! You did what you could and fixed your hair. You walked out of the bathroom, and Minghao was now the one ordering. Were you gone for long or not? Was the line really that long that it took him all that time you were in the bathroom to finally reach the register? It seemed that he was done ordering, so he went over to the "pick up" section so he could wait for the stuff he ordered. You went over to see what he had ordered, and you were surprised to see that he ordered an iced caramel macchiato. That was the drink you had introduced him to; he never really liked going to cafes, and if he ever did, it was because you dragged him to one. You respected his boundaries, so you never dragged him to a busy cafe; instead, you’d always drag him to the cafes nobody really knew about—those small family-owned cafes. You were lost in thought before you remembered you had to actually make the coffees. You got to work and started working on Minghao’s order; he also ordered a couple of pastries and an iced white chocolate mocha, which you were guessing was for his friend. Wait, who did he come here with? You looked over to see where he was sitting, and it was Seokmin. You quickly got to work on his drinks and pastries, and when you finished, you called out his name so he could pick it up. He looked up from his phone and looked at you. You don’t know what exactly he was trying to do, but he didn’t come closer to getting his order. You were puzzled, to say the least, but just set his drink down.

    "Dude! Can you not hear? They called your name out hours ago!" Seokmin said it with a pained look on his face. "NOOOOO!!! MY ICE MELTED BECAUSE OF YOU!"

"Chill out, dumbass. they called my name out only a second ago. Jesus Christ, and your ice didn’t melt. Stop being dramatic. Could we go to a different cafe next time? This one’s packed."

    "But… But what about Y/N? Wasn’t she cool? She’s worth going through all that line just to see her beautiful smile!"

"You talk like you're in love with her. Also, she was a total dick while taking my order. That’s why I don’t want to come here ever again."

    "Really? She’s not the type to be rude to anyone. Are you sure you got the name tags right?" Seokmin paused before looking around and leaning into Minghao’s ear to whisper something. "It could’ve been Miyeon... She’s kind of mean to customers here, but I don’t blame her! These students are so annoying." Minghao knew you weren’t the type to be an asshole; he knew that better than anyone else, but he still continued on with his lie for some reason.

"Let's just go, please." The two of them left, and a certain someone heard their whole conversation. Jihoon was sitting down there the whole time, listening in on what was happening. What the hell was this random dude on about? Who was this guy? And why was he lying on your name if you weren’t even the one who took his order? Jihoon made a mental note to tell you about this later; he wasn’t just going to sit by and let someone disrespect his friend. You were a bit weirded out by how Minghao clearly looked at you, then pretended to act stupid. Did he not remember you? You couldn’t get the vision out of your head; you could feel yourself slowly losing your mind more and more when you thought about it. You were so lost in your thoughts that when your shift was over, you almost worked overtime because of how much you were thinking about Minghao. Jeonghan had to nudge you in order to bring you back to reality.

"Hey, you alright?"

"Ah, yeah, I’m fine. Sorry, what time is it?"

"Time for you to go home and rest. You look exhausted." He said while patting your back and walking away after. Jihoon was waiting for your shift to be over so he could drop you off at home.

He was waiting for you to finish your rant about your day before you suddenly perked up.

"OH MY GOD, guess what the hell happened today, Woozi! I fucking saw my goddamn ex! I don’t know if he remembers me, though, because he just stared at me, then back at his phone. Or maybe I’m delusional and thought it was him, but really it was someone else? GAAAAHHH, I’m going crazy. Woozi, help me!" You exclaimed loudly while running your fingers through your hair. "And guess what else, bro? HE STILL GETS THE DRINK. I INTRODUCED HIM TO OH MY GOD. HE WANTS ME SO FUCKING BAD!" Jihoon was trying to put everything together in his head; he’s sure he saw you call someone out, then have awkward eye contact with them as they ignored you and went back on their phone. It finally clicked that Minghao was the asshole lying on your name.

    "Y/n…" Jihoon began but didn’t know if he should tell you. You were clearly excited to see your ex again. It was obvious you still had feelings for him.

“How long ago did you date him? And what was the reason for the breakup?”

You sucked in a breath. You looked off to the side before responding, "Uh, we broke up about two years ago. We broke up for a couple of reasons. I don’t want to talk about it." He looked at you before looking back at the road.

"So does he go to our school? Or what? Why are you just now seeing him?"

"Hmmm, now that you bring that up, I honestly don’t know why he’s even here, but as I said, it may not actually be him." You guys got distracted by other topics, and it completely slipped Jihoon’s mind about what Minghao had said, and before you knew it, you were home. You waved goodbye and said thank you to Jihoon for dropping you off; he said it was alright, and he’ll always be your personal Uber, whether you like it or not. You giggled at his humor and left while waving once again. When you entered your dorm, you went on Instagram, and that’s when you saw Joshua’s post. It was a photo of Joshua, Wonwoo, and Minghao. You clicked on the photo and saw that Joshua had tagged both of them. Yup, that’s him. You thought as you clicked on Minghao's You looked through his posts and saw that he hasn’t really been on Instagram ever since you two broke up. You went down all the way to the bottom of his page when you saw that he still had a picture of one of your dates posted. You clicked on it and scrolled through the post. You saw countless photos of you and him together; your heart was running miles, and you felt like your chest was on fire. Why were these still up? Why didn’t he ever delete them? Were you thinking too much about it? I need a drink. You made your way to the kitchen and found alcohol in the fridge.

"Drinking alone without us? Awh, you’re mean! My hearts shattered." Yeji spoke and grabbed herself a bottle as well; Miyeon was probably going to steal sips from both of your bottles.

"Guys, please, can you help me out?" You said it almost desperately while making your way to the living room, with two of your roommates following behind you.

   "Yeah? What’s up?" Miyeon said as she popped open a bottle and took a couple of sips.

"What does it mean when your ex still has photos of the two of you when you were together posted on his Instagram?"

"Honestly, I feel like that means he still wants you, babe. I don’t blame him. You’re smoking hot." Yeji spoke, making Miyeon hit her shoulder.

"Gosh, Yeji, you sound like a middle-aged man who’s hitting on a young girl at the bar!" Miyeon giggled, "But yeah, I agree with Yeji. It’s weird that he hasn’t deleted them, especially if he’s still active on the account." You took out your phone to look back at the posts; you saw his most recent ones were from yesterday and today. You didn’t know Yeji and Miyeon were being nosy and reaching over your shoulder to see what you were looking at.

    "THE NEW KID?" They both yelled out in shock, making you jump.

    "Holy shit! You guys know him?"

    "Yeah! I have a few classes with him, so does  Yeji." Great. So Xu Minghao went to your school, and that means that definitely was him at the cafe.

"I'm going to sleep, guys. Goodnight." You rushed out while making your way to your room, you felt tipsy because you chugged your drink a lot while talking to those two. You knew you wouldn’t be able to sleep at night if you didn’t.

You woke up, ready for the day. You had a plan in your head: you would find Minghao and talk to him. You spent extra time getting ready; you wanted to make sure he’d take you back no matter what! When you made it to school, you were looking all over for him, yet you hadn’t once spotted him. You decided to go to class, and when you walked in, you said hi to Seungkwan and Seokmin. Seungkwan could tell you upset; he could read you like an open book.

    "Y/n… come here." He got up from his seat and waited for you to come to him. He hugged you tightly and asked you what was wrong. The tears in your eyes were starting to slide down your cheeks. For some reason, ever since yesterday, when you saw Minghao, your mind has been going in spirals. You felt like all the memories came rushing in, and damn, you missed him. It was all so hard to accept that he was actually here at the same school as you. Seungkwan had no idea why you were crying, but he quickly hid you so nobody else saw you break down. He walked out of class, not caring whether you guys got in trouble or not. You were more important. As he hugged you, you only felt the tears pour out more violently. Every ounce of sadness you’ve ever held was coming out now, and all the stress you had built up in you was all coming out. It seemed that Minghao was the breaking point; you were fine with all the stress building up, you were fine with all the sadness you held in you, and you were fine hiding every problem deep inside of you. But for some reason, since you’ve seen Minghao, you felt like literal shit.

"Seungkwan, I miss him so much—so fucking much it hurts." You spoke in a raspy, strained voice; it was quiet, and only Seungkwan could hear you. He had no idea who you were talking about, but he still wanted to comfort you, none the less, so he just listened to you. "I can’t find him anywhere, and I’m just so damn confused. I just want to talk to him and clear things up! Maybe I even want more."

    "Who? Who’s this ‘he’ you’re talking about, y/n? I’ll help you find him. Just let me know, please. It’ll all be okay, yeah? Just let me help." Seungkwan never once softened his grip; he was letting you know he was there for you, but his grip wasn’t so tight that it could hurt you. He knew what your limit was, so he never crossed it by hugging you any tighter to the point where you’d get hurt or feel like you were suffocating.

    "Minghao! The new kid everyone's running their mouths about—that's what makes it all worse! Everyone seems to know where he is, yet I can’t fucking find him. It’s like he’s avoiding me." You were right, but it seemed like right now Minghao couldn’t avoid you after being dragged out of the classroom by Seokmin to find you. Minghao heard everything.

A/n: LMAAAAOOOOO BOOOO Y/N (i’m sorry ily) it’s abt to get interesting guys dw pls I know I said that last chap but fr this time😭😞🙏

[arialysse]

Benevolent Martinet.

A Sugar Daddy!Albert Wesker x Reader AU Fic.

In collaboration with: @atquos

Summary:

After catching your ex-boyfriend cheating on you, your life changed drastically. From deadlines to overpriced rent, your friend has suggested to you to try for a sugar daddy, something that has never crossed your mind before. But what’s the worst that can happen, right? You tell yourself. What you didn’t expect however, was the multi-billionaire CEO of Umbrella Corp to be on the list. 

Warnings: Destructive thoughts

This chapter is quite the fat one, buckle up.

Chapter 5: The Unveil.

Chapters: [1], [2], [3], [4], [6]

When you opened your eyes, you were met with a headache so excruciating you wanted to die. With a groan of discomfort, you shifted restlessly on the mattress, trying to go back to sleep. So comfy… Just 5 more minutes brain, please… The ache only worsened with each passing moment, causing you to sit up with a frown and a huff of exasperation. You brought a hand up to massage your temple, trying to remember what happened.

Then… Oh…

Last night, the dinner with Stephen, after taking a few more sips of wine you couldn’t remember much. You must’ve gotten drunk and passed out! Oh god this is so embarrassing! I don’t even remember ever getting to bed, Stephen must’ve carried me again! You covered your face in embarrassment, you sure as hell hoped you hadn’t done or said anything shameful. For some reason, no matter how hard you’ve tried to dig into your memories of last night, everything drew to a close.

Your eyebrows creased as you rubbed circles on the sides of your forehead, trying to soothe the throbbing pain. Wait… What time was it? You winced when you turned your head quickly to the side, the clock read 6:34am. You panicked, shoving the covers off to dress into your school outfit. You bolted across the room, digging through your bag for clothes that you remembered packing the day before.

Soft knocks from the door made you pause. You turned your head around only to see Tove entering your room holding a tray of something and it felt as if you were a kid getting caught trying to steal some cookies. She gave you a confused smile, “Good morning, Miss (Y/N)! Umm… What are you doing?”

“I- Uh… I need to change….? Classes start in like 2 hours and I’ll be late if I don’t catch the earliest train by 7.” You stuttered, staring at her with an awkward look. “Ah, no need to worry about transportation. I was told by Master Arthur that you would insist on attending your classes, so we have prepared a transport and breakfast for you.” Trove shot you a kind smile.

“B-but I can’t.” You start, trying to ignore the pain from your head. “Why ever not?” The short-haired lady tilted her head in bewilderment. “I-I’ve already owed a lot to you and Stephen, I’m afraid that if I owe him anymore, I’d be living on the streets.” You laugh pathetically, avoiding her gaze. “I’m not quite sure I understand, are you telling me that you are indebted to us financially?”

You nod slowly and she hums, still puzzled, “Did Master Arthur request that you return this ‘debt’ financially?”

You shake your head, “No, but I believe that nothing in life ever comes for free and I doubt everything I’ve received so far, both services and food, is free.”

She giggles, a sound that surprises you. “Unless Master Arthur specifically demands repayment, then I assure that there is no need to worry about that.”

You were about to protest again when your head pounds, causing you to hiss and wince. “Ah, yes, I believe that you are suffering from a hangover. Master Arthur has prepared necessary medication for you, please ingest it.” She steps toward you, holding out the tray for you to take the contents. Anything for this stupid pain to go away, you thank her, quickly shoving the pills down your throat and taking a large swig of water.

“I will be back shortly with a proper set of clothes. In the meantime, you may wash up.” She exits the room, leaving you alone before you could even protest. With a sigh, you head inside the bathroom, washing your face and brushing your teeth to get ready for the day.

When you exit the bathroom, Tove enters the room yet again, with a dress and a cardigan on her arm. She sets the article of clothing on the bed neatly, picking up any lingering fuzzes on the clothes. “Once you are done with getting changed, we will be heading downstairs as breakfast is ready.”

You nod, thanking her as she leaves with a bow. You eyed the garments laying on your bed. The dress was milky white, it was also a minidress but this time, it was off-shoulder and had net fabric embroidered with flower and lace covering the outer part of the dress. You blush when you see a pair of black stockings lying beneath the dress. The cardigan was knitted in beige, looking slightly oversized on you.

Without trying to delay any longer, you put on the dress, noting how it was silk on the inside, making the dress extremely comfortable as it hugs your curves exquisitely. You fiddled with the ribbons at the ends of the dress on your thighs as well as the one in the chest area. You put on the knitted cardigan and relished the warmth the snuggly fabric provided.

At first, you were a little hesitant putting on the stockings, but after convincing that you shouldn’t waste Stephen’s money, you slipped it on.

You thank Tove silently for providing house slippers as you were sure that you would’ve fallen from the silkyness of the stockings. You went over to the desk and slung your bag over your shoulder, double-checking that you had everything.

While walking toward the door, you pause abruptly to check yourself over on the full-length mirror that stood beside the dresser. Stephen really had taste making you wear these, you hoped you won’t disappoint him. You bit your lip nervously, fiddling with your hair and trying to silence your self-consciousness.

With a deep breath, you walked away from the mirror, stepping out of the room. Tove complimented your look, causing you to laugh nervously. She took the bag from your shoulders, informing you that she will be placing it in the car as you eat. Originally, you told her that you could carry it downstairs yourself but she insisted and you easily caved in on her offer.

She escorts you down to the same dining table. As you stepped down the black, marble stairs, you took in the view of the buildings from the massive windows. The sky was a brilliant mix of orange-blue, a breath-taking view from where you stood. You noted that you must be somewhere at the top of the building if the structures below you looked small.

You feel your stomach curl anxiously upon reaching the wide dining table, afraid of what Stephen’s reaction was going to be. Oh and you hoped he wouldn’t comment anything about last night, even if you couldn’t remember most of it.

Laying your eyes on Stephen, you observed that he had his right elbow on the table as he leaned against his thumb, his index finger covering his lips while his other hand held up a newspaper, engrossed on the words from behind his shades.

“Master Arthur, Miss (Y/N) has arrived.” Tove announced as she walked toward him. His head shot up and when his eyes landed on you, you noticed that his jaw tightened. His gaze never left your form as he folded the newspaper absentmindedly, handing it to Tove shortly after.

You shrink under his gaze, feeling as if you did something wrong. A familiar feeling of deja vu came into your mind, as this was exactly how you felt yesterday. He stands up and you gulp meekly.

“Come here, sweetheart.” You hear him command lowly, his voice touching something foreign within you, sending pleasurable tingles shivering down your spine. As you stood before him, his familiar, muscular cologne invaded your nostrils. You felt slightly warmer as you waited for what he was about to say, examining the black fabric of his vest. It was only now that you finally began studying his outfit.

He wore his usual white button-up, his sleeves folded to reveal his watch. His black necktie was tied to perfection, resting below the collar. Above everything, he wore a black vest, you could see that there was a pocket on the left side of his chest. His recognized dress pants were bound onto his hips by a leather belt and everything about him screamed “professional” and “classy”.

“Are you done checking me out?” You snapped out of your thoughts, gawking up at him with a fierce blush coating your cheeks. He chortled, the sound pleasant in your ears as usual. “I merely jest, sweetheart. You look quite… ravishing yourself, I must say...”

His last words sounded slightly breathier, which made your stomach twist pleasantly. You could only stare at him with slightly parted lips, a beet-red face and pounding heart. A moment later he clears his throat, bringing up a fist to cover his mouth, “Let’s get you seated first, beautiful.” With a hand on your back, he gently guided you to the other end of the table, withdrawing the chair from beneath the table like a real gentleman.

You thanked him sheepishly and sat, adjusting the edges of the skirt a little. You feel his predatorial gaze on you as he settles down himself and you gulp. Fortunately, Tove comes out with the cart of food.

She sets the 2 plates of breakfast down, followed by a refill of coffee for Stephen and a glass of apple juice for you. Tove then leaves not a moment after, the silence between you and Stephen thick as you both ate.

“U-umm… is- what’s on your mind?” You ask, in hopes of breaking the awkwardness. “Oh, nothing, nothing at all, sweetheart. I apologize for my silence, my mind is just… occupied with somethings.” He shoots you a devious smile. “O-oh? Like what?” You blurt out before you could stop yourself.

“Oh, sweetheart… You wouldn’t want to know.” A smirk plastered his features as he took a bite of the egg, causing the yolk to break, the viscous liquid slipping from the corner of his mouth. You watch as he brings his tongue out to lick the runny fluid, bringing up a finger to wipe the rest off. Instead of cleaning it on a paper towel, he cleaned the residue with his flexible appendage.

You slowly shifted your gaze upwards, only to be met with his.

Shit. You had been caught staring.

Your face bloomed a brilliant red and you quickly ducked to look down at your half-eaten food, biting your lip. What was that?! That was sexy as hell- What?! No! Brain shut up! That is highly inappropriate! You tried focusing on trying to eat -and not choke-, dismissing the weird feelings that were sprouting from inside you.

As you downed your apple juice in one swig, you hear him stifle a chuckle, bringing up his steaming cup of coffee to mask his laughter. “Now that I think about it. You are quite horrendous at handling your liquor, aren’t you?” He took another sip.

“I’ve been told that too many times… Which is why I don’t really go drinking with my friends as much because they take vid-...” You paused, looking at him hesitantly, “Did- Was I-...”

He sets the now empty cup down, bringing his elbows onto the table, leaning against his intertwined fingers. “Oh, yes… The night before… You were…” He trails off, remembering the events of last night. Annoying? Shameful? Hideous? You thought as you waited for him to continue.

“Remarkably outspoken.” He finished and you died a little on the inside. You covered your face with your face and groaned in embarrassment. “I-I’m so sorry! If I had said anything awful to you!”

“Not at all,” He stands up and steps toward you, holding his hand out for you to take. You quickly placed your hand in his larger ones and stood up.

Suddenly, he tugs you roughly toward him and you stagger, losing your balance. With another hand on your shoulder to steady you, he leans down next to your ear, his rich, breathy voice whispering, “But I’ll let you in on one thing. It has been a while since a lady was able to fluster me as you did.”

He stands back up with a sincere smile, as if he hadn’t pulled whatever he did on you. “Shall we depart then, sweetheart?”

The car ride was relatively silent as you were still stunned from the words that left Stephen’s lips just earlier. What did you say? What did you do? What did he do? What did the both of you do? What happened after that last sip? Your mind was racing with thoughts, as you scramble to try and recall what happened after you started feeling dizzy. Stephen remained quietly seated beside you with folded legs, tapping away on his tablet.

You fiddled with your hands nervously. Wait, now that I think about it, my headache is gone and my injuries from 2 days ago have almost already healed. What exactly were those pills? or in those pills? Maybe I should splurge on some. They seem to work like magic. Maybe I can ask Stephen where I can get it from. Hopefully it’s available at the nearby pharmacy.

“Sweetheart?”

“Y-yes?” You utter pathetically.

“I said we were reaching soon and if you needed anything else?” He covers his tablet and sets it down beside him, focusing on you.

“I- uh… Where can I get those bottles of medicine that you gave me?”

He tilted his head, “Oh? You’re interested in that? I apologize for disappointing you but, those are only sold to corporate partners. They are not available out in the open.”

You dropped your gaze, “Ah, I see, it’s alright then.” There goes your plan of overworking yourself to pay him back.

He places a hand over yours, causing you to look back up at him. “I can arrange an offer with them to supply more of it for you, if it is your wish.”

You shake your head vehemently, “No, no! It’s fine really! It’s just… It works amazing.” You touch the fading bruise on your cheek, “Usually I take a week or 2 to heal from bruises but after ingesting the medicine you provided, it’s already almost gone.”

He smiles, placing his hand over yours on your cheek, “I’m glad to hear that. I will inform them of their success.”

You feel your face heat up as his gesture and remain speechless as the car comes to a steady halt. He pulls away, “Have a great day at classes, sweetheart. Notify me when you are ready to leave. I will return to pick you up.”

“It-It’s fine, I can take the public transport that reaches the nearest-” Wait… why does it sound like you’re living with him or something? Besides, you were supposed to call Olyvia and leave after the dinner yesterday.

You yelp when he moves toward you, his face inches away from yours, as he leaned into your ear. “Be a good girl this once and just listen to me, won’t you?”

Your jaw dropped at his words and you gasped audibly with a crimson face. You were astounded by your ability to not pass out from the blood that was rushing to your face whenever you spoke to this man. Before you could retort, the chauffeur opens the door.

He chuckles, “I shall not keep you any longer. Take care and goodluck with your classes, sweetheart.” You could only nod and step out stiffly while clutching onto your bag.

As you left the car, you were met with several looks of astonishment, murmurs and whispers directed to you. The heaviest stares though, were from your red-headed and white-headed friends. You hear the chauffeur shut the door, going back into the driver’s seat and then taking off.

You watch as the car disappears into the distance, then turned around to face the two. Mei had a hand over her mouth in surprise, while Ruby smirked, waggling her eyebrows. “Someone’s been naughty.” You quickly denied, “H-He insisted, okay? I can’t really say no…”

“Well, at least someone’s able to overpower your stubbornness. Kudos to that man.” Ruby grinned, and you feel your blush darken. “Hold on for a moment, Ruby. (Y/N), weren’t you supposed to be at Olyvia’s? What happened?” Mei asked worryingly.

“I- Uh-” You looked away from them, “I-it’s a little complicated…” You stammered, fiddling with the straps of your bag. “Tell us.” Mei insisted, placing a firm hand on your shoulder. “W-well… Uh, he and I had a kind of fancy dinner last night at his place and… he may have gotten me drunk…?”

Mei’s gaze hardened instantly, “Are you okay? Did he do anything to you?” You shake your head fervidly, “No, no! He just carried me to bed I think, and then I passed out.”

Ruby, who still wore a grin, tapped lightly at the worried female’s back, “Chillax, Mei! If he did anything to her, don’t you think she’d have marks or felt it by now?” Mei seems to think about it for a moment, “I… You are right. I apologize for going off on you.”

You shook your head, smiling at her, “Not at all. I appreciate your concern, really. Thanks, Mei.” She nods, shooting you a smile of hers. “Well, well, well. What do we have this morning?” You hear someone tease from behind. Suddenly, an arm over your shoulder made you stumble, you turned your head to frown at Niall, who wore a shit-eating grin on his face. “Good morning to you too, Niall.” You grumble.

“Already leeching off of Mr. Sugar Daddy I see. Gotta say, he has an impressive sense of style dressing you up like this. You look way more magnetic compared to whatever rubbish you always wear.” You sneer at him, “Am not! And I’d very much prefer whatever ‘rubbish’ I always wear than this… It’s too… attention-snatching for me…”

Niall lifted his arm away from your shoulder, “Isn’t that the point of clothes? Other than to cover up your private parts. You might as well look fabulous while doing it, you know what I mean.” The male wiggled his eyebrows and pointed at himself. You sigh with a shake of your head.

“Ooo~” You hear another familiar voice sing from behind. Olyvia hopped right beside you, eyeing you from head to toe. “Miss Universe has returned~” You bush and cover your face.

“Olyvia, I believe you were supposed to pick (Y/N) up from that man’s place. What happened?” Mei questioned the silverette with a frown. “Huh, oh… right, that. I did call her, but that dude picked up instead and said something about drinking wine and that she’s in safe hands.” She shrugged, earning a sigh from the short-haired female.

“Well I mean, she relatively seems to be unharmed. Other than the injuries her shitty ex gave her. Speaking of which, what magic did he perform on you? Your bruises are like, almost gone.” Ruby reached a hand out to touch your cheek gently. “I have no idea what he gave me to be honest. He just told me that it was safe and that it will help with the healing process.” The red-head retracts her hand, “Damn. Can I get some too?”

You huffed and rolled your eyes, “He says that it’s not out in the open and is strictly for his business partners.” Ruby let out a defeated ‘damn’.

Soon, the four of you decide to hurry to class, before being penalized for being late.

Needless to say, you were severely distracted by trying not to check your phone for any messages from Stephen. It was extremely difficult to focus, as whenever your hand was free, your thoughts began drifting to what he said or had said.

“Oh, sweetheart… You wouldn’t want to know.”

“It has been a while since a lady was able to fluster me as you did.”

“Be a good girl this once and just listen to me, won’t you?”

Be a good girl…

Good girl…

You drop your pen and bring your hands up to cover your face, whining silently. For some reason, the way he praised sounded different. It sounded… sexy. Your stomach coiled pleasantly at the thought of his words. Then you felt a nudge.

You peeked through your hands, seeing Olyvia leaning against her knuckle with a smirk. “Busy thinking about Mr. “Stephen”, are we?” You groaned and pushed her arm away. “I heard him yesterday, you know? I tried calling you but you fell asleep.” She shifted her gaze to the screen, pretending to take notes as your professor babbled on and on. “W-what did he say…” You query meekly, glancing at her.

“In short, he said ‘Sorry for making your friend wasted. But don’t worry, she’ll be safe with me.’ He sounded hot by the way, so congrats to you for scoring that man.” You see her wink at you slyly, then go back to reading her written notes.

You sigh, trying to control your emotions. You can’t afford to get caught with a red-

“Miss (Y/N), could you answer this question?” God dang it.

You stood up and stuttered the answer, your classmates giggling at your bashfulness. “Are you sick, Miss (Y/N)? Your face is a little red. Would you like to visit the infirmary?” You hear your professor ask in concern. You shake your head, “N-no sir, just a little headache, I’ll be fine, t-thank you.” He nods and you sit back down as he resumes explaining.

You turn to see Olyvia stifling her laughter behind her hand. You pout and glared at her with a red-face.

When lunch came around, you and Olyvia packed up and headed out of the lecture hall. “Niall asked if the cafe was cool.” You told her that you were fine with it and you both made your way to meet the others at the location.

It wasn’t a long walk, thankfully. Your college provided all sorts of dining options because it was a large establishment. You both stop in front of the cafe that was aptly named “Chill Beans”. “They told us to sit somewhere first. Do you feel like taking seats inside or outside?” You shrug, “Anything is fine with me.”

You both walked over to a table outside, ducked under a patio umbrella that shielded the area from the afternoon sun. While waiting on your friends, Olyvia headed in to take your orders.

You checked your phone for any important mail or messages. A smile greeted your face when you saw a message from the app you’ve come to know and love.

Stephen Arthur:

Good afternoon, sweetheart. How was your morning? I do hope you’re eating a proper lunch. You will make me terribly worried if you do not do so.

Me:

Hey Stephen! Morning classes were a bit boring but I'm used to it. My friend is ordering a lunch set for me as we speak, so don’t worry :) what about you?

Stephen Arthur:

I am having lunch with a few of my business partners myself. Would you like me to share what I am currently having?

Me:

Sure!

Stephen Arthur:

1 photo attachment

It tastes mediocre. But everything does, without you near.

You covered your mouth, cheeks instantly heating up at his text. You examine the photo he sent. He was having a plate of squid ink pasta, the silvery utensils neatly placed beside the glass plate. Beneath it all, a mahogany cloth covered the table.

Me:

That looks good! Eat well, Stephen :)

Stephen Arthur:

I do believe a fair exchange is in order. Since I have shared with you what I’ll be having, it is your turn to share yours, sweetheart.

Me:

Reasonable. I’ll be sure to send it to you when my food arrives.

Oops, gotta go, my friends are here. They’ve been teasing me the whole morning and I refuse to be a victim of their mockery anymore, take care Stephen! :)

You shut your phone and greeted your incoming friends. You see Mei entering the cafe, helping Olyvia with the trays of food. Ruby and Niall were as usual, complaining about the classes, asking for your opinion once in a while.

Soon enough, Mei and Olyvia came out with the orders of food. You angled your phone where it looks best and snapped a shot, sending it to Stephen right after.

Me:

1 photo attachment

My lunchies :)

When you looked back up, you were met with several grins. “Updating Mr. Perfect?” Ruby sassed, poking at her salad. Oh boy, here we go. They spent the next few minutes mimicking and mocking what they thought was happening between you and Stephen. You rolled your eyes and shook your head, sighing at their stupidity.

“Miss (Y/N) (L/N)?” You hear someone call from behind. You turned around and felt your jaw drop. It was the headmistress herself! You stood up quickly, bowing at her. “G-good afternoon Headmistress! Y-yes I’m (Y/N).”

The old lady examined you from head to toe pretentiously behind her glasses. “Follow me, I need to have a word with you in my office, young lady.” You glance back at your friends in confusion. They only stared right back at you with the same expression. You slung your bag over your shoulder and excused yourself, trailed the headmistress to her office.

The walk was silent and tense, as your head swirled with nervous thoughts. What happened? You only took a day off from classes, maybe you didn’t have any referral letter? Or were you doing badly for your classes? Did your professor earlier inform the headmistress that you looked off? Was it the way you were dressed?

She opened the large, wooden door, tilting her head to tell you to get inside. You stepped into the massive room, silently waiting for her to give you permission to do anything else. She walks by you, strutting over to her desk, the clicking of her heels accentuated her every step. “Take a seat, Miss (Y/N).” She pointed to the chair before her desk. You gulp, walking over and taking a seat quietly. “Do you know why you are here today?” She asks, turning on her desktop.

“Um… Is it because I’ve been doing badly in classes?” You fiddle with your bag nervously. “No… Not quite. You see, we’ve received a very troubling complaint in regards to you.” She tilts her head back, trying to see what was on the screen.

“What?... From who?” You murmur anxiously, clenching your fists.

“Miss (Y/N), tell me, did you or did you not assault your superior in your workplace?”

You shake your head, so this was what it’s all about. “What? No!”

She sighs in disappointment, “I have received video evidence of it. You do not have to deny your actions. I am severely displeased with your actions and your lies.”

You feel yourself start to choke, it feels harder and harder to breathe. You wanted to tell your headmistress that it was a misunderstanding and you were trying to protect yourself, but no words could come out. You stared at her with a lump on your throat and your mouth agape.

“I do believe that there is more to uncover and from the complaint, you will be going to court next week, yes? Until then, you are forbidden to step foot into this premise. I hope you learn and understand that your actions will have consequences and that you have brought shame upon the name of this college. Go now.” She berated sternly, causing you to scramble out of your seat with tears in your eyes and unspoken words lodged in your throat.

You avoided the weird looks the people around were shooting you as you dashed into the nearest washroom. You locked yourself inside a stall and sobbed, covering your mouth to stifle the whimpers. You needed to tell your friends what happened, right now. When you brought out your phone, about to text them, you saw the one person that you actually needed the most right now.

The one person who you’ve only just met, yet brought so much warmth and comfort in your life.

You tapped on the phone icon and sobbed quietly, waiting for him to pick up.

At first, you were beginning to give up hope, scolding yourself as he was busy and deserved to spend every last minute of his lunch break resting. You should just hang up, he’s a busy man, you don’t deserve a second of his time talking to him about your problems. You’re not worth it. You’re shameful. You bit your lip, trying to suppress the negative thoughts spiraling in your head.

You feel a wave of relief wash over you temporarily when you hear his familiar voice greet.

“Hello. Do you need something?”

“S-stephen…”

At your whimper, you hear him excuse himself from his friends, making you feel guilty for interrupting his conversation.

“What’s the matter, sweetheart?”

“I- She- Told me- Go-” You blabber incoherently, your mind running faster than your lips could catch up.

“Calm down, darling. Listen to me, can you take a deep breath, for me?”

You took a shaky breath in.

“There we go, that’s my girl. Now hold it and count to eight then release, can you do that?”

You held your breath, counting to eight inside your head, then exhaling.

“You’re doing so good for me, let’s repeat this a few more times. I’ll be here with you every step of the way, I promise.”

After a few more breathing exercises, you finally found your composure.

“Do you need more time? Or are you feeling better?”

“I-I’m okay now,” You sniffle, “S-sorry…”

“None of that. Tell me what has gotten you so upset.”

You told him about what happened in the principal’s office. As you blabber on and on, you were only met with silence on his end as he listened intently.

“I-I shouldn’t have tried defending myself- This- All this wouldn’t have happened if I just shut my mouth-”

“Sweetheart.” He growled, making you flinch.

“I-I’m sorry… I’ll just go now… I can go back alone, I just-”

“No.”

You feel your heartbreak, great, not even Stephen wants you now. You sob pathetically, feeling the familiar start of a spiral.

“Stay put, sweetheart. I will be there as soon as I can.”

“Y-you don’t…!” You hear the call end just as you were about to retort. You sat on the cover of the toilet, stunned into silence. You swallowed all other thoughts for now and texted your friends whom were already asking about your whereabouts. After explaining the situation, they told you that they’ll head to where you are right now.

You brought your knees up to your chest, the whole situation making you nauseous. You were causing so much trouble for the people around you. You’re always such a trouble-maker. You’re worthless, nobody should care about you. You deserve to rot, you deserve to die.

You should have never been born.

You feel blood trickle down your lips from how hard you bit, trying to hold in your cries and hushing those thoughts. You tried recalling what your therapist told you before, “It’s all over. And you are in the present, so focus on what you can do about that instead.”

You thought you were getting better, you thought you were finally able to escape the ghosts from your past, but they seem to come back every single time. You needed to head back to the mental institute to get more of those pills, the very pills that can help shut those thoughts up. You hated it, the same sound that traumatized you over and over, you wished that it’d just disappear.

A knock on the toilet stall brought you out of your thoughts. “(Y/N), it’s Mei.” You stood up from the seat shakily and unlocked the door and you were immediately greeted with concerning looks from Mei and Ruby. They gave you a tight hug and comforted you as you wailed onto their shoulders.

They took a few more minutes to properly calm you down, soothingly running hands behind your bag and whispering words of assurances.

When you were feeling better, they guided you out of the bathroom, where Niall and Olyvia stood waiting. You told them in detail of what happened and they all frowned, upset at the headmistress.

“How could she do this? She doesn’t even have the full video and she’s already making such a choice? We need to get in there to talk to her now. You need to explain your side of the story, get her to see that it wasn’t your fault at all!” Ruby exclaimed angrily, waving her hands around in frustration. “Ruby’s right. She doesn’t know that some parts of the story are missing, you need to go back in there to tell her that.” Olyvia agrees with folded arms.

“B-but she seemed so dead set on her decision! I can’t afford to get expelled now! I can’t-” You were cut off when your phone began ringing. You picked up already knowing who it was.

“Sweetheart. I am at the entrance, do you want me to wait here for you, or would you like me to come find you.”

“I-I’ll just go to you. I’ll be right there.” You say and then hang up. You marched out of the building with your friends following in tow, making sure you were safe. You saw the familiar figure of Stephen, leaning against the door of the car with folded arms and an indecipherable expression.

That’s when you suddenly hear a sharp gasp from behind you. You turn around to see Niall with his jaw wide open, as if he just got the biggest shock of his life.

Then realization slapped you harshly. It never occurred to you that your friends were going to meet Stephen.

“A-are you Albert Wesker? THE Albert Wesker?” Niall croaked, breaking the tension hanging thickly in the air. Your brows furrowed in confusion, “Who’s Albert Wesker? That’s Stephen, the man I was talking to you guys about.”

You hear Stephen sigh, his fingers curling around the bridge of his nose. “U-Um…” You piped meekly, “You know what let’s just go, Stephen. I-I’ll see you guys later…” You grab Stephen’s hand, your other one reaching out for the door handle.

“Wait.” He says, making you pause.

You turned to look at him, “What is it?”

“There seems to be a slight misunderstanding. I am here not only to pick you up, but also to have a word with the head of this college.”

“Huh…?” You could only utter pathetically.

“I was hoping you’d guide me over to the office.”

“I’ll do it!” You hear Niall exclaim with a raised hand. Stephen turns to look at him, “Then, shall we?”

The walk to the principal’s office was silent, save for the whispers from your friends who were walking ahead of you and Stephen. Who was Albert Wesker? Niall called him that. Strange… What is he hiding from me? What else could he hide from me? Why is he hiding it from me? Am I not trustworthy enough? You bit your lip, wracking your brain for an answer.

A firm arm wrapped itself behind you. You looked up from the carpeted floor, then to the man walking beside you. He remained tight-lipped as he observed you from behind his shades. You then shifted your gaze away, bringing up your hand to play with the edges of your tote bag. He retracts his hand and the silence remains until you stand before the same door you came crying out a while ago.

“Alright, y’all ready? I’m going to knock now.” Olyvia nears her hand on the door.

“Leave it. I shall enter the office just with Miss (Y/N).” Stephen demanded, eyeing you to follow him. Your friends didn’t dare to protest as he knocked and entered the room with you in tow.

You stood beside him as he shut the door, placing a hovering hand behind your back.

“Who is i- Oh my!” You hear the headmistress jump from her seat, “I-if it isn’t Mr Wesker! Please, take a seat!” He glances at you briefly, you follow him without question, taking a seat beside him on the leather couch.

“To what do I owe the pleasure of, Mr Wesker?” She took a seat on the couch at the other end, preparing a cup of tea for him.

“I believe there was a complaint regarding her.” Stephen points to you, you nervously looked at the headmistress. “Ah… I see what it’s about. I will show you of her bad deeds but before that, what is your relationship with her?”

“Does it matter? I expect an answer.” He demands strictly. “W-well if you are here to speak on her behalf, I can only allow pare-”

“I am her guardian. Her parents do not have any relations with her.”

“I see.” She walks over and grabs her laptop, displaying the video. You cringed and looked away, closing your eyes at the horrid memory and his disgusting words. A warm hand pressed against your back, “That is enough.”

The headmistress pauses the video, “Do you see now? As much as I’d like to help, there is not much I can do because of the video proof I got from the company. I hope you understand that it would cause a lot of outrage and a dent on the reputation of this school if this goes out of hand.”

“Therefore your solution is to send her away and possibly dismiss her from her classes? With all due respect madam, that is possibly the foolish conclusion I have ever heard of.” Stephen leans his elbows against his knees, lacing his fingers, his lips stretched to a thin line. The headmistress was taken aback, “What do you suggest then?”

“Firstly, which company sent you the video.”

“It’s from Tricell. There is no way I can close an eye on that corporation.”

You hear Stephen scoff, “No matter. Second of all, you do realize that the video was cut, do you not?”

The old lady tilts her head, “Yes I am aware of it. They informed me that their camera had stopped working afterwards and that was all the footage they got.”

Bingo. Now you know why you were painted as the villain.

“What else did they write?” He asks.

“They had told me that after she had slapped him, she continued to assault him then fled right after.” She shot you a frown. You looked away and chewed on the inside of your cheek.

No! That’s not what happened! You wanted to scream, but you stayed silent, as your vision turned cloudy.

“Have you gotten the chance to listen to her side of the story?” He leans back, sitting up straight.

The headmistress points a finger at you, “There is nothing to listen about. The video has said enough and even she is guilty of her actions. Mr Wesker I-”

“Silence.” He warned. There was without a doubt that he was fuming.

The headmistress remained silent, you feel goosebumps rising on your arm at his displeasure. Note to self, never make “Mr Wesker” angry.

“Go on, tell her what really happened.” He remained still as he prompted you to explain. With a shaky breath, you tell the events of that night, of what really happened and the fading injury for proof. After you were done, you see the headmistress take a seat on the cushion, conflicted.

“I-I’m sorry Miss (Y/N)- I hadn’t realize-” She cleared her throat, “Even so, this is a large corporation that I cannot ignore. I wish that there is more I can do but-”

You flinch when you hear Stephen click his tongue. “That was all I am here for. I do not need to hear another word coming from your mouth. Farewell.” He grabs your arm and you stagger out of the office with him. Your friends didn’t have a chance to ask you how it went as you were dragged all the way out of the building.

He releases his hold on you and opens the car door, gesturing you to go in. You slipped inside the car hesitantly and he joined you, shutting the door.

“Where to, sir?” The chauffeur asks through the speaker.

“Umbrella.” Was Stephen’s only reply as he pulled out his phone.

Umbrella? Where have you heard of that name before? You furrow your brows, trying to remember where you’ve seen or heard of that name.

“Hello? Albert! I knew you would call back! Did you miss me?”

“You will meet me in my office at present. I have no care if you had plans.”

“Oh~ someone is a little angry today~ Of course my love, I will be there-” He dropped the call before the lady on the other end could finish.

She had called him my love. What was the relationship he had with the lady? Where was he bringing you to? Why are people calling him ‘Wesker’? Were you in trouble? What is going to happen now?

What is going to happen to you?

You clench your fists and bite your lip nervously. You feel the telltale signs of another breakdown. You closed your eyes trying to focus on your breathing.

Don’t think, don’t think, don’t think, don’t-

You feel a larger body envelop yours tenderly. A soothing hand running circles along your back, effectively snapping you out of whatever trance you were in.

“It will be alright, sweetheart. I am here with you.”

You refused to cry, you couldn’t, not here and not now. Until you finally get the answers you were looking for, you need to stay strong. You hold back your tears, bringing your hands up to return him the hug.

After a short silence you heard him murmur softly next to your ear, “Are you feeling better?” You nod wordlessly, hiding your face on his shoulder.

Soon, the car halts, you apologize and shift to pull away. His only response was to clutch you closer. You yelp when you feel the car wobble then get elevated by something.

You were on an elevator… For cars… You stared out the tinted windows in awe. You have never been on one before or much less seen one. The elevator stops, and the large doors of the lift open. The chauffeur opens the door and you are carried out of the car by Stephen.

He walks with you in his arms into a massive room with an impressive view. You watch as the chauffeur bows and presses a button, shutting the doors and disappearing out of view. Stephen sets you down on a plush, velvet couch. Then walked over to his office desk, pressed a button on his phone and requested something from the person on the other end.

He marches back toward where you were seated, as you twiddled with the ends of your dress in silence. He quietly sits down next to you, the atmosphere between you two tight. You had so many questions that you needed answers for, but you didn’t know how or even where to begin. So while you collect your thoughts, you remain noiseless.

“I apologize.”

He broke the silence, “I am sure you have a good deal of unanswered questions about me, so I will give you what you need. What would you like to know about first?”

You turn to face him, refusing to look into his eyes. “Who are you, really?”

He sighs, “My real name is Albert Wesker.”

“Why… Why did you lie to me about it? This whole time? I trusted you…I thought-” The slight sting of tears caused you to pause and take a deep breath. “I-I never once lied to you about me, I told you everything about me, so, why?” You whimper.

You saw his jaw tighten as he tried to find the right words to say. “Sweetheart, I…” He pauses pensively, “I am afraid.” He confessed dejectedly, avoiding your gaze.

“Afraid of what? What could I ever hope to do to you?” You exasperate in frustration.

“Leave and break my heart…?”

You stared at him, frozen in shock. Your heart shattered at the tone of his words. His gaze remained on the ebony marble tiles, “I am terrified of the thought that once you know who I truly am, that you’d walk out the door and never come back, or treat me with indifference.” He clenches his fist, “Forget it. This is not about me. It is about you. Is there anything else you would like me to answer?”

You open your lips, when suddenly the door opens and a woman comes barging in uninvited.

“Albert~! I’m here!” She announces as she struts hurriedly to him, throwing her arms around him. You flinch and yelp, standing up and moving away. He, however, rejects her advances and pushes her away. She pouts, “Come on, Albert~ Don’t be such a spoiled sport now~” She turns her head and it was only then she finally noticed that you were present.

“Oh. And who is this? New assistant?” She scrutinizes you head to toe with a grimace, “Oh, Albert, you could do so much better. Piss off now ugly, it’s Albert and I’s private time.”

Albert grabs her wrist and twists it, not so hard that it would break, but strong enough to get her attention, causing her to whine in protest.

“Excella Gionne, let this be my first and last warning to you. Should you insult my girlfriend again, everything we have ever had a contract for, will be terminated.” He warns with a growl, standing up and leaving her to fall onto the couch. Girlfriend?! You scream internally, since when?!

She yields and he releases her. Excella adjusted herself on the sofa with a roll of her eyes, “So? What did you call me here for? I’m sure it’s other than telling me you have a new girlfriend.”

A servant enters the room then, arm holding 3 glasses of something. He walks over to where you all were, just as he was about to set the last glass down, Excella roughly yanks it away from his grasp, nearly spilling the contents. He frowned but bit his tongue and left with a bow.

“One of your employees is up to no good, Excella. I expected you to have better reigns on your minions.” Albert says, placing a hand behind you, ushering you to the sofa opposite of where the fancy lady sat. “Oh? Which numbnut is it this time?” He shoots you a look, and you utter the name of your ex-manager.

“Ah, that ugly pig.” She sips on the liquid, “I heard that he’s going to court next week against a girl who assaulted him. It wouldn’t happen to be…” Her brown eyes trail over to you. You swallowed nervously, biting the inside of your lip. “Hmm… Well, I say you deserve what’s coming for you, girl. After all, you started it, yes? You slapped him first.”

“B-but he-”

“Ah, ah, ah. I won’t hear a word from you. That pig may be an imbecile, but he is still my brother’s son nonetheless. Besides, I’ve watched him grow up and he is never the type to lay a hand on a woman. So, I say you deserved to get sued.” She smirks and sips on the remainder of the liquid.

“I believe we are done, then.” Albert announces, standing up and walking over to his desk. “Ah, yes we are! Go on now ugly duckling and cry somewhere else, no one wants you-”

“Take her away.”

Suddenly you hear the room door slam open, 2 towering men in suits march over to where Excella sat and grab her arm.

“What?! Why are you doing this, Albert?! All over a peasant girl? This does not have to be such a major issue if you dump her and go with me! Let go of me you big idiots!��� She struggled as she was dragged out of the room, “This is not the last you’ll see of me Wesker! I will be back for you and that hideous bitch of yours!”

The door shut and you heard muffled threats coming from outside, slowly disappearing.

You kept your eyes on the doors. Because of you, Albert lost a business partner. His business might’ve depended on her and you ruined their relationship, all because of your petty business. You clench your jaw. If I hadn’t spoken to him, if I hadn’t told him about the incident last night. If I hadn’t replied to him.

If only I was never born.

You shut your eyes as the familiar, appalling phrase resurfaces in your head. You tried to control your breathing, you couldn’t cry again. You don’t deserve to. You just potentially ruined someone’s life and you’re crying? You’re so selfish.

“Sweetheart…?” You hear his voice call.

“I-I’m-” You whimper, “I’m so s-sorry… I-” Another choked sob, “I-I shouldn't have- I…” You look up at him pleadingly with tears flooding in your eyes, “I shouldn’t have dragged you into this mess…” You buried your face in the sleeves of the cardigan in mortification. “B-because of me, you just lost a business partner. If only I hadn’t spoken to you. I-If only I was-”

You feel him tower over you, bringing you closer to him, until your forehead rested against his chest. He embraces you, tightly, softly, firmly. Your limbs trembled as you reached up to clutch the back of his vest.

“No more. Please.” He pleaded, his tone making you cry harder. “Sweetheart. Please do not ever think that you are alone in this. I would be happy if you shared your burdens with me, I would want nothing else than to carry the weight of your difficulties with you, and I will say this over and over again, until you see it.”

You both remained held to each other as you sobbed into his shoulder. Like earlier, he was patient, gentle and you find yourself calmed by how he caressed your hair. You took a moment to inhale his scent. His strong, comforting scent that made you feel at ease whenever he was around.

When you both finally pulled away, you apologized for making a mess on his shirt. He placed a hand on your head, “Anything to see that beautiful smile of yours.” You feel your cheeks redden, the burning question at the tip of your tongue.

“D-did you really mean it?” You finally ask, after gathering enough courage.

“About you being my girlfriend?” He looks at you intently, “Only if you want to.”

Your heart jumped at his words. B-but I can’t- Not yet, as much as I love to. I just got cheated on and broke up recently. I don’t want him to be a rebound. I don’t want us to burn out. He’s too perfect to lose. I want to be with him for as long as I breathe. In order for that, I need to focus on healing and being the best version of myself, first.

“Steph- A-Albert…?” You test the foreign name.

He smiles, “You may call me whatever you wish, sweetheart.”

“U-um… I… I just recently broke up and I don’t want us to be a one-time thing. If I want to be with you, I want both of us to be fully committed and emotionally available. B-but… I need more time… I need more time to heal and learn from my mistakes so that I don’t make the same ones when I’m ready to be with you.” Your blush deepens as you avoid his gaze.

He brings you into an embrace yet again. “Of course. Take all the time you need. I will be here, waiting for you always, my darling.” He kisses the crown of your head tenderly.

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Currently screaming crying, throwing up.

When is it my turn.