#3 big men 1 small sofa

[managainstbeast]

my poor little meow meows

#i love this scene #3 big men 1 small sofa #rdr2 #red dead redemption 2 #red dead fandom #arthur morgan #rdr2 community #rdr2 memes #dutch van der linde #john marston

[finnsbubblegum]

I Don’t Deserve You {Part 4} (Joel Miller x Reader)

Pairing: post-outbreak!joel miller x f!reader

Warnings: fluff, protective joel, possessive joel, age gap (reader is in her 20s and Joel is in his 50s) (lmk if i missed any)

Summary (Series): You were popular in Jackson but you have been single your whole life. Despite many men flirting with you, you have never found your ideal type. Until one day, you saw Joel and you fell in love at first sight.  But he felt insecure.

Words count: 1.2k

A/N: This is part 4 for I Don’t Deserve You series. Hope you like it!

Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 Part 4 Part 5 Part 6 Part 7 Part 8

*knocking the door*

“Hi.” Joel greeted you with a big smile.

“Hi, Joel.” You hugged him and let him inside your house.

“Good day?” You could sense he just had a good day by his expression.

“Yeah, actually. How do you know?” 

“I can see it from your face.” You chuckled.

Joel put his hand on the back of his neck and smiled shyly. 

“So..tell me about your day.” You gave him a cup of coffee and invited him to sit on the sofa.

“I..Uh..got a job in town. Construction. It’s good to finally be able to do what I did before the outbreak happened.” He cleared his throat.

“Oh my God, Joel! Congratulations!��� You jumped and hugged him. He groaned at your weight.

“I’m happy for you.” You looked at his eyes and kissed him.

“Thank you, baby.” He kissed you back.

“I was thinkin’..” Joel put his hands on your shoulder.

“Hmm?” You looked at him.

“I want to teach you how to use a gun. Have you ever used a gun before?” 

“I have used a gun before but it was a long time ago. Never used one since I got here.” 

“You good at shootin’?” 

“Not really.” You chuckled.

“I’m guessing you’re pretty good huh? Are you trying to show off by teaching me?” You squinted your eyes. 

Joel cleared his throat.

“I mean..If you don’t like it, we can do other things. As long as I can spend time with you.” His cheeks redden.

“No, no. I like it. Let’s do it.” You took his hand and swayed it.

“How’s Saturday sound?” He raised your hand and kissed it.

“Saturday sounds good.” 

Saturday

“You ready?” Joel brought you to a field where the people in town used to practice shooting.

“I’m nervous.” Your hands were shaking.

“Relax your shoulders. Take deep breaths.” He massaged your shoulder.

You shook your body and took deep breaths. 

“Okay. I’m ready.” You loaded the gun just as Joel had taught you.

“Aim to the target and pull the trigger here.” He moved beside you.

*gunshot*  ((some parts of the gun scene script is from TLOU Ep 6) I love this scene so much! I was wondering what if Joel did it with his romantic partner, it would be so cute!)

“Ugh! I missed!” You hit the air with your fist.

“You’re flinchin’.”

“The target’s too small.” You didn’t want to admit your bad skills in shooting.

“I made it bigger than I should’ve.”

You gave Joel a side eye and a pout.

“Eject the cartridge.” Joel told you to try once again.

“I’m not flinching. The rifle sucks.” You insisted.

“Okay, give it to me.” Joel decided to show you his skills.

“It doesn’t aim right. You’ll see.”

“A deep breath in. A slow breath out. You squeeze the trigger like you love it. Gentle, steady, nice and slow.” Joel explained to you.

“Are you gonna shoot this thing or get it pregnant?” (This dialogue was so funny lol)

Joel looked at you and squinted his eyes.

“It isn’t gonna work. It doesn’t aim right.” You looked at the target using the binoculars.

Joel pulled the trigger and shot the target right.

“You dick!” You hit his shoulder.

He put on a proud face and shrugged. 

“Your turn.” He passed the rifle to you.

“I can’t. I admit it. I’m bad at it.” You refused.

“Come on. I’ll help you.” He moved behind you and guided you.

He was so close and your heart was beating faster. His head next to your head. His chest on your back. You could feel his breath on your neck. 

“Relax. Breath in. Breath out.” His words in your ear gave you shivers.

He knew you were shaking so he put his arms on top of yours holding the rifle and the trigger. 

“Ready?” 

You nodded and he pulled the trigger with your fingers underneath his. You dropped the rifle and grabbed the binoculars. Joel catched the rifle immediately and chuckled. 

“Ah! I got it!” You jumped and opened your palm to the air waiting for him to give you a high-five.

“See? You can do it.” He high-fived you.

“That was fun.” 

“Want to do it again next time?” Joel put his hand on his jeans pocket.

“Yeah, sure. We should go get a drink to celebrate! I shot the target!” You got too excited.

At the bar

“Cheers!” You clanked your glass to Joel’s.

You drank your beer. Closed your eyes, took a deep breath in and breathe out.

“I feel so good. Thank you for today. I had a great time.” You thanked Joel.

“Anytime, darlin’.” 

After a few glasses of beer, you started getting tipsy. The band in the bar played a song you liked and you felt like dancing.

“Oh! I love this song! Let’s dance! Come on!” You danced on the dance floor while Joel just sat there, admiring you.

You swayed your hips, moving your hands down to your curves, closing your eyes, enjoying the night. One by one, all of the men’s eyes in the bar were pointed at you. You were always popular in Jackson, every man told you were the prettiest woman in town. But you were never interested in any of them. Yet, Joel caught your eye. It was like you had a connection with him. You felt attracted to him the first time you saw him. After a while, Joel looked around and realized every man in the bar was staring at you with lust. He frowned and chugged his beer. He was jealous. 

“Hey, pretty girl.” You gasped as a man suddenly held your hips and danced behind you.

“I’m with someone.” You tried to send him away.

“But you’ve been dancing alone. Dance with me.” He put his hands on your hips again.

“No. You better go. Trust me. You don’t want to mess with my man.” You let his hands away from you.

“Where is “this man” that I should be worried about?”  He was making air quotes with his fingers. You rolled your eyes and crossed your arms to your chest.

“I don’t believe you.” He grabbed your wrist and pulled you to the middle of the dance floor.

Joel saw you and his heart beat faster. He growled and put his glass down on the table with force making the table shook. 

“She said no.” Joel’s voice was so deep.

“Let go of her.” Joel grabbed the man’s hand and threw it away forcefully. 

“So this is your man?” The man scoffed.

“Leave before you regret it.” You added.

“Fine.” The man raised both of his palms in the air and left.

You could see Joel clenching his fist tightly holding himself from punching the guy. His breathing was heavy. The two of you were already a topic of rumors in the town so he didn’t want to make a scene and made you embarrassed of him. 

“Joel. Let’s get out of here.” You took his hand, opened his fist and covered it with both of your hands.

To be continued…

Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 Part 4 Part 5 Part 6 Part 7 Part 8

Taglist:

@nyotamalfoy @stevengmybeloved @happinessinthebeing @angelicbbsblog @aheadfullofsteverogers @mxtokko

#joel miller #pedro pascal #joel miller one shot #joel miller x reader #joel miller imagine #joel miller x you #the last of us imagine #the last of us x reader #the last of us x you #pedro pascal x reader #joel miller fic #joel miller fanfiction #joel miller smut #pedro pascal fic #pedro pascal fanfiction #the last of us fanfiction #joel miller fluff #tlou fanfic #tlou fanfiction #the last of us fic #the last of us fanfic #pedro pascal character #pedro pascal fanfic

[bluegalaxygirl]

Am i Crazy? (Zosan X Reader) P6

Plot: Reader hasn't been sleeping or eating, they wont let anyone touch then and keeps having accidents. Everyone if worried or thinks they've gone crazy but the reality is so much worse.

Warning: Domestic abuse (Not by the hands of Zoro or Sanji), Bad language, violence, self harm, blood, mental damage and manipulation.

Zoro X Sanji X reader, Poly relationship, established relationship, Reader is GN.

Part 1 - Part 2 - Part 3 - Part 4 - Part 5 - Part 7 - Part 8

Hoisting the duffle bag over your shoulder you look back up at the back of the sunny and to where Chopper was leaning over the railing. The doctor helped you get the stuff you needed and get off the ship without anyone knowing, you hate sneaking around but you know they wouldn't let you do what you need too. You reach your arms up and catch the doctor as he falls into your arms, you didn't want him to come, but he said the only way he would help you was if he came so you gave in. "Ready?" you whisper placing him on your shoulders "yep" he whispers back clinging onto you as you run off to the woods and down the cobble path. The pain killers and adrenaline made it easy for you to push yourself, you knew the area well and you knew the house like the back of your hand but you hoped he hadn't change it much, you doubt he did since he had it custom-made and wanted to make it perfect. Half way down the path you turned off into the woods, Chopper gripping tighter and keeping his head down as you ran down a thin dirt path "But the path" Chopper whispers into your shoulder as the sound of fighting and metal beating against metal got louder "That path leads to the front of the house, this one leads around the back where we won't be seen, i told them to take it but i guess they didn't" you sigh soon coming to a stop as you look out of the path's exit, the wall to the back of the house blocked your view from the fight taking place outside in the front but that was a good thing.

Walking up to the wall you chucked your bag over, it hurt your shoulder a bit but you pushed through it before lifting chopper up, so he can pull himself up to sit on the top. The holes in the wall were small but over the years of living in the house you knew a trick to climbing it, thats how you got out in the first place. Pulling pieces of wood out of your pocket you wedged it into the slits in the wall making sure they got stuck before climbing up, you struggled more than you thought you would since you had to put weight in your bruised ankle but chopper helped you up near the top and over the wall, dropping down the other side landing on your good leg you helped chopper down onto the grass and grabbed your bag heading to the back door. The sound of fighting was loud inside, things crashing and fire crackling along with men yelling, you managed to peek around the corner and see what was going on, Sanji and Zoro where fighting strange robots, some made out of sofas and others made out of tables, the walls were now spiked but you couldn't see your ex although Zoro was going after something you can't see trying to get past anything that got in his way.

You smile for a second, your heart-warming up at them fighting for you but you had to help. "What are they?" Chopper whispers as you both sneak away, heading around to a slope that leads into the basement "I don't know, iv never seen them before, i knew the house had cameras and alarms but nothing like that" you sigh putting on some black leather gloves and pulling out some wires form the duffle bag before pushing them into the electric lock, it fizzes for a moment before sparking and turning the lock off opening the door. "Ok.. Iv never been aloud in here but i'm sure we can figure something out" you smile down to Chopper as you open the metal door and turning the light on inside. Your ex's lab as big, white walls with blue lights, different robots in pods lining the wall along with large chalk boars with math and science equations on them. "Wow" Chopper smiles running in as you follow, the tables in the middle of the room have computers, photos and lots of metal around but something catches your attention, right in the back is a large line of shelves with jars. Your heart drops as you get closer realizes what's inside.

"Oh god" you turn away feeling sick as Chopper runs over to you watching you cover your mouth and lean on the table, he looks at you then to the shelves his eyes widening. "Im so sorry" you whisper into your hand "when he said biology robotics i thought he meant prosthetic or mini robots that can fix people not this" you turn to look at the jars, brains, eyes, lungs, hearts and more in brown liquid, it made you sick. "We have to help them" Chopper looks up at you then to the robots on the wall. "We will but first we'll give my ex a taste of his own medicine" you nod starting to look around the room for a control panel to the house, you soon found it hidden away behind a chalk board on the wall that Chopper helped you take off. You open the box to see a bunch of switches and button's, it looks complicated, Chopper tugs on your jacket and holds up a booklet with a smile "Chopper your amazing" you praise about to take the booklet off him when the sound of glass shatters "Sanji" you can tell its Zoro yelling and your heart drops. Pulling over a stool you pick Chopper up and place him on it "I'm going to help, i need you to deal with this" you tell him as he shakes his head "Listen i need to help them, your amazing Chopper, you can do this" you rub his furry face and it seems to make him calm down a bit and nods at you before turning to the panel and looking through the booklet. You grab some cans out of the duffle bag and attach them to your belt before grabbing a metal pole form one of the tables and walk out the way you came in.

The fight was getting more and more frustrating for Zoro, he couldn't get to the man no matter how many times he cut through the robots, they kept getting back up and putting themselves back together. Sanji managed to melt a few robots with his fire but more kept coming and any arms or legs they couldn't reattach would either grab onto him or launch themselves at him. His shoulder was already hurt from being pushes into a spike on the wall, luckily i was only a scratch. Sanji tried making his way over to Zoro to back him up, so they could end things until someone kicked him in the stomach and sent him into the wall, his arm getting impaled on a spike but before can scream out a robot grabs him pulling him off it and throwing him through the window, "Sanji" Zoro runs only to get knocked back by another robot. Sanji landed on the grass his back hitting the solid floor making the air leave his lungs, he pants trying to catch his breath and get up only for a shimmer to appear in front of him grabbing his neck and pinning him to the ground. Sanji kicks his legs as the man strangles him, but he can't seem to get a kick in. His hands grab onto the arm holding him by the neck trying to push him off. Your ex laughs as he turns his power off looking down at the cook before pulling out a knife raising it in the air "You were never good enough" your ex laughs.

Running up you swing the pipe as hard as you can hitting your ex in the side of the face knocking him off Sanji and rolling along the ground, the knife he's holding stabs into his arm as he yells out in pain. "Back the fuck off" you yell anger taking over your body, you can take being hit, yelled at and called names but you would never let him hurt the ones you love. "Love" Sanji coughs sitting up as you help him stand "What are you doing here?" he asks pushing you behind him as your ex gets up and looks over the knife in his arm. "I-I" you manage to get out before taking a breath to clam your nerves "I'm not going to let him win" you glare as your ex pulls the knife out and looks at you with anger before letting a smile show "You came back birdy" he sighs pleased with himself as he cracks his jaw and puts the knife back in his pocket and wraps some cloth around his wound "But it seems you've forgotten your place" he turns invisible making Sanji hold you close behind him "Trust me, I-" you whisper as his hand squeezes yours only to be interrupted . "Behind you" Zoro's voice yells out making you turn to look only to be kicked in the side, Sanji brings his leg down on where your ex might be managing to hit something only to be punched in the face.

As Sanji tried to fight your invisible ex Zoro breaks through the robots and jumps out of the window sliding next to you ready to fight any robots that come at him, but they don't leave the house they just stood there. "You know where he is right?" you ask gaining the swordsman's attention, You stand up and pull your jacket back to show him the cans on your belt "I have a plan, i just need you to distract him" you state as the swordsman nods looking back at Sanji. "You shouldn't be here, but we'll talk about this later" Zoro grumbles before running off to help Sanji slicing at where he senses you ex to be, Sanji doesn't really want to follow the swordsman's lead, but he knows it's the only way he can take this guy down. "Don't you ever touch them again" Sanji yells kicking his fiery leg and hitting the man sending his now shimmering form slamming into the wall. Taking the cans off your belt you head over to the sprinkler system, unscrewing the cap to the pipe you open the cans and poor the colored liquid into the pipe, it takes you a while to get the rest of the cans in before screwing the cap back on and turning the valve to make the sprinklers work. You know it will take a minute for it to push through the system but that just gives you time to get his attention.

Your ex pants managing to regain control of his devil fruit powers again and run off, Zoro looks around trying to sense him while back-to-back with Sanji "Where's Y/N?" Sanji asks not seeing you while also keeping an eye out for any grass movement "I don't know" Zoro grumbled only to see you run out form behind the house, he senses something run past him and runs after it Sanji quickly following as they yell out for you. But your ready, the sprinklers start working and spraying colored paint everywhere showing you exactly where your ex is and like you thought he's running right at you, pulling the pip back you take a step to the side and swing hitting him in the face. He's taken aback by you actions but doesn't have time to think as the pipe connects with his face, the impact causes him to slip on the wet colored floor and hit the ground hard next you. You sigh while stepping away, the sprinklers turning off probably due to being clogged by the paint but you didn't care as you ex laid on the floor, his nose broken and bleeding trying to catch his breath.

Sanji and Zoro skid to a stop next to you and look down at your ex pulling you behind them as you smile and laugh, a part of you didn't believe you just did this and yet there he was. "Fucking hell babe" Zoro places his foot on the mans chest pushing down hard to stop the guy form getting up, he was so proud of you but also couldn't believe the damage you did with a single swing, not only was his nose broken but so was his jaw and one of his eyes were closed shut. Sanji wraps his arms around you and laughs with you a little "You were amazing" the cook praises pulling away to cup your wet and paint covered face. The robots in the house start to make squeaking noises before shutting down along with all the lights in the house. You smile before looking at Zoro whose sword is now at your ex's neck, your smile drops and you place a hand on the swordsman's hand thats holding the weapon. "I thought you wanted him dead?" Zoro asks looking at you confused but you move his sword to your ex's forehead making the man looking up at you panting with eyes wide. "I do but i don't want him coming back" you stare down at your ex who tried to speak through a broken jaw only letting out gargles. "Those robots are people and you will not get a second chance at life" you grit your teeth, the fear you had now gone, he can't hurt you, your stronger than him, and he fears that about you.

Zoro takes your hand off his sword and lightly pulls your chin to look up at him, he gives you a nod as Sanji takes your other hand and pulls your head into his chest shielding you form the man and what Zoro is about to do, you decide not to fight it, maybe it is best that you don't see what happens so you bury your head in the cooks chest and wrap your arms around him. The sound of metal sinking into flesh hits your ears, there were no screams or cry's of pain just silence. You sigh in relief already feeling the weight off your shoulders, looking up at Sanji all you can see is worry mixed with love and it makes you smile leaning up and kissing his lips lightly, he kisses back and holds you a little tighter "Thank you... oh Sanji your arm" you say suddenly realising the blood coming form his arm "It's nothing" The cook leans down kissing your head as Zoro moves you two away form your ex's lifeless body, you take a quick glance back before returning to your two boys. "Are you hurt too?" you ask Zoro looking him over more closely only for him to laugh and run a hand through your hair "I'm fine but your in trouble.... you shouldn't have left the ship" He holds you close to him a little mad at you but still proud of you for taking on your ex. "You would be dead without me" you push away with a smug smile.

Little feet running through the paint covered grass gets the three of you to turn and see Chopper with a big smile on his face and dragging the duffle bag behind him "I did it" he yells letting go of the bag and jumping into your arms that you hold out for him, holding him tight you didn't stop to think about the paint on your cloths that are now covering the doctor "see i told you, your amazing chopper" you pull the reindeer away holding in a laugh at his cute face. "Is anyone hurt?" he asks after calming down and your immediately show him Sanji's arm, "lets get back to the ship and fix you up" Chopper yells worried about the wound but also the paint that may have gotten into it. You four make your way around to the front of the house, Zoro grabs the duffle bag and puts his arm around your waist while you hold Chopper in your arms. The Doctor was looking over Sanji's arm wrapping it in a temporary bandage to stop the bleeding "Hay guys" Luffy yells running over some robots but stops all of a sudden looking confused "Why are you all covered in paint?" he asks making you laugh along with Sanji as Zoro rolls his eyes "We'll tell you later" you smile starting to walk again heading back to the sunny.

#one piece #polly relationship #zoro x reader #roronoa zoro #sanji x reader #sanji x zoro #zosan #zoro x sanji #zosan x reader #halloween #one piece sanji #vinsmoke sanji #black leg sanji #zoro roronoa #zoro x sanji x reader #zosan fanfic #one piece zosan

[fayes-fics]

Moments: Christmas Moments

Moments Masterpost

Pairing: Benedict Bridgerton x fem!reader

Summary: It's Christmas and the Bridgerton clan are gathering at Aubrey Hall to celebrate together. Benedict and his new wife of almost five months have some news...

Warnings: none... the last few lines are a little suggestive, but otherwise this is just pure fluff/humour :)

Word Count: 2.8k

Author's Note: Happy Holidays everyone! Here, is the festive one-shot for Moments. It incorporates some ideas from this ask. I hope you enjoy <3. Thanks to @makaylan for beta and @margowritesthings for the beautiful Moments moodboard above.

Set 4½ months after Epilogue 1

“Can I tell them, mummy? Daddy? Can I? Can I?” James bounces up and down with excitement as Aubrey Hall hones into view.

It's been four and a half months since your wedding at this very place, and you are excited to return and see the extended Bridgerton clan again, gathering as you all are to celebrate Christmas together. Your life has changed almost beyond recognition in the months since you last approached the house in a carriage with your son. Now you have so much more with you, including the man holding your hand tight as James bounces excitedly on his knee. Your husband, Benedict.

You both chuckle at your son’s excitement and share a look and a nod. “James darling, yes, of course, you can,” you smile indulgently.

He whoops with delight and jumps out of the carriage before your footman can so much as bring out the step.

“James!!” you call out, “wait!”

But he doesn’t heed your words. He sprints up the steps of the house and launches himself at Violet, standing in the doorway.

“Grandmother!! Hello!” he cries.

Even as Benedict helps you out of the carriage, you can see the emotion on her face at the title James has greeted her with.

“Oh! Yes, my darling boy, that’s right, I am your grandmother,” she confirms, swaying him in a tight hug.

“Benedict! Y/n! My loves!!” she calls, not letting James go, “it’s so utterly wonderful to see you!”

“You too, mother,” Benedict says, kissing her on the cheek, unable to embrace her fully as his own son keeps hold of Violet so tightly.

“James, let go now,” you cajole, leaning to kiss Violet on the cheek lightly.

“Let's get inside out of the chilly air,” she suggests, running an affectionate hand over James’ trademark Bridgerton chestnut hair.

“I've got some news for you, grandmother, but it shall wait for dinner,” James spoils with a big stage wink, taking her hand and practically dragging her inside.

Violet laughs and happily allows James to pull her through the hallway and to the drawing room, where the sounds of a gathering spill from.

“He is terrible at keeping secrets, you know,” Benedict chuckles. “I doubt he will keep it under wraps for more than five minutes.”

“To be honest darling, once my cloak is off, the point may be moot,” you remark as you trail Violet and James.

“I thought you chose that dress specifically?”

“I did indeed. And I suspect it may fool the Bridgerton men; I'm not as certain about the women. They have greater possession of the family intellect,” you jest, raising an eyebrow at him.

“Will that joke never grow old?” he deadpans as he helps you out of said cloak.

You just giggle as you both walk into the drawing room together, arm in arm.

The room is lit with festive red candles, and garlands of holly and ivy drape across the mantle above the roaring fire and over various furniture. Everyone is in small groups and talking animatedly. The whole family (and their children) are gathered, the only exception being Francesca, who apparently will arrive the following day.

After a warm greeting from all, and with a quick squeeze of Benedict's arm, you move away from him to make a beeline to sit on the sofa; your ankles appreciate any break they can get lately. As you do so, you watch James ingratiate himself into the Bridgerton clan, walking around the room, so at ease.

“Hello, Uncle Colin!”

“Hello, little Benedict,” Colin quips back, his running joke about the uncanny resemblance.

“Benedict is my daddy’s name,” James frowns, not completely catching the in-joke.

“I know, my little man,” Colin ruffles his hair. “How is the rock collection?”

“Bigger,” James beams, “I've also got some news! But daddy says I have to wait for dinner.”

“Can't wait to hear it,” Colin responds amiably before James moves along to the next person that catches his eye.

“Hello, Auntie Eloise!”

“Hello, little nephew. I do hope you have been getting into all kinds of mischief!” she winks.

“Eloise,” Benedict warns from across the room, “I do hope you are not encouraging my son to engage in hijinks,” he orders with a shake of his head and an avuncular air.

“I preferred you when you weren't a father, brother,” she sniffs derisively, and you watch them exchange their usual sarcastic expressions at each other before his gaze cuts to you with a wink. Every single time, it makes butterflies dance under your ribs—every single time.

“Hello, Auntie Kate!” you watch James approach your sister-in-law seated opposite you.

“Oh my darling James!” she exclaims, drawing him into a hug, “yes I am your aunt, thank you. And don't you look just beautiful in Bridgerton blues today,” she comments, touching his little jacket admiringly as you exchange smiles.

“Hello, Uncle Gregory!”

“Well, that just feels peculiar.” Gregory frowns. James seems unphased by the sullen teen’s mood.

“Hello, Auntie Hyacinth!”

“Hello, little man,” Hyacinth singsongs back. “So if I’m old enough to be called auntie, surely, I’m old enough to have a glass of whiskey?” She pipes up to the entire room.

“NO!!” is the responding Bridgerton chorus.

____

Dinner is just as you remember from the night you first met Benedict’s family months before—loud, friendly, teasing and rambunctious; this time, with the addition of being delightfully festive.

You chat cordially with almost everyone within earshot as delicious food is served and shared. Stories are told, and idle gossip about the Ton is debated, although as Whistledown does not publish outside The Season, it is decidedly less juicy.

James leans in as dessert arrives. “Mummy, when can I tell everyone?” he whines with a tinge of impatience. To be fair, you are quite surprised he has managed to keep quiet for this long.

“Finish your pie, my love; then you may tell everyone,” you promise.

He eats in record time and holds his empty plate for your perusal. Benedict nods, and James pushes back his chair and climbs up onto the seat, much to your chagrin. Before you can chastise him for doing so, he clears his throat and gathers everyone’s attention. A hush descends around the table.

“Everyone, mummy and daddy have very special news, and they promised I could tell you all. They say it’s the best Christmas present I could ever get,” James declares proudly and solemnly, loving being the centre of attention.

“What is it, James?” Colin pipes up.

“It’s growing in mummy’s tummy, and it’s my little sister!!!” he announces with a dramatic flourish, pointing at you as you dip your head and smile fondly at your son.

The table erupts into cheers as you feel Benedict's hand slide into yours, and he shoots you a devoted smile.

“We obviously don’t know if it’s a boy or a girl,” Benedict adds, addressing the room but looking pointedly at his son with loving exasperation, “but yes, we are expecting a baby!” His smile lights up his whole face, and you can't look away from him—every fibre of your being so in love with this remarkable man.

“It’s my sister,” James retorts decisively as everyone breaks into good-natured laughter.

“Alright, darling,” you placate with a pat on his hand—the idea of a girl to compliment your darling boy does sound lovely.

“Well, I think this calls for a toast, don't you?” Anthony opines, and soon everyone is holding up their glass.

“All of our very best wishes to my brother and his lovely wife,” he signals to you as Benedict squeezes your joined hands, cradling your baby bump, “and to the ever-growing Bridgerton clan as we approach the Christmas holiday. May we always be able to gather! To family!”

“Here, here!! To family!” Simon echoes, and there is a chorus around the room before everyone takes a sip; as convivial conversation breaks out again, Benedict leans in and taps his glass against yours in a private toast, his other hand still laced with yours on your bump.

“To our growing little family, my love. Thank you for giving me the whole world. I love you so much,” his voice is soft and filled with emotion.

As you return the sentiment, pregnancy hormones making you almost tearful, your intimate moment is interrupted by James climbing into Benedict’s lap,

“Did I do good, daddy?” he asks keenly, practically fizzing with energy.

“You did wonderful, son,” Benedict assures, kissing his forehead.

James grins, then leans down and addresses your baby bump in an exaggerated stage whisper. “I introduced you to everyone, sister!”

You and Benedict share an indulgent smile and a quick kiss over your son’s head. Neither of you realises Violet is watching the three (well, four) of you from across the table, subtly dabbing away a tear from the corner of her eye.

____

After dinner, the adults wander back to the drawing room, and the nannies take the children upstairs to be prepared for bed. You find yourself standing with Kate and Daphne, the other married women.

“Congratulations again!” Kate exclaims, “I really couldn’t tell!”

“Oh,” you demure, “I chose this gown intentionally not to give it away too much but…” you pull the dress back flush against your body, and your bump becomes very visible.

“You are further along than we perhaps thought!” Daphne comments with a cheeky eyebrow raise.

You lean in a little closer, almost conspiratorial, and they mirror your stance.

“What can I say, ladies? This man really likes to get me pregnant on my wedding day,” you aside quietly. “Two for two so far!” you add, and they both peal with laughter.

“What’s so funny?” Anthony calls out from across the room, his fear of missing out on anything that makes his precious Kate laugh of instant intrigue to him.

“Nothing, my dear,” Kate answers over her shoulder with a dismissive hand gesture, “just unimportant married ladies' chat.”

“Yes, and whenever I hear that excuse, I get nervous,” Simon says drolly, “it’s usually a vast oversimplification or an intentional dismissal of a gentleman’s interest in a topic.”

“Sometimes it’s both, my darling,” Daphne responds with a cool tone, and they exchange challenging, heated looks as you ladies stand up and drift towards them.

“See?” Simon raises an eyebrow and looks to the other gathered men for sympathy for his plight.

“Well, I’m just excited as this time I get to be there from the very beginning,” Benedict beams with pride as you draw up next to him.

You touch his face affectionately as he reverentially slides his hands over the swell of your belly. You can’t help but push up and kiss him.

“Less of that, please, you two,” Anthony chides but with no heat.

“Can I not be terribly in love with my beautiful pregnant wife, brother?” Benedict argues, pulling a face at him as he slides a hand protectively around your back.

“Yes, you can, in the privacy of your rooms upstairs,” Anthony shoots back.

“You were just kissing Kate senselessly against the wall, but three hours ago!” Colin argues, pointing out his oldest brother's hypocrisy.

“That’s different,” Anthony dismisses.

“Why?” Kate challenges, smirking at her husband.

“Well,” he splutters, “…this is my house!” the reason sounding feeble to everyone gathered.

“Oh, so that’s the rule, is it? Fascinating,” Eloise pitches in her usual deadpan manner, arms crossed.

“Well then, I suggest perhaps you don’t take up our offer of a visit to Darby House, Lord Bridgerton,” you pipe up with a wink. “Because that is my house, and I happen to like kissing your brother senseless whenever the mood takes me.”

The assembled audience guffaws as Benedict twitches his adorable demure smile, his cheeks a touch reddened.

“Oh, I've missed this one,” Colin grins at you as Benedict leans in and kisses your hairline, whispering in your ear how much he likes it when you do that.

____

As the evening progresses, the women drift into a group around the sofas as the men congregate around the whisky decanters.

“Tell me about James when he was little,” Violet asks, after a while, her hand briefly covering yours. “I wish to hear about the years we missed with the little darling.”

“Oh, he was and is a wonderful child,” you assure, “so compassionate and empathetic. Do you know, when I was grieving, he would intuit my needs, bringing me a handkerchief before even a tear had fallen,” your lip quivers as you recall the bittersweet memory.

You see Violet clasp a hand over her heart as you continue speaking.

“Just like his father—who always knows what I need before I do.” You smile and look over to the group of men, hoping to catch Benedict’s eye, but strangely he is no longer there.

“That is so Benedict,” Violet concurs emotionally.

“James is so very much like his father,” you sigh, agreeing happily.

“How was your pregnancy?” Daphne inquires.

“Oh, it was incredible,” you recount, “little James didn’t make me sick at all. The whole nine months were a total joy. To be honest, I felt like I was aglow. Like I was carrying the most precious gift. Which it turns out I was. And I am again now,” you glance down at your burgeoning bump and run your hand over it lovingly. Unseen by you, the ladies share knowing and understanding glances.

“Yours is quite the love story,” Kate says gently.

“From what I hear, every Bridgerton sibling so far has a rather epic love story,” you counter with humour, and she raises her eyebrows in thought.

“You know, I think you may be right,” she concedes with a laugh and a nod.

“That's because all my children, so far, have chosen love over anything else,” Violet contends, “and I hope they always will. Even if it does cause some… memorable moments,” she adds with a wry chuckle.

“The course of true love never did run smooth,” you quip, quoting Shakespeare.

“Oh good god, I know exactly why Benedict fell so hard for you,” Eloise chortles next to you.

“I love you too, sister-in-law,” you wink and bump her with your shoulder.

Kate is the next to ask you about life in Darby Hall, and you happily answer more questions and provide anecdotes about your early years with James, enjoying the company of the Bridgertons so much.

Unseen by you all, Benedict stands off to one side, concealed behind a large plant, absorbing and memorising every precious word you speak and all the detail you share about his darling child.

____

You stand out on the terrace under a warming torch, staring up at the starry sky, rubbing your bump absent-mindedly, and enjoying some fresh air as the evening draws to a close.

“Y/n, you will catch your death out here without a cloak!” Benedict frets, his voice full of concern.

“Darling, I’m fine,” you protest, “honestly, the baby keeps me surprisingly warm these days, and there are these torches,” you gesture.

He looks sceptical but steps into your arms as you hold them out. Hugging you close.

“You know, Eloise hates Shakespeare with a passion,” he huffs a laugh into your hair.

“Well, that explains it,” you giggle, then pause and twist to look up at his face. “Wait, how do you know I quoted Shakespeare?” you query.

He looks a little sheepish. “I was rather bored by Colin’s stories of his travels and Anthony and Simon’s talk of crop yields; I may have… drifted to listen to you talking instead,” he shrugs.

“You choose to listen to ladies' conversation rather than the company of men?” you tease lightly.

“Maybe not all women,” he concedes honestly, “but the ladies of my family are quite the most sensible I know. And then there is you,” he adds, feathering his fingers down your spine and catching your eye intensely, “I always listen when you talk. You are often the only voice of reason in any given situation; in fact, in most situations. The world would be a much better place if it were filled with people like you.” The most wonderful compliments just drop from his mouth instinctively, as if what he speaks is empirical truth rather than merely the biased opinions of a man in love.

The tide of want in your body is sudden and prickles hot over your skin. Pregnancy hormones just heighten everything you feel for this man. Before you know it, you have spun him around, tackled him against a pillar, and pressed yourself urgently into him, pulling his face down and kissing with a passion that surprises even yourself.

“What are you doing?” he asks, breathless, as you emerge for air and start to undo his jacket.

“I am having you right now, husband,” you assert with a twinkle in your eye.

“Out here? On the terrace?!?” his voice thready and incredulous, his breath panting quietly as your hands yank roughly at his trouser buttons.

“Indeed. Consider it an additional Christmas present,” you smirk, and his face is an absolute picture as you slide to your knees before him.

Some Christmas Moments are decidedly precious indeed.

Author's Footnote: For those who know the Moments story, yes indeed, James is correct. She is pregnant with his (first) little sister, Isobel :) Also, yes, this fic continues the running joke of s1/s2 - Francesca is just never around. ;)

Benedict taglist: @makaylan @foreverlonginguniverse @iboopedyournose @wysteria-clad @colettebronte @aintnuthinbutahounddog @severewobblerlightdragon @margofiore @writergirl-2001 @heeyyyou @enichole445 @enchantedbytomandhenry @ambitionspassionscoffee @chaoticcalzoneranchsports @nikaprincessofkattegat @baebee35 @crowleysqueenofhell @bridgertontess @fiction-is-life @lilacbeesworld

Moments only taglist: @queenofshinigamis @khaleesjj @starslibrary @magical-spit @honeylovemoon @justwant2read8421

#benedict bridgerton fanfiction #benedict bridgerton fluff #benedict bridgerton x reader #benedict bridgerton x female reader #benedict bridgerton x you #benedict bridgerton x y/n #benedict bridgerton imagine #benedict bridgerton #bridgerton fanfiction #bridgerton fluff #bridgerton imagine #bridgerton x reader #bridgerton x female reader #bridgerton #moments universe

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Hustlers: Snow Retreat

The gems are further up the mountain, taking in the frigid air of Montreal, however, they're not prepared for the slippery slopes they will face as they enjoy their time at a Ski Resort.

*Make sure to check out previous episodes to follow the story. Let us know how you're liking the story so far by leaving a comment 😊*

{Main Pairings:} Jeon Jungkook/Original Female Character, Park Jimin/Original Female Character, Kim Taehyung/Original Female Character(s)

{Rating:} 18+

{Genre:} Alternate Universe - Hustlers/ Con Artists

{Word Count:} 24k

{Warning} Mild Sexual Content, References to Stealing, Mature Language, Manipulation, Angst, Sexual Harassment, Drugging, Drowning, and Alcohol

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

Hustlers Episode Order:

Episode 1: Sin City

Episode 2: Pink Diamond

Episode 3: Cyber Flight

Episode 4: Wine Country

Episode 5: Art Auction

Episode 6: Magic Men

Episode 7: Unwind

Episode 8: Snow Retreat

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

BIG FISH: Seoho

LOCATION: Montreal, Canada

As the chill of the autumnal season morphed into a flurry of a white winter, the three femme fatales found themselves traveling to the opposite side of the great white north, enjoying more time in the cold environment as they found another target worthy of their time. 

Emmy and Ruby casually lounged about the main lobby of a luxurious ski lodge in the French province of the country, excited for some foreign flare as they embarked on another hustle to make up for their embarrassing loss in the Yukon. Ruby let her body melt into the plush fabric of the leather sofa cushions placed strategically beside a grand fireplace that warmed the entire space. 

The girls admired the large-scale stone structure towering over the lobby as two grand wooden staircases wrapped around the stone mantelpiece. The lodge had extravagant vaulted ceilings, the walls complimenting it perfectly with round logs lining its entirety. 

Jade ventured her way towards the youngest of her trio after successfully checking into their accommodations, holding up a small envelope with key cards as she proudly approached her friends. “Did someone request a luxury suite?” She grinned happily, handing off the keys to Ruby who seemed more than thrilled to have one of the nicest rooms the hotel had to offer. 

“That’s more like it!” Ruby’s eyes danced with excitement as she turned to face her counterparts. “I’m warning you both right now, I’m staying inside this lodge.” Her smile faded as she crossed her arms over her chest, a sneer of attitude dripping from her words. “It’s bad enough we’re staying another week in this god-forsaken weather.” 

Emmy and Jade glanced at each other from Ruby’s remark, both of them fighting a laugh as they agreed to her terms. “Don’t worry, this is my element.” Emmy reassured her as their conversation was drowned out by a group of men chattering not too far from their location. 

Jade’s eyes snapped in their direction, seeing the object of their attention strolling past them with a few hotel personnel escorting him to the concierge desk. She quickly maneuvered herself to sit between the other two girls trying to make out the conversation.

“That’s him.” Jade gestured with her head ever so slightly towards the multi-millionaire checking into the infamous ski lodge. “Lee Seoho.” Her voice was just hushed enough for Emmy and Ruby to hear. 

Emmy casually stretched her arm over the back of the couch, turning her body toward the eldest as her eyes shifted to find their target. She was surprised to find a devilishly handsome young man, someone who had to be relatively close to her own age. Her eyes sparkled with intent as she rested her chin in her hand. “He’s very handsome.” She cooed as Ruby finally glanced back herself. 

“Shouldn’t be hard for you then.” Ruby teased as she shot Emmy a knowing glance. 

Emmy shrugged her shoulders as she playfully bit her lip. “Always makes the job more interesting.” She admitted as Jade quickly nudged her side to gather her attention. 

“What are they saying?” Jade questioned, pointing subtly towards two hotel staff that were now speaking the native language of the province of Quebec. Emmy turned her attention to the two male staff members, eavesdropping in on their conversation as she identified the French words being exchanged.

Emmy looked back at Jade. “They said to make sure everything was arranged for his ski reservation.” 

Ruby quickly patted her hand on Jade’s shoulder, grinning mischievously. “Looks like someone needs to book a ski trip at the same time. Enjoy the cold.” 

Jade laughed sarcastically as she turned her focus back onto Emmy. “Emmy will be skiing,” she chuckled until she turned back to Ruby, placing the same dramatic pat on her shoulder with a shit-eating grin. “while you and I are scoping out.”

Ruby’s eyes widened as she held her hands up defensively. “There is no way I’m going back out in that stupid-ass weather.” 

While Jade and Ruby bantered for a moment, Emmy grit her teeth, feeling the bubble of irritation as she gathers the girls’ attention. “You might not have a choice, we got company.” 

Jade and Ruby turned their heads towards the concierge desk once more as they followed Emmy’s line of sight, suddenly noticing a familiar man checking into the lodge. Ruby’s features twisted uncomfortably as anger seeped through her being. “You’ve got to be fucking kidding me.” 

Jade felt exasperated, completely shocked that once again the annoying trio of men seemed to have found their way to the exact same location as them. “They're following us, I’m convinced.” She groaned as her eyes shifted toward a bellhop, suddenly noticing Jimin handsomely wrapped in a luxurious men’s winter coat. “And he’s not alone.” 

Emmy instantly found Jimin handling their luggage as she frantically began scanning the area for Jungkook. She was trying to avoid him at all cost, yet it was becoming increasingly difficult for her to get him out of her mind. “We are not letting them fuck us over this time.” Emmy hissed, still scanning the lobby for any signs of the bane of her existence. 

“Agreed.” Ruby and Jade spoke in unison as they turned back toward the fireplace, sinking into the couch in defeat from yet another unplanned encounter with the three stooges. 

—

The atmosphere was cozy as Emmy settled into a tall leather stool lined along the edge of the bar with Ruby sitting beside her. Emmy adjusted the silk material of her short red dress, pulling the skirt down her thighs when it rode up. The bishop sleeves, stockings, and knee-high boots kept her warm from the crisp drafts that fluttered in from the occasional open door of the resort. 

Ruby, on the other hand, spared no expense in making sure she was securely warm as she wore a cream-colored jumpsuit covered by a matching faux shadow fox coat. She held her gold clutch tightly against her torso, keeping her limbs together as she anxiously looked over the menu for a drink to warm her up. 

“Which of these drinks will make me think I’m on the beach?” Ruby held the drink menu out to Emmy, looking for her opinion. Her usual drink choice would do little to keep her warm in these climates and if she was going to endure this torture, she was going to enjoy it the only way she knew how. 

Emmy looked over the drink options, skimming the recipes that were in French. “Hm, I think I know what will do the trick.” She grinned, waiting for the bartender to come by before ordering two caribous. 

“Don’t forget you need to stay focused, it’s bad enough the idiots are here. We can’t go empty-handed.” Emmy flinched as Jade scolded them through the earpiece. 

“Alright, Mom,” Emmy said sarcastically, plucking the bud from her ear and sliding it towards Ruby. “Here, I don’t need to hear her while I’m trying to do my job.” Ruby gave her a funny look, tucking the device in her clutch without a word since she knew Jade wouldn’t realize Emmy pulled out the earbud while she was up in their suite. 

Emmy glanced over the space of the bar, enjoying the homey but luxurious feeling of being surrounded by the rich cedar enhanced by the dark brown leather Chesterfield couches lining the far wall. She noticed Seoho sitting at one of the individual tables, his trench coat hanging off the back of his beige armchair. She dragged her gaze down the grey turtleneck sweater covering his lean torso.

His chair was placed just by the window overlooking the frigid environment surrounding the hotel, allowing him to keep his attention on the natural beauty of the glistening snow. He was relaxed, letting his arms rest along the chair as he crossed one leg over the other, his right ankle supported by his left knee. His focus was firmly fixated outside as he flawlessly reached for his whiskey glass, bringing the rim to his lips before tipping his head back and taking a large gulp. 

Emmy felt her breath catch in her throat when he returned his dark stare out into the wilderness, an air of mystery in the depths of his dark irises. He gently ran the glass across his full lips, holding the whiskey with lithe fingers as if he were caressing the drink intimately. His being dripped with sex appeal that rivaled Jungkook’s. Seoho seemed like the type to map out the expanse of your body, discovering every shape and preference in your pleasure while Jungkook was the type to burn through you like a wildfire, leaving nothing untouched or singed from his flames. 

Emmy was so captivated by the specimen of man before her that she hardly noticed the bartender had placed the drink she ordered in front of her until she heard Ruby snapping her fingers. The sound caught Seoho’s attention, his eyes snapping in her direction and locking with her own before she swiftly whipped back to her companion. “What?” She asked softly, trying to be discreet after getting caught staring at their target. 

“I’ve been trying to talk to you for the past five minutes.” Ruby expressed, looking annoyed as she held up her drink. “By the way, this shit is great.” She took another swig, letting the liquid heat up her body with the potent mixture of alcohol. 

Emmy took a drink as well, cringing as she adjusted to the bite of the drink. “I was not looking at him that long.” She scoffed with a swift roll of her eyes.

Ruby didn’t respond, only making a face that clearly stated her sentiments as if she didn’t agree with Emmy’s argument. “Anyway…” She stole another sip of her drink, “What’s your plan?”

Emmy glanced back, noticing Seoho’s gaze flicker away from her figure. A smirk slipped over her lips as she turned back to her companion. “Oh, you know, the usual.” She stole another look at her target, catching his eyes moving out toward the wilderness again. “Flirt and conquer, my body is already doing most of the talking for me.”

The door leading to the outside opened and Ruby bristled as a draft swept over her. “Damn, it’s fucking cold. “ She hissed, glaring at the perpetrator who allowed the crisp air to infiltrate her warm serenity. She froze on the spot when she noticed a familiar face, gently swatting her hand against Emmy’s to get her attention. “Your body better start talking faster.”

Emmy turned to see Jimin slipping in quietly, unaware of their presence until he sat comfortably along the sofas at the back wall. He had a newspaper tucked under his arm that he pulled apart, his eyes flickering over the pages and scanning over the brim of the parchment to take in his surroundings. His eyes fell on the two female hustlers and smirked as Emmy noticed his lips move as if he was talking to someone. 

“I swear if I see dumb and dumber, I’m gonna-” Emmy cut herself off as someone slipped into the seat beside her unannounced. 

“You’re gonna do what, baby girl?” She became stiff as she slowly turned away from Ruby to see Jungkook smiling at her expectantly. She went to argue but stopped when the green and beige tartan shirt beneath his coat caught her attention. She was almost insulted by how great he looked in the pattern, distraught that he effortlessly dismantled her with his appearance alone. 

Emmy heard Ruby address someone behind her. “Ugh, not you too.” The youngest member of the female trio whipped her head to see Taehyung had come up beside Ruby. She exhaled deeply, trying to keep her body relaxed as her mind spiraled, concluding that the two men snuck into the bar when Jimin distracted them from coming in through the cold. 

“So let me guess, you’re just gonna sit here looking pretty until he comes over, offers you a drink, and falls for your usual honey trap. Is that right?” Jungkook mused, his proud smirk still plastered over his features as he eyed her figure up and down. 

Emmy narrowed her eyes, flipping her hair over her shoulder as she fixed her glare on the belittling man next to her. “Like it’s hard. Men are almost too easy.” She smirked back.

“I hate to break it to you, sweetheart.” Taehyung grabbed their attention as he leaned into Ruby’s proximity, his hand smoothing over her soft thighs. “Your trap doesn’t work if other bears are sniffing around.” Ruby slapped his hand away from her leg, cursing at him under her breath. 

Taehyung only chuckled as he stole her nearly empty glass and finished her drink, intentionally dragging his tongue along the rim to trace the place where Ruby drank. “Fucking freak.” Ruby hissed, pushing the glass away when he placed it back down and hovered close. 

Emmy tightened her jaw, realizing he was probably right. She stole a glance at Seoho and noticed he was no longer entertaining her as an option and needed to grab his attention again. She smacked her lips, turning back to the bar to reach for her caribou. “Guess I need to find better company.” She tipped her head back and downed the rest of her drink, letting the burn buzz through her system.

“Come on, baby girl. You know that’s not gonna work. Guys love the chase.” Jungkook chided, clicking his tongue in disapproval.

Emmy met his stare, “Is that why you still bother me even though I told you to fuck off?” Without another word, she slipped from the stool and slowly approached Seoho, methodically sweeping her hips side to side to accentuate her assets.

Jungkook poked his tongue against the inside of his cheek, watching her walk away toward the target. When he saw her features light up when Seoho’s gaze found her own, Jungkook chewed on the flesh in irritation. He ignored Ruby and Taehyung bickering beside him as he watched Emmy’s every move.

She sat in the chair beside Seoho, reaching to touch his arm as she addressed the handsome multi-millionaire. Seoho, on the other hand, was completely eating her attention up. Jungkook noticed both parties subconsciously were turned toward each other, completely engaged in conversation. He couldn’t pick up any pieces of the conversation over the natural ambiance of the busy lounge.

He hoped his presence would keep her distracted from appealing to her target, but didn’t anticipate the moment she walked away Seoho would be crawling back for a taste. Jungkook scoffed to himself as Emmy seemed to become bashful, her cheeks tinting to a lovely hue that Jungkook had only seen after making her an absolute mess from his attention. He knew she had no interest in this man other than the money in his wallet, but it irked him to see her biting her lip with the blush lingering. 

Seoho looked down at his phone, noticing the time and addressing Emmy once again. Emmy seemed receptive to whatever he was saying until she fluttered her eyelashes, that blush intensifying as she nodded her head. Seoho smiled, his eyes squinting under the pressure of his cheeks swelling and rose from his chair, collecting his coat. He reached for Emmy’s hand, lifting her dainty fingers to his lips to place a delicate kiss upon them. 

“Ma belle,” Seoho said as he stepped away from Emmy. 

Emmy felt her heart race as she followed his retreating figure out of the lounge with her gaze. She lightly pressed a hand to her chest, feeling her heart race rapidly in her chest as her nerves danced through her body. A smile gleamed over her face as she stood up from the chair, making her way back to the bar to share in her success. She was so caught up in Seoho’s mannerisms that she missed Ruby’s expectant stare and Jungkook’s sad attempt to look unbothered by watching their interaction. 

“So, how’d it go?” Ruby finally asked, noticing an uncharacteristic smile on her friend's face. 

Emmy finally snapped out of it, the charm of Seoho falling from her mind as she noticed everyone waiting to hear if she got the target. “He invited me to dinner tomorrow night.” Emmy had never been looking forward to a dinner date more in her life. She was instantly surprised to hold a conversation with the man in her native tongue, but he was also very humble and down to earth. He wasn’t a man who flaunted his wealth openly or treated women like a piece of meat. 

Taehyung and Jungkook let their jaw drop as they realized Emmy already had the target under her thumb within only a few minutes. “How?” Jungkook’s features hardened as he looked at Emmy with scrutiny. He knew a guy would eagerly want the company of someone as beautiful as Emmy, but that seemed almost too easy. What exactly did they talk about?

Emmy smirked as she glanced at Jungkook, noticing his judgemental stare. “Try not to be jealous. Women are just better.” She winked, grabbing Ruby’s hand. “Let’s get back to the room and leave the men to drink their sorrows 'cause I’ve got this in the bag.” Her eyes flashed toward Jungkook again, looking smug. It was about time she paid him back for all his teasing remarks and reminded him why she was the face of their operation. 

Jungkook felt that familiar pit in his stomach and didn’t like the slow churn as he watched the girls walk off. Something was different about this mission and he didn’t like that he seemed to lose his hold on Emmy with a single interaction with Seoho. He knew he needed to get in their way as much as possible. 

—

The following morning while Ruby stayed in the warm comforts of her duvet, Jade and Emmy took a leisurely walk around the grounds, taking in the sights offered by the exclusive resort. As lunchtime soon approached, the pair made their way back to their suite with every intention of dragging Ruby out of bed to grab a bite to eat. 

“So, did he mention where he was taking you?” Jade asked as her feet crunched against the thin layer of snow on the path toward the grand entrance. Coming back towards the hotel, she was reminded of their mission and was gathering intel for this evening. 

Emmy hesitated, pursing her lips together in thought. “No, but I can’t imagine he’d go far. He told me to meet him in the lobby at 7.” She greeted some of the hotel staff as they passed by.

“So we’ll get Ruby ready, and head out for lunch. That should give you plenty of time to relax before you need to get ready.” Jade planned out as she glanced at the time on her phone before sliding the device back into her pocket. 

Emmy went to respond until she spotted the squinting smile of Seoho across the lobby, standing near the staircase as he seemed to be chatting with another man. She nudged her friend, gesturing with her head towards his presence. “Hide, he shouldn’t see you.”

Jade quickly turned, trying to look inconspicuous as she found a display of pamphlets. “Whose he talking to?” She whispered, keeping her eyes on the variety of activities offered in the local area. 

Emmy quickly whipped her phone out, pressing the screen to her ear like she was taking a call. “I don’t know. I can’t see their face.” The man wore a large insulated jacket and slacks, but with his face turned away the only thing Emmy could identify was his dark, slicked-back hair and slight undercut.

Seoho averted his eyes away from his company briefly, spotting Emmy in the distance, and locked eyes with her. He waved her over, looking eager by her presence. The man Seoho had been engaged with, slowly peaked over his shoulder and Emmy cursed when she saw it was Jungkook. She should have known.

“That asshole.” She hissed, still holding the phone to her ear and giving the illusion that she was trying to finish her conversation. “He’s talking to JK.” She informed her friend. 

“How do they keep finding us?” Jade hissed with irritation. “I got rid of my phone. I make sure there’s not a trace of us.” 

Emmy hummed, nodding her head almost dramatically like the figurative person on the phone was keeping her on too long. “I don’t know, but I gotta go. I’ll see you back in the room.” She finally pulled the device from her ear before sliding it back into her pocket as she swiftly made her way towards the two men. 

“Emmy, it is so lovely to see you.” Seoho pushed past Jungkook, gently guiding her hand up to his lips for a sweet kiss. 

Her gaze flicked to Jungkook’s momentarily to see him rolling his eyes before smiling back at Seoho. “Thank you. It is lovely to see you as well. How are you?” 

Jungkook felt his jaw drop when he heard her speak French. When he heard Seoho speak to her, he didn’t imagine she would respond and certainly wasn’t ready for how sexy she sounded. He had to restrain himself from jumping her bones in the middle of the lobby. He was so blindsided, that he almost didn’t realize they continued their conversation and were completely ignoring him.  

He waited a moment, watching Emmy giggle at what he could only assume was nonsense since he didn’t understand the language they were speaking. When Seoho had yet to turn around, Jungkook felt that pressure against his cheek as his frustration began to build. He cleared his throat, grabbing their attention.

“Ah, sorry! Emmy, this is -” Seoho went to introduce the man behind him, but Jungkook spotted an opportunity.

“JK, nice to meet you.” Jungkook stepped up, standing awfully close to Emmy as he placed himself in between them. He followed Seoho’s guidance by also grabbing a hold of her hand and placing a kiss on her knuckles. However, he did not bring her hand back down, but instead kept it in his palm, cradling it close to his chest. “Mr. Lee, I had no idea you had such beautiful company.”

Emmy slipped her hand from Jungkook’s, eyeing him suspiciously as he schmoozed her target. Seoho chuckled, “What can I say? I have exquisite taste.” He stepped away from Jungkook again, slipping an arm around Emmy’s waist. 

Jungkook chewed his bottom lip, watching Emmy’s face flush from the attention. “It would seem so.” The smile didn’t quite reach his eyes as he glanced between the pair, unnerved that they looked like a proper couple. He shook his head, fixing his demeanor as he refocused his objective. “So, will she be joining us?”

Emmy curled her brow, looking curiously towards Seoho. Joining them? What could he and Jungkook possibly be up to? Seoho brightened at Jungkook’s suggestion as he addressed Emmy. “Oh, we’re going to go snowboarding. Would you like to come?”

Emmy contemplated her approach, realizing that Jungkook was trying to weasel his way into stealing from Seoho. She needed to get close to her target and fast so that by the end of dinner there were no other hiccups in the plan. As a natural-born Canadian, winter sports were her specialty, but if she really wanted to play into Seoho’s kind nature she would have to dumb down her skills. 

It took everything in her not to declare a competition with Jungkook as she displayed uncertainty. “I’ve never been, so I might not be very good.” Her large eyes bore into Seoho with a small pout.

“I will teach you, ma belle.” Seoho cooed, “Don’t worry.”

Jungkook chuckled to himself as he watched Seoho eat out of the palm of her hand, acting coy when deep down the multi-millionaire had no idea of the little viper hidden within. While Jungkook had the urge to kiss the stupid pout off her lips, he knew he would have plenty of opportunities to sabotage her advances and possibly redirect her attention onto himself. “This is gonna be fun.” He muttered, grinning as he fixated his stare on his pretty little klepto. 

—

The enchanting melody of Emmy’s laughter rang in Jungkook’s ears as he bitterly clenched his teeth. With a slick roll of his eyes, he dropped his gaze upon Emmy after falling on her bottom with Seoho chuckling over her. Seoho reached down to offer her assistance and she happily accepted, her cheeks swelling from the large grin on her face. Jungkook continued to watch with disdain, his tongue breaking through the barrier of teeth to push against the inside of his cheek. 

He was beyond agitated to see Emmy stealing Seoho’s attention with the clumsy and coy act, his nerves burning rapidly the longer he was forced to wait around for the pair to get their shit together. “Why don’t we catch a slope real quick and leave her down at the bottom to practice?” He suggested with every intention of keeping them apart to build Seoho’s trust as a comrade. 

Seoho was working on helping Emmy to her feet, swiftly dusting the snow from her light blue, insulated coat, and soft pink toque. She noticed Seoho glance back at Jungkook as they had completely forgotten that he was there and seemed to be considering his idea. She knew she needed to step in before she got left behind. “Maybe you can hold my hand on the way down? I just need help balancing.”

Seoho seemed enthused by her proposal, bringing her in close with an arm curled around her waist. “I think that can be arranged.” He hummed softly as Emmy’s body effortlessly molded against his own, one of her hands coming up to rest against the thick material of his black jacket. 

Jungkook cracked his jaw, tension building in his muscles. “Well, let’s get going then.” He huffed, impatience embedded in his being. He bristled when he was forced to remove his hands from the pockets of his white coat, forgetting to bring gloves in his process to sabotage Emmy’s chances with the multi-millionaire. He clambered in grabbing his snowboard and tucking it under his arm before shielding his fingers from the freezing air. 

Emmy and Seoho looked toward the third wheel as he grumbled to himself. “Seems someone’s having a bad time.” She spoke in her native tongue, keeping the words between herself and Seoho. 

Emmy pouted as Seoho stepped away, kneeling down to detach her boots from the board. “He’s only jealous because he does not have such a beautiful companion.” Seoho reassured her, glancing up at her with a charming smile while his gloved hands worked meticulously on her straps. 

She bit her lip as his dark eyes looked up at her, his stare almost hungry. Heat returned to her cheeks, nearly making her lightheaded from the difference in temperature. Seoho broke away to look down at his work, allowing her the chance to spot a sulking Jungkook. She imagined that maybe he was being so difficult because he hated seeing her with someone as chivalrous as Seoho, but she quickly shook the thought from her head, keeping her goal in sight. 

Her eyes flicked over Jungkook’s all-white attire, a smirk pulling at the corner of her lips before she peered down at Seoho. “I sure hope he doesn’t get lost in the snow, we’d never find him.” The man at her feet slowly registered her joke, looking back at Jungkook to see what she was talking about before he slapped a hand to his mouth, smothering the laughter under his glove. 

The male hustler would have been drooling over the smooth vocal inflections slipping from between Emmy’s soft lips, but he was already on edge with every touch shared between the couple. Jungkook was watching the whole exchange, only partially aware that they could be talking about him. When Seoho turned his head toward his direction and busted into a fit of laughter, Jungkook knew they were talking about him. “What’s so funny?” The smile on his lips was tight, hugging his enamel from the profound stretch across his face. 

Emmy cleared her throat, stepping off the board when she felt Seoho nudge her leg. “Oh, nothing. It’s a Quebec thing.” She lied, peering over at Seoho to see if he would agree to her deceit. 

“Yeah, I don’t think you’d understand,” Seoho added,  standing upright with his board tucked under one arm and hers under the other. “Shall we go?” He cut in quickly before Jungkook could investigate further into their joke. 

Jungkook glared at the two, following them as they walked past him in the direction of the chairlift. He grunted with frustration when they arrived at the revolving lift, only to see Seoho sitting at the edge of one while Emmy sat on the other end to make sure Jungkook had to wait for the next chair. She smiled triumphantly, waving to him as they pulled away. “See you at the top!” She hollered back. 

The third wheel of their snowboarding excursion contemplated his next course of action as he impatiently drifted to the top of the mountain. He watched Seoho wrap his arm over Emmy’s shoulder, pulling her in close to his side with her bell-like laughter dancing in the wind. He desperately needed to get them away from each other for the sake of making a clean steal, and his sanity. He almost missed the breathtaking scenery on his way up while the pit in his belly simmered, nearly ready to boil over. 

It was unsettling how irked he was by their proximity. Jungkook witnessed her seduce men before, but something felt different. Emmy seemed more susceptible to Seoho’s attentive charm, which developed almost too quickly for Jungkook’s liking. Emmy was always great at getting a man’s attention, having them eating from the palm of her hand. However, Seoho had the very same effect on her, and Jungkook did not like it. 

As he reached the top of the slope, he noticed the pair waiting for him and choked as her blue irises sparkled in his direction. He could see the small pull against her lips, tucking into her cheek as she glared at him challengingly. The sunlight peaking over the mountains shined in her eyes, enhancing the color along with her light blue coat. After hopping off the chairlift, he felt out of breath, but he wasn’t sure if it was the density changes or how beautiful she looked.

Jungkook was able to shake himself out of it when Seoho interrupted yet again to get Emmy ready for her first trip down the slope. The agitation soon returned as she allowed Seoho to coddle her onto the board. Jungkook prepared himself beside them, crossing his arms over his chest while he waited for them to finish. This particular hill they were going down was mild compared to the other options, and Jungkook hoped they’d get a chance to run down one of the harder tracks to let out some aggression. 

Once Seoho was finished getting them ready, he turned back to Jungkook. “Are you ready, JK?” He was standing close enough to Emmy so that she could hold onto his hands just as he promised. 

Jungkook forced a smile on his face as if he wasn’t completely bored out of his mind. “Why don’t you two get a headstart?” He suggested, knowing Emmy would be milking this moment as much as possible to distract Seoho and gain his favor. Snowboarding after them gave him a clear view of what they were up to the whole way, allowing him to analyze an opportune moment to sabotage their natural chemistry. 

There was no further communication as Seoho coaxed Emmy down the hill, taking their time to slide as she clung to him. Emmy couldn’t help but steal glances at the man supporting her, her heart fluttering at how genuine he seemed. There was a sense of endearment when she falsely fumbled, trying to get closer rather than the heavy lustful stares she received time and time again. Her pulse ran wildly when he smiled, his face illuminating as the swell of his cheeks overwhelmed his features. 

Jungkook slowly shuffled his board, making sure to keep behind them despite the urge to leave them in his dust. He hated that he had to hold back, but even worse, he kept his smart mouth shut as he watched them ogle over each other for doing the bare minimum. He clicked his teeth against his lip piercing, the metal freezing as he teased it with a quick swipe of his tongue. He searched for an inconspicuous way to wedge himself in the middle of their little mush fest but huffed when he realized anything he did at the moment would be obvious.

He perked up when he noticed Seoho drifting her towards a small jump, aligning it so that she would be able to go over while Seoho stayed firmly on the snow-covered ground. The lightbulb sparked in Jungkook’s brain, and he adjusted his stance on the board to speed up and race toward the small ramp of snow. As he approached, he could vaguely hear Seoho telling her how to prepare for the jump while Emmy anxiously giggled like she was nervous about falling. 

“Watch out!” Jungkook warned as he pivoted up the jump, successfully bumping into Emmy’s shoulder. He heard her shriek, imagining they would become a tangle of limbs, insulation, and laminated wood. However, to his surprise, he made it safely back to the ground and quickly snapped his attention behind him to see Seoho lying on top of Emmy. 

Jungkook felt a stab in his chest, coming to a stop as he turned fully toward them. Emmy was panting beneath the handsome multi-millionaire who curled his arms protectively behind her head. Their lips were nearly touching, and everything about the scene screamed intimate as fire scourged through Jungkook’s veins. He panicked when he noticed their proximity growing smaller, their eyes drooping closed as Seoho cupped her cheek with his gloved hand. “Hey! Are you okay?”

Jungkook felt sick to his stomach when he thought they didn’t hear him until Seoho pulled away, easing his odd spout of nausea. He sighed with relief, waiting slightly downhill for them to join him. Emmy glared at him the entire way, communicating that she knew he did that on purpose. “Sorry!” Jungkook apologized not even trying to hide behind genuine concern as he nonchalantly addressed his “mistake.” 

The rest of the way down, Jungkook kept to himself to avoid driving her further into Seoho’s arms with another failed attempt. He made sure to stay close, interrupting their conversations as he lingered off to the side or slid slowly behind them. His presence naturally killed the mood, and he couldn’t have been happier. 

Back at the bottom, they took a small break to rest their limbs before trying another slope. Emmy gave her review of her first trip down the mountain, fluffing Seoho’s ego with compliments for his guidance while resisting the urge to chew into Jungkook for his collision. 

Seoho glanced at the time, humming to himself for a moment. “It looks like we have time for one more. We should probably start heading back up now.” He mused, making sure to allot time for their return and preparing for a romantic dinner with Emmy. 

Jungkook and Emmy did not argue, gathering their things and following Seoho’s lead towards the ski lift. However, just as they approached the mechanism there was a ring of someone’s cell phone. The trio paused, looking at each other expectantly since the noise was close by. Seoho sighed when he realized it was his device, pulling the source of din from his pocket to check the caller's identification. 

Emmy noticed a flash of annoyance cross his features before he tore his glare away from the phone. “I’m so sorry, but I need to take this. Why don’t I just meet you there in a minute?” He smiled, lifting the device toward his ear and preparing to accept the call. 

Emmy was almost stunned when Jungkook swept her away unapologetically, pulling her from Seoho. She glanced back, catching the millionaire turning away as he greeted the person on the other line. She finally adjusted to her circumstances, slipping from Jungkook. “You’re such an ass.” She hissed, stomping toward the chair lift as Jungkook’s laughter echoed from behind her. 

They clambered onto the dual seat, holding their boards against the safety rails while the mechanism was in continuous motion. Emmy kept her gaze set on the forest surrounding them, breathing in the fresh air and admiring the spectacle nature provided. “So what’s your deal?” Jungkook asked.

She huffed with annoyance, swiveling her head in his direction, picking up the way he obnoxiously stretched across the lift and leaving her little to no space between them. “My deal?” She inquired, not understanding what he was referring to. 

She watched as he adjusted himself, subconsciously pulling at his pant leg to pull the cool fabric from his thigh. “Yeah, you’re going around speaking French,” He paused, his eyes flickering away as he clicked his tongue against his piercing. Emmy hated how much the metal resting on his lip taunted her to kiss him and stop whatever stupid nonsense was coming out of his mouth. “Having little inside jokes,” He mocked, poorly mimicking Emmy with a flutter of his eyelashes and pretending to curl his finger in his hair. “And don’t think I didn’t notice you copying their accent. What are you trying to be, a queeb?”

Emmy pressed her lips together, debating whether it was worth correcting him or not. However, the slang hit a little too close to home and her need to dismantle his attempt at belittling her was far too strong. “For your information, I was born here and lived in Quebec until I was 18. My first language is French.”

Jungkook blinked, interest swirling behind his dark pupils. His expression of surprise morphed into his usual smug smirk. “Born here, huh?” He leaned back against the chairlift, ignoring the small jostle as the mechanism ran over one of the riblet towers. “Are you going to tell mommy and daddy about the rich millionaire you’re trying to steal from or are they not aware of your…behavior?” He made a point to look her up and down, silently judging how she uses her body as a tool against those who are being targeted by the femme fatales. 

Emmy cringed when he mentioned the titles of people she barely knew, let alone recognized even if they were standing right in front of her. “I haven’t talked to them in years.” Her voice was oddly quiet, turning to face forward as distant memories slowly resurfaced with blurred images of what she could vaguely remember from her childhood. “So, no. They’re not aware.” 

Her eyes return to the forest with a heavy heart, avoiding whatever Jungkook might say next. Her heart beat against her ribcage, anticipating some remark from the male hustler that enlightened him about her past. She half expected him to make a joke about her having “daddy issues” but she was happy for the silence. It assured her that maybe his past life wasn’t so spectacular either or at least that he understood it was a sensitive topic. 

The rest of the ride was mostly silent between the two, Jungkook wordlessly grabbing their boards as his eyes met her own. Their gaze locked for a brief moment, their pupils drifting into the deep pools of each other until Jungkook looked away first. He moved toward the edge of the hill, waiting for Emmy to follow before plopping her board onto the ground. “Here, let me-”

“I can do it.” Emmy interrupted Jungkook’s offer to help with her boots. She swiftly stepped into place and strapped herself in effortlessly before Jungkook could finish his sentence. 

Jungkook chuckled to himself in mild disbelief, he knew she was faking it, but he had no idea how much she was playing Seoho with her naive persona. “So, you have been playing dumb…I knew it!” He grinned, feeling oddly satisfied that he was aware of her mannerisms to know when she was being genuine or not.

Emmy scoffed, rolling her eyes at the joy across his face. “I’m Canadian. Of course, I know how to snowboard.”

“Then race me.” He suggested, eagerly smiling at her, hoping to poke at her competitive side. 

Emmy curled a brow, looking him up and down. Part of her wanted to show him up and beat his ass on the slopes, but the more rational part of her said she needed to stay put until Seoho reunited with them. “No thanks.” She stated simply, shrugging as if she had not a single care to compete with the infuriating man in front of her. 

Jungkook smirked, seeing right through her indifference. “What? Afraid to lose to me…again?”

Her head snapped toward him, fixing a glare in his direction. She bit her lip, keeping her aggravation at bay as she continued to be nonchalant. She needed to save her energy for Seoho. “No, I just don’t feel the need to waste my time.”

Jungkook was licked by the flames of irritation, finding her lack of reaction more bothersome than when she outwardly argued with him. “Waste your time?” He reiterated as if her words didn’t brand themselves into his hippocampus. 

Emmy crossed her arms over her chest, cocking her hip to the side. “That’s what I said,” She concurred. “I’m here for Seoho, not you. I’m not playing your little games anymore and I’m certainly not going to bother fucking around with someone like you when I can easily have someone like him.”

Jungkook was taken aback by her dismissal, finding her rejection painful as he replayed the tiny interactions she shared with Seoho so openly in front of him. There was an unsettling churn in his stomach as his gut boiled over, pouring through his veins as he moved into her space. He noticed that his abrupt approach startled her for a moment until she readjusted her glare back onto him. 

The heat behind their eyes would have melted the whole mountain as he grabbed her shoulders firmly in his hands, making sure she couldn’t look away from him. “You know what’s really fucking annoying?” He spat, leveling his eyes with her own. “You rather play pretend with some millionaire than be yourself with someone who thinks you’re perfect.”

Emmy felt her heart stop, her lips parting while Jungkook glared at her with the power of an unstable wildfire. 

Perfect. 

Perfect.

The organ in her chest seemed to pulse with the echo of that word pounding in her head. She was suddenly all too aware of how close he was to her lips, or how he held her firmly to keep her close rather than to inflict pain from his blatant frustration with her. Despite the frozen environment surrounding them, heat engulfed her as she glanced down at his lips, moving back up to search both of his eyes. “W-what did you say?” She managed, her breath drifting like small white clouds between their lips as she urged him to elaborate. 

Jungkook’s blood ran cold as he registered what spilled from his lips. “I-I…” He was lost for words as he tried to escape his impulsive actions smoothly. He allowed his irrationality to take over and was now facing consequences he never anticipated dealing with. “Well, I-”

“Yes?” Emmy encouraged, wanting him to say it again and confirm she didn’t make it all up in her head. 

Jungkook opened his mouth, his throat suddenly tight as the air density made it difficult to breathe under the pressure of his situation. “Sorry!” The voice didn’t match Jungkook’s, causing the pair to turn their head to see Seoho running up to them from the drop-off area of the chair lift. “I didn’t think it would take so long.” Seoho smiled, noticing that Jungkook and Emmy seemed close, but not acknowledging it. 

Emmy felt cold when Jungkook released her, moving away from her so that Seoho could take his place. She glanced toward Jungkook hoping to get a read on what must be going through his head, but Seoho demanded her attention while guiding her to the beginning of the slope. She inhaled deeply, letting the odd mixture of confusion and disappointment get pushed aside to resume her pursuit of the multi-millionaire. 

—

The grand scale of the lodge's vaulted ceilings and large glass windows reflected the snow flurries outside as the warmth of the inside ambiance cast a romantic setting for an evening dinner. Intimate tables of mahogany with lavish leather seating allowed couples to enjoy each other’s company while indulging in some of Montreal's finest cuisine. 

Emmy and the handsome multi-millionaire were indulging in expensive house wines as the native French Canadian recommended ordering a duck a l’orange or a wood fire smoked steak. Seoho was putty in her hands, soaking up her beauty and foreign flare as they conversed in her native tongue, laughing and enjoying each other’s company. 

Not too far from their corner table sat the mischievous male trio, each enjoying their own luxurious meal from the upscale dining experience as they stalked their wealthy target. Jimin seemed completely unbothered by the pair as he cut into a juice coq au vin, savoring the liquor-infused poultry as he brought the meat to his lips. Taehyung and Jungkook sat opposite of him, their positions offering them just the right angle to spy on the feisty brunette, watching her effortlessly seduce the man across from her. 

While Taehyung seemed amused by her flirtatious gestures, Jungkook sat beside him with a heated glare burning through his pupils. He couldn’t help but let his eyes drink in the sight of Emmy’s leg scandalously peeking through the slit of her velvet gown, the terracotta color enhancing the glow of her skin beneath the dim lighting of the intimate dining room. 

“I wonder what her body count is?” Taehyung’s playful voice instantly pulled Jungkook’s attention back onto his partners in crime, watching a smirk pull across Jimin’s lips as his face morphed into one of judgment. 

“Well, she’s already slept with the two of you,” Jimin pointed out, bringing another bite of his truffled potatoes to his mouth before speaking once more. “Who knows how many men she’s screwed over in bed.” 

Jungkook’s jaw tightened as he pressed his teeth together, feeling the obnoxious churn in his stomach return as he imagined her following Seoho to bed. “Probably isn’t far off from yours.” Jungkook’s voice was harsher than he intended, thankful that his comrades didn’t notice the tension in his voice. 

Taehyung shrugged his shoulders at Jungkook’s comment, knowing if there was anyone who came close to seducing as many people as Emmy, it was definitely him. Taehyung reached for his glass, noticing it was empty as he glanced around to spot the closest waitress. “Excuse me, miss.” 

To the men's surprise, Ruby turned around to greet them, the false smile falling from her lips as she clicked her tongue in annoyance. “What do you want?” 

Taehyung seemed far too excited to see the brawn of the female trio, leaning into his elbows as he waved around his empty glass of wine. “Would you be a doll and fetch Daddy a bottle of wine?” Taehyung shamelessly ran his tongue across his bottom lip, grinning proudly at Ruby’s disgusted snarl. 

“Fuck off.” She spat as she turned around, prepared to completely disregard his request as the house manager walked through the space to check on their guests. 

Taehyung repeatedly clicked his tongue in disapproval as he shook his head, “Such terrible service.” He grinned, watching that Jimin and Jungkook were just as amused as he waved down the manager. “Pardon, Monsieur!” 

“Ruby!” Jade snapped in her earpiece, quickly catching onto the fact that they fully intended to complain about their service to the boss. Ruby groaned loudly as she turned back around, forcing a smile on her face as she walked back toward Taehyung who was still making eye contact with the manager. 

“My apologies, sir.” Ruby grit between her teeth, leaning forward to grab his glass. “One glass of wine, coming right up.” 

“Make that two,” Jimin smirked, holding up his own empty glass as Ruby fought back her urge to cuss them out. 

Their table was suddenly greeted by a man in a suit, a French accent gracing his lips. “Good afternoon sir, is everything to your liking?” He seemed hesitant as he awaited Taehyung’s review. Taehyung leaned back in his seat, enjoying the surge of power he felt far too much. 

“Everything is excellent.” He finally spoke, slicing the tension in half as he glanced up at Ruby, winking at her as she swiftly made her way to fetch their wine. “My compliments to the chef.” The man in formal attire nodded politely, satisfied with his customer’s comment as he urged them to enjoy the rest of their meal before continuing his rounds.

Jungkook’s attention flickered back toward Emmy and Seoho as the sound of her bright laughter echoed through the small space, his eyes narrowing in on her as she attempted to contain her giggles. Jungkook couldn’t help but feel the annoyance return as he thought back to their interaction on the ski slopes. One minute, he managed to falter her with his careless comment, and the next she seemed to completely forget about it, which only added to his frustrations. He was usually the one to have such an affect on her, and now he was forced to watch Seoho charm her mindlessly. 

“I’ll be back.” Jungkook finally spoke, his resolve snapping as Seoho leaned into Emmy to whisper something into her ear. Jimin and Taehyung watched as their youngest counterpart suddenly stood to make his way toward the couple, confidence exuding in each step. “Lee Seoho, what a pleasure.” Jungkook unapologetically interrupted, greeting Seoho as he turned to face Emmy. “I see you’ve managed to enchant your beautiful company.” 

Emmy felt her throat run dry, stunned to hear Jungkook refer to her as beautiful after calling her perfect just a few hours ago. Seoho smiled brightly, glancing back toward Emmy as he gently grabbed ahold of her hand, lifting it to his lips to place a swift kiss on the backside of her hand. “On the contrary, for it’s she who has enchanted me.” 

Jungkook felt the urge to laugh at his corny response, however, the way Emmy’s eyes sparkled at the interaction distracted him too much. He noticed a spare chair at the table beside them, pulling the piece of furniture over as he plopped down directly between them. “Mind if I join you for a moment? There was something I was meaning to discuss with you.” He smiled charismatically as Seoho glanced toward Emmy who simply smiled brightly. 

“Not at all. I was just heading to the ladies' room.” She fought the urge to smack Jungkook for once again interrupting but decided to continue her charming facade. “Will you excuse me a moment?” She glanced back toward Seoho, batting her eyes sweetly as he gestured for her to stand. 

“Of course.” 

Emmy flashed a glare toward Jungkook as she twisted her body to seek out the restrooms. She took slow steps, switching her hips as she walked, knowing that Seoho was most likely watching her strut away, admiring the curves of her body. What she didn’t notice was that Jungkook was also tempted to watch her, both men secretly fantasizing about her form. “What was it you wanted to talk about?” Seoho finally glanced back toward Jungkook who smiled childishly as he discussed another opportunity to ski down a black diamond trail. 

Jimin and Taehyung were surprised to see Jungkook smoothly capture Seoho’s attention with the daring sport while Emmy finally reached the women’s room, groaning in her earpiece as she glanced at her reflection in the mirror. 

“What the hell is he doing?” She snipped in her earpiece, hearing Jade’s voice on the opposite end. 

“I don’t know. Ruby, what are they talking about?” Jade asked, a slight hint of concern laced in her voice. 

Ruby moved to serve a table nearby, confirming their conversation. “They're talking about skiing.” Her voice was less than enthused as she continued to make her way through the intimate room. “And his goons seem far too satisfied with their meal.” 

Emmy pressed her palms against the sink counter, adjusting her hair and making sure her makeup was still fresh on her complexion. “Jade, figure out a way to get them out of here.” 

“Me?!” Jade protested as Ruby quickly joined in on the discussion once more. 

“Unless you want to come serve these idiots, get your ass in here and figure something out.” 

Jade let out a huff as she contemplated a way to cause enough of a distraction. Emmy smacked her lips together as she smoothed over a fresh layer of lipstick, stuffing the small tube back in her clutch as she took another glance into the bathroom mirror. “I’m not letting him get in the way again.” While her partners heard her words, she mostly spoke them to herself, refusing to let Jungkook get under her skin and take another victory away from her. 

The youngest took a soothing breath before making her way back out toward her private table, noticing Jungkook and Seoho were still engaged in an intriguing conversation. She took her seat, smiling up at Seoho as he excitedly let her in on the information. “JK was just telling me about another trail. We might hit it up tomorrow before the end of my visit.” 

Emmy clenched her teeth together, bringing her wine glass to her lips. “Sounds delightful.” She lied, taking a sizeable swig of the alcohol-infused concentrate. 

“I can’t believe he managed to snake his way into their date.” Jimin shook his head in surprise, impressed by his comrade's ability to charm their targets. 

Taehyung finished the last bite of his meal, leaning back in his chair to let his stomach stretch out from the large amount of food he indulged in. “He’s a little shit, but he gets the job done,” Taehyung adds playfully, exchanging a satisfied smile with Jimin as they grabbed their wine glasses. “To another hopeful victory.”

Just as Jimin was going to clink his glass together with Taehyung’s, he felt a sharp sting across his cheek, glancing up frantically to see Jade standing before him in hysterics. “What the…” 

“How dare you!” She continued, threatening to smack him again as Jimin quickly seized the opportunity to snatch her wrist. 

“What the fuck are you doing?” His eyes were wide as Jade channeled her inner Emmy, pulling out her dramatics. 

She began to cry, drawing the attention of a few tables beside them. “I knew you were cheating on me, but I didn’t know you were gay!” 

Taehyung practically choked on his wine as Jade gestured toward him, her accusations accompanied by gasps from neighboring tables. Taehyung felt his cheeks flash red in embarrassment, suddenly looking at their table, realizing to an unsuspecting person they sure looked like they’d be on a date. 

“I’m not gay!” Jimin quickly retaliated as Jade let out a loud wail of sorrow. Jimin felt his body become tense in anger as he gripped her wrist tightly, his eye flashing red with wrath. “Can I speak to you a moment, privately?” He grit between his teeth, trying not to draw more attention to them as he stood from his chair, practically dragging Jade off behind him. 

It wasn’t until they were finally in the hallway that Jimin released her wrist, pushing her up against the wall as his irritation boiled over. “What the hell were you thinking?” He smacked his hand against the wall beside her head, causing her to flinch for a moment as she glared up at him. 

“What’s wrong? I figured since you clearly aren’t concerned with ruining someone’s date, I might as well ruin yours.” Jade couldn’t help but grin between each word as Jimin pressed forward, trying to intimidate her until they heard the door of the lounge open. 

Jimin quickly stepped away from her as a bystander glared in his direction, making him feel even more uncomfortable than he already felt. “This isn’t over.” He threatened back toward Jade who instantly began fake crying again as the witness continued to stare at Jimin as if he was a terrible human being. “And cut the bullshit.” 

Meanwhile, Emmy’s table seemed to be distracted by the commotion until Jungkook suddenly stood from his seat with the sound of glass breaking beside him. Ruby was inches away with a now empty tray, wine spilling all over Jungkook’s trousers as the chilled liquid seeped through his clothing. “Shit.” 

“I’m so sorry, monsieur.” Ruby falsely apologized as Emmy bit her lip, desperately attempting to contain her laughter. Jungkook seemed as flustered as Jimin while Ruby attempted to wipe his pants with her towel, shooing her away as he noticed Seoho’s attention directly on the situation. 

He chewed on his lip piercing as he kept his cool. “An accident, of course.” He hissed through his teeth, knowing it was clearly no accident. He took a cloth napkin from the table, wiping away any reminisce of the liquid from his pants, annoyed to see the fabric was now stained. “I should go get cleaned up. I’ll see you tomorrow then?” 

Seoho was quick to stand and politely say goodbye to Jungkook, confirming their plans before telling Ruby to get something to clean up the mess. Jungkook found Emmy’s glare once more, burning through her resolve with his fiery stare before turning to dismiss himself, the girls suddenly feeling proud of their chaotic distractions. 

Emmy respectfully called after Jungkook, waving him off as she turned her attention back to Seoho. A few staff members bustled to clean up the spilled wine as Seoho signed their receipt to have their meal charged to his room. Emmy simply brought her glass to her lips, watching the scene unfold as Seoho stood beside her. 

“How about a stroll, ma belle? To finish the evening?” He offered as he held out his hand. Emmy’s smile reflected in her pupils as she politely accepted his hand.

“That would be wonderful.”  She beamed, thrilled for another opportunity to get close to her target and enchanting date. “I have to admit.” She continued on, placing a playful pout on her lips as she stood up from her seat. “I was hoping for the chance to see you again tomorrow.” 

Seoho’s charming smile stretched across his lips as began guiding her out of the small dining room. “I’m sure I can arrange that.” He maneuvered himself beside her, snaking his arm around her waist as they retrieved their coats from the hostess. “How about ice skating tomorrow night?”

Emmy contemplated his proposal, bitter that he was still entertaining his morning skiing with Jungkook. She batted her eyelashes flirtatiously, leaning her hip into him as he retrieved her coat and draped it over her shoulders. “Sounds perfect.”

—

“Breakfast is ready!” Jade announced, moving out of the way for their dining cart to roll into their suite. The server pushed the collection of breakfast foods into the middle of the living room space, placing it at the end of the dining table. Jade slipped him a small tip, leading him back out the door as Ruby started sniffing at the food hidden beneath the silver plate lid on the large platter. 

Emmy was in the bathroom, taking a thorough shower in anticipation of her date with Seoho. “Why’d you say it like you made?” Ruby pulled off the giant lid, spotting her plate of pancakes and bacon before shooting Jade a judgemental side-eye. 

Jade swooped in, grabbing her plate of eggs, sausage, and toast with a side of maple syrup to sweeten her savory meal. “Technically, I ordered it so…yeah. Sorry, not sorry.” She quickly dashed off towards the sofa, curling her feet underneath her as she leaned against the arm of the couch, balancing her plate in her hand. 

Ruby shook her head, getting comfortable at the table with every intention of drowning her plate in syrup. “Hey,” She called out to Jade softly, hoping Emmy wouldn’t hear them under the stream of her shower. “Do you think we need to come up with a plan B?”

Jade curled her brow, pausing after already stabbing into the yolk of her egg. “What do you mean?”

“I don’t know, it’s just this is our last chance before our window closes. What if we lose again?” Ruby subconsciously poured syrup over her stack, her eyes flicking between the amber liquid and Jade’s thoughtful expression.

Jade contemplated their predicament, feeling her instincts screaming at her that Ruby was only suggesting a proper backup in case all else failed, but she tried to stay positive. “Don't worry, this guy has already taken the bait. Emmy is gonna reel him in and we’ll all reap the benefits.”

Ruby hummed, pursing her lips together as she glanced toward the closed door of the bathroom where Emmy was located. “I guess so.” She paused when she heard the shower turn off and the harsh raking of the hooks dragging across the curtain rod. “It just feels different.” She added, quickly dropping her concern onto Jade’s lap before cutting into her pancakes. 

Before Jade could dig further into Ruby’s comment, the bathroom door opened to reveal Emmy wrapped up in a white cotton robe, soaking up the dew from her skin as her hair was wrapped up in another smaller towel. “It smells so good.” Emmy commented, her eyes falling on Ruby’s plate that needed disaster relief. She chuckled as she grabbed her plate with a little bit of everything on it, joining Ruby at the table and making sure to face Jade. 

“Oh, by the way, nice job chasing the guys away.” Emmy complimented, looking at their intellectual counterpart. Jade snapped her head up, pausing mid-chew with a piece of egg in her mouth. She made a noise of acknowledgment, but Emmy continued. “I didn’t know you had it in you to make such a scene.”

Ruby laughed beside her, covering her mouth to hide the fact they thought the spectacle was hilarious. Jade swallowed the egg down her throat, clearing the remnants that lingered on her tongue. “Well, I just thought what would Emmy do and went with it.” Ruby’s laughter turned into a cackle at the back-handed compliment while Emmy narrowed her eyes at the oldest. 

“Haha.” She stabbed into her slice of bacon before lifting it to her lips to steal a bite, gnawing at the meat with her canines harshly. 

The girls ate in silence as Ruby settled her fit of giggles, choking down another bit of pancake before she decided to discuss their plans. “Anyway, what are you doing with Seoho today?”

Emmy paused, biting her lip as she thought of the handsome gentleman with the all-encompassing smile. “He’s taking me ice skating.” She mumbled before shoveling more food into her food to distract from the blush that slowly invaded her complexion. 

Jade noticed the suddenly bashful Emmy and made a teasing oooo sound with Ruby joining in for the fun of it. “Don’t tell me you're getting soft on us.” Ruby added like a cherry on top.

“No, don’t be ridiculous.” Emmy dismissed, waving off the pink hue on her cheeks. “He’s just really sweet, that’s all.” She couldn’t help but admit as she thought about how charismatic and down-to-earth he was. 

“Maybe we should ask if he wants three sugar babies and we can have unlimited spending money.” Ruby suggested, continuing to cut her stack of pancakes into uneven bites.

Emmy nearly cried watching the chaos unfold on her plate and Jade laughed out loud. “Yeah right. Between your drinking “habit” and Emmy’s maintenance routine, he’d be drained dry within a month.” Jade put quotation marks around the reference to Ruby’s daily alcohol consumption. The girls were all aware that she drank the burning substance like water, but luckily, she always managed to stay coherent in most situations. 

“Oh, don’t you even start. I’ve seen how much you spend on food, my little gourmet glutton.” Emmy snapped back, calling Jade out for indulgent and expensive eating habits. Ruby nodded in agreement, eyeing the plate of protein on the oldest’s lap.

Jade waved her hand as if she were shooing them away. “Whatever, I do what I want.” She said defensively, unapologetic for her spending habits. “So, what do you plan on wearing?” She narrowly changed the subject trying to keep them focused on the task at hand. 

Emmy quickly clambered out of the chair and raced to her bedroom, pulling off the outfit she laid out before she jumped into the shower. “What do you think?” She displayed it against her frame, only showing off the layers that would be hidden underneath a large faux fur coat. 

“Won’t you be cold?” Ruby nearly choked at the thin fabric that made up her outfit. 

“I’ll have a jacket obviously, but once we settle somewhere a little more private, this is what he’ll see.” Emmy seemed proud of herself as she imagined his eyes bulging from his sockets when she revealed the form-fitting outfit that showed off her legs that she hoped would be wrapped around his waist later that evening. 

“I’m sure he’ll be drooling on the floor.” Jade encouraged, noticing the genuine smile and giddiness in each step Emmy took on her way to place the outfit back in her room. She shared a knowing look with Ruby from across the room before Emmy returned. She waited as the youngest member got comfy in her seat, “Hey, are you sure you can do this?” Jade asked, trying not to show that she had any doubt in Emmy’s capabilities. 

Emmy seemed to shake out of her excitement, noticing her partners looking at her expectantly. “Yeah, trust me. I have him completely wrapped around my finger and we’ll be gone before tomorrow morning.” She ignored the slight tick in her smile as she assured the girls of her confidence, knowing their success depended on her. She bit the inside of her cheek to keep the subtle frown from pulling at her lips as she poked the prongs of her fork against the syrup-soaked pancakes. 

—

A brisk wind rushed by, seeping the touch of ice through Emmy’s layers. She adjusted her little blue coat around her torso, hugging the fabric tighter to smother her body heat. Seoho chuckled beside her, pulling her in close as he reached for her hand. “Here, allow me.” He wrapped an arm around her waist, guiding her forward as he cradled her palm within his other hand. 

Emmy allowed him to manipulate her body, his directions so gentle and nurturing that even his gestures warmed her up. She moved her legs, gliding across the ice as the cable knit of her light blue stockings flexed with every movement. “I know how to skate, you know.” She offered, her tone soft so that she didn’t offend his intimate nature. 

“Yes, but you seemed cold.” He offered, slowly slipping away.

Emmy grabbed him, bringing him back so that he continued holding her in his embrace. “I think I still am.” She lied, feeling the heat swell within her chest as his large smile overtook his features. She found the way his eyes closed endearing whenever he seemed excited or bashful. As she leaned into him, she couldn’t help but be perfectly aware of his fingers teasing the sequins of her silver skirt that accentuated the light blue ensemble. 

She stole this opportunity to enjoy her surroundings, skating over the ice with the assistance of Seoho while passing by the small village they had walked through just the previous evening. During the day, the white-painted shops and little red roofs were vibrant with life under the beaming sun. Layers of snow were scattered amongst the tops of every surface, decorating the scene in a natural winter scheme. During their stay, Emmy felt a combination of emotions as she thought of her life before she met Jade and Ruby, but tried to stay in the moment and thrive in the memories of the places she visited rather than the people she knew. 

“Excuse me!” Someone shouted, causing Emmy to jolt back into the present as a young teenager sped in front of them. Seoho was able to stop them just in time before they collided with the adolescent, nearly tumbling backward when he yanked Emmy against his frame. When he braced for impact, he naturally curled his arms around the woman, bringing her to face him where their skates were knocking into each other. 

Luckily, he managed to catch himself and looked sheepishly at Emmy who seemed startled by the abrasive course of action. “Sorry.” They stood still amongst the rink, looking into each other’s eyes, the tension slowly dwindling the longer they stood facing each other. 

Emmy blinked, the spell broken as she smiled up at him. “Something tells me you’re not that sorry.” She boldly slipped her arms around his neck, drawing him in close until his lips were level with her own. Her heart pounded in her chest when his eyes flicked across her face, taking in every detail and watching his pupils enlarge.

Seoho’s eyelids dropped, feeling heavy as he returned her gaze. Their breath began to mingle as he leaned in, his arms curled around her snugly. “You might be right.” His lips brushed against her own, nearly pressing them together until a fit of giggling children skated by and interrupted the mood. He pulled back abruptly, looking at their surroundings as if he had forgotten they were in the middle of a skating rink. “How about we get something to eat?”

Emmy pouted as the cool air swirled over her face, craving the taste of Seoho’s lips over anything that the village of small shops had to offer. She bit her lip, falling back into a slow glide beside him as they made their way towards the exit.  She peered over towards Seoho, trying to read his expression, and noticed the hungry look in his eyes still lingering. She chewed the inside of her cheek with anticipation, wondering how soon she could bring him to his primal instincts. 

She coyly moved her pupils in the opposite direction, spotting a small poutine cafe. She salivated at the thought of the comfort food she grew up with and turned to look at Seoho, “Do you like poutine?”

Seoho turned his head, keeping his gaze down to avoid skating into someone. “I’ve never tried it.”

Emmy gasped, moving her feet faster to race to the exit. “Well, let’s go then!” She squealed in excitement, eager to get a serving of a long-forgotten pastime. 

Seoho chuckled at her mannerisms, noticing she was like a child in a candy store. He reached out for her, slowing her stride down slightly as he threaded his fingers through her own. “Don’t leave without me, ma belle.”

Emmy nearly swooned as he used his term of endearment for her, slowing down as they approached the threshold for the skating rink. She bit her lip when he swooped in front of her, stepping onto the stable ground with the blades of his skates before helping her across. As she stepped close beside him, she continued to hold his hand and stood on the tip toes of her skates to place a kiss on his cheek. 

The moment was swift, but the dumbstruck look on his face was more than worth it. Emmy settled with her victory before stepping towards the benches to take her skates off while Seoho seemed to collect himself. 

After returning their skates and adjusting back into their boots, the pair made their way to the cafe Emmy had been eyeing. Seoho held the door open while Emmy stepped inside getting draped in the warmth and rich, savory scents of cooked food. The cafe wasn’t particularly big, but it was bustling with customers waiting in line to grab a basket which made it fairly easy to walk with. There were a few barstools along the wall leading to the counter and a handful of small tables that could seat up to four people.

Seoho came up behind Emmy, lightly placing his hand on her back. “Why don’t you find a seat and I can get it?” He offered, noticing the line was going to be a decent wait. 

“No, I’ll get it. Especially since you never had it before.” Emmy smiled back at him, insisting she treat him. She nearly screamed at herself when she realized that she should be making him pay, he was the target of their hustle after all. 

Seoho smirked, finding her determination amusing before fishing out his wallet and pulling his card out. He placed it gingerly in her hand, pulling away so that she could not return it. “Put it on my card at least.” He suggested. He brought the hand that was resting on the small of her back up to pull her hair off her shoulder, dipping down to brush his lips across her cheek. “I’ll save you a seat.”

Emmy felt as if her whole body stopped functioning as he left her in shambles; her heart stopped working, she couldn’t breathe, and every muscle in her body was frozen. Her sparkling irises followed him as he moved to a table by the large windows facing the front of the establishment, sitting with the same magnetism he had when she first encountered him. 

His sharp eyes found hers and she snapped out of her daze, a harsh blush slapping over her cheeks as she quickly shielded herself from his calculating gaze. She moved with the line as another customer successfully received their order, biting her lip as she tried settling her nerves. She took the opportunity to take out her phone, texting her friends with an update to help ground her from the treacherous emotions swirling within her. “I’m in trouble.” She mumbled to herself, her heart still dancing wildly in her chest.

Every time she was with him, it was like she completely forgot about what her goal was. She wasn’t sure why he was like kryptonite, but she couldn’t say this experience was frustrating in the least. She glanced down at the card he had given her, thinking that she could simply run with it and have her victory right then and there. It could have been possibly the easiest steal of her life, but she hesitated. Not only because they were in broad daylight and she could easily be caught, but because she didn’t want the date to end. 

Seoho had been one of the few men to actually treat her with any ounce of decency and Emmy could honestly say it was refreshing. He didn’t try to sleep with her at every turn or treat her like some piece of decoration on his arm, he was intrigued by her presence and very attentive to her needs. She glanced back at him as the line moved up again, wondering how she was going to deal with the guilt of fucking him over by the end of the night.

She pursed her lips together as the guilt set it, trying to think of something else that would distract her from potentially sabotaging the mission. They already lost to the guys, they couldn’t have another loss on their hands. Emmy nearly groaned as Jungkook’s face mocked her in the back of her head, the reminder that he was just on her coat tail with gaining Seoho’s trust considering they had just gone skiing this morning. 

You rather play pretend with some millionaire than be yourself with someone who thinks you’re perfect. She vividly replayed that moment in her head, wondering if she heard him wrong. He seemed so frustrated and genuine when he spit the words from his mouth, but Emmy had yet to see his behavior change to make her think it was anything more than just another little game of his. 

“Hello, what can I get you?” The sweet voice of a middle-aged woman disturbed Emmy from her thoughts, realizing that she traveled to the front of the line and it was her turn to order. 

Emmy quickly scanned the menu, embarrassed that she wasn’t more prepared and instead thinking of the bane of her existence even though she was on a date with a complete gentleman. She then placed her order, making sure to get enough for both of them before stepping aside to wait for her portions. She watched intently as they poured the seasoning and gravy over the small baskets of fries sprinkled with cheese curds, eager to dig into the dish once she sat down with Seoho.

They shortly offered her the baskets of food, gesturing towards the utensils and napkins for them to use. Emmy hurried to grab the tools she needed before scurrying to the small table Seoho claimed. “Here you go.” She said, placing the food on the surface prior to handing him back the card. 

Seoho’s eyes were wide as he looked at the meal before him, slipping his credit card back into his wallet without tearing his eyes away. “This looks delicious.” He moved his gaze towards Emmy, noticing her sitting across from him at the table. “Sit here.” He quickly pushed the seat out adjacent to him, allowing her to sit closer to him. 

Emmy happily placed herself by his side, grabbing the forks and offering him one. “You should try it first.” She waved the fork in his direction, her teeth shining in the natural sunlight that beamed through the glass window.  She held her breath as Seoho took the utensil from her, eyeing his first bite for the most covered morsels in his platter. He finally stabbed his fork into a covered fry, making sure to stab at a cheese curd like a small kabob on the prongs. 

He parted his lips, placing the food on his tongue before chewing, letting his expression do most of the talking while Emmy watched. The tension was high as she noticed his brows furrowed and he chewed slowly, taking in every flavor as he went. She relaxed when she heard the satisfying hum in the back of his throat, nodding his head as he stabbed into another piece. “Very good.” He uttered between a small seam in his lips as he finished up his first bite. 

Emmy felt giddy as she grabbed her fork, looking for her first bite until Seoho placed his hand over her own, keeping her utensil down. She curled her brow over her forehead, turning to look at him in confusion. “Is something wrong?��

She was startled by how softly he looked at her, cherishing her like she was a work of art worthy of such admiration. “Well, I thought maybe since it was my first time eating poutine, I could make this time special for you.”

“Oh?” 

Seoho continued to hold her hand as he scanned his smothered fries for another worthy piece. Once he found it, he offered it to Emmy at the end of his fork. “This could be the first time you eat it served by me.” He almost said it like a question, almost as if the idea was silly, but Emmy found his sudden shyness charming. 

Without any response, Emmy felt her lips pull at the corner as she leaned into him, guiding her mouth towards the food hanging off his fork. Seoho met her halfway, gently slipping the bite past her lips until they closed around the portion he offered her. Emmy blushed as he focused his gaze on her lips, watching her chew and savor the taste that reminded her of home.

 She moaned to herself in enjoyment, ready to dig in and demolish the rest on her plate but stopped when his hand curled under her chin, his thumb swiping the corner of her mouth. He quickly pulled away, teasing his tongue against the pad of his thumb to collect whatever remnants were on her face. “You had some gravy.” He mentioned, smiling as he realized what he had just done. 

Emmy bit her lip to keep from giggling as he looked down, suddenly enamored with the dish as the tips of his ears became red. Without another word, she started to dig into her own meal her heart thrumming against her ribcage as the heat of her emotions overwhelmed her beyond that of the warm food and atmosphere. 

Their time eating had gone silent as they picked apart the poutine, and slowly reached the bottom of the serving basket with every bite. Seoho glanced outside, noticing the sun start to make its way down from its peak. He cleared his throat, grabbing Emmy’s attention. “I was wondering if you would like to join me back at my cabin tonight?”

Emmy’s interest was piqued, her heart racing ever faster at the implications of his proposal. She subconsciously licked her lips as if she had a drop of gravy on them. She hesitated, knowing this was the moment she’d been waiting for. However, it was also the moment this charade of leading a normal, romantic life would be over. She looked at the man sitting beside her, finding him tense with anticipation as if she would reject him at any moment. Despite the pout pulling at her lips, she forced a soft smile over her face. “I would love to.”

Seoho’s cheeks swelled against his eyes, causing her heart to drop as she imagined what he would look like when he realized she was only using him. She suddenly found she wasn’t hungry anymore and pushed the rest of her delicious poutine away. “I’m full.” Seoho seemed none the wiser to the change in her demeanor as he finished up the rest of his meal.

The walk back up to the main resort was filled with light chatter, but Emmy found herself lost in thought as they turned off toward the private cabins. Her stomach churned with an odd mix of emotions. Being with Seoho was fulfilling in a way, therapeutic almost. 

He was a rare specimen that treated her better than she ever dreamed a man could. No one in her life really made her feel normal, but with him, it was the closest she ever felt and despite all the excitement of hustling, she was fond of the ease that came with doing the mundane. However, she wanted to prove that she could overcome these emotional obstacles and get a win against the guys. She couldn’t let her girls down.

Then a small part of her kept playing her interaction with Jungkook infuriatingly calling her out on the top of a ski slope. Even if there was a future to be had with a man like Seoho, there’s no telling that he would like her as she truly was. She created a more timid version of herself, appealing to his more doting personality that seemed to want to cater to her and treat her like a princess. Not that she can really complain, but yet again, Jungkook was right. 

“Are you alright, ma belle?” Seoho’s voice brought her back. Realizing they were walking down the path along the large lake overlooked by the resort’s property. She admired the expanse of the frozen surface, a world covered in white as even the tree tops were covered in snow. 

She finally turned to Seoho, noticing his concerned expression. “Yeah, I’m fine.” She shook herself out of her overthinking mind and curled her arm through his own, bundling up into his warmth. “Are we almost there?”

Seoho relaxed when she cuddled against his frame, flicking his attention up ahead to see where his cabin was located along the path. “It should be the next one.” Their feet crunched the snow-covered ground, the colors of the sky painted across the ice in darkening pastels with the setting sun. 

Emmy noticed a sparse line of lampposts following the path as they suddenly switched on as the evening progressed. She then spotted a small chalet not too far from the lake that she could only assume was the cabin he rented for his stay. It had large windows facing toward the speculator view of the winter scene and had enough distance from the other neighboring cabins for plenty of privacy.

Emmy was eager to get inside, getting a break from the cold and becoming toasty with Seoho. He moved up the short set of stairs leading to the entrance and quickly opened it, allowing Emmy into the warmth first. She shuddered from the difference in temperature as Seoho slipped inside, closing the door behind him. 

The space was mostly dark except for a light he left on by the entrance and the dim sunshine that peeked in. “Wait, right here.” He said, moving around her to turn on some more lights. Emmy was pleased to see the cozy loft, from the dark leather furniture accentuating the wood of the cabin structure and the stone fireplace beside the quaint kitchen area. “That’s better.”

Emmy stood patiently waiting to see where he wanted her to sit, surprised when he came over to help her out of her coat. He paused when he noticed her form-fitting long-sleeve shirt underneath, eyeing her frame up and down completely now that the bulky coat was off her shoulders. He placed the article on the hanger, his attention undivided as he offered her to pick a seat in the living room. 

Emmy kicked into gear, swishing her hips side to side until she perched herself on his couch. She crossed one leg over the other, allowing her skirt to ride up along her thigh and exposing more of the stocking that covered her legs. Seoho removed his jacket, showing off the crisp clean white button-down he had hidden underneath. She nearly jumped when he started rolling up the sleeves, watching the muscles of his forearm. “Are you thirsty?”

“Huh?” Emmy felt like she was caught red-handed checking him out, heat rising to her cheeks as he seemed to smile to himself. 

“I asked if you were thirsty. I have some wine.” He offered, switching to the other cuff and rolling that up his arm. He slowly moved toward the kitchen, waiting for Emmy’s response. 

She smoothed out her skirt, pulling the fabric down as she swallowed her spike of nerves. “Yeah, that sounds good.” She smiled at him, glancing at him as he went into the kitchen to grab two glasses. She waited until he seemed distracted before pulling her phone out and texting the girls. However, when she opened the device, she noticed there was no reception at their location. “Shit.” She cursed under her breath, slipping the phone away.

Seoho appeared shortly with a bucket filled with ice, the bottle tucked securely in the cubes and two glasses threaded through his fingers. He placed them on the coffee table before lowering himself to sit beside Emmy, knocking his knee against her leg. “Sorry.”

Emmy giggled, “It’s okay.” She anxiously fiddled with the hem of her skirt as he popped the cork off the bottle. He then poured them each a glass, filling them with a rich cabernet. After both were poured, he dunked the bottle back in the bucket of ice and handed one of the stemmed glasses to Emmy.

“Should we make a toast?” He proposed, opening up the air for any suggestions. Emmy could see by the intent look in his eye that whatever she said next would set the path for the rest of the evening. This was her opportunity to get him vulnerable and make her grab before she dashed back to the girls for a quick getaway. 

Emmy fell into character, pulling on her most seductive mannerisms as she twirled the liquid in her cup nearly tracing the rim against her lips. “A simple cheers will do, don’t you think?” She leaned into him, her eyes dropping low before traveling back up to meet those piercing dark irises. “I think I’m tired of talking.” With that note, she tipped the glass against her lips, taking a sip as she tilted her head back.

Seoho instantly picked on her innuendo, taking a gulp of his wine as he relished the way she slowly swallowed her wine down. After finishing every drop, she placed the wine glass on the coffee table and noticed Seoho looking at her with lust set in his features. He moved his glass out of the way, scooting in closer to her as he cradled her face within his hands, his thumb finding its way back to the corner of her mouth. “What is it this time? Wine?” She asked, her voice changing into a purr as she nuzzled into his warm palms. 

“No,” He whispered, leaning in close so that their lips brushed. “I just want to touch you.” He moved forward encasing her lips with his own, feeling her shiver beneath his hold.

Emmy moaned as she closed her eyes, getting drunk off the plush feeling of his pillowy lips against hers. She was amazed by how gentle his kiss was, yet so demanding as his tongue prodded against the seam. She teased him, not allowing him to deepen the kiss as she slipped her arms around his neck, pulling him into her. 

Seoho moved one of his hands down her side, gripping firmly at her figure as his fingers traced along the curve of her spine and his thumb grazed the peak of her breast. The same hand continued to conquer her body until it mapped the expanse of her thigh and manipulated the crook of her knee so that her leg curled around his waist. He laid her down along the sofa hovering above her as the other hand cradling her cheek slid down to gently grip her throat. “Open up for me.” He softly commanded, pulling away from her intoxicating lips to catch his breath.

He nuzzled his nose across her features, calming himself down as she panted beneath him. When he found that the air was properly circulating through his lungs, he sealed his lips back over hers. Her moan vibrated against his palm as he held her throat, keeping her from evading his kiss.

Emmy felt his tongue come knocking at her lips for entrance and giggled as she continued making him chase her. His hips retaliated against her with her refusal. He nipped at her bottom lip with his teeth as he grew impatient, the bulge in his pants serving as a reminder of the sexual tension coursing through his veins. Emmy finally gave in when he pulled her lip with his teeth, stretching the skin just enough to get her attention and have her chasing after his kiss. 

“I want you.” She managed, pulling him back and allowing him to slip his tongue between her lips. She felt his hand around her throat tighten but only acknowledged the rush of blood in her ears from the sensation as her senses were overloaded. 

Suddenly she felt a sharp pain on the side of her neck where he wasn’t holding her. She quickly pushed him away, opening her eyes to find that he had a syringe in his hand and a cruel smile on his face. She pressed her hand against the wound, noticing the syringe was completely empty. She felt cold as ice as fear struck her. “Why did you do that? What is that?” She managed before crawling away from him, unnerved by this sinister grin she had never seen from the man before. 

He didn’t answer, only chuckling as she backed away towards the door. When he stood up, she grabbed the win bottle from the bucket ready to use it as a weapon if he got any closer. “Are you scared? That only makes the drug work faster.”

Emmy could feel her heart racing, but she wasn’t going to let that stop her from trying to leave. She felt her back collide with the wall adjacent to the entrance ready to make an exit, but when her hand went to grab the handle, it flopped against the cool metal instead. “Fuck.” She muttered, trying again only unable to use the function of her hand. She felt her leg muscles get weak as she slowly slid to the floor, her arms no longer lifting up or supporting her from falling towards the ground. There was the sound of breaking glass as the wine bottle cracked against the floor, shattering to pieces while she crumbled to the ground. As her world became blurry, the last thing she heard was the chilling laughter of Seoho before she was left helpless in darkness. 

—

Jade’s eyes skimmed the screen of her phone, chewing on the inside of her cheek nervously as she anticipated a message from their youngest as the numbers on her screen shifted to read four o'clock in the morning. It was highly unusual for Emmy to go such a long time without updating her teammates on her progress, even if she did get sidetracked by bringing one of their targets to bed. Jade expected her to have returned hours ago, a nervous pit forming in her stomach as she glanced towards the door of their suite. 

She took a deep breath, tapping away on her device as she located the Find My app, clicking it open to see if she could at least find Emmy’s location based on the whereabouts of her phone. Unfortunately, the minute the app ignited, she noticed a small message under Emmy’s icon, indicating that there was no location found for that user. 

Her eyebrows pinched together at the sight, assuming wherever she was there most likely wasn’t any service to accurately display her location. Thankfully for the tech guru, she knew exactly how to go around the system, tracking the device with her own hacked rescue network. 

To her surprise, there was still nothing showing her any glimpse at Emmy’s location, leaving her with nothing but suspicion of her friend’s whereabouts.

The soft hums of Ruby echoed from beside her, the brawn of the group resting on the couch, utilizing the opportunity to gather some energy as Jade grew more and more worried. “Ruby.” She spoke softly, glancing toward her as she sought out a pillow from the couch beside her, tossing it in her direction. 

The plush fabric refused to spare Ruby as it whipped against her face, causing her to jolt up from her slumber. “What?!” She groaned, her eyes clearly heavy with exhaustion. “Is she back yet?” 

As Ruby rubbed the exhaustion from her features, Jade stood up, feeling suddenly anxious that something wasn’t right. “No.” She spoke plainly, moving to retrieve her coat from one of the hooks near their hotel door. “She hasn’t even messaged.” 

“Did you track her?” Ruby inquired, watching Jade’s face fall pale as she twisted the screen of her phone towards her teammate, displaying the failed connection to locating Emmy’s phone. 

The reality of the situation caused Ruby to quickly sober up from her sleepy haze, watching the frightened expression stretch across Jade’s features. “Nothing?” Her agitation from being woken up seemed to dissipate as she plucked herself from the soft cushions, moving to grab her own coat from the opposite hook. 

“Something’s wrong,” Jade stated plainly, glancing over at the clock once more to make sure she wasn’t over-exaggerating. “She would’ve sent something by now. It’s been hours.” 

Ruby knew that Jade was the first to go into an instinctual protective mode, but she also had to admit that it was far too long for Emmy not to be back, let alone drop a text to fill them in. “Let's go down to the lobby.” Ruby offered with a hushed voice, knowing that it was far too early for anyone to really be up at this hour. Hopefully, it would help enlighten them on a possible lead to find their friend and comrade. 

Jade nodded nervously, feeling Ruby’s hand rest on her shoulder, attempting to comfort the eldest as she suppressed her own growing concerns. Did Seoho discover her true intentions and have her arrested? Did something happen on their date that led to them being stranded out in the frigid wilderness?

The girls made their way out into the lobby, hoping to see Emmy walk through the corridors on the opposite side of the door. To their dismay, it was eerily silent given most of the guests in the area were fast asleep. The walk to the elevators was deafening, the stillness only adding to Jade’s worry as they made their way down to the lobby. 

Downstairs, the lobby was vacant, except for a few resort staff and some alcoholics somehow still mingling at the bar. Taehyung was sunk into one of the leather couches adorning the lobby adjacent to the grand stone fireplace, his head slouched forward as he fought off a raging headache from indulging in one too many drinks. 

Jimin was sitting across from him, typing away on his laptop like a busy businessman when in reality, he was trying to crack the resort's software to gain access to Seoho’s information. Surprisingly, it was proving more challenging than he cared to admit. 

Jungkook was fighting off sleep beside him, his limbs now sore from his ski trip down the black diamond trails. “That’s weird,” Jimin’s voice echoed softly beside Jungkook as he peeked an eye open to hear out his colleague. “Seoho’s bank account is virtually untraceable.” 

Jimin’s eyes scrunched together as he tried to follow the cryptic code leading to the multi-millionaires information. It was as if someone had already hacked his account, blocking out any cyber attempt to steal his information.

 Jungkook adjusted himself in his seat, running his hand through his hair as he pushed the dark strands back. “I’ll give it to him. He might be a rich prick, but he’s a smart one.” There was an odd bite in his voice, his jealousy still bitterly threatening to reveal itself in regard to the handsome target.

It wasn’t often that the boys encountered a target who seemed smart enough to guard their belongings in such a secure way, almost manipulating the scammers away from the real location of his money. Jimin let out a long breath, shutting his computer screen as he sunk back into the couch, shifting his gaze toward Taehyung.

Jungkook suddenly noticed the elevators draw open to reveal Ruby and Jade’s concerned expressions as their eyes helplessly scanned the environment of the main lobby. Jungkook kicked his leg forward, hitting Taehyung in the shin as a groan festered in his chest. “What the fuck, JK?” 

“Look alive.” He spoke unapologetically as Taehyung ran his hand against the bone of his leg, annoyed by the sudden jolt. “We’ve got company.”

Jimin shifted his gaze toward the direction of Jungkook’s, noticing Jade hesitantly gesture toward them with the silent protest of Ruby’s eyes. After a moment of communication between the pair, the girls made their way towards their adversaries, causing Jungkook to sit up in interest, his curiosity whirling as to Emmy’s whereabouts if her friends were here.

Taehyung heard their footsteps, finally lifting his head to break free from his grog as his eyes lit up with mischief at the sight of Ruby. “If it isn’t the alcoholic.” 

Ruby couldn’t bite back the laugh that broke through the barrier of her lips, rolling her eyes as she observed the dark circles under his eyes. “I’m not the one currently hungover.” 

Jimin ignored their exchange as his eyes shifted up to find Jade’s, admiring the way her coat hung loosely on her shoulders, exposing a cropped sweater underneath. “To what do we owe this pleasure?” Jimin inquired, Jungkook stirring beside him. 

“Where’s the klepto?” Jungkook finally spoke, unable to prevent his eyes from scanning their surroundings in hopes of seeing Emmy joining them instead of being somewhere he didn’t want to imagine. 

Jade crossed her arms in front of her chest, feeling her worries return as Jungkook brought up their youngest. “Have you seen her?” Jade hesitantly questioned, wondering if they would even help them in this matter. 

“She’s probably getting her brains banged out.” Taehyung shamelessly added, causing Jungkook's expression to harden at the thought of Emmy being touched by yet another man. “He’s probably got her going all night long.” 

Jungkook bit down against the inside of his lip piercing, hating the familiar sour sensation churning in his stomach. He hated the way Emmy suddenly had him tripping all over himself, feeling an insatiable jealousy brewing. 

“Just track her phone,” Jimin commented nonchalantly. “I’m sure she’s not concerned about texting while her legs are spread open.”

Ruby shot her eyes over toward Jimin, annoyance bubbling in her core as she pressed her palms into the back of the sofa. “Like we haven’t already tried that, shortstack.” Jimin’s jaw tightened at the insult as Ruby held him pinned with her intense stare. “She was supposed to be back hours ago and her phone has suddenly gone dark.”

Jungkook’s brow pinched together, recalling just how obnoxiously charming Seoho had been this entire time. Something was off about how alluring he was to Emmy and the sudden news of her absence only stirred his thoughts further. He whipped the back of his hand against Jimin’s chest, his eyes filled with serious intent. “Look on the tracker.” 

His words were soft enough for only Jimin to hear as the eldest of their trio lifted the screen of his laptop, typing away as he pulled up a program. Jade suddenly became suspicious of his actions, moving to stand closer to him as her eyes studied the contents of his screen. “Why are you pulling up spyware?” 

Jimin ignored her question, maneuvering the program until he suddenly obtained a pinged location from what looked like a small portable microchip. As he zoomed in on the map, he noticed a small chalet on the lodge's property, pointing to his screen as he tilted it toward Jade. “This is the last location of her phone.”

Ruby adjusted her stance, glaring down at Taehyung threateningly. “And how exactly would you know that?” 

Taehyung’s post-intoxicated state didn’t aid in his discreetness as he chuckled mischievously. “It’s a tracker. JK put it on Emmy’s phone when he drugged her.” 

Taehyung suddenly groaned loudly in pain as Jungkook sent his foot directly into his shin. Jade and Ruby shot their glances at each other, suddenly realizing why the boys happened to show up everywhere they were seeking a hustle. 

“I swear, I’m gonna beat your ass.” Ruby hissed, latching her hand around Taehyung’s collar as she pulled the fabric up, causing him to follow. Jade’s expression was just as deadly as she leaned closer to Jimin who cleared his throat, fiddling with the program in an attempt to distract her. 

“Wait!” He interrupted abruptly, causing Ruby to release her grip on Taehyung as he plopped back onto the leather sofa. “Someone tampered with the tracker. It hasn’t updated since almost an hour ago.” 

Jade and Ruby’s anger simmered for the time being as Jungkook snatched the computer away from Jimin, finally putting together all of the pieces of the puzzle. “Something’s not right.” He spoke quietly as he switched screens onto the hotel's system. “Seoho rented the cabin yesterday morning but his transaction isn’t linked to a bank account or credit card.” 

Jade’s eyes widened at the realization, knowing that only scammers and highly skilled computer geniuses could complete those types of invisible transactions. “Emmy isn’t with a multi-millionaire is she?” Jade’s words were haunting as she spoke them, causing everyone to sober up at the severity of the situation. 

Jungkook stood from his spot, leaning forward to grab Jade’s elbow as he began guiding her towards the front doors of the lodge. “We need to get to that chalet…fast.” Part of him was thrilled that Seoho wasn’t this charming wealthy bachelor that could seduce Emmy, however, his excitement was rapidly replaced with concern for his adversary, wishing he would’ve tried harder to pluck her away from Seoho. 

“Come on.” Ruby gestured, encouraging Jimin and Taehyung to quickly follow. Despite them all being enemies in their hustles, they had grown to respect each other enough to feel worried for Emmy’s well-being. Jimin closed out all of his programs, leaving his computer at the front desk as he chased after them, realizing that the sun would soon rise to reveal light on the truth of Seoho’s intentions. 

—

Emmy stirred as she heard shuffling around her, her eyes struggling to focus as took in her surroundings. Her pupils danced around frantically, noticing she wasn’t back in her hotel room with the girls. She rested along a leather couch surrounded by a darkened room she vaguely remembered. Panic set in as she heard boots against the floorboards in the background while she tried to move her limbs. 

Her heart pounded against her ribcage, air pacing rapidly through her system when she realized she couldn’t move anything but her vision. It was like her soul was stuck in the body of a doll, observing the world from wherever she was perched. She glanced toward the large windows, noticing that it was fairly dark outside but she could not indicate the time of day. Her attention dragged across the living room, glancing over the cleaned-up coffee table before catching a glimpse of her things bundled together on an armchair by the entry. She spotted the glimmer of silver that resembled the material of her skirt and the fluffy coat she wore during her date with Seoho. She glanced down quickly, finding she still had the white shirt she wore and a white blanket over her lap.

“Ah, you’re awake.” Emmy looked up to find Seoho smirking down at her over the back of the couch. He checked the watch on his wrist swiftly, “I guess that means it's almost time to check out.” He hummed with amusement as he strolled over toward the entryway gathering her things. He cradled the items into his arms before walking them to the kitchen where Emmy remembered he got the wine from. 

The visions of Seoho’s seductive eyes flashed in her mind as she was jolted back to the events that transpired before she seemingly blacked out. The way his hands mapped her body as his lips caressed her skin. The sudden prick from the needle he punctured through her vein. His smile sent haunting chills along her spine, grinning as if he were the Cheshire cat watching a helpless bird trapped within a cage of his own making. 

She continued to try gaining function of her limbs by any means necessary, fear trickling deeper into her heart the longer she lay there uselessly. She nearly cried with frustration as her view was restricted by the lack of control of her neck muscles, rendering her completely immobile. Shortly Seoho returned, placing a bag on the chair where her things previously laid, and turned his focus on her.

He could see the whites of her eyes while her pupils continued to flicker across the room, trying to decipher what was happening and why she couldn’t do anything about it. During the night he changed out most of her clothing, anything that identified her on any surveillance during their date. He made sure to put her in a pair of white pants and kept her covered by a blanket while she was unconscious. 

“Aw, ma belle. You seem so confused.” Seoho’s usual term of endearment was far less comforting as his boots scuffed against the floorboards with every step he made toward her. His strong hands grabbed ahold of her body, adjusting her to sit up and making sure to cradle her head to keep her upright. “It’s nothing personal. You should know better than anyone it’s just business.” His cruel smile returned as her pulse quickened, her nostrils burning from the friction of air speeding through her system. 

Seoho watched her eyes scan the room, picking up on the perfectly cleaned area everywhere her focus landed. He savored the fear as her eyes became wide, her irises dilating. Seoho sighed as he sat on the coffee table, slowly drinking in the rapid pulse under his fingertips. He moved a hand away from her to pull out her cell phone, waving it at her as he tutted in disapproval. “You’ve been a very bad girl, Emerald…or should I say Emily?” 

Emmy would have flinched if she wasn’t already a motionless corpse. How did he know her real name? Who exactly was this guy, and what was he going to do with her?

Seoho sighed, placing the phone back in his pocket. “I get it…Our line of work doesn’t make it easy to use our real identities.” He noticed the subtle way her eyes relaxed, more intrigue behind her stare than fear. He released the support of his hand keeping her head up, letting it slump to the side toward her shoulder. He got up from the coffee table, moving toward the entry to bundle up in his jacket. 

He slipped his arms through the sleeves of his black coat, “The other downside is we make a lot of enemies,” He paused as his hand poked through the cuff, his arm stretched out to easily place the thick fabric over his shoulders. “Don’t we?” He grinned like he was sharing an inside joke. “Well, I know you made at least one.”

He zipped up the jacket, relishing in his success as he noticed the subtle furrow of Emmy’s eyebrows, indicating that the paralysis was starting to wear off. “See, my client has been desperately trying to find you for quite some time, but after a while, he contacted me, and well…I always find my target.” 

Emmy noticed the pride seeping from his being, suddenly seeming taller with her draped on his couch like she was his catch of the day. She wondered who this “client” was and what she could have possibly done to make him want to hunt her down? Then an unsettling thought occurred to her as she considered what else Seoho or his client planned to do to her.

He grabbed her large white coat before moving back toward Emmy, slumping her forward as he wrapped the coat around her torso. “You could say he’s an eye for an eye kind of guy,” He got comfortable on the coffee table again and then helped her limp limb into the arm of the coat. “Well, more like an eye for a life.” He chuckled at his own joke as he flicked his eyes up to catch the realization etch across her face. 

The pieces were falling together as Emmy realized why he cleaned up the suite so nicely and drugged her. He was taking care of the evidence. She shuddered to think of how he’d kill her and what would become of her body. What would happen to her friends? Would they find her? Would he hurt them too? Her insides were frantically fighting to get her muscles moving again, trying desperately to protect herself to the best ability. 

Seoho slipped her arm through the other sleeve and zipped it up, making sure to tuck her phone back into her own pocket. His eyes darkened with intent as he stood back up, walking into the kitchen. Emmy could vaguely hear him shuffling through some items, noticing a small clink of glass and gentle tapping sounds. 

She slouched against the armrest of the sofa, her body feeling heavy and light all at once since her mind acted as if she was constrained to the furniture with the most secure fastens. She huffed through her nose wishing she could scream or yell for help in this lifeless state. However, she glanced down at her fingertips wiggling on the cushion, the small appendages nearly tap-dancing along the leather. Her heart leaped with joy, wishing the rest of her hand to move, but found the rest of her was unresponsive. 

She was startled back to reality when she heard his boots again, stomping their way back to the living room. She noticed another syringe in his hand and panicked to lose consciousness again. She relaxed only slightly when he slipped the covered device in his pocket. “Your little friends made things difficult, but don’t worry…” He loomed over her body, pulling the blanket from her lap and wafting it in the air to fan out. He swept it around her shoulders, tucking it securely around her body. “You’ll see them shortly.” 

Emmy felt tears pool in her eyes as his deep chuckle reverberated through her core, his smile blurring behind the liquid veil distorting her vision. She raked her brain for who would want to kill her. She knew she fucked over people of all kinds, but she never imagined anyone would wish her dead. And because of her, Jade and Ruby were in danger as well. There was nothing she could do but listen to his monologue and watch as he made his preparations. 

Seoho yanked Emmy up, quickly lifting her into his arms like a bride. His expression seemed indifferent as he cradled her, moving toward the door after grabbing the bag he placed on the chair. Emmy was grateful for the layers that kept her warm when he opened the door. The cold darkness engulfed them as he stepped down the small set of wooden stairs, crunching on the thick layer of snow. 

Emmy was putting pieces together as events progressed, realizing why he changed her clothing before taking her outside. The further they got from the light bleeding from the windows of the chalet, Emmy could make out the dark hues of the morning sky which meant it was nearly sunrise. 

Seoho wordlessly held Emmy against him, their breathing coming out like small puffs of smoke. He moved across the path they walked along earlier and made his way toward the frozen lake. Emmy felt her heart sink, tears icing over her eyes as she realized what he would be doing. Her ears filled with her internal screaming, the sound loud with desperation but silent amongst the trees.

Seoho slowed down to a stop, looking over his shoulder to analyze the distance from the cabin. From his vantage point, he could not see any other cabin within sight and deemed this the perfect distance before placing her on the ground. He hummed contently when he observed her lying helplessly in the bundle of white, the only striking feature being her bright blue eyes and dark curtain of hair. 

He cupped her cheek, bringing her eyes up to look at him. “The ice is really going to make your eyes…pop!” He laughed to himself as he dropped her face, moving to shuffle through the bag to grab something. Emmy wanted to cringe at his attempt to compliment her in the form of a sadistic joke. 

“Perfect.” She heard him say quietly, flicking her attention towards the item he retrieved from the bag. Her eyes grew wide when she saw the axe in his hand. Perfect. She scrunched her features together as a wave of emotions crashed through her as she thought of Jungkook. Would he notice she was gone? Would he even care? She thought back on their odd moment on top of the mountain, wondering if she made the whole thing up in her head, hearing what she wanted to hear. She blinked her eyes rapidly as tears invaded her vision. Seoho noticed.

He held the axe towards her face, showing it off in a way. “Oh, don’t let this frighten you. Blood is too messy to clean up.” He brought it back to examine, his eyes sparkling the same way they did when he looked at her during their previous interactions. Now, the affectionate expression only made her wonder what he was thinking in those moments of the past. “No, I plan to let the lake take you.”

Crack!

Emmy would have jumped when Seoho slammed the axe against the ice, creating a clean divot with the blade. “Keeps my hands clean.” He laughed to himself before taking another whack at the ice, creating another notch into the surface holding them from the cold water below. 

He let out a relaxed sigh to see his progress as he effortlessly sliced through the ice. He glanced up at the sky noticing the coloration changing as daylight started spreading across the atmosphere. “I wonder what will kill you first…the cold or the water?”

Crack!

Emmy watched the breath from his lungs come out in strong huffs as the clouds of air leaving his lips grew in size. He panted as his muscles strained with the weight of the axe and the impact when he struck the solidified liquid.  “Do you know what it feels like? Being trapped under ice?”

His eyes swept up to clash with her own and with his bangs hanging within his view, he looked absolutely sinister as a smirk smeared over his lips. “You’ll feel the ice stabbing you like a million little needles, your clothes dragging you down further.” He dug the blade of the axe into the ice, testing to see if he could break through the barrier. “Then you’ll go numb while water smothers you in its icy, cold grip.” He lifted the axe again before thrashing it back down. “You’re insides will burn for air until all you can think to do is open your mouth to scream.” He worked faster against the ice, smashing the axe down with more power and setting his pace aggressively. “Water will flood your lungs, and the shock will make you black out.”

Emmy watched as he attacked the ice like a deranged animal, chiseled ice flying into the air like a small flurry. Her heart could no longer beat in tandem with the fear spiking through her, skipping beats from the overwhelming tremors that shook down to her core. She could feel her hand rotate under the confinement of the white blanket and prayed the sensation would continue to move through her body.

He paused in his efforts, sighing deeply as he caught his breath. “Then finally, you’re organs will shut down one by one.” He glanced at her, smiling softer than before as he relaxed. “At least you won’t have to struggle too much.” Emmy scoffed as he said the statement like he was doing her a favor. 

—

“Do you hear that?” Jade asked as the group of five quickly moved down the snow-covered path toward the chalet Seoho reserved. There was a strange echo moving through the atmosphere as they came closer to their destination. It rippled through the trees but the source was hard to pinpoint. 

Jungkook quickened his pace, feeling uneasy the closer they got to the private chalet as he realized how far apart the suites were from each other. Seoho picked these for ample privacy and something told Jungkook it wasn’t for sex. “Let’s hurry.”

Jimin spotted the light post that indicated the suite number of Seoho’s chalet as Jungkook blindly rushed by it. “Wait, this is it.” He kept his voice low, trying not to call too much attention to their suspicious actions in the early morning when the sun had barely risen. 

Jungkook stopped, turning around to look up at the dimly lit chalet that seemed lifeless other than the warm light burning off of it. He locked his jaw when he noticed a series of heavy prints in the snow that were far too fresh to be from the evening before. The others had started sneaking their way toward the entrance when he heard the sharp echo again. 

“That sounds a lot closer.” Ruby acknowledged as they all stopped.

Jungkook followed the line of footprints, noticing them going down by the lake which had a line of trees in the way of his view. “I don’t think they're in his room.” He said, his tone severely on edge. Without any regard for the others, he proceeded to make his way down to the water.

“JK! Where are you going?”

He could hardly recognize the voice as he focused on keeping his eyes forward and vigilant for anything out of the ordinary. As the tree line started to break apart, he caught a glimpse of someone out in the middle of the lake. He narrowed his eyes and recognized Seoho’s crop of hair before frantically looking for the familiar frame of Emmy. 

“Seoho!” Jungkook called out to the supposed millionaire, trying to catch his attention. His heart stopped when Seoho turned around with Emmy slumped within his arms. His mind ran with a million thoughts and scenarios, his only concern being that Emmy was still alive “Seoho!” He called out again as a warning, picking up his feet and dashing across the slippery ice. 

Seoho did not heed his tone and instead, quickly tossed Emmy into the hole he created as if she were a ragdoll. Jungkook felt the cold air stab his lungs as he began pulling his jacket from his shoulders, mentally prepared to dive in after her. 

“Emmy!” The rest had arrived just in time to see Seoho drop the brunette in the water. They followed after Jungkook, shock overtaking them as they saw this unrecognizable man reaching for an axe that was stabbed into the ice. “JK, watch out!”

Jungkook tore his gaze from the hole Seoho made to see his opponent holding a weapon, sharp stare trained on Jungkook. The youngest male hustler was undeterred as he advanced, prepared to get passed Seoho. He had to save Emmy and he wasn’t letting anyone get in his way. 

There was a scream from one of the girls as Jungkook tossed his coat into Seoho’s face, moving out of the way of the blade when Seoho tried to swing at him. Without missing a beat, he pushed off the balls of his feet and dove into the icy abyss. 

Seoho growled, ripping the material from his face, turning to see the water slosh over the edge of the ice. He smirked to himself, twirling the axe in his palm “Idiot.” He turned his attention to the others. “I hope you’re ready to join them.” He yelled out, preparing to kill off the two men first before finishing with the girls. 

Taehyung reached Seoho, staying a safe distance from the psycho as he made sure to keep him distracted while the others caught up. “I know she was trying to rob you, but this is a bit much, don’t you think?” 

Seoho chuckled darkly, dropping the tense facade for a second before quickly swiping at Taehyung to throw him off. “You have no idea who you’re dealing with.”

“I’m gonna help the others!” Jade shared, grabbing everyone’s attention. She tried to run past Seoho but jumped back when the axe came swinging towards her. 

Jimin took his opportunity while Seoho was distracted and collided against his waist, knocking him to the ground while Taehyung and Ruby grabbed his arms. “Go!” He yelled at Jade, keeping his weight on Seoho who fought against the three with surprising strength. 

Jade quickly slid to the edge of the hole and quickly placed her hand through the water in hopes Jungkook would find her appendage in the darkness. “I need a light!” She screamed, looking into the dark pool below them, fear spiking her heart when she realized she couldn’t see a thing. 

Taehyung had tossed the axe away from Seoho while he and Ruby held him down by his arms. Ruby was struggling to keep him still as he tried to pry himself from her grip. Jimin glanced back at Jade, his brain working overtime to find a solution. “Your phone! Use your phone!”

Jimin was suddenly tossed off from Seoho, crashing against the ice. “Shit!” Ruby cursed when she realized he had broken away from her and attacked Taehyung. He punched him in the face, knocking his skull against the cold surface before crawling toward the axe. His eyes were frantic and wild as he focused on the weapon. Just as he reached for the handle, Jimin came up and kicked it away.

He grabbed Jimin and yanked him down to the ground. He moved quickly onto his feet, stealing the opportunity to kick Jimin against his stomach until Ruby jumped on his back. “Fuck you, asshole.” She hissed between her teeth, wrapping her arms around his neck. 

He pulled her arms apart and turned around, bending her elbow unnaturally with one hand. Ruby screamed out in pain, looking down at Jimin to see him struggling to get back up. “You were supposed to wait your turn.” Seoho spit in her ear, reaching into his pocket to pull the syringe out. He lifted it to his lips, trying to pull the cap off with his teeth, but stumbled when something blunt smacked the back of his head. 

The syringe dropped onto the ice as Seoho collapsed to see Taehyung standing with his axe being held so that he was it with the handle rather than the sharp end. Blood dripped from Taehyung’s nose while he tossed the axe away and plucked the syringe. “What is this?” He asked, looking down at Seoho with hatred. When Seoho didn’t answer, he pulled the cap off and held it threateningly. “What is it!?”

Seoho laughed in his face, “It won’t kill me.”

Taehyung kneeled down, pressing on Seoho’s chest to keep him on his back. He stabbed the needle into the only exposed patch of skin available on his neck. “Good, then I’ll sleep well tonight.” He pushed the substance into Seoho’s system, quickly discarding the syringe when Seoho started fighting against him. 

Jade worried as time went on, flashing her light down into the water and still not seeing any movement. “Come on, come on.” Her hand was numb, sitting in the freezing water, hoping and praying that someone touched it. She glanced up to see Jimin and Ruby crowding over Seoho who lay almost lifeless beneath Taehyung. 

She gasped when fingers wrapped around her own, quickly pulling her arm out when she saw the pale complexion of Jungkook burst through the small opening in the ice. He inhaled sharply as Jade helped pull him up, frantically looking to make sure he had Emmy with him. “Oh my god!” He lifted the youngest woman up toward Jade, her features completely gone of color. 

Jimin quickly hurried over to help Jungkook out, the younger male feeling his muscles strain against the cold that wrapped around him. “Are you fucking crazy?” Jimin asked lightheartedly, knowing that Jungkook was reckless but on this occasion, he ended up saving someone. 

“Emmy? Emmy!” Jade called to her friend, lightly tapping her frigid cheek with the palm of her hand. She ignored the alarming coloration of Emmy’s skin and the lack of movement from her diaphragm as she continued to try waking her friend up. 

Jungkook quickly crawled toward Emmy, “Watch out.” He remained calm as he pushed Jade away, situating himself on his knees and hovering over Emmy. He could vaguely hear the others in the background, but he was trying to take in as much air as possible before diving down and sealing his lips over Emmy’s cold ones. He forced the air bewteen their lips, making sure it would push to reach its proper destination. 

He moved away, placing his hands on the center of her chest. He began pumping against her torso, counting to himself before trying to rush more air into her lungs. As he stared down at her, her features became unrecognizable. No longer was she looking at him with a challenge in her vibrant eyes or smirking with seduction and triumph. Now she lay beneath him, fightless and dull. Lifeless.

His vision blurred as his heart raced, his muscles tired from the harsh cold. He could hear someone softly calling his name while others sobbed. Whoever spoke to him, placed a gentle hand on his shoulder. Despite the heaviness of their palm on his shoulder, he easily knocked it away still hellbent on bringing Emmy back from unconsciousness. 

He bent down, sparing more air from his lungs, and pushed a couple times before her body lurched up, water spewing from her mouth. She gasped as her eyes shot open, sputtering when she coughed up more fluids. Jungkook could hear the others singing praises as they crowded around them but ignored them as he looked down at her, blinking the blur away from his eyes.

He watched her as color started to slowly creep back over her features, moving her head ever so slightly to take in her surroundings. When her blue eyes found Jungkook, she paused. Her lips moved, but at first, no sound came out. She tried again. “JK?” Her voice croaked from the icy water and the drug still running through her system.

Hearing her say just his name had him melting with elation, it was as if hearing her speak confirmed that she was well and alive. Jungkook couldn’t help but chuckle as his hand supported her head, bringing her body towards his chest and his forehead to her own. His other hand came and cradled her cheek as he leaned into her, their lips inches apart. “You’re safe.” It was a promise that not only reassured her but reassured him. 

—

The sun finally peeked from behind the vast mountains, gracing the frigid atmosphere with its warmth. Red lights flashed over the pure white snow and soft blue frozen lake as the emergency vehicles parked along the path that led to the resort’s private chalets. Seoho was immediately apprehended with no struggle from him since the paralysis kicked in well before the officers arrived. Detectives were called in to investigate the scene while the group of hustlers were checked for their injuries. 

Ruby and Jade were mostly unscathed, while the others had some lingering trauma from the incident. Jungkook and Emmy were pulled apart for examination, working quickly to warm their body temperatures. Jimin was checked for any injuries on his abdomen while Taehyung was treated for his busted nose. Taehyung had no shame in flirting with the attractive EMT.

Jade sighed as she tapped away on a cellular device, Ruby glancing curiously beside her. “Did you get rid of everything?” The brawn of the group wondered.

“There wasn’t much to erase. This was a burner at best.” Jade huffed with defeat. Before the emergency officials arrived she made sure to swipe Seoho’s phone to get an idea of who exactly he was and erase any incriminating evidence he had on Emmy. However, she found the data was nearly empty other than a few exchanges with one particular phone number. 

Ruby hissed as she stretched out her arm, flinching in pain as it unnaturally popped. “Damn, asshole nearly took my arm off.” 

Jade glanced at her partner with mild concern. “You should have that checked out.”

“Ha! You wouldn’t catch me dead hanging around a bunch of cops.” Ruby laughed sarcastically, tucking her arms back into themselves to bundle up in the cold. 

Jade rolled her eyes, turning to spot Emmy bundled in a blanket offered by the EMTs. It seemed she was being questioned by one of the detectives, going over the events since Seoho brought her back to his suite. Her eyes moved across the landscape, noticing Jimin and Taehyung sitting beside each other on the bumper of the ambulance as Taehyung held a pack of ice to his nose. 

Jade nudged Ruby, gesturing with a jerk of her head towards the two men. Ruby sighed, cringing at the idea that she had to endure Taehyung who unconventionally saved the day and she was not ready for his gloating. Her shoulders fell in defeat as she followed Jade toward the ambulance, her lips sealed together as the cold wind drafted over her body.

The female EMT giggled yet again as Taehyung complimented her bedside manner causing Jimin to roll his eyes. He then noticed Jade and Ruby approaching them, jerking his elbow into Taehyung’s side to silently grab his attention. The EMT noticed a shift in the air as the two women approached, sensing tension amongst the group. “Are these your friends?” She asked Taehyung, looking for clarity on his availability. 

“Something like that,” Jade answered with a false smile, her eyes narrowed in Jimin’s direction. 

The EMT observed the four individuals and felt there was some unspoken communication between them she wasn’t aware of and made a quick decision. “I’ll give you a minute and be back to check on your nose.” She smiled sweetly at Taehyung before quickly evading the awkward situation hanging amongst the group. 

Jimin waited until her footsteps faded away before turning toward Jade. “Find anything on his phone?”

Jade pulled the device out, offering it to Jimin. “Hardly, anything. Just a phone number.” She watched him take the cell phone, quickly scrolling through it and looking through the data for any irregularities. She waited a moment as he scanned the information before a thought crossed her mind. “Are there any more tracking chips we should know about?”

Jimin broke his attention away from Seoho’s phone, biting his lip to stop his smile at her attempt to look intimidating. She had her arms crossed over her chest, hip cocked to the side, and a deep furrow to her browline, but he just couldn’t take her seriously. She didn’t have a violent bone in her body. He lowered the device from his face, smirking up at her. “And what if there is? What are you going to do about it?” 

He noticed her expression falter for a brief second before Ruby took a step forward to block his view. She leveled herself with his stare, “If I catch you following us again, I’ll castrate all of you.”

Taehyung laughed beneath his ice pack, the sound getting muffled under the cool gel. “If it wasn’t for us, you’re little friend would be dead, sweetheart.” 

Ruby snapped her head in his direction, burning a glare deeper through his skull. “Don’t make me break that nose.” 

Jade pulled Ruby back, feeling slightly guilty that they were giving them a hard time when ultimately their enemies ended up helping them. Despite all the trouble and grief they caused each other, they were able to work together seamlessly to save Emmy. “Thank you by the way.” While the notion was genuine, it felt odd on Jade’s tongue as she addressed the two infuriating men. 

Ruby scoffed as Taehyung ate up Jade’s gratitude, letting it go straight to his ego and display across his engulfing grin. Jimin’s smirk deflated, his features softening with the interaction. “There’s no more chips either…I promise.” He offered, hoping this might settle some turmoil between the two groups. While they were far from being friends, maybe it was safe to have an ally in situations like these. 

—

“Alright that should be all for now. I’ll try and get in contact with you if I need any more information.” The officer questioning Emmy quickly wrote down some information on a small notepad before tucking the article into his inner coat pocket. He nodded in dismissal, turning to head back to the suite to gather any other evidence against Seoho’s actions.

Emmy pulled her blanket tighter around her torso, her hair slightly frosted from the cold air freezing the water soaked within her strands. She relaxed as the police stepped away, finally catching her breath since they arrived. When Jungkook pulled her from the ice, her muscles were still gaining their ability to move as her vocal cords struggled to function. By the time the emergency vehicles arrived, she was able to move most of her upper body and got assistance from Jungkook across the ice to seek warmth. 

Once she was settled, they pulled him away to another area to be checked when they noticed his pale complexion. During her conversation with the officials, her voice was course from the constriction of the frigid environment she endured nearly all morning. She would glance in Jungkook’s direction off in the distance every once in a while but always looked away when their eyes met. 

“How ‘ you feeling?” Jungkook poked his head out from around the opened door of the ambulance Emmy was currently occupying. 

Emmy observed him, watching him come sit beside her. He had none of his usual mannerisms at the moment, and she was a little thrown off by how calm he seemed under the circumstance. “I’m fine.” She finally answered, bundling further into her blanket. 

The air was still around them as silence settled into the atmosphere. Emmy suddenly felt uncomfortable by this unusually quiet side to Jungkook she never encountered. “Did they find anything on this guy?” Jungkook asked, disrupting the suspense. 

She wondered what Jungkook might have been looking for in regard to Seoho’s character and was unsure what she could share with him. She bit her lip as she debated her response. When she talked to cops, she left a few details out that would cause them to start digging into her past, but with Jungkook she felt a little more lenient to share her side of the story. He knew parts of her life that any average person wouldn’t understand, not to mention, he also saved her from drowning. 

“Not really. Seoho’s not even his real name.” She said, gauging Jungkook’s interest. She was surprised when his large eyes were looking at her, his lips parted in shock. “He told me he was hired by someone…someone who wanted me dead.”

Jungkook’s heart plummeted to his stomach, the tranquility he had once knowing Seoho was arrested disappeared within an instant. He thought her near-death experience was an isolated incident with a psycho, but if he was hired to kill her that only meant the threat was still out there. “Any idea who hired him?” 

It all started to make sense to Jungkook as he replayed the last couple of days in his head. The way Seoho seemed so intent on Emmy’s attention despite Jungkook’s meddling. During their time on the slopes, Jungkook remembered trying to get more information from Seoho on a personal level, but his answers were always vague and left room for interpretation. Jungkook knew there was something wrong, but he just assumed it was his jealousy.

As Jungkook digested the realization of his emotions, Emmy thought back on Seoho’s one-sided conversation in the chalet. Eye for an eye…eye for a life…She went through her past targets, thinking of their eyes and wondering what he could have meant by that. “I mean, technically it could be anyone...” She laughed bitterly, “Look at Seoho. He was perfect until he tried to kill me.”

Jungkook was comforted by her sarcasm, slightly grateful that the man she was previously enamored with had at least one major flaw. He sighed, looking back at her as he noticed her conflicted expression. He knew besides the obvious trauma of the situation, Emmy was probably having a mental breakdown about Seoho. Even though he was a target, Jungkook could tell she liked him, and knowing that every interaction with him was an act had to be unsettling. 

“People like us…we can’t live normal lives.” Jungkook spoke softly. It was a hard pill to slow, but it’s what they both needed to hear in the moment. Feelings were making their jobs more complicated and more dangerous. Jungkook nearly killed himself trying to save her, and it shook him to think he would probably do it all over again if he needed to. “You just never know who to trust.” Seoho was a clear indicator of that comment as even Jungkook spent time with the unsuspecting hitman. 

Emmy digested his words, pressing her lips together as a pit formed in her stomach. While she knew he was right, she couldn’t help but see the flaw in his statement. There was a world full of people that she would always keep at arm's length, but there were also a few that she could trust with her life. If this situation proved to her anything, it was that there were at least five people who knew her better than anyone else. 

“You know, despite the fact that you’re an ass…I kind of trust you.” She admitted softly, refusing to look in his direction as she suddenly felt vulnerable.

Jungkook felt an unnatural warmth radiate from his core, biting the inside of his cheek to keep the grin from displaying across his face. He never imagined her saying those words to him or how his body would react. He wasn’t used to this feeling, but he couldn’t argue that it felt nice. “You know, even though you called me an ass, “ He kept his eyes forward, worried that if he looked at her he would be tempted to kiss her. “You're welcome.”

The air was still once again as silence drifted over them like a calm blanket, the tension dissipated as they savored each other’s company. It was unspoken that Emmy was grateful for his efforts to save her, but as she leaned her head against his shoulder, enough was said within the small gesture. The pair took in the scenery, no longer feeling the cold that clung to their frames, but enjoying the heat between them. The sun glistened off the crystal snow, reflecting its light beautifully over the crisp morning. The world was calm beyond the chaos and in that moment, everything seemed perfect. 

—

“He did what?” Emmy’s voice flared through the lobby of the resort. After things settled from the events in the early morning, the girls were able to make their way back to the hotel and properly check out. As they maneuvered their luggage downstairs, Jade and Ruby filled her in on what happened before their rescue mission. “That little shit.” She hissed, realizing Jungkook drugged her well before Seoho ever did. 

She remembered their time on the plane, obviously, some interactions sticking out more than others, but she always wondered how the few drinks she had completely knocked her out on the plane ride. She never imagined that Jungkook put something in her drink. 

“Yeah, and then put a chip in your phone so they could follow us.” Jade added while Ruby returned their room keys. 

Emmy was in utter disbelief. No wonder they were always infiltrating their hustles and stealing out from under them. They were always two steps ahead because they were already expecting to deal with their female adversaries. “Of fucking course.” She huffed, still digesting the information. 

“At least you lost your phone.” Jade mentioned, knowing that there was no way they could be tracked now that the chipped device was at the bottom of the frozen lake. 

Emmy laughed sarcastically, “Yeah, just perfect.” She shook her head, locking her jaw in annoyance. “He better hope we don’t run into them again 'cause I swear…” She groaned in aggravation, upset that she couldn't dig into him at that moment. 

Jade shrugged her shoulders, “Listen if they didn’t follow us, who knows what would have happened.” Jade hated that it was ultimately because of the three men that she was even talking to Emmy. If it was just her and Ruby, there was no way they would have been able to handle Seoho on their own. 

Emmy sighed deeply, still slightly agitated that Jungkook manipulated her, but then remembered how he treated her during this particular mission. He might have been difficult in the beginning as he usually was, but he was so attentive when he resuscitated her.

“Alright, can we leave now? I’m so done with the cold.” Ruby interrupted after leaving the desk. She was ready to get back to the desert as fast as possible. Jade and Emmy chuckled as Ruby set a fast pace for the large doors leading outside until Emmy caught a glimpse of a beach poster. 

Her interest was piqued by the friendly salesman standing behind a hostess stand, discussing their cruise line options that have discounts associated with the hotel. A thought crossed her mind, snapping her attention toward her friends who were still heading out the door. “Hey, girls? How about we take a vacation?”

#bts smut #jeon jungkook #park jimin #bts fanfic #jeon jungkook fanfic #park jimin fanfic #kim taehyung #kim taehyung smut #jeon jungkook smut #oneus seoho

[escapetheshark]

Off the Deep End | part 3 | swim instructor Bang Chan x fem reader

Genre: fluff; smut; angst

Rating: 18+

Pairing: Bang Chan x fem reader

Word count: 2k

Warnings: mentions of past trauma, drowning, and adult language (warnings will be added to each chapter)

Summary: Hellbent on facing her fears, she starts taking up swimming lessons from one attractive young instructor named Christopher.

A/N: I don't really know what I'm doing anymore, but I promise we'll get to the smut at some point. Just hang in there, the like 3 people that are still reading this.

Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | to be continued

Masterlist | Network

"So, how was your date?"

Her voice goes down an octave when she asks, wiggling her eyebrows at me with a smirk on her face. I just sigh like an exhausted mother of four.

"It was alright," I shrug, desperate to not talk about it any further, let alone with my co-worker. I shouldn't have overshared about the date in the first place, but I did and these are the consequences of my actions. "But I won't be seeing him again."

"How come?"

"He was a bit uhm, annoying," I explain, biting my tongue so as to not elaborate any further. Maybe it would be nice to just vent, but I could never get that personal with co-workers, and there's no way I'm telling my sister about my shitty date with this guy who took me to Outback Steakhouse, ordered a Superbowl salad and water on my behalf, became aggravated when I told the waiter I'd rather have the steak instead, and then proceeded to call me fat.

Well, I won't be doing that again…! Either way, my co-worker seems to give up on wanting more details. Maybe she understands the struggles of trying to date men in this day and age, or maybe she knows the dance and song by now.

You're so pretty, we should hang out. You're so beautiful, wanna come back to mine?

I sigh again, glancing at the clock on the wall, a little happy that I have just over an hour until my shift is done, and then I can go home to rot a little bit more and uninstall the stupid dating app while I watch some old romantic movie and entertain my own loneliness. Anyway-

"You should just enjoy being single," she concludes. "Value your own company, you know?"

"I guess I'm just lonely," I shrug, desperately hoping she will drop the conversation or, at the very least, change the subject to literally anything. "Maybe I'll just get a cat."

"Just find some guy to fuck and you'll feel better," she unexpectedly blurts, giggling slightly. I snort. "After half an hour with a man, you'll be reminded of why you've stayed single."

"You know, you're right," I laugh as I clean the counters, hoping nobody else comes in or, at the very least, nobody comes in asking for anything more than a simple coffee. "I should focus more on my photography and less on getting laid."

"How's that going along?"

"I've had a lot on my plate lately, so I haven't really done much in that sense, but I should probably just grab my camera and take photos of random shit, huh?"

"Absolutely," she agrees. "Make like an aesthetic Instagram. There's definitely folks out there who make it big through that, why not you? Your photos are good, Jess, I've seen your Instagram."

I'm slightly dumbfounded by the compliment, but I offer a smile nonetheless. I guess she's right. My photos are nice and maybe I should try to do something with them beyond sharing them on my social media every once in a while.

The application has been uninstalled.

I feel my lids getting heavier with each passing second and I end up succumbing to exhaustion on the sofa, feeling good about deleting the shitty dating app.

I haven't used this camera in a while and it suddenly feels heavier than I remember. This time, the pool doesn't feel as suffocating and I'm fully dressed and not wearing that horrendous swimming cap that makes my ears hurt. My models are random kids and staff members who volunteered to be part of a small local newspaper and I'm hellbent on taking the most artistic swimming pool photos Melbourne has ever seen. Well, this part of Melbourne, at least.

"Oh, you're the photographer!"

I turn around to face the source of the voice and I'm faced with the ever-smiling Christopher in his usual attire of swimming shorts and a white tank top, this time he's fully dry and his hair looks a little dishevelled but like he did his best to fix it.

"Yes, the photographer is me," I repeat, cringing inside for the dumb way I said it. I'm trying to not succumb to the temptation of checking him out like my sister suggested, but it's difficult to not stare when he radiates joy and I can't decide whether he's just happy all the time or a complete cunt behind closed doors. It's hard to tell. I'm not sure what's worse: someone so cheerful it's like they can't physically experience heartbreak, someone who hides a world of hurt behind an ear-to-ear smile, or someone who acts kind and friendly on the outside but is a rude arsehole on the inside. What are you, Christopher?

"I hope I look good enough," he chuckles, his ears glowing red as he looks down at his thong-clad feet and tries to fix his hair a little with his hands. "We should have a lady come in to do some makeup, I think."

"Oh yeah, she should be here soon. You guys are gonna be on the Weekly Melbourne, you have to look perfect!" He smiles, his entire face gaining colour. He's beaming, more so than usual, and it's honestly adorable. Jessica, what the fuck?

That's your swimming instructor, don't be like Jamie! I feel my face warm up, but luckily we are interrupted by the makeup artist.

"Jessica?"

"I wish I could have taken some more exciting photos, but they wanted very family style for the article," I can't help but talk with my mouth half-full as I chew on my sundae-covered fries. "It would be so cool to just do, like, an Accidentally Wes Anderson-esque photo shoot at the pool."

"I had no idea you were a photographer," Chris exclaims, unwrapping his chicken sandwich and taking a big bite. "Did you go to school for it?"

"I didn't go to school at all," I reply, trying not to sound bitter about it. "Life got in the way, I guess."

"That happens," he shrugs, his lips around one of the straws in the giant milkshake we ordered to share. "I studied Songwriting and Music Production and now I'm teaching people how to swim. Life does get in the way."

"Oh, so you write music?"

Before he can answer, one of the kids interrupts our conversation to make sure everyone at the table is aware that he won a bet with his friend by finishing his Coke first. Chris laughs and congratulates his student before scolding him about brain freeze, but the kid is too excited about his prize: the little Pokémon toy his friend got in his Kids Meal. The other boy sulked as he handed the winner his toy, but the winning boy decided that he would rather share and let his opponent keep his little Pikachu.

"Maybe this generation isn't so bad," I comment, turning back to look at Chris as he takes another sip of our Oreo shake. "But you were saying?"

"Oh yeah, I make music. It's a hobby for now, but who knows?"

I smile back, it's my turn to drink the milkshake. Somehow, I nearly forgot we're surrounded by a handful of kids, a makeup artist and a couple of Christopher's co-workers from the pool. This isn't a date, I tell myself. But God, I wish it was… Jessica shut up. You're just lonely and horny, don't let your monkey brain take over!

"Well, this was a fun afternoon," one of his co-workers exclaims, escorting the children to her van. "Thanks for the photo shoot, I can't wait to see the article!"

I wave as the van speeds away, glancing around to discover I'm alone with Christopher and trying not to blush at that information. I have to remind myself that the only reason I even looked at him, to begin with, was because my sister insisted he's a hottie - which is true, I'll give him that, and my own loneliness and lack of intimacy got the better of me. None of this is rational, I know, I guess I'm just needy and not thinking straight.

"Well, I'm glad I got to be a part of this. You better have made me look good," he chuckles and I turn my attention to him. "I have to get going, but it was a pleasure!"

"I'll see you tomorrow," I smile watching him walk towards his motorbike. It's starting to get dark and chilly out, I somehow didn't notice the passage of time all day. Time does fly when you're having fun, huh? I even forgot about my plight of solitude for an entire day there. What if life was always like this? Surrounded by laughter, doing something so fulfilling I lose track of time, enjoying an Oreo milkshake on a Friday afternoon without worrying about the burden of being alive, without thinking about the mortifying ordeal of my own existence in this fucked up world-

It was a pleasure…

There's barely any light coming through the curtains, and it takes me a minute for my eyes to adjust to the near-complete darkness. I was drowning… My head was underwater, surrounded by blue as a faded red wave slithered into my sight line. I took my hand to my face and the blood dripped copiously. I was off the deep end, maybe I still am. It's been thirty years and I still see the blood dancing against the deep blue water of the pool, it looks like a bright silky ribbon waving in the air, so mesmerising and beautiful.

The swimming lesson goes by fast and, almost as soon as I entered the water, I'm exiting it and preparing to hit the shower room. I wave goodbye to Christopher and he waves back with a faint smile on his face. I watch as he climbs the pool ladder and grabs his dark blue towel, rubbing at his soaked hair. Maybe it's just my loneliness, the touch-starved nature of my existence and the fact that everyone seems to think he's the hottest thing since Hell was invented, but he's messing with my mind a little. Could also have been yesterday's little photo shoot date, maybe I've been spending so much time on my own that a handsome young man's company for a while felt like a date rather than a get-together.

I'm staring, aren't I?

But what if his hands hold me gently like when I panic in the pool, and what if our noses touch? Don't be ridiculous, Jessica, I chastise myself for my own unfulfilled fantasies. The solution to these fake feelings you think you're feeling for your swimming instructor is to get laid. Your issue is a lack of dick. Well, one of your issues-

Editing the images from the photoshoot means I have to look at Christopher a lot, and that doesn't help my case at all. He looks beautiful in all of them, like he radiates kindness and patience, his warm brown eyes often just a half moon in his face. I would have never noticed him in a crowd but somehow that's what makes him so attractive, just how normal and approachable he is - no artifice, fireworks, just a man radiating joy in his smile. I've lost my fucking mind. But I've selected up to 20 of the photos that I think will look good in the magazine, edited them and sent them back to the editor for further selection and re-touches, so now I can go back to my delusions of being shown some love and affection by a man ten years my junior who holds on to my waist with a firm grip and refuses to let me go, and writes music on his spare time.

Jessica, get out of your head-

#neverendingdreams #bang chan scenario #bang chan x you #i still dont know how to tag

[nonproblematicfave]

The thrill of the chase ;; Haruchiyo Sanzu

TW: alcohol, mentions of violence FSK 18+ (in the future)

This is a fanfiction. I do not own Tokyo Revengers nor any music, brands, art etc. mentioned.

┄┄┄┄┄

┄ THE TRILL OF THE CHASE: "If you talk about the thrill of the chase, you are referring to the excitement you feel when trying hard to get something you desire. It's the thrill of the chase, the buzz of the risk, that drives you on."

┄┄┄┄┄

MASTERLIST : PART 1 // PART 2 // PART 3

┄┄┄┄┄

TAGLIST: @sisnot @luvkaku @imnotjo

All in all, the entire Sanzu thing was a terrible idea. Yes, maybe a thousand times crazier than my aunt's idea of coming to this ominous party. Sanzu had this crazy sparkle in his eyes and the charisma of being on the verge of insanity. Of all the men here, he was probably the worst choice I could have made. But oh, how I longed for the thrill. So here we were at the bar drinking our Long Island Iced Teas while my aunt tried to sweet talk the Haitani brothers. 

What a crazy scene. 

"Where are you originally from?" asked Sanzu suddenly, and I snorted in amusement. 

"Where I come from? I am from Roppongi." He tilted his head, staring at me insistently from between his long eyelashes. 

"Hm, I thought you were from a quiet neighborhood and came here with the dream of experiencing something exciting." He didn't fully misjudge me, and I didn't quite know if that fact should worry me. 

How does he know now that I'm looking for an adventure?

"No, I'm from here. But the experience thing is true." Something glinted in his eyes. He was threatening but so damn electrifying that I didn't want to leave his side. 

"So you want an adventure, but you're not here by choice? I believe that you are meant to be here today and right now. And I believe, no, I know you are supposed to meet me here. I know that fate has brought you to me." I wasn't impressed by his fortune-telling. He sounded like every other confident guy trying to say something profound. The only difference was that he was pretty creepy after all - just creepy enough to put me under his spell.

Jeez, this man is going to cause me problems. 

"What makes you so sure?" I asked. My gaze fixed on his lips. Said lips twisted into a scheming grin before he sucked on the straw of his drink and took a sip. 

"I just know it. You crave the thrill and find me. That we met can't be a coincidence. I am the greatest adventure you could find." How quickly 'you and I' became 'we' went past me. Perhaps the alcohol clouded my senses and took away my ability to make qualified judgments, but that wasn't on my mind anyway. He was right. Sanzu was exciting. Maybe it was just his demeanor. Perhaps it was that excited gleam in his manic eyes and his confidence. Probably it was the fact that I knew who he was and yet, still talked to him. 

He is my adventure. 

He was my ticket to more than just uneventful Friday nights on my sofa with chips and a can of Coke in my hand. To more than back rooms in gas stations and romantic literature. I smiled at him and took a sip of my drink. 

"Maybe you're right, but maybe you're just talking crap to get me in your bed." I winked at him, taking a big gulp to keep up my big mouth. He laughed and took a step closer to me. The girls who stood next to us the whole time lost their minds over it, turning purple in jealousy. 

"I wouldn't have to try so hard if all I wanted to do was to get you into bed." He explained as if it was a matter of course that I was too stupid to understand. We just looked into each other's eyes for a moment. He was so close that I could feel his hot breath on my face. Suddenly I was grateful for the high heels I was wearing so I didn't have to feel small next to him, so the conversation stayed at eye level. At least that's what I told myself. 

"You're pretty sure of yourself." I returned meekly. 

He wasn't wrong. 

I longed for an adventure and he offered me everything to satisfy that longing. 

"I'm not a one-night kind of woman anyway." I continued to explain. I continued to lie. This whole thing was a battle I had to win. I wanted to see him insecure just once, but it wasn't happening. 

"Your eyes say otherwise." He purred. 

He's dangerous. 

I took a step back. Woozy by the aphrodisiac in his voice. 

"Guess you're reading me wrong." I leaned against the bar counter and teasingly smiled at him. 

"But that's okay, Haruchiyo." He was surprised for a moment; probably few people called him by his first name. However, this was supposed to remain an eye-to-eye conversation that I was currently losing. So I had to surprise him - only a little.

"I know a place we can go. We won't be under so much surveillance there." He gave his little fan club an annoyed glance. I wavered. 

"I thought I was being clear? I'm not going home with you." He rolled his eyes in annoyance.

"I meant the VIP lounge." I blushed slightly at my misinterpretation. 

"Oh, yeah, right." I laughed nervously. My laughter only got more nervous as he grabbed my arm. He scared me a little. 

He pulled me towards the door leading to the VIP area, gave a quick nod to the bouncers, and led me down a long hallway with ten doorways. The music sounded muffled here, at least until he opened a door and more or less pushed me into the room. My heart threatened to explode as he locked the door behind us. I was in danger. But instead of being afraid, I felt something strange. Was it joyful anticipation? A grin fought its way onto my face without much effort. I was alone with a criminal man I had seen for the first time half an hour ago - a man who was capable of doing terrible things. I had to be weary of life after all. 

Why am I even here? 

"Nice place." I simply said and sank onto one of the red, velvet-covered sofas. The music playing in this room was much quieter and allowed us to speak instead of yell. Conversating in clubs was always a burden. Sanzu took off his jacket, placing it carelessly on the back of the sofa before dropping down on the seat next to me. 

"I like being here, you know." He put his head back, looking at the ceiling first, then at me. His eyes startled me.

"I can see that." I sighed. 

"I like it better here, too. I don't get pierced with stares from your fangirls here." We laughed. The mood was surprisingly relaxed. 

Maybe he's not such a bad guy after all. 

"Haruchiyo." I sought eye contact with him. 

"Yes?" he asked calmly. Calmer than before. Less manic.

"What's the worst thing you've ever done?" My question seemed to surprise him. It surprised me too. 

What kind of answer do I even expect? Do I really want to know that?

"Interesting question. Let me think about it. Oh yeah, I killed an old friend." I wanted to know more. I wanted to know everything.

"Why?" I asked. His eyes pierced me. 

"He was a traitor. I threw his body into the river after slashing him with a katana. He bled to death just like that." I blinked a few times. He sighed. 

"He was a good friend but unfortunately a traitor. He didn't do anything to me. He let Mikey down. That's why he had to pay." His explanation didn't sound like a pardon at all. He seemed at peace with himself. There was no emotion in his voice that could indicate regret. He sighed again. 

"Does that shock you?" 

Good question. Does it shock me? No, not really. 

I shook my head. 

"No." Sanzu looked at me, squinting his eyes as if trying to read my mind. 

"My turn." He leaned closer to me. 

"Do you think I'm a bad person?" I had expected anything from him, but not that question. I should have expected it, but why should a man like Sanzu care what a random woman from Poppongi thought of him? A woman from Roppongi who didn't even wear the correct shoe size. I stuttered to myself, making him giggle. 

"Oh, don't worry. I don't care what you answer as long as you can explain it." I could only justify the truth. I exhaled.

"Oh, you know, who in this world is actually good? After all, we only choose our enemy images according to societal norms and think we are inevitably right. But that's the same society that is blind in both eyes when it sees that there are wars or, more relatable, that someone gets beaten up. It's easy to judge when it concerns others. So does it really matter? I don't think so." It was hard to maintain eye contact with him. So hard. Sanzu hummed. 

"That's a much more boring answer than I expected from you. I wanted you to finish me off. Tear me to shreds. That was just boring." He rolled his eyes. He was disappointed, and it bugged me. I was so sure he would hurt me if I pilloried him. 

"Why would you want that?" I asked, visibly confused. He shrugged his shoulders and smiled tiredly. 

"I need someone to keep me in check. Everyone agrees with me because everyone is afraid of me. I know that I'm not a good person. I'm not stupid. If I want to hear that my actions are okay, I can ask anyone. I wanted to talk to you because I thought you had what it takes to be honest. I want a fight, not recognition." I didn't know what to say. 

He wants me to keep him in check? 

That seemed unrealistic and completely insane. 

"Um, do you want a fight you can win, or are you willing to lose?" He pondered for a moment. 

"I'm a terrible loser, so make it exciting enough that I can handle it." He looked at me. Something was pleading in his gaze. Something that didn't take no for an answer. Yet seemed innocent at the same time. At least it would have if it wasn't coming from Sanzu.

"Me? Why should I be able to do that? You're expecting a lot from someone you met half an hour ago." I wasn't capable of much in general, so how was I supposed to keep a maniacal serial killer in check? That was nothing more than wishful thinking. The temptation was there, though, and it was massive. The glint in his eyes enveloped me like fog blocking my vision. 

"Simple: because you are the most interesting woman, with the most boring answers, and I am the most insane and murderous dog in all of Japan. I crave nothing more than a fight with someone like you." His words made me blush, but I couldn't avoid his gaze, so I withstood it. 

"You want a fight? You'll get a war, Haruchiyo." He nodded in satisfaction and leaned over me, making me press myself into the couch to get some distance. 

"I'm counting on you." He grinned. Crazy like before. He was so close again, and it took everything in me not to give myself to him. 

"Why are you resisting me so much?" I blinked in confusion. 

"What do you mean?" He rolled his eyes, coming a little closer. 

"I can tell you want me. Why are you resisting?" 

Again, a good question. 

"Honestly? I don't know." I returned. My eyes lingered shamelessly on his lips as they had so many times in the last few minutes. It would be easy to kiss him now, rip his clothes off, and-

No, we're not doing that now.

"That's what I thought. If you change your mind, you know where to find me." He breathed his words against my lips, making me swallow hard before he leaned back again and took his phone out of his pocket as if he hadn't just tried to seduce me.

That's what he was trying to do. Right? Am I stupid?

"Here, my number. Call me. Then I'll have yours, too." He explained casually, waiting for me to do what he said. I pressed the green handset and saw my number light up on Sanzu's display. I hung up, so he could save my number. He saved it under my first name. I saved his number under his. He was my adventure, while I would be the person to keep him in check.

How crazy can this even get?

"So (Y/N), now that that's done - What do you crave the most at this very moment, here with me?"

#tr x y/n #tokyo rev #tokyo rev fluff #tokyo rev x y/n #tokyo revengers #tr #bonten #toman #tr headcanons #sanzu fluff #sanzu angst #sanzu #tokyo revengers sanzu #bonten sanzu #sanzu hcs #yandere sanzu #sanzu haruchiyo #tokrev #haruchiyo x reader #x reader

[onlylostphysics]

so the lovely @livelydiver sent me an ask and when I tried to save my answer as a draft it ??? disappeared? was sent privately? literally who knows. Deeply sorry if you get two versions of this <3

my 5 DVD extras (author's commentary and deleted scenes) for elegant and restrained

1. An earlier version of the beginning:

The thing is, between one gut wound and another they haven't really touched in a while. Stede was beginning to worry that maybe Ed had had enough of that side of things, or thought that Stede didn't need any more instruction. [It's not like Ed could have found a different friend to be…. friendly with, is it? They spend all their time together. It's a small ship. It's a miracle Ed isn't sick of him yet.] There was that one night, a few days ago where they'd stayed up drinking as usual and Ed had crashed on the sofa instead of going back to his cabin and Stede had heard him… doing… breathing… He wondered why Ed didnt ask for a hand but, well, they were both supposed to be asleep. Stede had been complaining lightheartedly about the pain in his side every time he breathed that evening, so it made sense that Ed hasn't wanted to bother him. Still. Stede had been rock hard and hadn't dared move. The point is, it's been a while, and Stede is ready for more. Very, very ready. He keeps looking at Ed's arms, his throat, the line where Stede's (Ed's now, he supposes) cravat wraps around his skin.

2. I wrote A LOT of notes trying to figure stuff out for this fic:

Can I include this sculpture:

was Bernini a big deal in 1700s british society? idk Max Mad certainly wasn't but that never stopped Ed from cosplaying him. Would Stede give a fuck about sculpture? only the super life-like dudes.

What is Stede's deal:

stede commits 100% to things. he throws himself in. incredible confidence with zero skills. ed is most into it when stede isn't actually trying, is just being himself. stede likes feeling powerful, and in control (of his life).

trying to figure out when to set this fic:

set after 6, so izzy's gone and they've both been stabbed not too long ago.

set before 7, for neatness? mainly so stede's turn can be just before 8. so ed is in deep, so deep, but he's got one foot out the door because he doesn't know how into him stede is. ed taking happiness where he can. oscillating wildly between opening up his chest for stede to hold him gently and curling up into a spiky ball because this is too. much. and he's in so fucking deep.

he plans this because he still doesn't realise the depth of his feelings. he thinks this will just be fun. he wants stede to fuck him and lo, a plan appears. it's not until he's in the middle of it and stede is, god, the most incredible man he's ever met and literally inside of him and yet still not close enough that ed realises he may have fucked up.

trying to figure out Ed's thoughts:

how does ed's fantasy go. there was a lot less body worship to begin with. more force. in his head stede rips off his (ed's) clothes and bends him over the stool and kicks his legs apart and fingers him so roughly he comes immediately, and then fucks him until he's hard again. the real stede is a different kind of lunatic, and ed is gloriously aware that stede has a weird relationship with violence and he hasn't learnt the pain/pleasure line yet. stede isn't going to throw him around, so ed is going to have to manipulate things in a different direction. he was briefly worried stede was going to cry off entirely, when he went all inward and silent.

trying to decide Stede's feelings about what they're about to do:

how does he feel about buggery? it's what you hang for but he's a pirate. the boys at school probably did it? not often, it's probably the most shameful part. greek morals. it's only bad if you're receiving. stede… wants to try it anyway, because if it's morally bad then gosh it must be fun to make it worth it. stede is oblivious. sex between men is acceptable and fun, but he doesn't recognise love. buggery doesn't mean love, it's just another fun thing to do.

honestly, i feel like he thinks it's not something pirates do because it requires more effort and cleaniness and time and intimacy. so when ed suggests it, stede has a revelation. but it's more like, oh, you guys do that kind of thing too? i thought that was just my lot. not with me, but, you know. a lot of classical literature. even the boys at school were a bit more gunshy about who did that.

is he just like. oh thank god, i thought i was the only one who wanted that.

3. Some little moments that didn't fit:

the sun bright and low behind him, curving around his bare arms like paint like chiffon like a lover's hands. making unexplored waves out of his muscles, highlighting curves, deeping the lines where stede wants to run his tongue. he wants to know if that dip behind ed's shoulder is as hard as it looks, or if the muscle would give way to flesh, if ed would soften in his hands or go tense and waiting.

~

This whole seduction game is frankly marvellous. Stede likes to think he's becoming rather good at taking Ed's lessons and applying them to his own unique style. Perhaps he could play the hostage next time, Stede thinks, and is mildly surprised by the thrill that flashes through him.

~

i should check you for weapons, stede declares. this could be a trick simply to make me drop my guard.

ed's brows draw together.

i'll have to be very thorough. strip you completely, i think.

oh, ed says. yes, definitely. I have so many weapons on me. i bet you can't find them all.

~

stede shuffles close, pulling ed close so he's leaning against stede's chest, and this feels curiously familiar and yet deliciously new; like the first time stede got his hand on ed's cock, when he had no idea of the depths / when he had no idea how good ed could make him feel. how good he could make ed feel.

he wraps a hand around ed's beautifully flushed cock and ed groans, his head falling back on stede's shoulder.

mate, ed breathes. if you keep doing that this isn't going to last long. he turns his head, his mouth close to stede's skin and there's a wet slide that stede feels all down his spine as ed kisses his neck.

~

Nothing to it, Stede thinks. This could be any innocuous stretch of flesh, if he ignores the intimate bits and where Ed's standing to such attention that it curves away and out of sight beneath him.

He doesn't want to. Ignore it, that is. He could quite happily spend the rest of the day studying this new angle now that he has permission to just look, and -- and /touch/ as much as he wants.

What a miracle Ed Teach is. Stede thought he was just disinclined towards amorous activities before he met Ed.

~

the stretch of skin holding the, er, husband necessities,

~

the way being with Ed makes him feel like there's sunlight under his skin; not just warm but alive, easy and comforted and shining and happy.

~

"A very accomplished ravishment," Ed says. "You could probably manage without me, next time."

"Without you?" Stede echoes.

~

"I think we can agree I've perfected my technique with hostages," Stede says.

"Yep," Ed says. "No notes."

~

"Wasn't sure if you wanted to anymore," Ed says, his face turned just enough for Stede to see the curve of his cheekbone and the tip of his lovely nose.

"I always want you to," Stede says.

"Good to know," Ed says

4. This Bit:

Stede looks at his hands, from the sturdy width of his thumb to the thin length of his pinkie. Inside. Right.

Please imagine me holding up my hand with my thumb and pinkie finger extended and trying to imagine how Stede would think about this.

first draft version:

stede pulls a face. looks at his hands. pinkie or thumb, he thinks. smallest or largest. which is more like a cock.

thumb it is, circling ed's hole and then, approaching the entrance and slipping straight in and god oh god heat tight heat. ed clenches, or something, his hips not still and stede's thumb is like. fully all the way in.

more, ed gasps. so, stede has two thumbs. kneads that gorgeous flesh to the side and slides in the second one and he can't really help but pull apart, stretching ed wide as ed fucking shouts.

5. So, this bit:

"You should probably check me for weapons, though," Ed says, his neck long as he studies the floor. "This whole begging for mercy thing could just be a very clever ploy," he says, and his gaze is like a cannonball shot to the stomach when he looks up again.

"Right," Stede says, slowly, still thinking about Ed's mouth. About the time Ed put his lips on Stede's neck, and how it felt like his skin was electrified. About coming at a problem from the side, like a pirate, like an ambush.

I really struggled to get Stede to actually fucking move. Eventually I threw in the dagger, but the first attempt went like:

There's two paces of air between them and Stede closes them in a breath, his hands falling to Ed's leather-clad hips as his mouth hits Ed's and Ed makes the most wonderous noise, like the air has been punched out of him and replaced with champagne.

Oops.

#ask meme #most functional website in the world #but anyway thank you so much! <333

[mirrorthoughts]

Come Back with me - Part 8/9

(also on AO3

(Part 1-4, Part 5, Part 6-7 of 9)

Second to last chapter for this part of the story :3

Part 8

The loft Severus and Harry were lead to was not what Harry had expected. By now he had seen more than his fair share of pack homes. Most were old manors or large family homes. One had even been a small village, houses neatly built next to each other, enclosed by hedges, their back gardens leading into the woods. A loft was new. Especially since it seemed to hold only a couple of people, mostly teenagers aside from the two Hale men.

The biggest part of the main room was occupied by a group of sofas and chairs surrounding a big coffee table and a multimedia center. The smaller part was a kitchen, separated from the main room by a large open counter. It seemed still pretty new, all shiny and surprisingly few stains as far as Harry could see. If he knew one thing well enough to have an opinion on, it was long used kitchens. After all he had stood in a kitchen for a large part of his life and most of his formative childhood. He knew how hard it could be to clear stains from any surface. So he was pretty sure this kitchen wasn’t used nearly as often as he would have thought with a large established pack living here.

He looked back to the handful of people that had greeted them anxiously as he and Severus had entered the loft. The teenage girls and boys were raising the pack count to a total of a dozen people. Teenagers on the brink to adulthood, with their Alpha Derek, who seemed barely older than the rest, and dear uncle Peter who appeared to be a bit of an outsider or at least not well liked by a lot of them. No other adults than Derek and Peter. Harry frowned and looked over to Severus who seemed just as irritated as Harry was himself. This couldn’t be an established pack. This was a new pack, a young pack, even if their leader was from the same family that had shaped the town they lived in.

“Is this your whole pack?” Harry suppressed the impulse to roll his eyes at Severus’s direct approach. They weren’t trying to play one of their games here - or at least he wasn’t. He just wanted to get an informed assessment of the situation. Though obviously they would have to research a bit deeper into Beacon Hill’s history and its surroundings to get the information they wanted. And maybe interrogate Argent when they met the man to get their payment for the contract. And then there still was their new… apprentice.

“Why?” This time he didn’t even try to suppress his eye roll. He looked over to Derek whose face showed the same grumpy expression he seemed to have most of the time. It probably was some kind of mask, even if the man didn’t really seem aware of it. His even more drawn together eyebrows and the tone of his voice on the other hand suggested that he actually felt attacked by Severus words. Go figure.

“Because we thought a city like this with a Nemeton adjacent to it would have a larger and older pack,” Harry explained calmly. “There’s nothing wrong with a young pack. Though as it is I’d guess you have to struggle through a lot of attacks from all sides to keep this territory?” Almost the whole pack flinched. Oh, he’d hit a nerve there, huh?

Again he looked over to Severus. They needed to teach Stiles. He needed to learn to use his powers and not accidentally hurt or maybe even kill someone because he had no clue what he was doing. But Stiles seemed to be an integral part of the pack going by what he’d seen up to now. Especially Derek and Peter seemed close to the boy. And the girls of the group seemed to hold him in high esteem, too, as far as he could say from the few minutes they were standing here. A couple of the boys seemed not to care about Stiles that much, but all in all he was obviously integrated in the group. And Severus knew that he didn’t like to take people from their family.

He raised an eyebrow at Severus and waited until his partner sighed and gave a slight nod. Splendid. They would stay in Beacon for the time being. “We could help with securing the territory. Laying wards around the city and its outer borders, the Nemeton, etc.” “And what would be the price for that?”

Harry had to smile as Peter Hale took over the conversation from his nephew. The left hand - because Harry was pretty sure that was his role in the pack - stared at Harry, only sometimes glancing over to Severus, with a very neutral look on his face. “We need a place to stay as long as we will be here,” answered Harry and shrugged, looking over to Stiles. He saw that Peter followed his gaze and as he looked back to Peter a frown had appeared on the wolf’s face. “Or we could leave and take Stiles with us to train him. But we can’t leave him by himself.” He hesitated. “Well, we could. He’s intelligent enough to eventually get a grip on his magic without help, but until then he might make things happen he actually doesn’t want to. His best chance is a teacher. And Severus and I have experience with being teachers. Also it isn’t easy to get a hold of magicians if you aren’t already known by them. We are his best chance.”

Peter stared at him for a moment, still frowning, then he looked back to his Alpha. It was amusing to see that, similar to Severus and him, Peter and Derek seemed to be able to talk only with a few facial expressions and in the end it was Derek who nodded. “Alright. We will find you a place to stay. What do you need to train Stiles?” The Alpha asked and Harry actually had to pause for a moment to think. “A house would be better than a flat. Though we can create more space in a smaller place if needed. Much like the Tardis, just magic instead of science. Otherwise it depends partially on Stiles. What he already knows, what he needs to learn. I’d guess since he’s grown up as a non magical person he’s got the basic non magical knowledge so we can dive right into the purely magical stuff. Ingredients for Potions will definitely be a huge expense, as well as ingredients for exercises in charm and focus crafting, we might get him outfitted in one of the magical alleys with tools, cauldrons, and other materials.” He looked over to Peter and back to Derek. “Of course we would let you know exactly what we would purchase for him. Or one of you could come with us while we are shopping.”

Derek glanced to Peter, his eyebrows raised, probably in question. When Peter nodded, Derek mirrored the gesture and looked over to the huddle of betas who’d made themselves comfortable on the sofas, Stiles lounging between a larger guy and a blonde girl. “Stiles, get over here!”

The boy sighed and rolled his eyes, working his way up from the couch and leaving his friends behind as he stepped up to the four older men. “So, have you decided upon my fate, oh Alpha mine? Are they staying or do I need to leave?” Surprise flitted over Derek’s face and Harry had to smile. They already had talked to Stiles about his options right after showing him his powers. The boy might be only a teenager, but Harry still remembered how it had been not being told much by the adults. And even if they had been helpful, he still had had to find out on his own how to solve most of the problems he had had. So he had told Stiles that either Severus and he could stay or, which had been more probable at that moment, that they had to take Stiles with them.

“Quit it, Stiles. As if we would make you leave!” The vehemence seemed to surprise Stiles, at least for a moment, because this time it was him who couldn’t control his face. “Well. Who knows. It’s not like it would be the first time, right?” The grin that had appeared on Stiles face as soon as the surprise was gone felt awkward, even to Harry. And Derek also didn’t look very happy about it. Instead the Alpha sighed. “We’re providing Harry and Severus with a place to stay and everything they need to teach you. So no. You’re staying, understood?”

There were a few emotions that flitted across Stiles face too fast for Harry to recognize them. Stiles swallowed and nodded, a slight grin tucked into the corner of his mouth. “Sure, Derek. Thanks.” Derek huffed and flicked his finger against Stiles’s forehead, who flinched back and rubbed over the spot with a frown. “You’re pack, Idiot. That’s what pack does.”

Harry smiled slightly at the spectacle and looked back to Severus, leaning towards him, pushing him slightly with his shoulder and winking at him. He could see the hidden smile in Severus’s eyes and knew his Partner’s thoughts probably ran along the same lines as his. The bickering between Derek and Stiles that only continued with Peter as Peter laid an arm around Stiles’ shoulder and pushed him to the kitchen, reminded him very much of Severus and himself. Especially in the beginning when they both had their rough edges that hit against each other, not yet knowing the other good enough to know what would actually be seen as teasing and what would hurt. Still, Harry very much saw the potential that was in those relationships.

He focused back on Derek to go through the last open questions, where they would stay for the moment until they got their new abode, with how much costs they anticipated, and so on. Maybe it wasn’t bad that they would be staying here for a bit. It had been a while since they last stopped somewhere to regain their breath. And it wasn’t like they weren’t able to jump over the continent in a moments notice if need be. Maybe when they got a comfortable house they could call home for a while he would even be able to show Severus what he meant to him.

#ao3 fanfic #harry potter #teen wolf #fanfiction #snarry #steter #seikaze #sei's writing #crossover #fuck jkr

[snekjoy]

I posted 287 times in 2022

That's 287 more posts than 2021!

83 posts created (29%)

204 posts reblogged (71%)

Blogs I reblogged the most:

@snekjoy

@sundayinthcpark

@bechnokid

@katieekarix

@mckiwixsylpha

I tagged 94 of my posts in 2022

#spiderman - 24 posts

#green goblin - 19 posts

#norman osborn - 18 posts

#octogoblin - 17 posts

#marvel - 16 posts

#doc ock - 13 posts

#otto octavius - 12 posts

#spider man no way home - 12 posts

#doctor octopus - 10 posts

#doctor strange - 9 posts

Longest Tag: 136 characters

#why didnt you just pause time for morpheus im sure he would listen then because he is entirely reasonable and calm enough to listen to y

My Top Posts in 2022:

#5

You'd think, with Tony Stark being Tony Stark, that he'd enjoy big gestures while in a relationship. While that is true, sometimes the small, quiet moments speak to him the most.

The moments where he's lying down on an old sofa in the sanctum, using Stephen's lap as a headrest. The moments where he's working himself to death and Stephen, who was doing the exact same thing, turns up and asks if they can talk for a while, just to hear each other's voices.

The moments where he walks out of the compound to find Stephen stood next to Peter and America, both lying on the grass and pointing at the clouds, and for a second he sees a family in front of him. Those are the moments that trip him up and make him fall even further in love.

It seems stupid, and Tony never admits it. But old sofas and quiet midnight conversations, cloudgazing and makeshift superhero families- these are his favourite moments, and he wouldn't trade them for the world, because his world is just a portal away.

137 notes - Posted September 6, 2022

#4

what if we were supervillains controlled by our experiments and when we aren't being controlled we are in love but the rest of the time we dislike each other but it's always ok because we love each other most of the time (and we're both old men)

148 notes - Posted July 5, 2022

#3

ok now peter parker, kamala khan and america chavez become besties right?

302 notes - Posted June 8, 2022

#2

that moment when you're an immortal british-looking being and your also immortal british-looking being who you've been having secret dates with for hundreds of years just threatened to not talk to you again. and also ur written by neil gaiman.

422 notes - Posted October 10, 2022

My #1 post of 2022

hob: we r friends :)

morpheus: FRIENDS????? YOU DARE SUGGEST THAT IIII NEED FRIENNNDSS???? NO DATES FOR YOU!! NO DATES FOR ONE HUNDRED YEARS!!!!!!

843 notes - Posted August 14, 2022

Get your Tumblr 2022 Year in Review →

#tumblr2022 #year in review #my 2022 tumblr year in review #your tumblr year in review

[kelloggmovers]

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[soildelete9]

a few Big Reasons Why Small Home Enhancements Make Good Sense

Do you think big when it comes to be able to improving your home? Double Glazing needed be forgiven with regard to thinking along these lines, and yet generally there is a great deal to commend the idea of pondering on a small scale. If a person need convincing, perhaps these three factors will help. Because you are gonna find out, little improvements could be simply as good -- if not far better - than major ones. 1. Could possibly be much cheaper and therefore more affordable Compact home improvements are definitely cheaper. Instead of creating a new extension, why don't redecorate the room and reuse it instead? A spare bedroom could be repurposed into an office by replacing your bed with a sofa bed and adding your computer desk as an alternative. You'll have to spend money on the pieces of furniture of course, although it is less expensive in addition to more practical as opposed to the way finding the funds for a new conservatory or extension.

3. Small changes can still come up with a major visual improvement Men and women tend to forget this aspect. Surely, a new file format could have the incredible factor, however it might also be costly and difficult in order to afford for most people. In the event that you want to be able to improve your home you can effortlessly redecorate a space or perhaps change one aspect associated with it - including the colour of the walls. Try transforming the scatter pillows over a sofa or even adding some feeling lighting; you may be surprised at exactly how different the end result is. 3. Small improvements can help lessen the chances associated with needing bigger advancements later on In this sense we're speaking about the enjoys of preventative improvements. For example, when you have wood framed house windows they will steadily rot away unless of course you take regular steps to safeguard and preserve typically the wood. If you have painted support frames you will will need to check their particular condition and look after all of them every year or maybe more. If you do this, they're only likely to require a quick sand along and a new coat of paint. You can also check the condition of the particular putty holding inside the glass and exchange any sections that want it. Compare botox injections to the scenario you'd find yourself in if typically the frames rotted and you can observe how the cheap and simple upkeep is much better than not performing anything and spending for new home windows as a result. As you can see, it certainly is not often necessary to invest a significant amount of money to have the result you desire. Before heading for the big home alterations, think about the particular small changes a person could make pretty easily (in a weekend, perhaps) that might improve the look and feel of your home. You may well be surprised exactly how many possibilities an individual come up with

#Double Glazing

[mammonsturtle]

U & Me - Bonus Story #1

Hello everyone and sorry for the lack of updates. This here is a bonus story to my U & Me series, just a small fic/filler chapter since the main fic is still in the works. ^-^ Also, just an excuse to take a break from the angst.

Featuring my two OCs Peyton and Nate as your roommates!. :)

Tbh, this is filler before chapter 5. I’ve been pouring my creative energy to another series, All We Do instead. Oops, but if you want more Mammon angst, check it out! :)

Main chapters:  (Part 1) | (Part 2) | (Part 3) | (Part 4)

Taglist(if ya’ll want some random fluff) : @another-one-again  @yaboihack @mammon-satan-blog @cynthiarlan @webanglikethat @gallantys @localbirdy0131 @sn0wf00x123 @crierofirony @heraxo @caramel-candypop @peachyevergreen @nonexistentbraincell @ymjay @ennspostssmh

CW: None, just fluff and comfort for now! Maybe some angst.

Mammon was asleep in the passenger seat as you were behind the wheel of his Lexura. You figured you'd drive as Mammon was still under spell of turning into a human, by now it should have worked. And without any demonic intervention, Mammon wouldn’t turn back. Diavolo and Barbatos provided Mammon legit looking documents regarding him as a human now. And then the hard part would come, but you’d help in with everything you had. Ah, you’ve arrived at your apartment and the car came to a halt as you turned the engine off. 

“Mammon?” You gently shake him as he groaned in his sleep, mumbling for another five minutes of sleep. “Mammon, we’re home.” You sigh as you pout. “Please? Do I have to call my friend to carry me up the stairs? Not that I mind, he’s big and strong enough.” You say as you get out of the driver’s seat, and just like that, Mammon snaps himself awake. “OI! I’m yer first man ain’t I? Ain’t no other man is gonna carry my human!” Mammon whines loudly as he quickly unbuckles himself and scurries out to you. “Well can you? You’re a human too, remember?” You ask once he catches up to you as you stood outside the door to your apartment. Mammon freezes as he remembers the price he had paid to be with you. “Ah..Well...I can try?” he asks in a rather small tone. 

“Welcome home MC!” The apartment door opened as your roommates welcome you back. You smiled, it felt good to be back in the human world.

“Hey blonds!” You greeted, giving both of them a hug as you come in and Mammon not too behind from you. A pout was formed as you gave the two men attention, “Oi! Who do ya think you are hugging up on my human like that?!” Your two roommates look at each other before looking at you with a slight head tilt. “This is the clingy one you were talking about?” The blond with green eyes asked you and you sheepishly nod. “Mammon, these are my roommates: Nate and Peyton.” you say as you point to the other blond with blue eyes. Nate’s a human and Peyton’s a half-demon. Looking at both of them back and forth, Mammon could have sworn that they were brothers, just with different eye colors. “Let’s go and talk.” Nate says as you lead Mammon to the living room.

Sitting in the living room, your roommates sit on the sofa as the loveseat was occupied by a big fluffy black cat. “Hades!” You coo at the feline as you scoop him up in your arms as the cat purred lowly in your arms. A cat? Mammon suddenly looked giddy as you had the cat in your arms, “Here kitty-” Hades hisses at Mammon as he tried to swipe at the demon. “Oi! What’s yer deal?!” he whined as Hades purred in your arms as you sat down, and giving Mammon the stink eye. Mammon pouted as he sat on the opposite side of the loveseat. Peyton chuckled, “To be fair Mammon, he wasn’t too fond of me either.”

Mammon had made a point by staying close to you and Hades, and all the while of staring down at the two men as you explain your recent return to the Devildom. “Oi. MC, hold on. You told these two everything about the Devildom? Everything?!” Mammon exclaimed as you casually shrug, “Uh...Yes? I didn’t think anything bad would come of it and Lord Diavolo didn’t say I couldn’t talk about the Devildom outside of the realm. And besides,” You point at Peyton, “Useful information for Peyton! He’s a half-demon, just thought he’d want to know what it’s like in his father’s homeland.”

Mammon tilted his head, “Eh...? You’re a half demon? But ya seem too human to be one.” Mammon observes as Peyton shrugs, “Let’s just say I’m a late bloomer. If I go on and talk about me, my lack of demonic growth and the theories behind it, we’d be here all day. Let’s just say it’ll be a story for another day.”

• - - - - - - ☆- - - - - - •

“Speaking of fathers,” Nate interjected as he rubbed the bridge of his nose, “Your parents came around looking for you MC. Again if I might add.” Nate stated as Peyton nodded in agreement. You frown looking and felt guilty as your roommates had to bear the brunt of dealing with your parents while you had been away in the Devildom. Of course telling them that you had gone into the realm of demons would be too outlandish for them to believe. “They didn’t do or say anything bad about you two, did they?” you questioned as Nate huffed and shook his head, “Nah. But during your time away, they started thinking that our answer of you leaving on a long mental health break was a cover up of something else. Plus, without any communication from you was a red flag to them.”

Peyton continued, “They thought you might have gone off living with a cult or just dropped off the grid. And we were the last ones to see you, so it wasn’t too surprising when your parents started doubting our story about your break. I’m surprised they haven’t reported you missing...But you know how most police remark on most adult disappearance, since you’re an adult, you’re free to go off if you want to unless there was evidence to prove your life was in danger.” 

Mammon noticed your mood deflating as Hades mewed softly at you, his hand gently squeezing your shoulder as you let out a tired sigh. “I’m sorry you both had to deal with my parents. I know I didn’t tell you I’d be going back a second time...It wasn’t my intention for my parents to get this involved..” you apologized as Peyton quickly shook his head, “Don’t go beating yourself about it MC, nothing serious came of it, at least not yet. It’d be best to give them a call though.”

“They’ll be coming to see us soon, tomorrow actually. Your dad made sure of that.” Nate announces as your return was perfect timing. “So, you better come up with a good excuse on where’ve you been. And maybe to explain how you got a boyfriend while you were gone.” he teased as Mammon flushed a red tint as soon as the word ‘boyfriend’ was used. “Oi!! I ain’t- ‘Ang on! I’m MC’s first man! Of course I’m their boyfriend!!” he proclaimed rather admittedly as you facepalmed, your own face flushing red as well. Both the blonds laugh as it was decided, Mammon would have to meet your parents.

Maybe this would be a good excuse instead of telling them why you had been gone for so long.

• - - - - - - ☆- - - - - - •

It was quite a relaxing night in the human world, courtesy of Nate and Peyton taking you and Mammon to a Japanese restaurant, in which Mammon greatly took delight in. You couldn’t help but be happy with him as well, it was nice to see Mammon genuinely laugh and have a good time without the worry of anyone bringing him down. Nate and Peyton had even mentioned helping Mammon find work and adjust to the human world while you were having to sort out your university plan for your final year.

“So...You seem to get along with the boys fine.” You commented as you lay on the bed, grateful that Nate and Peyton had left your room and your things as they were when you left for the Devildom and back again. Mammon was curious of all the knick-knacks and photos of your friends and family you had littered across your room. It was almost the same as the one in the Devildom as Mammon laid down next to you. “They’re alright...Better company than my brothers, that’s fer sure.” he admits, it was nice that they didn’t insult him or make fun of him, even if he was trying to act more human now.

“Do you miss them?” You suddenly ask as you both look at each other, a sudden pang of sadness came over you both as they were the reason you were back in the human world to begin with. “Sorry.. I shouldn’t have asked that.” you apologized as Mammon brought his arms around you and rested his head on top of your’s. “Hey. You don’t gotta apologize.” He mumbles as he let out a tired sigh, his brothers were still unaware that you both were gone. They probably wouldn’t have missed you since Angel took your place.

“I miss the old ‘em, the old days. When they didn’t insult me every time they saw my face. Back when they saw me as a decent big brother, and not the designated punching bag.” Mammon sighs as you hug him, the both of you quite comfortable with the position you both were. It reminded you of how you would hold him when he had nightmares, Mammon returning the favor whenever you were homesick or you still had the night terrors of Belphegor and your death. “But we got to keep on going, right?” You ask as Mammon grunts softly as he closes his eyes for much needed sleep.

• - - - - - - ☆- - - - - - •

“Hey MC. The Great Mammon is yer boyfriend, right?” he mumbled as you laugh softly and reach up to give him a chaste kiss, “Yes. Of course you are.” Mammon blushed a furious shade of red as he shakes his head, “Oi...Warn someone when ya do stuff like that!!” he whinged as you snuggle against his chest, content to have him back home with you.

He was your first man, and you would be his last.

• - - - - - - ☆- - - - - - •

#obey me #obey me shall we date #obey me replaced #obey me replaced mc au #obey me angst #my writing #obey me mammon angst #obey me mammon #obey me lucifer #obey me leviathan #obey me satan #obey me asmodeus #obey me beelzebub #obey me belphegor #my ocs #obey me ocs

[forthechubbies]

Mrs. Jeon Vol.6

Synopsis• One nightstand gone Marriage!? The past catches up with Yn when her head over heels husband finds his lost bride and will keep her by any means necessary.

Category's• RomCom, Comedy, Manhandling, Noncon Touching, Nsfw Scene ( Jungkook gets a boner), verbal abuse, and a scary possessive Jungkook.

Duos• Yandere Jungkook! X Chubby! Reader

Fun Fact, This chapter has pictures!!!!!!!

1, 2, 3, 4, 5

"I felt like it!"

Now on top of insomnia, Jungkook's begrudging tone caused your nerves to boil over. Most men have a deep animosity towards marriage, the very word may lead people to dry heave, but just your luck, Kook isn't most men. Upset and a bit drowsy, you perched on the futon(Sofa) in the living room and blankly stared at the wallpaper rerunning Jungkook's & Your squabble. How Jungkook spat at his petty reasoning for bringing you here, You fighting the itch to slap him for displaying himself as the victim but you were no saint in all this.

'The wedding night' a recalled paradise by Kook's description. A true night to remember yet you couldn't remember a thing. Is this what makes you unsympathetic to Jungkook's anger and admiration for you-? The daybreak of dawn spilled through the windows painting the surfaces in a breathtaking orange. You stepped out to catch a quick breather.

Same clouds, the same sun, Nothing absolutely unusual but being under foreign skies hit differently, and for some odd reason or from the lack of sleep, you felt a small spark of energy. Cooking! Let's cook! You strode to the kitchen.

Yes, A big breakfast. Everyone loves a hot meal to start the day! Pancakes, Waffles, omelets, etc. Enough to feed not one but two full family reunions.

So you cooked into your heart's desires-

“Mmmph!” You jumped a little at this sudden sound of discomfort, creeping closer to the heavy snoring at see

“Kook?”

How did he-I watch him go into the beach house, and I’ve been downstairs since. Maybe there are two entrances....So this face is an idol huh?

You giggled and saw the perfect advantage point to

“Squish. Squish. Squishyyyy” You poked and pinched at his chubby cheeks. What? You're mad at Jungkook; his cheeks, on the other hand, had nothing to do with this.

“Woah! Food!” When the magic word is spoken, the other men followed in sync. Jimin’s hunger has been bugging him since his odd dream of being surrounded by the fluffiest marshmallows the world had to offer.

No questions are needed for Taehyung and Jimin, just a home-cooked blessing. You guessed they must not get home-cooked meals due to their busy schedules and how Jimin’s law unhinged to swallow a two pancake in whole.

“ Yum!”

“ Taste like heaven.”

They grinned with stuffed cheeks.

The hyung line harshly judged the two maknae, but the four men reached an agreement it's too early for scolding.

“I’m grateful you like it.” You squeaked. “ I apologize for going in your fridge without permission, but I had to find a way to thank you for sharing your home with a complete stranger.”

You're too sweet! The men clutched their chest feeling their heart squeezed to your raw kindness when it's your victim! A true angel in human form.

“ It isn't your fault,” Jin reassured. “ it's this bums fault!” He roared, slapping a rolled-up yoga mat.

“ I remember telling you to stay ten yards for this house while Yn is staying here.”

Jungkook simply grumbling out of his sleep, giving a heavy-lidded look at his hyung then to you. “Good Morning, Doll,” He groped at the hem of your gown to pull you closer.

Hoseok interrupted Jungkook switching places with you. “ Ah! Loverboy, it's time for breakfast; you better enjoy it now because today, as a second punishment, your practicing twice as hard.”

Jungkook groaned louder.

Besides the smacking of their lips, the kitchen was silent. Oddly enough, You found it rather satisfying staring at their chubby cheeks as they chewed.

Must not pinch cheeks. Must not pinch the cutest, chubbiest cheeks I’ve seen. Must resist the temptation!

Poor Jimin. Just a sitting duckling, unaware of Yn eyeing his squishable cheeks.

“ Your Korean is good.” Namjoon friendly beamed. “ Are you self-taught?”

Thankfully for Jimin, Namjoon drew your attention to himself.

“Oh, My grandfather was from Busan, South Korea, and since my grandparents raised me due to my parents passing away, Korean sought of was my second language.” You sheepishly scratched your cheek. “Although there are still some words that go over my head.”

Namjoon nodded.

“How did your grandparents meet?” Taehyung asked.

“My grandfather was a soldier during the time they first met; he was in America for a while, I can't remember why. At first sight, he fell in love with my grandmother, claiming she was the woman of his dream. Having no kin left in Korea, he decided to abandon the military and live in America with my grandmother, never returning here again. “

“Awwww!!” Hoseok shouted.

“Jungkook is from Busan,” Jimin observed. “ Your beauty must especially charm Busan men.”

There goes that look again...How does his guy have the energy to flirt this early in the morning.

" I wouldn't go that far. " You muttered, fanning at Jimin's flattery.

Taehyung smirked, looking next to you. " So what should we call that then."

Nearly caught redhanded, Kook shifted his eyes, taking an interest in the woodwork. He's been ogling at you for the past five minutes, half wishing he could scoop you up in his arms and pressed your soft doughy body against his athletic one and the other half glad you're getting along with your new brothers-in-law.

“Mr.Jeon, You haven't eaten anything.”

You see it as giving Jungkook the cold shoulder; Jungkook sees it as a toddler throwing a temper tantrum. Either way, You're adorable in his eyes.

Jungkook joined in on the breakfast club. “ I just had to take a shower first-”

“ Why would you take a shower first?” Your eyes shot to the droplets dripping off his ends. “You’ll catch a cold going outside with your hair like that.”

“I will be fine. My immune system is strong,” Jungkook boasted shoving scrambled eggs in his mouth.

Jungkook flinched at the sudden warmth of a towel lowered on his head. You massaged Jungkook’s damp hair until you were satisfied; Jungkook’s doe eyes gazed at your face. If you looked close enough, you could see his pupils form into hearts.

“ Here.” You dropped the soaked towel on his lap.

The men observed you're motherly action, understanding why Jungkook is so hostile and protective of you. You cared about the little things-

“Um? Namjoon? It's five-fifteen; I thought you guys had practice at six.”

Namjoon eyes widen. “ Aish!”

The men began to run about the house like headless chickens, showering, yelling about where one’s mislay belongs..well, except for one, can you guess who?

Jungkook graced the delicate skin of your knuckle with pepper kisses, following up your forearm.

He wants attention. If you react, you're bounded to repeat the previous night. Just ignore him, and he will get the gist.

“Jungkook, Get up here!” Once again, Jin to the rescue. Jungkook clicks his tongue upset he couldn't find himself to disobey his Hyung.

…....

“Everyone ready to head out?” Namjoon asked but only got groans as a response.

It took a curious hobi to bring up the subject of their new guest. “ What about Yn? She might get scared being here alone..it’s a pretty big place.”

“It's too dangerous taking her with us,” Yoongi added.

“But it may be dangerous leaving her here,” Jiminie explained farther. “ Most the time, our managers will come here to check on us, and what if they arrived and thought Yn broke in.”

The boys nodded.

Taehyung snapped his fingers, possessing a brilliant idea. “ We will dress her up like a boy that way; everybody will guess she's one of our background dancers just headed with us to practice!”

Jin high five Taehyung for thinking on his feet.

Namjoon silently agreed to Taehyung’s plan even clapped. Have to give credit where credit is due.

.......

Everyone made a contribution to your 'disguise.' Jungkook brought the oversized shirt and sweatpants; Jimin has the tiniest feet, somewhat close to your size, so he provided the sandals and the topping on the cake, A black mask to hide your face (Yoongi), A bucket hat stolen from Jungkook (Taehyung).

The others added a few accessories. Jin made you a lunch encase you get hungry watching them; Hobi gives you his favorite sun toy encase you get nervous around other people, and as for Namjoon, he safely escorted you into their van.

And yes, They are well aware of them being an hour later, but better safe than sorry.

The boys spoke among themselves, leaving you be in this cramped van oddly enough, squeezed up against the window had its advantages-You admired the architecture of cities you passed and adored the rain thumping on the roof of the truck.

“ Ahhh..” You softly yawned. The boy's voices faded away as your eyes finally closed.

“Babe....Babe....Babe” Jungkook doe eyes pierced into yours. He's so close..too close. “We’re here.” He led out his large hand for you to take, and you did.

Perhaps it's the restlessness, or you just crazy, but Jungkook's eyes have changed since that night. His eyes were murky and frigid like he wanted to gobble you up, and just now, they warm and friendly like a puppy after its master comes back after leaving the room for a couple of seconds.

You did as Namjoon introduced, ‘Keep your head down and follow close behind us.’ It wasn't what you expected; You thought it to be like how it is in the movies, rude paparazzi hounding them down, but there were only two men who greeted them at the door.

They attempted to catch a glimpse of you, not before you were tugged behind Jin’s broad shoulders.

Once inside you marveled at the spacious room filled with award-winning album covers and pictures of the boys.

"Aww. How cute. BTS debut..2013” You giggled at their baby faces, especially Taehyung.

“If you think that's cute.” Jimin startled you by popping out the blue. “ Look at this one.” He led you to the far left of the wall. “Tada.”

Double Aww! Look at those eyes! Too bad he's insane now.

“ Jimin, We're starting.”

“ Coming, Hyung."

....

Sweaty, exhausted, and famished, On the ride to their luxury dwelling, the roles reversed; the boys were sound asleep, and you were the one awake. You don't recall the ride being this long, or maybe it's because your sandwich between a sweaty and sticky Jungkook and Taehyung.

I am no longer a human being for now until the end of time; I shall be known as a pillow because... this is the third time I'm being used as one!

Jungkook’s muscular arms laced your chubby waist and found satisfaction in using your chest as a headrest while Taehyung snaked his legs on your lap as well as managing to find space for his arms around your waist, but his head rested on your shoulder.

Quite literally a day ago, you were a kindergarten teacher drowning in adorable babies and fingerpainting, and look where your life is now- A slight poke at your thigh irritated you too high heaven what is that? Jungkook’s phone? Wallet?... You took it upon yourself to crane your neck to found out without waking the flowers, and boy, you wish you hadn't.

You swallowed your screams.

" Guys, Your home."

You were the first one out of the car and rushed to Jungkook's room without looking back. Is it possible to be surrounded by too many handsome men? Yes! Sweet mother of Korea, This position is taking a great toll on your heart.

I need to relax...A Bath! Yes! Let's take a nice hot bath-

Knock Knock

“Yn? Are you alright...Are you sick?”

Oh, It's Namjoon. He sounds like a worried father.

“ I'm fine, just um tired. I haven't been to sleep since I got here.”

There was a short pause for a while, but Namjoon simply replied.

“Oh, please rest well then and...lock your door just in case.”

I heard his heavy steps walk away from the door...Is he referring to Jungkook when he said to lock the door? Either way, I'm not taking his advice lightly. Ok, door locked, and hot water running.

Finally, A nice bath. I can feel all my problems melting away, but they surface when I realized that this reality... A trillionaire man, Jungkook, kidnaps me after I left him..and apparently, we're married, but I can't remember a thing past me agreeing to date him. Crazy isn't the word to describe the mess I'm in...But you know who would love this Lily...Lily!

Lily might be worried sick (Although she literally handled you over to Jungkook.) There are a couple of things I’ve been missing since I got here; My phone! My glasses!...My sanity! Maybe they fell in the grass outback. I need to call Lily.

One Bath Later

Carrying the hem of my gown, I tiptoed downstairs, avoiding the conversation in the kitchen.

"She should be hungry by now." Jin gazed at the staircase.

"She had a long night, and I heard her cooking way earlier this morning." Taehyung picked at his sticky white rice.

Jimin hummed in agreement. "That breakfast was to die for, though.”

Namjoon bit his bottom lip and frowned his brow. “I hope she's not sick. After we arrived from practice, she fleed to Jungkook's room and locked the door.”

“No kidding?” Hobi stood up to head towards the stairs, but Yoongi grabbed at his shirt. “ I just want to-

“Put yourself in her shoes-”

“We can't. Her feet are so tiny and cute.” Jimin added, making Taehyung snicker.

Yoongi glared at Jimin and back to Hobi. “ Anyway, Put yourself in her shoes; this is all new to her being surrounded by seven famous men because the baby decided to kidnap her due to the fact he's fallen in love with her.”

At least, They understand and care about me and don't see me as a homewrecker. Ok, ok glasses..glasses..glasses. It doesn't look like they're out here may be closer to the gate-

“What are you doing?”

I spun around on my heels just to see Jungkook standing behind me a few inches away. Oh great, I don't feel like dealing with his craziness right now. I'm going to simply tell him, looking for my glasses and phone.

“I’m-”

“You're trying to leave me again.” He said firmly. “ Why can't you be a good little wife for once?!”

I recoiled on the counts of two things him yelling suddenly and being called a little wife.

Jungkook thrust forward to clutch my wrist in his hand. “You're not leaving again! Ever!”

I can feel the bruises forming on my wrist. “Ouch! Let go!”

#bts imagines #bts fanfic #bts imagination #bts imagine #bts fic #bts smut #bts namjoon #bts run #bts #bts army #jungkook yandere #bts x chubby reader #bts yandere #yandere jungkook x reader #chubby reader

[foodieforthoughts]

Journey through time - Part 5

Summary: Your relationship with Syverson over the years.

Warnings: fluff and only fluff.

A/N1: Last part to this mini photo series. Thanks to @agniavateira who has provided me with so much inspiration. Also thank you to everyone who read and liked and commented. You guys make me so happy. (Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4)

A/N2: I'll be taking a small hiatus from posting fics for now. But I'll be back soon. ❤️

As much as Sy adored his daughter, secretly he had always wanted a son. Two years after Adeline was born, when he was back from his oversees tour for three weeks, Sy took it upon himself to get you round and plump with his kids again. He was overjoyed when you told him over a call that you were pregnant. Although it saddened you both that this time, Sy wasn't going to be around when you gave birth to your child. When you told him he was going to be a father to twin boys, Sy had hollered with glee, making a couple of his men come knocking at his door to see if he way okay. That was a very awkward call, where you were waving at his men while they congratulated you. You sent him a copy of your sonogram, along with a picture of you with Adeline in a care package. "Mini me's," He would say while looking at the picture, "And my princess with my queen." Your heart would flutter like the very first time he had kissed you; upsetting you at the distance and yet also filling you with love. Sy asked his parents to come live with you, help you with Adeline, as you got big and started experiencing difficulty in moving around. When you went into labour, his mother tried to get him on call, just like he had requested. But they were unable to connect to his phone, wondering if he was safe and sound or just away doing things that were expected of him to do as a captain. Your emotions were unbounded when you gave birth to your sons, worrying about Sy and going through the long process without him. The next day, Sy saw his sons for the first time over the video call, happy tears springing in his eyes as you cradled the two boys in your arms. "They have your eyes, Sy. Have you thought of names yet?" You had asked, having decided long time ago that since you had named your daughter, Sy would name his sons. "James and Noah." He had sniffed out, smiling at you lovingly.

Captain Syverson retired as Major Syverson after serving 20 years of active duty. Sy joined as a coach for Little League Baseball team, becoming a favorite amongst his players and their moms. Every morning you would kiss Sy goodbye as he walked out the front door, holding little Adeline's tiny hand in his to drive her to her school on his way to work. Your days were filled with less worrying about Sy's safety and more on providing a loving family for your kids. It helped that at the end of the day, your dining table was occupied with your children and your loving husband, sharing their day's events. Weekends were spent in parks with the whole Syverson clan out for picnics, you watching your husband running around with James and Noah, Adeline who was a spitting image of her father, perched on his strong shoulders. Somedays you couldn't believe your life turned out the way it did, mostly when you would walk inside the living room to find Sy sprawled on the sofa with Adeline curled on his side, James and Noah snoozing on his chest. You would wake him up, carefully peeling your daughter away from her father and take her to bed, while Sy got both boys in his arms with little to no effort and took them to their own room. At the end of the day, when parenthood and responsibilities left you both weary, you and Sy found solace in each other's arms while drifting off to a peaceful slumber.

It was the most devastating day in Sy's life when his teenage daughter told him she wanted to pursue modelling. Adeline was stubborn and opinionated, graced with Sy's beautiful features. He had stared at his daughter with wide eyes, cup of coffee stopping midway to his mouth. "You want me to be okay with grown men gawking at you?" He had gruffly replied, anger evident with his eyebrows knitting together and his lips forming a frown. You had learned over the years to not interfere with Sy's ways of parenting. James and Noah had awkwardly slid off their chairs, both of them avoiding what was to come next. The discussion had ended with father and daughter, arguing with each other, eventually Sy sending a crying Adeline away to her room. Neither of them had spoken to each other the rest of the day, Adeline refusing to eat dinner and Sy drinking too many glasses of whiskey. "I cannot believe she thinks modelling is a career choice." He had scowled later in the night, you both staring at the ceiling while lying in bed. "Didn't you once tell me you had hated your father for sending you off to military school? Do you want your daughter to hate you?" Sy had sighed, turning on his side to face you. "That's different. Adeline's our little girl, it's my duty to protect her." Understanding completely what Sy was feeling as a parent, you had too turned on your side and placed your hand on his scruffy cheek. "You taught her to be strong, independent. She will always be our little girl. Don't you trust her to take decisions for her life? And even if she fails to do what she desires, don't you want to be there for her when she would need her dad?"

The next day you had watched from your kitchen window as Sy and Adeline talked while sitting on the swings in the backyard, ending with long hugs and lots of tears.

While Adeline roamed around the country for fashion shows, Sy groomed his sons to join the army someday. It was not an acceptable behavior, but both of you had your favorites when it came to the twins. Noah, the stronger of the two was decidedly his father's favorite, adding to his delight when by the end of high school, he wanted to go to a military academy. James, the apple of your eye, on the other hand, wanted to become a doctor, much to Sy's dismay. But lessons were learned from the time with Adeline and for that reason only, Sy did not oppose. Noah was sent off to Virginia to a military academy, going on to join the air force as it was affiliated with his school; while James buried himself in studies, moving to Connecticut to attend medical school. Weekends that were spent with picnics in the park, now consisted of video conference calls with your three kids spread out over the country. "It's just going to be you and me in the end." Sy would say, shutting the computer off and looking at you pensively. Wounding your arms around the love of your life, you would rest your head on his shoulder and agree, "Till death do us part."

On your 30th wedding anniversary, Sy gave you an unexpected surprise. He had been missing from the house since morning, only to send a vague text with "Pack your bags and come out in ten minutes." When you walked outside on the front porch, you were left stunned to find Sy dressed in riding gear on a super bike. "I think we need to relive our days from the time we were dating. Come on, I've planned a road trip for us." And with that, Sy had driven all the way to San Antonio for the weekend. With a hotel room on the river, Sy pampered you with all his love and the best Tex-Mex food he could find for you. You spent the day shopping and exploring, while in the night he made love to you with unbridled passion. "My better half," he had called you, kissing your hands while cradling you to his chest. When you both came back home from your trip, you had another surprise waiting for you: Your three children all under the same roof again, holding up a sign board with "Happy anniversary, mom and dad."

Noah had successfully climbed the ranks in the airforce to become Lieutenant at an age younger than when Sy was one. But it was when James, inspired by his twin, decided to join the armed forces as a field doctor, you saw Sy's chest puff in pride. "Syverson men always join the military." He had told his friends over dinner one night, soaking up the praises for his children. Adeline joined a major modelling agency that speared her career forward. She roamed around the globe, sending her old folks trinkets from the new city she was in, and one day added a picture of her and her boyfriend in the mail. Sy turned into a protective father quickly, inviting her and her man to have dinner. "I like him." Your old man had chuckled, when he had scared Adeline's boyfriend, making him blabber incoherently with nervousness. You could only watch in a haze as one day Adeline's boyfriend showed up to your house unannounced, to ask Sy for his daughter's hand in marriage. "Listen boy, Adeline is precious and if you hurt her, you know there wouldn't be anything worse than us. You don't want to be on the bad side of the Syverson men, is that clear?" You had heard Sy warn, a shiver running down your spine listening to his commanding tone, even if the threat wasn't meant for you. A few weeks later, when Adeline was in Paris, she had called home only minutes after the proposal, screaming on the phone that she said "yes." The rest of the night, Sy had you looking at Adeline's baby pictures from old photo albums. "This little bundle would be getting married soon. Can you believe that?" He had laughed, wiping the tear at the corner of his eye and throwing his arm around your shoulders when you couldn't hold onto your own tears.

The day after Adeline, Sy's little girl, was married, he threw a brunch for the newly weds and their families. James and Noah, back from their deployment in time for their sister's wedding, had introduced their own girlfriends to both of you before the ceremony. You knew Sy would never admit it, macho behavior of his never fading, but you could see his eyes glisten watching his family grow. He had tried to keep a straight face throughout the ceremony too, but he had let go of his tears when Adeline had laid her head on his shoulder during their father-daughter dance. Halfway through brunch, Sy pulled you away from the crowd and took you towards the orchard outside the country club. He held your hand while taking you to stand under the shade of a massive tree. "It's like I'm living in a dream." You admitted, looking out at the sprawling orchard, thinking about how you were a mother-in-law to someone. Sy pulled you close to him by your waist, encircling his arms around you. Gray hair on his temples and his face beginning to be marked with wrinkles and yet for you, Sy looked like he had never aged. "I know I don't tell this to you very often, but darlin' running into you, falling in love with you, building a life with you, is the best thing that could have happened to me." He kissed the top of your head, taking your face in his hands before planting a soft kiss on your lips. "I love you and thank you for everything, Sy." You whispered as the birds chirped on the branches above, a whistling breeze blew by carrying the sweet fragrance of fruits in the orchard and you stared at the brilliant blue orbs of the man who had owned your heart and soul since many years ago.

The End.

#captain syverson #captain syverson fanfic #captain syverson fanfiction #captain syverson fluff #captain syverson x reader #captain syverson x you #henry cavill #henry cavill fanfic

[hacked-by-jake]

New Life

Summary: Finally you will move to Duskwood and start a new life. A moving with the help of the chaotic Duskwood Squad and a shamed hacker with the wrong moving box, can it be more beautiful?

Pairing: Group & Fem!MC x Jake

Words: 4,4 k

A/n: Welcome to this OneShot. After a long time something of my own. I dreamed about it and so the idea came. So I hope you’ll like it and have fun. Excuse the mistakes etc etc etc.

Take care and stay healthy! Much love.❤️

4 a.m.

"Shit" you hiss annoyed and look at the stain of coffee on the floor, which was sweped in your haste over the edge of the cup, "My poor coffee".

Because of sorrow you forgot again why you even walked to the door.

You want to make your way to get a cloth when it rings again, "Oh right" you shake your head over your forgetfulness. It’s just too early for you.

Quickly you open the door to your apartment and look in two radiant faces belonging to Dan and Richy, your heroes of the day.

"Good morning" both say at the same time and you would just like to crawl back into bed.

"Good morning guys, come in. Careful not to step on the coffee, he did not deserve it"

Hectically you put your cup next to the door on the small dresser to go to the kitchen and get something to wipe away.

"Why are you in such a hurry?" Dan asks you as you come back with quick steps.

"You look tired, haven’t you slept?" Richy asks, grinning, you shake your head.

"Only about half an hour and that was an accident. I didn’t want to sleep," you explain.

"Why?" Richy looks around the almost empty apartment. All that’s left are only the biggest furniture you’ll be taking with you and a lot of moving boxes.

"I had to pack so much stuff and besides I was really excited. Do any of you want coffee? I made more, and I left two more cups outside." You’re offering.

The eyes of both men grow big,"I certainly don’t say no to coffee," Richy jokes and follows you into the kitchen.

"Just take what you need. I still have to pack the rest of my clothes and the stuff from the bathroom" You already ran off only to then make a 180 degree turn, "My cup" you mumble and grab it.

"MC, let’s take it easy, we have all the time in the world," Dan rebukes you and you sighing.

"I’m sorry, I’m probably more excited than I thought," you apologize and drop into the chair at your kitchen table.

"This is normal. You don’t move to a completely strange and creepy city every day," Richy throws in and immediately gets a nasty look from Dan.

"Are you serious?" he asks, "You’re not making it better!"

Richy looks embarrassed in your a little desperate face, "But for that, this will be the coolest time of your life!" he tries to save the situation, "Hey, think about it, the Duskwood Squad is finally completely united in a few hours!"

The prospect of the time you are about to be with your friends, and that always without having to go home, also makes you smile like the two men

"But it’s about time, Shorty, we miss you at our place.

A visit every few months is simply not enough, or just for one night over the weekend. You should have seen the girls the last days, there was no rest"

Dan finds just the right words to calm you down. You’ve waited so long to move to Duskwood, and now it’s finally time. A new phase in your life with a group of good friends that you met during a worst-case similar situation.

Since then, there hasn’t been a day when you haven’t written or spoken on the phone. You’ve played so much Doodle Splash to pass the time for your next visit that you feel like you’ve painted more than Picasso ever did

"You are right! " you agree resolutely, "time for the best time of my life! "

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

"I actually thought you had a few less things," Richy stands breathless in your apartment door. Of course, the big things, like your couch, your bed and your desk, were brought into the truck first which Richy borrowed from a friend company for removals.

And now for about 20 minutes you’ve been carrying one box after the other downwards to store it. In between, even one of your neighbors came to help, who actually wanted to go to work but still had a few minutes.

"That’s because the boxes are too small," you joke, and Richy looks at you with a look that clearly says 'You don’t believe that yourself'.

Defending you raise your hands and push with your foot another box over to him, which he can bring down.

About 10 minutes later, in which you had to take out all the boxes again, and put them back in, you put down the last box in your hallway. Behind you, Dan and Richy come up the stairs as you pull the little key to your former apartment out of your pocket and sigh.

"Finish!" Richy cheers and puts an arm around your shoulders, "Are you ready?" Dan asks you and you nod. A little sad, you put the key in the keyhole one last time and lock up.

Dan takes the last box from you and you go down the stairs together. You throw the key into the mailbox as agreed with your landlord and turn around one last time.

Determined not to be sad or rather melancholic, you climb forward into the truck behind Richy while Dan closes the big cargo hatch.

He himself gets into the driver’s seat.

"Let’s go into your new life" he announces solemnly as he starts the engine.

"Into a new life"

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

"I wanna be the very best!

Like no one ever was!

To catch them is my real test

To train them is my cause" you all shout the theme music of Pokémon.

Richy has turned on his playlist where all the songs you can only imagine are. You’ve been driving for about an hour and a half.

"POKÉMON!" Richy screams and throws his hand into the air.

"Don’t shout!" Dan grumbles and gives him a annoyed look, "You just screamed too!" the mechanic defends himself and twists his eyes. "I need another coffee, I’m driving to the next rest stop, otherwise I won’t make it for the next two hours," says Dan and you agree.

At the gas station you get yourself a new coffee and a snack. Actually 3 hours are not so much driving, but with the grumpy Dan and the lively Richy, who are two clowns at the same time, it can be exhausting.

After you get back to the truck, and this time Richy drives on, you actually managed to fall asleep after half an hour.

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

"Wake up, Shorty" you hear the voice of the bearded man far away, "We are almost there," he explains and you open your eyes. You need a short moment to realize where you are and what’s going on, but then you straighten up. Your head was lying on Dan’s shoulder.

"Sorry" you mumble and stretch as much as possible with so little space." It’s fine. I almost slept myself" he waves off and you just nod. No wonder, the two boys also left at 1 a.m., to be with you in time.

In fact, you can already see that you will reach the entrance of Duskwood in about 5 minutes. You’ve been driving this way so many times, you know the way around, like in your own hometown.

"I’m so glad I don’t have to drive any further," Richy whines and drums with his fingers on the steering wheel to the beat of the song that sounds quietly from the radio.

"When the truck is empty, you have to bring it back" Dan reminds him. Without going into the mocking comment, the mechanic turns the radio a little louder.

When the sign 'Welcome to Duskwood' appears in your sight, you start to grin broadly. Nervously you slide back and forth on the seat and bite your lower lip.

Richy crosses the border into the small town with secrets you still have learned to love.

"Welcome to Duskwood" Richy congratulates you and you happily clap your hands.

Welcome new life.

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

When you turn into the street where your apartment is, very close to Jessy’s, you almost jump up from your seat. Just the seatbelt holds you back when you see the rest of the group standing outside the door: Jessy, Cleo, Thomas, Lilly and Hannah.

All 5 wave wildly and Richy pushes twice on the horn to greet. As far as the side of the road goes, Richy stops the truck and you quickly unbuckle yourself. You rip the door, and without using the stairs, you jump out of the car, "Leave the door where it belongs!" you hear Richy shout, but you’ve been on your way down for a long time.

"Hello" calls all of you in a choir as a tight and not quite gentle hug with the 4 girls takes place. All at the same time you fall into each other’s arms. Compliments are exchanged and joy about the move announced.

"You pretend you haven’t seen each other for four years!" you hear Richy laugh and roll his eyes. "That’s how it feels," Hannah chuckles next to you.

"Hello MC" Thomas shouts amused and you stretch an arm in the air and waves in an indefinite direction, "Hello Thomas, I don’t know where you stand but HI!"

After you finally broke up from each other, Hannah holds out your new front door key that she kept for you. She was the one who looked for apartments for you on the spot when you couldn’t be here. She took over the visits and took pictures. If it was possible, she took you with her through a video call.

"Congratulations MC, welcome to the family" she smiles.

"Thank you folks, it’s so nice to finally be here!"

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

After you have arrived correctly and you have looked at your apartment once again in empty state, you have started to bring everything into the apartment. Now, of course, things are moving much faster with more people.

You’ve built up in the stairwell to the second floor: Dan, Richy, Thomas, Cleo, Lilly, Jessy, Hannah and you.

In a row your carton reaches from person to person and quickly most of it is done. From your apartment comes music that you run via a Bluetooth speaker. Fortunately, you have labeled everything so that after all the boxes are in your apartment, you only have to push them into the right rooms. And then the big things come.

The three of them, Thomas Richy and Dan carry the sofa upstairs.

You just stand by with a slightly nervous face and hope no one gets hurt.

"You have to be careful! The sofa is tipping!" Dan shouts loudly as Richy tries another handle.

"I know! But I don’t want this thing to fall on my foot," Richy hisses. Thomas, who supports the side, only twists his eyes.

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

All the important parts are now in your apartment. Now, the truck is empty and ready to be brought back.

"Okay, I’ll bring the truck away, and you start here. I’ll come back when you’re done and I can get the beer I earned," Richy jokes as he takes the key off the kitchen table.

"You get nothing" you call laughing after him, "Oh wait until the man Without Face learns of your sin. To deny a working man his beer is bad!"

Laughing, you shake your head, "I’m waiting for the next new moon."

"How can you always joke about it?" Jessy asks without understanding.

"Well, that’s just relief," you explain and smile at her calmly.

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

4 hours, a lot of laughter, bad jokes, quarrels and almost broken furniture later, the most important is on the right place. The bed is built up and ready for the first night in the new apartment, in your new life.

"How’s your thumb, Richy?" Ask the sulking mechanic carefully.

"All right, I can take a lot, I’ll survive," he calms you down and presses the cooling pad more firmly on his finger.

A lot went wrong trying to build your wardrobe. Someone had forgotten a screw when the ceiling was mounted.

The moment Richy tried to hit a nail with a hammer in the lower area, the ceiling came loose and fell down.

Both side walls of the cabinet fell into each other, and Richy accidentally punched hit his thumb. For a few seconds you were all just staring at each other and then laughing. Fortunately, Richy’s injury wasn’t that bad, but you gave him something to cool down with.

And now almost everything is ready. There are only a few boxes missing, but you will take over yourself." Thanks for your great help, guys! Many thanks to Richy and Dan who picked me up and drove so long. And of course, thank you all so much for helping me here!"

You’re all sitting around the table in your living room. You’re sitting next to Jessy on the floor while everyone else is comfortable on the sofa and armchair.

"And again, for the thousandth time today; Welcome to Duskwood MC" Hannah cheers and keeps her beer up. All together you toast.

"I’m so tired," Dan mutters, sipping his drink." Oh yes, so am I," joins Richy and you nod.

"But it was worth it" Lilly smiles and looks around, "And as soon as it’s done, it can only be great!"

"Perfect!" Hannah improves her sister.

"Indescribable" agrees Jessy.

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

"See you guys tomorrow!" you call after the group and close the door.

Just a short and quiet moment you close your eyes exhausted. Preferably you just want to go to bed, but first you still want to unpack a little more.

The sound that tells you that you have received a message pulls you out of your mind.

You pull out your phone and smile when you see that it is Jake who wrote to you.

Jake: Hello, MC.

Jake: How did the move go?

MC: Hi, Jake. Pretty good, I’d say, exhausting and stressful, but good.

Jake: Have you finished?

MC: No, not quite, I do the rest myself, the others have done enough.

Jake: Do you like the apartment?

You grin, he has improved his skills for small talk since you met and Hannah return.

MC: Yes, it’s really nice, do you want to come? You can look around.

Hopeful you stare at the screen. It would be really nice to see Jake today.

What this is between you, you don’t know for sure, sometimes it goes ahead and sometimes back. You’ve seen each other a few times since Hannah was rescued. Mostly here in Duskwood.

After a difficult time between the three siblings and still the problem with Jake’s pursuers, everything has improved.

However he did it, he managed to turn all the tracks that linked him to the suspicion so that they no longer point to him. He is still very careful and occasionally travels from town to town for a few weeks but most of the time he is in Duskwood. This is where you first met.

After the first conversation between Hannah, Lilly and Jake and a lot of explanations, the hacker decided to take an apartment here to catch up the time with his sisters. Since then, he has also become a little more open and better in interpersonal relationships.

At some point he was in the vicinity of your old place of residence and then it happened that you have a day to drink coffee. And the next day in your apartment. The beginnings were sometimes a little difficult because of him because he really didn’t talk much, but after some time it became really nice. There was even a kiss. Your first kiss together.

It was on your balcony and it was at night, under the stars. But since then, not much exciting has happened, unfortunately.

Jake: I think I’d just bother you unpacking.

MC: Bullshit, of course not, I could use a little quieter company after the whole group was there :)

Jake: Don’t you want to go to sleep soon? You must be tired.

MC: Jake, don’t make excuses, if you don’t want to, you can just say no, that’s not bad for me. But I promise I’d be happy if you were here.

You watch him start writing and then delete the message.

Jake: I’m on my way :)

Without answering his message, you close your phone and stare at the bare wall facing you for seconds.

Then you can’t stop yourself from doing a little joy dance, "Yess!" you hisses and grins all over your face.

Jake won’t be long before he gets here, so you decide to clean up the empty bottles and candy that are still on the table.

Although it’s only about 10 minutes to wait, it feels like a half an eternity until it finally rings.

Before you open the door, shake all your limbs to loosen up and clear your throat.

Then you open the door.

The hacker, dressed in black as always, stands with a slight smile in your hallway, "Hello MC" he greets you with his melodic voice.

Immediately you get very warm and you try to keep your own smile small, "Hi Jake. Come in" you walk to the side to let him in.

-

Jake actually knows your apartment already.

Officially, you don’t know anything about this. But off the record, Hannah told you.

You couldn’t handle the handover of the apartment yourself, so Hannah did it for you, and Jake was with her. He had only told her that he was bored and wanted to come along, but when he looked around and said some things like, "MC has enough space here" and "This will be a good place for her" she realized that he just came to make sure the place was nice enough for you.

Nevertheless, he now curiously lets his gaze wander through the now filled apartment.

"When it is done, it will look really nice" he confirms after you have shown him everything, as well as explained the room layout.

"Yes, I think so," you agree and smile.

"What are you going to do next?" he asks, pointing to the boxes in which your clothes are still to be cleared into the closet.

"That’s exactly what" you answer and kick one of the boxes, "You can sit on the bed if you want, while I unpack," you are proposing and tear the tape off the cardboard.

"I can help you if you don’t mind," he offers and you nod, "Sure, if you want"

-

Cleaning up with the group was really fun, but now with Jake, it’s beautiful. The atmosphere is calm, not stressful or a mess. You talk about everything that comes to mind while Jake keeps holding clothes in front of your face so you can tell him where it belongs.

Two boxes are already empty. In your second one there is still a little bit inside and Jake is also on his way to get a new one. You watch him as he opens the box, only to close it again immediately afterwards. His cheeks turn pure red and his eyes squint nervously at you, "Uhm, I think I’ll take the box first" he mumbles and you can hear the trembling in his voice only too well.

"Why? What’s going on?" you wonder about his reaction.

"Nothing at all, everything okay, here’s another one" he scratches nervously in the neck and does not look at you when talking.

Skeptically you walk over to the box to take a look inside. When you open it, you quickly realize the reason for his shamed behavior.

Your underwear. You decide not to say anything to make it even more unpleasant for him, but you cannot hide the smile on your lips.

For the next few minutes, it’s quiet until it rings at your door. You look at your watch in wonder. It’s just before 9, and you’re not expecting anyone today.

"Be right back," you inform Jake, "And keep your hands off my underwear," as you disappear out the door, you can see him raising his head in a flash, staring at you with big eyes. Laughing you open the door, "Phil?" you ask surprised when you see Jessy’s brother standing there. Phil has also become a good friend of yours, you visited Aurora as a group several times when you were here.

"Hi MC" he greets you, "I hope I’m not interrupting? I actually have to leave right away again, the Aurora is crowded today.I just wanted to stop by and greet you in Duskwood and congratulate you on your move" he smiles his typical charming smile as you hug briefly, "Thanks Phil" you nod grateful. He separates from you and then does not joyfully pull up an eyebrow, he looks behind you and you turn around as well. Jake is standing in the living room and has the same annoyed look as Phil on his face.

"Have fun, you two," Phil grins a little cocky and puts his arms around you again, just quick.

As he disappears down the stairs, he still calls, "We have to do something together in the next few days."

You slowly close the door and turn around with a wide grin to Jake, who still looks dark at the door. Yeah, that Phil and Jake don’t like each other hasn’t changed. On the contrary.

Jake finds Phil is the most unsympathetic person in the world, and Phil thinks he’s better for you than Jake is.

When Jake frees himself from his rigidity, his attention falls on you. You bite your lower lips and put a hand in front your mouth to stop your next words. Even the hacker seems to know what is going on and looks warn, "Don’t say it"

Innocently you raise your eyebrows, "What? I don’t know what you mean, do you mean? -"

"Stop" Jake stops you and heads back to the bedroom.

"What? Shouldn’t I say that you-"

"MC" he threatens.

"Are you jealous?" it bursts out of you and groaning Jake drops his head in the neck, "You really need to say this, don’t you?"

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

After you keep teasing Jake with it, you decided to stop for today. You two ordered a pizza and a drink, because you don’t have much here, except for the beer Hannah bought.

You had the TV running quietly but didn’t pay attention to it. Jake asked you what your wishes and hopes are in for your new life, and you talked about the time with the Man Without a Face. Until now, you’ve only talked to him about it. Just a little bit with Hannah but somehow you’re still not ready to deal with all this. The occasional jokes about it will help you soothe your thoughts a little.

During your conversation, you accidentally fell asleep. The hacker didn’t know what to do, he doesn’t want to wake you, but he also doesn’t want to leave without saying anything. After watching you for 20 minutes and thinking about your relationship, he felt weird just looking at you while you're sleeping. So he decided to leave.

However, you seem to have noticed this immediately because the moment he opens the door, your eyes open.

"Wait" you stop him and he looks at you frightened, "If you leave now while I sleep, then I feel like I was a one night stand," you joke and and he grins.

"You’re much more than that," he replies quietly. You raising your upper body, and a little shy, stroking the fluffy pillow on your couch.

"Can you.. can you stay, Jake?" Your voice is quiet, tired and a little nervous, "I feel uncomfortable being here alone the first night," you admit. You had this feeling the first time while you built up the bed. Even though the Man without a face is in prison and you’re safe, you still have this unpleasant ulterior motive.

He seems to think about, but without you telling him, he understands what you’re worried about.

"All right" he sighs and closes the door again.

"You can sleep in the bed, I’ll take the couch," you say and get up to get a blanket and a pillow.

"No, the other way around. You should sleep in your bed, your day was exhausting and you need to rest"

Before this discussion can be extended, you decide to make a short process, "Okay, you have two options now. Either you sleep with me in bed, or we both sleep on the couch. 'Cause I’m not gonna ask you to stay here for me, and then let you sleep there!"

The hacker stops briefly, turns slightly red but then grins, "I don’t have a chance anyway, do I?" he asks.

You shake your head, "Not without a war"

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

Luckily, you are in possession of a much too large sweatpants which fits him only narrowly, but fits.

The room is dark and it is completely quiet in the whole apartment. You try to be inconspicuous, and slide a bit towards him. You know he’s not asleep yet, and when he doesn’t try to stop you, you get a whole lot closer.

You hear Jake lifting the blanket, the invitation to come to him entirely.You don’t take your time but slide so close that you can put your head on his chest and he puts an arm around you. Immediately its beautiful smell envelops you and your pulse accelerates many times. Even his heart you hear racing what makes you smile.

"Do you know how many times I dreamed about it?" he whispers into the darkness and your heart makes a leap, "No, but if it was only half as often as I did, then I can imagine it," you answer and a quiet laugh vibrates in his chest.

"Good night, MC, see you tomorrow"

"Good night, Jake," you whisper, and then you feel his lips flapping softly over your forehead, just a touch, like a breeze. But for you, it means the world.

Welcome new life, you mean well with me.

❤️🎭🌹

Masterlist

#duskwood #duskwood jake #duskwood mc #duskwood jake x mc #duskwood fanfiction #duskwood group #everbyte #everbyte studios