#writingshae

[deletreatualma]

another starter for @writingshae bc my girl misses her boy

Lips quirked into a smile as a quiet laugh left her lips, "as much as I hate that color, I'll admit you look..." Draco's gaze flicked down Neville's form then slowly raked back up until steely orbs settled on his chest and arms. She let out a soft breath of appreciation, "I'll just say I'm doing what I can to keep from climbing you here and now." She finished as her gaze met his, plush lower lip slightly reddened after her teeth released it.

[aquamanandfriends]

Selfish Intent

| muse: Garfield Logan | open to: anyone | sexuality: pansexual | suggested connections: lover, friend, ex, girlfriend / boyfriend, one night stand, crush, team mate

Gar paused looking for just the right words. “It’s just, when I was younger I didn’t think anyone could get hurt. Not really…not like seriously hurt the way I’ve seen a lot of Titans get hurt. Being around me? It’s more dangerous for you than you realize. But…” he trailed off with a little sigh, “I want you around and that’s so selfish of me.”

[nekoannie-chan]

“4 times you planned Bucky and Steve's Birthday; 1 they planned yours.”

Title: 4 times you planned Bucky and Steve's birthday; 1 they planned yours.

Fandom: Marvel, Captain America.

Ship: Stucky X Reader.

Word count: 698 words.

Square: 2 & I4: “Happy Birthday”

Rating: Teen.

Summary: You planned their birthday party, but what will happen if they plan yours?

Major Tags: Surprise party, fluff, party gone wrong.

Additional tags: My entry for the @avengers-assemble-bingo Bucky Barnes Birthday Bingo (Card 4B015) and @stuckybingo Stucky Bingo Round 6 (Card SB6066).

Links: Wattpad, Ao3, Spanish version.

@saiyanprincessswanie

My native language is Spanish, so I wanna improve my writing skills in English. Please let me know if you notice any mistakes, and I will correct them.

I don’t give any permission for my fics to be posted on other platforms or in other languages (I translate my work myself) or for the use of my graphics (my dividers are included in this). I did them exclusively for my fics; please respect my work and don't steal it. Some people here make dividers that anyone can use; mine is not this type, so please look for the other people's dividers. The only exceptions are those I gifted 'cuz now belong to someone else. Please let me know if you find any of my works on a different platform and are not one of my accounts. Reblogs and comments are always welcome.

DISCLAIMER: I don't own Marvel's characters (unfortunately), except for the original characters and the story.

Add yourself to my taglist here.

My other media where I publish:  Ao3, Wattpad, ffnet, TikTok, Instagram, Twitter. 

If you like it, please vote, comment, and give me feedback to improve my skills and reblog.

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Bucky's birthday.

For Bucky's birthday, you decided to do something different.

“Let's do something he likes,” you told Steve as you set up the surprise. “What he likes best is a good home-cooked meal and quiet music. But I want him to feel how important he is, too.”

Bucky didn't know anything. You and Steve took care of everything from cooking to decorating the place with little lights hanging from the ceiling. At first, Bucky was surprised to get home and see everything set up, and the look on his face was enough to know it had all been worth it.

“This is...unexpected,” Bucky murmured, touching the decorations.

After dinner, when everyone had relaxed, Steve got up to make a toast. “To Bucky, the man who, even if he doesn't say it, always deserves more than we give him. Happy birthday.”

Bucky raised his glass. “Thanks, guys. I don't have many words; I just know...tonight makes me feel lucky.”

2.  Steve's birthday.

The first time you organized Steve's birthday was a challenge. However, you and Bucky knew he deserved something special.

“It's just a quiet dinner, right?” asked Bucky as he leaned back on the couch, watching you set up the decorations.

“Sure, quiet...a small dinner,” you replied, even though you knew deep down you were planning something much bigger. When Steve walked in that night, his eyes lit up as he saw the decorations. Bucky brought some old photos from his time in Brooklyn, and together, they relived the old days, the days when there was no war and no worries.

“Thanks, guys,” Steve said as the three of them sat down to enjoy the cake. “This is more than I could ask for.”

Bucky raised his glass and toasted. “To Steve, for always being the guy who doesn't need a birthday to be the best but still deserves it.”

The night ended with you guys hugging him.

3. Bucky's birthday.

For Bucky's second birthday, you decided to do something even simpler. A picnic in the park.

The day started well, with everyone buying the ingredients and organizing a picnic basket full of sandwiches, fruit, and a bottle of wine. But when they arrived at the park, strange things began to happen. The wind started blowing hard, blowing napkins around and messing everything up. A dog approached and, at first, seemed friendly but ended up stealing one of the sandwiches from the basket. Steve slipped on a rock and fell to the ground while you were trying to save the wine, which almost tipped over.

“Well, at least it's not a rescue mission,” Bucky said with a chuckle, looking at the whole mess that had occurred.

4. Steve's birthday.

Steve's second birthday was even more special. This time, there were no excuses: it would be a surprise party.

You and Bucky took care of the planning without Steve's knowledge.

The surprise was a success. Steve, at first, was puzzled to see all his friends and colleagues gathered in the apartment. The decor was filled with war memorabilia, old uniforms, flags, and photos. And, of course, the food he loved so much.

“This is bigger than I imagined,” he said, almost overwhelmed by the number of people who had joined him that night.

“It couldn't be less for someone so big,” you replied.

The night ended with Steve hugging you, grateful for the effort, as Bucky joined in the hug. 

5. Your Birthday

For your birthday, Bucky and Steve tried to organize everything themselves, but they couldn't avoid the problems. The cake burned, the decorations were chaotic, and they couldn't agree on anything.

You arrived at the apartment and at first didn't understand what had happened. The lights were off, the tables were in disarray, and the air was thick with smoke from the burnt cake. You looked at both of them, and they, embarrassed, sheepishly approached you.

“Sorry...we thought we could handle it,” Steve said, with a guilty smile.

Bucky laughed. “Maybe we're not the best party organizers.”

They both came over and hugged you.

“Well,” you said, hugging them back, ”if this is the worst they can do, I'm happy.”

[aquamanandfriends]

Blake watched her closely as she struggled to find the words, when she did it made him exhaled a soft chuckle. "Just the girls then? You don't mind the guys?" To be fair, Blake was far more picky and private with the men he hooked up with. He lifted a hand and nodded, "I'm teasing but, I get it. I'll be quieter," Blake nodded. The last month he'd been looking for a hook up nearly every night. The girls he usually liked were confident, strong, usually had tattoos and were good at pool... he hadn't been as choosy lately. "All cards on the table? I uh, I had a shitty break up years ago, before you joined up, but it was this month and I just keep seeing things-- I don't want to think about it." He had thought Axel would last, that he and the other man would make it... it all turned out to be too much.

Delaney was never the type to show her cards. She masked her pain and secrets with humor and charm. Even when she watched on as others threw themselves at Blake, she tried to distract herself in drinks and sometimes other substances. Unfortunately for her, nothing worked. To tell him the truth would be risking the fragile ecosystem that was their gang family. "I just..." she started trying to figure out how to tell him without telling him the entire truth. "It's less you and more what you allow. Like the girls you entertain. Why do they have to be the most annoying ones?"

[thebestofoneshots]

Apparently shadow banning also fucks with the tagging system and you guys aren’t getting tagged on this one either. So I’ve come up with an anlternate solution.

CLICK HERE TO READ!

TagList: @rayrlupin @callmelovergirl @warcelia @ireneop @endversewinchester @moonyunebi @smuttysluttybitch @mazzymoons @drugs-for-memes @sofiacblair @vmpir3lvr @remuslupinisbae @rabluver @willgrahamisalesbi4n @thatobsessedreader @somewereinthegalaxi @itskailey24 @hell0-kittie @belovedmoony @blacksgarden @loving-and-dreaming @cassie-love20 @starchaser-lily @zucchini-queenie @springflwer07 @sseleniaa @cometsghost @orkwardx0 @imdoingbetternow @sbrewer21 @remuslupinsbae @maxinehufflepuffprincess @wifiatthetrainstation @unstablereader @msblacklupin @oliversaurus @jaylienpotter @remussbitch @hermionelove @izuoyarmin @themarauderswife7 @keira-kaz2y5 @lampthemacarenagod @bugg06 @a-n-1-m-3-f-r-3-4-k @darlingeels @kissmeunicornbaobei @xluansstuff @boo8008 @angelmixer @voteforintensedreams @allons-y-molly @aremuslupinsimp @imaginexred @writingshae @nyanwyn @poetrypirate @crazyhorseforgot @saturnhas82moons @somewereinthegalaxi @ryeyeyer @mothraantics @maqqiekwon @desikudisworld

[hippiegoth97]

Updating My Tag List

Hey everybody, I've been meaning to tidy up my tag list for a while, so I made a little form to fill out. I've just noticed some users aren't active anymore, or there may be new people who would like to be tagged in my posts, etc. It's only 3 questions, and will make things a little easier for me (and all of you) in the future. Feel free to fill it out, or just ignore me lol, either way is fine. I'll also put the link in my pinned master list post for future dwellers on my blog.

Tag List Request Form

Tagging my followers so people will see this initial post (I didn't tag ageless/blank/bot blogs for good reason):

@stalactitekilla @saturnaliasaturnine-blog @joannamuns9n @sanctumdemunson @tlclick73

@voyeurmunson @jenniquinn @daggerdaggerkitten @elegantkoalapaper @rafescurtainbangz

@mysticalstar30 @espressomunson @munsoneightysixx @morning-rituals @bimbobaggins69

@rattkween86 @violetpixiedust @henjelia @eldermayfield @alyssaaaaa-r

@muldersgirl @angel-munson @kitkat80 @munsonsbtch @slowandsteddie

@babygorewhore @mediocredreams @stolen-in-moonlight @janiejenn @leather-n-velvet

@h-ness1944 @sweetyellow000 @nina6708 @keikoraven @lady-tabris

@damp4eddie @kellsck @micheledawn1975 @auroradamned @foreveranexpatsposts

@cocoon-of-filth @thedemogorgon11 @josephquinnsfreckles @ultraoreoqueen @littlexdeaths

@chickocrit @xxbimbobunnyxx @thunderstomp-and-tequila @ali-r3n @episcogoth

@leelei1980 @littlenymphfables @kaita @dndelionkingdom @mmunson86

@gri959 @yourdailymemedelivery @eddiesgirl @letitgoandletlive @crossing-little-princess

@spacedoutdaydreamer @kthomps914 @spookybabey @person-005 @veemoon

@starrystarrynight1015 @alastorsimp @candice-1983 @sophiamaye @themisticalreader

@cometzombie @anexquisitetragedy @solitarydemise @wannabeangeline @pineapplesonsunday

@lacedcokemonster @famouslamppiehands @amandahobblepot @simp4eddie022 @sosawmeinhalf

@whore4shrek @sariahs-stuff @ellariasand @crustowos @comeonatmebruh

@minatozsana @morgthemagpie @mimixmunson @thehuntresswolf @astrolockley

@hookergutss @feral-pumpkin-energy @thefishjulie @laylrin @mmaaddyy

@savybabyyy @hotcheetomuncher @writingshae @alcielo1438 @nicotine-sunshine820

@melodymunson @littlered0000 @hereforshmut

[ruinedsoulsrp]

Starter for @writingshae based on this

Katie felt like a complete idiot. She didn't know how long he'd been cheating on her, or if it was just tonight that he'd gotten drunk and was making out with some other girl, but she doubted that was the case, especially if he was fine doing that knowing she was here, what had he done on nights she wasn't with him? She didn't want to think about it. Dark hues took in the lights hanging on the balcony, when a sound behind her caused her to turn, trying to wipe at her eyes quickly, despite the fact that the tears seemed to keep falling even in the presence of this stranger, and she cursed herself for her emotions. "Sorry, I didn't know anyone else was gonna be up here." she offered in a soft voice as her shoulder shrugged gently.

[midnightsaboteur]

Tumblr at its glitchy best (-.-) means my Activity page hasn't been showing all my thread replies over the last day or so. I've nearly missed two replies sent my way and only caught them through luck.

So, apologies in advance if I miss anything from now until this site glitch is hopefully sorted!

I'll aim to do some manual checks on your archive pages at the end of each day just to make sure I'm not missing any replies you post. Also, if you wanna ping me any replies via DM that you post just to be on the safe side, feel free too!

@amoroxs / @autumnwritcs / @bluejeanbaby / @blushdrunks / @chaoticallycosmic / @dearxeden / @foolishonewriting / @hcllriot / @marimelwrites / @ofginjxints / @ofxinnocencewrites / @rebellionevoked / @richlust / @siiinfully / @spellbindingnights / @tearfest / @tenderstars / @utterxdesires / @voidedlux / @writermuses / @writingshae

[honeycoded]

go on pinterest & type " your name + core " & post the first nine results !!

tagged by: @honeyfallen , @lovedew , @cinnamcroll , @networkloved , @lovedsick !!

tagging: @foxmists , @silencedmoths , @writingshae & anyone who hasn’t done it !!

[luxerians]

TAGLIST FOR THE LAST MASK @blossoming-hotch @blueeclipsepaperstudent @ri1liane @xcinnamonmalfoyx @moonchild-cupcake @papichulo120627 @mother-ting-ting @pro-gamelove @writingshae @4phskingdom @newtscreatures347269 @vicky342 @starkeyszn @nakiio5775 @folkwh0reforevermore @ferrari-curse @audiiix @tinylawyerbluebird @justaproudslytherpuff @subjecta13-thefangirl @deadlyspoonies-blog @glads-stuff @futuristicdefendorfart @nacatna-blog @esposadomd @suprababka @player279achlys @punjabigurlzdoitbetter @zestygingergirl @honeynickel @erideight @jnxjoop @jspidey5 @crystalizia @bluechaoslizzy @annasnape7 @mcnnugget @ashsallyblue2 @reka13 @artemis0054 @blisssneisha @jjasminallen @deemiin10 @lieutenantbatshit @speedymagazinewhispers @thelastemzy @skibidirizzzlerrrr @aguitaimpura @tomiokasecretlover @swytchosox @butterfly-lover @d4rno @christinerose380

The Last Mask (17.1)

Hwang In-ho/Oh Young-il/Player 001 x Reader

Chapter 17.1 - Keep You From Burning [SFW]

Story Masterlist

NEXT : Chapter 18

PREV : Chapter 16

NSFW ver. : Chapter 17.2

[Hwang In-ho’s Flashback…]

Hwang In-ho stood among the desperate, the hopeless, the damned. The neon glow of the voting panel illuminated the sea of green tracksuits, reflecting off the dull, exhausted eyes of players who had just witnessed how real this game was. He exhaled slowly, suppressing the satisfaction curling in his chest.

This was why he had come. To witness this firsthand. To prove that Seong Gi-hun’s naïve idealism was nothing more than a delusion. That these people weren’t victims. They were willing participants.

Gi-hun had begged them to quit, to see reason. But several players had openly rebuked and reprimanded him. Even when he admitted that he had won these games before, some didn’t believe him. Many doubted him. Then, player 100, a man drowning in a 10-billion debt, spoke up.

“Then let’s use him,” he declared, looking around the crowd. “If he really won, then he knows how to survive. We can use him to win this together.”

A murmur of consideration spread through the players. That’s when In-ho heard a scoff. Heads turned, including his, and he spotted her among the X zone. Player 423.

She looked out of place here. She didn’t look like someone who had been swallowed by debt. Even the way she carried herself was different. Calm, assessing, like she had already weighed all possible outcomes.

She met player 100’s eyes and spoke evenly. “Do you really think the next games will be exactly the same as before? They know there’s a previous winner here. They’re not going to let him give us an advantage. The games could be entirely different tomorrow, but we know one thing. Elimination means death. We should prioritize surviving over chasing money.”

In-ho watched closely, intrigued. Well, at least someone is using their brain here. But he knew it wouldn’t matter. The greedy always drowned out the rational.

And just as he expected, her words weren’t met with agreement. The desperate fools snapped back, dismissing her concerns. Their desire for wealth overrode logic. It was pathetic, really.

He glanced at Gi-hun, eager to see that moment of despair in his face. See? he thought. They don’t want to be saved. They never did. Gi-hun’s righteous crusade was laughable. He had come in, thinking he could be a hero, but these people weren’t his followers. They were gamblers who had already decided to risk it all.

Gi-hun moved to the back of the room, toward the unvoted players. A last attempt to change their minds. Desperate, In-ho mused. Pitiful.

Before Gi-hun could reach them, a triangle guard stepped forward and raised an MP5. The room tensed as Gi-hun froze, slowly raising his hands in surrender.

“From here on, we will not tolerate actions that disrupt the voting process,” the square-masked guard announced coldly.

In-ho smirked, barely hiding his satisfaction. There it is. The proof. You thought they were forced into this? That they were victims? Look at them, Gi-hun. They chose this. Just like they always will.

So much for ‘forced into it.’

Minutes into the vote, a slight movement came among the crowd of players in the X zone, and player 423 appeared. She moved quietly, heading straight for Gi-hun, who still had an MP5 aimed at him. Without hesitation, she reached for his sleeve and grasped it.

She spoke softly, “Come on. Let’s go back in.”

Just like that, the soldier lowered their weapon, no longer seeing Gi-hun as a threat. Without another word, the latter followed 423 back into the X zone.

In-ho’s dark eyes noticed how several players were staring at you with lingering look.

His turn to vote came quickly. Stepping up to the voting counter as player 001, he briefly wondered if Gi-hun would grow suspicious of him. The last time Gi-hun played these games, player 001 had been Oh Il-nam – the host of the Squid Game in South Korea.

With a neutral expression, In-ho pressed O.

A roar of cheers erupted from the O players behind him. Greedy fools, celebrating their own downfall. With his back facing the crowd, his lips curled into a smirk. These people had chosen this. Gi-hun’s attempt at playing the hero had been nothing but a joke. They weren’t forced. They weren’t trapped. They were exactly where they wanted to be.

He spun around, his gaze immediately landing on Gi-hun. The man stood still, eyes cast downward, shoulders heavy with the weight of failure. In-ho’s smirk deepened. There it is, he thought. That crushing realization. You’re not the hero they wanted, Gi-hun. You’re just another fool who thought he could change them.

But before he could fully savor the sight, player 423 nudged Gi-hun gently, whispering something to him. Without hesitation, Gi-hun and player 390 turned and followed her back to their corner.

In-ho’s eyes stayed on player 423.

Is she the type to keep propping him up? To keep feeding his delusions? He had seen it before. People clinging to the idea of hope, of salvation. Was she one of them? Or was she something else entirely?

For now, he would watch. He had time, after all.

***

“Help us then, sir.”

Gi-hun, player 423, and 390 looked up. Gi-hun’s expression hardened immediately, but player 390 and 423 studied In-ho more carefully. Gi-hun didn’t respond at first. He seemed content to ignore them. But In-ho knew how to get him to talk.

He just had to appeal to his ‘heroism.’

So, he did. “Honestly, I was scared. I wanted to quit and leave. But you made me think maybe I could play just one more game.”

That got Gi-hun’s attention. Just as expected.

Before Gi-hun could respond, player 423 spoke up, her voice calm but pointed. “Looks like it’s a bad idea revealing you’re a previous winner.”

In-ho almost smirked.

Gi-hun turned to player 423. “I thought it would make everyone understand… that everyone here is doomed to die as long as we stay here.”

Player 423 nodded silently, accepting Gi-hun’s reasoning, before glancing over at In-ho. Their eyes met, and she held the contact for a moment before looking away, almost bashfully.

In-ho didn’t break his gaze, but when she finally looked away, he turned back to Gi-hun and laid out his first trap. “Sir, you know which game’s next, don’t you?”

Gi-hun fell for it and announced to everyone nearby that the next game would be Dalgona.

“Four shapes? Which was the easiest one?” player 390 asked quickly.

“Triangle.”

“Which was the hardest?” 390 pressed.

“Umbrella.”

“Umbrella?” In-ho scoffed, a mocking smile tugging at his lips. “Some people actually chose umbrella? Those unlucky bastards must have bitten the dust.”

Gi-hun looked at him pointedly, obviously feeling the jab. In-ho held his stare, enjoying the brief flicker of irritation.

As player 100 suggested keeping this information to themselves, Gi-hun spoke up “heroically”, stating that he was sharing it with everyone in order to save their lives.

“And we don’t even know if the next game will really be Dalgona,” player 423 added.

In-ho glanced at her again. She wasn’t wrong. So far, she was the only one who had spoken with intelligence and logic in this room.

After a while, all of the other players left the corner except for In-ho. He carefully observed the three individuals in Gi-hun's small group. It is time to become part of his inner circle, he thought.

Once he got an opportunity to slip in, In-ho finally spoke up, asking why Gi-hun came back after winning. Gi-hun explained that he saw the money as belonging to the people who had died in the game.

In-ho thought Gi-hun’s guilt was pointless. He told him that feeling bad wouldn’t bring anyone back, but Gi-hun argued that if he had voted for X, they could have all escaped. In-ho calmly reminded him that 186 players had chosen to stay, proving that they wanted to be there.

The tension between them grew as Gi-hun refused to change his mind. He still believed he could save people. Before the argument could get worse, player 390 stepped in, telling them to focus on surviving the next game instead.

In-ho smirked to himself. Gi-hun was easy to figure out. Full of guilt, easy to upset, and determined to be a hero. That made him the perfect person for In-ho to control.

“But we can’t always rely on him,” player 423 interjected. “He doesn’t need more pressure from everyone expecting too much from him.”

In-ho noted her words carefully. Unlike the others, she wasn’t looking for a leader to follow blindly. She understood the weight Gi-hun carried and didn’t want to add to it.

He had expected the usual desperation – the kind that turned people into obedient followers. Yet, here she was, pulling in the opposite direction. Did she genuinely care about Gi-hun’s well-being or was she trying to keep the focus off of him? Either way, it was something worth watching.

He kept his expression neutral, but inside, he calculated his next move. For now, he just listened. Observing. Waiting. Timing was everything.

In-ho sat quietly as player 388, now introducing himself as Kang Dae-ho, approached Gi-hun’s group with eagerness. He claimed they needed to stick together and quickly tried to integrate himself, offering a handshake. Player 390 wasn’t convinced and dismissed him with skepticism.

Dae-ho hesitated, scanning the group. He glanced briefly at In-ho, who kept his head lowered, and then at Gi-hun, who barely acknowledged him. But then his eyes landed on player 423. She was the only one who didn’t look at him with doubt and In-ho watched closely as she accepted his handshake. He found her openness naïve but useful. She was clearly someone people gravitated toward.

Soon enough, Dae-ho and player 390 fell into an exaggerated display of military pride, loudly exchanging salutes and class numbers.

In-ho kept his expression neutral when player 423 asked whether Marines commonly got tattoos like that.

Seeing an opportunity to reinforce his harmless old-man act, In-ho spoke, “It’s not officially required, but many in the ROKMC see it as a tradition.”

She nodded in understanding, her curiosity seemingly satisfied.

In-ho watched as she turned away from the over-the-top military display between player 390 and 388. Unlike the others, she didn’t seem easily swept up in pointless distractions. She began cleaning up her lunchbox, taking slow sips from her water bottle, before glancing at him.

“Have you eaten already?” she asked casually.

He met her gaze and gave a warm, practiced smile. “Yes, I have.”

She nodded, returning his smile without hesitation. “Good. The food they prepared for us was worth it. It’s a waste not to eat it.”

In-ho felt amused. This will be the last time you will have proper meal, he thought.

Then, shifting her attention, she looked at Gi-hun’s untouched lunchbox. “You need to eat, sir. It’s better to mull things over with a full stomach.”

Gi-hun hesitated but finally complied, opening his lunchbox and eating without a word. In-ho took note of this. Although this was their first time meeting each other, player 423 had an influence over Gi-hun. Her words made him act. That was useful.

A moment later, she leaned slightly closer to him, lowering her voice. “By the way, do you know where the ladies’ restroom is?”

He gestured toward the right side of the main double doors. “That one there. The other is for the men.”

“Oh, thanks. Wouldn’t want to get lost and get shot by the guards.”

As player 423 chuckled lightly at her own joke, In-ho noticed – again – a few men sent glances at you from behind.

In-ho turned his attention back on you and smiled in hilarity. “I’m sure the guards would bring you back here if you were lost.”

She chuckled softly. “That’s comforting to know.”

Their exchange was simple, but it caught his attention. She appeared cautious and not foolishly overconfident either. Despite the situation, she managed to maintain a ray of smiles. In-ho couldn't help but assume that she was the type to hide her fear and dread behind a facade of happiness and reassurance.

“If you don’t mind me asking… why did you come here?” he asked, his voice gentle.

For the first time, she hesitated. Gi-hun, who had been listening, turned his head slightly, but said nothing. Then, with a fake smile In-ho caught on right away, she answered, “I needed the money.”

Predictable. Everyone here did. But he wanted more. “That’s all of us. But if I may say… I’m surprised. A lady like you shouldn’t have to bear the burden of crippling debt.”

Something shifted in her expression. The polished calm wavered just slightly.

She looked away, her gaze falling to the floor. When she spoke again, her voice was quieter. “The debts are my parents’, actually.”

In-ho studied you carefully. The way you hesitated, how your eyes darted away. It told him something. There was more to your story, more than just a desperate need for money. He filed the observation away, storing it for later. You weren’t like the others. They were here to survive for themselves. But you? You carried a weight that wasn’t entirely your own.

He had seen people like you before. People who took on burdens that weren’t theirs to carry, who fought battles that weren’t meant to be their own. It made them strong in some ways, but vulnerable in others. A person like that could break under the wrong kind of pressure.

Then, a fight had broken out on the other side of the dormitory. Player 333 was on the floor, getting beaten by player 230 and his lackey (124). The crowd did nothing, just stood there, frozen with fear or disinterest. Even player 390 and Dae-ho, who had been loud moments before, simply watched, their sleeves still rolled up, tattoos exposed.

Then, player 423 spoke. “Good thing I finished eating. Still, ganging up on him is just unfair.”

Her words made In-ho glance at her. She seemed frustrated, maybe even considering stepping in. He realized this could be a chance to earn Gi-hun's group's trust. By stepping in first, he could present himself as someone reliable, someone worth keeping close.

In-ho stood up. He strode ahead, walking past player 390 and Dae-ho, approaching the unfair fight with steady steps.

He ultimately had to physically overpower the two bullies, which he did with ease that was almost comical. When he let go of player 230, the entire room erupted into cheers and praises.

In-ho observed the unexpected praise that followed. The applause and admiration were foreign to him in this environment. He hadn’t expected approval – only fear or wariness. Yet here they were, cheering. It reminded him of when he became a police officer, a job he had dedicated his entire youth to. Back then, the respect and admiration of others had felt earned, a validation of his sacrifice.

Even player 423 clapped, her expression genuine. She had no doubt taken note of his ability, but rather than suspicion, she responded with admiration.

As he walked back toward their corner, he caught player 390 and Dae-ho murmuring among themselves. Soon, he arrived at the corner, and both boys looked at him with newfound respect.

“Sir, that was incredible,” player 390 said, clearly impressed. “Where did you learn to fight like that?”

Dae-ho added, “Seriously, the way you took them down without breaking a sweat. Are you some kind of martial artist or what?”

In-ho smiled, keeping the mystery alive. “Let’s just say I’ve picked up a thing or two along the way.”

The two men nodded in unison, seemingly satisfied.

“Man of mystery,” Dae-ho muttered appreciatively.

Player 423, however, leaned forward slightly. Her voice was softer and caring. “But you’re not hurt at all, right? You seemed upset.”

Her concern was unexpected. In-ho turned to her, meeting her gaze, and let his smile soften. “Not at all. I left and came back the same.”

Player 390 and Dae-ho continued to marvel at him, the earlier tension in the dormitory now fading. The fight had made its mark, and In-ho knew he had established himself as someone not to be underestimated. But player 423’s reaction lingered in his mind till that evening.

In-ho found out that player 423’s kindness and hesitation made her easy to manipulate. She was cautious but not distrustful, willing to take advice if it sounded reasonable. That was exactly the kind of person he needed to secure his place within Gi-hun’s group. If he played his role well – friendly, wise, and unassuming – he could ensure that no one suspected his true identity.

***

As the robotic voice announced the second game, instructing players to form teams of six, In-ho watched the tension rise. Player 390 immediately questioned Gi-hun about Dalgona, but before he could answer, player 100 and his group approached.

“Isn’t this the Dalgona game?” player 100 asked bluntly.

Gi-hun’s subdued response confirmed otherwise. The disappointment on his face was unmistakable. He had wanted to help, but the reality was settling in. The games weren’t the same to his past experience. In-ho smirked inwardly at Gi-hun’s naivety.

Player 100’s patience snapped. His frustration boiled over as he accused Gi-hun of misleading them. The anger in his voice drew attention, fueling the simmering tension in the room.

Before things could escalate further, player 423 spoke up. She directly challenged player 100, reminding him that she had warned the games wouldn’t be the same. In-ho watched with interest as she held her ground. But instead of backing down, player 100 turned his ire on her, mocking her intelligence and ridiculing her for speaking up.

In-ho couldn't help but notice player 423's shocked expression when the old man hurled his insults at her. She had been all smiles just moments before. Suddenly, he felt a spark ignite within him – something he hadn't felt since losing his job and his wife’s passing.

That's when he decided to intervene.

With measured steps, he positioned himself between them, his expression cold and dark. His voice carried quiet authority as he uttered a simple but firm warning: “That’s enough.”

Player 100 and his lackeys finally walked away, still clinging to their bravado, throwing sneers in Gi-hun’s direction. The moment they left, Gi-hun turned to his group and muttered an apology, guilt weighing heavy in his voice.

That was exactly the opening In-ho had been waiting for.

He stepped in first, his voice calm and reassuring, telling Gi-hun there was no need to apologize. He even expressed his hope to be on the same team with him. The reaction was immediate. Gi-hun looked at him in surprise as if struggling to believe that someone still trusted him after his miscalculation.

In-ho inwardly smiled. The doubt in Gi-hun’s eyes quickly melted into something closer to relief. He had taken the bait. Gaining trust this easily almost made In-ho pity him. Almost. But he wasn’t done yet. He had to play the long game, solidify himself as someone reliable, someone Gi-hun would lean on without question.

And when the time was right, Gi-hun would tell him everything. His plans, his thoughts, how he intended to stop this game operation.

All In-ho had to do was wait.

However, he didn’t take you into account.

Once Dae-ho left the circle to find another player for their team, Player 423 suddenly turned to In-ho, her expression soft, her eyes warm with quiet admiration. A small, sincere smile spread across her lips.

“By the way, thank you for the back-up.”

In-ho turned to her, momentarily caught off guard. The way she looked at him – tilting her head slightly, her gaze innocent – was the epitome of gratitude. There was no hesitation, no manipulation, no ulterior motive. Just pure appreciation, directed entirely at him.

It had been a long time since anyone had looked at him like this.

He had spent years living in cold detachment, watching people from behind a mask, always calculating his next move. Affection, trust, admiration. Those were tools to be used, emotions to manipulate. And yet, standing here, looking into her eyes, he felt something stir inside him. Something unfamiliar.

Warmth.

It was so human. He rarely allowed himself to feel anything beyond necessity, but this was different. It was a quiet reminder of who he had been before everything in his life fell apart.

Before he lost her.

His wife had once looked at him like this. And now, here was another girl whom he did not know the name yet, seeing him as just a man. A man worth looking at, worth appreciating. She unknowingly stirred that same feeling within him. It unsettled him yet he wanted to bask in it more.

In-ho returned the smile to smile. “It’s no problem. If he or his friends say anything rude or try to push you around, just tell me. I’ll protect you.”

In-ho took in the way her expression shifted – soft, unguarded, and almost shy. It was rare for him to be looked at like this, not with suspicion or calculation, but with something gentler, something warmer. He realized then that they had been holding eye contact for a long moment, neither of them breaking away.

His eyes traced the way hers flickered slightly, dipping down just for a second, to his lips, before returning to his gaze. He wasn’t sure if she even realized she had done it, but he had.

For once, he let himself linger in the moment. No plans, no calculations, no manipulations. It’s just the quiet, shared space between them. Because for the first time in a long while, he didn’t mind being seen like a normal person.

This would be for a short while, he thought. At least before her elimination… unless she ends up winning these games.

Dae-ho had secured another teammate – another Marine – and the group seemed satisfied. Then, a petite girl, player 222, approached and asked to join. When she revealed that she was pregnant, the entire circle instinctively glanced at her belly.

In-ho’s thoughts drifted for a moment. Had the recruiter known about her condition before she was pulled into the game? Perhaps not. She was small, and her belly wasn’t prominent. It was possible she had managed to hide it from everyone.

Then, before anyone else could respond, player 423 spoke up, “You know what? Take her and Mr. 096. I’ll go find another team.”

She was already stepping out of the circle when In-ho moved without thinking, his hand coming to rest gently on her shoulder.

It was instinctive. He wasn’t sure when it had happened, but somewhere between the small moments they had shared, between her quiet strength and the warmth in her voice, she had become someone he wanted to keep close.

Could it be that he’s clinging onto something that made him feel warm and human after so many cold and isolated years? Or perhaps he at least wanted to bask in her warm embrace before she gets eliminated.

His fingers curled slightly, just enough to make sure she didn’t take another step. She turned, eyes wide in surprise, and that’s when he noticed another hand land on her other shoulder. Player 390. Then, Gi-hun and Dae-ho took a step forward.

In a tangle of overlapping words, all of them spoke at once, “No, no, no.”

***

[Back to present…]

The both of you lay naked on the bed, your head resting against his chest as you side-hugged him. His heartbeat was steady beneath your ear, a rhythmic lull that should have calmed you. He lay on his back, fingers trailing slow, absentminded strokes along your damp skin. His gaze – now relaxed – was fixed on the ceiling, while your heavy-lidded eyes remained locked on the wall.

Your bodies glowed in the dim light, entwined beneath tangled sheets. The rise and fall of his chest beneath you was grounding, steady. Yet, beneath that warmth, doubt festered.

Your mind churned with conflicting emotions. You finally got to think clearly. Relief, disbelief, betrayal, longing. You had surrendered to him too easily. You had given in to his touch, his presence, before you had the chance to fully comprehend the weight of his revelation. He wasn’t just Young-il, the man who protected you, the man who made you feel safe. He was him. The orchestrator of this entire operation. The one who had watched hundreds of players fall, one by one.

Your stomach twisted as your thoughts tangled further. Was he lying when he said he cared for you? Had everything that two of you had been a calculated act?

You shifted slightly, your breath hitching as you swallowed back the lump in your throat. His fingers, still ghosting over your back, stilled for just a moment before resuming their slow, deliberate movements. Did he know what you were thinking? Was he waiting for you to speak?

You wanted answers. You needed them. But at the same time, you feared them.

The quiet stretched between you both, thick with unspoken words. Eventually, you knew you had to be the one to break the silence. He probably expected you to drift off to sleep after the rigorous love-making, to let exhaustion override any lingering thoughts. Maybe he wanted you to be too spent to question him, too vulnerable to resist whatever control he had over you.

But you weren’t about to let that happen.

You lay still for a moment, staring at the wall, gathering your thoughts. There were too many questions, too many emotions swirling inside you, but you needed to start somewhere. Pushing aside the heaviness in your chest, you finally spoke.

“This is the second time you did this.”

His fingers, still idly tracing patterns along your skin, stopped. You felt him glance at you, questioning, but you kept your gaze fixed on the wall ahead, unwilling to meet his eyes just yet.

“You tried to divert my attention from anything shady you did,” you continued, your voice quiet. “First was during the Mingle game when you kissed me after killing Min-jae. And now… now this is the second time.”

Silence again. A heavier one this time. You could feel the weight of his gaze on you, like a presence pressing down against you even though he hadn’t moved. His breath was steady and measured, but you knew he was thinking. Calculating.

Finally, he exhaled slowly. “You think I’m trying to manipulate you?”

You let out a short, humorless laugh, still refusing to look at him. “Aren’t you?”

His fingers moved again, this time gliding up your arm as if trying to test the boundaries of your trust. “Back then, I was. I didn't want you to be frightened of me.”

“Then what about now?” you inquired, turning your head slightly and finally locking eyes with him. The intensity of his stare made your breath hitch, but you refused to back down.

He stared at you quietly for a moment, his expression unreadable. Then, without a word, he leaned down and pressed a soft, lingering kiss to your forehead. The warmth of his lips contrasted with the cool air around you, sending a shiver down your spine.

When he pulled away, his voice was low but steady. “I miss you. You ran away and hid from me. I was worried. But now that you’re here, I’m glad.”

His words wrapped around you, heavy with emotion and something unspoken, something deeper. His tone was firm, yet there was an edge of vulnerability lurking beneath it – something he rarely let slip.

Your chest tightened, emotions warring inside you. The Young-il you knew – the one who had protected you, cared for you – still existed in those words, in that voice. But the Front Man, the orchestrator of these deadly games, was here too. And you didn’t know which one you were truly facing.

His fingers traced slow and random circles along your arm as he waited for you to respond. You swallowed hard, searching his face, but all you found was contradiction. A man who held power over life and death, yet who now lay beside you, speaking of protection as if it absolved him.

You averted your gaze, staring at the wall as your fingers curled against the sheets. Your voice was quiet but firm when you finally spoke. “So Young-il is not your real name?”

There was a pause as if he had expected this moment but still wasn’t quite ready for it. “No. My real name is Hwang In-ho.”

The name lingered between you, unfamiliar and yet deeply tied to the man beside you. You tried to process it, to match the name to the person you had come to know – the protector, the strategist, the liar.

“Why did you fake your name?” you turned your head slightly, enough to see the flicker of something in his eyes. Hesitation? Guilt?

His jaw tightened before he answered. “I needed to keep an eye on player 456.”

Your brow furrowed. “Gi-hun?”

He responded, “He’s been outspoken about stopping the games. Long before he ever stepped foot in here, he tried to chase me and the recruiter down. He made his intentions clear. So I disguised myself as a player, changed my name, and befriended him. I needed to find out what else he was planning.”

You stared at him, trying to reconcile the man who had watched over you, who had risked his life for you, with the one who had spent days lying to everybody, especially you. “So... you disguised yourself and fooled everyone. What about me? Was I just a part to make you look normal?”

His brows furrowed as he gripped your shoulder tenderly. “No. You were never part of the plan.”

He exhaled slowly as if bracing himself for something. “I didn’t expect to care about you the way I do.”

Your stomach twisted at his confession, torn between believing him and shielding yourself from the betrayal you felt. You wanted to demand more answers, to know how much of what you shared had been real. But part of you already knew the answer – his touch, his protection, his lingering gazes. Those couldn’t have been faked.

But that wasn’t the important thing. Your relationship with him, whatever it was, couldn’t matter more than the lives at stake – the players who were trapped in these games, fighting to survive. His games. The ones he managed, orchestrated, and upheld with unwavering authority.

You rose from his chest and sat up. In-ho stayed lying down but his gaze was locked with yours. You slightly turned your upper body to look at him and started, “So, what happens now? Do I pretend I don’t know any of this? Do I pretend that you're not the one pulling the strings? That you aren’t the reason so many people have died?”

His expression darkened, but not in anger. In resignation. “It’s more complicated than that.”

“Is it?” you scoffed. “People are dying. And you—”

You clenched the sheets between your fingers, struggling to keep your voice steady. “You’re standing here like you have no choice. But you do.”

He exhaled sharply. “You don’t understand what’s at play here.”

“Then make me understand,” you challenged, finally turning to face him fully. “Make me understand why you’re doing this. Why you’re still here. Why you let me believe—”

He ran a hand down his face, the weight of your words pressing on him. “Because it’s not as simple as walking away. The moment I put on this mask and stepped into this role, I have a duty.”

You felt your stomach turn. “So you’re just going to let this continue? Let more people die? Let our friends die?”

His silence was deafening.

You took a deep breath, trying to steady yourself, before fixing him with a hard stare. “And what about them? Jun-hee, Yong-sik and his mother, Dae-ho, Jung-bae... even Gi-hun. Do you feel nothing for them? For what they're going through? They trusted you. Gi-hun trusted you as a friend. That mother prayed for your return. Do you not care that they’re still trapped in these games?”

His gaze flickered with something unreadable. “It’s not that simple.”

You sighed. “That’s all you ever say. But people are dying, and you’re letting it happen. You’re the one in charge. You could stop this.”

He exhaled through his nose, his voice quieter this time. “I don’t have the power you think I do.”

“Then who does?” you challenged. “The investors? The VIPs?”

Young-il’s gaze sharpened, something shifting behind his eyes as if realization had just struck him. He furrowed his eyebrows slightly before asking, “I assume you find out about VIPs from following me as a manager hours ago, but I don’t recall mentioning about their investment. Who told you?”

Your breath caught in your throat. The weight of his question pressed down on you. He studied your face closely as if searching for any cracks in your composure.

Then, his voice dipped lower, more controlled, more knowing. “I know you have friends among my guards. Who are they?”

Silence stretched between you. The air felt heavier, charged with an unspoken tension. You refused to answer, your mind racing through the consequences. You couldn't betray them. 011 and Gyeong-seok had risked so much for you already. The least you could do was protect them now.

You took a slow breath, steadying yourself. “Why does it matter? I watched you as a manager. I found out a lot of things. It’s obvious.”

Young-il’s expression darkened, his posture stiffening. “That’s not an answer. Someone among my guards helped you with your disguise.”

You forced yourself to hold your ground, refusing to give him anything more. His grip on control was absolute, but you could see the slightest shift in his demeanor. He didn’t like that you had access to information you shouldn’t have. That much was clear.

“I don’t owe you an answer,” you finally said, voice steady despite the storm raging inside you. “Not when you’ve been lying to me from the start.”

Young-il’s jaw tightened, his gaze never leaving yours. For a moment, you thought he might press further, demand the truth from you. But instead, he exhaled slowly, composing himself.

“You should be careful,” he said, his voice dangerously quiet. “Knowing too much in this place is never a good thing.”

His words weren’t a threat. Not exactly. But the warning was clear.

Still, your mind was far from settled. The conversation had left you feeling hollow. It seemed like your words failed to break through the walls In-ho had built around himself. Frustration curled in your chest, mingling with the lingering sensations of your shared intimacy.

You shifted, inching yourself to the side of the bed. Immediately, you heard a movement behind you.

“Where are you going?” In-ho asked. His voice, usually composed, carried a note of urgency.

“Out of here,” you muttered, swinging your legs over the edge of the bed.

You couldn't stay. Not after everything. Not after learning the truth. You couldn’t believe you had laid with a man who orchestrated so much suffering, who played god over the lives of others. The thought made your stomach twist.

A dull ache flared in your limbs, a deep soreness from the way he had taken you – rough, passionate, desperate. But you ignored it, steeling yourself as you planted your feet flat on the cold floor by the side of the bed.

“Don't,” said the man behind you as the mattress shifted. His voice was softer this time. “Just stay here for the night.”

You didn’t respond. You braced yourself and rose from the bed, but the moment your weight shifted, your legs wobbled beneath you. A sharp exhale escaped your lips as you stumbled, barely managing to catch yourself before you plopped back on the bed.

Before you could make another attempt, an arm looped around your waist, firm but gentle. The warmth of his skin against yours sent a shiver through you.

“You're not going anywhere,” In-ho murmured as he pulled you back onto the bed.

You tried to push him away, but your body betrayed you, still too weak to resist properly. He took the opportunity to bring you back to the center of the bed and away from the side. His grip was solid as his lips pressed against the back of your neck.

“Stay,” he whispered between kisses, his lips trailing down the curve of your shoulder. “I may have led this hell myself, but I will be the one to keep you from burning.”

You closed your eyes, torn between the storm inside you and the undeniable pull of his touch.

NSFW ver. : Chapter 17.2

NEXT : Chapter 18

PREV : Chapter 16

Story Masterlist

Please feel free to leave comments and feedback about my story, the characters, the "you", and practically anything! I love reading your comments, especially long ones! It motivates me a lot! What do you think about Hwang In-ho's flashback and his view towards everything? Is it so him? Is he OOC? What do you think about his view towards you? Remember, this is a slow burn fic. Anyway, I decide to split his P.O.V. into multiple parts so I hope it would keep readers guessing about his true intention with her and his feelings towards her. Of course, you are more than welcome to re-read and form a guess about what he really feels. Anyway, this is the SFW version so if you're reading this, I'm surprised that you are actually taking care of your media consumption. Now, what do you think about your conversation with In-ho at the end? Do you think it's so him? Is he OOC? What do you think about the "you", though? What do you think she will do afterward now that In-ho finally have her? I really want to know your reaction on this! Anyway, thank you very much for giving my story a chance. I love reading and re-reading all of your comments!

Leave a comment on the masterlist post to be added to the taglist.

[atvrvxia]

&. @writingshae​

continued from the post in the SOURCE LINK ( 2 / 2 )

                          WELL, AT least she was honest about it and a lot more contrite than other people who were in her same position. in an industry filled with deceit, lies and betrayal, penelope’s honesty was quite refreshing. reid sat back against his seat, regarding her carefully. “i appreciate your honesty,” reid said, folding his arms across his chest. “while a few directors would be happy with the attention and that power, i’m not one of them.” he had sworn he would never be one of those sleazy directors who make actresses sleep with them for a better part in their films. “don’t get me wrong; i’m flattered with the attention.” who wouldn’t be? he would be blind to deny penelope’s beauty and charm. “but i won’t use sex with you as a currency. that’s just not who i am.” he frowned a little though, unfolding his arms and resting them on the arm rest of his seat. “casting in films is a process. most of the time, we want established actors in lead roles because that what draws people in,” he explained. “since you’re not nearly as established nor as well known, you won’t get a lead role.” that was probably a little blunt, but reid was always quite blunt with actors. “at best i might be able to give you the role of a side character,” he added, so as to not crush her hopes.

[deletreatualma]

@writingshae ₊˚⊹♡'ed for a starter:

Severus smirked up at them, dark eyes made both darker and brighter by his hunger for them. Thumbs pressed into soft thighs, certain there'd be proof of their passion on multiple areas of the other's body. Tongue swiped along his lower lip as he gathered stray drops of their essence, gaze still ravenous and on them as he said, "I'll need you to say that louder for me." The statement punctuated by a bite to their inner thigh, tongue slowly lapping over the reddened flesh.

[aquamanandfriends]

Swallowed Pride

| muse: Blake Kiefer | open to: anyone | made with beta | sexuality: pansexual | suggested connections: crush, friend, fellow biker, a friend with benefits, complicated relationship, lover, girlfriend / boyfriend, someone he’s protective of

"Look," Blake began but paused to talk a breath. "I wasn't... I wasn't thinking and what I said was stupid and uncalled for," he stared down at the counter as he spoke so he could keep his focus and get over his pride. "I'm sorry." The words nearly burned his tongue but he forced them through his lips.

[nekoannie-chan]

They didn't know?

Title: They didn’t know?

Fandom: Marvel, Captain America.

Ship: Stucky X Reader.

Word count: 500 words.

Square: B2 & D1 “Didn’t know they were dating”.

Rating: Teen.

Summary: The rest of the team doesn’t know about your relationship.

Major Tags: Hiding relationship, fluff.

Additional tags: My entry for the @stuckybingo Stucky Bingo Round 6 (Card SB6065) and @steverogersbingo Steve Rogers Bingo Round 4 (Card SB4004).

Links: Wattpad, Ao3, Spanish version.

@saiyanprincessswanie

My native language is Spanish, so I wanna improve my writing skills in English. Please let me know if you notice any mistakes, and I will correct them.

I don’t grant permission for my fics to be posted on other platforms or in other languages (I translate my work) or for the use of my graphics (my dividers are included in this). I created them exclusively for my fics; please respect my work and refrain from stealing it. Some people here make dividers that anyone can use; mine is not this type, so please look for the other people's dividers. The only exceptions are those I gifted 'cuz now belong to someone else. Please let me know if you find any of my works on a different platform and are not one of my accounts. Reblogs and comments are always welcome.

DISCLAIMER: I don't own Marvel's characters (unfortunately), except for the original characters and the story.

Add yourself to my taglist here.

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If you like it, please vote, comment, and give me feedback to improve my skills and reblog.

Tags: @sinceimetyou @unnuevosoltransformalarealidad @navybrat817 @angrythingstarlight @shield-agent78 @charmed-asylum @pandaxnienke @real-fbi @Smokeandnailz @white-wolf1940 @tenaciousperfectionunknown @xoxonotme @bluemusickid @leyannrae @Harrysthiccthighss @Marvelatthisone @caplanbuckybarnes @sapphire-rogers @lizzieolseniskinda @notyourtypicalrose @hallecarey1 @nana1000night @talia-rumlow @writingshae @alexxavicry @azulatodoryuga @daemonslittlebitch @chaoticcollectivenightmare @endlesstwanted @chemtrails-club  @marigoldreamer @whiskeytangofoxtrot555 @Here4thefanfics @theestorm @patzammit @kmc1989 @somegirlfromasgard @rogersbarber

It was a quiet morning in the Avengers Tower, and you were in the kitchen preparing breakfast. Next to you, Steve was chopping fruit, while Bucky, half asleep, was leaning against the counter with a cup of coffee in his hand. You couldn't help but smile at the sight of them: Steve so organized and Bucky so... Bucky, looking disheveled and adorable.

Everything seemed perfect until Clint walked into the kitchen.

“Why are Steve and Bucky acting like they live here? And why are they so... comfortable with you?” he asked, noting how Bucky was absently patting your waist while Steve offered you a piece of fruit.

“Because we live here,” Bucky replied, as if it were the most obvious thing in the world.

Clint frowned. “Yeah, but... why do they seem to be together?”

Suddenly, Natasha appeared in the doorway, crossing her arms as she watched the scene. “Now that you mention it, they're right. You three have been acting strange lately.”

You exchanged glances with Steve and Bucky, who looked equally confused.

“Strange how?” you asked, trying to sound casual.

Natasha raised an eyebrow. “Please, do you think I haven't noticed the looks, the touches, the excuses to spend time together? If it weren't for the fact that I knew them, I'd think they were... dating?

The silence in the kitchen was interrupted only by the sound of coffee dripping from the machine.

Finally, Bucky shrugged and took a sip of his coffee. “Because we are.”

Natasha and Clint blinked, dumbfounded.

“What?” they exclaimed in unison.

Steve sighed as if he had been waiting for this moment. “Yes, we're dating. All three of us. We thought you already knew.”

“All three of us?!” Clint nearly spilled his coffee cup. “Since when?”

“A few months,” you said, trying not to laugh at their faces.

Natasha looked more surprised than you would have expected. “And it never occurred to you to tell us?”

We know how to maintain a professional demeanor when necessary. Our relationship doesn't affect our work.” Steve interjected.

Clint pointed at you, still incredulous. “What about you? How did you end up involved with these two?”

You shrugged, an amused smile on your face. “I don't know; it just...happened. They're the two most amazing men I know, and they made me feel right at home. What can I say?”

Bucky smiled, clearly enjoying the chaos they were causing. “Besides, who could resist us?”

Natasha rolled her eyes. “This is... unexpected. But I won't deny that you three work. Though I must admit, I was hoping to find out in a less... accidental way.”

“Well, now you know,” Steve said.

Clint shook his head, still processing. “This is going to be hard to top. But hey, as long as they don't start making out in the middle of a fight, I guess it's okay.”

You, Steve, and Bucky exchanged knowing glances, and you couldn't help but laugh. “We promise to keep it professional...at least most of the time.”

[aquamanandfriends]

"Some times foreign 'American' food is better than actual American food," Vera chuckled. She couldn't stop smiling, basically bouncing in her seat with excitement just to have her friend close again. "I am happy," she beamed. "I get to be here and have you close-- we have never actually gone on a trip and I really have not been back for far too long," she sighed. "Other than crappy snacks, was the flight okay?"

He smiled as she went on and on about their itinerary. Truth be told, he wasn't much into history or the typical sites. Malone was just glad to be reunited with his best friend. She could take him to a meditation retreat and he'd still be happy because he would be next to her the entire time. "I am curious what their take on American food is. Most of it is trash, but I'm willing to try anything. I haven't eaten anything except for airplane pretzels and cookies all day." He was grateful that the time difference allowed him to be awake by the time that he arrived. The last thing he wanted to do was lose a day of the trip to sleep. "You look really good. Happy. In your element."

[thebestofoneshots]

hi lilly! will you consider doing another Q&A for gc? like the interlude?

I actually really want to do another one, I wasn't sure if you guys were interested thought. But since you are, we might make one soon, especially now since we're closing to some incredibly climatic moments.

I mean no spoilers but, I cried writing chapter 44...

Leave your questions in the comments or send them over to my Ask Box, I'll be gathering them for a bit and once we have a good deal, we'll do a second "Interlude".

I'm tagging you guys in case you don't see this and if you want to ask some questions: @rayrlupin @callmelovergirl @warcelia @ireneop @endversewinchester @moonyunebi @smuttysluttybitch @mazzymoons @drugs-for-memes @sofiacblair @vmpir3lvr @remuslupinisbae @rabluver @willgrahamisalesbi4n @thatobsessedreader  @itskailey24 @hell0-kittie @belovedmoony @blacksgarden @loving-and-dreaming @cassie-love20 @starchaser-lily @zucchini-queenie @springflwer07 @sseleniaa @cometsghost @orkwardx0 @imdoingbetternow  @sbrewer21 @remuslupinsbae @maxinehufflepuffprincess @wifiatthetrainstation @unstablereader @msblacklupin @oliversaurus @jaylienpotter @remussbitch @hermionelove @izuoyarmin @themarauderswife7 @keira-kaz2y5 @lampthemacarenagod @bugg06 @a-n-1-m-3-f-r-3-4-k @darlingeels @kissmeunicornbaobei @xluansstuff @boo8008 @angelmixer @voteforintensedreams @allons-y-molly @aremuslupinsimp @imaginexred @writingshae @nyanwyn @poetrypirate @crazyhorseforgot @saturnhas82moons @ryeyeyer @itsthequackshire @maqqiekwon @desikudisworld @pastelorangeskies @barking4you @profoundpidgeon @nagareboshi-chiyo @x4ramyluv

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