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norrizzandpia · 8 months

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Used (LN4)

Summary: A bet can do more harm than good.

Warnings: i dont think ive ever wrote something this angsty, its very sad so be warned, lando is a back stabbing bitch but hes stupidly in love, literally stupidly, insecurities, loss of virginity, major betrayal, sad ending but there will be a part 2 bc as we all know i cant do sad endings

Note: im very sorry for this one

Word count: somewhere in the 4k’s

When Oscar got into F1, Y/n promised herself she wouldn’t follow her brother around the paddock like a lost puppy. With cameras all around and prying eyes, she wanted to come across as independent and strong rather than pathetic and small. For a while, that translated, but it got lonely after a few months. Missing her brother as he was busy doing interviews or creating connections, and losing her parents in the mass of people, she always found herself alone. That was until Lando fully came into the picture. He hadn’t wanted to overstep boundaries with his teammate by befriending his sister, but the boy couldn’t resist when he continued to catch glimpses of her struggle to fit in. She was too young to hang out with any of the racers’ girlfriends, yet too old to hang out with the children of powerful people. She was only 19, still figuring out what life was, why she was here, and what she was meant to do. So, overcoming his own anxieties, Lando approached the girl on a rainy Sunday when the race had been postponed because of the wet weather.

“Can I sit here?” He had said, smiling lightly at her as her head slowly moved up to make eye contact with the popular driver.

She had moved over on the bench, nodding quickly as if she was afraid any time in which he had to wait would set him off.

At first, things were awkward with Lando not knowing anything about her and Y/n being too shy to form any words in front of the boy she thought was cute. Nonetheless, after 20 minutes, words were spoken, and conversing became second nature.

Gradually, Lando felt Y/n warm up to him as she realized the driver was someone she found solace in.

Her first friend in Formula One.

Everyone in the paddock began to take note of the budding friendship quickly evolving between the sister and the driver. While people were happy to see a new connection growing, Oscar was weary. It was no secret Lando had a track record of sleeping around, pretending to be close to women for only one night in order to get what he wanted. The women in question always understood the pattern and never found offense or distaste with it, but Y/n wasn’t that mature, Oscar knew. His sister was still naive and her lack of attention toward media outlets played into her lack of luck as she didn’t realize Lando could be around for all the wrong reasons. Oscar did, though, and he made it incredibly clear to the British boy that any impure advances on his sister were not, and never would be, welcomed.

“You pull any weird shit and I’ll have your head.” He said sternly to Lando in a tone that no one had ever heard come out of the Australian before.

“I’m not going to, Oscar. I’m sorry if this makes you uncomfortable, but we’ve realized we just have so much in common. There’s nothing else behind it, I promise. I just like your sister’s company. That’s it.” He reassured.

And, for a while, that was true. Lando saw nothing else behind their friendship, however, that soon began to change. He noted the way he became so comfortable being touchy with her or giving her impromptu compliments about how pretty she looked that day. Being experienced in that realm of life, Lando also noted the way her cheeks blushed ever so slightly under his eye, and he couldn’t ignore the way his insides twisted at her subtle happiness over him.

They danced around each other and their feelings for some time until a drunken night changed everything. Lando had invited his friends from DJing over, one of those people being Martin Garrix. The men had laid themselves out on Lando’s luxurious couch with beers in hand, chugging away as they gossiped like 13-year-old girls.

The conversation came easily with these people as Martin interrupted and changed the topic to something a bit more interesting, “Lando, I gotta ask. What’s going on with you and Oscar’s sister?”

At this point in their relationship, Lando was still in the stage of denying any deeper feelings for her, “Nothing? What do you mean?”

Martin shook his head as the boys around him knowingly eyed each other, “Come on, you two are definitely sleeping together.”

“No, we aren’t.” He said immediately, not understanding why he had become so invested in protecting Y/n’s image.

Martin’s eyebrows furrowed, “So, you two aren’t sneaking around behind the brother’s back?”

“No,” Lando said firmly, but his defiance on the subject proved to worsen his situation as Martin set his beer down and looked at him with a mischievous look.

“Then, I have a proposition for you.” His arms rested on his knees as he leaned forward.

“What?” Lando mirrored his stance.

“Obviously, you know I have that really big gig next year at The Cabin in New York.” Lando nodded, “Well, if you can get Y/n to fall in love with you, maybe even sleep with her, I don’t know, then you can play it. Play the set at The Cabin.” Martin’s idea made Lando’s eyes bulge out of his head and his body leap from the couch.

The alcohol in his system proved to do its job by impairing his judgment as he didn’t ask questions or try to understand why Martin would get off on playing with someone in that way. All the boy did was scream his agreeance and then excitement for playing at The Cabin in New York.

“YOU ASKED MY SISTER OUT!?” Oscar had screamed in fury at Lando 2 days later.

Putting his hands up, Lando tried to talk down an aggravated teammate, “Listen, Oscar. Listen,” He pleaded, “I didn’t see it coming, really. But, I…” The words felt sour in his mouth as the guilt for what he was about to embark on set in, “I didn’t expect to fall for her, okay? I just did and I hope you’ll trust me enough that I’m not going to play her like I do the others. I wouldn’t hurt you like that and I especially wouldn’t hurt her like that.”

His words seemed to calm the blonde boy as he looked Lando in the eye, trying to decipher if he was being truthful. And, even though he wasn’t, Oscar found Lando’s spewed sentences to be genuine.

“Fine, but, I’m serious, Lando,” Oscar shoved a finger into Lando’s chest, “if you pull anything, I won’t hesitate to find crazy dirt on you and blackmail McLaren into firing you. Trust me, I’m smart enough to ruin your whole career.”

His threats went in Lando’s right ear and out the other because he found his British accent flooding the room they stood in as he said, “I promise, nothing will happen.”

—

“Is there any specific you want for tonight, my love?” Lando whispered against her skin as they lay in his bed, tangled together after a busy morning of meetings and conversations discussing their announcement of their relationship to the public with McLaren’s PR teams.

She breathed against the crook of his neck as she toyed with his shirt, “No, just excited to go out with you.”

He chuckled as he breathed the scent of her shampoo in, “Me too, baby.”

After nearly 3 months, the couple had fallen easily into the norms of a romantic relationship. Having not yet slept together or fully opened up and shown the other dark parts of themselves, they had a long way to go, but, at that moment, the two were content.

Content with having casual dates, hidden under baseball caps and sunglasses to keep from someone seeing them and outing their newfound connection. Content with the star gazing they had scheduled a few weeks back for that night, fulfilling something Y/n had mentioned she wanted to try.

They found themselves lost in the sky, weeds surrounding them as they lay side by side on a thin blanket to separate them from the rough grass beneath. In a quiet moment with Y/n’s fingers pointing out constellations to him, Lando sunk into himself.

His past few months with her had proven to be a lot more interesting than he had expected. Pretending to be in love with her started to feel less like a forced feeling and more like something he had been destined to feel for her and her only his whole life. The guilt ate away at him, but the love that was slowly consuming him for her trumped it every time.

“Lan? You still here?” Her sweet voice cut through his thoughts, making his head turn to meet her eyes.

He smiled at her, “Yeah, sorry, just lost track of my thoughts, I think.”

Her hand trailed up and down his stomach, “You okay?”

“Mhm, just don’t want to leave.” He nodded, looking at her so she could understand that he didn’t just want to leave this moment, he didn’t want to leave her.

She cracked a small smile, “Oh, me neither.”

A beat of silence went by before she sat up and turned to look down at him, “When did you realize you wanted more than just a friendship between us?”

This question was something he was anticipating and absolutely dreaded because, if he were to tell the truth, he would have to tell her she was a bet with his friends and that was the only reason he had been pushed to confront his underlying feelings for her. Although, wanting his gig, Lando tried to tell a white lie.

“I don’t really know when it happened. I just know that one day I really liked talking with you and the next I just liked you.” Simple and sweet, he thought. That was the trick to getting away with this.

Her blush complicated things and the butterflies in his stomach over her smile laid out the strong counterargument to his mind.

“Hm.” She said as she lowered herself back to the ground.

Lando’s curiosity took over as he asked what she meant by the ominous sound.

“Just that, I didn’t expect you to like me. I mean, you’re past is a lot of picture-perfect models and well-rounded, intellectual, impressive women. Not a 19-year-old kid whose major is undecided as she enters into her second year of college.” Her words struck a deep cord within his chest that he couldn’t not play.

“Is that all you think you are?” He was complicating the situation further, he understood that, but to think Y/n didn’t understand how amazing she was was something he couldn’t ignore.

She shrugged her shoulders, “Well, Lan, what else would I be?”

He was internally shocked at her obliviousness to her own perfection, “‘What else would I be?’ Y/n, what? You’re not just some lost college kid. You’re Oscar’s best friend and the person I would call first no matter what the situation. You’re so much to everyone around you. How can you not see that?”

Her voice came out trembly as she stared at the stars, “It’s hard when your brother’s constantly outshined you your whole life. My parents never realized they had another kid when I was growing up. It was all about Oscar and his races, his success. I never lived up to anything to actually make them notice me.”

His heart broke for the hurt little girl she was clearly entrusting him with, “Y/n, look at me.” His hands wrapped around her jaw to turn her head to the side, their eyes meeting in an intense stare, “Oscar could never outshine you and the fact that you’ve gone your whole life thinking anyone, let alone your brother, has the ability to take other’s attention from you is preposterous. You are the first thing that catches people’s eye when they walk into a room. You’re intoxicating with the way you carry yourself. You’re not just a confused child, you’re you. You are your best friend’s safe space, Oscar’s go-to person to brag about, you’re my favorite person, and, even though you might not think so, your parent’s pride and joy. You’re so many things, darling. Just because you aren’t an F1 driver doesn’t mean you don’t mean something. If it means anything, to me, you mean everything.”

His forehead rested against hers as he whispered the words to her, her eyes closed against his skin as she took in what she had longed to hear since she was 7. Lando’s thumbs rested against her cheeks, collecting the soft tears as they fell from her eyes.

“Sorry,” She whispered as she tried to back away from his hold, apologizing for the wetness that was pooling around his fingers.

However, Lando was quick to pull her back in, “No, don’t apologize. Letting me in isn’t something I’m afraid of, Y/n. It’s something I’m grateful to experience.”

She nodded, at a loss for words as she reveled in his gentleness. His hold on her tightened as he pushed her against his chest, whispering words into her ear.

Words that spoke truths he believed deep within himself and words that complexified the bet he had made.

—

“So, tell us what’s going on with you and the hotshot driver!” Y/n’s best friend, Paige, exclaimed at breakfast weeks after Lando and she had gone public.

Y/n rolled her eyes playfully, “Nothing! We’re just together. It’s not that serious.”

Paige reeled back in her seat, sending her a questionable look, “Really? ‘Not that serious’? Are you kidding me? He took your virginity!”

“Shh!!! Shh!!” Y/n jabbed a finger in her friend's face in response to the loud volume accompanied by the exposition of her situation.

“Sorry!” Paige squeaked, looking around to make sure no one had heard her, thankfully no one had. She continued, “Does he know?”

“That it was my first time? Yeah.” Y/n informed as Paige smiled triumphantly at the girl across from her.

“So, was he sweet? Did you like it?” Paige fired off the questions.

Y/n blushed, being taken back to the night before where Lando had assured her he would be gentle.

He had.

“Yes, he was very sweet. We got back from the date and decided to watch a movie. During it, we started kissing and then, you know, one thing led to another, and…”

“You told him.” Paige finished her sentence.

Y/n waved her head slowly to the left and right, “Well, it started getting intense, so I just let him know. I tried to be pretty nonchalant about it, come off like it wasn’t that big of a deal, but the moment he heard it, he was telling me how much he cared about it.”

Paige’s eyebrows furrowed, “What do you mean?”

“He just wanted to talk about it, wanted to make sure I wasn’t rushing into anything and that I actually wanted to do this with him. He told me how he didn’t want to screw anything up and how he really wanted it to go well for me, so if I needed him to change anything, I could just let him know. He was really big on communication through the whole thing and, honestly, it made things so much easier. And, then, after we were done, I got up to leave, but he acted like I had just said he wouldn’t ever win a world championship, and then insisted on me staying. Paige, he was so perfect.”

The two girls giggled together as they dug into their food, “So, you’ve let him in completely then?”

Y/n giggled, not having a clue of what was to come, “After he saw me completely naked and I told him about my deepest insecurities? Yeah, I have. I just hope this doesn’t backfire in my face.”

—

Lando was Y/n’s first love. There was no doubt about that. So, surprising him at the Silverstone Grand Prix sounded like a good idea. However, as she and Oscar stood outside his Driver’s Room door, accidentally eavesdropping on his conversation with Martin, the world proved to her that being there entirely was a horrible idea.

“Mate, I think it's gone too far. I want to back out of the bet.” Lando’s muffled voice sounded through the wall as Oscar and Y/n glanced at each other, matching confusion on their faces.

“No way, Lando. We made a deal. I don’t want to do this gig, I’ve done it so many times before it’s boring now, but for someone like you who has never done it, it’ll be fun.” Martin pleaded.

Y/n could practically hear Lando shake his head, “No, Martin. We should’ve never made it in the first place. I don’t want to play at The Cabin. Dating her for a bet is so cruel. I should’ve stopped it so long ago. I should’ve told you ‘no’ immediately.”

She didn’t even really comprehend what his words meant for a few minutes. She just stood there, eyes fixed on the door, trying desperately to figure out a way to explain away what he had just revealed.

Oscar’s hand gripped her arm as he watched her realize Lando’s true intent. His lip trembled, trying to keep the tears at bay, as his little sister broke in front of him. Her mouth opened and closed before her eyes watered and her gaze was shooting around the hallway in an attempt to find her brother. The fact that he was right in front of her didn’t translate in her brain, which had been in immediate turmoil once it dawned on her.

“Y/n, I’m right here.” He repeated to her as he slowly coaxed her into his embrace. Blind rage threatened to fill Oscar’s body, wanting nothing more than to storm into Lando’s room and rip him to shreds, but, as his sister quietly sobbed in his arms, he knew she needed him more than his fist needed to collide with Lando’s face.

Fortunately, his room wasn’t too far, so they weren’t seen by anyone as they made their way. The tears never ceased, only intensifying once they found themselves tucked away in the privateness of his own four walls.

“I was a bet?” Her choked sobs fought to silence her, but she continued to repeat the words as if it could cause her confusion to be fixed.

She clutched onto her older brother as she willed herself to go back in time and never step foot in an F1 paddock. Her mind raced as it tried to erase their time together and the love she had for him, the love she still had for him.

—

Hours after crying so much the tears dried up, Y/n found herself numb as she poured steeped the tea bag into the steaming hot water. No longer caring if she ran into him, she stood in the middle of McLaren’s hospitality, still trying to understand when she went wrong.

When she started loving him in the way that she did now. Even after finding out it was fake, his love for her was fake, she can’t stop the way her heart still beats for him.

The way, even after he had hurt her as badly as he did, she still searched for him in the crowd.

Oscar was off doing an interview, something he begrudgingly went off as he wanted to sit with his sister longer, as she made her walk back to his resting room.

Her attention was on the warm temperature that surrounded her face when she sipped her drink, she didn’t see the man of the hour turn the corner nor did she see the way his gaze landed on her or the way he began running toward her, confused as to why she was here.

“Y/n? Love, what are you doing here? I thought you had a test you couldn’t skip?” His voice forced feelings into her body whether she liked it or not. However, this time instead of feeling suffocating sadness, she felt pure, bewildered rage.

Turning around, she met his eyes, “What set do you think you’ll play at The Cabin?”

Lando’s eyebrows furrowed together at her question as well as the look on her face he wasn’t accustomed to.

“What?” He asked simply, not believing she could know.

She took a step closer to him, letting the betrayal take control, “When you play in New York at The Cabin, Lan,” Her smile was sickly and incredibly fake, “What are you going to play? I was thinking that one remix you have that you said makes the crowd go wild. I mean, it has to be big seeing as you went through so much trouble to get the spot. Ya know, dating me for a bet and all.” She took his silence and blank stare as an invitation to keep going, “Inspiring, really, Lando. The amount of dedication you must have when it comes to being a DJ that you would exploit someone else’s vulnerability, allow them to tell you all the internalized bullshit they’ve struggled with their whole lives, and, then!” She exclaimed, her voice translating ferocity rather than joy, “And then!” She dryly laughed, “Take their virginity just to spice things up! Wow, Lando, you have a certain level of determinedness I think society doesn’t address enough.”

His hand reached out for hers, but she quickly pulled her own back to her chest, looking at him in disgust, “Y/n, let me explain.”

Not wanting to look at his face any longer, she turned around, hightailing it to Oscar’s as she heard Lando follow her.

“Y/n, I’m serious. Please, there’s an explanation. Listen to me, baby. Please, I’m begging you.” He pleaded with her as he continued to reach for her, but he was always just a little too late.

“Y/n, I never meant for it to go this far. I though-” He tried, but Y/n was whirling around and jabbing a finger into his chest as she interrupted him with a fiery gaze.

“You never meant for it to go this far? Really? That’s the best you can give me!? I was lonely and you took advantage of that! You didn’t mean for it to go this far? Are you kidding me? You should’ve never even looked in my direction. You’re sick in the head for knowingly taking my virginity! For taking what was supposed to be something special and eventful, something meaningful, and twisting it into some stepping stone all a part of your grand plan to gain a bigger audience for your hobby! That was mine. That moment, when I allowed a guy I trusted and loved to take something so sacred, was supposed to be something I looked fondly back on. That part of my life, my girlhood, you exploited for your own personal gain. Where the hell do you get off? I trusted you. I told you things about my life, about myself, I’ve never told anyone before, and, what? The whole time it was a bet to you? A task you had to complete in order to turn some tables at a club in a dirty city?”

He stared at her, trying to peer into her soul and tell her all the things he didn’t know how to say, but, with all the hurt he had presented her with, she didn’t see him. She didn’t see the anguish he was going through over his actions catching up with him and abusing someone who was completely innocent. She didn’t see how hard he was trying to tell her he loved her and he always had.

“Y/n, it was never that to me. Please, you have to understand. You’ve always been so much more to me. Y/n, I love you-” Once again, she was shutting him up.

“That’s not love, Lando, and it’s pathetic you think it is.”

With that, she stepped into her brother’s room, closed the door, and locked it. Effectively, shutting Lando out.

For good or for the time being, he didn’t know.

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bvidzsoo · 4 months

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Who am I?

Author: bvidzsoo

Warnings: mentions of a gun, cursing, smut

Pairing: Jeong Yunho x female reader

Word count: 14,2k

Summary: Going through the dark passageway late in the night really wasn't your greatest idea, but the angels were on lookout that night and sent Jeong Yunho as your savior. But what happens when you realize Jeong Yunho isn't at all what he seems to be?

A/N: Uh...hi? This piece here really shouldn't exist, like the way I wrote it was so against the routine I have when doing stories, I'm even shocked it became real. It also was supposed to be a mere longer drabble but oh well, I suck at writing short stories either way. Also, Jeong Yunho is a constant in my mind lately so...ig it was inevitable that I write something with him. *sigh* There's smut in here and ugh...yeah, I tried again lol. Leave feedback, I very much appreciate it and stay tuned for the next chapter of the rockstar!au Mingi story! Enjoy now and tell me your thoughts!

⟨Masterlist⟩

It really was my fault; I should have been smarter before turning down the dimly lit passageway between the two tall buildings. But the path towards my flat was shorter this way, and I was in a hurry, desperate to finally get home after a long and busy day. The streets were quiet as night had settled upon the otherwise lively city and as I exhaled through my mouth, a little puff of smog appeared in the chilly air. My hands slipped deeper into the pockets of my black bomber jacket as I nuzzled my nose more into it, the tip of it unmistakably red. Winter struck upon us quite unexpectedly and the hope that we still had a few more days of sunshine and as little warmth as the sun could offer came crushing down when the wind picked up two days ago and snow started falling immediately. And what was even worse is that the temperatures dropped so low that everything had frozen over by now and it was slipper; in the past ten minutes I have almost fallen on my bum at least three times. But the little scare got my heart pumping faster, and I wasn’t feeling as cold as I was supposed to despite the layers of clothing adorning my body.

There was a light shuffle behind me, that was the first thing which caught my attention, and then suddenly, the dark figure standing a few feet ahead close to the wall, as if they were facing it, was the second thing to alarm me. My heart leaped slightly as my hands balled up into fists in my pockets, but I quickly tried to calm myself down. Not all men were evil and not all men wanted to hurt women, and I wasn’t even sure it was a man standing up front. My legs carried me faster and I gulped when the person whipped their head around to look at me. My hunch was right, it was a man, and he had a bloodied lip as I took in his face while still approaching. I quickly averted my eyes and quickened my pace, hoping that if I ignored him, he would ignore me as well. I had nothing on me if he decided to attack me, I could only hope my fists were good enough and I wouldn’t break my fingers if I was forced to use brute force. I only would have had to take three more steps to be past the man, but he suddenly jumped in front of me and I came to a halt as he squared me up. I tried not to let him see the fear I was feeling pulsing through my body as I clenched my jaw as my body lightly trembled from the adrenaline coursing through my bloodstream.

“Hey there, bunny.” My eyebrows furrowed at his raw voice, almost as if it was hard for him to speak as a disgusting smirk painted his lips. I suddenly wished I had taken the longer way, walked on the main road instead of this shortcut. When the man realized I wouldn’t say anything back, he tsked, “Are you shy, little bunny?”

Nicknames were annoying in a normal scenario and it was only making my skin crawl right now, but I remained silent, gripping the keys of my flat’s front door which I had in my left pocket. One wrong move from the man, and I wouldn’t hesitate to stab him with it.

“Why are you not answering me?” His voice got rougher and he took a wobbly step towards me, and without much thought, I whirled around with the purpose of walking back the way I have come, but another man was blocking my path. He looked lanky and was hunched over as his lips pulled into a scary sneer. I was cornered. My hands started trembling more as I took a deep breath, trying to think level headed, but my mind was clouded with panic as I searched for an escape route without much success. Before I could even react, the man with the busted lip approached me from behind and as I turned to be able to see him, his rough hand made contact with my left shoulder. I quickly yanked myself away and slightly crashed into the concrete wall of the building behind me.

“Don’t touch me!” I managed to snap out with a shaky voice, yet it sounded rough. It certainly didn’t match the way I was feeling, scared absolutely shitless.

“Is my little bunny scared?” If I wasn’t so scared I probably would’ve seen red at his claim over me, and it only made it worse as the other man chuckled. My eyes snapped towards him before quickly looking back at the other man when I realized he tried to grab at me again.

“I said, don’t touch me!” I shrieked and went to push him backwards, breathing irregularly as I was full on shaking, on the verge of a break down. But if I started crying I would look helpless, which I was, and I probably wouldn’t be able to see anything, so I willed myself to blink away the tears quickly.

“You little bitch, you wanna play rough?” The man spat as he had stumbled backwards from my push and I shrunk against the wall when the taller one suddenly started approaching, a hungry stare in his eyes. My lips started trembling and I went to yank out my keys and lunge at the taller one, but a very amused chuckle halted everyone’s actions. All I could think about was a third man coming to do vile things to me and at the thought, a few tears rolled down my cheeks, but I quickly wiped at them when I saw the battered-up man smirking in my direction at my distress.

“I thought I beat your sorry ass into unconsciousness.” At the hear of the third person’s voice, the battered-up man suddenly froze and his eyes widened as the taller one took a step back, leaving just enough space for me to run away, “What are you still doing out here?”

The battered-up one cursed under his breath before putting on a fake smile as he whirled around, facing the third man. I was too scared to look, shaking, as I pondered whether it was the distraction I needed to run away, “I was just playing with my little bunny, you should go on your way—”

“She doesn’t look like she wants to play with you, Siwon.” The third man snapped and my eyebrows furrowed at the familiarity of his tone. It resembled someone’s I knew from my university, but I remained unmoving as the tall man slowly backed away, “And you, Nikhun, I thought I said I didn’t want to see you around here, anymore…”

“I was just passing by.” The taller one, Nikhun, stiffly said before he abruptly turned around and took off almost in a run as the familiar voice just chuckled. My muscles slightly relaxed as I realized I could now just run back the way I had come, and moving slowly, I started heading just that way.

“I know I said I wasn’t going to kill you, Siwon,” The familiar sounding man tsked as I continued slowly walking with my back pressed up against the building’s cold wall, “But you’re really testing my patience lately.”

“Fuck you, man.” Siwon spat and I jumped when there was suddenly a loud crash and an exasperated scoff. I froze and didn’t dare breathe as I felt eyes on me. I didn’t know who was looking at me or what happened, I was scared to turn my head and look. I had to run. But as I pushed myself away from the wall, the familiar voice suddenly called out.

“It’s okay now, Y/N.” What—I whipped my head around and first took in the scene. Siwon, the battered-up man, was lying on the ground unconscious by the big trashcan. The loud bang must’ve been him. With wide eyes, I looked at the third man alarmed, and my jaw dropped as I stood staring at the familiar face of Jeong Yunho. Everyone knew him at university and everyone loved him. Jeong Yunho was like the sunshine. He was always smiling and laughing, cracking harmless jokes and hitting up a conversation effortlessly with anyone. He was kind and considerate, he always helped out anyone who needed help. He would carry your stuff if they were heavy and he’d walk you home if it was too late. He held the door open for anyone and he would make place for you at the Cafeteria if there were no more empty spots. The Jeong Yunho who was often found in the library with his nose buried in books, typing furiously on his laptop, and always turning in his assignments way before their deadline. He wore light colors and fluffy clothes, often paired with hilarious beanies and hats. But the guy standing a few feet away from me looked nothing like the Yunho I have taken glances at or heard stories about. Yunho and I weren’t friends, we were far from being acquittances even, but everyone knew him at our university and that included me. We were people from two very different universes and I had no idea how he knew my name. Yes, sure, we would cross paths in the library at times when I was in a rush as my deadline was a day or two away, and yes, I did almost spill my coffee on him once, but there was never a conversation involved or an exchange of names. Just a small, “Oh, my, God! I’m so sorry, that was a close call.”, and a “Don’t worry about it, you have great coordination, you stopped in time.” If I would have had great coordination, I wouldn’t have nearly ran into him, but I didn’t have the time to tell him that as I was late to work.

“Yun—Yunho?” I stuttered out finally once I was one hundred percent convinced it was Jeong Yunho. The dimly lit passageway made it harder to see his face from where I was standing and his clothes were unrecognizable, but it was his voice which confirmed his identity.

“Jeong Yunho in person.” He chuckled and I finally pulled myself together and slowly started approaching him. My legs were slightly shaky and I was still clutching my keys tightly in my left hand, but my heartbeat was slowly calming down. I passed by Siwon and took a peek against my better judgement, eyes widening when I saw the little trickle of red from the side of his head. Was he…going to die?

I looked up as I came to a stop a few steps away from Yunho and exhaled, coming face to face with a very unfamiliar looking Jeong Yunho. Despite the cold weather he was wearing a black leather jacket over what seemed to be a long-sleeved form fitting blouse with graphic design on it, and wide black jeans hugged his legs with the blouse tucked in, showing off his waist. His neck was decorated with various necklaces and as he extended one hand towards me, I noticed all the rings on his long fingers. I gulped as I looked back up at him, slightly intimidated and mostly confused. His black hair was completely pushed back and the usual fluffiness was gone from it.

“Come, you’re safe now.” Yunho encouraged me with his usual warm smile, but it didn’t reach his eyes. My eyebrows furrowed as I reluctantly extended my hand and placed it in his palm, gasping when he yanked me forward, making me jump over Siwon’s slumped body. Yunho smirked as I somehow managed not to fall against his chest, big eyes staring up at him in shock, “Good thing I was passing by, angel, or else these two…”

He didn’t finish his sentence and he didn’t have to; I knew. I gulped and became aware of the awfully obvious height difference between the two of us and scrambled to pull my hand out of his, but Yunho’s grip suddenly tightened and he stepped closer, making me tip my head back as I tried looking in his eyes. My heart was racing once again and I could feel a blush creep up onto my cheeks as Yunho’s eyes examined my face with a small smirk, “What are you doing out here so late at night?”

“I—” My mind blanched for a second as Yunho’s cold fingers intertwined with mine, “I had the evening shift today, I—I was just walking home.”

“It’s unsafe at this hour.” Yunho’s voice turned stern and I averted my eyes, suddenly embarrassed that I was getting scolded by him, “And especially through this neighborhood, Y/N. You should’ve stuck to the main road instead.”

“I know.” I grumbled under my breath and Yunho chuckled, his voice deep, and it only made me flush harder as I avoided eye contact.

“Let’s get you home.” He said quietly and I looked at him alarmed, extracting my hand from his as he started walking us towards the end of the passageway.

“I can walk on my own—” I said in a panic, not wanting Yunho to walk with me. I wasn’t even far away, I have taken this route so many times before, I was going to be fine now that those two men were gone, but Yunho’s tone definitely made me rethink my words as he spoke up.

“You are not walking on your own, especially around here.” Yunho’s voice was sharp and he threw me a quick glare as he looked behind, at me, “Do you not know anything about this place?”

I shrugged and pushed my hands into my pockets again, “I do, but it’s not that big of a deal. I always walk home at this time and nothing has ever happened. I just had bad luck tonight.”

“Bad luck, you say.” Yunho scoffed, face contorted into disgust, “The things those two would’ve done to you would have been terrible, Y/N, and you call it bad luck?”

“Okay, fine.” I snapped and walked up to his side, giving him a wide-eyed stare, “Walk me home then, but this is fucking weird. How do you even know my name?”

Yunho’s eyebrows furrowed and his sharp stare made me gulp as I shrunk back, walking a little further away from him, “We go to the same university.”

“I’m not popular.” I deadpanned and Yunho shrugged, looking ahead as his jaw clenched and unclenched.

“You once scribbled in a book from the library and I was at the front desk when the librarian lost it. She rambled on about you for a good fifteen minutes before I was finally allowed to rent the book I wanted.” I cleared my throat in embarrassment, remembering well what the next day looked like when I walked inside the library. I have skipped going there for the next two months from shame as the librarian had screamed at me for ten minutes without even as much as taking a breath.

“Whatever, it’s still weird.” I muttered and nuzzled my nose behind the neckline of my jacket, regretting now that I haven’t worn a scarf. Yunho just chuckled and cast me a side glance as his longs legs carried him around faster than my shorter ones; it almost felt like I was jogging next to him. He must’ve been cold with how few clothing items he was wearing. I couldn’t help but let my eyes wander towards him as I took in his appearance again, deciding that this version of Yunho was intimidating and quite…hot. His bright persona was certainly eye catching but this felt different, alluring almost.

“It’s not weird,” Yunho said with a chuckle, lips pulling into an amused smile, “I’m just observant.”

I hummed, but didn’t look at him as I asked my next question while we crossed the road, “What are you doing here, anyway?”

Yunho chuckled again, but it was lower and as we looked at each other briefly, there was a dark glint in his beautiful chocolate brown eyes, mischief written all over his face, “Wouldn’t you like to know?”

I rolled my eyes and quickened my pace, just wanting to get home already. I was tired and cold.

“Do you have the evening shift often?” He asked after a minute of silence.

“Wouldn’t you like to know?” I fired back and Yunho laughed, head tilting back slightly, “Don’t expect me to give you an answer when you evade mine with a question.”

“You didn’t look like you’d be this feisty, angel.” My steps halted as I stared at Yunho incredulously, eyes slightly widening in offense. What did he mean by that?

“I’m tired.” I called out since Yunho hadn’t stopped walking and now I had to jog to catch up with his long strides, “And you’re walking too fast.”

“My apologies.” Yunho suddenly slowed down and looked at me with a big smile, the first time he looked like the Yunho I knew from university, “Sometimes I forget not everyone has long legs like mine.”

“Yeah,” I rolled my eyes, “I wonder how’s the weather up there.”

Yunho suddenly laughed, pressing a palm against his lips as it was loud, “I haven’t heard that one in long.”

I just hummed and cast another glance at him, confused of our whole conversation and the situation we were in. To be fair, I was grateful for him, of course I was, but the shock still hadn’t worn off and I was still slightly thrown off by his demeanor and change of personality…and looks. We continued walking in silence, steps hurried as the wind started blowing harder and all I could think about was Yunho being cold and getting sick because of his choice of clothing. However, the quiet didn’t last for long around us as we heard approaching footsteps, it sounded like they were running towards us. Yunho and I looked back at the same time and I failed to notice the way his expression hardened and jaw set. Before I could react, a heavy arm was draped around my shoulders and I was pulled into a sturdy body, warmth wrapping around myself and a masculine scent. I looked up at Yunho flabbergasted before watching the running man again as he came to a stop a few feet away from us.

“Hey, Yunho—” He panted as he leaned forward, resting his hands on his knees, “Finally found you, man.”

Yunho said nothing as he watched the guy, strengthening his grip against my shoulder when I tried to move away. My eyebrows furrowed as I struggled for a bit more, until Yunho clicked his tongue and I looked up at him, feeling his gaze on me already. His eyes were sharp and dark and I gulped as I looked away, stilling in his grip when he looked back at the younger looking guy, “What do you want?”

His voice sounded nothing like the friendly person I have been just talking to, it was ice cold and it made me shiver.

“Yeah, uh,” The guy glanced at me reluctantly, “Cheol wants the money. Soon.”

Yunho scoffed and rolled his eyes as I looked at him curiously, wondering where this conversation was going, “I thought I have made myself clear already, Chan.”

“Hey, don’t shoot the messenger, alright?” The shorter guy scoffed and stood up straight, his eyes hardening as he looked at Yunho now with a slight glare, “You’ve been avoiding us for months now, Cheol is getting fed up…so is everyone else.”

“And I have a reason for that,” Yunho snapped, anger coating his voice, “which you all know of. If you want my money, do your fucking end of the deal for once.”

“Was the merch not good enough last time?” Chan raised an eyebrow. These two were acting like I wasn’t even there, so I tried to get out of Yunho’s grip again, but instead, he gripped my nape and roughly pushed my head into his chest, making me gasp. I clutched against the collar of his leather jacket and tried to pull away, but Yunho’s strength was immense, so, instead my cheek was mushed against his firm chest, his musky cologne invading my senses and making my head slightly dizzy.

“If it were good, you would’ve seen the money by now.” Yunho’s voice held no emotions and I watched as best as I could from my position as he reached with his right hand behind himself, moving at what looked like lightning speed to me, but with my vision obscured I wasn’t able to see what was in his hand, “Go back to Cheol and tell him to get his fucking act together before I take action.”

“Asshole.” I heard this Chan guy snap and then an unsettling silence followed. I bit my lower lip and wondered what was going on, and it didn’t take long to find out as he spoke up soon again, “Got yourself a shiny new toy?”

“She’s a person, not a toy, Chan. And she’s not mine.” Yunho’s voice was rough and my breath halted for a second as I felt Yunho’s fingers twitch against my skin. I moved my head slightly to look up at him and caught the quick glance he sent down at me. It was dark and emotionless, yet it held a clear warning that I needed to stay quiet. My heart skipped a beat involuntarily.

“You better claim her then, before Cheol gets his hands on her—”

“Get lost, right now.” I have never heard such a threatening tone from anyone before, and my blood froze over at the anger and sneer in Yunho’s voice as he grabbed onto the back of my head tightly, making me freeze as I heard the click of something. Was…was he holding a gun? I gasped quietly as my fingers dug harder into the fabric of Yunho’s jacket and I heard the Chan guy cackle before his footsteps stared fading away. Yunho, however, didn’t move and I was too scared to do so as I realized I had started shaking. Suddenly, my head was being pulled back by Yunho’s hand on my nape and we made eye contact as he looked down at me menacingly.

“Not a word to anyone.” I exhaled shakily and frantically nodded my head as I dared to take a glance at his other hand, which, to my horror, held a black gun. My blood ran cold as Yunho released me at the same time as he put his gun away, behind himself, probably in the belt of his jeans, “Let’s go.”

And the rest of the walk was silent and hurried as I almost ran to finally get home, confused and scared and needing a shit ton of answers to the questions swirling in my head, which Yunho was probably unwilling to give. I valued my life above all, and therefore I remained silent, besides, the anger oozing off of him was enough to shut me up despite my sparkling curiosity. Who the hell was Jeong Yunho?

The next day I did everything in me to forget about last night’s endeavors and about Jeong Yunho. I could act like nothing happened, like it was all just a dream. And everything was going well, until…until Yunho and I crossed paths in our university’s hallway. Well, we didn’t actually cross paths, but we saw each other briefly as I was walking with my best friend to class and Yunho was headed towards the stairs, the two of us on the two opposite ends of the long hallway. My friend was talking about the book she was currently reading and I would hum or nod along to her words, letting her know that I was paying attention despite being silent as we walked, my hands gripping the straps of my backpack. I nodded in agreement at her characterization of a character we both enjoyed from the book, when I finally looked ahead and my mind blanked. It certainly did feel like last night was a fever dream as Yunho stood on the other end of the hallway, black hair falling in soft curls against his forehead with his rainbow-colored sweater hanging loosely around his frame, big hands disappearing in the sleeves of it. His jeans were a faded grey and he was laughing as he talked to someone, eyes disappearing and cheeks puffed out. He looked nothing like the guy from last night and it gave me whiplash as his menacing and threatening eyes flashed before my eyes just as Yunho suddenly looked ahead, his eyes finding mine, looking at me with the warmest gaze anyone could muster up. I realized I was gaping, but I couldn’t help it when my brain convinced me that Jeong Yunho from right now and Jeong Yunho from last night weren’t the same person.

“Are you staring at Yunho right now?” My best friend’s voice finally snapped me out of my staring and I looked at her with the same wide eyes.

“I—yeah, but—” I needed to get it together, “That’s not Jeong Yunho.”

“Uh,” My friend looked at me like I had grown another head, “then who is he?”

“I don’t know, but—” I let out a long huff, eyebrows furrowing as I looked back at Yunho, “but that’s not the same guy from last night, I’m telling you.”

I could see the confusion on my friend’s face as she looked towards Yunho, crossing her arms in front of her chest, “He looks like—Yunho. I mean, what are we even talking about right now? Did you hit your head or something?”

“Stop it.” I snapped at her and pushed at her shoulder in frustration, making my friend glare at me, “He must have two personalities or something.”

“That’s not a very nice thing to say about someone, Y/N.” My friend chastised me and I groaned in frustration. Of course she wouldn’t understand. She wasn’t there. She didn’t see the Yunho I have. Coming to think of it…I don’t think anyone had from around here, seeing as everyone was flocking towards him and acting so freely with him. His laughter carried down the hallway and it was soft, his cheeks slightly rosy as a girl leaned too close to him and he averted his gaze shyly. He was void of all the accessories he had been wearing last night and his clothes were what I was used to seeing him wear on a daily basis. He kept shifting from one foot to another as a guy threw his arm around Yunho’s shoulders as the two giggled about something, Yunho covering his mouth before whispering something to him back with a cheeky smile. The image of him holding a gun suddenly flashed behind my eyes and I jumped, sucking in a sharp breath of air. My friend looked at me like I was crazy and I averted my eyes from Yunho, looking at her like I have seen a ghost.

“There’s something very wrong with that guy, I’m telling you.” I muttered as I grabbed her wrist and pulled her in the opposite direction, scared of facing Yunho after his weird personality shifts.

“You sound super crazy right now, bestie.” I rolled my eyes and huffed as my best friend taunted, cackling when she saw the discontentment on my face.

And the days passed just like that. Jeong Yunho, wearing every existing bright color, avoiding eye contact when he felt shy and hiding behind his hand when he laughed a little too hard. His cheeks had a flush to them constantly and he would carefully arrange his wavy bangs against his forehead. It was confusing. I was becoming convinced with each passing day that what had happened that night was just a fever dream, and that it was so real that my mind decided to believe it. Perhaps I was lucid dreaming or something, it wouldn’t be the first time. Two weeks had gone by since my strange encounter with Yunho and I have finally come to terms with the fact that maybe what happened wasn’t even real. It couldn’t have been, not when Yunho didn’t even glance my way once. Not when he remained the bright and lovely popular boy and I…continued almost missing my deadlines, which meant I was coped up in the library currently, searching for the book I needed without having much luck in finding it. I was too lazy to ask the librarian as I would need to descend the stairs, so I instead grew more and more frustrated as I stomped around between the bookcases. I was surely disturbing someone, but I didn’t care. Eyes set on the books, one title caught my attention and I stopped, hoping that it was the book I needed. It was at eye level and I pulled it back just enough to be able to see the cover and title of it. I felt like banging my head against the shelf when I realized it wasn’t the book I needed, and with a very loud sigh/groan, I pushed it back harshly, almost screaming when a human head was casually leaning against the bookshelf next to the book I had just examined. My heart beat like crazy as I gaped at Yunho, his warm eyes twinkling with amusement as his eyebrows were slightly furrowed. His baby pink shirt hugged his frame messily as the collar fell a little low, showing off the smooth skin of left shoulder, and his dark green cargo pants were an interesting choice to wear. Yeah, this was the Jeong Yunho I knew. Dressing quirky and looking almost like an oversized puppy as his lips were pushed into a pout. I couldn’t find any words to say so I just scrambled through my brain for something, pushing my hair behind my ears as Yunho continued staring. It was becoming too much, his gaze.

“What?” I managed to say, still at a loss and not knowing how I should approach him.

“Hi.” His lips suddenly pulled up into the brightest smile I had ever seen, and his eyes twinkled with so much warmth that I took a step back. I’m going crazy, aren’t I?

“Hi.” I willed myself to greet him back, taking another step back as Yunho took one towards me, smile still on his face. He didn’t say anything else as he proceeded to come closer and closer, making me chuckle nervously as I continued putting distance between the two of us, not for long though. My back soon ran into the bookshelf and I internally whined as it cut into my back sharply. Yunho came closer, caging me in between the bookshelf and his body, making my heart somersault as I looked up at him confused, but intrigued. He was still smiling, still looking as friendly as ever, still the bright and well-liked guy from our university. Suddenly, his arms raised and were placed on each side of my head, slightly above. Yunho went and leaned down a bit, crooking an eyebrow as my eyes widened and body shrunk against the hard shelf. His musky cologne wrapped around me once again, and the events of that night flashed before my eyes without a warning.

“What are you doing?!” I whispered, sounding panicked as Yunho looked almost confused by my reaction. Almost as if it didn’t make sense that I was reaction to him like this. But I had every reason to, I can’t be crazy.

“I’m looking for a book,” He said with a light tone, expression calm, “this is the medical section. You know I’m studying to become a doctor, right?”

“No.” My answer was instant; I had no idea what his major was. I only heard rumors about how great he is, not about what he does or studies here.

“Oh, now you know.” Yunho said surprised and looked above my head, grinning happily as he reached out. What the hell was happening?

“You’re majoring in architecture, right?” I nodded wordlessly, confused as to how he knew once again something about me. I never told him. Just like with my name.

“So, did the librarian tell you this too about me?” I asked, sounding a little accusatory, as I raised an eyebrow at Yunho. He chuckled and shook his head, looking down at me in amusement.

“Not quite, I figured it out when I saw you leaving class a good while ago.” Right. He saw me leaving class. Sure. My eyes narrowed at him and I licked my lips, about to slip away and go on my merry way as this whole interaction was weird and confusing, but as if Yunho read my mind, he stepped even closer, the front of our boots touching. I looked up at him alarmed, eyes widening as Yunho lowered one arm, holding a book.

“This is so weird,” I muttered to myself, feeling uncomfortable, “Is there something wrong with you?”

My question was quite offensive and I didn’t think it through before I said it out loud, but it didn’t seem to affect Yunho as he started giggling quietly, eyes becoming smaller as his cheeks flushed. How was this the same man from that night? Did he have a twin or something? Why would his name be Yunho too? Was he fucking around with me? Or did he just have multiple personalities?

“I don’t think there’s anything wrong with me, angel.” My body tensed at the nickname and I watched as Yunho composed himself, and yet, the Yunho suddenly caging me against the shelf wasn’t the same Yunho from just a second ago. The friendliness and warmth slipped from his face as his eyes slightly narrowed, darkening as a smirk appeared on his lips instead of the cute smile he directed at everyone. My heart started beating faster as he bit his lower lip, leaning down even more to be eye level with me, making my breath catch in my throat, “Do you think there’s something wrong with me?”

“Something very wrong.” I managed to whisper as Yunho chuckled darkly, the knuckles of his free hand suddenly grazing against my cheek. I flinched, but didn’t pull away as his eyes ran over my face. The way his wavy hair fell in his eyes made them look sharper. He oozed danger and my mind screamed at me to high tail it out of there, yet my feet remained planted.

“There’s nothing wrong with someone who has a colorful personality, angel,” Yunho’s deep voice rang through my ears as he leaned in to whisper in my left ear, goosebumps erupting on my skin, “Have you told anyone about our encounter from that night?”

I quickly shook my head no and Yunho smirked, pulling back and gripping my chin tightly, yanking me forward and knocking the wind out of my lungs, “Good girl, keep doing that. I’m afraid something might happen to you if you decide to blabber on about it to someone.”

I shuddered as his piercing gaze kept me locked in, a whisper barely passing between my lips, “Like what?”

The sinister look which crossed Yunho’s face felt like a punch to my gut and I suddenly remembered the gun he owned. He’d shoot me. He’d kill me. Of course he would, something told me he wouldn’t hesitate or think twice about it.

“I would have to punish you—” He bit his lower lip as he paused for a second, making me realize I started shaking, “And not in the way I would love to.”

“Fuck.” I muttered, gripping his wrist and lightly pushing against it. His words were meant to be threatening, and they were, I was shaking after all…but his words also did something to me as my stomach twisted and body shivered, eyes subsequentially falling onto his red and plush lips. Yunho’s smirk widened and he leaned so incredibly close that I could feel his breath hitting my lips, his skin seemingly flawless from up close. My fingers closed around his wrist tighter as my back melted into the bookshelf behind me.

“Let’s keep it our little secret for now, angel.” His thumb swept against the skin of my chin, my face flaming at the motion, “And I shall reward you if you’re a good girl.”

“How?” I whispered, looking into Yunho’s dark eyes.

“You shall wait and see.” He winked and before I could think more about his words, he was gone just as quickly as he had come. I was left blinking confused at nothing and struggling to breathe regularly as Yunho’s warm, and big, hand left my skin burning where he had touched. What have I indirectly gotten myself involved into?

Things happened the same way like the first time after my strange encounter with Yunho in the library. He didn’t look my way, he didn’t acknowledge me, he didn’t speak to me for at least a good two weeks. It was weird, everything he was doing. I had so many unanswered questions, but I pushed them to the back of my mind and hoped that whatever weird thing going on between Yunho and I would stop for good now. I didn’t want to get tangled up in something which felt so unsure and dangerous. I still haven’t forgotten the gun Yunho owned nor the conversation between him and that Chan guy. Even a dumb person would’ve understood that there was something illegal, at least, going on between the two of them and I didn’t want to get involved. However, the radio silence didn’t last for long as it was another Thursday and I was closing up the small convenience store I was currently working at. I had the evening shift again; the clock was close to hitting midnight and it was snowing heavily outside. I sighed when I realized I would have to walk twenty minutes just to get home. There were no signs of snow half an hour ago, it came out of the blue and I watched as a group of teenagers ran past the convenience store laughing loudly and having a snowball fight. I couldn’t share their joy as I shrugged on my coat, the weather had been nice today, I thought it wouldn’t get cold and thus abandoned my thick winter jacket, which I came to regret now. I switched off the lights and braced myself for the cold as I pushed open the door and instantly shuddered. There was a freezing chill in the air and it clung to my body as I quickly tightened the scarf around my neck, at least I had half a mind to bring one with myself. I struggled for a few seconds with the lock, it's been acting up for a while now but the owner didn’t bother to fix it, until I heard a click and pushed against the door, making sure I have truly locked it. I whirled around to stalk off towards the bus stop, with little hope that the last bus hadn’t went by already. However, I was quickly forced to stop by the sight in front of me. Yunho, painfully underdressed for the current weather, stood leaning against a black massive car. It was an SUV, a very expensive looking one.

“Evening, angel.” My jaw shouldn’t have almost hit the pavement, but I couldn’t help but gape at him. What was he doing here? Why was he here? Was that his car? How? Was he rich? Now that I come to think of it, I have no idea what Yunho does outside of university or the type of family he comes from. The sudden realization of knowing exactly nothing about him besides the persona he paints himself as was startling as a sly grin crossed Yunho’s features. It made my stomach flip.

“What are you doing?” I managed to ask, reluctantly walking closer to him. Yunho pushed his hands inside the pockets of his leather jacket, which looked thicker than the one he wore on the night he had to save me from those two creeps. His jeans were ripped and black and a very tight, form fitting, white shirt clung onto his well-defined body. With a black baseball cap over his wavy hair he looked extremely handsome underneath the street light, I had to stop myself from letting my eyes wander all over his body once again.

“Saw how hard it started to snow,” Yunho spoke up casually, smirking when I stopped a few feet away from him, “Figured you might just take the shortcut again, so, I’m here to pick you up.”

“No, you’re not.” My answer rushed through my lips instantly and I looked at him startled, slightly taking a step back as Yunho pushed off his car, “I am perfectly capable of walking home and besides—I might still catch the last bus.”

“It went by while you were still locking up, angel, just accept my offer and stop being so stubborn.” Yunho sounded slightly irritated as he walked closer, head lowered so that I was able to see his eyes from this angle. They were narrowed and I gulped, realizing that he wasn’t playing nice nor would act goofy like at university, this was the weird and intimidating version of Yunho.

“Excuse me if I’m hesitant in accepting your offer, Yunho,” I snapped, slightly fed up with the constant whiplash this guy was giving me, “But I have no actual idea who you are and so far you’ve been acting like a stalker. You know my name, you know my major, you randomly show up when I’m in trouble and then you walk me home despite my complaints. You proceed to act completely different than the guy I’m used to seeing at university and you have strange conversations with weird people who are threatening you and are calling me yours like I’m simply just a piece to be put on display and you—you have a gun! And you’ve threatened someone with it. So, yeah, I don’t exactly want to get in your car for you to—drive me home? Or kill me. Or do something else to me.”

“If I wanted to do something to you or harm you I would’ve already done so, Y/N, I had plenty of chances for that.” My jaw hung open once again at Yunho’s instant reply, heart hammering at his admission. Is this seriously the only thing he’s taken from my rant? Which felt good to finally get off my chest, but it seemed to make no difference as Yunho shook his head lightly and suddenly invaded my personal space, taking me completely off-guard, “Who I am at university and who I am outside of it might seem like two completely different people to you, but it’s me. I’m not always happy, and goofy, and I’m not always in a good mood. I just don’t like showing the real me around people.”

“I am people, so what’s different?” I scoffed, glaring up at him, “We don’t even know each other so I don’t understand why you feel the need to drop your act around me.”

“Would you prefer me acting all fake, then?” Yunho’s tone was harsh and his face read displeasure as I allowed my eyes to soak in his expression. Would I prefer that? It was the Yunho I was accustomed to, but would I like that?

“I don’t know,” I managed to mutter out, averting my eyes when Yunho’s dark gaze became too much, “I guess I’m just used to that version of you and this—feels weird, perhaps scary.”

Yunho suddenly sighed and his shoulders slightly dropped as he looked up at the sky, his smooth skin glinting under the streetlamp, “I’m sorry if I scared you, that wasn’t my intention.”

I chewed on my bottom lip as Yunho looked at me again, our gazes connecting. He was sincere, his eyes were shinning with honesty and an almost innocent like gleam, just like the one I was used to seeing. I hummed wordlessly and looked away, feeling slightly more at ease in his presence. He just sighed quietly and I heard shuffling before I felt the weight of a big hand pressing against the top of my head. I looked up at Yunho wide eyed as he started patting my hair, almost as if he was flicking something out of it. The snowflakes, probably. My cheeks flamed at his action.

“Will you let me drive you home, then?” Yunho asked again, voice softer this time and features relaxed, “I don’t want you walking around late at night and in this weather.”

“Alright,” I gave in, clearing my throat as Yunho suddenly grinned widely, “But you should be worried more about yourself, you’re barely wearing anything.”

It made Yunho chuckle as he headed for the passenger seat’s side and opened the door for me. I muttered a small thank you as I carefully slid inside.

“I’m rarely ever cold.” Yunho said with a cheeky wink before closing the door and jogging around to the driver’s side. I allowed myself a quick check-out of the car, eyes widening when I saw the emblem on the wheel. I was sitting inside a Maserati Levante. Just how did Yunho afford this car? The seats were of black leather and it was definitely heated as I felt my body warm up quickly as the engine has been left on. Yunho grinned as he slid inside and quickly buckled his seatbelt, reminding me to do the same as he put on the blinker, signaling that he would drive off now. The car slowly started rolling, pulling away from the store as I gazed out the window, feeling slightly awkward that I was now enclosed in such a small space with Yunho. I took a quick peek at him and watched him gripping the steering wheel lazily, hair framing his face as tonight it wasn’t as wavy as usually. His eyes were set on the road and he licked his lips before glancing at me, making me quickly look back outside the window, hating the way my cheeks instantly flushed. And as we drove by the bus stop, my eyes widened when I spotted the bus which would’ve taken me home.

“You said the bus went by already!” I exclaimed and turned to look at Yunho slightly offended.

“Oh,” He hummed but by the smugness coating his face I knew he had lied on purpose, “my bad, thought I had seen your bus.”

I scoffed and shook my head, melting into the warm seat as I glared ahead, ignoring the fluttering feeling of butterflies in my stomach at the thought that Yunho only lied because he wanted to drive me home. Perhaps he wasn’t so awful at all times.

Despite me feeling like Yunho brushed over my outburst that night, he seemed to change a bit. He started gradually approaching me at university and even hung out with me during our shared lunch breaks. He also started stopping by the convenience store whenever he had free time and I soon came to know that he lived just a few blocks away from it. Which was a surprise because I have been assuming he lived in some fancy rich neighborhood due to the car he was driving. Nobody really seemed to question our suddenly blooming friendship, although I felt like we still had a long way to go, and Yunho also stopped being so mysterious. He still didn’t answer all of my questions and often changed the subject when I asked about that first night, so I stopped asking about it after a while. I figured that I might get him to tell me at some point, and if not, I could always start asking around. People loved to gossip and maybe they would know something about this Chan guy who had called Yunho a few times while we were hanging out, but he always declined his calls. Tonight was supposed to be a chill night, but my best friend decided that she has had enough of staying at home every Friday and thus dragged us to a house party not far from our university. It was a half an hour walk away from my flat, so we opted to walk and just grab a cab on our way back. The house was large and packed with people as we made our way inside and I sighed at the sight of so many familiar faces. Almost everyone from our university was here and I realized I was tricked into coming to a party organized for our university specifically. My best friend just giggled as I have her a glare, already hating the fact that I had to stay here for hours and hours as she was in the mood to party. The only savior I found at the moment was alcohol, so the two of us made our way into the kitchen, both grabbing some beer from the fridge. Apparently, my best friend knew the host of the party and got us invited easily.

“I really needed this.” My best friend said as she threw her head back, downing half of her beer in one go. I raised my eyebrows at her as I sipped on mine casually.

“I can see that.” I chuckled and allowed my eyes to wander around the kitchen, taking in the faces. A few people above our grade were gathered around the sink, laughing about something and pointing at something. I wasn’t further interested, so I averted my eyes and noticed two friends of Yunho’s. They were standing in the corner and laughing about something as the taller one had his phone out. My staring must’ve been insistent as he looked up and we made eye contact, a smile appearing on his lips. He smiled and waved as he called us over. Due to Yunho and I hanging out more often lately, he was quick to introduce me to his friend group. They were a nice bunch but a bit too energetic and happy for my liking. My best friend, however, was totally into their vibe and would beg me to hang out with them. It was fine, I knew she wanted to make some new friends and these guys were nice and…handsome.

“Hi!” Mingi was quick to greet us happily and I smiled at him, waving at Seonghwa as my best friend went and hugged him. The two seemed to click instantly, it was nice to see.

“Was it you who urged Sooyoung to come to this party?” I asked Mingi accusingly and he laughed as he looked down.

“It was actually her who gave us the idea of coming here tonight.” I hummed and threw a knowing look at my best friend as she didn’t bother focusing on Mingi and I, already wrapped up in a conversation with Seonghwa.

“I see, I should’ve known.” I chuckled and Mingi nodded while putting his phone away. It was a little unusual that these two were here without Yunho, but I didn’t question it. I knew he wasn’t a big fan of parties and besides, he didn’t tell me he would be coming. Therefore I didn’t expect to see him here.

“Did you finish your project?” I asked Mingi, remembering him complain about it two days ago. Mingi’s shoulder slumped and he started pouting as he stole my beer swiftly.

“Almost, I have to design the garden and then I’m done.” Mingi was a landscape architecture major and he was always busy with projects, barely out of the house if it wasn’t for Seonghwa and Yunho dragging him to places. He was quite dedicated to his work and it was admirable. Especially when I could barely find any inspiration to do my assignments. Whenever we shared a few of our classes I was amazed by his knowledge and drive to learn even more.

“That’s good, you’ve got this, Mingi.” I gave him an encouraging smile and he chuckled, looking at me knowingly.

“So, did you start your design?” I fake laughed and took a swing of my beer after taking it back from Mingi.

“You know me, I’ll do it two or three days before the deadline.”

“At this point I’m afraid you’ll fail.” Mingi’s eyebrows furrowed and I chuckled, shrugging.

“Don’t worry, I function best under pressure.” I saluted him mockingly and Mingi chuckled, soon our attention on Seonghwa as him and Sooyoung approached us.

“I really want to dance,” Seonghwa said, drunkenly gazing at Mingi, “Are you coming?”

Mingi just sighed but stood up, throwing an arm around Seonghwa’s shoulders, “Of course, I’m coming. Someone needs to make sure you don’t trip over your own legs.”

Sooyoung and I chuckled as we followed after the two boys despite me not being too fond of the idea. I didn’t feel like dancing tonight, but I didn’t want to leave Sooyoung alone, and besides, I could see it in Mingi’s eyes that he didn’t want to be alone with the two. Whatever was going on between them, which both were denying, was pretty obvious.

The music was loud in the bigger room compared to the kitchen and I looked around, realizing it must’ve been a sort of library hence the bookcases on both sides of the room were filled with books. My heart broke a bit for the books, I could only hope no one was stupid enough to damage them. Otherwise the room was cleared up and there was a table with a mixing console on it, the DJ standing behind it and playing trendy songs everyone seemed to enjoy. The bas thrummed against my chest and I downed my beer in one go before I pushed through the crowd, making way for myself and my friends. Somewhere in the middle we found a good spot and formed a circle starting to dance.

I couldn’t tell how much time passed before I needed to use the restroom, but just as I went to tell Mingi I would be leaving for a few minutes, he leaned in to tell me that he needed some air. And so, after telling Seonghwa and Sooyoung where we were headed, Mingi and I took off hand in hand towards the exit. We agreed on meeting in the kitchen in around ten minutes before heading back to our friends, and so we parted, going on our way. The bathroom was in the far back of the house and I was thankful as the music didn’t reach here, I could finally hear my thoughts. The air was gradually better too compared to the suffocating heath in the library like room. Thankfully, I didn’t have to wait long to make it inside the bathroom and I was quick in doing my business, washing my hands thoroughly before splashing some cold water on my face, tapping it against my flaming skin. Perhaps I should join Mingi outside for a second before grabbing another drink. I huffed and smoothed down the top of my hair, baby hairs all over the place, before I unlocked the door and left the quiet bathroom. The hallways had no lights but it was fine as the living room was well lit up and it poured out here too. There was a staircase leading upstairs, but it was barricaded off and I knew not to go upstairs even if I wanted to. Just as I went to walk past the staircase, someone collided into my shoulder, knocking me slightly backwards. I gasped in surprise and looked back, surprised to see a slightly familiar face. The guy was younger, and he quickly apologized before a look of recognition crossed his features. Despite it being almost two months ago, I remembered his name. Chan. The guy Yunho threatened with a gun. I gulped and accepted his apology, about to walk off when he spoke up again.

“Don’t I know you?” He asked with narrowed eyes and I cursed silently, facing him again.

“Uh, barely.” I offered with a small smile and Chan hummed, eyebrows furrowing.

“Weren’t you with Yunho once?” So he remembered too, huh.

“Chan, right?” I raised an eyebrow and suddenly the guy was grinning and extending his hand towards me to shake.

“Knew it,” He said with a chuckle as I reluctantly shook his hand, “I don’t know your name though.”

“It’s Y/N.” I introduced myself and Chan smiled, his grip lingering for a second longer than necessary. It unsettled me as I cleared my throat and very obviously made to leave, but Chan seemed like he wanted to talk a little bit more.

“I had no idea you knew Jeonghan.” My eyebrows raised at the name and I thought for a second until I realized he was the host.

“I don’t, my best friend does though.” I explained and Chan hummed, a small smirk appearing on his lips.

“Now that I come to think of it,” He took a step forward and I willed myself to not move backwards, “Yunho never mentioned you again after that night.”

Oh, well…that didn’t feel nice to know. I thought we were sort of friends by now, but maybe Yunho needed more time. Our relationship dynamic was still weird and most of times I didn’t know where to put us, so maybe Yunho was feeling the same way. Or maybe there was something dangerous about this guy and Yunho just simply avoided talking about me in his presence. Our encounter that night felt almost fresh in my memories and I willed myself to not think about the gun pointed at this younger guy.

“He must have a reason, then.” I found myself answering with a cold smile, ready to excuse myself finally, “My friend is waiting for me—”

“Just because he doesn’t mention you doesn’t mean we don’t know about you, Y/N.” His sinister smile and cold tone sent a chill down my spine and my eyebrows furrowed as I looked at Chan, “Do you have a tattoo?”

That was a very random question, one that took me off guard as my eyebrows raised, “Uh, no, I—”

“What a pleasant sight, Lee Chan.” A sharp tone cut me off and I turned my head to see Yunho approaching us in all of his tall glory. His glare was sharp and body stiff as he came to a stop next to me, instantly pressing his warm palm against the small of my back. It made me straighten up slightly as I gazed at Yunho’s profile, surprised to see him here.

“Thought you weren’t coming, Yunho.” Chan said with a chuckle, eyes falling between the two of us and the non-existent space between our bodies as Yunho pressed up against me, his musky cologne invading my senses.

“Maybe you should check on your friend, Chan, he might be unable to walk for a week or two.” The dark smirk which crossed Yunho’s lips made me gulp, and I watched as Chan’s expression fell, suddenly it felt like we were back to that chilly night out on the street.

“You son of a bitch,” Chan hissed and marched up to Yunho, who didn’t even as a little as flinched, “What did you do to Hansol?”

“Nothing he won’t survive.” My eyebrows furrowed as I looked up at Yunho, who seemed to be unbothered by my piercing gaze. Chan hissed under his breath and with one lasting glare quickly stormed off, grabbing for his phone as he raced towards the front door. I released a breath I didn’t know I had been holding just as Yunho faced me, and I took in his attire in surprise. His black long-sleeved blouse was tight and was unclasped down to his chest, blank ink peeking through from underneath on his left pectoral. His outfit was completed by black leather pants and his black hair, which fell messily against his forehead. I was snapped out of my staring the second I felt Yunho caging me in against the railing of the staircase, big palm still pressing against the small of my back, eyes very slowly dragging up from his exposed milky chest to his chocolate warm brown eyes, which were narrowed and carried a hint of frustration.

“What did he want?” His voice was low and it brought a flush to my cheeks as I looked up at him, suddenly all too aware of the lack of space between us.

“Nothing much.” I muttered with a shrug, but Yunho didn’t seem to believe me as he lowered his head, eyes boring into mine. His gaze made my skin crawl and my fingers twitched as I placed my hands behind my back, doing everything in me I could to focus on his eyes and not on his cherry red plush lips, which were too close to my face all of a sudden.

“Don’t lie to me.” His right knuckles grazed against the skin of my cheek and I gulped as something coiled in my stomach. Was I this transparent? He could read me so easily.

“He just asked if I have a tattoo or something.” I answered after a beat of silence and Yunho’s eyebrows slightly furrowed as I dared to peek at his chest again, the ink more visible because of his stance. The collar of his shirt fell lower and I could make out a thick line which went in a circle and the tip of a letter, perhaps A?

“And what did you say?” His forefinger was suddenly underneath my chin as he tipped my head back, pulling my eyes away from his chest. I blushed furiously because of the amusement in Yunho’s eyes and the wide smirk on his lips, I was caught staring. His voice was low and breathy and I bit my lower lip for a second, trying to ignore his proximity and scent as his head seemed to be even closer to mine right now.

“No—nothing,” I exhaled and licked my lips, “you got here when I was answering him.”

“Good girl.” My legs shouldn’t have almost given out at his praise, but my mind wasn’t clear anymore. Yunho’s scent and proximity were intoxicating and I sure as hell wasn’t drunk from one beer, but everything about Yunho made me feel like it. I don’t know when it happened, but I couldn’t pull my eyes off Yunho whenever we were hanging out. And when we were at university, I was just like the others, flocking towards his bright and warm aura, desperate for his attention at times. When it was just the two of us, I yearned for his warmth and dangerous eyes, often breathless when his voice dropped to chastise me for something. When we hung out with our circle of close friends, I wanted his undivided attention on myself only. I had come to realize that Jeong Yunho was insanely good-looking and his mysterious aura was nothing but a little spark which made him even more irresistible.

“Wanna get out of here?” I heard him asking once I was done daydreaming, “I know you don’t like parties.”

I nodded wordlessly and as Yunho slowly, without breaking eye contact, pulled away I almost chased after him, hands balling up into fists in order to prevent myself of doing something I might regret later. There wasn’t a label to our relationship, but friends certainly didn’t want to fuck each other, therefore I needed to keep myself in check and control my desires.

After letting our friends know that Yunho and I would be leaving we got our jackets and went up to Yunho’s car. It was slightly dirty, which made me wonder where he had been as he had a habit of keeping his car crystal clean, even just a speck of dust made him wash it. The car ride was quicker than I expected as we flew through the quiet city, lights blurring at the speed Yunho was driving. He wasn’t a reckless driver, but it seemed like he was eager to get home. I couldn’t blame him, there was nothing better than the feeling of finally reaching home after a long and tiring day. I could imagine Yunho’s had been the same after he texted me in the morning that he had some business outside of the city and wouldn’t attend his classes, therefore we wouldn’t meet up. It was a surprise that he even made it to the party. It wasn’t the first time Yunho and I hung out in his apartment, but it was the first time I had come here so late and without a real purpose. Usually we huddled together to study, Yunho’s determination finally rubbing off on me to do to my assignments in time or when our friend group wanted to hang out and have a chill night.

After Yunho and I got settled, he went and grabbed a bottle of red wine, saying he needed it after the day he had. I didn’t complain as I watched him from the couch, body turned around and eyes running all over his frame. The clothes he wore did an amazing job at showing off his forms and I couldn’t help it but linger on his shoulders and waist as he had his back to me, grabbing around his counter while he had the wine in front of him. He popped it open without much struggle and then poured some red wine in two glasses, putting the bottle away. I watched as he turned around and leaned his hips against the counter, crossing one arm over his chest as he grabbed a glass and raised it to his lips, closing his eyes. He took a small sniff of the beverage before taking a long sip, letting out a content sigh. The image shouldn’t have made the hairs on my skin stand, yet all I could do was watch and gulp, mind blank until Yunho’s dark eyes snapped open and he smiled. It was mischievous as he spoke up.

“Won’t you get yours?” He pointed at the second glass and I hummed, wondering whether I should mix beer and wine, but it’s been a few hours since I last had beer. Besides, I was feeling fine. It shouldn’t do any damage. So, I pushed off the couch and approached him carefully, feeling fidgety under his sharp gaze. His eyes followed my every step as I stopped next to him and grabbed the glass, copying him. I sniffed it before I took a careful sip of it, the sweet taste exploding in my mouth. I hummed and took a bigger sip, appreciative of its taste. Yunho was smiling as he sipped his, and we remained standing like that as I tried to find anything to look at which wasn’t Yunho. The silence wasn’t uncomfortable, but it was getting too much and I felt like I needed to break it, so I spoke up, “You never told me you had a tattoo.”

Yunho eyebrows slightly raised, almost surprised that I knew, until he glanced down at himself and chuckled, “Ah, I forgot this blouse was low cut.”

“It’s not low cut,” I snickered, “You’re just wearing it like that.”

“Are you saying I should button up?” He asked with a playful smirk and I just smiled while shrugging. If he did that perhaps I would stop staring, but I wasn’t about to say that to him.

“So…does it mean anything?” I asked nonchalantly, having now an excuse to look at his exposed chest as Yunho glanced down too. He remained silent as he looked up, eyes searching my face for a few seconds before he lowered his glass on the counter.

“Not one you’re expecting to hear.” He said lowly and I raised an eyebrow as he suddenly stepped closer, looking down at me with a serious expression and darkening eyes, “Do you want to know?”

I gulped and busied myself with the glass I had in my hand as I looked down at it, pursing my lips in thought. I was trying to ignore the rapid beating of my heart but Yunho took away my only distraction as he took the glass from my hands and placed it on the counter next to his, now I was forced to look at him.

“I guess.” I muttered, hoping he couldn’t hear the shake of my voice. His scent was once again all around me and it was hard to focus on anything he was saying.

“But if I tell you…” He took a step forward, making me step back and collide into the counter, “and you tell anyone…”

My body tensed as he reached forward and pressed his thumb against my lower lip, eyes focused on my lips, “I will have to kill you, angel.”

I gulped as I shuddered, and Yunho lightly dragged my lower lip down, licking his lips as we looked at each other. His gaze was challenging and dark, lips about to break into a sneer as I was scared but intrigued, “I won’t tell anyone.”

“How can I know for sure?” Was he testing me? His voice dropped to an almost whisper and he cocked his head to the side, eyebrows raised almost mockingly, “You have a vengeful personality, who knows what you’ll blabber on about if I happen to hurt you.”

“Don’t hurt me then.” I snapped and Yunho chuckled, but there was nothing amusing about it.

“Are you reckless or simply dumb?” He was taunting me and I didn’t like it. I grabbed his wrist and glared at him, pulling his hand back and thumb off my lips.

“That’s some nerve coming from someone who was everywhere I went and knows everything about me without actually knowing me.” Yunho’s lips pulled up into an amused grin at the way I snapped at him, nose scrunched in annoyance.

“I’m in a gang,” He stepped impossibly close and placed both hands on the counter on both sides of body, “A very dangerous gang, the tattoo is to signify where I belong to.”

I gulped, slightly thrown off. I was expecting many reasons to answer the enigma around Yunho, but I didn’t exactly envision him being involved into gang activities or the mafia, even. Was he just simply not saying? Wouldn’t be the first time he lied to me.

“Why did Chan ask if I have a tattoo?” My voice was hard and I tried not to shake when I felt Yunho’s large hands gripping my waist. His hold was firm, like he was afraid I would run away.

“Because,” Yunho licked his lips as he lowered his head so I didn’t have to crane my neck up so high, “if you’re mine you have to get the tattoo as well.”

“But I’m not yours.” I quickly said as I tried to process everything and ignore the way Yunho’s grip tightened around my hips and jaw clenched, “And I don’t want to have a tattoo.”

“Then you won’t have one,” Yunho’s tongue peeked out as he liked his lips swiftly, his eyes glued onto my lips, “But you are mine, Y/N.”

Before I could ask him since when, Yunho closed the gap between us and pressed his plush lips against mine. I didn’t mean to flinch, but it was unexpected and rough as his hands on my waist pushed me up onto the counter, easing the height difference a little between us. I kissed back when I felt him about to pull back, probably thrown off by my lack of response, and Yunho was quick to smash his lips against mine with a fever, setting a hasty and messy rhythm as my head was tilted back and arms circled around his shoulders. It was everything I have envisioned and yet nothing like it. His lips were plush and warm yet rough and relentless as he bit at my lower lip, almost as if he was trying to inhale the whole of me. His scent was the only thing I could smell around us and my brain was fogged up as Yunho’s lean body pressed into mine, pushing me flushed against himself by placing his hand on my back. My legs parted wider, making more space for Yunho as one of my hands traveled towards his hair, gripping at the black wavy strands firmly. His warmth was overwhelming and it made me breathless as his large hand wrapped around my neck as if he needed something to hold onto. My lungs were screaming for air and I pulled back once it got too much, lightheaded as I leaned forward, teeth attaching against the soft skin of Yunho’s neck. His chest was falling and rising rapidly, just as breathless as I was feeling, the hand from my neck traveling to my nape as I pressed open mouthed kisses against his skin, lips trailing down to his collarbone. Yunho groaned when I bit lightly at it, teasing and licking, before I was pulled back and forcefully met with lips against my own. It didn’t take long for Yunho to push his tongue against my lips, asking for permission. I opened up without hesitation, letting him take the lead as his wet tongue licked against mine, humming, the vibrations traveling through my whole body as I pulled on the smaller strands of his hair. Yunho tasted like the red wine he just had, sweet and so intoxicating that I couldn’t get enough of him. His tongue explored my mouth as my hips bucked against him and I wasn’t surprised to find him just as affected as I was feeling. I could feel him through his leather pants and the friction was much needed against my throbbing core as I grinded against him once again, catching his lower lip between my teeth as he went to pull back. Yunho’s eyes were the darkest I had ever seen them and his cheeks were lightly flushed as he grabbed my nape firmly, jaw clenching and lips plump from the kissing.

“Bedroom, right now.” His voice was raspy and it sent a chill down my spine as I quickly clung onto him, legs firm around his waist as he walked us to his bedroom, large hands holding me up by my ass and allowing me to grind against him as Yunho groaned and nipped at my lower lip until we were standing in his dark bedroom. He carefully lowered me and onto the ground and I was quick to get rid of my jeans and shirt, helping Yunho in undoing the zipper of his leather pants as he had gotten rid of his blouse. I allowed myself to stare unabashedly at his body, taking in his lean but muscular form as he towered over me, stomach well defined and thighs thick. It was a sight worthy for drooling and I snapped out of it when Yunho started walking me backwards, not expecting me to palm him through his boxers. He sucked in a harsh breath and allowed me to feel him up and massage him before I was pushed down onto the bed by my shoulders. I scooted back before he crawled towards me and leaned down to press kisses against my neck and shoulder, tongue flattening against the flush skin of my collarbones before he sucked hard at a patch of skin, making me groan at the sting. His kisses didn’t stop there as he kissed down between my breasts, biting at the skin before he continued, all the way down to my stomach. I was panting and itching to grip onto his hair, but his face was in front of mine in an instant and he kissed me breathless once again. My nails dug into his back as my hands roamed over it, mapping every flaw of his skin, soaking in his warmth. Before I could register it, his fingers were ghosting over my thigh and slowly itching closer to my panties. I groaned into his mouth as he yanked them down, eyes opened as Yunho pulled back just slightly, hot breath hitting my face as one finger slowly slipped inside my wet hole. I gasped at the feeling and Yunho groaned, lips pressing against my cheek as he pushed himself up by one hand near my head. He slowly started thrusting it in and out, making my eyebrows furrow as he dragged the movement out, not waiting long to add another long finger. I grabbed his arm as my toes curled and hips lifted off the soft cover of the bed, trying to meet his lazy thrusts. They weren’t enough and they made my skin burn as my other hand tangled into his hair.

“Please, Yunho,” I whispered out, moan choked back as his thumb pressed against my clit, stomach coiling at the added sensation, “Faster.”

His teeth bit into the skin of my jaw, not hard enough to leave a bruise as he slightly picked up his pace, fingers curling against my walls and making my back arch off the bed as he rubbed harsher and faster against my clit, fingers thrusting in and out. A knot was forming in my stomach as more sound left my lips, sharp exhales and broken moans as Yunho’s fingers reached the spot which made my back arch off the bed, my own hips picking up its pace as I chased for an orgasm.

“Such a good girl,” Yunho rasped in my ear, making me moan as his finger grazed the spot again, “you were so patient for me.”

“Yunho.” Our eyes connected and I pulled his head closer by the hand I had tangled in his hair, “Please—”

“Not yet.” He bit my lower lip as his hand stilled, making me whine as my walls clenched down against his fingers, every nerve in my body burning. I tried to move my hips despite it, but Yunho’s fingers quickly were pulled out from where I needed him most and I watched helplessly as he sat back, the tent in his boxers obvious. He proceeded to pull my panties all the way down before getting rid of his own boxers, pumping himself as his head fell back. I watched with hungry eyes as his size came as no surprise, matching the massivity of his body. He reached over my head, holding a package as he opened it, putting on the condom before he hovered over my body. For a second he didn’t move and my skin tingled in anticipation as I reached my arms around his shoulders, pulling his hot body against mine, whispering in his ear.

“Yunho, just fuck me already.” I didn’t expect him to moan and before I could blink, his tip was at my entrance, slowly pushing in. My mouth opened as I clenched my eyes shut, surprised at the burn as he stretched me out more and more as he slid inside. He was bigger than anyone I was with before and I needed a moment to adjust to his size as Yunho pressed kisses all over my face, biting my earlobe.

“You can’t tell anyone.” He said lowly, and despite our predicament I heard the threat in his words.

“Which part?” I questioned despite knowing what he was talking about, hand trailing down his smooth back.

“The gang part.” Yunho clarified, as if I needed it, lightly thrusting up. I gasped and gripped his sides, walls clenching around him, making him groan.

“I won’t, I won’t, just—” My voice broke off as he did the same again, smirk on his lips, “Move, please, Yunho.”

“As you wish, angel.” He whispered in my ear before pulling out almost all the way and slamming back inside, making me gasp loudly as I didn’t expect it. Yunho’s smirk stayed glued to his lips as he did it again, ripping a loud whine from between my lips, nails digging into his skin as he set an excruciatingly slow rhythm. It did no good but rile me up and make me reach around for anything to hold onto as my body flamed, walls clenching more around him, desperate for more friction. But Yunho seemed to enjoy the desperate state I was in as he chuckled, and suddenly, I felt his big hands bringing mine together, pushed above my head as he pinned my wrists together and pushed them down harshly into the mattress. He suddenly was moving, getting up onto his knees and sitting back as his right hand slipped under my lower back, guiding me up, lower back hovering in the air. Yunho only paused for a small second, eyes connecting with mine before he moved, sharp and clear, pace nothing like the slow one previously. I moaned loudly as he started rocking his hips harshly, pace relentless and dick reaching deeper than before, making my hands ball up into fists as I couldn’t hold onto anything with Yunho pinning them above my head. It didn’t take long for Yunho to get vocal, cursing under his breath as his eyes were closed and he was biting his lower lip, pace picking up the louder my moans got. I couldn’t focus on anything else but the pleasure building up in my lower abdomen and the electricity coursing through my veins, mind wrapped up in the scent of Yunho, the feel of Yunho…Yunho.

“Yunho.” He was the only thing I could think about and at the desperation in my voice he got rougher, pistoning his hips at an unforgiving pace, making me cry out in pleasure as my hips thrusted up, chasing for an orgasm as I tried to meet Yunho’s frantic thrusts. He finally released my wrists and gripped my hips firmly with both hands as he helped me move against him, my head thrown back at the constant ripples of pleasure as my fingers tangled into the sheets above head and twisted hard, moans of Yunho’s name tumbling through my lips. He was panting loudly and whines left his lips as I could feel him throbbing and I knew he was close like I was.

“Fuck, Y/N, you feel so good.” He moaned out as my walls clenched down hard on his length, toes curling and mind completely fogged up with pleasure. The second his cold thumb started rubbing circles against my clit I saw stars and I came with a high-pitched moan of his name, Yunho’s hips stuttering before he guided my hips, riding out my orgasm just as he muttered a quiet fuck before he came too, groan low and guttural, movements never ceasing until it became too much and I whined, gripping his wrist in an attempt to ask him to stop as I haven’t managed to find my voice yet. Yunho groaned as his hips stuttered and slowly stopped, panting hard as he stared down at me. My eyes took him in before they stuck to the tattoo on his left pectoral. It was big. A big circle going around the letter A and cutting into it at the bottom. I shuddered as he slipped out and got off the bed, leaving my limp body on the bed to recover as my fingers tangled in my hair in an attempt to tame the wild strands. Yunho got rid of the used condom before he stood by the bed, towering over me. We stared at each other for a few seconds before he leaned down and tucked the covers away, effortlessly picking me up and slipping me underneath them. He got in next to me and pulled the soft covers over our bodies. I sighed in content at the warmth spreading over my naked body and nuzzled my nose into the pillow which smelled so much like Yunho. I felt him shift behind me before the front of his big body was pressed against my back, a hand coming around my body to hold me. I didn’t expect him to grip my neck firmly and push me back even more into himself as he slightly leaned over me. I was able to look at him from the corner of my eyes and I watched the menacing look on his face and the darkness in his chocolate brown eyes as he leaned close enough to be able to whisper.

“You don’t have to get a tattoo,” Despite his expression, his tone was soft, “but you’re mine and everyone else will know about it. I’ll make sure.”

I gulped as Yunho pressed a chaste kiss against my cheek before his long fingers slipped from my neck, making me realize I had been holding my breath. I released it shakily and felt him settle down behind me once again, nose pushing against my shoulder blade as his arm was firmly planted around my middle.

“Alright, let’s say I’m yours for now.” I found myself saying, but didn’t expect the chuckle from Yunho. I didn’t like being called nicknames nor being claimed like I was an object, but they didn’t sound so bad coming from Yunho’s mouth, they held no menace nor ulterior motives.

I didn’t know what this made us, but I knew I had one or two secrets to keep and that Yunho wasn’t letting me go nowhere from his sight.

⟨Part 2⟩

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starryschoolgirl · 7 months

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Family & Fame

An attempt at a Elvis x Reader drabble

Summary -> In private Elvis was your loving husband and you were his doting wife, but in public Elvis was Elvis Presley, and you were just the wife. Unfortunately, sometimes that public dynamic would follow the two of you home, making way for arguments.

Warnings -> Jealousy, marital dissatisfaction, arguments, very cute and domestic 1st scene though, if you only want some pure fluff read that first scene it's adorable, denial of sex, yelling, swearing, flirty fans, circa 1956, Elvis' confusion leads to anger, Elvis is such a cutie I can't even be mad at him in this. Elvis is also a dad in this because I felt like it.

WC -> 3.5k

Request -> "i was wondering if you could write something with elvis x reader where there's a little marital dissatisfaction? just like a little drabble, doesn't even need to be over 100 words"

"You look handsome, now stop fussing"

Elvis leaned into your hand that cupped his cheek which was smooth from being freshly shaved.

"Now,"

You reached down for the comb on the hotel suite's bathroom counter, holding it casually between two fingers. While you smiled up at him your thumb stroked his cheekbone gently as you asked,

"Would ya hold still so I can fix that mess of hair?"

Elvis laughed softly and turned his cheek slightly to press his lips on your palm, smirking sweetly as he murmured against the skin,

"Sure thing Mama…"

With a smile you stilled his head by keeping your hold on his cheek, tapping it lightly you signaled for him to get lower, which he complied with as he bent his knees slightly, lowering himself to a height that you could see the top of his hair better.

As you neatly combed the gelled mess back into place you mumbled fondly,

"See what happens when a man fusses over his appearance? Just makes it worse, you men, so reckless with your hands…"

He asked testily with a smirk,

"And when a woman fusses over her appearance?"

You simply responded with one last perfecting swoop of the comb,

"Women don't fuss."

He drawled out a sarcastic, "Mhm…"

To which he was answered with a pointed, "Mhm."

After feeling pleased with your work you placed the comb down and smiled up at him, "Perfect", you said just before kissing his cheek.

You then turned to the long bathroom mirror that covered the entire length of the long marble countertops, leaning over it ever so slightly to rub at the skin around your lipstick, making sure it wasn't off-kilter in any way.

He smoothly stepped behind you, the front of his body pressed against the back of yours as his spine bent with yours, leaning over you onto the bathroom counter as you eyed him through the mirror. His arms wrapped around your waist and his chin fell to your shoulder as he stared back at you through the mirror.

His voice was low and gruff as he suggested,

"We don't really gotta go to this little gatherin' tonight now do we? Couldn't we just enjoy the rest of our time in San Francisco? We got about 10 more hours."

Elvis punctuated each sentence with a kiss to your neck, right in that spot he knew you were ticklish. You laughed softly and gently batted him away with a few swipes of your hand which in turn made him laugh.

You spoke while trying (and failing) to keep a serious face,

"Elvis, t-the mayor-"

Your laughing made it hard to put together a proper sentence.

"He's holding this soirée tonight in honor of you coming to- Ack..!"

Elvis laughed and said sarcastically before biting your ear,

"Oh, a soirée? I'm sorry little Ms. French I didn't know it was such a big deal"

You tried your best to continue through the giggle-fest Elvis could pull from you.

"Don't you w-wanna show them all that Southern charm you used to get me to marry you?"

Elvis growled playfully as his hands wrapped around your waist tightened and he picked you up from behind, evoking a squeal of surprise from you as he mumbled into your ear,

"Ya make it sound as if I schemed on you with those charms"

You laughed loudly as he held you up and responded,

"You did scheme on me! Made me think I was marrying a John Wayne cowboy type, just to find out you're a Harpo Marx clownish type, but instead of playing a harp you play a guitar"

He growled into your ear "Oh you little-" before ravaging your neck with playful kisses.

A knock on the bathroom door interrupted your fun, the both of you turning to see it soon opening after Elvis', "Come in Roberta"

As the door opened you smiled to see Roberta, the sweet old lady who'd been working for you and Elvis since a month or two after he released his first RCA record which brought in the money needed to have a personal nanny for yours and Elvis' daughter, sweet little Charlotte, who she was holding as she stood in the doorway.

Roberta smiled as she saw her two employers as in love as ever in each other's arms, the both of you looking like a million bucks in your outfits for tonight.

"Well kids, I just wanted to let the two of ya know Charlotte is all dressed and ready to go, and that the bellboy said the car's out front and ready.

She was much older so even though you and Elvis were adults, she still referred to the both of you as kids, because the two of you in life experience were like kittens compared to a sweet old cat like her.

You smiled and quickly made your way to take your daughter out of her nanny's arms, cooing over how darling she looked in her little dress and coat before saying with a smile, "Thank you, Roberta."

You looked back at Elvis as you bounced Charlotte in your arms, asking with a soft smile,

"Could you grab my purse over by the sink Honey?"

-----

Sometimes you forget how Elvis' emotions could flip like a switch.

One moment before walking into the big building as Elvis held Charlotte and nervously stared at the doors, you'd cup his cheeks gently and whisper reassuringly, "Hey, everybody here is here for you, to just be around you. You're the man of the evening, they're the ones who should be nervous right now, and I bet you they are"

And then the next, you're holding your sweet daughter in your arms while Elvis is holding some random girls (who you're sure are somebody's sweet daughters) in his arms as he's telling them what "overcomes" him to make him move on stage.

You could vomit, you really could, at the way they all put their hands mindlessly on his chest, and 'ooh' and 'ah' over him explaining what it was like for him to film his upcoming debut film "Love Me Tender"

You got along well with the mayor's wife and a few of San Francisco's socialites who were older women which meant they weren't here for Elvis they were here because their husbands who were close friends of the mayor were here. Due to their disinterest in Elvis, they were easy to make casual conversation with.

The younger women, however, were a different matter. Most of them clung to Elvis or waited their turn to do so. And as you watched from afar you were well aware you could go over there to claim what was yours, but you didn't feel the need to. The ring was on your finger, and his child was in your arms. Sure, he didn't often make eye contact with you through the night like he always used to, but that was just because he was surrounded by so many fans. Right?

Sometimes through the night, he'd shifted through the room to you, with a group of girls in his arms, only now it was a different set, and of course, the merry mayor following him closely, buttering up to America's icon. You shifted Charlotte to your hip as Elvis introduced you to the short, tubby man.

"This is my wife, and right there is our little girl, Charlotte."

The mayor tipped his head to baby Charlotte in your arms, "It's nice to meet you little miss, and," he then turned his head to you and held his hand out, "It's nice to meet you as well Mrs. Presley"

You laughed softly at the title and politely urged him to just call you by your first name.

The night went on like that, now and then a new important man would shuffle his way into the circle of girls that surrounded Elvis and the two of you would do introductions, eventually, Elvis had offered to hold Charlotte for you, and as he picked her up he smiled at her saying, "There's my little girl", making those big fish eyes that often entertained the little girl.

The women that surrounded him would coo at how sweet of a father he seemed to be. You only watched with an unimpressed look as one of the girls chimed in,

"She's blonde? I thought you said under that mop of shoe polish dyed hair was a light brown color, or are you just trying to fool me, Mr. Presley?"

The girl giggled and obnoxiously leaned her head against Elvis' shoulder and made a playful face at your daughter as she did so, clearly infatuated by the adorable baby, but not as much as she was with the man who had fathered the baby.

Elvis laughed softly at her jest, and responded simply,

"Well Hon, it's true that I have light brown hair now, but when I was a baby I had blond hair, it just turned brown as I got older, happens with a lotta babies"

The girl giggled once more and took an almost mournful sigh as she stared up at Elvis through her batting eyelashes (you were surprised she didn't fly away with how fast those things were flapping), and crawled her hand that rested on his chest a little higher as she spoke,

"I think I'd have to see that to believe it…"

Oh, brother.

You sighed softly at the ridiculousness of these girls, and the added ridiculousness of Elvis actually laughing and smiling along. He would get a little bit of nagging later. Thankfully you didn't have to stomach the situation too much longer as Charlotte began to cry. As Elvis tried to hush her and bounce her in his arms you smiled politely at the girls and made your way closer to Elvis.

As you took Charlotte from his arms you spoke softly,

"I think she's just a bit tired Elvis, I'll calm her in the car for a bit"

Elvis mumbled a soft 'Alright Hon', and caressed Charlotte's cheek gently with his index finger before leaning your way to kiss you. But, feeling as annoyed as you felt now, at the last second you'd turned your head, his lips landing on your cheek rather than your lips, his original target.

But he couldn't say anything as you'd already begun to walk off.

As soon as you slid into the backseat of the car, the driver asked where Elvis was. You explained that you and the little one were just resting up for a bit and that you weren't sure when Elvis would be through. Charlotte had calmed down and quite quickly fell asleep in your arms, the closing of her pretty little eyelids had marked the end of the party for you. You wouldn't leave your baby to sleep in the car alone, and you wouldn't force her to be awake for the rest of the party.

You didn't mind though as you felt all partied out yourself. As much as you hated to admit it, you don't think you ever could get used to seeing Elvis surrounded by girls and entertaining girls the way he'd been since his launch to fame.

You didn't think it was unfair of you to feel this way. It wasn't as if this was something planned when the two of you got together a few years ago. It was only recently that you'd had to start enduring Elvis Presley, the rock and roll heartthrob, and not just Elvis, the dorky boy who drove a truck and had a hard time putting together a neighborhood team to play football with him.

You closed your eyes with a sigh, resting a gentle hand upon your daughter's hair. You leaned your head against the car window, it was cold as the nights were beginning to have a little chill to them. The seasons were changing, and with them, so was Elvis.

Oh well, such is life.

-----

"…Just to the hotel Frank…"

You hummed softly at the familiar voice, pressing your head impossibly closer to the window as you tried to adjust to a more comfortable position. Just as you had settled comfortably back into the window a warm weight in the form of a hand pulled your head elsewhere. You were too tired to care, so you let it, your head soon resting comfortably on familiar broad shoulders.

That voice spoke again, but it seemed that in your half-asleep state, his voice kept coming in and out.

"…took me awhile, but… sorry… gotta entertain the fans…"

You felt annoyed by the voice interrupting your slumber, but you tried your best to ignore it after letting out a disgruntled hum.

It felt as though only a minute had passed since you'd gotten peace again before you heard that familiar voice, your husband's voice, whisper as his hand gently kneaded your shoulder, only now it was coming from the other side.

As you opened your eyes you saw the soft lighting of the hotel's sign lights spilling into the open door of the car along with Elvis' figure outside the car. Now it seemed he was holding a sleeping Charlotte in one arm as his hand tried to soothe you awake.

"C'mon Honey, we gotta get some sleep 'fore the flight"

You hummed softly and after mumbling a 'thank you' to your driver you got out of the car with the help of Elvis' steadying hand which naturally shifted to your hip after you were standing upright.

Elvis unlocked the room and kissed your cheek, mumbling something about the baby and Roberta, you were too busy on a mission to get out of this uncomfortable dress and still miffed at him, to care to process what he was saying. Your mission was to get to the bathroom to get ready for bed, as you made your way there you stopped by your suitcase to grab a short silk nightgown and your robe.

As soon as you stepped into the hotel's bathroom, and Elvis disappeared off to who knows where you could finally let out a breath. You were exhausted but you couldn't go to sleep just yet in your state. You tiredly shuffled over to the sink and began to take apart your pretty party appearance piece by piece. The hair clips that tugged at your scalp now rested on the sink, and the makeup that caked your face now caked a rag.

You struggled to reach the zipper of your dress, and for a moment your body went limp and you debated just going to bed in it. With your head hung tiredly and your eyes closed, you could've fallen asleep standing there had a set of familiar hands not graced your bare shoulders. Elvis' voice close to your ear as he asked through a smirk,

"Ya need help?"

You opened your eyes and looked at him through the mirror, you finally got a good look at him, his hair had been fussed with, could've been from him carding his hands through it throughout the night, or from one of those girls carding their hands through it. You nodded with a sigh, upset with him, but definitely in need of assistance.

As his rough fingers glided along your bare back before working at the zipper, Elvis' lips quickly fell to your neck, placing soft little pecks along the skin. You stared at him through the mirror blankly, and shook your head as you mumbled,

"Not tonight Elvis, I'm too tired…"

He hummed softly as the sound of the undoing of the zipper and the feeling of the dress loosening around your body filled your tired senses.

"Who says ya gotta put in effort Honey? I can handle ya the way I always do,"

You felt his lips curl into a smile against your skin as he murmured,

"I know how ya like it when you're tired…"

You sighed and tried pulling your neck away but his lips followed, and his hands began to explore you thoroughly as the only thing holding that dress on your body was his pressed so close against yours. You quickly stepped to the side, leaving him to shuffle forward as you were no longer there for him to lean his body against.

You kept a hand on your dress to hold it up on your body as he watched with furrowed brows.

"Elvis, I'm not in the mood for it tonight alright? We have a flight in a few hours, I want to get some sleep."

"Baby-"

Elvis reached his hand out to you but you took a step back and shook your head, a firm, "No, Elvis." leaving your lips as you walked to where you placed your nightwear with a hand still holding up your dress. Just as you began to head for the closed bathroom door he followed and asked,

"What's wrong Hon? W-what did I do to ya?"

His voice got louder as the confusion he felt was beginning to get him worked up,

"Seriously Baby, I took ya out to this nice party or fuckin' soirée or whatever pretentious bullshit you called it and this is the thanks I get?!"

You shoved him by the chest as you whisper-yelled, "You're gonna wake the baby..!"

Elvis scoffed as he took a step closer to you, practically caging you against the bathroom's door, his teeth were grit as he stared at you incredulously,

"You've been in a bad mood with me all night, seems like ya haven't even been listening… I told ya I was puttin' her with Roberta tonight! You would know if ya didn't have a stick shoved so far up your ass."

You stared up at him, feeling a pang of hurt at his words. He continued,

"Actin' like you're too good to talk to any of the fans. Spendin' all ya time schmoozin' with the rich old hags who don't give a rat's ass about me or my music"

You abruptly yelled back at him, staring daggers up at him through your teary eyes,

"That's why I was with those women Elvis! Because when I'm hanging out with them I don't gotta watch as they make goo-goo eyes at my fucking husband! I don't need to watch them paw and grab at the father of my child!!"

Elvis shook his head with a scoff and looked away from you, still keeping his hands pressed against the door, caging you in one spot. He mumbled something along the lines of "naggin' me like a jealous old wife…", a term that had only become a thing said in your arguments since Elvis' rise to fame.

You cupped his cheeks in your hand and pulled him to look at you, your voice shook as you affirmed,

"That's cause I am a jealous old wife Elvis… And had I known I would've turned out this way when I married you a few years ago… I…"

Your voice had dissipated before you could finish your sentence. You stared down at the tiled floor of the bathroom. Elvis was still wearing his shoes, whereas yours had been off the moment you stepped into the room. You could see the creases in the shoe of the foot that he was tapping nervously, and you could see the way your toes scrunched tensely.

The bathroom was quiet, and Elvis' voice which was once full of defense was now softened as he spoke quietly,

"Now, ya don't mean that Baby. You're just tired is all…"

He looked down at his shoes nervously and then at himself through the mirror on the other side of the bathroom. His hands that once caged you in landed ever so gently on your arms, his words came out through nervous stutters,

"You were right, we-we gotta catch a-a flight. Better head to bed,"

There he goes. When things get just a little too real, when the words are just a little too honest, and when reality is a little too close to crashing into the both of you, he expertly redirects it all for another time. Wanting to keep his schoolboy fantasy of having a little family of his own intact.

The little fantasy that he would whisper in your ear late at night in high school as the two of you squeezed into his twin-size bed, knowing if he talked at a normal volume the very thin walls of his house would give way to his voice waking his parents in the small room on the other side of the wall.

The little fantasy that he assured your Daddy would come to fruition if he got your parent's blessing. And it seemed so as you soon gave birth to sweet Charlotte, but just months after she was born you saw the first few strands of that fantasy being shot to hell as Elvis' talent had started being recognized.

And though it had only been maybe a year or two since then, you felt as though the boy you married straight out of high school was becoming a man you didn't recognize. And while you could keep the fantasy with Elvis going when the two of you were alone such as during the time you spent getting ready with him, it all crumbled bit by bit as his love affair with the fans and the public would disrupt his love affair with his wife. And he would let it.

So, I meant it when I said it was supposed to be a drabble, less than 100 words, short and sweet, as requested by a lovely anon. Don't know what happened...

#elvis fanfic #elvis presley #elvis x reader #elvis presley x reader #elvis presley fic #elvis x y/n #elvis fanfiction #elvis x you #elvis presley fanfiction #elvis presley imagine #elvis presley fandom #elvis presley fanfic #elvis presley angst #elvisaaronpresley #50s elvis #elvis presley x y/n #elvis presley x you #elvis angst #elvis request

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major-mads · 2 months

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Chapter 5: The Dangerous Sky

John "Bucky" Egan x Ruth Morgan (OFC)

Series Masterlist

A/N: We've been planning this chapter for months now, and it's so exciting to finally post it! It's another long one lol! Please comment or reblog and tell us what you think!! Thanks for reading!! <3

Collab: On a Wing and a Prayer by @footprintsinthesxnd

Word Count: 12.7k

Monday, August 23, 1943: Thorpe Abbotts AAF Base, Norwich

Regensburg, Germany…the mission that earned the Hundredth its nickname was finally over.

Nine forts lost.

Ninety men gone…just like that.

Ninety boys who would not return to their families.

Among these ninety men was Curt. Buck and John were still in shock when their small group of officers tiredly pushed through the doors into their nissen hut. A few beds were made with fresh sheets, all remnants of their previous owners long gone.

The nightstands and walls that held the pictures Ruth had admired the week before were bare, a fresh slate for a fresh face that would be arriving soon.

As he walked by Biddick’s bunk, Bucky couldn’t bear to look at it. The wound was still too fresh.

“Knowing Biddick,” he had told Buck in the Algerian desert,” He’s probably sipping on a bottle of schnapps right about now.”

Oh, how he wished he was right.

“Looks like you’ve got mail, Bucky,” Jack spoke up, pointing at the man’s bed that had a few letters thrown on the mattress.

Dropping off his bag with a thud, John sat on the edge of his bed and collected the letters silently, immediately recognizing the neat cursive handwriting on the front.

He let out a gentle sigh and smiled to himself, the corners of his lips curling just slightly. Flipping through the letters, he discovered that all three of them were from Ruth.

August 17th, August 19th, and August 21st

John opened the first one, carefully unfolding the precious letter, and began to read.

John, Hope and I were barely able to sleep last night. Our worry for you both ate away at us, keeping us awake until the early hours of the morning. Based on what we’ve heard from Frank, that is around the time you were probably waking up in preparation for the mission. I pray for you constantly, John. I pray that God will look out for you, that He’ll protect you, and that He’ll allow you to come back to me. I also pray that Granny’s necklace does its job. Keep it close. I like to think that it’s a little piece of me with you. I don’t think I could imagine not seeing you again. My heart couldn’t take it. I’m afraid I have become very attached to you and your mustache, Major, so I am pushing this thought as far from my mind as I can. It has been difficult. As I sit writing this in the loud mess hall of our base, I can’t help but think back on the dance. That first night we shared with the buzzing crowd surrounding us…the way you calmed my nerves without a word, made me smile, made me laugh. You are unlike anyone I’ve ever known, John Egan, and I worry that you may never be rid of me if you continue to treat me so. I hold every second we’ve shared very near to my heart, and I can’t wait to see your handsome face again. If by some miracle you are back to base by the time this letter arrives, send me a response as soon as possible. I need to know you’re safe, Johnny. I’ll be waiting for you and your letter. Yours, Ruth Morgan

John could almost hear the nurse’s voice in his head reading her words, and his chest filled with warmth as he traced her name lightly with his finger. If he was being honest with himself, he was taken aback by her sincerity. No woman had ever expressed feelings like these to him before.

His relationships with women had always been about a night of pleasure, physical attraction with not much feeling behind it.

But her words…

‘I worry that you may never be rid of me…’

Ruth was different in every way possible, and when he told her that first night, he had no idea just how much. Placing the letter onto his nightstand, he opened the second one from the 19th, his grin widening when he saw the first line.

Dear Hotshot, I wanted to be the first to inform you of the Yankees’ seven-to-five loss to the Indians today. Yes, I remember our truce, but seeing that you got one last jab on Monday before we parted, I decided that I had one left myself. This makes us even now. Now that that’s out of the way, I can revert to the loving sweetheart who is worried sick for your safe return. I really do mean it when I say you are always on my mind, John. I’ve managed to make it one singular day without seeing or writing to you before giving in and penning this letter. I simply need to get out my nerves and anxieties, thoughts and feelings, and this is the best way to do that. Hope and I went on an evacuation run yesterday, and as we were flying, we wondered if we were near the two of you. Did Buck tell you he proposed? Well, he didn’t technically, but he told Hope he wanted to marry her after the war. Needless to say, she’s been worried sick just as I have, maybe even more with Hugh gone as well (if that’s possible).

Eyes widening, John’s gaze rose from the letter and shot across the room to Gale, who was quietly talking with Hugh at his bunk as he unpacked his bag.

Why did he not tell him?

“Got any big news you wanna share with the class, Buck?” he asked, raising his eyebrows at him while holding up Ruth’s letter.

Gale confusedly looked over at him. “What?”

“You heard me.”

Rolling his eyes at Hugh, Buck sauntered over to John, standing over him with hands on his hips. “What are you talking about?”

“Mrs. Hope Cleven,” the older man grinned. “That’s what I’m talking about.”

A bashful smile appeared on Gale’s face. “I’ve got a ring and everything, now. It’ll be after all this is over.”

Standing to his feet, Bucky pulled him into a tight hug and lifted him off the ground. “Whenever it happens, I better be the best man! That’s all I’m sayin’.”

“Yeah, yeah, you will be,” Buck chuckled as John put him down, releasing him from his grip. “Just don’t tell Hugh that.”

“Hey, I heard that!” Hugh shouted across the officer's hut causing Gale to groan.

“Well, it makes sense. I am Buck’s best friend,” John retorted, sending a sly smirk Hugh’s way which only riled the man up further.

“Yeah, and Hope’s my sister. I’m his future brother-in-law.”

Gale stepped back as Hugh stomped over to them, coming chest to chest with John who just continued to playfully glare down at him.

“So what? You're a St. Louis fan,” Bucky pointed at him, a grin tugging at his lips. “That instantly makes you not best man material.”

Hugh snorted, rolling his eyes. “Yeah, and I suppose you being a great Yankees fan makes you the right choice, huh?”

“Absolutely,” John replied matter of factly. “How can you cheer for a team who lost 11-3 to the Pirates? The Pirates.”

“At least we didn’t get shut out by the Indians.”

Gale knew this wasn’t going to end well. No one could insult the Yankees to Johnny’s face and get away with it...except Ruth, of course. Before John could find a comeback, Gale stepped up, moving to stand between the two men.

“Now, now. I’m not having you two fighting over being my best man. If it’s that much of a problem, I’ll make Demarco my best man and Meatball can be the ring bearer.”

Neither of the men seemed too pleased with that outcome.

“Not Demarco!”

“Yes, Demarco.”

John groaned, pursing his lips, and Hugh remained silent, looking at the ground solemnly at their childish behavior.

“You should choose whoever you want to be your best man, but-” John began with a nod before Hugh interrupted.

“Yeah pick who you want, Gale. Hope will probably want me to walk her down the aisle anyway so I’ll probably be in the bridal party instead.”

John snickered with raised brows as he imagined Hugh in a bridesmaid’s dress, but he fell silent when Gale elbowed him in the ribs, shooting him a glare..

“Come here,” Bucky pulled Gale into another hug and slapped his friend’s back, “Congratulations, Buck! You’re a helluva guy.”

“The best,” Hugh added.

As they stood there celebrating Buck’s life-changing news, the trio couldn’t help but think of their close friend who wasn’t. Their group got even smaller…

“Curt…he would,” John cleared his throat and nodded, forcing down the emotion that threatened to creep up his throat. “He would be happy for you, Buck.”

Gale’s eyes met Bucky’s and they mirrored the same emotions…hurt, regret, sadness. The men who came back never talked about those who didn’t, and both of them knew this was the one time they would.

“Yeah, he would,” Buck breathed, one side of his lips barely turning up into a mournful smile.

Silence filled the air around them there for a few moments, all three stuck in their minds until Gale spoke up.

“That from Ruth?” Buck asked, gesturing to the letter in Johnny’s hand.

He nodded once and sat down on his bunk with a soft smile, suddenly remembering the last half of Ruth’s letter he still had to read. “I’ve got another one to read after this one. Then I’ve gotta write her back.”

As Gale looked down at his friend’s lovesick gaze, he smiled to himself and shook his head. If someone had asked him if John Egan would be rushing to read love letters and send a response to a woman, one woman, whom he’d been seeing over a month, Buck Cleven would’ve told them they were crazy.

“Tell her I said hello,” Gale said quietly, patting Johnny’s shoulder before returning to his bunk.

He muttered, “Yeah, sure,” before his eyes found the paragraph he left off on. The major’s aching heart was soothed by her words as he continued to read them.

We have been busying ourselves around the base, finding things to keep our mind off the fact that we don’t know where you are…if you’re safe. I’d like to think I’d know in my heart if you were gone. I pray I don’t ever have to face that feeling. Take care of each other wherever you are, alright? I know you watch Buck’s back like he watches yours, Johnny. Keep an eye on Hugh, as well. We both know he can be a troublemaker…like someone else I know. He, however, doesn’t have someone to reel him back in when he gets a little too crazy like you do. I know I’m writing this like you will receive it where you are right now, and not when you return to base, but I’m doing so because it’s the closest thing I have to talking to you. I miss you, John. Please write when you get this. Praying for your safe return, Your Ruthie

Scooting onto his bunk more comfortably, Bucky leaned back against the wall and opened the last letter. It was dated just two days prior, so at her current rate, another would be sent before his could reach her.

My Hotshot, Please come home soon. The past five days have been torture. I go to see if I’ve gotten mail every single day, and each time, I leave a little more disheartened than I came. I feel my heart can’t beat inside my chest until I know you’re safe. I know you’re doing your job…a job that has to be done…but it doesn’t make it any easier. I’m sorry, John, but I don’t have too much time to write. We’re about to leave on an evac run. I long to hear your voice and feel your warm touch. Don’t forget your promise, hon. Come back to me…sooner rather than later. I can’t handle two boyfriends, remember? Missing you, Your Girl

Johnny swallowed thickly, lowering the letter to his lap as his mind raced. He knew that it very easily could’ve been him that went down that fateful day over Regensburg…it was all luck.

There was a bigger chance than he’d like to admit that he’d go down, that they’d all go down, and the thought of never seeing Ruth again brought a burning to his chest. Reaching up, he grasped the necklace around his neck beside his dog tags, feeling the coolness under his fingers.

Her Granny’s necklace sure did its job.

John brought the cross to his lips, kissing it softly as he silently thanked Virginia Morgan up above for the good luck.

Once the letters were carefully stored in the growing bundle of her correspondences he kept in his nightstand, he pulled out a fresh sheet of paper and a pen. Using his book as a backer, he began to write.

Ruthie, Hey, sweetheart. I’m glad that you kept your promise about the letters, and I’m also glad to say that I’ve managed to come back to you in one piece. By now, you’ve probably read about the raid in the papers. It was a tough one, and reading your letters helped more than you’ll ever know. Thanks for telling me of Buck’s “proposal.” The chump hadn’t even told me about it! So much for a best friend, right? He says ‘hello,’ by the way. Hugh thinks he has a chance at best man, but we all know that’s not gonna happen. You’ll be the maid of honor and I’ll be the best man…I can see it now: Buck crying like a baby and you looking like the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen. I’ve missed you, Ruthie. I still can’t believe that a wonderful woman like yourself would ever spare a poor sucker like me the time of day. Each time we part, I find myself replaying our every moment spent together. When we were stuck in the Algerian desert under the scorching sun, my thoughts always wandered back to you. Your skin, your hair, your smile, your lips…the way you make me laugh. You are unlike any woman I’ve ever known, Ruth Morgan, and if I am never rid of you (as you wrote), I would consider myself the luckiest man in the world. Stay safe up there on your runs for me. Your Hotshot, John Egan P.S. Tell your other boyfriend that I’m back and not willing to share.

Saturday, August 28, 1944: Thorpe Abbotts AAF Base

John, Gale, and Hugh were riding from their nissen huts to the mess hall when the familiar roar of a C-47 filled the air. The sound meant their girls were on base, and it filled them with excitement as they peddled faster towards the landing strip.

“Did you know they were coming today?” Buck asked, quickly glancing over at Johnny and Hugh.

John shook his head, a lazy grin curving his lips. “No, Ruth didn’t mention it in her last letter.”

Gale nodded to himself but couldn’t shake the feeling deep down that something was wrong. As they approached the airstrip, Colonel Harding appeared, calling out to John.

“Bucky! I need to talk to you,” he yelled from the balcony of the nearby flight tower.

Holding in a groan, Johnny nodded at Hugh and turned his bike toward the tower. “Tell Ruth I’ll see her in a minute.”

It all happened so quickly.

The flight had been uneventful.

All their patients were stable, and Frank and his fellow pilot were singing together in the cockpit. Hope and Ruth had taken their seats and were enjoying resting their legs for a while.

That was until the Ack-Ack’s had started firing.

Hope hissed, resting her palm against her injured thigh as she slid out of the plane. The bloodied bandage did nothing to stem the steady flow of thick blood. It hadn't been gushing with a constant flow but seemed to increase as her heart pounded faster and faster in her chest.

Memories of the shrapnel piercing her thigh, having pranged around the aircraft before embedding itself into her, flashed in her mind. Looking back, she shouldn’t have pulled it out, but despite Ruth’s protests, she was stubborn, and without the blonde’s quick thinking at applying pressure and a tourniquet, she wondered if this would have been a different situation. Hope hated feeling weak and not being in control, but her stubbornness could have cost her life.

“You need to get that leg checked out, Hope,” Ruth glanced over, her usually soft features etched with fear and concern, but Hope, still being her stubborn self, shook her head.

“Ruth’s right, Hope. It’s a bad wound and we’d all feel a lot better if you got it checked out,” Frank added, helping the blonde with getting a stretcher into the ambulance.

“We need to tend to our patients first,” Hope shuffled over to the nearest man on a stretcher, quickly informing the stretcher-bearers of his condition before they carted him towards the ambulance.

Glancing at his watch quickly, the pilot cursed under his breath. “I’ve gotta go radio the base and let them know what happened.” He pointed at Hope as he hurried off. “Get it checked.”

“Do you need that leg looked at, Miss?” One of the young men asked, “There’s room in the ambulance.”

Hope shook her head, politely declining any assistance. That was until two familiar faces came rushing over, a mixture of fear, anger, and horror on their faces as they noticed the side of their C-47.

“What the hell happened, Girls?” Hugh asked, glancing between his sister, then Ruth, then back to Hope. “Shit! You’re bleeding.” He reached forward but Hope pulled away, shrugging him off.

“I'm fine, Hugh. It's just a scratch. I'll get it looked at later,” she dismissed him.

By now she could feel Gale’s eyes boring into her, his sharp blues missing nothing. He felt her discomfort as she hobbled along, trying to avoid resting her hand against the wound to draw attention to it.

“That looks a hell of a lot more than a scratch, Hope,” Gale stepped forward to stand beside Hugh, his movements stiff and mechanical, as if he wasn’t quite sure how to act. “You’re covered in blood.”

Hope looked down at her uniform, noticing that from her waist down both her legs were soaked in blood and she was beginning to feel lightheaded. “I said I'm fine,” Hope snapped, exasperated and in pain.

She just wanted to do her job, why couldn't they understand that?

“What happened, Hope?” Gale’s eyes were dead serious as they watched her, clearly annoyed but wracked with concern. Hope just looked back at him, unable to move or speak for fear she might cry.

“It was the Ack-Ack’s,” Ruth quietly spoke up, and the men turned to see her own blood-soaked uniform, her hands still shaking at her side. “The plane was hit by flak fire. A chunk of shrapnel went flying around… got Hope in the thigh,” Ruth sighed and let her gaze fall to the ground, knowing that Hope might not forgive her for the next part. “She pulled it out herself. We applied pressure and a dressing but she needs to see a doctor.”

If looks could kill, Ruth would be six feet under the airbase by now.

“YOU DID WHAT?” Gale cried out, his face white with horror but his sharp eyes burning in a way none of them had ever seen before. “Are you some sort of idiot? Everyone knows not to pull things out of a wound. You could have bled out.” Gale’s chest was heaving as he fought the anger that built up within him. His hands clenched in fists at his side as he continued. “Do you have any idea what you’re doing?”

Hugh reached out to him, trying to cool the situation down but Hope intervened.

“I had patients on board. I'm no good to them if I bleed out everywhere. I thought quickly and went with the best possible outcome.”

Gale snorted, waving his hands out in front of him, “Of course you did. You thought of the best possible outcome for you. What about the rest of us, Hope? What would happen if you had died?”

Hope sent him a hostile glare, jaw clenched and her lip curling slightly as she spoke, “Do you realize how selfish you sound?”

Gale scoffed, “I’m selfish. Did you for one-second think of what we'd have done if you had died?”

Despite being outside surrounded by wounded soldiers, you could have heard a pin drop.

Hope’s eyes scanned over the group, looking into the faces of her friends and seeing the same hurt looks. Ruth’s face was still tilted toward the ground with closed eyes as she listened to the bickering. The fear, the explosions, and the sound of Hope’s pained scream replayed in the woman’s mind, and she felt like her heart was going to explode inside her chest.

It was too much. It was all too much.

Ruth was vaguely aware of the rest of the group leaving the airfield, Buck trailing off after Hope as she stormed away, and Hugh marching off as well. She stood there silently, trying to keep herself from falling apart…

The second Bucky was dismissed by Colonel Harding, he jogged down the stairs to his bike outside. Pedaling to the airstrip, he could only think of Ruth’s smiling face that he would soon be seeing. The hum of engines reached his ears as he turned around the corner of a shortcut, and the sight of her familiar figure standing before the C-47 sparked even more excitement within him. A grin formed on his face and he pedaled faster, eager to greet her.

As the plane came into better view, his smirk fell as he noticed a giant hole in its fuselage. Johnny’s gaze snapped back to Ruth, and when he looked closer, his initial excitement transformed into horror. The world seemed to blur when his eyes focused on the blood-soaked flight uniform that clung to her. Panic seized him, and without a second thought, he leaped off the still-moving bicycle, letting it clatter to the concrete behind him as he sprinted toward Ruth, his boots pounding against the hard ground.

“Ruth! Ruth, what happened?” he cried desperately, his voice echoing off the nearby buildings.

Johnny reached her in a whirlwind, taking her face in his hands, his panicked blue eyes inspecting her face intensely, scanning for any sign of injury. He then moved to her torso, his hands running over her body frantically.

As his hands desperately searched Ruth’s uniform, his voice trembled with fear. “You hurt?”

For a moment, she didn’t respond, and then suddenly, her tear-filled eyes met his. The Major’s hands, once frantic in their search, were now pleading. "Ruthie, come on. Talk to me. I need to know you’re okay."

She gently placed her hands over his, stopping him. “It’s not mine,” she finally whispered, her voice strained. “We flew into a flack field, and, uh, Hope. She got hit in the leg. Buck’s with her now.”

‘Ruth’s okay,’ John repeated in his frazzled mind. “She’s okay.

A relieved sigh escaped his lips and John wrapped his arms around her, pulling the woman into him tightly. Her head was tucked into his chest as uncontrollable tremors ran through her body.

“You’re okay, doll. I’ve got you,” he murmured against her temple. “I’m here.”

His heart broke as he felt a sob rack through her body, her weak cries reaching his ears. “I-I was so scared, John. I thought we were gonna die.”

Bucky pulled back slightly and moved his hands to grasp her tear-streaked cheeks gently, her pain-filled blue eyes nearly tearing him apart.

“Hey, hey, hey,” he whispered, leaning down to meet her gaze as he wiped her tears softly with the pad of his thumbs. “You didn’t, okay? It’s over now. You’re safe, Ruth. It’s over.”

She took a shaky deep breath, trying to calm herself, but another cry fought its way up her throat and the nurse let out a choked sob. With each breathless gasp that left her lips, Ruth’s heart pounded faster and she suddenly felt her chest tightening.

John knew what the startings of a panic attack looked like, and he tried to recall how Franny had taught him to calm Lena down all those years ago when they were teenagers. Seeing Ruth’s usually bright and loving personality in such a fearful and panicked state sent his mind into overdrive.

“Ruth,” he urged, his hands still cradling her face. “Look at me, sweetheart.”

Her watery gaze met his, her breaths coming out in short uneven gasps.

“I need you to breathe.”

Taking a deep breath through his nose, John nodded at her with raised brows, worry etching his face. “With me, now.”

Ruth shook her head. “I-I can’t-”

“Yes, you can,” the Major asserted firmly, reaching for her hand and holding it against his chest. “Feel that? Breathe with me. In…” he breathed through his nose. “And out.”

After a moment, she shakily followed suit, her eyes never leaving his. The warmth of John’s hand enveloping hers and the steady rise and fall of his chest beneath her touch grounded her in the moment. Gradually, her breathing began to regulate, the erratic gasps giving way to steady inhales and exhales. Johnny watched her closely, his eyes searching for any signs that the attack might return.

“There you go,” he murmured. “Just keep breathing with me, doll.”

With each measured breath, Ruth felt the tightness of her chest gradually ease, the weight of her fear lifting. After a few minutes, her breath completely steadied, and the panic attack passed, leaving her drained but calmer.

Ruth leaned into John’s comforting embrace, her forehead moving to rest against his chest as she let out a shuddering sigh.

“Thank you,” she whispered, her voice barely above a hoarse whisper. “I-I’m sorry you had to see me like this, covered in blood and…and a mess.”

John placed a soft kiss to her temple. “None of that. You’re okay. That’s all I care about.”

As she stepped back into his arms, her eyes welled up with tears once more. “But look at you,” she protested weakly, gesturing to the smears of blood that marred his brown button-up undershirt. “I’ve ruined your shirt.”

Bucky shook his head, a small smile playing at the corners of his lips. “This old thing? I’ve got a million of ‘em anyways, Ruthie. It’s just a shirt. Wasn’t even my Sunday’s best,” he reassured her gently. “I knew there was a reason I didn’t wear my lucky jacket today.”

“Are you sure?”

“Yes, ma’am,” he nodded. “Come on, let’s go get you cleaned up.”

He wrapped an arm around her waist and slowly led her toward the nearby operations building, still feeling her body shaking beneath his touch. As they turned the corner, they were met with Bubbles walking past a jeep. His face scrunched in concern and the usual smile fell from his lips at the sight of the bloodied woman.

“Shit! What happened, Bucky?” he asked, quickly approaching them. “Do I need to go get Doc Stover?”

“No,” Ruth piped up, mustering the best smile she could. Even Bubbles could see straight through it.

John shook his head. “We’re alright, but I’ve gotta take your ride, Bubbles. Sorry.”

“Oh, that’s not mine. It’s Kidd’s.”

“Even better,” he smirked, opening the passenger door for Ruth before climbing behind the wheel. “Tell him I owe him one.”

Bubbles raised a brow with a barely concealed grin. “He’s gonna be pissed, sir.”

“Ehh, he’ll get over it.”

Nodding, the lieutenant turned to enter the building, but Bucky called out to him. “Oh! Bubbles, could you grab my bike? It’s somewhere near the ‘47 back there. Tell Jack it’s his for the day! Thanks!”

As the jeep roared to life, John tucked Ruth under his arm much like he did the night of the dance, and then they were off. She laid her head on his shoulder and her eyes slowly fluttered shut, sleep calling to her after the day’s events.

John peered down at her with a saddened smile as he took in her splotchy face and the blood that seemed to coat the bottom half of her uniform. Some of it even clung to her hair, the light blonde strands covered by the sticky, maroon substance.

As he felt her finally relax in his hold, he let out a shaky breath, his heart finally beating regularly in his chest again. The Major knew how terrifying flack encounters were, and he was trained in how to handle it…well, he was used to it. Ruth, on the other hand, was not. It was her job to keep men alive while in the air, not worrying about being shot out of the sky by some German on an anti-aircraft gun.

Rage bubbled from within him at the thought. If the blast was just a little closer, there was a chance that he wouldn’t be holding her in his arms. If one more-

“I missed you,” she murmured, breaking Bucky from his thoughts as she nuzzled into his shoulder. “I was so worried about you, John.”

He took a steadying breath, pushing down his anger as he ran his hand along Ruth’s arm softly. “I missed you, too, doll. And I guess we’re even now, ‘cause I think I just lost ten years of my life back there.”

A tired laugh escaped her lips. “Imagine feeling that way for 9 days.”

Johnny could hear the exhaustion in her voice, and he squeezed her shoulder, leaning down and pressing a kiss to her hairline.

“Get some shut-eye, alright? We’ve got a stop to make before we go back to my hut.”

She nodded against him as her eyes fluttered closed again, sleep quickly overtaking her.

As she slept soundly under his arm, he pulled up to a hut with a familiar figure smoking outside. “Miss Tatty,” John whisper-shouted, careful not to wake up Ruth. “Could you do me a favor?”

Raising a brow, she took a drag of her cigarette and approached the jeep, her smile falling when she saw the nurse’s bloody figure beside him. “She alright?”

“Flack hit her stick,” He sighed, running his free hand down his face. “She’s alright, but Hope got pinked in the thigh. Scared her half to death.”

“What can I do to help?”

“Could you find some extra clothes for her? She’s gonna need some fresh ones.”

Tatty nodded at him, a determined expression gracing her face. “I’ll get some now.”

It only took the woman a few minutes to emerge from the hut with a small bundle in her hand. “This should be enough,” she said, placing the bag into the back of the jeep. “But please stop by again if you need anything.”

“Thank you, Tatty. I owe ‘ya one.”

A tiny chuckle left her lips as she pointed her finger between Ruth and John. “Just don’t screw this one up, John, and we can call it even.”

“I don’t plan on it,” he grinned toothily, putting the jeep back in drive and starting down the road again. John’s hut was across the base, and he spent the short drive tapping the steering wheel to the tune of One O’Clock Jump while stealing glances at the sleeping woman in his arms.

When the jeep rumbled to a stop outside the officer’s hut, Johnny rubbed Ruth’s shoulder. “Wake up, doll. We’re here,” he said gently, a soft smile playing at his lips as she lazily sat up, blinking away the sleep in her swollen eyes. “You need to get washed up.”

Ruth lazily looked around them and realized where they were. “How long was I out?”

“Not long. Only about half an hour.”

Her eyes fell to her lap, the slick blood still staining the uniform. She was suddenly aware of how terrible she felt. It was everywhere. On her skin, in her hair…

“I feel disgusting,” she whispered, holding up her red-stained hands.

“I know, doll. Here are some clothes you can change into after you shower.” Bucky reached back and grabbed the small bag that Tatty had given him, squeezing her shoulder before getting out of the jeep. “Let me go grab my kit for you and I’ll be right back.”

The second the door shut behind him, Ruth’s gaze fell back down to her hands, on the crusted blood under her nails, on Hope’s blood. At the thought, a strike of anxiety coursed through her, and the nurse could feel her heartbeat speed up. The shaking of the plane and the sound of the hot metal flying through the cabin rang in her ears as she closed her eyes tightly.

Among the chaos in her mind, she heard Johnny’s calming words.

‘I need you to breathe…in and out.’

Following his voice, she took a deep breath in through her nose and out through her mouth, trying to calm her racing heart. Ruth repeated the action and ached for his comforting presence beside her.

‘Breathe. In and out.’

Inside his hut, Johnny was strutting to his bunk when he heard a soft snore from his left. His eyes followed the sound to a bed across the room, a smile growing on his face when he realized it was Buck and Hope. Her dark hair was splayed on his chest, and Gale had an arm around her waist as the couple peacefully slept, their faces free from worry.

It was the most peaceful slumber Bucky had ever seen Gale have throughout their three-year friendship.

He let out a chuckle under his breath and quietly gathered his shower pack, sparing them one last glance before closing the door behind him. As John emerged from the hut, Ruth’s eyes rose to his figure. His gaze locked with hers and he could once again see the worry in her blue eyes. He quickly approached the jeep but was stopped when someone called out to him.

“Bucky?”

Johnny turned to his left, seeing Majors Dye and Veal jogging toward him with wide eyes.

“You good?” Dye asked, eyeing the smears of blood on his shirt. Bill just stared at him warily, the only emotion on his face visible by the slight crease in his brow.

“I’m fine, boys,” Bucky replied with a smirk, his eyes floating to Ruth over their shoulder. “Thanks for the concern, but you’re not getting rid of me anytime soon.”

The pair followed his gaze, sharing a silent look when they saw Ruth in the jeep.

“Wait,” Bill spoke up gravelly, nodding towards John’s shirt. “Is that her blood?”

Scratching his mustache, John glanced at Ruth before lowering his voice and leaning closer to them. “No, but it’s Hope’s. Buck’s in there with her. They’ve both had a real shitty day.”

Dye nodded and sent her a sympathetic smile which she shakily returned. “We’ll tell the guys to steer clear for a little while.”

John could tell Ruth was teetering again, and he clapped Glen’s back, throwing a quick ‘thanks’ over his shoulder as he walked back to the jeep, his attention completely on his girl. He rounded the bumper to lean against the passenger side, offering her his hand. “Come on, let’s go get you squeaky clean again, Ruthie.”

Nodding silently, she let him lead her to the bathhouse. Ruth stood in the corner while he turned on the shower, the hot steam already fogging up the mirrors when he stepped back and held his shower pack out to her. “I-uh don’t know how hot you like it, so I just-”

“I’m sure it’s perfect,” she replied softly, taking the pack. ”Thank you.”

He stared at her for a few moments and took in the pure exhaustion on her features, his hand instinctively reaching up to push some hair behind her ear as he spoke softly. “I’ll be right outside. Gotta make sure no one sneaks a peek of my girl.”

Leaning down, he placed a gentle kiss against her lips before backing toward the door. Just as he reached for the handle, her voice stopped him in his tracks.

“John?”

He turned. “Yeah?”

“Can, um, can you stay?” she asked nervously, her eyes trained on the floor. “I don’t want to be alone.”

As Ruth’s request hung in the air, John’s mind went into overdrive. He felt a rush of heat flood his cheeks and his heart pounded in his chest. Swallowing hard, he struggled to find the right words.

“Yeah, I’ll stay,” he finally replied softly.

Even as he spoke the words, his mind was in turmoil and his thoughts spiraled out of control. John was unable to tear his gaze from her as she slowly began to unzip her flight uniform, revealing her red-tinged tank top underneath. When Ruth caught his stare, her cheeks flushed.

“Um, John,” her voice broke through the silence, her tone hesitant. “Could you…could you look away please?”

“Right,” Bucky muttered, his voice barely audible over the sound of the running water as he snapped out of his trance and spun to face the door. “Sorry.”

As she continued to undress, John tried to focus on anything other than what was happening behind him. He stared at the cracked cement floor, willing himself to remain composed, to keep his thoughts in check. When he heard the rustle of the curtain opening and closing, he let out a shaky breath as relief flooded through him.

Despite his efforts to focus on anything else, his thoughts kept drifting back to the woman on the other side of the curtain, her presence a constant in his mind. Bucky knew he should respect her privacy and give her a moment to decompress after the day’s stressful events, but the temptation proved too strong and before he could stop himself, he found his gaze drifting back to the shower.

John stole a glance through the opaque shower curtain, his body heating up at the sight of Ruth's silhouette moving gracefully beneath the spray of water. But as quickly as the temptation came, a wave of shame washed over him, and he quickly averted his gaze, chastising himself for his lack of self-control.

He traced the outline of her body in his mind, and then the shame came rolling right back again. Bucky knew he had to take his mind off of the woman…or at least try to…so he began to sing under his breath.

“Never saw the sun shining so bright,

Never saw things looking so right.

Watching the days hurrying by,

When you’re in love, my how they fly,

Blue days, all of ‘em gone,

Nothin’ but blue skies from now on…”

Ruth stood beneath the warm spray of water, letting it cascade over her weary body, washing away the dirt and grime of the day. The hot water soothed her aching muscles and eased the tension that had settled deep within her bones. Closing her eyes, she let out a sigh of relief, allowing herself a moment of rest.

As John’s soft singing filled the air, Ruth couldn’t help but smile. His voice, though not the most melodic, calmed her frayed nerves and eased the knot of fear that had lodged itself in her chest.

“John,” she called out over the sound of the water.

“Yeah?” Came his muffled reply.

“Could you sing a little louder?”

Bucky ducked his head with a grin and raised his voice, switching to a new song.

“And when I told them how beautiful you are,

They didn’t believe me. They didn’t believe me.

Your lips, your eyes, your curly hair,

Are in a class beyond compare,

You’re the loveliest girl that one could see…”

Ruth closed her eyes and let his deep voice wash over her, allowing herself to get lost in the rhythm of the song.

“And when I tell them,

And I’m cert’nly gonna tell them,

That I’m the man whose wife one day you’ll be.

They’ll never believe me. They’ll never believe me.

That from this great big world you’ve chosen me!”

As she listened to him, she began to scrub the blood from her skin, feeling a wave of emotion course through her. Tears pricked at the corners of her eyes as the memories of the day flooded her mind, but John’s voice calmed her, and she rapidly blinked them away. She knew that she wasn’t alone…that she had someone to stay by her side…someone to take care of her.

It took her a few washes to get the dried blood from her hair, and she sighed in relief when she could run her fingers through the strands without getting caught in a tangle. The water turned off with a click, and she stuck her head out the curtain, making sure only her face was visible.

“Could you pass me my towel?”

Johnny turned back towards her and quickly averted his gaze as reached for her towel hanging nearby. “Here,” he said, extending it towards her without making eye contact before facing the door once again.

“Thanks,” she replied, accepting the towel and beginning to dry herself off.

Ruth quickly got dressed, making a mental note to thank Tatty later, and ran the towel over her sopping wet hair. Once fully ready, she spoke up, her voice breaking the comfortable silence that had settled between them. “Okay, you can turn around now.”

Turning towards her slowly, John’s breath caught in his throat as he took her in. Her short blonde hair was slightly tousled from the shower, its natural waves making an appearance, and her cheeks flushed from the heat of the water. Ruth wore some navy pants that fit her perfectly with a dark, oversized wine colored sweater. Despite the exhaustion that lingered in her eyes, Johnny’d never seen something as beautiful in his 27 years.

“Wow,” John chuckled, approaching her slowly and cupping her cheek. “Would you look at that. Damn gorgeous.”

Her cheeks flushed even deeper at his words, a shy smile tugging the corners of her lips as she leaned into his touch. “You’re such a flirt,” she murmured.

Without hesitation, Johnny leaned in and pressed his lips to hers in a tender kiss, his hand weaving into her blonde waves. As they pulled apart, he rested his forehead against hers, their breaths mingling in the quiet of the bathhouse.

As he slowly leaned back, Ruth’s eyes caught sight of the raised scabs on his nose, cheekbone, and forehead. She reached up tentatively, barely touching them as she inspected his face.

“I’m sorry,” she said softly, her voice laced with concern. “I didn’t even notice before.”

John’s gaze softened as he met her worried eyes. “Just a few scratches, Ruthie. Nothing to worry about.”

She nodded, though she wasn’t entirely convinced. “Was it from Regensburg?”

The Major hesitated for a moment, the mental image of Curt’s plane exploding flashing in his mind before he could stop the thought. He nodded once and forced his face to remain neutral. “Yeah.”

Little did he know that the blonde could see the pain in his blue eyes.

Ruth shook her head, a frown tugging at her lips. “You’ve been taking care of me all day, and I-I should have noticed sooner. I’m sorry.”

He reached out, gently taking her hand. “Hey, it’s okay,” he reassured her, giving her hand a comforting squeeze. “I’m really fine, doll. Don’t beat yourself up over it.”

“Thank you. For everything.”

He forced all thoughts of the mission from his mind, focusing on the present.

“You’re lucky,” he smirked down at her, mischief floating in his eyes. “I don’t give free concerts to just anyone.”

Ruth couldn’t hold in a laugh at his remark and the soft sound echoed through the small room. “Well, lucky for you,” she teased back. “If you gave out tickets for free, nobody would show up anyway.”

John rolled his eyes playfully, his heart swelling with relief as he listened to Ruth’s laughter, even her small smile warming him from the inside out. It eased the tension and guilt in his chest and filled him with a sense of happiness that he couldn’t quite put into words. He leaned in to kiss her forehead gently, savoring the feeling of her soft skin against his lips.

“You feeling any better?”

“I feel clean,” Ruth sighed wistfully. “Tired but clean.”

Gathering all her used items from the bathroom, she threw them into the dirty bin in the corner of the room. Bucky took her hand and brought them to his hut’s door, holding a finger to his lips.

“What?” she yawned as he opened the door for her. “What are-”

She cut herself off when she spotted them. Buck and Hope were still sleeping in each other’s arms, and a wide smile formed on her face when she looked up at Johnny who was already peering down at her.

‘Hope’s fine,’ she thought. ‘They must have made up.’

Ruth had to throw a hand over her mouth to keep in the excited giggle that threatened to escape her lips, and John shook his head, tugging her away from the couple to his bunk.

She sank into his bed and inhaled deeply. Ruth closed her eyes for a moment, taking in the scent of his pillow, a mixture of his cologne and the army-issue shampoo they all used. It was a comforting smell, one that made her feel at ease.

As Ruth settled onto the bed, John made his way to the footlocker at the foot of the bunk, rummaging around for a clean shirt. Turning onto her back, she stared up at him as his fingers loosened the knot of his tie, pulling it free from around his neck. He tossed it into his footlocker before moving on to the buttons of his brown uniform shirt, revealing the pink-splotched tank top beneath.

Ruth couldn’t tear her gaze away if she tried.

She watched in silence, her face burning as he shrugged off the shirt, exposing his broad shoulders and muscular arms. When he finally pulled off the tank top, leaving him shirtless, a lump formed in her throat and heat surged through her.

‘Get it together, Ruth,’ she thought.

John caught her gaze and smirked, raising an eyebrow as he placed his hands on his hips. “So you can look, but I can’t?”

Ruth sputtered for a moment, her cheeks turning an impossibly deeper shade of red, but John chuckled softly. “I’m just joking, doll. Look all you want.“

She couldn’t help but admire him openly, her eyes tracing the lines of his chest and the curve of his shoulders. He was undeniably handsome…she knew that. But seeing him like this took her attraction to a whole new level and her heart fluttered in her chest.

Ruth eyed the few things that dangled from his neck: his dog tags, a small Virgin Mary pendant, and her Granny’s cross.

Ruth silently thanked her Grandmother for bringing him back to her.

Grabbing a fresh shirt from his footlocker, John slipped it on and kicked off his shoes before settling onto the bed, sliding back to sit against the wall. Ruth shifted to make herself comfortable and rested her head on his lap as Johnny’s fingers brushed over her damp hair.

They talked quietly for a few minutes, their conversation meandering aimlessly as they both enjoyed the other’s company. Soon, Ruth’s eyelids grew heavy, and her words began to drift off mid-sentence. Bucky watched her fondly, a smile playing at the corners of his lips as she slipped into sleep, her warm breaths against his thigh.

Sighing, he carefully reached for his beat-up copy of Guys and Dolls on his nightstand and began to read, holding it up with one hand. His other hand rested on Ruth’s head as he absentmindedly stroked her hair as he read, only lifting it to flip the page.

‘Only a rank sucker will think of taking two peeks at Dave the Dude’s doll, because while Dave may stand for the first peek, figuring it is a mistake, it is a sure thing he will get sored up at the second peek, and Dave the Dude is certainly not a man to have sored up on you. But this Waldo Winchester is one hundred percent sucker…’

The only sounds filling the room were each of the four’s quiet breaths, and John was able to read a few chapters before he heard rustling across from him. He lowered his book to see Buck sitting up slightly, rubbing his eyes with a yawn.

“Welcome back, sleeping beauty,” John grinned, his voice hushed.

Gale’s head lifted to get a look at his friend and a chuckle escaped him seeing Johnny with a wide-mouthed Ruth lying in his lap, her blonde hair covering his thighs. “Look at us.”

“Yeah. Who would’ve thought.”

Silence filled the air again as each thought of the woman beside them. A few moments later, John broke the stillness of the nissen hut. “How’s she doing?”

“She’s…She’s good,” Gale replied as he fought to keep a blush from his cheeks at the memory of their confession and what came after. “How’s Ruth?”

Johnny shook his head with a saddened sigh. “Real shaken up, Buck. You should’ve seen her earlier. I was…I was worried.”

“I know the feeling. She doin’ any better now?”

“Yeah,” he breathed. “Finally cracked a smile and seemed herself when she saw you two.”

A gentle smile tugged at Buck’s lips as his gaze drifted down to Hope who continued to sleep soundly. Her breathing was shallow and her nose wrinkled occasionally as she dreamed. At some point, she had moved her left hand to clutch onto his shirt and he could see the ring glisten in the dim light. “I popped the question.”

“So it’s official?”

“Yep.

“Congratulations, Buck,” Johnny smiled, a brow raising a few seconds later. “I am gonna be your best man, right?”

With an eye roll, Gale nodded at him. “Of course, you are, lardass.”

“Good.”

“As if I could watch Hope walk down the aisle without you by my side.”

“Exactly. You'll be crying like a baby anyway. I’ll have to bring plenty of tissues,” John chuckled, pleased that a sleeping Hope was keeping Gale anchored to the bed. Otherwise, he thought something would have been thrown his way.

“I can’t say you’re much better,” Gale pointed out, nodding his head toward them. “Look at you. Never thought I’d see the day that John Egan wrote love letters, much less something like this.”

John chuckled and thought about how different his life had been since that day in July. “Well, I finally found one worth writing to. Ruth…she’s uh, she-”

As if she had heard her name, the blonde stirred on his lap, stretching and yawning loudly before her eyes made contact with Gale who smiled at her.

“Good morning, Gale greeted her, causing Ruth to blush. She hadn’t realized she had an audience watching her wake up and only hoped she hadn’t been snoring loudly.

She rolled onto her back to face John and was met with a gentle smile and loving blue eyes gazing down at her. “Hey there. Feeling better?”

“Still tired,” Ruth sighed and sat up, rubbing away the sleepers that had accumulated in her swollen eyes. “But I don’t think I can sleep anymore.”

John had to hold in a laugh at the way her blonde waves stuck up in all different directions from where they had dried on his lap. “Well, your wish is my command, doll, so what do you wanna do?”

“What is there to do?”

“Have you seen the hard stands yet?” Gale spoke up. “Lemmons might even have Billy and Sammy over there.”

“Billy and Sammy?”

“Two little squirts that Kenny’s taken under his wing,” John answered with a nod.

At the mention of the kids, Ruth’s face lit up, and a wide grin grew on her lips. All evidence of sleep disappeared from her features as she excitedly clambered off the major’s lap and stood to her feet, brushing her fingers through her hair to tame the wild locks.

As he watched her, Johnny felt a pang of sadness at the sight of Ruth’s sudden enthusiasm. It hit him then, that she probably hadn’t seen many kids since becoming a nurse. As a teacher, she was surrounded by them every day, and now, their innocent faces were likely a distant memory in her mind.

“They’re a handful, those two,” Bucky chuckled, rising to his feet beside her. “But they’re good kids. Come on, let’s go see if Kenny’s putting em’ to work over at the hard stands.”

Walking out of the hut, the couple sent Buck a “thanks” as they walked by him. Ruth’s eyes fell on Hope’s still sleeping figure, her heart twinging at the memories of the morning, but she didn’t worry. Gale was there to take care of her.

John and Ruth spent the short ride to the hard stands talking about their weeks, and he almost let the news of Gale and Hope’s engagement slip a few times before they rumbled to a stop in front of Muggs’ hardstand.

He was determined to keep his mouth shut for once. Bucky knew Hope should be the one to tell Ruth about her engagement, and he didn’t want to be the one to ruin the surprise.

Hopping out of the jeep, John’s eyes searched for Lemmons. “Kenny?”

Ruth glanced over at him skeptically. “He here?”

“Should be. He said he’d fix the old girl up today.”

They approached the fort, and Ruth was shocked by its sheer size. Yes, her C-47 was big, but the B-17 was different. Her plane carried supplies, people, almost anything…but this was a weapon. A weapon that took the fight to Hitler’s doorstep.

It really did look like a fortress.

Ruth reached up and trailed her fingers along its yellow nose paint, the metal rivets cool from the chilly English air as she followed John to the small hatch just in front of the right wing. Before he could stick his head into the hatch, a small boy’s face appeared sideways out the hole.

“Boo!”

Both the adults jumped, Ruth more so than Bucky, and the man jokingly groaned. “Billy! I thought Lemmons was supposed to be keeping you out of trouble?”

“Did I scare you, Major?”

John raised an eyebrow at him. “What do you think?”

“Yes,” he giggled as another boy stuck his head out the hole.

Sammy.

“Whatcha think, Ruthie?” Bucky looked over at her with his hands on his hips. “They get me?”

She grimaced playfully and nodded. “He about jumped out of his boots, boys.”

They shared a shocked look, then broke out into cheers, their faces disappearing from the hatch. “Lemmons! We got him! We finally got him!”

“They’ve been trying to scare me for weeks,” he explained, a fond grin tugging at his lips. “Finally got me.”

Before Ruth could respond, a pair of feet dangled from the hatch, and John helped each of the boys to the ground, setting them down in front of the couple. They went running off toward the tail, and then a few seconds later, a ground crewman hopped out of the hatch, his dark curls peeking out from under his beanie.

“So they finally got ya, huh, Bucky?” he asked.

“Looks like it,” he replied.

Ken’s eyes fell to Ruth beside John and he smiled, wiping his oily hands on a rag. “You must be Ruth! I’ve heard a lot about you.” He held out a hand, “I’m Ken Lemmons, but you can call me Kenny. I’m one of the ground crew chiefs.”

“Nice to meet you, Kenny. I hope you’ve heard good things,” Ruth answered, cheeks flushing at the notion that John had talked about her. She glanced up at him with narrowed eyes before shaking Ken’s hand. “There’s no telling what this one’s said.”

“Don’t worry,” Lemmons chuckled. “Only good things. I promise.”

Giggles sounded from the back of the plane, and Ruth leaned to see them, her gaze instantly drawn to the boys. Following her eyes, Ken called them over. “Come here! The Major’s got someone he wants y’all to meet!”

They bounded over, just noticing her presence even though she had spoken to them minutes before.

John grinned and wrapped an arm around Ruth's shoulders as he introduced her to the boys. "Boys, this is Ruth. She's my girl."

The boys' eyes widened in disbelief, and Billy blurted out, "No way! You're way too pretty!"

Ruth busted out laughing at their innocence. "Ohhh, he’s not so bad once you get past the mustache…and the jacket…and the bad jokes…and-"

“Alright, alright. We get your point,” he groaned, pretending to be offended by dramatically clutching his heart. "Way to kick a man when he’s down. Besides, that’s a lie about the mustache."

She shrugged and ignored his question. “Nice to meet you, boys.”

They exchanged mischievous grins, clearly enjoying the banter. "Miss Ruth," Sammy said, using his hand to hide his words from John. "You’re way out of his league."

John still heard the comment and raised an eyebrow, playing along. "You think so? Well, I guess I'll just have to keep her around to make me look good."

Ruth nudged him playfully. "Smooth recovery, Major."

The boys shared another toothy and excited glance before launching into a barrage of questions. “Do you live on base? Are you a nurse? Do you fly planes? Have you ever shot down a Jerry plane?”

Ruth laughed at their enthusiasm, sparing John a blissful look as she felt almost at home in the kids' presence. “I’m a flight nurse, and no, I don’t live at Thorpe Abbotts. I fly in planes but leave the actual flying to the pilots. I just take care of my patients and leave the rest to them.”

Billy and Sammy listened intently, hanging on her every word. “Do you ever see any action?” Billy asked.

Ruth hesitated, the day’s events flashing in her mind, but a warm, reassuring hand on her back brought her back to the present. “Sometimes,” she replied carefully. “But most of the time, my friend Hope and I are too busy taking care of the wounded soldiers and getting them safely back home to notice.”

“Wow,” they marveled.

“So what do y’all do around here?”

Out of the blue, Sammy grabbed Ruth’s hand, tugging her from the men. “Come on, Miss Ruth! We have to show you the plane!”

“Yeah, you gotta see the tail gun up close!” Billy added eagerly, his toothy grin stretching ear to ear. “And the ball turret!”

Ruth glanced back at John before allowing herself to be led away by the boys. As he watched them go, he shook his head at how Ruth affected everyone she met…she was captivating.

Ken and Johnny began conversing about the Muggs’ repairs from the previous day, but the Major’s attention kept drifting back to Ruth. After the boys gave her a plane tour, the trio moved to a grassy patch nearby, plopping onto the ground with Ruth sandwiched between the two boys. They continued their animated conversation, and their laughter filled the air as she told a story of a soldier who got airsick and threw up on her shoes.

As he watched them, a thought crossed John Egan’s mind. A thought so unexpected that it caught him off guard.

She’d make a great mom.

The realization startled him. He’d never entertained thoughts of a future like that before, never met a woman who made him long to settle down and raise a family. But there he was, watching Ruth with Billy and Sammy, and the idea didn’t seem as far-fetched as before.

Ken noticed Bucky’s distraction and nudged him gently. “She’s great with ‘em.”

“She is,” he breathed, grinning as the boys broke into another fit of giggles across the hard stand. “Ruth was a teacher before she became a nurse.”

“A teacher?”

“Yeah.”

Lemmons nodded. “Makes sense. What age?”

“Junior high.”

“Well, that’s how she can handle you, then,” Kenny laughed. “She’s used to wranglin’ 13-year-olds all day!”

John threw an arm over the younger man’s shoulders, jostling him lightly. “You know, you’re probably right,” he cackled, his eyebrows raised. “You’re wise beyond your years. Sometimes I forget you’re still a squirt yourself.”

Once Billy and Sammy had to go home for supper, the couple drove back to the Officer’s Hut to catch up with Gale and Hope. Later that evening, Hugh arrived with food for the two couples, Meatball following at his heels. The large husky made a beeline for Hope, greeting her at the side of the bed.

“Hey, Meatball,” Hope mumbled, leaning as far as she could to ruffle the dog’s fur. Meatball groaned when she began scratching his ear, and he closed his eyes and tilted his head, expressing his enjoyment. “Who's a good boy?” Meatball hopped up on the bed, snuggling into Hope’s side.

“You can keep him if you want. The damn thing keeps howling. It’s driving me insane,” Hugh complained, passing Hope a bowl of steaming soup. “When Demarco gets back, I’m giving him a piece of my mind, leaving me to watch his dog all afternoon.”

Hope accepted the soup gratefully but could only manage a few mouthfuls until the wave of nausea washed over her once more, and she placed the bowl down.

“Ugh, I feel so sick.”

Gale was at her side in an instant, his hand resting on the small of her back as she bent over, head in her hands. Ruth looked anxiously at John from their seats on his bed and started to put down her bowl to help when Hope spoke up.

“It’s okay, Gale, it’s just the morphine,” she reassured him, squeezing his hand, to which he pressed his lips to her shoulder blade.

Hugh snickered, “He didn’t get you pregnant while I was away, did he?”

“With us in here? Sounds like a nightmare,” John retorted, rolling his eyes at the same time Ruth grimaced from beside him. She knew a signature Hope Armstrong comeback was incoming.

Hope glared at her brother, ”The fact that you have so little knowledge on pregnancy concerns me for your future wife.”

Hugh stuck his tongue out in response, “That’s not a no, though.”

The pillow from Gale’s bed was a near miss as it sailed past Hugh’s head, and he dodged it dramatically, glaring at his sister.

“Come on, with all the ‘Dear John’ letters Sparky gets, I’d be surprised if he ever settles down,” John joined in.

“Look who’s talking, Bucky,” Hugh retorted, pointing at Ruth with his spoon. “At least I got letters. You didn’t get a single one before Ruth came along.”

“Really?” Ruth asked quietly, surprise etched on her face.

The Major nodded with pursed lips, pushing the vegetables around his bowl before looking over at her with a small smile. “There was no one worth writing to.”

The blonde’s cheeks heated at his words, and she got caught in his gaze.

From their position across the room, Gale and Hope watched the interaction with fond smiles, both happy to see their friends with someone who so clearly adored them. The moment was interrupted when Hugh burst out laughing.

“Well, that didn’t stop you from-”

He was cut off when a pillow came sailing into the side of his face, knocking some of his soup onto his pants as the pillow fell to the bed. Hugh’s gaze flicked towards the cot the projectile came from, ready to yell at Hope, but he wasn’t expecting to see her wide eyes as she stared up at Buck in awe.

“Sorry, Charlie,” he shrugged. “It just slipped.”

Ruth and Hope broke into chuckles, but John just sent Gale a thankful glance. Bucky then turned his attention to Hugh, and the two pilots glared at each other. John was frustrated about the cheap, low-blow comment, and Hugh was still clearly sour over the best man situation. They soon gave up and went back to their soup. John’s mind, however, got stuck on Hugh’s words.

Once they’d finished their supper, a knock sounded at the door. “Everyone decent in there? Girls?”

Frank.

“Uh, yeah,” John called, lifting an eyebrow at Ruth.

The door swung open, and the Captain walked in with his lips in a straight line. “Thought you two’d be in here,” he nodded before turning to Hope. “How’s the leg?”

“I’m okay. Still hurts like a bitch, though.”

“Did you get it checked?”

Her face shifted into a grimace at the question. “I took care of it.”

“You, Hope Armstrong,” he sighed. “Are the reason I drink.”

“You know you love us,” Ruth added, tilting her head with a grin.

Frank’s attention drifted to Ruth’s figure beside John. “And how are you, Ruthie?”

The blonde looked up at John, thinking of how he’d taken care of her throughout the day. “Better now.”

“Alright, enough of the lovey eyes, you two,” he called out to them, taking a deep breath and placing his hands on his hips. “The Angel’s out of commission, and the Grove can’t send anyone tonight with the blackout, so we’re stuck here for the night.”

Both couples perked up at the news, but Hugh just groaned.

“As much as I wish I could make you stay with the Red Cross girls, I know I can’t. So you two,” Frank pointed at Gale and John. “No funny business, okay? None.”

Johnny’s mouth twitched, almost quirking into a smirk, but he was able to hold it in as Buck replied with a “Yes sir.”

“Zero funny business,” Bucky fake saluted from his bunk.

Running a hand down his tired face, Frank scratched his mustache. “Hugh, I’m counting on you to keep an eye on them.”

“Trust me, I will.”

“Alright. I’ll see you guys in the morning.”

The door closed behind him with a slam, and they all visibly relaxed. Hope moved to shuffle back onto the bed beside Gale, the wave of nausea having passed when the door flew open again.

A cool breeze filled the hut as five men strolled into the hut, apparently oblivious of the girls until the one at the front of the column spoke up.

“Would you look at that? Major ‘no girls in the hut’ Cleven has a girl on his bed,” he pointed at Hope before the man behind him tapped his shoulder, causing him to turn and notice Ruth. “And Egan, too. Shit, I’m surprised Charlie hasn’t joined in.”

Gale sighed, standing up and placing his hand on Hope’s shoulder, “Hope, Ruth, these are the boys.” Buck took a breath to introduce them, but John beat him to it.

“DEMARCOO!!” John hollered, causing Gale to groan at his friend’s childish antics.

The man at the front just smiled.

“Egan,” he greeted him before motioning towards Ruth, “How did you manage to snag yourself such an attractive broad?”

Ruth’s cheeks flushed under the other man’s gaze but John just chuckled beside her, “Must be my endless charm.”

“Sure thing, Major,” Demarco snorted, his voice lowering to a whisper as he glanced down at Ruth. “Blink twice if you need help.”

With a shove from John, Benny laughed and turned his attention back to Hope and Gale while Bubbles moved over to greet Ruth.

“Hi again,” Bubbles waved at the blonde with a kind smile. “Glad to see you’re feelin’ better, ma’am.”

Ruth nodded from where she was tucked into John’s side. “Me too. And call me Ruth, please.”

“Oh, your bike’s outside, by the way,” Bubbles added, looking over at Bucky and pointing toward the door. A smirk appeared on the lieutenant’s face as he stepped closer to the couple with a hushed tone. “Kidd was, uh, not amused, to say the least.”

“Like I said, he’ll get over it,” John remarked, glancing over Bubbles’ shoulder at the Major in question who was conversing with Bill quietly. “Looks like he’s over it now. Jack!”

“Wait-” Bubbles tried to stop him, but it was too late.

“Thanks for letting me borrow your jeep today.”

Jack scoffed bitterly and sent Johnny a sharp glare. “When you stole my jeep, you mean.”

“Come on, Jack,” John groaned. “I left you my bike.”

“A bike and a jeep are nowhere near the same thing,” Kidd argued, shaking his head with a sigh as his gaze fell on Ruth. “I know today was rough, and I’m glad you two are okay. I saw your skytrain, and you’re lucky it wasn’t worse.”

Ruth felt the familiar lump of anxiety growing in her throat, and she cleared it quietly, keeping her voice steady. “Thanks.”

“Just don’t do it again, Bucky,” Jack nodded.

“No promises.”

Kidd’s gaze shifted to Ruth with his brows drawn together. “How do you deal with him?”

“I have no idea,” she answered tightly, the anxiety still working its way up her throat. John inspected her face, noticing the way her eyes darted around the room.

“It’s a little stuffy in here, don’t you think?” he asked, meeting her anxious gaze.

Ruth nodded as Bucky waved bye at Jack and ushered her out the door. When the pair exited the hut, they were met by a beautiful sight. The sun was setting over the base and vibrant colors painted the sky above the runways. Silhouettes of B-17s lined the horizon, and the distant rumble of engines, with the occasional chatter of ground crewmen, filled the air.

Ruth took a deep breath and crossed her arms over herself, the warm sunlight on her face helping to calm her racing heart.

“Sorry, I know that was a lot of people,” he said quietly.

“It’s not that. Today’s been a lot,” Ruth sighed, pushing her hair behind her ears as she continued to stare out at the English countryside. “I just needed a second.”

They both silently watched the sun slowly disappear behind fields of wheat as far as the eye could see, each of their minds stuck on the day.

As Johnny stood beside her with his hands on his hips, Hugh’s comment about his past replayed in his head. Before he met Ruth, everyone knew he wasn’t particular about who he spent his nights with or where he spent them, and these women didn’t seem to mind either. But all that changed when Ruth walked into his life.

Despite his pickup lines and physical affection, John wanted to make sure Ruth knew she wasn’t just another of his “floozies” as Hope called them. She had to know that he felt something deeper beyond physical attraction, something real for her...as real as he’d ever felt.

Mustering up his courage, John took a deep breath and broke the silence of the quiet sunset.

“About what Hugh said earlier, or started to say,” Ruth turned to him. “It’s no secret I’ve been around,” he confessed, his eyes falling to the ground. “I’ve been with women-”

“You don’t have to say anything,” she interrupted, placing a hand on his arm.

“Yeah, I do,” he urged, moving a hand over hers. “I’ve done things I’m not too proud of. But I’ve been trying to do better…”

John acted like he wanted to say more, but stopped when a conflicted expression appeared on his face. Sensing his apprehension, Ruth squeezed his arm reassuringly.

After a moment, he decided to keep going, his voice laced with nervousness. “You make me want to be better. You make me feel…something…everything. The other girls were…I don’t know. Distractions, maybe? Something to keep my mind off of what goes on up there.”

As Ruth watched him pour out his closely guarded heart, she saw a glimpse of a man who wasn’t as secure and confident as it seemed. She saw a man who longed to be held, taken care of, and loved but was unsure how to go about it.

“But I like this,” John gestured between them. “I like us…a lot. Today made me realize just how much. And I-I don’t want to mess this up.”

Biting her lip gently, she stepped closer, reducing the already small gap between them. “I like us, too. I meant what I said in my letter, you know. About you not being rid of me.”

“I meant what I said, too,” he replied softly, tilting his head towards her as he gently placed his hands on her hips. “You’re a unicorn, doll. One in a million, one of a kind…however you wanna say it.”

Ruth’s hands slid up John’s chest and looped around his neck, her lips slowly curving into a small grin despite the burning sensation within her stomach. “Yeah?” she whispered.

“Yeah,” John nodded as a line appeared between his brows. “I wanna do this right, and I’ve never-,” he paused, inhaling deeply. “I’ve never done this before…you know? Gone steady. But I care about you. So damn much. And I want that with you.”

“I want it too.”

They stared at each other for a few moments, the setting sun casting a golden hue on John’s face as he held her in his arms.

“Good,” he finally sighed, the corners of his eyes crinkling as he smiled down at her. “Cause I didn’t have a plan B if you rejected me.”

Ruth chuckled under her breath and shook her head. “I could never reject you. I’ve been letting you kiss me for almost a month now, remember.”

“Well, you’d be surprised. It wouldn’t be the first time.”

She rolled her eyes, meeting his gaze again to find him searching her face for some answer to a silent question.

“So…what happens now?”

“Well,” Ruth whispered, her eyes flicking to his lips. “I was expecting you to kiss me, Major, but-”

“You don’t have to tell me twice,” he quickly replied, tugging her flush against him and landing his lips on hers. It was a gentle kiss that confirmed their deep attachment to the other, and their future together.

Pulling away, Ruth answered his question out of breath, her words coming out in shorts pants. “How about we take it slow and see where it goes?”

Shaking his head, John’s hands slid from her waist to her cheeks and gave her another chaste kiss. When he leaned back, he peered down at her blushing face with a wide, toothy grin. “Did you know the unicorn’s my favorite extinct animal?”

As they settled in for the night, John lounged under his covers with one arm behind his head and stared up at Ruth with a mischievous grin. “Looks like the floor’s all yours, doll,” he said, gesturing to the space beside his cot.

“Oh really?” Ruth arched an eyebrow, feigning deep thought as she glanced around the hut. “I'm sure someone else has some room if you’re kicking me out…”

Without missing a beat, Bucky quickly made room for her on the narrow bed, playfully pulling back the covers and throwing his arm out for her. “Oh wow, would you look at that? A vacancy just opened up.”

She rolled her eyes and accepted his invitation, slipping into the bed beside him, immediately feeling the comforting warmth of his body. John wrapped his arm around her, his touch gentle as he settled her close against him.

“Don’t you dare hog the blankets,” she teased, her voice soft as she nestled against his side, her hand finding its place on his chest.

Bucky squeezed her waist slightly, grinning up at the ceiling. “Don’t you worry about me. I don’t think I’ll have any problem staying warm tonight.”

Beside them, Bill grumbled in response, his voice muffled as he turned away. “Bucky, just shut up and go to sleep. Some of us are flying tomorrow.”

“Night, doll,” John whispered, chuckling under his breath before tenderly kissing Ruth’s hair.

Her eyes became heavy with the day’s exhaustion, and she lazily kissed his shoulder. “Sweet dreams.”

“Oh, they will be if-”

“John! Shut the hell up!” Jack hissed through the darkness.

Finally following their request, Bucky stopped talking and instead focused on how Ruth’s small figure fit perfectly into his bulky one like a missing puzzle piece. He let the steady rise and fall of her chest against him lull him into restful sleep that he’d been lacking since they touched down in Algeria.

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writers-potion · 1 month

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Hi, I am trying to write a homosexual book that takes place in the 20s. I am unsure where to start and how bad the 20s was for homosexuality so if you have any tips it would be appreciated. Thank you for reading.

Homosexuality in Historical Fiction

I'm going to answer this in two parts: (1) Tips for writing queer historical fiction, and (2) the 1920 gay culture.

Get Your Language Right

Vocabulary is key to capturing how homsexual people identified themselves and interacted with one another at the time. Consider:

The kind of language/code used at the time. For example, gay men in the 1950-60s would have spoken Polari to skirt UK’s strict anti-homosexuality laws. This might mean your characters say seemingly ridiculous things like, “Bona to vada your dolly old eek!” (good to see your nice face)

Authenticity vs. Sensitivity. We don’t need to perpetuate old slurs just because they were used “at the time”. Would the readers of today (your target audience) be accepting towards use of such language?

Is it really necessary? Just like in the case of foreign languages and dialects, it may be better to just refer to the code/secret language being spoken rather than overdoing it in dialogue. Also, does your character identify themselves as a part of this community at all?

Balance Between Struggle and Hope

Often in historical LQBTQ+ fiction, if the conflict is badly written, the readers are just going to feel angry and frustrated. Because:

Even the likable, otherwise reasonable characters won't be able to accept homosexuality easily, often opposing it downright.

Homosexual characters may be confused, struggle with self-doubt and self-hatred (which can't be fun to read, obviously)

The norms of the time make any “resolution” rather disappointing (compared to modern times).

Your goal is to juggle between these strong negative emotions to convey the central message and let hope shine through. Linger too much on negativity and your novel will be dark, but treating these themes 'lightly' will make you sound shallow.

So, treat oppression just as you would write a physical antagonist. It's powerful and a possible life-threatening opposition to the Lead, but it has flaws, loopholes and needs time to regroup before it hits our Lead again with increased force.

+ General Tips

Beware of giving your characters hindsight. As a writer, we know what happened both before and after the time period the characters live through, but they don't! The characters not being able to predict what comes can be a good tragic element.

The word “homosexual” wasn’t coined until 1869, and didn’t become common parlance until the early 20th century. From at least the very early 17th till the mid-19th century, the most common term for women was “tribade,” referring to the act of tribadism (scissoring). Some people used the term “fricatrice.” In the 18th century, “lesbian” and “Sapphist” started to become more common terminology. Men were called sodomites and pederasts (a word which didn’t have the paedophilic connotation it does today). The word “homophile” was coined in 1924 and was most commonly used by gay men and lesbians in the 1950s and 1960s.

“Gay” didn’t take on the almost exclusive meaning of homosexual until the 1960s, and even then, it was still used in the old sense of “merry” more than a few times. Only in the 1970s did it finally emerge as the most popular, mainstream word.

Less suspicions were aroused by a lesbian couple living together for decades than a gay male couple. Many people assumed they were just two very close spinster friends, not that it was a Boston marriage. There were many more questions about why two men would want to live together.

To avoid the very real risk of jail, lobotomy, conversion “therapy,” or the loonybin, sometimes a gay and lesbian couple would enter a ménage à quatre. Though it appeared on the surface as though two straight couples lived in the same duplex or right next door, they were actually just lavender cover marriages. Some had children (through various means) and co-parented.

Photo booths were seen as a safe space where a same-sex couple could kiss, cuddle, and embrace without fear of arrest or public suspicion.

Some lesbian couples were able to adopt children as single women, in jurisdictions which permitted that. More daring couples underwent artificial insemination and then went abroad to give birth, coming home with “adopted babies.”

Similar to the handkerchief code in the BDSM community, some gay men signalled to one another with red neckties and green carnations. Parisienne lesbians signalled to one another with violets in their hair.

There’s a long history of gay bathhouses, dating back centuries. Since male homosexuality was illegal and severely punished, a bathhouse was among the few places it was safe to meet potential partners and engage in sexual activity. Even the very real fear of police raids didn’t deter patrons. Manhattan, Paris, and London were home to many famous (and luxurious) gay baths, but there were plenty of lesser-known ones in other cities.

While not everyone was lucky enough to have a lavender ménage à quatre, many people had individual lavender marriages. Sometimes the spouse knew s/he was serving as a cover, sometimes not.

There were also more “traditional” ménage à trois marriages, composed of the lavender couple plus the true same-sex partner all living together. Sometimes these arrangements were composed of a bisexual plus a partner of each sex.

People did NOT casually out themselves! They could only confide their secret to other confirmed friends of Dorothy and extremely radical allies who had proven they could be trusted and wouldn’t turn on them.

You don’t have to make your straight characters raging, violent homophobes, but it’s completely unrealistic and historically inaccurate to show them all immediately, unquestioningly, lovingly accepting their friends’ homosexuality if the secret comes out. They might agree to not let anyone else know, but the friendship would probably be over. Other people, a bit more open-minded, might eventually reconcile but never be able to completely shake the belief that their sexual orientation is unnatural, strange, or wrong. Some people might only come around after decades of estrangement and realising gays and lesbians are just like everyone else.

To avoid discovery, some lesbians called one another by male names in their letters. Some liked those nicknames so much they continued using them in real life.

1920 Gay Culture

The United States - The Roaring Twenties

As the United States entered an era of unprecedented economic growth and prosperity in the years after World War I, cultural mores loosened and a new spirit of sexual freedom reigned.

Harlem’s famous drag balls were part of a flourishing, highly visible LGBTQ nightlife

"Pansy Craze”: gay, lesbian and transgender performers graced the stages of nightspots in cities

lesbian and gay characters were being featured in a slew of popular “pulp” novels, in songs and on Broadway stages (including the controversial 1926 play The Captive) and in Hollywood—at least prior to 1934, when the motion picture industry began enforcing censorship guidelines, known as the Hays Code. Heap cites Clara Bow’s 1932 film Call Her Savage, in which a short scene features a pair of “campy male entertainers” in a Greenwich Village-like nightspot. On the radio, songs including "Masculine Women, Feminine Men" and "Let’s All Be Fairies" were popular.

On a Friday night in February 1926, a crowd of some 1,500 packed the Renaissance Casino in New York City’s Harlem neighborhood for the 58th masquerade and civil ball of Hamilton Lodge.

Nearly half of those attending the event, reported the New York Age, appeared to be “men of the class generally known as ‘fairies,’ and many Bohemians from the Greenwich Village section who...in their gorgeous evening gowns, wigs and powdered faces were hard to distinguish from many of the women.”

The tradition of masquerade and civil balls, more commonly known as drag balls, had begun back in 1869 within Hamilton Lodge, a black fraternal organization in Harlem. By the mid-1920s, at the height of the Prohibition era, they were attracting as many as 7,000 people of various races and social classes—gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and straight alike.

London - Balls and Adverts

Like other large cities at the time, London was home to many drag balls and nightclubs where the gay community could express themselves.

"Lady Austin's Camp Boys" (1933): At a private ballroom in Holland Park Avenue, west London, 60 men were arrested in a police raid after undercover officers had watched them dancing, kissing and having sex in make-up and women's clothes. But despite facing a lengthy prison term and disgrace, the organiser, "Lady Austin", told officers: "There is nothing wrong [in who we are]. You call us nancies and bum boys but before long our cult will be allowed in the country."

Other gay men found partners through personal advertisements, which could be an equally risky strategy.

In 1920 the publisher of a magazine called the Link and three gay subscribers were each sentenced to two years of hard labor on charges of indecency and conspiring to corrupt public morals.

Some adverts even appeared in the national press, such as the Daily Express, although they were not quite so blatant. People would ask for 'chums' of their own sex and offer to take people on holiday.

One man responding to an advert in the Link wrote that he was "very fond of artistic surroundings, beautiful colours in furniture and curtains, and softly shaded lamps and all those beautiful things which appeal to the refined tastes of an artistic mind". He added: "All my love is for my own sex", and wrote that he longed to give his love "in the most intimate way".

Gay adverts often had references to Edward Carpenter, Oscar Wilde and Walt Whitman, or would say 'I have an unusual temperament'.

Berlin - The Weimar Republic

The Weimar Republic, Germany’s first parliamentary democracy lasted from 1918 until 1933 and was a time of progressive cultural renaissance from cinema, theater and music, to sexual liberation and a flourishing LGBTQ scene.

Berlin was home to around 40 known queer bars, a number which had doubled by 1925. The cabaret bars and clubs like Eldorado were packed to the brim with lust, tassels, glitter and flamboyance.

Drag shows were the norm and stars like Marlene Dietrich (a Berlin-native) and Josephine Baker who were icons for the queer community, performed regularly in Berlin’s lavish halls.

Kiosks sold an array of well known queer publications like Die Hoffnung (The Hope), Blätter für Menschenrecht (Leaflets for Human Rights), Frauenliebe (Woman Love), and Das dritte Geschlecht (The Third Sex).

As homosexuality was still illegal, Berlin’s Tiergarten and other parks, Nollendorferplatz as well as train stations and the infamous octagonal public bathrooms

Underground spaces flourished.

Here's a list of books with an LGBTQ+ POV character, set at least partly in the 1920s:

Self-Made Boys: A Great Gatsby Remix

Dead Dead Girls (Harlem Renaissance Mystery, #1)

In the Field

The Lady Adventurers Club

Last Call at the Nightingale (Nightingale Mysteries, #1)

A Good Year

The Last Nude

The Sleeping Car Porter

Once a Rogue (Roaring Twenties Magic, #2)

Slippery Creatures (The Will Darling Adventures, #1)

Crazy Pavements

References

https://www.bbc.com/culture/article/20180212-polari-the-code-language-gay-men-used-to-survive

https://www.theguardian.com/uk/2004/jul/03/gayrights.world

https://www.history.com/news/gay-culture-roaring-twenties-prohibition

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isuckatwritingsobenice · 10 months

Text

Dangerously Yours

Note: Alastor with these lines has me in a chokehold, also set with Human! Alastor

Navigation!! // Masterlist!!

╔═══*.·:·.☽✧ ✦ ✧☾.·:·.*═══╗

"You lied to me!" She cried, fists clenched at her sides. "You deceived me!" Yet, he remains calm. As if this is a mere conversation about the weather.

"You tried to deceive me." He says with a shrug, carelessly, as he uses a small cloth to clean the knife in hand.

"I'm tired of listening to you." She says, and she fails to mask the pain in her voice. It's getting harder and harder for her to form her words, to think straight.

"You gave me your heart, you know?" He says, placing the knife down quickly. He begins to step towards her. "You'd like me to hand it back whole again. But I won't." He says, stopping a few inches away from her. She's quiet, tears streaming down her face. She looks so hurt, so confused. So broken. He's living in it. "You lived a long time, yet Y/n, an eternity without me." He says, moving to brush a piece of hair out of her face. Her breathing is harsh, quick. He speaks calmly again. " You will look into the faces of passers by, hoping for something that will, for an instant, bring me back to you. You will find moonlit nights strangely empty because, when you call my name through them there will be no answer." He says, before his hands move to squeeze her shoulders.

"Always your heart will be aching for me, and your mind will give you the doubtful consolation that you did a 'brave' thing." He says again, before she feels the rage build in her again.

" You dare to talk of bravery?" She asks, almost as if he is crazy. She wouldn't be wrong if she thought so.

"What else do we have to talk about Y/n?

╚═══*.·:·.☽✧ ✦ ✧☾.·:·.*═══╝

╔═════ °• ♔ •° ═════╗

"You must tell her the truth." His mother says, her hands clutched tightly to her chest. She feels sorry for the poor girl her son is about to hurt.

"Tell her the truth?" He asks, and turns to his mother with a look of astonishment on his face. "Tell her the truth so she will watch the stars through tears instead of following the one cold star that is her destiny?" He asks as he stands from his desk, chair falling behind him. He pays no mind to it. Instead, he pauses for a moment, before he laughs, his hand cradling his forehead as he thinks. " No, let her think,... I never loved her." He says finally, and he can only be so honest with himself. He knows this will crush him just as much as it will ruin her.

╚═════ °• ♔ •° ═════╝

╔═══°∴,*⋅✲══〖✰〗══✲⋅*,∴°═══╗

"He is the difference between Life and death and heaven and hell." She cried, sitting on the steps of her front porch, as her sister lightly rubbed her back. She blew her nose into the tissue again.

"Is he really?" Her sister asks, and she turns to her, eyes and nose red, cheeks flushed. Her eyes look like glass as the tears fall, and she lets out a sigh.

" Oh, don't you understand?" She asks her, before she stands and walks down the steps, standing in path of the stairs. She turns to her, one hand clutching the tissue, the other her dress. She turns around to look at her sister again, who stands up to stand with her. " If he dies I wanna die." She says, before she breaks out into sobs, her arms clutching her sister as she's pulled into an embrace. Her body shakes as sobs continue to fall, the tears staining her sisters dress.

╚═══°∴,*⋅✲══〖✰〗══✲⋅*,∴°═══╝

┏━━━━━━༻❁༺━━━━━━┓

" Once I told you I'd kissed a thousand women. It was a lie," Alastor says, taking another spoonful of his ice cream.

"I know." She says with a laugh as she sits next to him on the bench. He grins.

"I've only kissed two or three hundred." He says, his smile never faltering as she wiggles his brows at her. "Now, how many men have you kissed?" He asked curiously.

"Very few." She says, looking at the ducks that walk by. He tilts his head upon hearing her answer.

"But you offered me a kiss? Why?" He asks.

" Such a foolish reason I'm afraid," She says with a chuckle, looking down in her lap. "I just, ... wanted to kiss you."

┗━━━━━━༻❁༺━━━━━━┛

◤─────•~❉᯽❉~•─────◥

"Is there something wrong? Is there anything I can do to help you?" He asks, as he watches her light a cigarette with shaky hands.

"No,... I thought for a moment that you might help me but..." She stops and shakes her head. "I can't ask you, I simply can't ask you." She says, bringing the cigarette to her lips, before inhaling. The smoke fills her lungs, gives her brain a sort of buzz she craves more often since meeting him.

"Why can't you ask me?" He questions, getting closer to her. "Who do you want killed?" He persists. She stares at him for a second, before looking ahead of her again, watching the sunset. She doesn't answer, so he continues. " Oh look, I'd,... I'd really like to help you." He says sincerely, trying to get her to look at him.

She does.

◣─────•~❉᯽❉~•─────◢

•╔════◄░░░░░░►════╗•

"Won't you come in Mr. Lasqiuer?" She asks, sitting down at the dining table. Everyone is outside dancing at the gathering, the band playing soundly. He shuts the door behind him.

"You know who I am?" He asks, his eyes wide in surprise.

"But of course!" She says, reaching forward to light a candle. " You were the most handsome man in the gathering, and I was very lonely. So I thought tonight I will have an adventure. I will make the acquaintance of the distinguished Mr. Lasqiuer." She says with a bright smile, using the now lit candle to light the rest.

"How do you know my name?" He asks her, moving to one of the nearby chairs at the end of the table. She giggles.

"It was not difficult to find out." She says cheekily.

"How did you know I wouldn't run off with your jewels?" He questions, sitting down at the end of the table.

" I took that chance." She laughs, before sitting back down. "Are you angry?" She asks, looking to him. He laughs, fixing his glasses.

"No, I'm not angry... If some kind fate wishes to send a beautiful lady to dine with me I can only be greatful. You will do me the honors won't you mon cherie?" He grins, and she smiles, nodding at him.

" I should be delighted!" She says with a smile.

•╚════◄░░░░░░►════╝ •

╔⏤⏤⏤⏤╝❀╚⏤⏤⏤⏤╗ "If I betray you I betray myself." She says, looking at the sky from the balcony. "If I betray him, I betray my family. My family is very dear to me." She says, turning around, putting her hands on the railing. Alastor steps forward, caging her in.

"Dearer than I?" He asks, his eyes searching for an answer in hers.

"No..no not dearer than you." ╚⏤⏤⏤⏤╗❀╔⏤⏤⏤⏤╝

•❅──────✧❅✦❅✧──────❅• " I'm going to tell you something tonight Y/n, something that will put my life in your hands." Alastor says, as the two stand on the balcony, smoking.

"Life." She says with a giggle, inhaling more smoke.

"it would mean my life yes, if used to get into certain circles yes." He says with a nod. Y/n frowns and shakes her head.

"Then don't tell me. How do you know you can trust me?" She asks, looking at him. He can see the sadness in her eyes. See that she already knew this was going to happen. This was what she feared.

"I love you, and I believe you love me." He says, putting his cigarette out. Y/n throws hers over the balcony and walks to the door leading to into the apartment.

"You're quite wrong, this has only been but an adventure to me." She says, pushing the door open, with a quick glance over her shoulder. He's following her now.

" that isnt true Y/n." He says, hoping he's wrong. He wants to be wrong for once.

"It is true, you smiled at me I would laugh, it was an adventure for a holiday mood." She says, moving to the large couch to grab her coat. He stops a few feet away.

" You may as well take my heart Y/n, it's already full of you. You walked into it the day we met." He said, hands to his chest, resting over his heart.

"You're a fool Alastor." She says, shaking her head turning around to look at him. She backs up, knees hitting the couch behind her, and she falls.

" Isn't that any man who falls in love?" He says, and she stays quiet. " Do you know what you are to me? You're something to believe in again, You're a type of person that had ceased to exists for me. A fine, honest women." He says, bending down to take her hands in his. She shakes her head looking down at her lap.

"Darling you're such a child." She says, tears spilling. " Take your foolish little dream and your heart and go, please go." She pleads. He refuses.

"What is it what's wrong my dear?"

"You know nothing about me, You've known me only three weeks!"

"Three weeks? Y/n I've known you all my life." He says, his feelings hurt.

"All your life." She says, taking her hands away, crossing her arms and leaning back, folding them.

"It's true, I've seen you in a thousand plays, read you in as many books, When I heard beautiful music I thought 'she'd like that'. I've looked at flowers and known that one day I'd give them to you."

"Oh stop stop." She says, pushing him away to stand. She walks to the door. "You're not in love with me, I'm not that woman! Perhaps I was once but I'm not now. You see, you were wrong. You cant love me." She says sadly. He gets up and moves closer to her.

"You mean to tell me a man we both know and shall not name is holding you back?" He asks, ignoring the anger in him.

"What are you saying?" She asks.

" You see I've known all along. I had nifty look you up in the records." He said reassuringly, hands gently rubbing her arms.

"You mean, it didn't make any difference?"

"It didn't make any difference." He said with a smile. He truly loved her, and he was ready to risk it all.

•❅──────✧❅✦❅✧──────❅•

#hazbin hotel x reader #alastor x reader #hazbin alastor #hazbin charlie #hazbin angel dust #hazbin vaggie #hazbin demon #hazbin vox #hazbin hotel rosie #alastor #dangerously yours

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suzyq31 · 3 months

Text

Just some casual pining

@jilymicrofics, this just makes the cut at 976 words!

January prompts used: Primal, Apprehensive, Etch

This lightly connects to a few of my other James/Lily stories. Unsure if I'll turn them into a series on archive. Essentially just these two being idiots in love and denial while at school. Also note, this line is very much stolen from When Harry Met Sally.

“What about if they’re attracted to each other?” she asked, apprehension in her tone, and when her eyes met his he nearly swallowed his own tongue. “Er—” “Or as Sirius put it, that ‘the sex part gets in the way.’”

Thanks to @charmsandtealeaves for looking this over!

Story below the cut 😊

James squinted at the sunlight streaming through the bevelled glass, a light September breeze coming in. Lily had crossed the stone floor within minutes of entering the cramped office earlier, jimmying with the latch on the window, and pressing it open with her upper body, before smiling at him over her shoulder.

He was already sweating, but his body had only grown warmer at the sight. A year into their friendship and he still wasn’t used to having her smile at him like that, like someone she was glad to see.

They’d quickly gotten to work, both of them still adjusting to their new roles. Lily with far more ease than him. She had a leg up, of course, having been a prefect since fifth year. James found himself playing catch up, learning the patrol schedules, the intricacies of the points systems, and the group dynamics that he was now in charge of.

Dumbledore had made a good choice the past two years, if he’d had this kind of power earlier, he could only imagine how much more of a nightmare he would have been. He also doubted that Lily would have ever come around to not hating his guts if that were the case.

She was close enough that he could feel her warmth and breathe in the scent of her shampoo, something light and floral that he’d always found pleasing. All at once her green eyes were holding his, and it took him a full second to realise he’d been caught. He stared back down at his parchment, willing himself to think, “Maybe we should switch David and Juliet.”

“Why?”

He lifted his eyes to hers. “Rumour has it they’ve broken up.”

“Oh,” she said, delicate brows furrowing. “That’s too bad.”

He scratched the back of his neck. “Should I switch them then?”

Lily looked past him, eyes fixed on a far-off point. He followed her gaze towards the fiery sky, the sun giving its best showcase before it would sink behind the green hills.

“They were such good friends before.”

Her quiet declaration surprised him.

“Yeah?”

She nodded absently, a hard to read expression etched on her features, voice hushed when she spoke.

“Do you remember what Sirius said?”

“Well, he says a lot of things.”

She rolled her eyes. “He said that men and women couldn’t really be proper friends. He said it about Marlene and Benjy, back in June.”

“Wouldn’t be the first dumb thing he’s said.”

Lily released a delicate little snort. “No…but do you think he’s right?”

“Er—no,” he said, palms suddenly sweating. “He was just taking the piss.”

Out of him. Not that he would add that part. He wiped his palms on his leg which had begun bouncing of its own accord. Lily simply looked at her notes.

“What about if they’re attracted to each other?” she asked, apprehension in her tone, and when her eyes met his he nearly swallowed his own tongue.

“Er—”

“Or as Sirius put it, that ‘the sex part gets in the way.’”

His lips parted but no sound came out. His stomach had flipped completely upside down, then rightside up, as if he’d attempted a Wronski Feint

A smile pulled at her lips, green eyes dancing. Clearly joking, while he was acting like a demented goldfish.

Finally he cleared his throat. “Depends.”

“On what?”

“I mean a lot of things. If it’s mutual, or one-sided…” He watched her closely and something in her expression shifted. “Are you talking about someone we know, Evans?”

Pink spread across her porcelain cheeks. He’d never outgrown his love of causing her to blush. A strange surge of confidence came to him as he leaned in.

“So, purely hypothetical?” he added.

She sucked in her bottom lip, nodding.

For a moment he felt suspended. Like he could tell her anything; like the fact that he was sure that he would always fancy her, even if she never felt the same way. Pathetic really, a truth he did his best to manage. Unwilling to jeopardise her hard-won friendship.

He forced out a breath. “I think you can be friends with someone you’re attracted to.”

She tilted her head, hair ablaze in the afternoon sunlight. “You think so?”

“I have it on good authority.”

Lily blinked at him. The pink hue on her face deepened and everything in him screamed to touch her cheek, to see if it was as soft as he imagined.

His hand fisted where it rested on his leg. The desire burned through him. Being around her had always been like playing with fire; mesmerising, a primal instinct that only she brought out in him. She made the world brighter but with the potential for peril. His heart at risk.

He stared down at her, the moment suspended. His fingers unclenching, their breathing syncing. He could imagine it so easily, closing the small gap between them, and brushing his lips against hers.

A loud bang made them both startle, her body tensing before she relaxed back into her seat. The prefects began to trickle in. He was so flustered by the impulse he’d been close to giving into, that he’d nearly forgotten where they were or what they were even doing.

Lily recovered quickly, standing and greeting the arriving students. He watched her take charge of the meeting. Graceful in her movement, the last bits of sun bathing her in gold. His heart beat erratically in his chest, body too hot in the crowded room. He wasn’t sure if he wanted to thank Sirius or hex him into next week.

Then Lily turned back, a curious glint in her eyes that sparked him into motion. He took his place beside her, ignoring the gooseflesh that broke out when her arm brushed against his, pushing down how right it felt to be at her side.

#jily microfic #jily #james and lily #marauders era #harry potter fanfic #micro #idiots in love #pining

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ellebakers · 9 months

Text

☆ I know who you pretend I am | Part two (+18)

Criston Cole x reader

Part two

Summary : Criston is courting you, but does he really have feelings for you, or is he trying to make someone jealous ?

Warnings : Fight, language, SMUT(18+)

Annoyed.

This is how you felt.

There was nothing enthusiastic about the festivities, and tonight was like all the others, wine, music playing by musicians, beastly soldiers wishing to finish between the thighs of a woman by the end of the night, and women just as eager to leave with a soldier of the king. This is what the parties organized in honor of your nephew Aegon were all about.

You didn't know why you were there. Oh actually you knew that. Your sister…

Alicent had begged you to come tonight, after gently declining at least twenty times you finally gave in.

That's how you found yourself sitting overlooking the room which was overflowing with men and women, each more excited than the other.

As you were about to take advantage of a moment of inattention on your sister's part to sneak out of this hellhole, someone appeared behind you.

"Are you leaving us already your majesty ?" One of your sister's soldiers asks amusedly.

You turned and met the eyes of Criston Cole, one of the most loyal soldiers of the crown, and also one of the most handsome men you have ever seen.

You cleared your throat to avoid thinking too much about the way you had imagined it lately, especially in the evenings, when you were alone in your room with an incessant fire that continued to course through your body.

"Um, yes I-"

You were interrupted by a voice announcing the return of Queen Rhaenyra, and as she entered, Criston paid you no more attention, he kept his gaze locked on her.

As the queen approached you, you bowed. "Please Y/n, we've been friends since childhood, you don't need to bow to me."

You smiled warmly at her but couldn't help but notice the way the man next to you was looking at her.

"It's a pleasure to see you again your majesty."

The blonde frowns at you and you laugh lightly. "I meant, Rhaenyra."

Your friend turned his gaze to Criston and both remained silent looking at each other. "I'm sorry, I'm not feeling very well, it's better if I go lie down for a bit."

Your sentence caught their attention, and you felt Criston's gaze land on you but you didn't pay any attention to it.

"Do you want me to come with you ?" Rhaenyra asked.

"No I will-"

"I'll walk her." Suddenly the soldier intervened.

Without bothering to look in his direction, you thanked him. "Thank you but I prefer to walk alone." Then without another word you left the room without giving Criston time to react.

A week had passed since Rhaenyra's return and you had do everything possible to avoid Criston.

As you tried once again to avoid him by running in the opposite direction from where you had seen him, you bumped into something, or rather someone.

You gasped as the person held your forearms to keep you from falling.

"I beg your pardon, Your Majesty."

"It's up to me to apologize, I wasn't looking where I was going."

You looked up and met the gaze of a man with beautiful blue eyes.

You remained speechless in front of the beauty of this man, and while you were about to thank him for having caught you, a voice, which you knew very well, was heard behind you.

"Strong ! get your filthy hands off Princess Y/n."

The man let go of you gently. And you thanked him before turning furiously to Criston. "No need to be so rough with the man who saved me from falling."

Criston opened and closed his mouth, clearly surprised by your tone. You never raised your voice to him or anyone.

"Your Majesty, the way he held you was out of place."

You rolled your eyes at him and something dark crossed Criston's eyes making you shiver.

"His hands were on my arms, they weren't on my curves, there's nothing out of place."

You turned to the man and smiled at him. "What is your name ?"

The man who appreciated seeing you put Criston in his place smiled at you.

"Harwin Strong Your Majesty."

"Well Harwin you have my infinite grattitude. I hope to see you tonight for my sister's birthday."

The man bowed slightly. "With pleasure your majesty."

"Please call me Y/n."

Criston let out a sound that sounded like a choke which made Strong smile even more.

"Only if you call me Harwin."

You smiled at him and nodded "So we'll see you tonight Harwin."

You turned to Criston and your smile faded as you walked past him maintaining eye contact.

How could he react like that when Harwin had done nothing wrong.

Once you were out of reach, Harwin stepped forward and patted Criston on the shoulder.

"This lady is something."

Criston pushed Strong's hand away like he had burned him. "Stay away from her." he threaten with a dangerous look.

"I can't promise you that."

And with a smirk Harwin disappeared leaving Criston furious.

The soldier did not bother to think and he rushed to your room where he knew he would find you.

He didn't bother to knock and walked in, making you gasp.

"Sir Criston Cole, you have no right to-"

He didn't let you finish your sentence and clapped his mouth against yours. You pushed him away and for a moment he was afraid he had done wrong, but he was reassuring when you pushed him onto your bed and straddled him.

You knocked his armor. "Get rid of that."

He bit his lip. "Your wishes are my orders."

Once you got rid of his armor you settled back on him and kissed him with all your passion.

You felt something harden beneath you and you rubbed yourself against it, making Criston moan.

"Shit. You have no idea how many times I imagined us like that."

He confessed against your skin while undoing the lace of your dress.

"I hope as many times as I do."

He growled against your skin and began to suck your sensitive neck.

You slipped a hand between your two bodies and grabbed his hard member.

He threw his head back and groaned. "Fuck, Y/n, please do something."

Then you got out of bed and knelt in front of him. Criston propped himself up on his elbows with admiring eyes, but those eyes closed very quickly when you put his erect member in your mouth.

Instinctively he grabbed your hair in his fist and guided you up and down.

You watched him lose control little by little as you brought him closer to orgasm, alternating between sucking and licking.

"Damn, I'll-" He didn't have time to finish and cum in your mouth.

Out of breath he watched you swallow and groaned at the sight of it.

He grabbed you by the arm and laid you down on the bed. "It's my turn."

He ripped off your dress and ran his tongue over your body, your mouth, your neck, your breasts, taking care to lick them well and caress them with his fingers making you moan and wet like never before. Then he settled between your thighs and began to devour you as if you were his last meal.

You ran a hand through his hair to pull him even closer to where he made you feel good. Your moans got louder and louder and before you could orgasm you pushed him away.

He frowned and was about to ask you why, but you pinned her against the mattress and put your legs on either side of her head. It didn't take long for him to figure out what you wanted and a smirk appeared on his face as he impaled you on his tongue.

The sensation made you scream in pleasure, and he continued to bring you closer to your orgasm playing with his tongue inside you, and with one precise lick you came, shaking and sweating.

Once the adrenaline went down you withdrew from him and lay down next to him.

He put a hand on your belly and caressed it, it stayed like this until you fell asleep.

You had slept for an hour and when you woke up Criston was gone. Alicent's birthday came quickly and you found yourself sitting next to her when something caught your eye.

Criston.

And he was not alone, he was with.

Rhaenyra.

#criston cole #criston cole x reader #sir criston cole #house of the dragon #hotd imagine #fabien frankel

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jagged--dust-jacket-analysis · 18 days

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(Spoilers for HBH Season 2)

So I just finished season two of heart break high and I have SO much to say. but for this post I'm talking about Spider.

If you happen to be a long time follower of mine you know I'm a WHORE for redemption arcs. I eat them up. I also love characters who are so damaged and broken, yet have such potential to change for the good.

And I think that's Spider.

I feel like this season did such a good job with his storyline. They really put their all into his character, and he's instantly shot to my top characters.

Spider is a classic case of "toxic masculinity." A hormonal, sex obsessed, teenage boy with misogynistic takes. He doesn't take SLT's seriously, especially the parts about emotional topics. And so it's easy to hate him, especially in season one. Still, then the show gave us glimpses of Spider being a sorta decent person. It's clear to us that he's not irredeemable. He's just being a dumb teenage boy.

And then season two.

In the beginning he's being his usual self. His Misogyny amped up right from the get go. He ditches SLT's. He doesn't like the mushy gushy "wokeness" (though, those aren't his words) of it. He claims it's a class blaming men for all the problems in the world and storms out.

He and a bunch of the SLT's boy's leave in favor of Coach Voss's C.U.M.L.O.R.D.S (Don't ask what it stands for, I can't be bothered to remember). There, Voss teaches them a bunch of "masculine" things. And tries to open their eyes to the "woke agenda."

Eventually Voss's group and SLT's get into conflict and solve it through a sports match of (football?). This is when Spider starts to fall in love with missy.

I adore there relationship. Their subtle flirting from that point on is just adorable and awkward and hilarious. Their rivalry just adds os much to the relationship. Eventually they start to be hookup buddies. But Spider refuses to have "actual" sex. (I use quotations because the notion is dumb, but you all know what I mean).

Missy is confused, and feels like Spider isn't all in with her. So she shows up to his house in a risqué outfit to turn him on and eventually sleep with him.

Only to find his mom home and having dinner with him.

This introduction of Spiders mom is so crucial for his development.

At first, she's introduced to us as this strong willed woman. A feminist who won't stand for any man's bullshit. Missy and her hit it off right away, lightly making fun of Spider throughout the meal. And it's all really harmless. Until it's not.

Spiders mom confides in Missy that Spider's an IVF baby. That she's worried about Spider and his "dangerous b.s." She talks about dreams she's had where Spider is arrested for committing some of the vilest acts imaginable against women (if you catch my drift). She talks about this all, right in front of him. To his face! And more yet, she even asks if all problems would be better in the world if All men were erased from the planet. And while she doesn't come out and say it, it's implied this would include her son.

This really shows us why Spider is the way he is.

Because imagine. The one person on the planet who is supposed to love you unconditionally, thinks you're capable of some of the vilest shit ever. Raises you and let's you know that they think you're going to grow up to be terrible and assault people. That's fucked up.

And Missy says it best: That's what they think [you] are, that's what [you'll] be.

After a whole lifetime of being told how terrible you will be, how awful you are, you just begin to become what they've ingrained into your mind that you already are.

Obviously, Spider doesn't assault anyone. But he becomes misogynistic. Has very biased views of gender roles and the world. Say's things like that. Becoming the type of man his mother always told him he was.

It also makes sense why he thought SLT's was a "man hating" class. Because he grew up in a household with a mother who genuinely just was a "man hater." He was projecting.

But Missy tells him, it's not too late to decide who he wants to be. He doesn't have to be what everyone say's he is. And thus begins Spiders fantastic character development.

He starts to amend his ways, become better. He get's rid of his sexual posters, stops saying super Misogynistic things, he even says he'll drop out of the School Captain race.

And yes, he does lash out when Missy says they could never be together. He reverts for a moment. Goes back to the only coping mechanism he's ever known. But eventually, he finds his way again.

It's obviously not a fully fledged "redemption" arc. But it's a phenomenal start. And it really gives me hope for season three!

#heart break high #hbh #hbh s2 #spider #spencer white #spencer spider white

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palabraasinnecesarias · 8 months

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ranma/akane

this one is about a drunk ranma lmao but i've also had this one dusting so here i am letting it see the light of day (just simple moments between the two)

She knew it wouldn’t be a good idea for Ranma to go drinking with Mr. Saotome and her father – especially when Grandfather Happosai was a part of the tag-along package deal – but there wasn’t much she could insist when it came to proving just how much of a “man” he could be by outdrinking all his elders. Her reckless fiancé was a stubborn mind, and although he usually managed to pull through, that night it was proven that some battles he was just meant to lose.

All the women of the Tendo household drowsily dragged their feet down the flight of stairs to unwillingly welcome the men back home, noting it was well past midnight, and all but one appearing as though they were to be sick. Grandfather Happosai had been the man to survive whatever drinking-game that had come about, and easily waltz in full glory as a prideful grin stamped his cheek, continuously making a mockery of the situation.

Akane felt her pulsing temples, slightly upset at the whole ordeal pitifully displaying two grown men with the newly high school graduate clearly drunk.

The young teen watched as her oldest sister gasped in disbelief when seeing her father in such an unwell state, just before she and Nabiki latched onto him and took him to bed. Auntie Saotome giggled lightly, breathing what seemed to express a breath of relief as she reached for her husband and glancing over at Akane, “Oh, men.” Without another word she made her way up the stairs, Mr. Saotome’s arm hooked behind her neck for support, willingly following every step she took.

In a matter of minutes, Akane found herself alone with what seemed to be boastful Ranma Saotome grinning towards her, his body trying to keep itself composed, and very obviously failing. His body slightly wobbled left and right, and his cheeks blushed variations of red up and down his neck, a clear indication that he was heated up due to the alcohol.

What he was smiling about, she didn’t know, but couldn't deny that she was curious.

She crossed her arms across her chest, prodding an eyebrow upwards in such an expected way, he found himself chuckling dryly.

“You’re such a dork,” she found herself thinking out loud, a smirk of her own tugging the corner of her mouth, just before she came to the realization that she was left to mend after him.

“I beat them,” he grinned, his bragging tone high and mighty. Was he so drunk he didn’t think he was intoxicated at all?

“Oh, yeah? Walk to me,” Akane demanded as she stood no more than four feet away from him. The challenge gleamed across her eyes, and who was he to turn down such an opportunity to prove her wrong.

Without missing a beat, Ranma lifted his foot with the simple intention of walking but just a couple of steps towards her when the young martial artist went tumbling down.

The loud thud only made her want to laugh at him, but instead, the dark-haired girl reached down and did her best to take him into the family room. He was still conscious, which helped settle him on the floor, using some cushions to prompt his head up.

“Seriously,” Akane groaned as she fluffed the round cushion, “you just had to go along with their antics.”

“I needed to prove myself!”

She simply rolled her eyes, because when it came to Ranma, everything was a challenge. “You certainly did not,” she sighed, amused at every outrageous (and sometimes grotesque) situations he always seemed to place himself in. Although, this one was definitely one of the more normal ones.

“Why is it so hot?” His words slurred, but she managed to understand him well. He scrunched his eyes together, the palm of his hand suddenly slapping his cheek before dragging itself up to push the oversized fringe of bangs draping over his view. He didn’t seem to be in pain, rather the very opposite comportment to just moments ago.

She reached her own hand to feel his cheek, and then his forehead, feeling his sweat against her skin. “Just how much did you and dad drink?” She asked no one in particular.

She pushed herself up and walked into the kitchen to find Nabiki getting a glass of water. “How’s dad?”

“Father started puking,” Nabiki responded very nonchalantly, rolling her eyes at the way Akane’s eyes widen before she explained further, “he just had too much to drink, dummy. Nothing to worry about. Although, technically, he could have choked on his own vomit were we not there to help him settle into bed.” Kasumi had done the best she could to clean their father and his bed, and Nabiki was just getting him some water. He was in great hands, but she couldn't not be worried. “Just keep an eye on that fiancé of yours. I don’t know how much he drank compared to daddy.”

Akane winced at the way the word fiancé smoothly slid through Nabiki’s teeth; she pushed past it to find what her sister was saying to be true. She didn’t want Ranma to sleep on a puddle of his own throw up, and definitely didn’t want to risk him choking on it.

She returned with a small kitchen towel that she had run under the cool water, and a glass of water, just in case he needed it. She quickly pressed the fresh cloth against his skin and gently dragged it up to press and rest on his forehead, a thin smile spreading as his body flinched at the unexpected gesture.

Akane found herself comfortable as she watched him drift off into a slumber, wondering whether she was going to try and carry him up the stairs or wake him. He was breathing deeply, she noted, as his wide chest rose steadily up and down. He seemed so serene, finding him quite cute when he wasn’t talking out his ass. She scoffed a light laughter, her hand twitching at wanting to bonk his head silly.

Her hand reached over to push chunks of his fringe away from his face, noting he needed a trim as the tips seem to be reaching the bridge of nose.

"You’re so dumb,” she found herself muttering, shaking her head in disbelief, although not completely surprised to be the one tending after him.

“God, ‘Kane,” he grunted lowly, quickly and easily startling her as she believed him to be unconscious, “can’t you ever be nice to me.”

She scoffed, nervously pushing strands of her own hair behind her ear frantically hoping she wasn’t caught watching him sleep in the way she was admiring him. “I’ll gladly start when you start,” she found herself challenging the drunk teen, not really thinking anything would come out of the interaction, but desperately wanting to rile him into some sort of distraction.

“I’m always nice to you!”

She scoffed again, aware that he truly did believe he was nice to her; there were times he might have unintentionally expressed generous comments about her, but they were never to be nice, they were simply happy accidents on her account.

“Like when?”

She was looking down at him, still lying on the floor with the damp towel on the upper half of his face hoping it covered his sight completely. She could see him thinking, trying to muster something – anything – up just to prove his point. And she found it amusing, letting the seconds slide as she watched him groan with irritation.

“I’ve saved you multiple times, ya’ know!”

Akane dry laughter must have caused some sort of reaction because Ranma was now trying to sit up, holding the damped towel in a soft grip.

“Ranma, that wasn’t you being nice, that was you being a decent human being. Also,” she said as she watched him successfully slouch forward, his eyes still half-lidded with a light overlay of blush at the apples of his cheeks, “go ahead and drink some water. It should help sober you up.”

He glanced at her for a few seconds, silent before looking over at the almost full glass of water she held in her hand, reaching over to him. He took it and gulped all of it down, without hesitation and gently placed the cup down on the floor with them.

“Thank you,” he found himself saying quietly, keeping the ambience steady, not realizing just how thirsty he actually had been, and just how incredible the water felt when it flushed down his throat and splashed the inside of his chest.

Akane found herself smiling at the way he thanked her. “Are you ready to go to bed?”

Ranma’s eyes widen abnormally large, his mouth opening slightly before shutting it tight with the intention of swallowing the knot choking him. “I’m sure Auntie Saotome’s waiting for you,” she continued, her following statement calming him immensely before coming to the realization at where his mind had gone to in mere seconds.

“C’mon,” she offered, getting up from her knees and stretching both her arms towards him offering him a boost up, thinking he was probably too weak to try and stand up. Although, this was ranma, after all. He was never too weak for anything, “I’m dying for you to wake up with such a massive headache in the morning and blame anyone but yourself.”

She grinned mischievously down at him, expecting him to minimum stick his tongue out at her as a defense, but all he did was remind her, “I am nice to ya’, I just can’t remember.”

“Yeah, well maybe you could be nicer.”

“Like how?”

Was he genuinely asking?

“I don’t know Ranma, just be sweet, I guess.”

“Sweet, huh?”

Akane crouched down, sitting on her bottom on the floor but keeping her knees bent, knitting her eyebrows together as she watched him intensely. “Ranma,” she said to him in a calm voice, half-taunting, half-curious what he was babbling about, “you’re drunk. Go to bed.”

“You look beautiful, ya’ know.”

She wasn’t expecting that. “Uh.” Was he messing with her? Was he taunting her? Poking fun? Still, she needed to do something about the absurd reddening of her face to his comment. “It shouldn't be forced,” she found herself replying to him. She knew he was probably expecting some sort of thank you, but she didn’t know if she wanted to give him one.

“It’s not.” He fought back, his eyebrows indenting together, bothered that she didn’t believe him.

“Well,” Akane sighed, “kinda’ feels like you said it to prove a point, rather than because it came from the heart.”

“Well,” Ranma said, leaning slightly forward towards her, and although he wasn’t that close, she could still smell the alcohol in his breath that reminded her he was indeed intoxicated as he reminded her, “I don’t lie.”

She pursed her lips pondering to herself, wondering what this was all about. “Okay,” she found herself saying something out loud.

“Now you say something nice about me.”

Akane laughed again, “This isn’t how it works.”

“So,” he retorted, “we don’t always have to follow the rules.”

“Yeah, but just because you said something nice doesn’t mean I owe you something in return.”

“Aw, c’mon, I said you were cute.”

“No,” she grinned, “you said I look beautiful.”

“That was nice of me, huh?”

“God, you’re such a dork.” She wanted to frown at him, but the corners of her mouth were not willingly pushing down, and instead she pushed him away; not harshly, just a gentle nudge that nonetheless forced him to lean back down as she said, “I’m going to bed.”

“Wait,” he called after her, but she didn’t stop for him, not caring if he couldn’t get himself up the stairs. “’Kane, be nice!”

“Goodnight, Ranma.”

#one day i'll get back to writing actual finished fics :)#i rly liked one tho :)#akane tendo #rankane #ranma 1/2 #ranma fanfiction #ranma saotome #rankane fanfiction #ranma akane #fanfiction #fanfic #ranma x akane #akane x ranma

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ladywinterwitch · 2 years

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Game Of Thrones (headcanon) - How you met

Game of thrones male characters x female reader

INCLUDES: Jaime Lannister, Tyrion Lannister, Jon Snow, Robb Stark, Oberyn Martell.

Okay, my first GOT work! Yay! This is mainly a headcanon post about how you met these specific men of Westeros that kinda turned into very small one shots (maybe prompts for more idk?). Anyways, enjoy and let me know your thoughts if you feel like it, I'd very much appreciate it!

*PS: All of the prospectives will be from women as it's what I'm comfortable writing, as well as the men chosen, which are just the ones that I feel comfortable writing for. For example, you'll NEVER see me writing for characters like Joffrey or Ramsay. Might add Gendry Waters and Theon Grayjoy in the future but I don't promise anything.

Warnings: Language, use of the word whore, mentions and implications of sex, probably mentions of violence, nothing explicit though.

*y/h stands for your house.

Link to my main masterlist

ROBB STARK

You are the middle daughter of a small lord from the very south of the Riverlands, almost across the Westerlands 'territory, Lannister territory. His mother knew your family well, since they were sworn to his father lord Hoster Tully. The first time you saw each other, you couldn't have possibly remembered it, since you both were just newborns. It was just after the end of Robert's rebellion, when Robb's grandfather organized a feast to bid farewell to his daughter who would've left Riverrun for the North to join her new husband, lord Eddard. Your lady mother had given birth just a couple of weeks after lady Catelyn did, and when they met that day, blessings were exchanged but no one would've thought that you'd ever meet again. The reason that brought you to Winterfell was as simple as the lady of Winterfell needing new handmaids. Catelyn had specifically requested for her maids to come from the Riverlands, both as a sign of appreciation towards her native land, as well as possibilities for the young ladies to make connections with some of the great houses of the North.

So that's how it happened, on one of the coldest days you could have there up in Winterfell, snow falling delicately on the grounds and walls of the great castle. You being accostumed to a not extremely hot, but warm enough and quite humid weather, were definetly suffering from the freezing air of the North, so needless to say that the sight of the castle gates were an enormous relief. You and another four girls, all older than you of more or less years, dismounted from your horses with the help of the soldiers from the Riverlands that accompanied you on your jurney. Lord Blackwood, head of house Blackwood, was chosen by lord Hoster Tully as your official chaperon, therefore that's he who made the introductions to the Stark family.

"My lord, my lady." he nodded his head respectfully with a pleasing smile, face and nose bright pink for the cold, "It is a joy to bring you regards from your father, my lady."

The lady smiled politely and glanced quickly at her husband, the slightest humor in her words. "My lord, I am also very pleased to see you after all these years, and I'm sure you'll have much to recount me," she looked over at the shivering girls just a few steps behind him. "But perhaps you'll like to warm up first."

That being said, the four of you, lord Blackwood and the other ten soldiers who came with you were escorted in the great hall, finally away from the snow and instantly welcomed by a nice warmth. You sighed of relief lightly, still keeping your composure. Especially since as soon as you stepped into the room you were met with multiple pairs of eyes scrutinizing you. These eyes belonged to some people of the castle, as well as minor lords and ladies, and finally, to the Stark heirs themselves. From the oldest to the youngest they were lined up at the very top of the great hall, soon joined by their parents who stood next to them as they carefully observed how they behaved with the new guests.

"Lord Blackwood,my ladies, I introduce to you my sons and daughters. But I'll leave the pleasure to welcome you officially to Winterfell to my eldest son and heir. C'mon son." Lord Eddard spoke with warmth as he hinted at his son to step on with his arm. The tallest of the kids, as well as the oldest, walked in front of them, and nodded in acknowledgment to each, asking for their names. Except lord Tytos Blackwood, of course. Each of the girls curstied, introducing themselves. Then came you.

"Lady y/n of house y/h, my lord." you looked up as you stood straight and immediately met the young man's blue eyes. He looked back at you with a polite smile, and nodded sligthtly.

"Welcome to Winterfell lady y/n." he said, and just before walking back next to his parents, his lopsided smile turned into a very small smirk, and as he leaned his head just barely towards you, he goes "Don't worry, you'll get warmed up fast in here." Your mouth gaped imperceptibly as you blushed. He shut his own mouth to hide the smile and moved his gaze to his parents. You missed the curious look his mother gave him.

JON SNOW

The first time you met Jon Snow was in a small tavern, just a few hours of ride away south of the Wall. Benjen Stark, Tyrion Lannister as well as a few other men that were headed to the Wall, had encountered such bad and freezing weather that they had to take shelter, at least for that night. Let alone the wild animals wandering in the night. The Wall is actually in need of these men, Benjen thought. Also, for how much he did dislike the Lannister lord that had joined them from the King's visit in Winterfell, he still had to remember that he was a nobleman. If he had to be honest, he had endured the trip way better than he expected him to. Deep down he also wanted to give a little of a break to his bastard nephew, Jon Snow. He might not be a legitimate son of his brtother's, but at the end of the day he still lived more like a noble than a commoner. Jon was secretly glad of it, too.

A couple of men from the tavern came out to help them to secure the horses into the stable, and then lead them inside the tavern, which was definetly...warm. If it was because of the fireplace, or the drunk men making noise, Jon wasn't sure. Either way he didn't care, he just looked forward to sleeping on a bed for a night. His uncle already arranged the payment for four rooms; one for the criminal scum which were four men, one for the Lannister and his two guards, another one for two brothers of the night's watch, and the last one for himself and Jon. He reckoned that half of them would just spend the night drinking anyways.

Jon huffed and stroked his hands together in the attempt to warm up faster while he eyed an empty table at the end of the tavern. He walked there, in between drunk men and just enough women on their laps that didn't try to hide what their purpose was, and sat down on the wooden chair. He rested his eyes for a few minutes, just trying to cancel out the noise and enjoy the close by fireplace.

"My lord, can I bring you some ale?" a female voice, which in comparison to the rough and vulgar men that he traveled with for the past weeks sounded like a miracle, interrupted his alone moment, forcing him to open his eyes suddenly. And that's when he saw you. He was speechlees for a moment, taken aback by how pretty you were: your modest and not cleanest clothes surprisingly complimented your figure, your cheeks flushed with the heath of the ambient, hair messily wrapped at the back of your head to allow you to work better. He wasn't used to new faces in Winterfell, and especially not female ones.

Many soldiers, farmers, commoners and lords showed up just enough to do their business with the castle lord and lady and just left. And well, after that rough trip with criminals and ugly men, just seeing a woman, and such a pretty one at that, was just a sight to behold.

You raised an eyebrow, tightening slightly the grip on your wooden tray, suddenly nervous. Being the daughter of the tavern's owner and a commoner, you had to learn the hard way to not trust men sometimes. Therefore his silence made you nervous, even though you wouldn't have missed the chance to smack him with your tray if he became inappropriate. Most of the men in there were regulars, and learned to just enjoy their whores without bothering you, which ironically made them sort of your personal bodyguards.

"My lord..?" you tried again, and this time he cleared his throat and nodded, not saying anything. You narrowed your eyes slightly, understanding that this was just a young awkward man and not a creepy one, hopefully. Before you turned to go fetch the ale, he said something, almost too softly to be heard amid the noise.

"I'm not a lord." you stopped in your tracks, turned you head to him and smirked in amusement, "You still want that ale though don't you?" he raised both his eyebrows in surprise at your attitude and smiled.

"I- I, uh, yes. Thank you my lady." he stuttered. This time you chuckled, "I'm no lady either." he smiled in embarassment and just responded "Right." You walked away and he would've beat himself up for being such a boy if he wasn't too distracted to watch you walk away from him.

"Oof, you sure you want to miss out on that for the rest of your life, bastard?" he almost jumped out of his skin when he heard someone speaking to him. Or better, that he was caught. He looked to the side and saw Tyrion Lannister with a smug face, struggling just a bit to sit in the chair next to him.

OBERYN MARTELL

Yours and Oberyn's first meeting was everything except special. You were just another lady of a minor house from the Reach, following your higher born lady as she and her lord husband came to Dorne for affairs. What was different though, is that you weren't as young as the usual and definetly not as innocent or modest. He obviously wasn't there when the official welcome to Dorne was made, his brother lord Doran was. He was too busy sleeping late after yet another wild night with whores and exceptional wine. You did catch his eyes on the same evening dinner though. Your dornish dress just a bit too low on your chest, and your attitude just a bit too charming in comparison to other ladies. You weren't seated at the main table like he was, but you were close enough for him to know that you must've had some sort of importance.

Your table was actually the same one as his well known mistress, Ellaria Sand. A real scandal for a prince of Dorne to be associated so bluntly with a bastard mistress, let alone having bastard daughters together. But he just didn't care. And certainly he wasn't gonna start caring about other people's opinions that same night. His gaze wasn't supposed to be on you, but on Ellaria. And yet he got distracted, and quite taken by you. Everything about the way you carried yourself intrigued him, mostly because he wasn't used to seeing that kind of behaviour from someone who wasn't dornish. It's like you fit right in. Maybe you were from the south, he thought.

While lost in thought, he didn't move his eyes from you, and after a while, you did notice. Without a trace of nervousness or embarassment, you looked back at him. A small lopsided smile playing on your lips, head just slightly tilted to the side. Oberyn, pleasently surprised, mirrored your smirk and raised his cup just enough for you to notice. You nodded back in acknowledgement and then moved your attention. The prince did the same after a few seconds, not noticing the unhappy glance that his mistress gave him, clearly seeing that his attention got caught somewhere else. She wasn't usually jealous. She didn't have reason to be. Oberyn might've well fucked half of the men and women of Dorne, but they were all mostly one time things, or whores. Never another lord or lady. She trusted the affection that he had for her, but she didn't trust his cock driven mind as much unfortunately.

After the first courses were served, people started to dance and get out of their seats to converse. Oberyn decided that he needed to know more about this lady, so he stood up, but was soon stopped by his brother gripping his sleeve.

"Where are you going?" he murmured, looking up from his wheelchair. The dornish prince scoffed, freeing himself. "Where I usually go. To have fun." with that he walked away from the table, and nonchalantly joined the dance with a random lady, giving her a quick charming smile. He was focused on scanning the room to find another lady, though. He danced for a few minutes, and finally he saw you. You were standing near an older man who was speaking to you, clearly looking at your bosom and not your face. But you didn't seem to care, nor listen. Oberyn smiled to himself and swiftly exited the dances, confidently making his way to you. Posture straight, arms behind his back, relaxed.

"My prince." the old man interrupted himself to awkwardly bow to him. Oberyn raised a hand, dismissing him. "No need. I'd like to have a word with this lady." he said calmly, not taking his eyes away from yours. The man nodded silently, annoyed at the interruption and walked away.

"Prince Oberyn." you finally spoke. As he imagined, your voice dripped with confidence and femininity. He took your hand to his lips, not actually touching them.

"Enchanted. Lady..?" you smiled politely, answering with your name. "Which house are you from, lady y/n?" you shook your head.

"A small house from the Reach who isn't worth mentioning, trust me. I have more value as my lady's handmaid and friend than anything." you responded, without actually any sentiment except maybe some irony. The man nodded, looking you up and down.

"So you're not married I assume." and it was in fact a statement more than a question, but you decided to answer regardless. "You would be correct my lord. And to be honest I do not have any wish to take husband. Unless forced to, of course." your glimpse of a smirk was just pure irony.

"Why would a minor house lady not want a husband to secure her a good life?" he retorted, genuinely intrigued.

"My lord, life is so short. And I am a third daughter of five, of which the first is a man. I do not have notable connections, dowery, nor the wish to have a wealthier life than I already have. I'd rather enjoy the freedom that my position allowes me." the prince was satisfied with her words and definetly shared her mindset, even though he was actually a far more important person than she was socially speaking. But that's what you said right? You wanted to have fun. So he decided to offer you just that.

JAIME LANNISTER

Meeting you actually changed Jaime's life, for the better. You didn't meet on any event, or special occasion, it just happened. He was bored, hot and would've rathered to do anything at all except what he was supposed to do. Which was his round of guarding in the garden of the Red Keep on a boring humid and terribly hot day. His heavy armour was not helping, nor his long hair for that matter. Nothing was out of the ordinary. Same lords meeting in the same corners to either conspire or make deals, usually to pay some debts. Same noble women sitting on the patio, drinking fresh lemonade and gossipping. Same servants walking around, and so on. Everything terribly dull and ordinary.

At that specific point in his life, Jaime Lannister didn't think he could get more bored. Even fucking Cersei was becoming a little old at that point. Not to mention, her being always so bitter and complaining about her husband didn't please the kingslayer either.

At one point, as he turned a corner of the garden, he saw a lonely young woman, definetly highborn, he could tell by her fine dress. You were looking around, holding the back of your hand to your forehead in an attempt to soothe yourself from the heath, it seemed. You actually looked quite lost, out of place. Jaime, not having anything better to do, approached you.

"My lady, are you feeling alright?" you turned quickly, a bit startled, but tried to play it off.

"Yes, quite, ser. I am not used to this type of heat I'm afraid." you smiled sweetly, squinting your eyes slightly, bothered by the strong light. Jaime smiled softly, feeling a bit sorry. You seemed way too sweet, he felt bad being his rude self for once. So he decided to make conversation, who knows, maybe he could have a little fun.

"I can see that. Are you not from here, lady..?"

"Y/n. Of house Y/h. I am from the Vale, ser." he shook his head slightly. He offered his arm to her. You looked at him uncertainly.

"Please, my lady. I would hate to see you melt in this horrible sun." you chuckled, a little embarssed but amused, and placed your arm under his bulky one. You started to walk back towards the Red Keep.

"I am afraid that I do not know your house, my lady. Is your family connected to court?" he asked politely. Your faced darkened, just slightly, but Jaime noticed. He didn't speak.

"No, ser. Not exactly. You see, mine is a small house. I am here as...a guest. Of lord Belmore." you didn't look at him as you spoke. He did know house Belmore, but he couldn't imagine of why they would have business in King's Landing, and honestly he didn't care. He was more curious as to why you seemed to speak of it like it brought you grief. He didn't think before speaking and blurted out a "Guest?"

You shifted uncomfortably next to him, licking your lips nervously. "Yes." At that point Jaime put two and two together and wanted to slap himself for being so unlikely naive for his standards. If she wasn't a highborn of a major house, nor she was lord Belmore's wife, but just a guest, what she truly meant was mistress. Whether she was happy about it, he wasn't that sure. Silence fell between them for a while.

"Thank you, for helping me. I was in fact lost, but didn't bother to admit it." she smiled timidly for a moment. Jaime smiled also, looking down, trying to stop himself from teasing her by saying 'You didn't have to admit anything' because she was just so transparent, and just settled with "Anytime, my lady."

After that, the silence fell again but this time it was actually peaceful. The kingslayer furtively glanced at the woman next to him, taking in her details. The blush on her cheeks, the slightly curled baby hair at the sides of her face from the humidity, the delicate layer of sweat on her neck, the way the corset underneath her dress pushed up her bosom, her relaxed lips. She's actually beautiful, he thought, and undestood why a man would choose someone like her to bring to the royal court.

When they reached the entrance of the castle, he delicately separated from her, and bowed his head in curtesy. "Do you need further help, my lady?" you shook your head with a sweet smile.

"No, you're too kind. You've been of great help. Thank you, ser?" his face fell for a split second, almost as if he'd forgot who he was for a second, and didn't really mind it.

"Jaime Lannister, at your service." your eyes widened but you quickly got a hold on yourself, bowing slightly to him. "Ser Jaime, I'm mortified." he frowned.

"Why would you be mortified my lady?" you stuttered a bit, "W-well, you're the brother of the queen, and I wasted your time with mere stupidity on my part. I apologize." he was so confused as to why you seemed so nervous and genuinely sorry. He took your hand and brought it to his lips for a second, making you look up.

"I am a King's guard. My job is to help. Whatever the problem is, my lady. You actually gave me a bit of distraction in this boring day, truly, do not apologize to me." he reassured you, his eyebrows in a comforting frown. That made you feel better, and decided that it was enough embarassment for one day, so you curtsied again and started to walk away.

"I hope to see you soon, lady y/n." you froze for a second at his words, and then kept on walking away.

TYRION LANNISTER

Tyrion managed to sneak out from some highborn lord's wedding in King's Landing to treat himself to a good lay. He actually got Bronn to go with him, since you could never be safe enough around his sister. Not even in brothels an hour away from the Keep. It was a recent one he found, not too busy, quite hidden. He could tell he wasn't the only lord to go there, as well as not the only one who wanted some privacy. And best thing, the owner was a woman. Sure, he was smart enough to see behind her facade of fake politeness, but he knew that with his money she would've kept her mouth shut if asked.

That night Tyrion was just exhausted. His hundredth argument with his father put him in a bad mood, and all he wanted was to get drunk and maybe some attention. He gave Bronn some money, enough for both of them, because there was no way that that man would've just sat as a guard dog in a brothel. "One at a time, you bastard." he remarked, making the mercenary snort a laugh.

He got into one of the nice rooms, and took off his cape, boots, and vest, leaving him in just his shirt and breeches. He poured himself some wine as he watched outside the small window. The air in King's Landing was often suffocating by day, but the warm breeze of the night was rather enjoyable. He turned his head slightly, but not all the way, at the sound of the door closing in the room. "Good evening dear, how are you-" he turned and trailed off as he noticed that the girl standing near the door wasn't the usual one that was sent to him.

"My lord." she said, not moving an inch. Tyrion looked at her: she was beautiful. Young, but not too young. But something about her exuded sadness. She looked tired. Tyrion got instantly turned off, more in a 'It's one of those miserable nights for everyone' type of thing than a 'Shit, I don't wan't to fuck a sad girl' one. He sighed to himself and walked to sit on the bed, comfortable with his cup of wine. He waved his hand as to invite her next to him. You reluctantly walked towards the bed like an execution, and started to undo your corset's laces.

Tyrion rolled his eyes and stopped you "I meant sit, not undress. You clearly aren't in the mood anyway, so might as well have a chat." you frowned, dropping your arms to your sides.

"You won't pay me to talk." Tyrion shrugged, pursing his lips, just a little tipsy. "I mean, I already paid, so there's that. Now, sit."

You slipped back on your robe, wrapping it tightly around your bust, covering the half exposed breasts, and sat on the opposite side of the bed, still not comfortable. The Lannister narrowed his gaze, observing you.

"You're not a whore." it was more of a statement than a question. "Not by choice." you murmured, correcting him. He chewed the inside of his cheek, in silence. Then he moved, planning on getting his refill of wine, but his sudden movement made you flinch. He stopped for a second, "I am just getting up to get some more wine." he explained. You side glanced him but didn't respond, just slightly relaxed, and he took that as a sign to resume his actions. This time, when he was standing, he didn't go back to the bed, instead leaning against the wall, just next to the window.

"Whatever happened, I'm sorry." his tone was genuine. He just left it at that, he didn't imply nor necessarily asked for more information. Your lips quivered for a split second, then taking a deep breath.

"My lord what can I do for you?" you said, sadness and tiredness in your voice. Tyrion decided to dodge the question by simply doing what he does best, which is talking.

"You know, I've got a pretty shitty day too. If that makes you feel better." he smirked, taking a sip of his wine. You didn't respond, but neither told him to shut up so he took it as a good sign.

"I mean, look at me. I'm a dwarf. A a noble one at that. Pretty sure that if I wasn't I wouldn't be alive right now, which is definetly something that my father would love. Probably gets off it, that sick bastard." your mouth was agape, shocked both by his own self deprecating demeanor as well as the harsh words towards the man that's supposed to be his father. Tyrion looked at you and laughed.

"Oh c'mon, don't look at me like that. With that sad face that you have and the job that you do, I'm sure that you've had your fair share of men to call bastard too, am I wrong?" your face softened and the smallest smirk lingered on your lips.

"Ah, see? I'm right. I'm often right, actually." he glanced at the door and then back at you. "My personal guard, another cunt by the way, should be done in about an hour, I reckon. He's working with some of your..colleagues." he raised his eyebrows ironically.

"I'm sorry." you said, surprisingly with some sincerity. Tyrion shook his head, sighed, and clicked his tongue. "Nah. It's not like I don't come to brothels multiple times a week. My cock probably needed a break anyway. I can't fuck my way out of everything, unfortunately." his bluntness made you burst out laughing. You recomposed yourself pretty quickly, still being weary of getting too comfortable. You thought for a minute, and then just got up, slipping right out of your robe.

"You know what, funny lord? Fuck it. We both need it anyway." Tyrion huffed out a faint laugh and started to take off his shirt.

This is is for this post!

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wrestlersownmyheart · 30 days

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"Her Outlaw Hero" (Sons Of Anarchy-Chibs Chapter fic) Chapter 5

Disclaimer: I own nothing but the Original Characters in this story. I am only using Kurt Sutter's characters from Sons of Anarchy. He created the characters and the show—I am in no way taking any credit for his creations. This story is for entertainment only. Content/Warnings: Violence against both men and women including rape. Summary:

Adelaide Watson is fleeing Tennessee—on the run from her violent past.

When she has a car accident on a lonely road in Charming, California, she has no choice but to walk to town for help. But help comes to her instead. In a very unexpected way.

Chapter 5

Tara was scribbling out a prescription for some pain medication while Chibs got Adelaide Watson settled into a bed. He quickly placed a pack of ice in each of her armpits, underneath her back and neck. Then hesitating for a second, but knowing what he had to do to help the woman, he hurriedly placed another one at the juncture of her thighs. Then he covered the woman lightly with a dampened sheet to aid in keeping her cool. He finished by aiming a fan at her and turning it on the high setting.

Adelaide whimpered lightly, and her head shifted on the pillow. "Mmm…Cold…" she murmured incoherently in her sleep.

"I know," Chibs told her softly. "Just hang in there. We're gonna get you well." He touched her forehead lightly, and looked over at Tara across the room. "She seems to be staying cool so far."

Tara nodded. "Be sure and keep a check on her actual temperature though. Every twenty minutes. If it approaches 104, get her back in an ice bath."

"I will," Chibs replied slowly, watching intently as she wrote on her prescription pad.

"What is it," she asked, seeing the concern on his face.

"Maybe you shouldn't write her a prescription after all," Chibs stated, obviously thinking it over. "If someone truly is looking for her—someone she's obviously afraid of, a scrip would leave a paper trail."

"Well what else can I do," Tara asked, a frown crossing her face. "When she wakes up she'll be in pain. She's going to need something."

"Write it out for me," Chibs suggested. "That way, she'll have access to the pills, but they'll be in my name so it won't help anyone find her."

Her hazel gaze stared him down for a moment, deep in thought. "Why are you doing this," she asked. "I mean, you're asking me to break the law in writing a false prescription, all for a woman you don't even know."

Chibs shrugged, at a loss for words. "I don't know, really. I just…"

"Does this have anything to do with Fiona's death?"

Chibs' dark eyes shot to hers in an instant. "No. Why would it?"

"Well, Chibs, it doesn't take a shrink to see the possible connection. You feel guilt because you couldn't save her from Jimmy O' Phelan before you were able to kill him. Maybe you're trying to make up for that somehow..."

He shook his head. "No. I cared about Fi, and it kills me that I couldn't save her. But it's got nothin' to do with this woman," he indicated Adelaide with a slight nod of his head in her direction. "I just want to help her get well. She's a scared, defenseless woman who's running for her life. She needs our help."

Tara stared at him skeptically for a moment but finally nodded. "Okay." She ripped up the slip of paper she'd been writing on and started a new one. She wrote on a another one and then handed them both to him. "I wrote one for hydrocodone, and I also wrote one for some 800 milligram Ibuprofen. If her pain begins to subside, try to wean her off the hydrocodone and give her the Ibuprofen instead."

Chibs nodded and pocketed the prescriptions. "Thanks, Doc."

"You're welcome. Now, I've got to get back and finish my shift, but I'll drop by afterward to see how she's doing. Call me in an emergency. Oh, and I left a syringe with another dose of Phenobarbital should she start convulsing again."

Tig and Quinn entered the dorm as Tara left and spoke softly, so as not to disturb Adelaide's sleep. "We got her car towed back here," Quinn reported. He handed over a suitcase. "This was inside. I figured she'd need it."

"Yeah, thanks," Chibs said, setting the suitcase in the floor at the foot of the bed.

"How's she doing," Tig asked, his vivid blue eyes reflecting his concern.

"I guess she's okay, for right now," Chibs answered, sitting down in a chair beside Adelaide's bed. "She only came out of the ice bath a few minutes ago but, so far, her temperature seems to be staying cooled down."

"That's great," Tig replied. "Maybe she'll be good as new soon."

"How's your hand," Chibs asked, fighting off the urge to chuckle.

"It's okay," Tig said, lifting his bitten hand to show off the gauze bandaging. "It wasn't as bad as it looked. Why I'm the one to always get bitten, I'll never know," he laughed. "But, at least this time it wasn't on my-"

"Please…"

They all turned to Adelaide, whose head shifted restlessly back and forth against her pillow.

"Please… don't…"

"I wonder who she's so scared of," Tig asked.

"I don't know," Chibs answered. "But judging from all those bruises, she has reason to be scared. I'll find out who it is, as soon as I can."

"Well, Tig, let's go finish these repos," Quinn said. "Then we need to figure out what her car is gonna need toward repairing."

"Yeah, yeah," Tig grumbled as they exited the dorm. "Just a regular busy day."

Chibs chuckled and shook his head at the two men's grumblings when Adelaide caught his attention again.

"Please… Someone… H-help me…"

She became more restless and her hand twitched and formed a fist.

"Shhh," Chibs shushed her gently and brushed his finger down her cheek in a soothing gesture. "Nobody's gonna hurt ya now," he whispered. "You're safe."

"No…" she whimpered. "Never… Safe again…"

The corner of Chibs' mouth twitched as if to fight off a smile. The woman obviously has no idea who she's stumbled upon, he thought. Between him and the rest of the club members, the woman was as safe as she could get. She may not realize it, but she lucked out when Chibs and Tig found her.

Instinctively, he took her small hand in his own and gave it a gentle squeeze. "I promise you, lass," he drawled. "We won't let anyone hurt ya."

He started to pull his hand out of hers so he could call his daughter, Karianne and inform her that he'd be staying in a dorm for the night. To his surprise, Adelaide's fingers curled around his and held his hand in place. She whimpered softly in protest to his leaving.

Surprised, Chibs settled back in his seat a few minutes more, and took a moment to look his fill of her.

In spite of the bruises marring her pale skin, the woman was stunning. Her long, dark wavy hair was currently in a loose braid that draped over her shoulder. Though her eyes were closed in sleep, he recalled the icy shade of blue that stood out drastically against the long black lashes that fringed them. Chibs' gaze moved to her mouth and he couldn't help but visually feast on the full lips. They were devoid of any artificial color and at the moment were unusually pale. But he had no doubt that in good health, they would be pink and soft and begging to be kissed.

He instantly shook his head and tried to clear his mind of the thought. What the-, he asked himself. Only an hour ago the woman was at death's door and here I am drooling over her like some pre-teen lad.

Frustrated with himself, he pulled out his cell phone to call Karianne.

00000000

Furious, Liam Walker paced back and forth in what used to be Adelaide's bedroom, looking for clues as to where she might have gone.

"How could Laidey do this to me," he growled to himself. "I took good care of her and all I asked in return was that she do what I say. I loved her. I'd even been willing to abide by her silly no-sex rule." He sat down on the edge of her bed and stewed some more.

Till she decided to taunt me with it, he justified in his twisted mind. And then to assault me and leave me for dead, like the little coward she is, he raged. She'll pay. I'll find her. And then I'm going to finish what I started, he vowed, feeling the searing frustration of his unmet needs. He'd fallen unconscious before his pleasure had even plateaued. And then she really will die.

Feeling fueled to start his search, he grabbed her cell phone off her night table and began going through her contacts to get in touch with. He dialed the first one on the list and made his voice sound shaky with emotion.

A second later, an elderly woman's voice answered with a soft, "Hello?"

"Hello, Abbie—Abbie Simpson? This is Liam Walker, Adelaide Watson's boyfriend. I was going through Laidey's contact list on her phone and came across your number. I was wondering… If you've," he paused for effect, and then bit back a fake sob for sympathy. "I was wondering if you have seen her. She's missing and I can't find her anywhere." He listened as the woman spoke kindly to him.

"Why no, I've not seen her in ages, dear. She quit coming to my church a couple years ago."

Quickly, Liam's politeness dwindled. "You have no idea where she is then?"

"No, I'm sorry, I don't-"

Liam hung up without saying goodbye before the woman could finish her sentence. Then he was on to his next contact.

Angela McSands. Laidey's best friend, he thought. And idea struck him then on how to trick some information out of her. Or at the very least, find out how much she knew about his and Laidey's relationship. If she knew too much, she'd have to be disposed of.

Moments later, he dialed her from his burner so she wouldn't recognize the phone number and waited till she answered.

"Hello?"

"Am I speaking with Angela McSands," Liam asked, disguising his voice slightly.

"Yes, this is she," came the cautious reply. "Who's calling?"

"This is Detective Jacobs with Nashville P.D. I received a missing persons report on a…" He paused as if reading from the faux report. "An Adelaide Watson. It says she's been missing for about two days. Do you know anything about that?"

"No," came the immediate, surprised reply. "But… I don't understand. How did you get my number?"

"We took a number of items as evidence—one being Ms. Watson's cell phone. She left it behind, and we went through the contacts to see if anyone knows of her whereabouts. Her boyfriend stated you were her best friend, so that's why I've called you. You don't have any idea where Ms. Watson would be?"

"N-no," Angela said again. "I-I I mean, I saw her on Sunday evening. But after our visit, I have no idea where she went. I assumed back to her house."

She's good, Liam thought, impressed with the woman's ability to lie on the spur of the moment. There's no way Laidey didn't tell her about what happened between us. Angela's almost as good a liar as me, he grinned. To test his theory he took the questioning in another direction.

"Sunday…So you saw her the day she disappeared. You're probably the last person to have seen her. Did she seem okay when you saw her," he asked. "Did she seem worried or scared or anything like that? Or had she mentioned an altercation of any kind?"

"No, not at all," Angela answered. "We just had dinner together and chatted for a while. She was in a really good mood and didn't seem troubled in any way."

Bingo, Liam thought. She didn't have dinner with Laidey on Sunday, I did. And Laidey most certainly wasn't in a good mood either. "Okay," he tried to sound as if he was taking notes. "And how did she appear? Did she look nervous or scared? Was she disheveled or anything?"

"No," replied Angela, beginning to sound slightly irritated. "I've told you, she seemed absolutely fine."

Wrong again, Liam thought triumphantly. "That's alright, Ms. McSands. I'm just trying to decipher if she disappeared of her own free will, or if she met with some possible foul play."

"Well, seeing as she is like my sister, she would've told me if something was wrong. Now, if you don't have any more questions, I really need to get back to my work. I have a ton of papers to finish grading."

With that, Liam heard the line click and then there was only silence.

"And I have all the answers I need," he thought out loud, with a devious grin. His green eyes glinted maliciously. "I think I'll pay you a visit very soon, Ms. McSands."

If you want on my tag list, just ask! 🙂

Tagging:

@mrsfilipchibstelford @ravennaortiz

#sons of anarchy #chibs telford #sons of anarchy fic #chibs x oc #chibs imagine

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lotrefcp · 9 months

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Hidden Away - Chapter 18

pairing/AU: Javier Peña x female!reader

summary: When the DEU fails to catch Escobar you are sent to Bogotá to help the team.

warnings: I don't understand this so just gonna say mature content, 18+

word count: 2200+

Hello guys. My life has changed in the last few days and I'm always tired and, because the interactions are getting less and less with every chapter I'm thinking about ending this fic with one more episodes after this one, I have ready for a while now. So, you guys enjoy these last 2 chapters. It won't have a definite ending but well. Thanks for all who read it.

Chapter 18

During the night you had to take him to the bathroom again, when he called you softly and shyly.

“Sorry, but my bladder has a mind of its own.”, he said with his face flushed for being in such a vulnerable situation. He felt more ashamed for needing help to go to the bathroom than for getting stiff in front of the person helping him.

"Don’t worry. I was already awake.”

Once again he leaned on your shoulders and you carried him to the toilet.

“And don't you dare drop your boxers. You can pee with them strapped above your knees. If I see it out again, I swear I'll close the door and leave you there.”

“I promise I'll hold them up. I've already learned my lesson.”

"I hope so. Then call me.” And less than a minute later he was calling you again. You took him to bed and asked if he needed anything else. He said no but you weren't satisfied.

“I'll get you a glass of water. With so much liquid coming out, there must also be liquid going in.”

“By the way, can you get me a cigarette?”

“You are kidding me right? At least until the stitches come off, you don't smoke. And even after that. We are still trying to figure out if the transfusion will have any consequences. That's why they say that men mature much later than women. I don't think they ever mature.”, you said shaking your head in disapproval. “I'll get you the water.” You turned your back and went into the kitchen to fill the glass you placed on the nightstand next to his bed. He insisted again.

“Seriously Y/N. Isn't it bad enough for me to be stuck here in bed, I can’t even smoke?”

“Nor drink.”

“Maybe it's really better if you go away.”, he ended up saying with his arms crossed over his chest.

“And I will, out of here to the living room. And don't worry, tomorrow I'll buy you some nicotine pills.”

“Thank you.”, he said in a louder tone so that you, that were already closing the door, could hear him.

The sun had barely begun to rise when you left Peña's apartment and went to yours to get ready for the day of work ahead of you. You made a double dose of breakfast and went back to the house next door, already with all your things in hand, ready to leave when the nurse arrived.

You got to his room and knocked on the door. From the other side you only heard a very soft moan. You opened it slowly and went in to find Javi still sleeping, your words making him complain without him noticing.

“Peña, wake up.”, you said while grabbing his arm to shake him lightly.

“Hummm, solo un poco mas, mi sueño.” You quickly gave him a small slap in the whole of his head.

“Hey, lover boy. You’re watching too many movies.” He woke up suddenly with a jump.

“You crazy? Why did you wake me up like that?”

“Because you wanted solo un poco mas, mi sueño. Since the arm shake didn't work, I thought you wanted a little more power. Solo un poco mas.” Javi didn't understand why you kept repeating those words.

“What are you talking about? Don’t you know I'm sick?"

“I'm the one who's going to get sick of putting up with you. Look, here's something to eat.”

"Seriously? And you won't eat with me?"

“I already ate at my house. I'm just waiting for the nurse to come to go to work.”

“You are really going to leave me alone with a stranger.”

“As if you bothered to get to know them all. You are used to having strangers in your house.” And saying that you heard someone knocking on the door. “It must be her.” You went to greet her and took her to Peña's room so that she could get to know him.

“This is... Sorry, I don't know your name.”, you said looking at her.

“Maria.”, she replied stretching out her hand for Javi to shake without even turning her face towards you.

“Javier Peña.”, he said in return for the handshake.

"I know who you are. I've wanted to meet you for a long time.”

"And that’s it. I will go to work so you guys can get to know each other better. Maria, he pees a lot. You'll love it. And you, Peña. I know she's your style, but don't you dare leave her unable to walk. I won't get you another one. And watch out for the stitches.”, You repeated your warning in the form of a joke. "See you later."

“Y/N…”, he started saying but you were already leaving. “See you later.”

And you left the room towards the apartment door, not before hearing Maria telling Peña to get up because she was going to give him a bath.

You didn't want to admit it, but the heat you felt on your way to work had little to do with the atmospheric temperature and more with the jealousy you felt because of 'Maria'. She must be a saint with that name, you thought to yourself. Don't be stupid. He's single, he can do whatever he wants. At least I'm not there to listen to them fuck.

You arrived at your destination and went to work.

“So Y/N, how are you?”, Steve asked, as soon as he saw you arriving at your desk.

“Everything is great, can't you see?”, you replied too aggressively, as you sat down in your chair.

“Is something wrong? Is everything okay with Javi?”

"With him? Couldn’t be better. Why?"

“Calm down, did I say something wrong?”, Murphy ended up asking worriedly. You took your hands to your face to rub it.

"Sorry. I barely slept. Peña's sofa is very uncomfortable.”

"I believe you. Do you want me to stay there tonight?”

"That would be amazing. At least it would be easier for you to carry him to the bathroom.”

"Excuse me?"

“Of course, do you think the bullet took away his urge to piss? It even looks like it increased it.”

“Ok, maybe you can last a few more nights sleeping on his couch.”

“Yeah, I thought so. But don't worry. I'm already used to little sleep. And you, have you arrived long ago?”

“No, I just got here. Apparently they still haven't managed to get La Quica to talk.”

“They’ve only had him for less than 3 days. He will break. Sooner or later."

"I hope so. He is our last chance in finding Escobar.”

And the day was spent reading documents, listening to wiretaps, always hoping to hear Pablo Escobar's name on one of them, and waiting for news from the Search Bloc that continued to interrogate La Quica.

At the end of the day you left and immediately went to Peña's house to see if he was okay. You opened the door slowly and entered. As you looked into his room, you saw him lying down, smiling at Maria as she ran her hand over his arm. He looked out and saw you with your eyes fixed on the two of them. You suddenly woke up from the trance you had entered.

"Hello. I asked maintenance for the key to your apartment so I wouldn't have to knock on the door. You could be sleeping and resting and I didn't want to wake you up with the noise. But I see you're wide awake so I better go home and take my shower. I'll be back in a little while so Maria can leave. See you then.” Javi couldn't even say anything, looking at you and your clumsy attitude, almost running away from him. You entered your house and immediately opened the living room window, the heat coursing through your body again, almost suffocating. You took a longer shower, not wanting to go back to the neighboring apartment, even though you knew you would have to. You got dressed and went to the next door, knocking this time. Maria went to open the door and took the opportunity to leave, saying goodbye to you.

“See you tomorrow,” she said.

“See you tomorrow.”, you replied slamming the door behind her. You went to Peña's room and threw a small box at him.

“Here are your pills.”

"Thank you.", he replied while catching them still in the air with both hands.

“So, have you had dinner yet?”

“No, I was waiting for you.”

"What? Did she cook at least?”

"I don't think so."

“Of course not, she was too busy.”

“As a matter of fact, she was busy. When you arrived, for example, she was checking my blood pressure.”, he continued, feeling that he needed to justify what you had seen. Suddenly the heat you felt in your body seemed to go all over your face, leaving you completely flushed.

“Ah, the blood pressure. Was it okay?”

“Perfect.”, he replied, with a mischievous smile on his lips when he saw your reaction to his words.

"Then I'm going to my house to get something to cook."

“Don't worry about it. Did you not make too much soup yesterday?”

“Yes, it´s still there but don't you want something better than soup?”

"Better? It was great. And that way you don't have to get more tired, after a day of work”

“Okay, I’ll get the soup then.” And a little while later you came back with two trays, with a plate of soup and a glass of water on each.

“So how was the day at the embassy?”

"A drought. We're looking for a needle in a haystack and I've had enough. One day I'll get tired of it, and will be on the street, knocking from door to door until I find that beast.”

“I hope I recover and we're both going. I want to be there when you find him.”

“Then you have to behave well to recover quickly. I don't have the patience to wait.”

“Not even for me?”

“Hum...?”, you asked, raising your head in his direction.

“For your partner.”

“Oh?”

“What did you think I meant?”

“Me? Nothing. I just hadn't heard what you said. Hence the hum? Because I didn't listen.”, you ended up saying, lowering your head towards the soup again.

When you finished eating, you cleaned everything up and went back to Peña.

“Do you want to go to the bathroom again before I go to the living room?”

“Are you leaving already? Why don't you stay and talk a little longer?"

“Didn't you talk with Maria today?”, you asked as you went back to your chair placed next to him.

"Not really."

"Yeah, I really believe that. After the bath first thing in the morning you must have occupied you mouths with other things.”

“After the shower in the morning I came back to bed and she went to watch TV.” He saw your startled expression. “What did you think was going to happen?”

“With the way she hit on you first thing in the morning?”

“Yes, and she even tried to get something while she was giving me a bath. But I reminded her that that wasn't what she was here for."

"Seriously?"

“I already told you that this is not what I want anymore. That I changed.”

“You changed? Don’t say. You are gay now.”

“No, I'm not gay. I just met someone.” Your stomach began to turn at hearing such a confession.

“Someone uh? The ‘mi sueño’?”

"Who?"

“This morning, when I tried to wake you up, you were dreaming about someone you called 'mi sueño'. You said it out loud.”

"Really?"

"Yes. It's the person you met, right?"

“Yes, it’s her.”

"That’s great. I hope she makes you happy.”, you said with a small smile on your lips. “And why ‘mi sueño’? You like ‘mi cariño’ so much.”

"Because for now she's only mine when I'm sleeping, in my dreams." His gaze turned to his bedroom window, seeing the street lights. "That's good enough for now."

“Well, I have to meet that woman.”

"One day."

The two didn't speak for a few minutes, until you broke the silence.

“Well, go take a piss so I can go to the living room.”

“Okay boss.”

When he went back to bed you said goodbye to him.

“I'm going to see if I can rest because last night I didn't sleep at all. You know, call when you need it. Today I brought a book to entertain myself, so maybe just scream because I might be to focused on reading.”

“And why don’t you stay here with me?”

"What?"

“Hey, don't worry. It's just because you just said you can't sleep. You’ll have to be here all night, right? Maybe you can sleep next to me, like the other times.”

“Hmmm… Better not.”

"Why? If it helps you.”

“Because I can hurt you at night by moving. I'm sure you're sore all over, both from the wound and from spending so many hours in bed.”

"But..."

"But nothing. Don't you want to go knocking on doors with me looking for Escobar? So, we can't take any chances. See you tomorrow."

"Ok, see you tomorrow."

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#pedro pascal #narcos #narcos fanfiction #javi pena #javi pena fic #javier pena #javier pena fanfiction #javier pena x reader #javier pena fic

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monodreamin · 2 years

Text

Rkive Hospital

Pairing: Taehyung x reader, Jungkook x reader

Rated: M (18+)

Genre: smut, tiny bit of fluff, one shot

Synopsis: Presidential Candidate and CEO of Rkive hospital Kim Namjoon hires two new janitors at his hospital unbeknownst to him Taehyung and Jungkook are spies sent by Kim Namjoon’s rival candidate Kim Seokjin. What will the spies find if anything? And what happens when both men fall for Y/N, a childrens specialist at the hospital.

Warnings: Threesome, Polygomy, praise, dirty talk, unprotected sex, sloppy seconds, impreg kink, breast play, cream pie, jealousy, corruption, ass slap, unplanned pregnancy and cum play.

Words: 4,741

Author’s note: This is my first request and I hope the person reading it likes it.

It was late in the afternoon at Rkive hospital at the cafeteria where my medical friends, as I called them and I joined together for the first time in years for a late lunch. We all had busy schedules being in the medical field so this was a very rare occasion Jimin was a doctor at the hospital and everyone had a crush on him he was always well groomed and very flirtatious, Hoseok is a nurse and worked very closely with Jimin his bright and cheery mood is so contagious and his megawatt smile stole the hearts of many, Yoongi a surgeon was the busiest of us all his calm and reassuring nature always put us at ease, then there was me a child life specialist.

I always had a soft spot for children to help care for and nurture them was always my passion. Children always responded well to me. It started from a young age. I would care for my dolls as if they were truly my children, I would play doctor nursing them back to health. I am an adult now who studied and worked and got the dream job I always wanted.

“So just giving you a heads up Hoseok but presidential candidate Kim Namjoon will come in for his regular checkup tomorrow.” Jimin let his nurse know. Namjoon was not only a presidential candidate but he also owned the hospital whenever he came to do his regular checkups everyone was alerted to be on their very best behavior the best for the boss “again? It feels like it’s already too soon.” Hoseok sighed.

“It does, at this rate he should move into the hospital” Yoongi stated, popping a slice of tangerine in his mouth.

“This is why I’m so thankful I’m a child specialist.”

“Same here but thankfully I am a surgeon.”

“Ok enough with the bragging Namjoon isn't bad at all right Hoseok?” Jimin was trying to convince Yoongi and I that things were ok.

“Besides that, we see him more often than we would like. He isn't bad at all, it just makes me nervous because he is our boss” Hoseok got up emptying his tray.

“We are not only getting presidential candidate Kim Namjoon….” Yoongi flashes a work email from his phone informing hospital staff that there will be two new janitors.

“That should be fun, hopefully, they are hot too.” I teased. “But I thought you only had eyes for me?” Jimin shot you a wink. “Stop it Jimin, no one takes you seriously.” Hoseok playfully shoved him.

“That is true there are too many women and even some men lined up for a piece of doctor Park.” Yoongi grabbed Jimin’s shoulders, shaking him lightly. You kept quiet observing the boys banter with each other. “I would appreciate it if you wouldn’t make my Y/N uncomfortable.” Jimin pulled my seat closer to his and my cheeks reddened.

“So when did this happen? I must have missed something?” Hoseok put his hands over his mouth. “ no no no he is just messing around, stop it Jimin.” you pulled your seat away from his and stood up from the chair. “See if you would take me more seriously than we could be dating right now.” Jimin for as long as you have known him constantly flirted with you but it was just not with you it was with everybody else so you didn't let it go to your head.

“I just got beeped for an emergency surgery so I hate to cut this short but I have to go.” Yoongi rushed out of the cafeteria leaving his tray and trash behind “I’LL CLEAN IT UP FOR YOU.” Hoseok yelled before Yoongi left “THANK YOU” Yoongi yelled back before disappearing. Jimin and I also helped clear out the table.

Another day, another mission. I'm Taehyung and my partner is Jungkook. Wait before you get any ideas. We are secret agents who are undercover at Rkive hospital for our boss and presidential candidate Kim Seokjin. He needs dirt on his opposing presidential candidate Kim Namjoon in order to destroy his campaign. My partner and I got new identities and jobs as janitors at the hospital. Namjoon was making frequent trips to the hospital he owned and we were going to get to the bottom of this. “ Jungho, are you ready?” I said testing out his name “I’m ready Taesung… now let's empty the trash bins.” He in turn tested out my name and we began to speak in code.

I was taking the trash bags out off the bins and putting new ones in when I noticed doctor Park scrambling to to greet Kim Namjoon I slowly moved from room to room keeping an eye on the two when I was swiftly distracted by this alluring woman as she held a small child in her arms speaking to him calmly. The warmth of this woman caught my attention at first and then her striking beauty.

“Taesung wake the hell up” Jungkook snapped his fingers in front of my face but he too was distracted shortly after, when he too looked towards the direction I was looking at and noticed her too. “She's cute.” Jungkook simply said. The both of us froze in place we were in awe of the same woman. Everything happened in a flash. Namjoon was already coming out of the doctor's office. Jungkook and I pretended to move around while collecting trash. We were trying to eavesdrop on the conversation between both men.

“Thank you so much, I truly have the best medical staff.” Namjoon shakes Jimin’s hand.

“Thank you so much, presidential candidate, Kim and you know you are welcomed here anytime.” Jimin bows his head down.

“Thank you and I Hope you won’t see me too soon.” Jimin laughs and Namjoon leaves.

“See this is all your fault we missed it all Jungho.”

“My fault? You were the one gawking at her first Taesung.”

“You know what? Fuck off Jungho it doesn't matter when you were looking at her too.” the woman walks over to both of you, the one you had just been staring at and your heart starts to race. Why is she making her way to you? Did she overhear what Jungkook said…. Shit.

“Hello, you two must be the new janitors. My name is Y/N. Welcome to Rkive hospital if you have any questions don’t hesitate to ask me. I'll try to help as best as I can.” the warmth of her kind soul radiated through and through you were like a moth attracted to the light Y/N being the light of course. You were here on a mission but couldn't even think straight which was so unlike you. “Hey Y/N nice to meet you. I'm Jungho and this is Taesung? I just met him today.” you shook your head as if that would shake some sense into you.

“Yes, I am Taesung. It's so good to meet you. Thank you.so what do you do here?” you laughed and it was the prettiest laugh you have ever heard. “I'm a child life specialist.” That explained why she had a child in her arms and why she was so good at it. “I have to go work calls.” she smiled before leaving and you just knew she was going to be such a huge distraction to the both of you.

Jungkook and I were back at Seokjin’s office with no info yet. “I need for you to get information and I need it fast.” Seokjin slammed his hands on the desk. “It has only been a day we will get the info right?” Jungkook looked at me for reassurance. “Presidential candidate Kim Seokjin, you hired us for a reason and you will see why soon” Seokjin stared you and Jungkook down. “I hope you are both right because if not you will be sorry. We must take Namjoon down immediately. We cannot waste any more time, the sooner the better.”

“Trust us you hired us both for a reason and we will prove to you that you made the right decision. We are getting our hands on his medical records and handing them straight to you.” it was almost time for you and Jungkook to return to the hospital for your second shift. This time you wouldn't fail. It was not an option. You were the number one secret agent and that wasn't going to change not now not ever.

I was at the hospital cafeteria with Jungkook when Y/N made her way to a table nearby where Jimin, Hoseok, and Yoongi were seated. She handed them some coffee and pastries. Y/N looks around the cafeteria and notices you she is making her way towards your table. “Do you want some coffee? I have some pastries too.” Before you answered, Jungkook had his hands out ready to receive the coffee.

“Thanks, that is nice of you Y/N” Jungkook smiles while drinking his coffee.

“I try to look out for the people I work with.”

“So what do you think of doctor Park?” you asked not wanting to be the distracted one again this time you had to be the responsible one.

“I think he’s a great person, he is my friend. Why do you ask?” her eyebrows raised and thought it was so cute.

“Nothing… I'm just curious about the people I work with since I’m new here.”

“Speaking of him here he comes.” Jungkook cut into the conversation and Jimin made his way to the three of you.

“I should get going. I have a busy day ahead of me today” she said, handing Jungkook a banana nut muffin before leaving. He smiled at the warm pastry placed in his hand by you.

“Jungho get her out of her mind, we have a job to do here.” you interrupt his little moment he thinks he has with you . “Are you jealous because you know I can get to her first?” you let out a hysterical laugh “do you think she would go for you before she would me? I find that very funny, Jungho.” Taehyung took a bite out of of Jungkook’s banana nut muffin and then walked away.

“I don’t want this anymore” Jungkook looked at the bite mark on the muffin and then threw it in the trash. “I don’t like sloppy seconds” he smiled to himself and then proceeded to his mission which is hacking the computer systems at the hospital while Taehyung kept a lookout.

Jimin makes his way to you with a flirtatious look on his face that makes the heat in your body rise. It didn't matter how long you knew Jimin and how long you were around him, the man was hot and you could never get over it. “Y/N you are so good with kids,” he commented to you.

“Thanks, I mean I am a child specialist I should be.” you didn't get why Jimin would be so in awe of your “skills'' to you it wasn't a big deal maybe you should give yourself more credit?”

“No seriously it warms my heart, not everyone is good with kids.” your stupid heart was beating so hard you were pretty sure he would see it through your chest.

“Thanks, Park, I appreciate that a lot.”

Jungkook sneaked his way to the hospital's computer system and was now waiting for all the information to be stored on a USB it was almost done it was too easy for him like snatching candy from a baby soon he would have Namjoon’s personal information and medical file to give to Seokjin the job will be done as it always was and Seokjin would be on his way to destroying Namjoon and winning the election.

“Sorry to interrupt the two of you.” Taehyung cuts into you and Jimin’s conversation.

“Is everything alright Taesung?” you ask concerned.

“No, I need to talk to you in private please, it's important.” Taehyung was getting annoyed with you giving Jimin all this attention. He didn't like it and he was going to put a stop to it now.

“Ok I’ll be right back Jimin”

You found it weird but you followed Taehyung into the janitor’s closet anyway. “Do you like Park?” Taehyung was straightforward with it, he had no time to waste, he was on a mission and it could be over any minute. He is a man that hates regrets so he wasn’t going to waste any more time that he didn’t have.

“What? No.”

“Good because I like you.” His face was close to yours. You could now see his big round eyes up close and the small mole under his eye that you always found so cute. You didn’t know how to respond truth iis you felt something for him but also for Jungho.

“I don’t know Taesung…I…What…” you stammered, you were sure he could see the conflicted look in your eyes. You weren’t good at hiding these kinds of things.

“I know… you like Jungho right? That’s what it is, it's all over your face.” Shit, why did you have to make it so obvious you felt so bad about it now. You really couldn't pick one.

“It’s not just that but I’m attracted to the both of you.”

“Who says you have to pick?” The scent of his lotion filled your nose. Taesung didn't wear strong Cologne a you can smell the scent of chamomile and lavender. He was too close but not close enough you wanted more.

“What do you mean? I can’t just go date the both of you.” you laughed.

“Who says you can’t? I’m sure the three of us wouldn’t mind it.” His huge hand reached out to your face caressing it. You were sure his hands weren’t this hot; it felt like the sun was in his hand.

“Look how you melt from just my hand on your pretty face. Imagine my hands touching all over your body.” he pulled your body close to his.

“Taesung we are going to get caught.”

“No one ever comes in here so relax doll.” He had you up against the wall, your bodies perfectly pressed against each other. You could feel your panties dampen quickly at his action.

You went from studying to automatically working. You never had time for anything else, especially not for men and here you now were getting the attention of not one but two hot men taesung telling you that you could have both of them. You must have saved a village in your past life because how the hell did you get so damn lucky?

“Where is Jungho?” You wanted to talk to him to make sure that what Taesung was telling you was the truth.

“Oh baby you are such a sweet girl” his hand slowly traveled inside of your pants he looked at your face and gave you enough time to stop him but it looked like you were enjoying it way too much to put it to a stop.

“I just want to play with you a little before he gets here.” Taesung’s index finger slowly circled your clit. You let out a deep breath, closing your eyes and letting him do what he saw fit with your body. You were under a dry spell. It's been seven plus years since you had any interaction with a man in this way.

He grabbed your jaw forcing you to look him directly in the eyes. You have been so touched starved you were now putty in his hands for him to take and mold you into whatever he wanted you were willing and ready by just his intense look into your eyes.

Taesung spread your legs apart widely and started to play with your pussy soft and gentle. He was whispering in your ear about how pretty your pussy was and how easy it was to make it wet. You wanted him inside you already.

“Taesung…”

“Call me Tae.” Taehyung didn't want you calling you a name that wasn't his, not while he was the one making you feel good.

“ok…Tae… I want your dick…” you blushed, you couldn’t believe how vulgar you were.

“We have a bit of a problem here.” he slapped your pussy and you yelped.

“What problem?” your pussy stung with want and need.

“I don’t have a condom…” you frowned at his words.

“It's up to you doll if you still want to play.”

“I’m not on the pill and I haven't had sex since I started my studies I saw no need to not when I wasn't having sex at all.”

“It's ok we can do this another time.” you didn't want him to stop. Your brain was telling you that you should but your body was in need and before you knew it your body was winning this fight.

“Fuck me I’ll just take the morning after pill.” Tae bends you over on the slop sink, your breasts pressed up against the cold utility sink as he enters you from behind filling you inch by inch very slowly. Your pussy burned from the stretch since it's been such a long time you had sex but he took his time with you going in and out of you too slow for you Tae holding your arms like a fragile doll it was getting boring and quick.

“You can go faster now.” Tae moved his large hands to your chest, caressing both breasts.

“You get so wet and very fast it's precious.” he smashed into you picking up the tempo.

“Yes Tae please like that fuck me hard.” he thought your dripping desperate mess deserved all the sweet praises in the world. Your whimpers were driving him insane. He wanted to hear more of them so he went rougher as your head rested on the sink you hollered out his name.

“ Be quiet, doll, you don't want anyone hearing the pretty sounds you make for me now do we?” you nodded your head no, trying to muffle your sounds as best as you can. You were cumming all over his cock so easily it turned him on, even more, it made him want to make you cum harder. Your body was truthful in its reaction to him. He filled you up creampie after creampie and thought to himself he would for sure get you pregnant and it didn’t help that he wanted you to have his baby too.

You both heard keys being jingled. Someone was about to open the locked door and enter.

“We have to stop or they will see us… fuck it feels so good Tae” Tae fucked into you rapidly chasing his 3rd release. Tae turned to see Jungkook enter the room. Jungkook assessed the situation, closing the door and locking it behind him quickly.

You stood there frozen as Tae remained behind you covering your body from Jungkook’s view.

“I see I'm interrupting something.” Jungho finally spoke, making his presence known.

“Not at all right baby?” Tae now knew you were interested in both him and Jungho.

“He’s right.” you replied.

“Oh.” Jungho simply said Tae knew his partner well. Jungkook was jealous and he became a man of few words when he was, Jungkook wasn’t into sloppy seconds. Taehyung knew he just had to give the both of you that push and you would open up to Jungkook as well.

“Can I show him what I did to that sweet pussy?” you nodded your head yes. Tae spread your lips apart showing your hole filled with his cum still some of it dripped out and onto your inner thigh. “I think she needs more fill her up again for me.” Tae slapped your ass loudly.

Jungho bit his lip as he watched you make your way toward him. You never had two men like this before and in such a short amount of time. You didn't care these were two men, you would do anything for it was just something about the both of them. You never felt this way before and you were more than inclined to have your way with them both. It was time you had your fun and why not with these two gorgeous men that wanted the same thing with you.

“Don’t be shy…” your lips brushed against Jungho’s . Tae made you feel confident the way he encouraged you with Jungkook.

Jungho opened his mouth and your tongues massaged each other. Tae watched both of you closely. “I filled her up so well and she's not on the pill” Jungho removed his clothes, while you were still naked he placed you on top of the sink. Jungho was different in the way that he wanted to see your face while he fucked you. Your cheeks heated up at just the thought.

“Well I’m going to fuck your cum right out of her with mine and it'll be my baby she has.” the exchange between these two men had you seeping wet. “You can try. I filled her up so many times before you got here so may the best man win. It's fine regardless it's our baby she will have anyway.” Tae smirked. Jungho thrust himself in you. He didn't need to go slow because Tae had already opened you up so prettily for him.

“Fuck… what do you want me to call you?” you asked as he pressed his forehead against yours.

“Kookie is fine…” your eyes rolled back as he hit the spot in you that drove you crazy.

“Shit kookie… right there keep going right there please.” you kissed his lips again.

“Such a good girl she always says please.” Tae compliments. Once Kookie and you pulled away from the kiss, Taehyung went by your side, taking your nipple into his mouth, sucking hard until your nipple were erected between Tae sucking your tits and Kookie pounding into you, you were in pure ecstasy. You couldn't keep your eyes off Kookie’s abs glistening in sweat as he had your way with you.

“I hope one of you does get me pregnant…” you were now playing into their impregnation kink you wanted Kookie to fill your aching hole badly.

“Look at that our dirty girl wants all of our cum.” Tae rubbed your clit as Jungkook sped up his movements, your legs wrapped around him as he spilled into you. Some cum he released on your stomach.

“One of us for sure got her pregnant now,” Kookie said, collecting his cum from your stomach with his fingers and sticking them in your pussy.

—

The two secret agents were quietly and swiftly on the way to Kim Seokjin’s office to give him the information they got from Rkive hospital. The Hospital. The men turned on the laptop and opened the files to find nothing… Namjoon was clean and there was nothing they could use on his file to make him look bad. Namjoon had cancer, how could they use that against him? There was no way if anything people would sympathize with him and he would win the election.

“So the big secret and the many hospital trips were because he was sick?!?” Seokjin's voice was raised.

“Well he should die soon because that's the only way you are winning this election,” Taehyung says with a cocky smirk and Seokjin is grabbing Taehyung by the collar of his shirt. “You think this is a fucking joke?!?! I pay you two fucking idiots for this thinking he was constantly going to the sperm bank at the hospital and has a ton of illegitimate kids but no he's fucking clean.”

“And whose fault is that? You paid us we found nothing now give us our fucking money.” Taehyung pushes Seokjin’s hands away from his collar. Seokjin grabs a wad of cash and throws it on the floor “and get the fuck out once you're done picking up all your money.” he slams the door loudly before leaving his office.

“Shit Taehyung, you should have kept your cool.” Jungkook kneels on the floor next to Taehyung picking up the money. “We have to leave that hospital before we are exposed,” Taehyung says, picking up the last few bills and shoving them in his bag. “We have to talk to Y/N first before we go.” Jungkook of course had to speak to you the beautiful, smart, caring, amazing child specialist he couldn't get out of his mind since the first time he saw you but he wasn’t the only one Taehyung couldn't get you off his mind, and couldn't leave without saying goodbye to you too.

3 months have passed Jungkook and Taehyung were running out of time. Seokjin’s patience was running thin. They weren’t finding anything else on Namjoon and they had to leave now. Both men made sure to be at the hospital extra early. You walked past the janitor's room but this morning was different. You were pulled into the janitor room quickly and the door shut behind you. It was Taehyung.

“Listen to me I have to tell you something very important and only you will know this.” Taesung started.

“We are secret agents. My real name is Taehyung and Jongho’s is Jungkook we were sent here by elected candidate Kim Seokjin to dig up dirt on his hospital and most importantly his rival candidate Kim Namjoon.” you didn’t know what to say, did they find anything? Was the hospital’s reputation about to be destroyed? They must have read the worry on your face because they gave you the answers right away.

“Everything is good here, the hospital and your boss everything is clean… but we aren't, we wanted to at least see you and say goodbye. Thank you for everything. You were so kind to us.” Jungkook looked at you with sad eyes.

“But I don't want you to go.” it was the truth, you didn’t want them to leave but you knew staying at the hospital wasn't an option not at all.

“Come with us… I know it's crazy to ask of you but…”

“Yes… yes, I'll go with you both.” Jungkook couldn’t believe your fast response and were willing to throw it all away for them? Shit how the fuck were you going to share her with Taehyung? And you studied so hard and got a good job and now were going to throw it all away. For you two?!? Or three.

“I know it sounds crazy but I want to go with the both of you… I'm pregnant I just found out this morning.”

“You are? I’m sure I'm the dad since I fucked you first” Taehyung put his hand over your stomach.

“I’m not sure.” you said lowly.

“Don’t worry about it… it doesn’t matter who the father is. We have to g right now all three of us before everything turns to shit… We can get you a new identity and job. We'll move to another place. I’ll be back I have to do one last thing”

“Alright then let's go and ok I’ll wait here.” You said with no hesitation Taehyung was taken aback by how quickly you were willing to run off with him and start a new life. Taehyung should have known you would. You are carrying his child now.

Jungkook busted through the doors soon after in a panic. “Let’s go, we have to go right now.” The three of you rushed out of the hospital and got into Jungkook’s pickup truck which was loaded with lots of boxes. The three of you got in the truck with you seated in the middle.

“Well Jungkook, we have to fill you in on some things.”

“What things ? Jungkook kept his eyes on the road driving.

“Y/N is pregnant.”

“Oh really? Well then it's good we're on our way out.”

“Yeah, she's pregnant with our baby.” your heart fluttered at Taehyung’s words ‘our baby’ yours, Taehyung, and Jungkook’s baby together. The three of you would be a family, well the four of you counting the baby.

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#taehyung x y/n #taehyung one shot #taehyung x reader #taehyung fic #taehyung smut #jungkook x y/n #jungkook one shot #jungkook x reader #jungkook fic #jungkook smut #kpop fanfic #kpop smut #bts fic

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xaeethebaee · 1 year

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Shuji x Shortcake Chapter Two

Minors DNI! Mature Audience ONLY!

After over a decade, you reunited with your childhood best friend Shuji Hanma after moving back to Japan. Things seem great however the more you've spent time with him, the more you learn about the dark activities he has been into since you last saw him.

Warnings! Violence, mentions of murder, smoking, Hanma being a giant intimidating doofus, and strong sexual content. More warnings will be added for individual chapters.

This fic contains both fluff and smut in addition to some dark content (Hanma is in a gang after all).

Chapter Warnings! Mentions of murder, mild stalker behavior, the word ‘whore’ being mentioned a few times, drug use, and Reader getting drugged.

Word Count: 3.2k

A/n: Sorry for taking so long with coming out with chapter two. I have a very draining full-time job that does not allow me much free time. No worries as I am dedicated to putting in lots of effort in this series and getting these chapters out in a timely manner. Also, I am still trying to figure out that taglist, so please bear with me on that. With all that being said, please enjoy.

Chapter TWO

Inside a boardroom is a group of men dressed in long-white trench coats, white pants, and black boots sitting on a leather sectional couch that wraps around a long rectangular mahogany table. The air around them is thick and each one of them can feel the ominous aura radiating throughout. Adding to the atmosphere is the leader of the men who is sitting at the end of the table, leaning forward while resting his elbows in the center of his thighs. His dark eyes peer straight forward as a serious expression adorn his slightly boyish face. Releasing a deep grunt, he remarks with a blank tone:

“I don’t like the fact that Brahman has been silent for the past couple of weeks.”

The men around him listen intently as he continues.

“That most likely means those assholes are planning something. Since tonight is the party, they’ll be expecting us to have our guards down. It is the perfect opportunity for them to strike. You understand what I am saying?”

Each man around him nods obediently while none of them attempt to speak out of fear of interrupting and subsequently disrespecting their boss. It is no denying the dangerous ambiance the men are exuding and the kanji letters that are embroidered on the back of their white trench coats further support the fact that these individuals are not to be taken lightly. Those letters are arranged eerily to spell out Kanto Manji Gang in bold, not allowing anyone to mistake them for anyone else.

Their reputation grows more and more every day due to their violent activities, often indiscriminately attacking anyone who they deem as a threat. News organizations around Tokyo are advising everyone to stay off the streets at night due to the gang’s bloodthirsty behavior. Local law enforcement has estimated that assaults and murders have doubled - nearly tripled - since the Kanto Manji Gang’s formation, and due to the gang’s influence, the police are powerless against them.

One of the dangerous men raises his hand in order to get his boss’s attention. That man’s face is plastered all over magazines and posters around Tokyo. Many women and men fawn over him for his handsome look, luscious shoulder-length hair that is styled neatly in two pigtails and his alluring lilac downturned eyes. The man in question is Ran Haitani, who is promptly acknowledged by his much shorter blonde boss who just gives a slight nod and a firm: ‘What is it?’.

“That bait we laid out is going according to plan. She fell for the trap as my brother anticipated, so now all we gotta do is wait and see what she will do once she arrives at the party.”

Ran explains as he proudly grins while crossing his legs.

“And how are you so sure she is really falling for this?” The boss questions with a raised brow.

“Trust me, Mikey. If she is who we think she is then luring her straight to us will be as easy as cutting butter with a hot knife.”

The elder Haitani brother answers with a cocky tone. Quickly after his response, his little brother speaks up while leaning forward in his seat.

“Plus, no one would think she is no other than some whore coming to our party, which means it is the perfect opportunity to act undetected.”

He says pushing his circular glasses up to his forehead before rubbing his lilac eyes. Strands from his neckline-length blonde hair fall to slightly obscure his vision causing the younger Haitani to breathe out a slight groan. After that, he yawns slightly.

Seeing the actions from Rindou makes Ran place a comforting hand on his shoulder while leaning forward.

“I told you not to spend all night playing with your set.” He playfully scolds.

“I was making sure my turntables are in working condition for the party tonight.”

Rindou grumbles his response while glaring outwardly. Mikey - their boss - just watches with his face resting in the palm of his left hand. The once serious expression he bestowed was replaced by a slightly softer look.

“Very well. If you’re so confident that she fell for the trap then there is no need to question further. Just don’t cause another riot like last time.”

Ran stifles a laugh before reluctantly correcting Mikey:

“That was not a riot.”

This time, the pink-haired man next to Mikey responds.

“A battle royale more accurately speaking.”

His sarcastic tone is slightly muffled due to the black mask on his face; however, the rest of the men nonetheless heard him. Amused, they chuckle including Ran.

“Why did you think it was a good idea to invite all of our exes and the whores we indulge with?” Another man with light hair that is worn down and a small scar on the leftmost side of his mouth asks.

“Shut up, Shion! That was actually HANMA’S idea!” Ran spits back and then points at the tall black and blonde hair man who is sitting on the opposite end of him.

Each executive of the Kanto Manji Gang averts their gaze over to Hanma. Mikey remains to have his slightly soft look despite the glint of darkness in his eyes. Hanma smirks from all of the gazes on him.

“What? I like to make things interesting every now and then.” The man says, amused by the conversation.

“You almost got us KILLED.” Rindou scolds.

“But we’re still alive and there are fewer women to worry about.” Shuji immediately counters with a nonchalant shrug.

“It was a bloodbath.”

Hanma chuckles at Rindou’s latest response and then he follows up with:

“And they say we’re the violent ones.”

Everyone just chuckles before giving their attention back to their boss, who only sits up and sighs.

“Got off topic momentarily, but at least now we know what we should be expecting for tonight.”

Mikey starts standing up, and the rest of his gang follows suit. Ran puts his arm around his little brother who just does a small stretch.

“Remember, Ran and Rindou. Your suspicions better be correct about that woman.” Mikey warns, peering at the brothers.

“Yes, sir.”

Ran acknowledges. As Mikey starts to leave, his dark expression returns and it permeates his face. The rest of the men immediately start to feel the dark impulse radiating around him. Hanma watches as Mikey turns to face them. The following words spit out of his mouth like snake venom, sending shivers down each of their spines.

“Kill if necessary.”

The boss says then exits the room with his pink-haired subordinate following right behind him.

~~ Hours later ~~

Never in a million years did you think you’d end up at a party as big as this one. You’re sitting in the passenger seat of your work friend’s car as she drives through the large iron gates that protect the property within. You’re in awe of the massive mansion and the vast array of luxury vehicles parked out in front. Your friend finds a place to park her car before turning to face you with a reassuring smile.

“It’s going to be fun, I promise.” She says in a soft voice.

“I have a bad feeling about this.” You reply with a shaky voice.

Your concern is only met with a slight giggle as her hand reaches for a small pouch that is placed in your lap.

“You worry too much, Y/n. Tonight is the night we wind down and let loose.”

She continues to explain while pulling out red lipstick and looking into the rearview mirror. Using her reflection she applies the makeup on her lips.

“As I said before, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be at the house of two of Tokyo’s hottest men.”

“You mean alleged members of the Kanto Man-”

“Shush.”

Your friend firmly says, preventing you from uttering the name of the infamous gang. You can only roll your eyes as she finishes touching up her makeup. After that, she looks at you again.

“How do I look?” She asks.

“Good.”

The woman just groans slightly at your dry response. Somewhat annoyed and eager, she quickly opens the door and you follow suit. Both of you take the time to admire the extravagant three-story modern home. The home constantly features in magazines that advertise the life of luxury and Japan’s sexiest bachelor pads blog posts. The beauty of the home does little to calm your nerves, however. Nevertheless, you still find yourself following behind your friend as she makes her way to the entrance of the mansion.

Two guards stand in front. One of them holds a tablet, checking in the invited guests while the other watch for weapons and any signs of suspicious behavior. It is your turn to be checked in. Both men look down at you two, examining your revealing dresses, high heels, done-up makeup, and beautifully styled hair. Their intimidating presence nearly causes you to break out into a cold sweat. Your friend, on the other hand, exudes confidence as she presents them with invitations for both of you.

“Orchid Ash Valley.” She proudly says.

There is a momentary silence as the guard reviews the tablet. The other guard pulls out another tablet and stares intently at it. He then looks directly at you. You’re locked in an awkward staring contest with him as you try to read his unreadable expression. Suddenly, his gaze averts to your friend, and then just as quickly, it moves back to the tablet.

After a few more seconds of very loud silence, the guards look at each other and then give a nod.

“Go in.” The first guard says.

Almost immediately, your friend goes inside, not bothering to check if you’re following behind her. Your pace picks up in an attempt to not stray too far away from her as you two walk through the foyer.

“Hey. What’s Orchid Ash Valley?”

You question; however, you’re only met with no response as you two reach the main party area. Unbeknownst to both of you, one of the guards pulls out a radio from his pocket.

“Haitani Ran sir? She has arrived.”

Almost immediately, you’re overwhelmed by the environment. The music is blaring so loudly that it is difficult for you to concentrate, the bright strobe lights constantly flickering around makes you feel a bit disoriented, and the huge crowd of dancing drunk people has caused the area to be humid to the point where it is hard to breathe. You can barely focus on your friend who is stepping into the middle of the dance floor and starts dancing to the music.

Awkwardly, you try dancing as well. You try as hard as possible to become accustomed to your surroundings but it is all to no avail. To make matters worse, once again that unnerving feeling of being watched has crept back into your body. Looking around in an attempt to find whoever could be watching you, all you see is the drunk partygoers, sloppily dancing with each other. Your eyes then avert up to where the Dj is. You see that he is a man with average height, lean build, and neck-length hair that is pulled back in a bun, and’s also wearing circular glasses.

Rindou Haitani. It’s not hard to recognize who this man is as his face is plastered everywhere and because you know how much your friend is infatuated with him. It does not change the fact that you know of the allegations made about him as well as his older brother. It’s their supposed involvement with the Kanto Manji Gang - a gang that is quickly becoming Tokyo’s most dangerous group.

Your staring was felt by Rindou himself, who only peers down at you while transitioning into the next song. The man just grins, which sent shivers down your spine.

“Looks like someone likes what he sees.”

Your friend teasingly says in your ear, causing you to become startled. “Stop it.” You scold her; however, she just giggles.

“We should go up there.”

Her suggestion makes you shake your head profusely, adamant about being as far away from him as possible even though you do not know much about him at all. The only thing you can go off of are the rumors made about him; however, knowing that he does have a bad-boy reputation does not alleviate your concerns. Despite your protests, your friend insists on pulling you in the direction of the Dj booth. Once you’re within a few feet away from the booth, you stop.

“We’re probably not allowed up there anyways.” You suggest, which is enough to stop her from dragging you further.

Crossing her arms, the woman makes a pondering expression.

“Damn. You have a point. That could be the case.” She says, then makes a face that shows she is thinking of a different idea.

“How about we go to the bar instead?”

She offers. Although hesitant, you accept with a sigh. Since you are in a stuffy environment, you figured it wouldn’t hurt to have a cold drink. Maybe it’ll be enough to calm your nerves.

Smiling, she grabs your hand and you two make your way over to the bar where you’re greeted by a handsome bartender. You notice your work friend leaning over the counter, accentuating her cleavage while batting her eyes at the blonde and purple-haired man. He only sports an exhausted look on his face as his droopy eyes stare back at her.

“What can I get for you, princess?”

He asks despite the popsicle stick poking out of his mouth.

“What’s the special for tonight?” Your friend immediately asks him, never dropping that seductive smile.

There is a moment of silence between them as you watch the scene unfold. Unbeknownst to you, up on a balcony that overlooks the entire party is Shuji Hanma who finishes taking a drag from his cigarette. He discards it in the ashtray next to him before standing up, giving a full view of his black pullover hoodie and grey sweatpants. Approaching the ledge of the balcony, he leans his body over it, resting the upper half and allowing his long arms to dangle off the edge.

A soft smile adorns his face as he watches you from the distance. Even though it’s a dark environment save for the dim and multicolored strobe lights, and the fact that you’re all the way across the room from him, he can easily read the body language that you’re displaying.

“Why would you show up here knowing this is not your kind of environment, Shortcake?”

The tall man feels a fuzzy sensation in his chest watching you awkwardly interact with your friend and the bartender. You smile as the bartender presents a freshly made drink, which you reluctantly accepted. Hanma’s heart skips a beat upon noticing you enjoying the drink.

“Good job, Wakasa. Make her happy.”

He praises. His actions did not go unnoticed by the pink-haired man who is sitting in a leather chair a few feet away. His blue eyes peep at the lanky man while tilting his head with slight curiosity.

“What?”

“I wasn’t talking to you, Sanzu.” Hanma immediately responds.

The man named Sanzu just shakes his head before heaving out a groan.

“Fucking weirdo.” He brushes off Hanma’s behavior.

Hanma ignores the response as he is too focused on you. That is when he sees Ran come into his field of vision. The older Haitani brother stands a fair distance away from the bar; however, that did not stop you as well as your work friend from noticing his presence.

You can feel your chest tighten when your gaze meets his. Your work friend, on the other hand, does not hide her arousal upon seeing him.

“He’s even sexier in person. Right, Y/n?”

You shrug your shoulders before taking a sip from your drink. The bartender named Wakasa just averts his attention elsewhere at the bar. Although it was a very quiet remark, you barely heard him utter ‘I did my part.’ under his breath. One of your eyebrows raises, but you did not get a chance to question him as your friend immediately gets out of her seat to approach Ran Haitani who is surrounded by a group of women.

“The hell?”

You start to get out of your seat to follow her. At that moment, two men block your path. You look up and quickly noticed their sleazy grins before turning to face Wakasa who’s wiping the counter, presenting a glare towards the men. The men then look back at him.

“Give us some drinks, pretty boy.”

One of them demands while you take the opportunity to slip away. As you approach your friend, you realize she has somehow cut through the crowd of women and is engaged in a conversation with Ran. The closer you get, the more you hear what they are talking about despite the blaring music.

“I really love your hair. I bet it is really soft.”

She says to the man while biting on her lips. You cringe at the behavior she is displaying; however, you can tell Ran is nonetheless entertained by it.

“You wanna feel it, doll?”

He asks, leaning down making it easier for her to reach out to stroke it.

“Wow. It is little wonder how you ended up being the spokesman for Arimino.” She flirtatiously states.

“Thanks. You wanna dance?” He offers his hand to her which she did not hesitate to accept.

You watch as you’re essentially abandoned by your friend as she is escorted to the middle of the dance floor. The partygoers part ways, allowing him to easily slip through. You follow suit, never discarding your drink.

The alcohol in your system allows you to become somewhat accustomed to the environment although, you are still a little on edge. Nevertheless, you began to loosen up a bit, swaying your body back and forth while listening to the music that is expertly being mixed by the younger Haitani brother. After spending so much time worrying about the party and being bothered by the feeling of being stalked, you finally found yourself feeling enjoyment. Maybe it is the alcohol that is causing your body to feel warm or is it the fact that you’ve momentarily stopped thinking about your precautions?

You did not have time to register your answer when you catch a glimpse at Ran’s tall and lanky figure looming over your work friend as she seductively rocks her hips against his crotch. His hands worked their way up her chest, groping her breasts as she giggles from the contact.

Seeing that made you gag slightly prompting you to turn in the opposite direction. Taking another sip from the drink, you peer back at the bar. The two men are no longer there, though you did not think much of it. You continue to dance on your lonesome, a smile adorns your face; however, it quickly drops from a sudden realization.

Your vision begins to blur as you feel your body begin to get heavy. At first, you assumed it was just the alcohol you are currently drinking. It did not matter at this point as your main priority is to find your friend. That task quickly became difficult to do as your hazy vision made it impossible to keep your balance. The disorienting feeling from the lights and blaring music comes back as you frantically try cutting through the crowd in an attempt to find her.

From the balcony, Hanma sees your slumping figure. Confused, he tilts his head.

“The fuck is wrong with you?” He asks.

“I’m doing just fine, idiot.”

Sanzu answers from behind him, snorting a line of cocaine on the glass table assuming Shuji was asking him a question. Hanma ignores the annoyed reply from his crewmate as he leans up from his spot. His confusion immediately turns into concern and rage when he realizes what has happened. He becomes even more unhinged upon seeing the two men from the bar approaching you with malevolent grins on their faces.

[Would you like a hint for the next chapter or nah?]

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