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crellanstein · 4 years

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Prodigious

I find it odd how the fandom focuses so much on Aang’s childhood being ruined when he learned he was the Avatar at 12, but there’s very little talk about how discovering she was the Avatar as a toddler affected Korra’s life and how she was raised.

But we’ll circle back to that...

Because this is a good starting point to talk about one of the most prevalent themes in the story, which the mainstream discussion of tends to only focus on a few characters -- That is the Child Prodigy.

We’ll start with the two most obvious. The ones we always talk about.

Azula.

The clearest example of your typical child prodigy (if there is anything typical about a prodigy). Azula showed early mastery of very advanced Fire-Bending techniques, and is the only Fire-Bender to use blue flames, which was intended to make her stand out amongst the other villains but is also indicative that her Fire-Bending is more pure and powerful (blue flame is produced when burning pure O2 or fuel without contaminant at a very high temperature).

All this lead to her being praised and favored by Ozai as a child, but as double-edged swords go, this also meant she had a lot of pressure on her shoulders to never fail, and she rarely did. Her ego matched her talent, and let’s be honest she was the baddest bitch the show had ever seen. Conquering Ba Sing Se, defeating the Avatar in combat, and dropping some of the most devastating lines of dialogue in villain history; she was a force nobody wanted to reckon with.

And that become a problem for one asshole in particular...

Being jealous of his own child is just one item on a laundry list of reasons why this guy is the worst father in the history of fathers. Azula had begun to outshine him with her victories, and Ozai’s maniacal ego couldn’t handle that, so he left her behind to babysit the Fire Nation while he went out to burn/conquer the world, which also was her idea.

And while this wasn’t the only thing that aided in her demise, it certainly was the final straw which sent her spiraling down into this...

In the end Azula is a sad example of how certain unfair expectations are placed upon talented children, and the more they succeed, the more these expectations grow and weigh on the them until they either disappoint those looking down on them or surpass and embarrass their elders.

It is a lose-lose situation which inevitably destroys them.

There is a similar example of the child prodigy, but his story goes a little different.

Aang.

Even as a twelve/thirteen year-old boy Aang by far has the most impressive stats among any character in the Avatar universe.

Basically mastering 3 of the 4 Elements in less than a year, after mastering Air by the time he is twelve (not to mention inventing his own Air-bending move, the Air scooter).

Aang is an example of a child prodigy who had too much thrust onto him at too young an age because of the talent he showed; because of this he panicked and ran away, and the world was worse off for it.

Aang/Sokka/Katara’s story is all about how in times of War, responsibilities normally handled by adults are pushed onto kids who then have to grow up very fast in order to deal with it all.

The message is clear. War robs the young of their childhoods.

Now, let’s talk about a different kind of child prodigy.

The Unacknowledged.

Yes, of course I’m talking about Toph, the greatest Earth-Bender to ever live.

Because of her blindness, Toph’s family tried to keep her sheltered and safe by hiding her from the world. Refusing to believe she could ever be more than helpless. Anyone who has seen the show knows that is far from the truth.

But because her potential went unseen, there were some negative effects to her personality. Initially, she resented her parents, and rebelled; which established a certain level of independence, a bad attitude, and a hot-headed streak. Over time spent with the Gaang these behaviors subsided because she finally had friends and they accepted her for who she was. By the end of the series she was fully willing to accept aid from them when she needed it, like holding on to Sokka’s arm in environment where her bending couldn’t help her “see”.

Toph’s story is a foil to Azula’s, both showed immense talent and badassery, but while recognition of Azula lead to ever-mounting pressure for her to succeed; the lack of recognition for Toph created a need for her to be acknowledged and set an undercurrent of frustration which leads to her acting out in the ways she does.

The lesson to take from Toph’s story is not to shelter your kid from the world out of fear for their safety, and to be open to recognizing their talents, not shun them.

Next are two more Unacknowledged.

Katara and Sokka.

Their story, and the reason behind their circumstances, is one of the more complicated and nuanced ones in the series, so here we’ll focus on how it fits into the subject of discussion.

Because of the War, Katara was robbed not only of her mother but also of any Southern Masters to train her, and any role models Sokka could have looked up to left with his father to fight. Because of this Katara’s potential and Sokka’s genius went unacknowledged not due to neglect but rather due to circumstance. (Yes, I think Sokka is a genius, how many 15 yr olds do you know that can plan an invasion, design submarines, and spit poetry off the cuff?).

This is a further example of how War robs kids of necessary childhood experiences, and these two robberies had particular effects on both Katara and Sokka’s character developments.

Sokka had the responsibility of protecting his home put upon him at a young age. The men of his tribe leaving prevented him from completing his rite of manhood until the Gaang ran into Bato of the Water Tribe, and early on Sokka was constantly trying to prove himself as a man and a leader. Sokka is one of the smarter characters of the series, but he rarely got credit for it until the third season. Not to mention that because he wasn’t a bender he often seemed less useful than the others. The circumstances of war made his talent go unnoticed and because of that he often was unsure of himself and overcompensated to prove something.

Speaking of talent going unnoticed.

Katara is definitely one of the more talented benders of the series. After training herself for years with little progress, she essentially mastered Water-Bending in a few weeks under Master Pakku. While her anger towards the Fire-Nation mostly centers around the loss of her mother, it can’t be ignored that the delay in her training was a direct result of the Fire-Nations’ actions. Toph’s anger and frustration vented itself as rebellion. However, the same frustration and anger is within Katara, but because she wasn’t as natural a bender as Toph she sought to learn and be respected, and when that was denied to her is when that anger bubbled to the surface in some terrifying ways.

While Toph’s talent went unnoticed because of her families neglect, Katara and Sokka’s wasn’t acknowledged because there was nobody to acknowledge it. Because of that both brother and sister wanted to prove themselves to the world.

And then there is Zuko.

I know what you’re thinking. Zuko wasn’t a prodigy, his Fire-Bending skill didn’t catch up with Azula’s until the finale and he never mastered Lightning-Bending, but this section is about the Unacknowledged.

Zuko had many other talents besides Fire-Bending, he was a master swordsmen, and was able to successfully break into every secure facility he attempted in the show (which was almost every secure facility the show featured). Unfortunately, these talents were never recognized, because the only thing the royal family cared about was bending ability (It’s possible the reason he learned the sword was because he lacked skill in Fire-Bending).

As per usual with Zuko, this part of his tale is quite sad. Many can relate to being outshined by a sibling, and when it becomes all too clear that one cannot match another’s talent it’s quite understandable to focus on what they do excel at, but even then there is no promise of recognition for their own talent. Zuko was even mocked by his father during the solar eclipse when Ozai tried baiting him into attacking with his swords.

This lack of recognition is one of many sad aspects of Zuko’s early life, but it is a definitive example of one of the hardest unacknowledged prodigy’s cross to bear. The Outshone prodigy, one whose talents are never noticed because a bigger and brighter star stands in the way of such recognition, and arguably the most frustrating type mentioned here. Toph/Sokka/Katara all came from situations were there was no recognition being given to them or anyone, but Zuko had to bear watching massive amounts of praise be piled on to his sister while he and his accomplishments went by the way side.

Ozai summed up the situation best.

“Azula was born lucky, Zuko was lucky to be born”

Alright now where have I been going with all this?

So, far we’ve covered a lot of wrong ways to treat a child, whether they show talent or not, and how the circumstances of war can also take many things from children.

But what happened to Korra?

(Before we get into to this I should state that I like Korra, and the purpose of this is not to bash her as a character or her arc, but rather to give a little of my insight into it.)

It’s well established that Aang was told of his heritage too young, and that was a detriment on his development into an adult, but what would have happened if he realized his powers himself not long after he could walk? We’ll never know, but we do get to see the effects it had on Korra.

When she revealed herself as the Avatar, Korra set her entire life in a new direction, and because Aang tasked the White Lotus with finding and training her that direction was out of her control. There are two key differences between Korras’ and other Avatars’ lives.

1. She grew up in isolation on a White Lotus compound.

Every Avatar before Korra we know of spent a portion of their early lives traveling the world in order to master the elements; along this journey they not only learned how to bend the other 3 elements, buy also many things about the 3 other nations and the world they are tasked to protect as a whole. By confining Korra in safety and bringing the masters to her the White Lotus deprived Korra of this opportunity to learn and grow and understand the world and the people within in. It also deprived her of learning modern bending styles until she reached Republic City.

While this might have kept Korra safe from the Red Lotus, it grew within her a naiveté about how the world worked, and because of this when she actually did venture out into the world she was terribly unprepared for it.

2. She was trained and mastered 3 of the elements by the time she was 16.

Most Avatars don’t know they have this power until they reach 16 and then they spend several years learning to control it. Korra’s natural talent in the bending lead to her training being expedited not by necessity like Aang’s, but due to her talent and eagerness. Korra excelled at the physical part of being the Avatar and because of this by the time she reached maturity she had become over-confident in her abilities and true to what her Fire-Bending master said in Ep.1 she lacked restraint.

I’m not saying her bending isn’t great, but rather because it is so great it’s her go-to solution to anything, and she enjoys that so she uses it with enthusiastic gusto and not a lot of thinking before striking.

This overconfidence coupled with her naiveté of the world is what lead to many of her rash decisions and actions, most of which had negative consequences, and I believe are the reason behind some fan are dissatisfied with her. Aang had been almost the complete opposite, even by the age of twelve he was an experienced world traveler and an incredibly humble guy.

Some may have been dissatisfied by these character decisions, but they served a purpose, they are only the beginning of her arc. The internal challenge Korra must overcome through 4 seasons is to humble herself before the world, and learn from it. This was finally achieved in the 4th season when the metal poisoning in her body forces her to face others in the world as equals, only then had she completed her journey.

And why did it all go this way?

Because she is a very unique child prodigy, what she demonstrates in the first episode of LOK would be akin to a toddler playing the violin or hitting a three-pointer; she could bend 3 elements close to just after learning to walk. That is the kind of prodigious talent rarely seen because it is mostly impossible. How does a rational person handle a child like that?

It’s a tough question, and something this essay has been circling around the whole time. Each example here is the wrong way to handle talented and different children, but what is the right way?

As always look to Iroh.

Who treated his surrogate son Zuko with both respect and compassion.

Unlike Toph’s parents, Iroh worried over Zuko’s well being, but also allowed him to be independent, make his own decisions, and take his own risks.

Unlike the Nomad Leaders, he didn’t want Zuko weighed down by his position in the world and the responsibility that came with, and always encouraged him relax and take advantage of the moment.

Unlike Ozai, Iroh would always be there to support Zuko in his victories and his failures. Iroh shows him the right path but does not force him down it.

And even after Zuko betrayed and abandoned him.

Iroh was never angry with him, and embraced him upon his return.

He wanted Zuko to grow and be a better man. Even if Zuko wasn’t a prodigy like his sister.

And that is the answer here. The way to raise a prodigy is the same way anyone should raise any child. Love, Support, a Guiding Hand rather than a Forceful Shove, Recognition of What Makes Them Unique, and Forgiveness When They Falter. The problem comes along when you start treating children differently because you see them as different or special. All children are different, all children are special.

Kids are kids, and they all deserve a proper childhood.

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midnightswithdearkatytspb · 3 years

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Mob bucky/seb or mob chris/andy recs??

Updated 07/04/21 ✨ = Just Added

To be added please tag me in your future works!

Hey Anon! I’m so glad you asked this because Mob/Mafia! Any version of those boys is my favorite. In my previous fic recs I recommended...

If love was an option by @mianorth » Bucky Barnes x Reader — Part 1 🦋 Part 2 🦋 Part 3

Good Little Wife & Good Little Girl by @donutloverxo » Mob!Andy Barber x Reader – A little dark and it has some really good smut in it.

Blackmail by @stargazingfangirl18 » Soft!DarkMafia Andy Barber x Female Reader — You were just doing it to protect your family, at least that’s what you kept telling yourself, especially once you started to like it. (One-Shot)

Blow Sweet and Thick by @angrythingstarlight » Mafia!Bucky x Reader — Bucky is having a bad day, you can help him feel good. (Part of Mafia Monday’s)

Run To You by @bestofbucky » Mob!Boss Bucky x Reader — Mob boss Bucky Barnes hires you to be his bodyguard. (Series)

Can’t Run, Can’t Hide by @angrythingstarlight » Dark!MafiaBucky Barnes x Reader — When you get noticed by the infamous mob boss, you flee. But Bucky doesn’t like to be denied anything and he’s coming for you. (One-shot)

Six Feet | Ch.1 ⚰️ Ch.2 by @queenoftheworldisdead » Dark Mob!Steve x Reader + Dark Mob!Bucky x Reader — Your family’s small funeral home comes into financial trouble. In desperation your father finds the most unlikely solution to solve his financial problems. | (Short Series)

Bankrupt by @mypoisonedvine » dark!40’s!Mob!Stucky x Reader — Your husband’s gambling addiction quickly got him in hot water with the mob, and you by extension. When some debt collectors come by to settle what is owed, you realize that you have a lot more to worry about than money problems.

Partition by @angrythingstarlight » Mob!Bucky Barnes x Reader — Bucky comforts you after a bad day, and your boss learns why no one messes with his girl. —> Part 2: Let Me Show You — You wanted to know what your mobster boyfriend did, lucky for you he’s more into the show then tell.

Say the word and it’s yours by @angrythingstarlight » Mafia!Bucky Barnes x Reader — Your mobster boyfriend rescues you from a long, boring day at work. Bucky always said, “ask and its yours”

Lost Without You by @angrythingstarlight » Mafia!Bucky Barnes x Reader — Bucky Barnes would be lost with you. You’re his everything and he plans on spending Valentine’s Day proving it to you.

All Dressed In White by @angrythingstarlight » Dark!Mafia Bucky Barnes x Reader — You were going to marry someone else, Bucky won’t let that happen. You belong to him now and forever. Till Death Do You Part.

Thick As Thieves by @angrythingstarlight » Mafia!Bucky Barnes x Reader x Mafia!Steve Rogers — The only thing the Mafia hates as much as snitches are thieves. And you’re planning on stealing from Bucky and Steve, what happens if you get caught?

Won’t Let You Go by @kind-of-crazy-butthatsokay » Mob!Bucky Barnes x OFC!Kori — Kori met Bucky in one of his clubs, out to get shit-faced with a couple of friends to forget about her worries and maybe take home a guy to further rid herself of her numerous frustrations. Little did she know that the one-night stand with Bucky would turn into so much more than that.

Tell Me What You Want by @angrythingstarlight » Mafia!Steve Rogers x Reader; Mafia!Bucky Barnes x Reader — Your mob boyfriend, is none other than Steve Rogers and he is willing to get you whatever you wanted, all you have to do is ask. And be careful what you ask for because he’s going to give it to you over and over again.

To Have & To Hold by @slyyywriting » Bucky Barnes x Mob Boss!Reader — Bucky is trying his best to provide and care for his daughter who just entered first grade. Everything was alright until she asks why everyone else seems to have a mom except for her. You’re just a plain mob boss who wants to turn a new leaf. Challenges arise when the world refuses to let you take a softer, non-violent route. A little girl helps you navigate a compromise.(series)

✨ Mob!Sugar Daddy!Stucky Moodboard by @brattycherubwrites » Mob!Stucky x Reader

✨ Laced Around Your Throat by @angrythingstarlight » Mafia!Steve x Reader, Mafia!Bucky x Reader — Your Mob boyfriend knows that the only thing that looks even better than his hand around your throat is his custom made necklace. You’re his girl and the world needs to know it.

✨ Hidden Gems by @jtargaryen18 » Mob!Steve Rogers x Mob!Daughter Reader — Your father is the head of one of the most powerful crime families in Boston but he’s protected you from that life. In your quiet home outside the city, you’ve been cared for and protected. When the desires of a more powerful man with the will to dominate bursts into your life, all your illusions are shattered as he comes to claim what is his.

Necessary Arrangements by @stargazingfangirl18 » Andy Barber x Fem!Reader, Ari Levinson x (Different) Fem! Reader ft. Ransom Drysdale » One of my favorite series, chapters are decent sized and the smut is so good!

Hugs My Love by @thatfuckingweirdo » Mobster!Bucky Barnes x Reader — You just really need a hug, and Bucky is the only one you want it from.

my old man is a tough man, but he got a soul as sweet as blood red jam by @cloudystevie » Mob Boss!Steve Rogers x Fem!Reader — steve gives you what you want… kind of.

Brooklyn Wars by @world-of-aus » Stucky x Reader

Petals and Bullets by @revengingbarnes » Mob!Bucky Barnes x Reader (One of my all time favorites series)

I would check out @sinner-as-saint’s Masterlist they have quite a few Mob!Bucky series and one-shots that I have loved in the past.

Special by @buckycuddlebuddy » Bucky Barnes x Reader — this one-shot is really hot.

Love, Honor, and Obey by @constantwriter85 » Bucky Barnes — This one is good and I need to catch up on.

Mafioso by @captain-barnes-writes » Bucky Barnes x Reader — Please do yourself a favor and read.

Lipstick and Crayons by @oneoftheprettynerds » Dark!Steve Rogers x Reader - In Progress

A really good DarkMob!Steve Drabble called Please Hurt Me by @gotnofucks *chefs kiss*

The Mobster’s Little Girl by @smutsonian » Steve Rogers x Reader

off to the races 🐻 off to the races 2 by @harryspet » Soft!Dark Steve Rogers x Reader

The Ignorant Beauty & the Beast by @mysterioh » Steve Rogers x Reader – With 21 parts sadly it hasn’t been updated in 8 months, it’s one of my favorite Mob!Steve Roger fics out there. *Thanks to @inactivewhore I found out this story was moved to AO3 and is now called where angels fear to tread it was last updated on 13/11/20*

What It Takes by @cherienymphe » Bucky Barnes x Reader — You left Bucky once you found out who he really is. The one thing you thought would guarantee your safety ends up sealing your fate.

Welcome Home by @punani » Chris Evans x Black!Reader — He’s been away for awhile, but he knows that his girl’s loyalty to him knows no bounds. Knows she’s been waiting for him after her adamancy in telling him there was no other option. It’s only right to make the reunion a memorable one. | So, so, so, so freaking good!

These are what I found on Tumblr that I plan on reading.

Handmaid by @extremelyblackandwhite » Sebastian Stan x ingenue!Reader — y/n works as a handmaid for the daughter of an influential mob leader who is promised to the new boss of the most powerful mob family in new york, sebastian.

AO3 Website Reccomendations

Satellite Heart » Stucky x Reader — You used to be Steve and Bucky's girl. Then they fucking left without saying goodbye. Little did they know, you were pregnant. But life went on. You raised your Talia to the best of your ability. But one day, everything goes to shit. Now your boys are back in your life. And they're not planning on leaving anytime soon.

Little Fox A/B/O Series » Soft!Dark Bucky Barnes x Soft!Dark Natasha Romanoff x OFC! & Peter Parker x Soft!Dark Tony Stark — So I can’t stress this enough you need to read the tags for this series and I kept getting confused as I read this story as to how old Violet Mason is. But this series takes you on a roller coaster, I like it, my cousin didn’t finish it, I need to catch up.

Pelmeni *finished* » Stucky x Reader — James Bucky Barnes has a good life, as a member of a powerful organized crime syndicate. His best friend Steve is a member too and his literal partner in crime. Bucky's got a problem though. You. His longtime love and secret girlfriend. Unfortunately, your father is his boss and has plans for you that involve normal life. Steve has a problem too. Steve wants in on your relationship and more than the semi-regular/occasional steamy threesomes. You don't have a problem, you're just busy with a big mob wedding coming up, which means a big celebration, that you're busy catering for.

Dying For This Love » Dark!Bucky x Reader — That was before. When you were Bucky’s girl. Now, you have a score to settle. That’s why you’re wearing Bucky’s favorite red satin dress, the one with the cuts that reach right up to the tops of your thighs, the tennis necklace he gifted you for your anniversary, and are fresh off of a mani/pedi and hair appointment. He’s going to regret the day he fucked with you. | This one is intense and a tad bit dark, but the smut is good.

off to the races » Steve Rogers x Reader — In which you call the kingpin your Daddy.

The Mobster’s Little Girl » Steve Rogers x Reader — what happens when the big bad mobster gets blackmailed by your father to marry you? (kind of fluffy kind of not. kinda dark kinda not.)

Brooklyn Sweethearts » Dark!Stucky x Reader — Bucky and Steve had always been meant to keep her safe and happy. As far as anyone else was concerned, that was their sole reason for being alive. Unfortunately, the things that kept her safe were not always the things that kept her happy. Lately, she was making it pretty damn hard for them to compromise. | Probably one of my all time favorite Mafia!Stucky stories I have ever read, just sadly it also hasn’t been updated in like 8 months and I keep hoping it will get updated.

Hot Doll » Skinny!MobBoss Steve Rogers x Reader — Steve Rogers is on the rise in the New York underground as you’re trying to keep your own place there. | Dark and good!

Doctor Doctor » Steve Rogers x PlusSize! Reader — (1940 Mobster AU!) You're a war widow down on her luck; and the King of Brooklyn, Steve Rogers, takes notice. | Another one of my favorites. A little bit dark as well.

The Widow » Dark!MobBoss x Reader — It’s the 1920s and everyone’s having a roaring time but you. | Trust me it’s just dark enough.

Those are just some on AO3, I would just go through Mafia AU tag and go to filter and click Avengers or Captain America.

#you ask i answer #ktk rec ‘21 #ktk rec #ktk fic rec #mob!bucky #mafia!bucky #mob!andy barber #andy barber #andy barber x reader #bucky barnes x reader #mob!steve #dark!steve x reader #stucky x reader #fanfiction recommendation #fanfic rec #mob!sebastian stan #mob!sebastian stan x reader #mob!chris evans

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letsasoiaftogether · 2 years

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IMAGINE...being the younger, twin sister to Stannis Baratheon and being married to Ned Stark after the death of Catelyn (Tully) on the demand wishes of your eldest brother, King Robert.

Word Count: 1,472

Warning: None??? Slight...messy writing???

A/n: I dont know if this was a request but there was quite a bit discussion over it so I made it into one! Soo Baratheon!Reader x Ned Stark, enjoy!

(Gif not mine)

When Robert first announced your marriage, you had laughed in his face and walked off.

After all, he was always boasting about allying further with the North and marrying you off to this Lord or the next. More than once you had been told by Lord Arryn how your Kingly brother had been in talks with Lord Jon Umber and some Manderly or two. And so you had thought this one no different (but maybe a little too insensitive giving that the Lord’s Lady Wife had only just passed from childbed fever).

But then Robert continued to talk about it for half a year, each time Lord Arryn looked more and more uncomfortable.

Still, it wasn’t until you were in the carriage with your son – your baseborn son who was nearing his tenth name day – that reality set in.

At the next inn, when the progression stopped, you spent hours screaming at your eldest brother while your twin, Stannis, and younger brother, Renly, watched from the sidelines – both clearly concerned over the safety of the inn if yours and Robert’s tempers got any worse.

Afterwards, you took a vow of silence and spoke only to your son and Stannis for the rest of the journey.

You were grateful Lord Arryn had remained in the capital for surely he would have made you feel guilty for snapping at Robert for his selfish, stupid decision.

Your arrival to Winterfell was awful.

While you understood Lord Stark wanting to greet his King and best friend with respect and a grand expression of fealty, you didn’t appreciate being a part of that.

With a half-forced smile, you let Robert drag you from the carriage – throwing an annoyed look toward Cersei, who you were pretty neutral toward (the Queen gave you an eye roll in return, also at her husband’s actions), as you went.

You were brought before Eddard Stark wearing a gown of black and yellow and a half smile.

The man was only seven months a widow and if the bags under his eyes were any indication, he was still in the grieving process.

He bowed and kissed your hand as was expected of you, and then the two of you shared a soft sigh and you greeted him with a hug and your deepest apologies for his loss.

You had known him for years, since he and Robert fostered together in the Eyrie. You weren’t best friends like, he and Robert, but you had always been pleasant toward one another whenever you met.

“Y/n,” he greeted softly once the two of you had pulled apart, “You look well,”

“Thank you, Lord Eddard.” You didn’t say it in return. He didn’t look well. He was a sad man grieving for a wife whom – by all accounts – he had truly come to care deeply for in the thirteen years they had been married. Instead, you just whispered, “I am sorry if this is being forced upon you.” You left off the “like its being forced upon me.”

He just smiled tensely.

If it had been a simple visit, it would have been a very nice one.

You met the children once everyone had moved inside, while your brother and future husband went to the crypts to pay respects to the memory of Lyanna Stark. All the Stark children were polite, even Theon Greyjoy was on his best behavior, and it was Robb who sent for the baby so you could meet the youngest member of their House.

Rickon was healthy and a babe of only seven months old, he slept for the most part.

Brandon was only five and had a million questions for your guards about being knights.

Arya was six and reminded you of stories about her aunt, just from how wild and unladylike she appeared as she argued with her sister and joined in with Brandon about knighthoods.

Sansa was a sweet child of nine and clearly missed her mother dearly as she shyly asked you questions about your dress and jewelry and mentioned soft things about her own mother’s hair and what her style of clothing had been.

Robb was the heir at twelve and was caught in between being the perfect son and the oldest while still being a boy. He was respectful with his questions and did his best to keep his younger siblings in line.

Jon Snow (also twelve) was quiet, much quieter than you were comfortable with especially in comparison to his siblings and Theon (a boy of 16 with a smug smirk always present on his face). It was nice to see him interact with Y/S/N, though, and the two really seemed to bond (especially after your son told Jon he, too, was a bastard).

After meeting them and talking to them for a few hours, you were shown to your chambers to get ready for the feast.

It felt like when you would travel to the Vale of Arryn to visit Robert, and you found yourself smiling and laughing despite your hesitations in becoming the second Lady Stark to Eddard.

“The children seem to have taken a liking to you already, I am grateful for that.” Eddard was saying as the two of you stepped out of the great keep some hours later.

“They are absolute darlings.” You remarked, your gaze on the star filled sky “You and Lady Catelyn have done a wonderful job with them, My Lord.”

A soft sigh slipped from his lips, “Thank you, My Lady.”

As the two of you continued on your way to the guest keep, where the entirety of the royal party was being housed, the two of you walked in a comfortable silence. A silence that would become very familiar in the years to come but in a very comfortable way, eventually.

Eddard was a quiet sort of man even in his youth, and you didn’t wish to pester him with idle talk. He had always reminded you of Stannis in that regard – minus the jaw clenching, of course.

“I…I am grateful, Y/n.” Eddard whispered as he took your hand, stopping you from disappearing into the guest keep. He waited for you to turn to him before continuing, “I had some fear that Robert would try to marry me off to some Lannister woman. You know of my…disagreement with Lord Tywin and his House.”

Who doesn’t, Lord Stark?

“Anyhow,” Eddard cleared his throat and continued, “I cannot make any promises of some great love. I…I have loved already and lost, many times over, but I can be a friend to you, a confidant as you may need me to be.”

His voice was sad but strong. Was it his honor that made him say these words? Or did he see you as much a hostage in this situation as he was?

It was like finding common ground with a stranger.

Because no matter how much I knew him thirteen years ago, he has changed. As have I.

“I would like to be friends, Eddard. Very much.” Leaning up, you placed a quick kiss to his cheek and then turned and slipped into the keep.

You were wed to Eddard Stark two days later in front of the weirwood tree in Winterfell’s godswood. Silent vows were spoken, and the Stark cloak was wrapped around your shoulders.

Soft smiles were shared between the two of you and you held hands as you led the way back to the Great Keep.

You were nervous to be the Lady of Winterfell and you prayed to the old gods and the new that you would do a good job at it, but you weren’t nervous or angry any longer to be wedded to Eddard.

His honor was legendary, how he was as a friend was just as well known, and you had heard plenty of how he had been as a husband to know that you were safe and would be well looked after.

“Lady Stark!” Robert had laughed a hundred times already, but this time he laughed it as he pulled you into a hug and kissed your cheeks, “My sister!” his hug was tight but it was Robert and you were used to it.

He smelt like wine already and by the way he was eyeing the serving girl you knew he would disappear someone soon enough for some…conversation. It made you fear for him and the future of his reign without you in the capital to be an extra pair of eyes watching over him.

But as you turned your head to look at Eddard, seated at the high table with baby Rickon in his arms and whispering to Maester Lewyn with a gentle smile on his lips, you were able to distract yourself for the time being.

It was poor timing, but maybe not a terrible match…

#house stark #stark #house baratheon #baratheon #got #got imagine #got imagines #game of thrones #game of thrones imagine #game of thrones imagines #a song of ice and fire imagine #a song of ice and fire #a song of ice and fire imagines #imagine #imagines #ned stark #ned stark imagine #ned stark imagines #eddard stark

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ahundredtimesover · 3 years

Text

Inevitable (04) | JJK

Pairing: Jungkook x (f.) Reader (ft. ot6)

Genre/Tags: exes au, parents au, baseball player!JK; angst, fluff, smut (18+)

Series Warnings: foul language, alcohol consumption, minor character death, explicit sexual content in future chapters (oral, unprotected/protected sex but be safe please!)

Chapter Word count: 9.9k

Summary: You convinced Jungkook to break up years ago so he could pursue his lifelong baseball dream. Now he’s back home, staring at you, and the little boy next to you who looks unmistakably like him.

Series Masterlist || Previous || Next

Getting to know Jungwon hasn’t been as difficult as Jungkook dreaded it to be. The first few dates were tricky because he had to re-establish himself as the man who fixed the little one’s airplane, until it got old and Jungkook had to figure out different openings.

But he also wanted to be remembered as more than the man giving Jungwon chocolate milk or sweet snacks, and definitely more than the Cookie Monster. Since that impromptu stay-in at your place that one Saturday, he feels there's been progress towards the goal of Jungwon wanting Jungkook to be his father.

That’s what you both decided, anyway, that you were going to wait for the little one to be comfortable enough to want that, and not be something that you, as his parents, would impose.

There’s a reason why you never introduced any other man to Jungwon, why you always reinforced Taehyung and Namjoon as his uncles, why you made sure your son never saw any man be affectionate to you, as he may take this differently, given his kindergarten mates often talked about seeing their parents hold hands and kiss.

You told Jungkook all this and he’d been thankful for you paving the way for Jungwon to feel the difference of how Jungkook is with him. This has also been the reason why aside from dinners on some weeknights, the weekend playdates have also gone on for longer.

It’s only just been several weeks but there was that time at the park with the cool playground near Jungkook’s apartment. Jungwon had initially been careful and shy with the other kids around but Jungkook was helping him in every step, every slide, every seesaw, and every swing.

There was another time when you all went to one of the Han River parks. Taehyung had joined with a picnic basket full of fruits and sweets and Jungkook and Jungwon devoured the mini cakes and cookies. That day, Jungkook brought a baseball and taught Jungwon how to play catch. The moment was quite emotional for him, as he remembered the first time his own father introduced the game to him just like that.

The little one’s hand-eye coordination needed some work, so they took to piggyback rides and superman lifts after some time. Those were requests from Jungwon, as anything remotely physical was something you and Jungkoik wanted your son to initiate as well. He was the first one to ask to be carried, to be tossed, and had been the one to hug Jungkook goodbye that one time.

What has been difficult for him was getting to know you all over again. After the anger turned into appreciation for everything you’ve done, for how much you sacrificed and did everything right when it came to raising your child, it had been natural for Jungkook to pick up on all the things different and the same about you.

You’re still the same smart, go-getter individual who takes command and knows how to get people to agree with her, like that time during your Saturday conference calls when you directed both meetings and had the whole team go with your ideas. He didn’t miss the little smirk you made after the final agreements.

You still have that tough demeanor, standing your ground like those times he’d heard you negotiate with merchants over the phone, or when you’d side-eyed strangers who snickered when Jungwon was having a mini-tantrum in a public place because he does still have his moments.

You’re still patient and understanding when it comes to Jungkook’s career, how you never minded when he would be approached by people asking for a photo, or how you always understood when he had to move dinner to another day at the last minute.

You still prefer not to ask for help, like that one Sunday he was over and you spent it doing chores and you rejected his every offer to help, joking that you really don’t wanna fight him in front of your son. How you now minded him helping you wasn’t lost on him, though.

You were so tired that day that you fell asleep right as you sat on the couch, hugging Ms. Monkeypants and playing with her ear. Jungkook softened at this because your knack for playing with ears - whether a person’s or a stuffed toy’s - is still very much a part of you.

He’s noticed differences, too, like how you’ve been more open with your emotions. He thinks it’s something you had to learn to model to Jungwon - naming what you feel because it helps with his emotional vocabulary - and it’s a welcome change.

He saw you get teary-eyed watching Toy Story 3, too, then hugging Jungwon who was trying to hug all his toys and telling them he loves them.

Jungkook rarely saw you cry when you were together; it wasn’t something you normally did. You always said it wasn’t out of thinking it was a weakness but you just didn’t like others seeing that vulnerable side of you, and it made you feel like you didn’t have control.

He smiles thinking that perhaps Jungwon has taught you how to be willing and more comfortable with expressing your feelings, even if it’s because of an animated movie about toys.

It doesn’t help, too, that you look just as gorgeous as before, whether you’re wearing your work clothes or your casual clothes, whether you’re trying to discipline Jungwon when he won’t listen to you and you have this serious face on, or when you look so tender and enchanted while you’re watching the little one be himself.

This has been so difficult because Jungkook has spent the past 5 years trying to forget about you, trying to forget how you sound, how you look, how you feel. And now, it’s as if he never got to do that at all.

While physical touches have been limited to fingers brushing or elbows touching, just seeing you is enough to remind him how it was like to hold you. Many times he’d been tempted to straighten your eyebrows when they were scrunched out of frustration, or engulf your hands in his when they were shaking out of stress, or pinch your cheeks just to get a reaction out of you because you never enjoyed it before.

But more than those, he’d wanted to hug you, as if to thank you for everything you’ve done, and then hug you some more as if to make up for the times you felt exhausted, scared, worried, and alone. He’d wanted to hold you so tightly as if to tell you that you won’t be going through all this by yourself anymore because he’s around now.

And there had been moments when he just wanted to pull you close and kiss you, because no matter how hard he tried to forget you, to erase the memories of you from his mind, it had been impossible, even if you were the one who wanted to end it, and even if he agreed and told you not to reach out to him out of bitterness.

You don’t get to repair a broken heart just like that, you don’t get over a love just like that.

When you walked out of his life, the anger was fleeting, leaving him with this suffocating hollowness inside of him that was more than sadness but not emptiness; it was that feeling that his whole being, his whole self knew that something was missing.

He’d gone on to do everything he set out to do, offered every single game to his father, relished every moment of the dream he’s known since he was a child.

Losing his father left this permanent scar, like a reminder of what was lost, a pain he only remembers feeling, but losing you felt like an open wound, like it could hurt and burn when touched, left open and vulnerable to further pain, like it just refused to heal and close up.

He at least wanted to just remember the pain, not have to feel it every single day. He’d been very good at hiding it, masking it with other things, like spending every waking hour he could at training or the gym, doing the bare minimum of socializing, dating a celebrity who felt just as heartbroken and lonely like he did.

Coming home and finding out the truth made him feel anger again, but it multiplied the pain he continued to feel. Regret came not long after, realizing that maybe he hadn’t done enough to make you trust him, to make you trust his love for you.

Getting to know Jungwon has done so much, not just for the relationship he’s desperate to build with his son, but also for forgiving you. But while you’ve proven that you want nothing more than for that father-son relationship to develop and solidify, making sure that Jungwon doesn’t get to have any other father except for Jungkook, he also knows it’s not that simple.

You two never really talked about the break up, come to think of it; everything had been about your son. Jungkook doesn’t know if you really meant everything you said that night, that you’ve been tired being with him, and if you truly thought that you’re not what he needed.

You’ve also said that you’ve never let any man close enough because you were waiting for him to take his rightful place as Jungwon’s father; that had been enough to not let anybody in. But now he’s here, and he feels he’s getting closer to the goal, and that may leave you open and willing and ready for another kind of love, the one you’ll trust, the one you’ll cherish.

These thoughts remain in Jungkook’s mind and he’s afraid to be vulnerable. He’s scared to be close again, to let you in, because if that’s not something you want, not only will he not know how to recover this time, but he also can’t risk Jungwon being caught in the crossfire. He can’t let Jungwon see his father broken.

It’s 6PM on a Friday and Jungkook is hitting balls in their training facility’s indoor batting cage, with Jin in the next lane who’s been enjoying the perks of being cousins with the Bears’ star hitter. He’s hitting too, not for practice but to let out frustrations, given how enamored he is with his rival resto-bar’s owner who’s just as persuasive and charming as he is.

The cousins are bickering, with Jungkook stating that Jin’s just afraid to be dominated by someone because he knows he’s a terrible sub - earning him ball hits from Jin that don’t land - and with the older man countering that Jungkook’s just afraid to admit that he likes you, a complete 180 from how it was in college.

“Why are you so convinced that I like her? May I remind you that she broke my heart. I’ve moved on, okay?” Jungkook defends, worried not to give anything away. It’s not something he’s verbalized, afraid of it snowballing then not being ready for the consequences.

“Why are you so convinced that I wouldn’t notice?” Jin deadpans, confused as to why Jungkook feels the need to deny it. “I’m the last person to fall for your bullshit, Kook. And you’re probably the most expressive person I know. Your eyes are so big, I can see them shift from Jungwon to ___ from a mile away, and lingering. And don’t think I don’t miss how you force yourself to not bite your lips to stop yourself from smiling when she’s around.”

Jungkook rolls his eyes but curses himself for still being so transparent. That’s what he was with you back in college; it was easy for the guys to know when he’d fallen for you because of the change in demeanor, how during his most serious moments during training and games, seeing you in the stands suddenly turned him into a lovesick puppy who just couldn’t stop beaming.

“Shut up, I need to focus,” he deflects, earning him a laugh from the older man.

Jungkook continues his bats, shouts of approval from the coaching staff and team members present echoing in the facility.

His phone rings and he immediately drops everything and runs to it, the specific ringtone indicating that it’s you on the other line, something he decided just in case there’s an emergency so he knows not to ignore it.

“___, everything okay?”

At this, Jin laughs and rolls his eyes. Emergency or not, it doesn’t explain the smile that’s currently on Jungkook’s face after you say that things are fine.

“Are you busy? I’m sorry for calling, I didn’t know who else to ask. I know you mentioned training tonight,” you say on the other line.

Jungkook moves out of the netted area and sits farther away from the noise coming from the others batting.

“No, it’s okay. I have time. What do you need?”

“I’m caught in a meeting so I can’t pick up Jungwon from daycare yet. He gets restless when he remains in the same place for a long period of time and, well, Namjoon is in a conference and Tae is out of town. I was hoping maybe you could pick him up? If you’re not busy, or like, caught in the middle of something. If you are, I can—”

“Hey, ___, relax. Of course I can,” he states. “I’m done anyway. I can head out there now. Will they let me take him?”

“Yeah! I’ll call his teacher and vouch for you. Just give your ID and then they’ll just video call me to confirm that I’m approving you to pick Jungwon up,” you respond, the worry of disturbing Jungkook slowly disappearing at his gentle tone.

“Sure, just send me the address. And your office’s too, so I’ll know where to drop him off.”

“Yes, yes. I will,” you respond.

Your boss calls you from the room since break is over. “Just text me if something comes up. Thank you so much, Jungkook. I’ll see you, bye!”

Jungkook drops the call and rushes to get his things, leaving a howling Jin who screams that Jungkook is in love.

Jungkook, in fact, did not need to give his ID. Turns out, the teachers are baseball fans (or have probably been watching the news) and had dropped whatever they were holding at the sight of him entering their humble daycare, asking for Jungwon.

He doesn’t miss how one whispers over the phone that “you didn’t tell me it’s the Jeon Jungkook, ___. I could’ve fixed my hair!” To which you laugh and hurriedly give your approval before you go back to your meeting.

Jungwon, who looked bored inside the playroom, excitedly runs to Jungkook, shouting that “Cookie is picking me up!” That’s enough for the teachers to squeal in adoration because hunky baseball star Jeon Jungkook, going all soft at the hug of a tiny Jungwon, is definitely a sight to behold. Even more when he carries Jungwon and asks him about his day and what he learned at school earlier.

He hears the teacher call out that she wishes to see him again, and Jungkook actually hopes that she does. Having Jungwon be excited to see him definitely makes up for the past 3 days of torture at training. With the start of the season happening in May - a few weeks from now - it’s been crazy for Jungkook, knowing as well that even with his MLB stint, no one is afforded a pass in the Korean Baseball Organization League. The KBO is filled with just as many talented players and he knows that he needs to earn their respect just the same.

It’s been so tiring, as he keeps up with his early morning workout, then full-day training and conditioning. He’s lucky that the Bears at least respect its players’ time, and that he was able to leave the batting cage early to pick up his kid.

That smile, that tight hug, that story about the caterpillar he saw in the playground are all enough for Jungkook to feel rejuvenated, like all his muscle strain has healed and all the jitters leading up to opening weekend are slowly dissipating.

He definitely wants to keep doing this. And in a corner of his mind, he wishes he could go home to this, to Jungwon’s excitement and affection everyday, with you there with them.

Your office is situated in a three story building in a quiet, artsy district. From his parked car across the street, Jungkook could see the bright lights from the wall-size windows, with many people still walking around inside. He’s not sure if it’s okay for him to go inside so he asks Jungwon, knowing as well that the little one has been antsy the whole ride.

“Uncle Tete takes me inside,” Jungwon replies, which is enough of a confirmation for Jungkook.

He takes his son from the car seat, the one he decided to get in anticipation for moments like this. The pair cross the street and enter the front door, earning gasps from the people staying in the common workspace, which is connected to the reception area.

Jungkook looks around, unsure whom to ask where you are or at least where to stay while they wait. There doesn’t seem to be anyone in the reception desk so Jungkook stays still, feeling slightly uncomfortable at the deafening silence.

A woman exits a room and squeals, calling out to the little one.

“Hi, Jungwon!” She says, walking towards them. “Waiting for your mother?” Jungwon waves and responds with a nod.

Jungkook turns around and sees the woman go from smiling to nodding, whispering that “she didn’t tell me she meant the Jeon Jungkook,” proceeding to laugh. She turns to everyone else with their slacked jaws, telling them to get it together, “as if you’ve never seen a celebrity before.”

“Please don’t mind them,” she tells Jungkook. “Although I’m not sure if they’re stunned because they know who you are or because you’re just really handsome. I’m Sarang, by the way,” she says, hand out for Jungkook to shake, which he does.

“The team’s just running over final things but ___ should be done soon. You can sit on the couch over there,” she says, pointing to the corner of the room.

She follows the pair and pulls out a box from underneath the coffee table, which is filled with blocks. “We get visits from kids pretty often and Jungwon likes these,” she says, earning her a nod and thanks from Jungkook.

Sarang stands back and watches him help Jungwon get the blocks and start playing with him, shock evident on her face because this man really is the father of your child. She has been very supportive during your stay at this company, being raised by a single mom herself. She knows how hard it is and had always wished that the mysterious Jeon Jungkook would finally show up, knowing that Jungwon will just be curious as he gets older.

She excuses herself and returns to the room, while Jungkook focuses on making sure that the little one busies himself with the blocks without making much noise. He feels the stares and hears the whispers of the other people, though, seemingly shameless in their gawking but Jungkook only laughs to himself. This is something he’s used to and he doesn’t really mind the attention. It’s just a little uncomfortable because he’s with his son, in the office of his son’s mother, and he doesn’t think they know the truth.

The two stay in their own world, with Jungwon constantly saying “oops” in his tiny voice every time a block falls, then asks help from Jungkook when he can’t get a block to stay still. Jungkook enjoys this bit, teaching the little one how to properly align blocks, and his heart softens when Jungwon stares in awe then proceeds to try it himself, only to fail.

“It’s okay, buddy,” Jungkook pats his head. “You’ll get it right, just keep trying.”

It goes on like this for half an hour, until Jungkook hears the door open and a throng of people come out. Not all take notice of his presence but those who do have that same shock and curiosity on their faces, which are followed by smiles and nods and whispering, and he just shakes his head until he hears your voice, talking to another man.

The man is walking next to you, making you laugh. You both stop a few feet away from the couch, unaware of Jungkook’s and Jungwon’s presence, the older man slyly eyeing the interaction. You try to maintain a distance but the other man finds ways to move closer, and Jungkook huffs to himself because he knows what that means.

“Please, ___, tell me you’ll make it tonight. It’s been so long since you last joined us for drinks. We’re working together again and that calls for a celebration, right?” The man says, the flirtiness of his voice not lost on Jungkook.

“Jungwon’s had a long day and I just wanna be with him tonight. It’s been a tiring week too, I’m sorry,” you say. “Maybe next time?”

“Can’t you get a babysitter for him, though? Give yourself some time to let loose and have fun? Sarang has mentioned that you haven’t been out in forever,” he responds, earning him a couple of yeses from the others still lingering, unaware of Jungkook’s prying eyes and ears not far away.

“I’ll think about it, Dan. I don’t like being away from Jungwon for long, anyway.”

“Come on, ___. It’s just—”

He gets distracted by the exaggerated throat-clearing from the couch, causing the small group to look in that direction. Gasps are heard as they take in Jeon Jungkook in their office, helping Jungwon return the blocks in the box.

“Oh, Jungkook, you’re here!” You say, approaching him. “Did you wait too long?”

“No, it's just been a while,” he says, Jungwon now sighing out of tiredness, prompting Jungkook to pick him up. “You’re not joining them?”

“I’m too tired to go out, and this little one feels the same. I kept him out too long,” you pout as you rub Jungwon’s back.

“I can take you home, then,” Dan says from behind.

“That would be—”

“Unnecessary. I’ll take her home. I have the car seat and all,” Jungkook says, forcing a smile as he looks at the man who’s clearly trying his way with you. “Jeon Jungkook, by the way,” he continues, extending his hand. “I’m…”

“A friend from college,” you finish, causing Jungkook to flinch at the half truth, although telling everyone that you’re ex-lovers isn’t exactly a smart idea.

“Kyung Dan, a good friend of ___’s. We’ve worked together on a couple of projects,” he says, handshake firm, as if sizing up Jungkook. Dan is a built man, too, but nothing like Jungkook.

“Nice to meet you,” he replies, although his taut face doesn’t really match his words.

You feel tense because you’ve seen this before. This is how Jungkook used to greet the men you introduced when you were together - exchanging pleasantries, making small talk, giving a handshake, but with head-to-toe gazes and looks that could pierce glass. Somehow this makes your heart do things because he can’t actually be jealous, right? But you shake off the feeling before you become delusional.

Dan just nods, and his face contorts as one of your workmates not-so-softly says that “told you she’d be more into athletes,” which causes you to pinch your nose bridge in exasperation and Dan to fake a cough.

You don’t miss the smirk on Jungkook’s face though, as if he won this round, and you excuse yourself to get your things before things get even more awkward.

You place Jungwon in the car seat and head to the front, a little giddy at something so familiar yet new at the same time. You wait until the traffic light before you turn to Jungkook.

“Thank you for picking him up. And sorry, too if I disturbed training or something. It’s just that usually, Tae—”

“___,” Jungkook says, trying his best not to sound frustrated. He looks at the rearview mirror to check on Jungwon, who’s fallen asleep immediately, before he continues.

“You shouldn’t be sorry for a responsibility I should have, okay? I get that Tae and Namjoon do this when you’re unable but… I really don’t want to be your third option when it comes to things concerning Jungwon.”

You sigh and nod, knowing he’s right. It’s just been reflex for you to call on your best friend or your brother, and this dynamic with Jungkook is new, add to the fact that the baseball season is coming up and you know he’d be busy.

“I know we haven’t told him yet but it doesn’t change the fact I’m his father. You should be calling me. We should be doing this together. Make me the first option.”

“Yeah, but—”

“Don’t make my career any more of an excuse, please,” he says, as if he’s begging, desperate for you not to push him away again like last time.

“I know I have training but we follow hours, too. I’m done by 6 most days so I’ll always be available. I’ll let you know when I’m not and then you can call on Tae or Namjoon. Is that okay? Can we agree on that?”

“Of course, Jungkook,” you say, sighing in your seat, as if you’ve just been reprimanded.

But something about it makes your heart flutter, the way he said we, and telling you to make him your first option. You want to, so badly, more than just to pick up or take care of Jungwon, but you control your heart whatever it wants to feel, and your mind wherever it wants to wander. It’s not that simple, you remind yourself.

Asking Jungkook to forgive you for keeping Jungwon from him is one thing, but asking him to give you a chance after everything is something else. Parents staying together doesn’t always equate to the child feeling loved - it’s what you learned from Taehyung, and you’re just glad that his parents’ lack of love for each other didn’t diminish his capacity to love others with his whole heart.

This thing with Jungkook is not as straightforward as just asking for another chance because there’s so much more at stake; you can’t let Jungwon hurt at the end of this if you and Jungkook force a love that may have died all those years ago the moment you decided to walk out of his life. He did move on, you remind yourself.

It’s silent for the rest of the ride until you make it home. He walks you to your apartment door and softly pats Jungwon’s head, already in deep sleep.

“Just call, okay? Whether it’s to pick him up or look after him when you want a night out.”

You chuckle. “I don’t have time for that.”

“You used to not have time for that. I’m here now, remember? It might be good for you, too, to let loose and have fun. Might help with the stress,” he says.

“Okay, I’ll keep that in mind.”

Jungkook is both glad and upset that you indeed kept in mind what he said about going out. He’s glad because it means he gets to spend more time with Jungwon.

Between the weekly dinners and weekend playdates, the bond between father and son is now unmistakable. He’d picked up Jungwon from daycare twice in the past two weeks, and you’d given them your approval to detour for ice cream and milkshakes on the way to you. The laughs come more easily, the hugs more natural, and the conversations, longer.

He’s a little upset because, well, of the scene playing out in front of him. It’s another Friday and you finally agreed to go out with your workmates. You and Jungkook agreed it would be better for him to watch over Jungwon at your place where he’s more comfortable, so that’s where Jungkook went, spare key in hand after he dropped by your office. They molded clay and started building a lego ship over cheese pizza for dinner.

Jungkook insisted on picking you up, stating that he’d feel less anxious instead of you being brought home by others who drank, or you going home by yourself at this time of the night. You’re both just thankful that Jungwon is a heavy sleeper and didn’t budge at all when Jungkook placed him in the car seat at 12:30 AM and then headed to you.

He’s currently parked out front, his hands gripping the wheel at the sight of that Kyung Dan blatantly flirting with you. Again. He’s walking you out of the bar and holding you by your arm as you walk down the stairs in your heels.

You don’t seem like you’ve drank much, but you’re also not pushing him away. You both settle near the car, with Dan constantly touching your elbow, and Jungkook smirks when you move your arms behind your back, as if to deny the man some access.

Your face lights up at the sight of the Lexus and Jungkook’s silhouette behind the wheel, and you start walking towards the car. Dan attempts to follow you but you wave him goodbye and head straight to the passenger seat, eyes immediately turning to Jungwon asleep in the backseat.

“Hi, how was bonding night?” You ask, eyes a bit glassy but smile just as soft. Any bit of frustration that Jungkook felt at the man trying to flirt with you melts away.

“Don’t mind the lego mess in your living room, okay? We’re gonna finish it tomorrow,” Jungkook smiles, earning him a laugh.

“You bought it? You’re spoiling him, Jungkook!”

“That’s nowhere near my kind of spoiling, ___. You have no idea what I’m capable of,” he smirks. “But he really enjoyed it, said it himself that I should come over tomorrow.”

“There you go, getting invited by the King himself,” you say, your smile mirroring Jungkook’s. “I’m glad, then. We could just stay in tomorrow. I can bake some muffins and get some chores done.”

“No.”

“Excuse me?”

“I mean, yes to the muffins, but can you pass up on the chores? Join us. Maybe watch a movie, too. It’d be nice to, uhm, you know, just spend time together,” he stammers, wishing he doesn’t sound too forward.

“Okay, then. Yes to the muffins and to building that lego ship and watching a movie,” you grin, heart now beating fast, and it’s not from the alcohol you just consumed.

The next day, you do exactly what you’d planned and end it with contented tummies, a completed lego ship, and tears shed from watching the movie Coco.

With Jungkook coming home and you two being more than civilized, which is really the bare minimum that everyone else had hoped, your group of friends’ dynamic had slowly returned to normal.

Aside from Taehyung rejoining the guys’ group chat, you’ve rekindled your friendships with Yoongi and Hoseok, too, who were just as ecstatic to finally be seeing and talking to you again. You’re still putting off Jungwon meeting them, though, because there hasn’t really been time, given that you’ve also been prioritizing Jungkook.

Everyone is just glad that you could all be together to celebrate achievements and milestones again, like tonight at Jimin’s opening night of the Swan Lake Ballet.

All men and their plus ones - except for Yoongi and Jungkook who, by nature of their singleness, opted to be each other’s dates - are standing by the performers’ lounge, leaving Jimin so he could ease his nerves.

“So, how are you and ___?” Yoongi asks Jungkook as he eyes one of the production staff who’s definitely been checking Yoongi out as well.

“We’re good, I mean, I’ve definitely captured Jungwon’s heart. He lets me feed him now and asks me what I want to eat when we order out and—”

The older man chuckles. “Jin’s right, you’ve been deflecting. I asked about you and ___, not you and your son,” he continues, rolling his eyes.

All the guys have noticed how Jungkook tends to avoid questions about you. He often gives vague answers and proceeds to repeat stories he’s already told them about him and Jungwon, which they all enjoy, finally seeing him happy and inspired again unlike months ago. But questions about his closeness with you, about a possible resurgence of feelings - or if they even left at all - or how the progress with Jungwon would impact Jungkook’s relationship with you are always dodged.

He’s thought about his feelings for you, but he’s not ready to verbalize them, given as well that the priority is to be good enough for Jungwon. While he does acknowledge that his relationship with his son’s mother has a lot to do with that, he keeps saying that he’ll cross the bridge when he gets there. When that is, he doesn’t know, but the sooner he’s introduced to Jungwon as his father, the sooner Jungkook will have to start really thinking about what he wants with you.

“We’re good,” Jungkook says, earning him a chuckle from the older man, but Jungkook knows that he can’t get anything past Yoongi; the man has this amazing ability to just know.

“You know there’s nothing wrong with trying again, right? I mean, aside from the obvious fact that the best situation is for Jungwon to grow up in a complete and loving family, we all know how much you loved ___. Regardless of what happened, I think at some point you were gonna try and see if it was still possible to get back what you lost.”

Jungkook chuckles. Yoongi really does know.

“Why do you think that, though?”

“I think it’s common to measure how much we loved someone by how broken and lost we were when they let us go. I mean, most of the guys think that way. You may have felt like that but you didn’t really lose your way, did you?” Yoongi says.

“Sure you changed but you didn’t really lose yourself when you were out there. None of the vices, the playing around, the recklessness. You did what you had to do. And you were still you, just a really sad version.”

Jungkook nods, recalling how his friends took turns visiting him in the US, making sure everything was okay.

“We were all anxious that things were gonna go downhill because of what happened, you know? But it never did. Because from what I’ve seen in your years together, you learned to love yourself the way she loved you. That kind of love stays with you, Jungkook, it doesn’t break you. And I think you always knew that.”

It was your strength, your unyielding belief in what Jungkook could accomplish, in your understanding and patience and acceptance of everything he was and wasn’t. That was how you loved him.

He thinks about all the sacrifices you made for him and now your son, how you’d constantly put both of them above your own needs, how it must’ve been hard fighting through everything all these years for someone more important.

He thinks of how you deserve nothing less than the kind of love that heals, that doesn’t waver, that doesn’t break. And just as he wants to be good enough for Jungwon, he realizes that he wants to be good enough for you, too.

Yoongi understands the silence, knows that he’s getting his point across. He understands the priority is Jungwon for both you and Jungkook, but Yoongi also knows that you can’t deprive yourselves of the love that’s clearly still there.

“I know she always gave you shit for calling her your light and all, but I get it. The moon, the stars - they don’t go away. They’re just there, even if you don’t see them. They don’t ever leave,” Yoongi continues. “It was never over for you. I think you were always gonna come back.”

Jungkook smiles, letting the silence say the things he’s not ready to, and Yoongi knows this.

“You really know so much, huh?” Jungkook laughs.

“Nah, I learn a lot from you all. It’s how I’m able to put out good songs, so thanks for your interesting lives.”

“We need a cut for being your muses, then.”

“It’ll come, kid. It’ll come.”

The two men laugh and look around, assessing the proper time to wish Jimin good luck before they head to their seats, but the woman catches Yoongi’s eyes again.

“What do you think?” He asks. “You think I’ll be able to write songs about her?”

He gets no reply.

“Kook?”

The older man looks at Jungkook who’s currently slack jawed at the sight of you. Dressed in a burgundy off-shoulder dress, you walk in the hallway, with Taehyung in tow as your date, and you look absolutely stunning.

Jungkook’s eyes follow you as you walk down the hallway, greeting Namjoon and Ara who are standing nearby.

“Wipe your drool before she gets here,” Hoseok, who’s now appeared next to him, says, laughing at the younger man who’s clearly taken by you. “Seriously, Kook. I actually mean it, you’re drooling,” proceeding to get this own handkerchief to wipe the corners of Jungkook’s mouth.

“Kid’s got it bad, I told you,” Yoongi laughs.

Jungkook clears his throat and fixes his posture, ensures his expression isn’t one that makes him too transparent.

You finally make it to where the three men are standing and you smile at him but proceed to hug Hoseok, who introduces you to his date - a fellow choreographer at the dance studio he manages - and Yoongi.

“Hi,” you greet Jungkook.

“Hi,” he stammers, causing all men present, including Taehyung, to laugh.

“You act like you didn’t date and that you don’t have a son together. You can hug, you know? No one’s gonna tease you both,” Yoongi says.

You flush at his statement but Jungkook punches his arm. Yoongi winces in pain and Taehyung massages the flesh that’s definitely gonna bruise.

Hoseok gently nudges Jungkook, causing him to inch closer to you and the younger man has no choice but to give in to them; it’s just gonna be more awkward if he doesn’t.

So he leans in, gingerly wraps his arms around you, his hands patting your upper back, then quickly moves away, even before you get to return his hug. It’s okay, though, you think. You know you could easily fall into him if it lasted longer. Just a trace of his bergamot and jasmine scent - his favorite, is enough to spiral you into a hurricane of emotions.

You play it off and he giggles, asks how Jungwon is doing with your mother, who’d come over today to babysit so you could spend time with your friends.

“Mom’s probably gonna have him sit through her cooking shows the entire night,” you laugh.

Jungwon loves his grandmother, a constant figure in his life whose voice he heard even before he was born. She used to soothe your stomach, caressing it and singing lullabies for the little one to hear, which is perhaps the reason why he’s developed such a strong bond with her.

Jimin finally comes out of the performers’ lounge, with Jin and his date and you turn to Jimin, who’s a little jittery. This is a usual sight as you’ve learned from the previous shows you’ve watched, which was really the only time you got to see the rest of the guys before.

“Jungwon wishes you good luck,” you say, handing him the card that Jungwon created.

“___, this is so adorable! Your son is wildly talented,” Jimin beams, eyes sparkling with joy.

From next to him, Jungkook clears his throat. “I helped him with that,” he simpers.

Jimin smacks his arm. “Are you a child? You can’t even give all the credit to your son?”

“Now, now, Jiminie. That’s not honesty,” Jungkook laughs, and everyone joins in, making sure to compliment Jungwon - and not Jungkook - and to help ease Jimin’s nerves. It seems to have worked, as he lets out a breath and thanks everyone.

He excuses himself, not before he gives a reminder about the after party at Jin’s bar. Everyone else proceeds to the main theatre for the show.

You sit in between Taehyung and Ara, the latter asking you about Jungwon. From the row behind you, Jungkook steals glances, admiring the way the lights cast a glow on you. You in your red lipstick and pretty necklace are mesmerizing, a signature look during formal events that he always loved.

You talk animatedly with Ara, and Jungkook can pick up a few of your words that refer to your recent trip to this activity center where he taught Jungwon how to ride a bike.

It feels different, hearing and watching you talk about your son and Jungkook knowing exactly what you mean. It sends a rush through his veins at the thought of how natural this all feels - you and him, out for the evening and Jungwon waiting for both his parents at home, and he smiles.

The show goes magnificently, Jimin performing flawlessly as always.

The group heads to Jin’s bar right after with the other performers and the crew, everyone betting that Yoongi won’t ask the woman out, that way they make sure that he actually will just to shut you all up.

It’s like college all over again, celebrating milestones and big events. The last time this happened, you were all celebrating Jungkook’s signing to the minor league, everyone dancing and partying like there was no tomorrow. It had been a fun night then, you and Jungkook grinding on the dance floor, a little celebration in itself because you disliked public displays of affection.

Jungkook was the kind of boyfriend who enjoyed having his arms around your waist, whispering silly things sexily in your ears. He liked pecking your cheeks and your neck, which always earned him the deathly tiny pinches from you because he liked teasing you too much.

That night, though, in his ripped black jeans and half unbuttoned black polo, he looked too sexy for you not to give in. You pulled him by his belt holes then, let him guide your hips against his as you both swayed to the music, his hand slowly inching down your ass. He wasn’t whispering silly shit then, his eyes just gazing at you lustfully.

It’s a familiar feeling because right now feels like that night, as you eye his toned and alluring form from afar, dressed in - yep, all black. You squeeze your thighs, Ara’s words fading in the background, until a thought crosses your mind.

Was that the night Jungwon was conceived?

You choke on the champagne you’re drinking, mind wandering to that night that oddly plays so vividly in your head. You stop yourself before the scene reaches the part where you both stumble in his apartment and undress each other and—

“You need some water?”

You peer at the doe eyes curiously looking at you.

“You were choking. Forgot how to drink alcohol?” Jungkook teases.

“No I just… remembered something,” you fake laugh.

“Mind sharing?” He cocks an eyebrow.

“Not. No. I mean definitely no,” you stammer, and he chuckles at this.

He calls a server and asks for water then turns back to you, who’s now yawning.

“Not your scene anymore, huh?” He asks.

“I’m too old for this,” you state in between another yawn. “Having a child makes me feel like I aged 10 years.”

He laughs, neither one of you now minding a comment that he can’t really relate to.

“I can take you home if you want,” he suggests, clearly oblivious to the tornado of thoughts caused by your own reminiscing that’s still wreaking havoc in your mind.

You want to decline but seeing Taehyung talking to the woman who’s been frequenting the art studio he works at, looking so comfortable and happy, makes you consider Jungkook’s offer, certain there won’t be any stumbling and undressing happening at your apartment where the (probable) product of that night is currently sleeping. Plus your mother. Yes, your mother is home. You have to remind yourself of that.

“Turning me down again?” He teases, another one of those comments that neither of you gets affected by.

“No,” you smile, giving in. “Tae wouldn’t even have stayed tonight if it wasn’t for that woman so we can go, as long as you plan on going home, too?”

“I am,” he says, yawning. “I’m too old for this,” that signature smirk of his appearing.

You nod and you both proceed to wish everyone goodnight, who are all too drunk to make any comments and you’re at least thankful for that.

Namjoon makes Jungkook walk in a straight line for a sobriety test, the younger man passing, and your brother lets you both go, reminding you to ensure your mother is ready on time the next morning for him to drive.

The car ride is surprisingly filled with laughter. Jungkook has taken to telling jokes, which is a better excuse to look at you than to stay silent and look creepy. You take to laughing and gossiping too, talking about some college schoolmates and what they’ve been up to recently, at least the ones you’ve heard from Taehyung, and you’re sober enough not to skirt around college stories about both of you.

Jungkook is quick to pull open the door for you once you arrive home, his hand gingerly placed on your shoulder as he guides you to your front door.

“Oh, ___,” he says as you pull out your keys. “Our opening game is in two weeks and it would really mean the world to me if you and Jungwon can be there.” His hand scratches the back of his neck, clear nervousness on his face.

“Of course, Jungkook! That would be great. Jungwon will be so excited,” you say, beaming now, as you imagine the look on your son’s face when he enters the stadium and sees his Cookie Monster playing on the field.

“You think he’d enjoy watching? I mean, we play catch but like, it’s a real game and it might be too loud for him or maybe too bright, and shit, he might get hit by the ball or something so maybe I can—“

“Jungkook, he’ll be fine,” you cut him off. You’ve never seen him so anxious but you guess the protective father in him is coming out.

“As long you’re sure,” he says nervously. “Plus, I don’t want to force him to enjoy it if he doesn’t.”

“He will. Because he’s seen you play before, he just didn’t know it was you,” you state, causing his eyes to widen.

“He… he’s seen me play before?”

You nod playfully. “Jersey number 7… Color blue or grey uniform,” you utter. “We would, uh. We would watch your games on TV and he would be amused with the lights,” you smile shyly, looking back on those days you’d have the Dodgers games on.

“He likes it when the ball flies high so don’t worry, he’ll definitely enjoy it.”

Jungkook holds your gaze, a look of gratitude on his face, given that you’d made sure all these years that he was a part of Jungwon’s life without your child even knowing it was his father he was watching.

“Okay, good,” he says, clearing his throat to hold back his tears. “I’ll make sure you both get safe seats, and then I’ll—“

“Jungkook sweetie, is that you?” Says a familiar voice from behind you.

She opens the door wider and she looks just as Jungkook remembers.

“Auntie,” he says as he’s engulfed in a hug, one he’s also missed so much.

“It’s so good to see you,” your mother whispers to him, taking in the form of the man who used to shower her with hugs. He used to be the one to envelop her with his large arms but now, she’s the one to do it, holding him tight because somehow she knows that Jungkook needs it.

He pulls away before he gets even more emotional. “You haven’t changed one bit, Auntie. Still so beautiful like I remember,” he says in a sing-song tone the way he used to.

“And you’re still a charmer, aren’t you?” She laughs.

“Not much has changed,” he smiles.

“Jungwon didn’t trouble you tonight, Mom?” You chime in.

“No, but he was looking for you,” she tells you, then turns to Jungkook. “And you.”

“Me?”

“Yeah, he seems to do that quite a lot,” you respond.

Jungkook bites his lower lip to control the smile on his face, and you internally gush at how he looks. He’s happy that he’s really made an impact on Jungwon, going as far looking for him now, which is a really good sign.

You and your mother let Jungkook bask in the thought, but you speak before you’re the one who starts to get emotional.

“So, uh, thanks for taking me home, Jungkook. You should get some rest, too. I’m sure training has been tough,” you say.

“Yeah, but uh, I’ll make sure to still see you both this week, alright? But definitely Saturday. Please tell him, I don’t want him to forget me,” he pleads.

“He won’t,” you laugh. “He’ll understand once I tell him that we’ll be watching you.”

“Okay,” he says, taking you in one last time tonight before he heads home, heart so full, he could burst into tears. And he does.

Jungkook does only get to make it for your Saturday play date, a late afternoon visit to your apartment. He’s been apologetic the whole week, worried that Jungwon has indeed forgotten him. You appeased the older man by calling him in the middle of the week and putting the little one on the phone, the two engaging in conversation that makes your heart balloon into size.

“Okay, bye Cookie!” Your son had said, not even giving you the phone back.

Recalling it suddenly made you feel like a third wheeler in this relationship, but that thought dissipates as you open the box that Jungkook’s given you, a pair of Doosan Bears jerseys folded inside.

Jungwon’s eyes go wide as he grabs the white one for him. “Mama, mama! Look! It’s for me!” He squeals, hugging the piece of clothing with an adorable smile on his face.

Jungkook melts at this, and even more when he places the navy blue baseball cap on the little one’s head. Jungwon looks just like his father when he was 4, the same age when Jungkook fell in love with the sport.

“So uh, there’s one for you, too in case you uh, you want to wear it,” Jungkook stammers, nervous at how you’ll take it, considering the only times you ever wore his jersey in public were during his championship games, all three of them, and he had to beg you to.

“It doesn’t have my name or anything, so don’t worry,” he continues, regretting it immediately as you cock your eyebrow because of course, why should he give you one that has his name on it?

“You’re so cheesy,” you say, but he doesn’t miss the smile you try to suppress.

“So you’ll wear it?”

“I’ll think about it,” you playfully respond.

“So you did wear it,” Jungkook nudges your shoulder as he stands up after greeting Jungwon.

“Hmm, it was last minute, though. I was wearing something else but this little one kept shoving this to my face,” you say, which wasn’t a complete lie.

Jungwon gave you the jersey after you helped him wear his own without much fanfare. No one has to know that you stared at yourself with it on for a while before you put a sweater over it, reminiscing only a little bit at how it used to feel like. You may have worn his jerseys to games only a handful of times but you loved wearing them around his apartment with nothing but underwear on.

Jungkook just laughs at you but melts at the sight of you either way, two special people in his life now here at his game, wearing his team’s jersey.

He, on the other hand, is a sight to behold, and those player banners in the main entrance, which Jungwon squealed over, do not do him justice. Jungkook in an all-white ensemble - short sleeves showing off his immaculate veiny arms and snug pants hugging him in the right places and emphasizing his long legs - just does things to you.

Your throat feels dry and you try not to look down but anywhere else in his face and body will just make you flustered either way so you excuse yourself and drag Taehyung to go with you to your seats, leaving Jungkook to deal with the rest of the guys instead.

This stadium feels like an old friend, given that you all had gone to watch several games here in the past. Jungwon, on the other hand, is in awe of everything he sees, wide eyes and o-shaped lips a constant to him in just the past hour that you’ve been here. You already know pretty soon he’s gonna start covering his ears so you ready the ear muffs and his other toys just in case.

The players arrive on the field and the cheers get louder when Jungkook is introduced. Jungwon squeals and you try to hush him so as not to garner attention. Jungkook is no huge celebrity here but he’s still an athlete who’s known enough.

You already spotted a few posts on social media about seeing the three of you together, with speculations about your relationship but Jungkook had advised you to pay them no mind. People don’t make that much of a fuss about athletes’ personal lives here, unlike in the US, so you try not to worry too much and just lay low. Although Jungwon screaming out “Cookie Monster” might also not be the best way to lay low every time the man with jersey number 6 and Jeon at the back goes out to bat.

The game is a blowout, with Jungkook making the final catch of the ball out on the right field for the opposing team’s final out at just the first half of the 9th inning.

Your group of friends all quietly cheer, especially when Jungkook looks to where you’re all seated, a sleeping Jungwon’s arms wrapped around your neck. It’s why you leave immediately with Taehyung and ask the guys to just let Jungkook know that you’ve gone home.

It’s definitely been a tiring day, between doing chores in the morning and spending the whole afternoon at the game, and you just want to rest. Jungwon, however, who was asleep for 5 innings, still has so much energy, asking you to act as a customer as he serves food to you, Mr. Choochoo, Ms. Monkeypants, and Ms. Bear-bear. He’s been asking for Jungkook, too, something you mentioned when he called and asked if you got home alright.

You’re about to eat the strawberry cake that’s just been served when the bell rings. A freshly showered Jungkook stands by your door as you open it. You didn’t expect him to come so soon and right after the game, knowing that the guys would be at Jin’s bar to celebrate.

He smiles at you, like something unspoken now, his desire to be close to his son growing day-by-day. You can feel it whenever Jungkook is around Jungwon, like he just wants to hold him and tell him how much he cares about him.

Jungkook calls for the little one, who runs towards him and tells him “good job,” which is what you told Jungwon he can say since his Cookie Monster won the game.

“Hey buddy, I got something for you,” Jungkook says as he kneels down then hands him the ball that he caught that made him win the game. “I won today and it’s because you were there to watch me.”

Jungwon’s wide eyes and o-shaped mouth make another appearance, as he takes the ball in his hands and cradles it, like he does with anything that’s given to him. He smiles and hugs Jungkook, something he’s done several times already.

But this hits differently for Jungkook. And much as he wants to just hug him tightly and tell him just how much he loves him, Jungkook knows he needs to be patient.

You’re all on the couch, Jungwon now on Jungkook’s lap, head on his chest as he starts to doze off. You managed to convince the little one to keep the baseball on the shelf because he might hurt someone and he agreed, falling limp on Jungkook’s body, who placed his hands softly on the little boy’s back.

Jungwon’s hand makes it to Jungkook’s earlobe, massaging it with his tiny hands. It’s a quirk he has when he sleeps, a therapeutic act that he does to you every night. It’s also something that he got from you.

Jungkook melts at this, remembers all the times he had you flick and massage his earlobes as you fell asleep next to him. It’s a comforting thought, especially at the sound of the little one’s steady breathing, indicating his now restful state.

You sit on the edge of the couch, watching Jungkook with half-lidded eyes and a gentle smile, basking in such a heartwarming scene. It feels so intimate, the three of you like this, the soft pitter-patter of the rain serving as the appropriate background to such a tender moment of a family that’s almost, possibly there.

“Do you think he’ll ask you again soon?” Jungkook questions, and you feel the desperation in his strained voice. “I just want him so badly.”

“I think it’ll be soon, Jungkook. He’ll come around,” you smile, hoping in your heart you’re not giving him false hope.

It’s five days later when you pick up a cheerful Jungwon from daycare, happy because he finally got to color Mr. Choochoo at school. He loves all animals but he has a special place in his heart for his elephant stuffed toy, a giant creature but a gentle one.

You let him point out the colors he chose - mostly blue, like his toy.

“And I drew us, too, Mama! Because Mr. Choochoo is family,” he explains.

“That’s nice, sweetcheeks. Can you show me?”

“Here is me,” he points to the little one, with what looks like a blue cap on his head.

“And that’s you!” In a yellow top, like what you’re wearing now.

Your heart skips a beat at the drawing of another figure next to him, a man, in a blue cap too.

“Who’s that, sweetcheeks? The other man you drew?”

“That’s Cookie, Mama,” he says.

“You said this was for family? Why is he here?” You ask. You need to be sure. It has to come from him.

You repeat the question as Jungwon continues to stare at his drawing.

He says it in whisper, as if it’s a wish he’s shy to even be making, but you hear him either way.

“I wish Cookie was my Papa.”

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pink02 · 2 years

Text

A Simple Song

Carlos Madrigal x Reader

Genre: Fluff

Summary: You, the famous pianist in Encanto drawn the menace into the tips of your fingers as you press every key tile.

Trigger warning: None

A/n: THIS AAAAAAAAA I FELL IN LOVE WITH THE SONG TOGETHER WITH THE STORY I JUST MADE... omggg I'm sorry 😭 I had to write this first before losing it into the deep ocean of thoughts.

Beta read, ignore any grammatical errors.

♡♡ Masterlist ♡♡

I used to hear a simple song

That was until you came along

Five year old Carlos stumbled upon a meek shop full of strange items while he was playing hide and seek with his cousins and siblings. The shop was full of different sizes of drums, guitars, accordion, and many more. He didn't know that this place is where people buy instruments, in his thoughts, he just wants to hide from his relatives so he could win the game. For his little mind, the different kinds of gizmos and knickknacks fascinated him to which he looks over and about the space in amazement.

He went further inside the shop to which he could hear a soft melody from a distance and a person's voice counting repeatedly. By his vast curiosity, he tipped down quietly till he could see the four-year old you sitting in front of an upright piano with a grown man standing beside you with a gentle smile.

"One, two, three, one, two, three. That's it mi cariño, keep it up." The man smiled wider as he praised whilst you press the white tiles of the piano as per his command. Your little finger skimmed over the pale ivory keys with enthusiasm.

You grinned triumphantly as you finished the song you just learned, raising both of your kid size arms and turned to the elder man. "Bien venido!" You giggled as he raised you up into his arms cheering joyously.

Carlos silently hid behind a stack of drums as he saw the father and child's little celebration. He unconsciously made himself remember the little tune he had just heard. One, two, three, one, two, three. He muttered within his heart. It was just a simple tune yet it amazed him that a kid like you would play a song so beautifully.

Now in it's place is something new

I hear it when I look at you

"Papa, was [Name] good?" you asked innocently as the man settled you onto his left arm. "My [Name] did great!" your father chuckled as he saw the twinkle in your eyes sparkle.

[Name]

Carlos' eyes stopped at your adoring face, his surroundings paused as if time just didn't work around him as he gazed into your bright smile and twinkling eyes. For a second, he thought that everything disappeared around him, all he could see was you and you only. The simple little melody played into his mind repeatedly as he stared at you.

"You know what? Let's go get some cocadas." Your father proposed making you gasp and agreed gleefully.

Carlos snapped out to reality as he saw the two of you walked through the shop down to the back door, away from his hiding spot. He immediately backed up quietly but halt when he tripped over a bucket of drum sticks, making him and the sticks fall into a loud crash. The older man turned his head as he heard the noise but was confused as he saw no one, he shrugged it off then proceeds to leave whilst smiling down at you. Carlos sighed in relief as to he hid behind a drum just as the man turned, he then left the shop afterwards thinking it's time to find his cousins and sibling to claim his victory in hide and seek.

With simple songs I wanted more

Perfection is so quick to bore

The meek little shop slowly grew bigger and bigger as the years progressed making you and your father gazed proudly at the new renovations. The shop has a new second floor to which there your father and the now thirteen year old you stayed, having a house just above the hard work you both put in.

The upright piano you always play was placed just by the corner of the terrace that was connected to your room. There, by day or night, you would play loudly and lively, softly and quietly all together with your father just listening down below by the shop entertaining buyers.

The street where people would walk pass by the your father's shop, they would stop and stare at awe whenever you play the piano. Like the siren songs in everybody's ears, your music drawn people closer and would fall in love by the sweet melodies.

You are more beautiful by far

Our flaws are who we really are

One of your usual audience would always lurk by the shadows of the dark alleyways and posts near your home, a boy with a scowl and a menacing sneer would look yonder the terrace just to get a glimpse of the sweet smile that casts onto your face as you dance your fingers over the delicate porcelain tiles. One, two, three, one, two, three.

He would just be one of the people that appreciates your talent silently, listening to the harmonies of your music whenever you play. He wouldn't care if you sometimes mixed up the notes or press the wrong key, he would snicker quietly whenever he notices you pout over a small mistake.

He would sometimes see you struggle over a song that you seemingly couldn't master yet. Sometimes he would have the urge to hold your hand to stop whenever you frustrate yourself to the point that you would throwing out music sheets over your head in annoyance.

The boy in red would think of himself as a creep that stalks over you by every place you go, or even just seeing you sitting in front of that upright piano on the corner of your terrace. He would think of himself as a coward that doesn't have the bravery to talk to you personally. He would only stare at you over the distance and in the shadows whenever you're near. He just watches you silently, your slender fingertips brushing over the black and white tiles of the piano. One, two, three, one, two, three.

I used to hear a simple song

That was until you came along

"Hola, I'm [Name]." The sixteen year old you introduced cheerily as you held your hand over to the boy in red. He held onto his breath as his eyes fixated at your face down to your hand.

The hands with pure talent and bliss, the ones that you used to make beautiful tunes each time you press different notes in the piano. You who possessed such gift made the boy wonder how he got to be in this situation. You being in front of him feels so surreal.

"Carlos." The boy shook your hand curtly. You smiled as you gestured him to sit beside you. "Have you ever played the piano before?" you questioned as you felt the spot beside you sank whilst he sat onto the plush soft bench.

The Madrigal shifts as he stared down the porcelain tiles of the piano. "Sometimes, my tío Agustin usually plays. I just tried it out of curiosity." He muttered glancing back at you.

"Do you know any song?"

"Just this." The boy in red positioned his fingers down onto each key, lightly pressing them to construct a certain tune. One, two, three, one, two, three.

Your eyes widen as realization struck after hearing the first few notes Carlos played. The boy in wonder focused onto the keys trying to remember the rest of the song. You saw the furrow of his brows as he concentrates. "Where did you learned this?" You asked quietly making him turn his head back at you.

"From you."

You took my broken melody

And now I hear a symphony

"Carlos, mi vida! Let's go!" You called "They're already waiting!" Seeing the Madrigal struggling to fix his tie, you sighed and walked back up to him and held his hands to stop.

"I could have had it." The twenty year old young man scoffed as he rolled his eyes. "Nonsense, it's no where near fixed." You quipped as you tied the piece of cloth around his neck neatly.

The ambiance around you felt so quiet and peaceful. He silently observed your adoring face albeit the furrow of your brows as you focused on undoing the knot he had made. The brunette thank the world as he get to have a peaceful moment like this with you. Just you and him without any loud noises to hear, just the sweet soft song that stuck into his mind in repeat.

"Have I ever told you that you look stunning?" Carlos spoke out loud making you pause as red crept over your cheeks. Raising your head to stare at his stoic yet soft eyes, you smiled as you patted his chest gently. "No, you haven't."

"Well now I have." The young man held his hand up to your cheek and caressed the redness using his thumb. "Te quiero." He muttered out of the blue.

"Te quiero." You whispered back against his lips as he neared down to kiss you passionately and lovingly.

And now I hear a symphony

Taglist: @eventideschildinthetardis @sunnth @dai-tsukki-desu @ale-creates-worlds @belladonna271 @eeyahhh @lucaxalbert0

If you wanna add into the taglist just send an ask or reply here!

A/n: okeeeeeehhhhh Damn... that was... wooohhhh AAAAAAAAAAAA

#Spotify #encanto #disney encanto #carlos madrigal #carlos madrigal x reader #carlos my beloved #carlos #carlos madrigal x y/n #encanto disney #encanto fanfics #fanfic #fancfiction #encanto fanfiction #encanto fluff #carlos fluff

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honestlyhalfweirdo · 3 years

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I’ve always wanted to make my own AU from some fandom I’m in, and I think I can finally make it. Or rather half of it, because I’ve got inspired by this post from @drabbles-of-writing and I thought I would put my own spin on it. I also got little inspiration from anime Bungou Stray Dogs.

It’s still a sketchy idea and work in progress but if you’re interested, I wrote down below some short information about world building, Belos’ role and Hunter’s arc (Because I focused on the bad side here)

Belos' role:

- this is fantasy mafia AU so magic and creatures stays the same as in canon

- the story changes during time of Savage Ages, because Belos fails to get publicity as in original. But his idea gets picked up by some witches. Wanting to put stop to this lawless time they create government, later known as Main Coven. The heads of the nine covens are the one ruling. In general coven's system is the same as in canon, the only diffrence is that there is no emperor but a group of people

- attitude towards wild witches is slighty lighter, cause they're not sentenced to petrification but simply locked up

- that doesn't please Belos, who sees that his original plan is beginning to fall apart. He can't see any other way but to follow more violent path. He creates his Mafia and becomes Godfather

- Belos lives a double life: as the head of the mafia and as one of the respected and well-liked teachers in Potions Coven. He would use fake name Francis xD. While as a mafia Head he would conduct illegal activities and hunt for palismans, as a teacher from Hexside School he would build his reputation ( rose through the ranks until eventually gaining power)

- Eda's and Lilith's story is the same as canon, but the one who sold Lilith the curse scroll is mafia. Thanks to that Belos finds about incident with Eda. When Lilith gets promoted to Main Coven, he forces her to cooperate through blackmail. At the same time as a Francis, he "catches" her working with mafia and shows sympathy for her, gaining her trust. He promises to help her cure Eda (He gives her a stronger version of potions Eda uses in canon)

- Belos is still after the Portal. For this purpose he kidnaps Luz and uses her to negotiate with Eda: Portal for human. Eda agrees to this exchange and Luz manages to destroy the Portal. Shortly after Main Coven arrives on the scene, having been informed earlier about Eda's location by anonymous source. Belos retreats, while Eda fights the Coven protecting Luz. She uses all her power and transforms into Owl Beast and Coven captures her and locks away until her trial

- Lilith fears for her sister and opposes the Main Coven. Together with Eda, Luz and King, they run home (the same as in canon). Lilith loses her position and is replaced by satisfied Belos

- Apart from Belos/Francis, Hexside school is also being watched by other members of the mafia, who are looking for students’ data, materials or even potential recruits for the organization

-The Blight Family would be in partnership with the Mafia and would make weapons for them

- Main Coven would have suspicions about the existence of a criminal group

- When Eda meets Raine after helping their group escape, she tells them about her suspicions that the Coven has been corrupted by the Mafia. Raine promises her that they will look into it further and will inform her about anything. During their investigation, they are detected and captured by the mafia

- there probably would be some characters deaths in this AU

Hunter’s arc:

- there would be a rumor between mafia members: Godfather Belos has a deal with Titan himself and has Death by his side, making him immortal. Only those who befriend Death or eliminate it will be able to kill Belos

- Hunter is said Death and people call him Golden Death. He’s the head of the assasins. Under the order of Belos he’s hididng his face under mask to make sure no one knows his true identity

- Belos told him that his parents belonged to some small gang. One day there was a fight between them and the other gang. The only one surviving from his gang was Hunter, whose parents hid him safe. That fight happened on Belos teritory, so he got involed and when he found Hunter, he took him under his wing and started training him to become his personal weapon

- Belos is strict with Hunter. Hunter fights really hard for his approval (same as canon I guess). Belos led him down a dark path, making his psyche much worse than canon.

- Kikimora would be trying to prove that Hunter doesn’t deserve his position. Their relationship at the beggining would be enemies on the same side. They would usually tease each other, while sabotaging the tasks of one another. (I wanted their relationship to develop into one where they start to respect the other one. Not friends, but they finally acknowledge other strength)

- first meeting with Luz would be like in canon: Luz and Eda cross paths with Golden Death during his mission to kill the Selkidomus (No, he wouldn’t make them kill for him). They would try to fight him a little and eventually would lose him in tunels of a cave (saving Selkidomus at the same time...or would they?)

- second meeting: Hunter goes to Latissa to report back after the mission, but loses his mask on the way. While searching for it, he spots Luz lurking near the mafia headquarters. He decides to speak to her as Hunter. He learns that Kikimora has kidnapped some of the palismans from the school grounds, unknowingly taking Luz with her. She has attacked Kikimora, forcing her to stall her mission. Hunter decides to help Luz (to annoy Kikimora) and forms a friendship with her. After freeing palismans she invites him to the Owl House

- at first Hunter starts meeting with Luz only for information, but fastly learns that he actually enjoys time spent with her and others from the Owl House. He’s starting to have doubts about his life until now

- Eda would be suspecting Hunter of belonging to mafia, but she would be discreet about it.

- Amity would openly be hostile to Hunter and wouldn’t trust him.

- on the other side Hunter would also have Belos and Kikimora on his back, since he wouldn’t tell them about his little plan. I wanted to give him some challenge in juggling his two identities

So for now this is my base for this AU. If you have any remarks, asks or ideas for this, I will happily hear from you :DD I’m not a writer and I’m sure there are a lot of plot holes xd

But seriously I just wanted to draw some cool poses and Hunter in waistcoat lol XD

#the owl house #the owl house au #au #toh #toh au #mafia au #the owl house mafia #the owl house belos #toh belos #emperor belos #hunter #the owl house hunter #toh hunter #golden guard #the owl house golden guard #toh golden guard #i just wanted hunter in waistcoat #and draw some cool poses #my post

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hops-hunny · 3 years

Text

Stories That Are Told

Pairing: Tarrant “Hatter” Hightopp x Reader

Pronouns: She/Her

Word Count: 2.2k

Summary: (Y/n)’s so used to being the background character in everyone’s story that she forget she can be the main character in her own.

Warnings: Slight angst but majority fluff!

A/N: I love this man with my whole being omg pls

Stumbling into Wonderland with Alice had been a wonderful thing for not only Alice, but (Y/n) as well. For Alice it was an escape from all the things she didn’t wanna do and would never wanna do. She wasn’t forced to marry some sod of a guy who’d make her miserable for the rest of her life or to be the proper lady she was expected to be, but instead she got a taste of freedom. And although it was an escape for (Y/n) as well, it was an escape of a different kind.

In the other world, with it’s dreary skies and monotonous patterns and cycles, (Y/n) lived a very humdrum life. Her family had never been as fortunate as Alice in any ways of the sorts, it was a miracle that they were friends to begin with. Alice’s father had been friends with (Y/n)’s since boyhood and because of that, he always made sure they knew they were welcome to anything of his that they wished. And while (Y/n)’s father had never taken advantage of that from the way Alice’s mother treated (Y/n) and her family, it wouldn’t be hard to think otherwise.

When Charles was still around, she hadn’t done anything out of line. The older woman always kept to herself, occasionally having an afternoon cup of tea with her own mom. However, her true colors and feelings came to light after the passing of her husband. During the next few months after her husband’s absence, the (L/n)s were there for Kingsleighs. Although they didn’t have the funds to help them monetarily (for they also didn’t need it), they offered their labor and services to the two as much as they needed. Farm work, house cleaning, garden maintenance. Anything you could think they had done. But as soon as Helen was well (as well as you could be after losing someone so dear) , she had forbid them from coming to their property. She didn’t believe her and Alice should associate with people of “such low stature” because it didn’t “align with their image”. But that had never stopped Alice.

Anywhere Alice went, (Y/n) was always there by her side right along with her. They practically went everywhere together and that hadn’t changed since they arrived in Wonderland. (Y/n) was grateful that she had chased after her friend. It was like she knew something would happen. Afterall, crazy things always happen when you put two curious girls together for more than a moment. The friends they had made since they arrived were nothing short of lovely. She knew her sister would describe them as odd characters and disturbing individuals. Telling her to stay far away from them and to not associate herself with those types. But what was wrong with being odd or even disturbing? The only things worth doing in life were a bit odd and disturbing and if that made her peculiar than so be it.

For the first time in her life, she felt as though she belonged. Sure, it wasn’t her story nor her destiny to be here as it was Alice but that did not mean she did not appreciate Wonderland for what it was. The story had never been her story, not here, and certainly not where they were from. Alice was the main chat and she was the topic that would get trickled in after.

“Everyone has a part to play, (Y/n). Even if it is not large or as set in stone, each person’s role is necessary for the story to progress, even yours. You’ll see.” the words of that tricky caterpillar replayed in her head over and over again whenever she had a moment to think. What had he meant by that? Was her story not more than to be here in support of her dearest friend and the latest edition to their friends? Was she not just a tool in the scheme of things? (Y/n) had never known people of lesser importance as herself to contribute much of anything big to a legacy as large as Alice’s!

From her end of the table, she watched as Hatter threw his hat high into the air before it landed on his head causing everyone to erupt in a jostled mess of laughter and cheering. She smiled fondly from a far. Tarrant was a kind man. No matter what was going on or where they were, he always had a way of making her feel included. That’s just who he was. He had known what it was like to feel excluded from things and the last thing he’d wanna do is be the cause of that for someone else. But it was nothing more than his nature, that’s it.

“You know, you should just tell him how you feel.” a velvety voice sounded from beside her ear causing her to jump. The (h/c) haired girl glared at the purple cat, reaching a hand to swat him away but he disappeared once more before appearing on her other side. “He watches you often, even when there is not many around to see. But I always do of course.” The Cheshire cat said in a sure tell tone. The girl scoffed at him, shoving another small pastry into her mouth.

“I’m not in the mood for one of your jokes today, cat. So if you’ve come to mock my feelings during my 2nd to last day in Wonderland, I wish you well and send you off.” she huffed out, crossing her arms across her chest, turning her gaze away from him back to Tarrant who was already looking at her. The Hatter gave her a secret wink and a smile before turning back to the March Hare who seemed rather frazzled about something. Or perhaps excited. But once again, the grinning cat appeared in front of her face once more.

“Silly girl, you ignore the plain truth in front of you? I can see why you and Alice get along so well, both of you can be quite foolish. Oh well, the story isn’t over yet after all.” and with that he was gone. What did he mean by that? The story was clearly over. Alice had done what she set out to do. The Jabberwocky had been slain, the White Queen ruled once again, and all had been made well. And what was with everyone with stories? Not everything you can do will always be a story and not every story comes to an end. She decided not to dwell much on it. This was her last night she’d ever spend in Wonderland and she’d rather like to keep it in good memory.

So when the White Queen offered her a hand to dance she took it, their dresses swaying in the wind in oppositional unison. They all danced with one another, twirling, laughing, and having a grand time. The entire time the smile never once left (Y/n)’s face which a certain hatted man enjoyed with all his being.

--------------------------------------------

“I can’t believe you’re leaving today. It seems as if it was only yesterday when you arrived.” the girl swiveled around to see the red head there, a bittersweet smile on his face. His smile grew once she turned to face him. Removing his hat, he bowed as he grabbed one of her hands placing a delicate kiss to the top of it. “I am delighted to have known a woman as graceful as you.” hot tears sprung into her eyes which she quickly got rid of before he stood up. Giggling some she hopped onto the large sit swing, motioning for him to join her.

“Don’t get sad yet, Hatter. I’ve still got a few hours left. You can’t rid of me that easily.” he joined her on the swing, a wide grin still on his face. Although it was partly real, she could tell there was some sadness lingering behind it. (Y/n) turned her gaze to the sight in front of them. From the large benched swing, you could see just about all of wonderland over the edge of the cliff. “Besides, there’s not much to miss. I’m just me.”

“And ‘just you’ is a lot! I’ll miss everything about you. The way you mimic the bird calls you hear, the way you get excited when the rock you skipped across the water goes further than you imagined,” she looked at him in shock as he continued to speak, “E-even the smaller things like how you leave the crust of your sandwich for last and give your crumbs to the ants. But I think more importantly I’ll...I’ll just miss your presence.” he said the last part softly, staring off the edge of the cliff to avoid her gaze. A million thoughts raced through her heads as he spoke. Could it really be? Could he really share the same feelings as she did? (Y/n) reached a shaky (s/c) hand to lay on top of Hatter’s pale one, intertwining their fingers.

“Hatter, I've got something to tell you. During my time here in Wonderland, I’ve enjoyed every second I’ve had with everyone. But more importantly, I’ve enjoyed my time so much with you and I believe it’s only fair to share with you that my feelings I have for you go beyond those of normal friendship. I guess you can say I’ve grown...quite mad for you.” his head whipped to face her as he stared into her eyes, tears welling within his own. He flashed her another smile except this one was genuine, filled with the love and warmth he had shown her the entirety of her time in Wonderland.

“(Y/n)! Alice sent me to fetch you. I’m afraid it’s time for the two of you to head back.”

-----------------------------

After a lot of shedded tears, heartfelt speeches, and goodbyes that were nothing short of wholesome, it was time for the two to head home. Alice patted (Y/n)’s shoulder before holding her arm out for her to grab. As they neared the portal, (Y/n) turned around once more to stare at her friends but when she got to Tarrant, her heart began to break. The gaze they held with one another was long until she simply couldn’t take it. Without thinking she ran up to him once more, grabbing his shoulders tightly.

“Hatter, Tarrant, I need to know how you feel. I couldn’t live with myself if I left and never knew.” he shook his head, looking away from her as he tried to stop the waterworks that were withheld behind the dam. Hot tears streamed down the delicate skin of the girl’s face. “Hatter...please.” her voice was broken as she begged.

“I believe I wasn’t honest myself either. I am completely enamored by you, my dear. I wish I had said something sooner but even though I couldn’t, I’ll always hold a special place for you in here.” he said, placing a hand over his heart. Standing on the tips of her toes, she leaned forward placing a quick peck to his cheek.

“What if it isn’t too late? What if I stayed?” she started, watching as he shook his head, “Hatter listen! You may think I’d regret if I stay but I think I would regret even more not following my heart the first time it’s ever tried to tell me something. Nothing would make me happier than staying here with you...that is if you’d allow it.” a silence fell over as everyone awaited his answer. Without another thought Hatter leaned down, pressing his lips to hers. The kiss was soft and sweet. Filled with a silent promise, a silent vow to care for her as deeply as his heart will allow.

“I do not know what I did to get so lucky, but I would do it again if needed.” she felt herself grow flustered at his words. A quick peck was placed on his lips before walking over to Alice once again. The blonde had tears of her own in her eyes. She was glad her friend had found something to fight for, something to call her own. But also for the first time in many years, they would not see each other everyday as they once did. They both stared at each other before throwing themselves into each other's arms, laughing in unison as bittersweet tears fell.

“Good luck. Make sure you put your foot down. You’re Alice! You listen to no one and march to no one’s drum but your own.” Alice gave her a curt nod.

“Take care. We’ll meet again, do not doubt it.”

Although Alice’s story had seemingly come to an end, it seemed as though (Y/n)’s story was just beginning. For once she wasn’t the side character in someone’s tale, but the main character in her own.

TAGSLIST: @de4ds0up @pink-hufflepuff @redpanda-poetry

#hatter #alice in wonderland #hatter x reader #tarrant hightopp #tarrant hightopp x reader #mad hatter x reader #alice in wonderland x reader #hatter hightopp x reader

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nctsworld · 3 years

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kiss me quick

SUMMARY | a kiss between you and your awful roommate reveals something neither of you expect. WARNINGS | swearing, intense kissing, mentions of drinking/alcohol RATING | teen+ PROMPT | kissing to prove there’s no chemistry, even though it’s a lie, the kiss proving it REQ BY | anonymous

“No fucking way,” Donghyuck mumbles, shaking his head.

All heads turn to face the ball-capped figure at the end of the staircase leading into the living room area. Everyone, including yourself, is on the beer-littered floor. Currently, you’re all in the middle of playing the juvenile game of Spin the Bottle.

You’re playing with a group of your friends along with your roommates, sans one roommate in particular, and as long as you aren’t kissing him, that’s all that matters.

However, fate is a cruel bitch, because the empty beer bottle comes to a slow and points directly at him at the same moment he decides to step into the living room.

“Yeah, no. I’m respinning,” you immediately say, already grabbing the bottle. A hand quickly intercepts atop of yours.

“Nu-uh,” Jaemin, the owner of the hand stopping you and one of your roommates, says. “The bottle works in its special ways; you must follow what it says.”

“He’s not even playing!” you complain, holding out your other hand.

“You know,” Jeno, your other roommate, pipes up. “Jaem’s got a point. The bottle’s never wrong.”

Jeno lifts his chin towards Donghyuck’s direction. “Dude, get over here and kiss her.”

The man at the base of the stairs scoffs in disbelief. “Yeah, I just came down to get a drink. I’m not kissing her, even if you paid me.”

You roll your eyes and scoff. “As if I’d ever kiss you in a million years.”

The disdain between you and Donghyuck doesn’t have a single origin story.

You’ve been roommates for two years, and for that duration, you’ve never meshed with him. Maybe it was because of the time you overheard him complaining endlessly about living with you, or maybe it was because of another time when he ate all your leftovers and pretended he didn’t. Who knows?

And it wasn’t just painful to live with him as a roommate, but his presence in general. Donghyuck could say the exact same about you.

You’d move out, but Jeno and Jaemin were great roommates, and the location was a steal for the price you were paying. For the bane of your existence, his reasons were similar, except that Jeno and Jaemin were not only his roommates, but his best friends.

If it weren’t for those two, you would never put up with each other as much as you already do.

As you and Donghyuck burn holes into each other’s sockets from across the room, everyone on the floor shifts uncomfortably in the dreadful silence until Jeno finally speaks up.

“Do you guys ever think that you two lowkey have a thing for each other?”

“What?”

Both you and your roommate-enemy spew in unison, staring at Jeno with confusion etched in your features.

“All this negative energy could just be subconscious sexual tension,” he adds.

Donghyuck folds his arms against his chest and asks in annoyance, “Are you really psychoanalyzing us right now?”

“Can’t help it.” The neuropsych major shrugs innocently, then runs his fingers through his hair. “But am I wrong?”

“Absolutely.”

“Of course.”

For a second, you and Donghyuck share a rare exchange of glances. Amused, both parties chuckle lightly. Your roommate tugs at the end of his baseball cap and drops his head to the floor, while you take a sip of your beer.

Who’d think that the only time you two would ever agree on something is the distaste you have for one another?

Your sip evolves into a lengthy chug, then you plop the bottle down onto the floor and wipe your mouth with the back of your hand.

“Fine,” you say determinedly, standing up from the circle. “We’ll kiss, but only to prove you wrong.”

You’re already crossing the room, disregarding the panic on Donghyuck’s face, and before he can dispute or blink, you grab your annoying roommate by his cheeks for a kiss.

Shock jolts and runs through your bodies, causing the kiss to be stiff at first.

But once you experiment and slowly move your lips against his, he matches your curiosity. His lips are softer and plusher than you ever imagined, the kind that you want to keep kissing until you die from exhaustion.

Cautiously, Donghyuck tugs you closer by your neck and his other hand melts into your side. Your necks crane further, entangling deeper into the kisses.

Since you don’t seem to be detesting it, when your mouth opens up slightly, he darts his tongue into your mouth. Donghyuck swallows a moan-whimper that exits from you, and you pray to God that nobody heard that.

On the other hand, that sound rocks his entirety. He wonders what other pretty noises he could elicit from you.

After tasting him a little more, you force yourself to tear away from him, shoving him away by his chest—stopping this before it evolves into unknown, dangerous waters for either of you.

“See?” you pant, facing the group with a neutral expression. “Nothing. Did you feel anything?”

A little disoriented by the liplocking, the one you kissed clears his throat. He dips his head to hide himself behind his cap from the small audience and stuffs his fists into his jean pockets.

Replying woodenly, he says, “Nope.”

Without another word, Donghyuck zips out of the room, heading over to the kitchen like he initially intended to.

You sit back down with everyone, and the kissing must’ve came off as awkward in their eyes since the group easily progresses into the next round of the game as if nothing happened.

But you look longingly in the direction of the kitchen, pondering if Donghyuck meant what he said.

A few minutes later, when he passes by the living room to return to his room with his drink in tow, Donghyuck glances at you fleetingly. You’re smiling at something Jaemin said, touching his arm and then leaning your head back in a laugh.

Neither of you will ever admit it aloud, but maybe Jeno really was right all along.

Because pure desire now courses wildly through your minds and your bodies—both of you can’t stop thinking about your mouths on one another, wanting each other’s touch again.

No, you need each other’s touch again.

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dancevidaniya · 3 years

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Encanto needs to be a stage musical and here’s why

Someone’s probably already talked about this, but I feel the need to dump all my ideas here.

General premise: there’s a lot going on in Encanto that could have used more screentime, and it’s a great story with lots of beautiful visuals and themes.

Further elaboration (with spoilers obviously):

There’s so many characters! And you know what that means: we need more solos.

What about a song or songs detailing what Dolores, Camilo, and Antonio are going through? Dolores living with a power that she can’t really shut off (presumably), Camilo trying to find himself while presenting himself as a careless goofball, Antonio’s fears before and after he discovers his powers. He admires Mirabel SO MUCH, but he’s also scared of sharing her fate.

Also, weave in a little more about Dolores’s unrequited love. Make it the tiniest, cutest little subplot. Maurino and Dolores have the smallest exchange where he’s delivering something for the party and she stutters out a little, “Thanks.” And then she makes that little “eep” sound before pattering off. He glances over his shoulder at her, shrugs and smiles.

I think a huge missed opportunity was that we didn’t get to really address the fact that Abuela Alma doesn’t have magic powers herself? Maybe that’s another reason why she’s so hard on Mirabel, she can see her own perceived inadequacies in her. After all, after going through such chaos in fleeing her home and losing her husband, having magical kids was her way of taking back control. The only way she thought she could fix the world around her was through them.

Felix and Agustin having a more lighthearted song about how they married into this crazy, magical family and sometimes they don’t even know how to raise their own kids. Sprinkle in some details about how they met their wives. It doesn’t even have to be a song of its own, it could lead into the aforementioned Abuela song where the tune tapers off into something more somber.

That scene where Julieta is telling Mirabel that’s she just as special as the rest of the family? Song. Make it a song.

Bruno!! Let’s talk about Bruno! This could have fit into the last category, but it’s just that important.

“We Don’t Talk About Bruno” is a straight up banger, I’ve listened to it a thousand times already, don’t change a thing.

Bruno himself needs more to sing though. We need a song from his perspective about what was going through his head when he ran away and the life he’s been living in the walls.

In the same song perhaps, talk about what it was like to grow up with a power that people progressively began to distrust and even revile. Mirabel and Bruno both grew up under a stigma, both feeling unwanted if for different reasons. And now Mirabel herself seems to be an instrument of doom, just like him.

Bruno and Mirabel could have an awesome musical number for the whole vision sequence. Build it up with discussion about their anxieties. Mirabel insisting on the vision because she has to know how she can fix the situation, Bruno flinching and trying to get out of it because he knows what happens when people hear his prophecies. The vision begins and the music builds and builds and the green lighting is going crazy until - “ISABELA?”

(Sidenote: later in the musical, make it more apparent that the Isabela thing is only the beginning of the healing-the-whole-family process).

Finally, Bruno needs more time to reconcile with the family and for them to apologize and promise to do better by him. That was one of my few complaints about the movie. They really ran out of time to organically welcome Bruno back, and a stage musical would have so much more time to do that in a satisfying way.

And speaking of things that needed more screentime...

One of my other big complaints about the movie was that Isabela and Mirabel’s reconciliation feels really fast and in my opinion, pretty forced. Isabela was pretty harsh on Mirabel, and her song seems to still be tilted towards, “I’m pretty amazing. Oh yeah, thanks Mirabel.” And Mirabel herself has two seconds to change her mind about her sister.

So what I would change is: the cactus can still appear in a fit of passion, but it needs to be Mirabel’s idea that Isabela make more. Isabela takes notice for the first time that Mirabel’s unique outlook on life expresses itself through compassion, even towards her. Make Mirabel forget about the hug, and make her suddenly interested in her own sister’s development. She wants to see what else Isabela can do, and Isabela wants more of Mirabel’s perspective. They come to really believe each other when they hear the message, “I’m struggling.” Then it leads into them having a blast like they were at the end of the song.

On to visuals: Casita!! Magic house!!

Is there anything that screams "theater” like a story that revolves around a single location? And houses are right at the top. And a magic house that shifts and emotes and has magic rooms? That’s a theater dream come true!

You ever check out some of the behind scenes footage clips of the Beetlejuice musical? It’s ridiculous what they managed to do with the lighting of that house, using all the latest technologies. A Disney budget could really run with that.

Through animatronics and the unsung heroes of theater, the techie, you have all the power you need to have cabinets opening and closing, banners sagging and then lifting, cups vibrating on dancing tile counters, floors bouncing and moving people around the stage, flowers sprouting all over the place.

Turning the house set around and you got yourself Bruno’s hideout in the walls. Turn it again and hey look, it’s more of the family members’ rooms! Break the house apart to reveal Bruno’s crazy cavernous tower, and then break it again during the catastrophic climax. Sidenote: explain why the hell the family couldn’t build Mirabel a bigger room or let her share one of theirs. Like, Jesus lol

Anyway, there’s just a lot to say. I’ll just go ahead and leave you with a final suggestion: everyone’s gotta apologize to Mirabel more than they did. HARD. Especially Abuela Alma.

Thank you for your time!

#disney #encanto #mirabel madrigal #luisa madrigal #isabela madrigal #alma madrigal #abuela alma #antonio madrigal #camilo madrigal #dolores madrigal #bruno madrigal #julieta madrigal #pepa madrigal #felix madrigal #agustin madrigal #bet i forgot someone lol #oh yeah casita #file this under I shouldn't have spent time writing this

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solarwonux · 3 years

Text

Epitaph || Kim Taehyung (0/?)

pairing: Taehyung x f!reader || roommates!au

w.c: 2.3k

Genre: fluff, angst, smut, slow burn, co-parenting!au, fwb!au, non idol!au

Warnings: slow burn, angst, mentions of alcohol, mentions of sex, nipple piercings, mentions of hospitalization and infections, taeyhung is pretty much not the nicest dude lol (will add more as it progresses) This story will also be told in before (flashbacks) and after (present time)

Synopsis: In memory of the man Kim Taehyung used to be. Caught up and lost in a continuous cycle searching for something that was already there.

Reeling you into a mess that you never asked for because all you wanted was to feel complete and happy.

a/n: hello, I am posting after not posting for 87 years. I hope you enjoy the start of a new series. I’m excited to see where this one takes me. If you’re interested in being added to the taglist send me ask pls. Also updates will sporadic until further notice! Thank you let me know your thoughts and enjoy!

m.list || series m.list

There are only two things in life that you regret.

The Saturday you woke up feeling rebellious got your nipples pierced.

The pain was bad. It was nearly unbearable as the piercer - a freshly out of high school, pimple-faced, with black wide-framed glasses apprentice, who had waltzed in two days before claiming his lifelong dream was to do body piercings - pierced your nipples wrong. At the time you didn’t know and dealt with the pain weeks after you were told it was supposed to subside. Then the cold sweats came and before you knew it you were lying in a hospital bed fighting two infections.

For a good twenty-four hours, you swore you were done for. Delirious on all kinds of meds as nurses walked in and out of your room. Luckily you hadn’t needed surgery to remove the jewelry but the pain was so bad that you saw the white light everyone claimed to see during a near-death experience.

It was real, you had seen the proof with your own set of eyes.

You were released seventy-two hours later. A prescription for antibiotics and your tail in between your legs. You never went to that tattoo shop again or got your nipples re-pierced.

The mark you left on the world was not going to be the badly carved drawing of a heart in the trunk of the tree outside your childhood home, dedicated to whoever JK was. And the two poems about unrequited love that had miraculously been published on the last page of the local newspaper.

The page no one read.

But that was nothing compared to the night Taehyung had promised to give you the one thing you really wanted.

Your world.

Kim Hyeon was born on February 7th.

He was early, twenty-one days to be exact, and Taehyung was out partying like he always was during the ending stages of your pregnancy. You like to think that Hyeon was conceived out of love. From what you were told after your first check-up. The possible date he was conceived was the day you and Taehyung desperately clung onto one another.

It was unplanned. But your regret didn’t lie there in the tangle of limbs. It laid in the disillusionment Taehyung conjured up when you revealed to him the one thing you desired most in the world.

“What do you want most in the world?” He said, eyes blurry with curiosity.

“To be a mom.” You told him.

It was the one thing you had not been able to give yourself.

There were sleepless nights in which you would research different ways in which you could become a mother without needing someone else. Adoption was out of the question the second you realized you didn’t have a very stable income being a freelance writer and all. Artificial insemination was also out of the question when you spent a little too many hours reading horror stories on a Reddit subreddit.

You had given up, and Taehyung asked the forbidden question after two bottles of white wine while lying on his unmade bed, looking up at the glow-in-the-dark stars glued to his ceiling.

His own personal galaxy to get lost in whenever he felt insignificant. Where he tried to find the missing part of his equation. Where he realized the answer wasn’t in his man-made galaxy. So he looked somewhere else. In your confession, he searched.

He touched you like a lover that night, not the person he shared a wall with. He whispered to you and the heavens words that tasted like sugar. Then when it didn’t happen that night. When you took the test and it came out negative he lured you in again. Trying to fill that void in his heart that tattered him to the soil.

Then it happened. The little lines signaled a positive result and he spilled tears of joy. Enough to fill a dying lake. Enough to make promises he knew he couldn’t keep because you weren’t what he was searching for. Neither was Hyeon because if he were he would’ve stopped looking years ago.

“I just don’t get it Hobi,” You run your palms down your face. The letter of the court date sat on top of your coffee table. Spots of green from the matcha latte you had choked on and spit out earlier, decorating the white page. “What did I do for him to hate me so much?” You whisper, picking at the rips in your jeans. Tears brimming in the corners of your eyes.

Hoseok sighed, bringing you closer to his body. A relaxing night with your best friend was what tonight was supposed to be, and it was anything but that. The white little envelope stamped with your full government name in the front and a seal from the local courthouse in the corner made sure of that. You almost ignored it thinking you were being summoned for jury duty, something you could deal with on another day. But the little voice in the back of your head screamed at you to open it and when you did your heart dropped.

Taehyung was suing you for full custody of Hyeon. The fucking audacity.

You should’ve known. Should’ve never let your guard down no matter how well things with Taehyung had been lately. The fights and snarky remarks were less. Standing in the same room wasn’t as dreadful as before. For the sake of Kim Hyeon, your pride and joy, the only light in a dark world; the two of you had started to finally tolerate one another.

At least you thought.

Three months.

Three months into his new relationship was all it took for her to decide she wanted nothing to do with you. It irked you because out of all the flings Taehyung had had, you actually liked Eunbi. She was beautiful, self-made, and self-assured. She was radiant like a fresh ray of sunlight, defrosting you after being in the cold for far too long. Never once did she look down on you for being the mother of Taehyung’s son. Never once did she question your relationship with Hyeon’s father, prying to get her claws in, because somehow she understood that it wasn’t simple. That it would never be simple.

Your relationship with one another was purely civil, and that was more than you could ask for. But all of that flew out the window when Hyeon refused to call her mom. Which was well in the four-year-old’s right. None of Taehyung’s flings ever stuck around long enough, and Eunbi wasn’t a permanent figure in his life. So why should he give her a permanent title?

At least that’s what you thought. The court letter said otherwise as her name was printed next to Tahyung’s like it belonged.

Never once did you regret ever having Hyeon. He was quite literally your entire world. If it was asked of you, you would bring down the moon, the stars, the universe, the entire milky way galaxy, and whatever was beyond it for him in a heartbeat.

But what you do regret are those two published poems secretly dedicated to Taehyung. You regret letting him in while you were inebriated. You regret giving him the title of Hyeon’s father because you never imagined bringing a child into the world with someone who would never think the world of you.

You regret giving Hyeon such a dysfunctional family after growing up in one. Your one promise that you would never be able to keep.

“You did nothing but be an amazing mother to Hyeon-” Hoseok sighed, shaking his head. “-he’s absolutely delusional. No judge in their right mind will grant them sole custody of Hyeon.” He finishes bitterly, and tightens his hold around you. “They’ve been together for like two weeks-”

“Three months.” You interrupt making him roll his eyes.

“Whatever, same thing.” He brushes you off before turning to face you. Both hands making their way to the top of your shoulders. “My point is that they’re not married, and she doesn’t have a real job and if I know anything from watching too many reruns of divorce court. No judge, real or fake, will grant them full custody of your child.” Hoseok scoffs and an annoyed grunt escapes him. His eyes fail to hide the anger burning brightly behind them.

They used to be friends. Inseparable. Attached to the hip. They went and did everything together, so much so that once you had jokingly accused them of showering together. Which prompted a very heated debate between the three of you. Hoseok’s claim was that even though he and Taehyung were like two peas in a pod his heart belonged somewhere else. To the one and only Min Yoongi; and that if you were to ever insinuate anything more between the two of them he would gouge your eyes.

You never opened your mouth again.

But that was before Taehyung had fucked up everything. A bond that was so strong that you were so sure nothing could ever come between it sat like broken glass at their feet.

Now, Hoseok couldn’t stand to be in the same room with Taehyung for more than five minutes before making jabs at him. Petty remarks that always led to dark places. He knew how much the younger male had hurt you the night before Hyeon’s first birthday. The sound of your voice when you called, trying your best to recount the events that took place that night through broken sobs, was forever imprinted in his mind.

After almost five years, Hoseok still hadn’t been able to understand the full story of what happened, but he knew enough. Taehyung had run out of your shared apartment, only to show up the next day before the traditional ‘Happy Birthday’ sing-along, half-drunk, wearing the same clothes he had the night before with the girl he had picked up glued to his arm. Showing her off like she was a prize. Like she was disposable.

It was the first time in his life that he had seen Taehyung for who he truly was.

Disgusting, unforgivable in every sense of the word. Especially when the images of you cradling a sobbing Hyeon with tears running down your cheeks came rushing back from to the frontal lobe of his brain.

He will never forgive him.

“He has a better job than me, a better salary. He lives in a fucking penthouse for god’s sake and-” You pressed the heals of your palms into your eyes. You always hated how easily you could shed tears for Taehyung. “-she’s a fucking influencer or whatever so she makes more money than me.”

“Honeycomb,” Hoseok tsked. “No judge is going to ever rule in their favor.” He took hold of your hands, placing them on top of his lap. “I bet they’d laugh in their faces. Hyeon is yours and nothing is going to change that.” He finishes bringing both of your hands up to his lips and kissing your knuckles.

“I can’t believe I loved him once.” You retrieve your hands from his hold crossing your arms in front of you like a stubborn child. Hoseok sighed, pinching your thigh gently before standing up from the couch.

He made his way to the record player Taehyung had given you as a housewarming gift when you had first moved in with him. Back when everything was simple. It was yours even if it once stood proudly in the living room of your shared apartment. Half of the records you owned were bought by Taehyung himself.

There were nights where he would put one on, hand you a warm mug of your favorite tea and sit with you on the couch. Your legs were always on top of his thighs. His hands massaging away the tension of the day for the simple price of your childhood stories. He never revealed much about himself. A scowl would make its way onto his perfect face whenever you asked. Opening his mouth to give you simple answers.

“It was good.”

“Not tonight.”

“Another time.”

“I don’t want to talk about it.”

“Tell me another one.”

That was the problem with Taehyung. He took and took from you but never gave you anything in return. So it came as a surprise to you when you found yourself falling for him. It came as a surprise to you when he offered to father your child with nothing more but your happiness in exchange; because through his lying teeth, he had said that that was all that mattered to him.

You should’ve known better, and you should’ve gotten rid of the record player long ago. But Hyeon loved it so you didn’t.

Like his dad, he was attentive, calculated, and always knew when you weren’t feeling your best. He was almost five but somehow knew you better than yourself. So you kept it, making sure that only the happy memories attached to the outdated thing were present whenever you looked over at it.

Hoseok clears his throat picking out the Britney Spears record you had bought at a thrift store a couple of months back. You watched as he carefully took it out of the sleeve and placed it on the round table, gently dropping the needle on its surface. “We all loved him once but he made his choice.” He eyed the record as if started to spin, the soft crackle sounding through the tiny built-in speakers. “The Tae we once knew isn’t there anymore and he’s too far gone to ever come back.”

The soft hum of the beginning notes of your childhood song start to play. “Now.” He turns around, arms splayed out, a wide smile beautifully painted on his face. Distracting you from the glossy shine of his tear-filled eyes. “What better way to say fuck men than Britney.”

You laugh and stand up, running straight into his arms. It sucked that the night Taehyung had walked out on you and Hyeon, he had also walked out on a decade-long friendship.

Maybe if he had known the outcome back then. He would’ve stayed and tried.

#bts imagines #bts fanfiction #bts angst #bts taehyung #bts x reader #bts fanfic #bts scenarios #taehyung fanfiction #taehyung fanfic #taehyung angst #bts smut #taehyung smut #taehyung x reader

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toasterdrake · 3 years

Text

Zvezdnyy

Yelena Belova x gn!Reader

Word Count: 1.4K

Genre: Fluff

anon requested: "Can you do a yelena one where Yelena is touch starved but readers love language is touch so they work together and one day they snuggle for the first time? thx"

⭐⭐⭐

Humans are wired to be touched. From birth until the day we die, our need for physical contact persists. It drives our emotional connections, our physical health.

It is one of those beautiful poetic moments that inspire us to keep living through all the hardship.

Yelena, however, had experienced little to no touch since she was a young child.

Her time with Alexei, Melina and Natasha had been the only memorable time in her life that wasn't cold. As the three years progressed, and she grew, so did their attachment to her. Alexei loved fawning over the little blonde, and even Melina had to admit she was cute.

In early life, touch is crucial for building healthy relationships. Missing out on regular human touch can have serious and long-lasting effects.

Melina, ever the scientist, was well aware of this, and tried her best, but Alexei was more comfortable giving the kids what they wanted. Piggyback rides with Papa were a popular form of transport in the Vostokoff-Shostakov household.

However, Yelena's eventual line of work, away from her parents and her sister, didn't exactly make a habit of hugs or holding hands. This inevitably resulted in touch starvation in the young Widow.

The feeling was deeply rooted in Yelena's psyche. It was a lusting hunger; a primal need from within, clawing up her throat. But her training kept it constantly tamped down, insisting it be ignored in favour of the mission. She was never allowed to understand this burning, lonely desire.

After Oksana and Natasha, it grew from a mild heat to a raging fire. Every brushing of skin ignited something in her fingertips, like hot electricity attracting her to beg for more.

What that 'more' was, she couldn't figure out. Not until you.

You were a very touchy person. You had loving, attentive parents that encouraged physical displays of affection all your life. Of course, they had their faults, and no parenting technique is perfect, but the frequent gentle touches had raised you to find comfort in contact.

You'd grown up a hugger, in a word, and all your friends were well aware of it. If they thought they could avoid you being attached to their sides, clambering over them, or resting your feet in their laps whenever they were in your vicinity, they thought wrong.

Yelena was the exception.

Not in a hateful way; very much the opposite, actually. In such a way that you paid extra attention to how she acted and reacted. In such a way that you noticed when she flinched or froze up under your touch. In such a way that you withdrew your friendly touches because you weren't blind.

Yelena was also the exception in the way she was more than a friend.

Your relationship was still new, and you were scared to be asking too much from her. You were still adjusting to each other, learning how to be together, learning what you wanted from the other and how to give what they wanted.

And the more you withdrew, the more Yelena began to tentatively want it, you, your touch, back.

Even in her relationship with you, Yelena couldn't help but feel overwhelmingly lonely. Not because you weren't paying her attention, affection: you still showed that in different ways. But you were right there, next to her… and yet you weren't close enough. The blanket you were both wrapped in wasn't enough; you were.

But she didn't know how to ask. So instead, she slipped away from you, leaving you to doze, and took a long, hot bath.

She curled up alone in bed that night, cold, guilt clawing at her throat and churning in her stomach. Fanny tucked herself into Yelena's side, golden fur tangling in her fingers. Fanny's warmth still wasn't enough. Fanny wasn't you.

She was only able to fall asleep after you had stumbled into bed beside her hours later. You weren't even sharing a room yet. You wanted to be close to her as much as she did you.

You were simply better versed in expressing that desire.

You wanted to show Yelena your affection for her the way you knew how. And you decided to make that known.

You scooted a little closer every time you sat together, little by little by little, eyes trained on the movie playing. You leaned into her when she helped you cook, stretching over her to grab something, trailing a hand on her waist when you leaned away so that the contact was never broken. You slipped your hand into hers while waiting for a ride to collect you both.

You were careful not to cross any boundaries, though, adjusting accordingly when Yelena subtly distanced herself.

Slowly, she began to accept your advances.

"[Y/N]? [Y/N]?"

"Wha- what?" You wake up, trying to blink away the blurriness of your vision to get a clearer view of the figure leaning over you.

Yelena shifts awkwardly, fiddling with the corner of your covers. "I can't sleep." She admits shyly.

Something, you're not sure what in your half-asleep state, but something, clicks in you. You shuffle over to make room, opening your arms to her, and she readily crawls under the sheets.

You lay on your back, looking at her across the bed for a long few moments. There's that closeness again; that not-quite-close-enough closeness; that simmering, bubbling heat.

You clear your throat, wincing at how abrupt it is in the dark and quiet room, at how sharply it makes Yelena snap her gaze to you. You open your arms again, silent invitation in your eyes.

Yelena shifts forward, tentatively curling into your side. Soft, pyjama-clad skin glides over yours like velvet, until the warmth of her settles pressed into you.

Slow and steady, you wrap an arm around her waist, firm enough to remind her that you are there. Your fingers splay over her stomach, drawing abstract patterns.

She rests her head on your chest. Your heartbeat is calm and strong. She matches her breathing to it, looking through the darkness out the window at the blanket of stars.

"Do any of them catch your fancy?" You ask. She can feel your gaze following hers, your fingertips floating lazily.

She points at a small star just coming into view from behind a drifting cloud. It's light is weaker than the others, twinkling faintly among the diamond glitters.

"I bet it wants to learn how to shine brighter," You begin softly. Yelena snorts, but doesn't stop you.

"It's packing up its possessions; a picture of its beloved sister, its famous iced coffee technique;" Yelena buries a giggle in the crook of your neck, then peeks back out at her star. "And it's setting out to visit it's aunt, who lives on the other side of the galaxy. She's one of the brightest... Nebulaway stars, so she'll surely be able to teach it how to shine.

Along the path, it meets another star. They shine even brighter than it's aunt, so it asks them to teach it. They say, 'shining isn't something you can learn... Shining comes to you naturally when the time is right. That time is different for everyone'. The dull little star doesn't feel this is helpful at all, so it carries on and leaves them behind. Further up the road, it meets another star."

Your story is interrupted by a jaw-cracking yawn, tears springing to your eyes. You blink them away and continue. "This star asks if it has any spare iced coffee, since he ran out. The dull little star -- y'know what, let's call him Jeffrey," Yelena's laugh evolves into her own yawn. "Jeffrey gives him the last of it's coffee.

He says 'this is the best iced coffee I've ever had. What's the difference? Is it your brand? Do you use... Milky too?' Jeffrey shows him, and it turns out the ingredients are the same." Yelena half-heartedly provides a shocked gasp. "Jeffrey teaches him its technique. He carries on the path much happier with his new flask of iced coffee.

Jeffrey carries on, and now notices the dark path it had been following to reach Nebulaway is now illuminated. It looks around, but doesn't see any other stars. It is the only star here on the path, and the light radiates around it."

You pause again, this time for thought. You look down, and notice Yelena's eyes are closed. She breathes steadily, deeply, an arm around your waist and head settled on your shoulder. Her warm, sweet breath fans over your collarbone.

You smile, pressing a kiss to her head as your own heavy eyelids fall gratefully shut.

⭐⭐⭐

Taglist: @starryparchments @themagnificentmx @bisexual-chupacabra

love,

- Lynx

#yelena belova #yelena belova imagine #yelena belova x reader #yelena belova fluff #marvel imagine #lynx writes

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likeahorribledream · 3 years

Text

ᴍʏ ʟᴏᴠᴇ

CHAPTER THREE OF FIVE

SUMMARY: A fight erupts between you and Ransom and things are said that can never be taken back.

REQUEST: Ransom takes care of you while you’re sick.

PAIRING: Ransom Drysdale x Reader

WORD COUNT: 5.5k

WARNINGS: Angst, some fluff. It's a rough one guys.

NOTES: Full disclosure, Reader has depression. This is 100% self-indulgent. I have been struggling a lot with my depression and wrote this to make myself feel good. There will be appropriate warnings when depression will come into play during the story. Also, the moodboard is just to give a little insight of what’s going to happen during the chapter. There is no physical description in my stories aside from the reader being female.

CHAPTER TWO

ᴍᴀꜱᴛᴇʀʟɪꜱᴛ

𝚂𝙴𝚁𝙸𝙴𝚂 𝙼𝙰𝚂𝚃𝙴𝚁𝙻𝙸𝚂𝚃

The first few weeks of dating Ransom were great, the first month really. Until one night when you got into a fight that almost made you end it all with him. All the progress Ransom had made so far to make you trust him had been thrown out the window and he had to start over, even further than when he had first met you.

Ransom’s an asshole. It’s not a secret for anyone, he’s not trying to hide it, it's who he is. Except when it comes to you. You were his girl, his love and he never got angry at you. Until that one night.

You and Ransom went out at least once a week, you go on a date and just enjoy being with each other.

You had seen it happen more than once and even though Ransom was an absolute sweetheart and a big softie to you, he’s still an asshole to the rest of the world. Especially wait staff.

You’ve tried not to say anything, you’ve tried not being a pain in his ass because you know he can’t help it. That’s how he was raised, but one night you had enough and after your date when you went back to his house where you had left your car you confronted him about it.

You followed him inside and watched as he took off his shoes.

‘’Are you alright, baby? You’ve been quiet, more than usual.’’ He looked at you, frowning and worried.

‘’Why do you always have to be so mean to people?’’ You looked at his face just in time to see the shock from your question settle in his expression.

‘’What?’’

‘’You’re always mean to the staff, wherever we go. You treat them like dirt, you almost made the waiter cry tonight. You’re always talking to them like they are beneath you.’’

Ransom snorted. ‘’Because they are.’’

His answer left you speechless.

‘’No, they aren’t.’’

Ransom started at you and you could see his walls go up, he was shutting you out and you were about to feel the sting of it.

‘’What’s your problem?’’ He crossed his arms over his chest, slowly getting defensive.

‘’I don’t like when you’re mean. Especially not when people haven’t done anything to deserve it.’’

He rolled his eyes and dropped his arms back to his side, he turned his back to you and walked to his kitchen to get himself a beer. He was too sober for this.

‘’Are you going to bitch and moan like this every time I’m mean?’’ He repeated the word in a mocking tone. ‘’Because I’m starting to understand why every guy before me left you and ran to Kelly.’’

He couldn’t stop the words before they came out. He’s used to fighting nasty, especially with his family. When you’re a Thrombey you learn early in life that when you fight, you fight dirty and low blows are your best weapon. You calling him out made him feel vulnerable, because he cares about what you think of him so his instinct told him to attack.

He flinched at his own words and his heart dropped in his stomach. He quickly turned around to apologize but it was too late, the damage had been done.

You’re standing exactly where he had left you, except you looked like someone sucker punched you. In a way, someone did.

From your body language alone, Ransom could tell he had broken you. He had broken your relationship and every promise he had ever made to you.

The sob that came out of you is the most heartbreaking sound he’s ever heard in his life and he hates himself for being the cause of it.

‘’Screw you!’’ You turned around and stormed out of his house, slamming the door behind you.

‘’Shit.’’ Ransom ran after you, stopping you before you could get to your car.

He stepped in front of you, forcing you to stop walking.

‘’Baby, wait.’’ He tried to take your hands but you stepped back and out of his reach.

‘’No.’’ You angrily wiped your cheeks. ‘’Stay away from me.’’ You tried to reach your car, but he stopped you again.

‘’I didn’t mean it, I swear. I’m so sorry. It’s a stupid reflex and it just came out. I’m sorry, baby.’’ His own eyes started to fill up with tears.

‘’You meant it, otherwise you wouldn’t have said it.’’

‘’I promise, I didn’t mean a single word.’’ His hands were shaking, completely terrified that he might lose you but mostly that he had broken you in a way no one has ever done before.

You shook your head, still crying. All you wanted was to go home, so you walked around him to get to your car but Ransom grabbed you by your waist and pulled you to him, clinging onto you desperately. Your back was to his chest, making it hard to get out of his grip. You tried to pry away his arms that were wrapped tightly around your waist.

‘’Let me go.’’ You choke out.

By now, his own tears were falling down his cheeks and his heart was pounding in his chest. ‘’No, please.’’ He pleaded.

You tired yourself out quite rapidly and you just went limp against him. ‘’I hate you.’’ You whispered between sobs.

‘’I know baby, I hate me too.’’ He said against the side of your head, peppering soft kisses wherever he could reach with his mouth.

He held you like this until you started hiccuping from the lack of oxygen coming in. He sat down with you in the middle of his driveway, putting you on his lap and swaying you from side to side to try to calm you down.

He whispered ‘’I’m sorry’’, ‘’don’t leave’’ and ‘’you’re perfect’’ over and over again against the shell of your ear.

The worst thing in all of this was that you knew he didn’t mean it. If he had meant it, he wouldn’t have thrown it in your face like that. That was meant to hurt you, and he succeeded.

When it got to be too cold outside, Ransom carried you in his arms back inside the house and up to his room. He helped you take off your shoes and jacket, then he helped you get into bed. He got in on his side but quickly moved over to you.

Ransom didn’t even care that you were both fully clothed and probably uncomfortable. All he wanted was to fix what he broke.

You turned around and moved to be wrapped around him, hiding your face in his neck. He put both of his arms around your body and held you tightly, kissing you all over. Wherever he could reach without having to move too much.

He did not sleep for a single second that night. He held you, kissed you and apologized until his cheeks hurt because of it. You, on the other hand, had fallen quickly asleep but it didn’t matter to Ransom. He was going to apologize to you all day, all night, every day until he’s forgiven.

He cried most of the night, silently to not wake you. He kept hearing the sound you made before you ran out and every time he heard it his heart shattered in his chest. His heart clenched so tightly from his own heartbreak that at some point during the night he thought he was having a heart attack because of how much it hurt.

That’s what he deserved.

For a few seconds after you woke up, what happened last night felt like a very horrible dream until reality set in and you felt Ransom slowly rubbing your back in a way that would be soothing.

When Ransom felt you were awake, he froze in place. He wasn’t sure what was going to happen and he was absolutely terrified.

You took some time to completely wake up and stretch a little, then you moved to sit up. You sat facing Ransom and when your eyes met, the most heartbreaking whine you’ve ever heard came out of him as he saw the pain still in your eyes.

Clearly he hadn’t slept at all and his cheeks were still damp from how much he cried while you were sleeping.

‘’I’m sorry.’’ His voice croaked, further breaking your heart.

This whole situation is so messed up. Normally, you would never forgive anyone who said something like that to you, especially not your own boyfriend but it’s different with Ransom. He doesn’t say he’s sorry easily, he never lets himself be vulnerable and the fact that he’s being a giant emotional mess in front of you means that he really regrets everything. Ransom has a small tendency to self-sabotage, sometimes without even realizing he’s doing it.

You stared into his eyes, trying to find the tiniest amount of evilness. There’s nothing but pain, heartbreak and guilt.

Everyone else would have walked away, just broke up with him and left him never to be seen again but for someone fucked up reason you can’t bring yourself to do the same.

‘’I can’t trust you anymore. I can’t confide in you or share anything with you that I normally would have. You took that away from us.’’ You wiped the tears as they fell on your cheeks.

It didn’t take long before Ransom’s also crying again. ‘’I know. I’m sorry.’’ He covered his face with his hands, trying to pull himself together.

‘’I don’t know how to come back from this.’’ You looked away to stare out of the window.

‘’I’ll do anything. Literally anything.’’ He sat up and took your hand, bringing it to his lips. He kissed the back of it over and over again desperately. ‘’Please don’t leave me.’’

‘’I’m not. I don’t know why exactly, but I’m not.’’ You shook your head. ‘’I guess I like to torture myself.’’

‘’Oh thank god.’’ He sobbed, this time with relief. ‘’It’ll never happen again, I’ll never hurt you again. I promise.’’ He looked you in the eyes as he promised so that you could see that he was being sincere.

Ransom’s been in love with you for months now. Almost since the moment you first met. He has been crazy about you and he promised himself that if you ever gave him a chance he’d never mess it up. He should have known that he was going to find a way to fuck it all up.

He didn’t tell you that he’s in love with you because your feelings for him are more recent than his and he doesn’t want to scare you away but he really does love you. More than anything.

He had half a mind to tell you now, just confess everything to you but it wouldn’t have the same meaning if he did it now.

You got up from his bed after that and put your shoes and coat back on while Ransom watched, panicked.

‘’Where are you going?’’ He climbed out of bed, still watching you with his heart pounding.

‘’Home.’’ You simply answered.

Another tug at his heart. You had started to refer to his house as ‘’home’’. When you said ‘’let’s go home’’ or ‘’I’ll be home soon’’ it meant his house not your apartment but now that was gone too.

‘’You are home.’’ Ransom said so quietly you almost missed it.

‘’Ransom…’’ You sounded exhausted.

‘’When can we see each other again?’’ He asked instead to change the subject.

‘’I don’t know.’’

He followed you downstairs. ‘’It sounds like you’re breaking up with me.’’

‘’I’m not. Just give me some time, ok? Please.’’

Ransom nodded and opened the front door for you knowing it would be useless to ask you to stay longer.

‘’Text me when you get home.’’ He said to you as you stepped outside.

It took months but you eventually forgave him. You didn’t forget though and you made that very clear but you weren’t really worried about it because Ransom had been punishing himself even more than you did. Your relationship wasn’t like it used to be before that night, it has become somewhat more… superficial. You still aren’t comfortable sharing anything truly personal with him, you didn’t want him to throw it back in your face at your next fight. You doubt he would do it again but your underlying trust issues are telling you to keep your walls up.

You went on a lot of dates together to spend time with each other and start building your relationship back up. The never ending dates were taking a big toll on your savings. You had set money aside whenever you got bigger paychecks than usual to use it as ‘’spending money’’. Most of it was gone now and you couldn’t get more hours at work. Ransom had offered time and time again to pay for you but you declined every time. You’re very uncomfortable when people spend their money on you, even if they are filthy rich like Ransom Drysdale.

The moment you told Emma about your relationship with Ransom, she went completely crazy. She was beyond excited at the thought of you two best friends dating the other best friends.

She soon suggested that you should go on a double date and you couldn’t say no to her.

They had settled on going to a restaurant with the four of you together. It was a little awkward at first, you weren’t sure how you were supposed to act with him around people.

Emma and Jax were sitting on one side of the table whereas Ransom and you were sitting on the opposite side of them, you in front of Emma and Ransom in front of Jax.

One of Ransom’s arms was resting on the back of your chair, his way of keeping you close to him. He leaned closer to you as you were looking at the menu, trying to figure out what you could afford instead of what you really wanted to eat. He rubbed the back of our neck with his fingers and kissed your cheek.

‘’Have you decided what you want, baby?’’

‘’I’ll take a salad, I’m not very hungry. How about you?’’ You looked up from the menu and into his eyes. In reality, the salad is all you could afford. You’d have to eat again once you’ll be home.

Ransom looked at you, frowning. ‘’How come you’re not hungry? Are you ok?’’ He asked, genuinely worried.

‘’I’m fine.’’ You smiled. ‘’I promise.’’

‘’You’d tell me if you weren’t feeling well?’’

‘’Of course.’’ You nodded.

Ransom felt something was off but he decided not to push it. He hadn’t earned the right to push you to tell him how you truly feel.

‘’Can I get a kiss?’’ His hand moved up from the back of your neck to the back of your head.

You knew Ransom well enough to know that whenever he asks you this question, it’s because he’s feeling insecure and he needs you to show him that you still like him.

‘’Only one, and quick. No making out.’’ You warned him as he has a small habit of escalating quick kisses to full on making out. You didn’t mind when you were at his place, but not sitting in front of your best friend in a room full of people.

‘’I’ll try.’’ He grinned.

You gave him a really quick, but thorough, kiss. When you tried to lean back, Ransom held you in place by the back of your head and smiled against your lips. He kissed you until you felt a little dizzy and weak in the knees.

‘’It’s a good thing I didn’t promise anything, otherwise I’d be in trouble.’’ He grinned, panting a little but still very proud of himself for ‘’winning’’ again.

‘’Ew.’’ Emma said which pulled your attention away from Ransom and to her.

‘’I didn’t need to see that before eating.’’ She added.

‘’Calm down.’’ Ransom rolled his eyes.

‘’I saw tongues!’’ Emma said, looking a little disgusted.

You chuckled, a little bit embarrassed. ‘’Sorry.’’

‘’I’m not.’’ Ransom smirked.

‘’Jax, back me up here.’’ Emma turned to her boyfriend who was already staring at her.

‘’Why do we never make-out like that? Not even at home!’’

‘’Oops.’’ You whispered to Ransom and shrugged.

‘’They’ll be fine.’’ He brought you closer to him and you leaned onto his side.

You watched as they argued and Ransom lowered his head to speak directly into your ear. ‘’Wanna make-out while they fight?’’

You bit the inside of your cheek to keep yourself from laughing. ‘’I think it’s safer for Jax if we don’t.’’

Finally, the two of them stopped bickering once the waitress came over to take your orders. You spent most of the night laughing and talking after that. Which was a relief because you didn’t want to witness them fighting again.

You were having so much fun that after dinner, instead of leaving like you usually did, you ordered coffees and teas and stayed seated.

Ransom’s arm was around your shoulders and from time to time he would gently squeeze your shoulder while he talked as if he was checking that you were still there. Other times he’d lean close to you and kiss your temple or your cheek.

It felt good to be able to be this free around Ransom. Your relationship finally started to go back to the way it was before.

The night was almost over when you heard someone call out yours and Emma’s name from behind you. You froze in your chair when you recognized who the owner of the voice was. Emma’s surprised widened eyes only confirmed what you thought.

Ransom was surprised by your sudden change in behavior, he felt you stiffen under his arm. He was just about to ask you what was wrong when the reason walked over to your table and stood next to you.

‘’Kelly, what are you doing here?’’ Emma asked.

‘’I was on a date.’’

‘’And where’s your date?’’

‘’If he’s smart, he probably ran away.’’ You mumbled under your breath, just loud enough for Ransom to hear.

He laughed quietly and held you a little closer to his chest, like he’s trying to protect you and in a way, he was.

Kelly turned to look at you and noticed how close you were to Ransom.

‘’Well, well, well. What do we have here?’’ She waved a finger between you and Ransom.

Ransom just ignored her.

‘’Are you two dating?’’

You nodded your head yes. ‘’It’ll be 6 months next week.’’

Ransom’s heart fluttered in his chest when he heard you. Even through the lows, the past 6 months have been the best ones in his life.

‘’You always know how to pick them.’’ Kelly smirked. ‘’Hi, Ransom.’’

Your mind must be playing some nasty tricks on you because from where you’re sitting it sure looks like she’s trying to flirt with Ransom while you’re sitting right next to him. Unfortunately, as you turn to look at Emma and Jax you could tell by their expressions that it wasn’t your mind playing tricks.

‘’Hi, Kenny.’’ He answered without looking at her.

‘’It’s Kelly.’’

‘’If only I cared.’’ He sighed and kissed the top of your head. ‘’You ready to go, baby?’’

‘’Please.’’ You quickly answered and soon after you were all standing up, and putting your coats on.

Ransom held your hand and stopped in front of Kelly.

‘’Listen, Kimmy-’’

‘’It’s Kelly.’’ She cut him off, getting a little annoyed.

‘’I still don’t care. I get why you’re jealous of my girl and trying so desperately to be like her, maybe even be her. If I had a choice between being you or being her, I’d choose her too, every time. Except you’re getting a little too old to be running after her sloppy seconds and it’s pathetic. You could be standing there completely naked and I still wouldn’t look at you twice. Because no matter how hard you try, you’re not her and you’ll never be her.’’ He looked her up and down with a disgusted expression, then turned around to find you staring at him with your eyes and mouth wide open.

‘’I know, baby. I promised I wouldn’t be an asshole anymore but it was just too good an opportunity to pass.’’ He quickly defended himself, scared you were mad.

‘’That was… amazing.’’ You said after finding your voice again.

Ransom’s body relaxed and he sighed with relief. ‘’You’re not mad?’’

‘’Mad?’’ You laughed quietly as you pulled him closer to speak directly in his ear to make sure no one else heard. ‘’The little thing you just did just guaranteed you to a 1000% chance of you getting laid tonight.’’

Ransom shook his head. ‘’You can’t say things like that to me while we’re standing in a room full of people and in public. It’s just cruel.’’ He groaned.

‘’Let’s go pay and then you can take me home, how about that?’’ You grinned.

‘’I’m paying for you tonight.’’ He said as he gave his credit card to the waitress. ‘’I’ll just make it up to you later.’’ He grinned in a way that let you know you were in for a very, very long night.

Standing up to Kelly for you had proved to be just what the two of you needed to get even closer together. There was this constant little voice at the back of your head telling you that Ransom would go to her too eventually, that voice only got louder after the fight you had with him but after what he did the voice was completely gone.

Ransom was all yours and now you believed him every time he told you so.

‘’My parents want to meet you.’’ Ransom said to you one morning as he was making you breakfast. ‘’Well, my parents and my grandfather.’’

‘’Really? Wow.’’ You had never met any boyfriend’s parents before, this was a very big deal. ‘’What did you say to them?’’

‘’That I’d ask you but I’d also be trying to convince you not to go.’’

The little excitement from earlier was gone. ‘’Why? You don’t want me to meet your family?’’

‘’Hell no. I want to keep you as far away from them as humanly possible.’’

Ransom had been looking at what he was preparing and looked up when you didn’t answer. You looked so sad that he dropped everything and rushed to your side. ‘’Baby, what’s wrong?’’

‘’You don’t want me to meet them.’’ You repeated in a quiet voice.

It finally clicked in Ransom’s head. ‘’Oh no, baby. It’s not like that. Everyone in my family is an asshole and I want to keep them away from you because I don’t want them to hurt you.’’ He’s quick to explain, holding your face by cupping both sides with his hands. He tipped your head back so you’d look at him. ‘’You’re perfect, absolutely perfect. We’ll go if you want to, I was only trying to protect you. I swear.’’

‘’I want to meet everyone. Please.’’ You gave him your best puppy dog eyes.

‘’Anything for my girl.’’ He kissed your forehead. ‘’I’ll call my grandfather later today.’’

‘’Thank you.’’ You grinned.

‘’Don’t thank me yet, you have no idea what you’re about to walk into.’’

You had two full weeks to prepare yourself mentally and physically to meet all of them. You were very nervous because even if Ransom doesn’t have a good relationship with any of them, they are still his family and you want them to like you.

You used whatever money you had left to buy new clothes to wear to dinner. There’s no way they would like you if you wore the worn out clothes you usually do. You needed to look good, if you look good then maybe you’d have a chance of them liking you and Ransom would stay with you.

That was your biggest fear in all of this. You were scared that if his family didn’t like you, Ransom would end up dumping you because they didn’t think you were good enough for him.

Needless to say, the two weeks leading to the dinner turned you into a nervous wreck. Dozens of scenarios went through your head, none of them good.

Ransom was picking you up that night and as always you made sure to be already waiting for him outside when he got there so you wouldn’t have to find an excuse as to why he couldn’t come up. You still aren’t sure how you’ve managed to keep him outside your apartment building for so long but you’re glad that you did. If he saw the way you lived, there’s no way he’d stay with you. Ransom had more money than he could spend in two lifetimes while you had secondhand furniture and a half empty fridge and bank account. You had nothing to offer to him and you sure as hell weren’t good enough for him, you know that eventually he’ll find out but you’re going to try and push back that moment for as long as you can.

Ransom got out of his car to open the door for you and kissed your cheek quickly then he was back on his side and driving you to his grandfather’s house.

‘’I can’t believe you’re willingly doing this.’’ Ransom laughed.

‘’They are that bad?’’ You looked at him, chewing nervously on your lower lip.

‘’No. They’re worse than that.’’ He answered honestly.

‘’Great.’’ You mumbled, looking back outside. It was already dark out and you mostly stared at your own reflection.

You had tried to hide it with makeup as best as you could but you still looked tired. You were tired. Exhausted, even. You could barely get out of bed nowadays from the lack of energy and motivation.

Ransom noticed that something was off with you, but he put it on the fact that you were nervous about tonight. He still made sure to keep a close eye on you.

Your jaw literally dropped when you saw Harlan’s home. No. Homes are small and cozy. This is… a freaking manor. A baby castle, even. Ransom couldn’t help but chuckle at your reaction, he thought you looked adorable.

Ransom has been around those kinds of things all his life, he easily forgets that it’s not how everybody lives and that he’s lucky to live the life that he does. You taught him that. To appreciate more what he has, to appreciate what Harlan gave him.

‘’Ready?’’ He held out his hand to you, looking at you as you stared at the house.

Your mouth said yes but your mind screamed no. It screamed at you to run before you humiliated yourself. You stuck out like a sore thumb, his entire family was going to see it right away.

You put your hand in his and let him lead you to the front door.

‘’Oh, I almost forgot.’’ He said before ringing the bell as he turned towards you.

He put his free hand on the back of your head and kissed you deeply, then he pulled away with a big grin on his face.

‘’Ok, now I’m ready.’’ He ringed the doorbell with the hand that had previously been holding the back of your head as he turned to face the door.

You smiled and squeezed his hand.

You thought it was going to be just the two of you, his parents and his grandfather but his entire family was there. His uncle, his aunts, his cousins, even his grandfather’s nurse had been invited.

He introduced you to everyone and then the both of you sat on one of the couches.

‘’We’re so glad you could join us.’’ Ransom’s mother, Linda, said to you. ‘’Truthfully, we didn’t believe Ransom when he told us he had been dating the same girl for months. We didn’t think you actually existed.’’ She laughed politely at her own dig, her husband soon joining in the laughter.

Ransom protectively put his arm around your shoulders and sat a little closer to you.

‘’You really think I would have lied to you about dating someone for 8 months?’’ He asked, annoyed.

‘’With you, it’s hard to tell sometimes.’’ His mom answered with a small shrug.

‘’Thank you for inviting me.’’ You quickly said to try and defuse the tension between the two of them.

‘’Our pleasure.’’ Linda answered though it wasn’t her house nor her staff.

To your relief, the focus shifted away from you and they started talking amongst themselves.

‘’Hanging in there?’’ Ransom asked, looking down at you.

‘’Yes. You?’’ You looked up at him.

He shrugged. ‘’I’m used to it.’’

‘’I’m sorry.’’

Ransom smiled and kissed your cheek lovingly. ‘’I’m glad you’re here. You look really pretty tonight, baby.’’

‘’Thank you.’’ You answered shyly, still not used to being complimented so openly and often.

The rest of the night went smoothly. Well, as smoothly as a Thrombey family dinner could go. They spent the entire night throwing digs at each other while trying to stay polite in front of you. Appearances were everything to his family, thankfully, and it meant that they had to keep their attitudes in check while you were there. Ransom said that it was quickly going to go away the more often you come around. He told you to enjoy the peace while it lasted because next time won’t be as peaceful.

Your brain only registered the parts about you coming back. He wanted you to come back, even better than that it sounded obvious and clear to him that you were going to be around long enough to come back over and over again. That was enough to put a little extra pep in your step.

Towards the end of the night, after about 6 bottles of wine, their filters were almost completely gone and they were basically ripping each other’s throats out.

Thankfully, that’s when Ransom decided that you had enough and left.

On your way home, Ransom kept glancing at you. ‘’What did you think?’’ He asked you nervously.

‘’It was fine. I was expecting a bloodbath.’’ You laughed while looking at him.

You saw Ransom’s shoulders relax at your words, making you realize that you weren’t the only one who had been nervous about tonight.

‘’They were so well behaved, it was almost weird.’’ He admitted.

‘’They were! I’m still glad it’s over though.’’ You added, making Ransom laugh.

‘’Don’t be too glad, we’ll be invited over again soon.’’

‘’It’s ok.’’ You shrugged. ‘’As long as we’re together, we’ll get through it. Right?’’

He took your hand and squeezed it gently. ‘’Absolutely.’’

Ransom dropped you off at your place because you had taken an extra shift the day after and couldn’t sleep over at his place. There was no way you’d let him sleep over at yours either.

The following days, something shifted between the two of you. Ransom didn’t know what exactly happened but you started to distance yourself from him.

At first it was subtle, you’d take a little longer than usual to answer his texts or spend a little less time on the phone when he called you but it chalked it up to you being busy. As time went by, he was lucky if you answered his texts and calls. He read your texts over and over again, trying to figure out where he had messed up, what he had done to make you push him away like this.

He’s usually able to tell when he was being an asshole or said things that were hurtful, but since the horrible things he said to you when you started dating he had been so careful. He’s worked really hard on himself to learn to control his anger and his mouth, he’s doing so well too. He was completely confused and didn’t know what to do.

After a few days of complete silence from you, Ransom was going completely crazy. He decided to call the only person who could give him answers.

‘’Ransom?’’

‘’What did I do?’’ He asked your best friend, trying to keep his voice from breaking.

‘’What?’’ She asked, confused.

‘’She won’t talk to me. I haven’t seen her in almost a week, she doesn’t answer my calls or my texts. I know she must have spoken to you, tell me what I did because I’ve been racking my brain and I don’t know what happened.’’

Emma stayed silent.

‘’Please.’’ He begged.

‘’When’s the last time you saw her?’’

‘’When I dropped her off after dinner with my family, she was fine when I left her. We were fine. She was smiling and laughing, she wasn’t mad at me.’’

‘’Ransom, I haven’t heard from her in days. She hasn’t been answering my texts or my calls, I thought it was because she was with you.’’

Ransom’s heart dropped in his stomach.

CHAPTER FOUR

If you want to be added to the taglist for this mini series, just let me know.

I know this was a rough chapter guys, but please be mindful of your comments. This story is especially personal for me and most of what the reader is feeling, I either feel or have felt recently.

Thank you.

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