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bangtanpromptsfics · 3 years

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pyxis.

dialogue prompt #9: “Cheer up it's Christmas Eve, sweetheart”

pairing: jimin x reader

genre: christmas au, brother's best friend au, fluff, childhood friends to lovers

word count: 3,412 (oh no)

warnings: reader is a lil sad but nothing angsty tho

summary: christmas was always an eager wait. less for the tree decorations, family dinner and the fuss of toddlers. more for your childhood best friend who you kissed under a mistletoe years back.

a/n: ahhh!!! I'm not completely satisfied with how this turned out to be. the inspiration was from a few christmas themed fics I read here and the movie ‘It's Christmas, Eve’. anyway this was my attempt though it's nowhere near christmas time. one of my personal goals is to celebrate a christmas like the west, the snow, the fuss and the commotion ;-;. Also I lost sense of time and space and this turned out to be 3k ;-;

masterlist

“Cheer up it's christmas eve, sweetheart”, your mother chimes as she pours brown batter into little cupcake moulds.

You simply smile at her, the festive mood not really getting to you because of exhaustion. Uni was tough, and enjoying this Christmas when you know you have tons of essays due in a few days was hammering inside your brain every now and then.

“Is that chocolate?”, you ask, leaning your tired body on the counter where she is at work.

“And orange”, she smiles, turning around to preheat the oven.

“Where's Jin”. Though you hated the routinely flicks against your forehead, the absence of your big brother felt weird.

“He went with Jimin to get the Christmas tree”.

The mention of Jimin brings a smile to your face. His soft features and captivating grin filling your head. If there was one of the few things you enjoyed coming back to your hometown for holidays, it's chocolate cupcakes your mom bakes and Jimin.

His family are friends with yours after all. You, Jin and Jimin attended the same school until college and other priorities in life drift you apart. Though the bond must have rusted a bit, you can't deny the fact that you still have that crush which started somewhere in middle school, on a chritmas eve like this when he kissed your cheeks shyly under the mistletoe. Your friends and family, and even Jimin himself must have seen it nothing more than platonic, but you still find yourself relieving the moment in your head however crazy it may sound.

Standing up straight, you decide to fix your bed hair and complete the skincare routine before the said duo drops.

“Mrs. Y/L/n...”, Jimin softly kicks the back door. He is carrying one end of a huge fir, and your brother on the other end, grunting from the freezing snow outside.

“Oh dear place it right there”, you mother is quick to her feet helping the boys and doing her usual commentary on how well the tree looked.

Jimin looks more handsome than ever, especially with his nose and cheeks dusted in scarlet from the cold. He looks really huggable in his fluffy sweaters and red beanie. Jin is busy commanding around so you choose to sit back, a very typical sibling energy and the size of decoration boxes and the tree itself not really appetizing to your will to find any strength.

“Hey Y/n!”, Jimin stares back at your eyes in a split moment which has your lashes fluttering suddenly. You probably look like you are carrying a disease and right now you become very hyper aware of that.

“You alright? You look tired”, he comments. You feel his eyes carefully studying the black under your eyes and worrying his mind because that's what he is like. He cares about everyone and everything, has a heart so soft it hurts to even think about it.

“Jet lag...”, you say, “I'll be fine”. You shoot a little thumbs up on his way to reassure.

“Why didn't Jin get the tree earlier? It's Christmas in a few hours”, you dodge the focus around you and walk near in an attempt to closely examine the tree for no reason other than feeling Jimin’s eyes a little too long on you.

Your brother gets visibly annoyed seeing you start a very unnecessary talk. So he is completely obliged to shoot back with, “Because you were in charge of Christmas decorations this year but your lazy ass flew down here only yesterday”.

“You know I was busy with Uni!”

“Whatever”, he shrugs, getting back to the box of tree decorations. You feel a little bad seeing yourself not being helpful during a festive season. It felt like you were procrastinating on your responsibilities as always.

“Um...is there any way I can help?”, you ask softly, earning a mischievous grin from Jin and your mom fills in the answer.

“We need more baubles. Also I missed out gifts for Aerum and June, so maybe you can get them”. Now this was already tiring and you were not lying earlier either, the jet lag was still choking you alive. You wonder if the huge pile of stars and glitters beside your foot aren't enough but then maybe it's true because this is the largest fir you ever saw for Christmas in your house. And speaking of the five year old notorious duo, your cousins-- Aerum and June, you have no other option than to step out into the butt numbing cold and get something for the sake of not getting your brains eaten.

While you stand there doing these calculations, Jimin puts a two and two and immediately suggests to tag along with you.

“That'd be great! Thanks sweetie”, your mom chimes, her fine lines of face gathering around her eyes while she does so and you catch her throwing a wink to your side and you pretend you never saw that.

“Thank you Jimin”, you smile in all honesty while he reciprocates the same.

“No problem. I'll get my car. Will you be ready in an hour? I think you just woke up”

“Uh...yeah”, you fake a laugh, “Yes I'll be ready in an hour”

Jimin still lives here in your hometown, attends a community college nearby and his house is just a few steps away from your own. You remember how you had the same analogy in your mind as well. You like living here. You like Jimin’s company. The lake Park and the annual ice skating competition in December and the bookstores and coffee shops at the outskirts of the town. And you can't seem to clearly remember when and where that feeling started to become foreign. Maybe it was a teenage quirk to explore the world that you are now a three hour flight away from all of this. It wasn't a deep regret, but seeing Jimin, it almost felt like it. It felt like you betrayed him. Because he seemed to be keeping his word to this day.

This year, it's a few degrees lower than what it usually is and you find yourself chattering your teeth together as you walk to Jimin’s house.

His footsteps rush to get the door as soon as you ring the doorbell and he greets with the same wide grin as if he hasn't just saw you an hour ago.

“Let's go?”, he asks immediately, getting house keys from his coat pocket and locking the front door before stepping out making you confused.

“There's no one home? Where are your parents?”

“Oh well didn't Mrs. Y/L/n tell you?”, he studies your features and gets his response so he continues “They went to New York this year for Christmas. It's some elder people thing I think...so I'll be spending Christmas this year with your family”

“Really!?”, you chime, and then immediately notice a very childish jump you did with tiny fists and all, feeling a little embarrassed at yourself, “Ah... uh I mean that's great”.

“Yeah”, he giggles, sounding like a twelve year old who is still waiting for his growth spurt, “Get in the car it's freezing in here”.

Since it's been six odd months you've spoken to Jimin, you figured it would would be strange and awkward to be with him, but his demeanor states otherwise. He could effortlessly begin conversations and build momentum with you and by the time you are at a thrift store, he is aware of the little gist of student life and the dramatically exaggerated history research paper still due.

“What are you getting for the twins?”, he asks, seeing you checking out the kids toys section with absolutely no idea and that's exactly what you reply to him.

“How about this puzzle?”, he brings a big jigsaw to your glance and you figure it's a great thing to have their little brains engaged and give yourself time to breathe.

“It's perfect!”, you add, immediately placing it your cart with a few decors you picked up from earlier aisles.

Jimin places an extra pack of Christmas candies in the cart, and you send him a questionable look knowing it's his way of bribing the kids coming this evening. He puts too much effort into people's happiness, something you wish you were capable of as well.

The shopping went smooth. It was therapeutic to get hot chocolate with extra marshmallows afterwards like he insisted followed by that very cliche movie scene where one of them develops a creme moustache and the other notices and dabs it off.

You want this moment to linger a little longer, but your whole family arrives in less than two hours and the decorations were due. If Jin doesn't have you in the next thirty minutes he might as well eat all the cupcakes your mom is baking as revenge.

“I had a great time”, Jimin states as he stops the car in front of your house, stealing the words from your mouth and warmth hugs your cheeks immediately.

“Me too. It's been long since we spent time with each other”

You hear a lone sigh with white fogs coming out of his plump lips while he does so, as if he were suddenly sad when you mentioned that.

“Are you okay?”

His grips tightens around the steering, “I've missed you”, he says, eyes meeting slowly. And as if he was suddenly pulled back to earth he conjures another sentence to not sound so vulnerable.

“I uh... It's just--”

“I've missed you too”

Even with the gear box painstakingly blocking the way, you throw your upper half towards his body anyways and you find him hugging you back. His hugs still feel the same from years back; safe and warm and filled with love.

If it wasn't for the constant reminder that your brother is probably plotting a murder against you, you would've stayed much longer in his embrace. Maybe the hug was a big straightforward for a bond still gradually blooming, but it didn't feel weird at all and when you pull back he is smiling down at you.

“I thought you two lovebirds flew off”, a very annoyed Jin states from above you. He is balancing himself on a chair to attach the mistletoe to the ceiling.

“Sorry hyung”, Jimin says. And somehow now you are getting super aware of the way your family is low key shipping you both. Not that it's an irritating thing of course though you seem to act like it. But you have no idea what's going on with Jimin, what if he said he missed you as your childhood friend? It's a lot difficult to segregate his priority of giving affection. He seems to be giving justice in terms of care for every living being he knows.

“The circus is on its way so I hope you both hurry with putting up everything together”, the voice above states, now lowering himself to ground after putting up the twig.

Three of you giggle at the mention of your family as a circus. Well in a way it definitely was. You have a bunch if uncles who crack awful jokes, a trait Jin himself as picked up from a tender age of ten. Then their wives and kids who share certainly the same braincells in comprehending things. You bet they'll ask you again about your major and your dating history once they walk in through that door amidst clearly stating everytime that you are a history major and yes still very single.

In the hallway there is a half decorated tree. A thread of fairly lights wrapped around the green and very few baubles hanging here and there.

“I'll put up the star and join you”, Jimin says, digging out a golden star from the carton. Though now he doesn't know why it was a good idea for him to announce that when both of you were almost the same height. He is just a few centimeters taller than you and the top of the fir is still very much way above your heads.

So with a chuckle you both figure Jin has to do it.

“This is your final year right?”, Jimin asks stepping closer to you. He seemed nervous about something. Or was it anxious?

“Yeah...you?”

“Yeah...”, his sweet tone was drawn almost like a whisper and you sense you should ask him further about what's wrong. But before you had to deal with a starter he continues,

“Are you planning to work in Chicago as well?”

“Sweetheart help me clean up the kitchen please”, your hear your mom's voice overpowering through the house. Which is good. Because you don't know what you are supposed to answer. It was as if he was almost hopeful that you'll choose your hometown all over again. But you aren't sure. So you take the opportunity to step away from the situation excusing yourself.

And while you are clearing the blobs of batter stuck on the counter, your mind is a haywire. What are you going to do? Though you know your whole family wants you to stay, it's still a foggy place to be in. Four years apart in another city as a college student has not provided much, except caffeine addiction and sleepless nights. Things were not even as fun as everyone told you.

A few steps away Jimin silently prays that you stay, because he had truly missed you. Even though you have outgrown from the eighteen year old shell as he had known, he finds himself actively choosing to be with you. Even when other things in life occupies his mind, there's an element of it which goes back to you.

“They are here!”. You groan silently, while your parents are throwing their hands in air, giggles and chatter fills in as your uncles and aunts and the taunting toddlers welcome themselves in.

“Y/n! You have grown so much!”, the older aunt comments, and you supply a manufactured smile to tag along. Other comments follow by soon, about how tired you are, gasps about not having a partner and future plans, all of which are not completely answerable at the moment but you manage to get through them all and finally excusing yourself back to the garage convincing there are more decor supplies in there.

Families are nice. They make festivals brighter and lives less lonely. But yours was just hard sometimes. Not that you completely loathed the people now fueling themselves off the cup cakes your mom bakes, you were just merely lost, still yet to come up with an answer to what your stance is after graduation.

“Hey...”. Jimin has joined you now which you notice feeling a warmth against your shoulder when he sits, with an extra scraf knowing the garage is still comparatively chilly than the house, “you okay?”.

“Yeah...I was just...thinking”

“Is this about earlier? I'm sorry if I made you anxious”, he quickly adds.

“No!...I mean yeah but, it's high time I find a ground with this. What are your plans?”

“I was thinking about teaching at Jefferson High”, he shifts rather uncomfortably. He is talking of the school in your town, your school, where you have lots of memories with Jimin, “You know...like we said during Junior year in high school?”

“I'm sorry Jimin”, you feel the guilt inside you growing, “I never kept my promises”.

“Hey...that's okay! Everyone changes. I just want you to be happy. I...I hope you are happy Y/n”, he reassures, taking your hand from your side and squeezing it between his soft palms.

“I don't know about that either...”

As much as you hated showcasing vulnerability to another person, you know Jimin is an exception. You had cried to him about everything during school days and he had never invalidated a single thing, even when you were visibly dramatic over a downpour during a family picnic when you were five.

Jimin is frozen on his seat as if he can't find the words. He was never good with words so instead he hugs you, a little longer than the last time till he is sure you have calmed down. Grateful for not ending up crying, you smile up at him and remind yourselves to get back inside to avoid suspicion, especially from the kids who take humiliating people as an important milestone to achieve.

When you enter back inside and get immediately surrounded by a million questions and chores thrown at you, you find your answer. Maybe your heart belongs back to everything your younger self had blabbered about. Not to mention, this fairly good reunion with your crush feels nice, though, he might still see it as platonic. Maybe he makes things less daunting.

By the way Jimin was owning everyone's heart in the house, it felt like he was family. Well in a way he is. But to put more clarity, he bought things together and his actions bought so much peace and love within everyone. Even the notorious twins listen carefully to him and help the uncles and aunts in the kitchen.

He is again by your side, two cupcakes rests on his palms and you take it with a silent ‘thanks’.

Seeing no signs of him beginning a talk now, you think of coming up with something. Maybe a memoir from today? Or about how absolutely handsome he looks right now? Wait.

“They are under the kissing twig!”, Aerum screams like the house caught in fire, her sibling joining by the side to provoke the habit even more.

“It's called a mistletoe Aerum”, your aunt corrects before pasting a smug across her lips.

Nothing changed. They are the same people. Hyping you and Jimin to kiss just like when you were thirteen. If the factor of time is removed, this is the exact night. Both of you cemented to the flooring as if you forgot to exist.

Both of your necks snap together to the mistletoe Jin had attached to the ceiling earlier. And when you lower your gaze back, face gawks at each other eye to eye. It's the same. He has that blush, the shyness from years ago. It's going to be platonic. Yet again. And this moment will only ever be romantic and flowery in your head.

June was the first to squeak, and Aerum shuts her eyes the moment Jimin is leaning his mouth towards your lips. It was difficult to relax under the stares of many, but when he ghosts his mouth over your again and leans in for a second kiss, you are fixated on him. Hands holding each other, the plump of his lips so soft it felt like you were biting into a fluff of cloud.

Maybe he'll have an explanation to your family for this. Not like anyone in the audience was disappointed. Your mother was almost in tears? And Jin looked hardly surprised with any of this. As if it was all swell according to his plans.

“You both are so cute”, one of the aunts awes and your mother is quick by her side, completely agreeing to it.

“Jimin...”, you return your gaze to the equally flustered man who just kissed you and he sounded almost breathless,

“I'm sorry if this was wrong it ju--”

“I like you”, you immediately snap in and his face is a void for an instant. Fully processing the words, his eyes disappear when he grins, “I like you too...a lot”.

“Are you two dating?”, the twins haven't dropped the case yet, running to your feet to help their curious brains.

“Yes...”, Jimin responds, looking up at you for a reassurance, which you quickly supply with a nod, “Yes we are dating”.

When the kids are satisfied they go away snickering to themselves.

“I decided to stay”, you say.

“Really!?”, his disbelief was comical, yet wholesome considering how much he wished for this, “I'm...I'm so happy!”.

Giggling at him, this time you lean forward and peck the corner of his lips.

“You lovebirds better get a room”, Jin announces and thankfully not loud enough to catch everyone else's attention.

Usually Jin expects a punch to his arms from his sister, but he sees how grateful you are for his mistletoe decor. He leaves the couple, satisfied that there won't be any more ranting about how much Jimin likes you.

Thank you so much for reading!! ♡♡

Original Content of ©bangtanpromptsfics

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brokenmoonsongs · 2 years

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Companion!Bard AU Part Two

Summary (wip): Jaskier is a Master of all known and unknown Arts offered at Oxenfurt University. It’s the unknown one that sometimes gets him into trouble, but mostly, allows him to explore the world, fall in love multiple times, and find his purpose in protecting those who protect the world.

Jaskier Centric. Geraskier Main Pairing (slow slow burning), Jaskier/Witchers, Jaskier/Others.

Prologue - Part One - Part Three Wordcount: ~2.7K Notes: Still in the early days of Jaskier & Geralt traveling. This part is Jaskier/OMC, not explicit. Some Geraskier interaction, sorry, will be a while before we get really into their relationship~!

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Traveling that first summer with Geralt could have been a whole University course in itself, Jaskier realized. He'd penned many a fake lecture title and abstract during that time:

The Differences between a Grunt and a Growl

Not all Wood is good Wood (especially THAT Wood)

How to Live on Non-poisonous Berries and Spite

Four Reasons Why to never Misremember a Town's Name as a Bard

If it wasn't for the fact that Jaskier took over haggling payment for Geralt, he was sure the Witcher would've dropped him like old news weeks ago. Even that took a monumentous effort, as Geralt was very prideful and didn't want interference in his Witchery dealings.

Jaskier understood that. He'd be just as offended if Geralt tried to negotiate his singing offerings for him. But really, Geralt was terrible at it, and the aldermen were always lowballing. So, between taking over that particular duty, and managing even extra tips when he got around to his actual first hit of a song, he felt secure in earning his place by the white wolf's side. At least for now.

It still wasn't enough to convince Geralt to let him watch majority of the contracts he took up, but Jaskier was patient. Mostly. And well, it gave Jaskier the chance to keep his other skills and talents sharpened. He was a young man after all, and the thrill of new places and new people was too alluring.

Plus, he soon learned that there were coded words even among the common people. Done more for necessity and safety than for political intrigue like in the cities and courts. Having just eked out of a bad scrap in the last town, thanks to Geralt's inhuman timing and hearing, Jaskier was quick to understand why such things were so.

Jaskier didn't expect to find any Consort Contracts among the very barely populated enough places to be even considered a proper village or town. However, the few times he was in his cups a little, and boasted about being a Master of all Arts from Oxenfurt, he would get a few interested, and sometimes guarded looks.

Again, he had let his own biases cloud him from the fact that rumors can spread far and wide, and so could knowledge when one's desperate for such. After one night of boasting to a semi-filled tavern, where even Geralt stayed for a few songs before heading off to finish his contract, Jaskier was approached by a slightly older man. He was the town's baker if he remembered right.

"Master bard, if I could have a moment of your time?"

Jaskier smiled up at the gentleman, putting his prized lute away and collecting a few of the tossed coins from the bench. He was flushed with the free drinks given to him during his performance, but still had all his faculties.

"Why of course! Would you like an autograph? Or perhaps you wanted to learn why in my last song, the Siren followed the pirate?"

The other man smiled softly but shook his head. He then looked around, making sure no one was paying attention, and Jaskier couldn't help but mirror the action. Most of the crowd were filing out or towards the bar, which was always a good sign.

"You said, um, in your intermission, that you were an Oxenfurt Graduate, yes?"

Jaskier beamed. "Yes! Are you too?"

"Oh, um, no... I had a friend once go..." The man looked down and took a tentative step towards Jaskier. "And they told me about how there's people who... are master of *all* the arts."

"Uh, yes, I did mention that," Jaskier replied, not quite understanding what this person was getting at. "All seven," he added, almost automatically.

The man looked up and frowned, before speaking up again, his voice barely above a whisper. "Not all eight?"

Jaskier blinked at him before it clicked into place. "O-oh! Oh, I misspoke, yes, you're right good sir. All eight," he says, matching the quiet whisper. He then flicked his right wrist out and concentrated so that the brand could be seen through the glamour.

It was visible how much the other man relaxed and looked relieved upon seeing the mark. He smiled sheepishly at Jaskier. "I don't have much... But... Well, I know there's probably others like me here but we're a small town, you see, Master Bard—"

"Jaskier, if you please. I didn't get the honor of your name? Or, rather, what you would like me to call you?" He gently squeezes the man's arm.

"Elos, you can call me Elos." He licks his lips before continuing. "I know you can be discrete, and well, it would be nice to know what it feels like. There's only a few professional women here, you see, and I'd not like to take my chances on asking the wrong person..."

Jaskier feels overcome with an emotion he can't quite place. Elos is a lovely looking man, with a full beard, not even showing any hint of age, but clearly having never had a chance to explore themselves. Jaskier's reminded again on how lucky he was growing up, having people who cared for him and never tattled on his own experimental proclivities.

He almost says he'll do it for free, but remembers a lesson on how that could hurt someone's pride. Fearing he was stuck in his head too long, Jaskier acts quickly, clapping Elos on the shoulder as he gathered the last of his things.

"Why of course, I'm always happy to offer private musical lessons! It's always an easy way to pass the time in those long mornings when it's just you and your bread," he says, not loud enough to actually get heads turning, but so that if anyone happens to overhear, it would seem innocent enough.

Elos is now the one confused, but only for a moment, and somehow manages to not blush. He clears his throat and nods, silently leading Jaskier out of the tavern and towards his home.

It's a heady experience being someone's first, especially someone older. It's also different when one asks for the services of a Companion than when someone just wants a flirty anonymous fling with a talented bard. Either way, it's not quite Jaskier they want, and that's okay. He's a people pleaser. Always has been.

The evening goes more than well, and it's a rare comfort waking up in a bed where he doesn't have to immediately flee. He's not surprised to wake up alone, as a baker of course must wake early to get the freshest of breads out for the morning workers. He luxuriates a bit, stretching and feeling rather good. He did a fantastic thing after all, helping out another soul in something that should be openly offered or given. But the world isn't so kind.

Jaskier freshens up and heads on down, making sure it's just the baker in his shop, and is pleasantly surprised to see an array of breakfast goods for him as Elos is humming one of Jaskier's songs. He blushes at being caught and Jaskier thinks it's very endearing.

So endearing that Jaskier can't help himself, only just waiting for the older man to set the tray of fresh biscuits down before going up to him and kissing him one last time. Elos makes a surprised noise but instinctively wraps an arm around his waist and kisses back.

"Mmm, a very good morning to you, master baker," Jaskier says as he pulls away. He's happy to see a little more confidence in Elos' expression, not as shy as the night before. But of course he's in his domain, and they're alone, after all.

"All thanks to you, master bard," Elos says, looking up and down at Jaskier. He then looks a little more serious, taking Jaskier's hands and clasping them together. "Last night was... well, I understand now why some of the village wives fight over particular stories when a bookseller visits."

Jaskier laughs in delight, squeezing their hands. "Oh, that is high praise indeed! You flatter me so, Elos, dear. I just hope, you'll have a chance to have many more imaginative nights in the future."

Elos looks away but Jaskier keeps looking at him. He was grateful they were trained in certain scenarios. Not what he did last night of course, technically, but knowing that more of the continent aren't as free-thinking as he and the others in most of Oxenfurt.

"For me, love, you must think positively and hopefully. Let last night be the start of many things. Yes, this town may be small, but you can still be happy. Just be on the look out, and keep your heart open, even as guarded as we must all be out here."

"Now it is you who flatter me, good sir," Elos remarks, bringing Jaskier's hands up to his lips and kissing them softly. "Though I wonder if it is simply your nature, talented bard you are."

There's a soft bell that rings at the front of the shoppe, where neither can see yet both move away quickly. Jaskier feels bad at his instincts kicking in, but he has a feeling that Elos was not offended.

"Is it alright if I take this wonderful meal with me? I'm afraid my travelling companion will think to leave without me as he's just as much an early riser as yourself." Jaskier is already packing as much as he can into his bag, wrapping everything with care.

"You mean the Witcher? Uh, yes, of course," Elos says, his expression turning more worried. It was a common one that Jaskier found when people realized that he willingly travels with a Witcher. He's just glad he doesn't see the usual addition of disgust on Elos' face. The baker hands over some egg tarts. "These are a day old but still good, for your uh-companion."

Jaskier nods, taking them gratefully. They were lucky in this town to not be met with too much resistance, but he knows it probably won't be as fruitful whenever they do hit the next village. Elos calls out to the patrons in front that he'll be there in a moment.

He then surprises Jaskier with another quick kiss and a tender touch to his cheek, causing the bard to blush this time. "Safe journeys to you, Jaskier."

Jaskier watches him head out to the front, lost in a multitude of thoughts, feelings, and song snippets. He fully intends to make a lovely ballad of a baker creating magical desserts for the one he loves, in hopes that one day they'd come into the bakery.

He shakes himself out of the idea for now, and finishes packing up the food offered before exiting the back. As he makes his way towards the inn, he wonders if the phrasing was a fluke, or if this was a new secret code. He'd have to test it out, but not at every town or village, especially if it means people will come up to him for services. He knows it'll be a delicate balance of working the crowd, helping out Geralt (or trying to help out at least), and this. But it is something he wants to do now, to see if he can help others less fortunate, those who'd never be able to afford a proper Companion Contract, and places where even the local professional workers can help.

When he gets back to the shared room, luckily one with two beds, Jaskier doesn't expect Geralt to still be asleep. But he is, sprawled out on top of the blankets, chest moving just ever so. With how his armor's still dirty and strewn across the floor, Jaskier figures Geralt had a rough go at it last night with the monster. He goes to Geralt, looking for signs of bleeding out or open gashes, but other than some shallow almost healed cuts and fading bruising, Geralt seems to be okay.

Jaskier frowns, feeling suddenly badly for not being around when Geralt came back. He doesn't regret helping out Elos at all, but he hates that Geralt came back to an empty and cold room. How's Jaskier supposed to prove his worth and usefulness if he's not even around?

'Stop it, it's fine. Do what you can now,' he thinks to himself, knuckling his forehead. He gets to work, setting some of the baked goods, including the egg tarts, on the table while packing the more travel hardy ones away. He goes down to ask for fresh drinks and water, checking quickly on Roach and leaving tribute of some apples. He was still wary of being bit, but he'd wear her down eventually.

Back in the room, Jaskier gathered the armor and set to cleaning them as best as he could, and trying to mimic how he'd watch Geralt do it, muttering to himself on how gross monster guts were.

"It's like you purposely shower in it, Geralt, honestly," he mumbles a little louder than intended, finally scrubbing a difficult spot clean. He doesn't mind cleaning the armor, but when it's gotten a chance to dry, well, Jaskier figures he's allowed to complain a little bit.

"Be lucky none of it's insides is poisonous to humans, bard," Geralt grumbles from behind him.

Jaskier jumps and nearly drops the piece he's finished with to the floor, but manages to not so softly set it down instead. "Well a good morning to you too, Witcher," Jaskier sing songs, clutching the rag to his chest.

He can't help but watch as Geralt stands and stretches slowly, working out the kinks in his muscles and joints, the sunlight peering through the window behind him making him seem even more like an impossible picture of a man. Jaskier finds his mouth dry at the sight and speechless for once.

Geralt doesn't seem to notice as he walks over to the table of food, scowling at it for some reason, before picking up a powdered croissant and sniffing at it. "It seems like you were quite profitable last night."

Jaskier blushes and sputters at that before realizing that Geralt meant his musical set. He coughs and clears his throat, nodding. "Um yes, and I heard the baker knows his way around... tarts."

Geralt raises an eyebrow at that but sits anyway. "You should save your coin and not waste it on me."

"I didn't—" Jaskier stops, frowning. Even though he didn't pay for this, he wouldn't have thought twice to spend as much for him and Geralt. "It's not a waste, Geralt. We deserve, you especially, a treat every once in a while."

Geralt grunts in response and pours them both a drink from the pitcher Jaskier brought up earlier. Jaskier sits and makes a plate of food, suddenly feeling very hungry from the activities of last night. "But, I will be mindful of our coin purse from now on, if it makes you feel better. Doesn't mean I won't have us treat ourselves every so often, but I may not be as lucky to have such an attentive crowd."

He gives Geralt one of his most charming grins, one that would affect nearly anyone else, and well, at least he doesn't receive a scowl in return. So he takes that as a win. Geralt glances over at where Jaskier was cleaning his armor and makes a humming noise. Or a purr, Jaskier hasn't quite decided yet how to label it.

"Since you've managed to clean things and not get yourself in trouble, we'll leave once we've finished and can get on the road again."

"'Thank you, Jaskier. How kind of you, Jaskier, to take care of my armor for me,'" Jaskier replies, not attempting Geralt's growly voice, and instead going more light mocking. "Actually, if you really want to thank me, Geralt, how about you tell me how you slain the foul beast last night?"

Geralt stares, chewing the last of the egg tarts, saving none for Jaskier. "I stalked it. Took my potions. And then struck from behind."

Jaskier groans, thunking his head onto the table, missing the smirk on Geralt's face.

#the witcher #witcher fic #jaskier #geralt #julian alfred pankratz #companion bard au #my fics #geraskier

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wastelandcth · 3 years

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The Way it Was - cth

part of love songs for calum, a series

summary: back then this thing was running on momentum, love and trust that paradise is buried in the dust.

author’s notes: this was a request that i thought fit the song nicely! hi, i love ur writing...it gives me✨ serotonin✨ have you seen that video of winona ryder and johnny depp seeing each other at an award show after they’ve broken up many years ago, do you think you can write a version like that with calum where she’s an artist as well and she’s receiving her first tony award for the leading lady role in a musical, and maybe he’s given her a promise in the past but she still wears it to this day and he spots it when she’s giving her speech? and maybe they meet up afterwards.

masterlist || request

Calum watched as the stars passed above him. The dry desert wind hit his skin as his eyes closed and the thumping in his ears made him numb to the world. He'd been silent for most of the ride, too lost in his head to really remember how long you'd been driving him in the darkness of the desert. He didn't remember exactly how long he'd been with you after he'd watched you walk onto the stage to accept the award you'd won. He didn't remember how long it had been since his breath had been stuck in his lungs as he watched you up on stage thanking your loved ones and the fans.

The stars could only distract him for so long before Calum's mind drifted back towards one of the last times he'd seen you. When the tears running down your cheeks shined brighter than lights he'd seen on stage a few minutes ago. His ears were still ringing from the fans he'd sang to and his throat burned from the shouting match you were both engaged in. He didn't even really remember what you two were fighting about, the most recent fights had all been like that. Insults and hurtful words spewed out at one another and it seemed like every time the tears would spill or your voices would crack, Calum found himself slipping further and further away from you.

The day you two broke things off, the day you both said too much and the words stung too hard on each other's hearts, Calum knew he'd never be able to love as he loved you again. He watched you walk away, tears falling down his cheeks and shaky breaths leaving his lungs. That was the last time he saw you, as a feisty nineteen-year-old with your whole life ahead of you and his whole life ahead of his. And as your figure got smaller and smaller in the hallway of that arena, Calum couldn't help but feel his heart go with you.

"Do you think we were just too young?" you asked as the car stopped on a pullout, the dark desert enveloping you both. "Or maybe we were just too dumb to realize what we were doing back then?"

Calum sighed, his eyes looking over at you, he'd thought about it every day for years. He ran over every possible reason why your relationship had never worked, why you two fell apart and never talked again. It wasn't like you'd both changed phone numbers the second you'd walked out of each other's lives. Calum knew your new place had been only less than an hour away from the one you'd both shared. He knew that you still made the drive to your favorite grocery store down the road because they had the best oranges in town.

"Too young to know things like love. To know that what we felt was and might've been love." Calum mumbled softly and shrugged, his eyes drifting back over to the stars that seemed to shine brighter when you were around.

"I always felt loved by you, you know that? Always made me feel like I was safe and cared for," you whispered into the night, your own eyes moving up to look at the stars. "I hope you felt the same."

Calum remembers when he first felt that pit in his stomach. When he realized that he was no longer that teenage boy who got excited over holding your hand or kissing you. He remembers those nights when the lights shone brighter and your smile made his heart race. Whenever he had you by his side, he felt like anything was possible and the nights were longer and brighter.

He remembers how he'd never been able to tell you about all the feelings he'd been holding in. The way his heart raced and his palms would sweat whenever he got close to telling you about the way he truly felt. He'd whisper the words to you at night when you were asleep and he was alone on his own. He'd whispered them in the dark when your dorm was far away and the breeze coming in through the window meant that you were pressed against his chest and breathing against his neck.

"I did feel it. Felt it so hard I thought I was going crazy." Calum whispered and chuckled quietly.

Calum saw when the look in your eyes changed whenever you looked at him. When the sparkle left and it was replaced by something he'd never seen before. At first, he feared the worst. He feared that maybe you'd found someone who was better than him, someone who wasn't away for so long or would be able to spend more time with you.

He'd asked you one night about it. When he was so lost in his mind and you kept telling him off. He'd foolishly asked you if there was another person and if that's why you had pushed him away.

"You seriously think I would do that to you, Calum?! That I would fuck someone else just because you were gone!?" you scoffed.

"What am I supposed to think? You don't look at me anymore, you barely call or answer my text messages! You didn't even want to come on tour with me until I practically begged you!" Calum scoffed and shook his head, "I don't know what you expect me to believe."

"That I fucking love you and I would never leave you!"

"Sometimes I imagine what our lives might've been like if we would've worked out. If we hadn't been so stupid and let us all drift apart." you mumbled quietly, your head finding a familiar spot on Calum's shoulder, "That maybe we'd be twenty-five and exploring the world together. You with touring and making music and me with I don't even know.." she laughed.

"Making amazing music as well." Calum mumbled and chuckled, his hand squeezing your thigh gently, "You did win an award for it tonight."

"But all my songs were about...about you and the way my heart still beats for you," you mumbled, leaning into the touch of the man who'd always held it in his embrace.

"I wish it could be the way it used to be. Before all the fights and all the stupid words we said." Calum whispered, his lips leaving a kiss on the crown of your head, "With you by my side and our love shining brighter than ever."

"It could be. We could try this again, you know?" you whispered, "We're both older now, know who we are as people."

"You'd want to?" Calum asked quietly, his eyebrow peaking in interest, "You'd want to give it another go? Another chance for fighting and yelling and just....putting our hearts on the line?"

"I don't want the fighting. I want the kisses in the morning and the way you always cover your mouth when you laugh too loud. I want the midnight drives when we sing to whatever songs are stuck in our head and the love we had for one another." you sighed and sat up. "I want things to be the way they were, Calum."

"My heart is yours, you know that? It always has been yours." Calum mumbled as his hand found your cheek and his lips found yours.

taglist: @hoodhoran @finelliine @moonlightcriess @dinosaursandsocks @mxgyver @calpops @karajaynetoday @notlukehemmo @calumrose @devilatmydoor @lyss-xo @lowkeyflop @stollls @hemmo1996-5sosvevo @myloverboyash

#calum hood blurbs #calum hood imagines #calum hood x reader #calum hood fics #5sos blurbs #5sos imagines #5sos x reader #calum hood #5sos #5 seconds of summer

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loadingrat · 3 years

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⿻ 𝐬𝐰𝐚𝐧 𝐥𝐚𝐤𝐞 → 𝐤. 𝐡𝐨𝐧𝐠𝐣𝐨𝐨𝐧𝐠

🏻 ⃟⿻ 𝐠 𝐞 𝐧 𝐫 𝐞 → angst; retelling; fantasy

🏼 ⃟⿻ 𝐬 𝐮 𝐦 𝐦 𝐚 𝐫 𝐲 → with the burden of a crown on his head, Hongjoong finds himself forced to get a bride before he turns twenty two, yet he finds himself struck by love with a cursed young woman named Odette, who's body turns to swan at dawn. it all should be as simple as snapping your fingers to break the curse, when all it takes is three little words, yet, when spoken wrongly, they may do more harm then good.

🏽 ⃟⿻ 𝐰 𝐚 𝐫 𝐧 𝐢 𝐧 𝐠 𝐬 → this awfully written i apologise; based off the ballet, so suicide; dark magic; violence; mention of a curse; the usual swearing; hunting; instant love; drowning; overprotective parents and another shitty ass parent if you ask me; forced marriage; the reader is referred to as "Odette"

🏾 ⃟⿻ 𝐰 𝐨 𝐫 𝐝 𝐬 → + 5.5k

🏿 ⃟⿻ 𝐦 𝐚 𝐬 𝐭 𝐞 𝐫 𝐥 𝐢 𝐬 𝐭 𝐬 → main masterlist ⦚ retellings

Hongjoong always enjoyed watching as the wind bent under the will of his arrows, obeying them and letting the weapons find their way right in the middle of the red target. It brought pride in his chest, and helped him feel more like a boy stuck with a crown on his head than a prince stuck with the future of a kingdom on his back. He loved to see how flour would purr out of the sacks full of the snow like powder that stood in the royal yard, and so did his friends, as they always cheered him on, despite getting their expensive clothes all dirtied up.

Saying that Kim Hongjoong's life was anything but exiting would've been the understandment of the year, that only if the words wouldn't have reached his mother's ears. However the queen was always aware of anything and everything going on in her kingdom, as if the old woman with her hair like silver had eyes in every corner of the territory. The prince always disliked that in her as he himself was never allowed to even leave the palace without one of his parents following. Of course, he was grateful that the queen and the king were the most understanding royalties he's ever met, and he got to speak to a lot on a daily, however, when it came to actually understanding him, sadly they were left lacking. The prince hated the way he pictured himself in this situation, but he couldn't do much and just accept that he was like a swan trapped in a dove's cage, and it made him feel completely hopeless.

"You'll try getting out this evening, won't you?" The words slipped prince Wooyoung's lips as if he asked the same thing over and over. The smile on his lips had always faded during previous days, as the answer would've been a sad shake of the head, but the said day it only bloomed as Hongjoong turned his head around, looking at his bow as if it was the most interesting thing he's seen in his lifetime. "Holy shit, he didn't deny it!" Wooyoung spoke, a loud sound like a hyena's laughter ringing from his lungs as he repeatedly slapped his best friend's back. The other prince tried moving away, his abused body protesting with each hit Wooyoung delivered, but deciding that he'd fail anyways, Yeosang resorted to catching the younger's hand and delivering a harsh hit back. "But he did not agree to it either."

It took only two more hours for the man to find himself sitting at a lavish dinner table, all kind of foods placed before them, yet the anxiety growing inside his heart made it easy for his appetite to stray away. "Hongjoong?" His father's voice was harsh as he demanded the prince to give him his attention. His mother's words followed right after, tone dripping with honey and Hongjoong knew something was in her mind. "The date for your birthday ball is approaching." She stated, and the man couldn't help but try to anticipate what she would've said next. "And we thought that it would be a rather perfect time for you to find a bride."

The prince sucked in a hard breath, not trusting his voice to speak up his mind as it could've cracked, and he was not a teenager anymore, so he feared the way it could've made him look weak in front of the King. Hongjoong had met many princesses, duchesses, nobilities of all kinds, even country girls with exceptional talents, but none ever intrigued him and he surely wasn't going to choose a bride just yet. Hongjoong liked to believe he was too you for marriage, but his two friends always nagged that if he'll dare pass twenty five by himself, no princess will ever marry him for his heart, but for his crown instead, to which Hongjoong only scoffed as he dispatched another set of arrows. "I don't think anyone's marrying me for my heart now either."

"So what do you say?" He felt as if his words were stuck in his throat and he was unable to get then out, but even if he would've answered as he truly believed, he knew his pleadings would've fallen on deaf ears. Hongjoong knew this day was going to come sooner or earlier, he just didn't expect it quite yet. "I agree, mother," the prince didn't know what gave him the courage to stretch his words, or to arch his eyebrows upwards, or smile like he did, all the while still looking in his plate. "However i also have a proposal.."

Truly, Hongjoong doesn't know what came over him that evening, yet it was because of his boldness that he found himself mounting one of the finest mares in the stables. The prince had taken care of the horse since it was barely standing, he himself being only a child, enchanted by the pure white little fur on it. He's called her Zoya, a fitting name for a mount like herself, and despite leaving the palace only a couple of times, alongside of his father or mother, he considered the creature loyal enough to not abandon him when he'll most need her.

With his bow resting in at his hip, the prince started following a rather small river, which eventually brought him in town and down the valley the palace rested on. Hongjoong wearily adventured himself in the wide forest that spread before him, the darkness of it making him shiver slightly as his mind finally wrapped around all the danger that could've hid around. Wolves, bears, mountain lions, all kind of creatures lurked in the forest, however the silver haired prince advanced nonetheless, clutching his bow tighter as if it could've made him feel secure once more.

Just as he was about to urge his horse to start running, the sound of rapid wings flapping in the air made his skin crowl and his head shoot back, his eyes snapping rapidly on a flock of birds. Their fathers were as white as you could've imagined and as pure as it could've gotten, their bodies long, majestic and elegant, and Hongjoong couldn't help but let his mouth hang open as he stared at the beautiful swans that took over the sky. Within seconds, the brave prince clutched his bow and aimed skillfully, ready to let his arrow pierce through what he nominated as the prettiest swan, but Hongjoong wasn't as hard hearted as his father believed him to be, his eyes saddening and his chest burning as he asked himself how could he kill such a beautiful creature.

The prince sighed deeply, putting his bow back and giving the horse a gentle nudge as a sign to follow the flock and Zoya took off obediently, rushing Hongjoong through the woods. He enjoyed the way wind blew through his silver locks, caressing his cheeks harshly and he love the adrenaline that came with riding this fast and thinking about how free one could be, thinking about what he's missed his whole life. Hongjoong knew that where there was a smaller river, there had to be a wider water source near by, and the swans that seemed to start heading down only gave him more reasons to believe he was right. The only problem was that he was not expecting the woods to end so quickly, his horse coming to an abrupt halt as it hooves planted in the mud as harsh as it could.

He jumped eagerly from his horse and there, right before him and barely at two steps away from where his horse stopped, a grand body of water spread itself so widely that the other side of the lake was barley visible through the thin mist. The water sparkled in the shy sunlight of the evening, the sound of a small cascade barely audible in the back and the prince felt his jaw drop slightly one more time. If his mother would've been with him, she wouldn't even look at the beauty in front of her, but would scold him about how unmannered he looked and how that wasn't suitable for princes like him, not even in a million years, but as he spotted the swans floating happily around, everything about manners felt long forgotten.

The boy in him had the urgent need to sit down in the slightly damp yet soft grass, eyes wide on the beautiful birds before him, yet the mature side in him wanted to mount back on his horse and move forward. There was so much more to explore and so little time, his mind wrapping around the fact that his father had gave him one single day to ride around the kingdom, with the condition that he'd return the evening before the horologe rang three in the morning. Therefore, the prince clutched on the horse's reins ready to mount, sparing one last glance at the lake, who's water started reflecting the rosy color of the sky.

Hongjoong sucked in his breath, feeling how air left his lungs as he swore he started imagining things. His head whipped back, the forest remaining the only sight for a while, and he took his time thinking about what came into his sight seconds ago. Not long after, he turned around and came to the horrifying conclusion that he was indeed watching as the small bodies of the swans, that now rested calmly on the shore, morphed and twisted, becoming mere humans. Their build was more than just elegant, bodies long and delicate, nothing short of pure beauty. Each wore long gowns, as white and pure as their dazzling wings were, little silver necklaces with one sapphire gem decorating their necks, yet he quickly took notice of the one swan that stood in the middle of them all, sitted on the old trunk of a tree, her eyes glimming with happiness while a silver tiara rested on the top of her head.

The prince watched them with amazement, as if they had put him under a thick spell like sirens would do to the poor sailors adventuring in the deep waters. Yet the more he watched, the more he couldn't help but feel like an intruder. The women danced and laughed when younger swans tried to impress them, then ran quickly to hide under an older swan's wing. The innocence of the moment was making his own heart fill with happiness, lips curling upwards gently and eyes turning in crescents as a squeaky giggle rolled off his throat.

The moment all the laughter stopped and a cutting silence settled in, the prince knew he had done something wrong. He felt the warmth that had built in his chest being stripped away from him, eyes growing wide and startled, just as the swans had became. It didn't take long for Hongjoong to see how every pair of eyes rested on him, making him feel anxious. Should he leave? Or was he supposed to stay now? Either way, the answer would've been to not panic, which he's failed the moment one of the youngest of the creatures approached him, yelling loudly the name of who he supposed was the swan with the tiara.

"Odette! Odette!" The small girl yelled happily, grabbing the prince's hand and jumping up and down while giggling. "It's prince charming! He's come to save us!" At her words, Hongjoong's cheeks started flaring pink, his heart beating faster as each pair of eyes rested on him, and he completely forgot about his tight grip on the bow in his other hand. The mare let out a loud cry, startled by the poor girl before slamming it's hooves harshly in the ground multiple times. In alert, Hongjoong let go of his bow, grabbing the girl's body in his arms and hurrying further away from the horse, who angrily took off back towards the town.

"Yuna, dear!" The swan quickly run to the prince, her hands coming to grip Hongjoong's arms, which were still holding tightly onto her. "Are you alright?" His voice sounded unsure as he let the woman gently take her in her own hold, hand placing the younger's head again her chest. When a little laughter came from Yuna's lips, everyone sighed in relief, smiles painted on the swans' lips when the smaller swan jumped back on the grass and began twirling around the royalty as she giggled loudly. "Yuna, where are your manners?" Another swan called out, her lips pulled in a thin line and her eyebrows furrowed, and she most definetly was the oldest of the group, her aura holding a maturity that amazed Hongjoong, despite her youthful features.

"Don't tense yourself, Yongsun." The youngest girl however rolled her eyes at the authority in Yongsun's voice, her own lips pulled in a pout as she bowed slightly in front of the silver haired man. He gave her a polite smile before bowing right back, sending the women in awe. "Come sit with us." The girl next to him offered, and he couldn't help but let his eyes wander over her striking features. She was an unique type of beauty, something he's never seen in anyone before, not even in all the princesses that's come to court him. He loved her voice as well, her tone being like honey to his ears and he couldn't even bring himself to care about the sudden drop of formalities when his orbs found hers.

"I would hate to make such beautiful ladies uncomfortable with my presence." He acknowledged humbly, felling a shy smile tug at his lips while hearing how the woman, who he assumed was named Odette, let out a wholehearted laugh, her eyes turning to crescents as one of her hands came to hide her mouth. "Bother us? It would be a crime to not enjoy your presence." She assured, nodding her head towards him like encouraging him to take a step forward, and so he did. One step at a time before he found himself sitting in the grass besides a couple of children, who playfully pulled at his clothes and wowed at the fine material.

"What's your name, son?" The oldest inquired, making Hongjoong's cheeks become pinker again, however this time, his eyes fell on the ground, where his ring decorated fingers gently pulled at the damb grass. "Kim Hongjoong." He spoke softly, not expecting any grand reactions form the group, who only nodded their heads in adoration. "We'll would you look at that, it really is prince charming." Another swan laughed, making Hongjoong himself let out a shy giggle, his eyes involuntary traveling to the swan with a tiara. It felt like hours that he stood there and just watched her, her skin bathing in the golden light of the sunset, and her eyes glimmering with love as she looked at each swan, before her eyes settled on him as well.

"Do you like to dance?" One of the younger swans looked at him curiously, her small hand coming to grasp at Hongjoong's with excitement as she awaited a reply, and when the prince nodded his head in agreemen, he girl softly tugged him after her, bringing him to his feet. Together, they marveled at the way the forest started lighting up as soon as the sun went under, mushrooms and strange plants glowing in the dark, along with the moss on the trees, it was absolutely beautiful. However Hongjoong didn't have long to observe the landscape, his attention being brought back to the small girl that began dancing with him as the others started singing along, and it didn't take a while for the swans to join in as well, a chorus of laughter spreading trough the rather dormant forest as they all had their fun.

Yongsun smiled happily as she took Odette's's hand, bringing her closer to the silver haired prince, who bowed deeply and offered his hand, an invitation, the girl concluded as she accepted happily. Perhaps only for tonight, she could forget about her curse, see herself as an actual princess and lose herself in the idea that Hongjoong would be the one to break the curse. However nothing like that happened as they began dancing, a tough wind starting to pull at their bodies, darkness spreading like a plague. The youngest girls found coverage behind the elders, while Hongjoong placed his arms around Odette and brought her closer to his chest, protecting the swan from whatever danger eas awaiting them.

"Well well.." the sharp voice of a girl that came with the calmness of the weather startled the prince, who felt reluctant to let go of the swan in his arms, yet still let go of her and watched as disgust painted over Odette's features and anger over the others. Just on the shore stood another woman, her gown way shorter and messier as well as dotted with darker shades of black. Her features were just as graceful and as striking as the others, her own features making her look like a devine, but something about her tone made the prince feel sure that she wasn't just as beautiful on the inside.

"The swan princess found herself a rescuer." She taunted while getting closer, her thumb and pointer wrapping around Odette's chin and bringing her closer. The princess, as the stranger called her, let out a scoff before pulling away, making the black swan laugh as if she was in hysterics. "Hoping you'll turn human again, little one?" She fumed, letting her eyes fall on Hongjoong, who stood stiff and angered, eyes on her like, if he had his arrows, he wouldn't have hesitated to let one of them pierce her heart.

"It'll never happen, we'll make sure of that, little Odette." The stranger cocked one of her eyebrows while shaking her head and her fingers glazed over the necklace she was proudly wearing. With a last laugh, the black swan took a couple of steps back before her body quickly morphed in the one of a swan, yet her feathers looked disturbed and unhealthy, her body, small, too weak for a creature that was supposed to look as beautiful as a swan.

"Who was that?" Hongjoong found himself asking, his own eyebrows arched upwards in confusion. His hand found Odette's and gripped it lightly a reassuring smile tugging at the girl's lips as she found comfort in the prince, who was still a stranger. "Odile.. Her father tried casting a curse on the town, however it did not go as planned and it ended up backfiring." She began explaining, choosing carefully her words as she took a glance at his chocolate warm eyes. The prince himself let his gaze meet hers, observant eyes curiously investigating her for a while before he spoke out loud. "Then why are you trapped as swans as well?" Silence washed over the group, the tension growing so thick that Hongjoong could've cut it with a knife. "I didn't say that it didn't work."

Not much passed before Hongjoong excused himself, getting up and fetching his bow that stood patiently in the grass. He's dropped it earlier when Zoya took off and completely forgot about it, however, in his favor, his loyal mare had found her way back to the lake, thirst driving it back the way it's come. After the prince found himself back on his mount, thanking all of his lucky stars for bringing it back to him, he finally let his eyes fall on the woman with a little crown on her head. He swore he felt his heart beating faster than ever, swirling with the desire to take her with him and keep her to himself, to make her his, and at that moment he knew that there was no one that could ever become his queen, except her.

"I must head out, however my family is hosting a ball tomorrow, at dusk, in order to find me a bride. It would be a honor to have you as a guest." He spoke softly, taking in the surprise on Odette's face, who only nodded before waving elegantly. With a polite nod from himself, the prince saw himself off as Zoya started galloping as fast as she could towards the palace.

"You must go." a cold and harsh voice spoke, making the girl's shoulders fall, she put so much hope that perhaps this time, she'll be able to find love by herself, and hearing her father speak like that made her whole world shatter. With a long sigh, the girl turned her head around, in order to hide her glassy eyes, telling herself that it all starts being unfair the moment even her father had turned against her. "I shall not, father." Was all Odile said before she lifted her chin high, eyes becoming sharp as she told herself that it was time to pull free from his strings, yet she had a feeling that it will not be as easy as denying his orders.

Rothbart, the black swan's father, smiled triumphally, as if the crown had already been placed on his head. He let himself turn around and face his only daughter and with a hushed voiced he whispered. "You'll go.. oh you'll go." Odile wanted to protest, to yell and say something, but the second her father touched her necklace, the poor girl knew it was too late. It took her a quick moment of thinking, preparing herself for what she might see, before she finally turned to the mirror that stood patiently on a wall. It was then that complete sorrow engulfed her heart, failing to find her own reflection. Instead, a familiar face started back at her, Odette's features looking so beautiful and so graceful, yet so ugly to Odile, as she was left to deal with her pain before she could've stopped it. "You do not have a choice."

"But what should i wear?" Odette sighed, bringing her hands in her lap as she eyed nervously the ground. Her crown was resting on her head, sapphires sparkling in the gentle moonlight. "I cannot show up to a royal ball in this gown.." as much as she loved her dress, it's material softer than silk and whiter than the pearls found in the ocean's depths, she feared it was nothing short of what noblewomen wore to sleep. The more she thought about it, the more Odette found herself trapped between her own thoughts. What if her hair was was not as elegant as the other princesses', what if her little white slippers were to dirty up the expensive carpets around the castle. Worse, despite knowing how to dance, Odette had little knowledge of etiquette, as she's grown up as a simple village girl. She was going to make a fool out of herself and the prince for inviting her.

"Worry not, Odette." A soft voice came from behind her, but before she's gotten the chance to turn around, a pair of cold hands rested on her bare shoulders, making her gasp at the sudden feeling of chilliness. Shivers traveled up and down on her back, eyes becoming wide in surprise as the speed she turned her head around could've given her a whiplash. Yongsun giggled softly, amused by the fact that she actually spooked the younger swan. "You look beautiful, and your gown is magnificent. Made with soft material like your wings, pulled together by a thread of magic. My dear, you look breathtaking."

Odette stood a second just looking at her friend, a long sigh leaving her mouth when she understood that Yongsun was right. All she had to do was to have fun, she'd be dancing and talking to people, nothing she hasn't done before, so why was she worrying now? "You should leave, it's getting late." Was all the older woman said as she bent down to kiss the top of her head like a mother would before sending off her child off. A couple of younger swans insisted of going with her, clinging on her gown and her hands before she agreed in defeat. A chorus of laughter and giggles following her the deeper she walked into the forest and the closer she's gotten to the palace.

Hongjoong stood sitting on the throne, a crown on his head while his parents stood at both of his sides. His rather small body seemed to shrink more and more with every second and with each nod he gave to the young women that would come to bow before him. They were all wearing beautiful gowns, feminine features painted by a thin layer of makeup, jewelries decorating their necks, ears and hair, he had to admit that they were all beautiful, but none of them where Odette. His Odette. He waited patiently for her to make her appearance, eyes running back to the spiral staircase in hopes that he'd spot her, and his observant mother did not take long to notice. "You're waiting for someone." She announced, a hand resting on her son's shoulder in a way of assuring him that it will all be fine.

Hongjoong nodded, his lips parting slightly as he pondered on his thoughts, however, before he's even gotten thr chance to speak, a familiar face made his heart beat like it never has, and his breath got stuck in his throat. A wave of heat crossed his cheeks, feeling as a strong blush took over his face. From one of the corners of the grand ballroom, he noticed Yeosang smirking his way, Wooyoung whispering something to him before they both snickered.

"Your highness.." when she arrived in front of him, Hongjoong quickly has gotten up on his feet, refusing to let her bow before him. One of his hands gently taking one of her own as the other traveled to her side in order to bring her body closer to his own with a shy embrace. At the action, a couple of gasps could be heard throughout the room, everyone surprised at the prince's action, yet he did not care, and it could've been the reason why he completely looked past the vile smile that played on the girl's lips. "Odette.. will you dance with me?"

"We've arrived too late!" One of the little swans warned as she peeked trough the closest window, huffing in defeat at the sight. Odette waisted no time in following her closely, face crumbling in defeat as he watched how her dear Hongjoong waltzed around the room with no one else but Odile. His eyes were so fixed on her that it seemed like she was his whole world, hands gripping her close like she'd parish if he let go, and everyone around them saw it. How in love he was, how much care he put in every step they made together, and that made Odette's stomach churn in pain. Her eyes began watering, heart screaming at her to do something yet her body remained frozen in place.

"Odette..?" The little girl asked, her tone wobbling as her own eyes began to water as she watched the princess of the swans. The young woman's skin began morphing, little fluff and white feathers growing from her arms and shoulders at a slow peace, like she was to turn in swan once more. With each second she spent looking at her beloved dance with another woman, looking so smitten by her, the little sapphires on the crown she wore began to crack more and more, and panic took over the three children when their own necklaces followed closely and as Hongjoong's voice rang trough their ears.

"So, Your Highness, would you say that you love me?" Odile questioned as she made eye contact with the prince, who giggled shyly before sighing deeply. He felt caught red-handed and all he could do now was nod his head slightly before speaking softly. "I love you." Yet something didn't feel right, deead filling his heart as he said his words, like a kid that's done something wrong and waited anxiously for his parents to scold him. It was then that he began to fall out of the spell he had been put under, noticing how the woman in front of him did not wear a crown yet a necklace, amber decorating the gem that rested patiently on her neck. The white gown that the swan once wore was not completed jet black, eyes harsh as a voice so cutting he began feeling dizzy.

"You're not Odette." He stated, stopping from dancing and taking a couple of harsh steps back. The prince's hand flew to his sword, threatening to take it out and use it, yet Odile's smile never faltered. "Even if you harmed me, my mission here had ended." She explained, giggling once more before turning herself in the same swan she morphed in when they first met and before anyone could do anything, she flew past him, soaring trough the open window where four little figures stood at.

"Odette..?" He asked, feeling his hear break as he noticed how heartbroken she looked, how her skin began turning in feathers and how tears cascaded over her cheeks like they couldn't be stopped. "Odette!" He yelled louder, rushing to jump over the window, yet failing to do so in time before the woman began running back towards the forest. "Hongjoong!" His father warned, yet the prince was far gone, already chasing after the swan with unshed tears blurring his own vision.

It didn't take long for the two to reach the lake, scratches from little branches decorating their skin as neither had been careful while running, yet that did not matter to them, the heartache burning every bit of ration they had. "I did not know, Odette!" He tried explaining himself, taking a step forward towards the woman, who only took one back, her feet so close to the shore that it made Hongjoong's heart freeze in place. "I thought it was you.."

Yet what was done was done and both of them knew it, the sapphires finally shuttering as Odette took her crown off, breaking it in two. Without even thinking about the outcome, the swan threw it into the lake, a muffled sob leaving her mouth as she herself took a step closer to the edge. "No! Odette please! I love you!" He shouted, yet it was all in vain as he knew that the curse will get to her before his words will.

The second he noticed what she intended, the prince rushed to her side, gripping her waist tightly and pressing a soft kiss to her lips, eyes deeply staring in her own like their hearts spoke to each other, and it all felt more than ethereal as both of their bodies hit the water, sinking slowly as they held each other like not even death could do them apart.

And perhaps it couldn't, as the second the sun began rising, the women that stood next to the lake and mourned the passing of their princess did not turn back to swans, and their gowns turned back to the clothes they once wore when they were running errands around the village. On the other side of the forest, Rothbart felt his powers leave him, a sudden weakness taking over his body as it slowly began turning to ashes. "No!" He yelled like a mantra, yet it was all in vain as ths moment the shy sunlight peeked trough his window, all that remained of him was an amber ring and his daughter, who only stared at the cracked mirror on the wall, ashamed of herself and mad at the world like never before.

And even years after, deep down, on the bottom of the lake, the two lovers stood embraced, untouched by the time, as if they were simply sleeping. So perhaps, the curse that once plagued the young women became a blessing, as not only has she found peace, but love as well.

#ateez #ateez imagine #ateez imagines #kpop #ateez fluff #ateez scenarios #ateez oneshots #kpop imagine #ateez hongjoong #ateez reaction #ateez retelling #ateez reactions #ateez smut

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halcyonnhood · 4 years

Text

Ramen, Baking and Glitter || l.h

Summary: Luke realizes he loves his best friend while on tour and confronts the feelings when he sees her again.

Word Count: 3.5k

Warnings: possibly a few curse words.

Authors note: The italics are Luke's memories of her! After the asterisks (***) is when they're back in LA and in present tense. I hope the format looks okay, I typed this out on my phone. Also the OC is very special to me (more about that in the tags.) I may write more about her and Luke.

- - -

The band 5 seconds of summer have travelled thousands of miles over the years. They've explored new countries, cities, and towns. They've met new fans, friends, and probably too many flirty humans. Luke enjoys every last bit of it, he thrives on the attention. Yet, no amount of love from fans manages to take his mind off one of his best friends waiting back in LA for him. Everything happens to remind him of Sarah.

When the boys stayed in Japan, Michael had demanded to stop for ‘proper’ ramen before they left the country. Of course, no one had the heart to deny him his love for traditional Japanese food. The four of them had been bantering and talking about plans when the longing had struck Luke. He was mid bite of his chicken ramen and all he can remember is the silly heated debate he and Sarah had before the tour.

Sarah tosses the bright orange bag back at Luke and scrunched her nose in disgust. She hadn't eaten all day and upon arriving at Luke's house, she decided she wanted to fix something easy. So naturally, she rummaged through his cabinets and made Luke reach the ramen shoved on the top shelf. When he handed the orange bag to her with “chicken flavored” printed across the top, she felt like she was going to have a brain hemorrhage. Now she just stares up at the top shelf in disappointment, as if red bags would magically appear instead.

“I want ramen.” Sarah tells him with pouted lips.

“You just threw the ramen at me,” Luke says. He points at the bag on the counter.

“Yeah, because that's disgusting.” She makes sure to enunciate the word disgusting. “It's chicken.”

“What do you have against chicken ramen? You like chicken, we literally just had some last night.” Luke questions.

“Ya, we had grilled chicken. It's the flavoring in the ramen, it's weird.”

“What kind do you like then?”

“Beef.” Sarah says. She gives him a playful smile when he rolls his eyes at her, “It is the only acceptable ramen.”

“It is not!” He argues. “You're just wrong, you monster. Chicken is a classic,”

She fake gags, “I have taste buds, you giant oaf. Now we have to go to the store because you're wrong.”

Luke spent the rest of the Japan trip thinking about Sarah. He thought about how much he missed her randomly dropping by his house and pretending she owned it. He thought about how she would've really enjoyed eating traditional ramen instead of the instant kind, she would never want to leave the foreign country. Lastly, he made a mental note to buy the girl all the beef ramen she could ever want and to find a restaurant that serves the real stuff. He knows something so small would make her whole day and he just wants her to smile.

Japan isn't the only time Luke is reminded of the strong willed girl. They had met a fan in Munich who looked uncannily like Sarah and he hadn't been the only one who noticed. If Luke's being honest, he hadn't been paying much attention to the girl at first. She had won some radio station competition and the whole band had greeted her at once before she turned to talk to Michael first. He had taken more of a notice to her after catching Michael's not so subtle glance at the boys and the first thing he had connected was the hair. The fan had her hair honey blonde hair pulled back into a French braid, so what? It wasn't uncommon to see the almost brown hair color and the style was popular. It's not like he hadn't seen it on anyone other than Sarah, he had. It was just such a common sight around his household that he automatically associated it with her.

When the fan had made it to him and pulled away from the hug, Luke felt bad for not paying attention to anything she said. He wanted to, but he was captivated by how she could be a perfect doppelganger. Dark olive green eyes, freckles spotted across flushed cheeks, and a small button nose. All things that looked eerily similar and one look at the boys showed that they had seen it too.

“Holy shit,” Michael said as soon as she had left “That kid looked exactly like Sarah,”

“It's weird,” Calum added. “I mean, all of the features just matched,”

Ashton had chuckled at their surprise, “They do say everyone has lookalikes,”

“Still so weird, especially after not seeing Sarah in months.” Luke said with a shrug. He tried not to think about it too hard.

Three different shows went by without Luke being reminded of her. He thinks it's because he made more of an effort to facetime her at the end of his nights and fulfill his longing to talk to her. When they stop in Paris, he's proven wrong. Luke wishes he could be cheesy and say it's because he realized he was in love with her while in the city of love. Except he realized his love was more than platonic weeks ago.

Ashton had suggested that they go somewhere local for breakfast. So, the duo set out on an adventure for the best place that served breakfast. They ended up in a bakery, ordering an abundance of baked goods and iced coffee. The savory scent of bread mingling with the sweet scent of pastries and cookies reminded him of none other than the girl that he may or may not be in love with. More often than not, she'd spend her extra time using new recipes to bake cookies, cake, and bread. Most of the time she subjected the boys to taste testing, but none of them seemed to mind. There would be days that Calum would be sad to come over to Luke's and find no treats. It was even sadder on recording days when she couldn't make it to the studio to visit and drop off her baked goods. The best days were always when she stopped by.

“Booooys,” Sarah sing songs, “I made some cookies!”

She sits the plate covered with aluminum foil on the desk and sits next to Michael on the couch. Ashton's listening to the producer play back their latest song while both Luke and Calum are diving for the plate to see who gets a cookie first. The sight just reminds her of how childish they can both be and it makes her laugh.

"What kind are they today?” Michael asks.

Luke sits back and looks at the cookie in his hand while waiting for her to respond with her normal rambles about the recipe. Usually she'll tell them all about how the website lied about the amount of butter or come up with an excuse to why ‘the first batch is bad’. He has to admit that he loves hearing her get so passionate over her baking skills.

“I made two. Can you believe it? TWO!” Sarah excitedly tells him. “I made salted caramel and raspberry with white chocolate chips. AND the caramel is homemade!”

"Wait, you know how to make caramel? This is so good” Calum says while waving around the half eaten cookie.

"It's so easy, it's just cream, sugar, and butter. But it burns if you don't take it off the heat fast enough. I may have ruined a pan,” She explains the last part timidly.

Some time during her explaining how to make caramel, Ashton had also grabbed one of the cookies. He just shakes his head at the girl with a chuckle, “Sarah, you'd be a good baker if you didn't burn everything,”

"Says the man who is on his second cookie,” Sarah says with a glare.

"This is the third time you've burnt something,”

“I'm betting that other bakers have burnt things before!” She argues.

The other three stay quiet as the two go at it, both of them living for the argument. For a minute, Luke thinks that Ashton is enjoying it too much. That is until Sarah's expression softens from the furrowed brow to a relaxed and playful one instead. Sometimes he thinks they're both too argumentative and honest for their own good, but it always ends in good fun. He could never understand why they actually enjoyed arguing and often times egged each other on, but as long as no one ends up in tears, everyone let's them hash it out.

“The cookies are really good, Sarah.” Luke tells her honestly. His insides feel melty and gooey as her eyes light up at the compliment.

"Thank you, Luke!” She thanks him in an overly sweet tone, “You know how to be a GOOD best friend. That's why I love you,”

It's possible that Luke had fallen hopelessly in love, not that he'd admit it. He had spent the entire world tour consumed with thoughts about Sarah, always seeking out bits and pieces of her in every place they visited. He even associated her with ramen out of all things. Ramen. He knew he'd have to deal with the conflicting emotions eventually, but he still opted to push them away to have a clear head for the rest of tour. A mostly clear head. All he knew was that it was a future Luke problem.

* * *

“Are you really bringing up the brownies I made in 2017?”

“They were MEMORABLE! Gosh, I remember how bitter they were. It feels like it happened yesterday,”

“Cocoa powder is bitter, you little shit!”

The argument can be heard throughout the hallway leading up to the dressing rooms in the Forum. Luke hadn't been expecting to hear the bright voice until later tonight, so naturally when he hears her, it makes his heart soar. Her words towards Ashton sounds harsh, but he can hear the playful hints in her tone. He isn't even to the door and can already visualize her darkened blonde hair falling past her shoulders, her usual makeup, and a smile tugging at her pink lips. He feels like he might explode with excitement.

Luke is right. He leans against the doorframe and watches two of his favorite people argue. She has half of her hair pulled back in a ponytail, purple glitter tapped onto her cheekbones, and the light catches on her shiny lip gloss. Neither of them acknowledge his presence, but Michael gives him a knowing grin from one of the chairs. He doesn't mind, he's just happy to see her again and admittedly he missed their playful fights. It gives him time to think about how he'd admit his love.

Girls are usually the ones to secretly fall in love with their best friends, at least that's how it's always portrayed in shows. Is it weird for guys to do that? Luke isn't sure how he's supposed to tell her, should there be some grand gesture? Just be straight up with no frilly things? He should've bought her flowers on the way here from their last promo video. He just wants her to feel appreciated whether or not she holds the same feelings towards him.

Luke is brought out of his daze by a smaller body colliding with his and warm arms wrapping around his midsection. He envelopes the smaller girl in his arms and gives her the tight squeeze that he's been waiting months for. She pulls back and he smooths down her frizzy hair with a small smile.

“I missed you so much, Luke.” Sarah smiles brightly up at him. The sight is enough to turn his heart to mush.

He just returns the warm smile, “I missed you more,”

“Now that you're here,’ Sarah turns around dramatically and points a manicured finger at Ashton before continuing, “You can protect me from bullies!”

“What's he bullying you bout’ this time?”

“My brownies! He can never be nice to me. I slaved all night for y'all and he brings up the disaster of 2017. I'm so much better now.” Sarah huffs.

She snatches the Tupperware bowl off of Ashtons lap and twirls around to push it into Luke's hands instead. He takes one out and savors the first bite, Sarah watching his every move for a reaction. She isn't wrong, it's much better than the first time when she forgot to add enough sugar. When he makes a noise of appreciation for the sweet treat, her face lights up and she sticks her tongue out at Ashton with a laugh. Luke swears that he could watch her soft features all evening, but he could settle for a bit of time before the concert. The last concert of the tour. Then he could spend the rest of his days talking to and watching her when she visits.

Sarah points her nose up in a mocking way, “See, Luke agrees that they are good brownies. I'm right. Now if you excuse us, I've got to paint Luke's nails!” .

“Luke's opinion doesn't mean you're right,” Ashton tuts.

"It does too! Accept defeat, Ash.” She calls out while dragging Luke out of the room with her.

Luke almost forgot that he had texted asking her to repaint his nails. Between potentially obsessive thoughts, promo, concerts, and trying to be a real tourist; Luke hadn't found the time to find someone to keep up with his nails. He definitely wants them done for the show, so he doesn't complain about their abrupt departure from the boys. Sarah leads him a few rooms down to one of the unoccupied dressing rooms and points at the lineup of polish bottles on the makeup desk.

"I didn't know what color you wanted this time, so I bought nearly half of my collection with me,” She says.

"You didn't have to bring all this, Sarah. You could've just picked one for me,”

“I wanted to have a choice! I think you should pick something new though. No black or red.”

“You're really going to do that to me?” Luke asks in mock distress.

It makes Sarah let out a giggle and roll her eyes, “I'm so horrible, I know.”

It only takes Luke a moment to narrow down which colors he liked best. He really wanted the sparkly red, but he couldn't ignore her opinion when he valued it so much. She wants something different, so he hands her the pastel pink polish and gives her a sheepish glance. She doesn't react badly though, she just gives him a wide smile with her pretty lips and motions for him to sit in the chair.

Sarah gets to work with painting his nails, making precise strokes to avoid a mess of polish. He admires the patience and steadiness required to do such a simple task, because the last time he tried it looked like a toddlers handy work. After watching three nails being covered in pink, he turns his attention back to taking in her features. Her brows dip down into a tiny furrow as she concentrates and he notices the new freckles dotted around her forehead and nose. He figures that she must've been in the sun recently, he's always known that the spots darken with exposure to sunlight. He likes how it just adds more depth to her complexion.

Luke also enjoys the glitter. She tends to save the bold look for festivals and he wants to tease her about how their show must be important. He just finds himself fascinated by how it looks on her and how it instantly brightens all of her features. Of course he wouldn't tease her about it when he thinks she looks so effortlessly pretty. Although the thought of him being the reason for her flushed cheeks is tempting enough.

When Sarah sets the closed bottle back onto the desk, Luke notices her makeup sitting neatly in the corner, probably so she can freshen up throughout the night. He wonders if the glitter would have the same effect on him. Plus, he just wants her close to him.

“What's going on in that brain of yours?” Sarah waves a hand in front of his face.

“I was just thinking,”

She purses her lips at him, “No shit, sherlock. Elaborate,”

"You know how you do your makeup? I was thinking about if I'd look good in it and if the fans would like it” Luke tells her honestly.

“The fans would love it, lu. And we'd be matching!” She gushes. He can tell she's already visualizing the look on him.

"Can you do mine too then?”

"I don't think you could afford my services,” She answers, while already reaching for her makeup.

There's more steps to the makeup look than Luke had originally anticipated. She explains each and every step to him and somehow listening to her explain bb cream ends up being the softest thing in the world. She promised that it'd only even out the redness and he does like how natural he looks. After contouring and adding blush, she finally moves onto his eyeshadow and glitter. He catches a glance at himself in the mirror as she pulls back his hair into a half ponytail and he likes how pretty he looks. The glitter looks nice on him and he matches Sarah perfectly.

Sarah pulls out the gloss wand with a ‘pop' sound and smiles at the man, “One last thing.”

"Thank you. I almost look as pretty as you,” He tells her. He likes how her face flushes a darker pink at his compliment.

"Oh, stop that. You could rock it better than me any day,”

Luke studies Sarah's expression for a moment while she puts her makeup away and he's never wanted to kiss someone more. He's spent months away and he's been consumed by his newfound romantic love for her. Now that she's in front of him again, he wants to kiss her and take her out for authentic beef ramen like he had planned. He wants to watch her bake and compliment all of her new recipes. He wants to hold her tight and never leave her again. He's just afraid that she'll never see him as anything other than a friend. He'd accept any love over none at all, but he'll never know the difference until he tries.

"Sarah, can I be honest with you?” Luke questions.

She looks up at him with wide eyes, “Always. What's up?”

"I think I love you,” Luke tells her carefully. “Tour gave me a lot of time to think about how I feel about you.”

"Romantically?” Sarah looks at him in awe and points at herself, “Me?”

"Yes, you.”

“I'm really not sure what to say in this situation,”

"You don't have to say anything,” Luke rubs his sweaty palms against his pants, “We can just pretend this never happened.”

"No, I mean…I think I like you too. It's just that you're my best friend and you were gone. So I don't know how I really feel? It's easy to think one thing without the person around. Now you're here and what if I just missed you?”

"We can always wait to talk about this,” He assures her, “I was just going to ask you to go on a date with me after the show,”

She gives him a lopsided smile, “What kind of date?”

“I figured I'd ask you to a Japanese restaurant, but no weird seafood since you hate that. I thought you'd like some traditional ramen. We had it in Japan and it reminded me of you.”

"The real stuff? Michael talks about how good it is all the time!”

Luke smiles at her reaction, “Would you like to go with me?”

"You know what? Yes! It'll be fun.”

The boys are finishing up last second preparations backstage when Sarah joins them. Michael and Calum are talking with each other and she doesn't see Ashton with them yet, so she takes it as a chance to talk to Luke. He's fidgeting with his in-ear monitors when he notices her walking up to him, a sneaky expression across her features.

"Being a troublemaker?” Luke raises an eyebrow at her.

"You know it! I just took a break to wish you luck,”

"I always need that,” He chuckles.

The stage managers are rushing around and one speeds by calling out that they'll be on in one minute. Luke gives her a frown, sad to leave in the middle of a conversation. Sarah on the other hand just smiles instead and motions for him to lean down. When the tall boy does, she stands on her toes and places a soft kiss against his lips. His blue eyes widened at the unexpected kiss, but softened after the initial shock. She pulls her lip gloss out and touches up his gloss that she had messed up, not wanting to ruin his look. Luke didn't expect Sarah to make the first move, yet he's the one blushing.

“I-” He starts.

Sarah doesn't let him get a word in edgewise and pushes him lightly towards their other three friends, “I think you're going on now,”

"You look pretty. I'll see you after!” She adds again with a smile at the shocked man.

Luke is definitely in love with her, there's not a single doubt in his mind. All he can think about through the concert is the fact that he's never been so excited for noodles in his entire life. Noodles and his favorite girl.

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car-karaoke · 5 years

Text

Happy Birthday

This was a request from the lovely @ivarlcthbrok who had some great ideas!!

Warnings: S m u t, language, fuckton of fluff

Pairings: Alex H x Reader

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

"Lan-za-rote?" You sounded out, squinting at the unfamiliar name on the card Alex had just given you. It was your birthday in a couple days, and you were beyond thankful that your boyfriend Alex's schedule allowed for him to take a week off with you. He had just arrived at your apartment with a huge bouquet of flowers and an adorable handwritten card that made you tear up when you read it. Your eyes were so blurry that Alex had to point out to you that you missed the last sentence on his card. There, in his perfectly messy handwriting said 'pack your things baby, we're going to Lanzarote'

You peeked up at Alex, who was biting his lip to hold back his enormous smile. "Did I say it right?" You questioned quietly. He simply replied with a nod of his head. You were overwhelmed beyond belief that you were finally able to spend alone time with him, let alone actually go somewhere new with him. But where the fuck is Lanzarote? You've never heard of it

"Babe, where is this place?" You wondered out loud. Alex's smile only grew wider until he couldn't hide it any more

(He smiles like this when you ask him where ^^)

"Spain" he mumbled, tucking his mouth into his hoodie sheepishly. He knew you'd freak out because you get super uncomfortable when people spend lots of money on you. Seeing your eyes widen and mouth start to open in protest he stopped you. "I got a really good deal on tickets baby!! I promise! Plus, I wanted to go there myself anyways, if you weren't in my life, I probably would've just taken a buddy along anyways"

You were still in shock at the fact that all of these wonderful things were happening to you. Things like that just didn't happen to you; you've always been weirdly unlucky. But ever since you met this incredible man in front of you, your life has never felt more complete. "Aleeex" you protested, sighing in defeat since you knew he had already bought the tickets. You leaned into his chest and curled your arms around him snugly. He beamed down at you and kissed the top top of your head. "How long are we staying there?" You asked shyly, voice muffled against his chest. You felt his little laugh vibrate through his chest

"7 days" he said happily, rubbing your back. "We're going to be staying in a private beach house" Your first instinct was to protest, knowing that kind of thing cannot have been cheap. But you knew he had the money and more importantly, he wanted to do it. For you. You get to spend a whole week in Spain with the love of your life. Reality hit you and you started to tear up again. You took a deep breath in and out and looked up at him

"I'm so excited hunny, truly. I cant even begin to thank you" you whispered, chin resting against his toned torso. He grinned down at you, using his thumbs to wipe away the tear that had spilled over

"I know baby, I know. I love you" he said as he tilted his head down to kiss you. You kissed him back right away, never able to resist those lips of his. All too soon however, he broke apart, giving your ass a light spank. "Now let's get packing sweet cheeks, we got a plane to catch!!"

~~arriving there the next day~~

"We're almost here" the cab driver announced as he turned down a private road. You and Alex were huddled together in the back seat like you had been the whole plane ride here, excitedly looking out the window. The driver pulled up to a gorgeous looking beach house and put the car in park. "Here you are guys, the place looks lovely!" The driver said happily

"Yeah it does, here you go! Thanks pal!" Alex handed the driver the money and opened the car door, walking over to your side to offer you his hand getting out. You got out of the cab and took a deep breath in, looking around in amazement

"God, this place is beautiful!" You sighed contentedly

"It really is! It's so warm!" Alex commented, hauling both your bags out of the trunk before closing it and walking with you to the front door. You held the door open for him and stepped inside after him. Alex let your bags fall to the floor as you both took in your surroundings. The place seemed much bigger in person, it was open and airy with an incredible view of the ocean. You walked over to the window in the kitchen, staring out at the beach in awe. Alex snaked his arms around you from behind, kissing your neck softly

"You know, that beach is private...we can do whatever we want on there" he teased, kissing up to your earlobe. You fought back a laugh as he hit a ticklish spot. The ache in you longed for him to take you on every surface here, but your head was so groggy that you had to push that thought away until later

"Mmm that's true" you replied, tilting your head to allow him a better angle. "But you said yourself you wanted to go see the city first. We can celebrate properly tonight" you added, rubbing your ass against his growing erection. He groaned audibly at your tease, biting your neck in retaliation. You tried to hold back your soft moan, but it slipped out. Alex laughed, backing up and kissing your cheek

"Alright you delicious thing, later" he chuckled. "Let's go check out the beach first!" He grabbed your hand and dragged you out the back door to your private backyard

"Holy....shit..." you gasped, taking in the beautiful scenery with wide eyes. Alex was just as entranced as you, staring at the nature like a kid in the candy store

"I can't fucking WAIT to take pictures of this..." he sighed. You smiled to yourself and turned your head to look at your incredible man. The incredible man who literally bought you a week long vacation in Spain....you wanted to say so much to him, but you couldn't think of words to match how you were feeling, so you just grabbed his hand instead. Alex looked down at you and squeezed your hand. "You like it baby?" He asked hopefully

"Like it???" You laughed incredulously, shaking your head in disbelief. "Alex, this is INSANELY beautiful. I...you didn't...thank you" you huffed, frustrated momentarily that you couldn't think of what to say. He just grinned down at you and kissed your forehead

"I wanted to do this Y/N. I promise I didn't spend that much. Lots of frequent flyer miles..." he joked, elbowing you in the side. You groaned softly, but smiled genuinely at him

"I love it. I love you" you tiptoed to kiss him, to which he responded by casually picking you up like you weigh less than a feather and wrapping your legs around him

"I love-you-too" he said in between kisses. "Wanna go check out the city? We can walk from here". You nodded happily and gathered your things to go exploring the city. Alex wrapped his camera around his neck and took a quick picture of the two of you on his phone, posting it to IG with a smile

"What's our caption hunny?" You asked lightly. He smiled and handed you his phone

Here's to a week in paradise with my love Y/N. She's an even better view than the ocean people, so I'm damn lucky 😍

God he was amazing. You walked hand in hand down the road to the little town, stopping every few minutes for Alex to take a picture of something. The town was full of cute little shops and you two finally decided to stop somewhere to eat. The restaurant had seating outside, which you guys gladly took advantage of

"Here you go guys" the waitress rang out cheerfully, setting down your plates and heading back inside. You both dug into your meals like ravenous beasts that hadn't eaten in days

"Holy crap hunny!" you choked out a laugh as Alex nearly finished half his plate already. "If I knew you were this hungry, I would've suggested eating before!!" You giggled. He just shrugged his shoulders and waved the thought away with his hand. You munched on your food happily and listened to the music playing in the background. You had no idea what the lady was saying, but it sounded so beautiful

https://youtu.be/LDfottS5UhY

Alex snuck out his camera and started taking pictures of the locals. Everyone seemed to be in a great mood, whether it was the impeccable weather or the lively music who knows, but every face you met greeted you with a warm smile. You noticed one of the locals who looked to be in her mid twenties in a group full of other women. They were all so stunningly beautiful and fashionably dressed. The one that caught your attention for whatever reason spun around, causing your confidence to plummet. She was one of the most beautiful people you had ever seen, and she was staring at Alex. She started whispering to her friends and then more heads turned to look. They must notice who he is...you thought to yourself. Alex was totally unaware of his new admirers, he was too caught up trying to get a perfect shot of a building. The group of women started walking up to your table and you were suddenly grateful you were wearing dark sunglasses, because you were shooting daggers at them. The one you had been eyeballing reached to her boobs and squeezed them up in her bra so that they were pretty much exploding out of her shirt. She was wearing a very smug smile as she reached your table

"Uhm, excuse me?" She asked in a fakely-high voice. You stared at her with a blank face and Alex reluctantly put his camera down to look at them for the first time. He looked confusedly at them, looking over his shoulder to see if they were talking to someone else. "You're Alex Høgh Anderson, right?" She pressed on. Alex cleared his throat and nodded in response. The girl beamed down at him, pulling out her cell phone. "Do you mind taking a picture with us??" She asked as she noticeably crossed her arms over her chest to push her boobs up even higher. You chewed the inside of your cheek in annoyance. He always says yes to fans, and you totally understand that, but sometimes you wish you could just punch them in the face

"Uhm..yeah sure. No problem" he half smiled before getting up and leaning over the table to kiss you right in front of them. You saw her face drop in disappointment and you had to hold back a laugh. "Be right back baby" Alex called to you as he walked over to where they requested the picture. You watched in pure adoration as he took the picture and waved goodbye at them then jogged back to your table. "Whew god that chick had so much makeup on, I thought the sun was going to melt it off like a crayon!" He shook his head in disbelief. "I'm pretty sure she was trying to make her tits look bigger than they were too" he added. You snorted and nodded in agreement

After you were done at the restaurant, you returned home and changed into your bathing suits to go take advantage of having your own private beach. You had confidently packed a bikini, but after seeing how beautiful and fit most of the women you saw today were, you were second guessing your warbrode choices. But it was either that or go nude, so you nervously put on the thin fabric. Looking yourself over in the mirror, you didnt hate the way you looked, but there were definitely areas you liked less than others. Pushing your negative thoughts to the side, you stepped out and made your way to the backyard. Alex was laying out some towels on the sunny deck to sunbathe. He looked fucking delicious in his swim shorts, bending over to arrange the towels and giving you the perfect view of his ass. You opened the door and slowly walked up to him, one arm draped around your torso. Alex looked up at you and his eyes nearly bulged out of his head

"God damn baby..." he marveled, eyeing you up and down with hungry eyes. You laughed lightly and shoved his shoulder playfully. "I uh....I really like your new bikini..." he chuckled, handing you a cocktail he had made

"You're not looking bad yourself my love" you smiled, taking a sip of the fruity beverage before laying down on your back and feeling the sun immediately absorb into your skin. Alex smirked at you and grabbed the bottle of sun lotion behind him

"I grabbed spf 40 because I know you burn like a stop sign baby" he joked, opening the cap and squirting some on his hand to warm it up

"Soo sexyyyy" you mumbled unenthusiasticly with your eyes closed, making him laugh. He had both hands full of lotion and he slowly and gently started rubbing your soft stomach. Your breath hitched in your throat, you weren't expecting him to lotion you. He massaged all over your torso, down by your hips, your thighs, making sure to get the top of your feet before rubbing them too. It felt like absolute heaven having him man handle your body in this way, so lovingly and tender. All you could do the whole time was mumble about how good it felt. He finally finished rubbing the lotion in and quickly got himself before joining you on the towels. After awhile, you switched and tanned your backside together, listening to some music in the background. By the time you were a few shades darker, it was sunset. And boy oh boy did you have a view

You watched in awe as the sky changed colors, completely mesmerized by the beauty nature was creating. Little did you know, Alex found you even more beautiful and couldn't resist taking a few pictures of you and your reaction to the sky. He clicked once, twice, three times until he gasped. You spun around, wondering what happened. He was staring at his camera with his mouth open. He looked....emotional? Not suprised, not scared...something like pride? "Alex baby, what's wrong? What is it?" You asked, walking towards him

He simply turned his camera around for you to see. You stepped closer only to see a gorgeous woman and a breathtaking sunset all working together with the wind to create some sort of masterpiece. It took you another minute to realize the woman in the picture was you. He captured you at the exact right moment to make you feel the most confident about yourself that you ever had. "Oh my god....that's....that's so fucking pretty Alex...." you whispered, leaning your head against his arm

"That's you Y/N. That's all you. That's how I see you every day..." he murmured, resting his head on top of yours happily. You were so overcome with emotion that you couldn't help but cry, burying your face in his shoulder. He immediately set his camera down and wrapped his arms around you tightly, quietly sshhhing you and trying not to cry himself. You were so precious to him. He knew about your insecurities, he loved you even more because of them. But because of him, you were finally able to see yourself for what you were to him: the most beautiful person in the world. Immense pride filled his heart as he held you

"You're so fucking beautiful Y/N, you really are. I'm so lucky I have you" he whispered to you while you both just held on for dear life and rocked back and forth

"I love you Alex. So damn much" you sniffled, wiping your eyes on your wrist and taking a deep breath. He took one with you and grabbed both of your hands

"I love you too Y/N" he smiled before glancing over at the crashing waves and biting his lip. "Come with me" he said suddenly, grabbing your hand and walking along the hot sand to the water. He guided you slowly into the water, which was pleasantly warm despite the time of year. You got about hips deep before he stopped and pulled you into him, guiding you onto his lap

You both ducked underwater and looked around the crystal clear blue before he grabbed you and pulled you into him again, pushing up off the bottom of the shallow ocean to come back up for air. You broke the surface laughing hysterically because his hair was all in his face and you had to wipe it away for him to see. He laughed heartily at you and looked up at the sky

"Gettin dark, the sun's almost gone" he pointed out. You looked around to see he was right. You had neighbors on both sides, but there was enough shrubbery separating the lots that you couldn't get a clear view. You heard lots of people chattering about how they were going to be headed in since it was getting dark. You weren't really sure what Alex had planned, if anything, for tonight

"Do you want to head inside?" You questioned him, still straddling his lap

"No" he said casually, giving your ass a squeeze. "I want to stay out here and make love to you under the stars". You blushed, glancing around to see if your neighbors may have heard

"What about them?" You whispered, half excited half nervous as you gestured to your neighbors

"Eh, who cares? I doubt they can see but if they can, of well" he shrugged. You swallowed hard, weighing the possibility of getting caught. You did want him. Bad. Screw it, you thought to yourself as you leaned in and started kissing his neck. Alex responded immediately, exhaling roughly as he tilted his head and pulled your center closer to his. You went to town on his neck, kissing your way down his jawline to his shoulder while his hands sneakily wove around you and untied your bikini top with one pull. You bit his shoulder lightly as he did that, grinding forward into him teasingly. Alex hissed and leaned back, letting your top slowly drift off into the water revealing your bare chest to him. He eyed it hungrily and tossed the top to shore so it wouldn't float away. He kissed his way down the valley of your beasts before kneading them with both hands and sucking one nipple into his mouth

"Fuck" you moaned, tangling your hand into his wet hair. Alex smirked with his mouth full, letting his other hand slide down your body to your remaining article of clothing. Too impatient to wait for him, you shimmied out of them immediately, throwing them to the shore as well, which made him chuckle before switching breasts and taking the other nipple in his mouth. Your hands found their way to his shorts and you managed to slide them down without interrupting his glorious attack on your chest. Tossing his shorts by your bikini, you grabbed his free cock in your hands and started rubbing it

"Oh gods" Alex growled, sounding exactly like Ivar in that moment and making you even wetter. He grabbed your face with his hand forcefully but without hurting you, causing you to look him directly in the eyes. "I love you so much woman" he panted before plunging his tongue inside your mouth. Your tongues battled for dominance for a few minutes while you both groped one another until you finally gave in and let him win. He rolled his tongue over yours and moaned deep in the back of your throat. You tightened your legs around his hips and rolled yourself forward, wanting to be inside of him desperately. He took the hint and started walking to the shore, naked as all hell and not giving a damn

"I need--to be inside--of you--right--now" he moaned in between kisses as he walked your naked bodies up to the house. You barely made it inside before Alex propped you up on the counter and lined himself up with your entrance. You were so caught up in the moment that you didnt even realize where you were, not that it mattered to you one bit as long as you could get him inside you. "You ready for me baby?" He questioned as his chest was heaving with excitement. You nodded quickly, grabbing onto his upper arms as his muscles flexed. He slowly pushed himself inside of you in one stroke, filling you to the tilt. You'll never get used to the absolute satisfaction that comes along with being intimate with him. Your bodies really became one, working together to see who will come undone first. It's almost always you. "You feel soooo fucking good Alex" you breathed

"Mmm you too baby girl, you too" he groaned, eyes closed as he held himself back from just cuming right there. "So fucking tight for me". You whimpered in response, arching your back as he pulled almost all the way out of you and slid back in with ease. He picked up his pace, unrelenting as he slammed into you again and again and again. Your hand tightened its grip on his arm as the other pulled on his hair, merely prompting him to go harder. You could already tell you were close, and so could he. He started mumbling out compliment after compliment as he pounded into you. You take me so well baby, fuck you're amazing, look at you oh my fucking god yes. His words faded away and all that filled the room for 30 seconds was both of your breathy moans and the sound of wet skin slapping together. The noise along with the sensations sent you careening over the edge, your whole body clenching around him as you came. The feeling and sight of your orgasm flung Alex into his as he shakily let go inside of you, his thrusts spasming into a slower rhythm before stopping completely. You both stayed there, a panting mess, while the soft ticking of the clock on the wall reminded you that you were on Earth. You lazily unwrapped your legs from around his waist as he pulled out of you

"God damn, that was....that was incredible" Alex said as enthusiastically as he could, looking high as a kite from the amazing sex. "Here, come here baby, let me help you down" he offered you his hand

"I'm not going to be able to walk tomorrow" you sighed groggily as you both laughed

"Hey, that means I did my job right" Alex joked, taking your hand and leading you to the bedroom. The bedroom was gorgeous too, with a view of the ocean as well. Alex dramatically collapsed onto the bed face first. You giggled and walked over to the window to open it, letting in the warm salty air before heading to the bathroom to wipe yourself up. You grabbed one for him too, tossing it over at him on the bed

"Heads up" you called as it flung through the air. Alex lifted his head just in time for the damp towel to hit him right in the face

"Oof!" Alex puffed and rolled onto his back to clean himself up too. "Baaaaaaaabe" he called out lazily. You were just putting your hair in a messy bun as he called you

"Yes love?" You called back

"Come to bed!" He responded. You laughed lightly and walked back to the bed, climbing in next to your man. You assumed your usual cuddle position and curled up as close as you could to him. He kissed your cheek, nose, and forehead lovingly before kissing your lips. "We've got 6 more days of this" he pointed out, smirking in the dark bedroom

"Mmm" you hummed sleepily. "If it was anything like this day, it will be fucking phenomenal" you yawned. Alex hummed in return

"Oh. One more thing before you fall asleep, since it's after midnight" Alex piped up, rubbing your back softly. You grinned against his skin, knowing what he was going to say. You hummed in response

"Happy birthday Y/N" his voice echoed through your head as you drifted off to sleep

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Tagging people who may be interested!!

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