#I’ve been letting her off leash a lot more and she’s doing great

[broodygaming]

Lookit my good girl ❤️ keepin the flock so safe !!

#farming #homesteading #dogs of tumblr #great pyrenees #livestock #she’s matured so much it’s amazing #I’ve been letting her off leash a lot more and she’s doing great #she is just over a year old now

[foxymoxynoona]

After the Applause (Ch. 3)

Header and linebreaks by @awrkives

Single Dad Jimin x Female OC

SUMMARY: Jimin doesn't know how he would have made it this far after the shattering of his world without the support of his thoughtful, generous, helpful neighbor. Hanbyul has lived next to hottie Jimin and his adorable daughter for years now, long enough to remember the wife he was so devoted to and lost far too young. With each safely ensconced on their side of the brick wall of the Parks' grief, it will take an enterprising little scientist to set the stage for a second chance at love.

CW: grief, prior loss of spouse/parent, comfort, explicit sex, secondhand embarrassment

Previous Chapter | Masterlist | Next Chapter

Hanbyul was surprised but not bothered at all when Sun-young knocked on her door Saturday morning just as she was heading out for her walk with Hudu.

“Hi, Unnie,” Sun-young greeted as she swung the door open. “Can I hang out with you today?”

“Wait!” Jimin called down the hall. Hanbyul couldn’t help her smile as she leaned out to see Jimin –only to gasp as Hudu darted forward, yanking the leash out of her hand. He launched himself at Jimin, standing in his own doorway and trying to wave Sun-young back. “Ah, Hudu, wait wait– Sunnie– ahh!” Jimin cried as if Hudu was truly overpowering him. He collapsed to the ground and pulled Hudu into his lap, giving Hanbyul that sunny smile as she went to retrieve her bad little furball. Sun-young stayed put by her door though.

“Sorry,” Jimin said, standing but pulling Hudu up with his arms. “I told Sun-young not to bother you this morning –Sunnie, come on, you can bring your stuff and–”

“Oh, do you have rehearsal?” Hanbyul asked.

“No no, I’m just meeting my friend at his gym –Jungkook, you remember him?”

Hanbyul admitted, “I don’t know… is he the tall one with curly hair?”

“No, that’s Taehyung.”

“The hiphop teacher?”

“No that’s Hoseok.”

“You have a lot of friends.”

He grinned, “Ah, maybe that’s true. I have good friends… but yeah, sorry, I didn’t– she wasn’t supposed to invite herself over, she’s just going to hang out at the gym–”

“It smells there,” Sun-young frowned. And she gave Hanbyul, from all the way down the hall, the most obvious pleading puppy-eyes.

Hanbyul’s heart melted as she assured her, “You don’t have to convince me, I’m happy to have you along. What time do I need to have her back?” she asked JImin.

“You don’t,” Sun-young answered. Jimin gave Hanbyul a comical look, raising one eyebrow and making his eye twitch.

“I’ll be gone for two hours tops,” he promised. “Wouldn’t want to make you late for a hot date or anything.”

Hanbyul couldn’t believe she got to blurt out, “That’s not until six, I’ve got plenty of time.”

“Oh. Ah. So it uh went well, huh?”

“It did!”

“That’s great. Well I’ll be sure not to be gone long so you have plenty of time for whatever your, uh, pre-date routine is.”

He seemed kind of awkward about it, and now Hanbyul suddenly felt awkward about it too. Had she bragged wrong? She’d been so high on his surprise the other night, she’d convinced herself he thought she was pretty, but now that voice of doubt about the truth of her daydream grew stronger. More like he just thought it was weird she’d mention dating to him. He didn’t want to know about that. He was trying to raise a kid here! Maybe he was even worrying again, envisioning a quick marriage and suddenly she’d be gone, another loss from Sun-young’s life. Was she present enough for him to think that way about her? That she mattered in Sun-young’s life? 

“Don’t worry, I’m not going anywhere soon, and even if I did, I’ll always make time for my favorite tagalong,” Hanbyul assured Jimin and Sun-young both. “Come on, pup, let’s take Sun-young to our favorite hot chocolate place –is that ok?”

Jimin nodded and waved them off after setting Hudu on the ground; Sun-young seemed to turn her back quickly on him, and that was the final hint Hanbyul needed to understand there was a rough patch between father and daughter.

So she gave Jimin her most reassuring smile, checked her bag for wallet, phone, and poop bags, and fell into step besides Sun-young.

“Can I hold Hudu’s leash?”

“Of course you can. He behaves better for you anyway.”

“Does he really?” Sun-young giggled. Her mood lifted as soon as they stepped from the apartment building, it was like night and day. “He’s such a good boy. Aren’t you? Who’s the best boy? Hudu! You do!” She sang the little jingle Jimin had come up with, maybe without even thinking about the source.

If there was one thing Hanbyul wouldn’t do, it was pry. As if she knew anything about father-daughter arguments! Her relationship with her own father was loving and supportive and limited but good. Probably they’d fought sometimes when she was little but she didn’t really remember any particular instance.

“Do you really have a date tonight?”

Besides, Hanbyul was too busy choking on her own spit as she realized that maybe talking about her dating life in front of her neighbor’s daughter hadn’t been the best move.

“Um… well… yes…”

“With who?” Sun-young’s face scrunched up like this was the worst idea she’d ever heard.

“A friend of a friend.”

“What friend?”

“I have friends,” Hanbyul laughed.

“I never see them.”

“Ouch. Don’t roast me! I do, I just don’t have people over very often.”

“Why not?”

“Hm… I don’t know. I think when you get to be a grown up, people don’t spend time like that together anymore. I go out to places to spend time with my friends.”

“You come over to our house though,” Sun-young pointed out. 

“True. But you’re a special friend. You’re just down the hall!”

Sun-young looked thoughtful and Hanbyul gave her the time, turning her own attention to their surroundings as they crossed the street and headed down the opposite sidewalk towards the park. Not that Hudu didn’t know the way to lead them and probably wouldn’t walk them into traffic, but she wanted to be extra careful when she had Sun-young with her.

“We don’t go out to places together though. You, me and Appa,” Sun-younged mused as the green lawn edged into view. 

“We’ve walked to this park before. I’ve taken you to the mall before! And–”

“But we don’t go on dates together.”

“Oh. Well…you mean the three of us?” Hanbyul asked carefully and cleared her throat so she wouldn’t have another coughing fit.

“Why don’t you date with Appa?”

“Are you and Appa not getting along lately?” Hanbyul asked, an instant reflexive defense mechanism to change the subject. Sun-young immediately scowled and stared at the ground. Hanbyul’s own scowl remained internal only because she was better at hiding it. Now they’d both been asked something they didn’t want to answer, but Hanbyul hadn’t meant to pry. But damn, how was she supposed to explain to his daughter I would if he saw me that way! Put in a good word for me, huh? No, she absolutely couldn’t say that!

For a while they were both silent. Hanbyul felt like it was on her to smooth things over when Hudu failed to mediate or offer any subject change, just trotted ahead of them, tail happily twitching in the hair.

“You don’t have to tell me anything you don’t like,” Hanbyul assured her. “As for your question, I don’t think it’s something you need to worry about with your father. He’s very dedicated to you and only you.”

“And dance,” Sun-young corrected. 

“Yes you’re both so passionate and committed, it’s really admirable. Especially something like that. You know I told you I can’t dance.”

“Anyone can dance.”

“You’ve seen me try.”

“You were just nervous,” Sun-young insisted. 

“No, I’m just really bad. I can move when I’m feeling the music, but it doesn’t mean it looks good. That’s a real skill you and your appa worked hard on. But that’s ok, I don’t mind being a bad dancer.” Hanbyul had a brief flight of panic. Oh god, what if you weren’t supposed to be that cavalier about being bad at something to a child? Should she offer to try again and be more serious about it? Reiterate some message about hard work and dedication and working extra hard on the things you were bad at?

Eh. It wasn’t her job and she’d hated lectures like that as a kid anyway. Besides, Sun-young was distracted by other cute dogs that wanted to say hello to Hudu. Hanbyul thought it was sweet, how careful and polite Sun-young was with the other dog owners, following Hanbyul’s instructions exactly as they let the dogs sniff at each other and quickly pulling Hudu away if anyone got too excited. Sun-young was such a smart, caring girl. Hanbyul couldn’t help but wonder if the people they met on their walk looked at them and saw… what, a young mother and her daughter? She didn’t have a maternal aura though… a stepmother? No. Probably a nanny. 

Her own daydreams embarrassed her. They let Hudu sniff everything of interest even though it slowed them down, but they had nowhere to be. Sun-young wanted to walk along a stone ledge and Hanbyul walked right beside her. She probably wasn’t strong or quick enough to drop Hudu’s leash and catch Sun-young if she fell, but at least she could break her fall with her own body.

The air had that moist feel to it, a hint of spring on the way that matched the purple crocuses beginning to unfurl their petals across the otherwise patchy yellow-green grass. It had been a dry, mild winter, not at all pleasing.

“Why did you sigh?” Sun-young asked, ever observant.

“I was thinking that I’m sad for winter to be over. It’s my favorite season.”

“Why?” Sun-young gasped as if it had never occurred to her someone might like the season.

Hanbyul laughed, “What’s not to love? Warm cocoa, cute hats and coats, watching movies inside, pretty white snow if we’re lucky.”

Sun-young stuck out her tongue, then argued, “I don’t like any of that. My socks are always wet, my nose gets chapped, and my hair always sticks up because of my hat. I like summer way better. Especially because there’s no school and sometimes we go to the beach at Halmeoni and Harabeoji’s house.”

“Hm….”

“What’s that face?” Sun-young giggled.

“I don’t really like sand,” Hanbyul admitted. “Well, maybe it’s ok if I’m sitting on a towel under an umbrella with a book, but I don’t like when you get wet and it sticks everywhere.”

“Just get wetter and wash it off!” the little giggled and hopped easily off the end of the wall. Hanbyul felt a start in her chest but Sun-young landed gracefully without twisting her ankle or fracturing her skull. 

“Well I guess we’ll just have to like different things, that’s ok. You still walked Hudu with me when it was snowy.”

“I liked his little boots.”

“He doesn’t.”

“Yeah I bet he’s a summer dog like me. I mean, I’m not a dog but…” Sun-young crouched down to pet Hudu’s head. “Do you want to go to the beach with me, Hudu? You can come visit Halmeoni and Harabeoji’s place. You and Hanbyul can come.”

“That’s sweet.”

Sun-young just smiled like it was a normal thing that could happen, for your neighbor to travel across the country with you to visit your grandparents. 

Spring might be on the way but the chill in the air was enough to make the warmth of the cafe welcome. Hudu was always a good boy in the cafe and stuck close to Hanbyul’s ankles, even though Sun-young was the one holding the leash. Sun-young bought a mocha latte for herself and hot chocolate for Sun-young and a little pup cup of whipped cream for Hudu, which they nestled down at a table by the window to drink even though the cold seeped through the glass. Sun-young had picked the table and looked happily out the window, her hands wrapped around her medium-warmed hot cocoa.

Hanbyul thought Sun-young was just people watching, same as her, but after many minutes of silent sipping had passed, and Hudu had finished his whipped cream and stretched out across Hanbyu’s sneakers, Sun-young turned her little face upwards to her and sighed wearily,

“Sometimes me and Appa don’t like the same thing. Maybe?” She spoke it like a question, her voice lifting at the end, either like she wasn’t sure they liked different things or wasn’t sure she was allowed to say it.

“That can happen, sure,” Hanbyul said, slow and careful. 

“But it’s ok to like different things. Even when it’s someone we love the most. And if they love us the most, they can– they can understand that too, right?”

Hanbyul wished she had any clue what Sun-young was talking about. Was this a serious thing or a small thing? Something clearly weighed heavily on Sun-young’s heart and Hanbyul didn’t want to be the one to drop it!

“Yes.” She waited, but it looked like Sun-young was waiting too. “Part of growing up is figuring out the things we like, even if they aren’t the same thing our parents or friends like, even if nobody else likes it, and that’s ok… is this about the girl group?” 

Immediately she could tell by Sun-young’s face it wasn’t.

“No,” the girl frowned. “It’s about…” Hanbyul held her breath as Sun-young pouted at the last bit of her cocoa before knocking it back like a wizened old cop booted off the case. “I don’t know. Dance and stuff.”

“Ah.” Hanbyul remembered previous disagreements between father and daughter because Sun-young wanted to start hiphop and Jimin thought it wasn’t right for her or she was too young or something like that. Sometimes the details weren’t clear to Hanbyul through the emotional telling, but it was always clear to her that father and daughter were two passionate, strong-feeling individuals. She thought it was really endearing they were similar like that. 

“Maybe sometimes I want to do something else that’s not what he wants me to do. Like maybe he only wants me to be one way. Maybe…” Her eyes took on an extra sparkly dark quality to them. “Maybe he’s just mad if I want to do anything else but it’s what I want to do. Doesn’t that matter? Doesn’t he care what I want? Can’t he still love me if we’re different?”

“He loves you more than anything, Sun-young. I think if there are things you want to do that are different, you just need to talk to him about it. It won’t make him love you any less. That’s impossible.”

“We had a fight about it…”

“Oh. I see.”

“It’s not fair. He just wants me to be a dancer like him, a dancer like Eomma. But what if I don’t want to be a dancer?”

“What do you want to be?”

“Why doesn’t Appa ever ask me that?” Sun-young frowned. “He just tells me to dance because I’m good at it but I don’t care that I’m good at it. I want to try other things now.”

“Like what?”

“There’s a Science Club at school… I just think it’s really cool. I don’t already know everything but it’s all about doing experiments and finding things out… I just really like it. But he doesn’t want me to do it because it would make me late for dance and the truth is… the truth is I don’t even want to dance anymore. It’s not fun anymore.”

All of this streamed forth from the little girl like the hot cocoa had something magic in it. Hanbyul felt flush with the honor of Sun-young’s trust like this. She could see how these feelings had been like a splinter in her heel, a fracture between her and Jimin for days now.

“I’m not an expert in these things,” Hanbyul admitted, “But I was a little girl once and I grew up too. Sometimes when our parents love us so much, the way they want the best for us is trying to push us to do what looks best to them, especially if it’s something they know really well. But your appa is a good man and he loves you so much. Maybe he just needs some time to get used to the idea of you doing something besides dance.” 

Even as she said it, Hanbyul could understand why Sun-young felt hopeless though. It was hard to imagine the Park household not revolving completely around dance. It had for longer than Hanbyul had known them. Classes, rehearsals, performances, competitions, new music ,new costumes, it was always such a whirlwind. 

She gave Sun-young a sympathetic frown and suggested, “Maybe try having a calm conversation with him about why Science Club is so important to you. Maybe he’s worried you’ll regret if you give up on dance since you used to love it so much. Is that what led to your argument before?”

Sun-young looked instantly uncomfortable and admitted, “.... No. I… made a mistake. But I knew he’d be mad and then he was mad!”

Damn, Hanbyul felt like she was feeling her way by touch through a dark room. She wanted to navigate this well but felt completely out of her place right now. She didn’t want to not be useful to Sun-young, but she also didn’t want to undermine whatever Jimin was thinking… damn!

 “Sometimes the most important conversations have to happen a couple times and with everyone calm,” she tried.

“He won’t even talk to me about it. He just wants me to be his perfect little dancer.”

Hanbyul let it sit for a moment so she could weigh her words. Really she’d never had any terrible battles with her parents. Sure, they might have liked her to go into something else but they weren’t too upset about her career. They would have liked her to live closer to home. Maybe when she was younger she’d stayed out too late or gone to a concert they didn’t approve of or something. But for the most part, her parents had not asked too much and she hadn’t ever had a reason to fight what they did. And in a way, she suddenly found that sort of sad, as if she’d never had anything to really champion for herself, nothing that she was really passionate and strong-willed about. 

“You’re both such passionate people,” she mused. “Dance is something you’ve had in common all this time so maybe it just will take him some time to adjust if you decide that’s not where your heart lies. Maybe he’s worried you’ll regret something you’ve worked so hard for. I don’t know what’s in his head, but I know you’re in his heart and I really believe that even if it takes some time, you can figure something out together.”

Sun-young let her chin rest in her hand and pouted her lips out as she mulled this over. Hanbyul thought Sun-young was a very smart girl to be so thoughtful about it. She felt like it would be easy for a child to just be upset at their dad’s response and the injustice and take this as an opportunity to complain, but instead Sun-young seemed to genuinely want advice. 

“I’m not being silly about it though. Science is a real thing!”

“I know that,” Hanbyul laughed.

“I mean it’s not like I’m saying I want to run away and be a unicorn farmer or something. I just want to be in Science Club and take a break from so much dancing…”

Hanbyul reached her hand out; she normally wasn’t quick to touch but felt the impulse to now, resting her fingers lightly on the back of Sun-young’s hand.

“It sounds reasonable to me, but just try talking to your appa again when you’re both in a calm, good mood, that’s what I think. Say all the things you just said to me so he can see how much you’ve thought about it.”

Sun-young twisted her hand to take hold and pouted, “Ok… I’ll try it, unnie. If you think so… I think he’s just going to be mad and say no but I really want it… can’t you just suggest it to him though? He likes you, I bet he’d listen to you better.”

Damn, Hanbyul wished those words meant something more!

“I think it’s a good conversation to have between a father and a daughter,” she grinned. She hesitated to offer to at least put in a good word if Jimin asked, because the truth was he might. He did ask her opinion sometimes on woman things or daughter things, but not exactly parenting things. The last thing Hanbyul wanted to do was overstep, or insert herself into this family in a way that wasn’t welcome. From the outside, Sun-young’s request seemed perfectly reasonable to her, as did why Jimin might have been surprised at first to hear it and worry about Sun-young turning away from something she’d been so dedicated to for so long. Surely the Parks could work this out though, guided by their mutual love and respect.

“Ok I guess,” Sun-young sighed, sounding far more like a nine-year-old girl now. She added with a giggle, “If he gets mad again, maybe you can help me make a powerpoint. Isn’t that what you do for work?”

Hanbyul grinned, “It is among the things I do for work, yes…”

“Ok, if it doesn’t work I’ll let you know and you can help me.”

Hanbyul wasn’t sure she should but didn’t want to say no either. Fortunately Sun-young wasn’t looking for an answer and just pushed her cup away. She seemed happier than before, as if Hanbyul had actually said or done anything useful. Maybe she had! Maybe sometimes it helped to hear from someone else that you weren’t wrong to like something of your own, even if it went against your parents. Hanbyul hoped Jimin wouldn’t feel like that support had been an overstep… but at the same time, Hanbyul knew in her heart that Jimin loved Sun-young enough to want her to be happy, even if it might take him some time to make room for something besides dance in their lives.

“Shall we head back?” Hanbyul asked, gathering their empty cups.

“Yeah– hey, unnie, have you ever made a volcano? Isn’t it crazy how the foam just gets big so fast? Miss Kwan showed us a video of all kinds of chemical reactions like that but with like dangerous chemicals we can’t use at school, but some of them are so crazy!”

Well, this was easy, at least. Hanbyul smiled and encouraged her, “Tell me all about it, I’d love to hear.”

***

Taehyung had called just as Jimin was leaving the gym –not for anything in particular, just bored, because he was young and single and not someone’s dad so he had time to be bored. Jimin couldn’t imagine. Taehyung asked if he could come hang out and Jimin welcomed the company because things were a little tense with Sun-young still but Taehyung was the kind of guy who could cut right through that and get them both laughing in no time. Things were always easier with Taehyung around.

“Ah, I should just marry you,” Jimin sighed after divulging the latest issue to him on the walk from Yoongi’s noodle place where they’d met up so Jimin could bring home food. Taehyung had shrugged and offered to play some games with Sun-young to see if that got her more relaxed and talking and even though Jimin knew Taehyung was experienced at conflict resolution because he caused so much conflict when they were younger, it was such a relief to feel like another adult could help settle things down. He had tried to talk to Sun-young that morning but she’d wanted nothing to do with him and instead invited herself over to Hanbyul’s. 

How embarrassing. Hanbyul must think he just really sucked as a father and for the first time, that was really starting to bother him. Taehyung could know he was incompetent, but he found himself wondering if all this time he’d actually been a figure of pity in Hanbyul’s eyes. Probably. Widowed single father, can barely cook a decent meal, has to watch YouTube videos and have friends teach him how to do his daughter’s hair. He was damn good at it now though. Just in time for Sun-young to decide she wanted to start doing her own…

“You want to marry me? I’m the reason for that starry look in your eye?” Taehyung teased.

Jimin laughed, “Yeah, just picturing our peaceful household.”

“Wouldn’t be peaceful at all. You would never approve of my parenting. My motto is to just give Sunnie everything she could possibly ever want.”

“Ah, right right. Would I, how did you say it… freak?” 

Taehyung hissed a non-apology through his teeth and snickered, “Is she talking like me? I’m flattered…”

“She’s always talked like you! Don’t say things that are so spicy for a nine-year-old!”

“Spicy,” Taehyung repeated with a laugh as he pushed the elevator button. “I can’t help it if I’m cool.”

“You’re right, we’d never work out. I forgot what it was like living with your ego–”

“Hey, we had fun!” Taehung quickly argued.

“Too much fun.”

“Yeah, until– well then you had a different kind of fun,” Taehyung quickly corrected. Jimin kept his face neutral despite the internal flinch. Until he’d met Subin and fallen hard and fast. He’d instantly abandoned his solo partying ways and instead found a happy medium: a happy, busy, social life with her on his arm, not so much the messy drunk parties he’d flaunted his dance skills at before. Then came marriage, then a baby– and then loss.

Taehyung knew he’d accidentally brushed against a sore spot and patted Jimin’s shoulder, “Don’t worry, maybe Sun-young will invite you to parties in a few years, you can get a social life back.”

“Tae!” Jimin glared and Taehyung gave him that charming grin that had secured him so much luck with ladies but nothing permanent. He would have chased his friend out of his home for suggesting something like that, for making a joke about Jimin’s fears that Sun-young was leaving him behind (even if he appreciated the attempt at painting it as something ridiculous), but first he had to collect said daughter. He nodded his head towards Hanbyul’s door and asked, “Can you knock? My hands are full.”

“Right.” Taehyung rang the bell and after some shuffling on the other side of the door, Hanbyul flung it open and Hudu launched out. 

“Ahhh my best boy, I don’t have a free hand for you,” Jimin lamented. 

Taehyung was quick to rise to the call though, crouching down and scritching behind Hudu’s jaws. Maybe Jimin felt a little jealous how instantly Hudu caved to Taehyung’s fingers and baby-talk. 

“Hudu,” he complained. “I thought we had something special.”

Taehyung smirked, “I’m irresistible.” Then he seemed to realize the dog owner was standing there, leaning in her doorway. “Ah, hi.”

“You’re Jeon Jungkook?”

“No, why, you think he’s more irresistible than I am? I’m Kim Taehyung.”

“Ah… ok, I see now, but didn’t your hair used to be curly?”

Jimin felt a grumble at the way Taehyung stood so fluidly and grinned at her, “So you’ve noticed me, huh? Nice to meet you, Ko Hanbyul.”

Jimin suddenly thought it was very strange they had never met before, that Hanbyul hadn’t met most of his closest friends. She’d met his parents! There hadn’t been any purposeful reason Hanbyul hadn’t crossed paths with his friends, it was just that he tended to make plans with her when he didn’t have plans with someone else, and he wasn’t exactly hosting parties or anything. He used to. Subin and he used to host things all the time and found great joy in bringing social groups together. That was how Yoongi had met his wife; otherwise the chef and ballerina would never have crossed paths!

Hanbyul looked shocked that Taehyung knew who she was, which immediately embarrassed Jimin. Why not? Why wouldn’t his closest friends know about his neighbor who helped so much with his daughter?

“I brag about what a great cook you are,” Jimin quickly blurted out because it sounded good in his head. Then he quickly added, “And what a good neighbor you are.” That wasn’t what he’d meant. It suddenly felt weirdly uncomfortable but he added anyway, “And how great you are with Sunnie.” Still not quite what he’d meant to say but for some reason how I don’t think I could have made it all this time without you felt like too much to say. Way way way too much.

Hanbyul gracefully moved past it with, “Oh, I’m flattered. But Sun-young is my favorite person to spend time with and we had a great morning, she’s always such a help with Hudu. He gets lonely just with me.”

Jimin was prepared to call for his daughter but she came to the door suddenly on her own. And, to his surprise, the dark cloud that had hung over her since Thursday seemed to have eased off. She even smiled at him, though maybe it was just on her way to cheering,

“Uncle Tae!”

“Hey, favorite girl,” he beamed, holding his arms out for her hug. 

“Are you going to kid-sit me?”

“No, I’m just hanging out. We going to play some games?”

“I’ll play too,” Jimin quickly offered, realizing Sun-young thought he was leaving again. He suddenly felt like the stick standing in the middle of the stream as the water rushed around, all these people who loved Sun-young and got her smiles, even though he loved her most of all.

To his utter relief, she said, “Ok. But if we’re on teams, you have to be on Uncle Tae’s team.”

“I’m not a burden!’

“We don’t have enough for teams,” Taehyung pointed out. Then turned to Hanbyul, “Unless?”

“Um–”

Sun-young’s face lit up, “Yeah, can you play with us!”

“I’m not very good at games, you know that.”

“That’s ok, Appa isn’t good either, but me and Uncle Tae are so then it’s fair.”

Jimin realized Hanbyul was trying to find a way out and so assured her, “It’s ok, we know you have a date to get ready for tonight–”

“It doesn’t take me that long,” Hanbyul laughed. “I can come over for a bit to play.”

“We have enough noodles,” Jimin quickly corrected so she wouldn’t think he was trying to tell her not to know.

Taehyung snorted and set off down the hall, Hudu trotting at his heels as Sun-young passed them with a happy shout.

“All right. It’s on then.”

***

Hanbyul left in the early afternoon but Taehyung stayed because he did that sometimes, just hung around for hours, and then you might not see him again for a few weeks. Jimin appreciated the company though; it always felt weird to him not to have anything going on at the studio on a Saturday but it wasn’t time for dress rehearsals yet, auditions were over, and he had no performances of his own this weekend. The lack of schedule left him feeling like he’d left the stove on, like he’d forgotten something important. 

Adding to that was Sunnie’s friend Ginam calling to ask if she could come over for dinner and a movie. Jimin had no reason to say no to it so now he’d have a quiet, childfree apartment for a few hours. The dream, or something something. But he liked having Sun-young around…

“Glad you’re staying,” Jimin sighed, elbowing his friend on the walk back from dropping Sun-young off. She had wanted to walk on her own but Jimin wasn’t ready for it yet even though he knew she could do it, so he’d lied about needing to swing by the drug store anyway. 

“Actually…”

“Taeeee,” Jimin whined as Taehyung looked at something on his phone and wiggled his eyebrows at Jimin.

“Hey man, you could be doing the same thing tonight.”

“Could I?”

Taehyung scoffed, “Yeah, you only gotta go a few doors down for it; meanwhile I’m dragging my ass across Seoul for this… ah, is it worth it,” he mumbled to himself with sudden second thoughts. Jimin grabbed his arm to steer him around a bike rack he almost walked into while concentrating on his phone, tongue between his lips in thought. Taehyung tilted his phone towards Jimin to show him the picture of the woman.

Jimin rolled his eyes, “Don’t ask me, I don’t do that kind of thing– wait, what do you mean, a few doors down?”

“You don’t do… sex?”

Jimin leveled a look at him.

“But I mean, you could. Do sex, I mean. You’ve done it before.”

“I don’t remember how,” Jimin laughed, then waved both his hands. “But it’s fine! I don’t mean that to sound pathetic.” He suspected he knew what Taehyung was hinting at with the thing he’d said but played dumb anyway, “Besides, I take up enough of my neighbor’s time, even if she didn’t have a date, I wouldn’t bug her to come hang out with me just because I’m alone.”

“Well then that would be her date, right?”

“What are you talking about?”

“I’m saying you could be the one going on a date with her.”

“Ah!” Jimin immediately made a face and shook his head. “No no.”

“No? You don’t have any interest there? Because I mean, she’s cute, she loves Sunnie, she’s got a cute dog, and she seems pretty fucking into you.”

Jimin felt an immediate flush, like he’d done something wrong, and assured Taehyung, “No, no, that’s just how nice she is. She’s amazing, right? I knew you’d get along, it’s funny you haven’t already met but I guess you’re both in and out at different times–.”

“Ah! Yeah! So I can date her?”

“I– … yes? You want to date her?” Jimin asked. His steps slowed without meaning to as he gave Taehyung a careful look, completely twisted around by Taehyung’s rapid teasing and questions. 

Taehyung looked at him closely, eyes narrowed, and pressed, “Why, would it bother you?”

“No… I guess not… I mean, if you wanted to date each other, why not? She’s on a second date though so she may already have found someone.”

Taehyung laughed loudly at that and threw his arm around Jimin’s shoulder, “Come on, a second date isn’t a wedding. It really wouldn’t bother you at all if I wanted to date her?”

“Why would it?”

“Do you want to date her?”

“No,” Jimin said, easily and without thought. He avoided looking at Taehyung so as not to trigger the pity me moment his friends were always so painfully loving through.

“Because you aren’t interested in her? Or because you aren’t interested in dating anyone?”

“That one. I mean, not that I’m sitting around thinking about dating her, I just mean I’m not dating anyone. I have a daughter.”

“Which is, strangely enough, not mutually exclusive with dating–”

Jimin felt an uncomfortable twist in his gut, a warning that this was going on a little too long, and sighed, “Come on, Tae. I’m not ready yet. You swore you wouldn’t push.”

“Only as long as I didn’t think you were wallowing.”

“I’m not wallowing!” Jimin huffed, leaping quickly to hotly annoyed. He squirmed out from beneath Taehyung’s arm. “Just because I don’t want to date my neighbor?”

Taehyung was immediately apologetic.

“Ok, fine, sorry, I’ll back off. I didn’t mean that you’re wallowing. I just mean that she’s nice, she and Sunnie like each other, you already know her and she’s part of your life so you shouldn’t let fear of dating apps or whatever stop you from asking her out, now that you know she’s open to dating.”

“Dating someone else doesn’t mean she wants to date me,” Jimin laughed. It was fake. His smile was fake and he knew Taehyung knew it but would let it slide. “Not that I want to date her! It’s not fear of dating apps! I know I’m hot, if I wanted some ass, I could get it.”

Taehyung sighed deeply, “We don’t really talk about women like that anymore….”

“Come on,” Jimin laughed, a little more sincerely at the teasing. He gave Taehyung a playful shove. “I’m just not… ready.”

“Ok. That’s ok then. You’re not ready then, that’s fine. I just wanted to make sure you aren’t missing something good while you’re waiting to be ready. I mean, what does that even mean? It’s not like you’ll ever be over Subin, right? You aren’t going to forget her and neither will Sunnie. What does it mean to you to be–”

“It means not right now.” The sharpness to Jimin’s voice cut Taehyung right off. There was a strained pause that let them both know this had now stepped too far. Jimin felt instantly flush with embarrassment to have snapped, or maybe flush with embarrassment at this whole conversation. To hide it-slash make it worse, he added, “I didn’t realize I was being so needy you think I need a girlfriend.”

“Nah, I don’t think you’re needy. I do think you deserve more in your life when you want it but not yet? Fine. I just thought there might be a little something extra when you mentioned Han–”

“There’s not.”

Taehyung easily slid into casual, “You know I’d marry you in a heartbeat and I’d be a damn good husband.”

“Apparently Sun-young’s friends already think I’m gay.” He hadn’t thought about that remark since she said it but it came to him now.

“Because you’re a dancer?”

“And the earrings, the hair…”

“Who cares, it’s not cock-blocking you anyway.”

It was enough to let a chuckle ease from Jimin’s chest. Yeah. He didn’t care if people thought he was gay, that wasn’t offensive. There was something painful at the thought that Sun-young was embarrassed or put off by him, but she’d said it in anger, he knew better than to trust it meant something more than that she was mad and trying to hurt him. But also maybe it did mean more, sometimes anger unlocked the things you didn’t want to say when you had better control of yourself.

All of this left him thoughtful as Taehyung split off to meet up with this woman, which Jimin declined regardless of whether she had a friend or not. He didn’t much want to go home either though so he took a left where he’d usually take a right and headed to the studio instead. There were always things going on there, and sometimes he enjoyed being swallowed by the activity even when none of it was his. The body heat and smell of sweat and rubber and leather and dust and cleaner, the cacophony of conflicting music as you walked down the hall, the slant of the late afternoon sun through the tall windows, it was all so familiar. So safe. So comforting.

He was able to find one of the smaller studios, not ideal for dancing it out but all that was available for the moment so it would have to do. Maybe he ought to have just gone home, god knew there was always plenty to do around the house. But he felt adrift right now in a way that left him needing to move. His daughter was drifting away and either angry or embarrassed by him. He was asking too much of his friends. This passion that drove him felt like it wasn’t quite reaching all the same corners in his soul it had even a few days ago. He felt some kind of way about not knowing Hanbyul was interested in dating, or was out dating, or that he wasn’t her type –it was all a mess in his head, he didn’t really have concrete thoughts, just that unease of uncomfortable feelings that he wanted to be free of. He took his timing stretching out tense muscles but felt the knot of worry still lodged in his mind and gut.

So he danced. He knew where and how hard to push his muscles to warm up, and they knew what was coming next, and this centering of his existence on his body was a well-honed survival skill by now. He didn’t have to be anyone when he danced. Nobody expected anything of him greater than what he expected of himself. He wasn’t Jimin or a father or a widow or lonely or tired or any of those things when he danced; for a few moments he could just be a body creating, pouring forth energy and emotion into the universe so he didn’t have to hold so damn much of it. 

As he began to sway and float around the small room, he felt that connectedness return. He was a conduit for the music. He was a conduit for every emotion he felt without having to linger on any of them. He was a receiver for the life that surrounded him with every note, every breath, every twitch of his muscles, every echo of his feet padding against the floor as he leapt. He was as strong as the wood as he rolled across it. He was as ethereal as the air as his arms and legs cut through it. The rules of physics didn’t apply to him as he leapt and landed, as he collapsed without pain, as the song’s percussion took over the beat of his heart, the melody pumping through his veins and out his fingers and toes. 

He danced straight through several songs in a phone playlist he’d selected at random, dancing until he slid to a stop against the wall, chest heaving, sweat dripping down his temples and chest. There wasn’t even a mirror in here but he hadn’t danced to be seen, not even by himself. 

Back when Subin had been his living wife, when they’d have an occasional argument, he’d started coming here to do this. Not that dancing to vent his bubbling emotions didn’t go further back than that, but this room specifically was an anchor to that time. Such a strong anchor in fact that this form of comfort had been closed off to him for a year and a half after her death, and at the time he had thought it would be forever. Now he could bear the connection, but it struck him as he sat there that the displacement of reality didn’t linger afterwards as long as it used to. He had expected to lose himself so fully in the music when he danced in this room like this that he’d briefly forget all the events of the last few years and for a moment still believe Sun-young was small and Subin was alive and the greatest challenge facing them was whether all the classes would make next month to keep the studio afloat for another four weeks. In the moment, dance let him escape reality, but once the movement and music stopped, the dream was gone too and he was instantly himself sitting on the floor with all the truth of his reality.

He closed his eyes and leaned against the wall and at once felt the rush of everything dancing had given him jumbled together with the things he had sacrificed for it. The sore muscles and strained ligaments, the bruised knees and pinched nerves, the shoulder pain that was sending him to Physical Therapy more frequently. The time he’d chipped his tooth on the barre trying to impress Subin doing flips. The long hours and late nights and early mornings and many, many weekends. It gave him purpose and community and breath, he couldn’t imagine what his life would be like without it, any more than he had been able to envision life without Subin. Dancing, this studio, they were his wife now, the second most important commitment in his life –Sun-young obviously being the first. 

So what was Taehyung talking about, dating? Hanbyul? Worse than that, why had Jimin felt a jolt at such an innocuous question as to whether Taehyung could date Hanbyul? Why not? Granted he didn’t really think their personalities worked well together but hey, who really ever knew? And she wanted to date! She was on a date right now. It wasn’t like she’d ever told him she wasn’t open to dating someone, it wasn’t exactly something they’d ever talked about, because why would they? He was her old widowed neighbor with a child, not a friend to talk about things like dating with, even in an innocent way.

He caught his reflection in the glass window, now that the sun had gone down. Mindlessly he fussed with the locks plastered to his forehead. He’d started to worry it was thinning out. He’d been dying it blond for a long time now, it was inevitable he’d damage it beyond repair at some point, but he’d simply put off worrying about it because he liked being blond. Subin had liked him being blond too; she’d teased him that it was his natural hair color, a rare blond Korean, because it looked so good with his skin tone. 

“Aish, why am I thinking about my hair color?” he said, and sprawled out on the floor so he didn’t have to avoid his own gaze another moment. He rejected that question that had tried to sneak in what does Hanbyul think of my blond hair? Did she ever see it dark? Would she even recognize me? It would be funny to surprise– It didn’t matter what Hanbyul thought, why would it? It didn’t matter what the kids at Sun-young’s school thought either; that’s what he wanted to teach Sunnie, not to worry about what anyone else thought. Only worry about what’s in your own heart.

In his own heart was Sunnie and dance. And a corner of it was carved out for his friends, including Hanbyul and Hudu, sure. He would be sad if she suddenly got married and moved away. Sun-young would be sad too. He’d be alone again. 

More alone. 

Because Hanbyul wasn’t currently a solution to loneliness anyway. 

Not just currently, period. 

He didn’t need more than what he had right now. He was so blessed with what he had. And wanting more –god, the thought of it, of leaving Subin behind like that, it nauseated him. Practically speaking, he knew you shouldn’t live your life dedicated to someone who was gone and that Subin would want him to be happy and all that because he’d mostly want that too (and maybe just a little bit of her never forgetting him, selfishly) but– but to even think of actually doing something like that– of putting himself out there and opening himself up to losing another person, or putting Sun-young through that, or even just having to adjust this life they’d barely stitched together around the absence of Subin to accommodate someone else–

He couldn’t imagine it. He couldn’t do that to Sun-young. He couldn’t do that to himself. Things were fine now and he would stay single for the rest of his life to make sure he didn’t do anything to upset his and Sunnie’s balance. At least until she was grown and settled on her own, if/when that day came. If she wanted to stay living at home forever that was fine too, he sure didn’t mind. If not, maybe he’d just get a dog. Hell, they could get a dog now!

Ok they weren’t going to get a dog now. Maybe they’d just borrow Hudu more–

Well maybe Hanbyul had a new boyfriend now who would want to walk Hudu for her.

The door cracked open and Hoseok peeked in.

“Hey, Jiminie, I’m locking up soon. Are you staying late? Sorry to poke in.”

“No. No no, I’m done,” JImin decided. He hadn’t realized it had gotten so late so quickly. He checked his phone, still no call from Sun-young. He’d call when he got close and see how the movie was going in case he could pick her up on the way.

“Everything ok?” Hoseok pushed the door wide for Jimin to step out into the empty hallway.

“Yeah. Steady on. Sunnie’s with a friend for a movie.”

“And you came here to dance? Ah, that’s some real dedication. I would have taken a nap.”

Jimin bit back the sigh. Yep, those were pretty much his options, huh? He ought to be doing something about the dishes, or the bills, or the laundry that never ended even though there were only two people in the house.

“Hey, I can wait if you want to shower –you want to get a drink? I’m meeting up with Jungkook and Yoongi–”

Just as quickly Jimin waved him off with, “Nah, I’ve got to pick her up.” 

And Hoseok didn’t push. Jimin hadn’t had a drink in years, he hadn’t gone out for a drink in years, and look, that was pretty much a requirement for dating anyway, so until he felt like going out for drinks, he’d never make it in the dating world. Not that he wanted to make it in the dating world. Meeting up with strangers over drinks? Fuck, how did people do that? He didn’t do that, and he wasn’t going to start now, because if it wasn’t broke, don’t fix it. Right now, things weren’t broken. They had been so broken before. He’d do whatever it took to keep things from being that broken ever again.

“Ok, next time,” Hoseok winked, and patted his back at the door. “See you tomorrow?”

“You know it.”

Jimin brushed his fingers through his hair and went to fetch his daughter before she could think of asking to spend the night at a friend’s house for the first time. More things he was definitely not ready for.

Previous Chapter | Masterlist | Next Chapter

#jimin ff #jimin x oc #park jimin fanfic #dad jimin #bts fanfiction #bts fluff #jimin smut #jimin fluff #jimin fic #jimin fanfic #single dad jimin #after the applause

[mandana-the-service-pup]

Mandana is feeling great!

Over this last year she has had a lot of fatigue and soreness and we have been to the vet a lot.

She couldn’t exercise without her back hurting.

I took her swimming at the lake a few times but we had to stop because she would be so sore afterwards.

I had to stop taking her on scooter rides.

We had to stop running on the carpetmill

I couldn’t even let her run in off leash areas unabated because she would come up lame from back pain.

We were at the vet a lot. We did a course of antibiotics. We trialed pain medication. We started a muscle supplement, joint supplement, anti-inflammatory supplement. Did chiropractor, aquapuncture, red laser therapy, canine conditioning stretches/exercises and we recently started low dose naltrexone. Every new thing we tried was a little more effective and eventually we were able to put together a program that works really well for her.

Even after all of that I was still really concerned yesterday when we took her to the 10 acre Sniffspot. The last time she ran in a field she came to a sudden stop because her back hurt so much and then she ran to me and sat in my lap so I could massage it for her. In theory we have gone through the rehabilitation process and she should be ready for self-paced activity but seeing her sprinting across an open field made me cringe.

But she did it. She flew across that field. Climbed steep trails. Swam laps in the pond and leapt off the dock. She didn’t show any signs of soreness or injury. No hesitation. No fatigue. The nap she took in the car was enough to recharge her body and she was ready for more play when we got home. I’ve checked her multiple times today and can’t find any signs of soreness or tenderness in her back or any other part of her body.

She is doing great. We have a car. Spring is here and we are ready for more adventures. 🥹🥲🥰

#belgian malinois #3 years #canine rehabilitation #canine conditioning #injured dog #sick dog #vetblr #dogblr #service dogblr

[bandefic]

Hi! I saw that this is a new Brigitte and Emmanuel fic blog so - Welcome!

I wrote some pieces I submitted to another wonderful blog on here, but since she seems to be taking a break right now, I thought I would submit this piece I was working on here. (For those who also follow EMT, this is Fanfic Anon #2). Hope you all enjoy!

Maman has been sad for days now, and there is nothing I can do to cheer her up. I’ve tried to get her up off the couch to play with me, I’ve cuddled her, showered her with kisses, but nothing I’ve done has made any difference. She is still staring forlornly at the chair where Papa should be.

I miss him too. I miss the way he sneaks me treats when Maman isn’t looking, I miss the way he plays fetch with me, and no one gives a better belly rub. But I know it’s different for her. Even if I can still smell him on her, I know she is going through withdrawals without him.

He eventually came back, just like he always does, and I was so happy to see Maman’s smile again, I didn’t mind they locked me out of their bedroom all night. Besides, they made up for it the next day, letting me curl up at their feet, my favorite place to be, as we all are wrapped up together like one happy family.

It was magical, they even both took me for my daily walks! I always love when Papa controls the leash, he lets me run more. And there’s no better sound than my Maman’s laugh as she’s calling out for me as I do so, chasing one of those pesky chickens around the yard.

But soon, I could tell something was wrong, there was a sense of heavy sadness in the air that was so unlike the happiness that normally is the mood in this house.

Papa pulled me aside as he shrugged on his jacket, "now, I need you to be a good boy for me. Take care of Maman. She is going to need a lot of love."

"Why?" I wanted to ask. "What’s wrong?"

"I have to go away for a few days. Again," he sighed wearily, bending down to scratch me behind the ears, one last time. "I love you, my sweet boy. I’ll see you soon."

Hi Anon #2,

It's lovely to see you again. Thank you for sharing! This was such a sweet fic and a great way to end a weekend. There can never be too much Nemo in the world! 💙

#brigitte macron #emmanuel macron #les macrons #macrons #fanfiction #france #featured #anon 2 #nemo #nemo macron #political rpf #submissions

[theadventurek9]

Two weeks with Rebel!

It’s been two weeks since we brought the little pipsqueak home.

She is starting to gain more weight and really is settled into our home. She is confident and overall a joy to be around. Her favorite toy is a wand with feathers, but really likes anything with feathers in general. She likes to carry and drag it around the house if we let her. She currently is also carrying socks around the house as well. She sleeps almost completely through the night cuddled up with us. (Two adult humans, Aayla and her on a queen…it’s starting to get scrunched!) she will wake up and ask for pets sometimes but isn’t too obnoxious about it.

She has great bite and clawing inhibition. Even though we get the normal pounces and bites and clawing from her playing and just being a kitten, she hasn’t drawn blood on any of us. She has great control of her claws (don’t know if I have met a cat like that!) and is gentle overall with her play. Still trying to redirect to toys but the partner likes wrestling with her so it may never go away. I’ve done the normal (you can’t complain when she is an adult) talk with him. I think her temperament is great and it shouldn’t be much of an issue anyways, though I do my best to not encourage it.

Aayla and Rebel get along way better than I expected. Aayla is showing a lot less herding and overall controlling behavior than I thought she would. She isn’t guarding the bed or being bad about muzzle punching when Rebel is jumping up and down off of things. We’ve had some mild RG with chews and while Aayla is eating. Mostly her normal stiffening, lip raised and some growling. Yet she easily lets me step in and remove Rebel and give a treat. Honestly I don’t mind that much that she is a little guardy of these things with animals. I’ve had to intervene with playing less and less. Aayla is still being a bit much but luckily Rebel seems to enjoy all the chasing and playing. They will snuggle on the bed together and overall are coexisting very well.

Training is going great. She has a pretty solid understanding of touch. Being a young kitten she isn’t always as interested in working with us, but understands the concept well. Also working on a go into the crate behavior which she is doing well with right now. I’m starting some handling stuff soon (nail trims) and Eric wants to start teaching her sit.

Leash training is going great. Putting the harness on with putting her head through the front is adversive to her (step in harness coming soon!) so she doesn’t like that but holds still for it to be fastened! Once it’s on she doesn’t seem to care and acts like normal. So I would say we’ve conditioned well to wearing the harness. Having the leash attached is still a little bit of work with conditioning. She gets a little unsure when the leash is in front of her and backs up a bit but recovers quickly. The outside work is just improving, she is getting more and more confident. Starting to engage in some play and more walking around. She likes hanging out on our shoulders so that’s great too.

Overall things are going fantastic. We’re hoping that she may be ready for her first easy camping trip by next month. Probably somewhere local and just for one night.

#adventure cat #cat training #Rebel #cat #kitten

[monsieuremjaydee]

Diet and Exercise

I noticed that my cat was starting to get fat. Not sure why because he’s been getting the same amount of food as always so the only explanation is that he must have been sneaking the left-over pizza I’ve been leaving out on the stove every night. In that moment I realized that I’ve been eating pizza every night and beelined to the hallway mirror to check if I was getting fat too.

I was.

“From now on it’s vegetable smoothies and walks around Central Park until we both look like Brad Pitt,” I said to Garbage. “Well, vegetable smoothies for me and canned tuna for you,” I corrected myself realizing that cats don’t eat vegetables. Or maybe they do. I don’t know. I know that mine certainly doesn’t. In any case, one two click and we’ve got a case of wild albacore and a Ninja blender on the way from Amazon. Great. Next, I figured we’d get a head start on the exercise so I strapped Garbage into his harness and off we went to the park. (The thing barely fit.)

We hiked around the little trails above Loeb Boathouse, I took it slow because I could see that Garbage was having a hard time. His body was visibly weighing down on his tiny knees. He looked like a barrel on four shaky sticks. But I didn’t say anything. I didn’t want to embarrass him. Instead, I pretended like I was the one struggling, giving off sighs here and there, asking him to slow down. I tried to keep his mind off the physical exertion with stories about mice and fish when, out of nowhere, a large mama-goose cut us off leading a string of babies across the path. We stopped. Garbage looked up at me. I shrugged my shoulders, “we gotta wait,” I said. And as soon as I did, the goose hissed violently like a manic cobra. I got a little scared, I’ll admit. “Step back,” I calmly whispered to Garbage. He moved behind my leg. Seeing him move, the goose started flapping her wings and hissing even more aggressively.

Now — just to clarify — when I said that I got a little scared, it wasn’t so much that I was afraid of the goose itself. I mean, you have to keep a leveled head in situations like that, have to think logically. And logically speaking, I’m over six feet tall. The goose is what? A foot maybe? I weigh… a lot, hence the whole diet and exercise thing. The goose weighs how much? Maybe 10, max 15 pounds? I say this to say that I’m pretty sure I could take a goose down if push came to shove. Let’s say she flew up at face-level and tried to peck my eyes out. I’d treat her with a double jab, cross, hook. And if she came after my legs, I’d simply swat her with a low kick. Done deal. It’s not complicated. But it is beside the point because I would never actually do anything like that. Not in my right mind at least. And that is where things start to crumble. Because how can I know if I’m in my right mind at any given moment? Everything I do or think makes sense to me because I’m the one doing or thinking it. So if the thought of boxing it out with a goose pops into my head, that means that somewhere in there this is a possibility waiting to materialize. And that is what I was scared of when I said I got a little scared. Because the only thing worse than beating up a goose is being SEEN beating up a goose. I mean, Imagine that? You’re walking around Central Park, minding your business, relaxing, when suddenly you see some cretin with a morbidly obese cat on a leash punching a goose. Front page New York Times next morning guaranteed.

Long story short, we turned around and walked in the other direction. Did another 30 minutes around the lake and went home. Exhausted.

Once we got the blender and the tuna we played no games, went hard with the diet without looking back at our old fat life. Within the first two months Garbage started looking like a Persian show cat and I was down to 180.

#fiction #fiction writing #philosophy #health #dietfood #reading #literature #books #short story

[sweetestofchaos]

Waring(s): 𝖭𝖲𝖥𝖶. 𝖴𝗇𝗉𝗋𝗈𝗍𝖾𝖼𝗍𝖾𝖽 𝖲𝖾𝗑. 𝖢𝗎𝗋𝗌𝗂𝗇𝗀. 𝖯𝖾𝗍 𝖭𝖺𝗆𝖾𝗌. 𝖲𝖼𝗋𝖺𝗍𝖼𝗁𝗂𝗇𝗀. 𝖨𝗍’𝗌 𝗉𝗋𝖾𝗍𝗍𝗒 𝗆𝗂𝗅𝖽, 𝗁𝗈𝗇𝖾𝗌𝗍𝗅𝗒. Word Count: 3,564 Description: 𝖩𝖺𝖼𝗄𝗌𝗈𝗇 𝖶𝖺𝗇𝗀 𝗂𝗌 𝖺 𝖽𝗈𝗀, 𝗇𝗈 𝗋𝖾𝖺𝗅𝗅𝗒 𝗁𝖾'𝗌 𝖺 𝗐𝖾𝗋𝖾𝗐𝗈𝗅𝖿 𝖺𝗇𝖽 𝗂𝗌 𝗉𝗈𝗌𝗂𝗇𝗀 𝖺𝗌 𝖺 𝖽𝗈𝗀 𝗍𝗈 𝗀𝖺𝗂𝗇 𝗍𝗁𝖾 𝗅𝗈𝗏𝖾 𝗈𝖿 𝖸/𝖭. 𝖲𝗁𝖾'𝗌 𝖼𝗅𝗎𝖾𝗅𝖾𝗌𝗌 𝖺𝗌 𝗍𝗈 𝗐𝗁𝖺𝗍 𝗁𝖾 𝗋𝖾𝖺𝗅𝗅𝗒 𝗂𝗌, 𝖻𝗎𝗍 𝗁𝗈𝗐 𝗅𝗈𝗇𝗀 𝗐𝗂𝗅𝗅 𝗍𝗁𝖺𝗍 𝗅𝖺𝗌𝗍? Paring(s): 𝖩𝖺𝖼𝗄𝗌𝗈𝗇 & Black!𝖱𝖾𝖺𝖽𝖾𝗋

Being a werewolf in heat sucks, it sucks even more when you're a werewolf in heat pretending to be a dog. Even worse when your owner is a five-foot five black women with curves in all the right places. Her eyes are a deep brown that lighten when she's in the light and her hair is a waterfall of curls black as night. When she walks her hips sway naturally and her breast bounce with each step, in sync with her bodies own music. I've been with this woman for two months and everything she does drives me nuts. She's single and loves me to bits. I'm her protector at night and I'm her shoulder to cry on when she is having a bad day. I'm her best friend when she needs someone to spill her heart to and I'm her knight in shining armor when she is sleeping.

“Come on boy lets go out!” My owner calls from the front door. Jumping down off the couch I hurry to the front door and bark happily as she bends down giving me a nice view of her breasts as she puts my leash on. Yeah, I know, I'm a sick doggie, but hey what guy isn't? Standing up straight my owner whose name is Y/N smiles down at me. “Let’s go.” She says walking out the door and shutting it behind us. Walking down the street with Y/N by my side I watch everyone greet her with a smile and a hello. Little kids with sticky hands run up and pet me more than a little gentile, but hey they're kids. We walk into town to pick a few things for dinner tonight. She's making grilled orange chicken! Yeah, she's the best cook in the world.

Walking into the food store my tongue rolls out of my mouth as the different smells hit me. “Come on boy, lets go get the chicken.” Y/N mutters. Now, I bet you're wondering how I'm allowed in a store if I'm a dog right? Well, Y/N is a trainer for service dogs. Heading over to the frozen meat I watch as Y/N goes right to the chicken and fights with herself either to get legs or breasts. I nudge her left leg and she looks down at me, “Which one?” She asks and I nod my head to her right hand that is holding the chicken breasts. “Okay, chicken breast it is,” she beams. A familiar scent hits my nose, making my tail wag as my fellow werewolf, Jaebeom comes into view. He's a pack mate of mine and he’s also the one that got me involved with Y/N.

We saved her from a wolf attack when she was walking in the park at night. Jaebeom turned into his human form since she was out cold from a bump on her head, and I stayed in my wolf form in case they came back. When she woke up Jaebeom explained that she was attacked by a stray dog and when she found out that I helped well she gave me lots of love. They started talking and Jaebeom told her about his friend who has a child with a disability, and he offered me up to be trained to take care of the kid. Now, no. Jaebeom didn't lie, we do have a friend that does has a disabled son, but I'm not going to help the kid out. Honestly, he’s doing great on his own, he is also a werewolf, so his enhanced sense helps him a lot. I'm doing this to get close to Y/N.

 “Y/N?” Jaebeom calls her name, and she turns around.

“Hey Jae!” She greets and I roll my eyes as Jaebeom leans down to pet my head.

He smirks at me and straighten himself up, “How is he doing?” Jaebeom motions towards me with raised eyebrows.

“He's doing great. He listens and does everything right with just a few tries.” Y/N explains and Jaebeom nods his head as he listens.

“That's good! I'm glad I found you…” Jaebeom sighs and runs a hand through his hair before he gives Y/N a regretful look. “The family I told you about got a dog a few weeks ago.”

“What?” Y/N’s eyes widen at the news, and he glances down at me. “That's great, but what are you going to do with King?” She worries and I want to kill Jaebeom for telling her that's my name.

“I guess give him to a shelter or something?” Jaebeom shrugs his shoulders as he looks down at me. “I don't really have any room for him.”

“Oh...I'll buy him off you!” Y/N places her hand on the top of my head and Jaebeom smirks.

“Grown attached to him?”

“Kind of. I don't know what it is about him, but it's like he knows what I'm saying when I talk to him.”

“Really? He doesn't look that smart.” Jaebeom quirks at eyebrow and I growl at his rude remark.

“Be nice King.” Y/N scolds gently and I whine, rubbing my wet nose on her leg. She shivers and pushes my head away from her leg, “How much do you want?” She asks.

“Nothing.” Jaebeom shakes his head and Y/N’s mouth drops slightly before she collects herself.

“What? Jaebeom he's a big dog! Surely you paid a lot for him.” Y/N tries again and Jaebeom laughs.

“Nope!” Jaebeom waves off Y/N’s words. “I found the mutt outside.” Brian states and I glare at him.

“A-are you sure?”

“Yeah, take him. I'm sure he'll be better off with you.”

The smile that comes to life on Y/N’s face makes my heart skip a beat. “Thank you, Jaebeom!” She beams happily and gives him a hug.

Jaebeom gives me a wink as he pulls away, “Well I have to go. I got a TV dinner calling my name.”

“Why don't you stop by for dinner tonight?” Y/N offers.

“Ah…I don't know Y/N.” Jaebeom shoots me a glance and I choose to ignore him.

“Oh, come on Jae. I'm making grilled orange chicken.” She says and I can see the longing in Jaebeom’s eyes.

“Okay, you got me. What time should I come over?” Jaebeom inquires.

“Is seven good for you?”

“Yeah. I'll see you at seven.” With that, Jaebeom leaves and Y/N smiles down at me.

“Guess I should get more huh?” Y/N asks while looking at me and I bark quietly. She laughs and grabs another pack of chicken. We walk around the store grabbing whatever else she needs, and I let little kids pet and poke me. One kid pulls my tail and I yelp in surprise, hell I almost bite the kid, but stopped myself.

Now back home I can lay down and watch Y/N cook. “Damn it!” She cruses and I look up at her from the floor. She wipes at her shirt and growls, “I liked this shirt too,” she sighs and pulls her top off over her head. Her yellow bra makes me drool as she mutters curse words under her breath. She unclasps her bra and walks out of the kitchen heading up the steps. I follow behind her and watch as she pulls her bra off. Opening the bedroom door, I jump up on the bed and lay down to watch as Y/N takes the rest of her clothes off. The sauce got all over her outfit. Y/N grabs a light blue sundress and slips it on, “What you think?” She asks and I tilt my head to the side. She laughs and walks over to me; she pats my head and I lick her hand.

“Come on I can't burn the food,” Y/N warns, and I follow her back to the kitchen. Laying down in the doorway I watch as Y/N runs around the kitchen, her legs are driving me nuts, I just want to wrap them around my waist; see if they are as strong as they look. I whine and Y/N looks back at me, “What's wrong? You need to go out?” I walk into the living room and hop up on the couch, I rest my head in my paws and close my eyes, I think I'll take a nap before Jaebeom gets here.

<><><> 

“King! King time to eat!” I blink open my eyes and look around. I hop off the couch and walk into the kitchen. The sound of Jaebeom's car pulling up makes me run to the door and bark. Y/N opens the front door and smile as Jaebeom walks up to the house. “Hey.”

“Come in.” Y/N steps to the side to let Jaebeom in and shuts the door behind him. I walk into the kitchen to eat. “I just finished cooking.” Y/N says with Jaebeom following her into the kitchen. The two of them sit down at the island and eat; I start to eat my food and turn out their conversion. Once finished with my dinner I drink some water and lay down by Y/N's feet.

Jaebeom looks down at me and smiles, “I think he likes it here,” Jaebeom muses.

“I think so too. He's free to do almost whatever he wants here,” Y/N laughs playfully. The two of them finish eating and Y/N forces Jaebeom into the living room while she does the dishes. I follow behind Jaebeom and jump up on the couch next to him.

When are you going to let Y/N see what you really are?

I turn my head to face Jaebeom as his voice echoes in my mind. Soon…very soon

The guys want to meet her

I know they've told me many times I think with a sigh. Jaebeom pats my head and I growl softly at him making him laugh with a shake of his head. His phone rings and he answers it quickly, “Hey babe.” I hear Avery on the other side and lick Jaebeom’s hand, “Jackson says hi,” Jaebeom informs his wife and I hear her tell him to tell me to hurry the hell up with getting Y/N to love me. I roll my eyes and bark happily as Y/N walks into the room.

She takes a set across from Jaebeom and I jump off the couch over to her. Resting my head across her legs, she smiles down at me and runs her fingers through my hair. Jaebeom hangs up and gives Y/N a smile, “Thanks for dinner Y/N. It was great, but I have to get home to my wife.”

“I thought she was in New York.”

“She just got back.” The smile on Jaebeom’s face is large as he thinks about his wife’s early trip home.

“Make her a plate.” Y/N orders and Jaebeom frowns. “There's enough for you too,” She giggles and Jaebeom grins.

“Okay!” he says and runs into the kitchen to make the plates. “Bye, Y/N!” Jaebeom calls out from the door.

“Bye, Jae!” Y/N yells as Jaebeom opens and shuts the front door. Whining I nudge her hand and she laughs, “Come on let me up and I'll put Blade in.” She says and I pick my head up.

Y/N stands up and quickly sets up the dvd player before she walks back over to me. Pressing play on the remote as she sits beside me, Y/N makes herself comfortable. Halfway through the movie Y/N falls asleep and I sigh. She can't sleep on the couch it gives her a bad back in the morning and she can hardly do anything the next day. Jumping off the couch I take a deep breath and phase into my human form. The cool air from the air condition makes me shiver and wish I had clothes on. Looking at Y/N I bite my lower lip as she moves, and her dress raise up a little on her thighs. Bending down I slip my arms under her body and lift her off the couch. She starts to move in my arms, and I stand still. Y/N snuggles into my chest and lets out a sigh.

Walking up the steps I take my time as I head to her bedroom. Holding her with one arm I push open the door and kick it shut with my foot. Walking over to the bed I lean over to place Y/N down and freeze as she hides her face in the crook of my neck. Feeling her breath on my skin makes me smile and tingle all over. I lay Y/N on the bed and her eyes flutter open. I hold my breath praying that she is still sleeping. “King, come to bed,” she mutters as her eyes close. I let out my breath and jump as her hand grabs my wrists, “Come to bed!” she grumbles pulling on my arm. I shouldn't lay with her, but she won't sleep peacefully without me. I crawl on the bed and lay next to Y/N keeping a safe distance between us.

In her sleep she feels around for me and once her hand touches my chest, she moves closer. Her body presses against mine and I stiffen up. After a few minutes I sit up and get off the bed. I walk into the bathroom that is connected to the room and take a piss. I hear movement from the room and Y/N is calling me. Out of habit I flush the toilet and go to her. She looks over at the bathroom door startled and quickly covers herself, her dress is now on the floor beside her feet. Her brown eyes widen in horror, and she starts to shake in fear. I take a step towards her, and she steps back, “Y/N?” I wince as I call her name and see her recoil in fear.

“H-how do you know my name?” The question is forced and high pitched as Y/N looks around the room for King.

“Don't be afraid I won't hurt you.” I urge and she watches me as I walk towards her. Once in front of her shaking body I stare into her brown eyes.

Her eyebrows furrow in confusion as she looks into my eyes, “K-King...” she breaths out and I nod my head. She reaches her hand forward and touches my face. I lean into her touch and keep my eyes on her as she searches mine.

Grasping her hands with my own I bring them to my lips, “Actually, it’s Jackson.” I offer a weak smile and my eyes fall to Y/N’s lips as she licks them.

“T-this has to be a dream.”

“No, it's not. I'm real.” I mummer softly and Y/N shakes her head. “Y/N-” I let go of her hand and cup her face, “I'm real and I won't hurt you ever...” I promise and lean down. Her eyes close as our lips touch and I can feel her body quiver.

Wrapping an arm around Y/N's waist, I deepen the kiss as I pull her body closer to mine. Kissing me back, my heart starts to beat ever faster than it already did. I lick her bottom lip and she pulls away from me. “No! No! This isn't happening…y-you're a fucking dog!” Y/N cries pushing me away from her as she starts to walk back and forth. Her breast bounce with each step and I close my eyes trying to control myself.

“Y/N,” I call softly, and she ignores me. “Y/N,” I call again opening my eyes and she glances at me.

“This is bullshit...that must have been some bad chicken.”

“Y/N!” I call her name firmly and she looks at me startled.

“What?!” She hisses and I lose it.

I grab her hips and slam her into the wall. Crashing my lips into hers I rub our lower halves together and she moans. Kissing down the side of her neck, I gently bite her soft flesh and her knees give out. Picking Y/N up in my arms I walk over to bed and lay her down before I climb on top of her. Her fingers knot in my hair as I kiss my way down to her breasts. “King!” She moans as I flick my tongue over her erect nipple. A growl rips from the back of my throat and she shivers.

“It's Jackson!” I bark and she looks down at me with lust clouded eyes. Pulling my hair, Y/N pulls me up and presses her lips to mine in a passionate kiss, wrapping her legs around my waist.

“T-tell me this isn't another dream...this is real?” She begs looking into my eyes.

“Another dream?” I ask and she nods her head. “You've dreamt about me?” I raise my eyebrows and I can feel the heat pooling around Y/N’s cheeks.

“Yeah, we do…naughty things.” She says and my dick gets harder at her words.

“Oh?” I smirk and lean down. A light r to her ear, “Like what, pet?” A ripple quivers in my mind and I can see Y/N's dreams...shit they are my dreams, but how is that possible? I look down at Y/N and she's looking up at me shocked,

“Did you do that?”

“You saw that?” Y/N nods her head and I’m at a loss. “No, I didn't...I don't think I did.”

“This isn't a dream, is it?” Y/N lets her fingers play with the hair at the nap of my neck and I shake my head.

“No.”

Smiling, Y/N crashes her lips into mine. “I love you, J-Jackson.” Y/N breaths against my lips and that's all it takes for me to lose everything. Slamming into Y/N's wet core without warning she screams my name. Thrusting in and out I groan as Y/N meets my thrusts with her own. “Fuck! Fuck! Fuck!” Y/N whines over and over again, causing me to smirk as I lift her legs up over my shoulders getting deeper inside of her. Moaning loudly, I take hold of Y/N's hands and place them above her head. Leaning into her I pull out all the way and thrust right back in, “Fucking hell, Jackson!” Y/N screams. Her cursing so much is turning me on to no end.

“You like that baby?” I grunt and she moans loudly.

“Yes! Oh God y-yes!” She pants as she throws her head back. A growl rips from deep within as Y/N clenches her walls around my dick and makes me work harder as she unclenched only to clench again. Seeing her in so much pleasure because of me helps bring me to the next high, I'm so lost in the feeling of being inside her that I yelp in surprise as Y/N’s legs lock around the back on my neck and she pushes up with her arms sending me onto my back with her now on top. Unlocking her legs from my neck Y/N picks herself up and I want to fucking come right there and then seeing her hold herself up with her hands as she spreads her legs into a split above my dick. She drops herself onto me and my eyes roll to the back of my head as she rides me hard and fast. Grabbing her hips, I slam her down on my dick as I thrust up and moan watching her breasts bounce with each movement.

“Oh J-Jacksooon.” Y/N screams as her walls tighten and push her juices out as she hits her first climax. She rides out her release and I flip us over, so I'm back on top. Pounding into her throbbing pussy at an animalistic past she screams and begs for me to go harder. I hiss in pain as Y/N's nails bite into my skin and drawl blood as she rakes them down my back. Screaming my name again, Y/N reaches her climax for the second time. She falls back underneath me and seeing her fucked out expression triggers my own release. Riding out the last of my sex high, I pull out of Y/N and lay down next to her.

She wiggles next to my body and throws her leg over my waist pulling me close to her. Wrapping my arms around her waist I press my lips to hers and sigh, “I love you, Y/N.” I mummer and she smiles softly.

“I'm in love with a werewolf.” She says and I laugh.

“Yeah, you are...wait you know?” I ask.

“Jackson…what else could you be?” She laughs.

“Y-you’re okay with that?”

Y/N rests her chin on my chest and stares into my eyes. “I love you Jackson…a-and that’s means your werewolf too.”

Looking at Y/N I press my lips to hers, not only does she love me, but she accepts the very thing that could have kept us apart. “You're my King, Jackson. A queen is nothing without her king.” Y/N explains, and I chuckle as a yawn slips past her lips.

“Go to sleep pet. Tomorrow we'll talk more about this.” I say and she nods her head. As Y/N drifts to sleep, I reach out to Jaebeom to let him know the good news.

Jaebeom, man I did!

I know

Huh? How?

Who do you think put those dreams in her mind?

You sly dog!

Jaebeom’s laugh echoes in my mind Night King

It's Jackson! I think with a smile on my face. Y/N presses a kiss on my chest, I close my eyes and let sleep take over me.

#soc jackson #jackson wang #got7 #werewolf au #kpop ambw #say my name #got7 smut #jackson x black!reader #interracial relationship #exqueuese me

[oro-e-diamanti]

Quiet Music: Poco a poco forte

In collaboration with @bethanysnow (whose askbox is always open!)

Jealousy was never a good look with stardust in the other’s eyes. Boundaries are tested. Fantasies are made hot and heavy with some alcohol. Will they make it back to the hotel all in one piece?

Content | Fluff

Pairing | fem!Reader x Damiano

Word Count | 5845

Taglist | @damianodavide @lizstans @unitersmoonshine @its-afucking-mess @ethaneskin @dont-let-me-drown-in-you @vampirtet @lividisuigomiti @juststalking @tabi-toast @ethan-torchio-angelo @cheese-toastie-11 @thewitchinthemountain @ethanesimp @sofckinelectric @man3skin @daddydamiano @finelinejpm @superchrystaldrug @ginny-lily @nientedaridere @rainbowmarta @tiaamberxx @shaunthesheesh @enjcltaire @rocketqueen @aleksanderwh0r3 @damianodavidhands @megann-duff @teatrodellavita @coven-daddy @till-you-scream-and-cry @solasullabarca @fanfictionandfluff @makapaka11 @slave4yourlove @geklutst-ei  @marriedwithmarktuan @bookish0918 @mehrmonga @kanevill @butterfly-skinnylegend @lidiyabest @killerqueen1985 @ccweasley @bluscryn @deluxeplanteater @ohtorchio @messyhairday-me @bidet-and-legolas @maybanksslut​ @fuckim-so-gay @demoiselle-en-detresse00 @petit-poussin @fedorable-killjoys @luvbadass @buttercup-beeee @navs-bhat @etaerealboyv  @tryymebitch @mell-bell @fenhakwe @solacestyles @softforlukescurls @vicsangel @theimpossiblehologramtree​

***

Copenhagen was a whirlwind that barely left any time to breathe. Even the short break Y/n was granted in between was promptly used to make a dash for the nearest tourist shop. Adding a fridge magnet to her growing collection. No misses so far. She’d be lying if she wasn’t proud of it. Victoria gave a little tour through the city, giving ample opportunity to provide the fans with content via various social media platforms. A mad scramble back to the venue, soundcheck, dinner. A gig full of little mishaps, including Ethan losing a drumstick halfway through and Damiano almost tumbling off stage. At least the crew had gotten into a groove, ‘new tour’ jitters finally forgotten. That night, at the hotel, Y/n had found herself standing outside her door, empty ice bucket in hand. Somewhat wondering, hoping, someone would join her. Not just anyone. Him. But she wouldn’t knock on his door and he didn’t come to hers. It wasn’t to be. At least not that night. 

The morning had brought the band another wake-up call from Y/n. Everyone was starting to settle into their routine. Get ready, get on the bus, get handed coffee by Y/n. She would be lying if she said she wasn’t enjoying this little comfort of domestic bliss, taking care of the people she was starting to consider friends. It felt right.

***

Damiano’s morning wasn’t quite as peaceful. His thoughts were plagued by images of Y/n. His decision to ‘cool it’ and back off a little seemed to be biting him in the arse. When she had come around to wake him up, she had been in a partially sheer blouse, black jeans and boots and he thought she looked like the perfect little alternative housewife. Luring him out of bed with the promise of coffee and breakfast. Now he was sitting on the couch on the bus, watching Y/n fly around the little kitchenette and he couldn’t keep his eyes off her bum in those jeans.

Nope, he wasn’t going to do anything about it. Not now. The conversation with Victoria two nights ago was still ringing in his head. He had decided she was right - no use in pursuing anything unless he was certain what he was feeling and what he wanted out of it. He would still have enough time to make his move once he figured it out. Right? He didn’t know what Y/n was thinking. Or what she thought of him, so no use dwelling on it. Still the thought struck him, he barely knew anything about her. He should probably talk to her more. Infallible logic, he thought to himself. Backing off and talking to her at the same time. Great.

“Y/n… how do you usually take your coffee, by the way?”

“Lots of creamer, usually. Sometimes a bit of sugar, if I’m feeling fancy. Or if I’m feeling really fancy at a café, I might get a caramel macchiato.”

“Caramel is always nice.” Of course, she would like caramel, he thought to himself. “Do you normally drink coffee or are you more or stereotypical British tea drinker?”

“I enjoy a cuppa when I’m home, definitely. Italians aren’t exactly known for their tea now, are they?” A smirk appeared on her face, maybe a little baffled by the conversation, but happy to humour him. “Lady Gray is a particular favourite. Followed by breakfast tea with some sugar and milk. Before coffee. I can make you some tea sometime if you fancy?”

“That’d be great. You know, I just had an amazing idea actually,” Damiano grinned. “When we first went to Berlin, there was this amazing tea shop - would you want to go when we have the gig there?”

“That sounds lovely,” Y/n replied. “Of course.”

Another step closer to getting to know her.

***

“Right, we’ve all got an hour until soundcheck and some press things, I’m gonna go take Chili on her walk, you lot do whatever you want until then.”

Y/n had expected a few non-committal grunts, a wave, maybe a “see you later, I’ll go have a nap”, but instead, the whole band seemed to be on their highest energy levels. All of them immediately scrambled to their feet, looking for shoes and jackets, proclaiming they wanted to see the city, maybe take some pictures for Instagram along the way. Y/n wouldn’t dare complain about the company.

It didn’t take them long to reach the harbour, walking along the river as they enjoyed the bustle of town and the view. Y/n found herself pulling out her phone, telling everyone to gather around her.

“I’m no photographer, but I do need some memories of all of this. Thomas, stop pulling that face!” Thomas quickly dropped the grimace as she took the picture, the historic old town in the background. Chili was busy running around between the five of them, loving whoever gave her the attention the most. Y/n thought Victoria was reaching for the leash, already preparing to hand it over, but instead the bassist grabbed her hand. Obviously in a giddy mood, she began swinging their intertwined hands between them as they walked. Y/n couldn’t bite back a smile. She had missed having a close friend ever since she had moved to Italy leaving her best friend behind in the UK and she felt like this blossoming friendship with Victoria could truly begin to fill the void in her heart.

The blonde girl pulled her into a deep hug as Chili decided to go bother Ethan instead.

“I want a photo with just you,” Vic explained, pulling out her own phone for a snapshot. Y/n complied with a sigh but wrapped her arms around her, ready to take the picture. Right as the click went off, Victoria pressed a kiss to her cheek, taking her by surprise. Neither of them could hold back a giggle at her face in the photo.

“I’ve got a surprise for you, by the way,” Y/n spoke up as a little break in the conversation offered itself. If only to distract from the affection and it worked perfectly. All eyes and ears on her. “I’ve booked a little dinner for tonight. But not just any dinner. A burlesque one!”

The group let out various cheers. Thomas immediately ran ahead of the group, shamelessly faking a striptease as they kept walking. Damiano made sure to record the performance, already giggling to himself. Thomas was in the middle of shrugging off his jacket, walking backwards, when - ouch! - he bumped into a pole, heavily bonking his head. Everyone erupted into hysterical laughter, and after rubbing the back of his head with a pour for a moment, even the guitarist joined in.

“You alright?” Y/n asked breathlessly, trying to hide the giggles in her voice, genuinely concerned about him still.

“Besides the fact that I just got all of you to drop your panties for me? I’m great!” The blond grinned at his own joke, as everyone else rolled their eyes.

“Yes! Oh my god, take me Thomas!” Damiano gasped dramatically, pushing himself up against Thomas, who grabbed onto his leg to dip him.

“Wait! Hold on!” Y/n shouted, once again grabbing her phone as the captured the moment. “Now that’s one for the fridge.”

***

Backstage was business as usual. Y/n once again took the time to watch the band soundcheck, always feeling soft looking at the way they played without having to be ‘on’, without putting on a big performance. Yet, she was still in work mode, phone displaying the name of a reporter she was waiting on, along with the name of the magazine she was working for. It didn’t take long for her to appear.

The woman was undeniably beautiful. Thin figure, long, red hair, picture perfect makeup. Even her clothes were pressed, luxury brands decorating her, adding to the pristine image. A press pass hung around her neck, acrylic nails tapping something into her phone. Leaning back, Y/n noticed the particular red leather on the bottom of the woman’s heels.

It was only after putting her phone away that she acknowledged Y/n at all.

“Anywhere I can sit down with the band?” Her eyes barely even met Y/n’s.

“Uh, yeah, once they’re done with soundcheck, they will be in the greenroom,” Y/n said, mustering the woman. “You the reporter?”

“Sure, sure. Can I go there now, sit down, get ready?”

Y/n studied the press pass on the woman’s neck, making sure she was actually the person they were looking for and shrugged. “Alright, follow me.”

She led the reporter further backstage. The greenroom was fitted with a couch and a couple of chairs, a vanity in front of the mirror and makeup already carelessly thrown around. A costume rack in the back.

“Make yourself at home.”

“Thanks,” the woman muttered, looking around the room, obviously dissatisfied with it’s slightly chaotic state and - probably - lack of style. “That’s all I need you for, then.”

Y/n’s eye twitched, busying herself with the clothes, reorganising them to distract herself.

“Sorry to disappoint you, but rules are rules. Can’t be in a room alone, privacy reasons and all that. I’m sure you understand.” 

“Well then.” She carefully placed herself on one of the chairs, highly aware of her posture, her face, and the fact that she’d be right in view of everybody entering the room. “Maybe you can be a bit of help, then. You know, a little insider information between us girls… How into the whole, you know, rock ‘n’ roll lifestyle are they really? I’m talking, drugs, alcohol… groupies?”

It was no question as to what she was hinting at.

“Well, Damiano has a whole tattoo verifying that he hates parties. Plus, they’re not really known for that kind of stuff. And for the interview, I’d rather you stick to the approved questions that your magazine has discussed with our management. There’s no ‘insider information’ here -” Y/n was about to talk herself into a whole rant, when the door opened and the band moved into the room, joyous and hyped for the show that evening.

Victoria was the first to bounce over to Y/n, kissing her cheek, before collapsing on the couch next to her. Ethan, Thomas and Damiano followed suit. Chili had followed the band, now hopping onto the couch and making herself comfortable on Y/n’s lap. Ethan looked over at the reporter, brow raised. “You here to do the interview?”

“Oh you know it,” she winked. Y/n didn’t miss how her whole demeanour had changed and she couldn’t have been more annoyed. “Lovely to meet you all.”

She held out her hand to Ethan, the smirk never leaving her face, before greeting the others in a similar fashion. She held onto Damiano’s hand much longer than the others.

“Nice to meet you,” Damiano said, politely, sitting down as well.

“Oh, that’s no trouble at all,” she beamed at the singer. “Now, you’re here in Hamburg today, and in the part of town most notorious for having Europe’s largest red light district. Do you feel like that’s the perfect background for your gig tonight? You know, with the music you play and the way you dress - it’s not like you’ve been shy about sex in your career so far.” 

They all chuckled slightly.

“Well, sexuality isn’t something to be ashamed about, at least we don’t think so. It’s part of everyday life and part of our own experiences so we put that into music,” Victoria eloquently explained. “And what we’ve seen of the city so far has been very beautiful.”

“Well, maybe I should give you a little tour then, show you the naughty parts of town,” she laughed. “Back on topic though, I imagine touring can be hard, being away from everyone. Do you ever get lonely on tour? For friends or… something else?”

Damiano coughed. “Sure, we get lonely, like anyone else would. But we make a family out of the crew. Everyone on our team is very close to us.” Y/n could clearly see in his eyes that he knew full well what the woman was hinting at. “We love touring, so when you love something, it doesn’t feel like work.”

Ethan nodded in agreement. Y/n could see through all of them easily - none of them wanted to be there.

“Yes, of course, touring can be difficult, but we have fun, so not that bad,” Thomas added.

Y/n didn’t miss the way the reporter briefly looked over her shoulder to muster a reaction from her. “Well I’m sure you’re easily able to find some fun away from your… crew. Lots of parties on tour so far?”

At that point, Y/n was ready to rip the reporter to shreds. But she knew she had to stay professional, and the band was more than able to hold their own, so she stayed quiet. Ethan next to her sat up a little, obviously uncomfortable.

“No, we don’t party. No time.” His vision went dark as he looked at the woman in front of them. As kind and mindful as he usually was, he didn’t shy down when it came to showing his scarier side when he needed to.

“Yeah. We sometimes go to a bar on a day off, but that’s about it. Work is more important,” Victoria threw in as she put an arm around Ethan on the back of the couch.

Y/n felt a wave of pride at the way the band was holding up. It was absolutely no secret to her that they were desperately waiting for this interview to end, annoyed with the reporter and the lines she kept trying to cross, but they stayed polite and professional. She thought that this was what made them real rockstars in that moment.

“Okay, one more question, then. You entered this business really young, you still are, yet you write quite mature music, how do you manage that?”

“We write what we want to write. Perform how we want to perform. I don’t think that has an age limit,” Damiano spoke curtly. His eyes flickered over to their assistant. Y/n was sure he didn’t miss the way she was staring daggers into the back of the reporter’s skull. “And music has always been a passion of ours. We just got lucky really early in life, I guess.”

“Well thank you very much for your time,” the reporter said, standing up, and once again reaching out her hand to say her goodbyes. “Hope to see you around…” As she came to Damiano, Y/n didn’t miss how she stuffed a little note in his hand. “...hopefully.”

“Can I go kick her face now?” Y/n stood up, seething, as soon as the reporter had left the room. “Sorry, no, that’s actually rude. But I’m going to call management and report that woman.”

“Yeah, that… wasn’t cool,” Ethan contemplated. “How about you make that call and then we take your mind off it with the dinner show you booked for us, yeah?”

Y/n took a deep breath, looking at Ethan, whose eyes had turned back to show nothing but kindness. She couldn’t wait to forget about this disaster for the rest of the evening and enjoy herself. With the band in tow, she was sure she would.

***

Damiano hadn’t been quite sure what to expect from dinner that evening - but it wasn’t a table smack in the middle of the first row right in front of the stage. He should have seen it coming, really. When Y/n planned and schemed, she always made sure to get them the best of the best. Determined to make sure everyone was having fun. She truly took care of them like no other.

A waiter was at their table in no time, taking orders for drinks and food, and the openers started before Damiano even had a chance to take a sip of his wine. As soon as it became obvious that the first act of the evening would be pole dancing. The rest of the band started snickering, nudging Damiano’s side. Still, they all watched in amazement as the dancer started their performance, music filling the room.

“You know, I could do that,” Damiano whispered in Y/n’s ear as he leaned in close. She looked over at him - at the performer - back to him.

“Sure you can,” she giggled.

“Oh I can,” Damiano insisted, leaning in closer than necessary now. “And in heels.”

Y/n couldn’t stop herself from coughing, choking ever so slightly on her drink, as her eyes widened and a slight shade of pink appeared on her face.

Damiano simply couldn’t help himself. He knew he had meant to back off, give her a little space, give himself some time to think, but the words simply slipped out. “I can always offer you a private show, you know?”

This time, she only paused for a moment before whispering back, “You teach me pole dancing, I’ll teach you rumba, yeah?”

Fuck, he hadn’t expected her to get the upper hand so quickly. Still, he never once lost his smirk, murmuring a “sure” back at her. She had gotten back her cool, focusing back on her meal now, only looking up to watch the performance every now and then in between bites. She was making it way too hard for him to back off. He wondered if she knew what she was doing to him.

Leaning back into his chair, Damiano watched the performer on stage. They were beautiful, no question about that. Amazing at what they did. It was impossible to keep your eyes off them, even Y/n kept getting distracted. He wondered if she’d look at him the same way if it was him up there. Or if he did a little show himself that night, on stage at their own gig. Catching her attention like the dancer was doing now. Maybe making her lose her mind a little bit. It was worth a try…

The performance was over much too quickly for his liking and only shortly after, the main dancer of the evening was announced to go on stage soon. It didn’t take long for the lights dimming, before fading to black completely. A hush falling over the crowd. A spotlight found a petite, blonde bombshell in the middle of the stage. Perfectly sculpted hair, blue boa feather skirt, a glitter corset that dripped with silver and gold accents. She seemed to be glistening under the stage light, body glitter accenting all the right curves and features. Then she turned around.

Damiano’s jaw dropped - along with just about everyone else’s. She was così bella, un angelo. She walked to the front of the stage as the crowd cheered and whistled. Damiano was enraptured by her. She was mystifyingly beautiful. Each move was carefully planned out, knowing exactly what she was doing and how to do it. She was feeding off the crowd, spurred on by the shouts and comments, as she moved across the stage.

Damiano’s eyes followed her closely. He felt hypnotised by her performance. He had never given burlesque much thought, but this show was changing his mind rapidly. The only thing to pull him out of his was a sigh - a disgruntled noise maybe - coming from his left. It was hard to make out Y/n’s face in the dark, he realised as he turned towards her. But if he’d learned anything about her body language in the past days, he was certain that she wasn’t happy. Her arms were crossed in front of her and she was leaned back in her chair in a way that tried to suggest she wasn’t bothered. But she was. He just couldn’t figure out why.

He was distracted when the dancer was back in front of their table, looking down at them from the stage. She sent all of them a wink, before pulling the elbow-length gloves off one by one and throwing them to the side with a smile. She mesmerised him, even as she moved away from them to give another table some attention. Yet, Y/n was playing at the back of his mind.

Why did she seem so mad? She was the one who had booked this dinner, why wasn’t she having fun? Was she still preoccupied with the reporter from before? Sure, that one had definitely stepped over lines, but he thought they’d all gotten out of there pretty unscathed. And the reporter's number had wandered into the bin immediately. He considered the matter closed.

The woman on stage slowly lowered herself into a split, causing pretty much the whole audience to lose their minds. This was too good. More cheers and applause from everywhere. Damiano heard Vic shouting vague words of encouragement as the woman lost her bra, only pasties covering her nipples now. Y/n let out a little groan and from the corner of his eye, he could see her rolling hers. This time, Damiano wasn’t the only one who noticed. He watched as Victoria and Ethan exchanged looks, then nods, and finally shrugs.

Finally the performance ended, the dancer leaving the stage with another wink and kiss blown towards them. Damiano wished it could’ve gone on for longer. These people knew how to turn sex into art, and he’d by lying if he said it didn’t inspire him.

“Okay, gather up, no time to waste,” Y/n order, getting up from her seat the second the lights were turned back on. “You have a show to play and I don’t want you to be late.”

Damiano threw another look around. Even Thomas, who had been too preoccupied drooling over the dancer to notice anything else, was now staring at Y/n questioningly.

“What’s going on with her?” The guitarist asked as they all gathered their stuff and followed their assistant outside.

“Fuck if I know,” Damiano mumbled. “But I wanna find out, sooner or later.”

***

It wasn’t like her to be jealous. She didn’t care much about what other people found enthralling. But Damiano had looked at the dancer as if she was god’s gift to humanity. Yes, she was pretty, yes, she knew how to shake her arse. Was it all that special? The dancer was petite, a perfect fit for Damiano’s arms. A perfect figure to match his. Y/n was confident, she knew she was beautiful, but unfortunately the rest of the world didn’t always think the same. Unlike the dancer on stage. That woman was more than beautiful… She was palatable, sexy, perfect in all the ways a woman should be. Qualities that Y/n was currently convinced she didn’t possess any of.

Okay, maybe she was jealous. But she didn’t have any right to be. The dancer was simply doing her job. And so what, if Damiano had fancied her? It wasn’t like they were together. She worked for him, that was all. She didn’t have any right to want anything from him beyond that.

The fresh air hit her face as she left the venue, forcing some clarity onto her. She’d have to get a grip and get back to focusing on her job. It’s what she was there for, after all.

***

Victoria bounced over the Y/n as she left the venue, full of adrenaline and happiness from the show she had just watched.

“That was amazing, Y/n! Where did you get the idea for this being today’s dinner?” She asked, hooking onto the assistant’s arm.

“Looked up places we could go online, found this one in a travel blog. Said it had amazing wine so I thought we could check it out,” she explained without looking up from her hands, which were toying with the receipt.

“Well, you sure do have impeccable taste,” Victoria grinned and kissed her cheek. It seemed to pull Y/n out of her head enough to look up at the bassist. But Vic’s smile vanished quickly when she saw the look in her eyes. It was cloudy, gloomy, enough to make Victoria freeze up. Thomas was excitedly chattering about the show in the performance in the background, how hot he thought the performers were, especially the last dancer. Damiano eagerly agreed. Y/n’s seemed to have a flash of venom on her face, and suddenly it clicked in Vic’s mind. Oh, she knew that look well, had carried it herself a couple of times in her life.. She was jealous. Y/n was jealous of the way they all - or maybe, someone in particular - had reacted to the woman on stage. And she was doing a bad job hiding it.

As soon as the car pulled up, everyone scrambled to get it. Y/n immediately started bouncing her leg, still a stormy look in her eyes. If it didn’t seem so serious, Victoria would be amused at the state their assistant was in. Yet, with the expression on her face right then and there, the bassist didn’t dare make a joke.

Damiano was sitting next to Y/n, and Victoria desperately tried to catch his eye. It took a slight kick against his shin to get him to look at her. She flickered eyes back and forth between Damiano and Y/n, motioning him towards the woman. Hoping he would understand. Luckily, they’d long gotten used to reading the other’s face, no need for a verbal conversation. Damiano looked down at Y/n’s hands, still picking at the receipt, and he quickly grabbed one of them. Interlacing their fingers and offering her a smile when she looked up. Her leg stopped bouncing immediately.

“You alright?” He whispered.

“Yeah. Am now.”

Victoria couldn’t bite back the smile on her face, quickly turning towards her phone to be less oblivious. Those two would do just fine, sooner or later, she was sure of it.

***

The concert venue was smaller than some of the others they’d been playing on this tour, but if anything, it had caused the crowd to be even more rowdy. Y/n once again sat to the side of the stage, engrossed in her phone. Damiano snuck a peek through the curtain, before retreating and watching Y/n instead. She didn’t seem half as gloomy as she did at the dinner show. But a certain forlorn quality was still obvious. She had never been this type of obviously sad or upset before. At least not to his attention. Well, he was determined to get her to laugh tonight. Whatever had ruined her mood, he was going to fix it.

The band was getting hyped up, gathering around, some last minute fixes to their instruments among excited chatter. Yet, apparently, it hadn’t been only him who noticed Y/n’s mood. Once again sharing a look with Ethan, Victoria motioned her head over to their assistant. He nodded, before walking over to Y/n, taking her by the hand to get her to stand up, and pressing a kiss to her cheek. Victoria quickly followed suit, then Thomas, who had caught on. Damiano quickly gave a wink before kissing her forehead instead.

“For luck!” He shouted, as he ran on stage, welcoming the crowd. A quick look back confirmed a bashful smile on her face.

Everyone was on fire that night, even Y/n seemed to let go of her bad mood more and more. Damiano didn’t miss the way she sang along to their cover of ‘Take Me Out’, obviously getting into the show more than previous nights. Knowing all the lyrics, dancing ever so slightly… Damiano realised he really had it bad for her.

He decided to go for it during “For your love”. With a pointed look towards her, he slowly started rolling off one arm of his jacket. Then the other. A little mock burlesque show of his own, dramatically shimmying his shoulders as he got rid of the jacket completely. The crowd more than appreciated his little performance, judging by their screams. The rest of the band was eating his energy up, playing harder, going crazier. As Damiano jogged over to grab some water, he didn’t miss the opportunity to turn his back towards Y/n, shaking his arse in a bad attempt at twerking. Turning back, he could see that she was desperately trying to bite back a smile. But he wasn’t done yet.

Making sure she was still looking at him, he began playing with his microphone. Giving it a teasing lick and sending her a wink at the same time. Watching her as he let his hand rest on his chest, slowly wandering lower with a teasing touch, until it rested in his lap. He only managed to keep it up for a second, before he couldn’t hold back the laugh at her expression anymore and turned back towards the audience.

But apparently, Y/n had some trick of her own. Well, it seemed like she wasn’t even aware of them, but they worked on Damiano all the same. She was taking her hair out of the pony tail for the night and he thought the way it cascaded around her face was beautiful. He felt like a movie cliche, watching as the main character let her hair down and everything suddenly happened in slow motion. Yet, here she was, trying to shove a bobby pin back into place, and he was losing his shit. He thought it was ridiculous though. The crazier her hair went, the crazier he went about her. She swayed to the music and for a second Damiano could swear time stood still. 

I wonder if she likes her hair pulled… The thought distracted him to the point that he forgot what he was singing, quickly covering it up by animating the audience to sing it instead. He was glad to be nearing the end of the set. He’d never wish to go off stage, per se, but Y/n was once again occupying his thoughts and the way she was moving to the music now didn’t help.

Another song, another bow towards the audience, another well-practised “Danke!”, and they were off stage. Damiano briefly considered going over to Y/n, only to see Thomas basically chasing her away, threatening her with a sweaty hug. Her slightly panicked squeals proved she wasn’t a fan of the idea. He didn’t mind. He’d make sure there’d be more time to catch up with her later.

Briefly dropping into the dressing room, Damiano grabbed his cigarettes and a hoodie, before heading outside for a smoke. The backstage door led to a quieter alley than the famously busy Reeperbahn on the other end. But there were still more than a handful of people walking past, singing, dancing, shouting into the night, beer bottles in hand. It didn’t take long for everyone else to join him. Ethan headed outside first, bumming a cigarette off the singer, before Thomas and Victoria followed. They were once again involved in some sort of mock argument. Y/n stepped outside a minute later, phone in her hand, already back to work-mode and probably checking the plan for the next few days. Everyone was still on a high from the gig, chatting and giggling, but Damiano felt himself taking a step back. He loved watching his friends, loved what they did, loved that he got to do it with them. And now Y/n too, in a way. Not even a full week in and he knew that this tour wouldn’t have been the same without her. 

He was rapidly pulled out of his thoughts as a group of men came towards them, obviously way past drunk. Yelling and hollering for no reason but to be annoying and get everyone’s attention. Damiano hated those kinds of drunks. In his experience they were nothing but trouble. He had half a mind to retreat back inside before they reached the group, but even in their inebriated stupor; they were quicker than expected. 

“Now, who are these beautiful girls?” One of them slurred, stepping forward.

“Yeah! Bet you give a man a good time,” another one laughed loudly. “And a cheap one too.”

One of them was moving closer now, almost touching Victoria - but without even a moment to process what was happening, Y/n acted. Damiano watched, fascinated, as she grabbed the man’s extended hand, twisting it around his back and shoulder checking him into the brick wall of the alley. No second thought, no hesitation. Shouldn’t the men have been the one to react and take care of their girls? Well, it didn’t seem like Y/n was one to wait to be saved.

In a tone that he had never heard before - and neither had the rest of the band judging by their reactions - Y/n spoke, “You couldn’t afford me, mate. Or my friends. So I’d take your piss drunk self elsewhere, m’kay?”

The men were gone faster than lightning, stumbling to find their footing as they ran, only starting to comment on how she was a “fat fucking bitch” and how they “wouldn’t have wanted her anyway” when they were far enough away. Y/n wordlessly rejoined the group.

Damiano found himself releasing a breath. The whole scene had been over so quickly, he barely registered it. He wasn’t the only one either, he realised. As the other three kept staring at her, amazed and maybe slightly intimidated, while Y/n didn’t even react.

However, Damiano wasn’t just mesmerised by her behaviour. He was thrilled by her - in more ways than one. The way she had handled herself was downright hot. She was fierce, self-confident, and strong. He couldn’t keep himself from contemplating whether this was a side she would let out in the bedroom as well. Was she the type to take control? Order him around? Push him to a wall like she’d done that guy, only with very different intentions? He would be 100% okay with taking orders from her, he decided.

Y/n finally looked up from her phone, apparently feeling everyone’s stares on her.

“...What. I told you I worked security before.” She looked at Victoria, quietly asking her if she was alright. She simply nodded. Damiano still couldn’t keep his eyes off of their assistant. Damn, that woman had more to herself than she let on.

***

Damiano was still thinking about it an hour later. After everyone had gathered their stuff and gotten back to the hotel and split up into their rooms. After he’d gotten in the shower. His mind was still running wild. He quickly turned the water to cold, letting out a hiss at the change in temperature, but he knew he didn’t have the time or the privacy to do anything about his thoughts. Neither would he be knocking on Y/n’s door, desperate for some kind of attention.

Not tonight.

#maneskin fiction #damiano david imagine #damiano david x you #damiano david x reader #damiano david fiction #maneskin imagine #maneskin x you #maneskin x reader #quiet music #bethanysnow #mywriting

[chatonne-rousse]

Be Bold, Be Kind, Be Brave

This is one akuma whose intentions are good. After all, who couldn't use an extra dose of courage to overcome fear?

A superhero whose identity will be immediately revealed in the process, for one.

When an akuma causes several secrets to come to light all at once, our heroes will need to drum up some courage to face their fears - and each other.

But what's waiting after that looks like it might be a dream come true. It'll just take a bit of bravery and a lot of heart. Piece of cake.

***

Only eight days late and several dollars short, I’m wishing @jennagrinsoverml a happy belated birthday with this gift, written just for her.  ILY, my friend!  

Read it on Ao3 here.

***

Ladybug has to give Courageous some credit: she's a rarity, an akuma born of selfless means. A teenager who hadn't mustered the courage to stand up for a younger student being bullied at school, she'd been so ashamed, so angry with herself, that Hawkmoth had found an easy target to ply with honeyed words and promises.

Her power isn't even a terrible one. The beam of light she shoots from her right hand simply causes the person it strikes to relive the last encounter they had when their bravery failed them, this time with courage aplenty. It's admirable, really.

Admirable, but terrifying nonethless.

(The fear of Chat Noir finding out her identity is deep and dark and often floats to the surface of her nightmares with blue eyes and white hair and a drowned, ruined world. He cannot know. The cost is too high.)

"Whatever you do," she calls to her partner, frantic and scared, "don't let her hit you! Please, Chat!"

She hears the desperation in her own voice, and the look on his face conveys that he certainly does. He nods solemnly.

"I'll do my best, My Lady."

She nods back, and off they go into the fray.

For well over an hour, they fight Courageous through parks and plazas, sidewalks and thoroughfares. All around them, the people of Paris have squared their shoulders, lifted their chins, and braved conversations big and small with people only they could see.

Ladybug has to smile as she hears a young man confidently ask for a raise and watches his eyes light up at the response.

That smile fades when she remembers once again that the last time her courage had failed her was just as they were dismissed for lunch break, when she'd tried to invite Adrien to a movie that weekend. His eyes had been so kind as he'd waited for her to gather her words properly, and somehow that had just made it harder.

Then Lila had "accidentally" tripped and knocked into her, sending her to the floor. The memory of Adrien's hand reaching out to her to help her up, those same kind, patient eyes locked on hers, makes Ladybug's cheeks heat even now. But after she was upright again, after Lila had stalked off because no one seemed to care that she "probably would need surgery now because her arthritis would flare", Nino had reminded Adrien about the gig he was DJing on Friday and Alya had led her away to show her something on her phone.

Just like that, her opportunity was gone.

And that would be fine, honestly. Marinette was used to moments of stuttering and botched declarations when it came to Adrien.

But if she's hit by Courageous, Chat Noir - plus the citizens of Paris, Hawkmoth, everyone - will hear Ladybug try to ask Adrien Agreste on a date, and that will be a disaster of epic proportions.

"Ladybug, look out!"

Chat's body slams into hers, sending them rolling on the sidewalk just as a beam of magical light zips over their heads. In a flash, Chat Noir bundles her in his arms and vaults them to the rooftop above, making sure she's steady on her feet once they land.

"Thank you, Ki-" The words die in her throat when she sees over her partner's shoulder that Courageous has followed them.

Chat turns, his baton at the ready, while Ladybug reaches for her yo-yo, but neither is quick enough to stop the akuma's beam from finally finding one of its main targets.

"I'm sorry, Bug," he murmurs as his eyes glaze over.

Using her yo-yo as a spinning shield, Ladybug drags her partner behind the nearest chimney stack just as he begins to speak.

Panic sets in as her mind screams at her over the hum of her yo-yo, the akuma's laughter, her partner's voice.

I can't just leave him!

"Father, may I come in?"

Oh no, oh no, oh no. I can't hear this!

"Yes, Nathalie said she penciled me into your schedule for noon."

Nathalie?

Ladybug's gaze snaps to her partner, yo-yo still spinning to deflect beams of light. She's surprised to find Chat Noir's head bowed in deference, though his eyes shine with a confident gleam.

"I requested this appointment to ask you again if I could attend the event with my friends tomorrow evening. I've already completed my assignments for school and the homework from my Mandarin tutor."

Mandarin tutor? What?!

"Yes, Father, I'm aware that you don't care for Nino, but..."

The panicked scream in her mind gives up any attempt at coherence; by this point, it's no more than a muddled loop of Nathalie, Mandarin, Nino, Father.

Ladybug feints to the left to avoid being hit by the akuma as a mix of terror and adrenaline floods her system. She leaps forward, leaving Chat behind the chimney in the hope that she can engage the akuma just long enough to get her partner back and finally, finally finish this off.

She knows too much already. The cat has bolted straight out of the bag and is running loose on this rooftop beneath her feet, a distraction she can't handle right now.

On hero autopilot, she hurdles one beam after another, then tucks and rolls and pops up to roundhouse kick Courageous in the chest, sending her flying.

She hears the akuma's "oof" just as Chat Noir's jubilant voice rings out from behind the chimney.

"Thank you, Father! Thank you so much!"

She can hear his grin in those simple words, the sheer joy in being given permission to leave the house. Everyone in their class knows what a tight leash Gabriel Agreste keeps on his son. It breaks her heart every time she thinks of it. In fact, she's successfully fought for his release from that marble prison on more than one occasion! So yes, she'd already known with all the clues in place, but there was truly no mistaking it now: that was Adrien talking to his father.

Because Adrien is Chat Noir.

Her heart cracks. Oh, Chaton.

Suddenly, the akuma's progress in clambering to her feet is impeded by the whoosh and subsequent metallic thunk of Chat's overhand swing with his baton.

Relief floods her heart at the return of her partner. No matter who he is, Chat Noir is her other half, and Ladybug is never quite herself without him.

"Maybe we could use a little extra luck, My Lady!" Chat winks at her over his shoulder before facing the akuma again.

"Yes! Right! You bet!"

Get it together, Marinette, she thinks. Her face heats and she scampers away to the safety of the chimney stack where Chat was hidden to call for her lucky charm.

A red and black spotted can opener drops into her hands and she looks at it in confusion. "What am I supposed to do with this?" she grumbles, looking around frantically but seeing nothing to help her decipher how to use the lucky charm.

She takes a deep breath, peeks out from behind the bricks, and promptly takes a light beam to the face.

No, no, no, no!

It feels vaguely like having a water balloon popped on her head, a chill of sensation dripping down her spine and rippling through her nerves. It's a small mercy that being hit by an akuma rarely hurts physically. Her vision swims like a mirage in the desert, the familiar courtyard at school coalescing from vapor around her.

The last thing she sees is her partner's stricken face.

The last thing she hears is the akuma cackling.

"Heylo! Who! I mean," she takes a deep breath, a rush of confidence tingling along her nerves. "Hey, Adrien!" She smiles and gives him a little wave.

His grin takes her breath away. "Hi, Marinette! How are you?"

"I'm great!"

You can do it, you can do it!, her heart sings, and miraculously, her brain listens. Her smile turns coy. She taps her lip with her index finger. Her pulse pounds a bolstering tattoo in her ears. Go for it, girl!

"But I could be better."

Adrien's smile drops a fraction. "Are you okay? Is there something I can do?"

With another deep breath, she squares her shoulders and looks him in the eyes, her very cells imbued with a courage unparalleled even when she's wearing spots. She could do anything, anything, right now, but she has her mind set on accomplishing one thing and one thing only.

"You could join me for a movie on Saturday."

"I could...?" His brows furrow, but his grin grows slowly, bright but incredulous. "Are you asking me....?" He blinks, takes two shallow breaths. "Do you mean just the two of us?"

She nods decisively. "A date."

You did it. You did it! A veritable party erupts in the back of her mind, radiant relief spreading to her fingertips. It feels so good to finally break through her anxiety and fear and ask him that simple question that felt like an impossible task just a few hours ago.

Thankfully, he doesn't keep her waiting. The answer is in his eyes, anyway. "I would love to," he breathes, cheeks pink and smile dazzling.

"Really?" Marinette squeaks, and now it's his turn to nod.

"I'll be there even if I have to sneak out." Adrien reaches for her hand and gives it a little squeeze. "We'll talk about it later today, okay?"

She nods again, her chest so full of emotion she can barely breathe. Not only did she ask him, but he said yes!

Suddenly, blue sky fills her vision and she regains awareness to the sound of a scuffle on the other side of the chimney stack. Ladybug tentatively gets to her feet, reaching for her yo-yo and setting it spinning immediately. This time there's no peeking around the corner; she bursts from behind the bricks on the offensive, ready to finish the fight.

What she finds is Courageous struggling under Chat's baton, twisted up like a pretzel and unable to move for the steel-toed boot resting across her shoulders.

"Just in time, LB!" Chat crows triumphantly. He tosses her a bracelet emblazoned with the words Be Bold, Be Kind, Be Brave that currently pulses with Hawkmoth's dark energy.

In moments, the bracelet is broken, the akuma is freed and purified, and a confused teenager sits where Courageous was restrained a moment ago.

Chat docks his baton at his back and looks at his partner with the softest eyes she's ever seen, a tiny, equally soft smile playing at his lips.

Her heart sighs. Adrien. That's Adrien, and he knows.

The lucky charm sits heavy in her palm. Abject fear makes her hope against hope that she won't remember his identity when she casts her miraculous cure, just as her heart longs to hold on to the knowledge that her precious partner is the boy of her deepest desires, and maybe, maybe they really can have it all.

With a deep breath, she throws the unused can opener into the air, watching magical ladybugs and healing light burst forth and spread throughout the city. She waits, holding her breath, but when pink light swirls around them, the only affect it has is the healing of the twinge in her ankle from when she fell mid-fight.

She looks up, and her partner's eyes say it all.

He remembers, too.

Even as fear grips her heart, radiant joy shines from his face as his grin spreads. It scrunches his eyes behind the mask and pinkens his cheeks, delight seeming to glow from his pores. Ladybug has never seen her partner so happy. That elation is a balm to her soul, and she can't help but smile right along with him.

Ladybug turns to the akuma victim and holds out her hand, offering the bracelet back to her. "I really like that inscription" she says, pointing at the now-silver bracelet as the girl fixes it back on her wrist.

She smiles shyly at the two heroes. "I wish I had the courage to do more. I wish I was brave like you."

"We get scared sometimes, too. Everyone does," Ladybug starts, before her partner nudges her shoulder with his elbow.

"Speak for yourself, Bugaboo. This cat has no fear." Chat Noir throws her an exaggerated wink, and the girl laughs. "But real talk, anyone can be a hero in their own way. Little things, big stuff...you're stronger than you think, I promise. Cat's honor."

She nods. "Thank you for, you know, saving me and everything." Glancing at the street below, she gestures toward the edge of the roof. "Would it be too much trouble to get me back down there?"

"Not at all," Ladybug replies with a smile. Calling on her own courage, she looks at her partner and takes a deep breath. Here goes nothing, she thinks. "The usual spot in five? Or less, I guess, since it...doesn't matter now," she says with a shrug that she hopes looks nonchalant.

And there's that smile that shines like the summer sun. He gives her a jaunty salute. "I'll be there with bells on," he says, tapping the bell at his throat and making it jingle.

Ladybug just shakes her head and giggles.

A few minutes later, when she lands beside Chat Noir on their familiar rooftop, her earrings are beeping a frantic rhythm, signaling mere seconds before she detransforms. Instinct has her looking around the roof, ready to dart behind anything she can use to hide.

Before she can move, Chat steps toward her and quietly asks, "Marinette?"

Her transformation dissolves in a wave of pink light, and she hears him gasp as she catches Tikki gently in her palms. Marinette takes her time retrieving a macaron from her purse to feed her kwami, deliberately moving slowly in an attempt to get herself under control before she looks up at her partner. He knows, and he's thrilled, and that's amazing, but it feels like the entire world will change when their gazes finally meet, and she's just not ready yet.

"I, um...I didn't use my cataclysm, so I can stay transformed if you'd prefer, but..." he trails off.

There's something in his voice that finally makes her look at him. Just like when he talked to his father under the akuma's control, his head is bowed slightly, but instead of confidence, this time his eyes are bright with nervous hope.

Marinette understands both the nerves and the hope, and she'll joke with her partner until the end of time about who's in charge, but it feels wrong for either Chat or Adrien to look at her with uneasy deference.

And that's what she thinks of as courage wells in her chest. Her brave, steadfast partner, the other half of their unstoppable team, the boy with terrible timing who can still make her laugh, her best friend whom she loves so fiercely, should never feel he has to approach her in fear.

"Oh, Minou," she breathes. "Of course, go ahead. I...I already know."

He nods and stands a little straighter, and with a whisper and a flash of green, Chat's magical leather is replaced with denim and cotton poplin.

Predictably, her brain is short-circuiting, hollering in panic and terror, but even as her heart pounds wildly in her chest, it whispers quietly, gently, that this is her partner. Her silly kitty. Her dearest friend. He just happens to look like Adrien Agreste at the moment.

(Okay, this is going to take some getting used to.)

Tikki flies off to join Plagg nearby, while Marinette sits down on the roof with her knees pulled to her chest. She pats the space to her right and Adrien settles in cross-legged next to her.

He's the first to break the silence. "I'm sorry, Marinette. I shouldn't have gotten hit. I shouldn't have let you get hit. I know this wasn't what you wanted, and-"

"No, no, don't apologize," she interrupts, shaking her head. "It happens. It's...not the first time." Marinette sighs and closes her eyes, suddenly feeling a lot less courageous in the face of this world-bending change now that they're in their civilian clothes and it's Adrien apologizing to her. She presses her forehead to her knees and tries to imagine the boy beside her in magical leather and cat ears. It only helps a little, but it's enough. "We, um-" she pauses, licks her lips. "We have a lot to talk about. I just don't know if I'm ready for...all of it."

Adrien is silent for an uncomfortably long moment. "Yeah. We do." She hears him take a deep breath that shakes a bit on the exhale and turns her head a fraction to peek at him. His eyes are on the distant horizon. "I...think I understand some things now."

Abruptly, he turns toward her, a little smile tilting the corners of his mouth when he his eyes meet hers. Fear tells her to look away, but she tamps it down and holds his gaze. His smile widens.

"May I ask you something, Marinette?"

She nods.

"When you came up to me at lunch today, were you...planning to ask me on a date?"

Her pulse pounds in her ears. She could give in to fear, say no and brush it off like Chat had misheard her when she was under the akuma's spell. But suddenly her heartbeat seems to drum, "be bold, be kind, be brave," over and over again, and just as the smile begins to slip from his face, she finds the nerve to nod again.

Just like on the other rooftop a few minutes ago, his face lights up like the first rays of sun after a week of rain, shining splendid even in the early afternoon light.

"Am I--" he whispers, his breath hitching though his joy never dims, "Am I the boy?"

Be bold, be kind, be brave.

She calls on her Ladybug courage and nods once more.

His breath catches again and his eyes fill with tears that he brushes away quickly.

Clarity dawns all of a sudden, sweeping her fears to the corners of her mind to be dealt with later. She understood Chat Noir being happy to know his partner's identity, his excitement in finding out his Lady was his friend, too. But this is so much more. Beside her sits Adrien, wiping tears of joy from his eyes at the knowledge that Marinette is in love with him. This might just be a dream coming true on a random rooftop on a random Thursday afternoon.

"Chaton," she breathes, stretching her legs in front of her and placing a hand on his knee.

His hand covers hers, and she meets his gaze, words caught in her throat at the intensity in his eyes.

"I have a confession to make." He rubs the back of his neck with his free hand and takes a deep breath. "I think everyone in Paris knows that Chat Noir is in love with Ladybug. I...know you know." He shrugs as his smile turns a little helpless. "But no one knows that I might have a little tiny bit of a huge crush on Marinette Dupain-Cheng, too."

"Kid, don't lie to your girlfriend. You know very well that I knew, because I've been telling you forever!" Plagg calls from somewhere behind them. Tikki hushes him loudly.

"Okay, he's not wrong," Adrien says, huffing out a combination of a laugh and a sigh. I'm just very stupid, apparently."

"Hey, don't talk that way about my partner." Marinette bumps his shoulder with hers. "I have a teeny, tiny, huge crush on him, too, you know, and I don't appreciate your tone."

Adrien's surprised laugh rings out across the rooftop, filling her heart with so much love she can barely breathe with the force of it. She could listen to that laugh for the rest of her life. She hopes she'll have that chance.

He brushes tears from his eyes again as his laughter subsides, his grin still shining bright. "I'm so happy it's you, Marinette. Beyond happy." He turns her hand beneath his and threads his fingers through hers. "Honestly, there's no one else I would rather have as my partner."

"Me too, Minou," she murmurs, squeezing his hand lightly as incredulous joy sings through her veins.

Tikki's little voice pipes up nearby. "I'm sorry to interrupt, but it's almost time to go back to class."

Adrien lets go of her hand to fish for his phone and curses under his breath when he sees the time. "She's right, My Lady. Could we meet up this evening? I know we have, um...a lot of things to talk about."

Marinette nods. It feels like she's done a lot of that in the last few minutes.

When Adrien stands, he offers his hand to help her up. Just like in the courtyard at lunch, his eyes are patient and kind, but now they shine with something more. She lets him pull her to her feet, then wraps her arms around his waist in a tight hug.

His soft exhale at her ear as he melts against her makes her smile, scrunching up his white overshirt under her cheek. Her senses are filled with him, and she's surprised to realize that it's a feeling of comfort and safety instead of the usual panic.

Maybe loving Adrien and being loved in return will be easier than it seemed all this time. Her fears seem so silly when his arms are wrapped around her shoulders and his head rests on top of hers - a perfect fit.

Even the nightmarish terror of Chat Blanc is diminished. Adrien never told anyone her identity; he knew because he himself was Chat Noir, and there's no way in the world that Chat would hurt his Lady, nor would Adrien ever harm Marinette on purpose. She must have misunderstood. He must have misunderstood. He was an akuma, after all. She sighs into Adrien's shirt. She can never allow that terrible timeline to occur, but whatever happens after this, they'll face it together. Stronger. She'll make sure of it.

"Do you think my father will let me go to Nino's gig in real life?" he asks quietly.

The sad note in his voice breaks her heart. She squeezes him tighter.

"I don't know, Kitty. Do you think we'll be having a movie date on Saturday?"

He leans back abruptly, though his hands still grip her shoulders. "Of course! I'll be there if I have to sneak out!"

Marinette boops his nose, laughing when his eyes cross. "I think that's your answer for Friday night, too."

Suddenly she's in his arms again, this time lifted off the ground and spinning. She can't help but giggle.

"I knew I was in love with a genius!" he cries, jubilant. He sets her down and plants a kiss in the middle of her forehead before calling for Plagg to transform him.

When he turns his masked face back to her, it's like the world is different. She can easily see the brilliant green of Adrien's eyes in Chat's glowing sclerae. The blending of two of her favorite people into one extraordinary boy who - oh my goodness - just said he loves her gives her a shot of courage even before she suits up again.

"You missed, beau gosse."

His eyes widen comically. "I....what?"

Marinette smiles and calls for her transformation, then taps her lips with her gloved fingers. "You kissed me, but you missed."

The sly gleam in his eyes makes her breathing speed up.

"First of all, I would ask before I did that," Chat says, sticking out his thumb before raising his clawed index finger. "Second, I thought I'd save our first kiss for Saturday. Seems like a great way to end our first date, doesn't it?"

Our first date. A tingle runs down her spine. She likes the sound of that.

"I guess I can wait." Her smile turns cheeky. "But it'll be our third--"

"Ah, ah, ah," Chat cuts her off with a grin. He extends his thumb again. "First of all, I don't remember either of those."

Ladybug rolls her eyes, still smiling.

"And second," he says, his voice pitching lower and making her heart skip a beat, "it will be Marinette and Adrien's first kiss."

Oh, this boy, she thinks as her heart soars.

She bites her lip to keep from giggling. "I suppose you're right, even though we both know we're the same people."

Chat gives her a deadpan look. "Just let me have this, Bug."

She bursts into laughter and reaches for her yo-yo, delighting in watching a grin light her partner's face.

"I really am looking forward to Saturday," he says, unhooking his baton from his back. He reaches for her hand and gives it a gentle squeeze. "We'll talk about it later today, okay?"

She nods and watches him vault off toward home.

The wind against her face is exhilarating as she swings back to the bakery. It's amazing how one revelation seems to have changed everything. Even the zip of her yo-yo through the air sounds different to her ears now that she knows, now that he knows.

Marinette detransforms as she touches down on the terrace and sinks into her pink-striped chair while Tikki phases through the hatch into her room in search of food. A quick check of her phone tells her that she has ten minutes before she has to go back to school.

School. One more thing that's going to be different.

Before nerves can creep in, she thinks of Chat Noir and his beaming joy at learning the identity of his beloved partner. That was Adrien. She thinks of the comfort of being wrapped in Adrien's arms, his scent, his warmth. That was Chat Noir.

And when she sits down in class behind him in a few short minutes, that boy with the soft smile and shining eyes will look like Adrien, but now he's so much more.

Marinette stands up from her chair with a lighter heart than she can remember having in a long, long time. She's suddenly looking forward to the second half of the day, even more excited for Nino's event tomorrow night, and positively thrilled that she has a date with Adrien - who is Chat Noir! - on Saturday.

There's so much to experience, so many memories to be made. It feels a bit like a dream. It feels more than a bit scary. But it's going to be great.

It's just going to take a little courage.

She's got this.

#miraculous ladybug #ml fan fiction #identity reveal #adrien agreste #marinette dupain-cheng #ml fic #ml fanfic #adrienette #my writing #happy birthday jenna! #the real power move is posting this on an episode premiere day #thanks for reading it anyway

[lubdubsworld]

Change of Heart ( Taehyungx OC)

Pairing : Taehyung x OC Werewolf AU!!

Genre : Romance, Explicit Content.

Warnings : None. ( Some mild violence but mostly off screen ) werewolf sex, ruts, knotting etc

Chapter 1 / Chapter 2 / Chapter 3/ Chapter 4

[ Summary :

Times are changing.

After years of being oppressed, werewolves are taking a stand against humans , demanding equal rights and fair treatment. Heading the movement is Kim Taehyung, the breathtaking heir to the Kim fortune and one of the few remaining Alpha werewolves in the country. His disdain for the human race is well known and well warranted. They killed his family after all…..

He wants to change the world , to put humans in their place but when his five year old daughter takes a shine to their very human neighbor , maybe he has to start with a change of heart , first.  ]

Chapter 5

I found myself breathing through my nose, woozy and incoherent as the doctor fussed over me. 

“This is looking pretty damn bad, Dr. Jeon...” He was muttering while Jungkook sat next to me gripping my hands. My throat went dry at the words, fear making my heart jackrabbit against my ribs. 

“The bullet’s hit pretty close to artery near the clavicle, she’s lost a whole lot of blood. “

“Seo Joon’s going to prison for this... “ Jungkook swore, stroking my palm as I tried to stay conscious. 

“Tell me I don’t have to stay in the hospital for a long time...” I begged, desperate. 

Jungkook rolled his eyes. 

“You got shot... It’s not a playground scrape, Mirae....” Jungkook sounded exhausted. 

I nodded.

“ Whats going on with my father? Seo Joon was pissed off about something with my father....” I said, remembering the reason the wolf had been so pissed in the first place. 

“We’ll talk about this later- You need to rest and-”

“Just tell me damn it!!” 

Jungkook sighed.

“Your father got called out for trying to sabotage the vaccine drive going on on the island and he played the whole, ‘ why would I sabotage something my daughter helped make...’ card on TV. It’s had an effect....” 

I swallowed.

“What do you mean by effect?”

Jungkook looked a little angry now. 

“Can’t we talk about this tomorrow...you’re bleeding and hurt ...you need to fucking rest...”

“What’s going on...?” I demanded. 

“The weres don’t want the vaccine anymore. They think...well they think you may have tampered with it....” He looked uncomfortable and I couldn’t comprehend what I’d just heard. 

I stared at him, my jaw going slack in shock. 

“I’m not.... I have nothing to do with the vaccine...that is so far above my paygrade..I’m a lab tech..... what even-” I was too outraged to even think clearly. 

“People don’t know that, Rae. All they know is that they have always associated your father with bringing harm to the were community and somehow his daughter is here working on something that has the potential to both hurt and heal.....”

I bit my lips.

“He’s not even my real father.” I choked out. 

Jungkook looked surprised at that. 

“What?”

“It’s true. He adopted me because he raped my mom and she fucking killed herself over it. I was eight years old at the time and the bastard did not want any loose ends...” The words came out , bitter and edged with anger but it was an old hurt. An old rage that had long faded into a blunt sort of ache. I had been so young. Too young to fully comprehend 

Jungkook looked completely stunned.

“Fuck, I’m so sorry....”

“He wanted me to marry one of his anti-were associates . That's literally all he raised me for. When I refused , he cut me off completely. I’ve literally been on my own for years now and my job is the only thing keeping me from dying on the  streets....”

I hissed when the nurse touched my shoulder , the physical agony of my shoulder somehow intensifying as the nurse moved to finish dressing the wound. I would have to wear a sling next but I couldn’t even fathom moving,   let alone sitting up for that ordeal. 

The nurse gave me a slight smile.

“Your ribs are bruised again , this time its going to take longer to heal because one of them actually has a hair line fracture.” 

Great. That explained the woozy breathlessness. 

“It doesn’t hurt much...” I said confused.

“That’s because you’re on enough drugs to fell a horse...I’m actually surprised you’re still conscious.” Jungkook shook his head. 

“It’s just the adrenaline...that and the fear of being fired.” I muttered. 

Jungkook laughed a little at that.

“Don’t worry about anything. Just rest for a while and we’ll talk tomorrow , yeah?”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I woke up to fingers in my hair, soft and gentle. 

My eyes fluttered open and I felt my breath catch when I saw who it was.

“Yuggie ??” I croaked out, my brother’s face coming into focus as I blinked back exhaustion.

“Welcome to the land of the living...” He said softly, keeping his fingers on my hair, stroking the strands back gently.

“What..... how did you get here so soon?” I whispered.

“You’ve been out for forty hours, baby....” He laughed a little and I blinked, 

“I....I got hurt.” I whispered bleakly. My shoulder was still throbbing and the pain in my rib was now a bit more prominent. I took a deep shuddering breath. 

“I’m glad you’re here.... “ I whispered, lifting shaky hands to hold his face. 

“Dad called me. He wants you to come back home.” 

I felt my entire body going cold, hands going clammy at once. 

“That’s not going to happen.” I said sharply and Yugyeom looked worried.

“He’s really upset , Rae. Kim Taehyung winning the election was not a part of his plan and he’s desperate to try and cover his ass before he gets carted off to prison.” 

I blinked at that.

“what do you mean by prison?” 

“We can’t talk about this here. He’s not allowed on the island. None of his cohorts are. So he’s been trying to get you transferred to a hospital in Seoul. Jeongguk was the one who called me. They’re holding off on the transfer but ....you know how dad gets.” 

I felt my head pound . 

“What does he want me for?” I whispered in disbelief. 

“I’m not sure. But I think you should at least go see him and find out what it is that he wants.”

I shook my head .

“I’m not going anywhere near him, I’m-”

The door swung open and I found myself jerking in surprise, the movement jostling my ribs and making me wince. I felt my eyes widen when I saw who it was, fingers scrambling to grab Yugyeom . 

“Dad...” He whispered, sounding terrified and I felt that familiar jolt of sickening fear . 

“There she is.... my precious little one.” My father’s eyes held no emotion as he stared at me, lips curled in a perfect smile. He looked so much like a good guy that it was nauseating. 

I took a deep shuddering breath. 

“the management here is terrible. I had to petition the fucking courts to get a permit to visit my own daughter.” He shook his head as he made his way over and I lurched away instinctively. 

“I’m taking you home now. Bout time you came back to me.” He smiled, chillingly and I shook my head. 

“No...thats not going to happen. I’m an adult, you cannot force me to...” 

“You are my daughter. And you will be my daughter till you live. Cha Eun woo is still single. He’s looking for a wife and you were promised to him a long, long time ago. “ 

“Dad.... she’s fucking hurt...she got shot like three days ago can you not do this right now...” Yugyeon had stood up, reaching out to actually shove my father away and he looked surprised for a second. 

He gave Yugyeom a glare but my brother didn’t back down, towering over my father easily. 

“Forgive me. I didn’t mean to sound insensitive but it just worries me that my only daughter is choosing to stay in an island full of beasts and getting mauled quite often . Isn’t this the second time you got attacked in that same cabin, by wolves?” 

“that doesn’t mean you can just offer me as a gift to one of your buddies.” I hissed. 

“He’s one of the richest men in Seoul....you should be on your knees thanking me for letting you so much as breathe near him.”

“Isn’t he a werewolf?” Yugyeom frowned in confusion. 

My father shrugged.

“I’ve since learned that your sister has a preference for them. Well if she’s going to spread her legs for an animal, better an animal I happen to hold the leash to....” He stared down at me with calculated cruelty. 

The crude words made nausea rise up in my throat and I almost dry heaved. 

“You’re not pimping me out to serve your own selfish purposes.” I shook my head. 

“He’s here. Outside. He’s going to stay here and he’s going to bring you back to his apartment in Seoul and you’re going to stay there with him. End of discussion. Yeom, I want you to come back to Seoul with me now. “

Yugyeom looked torn as he stared at me and I bit my lips. Yugyeom was still a kid, still in college. He couldn’t afford to antagonize my father.

“I’ll be fine. Go ahead.” I smiled. 

“I’ll send Eun Woo in.... “ My father nodded at me and then sighed. “ contrary to what you think, I don’t want you to hurt. I’m offering you a good life. Marry the fellow and spend your days lounging around in luxury. Thats hardly a punishment now, is it?” 

I turned my head away in disgust. 

Less than two minutes after he left, I felt a hand on my arm and I jolted.

“Mi Rae ssi.... I’m Eun Woo.” 

I glared at the man in front of me, barely looking at him. 

“I have no interest in being your wife.”

He looked bored at my outburst.

“I have no interest in indulging your  interests.  Your father is paying me handsomely to take you off his hands and that's all I’m doing. If you happen to be good at taking my knot, that's just gonna be a pleasurable bonus?” He pressed a thumb to my lips, stroking the skin in an almost gentle caress.  . 

A knock on the door made him pull away and I glanced up, relief flooding me when I saw it was Jungkook. 

“She’s going to have to rest now, Mr. Cha. Her father told me that he’s arranging her transfer to Seoul but that's going to have to wait for tomorrow at least. “ He was staring at the beta with narrowed eyes and Eun Woo bowed lightly. 

He shot me one leering glance before walking out casually.

“So...fiancee huh? You’ve been holding out on me...” Jungkook whispered thoughtfully and I flinched.

“Didn’t know he existed till five minutes ago..” I muttered. 

“Are you in trouble, Rae?” Jungkook looked worried and I hesitated, before shaking my head. 

“I’ll be fine. I can handle him. I just hate the thought of having to leave the preserve... even if its temporary. But I don’t want to annoy my dad right now... He’s... He can be irrational and i don’t want him to take it out on the Preserve and do something harmful to the research program itself , just to be petty.”

It was exactly the kind of thing he would do, too. My shoulder still had a lot of healing to do and it was unlikely that Cha Eun Woo would actually hurt me , at least till i got better. My dad, for all his anger was still rabidly protective of what he considered his. And i was definitely high on that list. 

“So you’re going then?” 

I caught the hint of disappointment in Jungkook’s tone.

“Aww....is my poor Jungkookie gonna miss me? If I weren’t sporting a broken rib and a messed up shoulder, I’d definitely, at least give you a handjob…” I waggled my eyebrows. 

Predictably, his eyes went wide , lips tinged fire engine red in a second. 

“Wha- Shut the fuck up, noona” He whined and I laughed. 

And then I sobered up when he sat next to me, linking his fingers with mine .

“I’m serious, Jungkook. I’m gonna be just fine. My dad’s upto something. If I stick close, I can at least figure out what he’s planning. I don’t want him to hurt you guys.” 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“Right little firecracker his daughter is. So fucking pretty and man, those lips. I’d like to take a drink from that....” Cha Eun Woo gripped the shot glass hard, throwing back the whiskey with practiced ease. 

Taehyung struggled to keep his features neutral. 

“ Yoon Jae hyun’s daughter? From the preserve?” He had meant to sound casual but he sounded like he was being strangled. 

Eun Woo hummed.

“ Yeah....Her name is... Mirin....no wait ? Lirae? Mirae? ….. whatever. Poor thing. Apparently she has a tendency to get mauled by wolves too often. She was in bad shape when i saw her. “ 

Taehyung felt his heart lurch at that. He had wanted nothing more than to sink his jaws into Seo Joon’s throat, when he’d heard what had happened. If it weren’t for his abysmally packed schedule he would have rushed there as soon as he could. 

 As it was he had talked to a few of his acquaintances who were in prison. Seo Joon was going to go to prison and he wasn’t going to be coming out alive. 

“So, she just.,...agreed to marry you then?” 

“Not like she had a choice. The old man is going senile. Dude really thinks he stands a chance with his whole Reform Camps proposition. Wants to put weres in concentration camps.... What the fuck, are we in the middle ages..? He also thinks that betas are naturally resentful of Alphas or some shit. Kept feeding me crap about how you alphas want to subjugate the rest of us. Of course the fucker’s feeding into my Hotels and resorts so i just nodded along and agreed to his shit. Next thing I know he’s offering me his daughter in return to me being an ally in his campaign.. Figured I’d agree. See if i could get some inside dirt on him. I know you’ve been trying to bring him down for years, Tae...” Eun Woo gave him a reassuring smile. 

Taehyung felt a jolt of pride for the beta. Cha Eun woo had been a close friend of his from childhood and he knew he would never betray their kind. He had worked hard to earn his position as one of the biggest tech moguls in the country and he stayed true to his roots. Taehyung liked Eun Woo.

Admired him even....

But the idea of him touching Mirae.....

His claws nearly popped out at the mere thought of it. 

“And well if I get to fuck a nice little human bitch in the process, so be it right Taeh- Fuck!! “ Eun Woo jumped when Taehyung’s claw popped right out, shattering the beer mug in his hand and spraying both of them with the frothy liquid.

“Fuck...” Taehyung groaned and to his utter horror his fangs had dropped as well, his words slurring around the lengthened canines and he felt embarrassment flood his face. . When was the last time he’d popped a fanger in the middle of a fucking conversation....not since he’d been through puberty.

“Uh...you okay, pal?” Eun Woo looked worried now, beta eyes flashing green as he stared at him and Taehyung waved him off. 

“Be uh... Be careful with the daughter.” He muttered , trying to sound nonchalant. 

Eun Woo just waved him off. 

“Whatever , I know the type Tae. Likes a good, feral fuck from a wolf that knows how to give it to her good, you know?. Could smell her all over the alpha doctor who works there... Jungkook was it? Yeah... Girl gets around a lot, i could tell. And you can just tell that she’s going to be so fucking tight when you knot her you know, i mean human bitches always are but those hips just look like they-” Eun Woo stopped, stunned when Taehyung suddenly shoved the table away from him, hard. The older gripped the table and stood up on shaky limbs. 

“ I need to get going...” Taehyung fought the urge to shift, his wolf warring inside him, snarling at him to shift and leap across the table and devour the man across from them. To lock his fangs on the beta’s throat and rip his jugular out. 

 He’s threatening our mate...... He’s talking about what is ours....

The voice in his head was so clear and concise that he nearly blacked out at the very force of it. 

Eun Woo was saying something behind him but Taehyung was moving swiftly , stumbling to the bar where Jimin was taking one of the shifts.

“I need to go home...” Taehyung choked out. “ Call....fuck... Call my chauffeur.” 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“Pre rut symptoms....are you fucking serious...?” Taehyung growled at the doctor taking his vitals. the man, long used to Taehyung’s intimidatingly deep voice, merely hummed. The man had been one of his father’s dearest friends. And one of Taehyung’s most trusted confidantes. 

“You’re body believes you mate is around. A mate you haven’t yet claimed. It’s reacting to it.” 

Next to him Ji hyun was looking disturbingly excited.

“It’s not you.” Taehyung snapped at the tall woman who recoiled in shock. Taehyung felt momentarily bad but the truth was he had been trying to break up with Ji hyun for a month now. The model was just so shamelessly clingy it was getting to him. and he most certainly did not want her around if he was going into rut. 

What he wanted was a luscious, chestnut-haired human with ebony eyes and a scent like heaven. 

Fuck... he was burning up and his skin felt like it was stretched thin. 

“You need to leave Ji hyun. I want to talk to the doctor alone.” He demanded and the were bowed, moving out of the room quickly. Taehyung turned back to the doctor. 

“So what do I do?” He demanded. “ I don’t.... my mate died two years ago. “

The doctor sighed.

“She was not your mate. I told you that already. She tricked you. She was wearing your mate’s scent but it wasn’t hers...” The doctor shook his head. 

Taehyung growled. 

“I fucking know that..... And I’m gonna fucking bury Yoon Jae hyun into the ground for what he did to me..... But I need to have my senses about me if I want to do that...Him and his entire drug cartel is coming down.....But. That's not gonna happen if i go into fucking rut  now.. so close to me taking over office. So tell me how to fix this. “ 

“Who is the girl?” The doctor said casually. 

“What?”

“the girl who smells like your wife. Like your mate. Who is she?”

Taehyung sighed. 

“Its Yoon Jae hyun’s daughter.” He muttered. 

Dr. Lee’s eyebrows shot straight up to his hairline. 

“Oh no... do you think he .... again?” 

Taehyung shook his head. He had distanced himself entirely from Mirae just to make sure he wasn’t being pulled into another fucking trap. But so far , from what he learned, the drug did not work on humans. There was no way a human’s scent could be manipulated to fool his wolf.

And that meant that it wasn’t a trap at all. 

His wolf really did find a mate in a fucking human of all things. 

God, he couldn’t believe the sheer irony of this. 

“it doesn’t work on humans. It is her scent. She’s... She’s the one I want.... “ He groaned. 

The doctor chuckled.

“ You mean, she’s the one your wolf wants?” 

Taehyung frowned.

“Isn’t that what i said?” 

“No, you said she’s the one you want and it makes me wonder.....do you perhaps....care for the girl?” 

Taehyung shook his head swiftly.

“I barely know her...she...she used to look after Luna. “ He finished. 

“Luna...? Interesting. “ The man’s words carried a hint of amusement and Taehyung felt his hackles rise. 

“ What does that tone mean?” 

“I’m just saying.... You don’t let people watch Luna that easily. You’re fiercely protective of your daughter. If you let this girl watch her, you must trust her at least.” 

Taehyung sighed. 

“I.. of course i trust her …. she’s a good girl.  A good....person...” 

“ I would suggest spending your rut with her. Claiming her if she’s interested. With you being you, I doubt she’s going to refuse.” The older man’s eyes fairly twinkled, 

“I’m not knotting her when I’m on my fucking rut …” He snapped. “ I’ll likely break her in two. “ 

The doctor chuckled. 

“It wouldn’t be a very pleasant experience for her, yes. But ….there's no reason why you can’t make it enjoyable for her. “ His tone turned gentle and more serious. “ Listen to me Taehyung-ah...… There is a reason wolves mate for life. We are not meant to be alone. If your wolf has found a mate, he’s not going to let you function till you claim her. That's just the way our body’s are built. You need to talk to her. Make some sort of arrangement. You have three weeks at the most before your rut hits and trust me you don’t want to be alone when that happens. “ 

Taehyung felt his insides churn at the prospect. 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“No fucking shit.... You couldn’t have just told me that instead of letting me mouth off about her like that ? “ Eun Woo groaned , watching Taehyung with guilty eyes. 

Taehyung brushed him off. 

“It’s fine. I just.... can you just...keep her at your place till she gets better. I’m ...not in a good headspace right now and i don’t want to hurt her. she needs to recover.”

Eun Woo nodded.

“The doctor says three weeks and she’ll be fine. I’m a bit busy myself so I’ll just arrange for her brother to pick her up. Her dad’s busy meeting some suppliers. I sent the details to your men.... Did they get it?” 

Taehyung nodded. 

“The guy’s a bigger idiot than i thought. He’s actually met a few of these dealers himself. We just need one of them to ID him and he’s going to get locked up for life.” 

Eun Woo nodded.

“Everything by the book, Tae. We stick to the laws....no  bloodshed without cause and no one gets hurt. He likes to hide behind the fucking law when he’s trying to destroy our entire species , we’re gonna use that same ;law to rail him to the ground .” 

Taehyung grinned. 

“ Not just on the ground, Eun Woo. I’m gonna be putting him six feet under.” 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The recovery from my shoulder was surprisingly easy compared to the bruise on my ribs. Movement was difficult and it definitely hurt but my pain threshold had definitely gone up. It helped that Cha Eun Woo had stayed away from me and Yugyeom was on a three week break . We crashed out at his apartment and It was like being a kid again. 

We spent the days lounging by the indoor pool or playing video games. Yugyeom was a great cook and he liked cooking. 

Two and a half weeks after I had moved in, I was finally out of the sling. The physiotherapist visited me at the apartment and after making me move my hands well, she gave the go ahead to start my normal routine ahead. 

“I still want you to take it easy. Your ribs are healed and so is your shoulder but no roughhousing.... I’m only saying that because i know how it is i when siblings live together.” She smiled and I laughed, nodding. 

“I’ll make sure she’s resting well, noona.” Yugyeom said seriously. 

I closed the door as the doctor left, smiling as I watched Yugyeom trip over my sling on the couch, when the doorbell rang again.

Surprised , I turned back tot he door.

“ Did you forget something, Unnie-?” I froze in shock. 

Kim Taehyung stood leaning against the wall, looking like he had run all the way from his home across the city. 

“Taehyung-ssi?” I stammered out, taking in the untucked shirt, sweat drenched hair and flashing red eyes .

“I’m.... I fucked up.” He whispered, eyes fluttering shut. It took me a second to realize that he was falling and instinct made throw myself under him, holding my hands out to catch him. 

Pain shot straight up my shoulder as it took the entire brunt of his weight. The pain only lasted a second though, because Yugyeom was shoving me out of the way and grabbing the taller alpha by the waist.

“Holy shit....is this Kim Taehyung?” He looked awestruck as he stared at him and I felt my heart race. Taehyung seemed conscious but his breathing was raspy. 

I pressed my palm against his cheek and his eyes fluttered open .

“I’m... I need you.” Taehyung growled right at me. 

Yugyeom froze next to me and I felt my throat go dry. 

“I... sorry?” I squeaked out. 

“You...need you....under me... fuck...” 

“What the fuck, Rae?” Yugyeom hissed , face turning red as he tried to maneuver the alpha werewolf to the couch . 

I stayed frozen, having no idea what the fuck was going on.

Taehyung scrambled to a sitting position on the couch, gripping the cusions and he was paniting, his eyes wild as he stared right at me. 

“Mine.” His voice was ten times deeper than usual, fairly vibrating with power and Yugyeom went completely still. He was shaking as he reached for me, the terror evident in his face. 

“Oh, shit... Rae...is he....? Fuck , is he -” My little brother sounded terrified and I pulled him behind me. 

Taehyung’s eyes flashed red again and then they shifted to my brother. His gaze narrowed and his mouth opened. 

There was a split second when I knew exactly what was going to happen and I whirled around , grabbing Yugyeom and shoving him straight into the hallway leading to the front door.

“ YUGGIE, RUN!!!”  I screamed with all my might, and behind me Taehyung let out a vicious growl, pouncing across the room at my brother. Yugyeom managed to avoid him by a hairsbreadth and instinct made him move faster to the door but he stopped near the door looking terrified but torn. 

“ Rae...come with me,...come...” 

I stared at the alpha on the floor, my heart racing. 

Taehyung was clearly fighting against the wolf in him, trying to stay down, on his knees, fingers gripping the carpet to ground himself but the little growls that he let out told me that it was a fight he wasn’t winning. He looked up at me and there was so much pain and contrition in his gaze that I felt my heart break. 

“I’m...sorry...” Taehyung gasped out eyes fluttering shut. He was panting harder now, fingers clenched into fists around the carpet and voice ragged. i looked up at my baby brother and he looked so young and scared that I couldn’t stand it. 

“Its okay.... just go... I’ll be fine...he won’t hurt me... Just go...” I whispered desperately and Yugyeom shook his head.

“No... No... you’ve got to come with me... Rae...Noona....”

He never called me noona. I realized just how scared he was and tried to comfort him, but wary of going near him, lest Taehyung attack him again. 

“Yugyeom listen to me carefully. He’s on his rut. He’s not gonna hurt me, he just thinks I’m his mate. If you stay here he’s going to see you as a threat, so you need to leave..If I come with you he will hunt us down....I’ll be fine. I can take care of myself. You just need to go.” 

Yugyeom nodded, moving to the door and I turned back, feeling my stomach clench when Taehyung’s claws came out, tearing through our rug with ease. 

I heard the door shut behind me and I stayed perfectly still. 

Taehyung was still trembling and he finally looked up at me. Now that we were alone he was distinctly calmer. 

“I shouldn’t have come here.” He rasped out. 

I nodded. 

“So why did you?” I asked, staring at him as he stumbled to his feet. 

“You smell ....fuck you just smell like. ....like...”

“Like your wife, yes.” I muttered . “ So you want me to be stand in for your wife tonight?” 

Taehyung’s eyes shot up to stare at me. 

“My wife .... she worked for your father.” He choked out.

I straed at him, the blood running cold in my veins. 

“What?”

“Your father hired her.... to get rid of me. She... used a drug . A drug that confuses a wolf’s senses. Makes the wolf think he’s found his mate. Wolves cannot hurt or live without their mates. Its important to us.  She...She got pregnant on the night we mated and by the time I found out she was already carrying Luna and there was nothing I could do....I couldn’t...it wasn’t even a fucking bond.... I couldn’t sense her...couldn’t feel her...couldn’t muster any kind of affection for her but ... but she was carrying my baby and I just couldn’t bring myself to send her away......”

“Taehyung...” I whispered, remembering how Luna had talked about her father not liking her mother. 

“Its not natural for a wolf my age to be without a mate. But ....that scent ....I... I never picked up on it with anyone else till I... “ He sighed. 

“Till you met me.” 

“Till I met you.” 

I stared at the floor. 

“I’m not.... I’m not actually in rut yet. It’s still a day or so away. i didn’t want to come here but.... I’m supposed to be taking over the office in three days. When I do, I can finally use my position to bring your father down. He is using his drug dealers and suppliers to mess with our biology and its ...something sacred to us. Wolves mate for life and to make a wolf doubt his ability to choose his mate is the worst kind of sacrilege.....”

“What do you want me to do?”

He stared at me....

“If I go into rut and I don’t have.... my mate ...it’s going to fuck me up. I don’t wanna go into the gory details but I most certainly will not be able to take over the office. ” He laughed without mirth. 

There was nothing else to be said , was there?

“You have no right..... asking me to do this.....” I whispered , angry . 

“I know.... I know and if you say no, I will walk out this door and you will never see me again.” 

I laughed. 

“I think you came here because you knew. “

He didn’t respond.

“You fucking knew I wouldn’t be able to say no to you. “ 

His gaze was steady as he stared at me.

“I’ll take care of you.... I won’t...this isn’t a one night stand or a no strings attached thing, Rae..... You will be mine. I’ll be yours. “ 

“And yet, your eyes tell me that there is nothing you hate more, than standing here asking me to be your mate......” I said bitterly.

He didn’t deny it. 

“Will you come with me , then?”

I stared at his handsome face , the surreal beauty of it. And I thought of my father and how he wanted only to destroy anything that he didn’t understand. If Taehyung was going to bring my father down , I wasn’t going to be the thing that stopped him from doing it. 

“Let me get my clothes.” 

AUTHOR’S NOTE : IT WAS EASIER GIVING BIRTH THAN WRITING THIS FIC 

just kidding i love werewolf tae. Please let me know what you thought uwu

#taehyung fics #taehyung fanfic #taehyung #taehyung smut #bts fics.bts smut #bts au #bts werewolf #taehyung werewolf au #bts fics #bts smut

[sehunniepotwrites]

puppy love | l.jn

synopsis: in which a new chance at love crashes into you when you least expect it to genre: dog park!au, strangers to lovers!au, fluff pairing: lee jeno x gn!reader word count: 1,392

author’s note: happy jeno day, czennies! i hope you’ll find this drabble as sweet as the birthday boy! (this is unedited, i’ll look back at it later!)

Tired of seeing sulk about being lonely, your friends suggested something that sounded great at the time. 

Get a dog, they said.

It’ll be a lot of fun, they said.

You always dreamed about having a pet. 

Well, they forgot to mention how much work having a dog was. Terriers were mostly known to be low maintenance dogs that were moderately energetic--your pup did not fit into the norm. 

Though small and compact, Nana was a hyperactive dog. A morning trip to the dog park often tired her out during the day, allowing her to sleep the majority of the time you were away at work. Playing with her granted you the exercise you desperately needed and while fun, you tired out very easily. There were times you wished for Nana to have a canine companion. You wished for it as much as you hoped to find a companion of your own. 

Your friends and family also played with the idea of meeting someone and their pet at the dog park-- kill two birds with one stone--but that storyline was damn near impossible. The only other regulars you saw at the park were either coupled off or just not in your age range.

Nana began to whine as you drew closer to the gate, the dog insistently tugging against your hold. “Hold on, baby, we’re almost there,” you said groggily. Looking around the area, you noticed that none of the regulars were there that morning.  Maybe it was because you came thirty minutes later than your usual time. 

“Seems like your friends aren’t here today, Nana,” you said dejectedly as you opened the gate. That meant you had to play with her--your morning fix of coffee didn’t hit you yet and you hope you did soon. You couldn’t keep up with her when she was like this. Your dog rushed in, her paws scurrying from the paved sidewalk to the grass covered in morning dew. Her feet impatiently stomped as you slammed the gate shut, waiting for you to release her from her leash. 

Hearing a loud bark, your head shot up to see a tall person in a hoodie running after a fluffy Samoyed that was heading your way. “Chief, wait!” 

Just as you unbuckled Nana from her leash, the larger dog leaped in your direction, almost bulldozing over your smaller pet and straight into you. The unexpected impact was too much for you, sending you back into the wet grass. Large pants and a heavy weight kept you from getting up and you glanced to see that beautiful Samoyed hovering on top of you. Its tongue stuck out, tail wagging rapidly as it stared down at you before nudging your hand for some love. You laughed in astonishment before carding your fingers through its soft fur.

“Oh my god, I’m so sorry,” the owner profusely apologized as he reached you, “Chief still isn’t used to how large he is.” His voice was charming just as it was deep and once you caught his eye, your breath caught in your throat. If this dog was beautiful, then its owner was absolutely divine in the early morning light. His hood slid down to reveal more of his face, allowing you to see the man’s kind eyes, sharp features, and clear skin. His black hair was styled messily due to the hood but the look still suited him. 

One rough pat to the Samoyed’s side was enough to nudge him away from you. “Let me help you up,” the handsome stranger said, offering his large hand out to you. You tentatively slid your hand into his hold before he pulled you back to your feet with little to no effort. “Thank you,” you said in reply to his kind action. You hoped he didn’t notice the embarrassed expression on your face. 

“It’s no problem,” he smiled back, his eye scrunching into the cutest curves. He looked like the dog that just knocked you over. How was that even possible?

Dusting yourself off, you noted that Nana was no longer at your side. Just as you were about to shout for her, you found her playing happily with the Samoyed. “Oh good, I was afraid that she wouldn’t have a playmate during this time,” you let out a sigh of relief. Finding a need to explain yourself, you added, “I usually come earlier in the morning.”

“Decided to sleep in today?” the man asked with a teasing chuckle.

“Yeah, pretty sure I pressed my snooze button a couple of times,” you giggled.

“I usually come around this time but no one’s here,” he said, “It’s nice to see someone else at the park for a change.”

Before you knew what you were doing, you shot back with, “Maybe you should start coming earlier.”

With the same tone, he answered, “Or maybe you can keep hitting that snooze button.” You brought up your hand to cover your smile and mute the laugh that slipped through your lips.

Grinning at your positive response, the man extended a hand out to you. “I’m Jeno,” he started off. “And that, over there,” he gestured off to his Samoyed playing with Nana, “is Chief.”

Placing your hand in his rougher one again, you introduced yourself with a shy smile. “That little one is Nana.”

Jeno let out a loud snort and laugh before covering his lips. His shoulders shook as he tried to calm down. Shocked, you looked at him. There wasn’t anything wrong with that name, was there? You thought it to be quite adorable. 

“Oh no, sorry for laughing. I’m not laughing at you, I swear,” he waved his hands to reassure you. “It’s just that my best friend’s nickname is Nana. His real name is Na Jaemin.”

Tugging his phone out of his pocket, Jeno lit up his home screen to show you a picture of him, another handsome man, and Chief smiling at the camera. “Cute,” you commented with a smile.

“Who-- Nana?”

His sudden question flustered you. “N-no, I mean, yes? I mean--”

“Damn, I was hoping you were referring to me,” he said, the grin on his face growing larger.

“Well, I mean, um--” Oh, this was so going well. A cute guy with a dog talks to you and you can’t even form a full sentence. Why were you like this?

“Hey, no. It’s okay. I was kidding.” He lightly patted your shoulder as you took a swig out of your water bottle. ‘Not going to lie, though, I was hoping you would say I was cute.”

You barely missed choking on your drink. “Oh my god, it’s too early for this,” you muttered under your breath. “I need more coffee.”

“Sorry, am I coming off too strong?” Jeno chuckled as he rubbed the back of his neck. “It’s been a while since I’ve tried to flirt with someone.”

“So you admit that you’re flirting?”

“Yeah, I guess I am.”

��Yup,” you turned away to watch the two canines chase each other’s tails. “Definitely need more coffee.”

As if they knew you wanted to leave the park, your dogs charged towards you at full speed. Unlike before, Chief stopped right before your feet, tongue dipping into a bowl filled with water. He made space for your tinier dog to drink from the bowl as well, the two acting like best friends even though they just met thirty minutes prior. Tugging treats from your jacket pocket, you commanded them to do a couple of tricks before rewarding them as Jeno watching fondly in the background. 

“Hey,” Jeno called, drawing your attention to the two dogs nosing your hand.

“Yeah?”

“You said you needed coffee, right? Wanna grab some with me? I know a good cafe down the road from here,” he offered a bit timidly, his ears turning a bright shade of pink. “It seems like the two little ones want to hang out more. I think they like each other, I’ve never seen Chief act this way with another dog before.”

You heard a couple of yelps and quickly shifted to see Chief and Nana playing tug of war with a tree branch.

“Must be puppy love, then. And yeah, I’d really like that.”

When Jeno smiled at you, you swore he shone brighter than the sun. “I’d really like that, too.”

© sehunniepotwrites, 2021

#dreamwritersnet #neowritingsnet #cznnet #nct scenarios #nct fluff #nct imagines #lee jeno #jeno fic #jeno fluff #jeno x reader #jeno x you #jeno scenarios #jeno imagines

[suituuup]

that's the kind of love i've been dreaming of

Has Beca mentioned that she hates his guts? Everything is just too… annoyingly nice. His charming smile, his messy but not too messy hair, his sense of humor, and well, his taste in women, as he’s dating the girl Beca happens to be in love with.

Word count: 2005

Rating: T

Entry for Bechloe week, day one: “Because I'm in love with you, dumbass.”

Beta by the lovely @snowonebutyou and thanks to @green-eyed-weirdo for bouncing ideas with me <3

READ ON AO3

*

The muffled giggle greeting Beca when she steps through the door makes her groan. The deep voice that follows confirms that Chloe is indeed not alone, and Beca briefly considers turning around and… going for a walk or something.

But her feet are about to fall off, she feels gross from her overcrowded subway ride home where she’s pretty sure a dude sniffed her hair, and she is really fucking tired.

She’s just flopped down face first on the pull-out couch when the door to Chloe’s bedroom opens, and two sets of feet grow closer.

“You alright, Becs?”

Beca grunts something inaudible in acknowledgment before she rolls on her back. “M’fine.”

“Hey Beca,” Chicago greets her with a soft smile, and Beca somehow manages to leash in her sneer.

“Hey,” she mumbles, the best she can muster when it comes to Chloe’s boyfriend.

Has she mentioned that she hates his guts? Everything is just too… annoyingly nice. His charming smile, his messy but not too messy hair, his sense of humor, and well, his taste in women, as he’s dating the girl Beca happens to be in love with.

Yep. It’s only been four years and a half; not a big deal.

She was this close to admitting her feelings to Chloe, still reeling with adrenaline after her solo performance, when Chloe ran to Army Boy instead. Beca doesn’t think she knew what a broken heart felt like until that very moment.

“I’ll see you tomorrow?” Chicago asks, setting his hands on Chloe’s hips.

“Yeah,” Chloe agrees and leans up to kiss his lips. Beca rolls her eyes, grabbing her phone from her back pocket as a distraction from the display of gag-worthy affection.

The door finally clicks shut behind Chicago, and Beca hears Chloe sigh. That kind of content sigh that has jealousy flare up within her because Chloe should be sighing like that because of her.

“I thought he was leaving tomorrow morning?” Beca asks as she scrolls through her Instagram, not really registering the photos zooming past her eyes.

“Not anymore,” Chloe says, biting on her bottom lip like she’s trying to prevent a smile from breaking through. “He’s um, going to be stationed in Brooklyn. His request just got granted.”

A huge lump forms in Beca’s throat as she registers the news and an uneasy feeling seized her stomach. “That’s--” she swallows with difficulty, swiping her tongue over her dry lips. “That’s great, Chlo.”

She soon exits Instagram, opening her safari to look for apartment listings.

*

Finding an apartment in New York City within her price range, as it turns out, is pretty fucking difficult.

You would think Beca was aware of that given the fact that there used to be one more person living in her current studio, with a simple curtain acting as bathroom walls.

(she definitely has PTSD from that night Amy had food poisoning from Taco Bell.)

When Amy moved out, Chloe took her room, because Beca is the night owl of the two, usually coming home late from work or cooking dinner after Chloe has gone to bed.

It’s pushing eleven by the time she makes it back that night, and she prays that Chloe is already in bed. The past couple of weeks following the news have been… weird, to say the least. Beca has been avoiding Chloe, coming up with excuses whenever Chloe asks her if she wants to hang out.

She makes herself a quick dinner (okay, makes might be a bit of an overstatement: she just pours some hot water over instant noodles. Don’t come at her.) and messes around on her laptop for a while, turning the lights off just after one am.

A moan reaching her ears just as she feels herself dozing off has her eyes fly open. A moan that very much belongs to Chloe, and Beca just wants to disappear off the face of the earth. Quiet laughter follows, and when the bed starts squeaking, leaving no doubt regarding what they’re doing in there, Beca ponders smothering herself with her own pillow.

She grabs her headphones instead, hastily placing them over her ears before she hears something that will most likely scar her forever. It somewhat cancels out the sounds, enough for Beca to fall asleep. She flees the apartment before either of them is awake, drowning her sorrows in a double espresso from the corner coffee shop.

Over the next few days, she excels in avoiding Chloe. She knows Chloe’s schedule well enough to come back when she’s either asleep or not there. Or at least she thought so.

“Hey.”

Beca freezes as she closes the door, looking over her shoulder to find Chloe popping her head out of the fridge.

Beca clears her throat, rubbing her nose with her knuckle as she stares down at the scuff of her shoes. “Hey,” she echoes, setting her keys down on the counter.

“Long time no see,” Chloe says as Beca sits on the edge of her bed to take her boots off.

“Yeah um, I’ve been busy,” Beca mumbles as she undoes her laces.

“Busy avoiding me?”

Beca’s spine snaps straighter at that, and she looks up to meet Chloe’s eyes. “No, just--” her shoulder lifts in a half shrug. “I figured you and Chicago might enjoy some private time together.”

Chloe hums like she doesn’t believe her. “You’d tell me if-- if something was bothering you, right? I feel like I’ve done something wrong.”

Beca swallows. “It’s not you, Chlo. I’m just--” she sighs, feeling her frustration rise as she scrapes her brain for a believable lie. “Work sucks and I feel like I’m getting nowhere, so I’ve been crankier than usual.”

Chloe nods, her lips curving in a sympathetic smile. “I’m sorry you’re having a hard time at work,” she says. “We should go out tonight! It’s been forever.”

Beca’s rebuttal lies on the tip of her tongue, out of reflex. She swallows it back, because Chloe is giving her those puppy eyes she’s mastered so well, and Beca knows damn well she can’t resist. Besides, she could definitely use a drink. Or ten.

“Yeah, okay. Sure.”

That’s how they find themselves in an overly too loud, busy club a handful of hours later. Beca is definitely tipsy, and Chloe has just ordered shots, so she knows she’s likely to finish the night with her head in the toilet. But she hasn’t laughed like that in a while, and it feels amazing to be… Beca and Chloe again.

It’s ruined just after Beca downs her first shot, when Army Boy shows up.

“Hi!” Chloe exclaims, springing up from her stool to hug him.

Beca grits her teeth so hard that she’s half-concerned they might break, her eyes throwing daggers at Chicago’s head.

“Hey Beca,” he says, apparently oblivious as he slides on the vacant stool.

Beca simply tilts her chin towards him, along with a tight-lipped smile. As Chicago orders his drink with the waitress, Beca shrugs her jacket on. “I’m gonna go,” she announces over the music, not caring one bit that it’s obvious as to why.

She doesn’t wait for a reply, letting her legs carry her towards the exit as quickly as possible as tears burn her eyes. She bumps into someone in her haste and mumbles a disoriented sorry, sucking in a much needed breath as soon as she steps outside of the club.

The music gradually fades away as she starts down the sidewalk, tugging her jacket tighter around her frame when a chill rolls down her spine. She’s not even sure in which direction she’s going, set on hailing the first cab she finds.

“What the hell is your problem??”

Beca freezes at the familiar voice, swallowing around the forming lump in her throat before she turns around. She barely meets Chloe’s eyes. “I’m just tired, Chlo.”

“Bullshit,” Chloe spits out, a scoff flying past her lips as she shakes her head. Her typically warm eyes are bone-chilling icy. “You left the second he got here.”

Beca sighs heavily, her hands forming fists by her sides in an attempt to tame her growing irritation. “Yeah well, maybe I didn’t feel like being the third wheel. I thought it was just going to be you and I, tonight. But you two have been attached to the hip and all you can talk about is Chicago this, Chicago that.”

“Well I’m sorry if I enjoy his company,” Chloe fires back. “You know, the least you could do is be happy for me.”

“Oh great, the guilty card,” Beca says, eyes rolling skyward. She sucks in a sharp breath. “I can’t be happy for you, Chlo.”

Chloe staggers back as though Beca’s words slapped her in the face. “What?”

“I said, I can’t be happy for you,” Beca repeats, her tone rising along with her frustration.

“What the fuck is that supposed to mean?” Chloe asks, a mixture of anger, hurt and confusion surfacing in her features. “Why can’t you be happy for me? That’s what best friends are supposed to do, you know. I mean, are you even still my best friend? Because you haven’t been acting like one those past--”

“Because I’m in love with you, dumbass!” Beca finally blurts, a lot louder than necessary. Her declaration catches the attention of a few bypassers, but Beca is too focused on Chloe to care.

She watches as realization dawns in Chloe’s eyes, and all she can hear is her heart beating madly in her ears. She swallows, glancing down at the crack in the sidewalk. “And I’m the biggest idiot in the world,” she mumbles, roughly wiping at her cheeks when she feels a few tears rolling down her skin. “I’ll be out of the apartment by tomorrow.”

Beca is thankful Chloe doesn’t follow her when she turns around and resumes her journey home. She ends up walking all the way, too embarrassed to break down in a cab like in those stupid rom-coms. She texts Amy when she makes it back to ask if she can crash at her fancy apartment, fishing out her suitcase as soon as her friend agrees. Tears keep leaking out, and Beca wipes them away with her sleeve before she starts shoving her clothes into the suitcase, trying to ignore the way her heart aches.

A key slides into the lock just as she’s done packing. Beca straightens and hastily wipes her cheeks dry, even though she knows her bloodshot eyes will betray her.

“You’re really leaving,” Chloe murmurs, her voice barely audible.

Beca sniffles as she heaves her suitcase off the bed and sets it down. “Yep.”

“Why?”

Beca bites back a humorless laugh. “I don’t know, maybe because I’m not a masochist?” She deadpans. “Seeing you and Chicago together isn’t exactly fun.”

“We broke up.”

Beca’s breathing halts as she registers the words. Her jaw slacks. “What?”

Chloe clears her throat a little, taking a step closer. She’s fiddling with her keys, something she does when she gets shy, nervous or nervous, or excited. “Well, I broke up with him.”

“You did?” Beca croaks out.

Chloe nods, the corners of her lips upturning in a sheepish smile. “Because it’s always been you, dumbass.”

Beca’s lungs flood with oxygen, and her shoulders slump, releasing the tension at once. “Oh.”

“Oh?” Chloe echoes, raising an eyebrow as she takes another step.

Beca closes her eyes briefly, her head tilting as she frowns. “Sorry, I think my brain needs to be re-booted. Could you um, could you say that again?”

Chloe chuckles, finally closing the remaining distance between them. She cups Beca’s cheek and joins their lips in a soft, lingering kiss. Beca’s knees quake as a bunch of butterflies release in her belly, and she can’t quite believe this is really happening.

She licks her tingling lips when Chloe pulls away, feeling a bit dizzy. “Um, I’m not sure I quite got that one, either. Care for an encore?”

The first of many, many ones.

#bechloe #bechloe week #pitch perfect #beca mitchell #chloe beale #bechloe fic

[justthehiddleswrites]

Accidentally Married | Tom Hiddleston x OFC | Chapter 8 | I  think my guest celebrity taste tester may have something to do with.

A/N:  Tom makes certain comments about an ex (who is unnamed).  It is a fictional girlfriend, take from it what you will.  Keep your hate to yourself.  This is the last chapter!  Thank you for sticking around! I maybe bring these two back for more adventures. 

SERIES MASTERLIST HERE

Pairing: Tom Hiddleston x OFC (Molly Bishop)

Summary: Tom is stuck in a news cycle from hell; Molly is stuck in the dead end job of bartending with a pile of student and credit debt.  Tom has an idea to solve all their problems.  Get married, get the paparazzi off his back, divorce after a year and Tom pays off Molly’s debts.  Tom has everything figured out, that is until he sees Molly as more than a just a friend and so does someone else.  In this vying for affections who will win, the handsome Brit or the boy from Boston?

This Chapter: With feelings revealed and reciprocated, Tom and Molly move ahead in their relationship. Happily ever after?

Warnings: fake marriage, smut (vaginal sex), mentions of:  child abuse/neglect, foster care, substance abuse, cheating.

TAGLIST IS OPEN! PLEASE LET ME KNOW IF YOU WANT TO BE TAGGED!  THANK YOU FOR READING!

--

Tom called Chris later that day and made apologies.

“Nah, man. I was out of line. Just wanted a bit of what you and Molly have. She’s a great girl.”

“She is. The best. No hard feelings?”

“Buy me a beer the next we meet?”

“I’ll buy you two. Thanks for understanding.”

“Just don’t tell Robert. I would never hear the end of it.”

“Of course. Now I have some things to attend to.”

“Tell Molly I have to raincheck on lunch. Sounds like she has more important things to do. “

Tom just smiled.

-

Three Months Later

“It’s so nice to have all you here.” Diana gazed around the table. “Emma, would you be a dear and clear the plates?”

Emma caught Tom’s eye, and he quickly got up. Molly choked on a roasted potato.

“I’ll take care of it, Mum.” Tom grabbed several dishes and disappeared into the kitchen.

Molly leaned over to Emma. “You know if you keep blackmailing Tom into doing all the chores around your mum, he’s going to keep being her favorite.”

“Tom!” Emma popped up as Molly smirked. “I’ll help too.” She jogged off to the kitchen to help.

“So what are you doing these days, darling? I noticed you haven’t had as much time for lunch.”

“I have been busy cooking.” Tom walked back in and Molly pulled him in for a kiss. “Tom suggested it.”

Tom sat back down and pulled Molly close to him. “Your food is too good not to share with the world, love.” Tom’s stubble tickled her cheek as he nuzzled in.

“Stop it!” She playfully smacked his chest. “It’s just a blog and an Instagram account. Nothing fancy.”

“You are too modest. An Instagram with over 500,000 followers. That is quite the accomplishment.”

“I think my guest celebrity taste tester may have something to do with.” Molly booped Tom’s nose. “In fact, I suspect you pushed for the Instagram account so you don’t have to update your own.”

Tom blushed. “You know I don’t care for the spotlight.”

Emma scoffed. “Lies. You are a grade A drama queen, Thomas.”

“Not anymore. Give me the quiet domestic life.” Molly leaned her head against his shoulder.

“Good.” Diana said. “Then next week’s dinner is at your house.”

“I can do that.” Molly responded. “I need some more guinea pigs.”

“Then it’s settled.” Diana smiled.

Tom whispered in Molly’s ear. “Should we tell them now?”

Molly nodded eagerly.

“Tell us what?” Emma’s head darted around. “The two of you aren’t pregnant, are you?” She squealed.

“Our family is expanding. We..” Molly said.

“Are…” Tom continued.

“Getting a Dog!” Molly finished.

“Well, it’s no grandchild, but a start.” Diana smiled.

“And the other surprise is…” Molly spied up at Tom.

“We’re getting married!” Tom waved his hands in the air. Emma and Diana stared at them. “What no celebration?”

“Well dear, it just that… aren’t you two already married?” Diana commented.

“We are but…” Tom nudged Molly.

“We realized that none of our friends and family were there to celebrate with us, so we decided to renew our vows.”

Diana clapped her hands together. “Oh, that is lovely, dears. A proper ceremony and reception.”

“I thought you would like that, Mother.” Tom added.

“You were right, Thomas. Now Molly, I realize you don’t have any family here, but if you’ll let I would love to help you with preparations, just your mother would.”

Molly sniffled. “I would like that very much. Thank you.”

“I’ll help too!” Emma added. “I love shopping.”

“Lord help my bank account.” Tom groaned.

-

They got back home late and Molly leaned against the door.

“That was a long day.” she sighed, dropping her purse to the ground. Tom caged her against the door. He nuzzled into her neck. “Tom, your whiskers tickle!” She squealed.

Tom kissed wet, sloppy kisses along her neck. “Then stop me.” He purred into her, hooking one of her legs around his waist. “You know my mum makes a good point.” His hands teased her shirt up and slipped underneath, caressing her warm skin.

“What was that?” She arched her back into his touch, reaching behind to grip his ass with both hands.

“We really should give her a grandchild….” Tom squeezed her breasts over her bra. “A little boy or girl with your eyes and my hair.” Tom muttered, rocking his hips against her.

“Not right now, but that doesn’t mean we can’t practice?” Her eyes twinkled.

“I like practice.” Tom lifted her up and carried Molly to their bedroom.

-

They set out the next day to the local animal shelter to pick out a dog. Molly was certain Tom would want a big dog, a golden retriever, or a Labrador.

“Because I’m a human golden retriever?” Tom questioned.

“Something like that.” Molly giggled. “Except I don’t have to leash you out in public.”

“Naughty, darling.” Tom nipped at her as he wrapped his arm around her waist.

“Only because your mind is in the gutter.”

They walked along the corridor of cages. Molly pointed out a setter, but Tom shrugged it off.

“I’ll know our dog when I see it.”

Molly and Tom rejected each dog as they passed, along with Molly pleaded for one in particular.

“But this little guy looks just like Chris’s dog, Dodger!” Molly pleaded.

Tom furrowed his brow. “Is that supposed to convince me to say yes?”

“Yes?” Molly asked hopefully. “I thought you two made up.”

“We did, but it doesn’t mean I want a dog just like his.”

“Fine.” Molly leaned down and patted the dog’s head. “Sorry, buddy. I tried.”

Tom spun around, arms wide. “Maybe we should go to another place, love?”

“We’re not done yet.” She shoved him down the way. “I have a feeling our dog is here.”

They finally made it to the last stall where a small brown ball of fur lay in the corner.

“Hey buddy.” Molly called out.

The puppy’s head popped up, and he trotted over, floppy ears and all.

“He’s a spaniel, Tom.” Molly commented as the puppy licked her hand. “And friendly too.”

“Oh, I like him.” Tom leaned down and extended his hand. He was rewarded with a copious amount of licks. “I like him a lot.”

“Is he the one?” Molly gazed up at Tom, who was smiling at the dog. She recognized that look, often been the recipient of that look.

“I think he is, darling.” Tom hugged her tight. “Definitely.”

They went to fill out the paperwork as they brought the puppy out.

“And what are we naming this little guy?” they asked as the puppy was handed over to Tom, with his too big paws for his body. The puppy caught Tom’s face with his tongue.

“I’ve always liked the named Bobby. What do you think?”

Molly scratched the puppy’s head. “Bobby. I like that. You ready to head home, Bobby?”

Bobby responded by barking.

“I’ll take that a yes.” Tom added. “He appears to be quite vocal.”

Molly groaned. “Just what I need, another Hiddleston male to yell at me.”

Tom leaned over to kiss Molly. “I promise never to yell at you again. And we can put Bobby in obedience school.”

Bobby barked again as Tom leaned over again and kissed Molly passionately.

“Perhaps you are the one in need of obedience school, Mr. Hiddleston.” she smirked.

“Only if you are my teacher, Mrs. Hiddleston.” Tom smirked right back.

#tom hiddleston #tom hiddleston fanfiction #tom hiddleston fanfic #tom hiddleston fluff #tom hiddleston smut #tom hiddleston imagine #tom hiddleston x ofc #accidently married

[bex-la-get]

A Very Important Question (Ethan x f!MC)

Book: Open Heart

Pairing: Ethan Ramsey x Natalie Cusack

Special Appearance: Sienna Trinh

Word count: 2012

Summary: Ethan has a very important question for Nat.

Author’s Note: This is dedicated to the anon who asked if I had written Ethan and Nat’s proposal story. Surprisingly, I had not so, of course, I had to rectify that immediately. Hope you enjoy it! 😘 Also this is unedited so sorry in advance for mistakes.

Ethan was acting weird.

He was constantly stepping away from work to attend meetings off-site, closed his laptop anytime someone walked by, and seemed to be in a constant state of anxiety. Whenever Natalie tried to talk to him about it, he always brushed it off, reassuring her he was fine. 

“I’m just under a lot of stress, Nat, that’s all. Being Chief is more involved than I realized,” he would say.

Natalie wasn’t convinced.

“I don’t know, Si. I’m worried about him,” Nat said one night when getting drinks with Sienna. “You don’t think he’s having money trouble and he’s trying to hide it from me, do you?”

Sienna furrowed her brows. “You mean like gambling debts? That doesn’t seem like Ethan.”

Natalie shrugged. “I know it doesn’t. I’m just grasping at straws here. Trying to make sense of it all.”

Sienna squeezed Natalie’s hand reassuringly. “Don’t look too much into it, Nat. He’s probably just stressed; lord knows Bloom doesn’t make things easy and the Chief’s job is pretty demanding.”

Nat sighed. “Yeah, you’re right. Thanks, Si.”

“Anytime.”

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

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

When Nat returned home that night, she found Ethan sitting on the sofa, watching an old black-and-white movie. His eyes lit up when he spotted her and he jumped off the couch to greet her. “Hey you.”

“Hi,” she smiled.

Ethan pulled her close and kissed her softly, smiling as Natalie immediately relaxed in his arms. “I missed you,” he said, pulling away.

“I just saw you a few hours ago,” she replied.

“I know and then I went several hours without seeing you and I missed you terribly during that time.”

She laughed and caressed his cheek with her hand. “Well, I missed you too.” Her brows furrowed and she stepped closer to him. “Are you okay? You’ve been so stressed this past week; I’m worried about you.”

His eyes softened and he nodded. “I know; I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to worry you. This-- this whole thing with being Chief and trying to navigate my new responsibilities while still having to answer to Bloom has been overwhelming. And I kind of bottled it up; I know I have no reason to, it’s just-- just an old habit, I guess.”

Natalie smiled understandingly. “I know, I’m quite familiar with those old habits of yours.” He chuckled and she nuzzled his nose with hers. “You don’t have to bottle it up anymore, my love. I’m here for you, always. And I want to support you through everything, be it good or bad. I’ve got you.”

He held her close and rested his forehead against hers. “Thank you; I don’t know what I’d do without you.”

“Just talk to me, okay? Even if it’s minor, I always want you to feel like you can come to me.”

“I will, I promise.” His forehead still resting against hers, he closed his eyes and held her close for a long moment, just enjoying having her in his arms. He was fully aware of how lucky he was to have her and while it killed him to lie to her, he hoped she’d forgive him when she realized the reason why. 

Nuzzling her nose with his, he moved to kiss her forehead then looked at her. “Are you hungry? There’s some leftovers in the fridge I can heat up.”

She smiled and nodded. “That sounds great. Let me change though, these jeans have overstayed their welcome.”

He chuckled and watched as she made her way to the bedroom. “Hey,” he called. She turned and looked at him expectantly and he smiled. “I love you.”

She grinned. “I love you more.”

“Never.”

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

Ethan looked around the apartment, triple checking his packing list in case he missed something. They were only going to be gone for the weekend but he needed to make sure that nothing was missing or left behind. This had to go perfectly; and with a lot of luck, it would. But that assumed he remembered everything-- did he pack enough underwear? What about the wine, is the wine in the cooler? Ring. The ring’s in his suitcase. Should he double check again?

The lock in the front door turned and Ethan had a brief moment of panic before shaking it off. He’d been preparing for this for over a week, everything was set. He just needed to remember to breathe.

Nat smiled at Ethan as she walked in. “Hey you.”

Ethan visibly relaxed and returned her smile. “Hi. How was lunch with Sienna?”

“Good! We got our nails done too. Lookie!” She extended her hand out to him and he admired the bright red she had chosen. He tried not to lose himself in the visual of a diamond ring on the very hand he was looking at, instead focusing on the color. Don’t give it away!

He cleared his throat and smiled. “Very pretty. Good color choice.”

“Thank you,” she said, smiling. Then, noticing the duffle bag that sat on the couch behind him, she furrowed her brows. “Are you going somewhere?”

“We are,” he corrected. “We’re taking the weekend off and going to Martha’s Vineyard, just the two of us. And Jenner.”

She smiled. “Really? Wait, I’m supposed to work tomorrow!”

Ethan shook his head. “Not anymore. I cleared your schedule and got your shifts covered. You’re free until Tuesday. Perks of dating the Chief.” He winked.

She raised her eyebrows. “Thank you, Ethan; that’s so sweet of you. But… what’s the occasion? I’m not forgetting an anniversary, am I?”

He chuckled. “No; I just thought we could both do with a weekend off. I hope it’s okay that I decided that?” The thought suddenly crossed his mind that she might object to having a trip suddenly sprung on her without warning.

She smiled and quelled his nerves with a gentle kiss. “It’s more than okay. Thank you for being so thoughtful.”

“Anything for you, my love.” He pointed to the duffle bag. “Everything’s already packed, we just need to get it all into the car. Will you leash Jenner?”

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

Their first night in Martha’s Vineyard had been relaxing and romantic. After arriving at the AirBnB Ethan had rented, the two had gone out to dinner and enjoyed a quiet date overlooking the beach. Nat had looked beautiful in her sundress and windblown hair, her smile lighting up the entire patio. If Ethan hadn’t left the ring at the house, he might’ve proposed just then. But he had put too much planning into this proposal, damn it, he wasn’t about to ruin it all with an impulse, no matter how tempted he was.

After a lazy Saturday morning stumbling around the house, Ethan, Natalie, and Jenner made their way to the beach, picnic basket and blanket in hand. “This was such a good idea, babe!” Nat said as she popped a cheese cube into her mouth. “We haven’t been on a picnic in forever!”

Ethan smiled. “That’s why I thought we could have one while we were here. The beach seems like as good a place as any for a picnic.”

Natalie smiled. “This reminds me of our first date.”

“Does it now?”

“Mhm,” she said, sipping her wine. “The two of us and Jenner, enjoying a beautiful day outside. We had a picnic then too.”

“I remember,” Ethan said, smiling fondly. “I was nervous for that date. I wanted to make a good impression on you.”

“Really? You had already made a good impression on me.”

“Not as a boyfriend, I hadn’t. I wanted everything to go perfectly; it mattered to me that you knew how much I care about you. How much I love you. I may or may not have agonized over how much cheese was too much for that picnic.”

Nat smiled and squeezed his hand. “I knew then as I know now how much you love me. It’s as much as I love you, which is a lot. And you made a wonderful impression on me, Ethan. You always do. Also, there is no such thing as too much cheese.”

He laughed. “I know that now.” He leaned towards her and kissed her softly, caressing her cheek with his free hand. “I love you,” he whispered as he pulled away.

“I love you too,” she replied. She looked back at their picnic basket and smiled. “Any chance you packed some sweet stuff in there?”

“Mhm,” Ethan nodded. “There’s some chocolate covered strawberries at the bottom of the basket.

Nat’s eyes lit up. “You spoil me!” 

Ethan watched with bated breath as Nat dug her way to the bottom of the basket, fully aware of what she’d find on top of aforementioned strawberries. His heart pounded as he watched her hands slow in their search and listened to the quiet gasp that escaped her lips. With one final reach, she pulled out a small velvet box, her eyes wide. “Ethan… I-- what?”

He moved closer to her and clasped his hands over hers, holding the box in place. “I love you,” he told her. Deftly, he maneuvered the small box out of her grasp and held it in front of her. “I love you so much and I want to live the rest of my life with you by my side. Natalie, you are kind and intelligent and passionate and beautiful both inside and out. You have such fire in your eyes, it could set the whole world ablaze and I would but happily burn in the flames. 

“You have made my life so much better, from the first day you stepped into it. You light up my darkest days, your embrace is my home; I am a better man because of you and I know true happiness with you. Wherever you go Nat, I will follow. I love you and I can’t wait to grow old with you. Will you marry me?”

Nat was crying, a beautiful watery smile on her face. She sniffled and hastily wiped the tears that were falling away as she struggled to find her voice. “Ethan, I--” she choked back a sob and smiled even bigger. “I love you so much. Yes. Yes, I will marry you!”

Choking back a sob of his own, Ethan pulled Natalie into a tight embrace, her arms flinging around his shoulders and they held each other tightly, crying tears of overwhelming happiness and whispered “I love you’s.”

Eventually, they pulled apart and wiped each other’s tears away before Ethan pulled the ring out of the box and slid it onto Natalie’s finger. Sienna’s tips about Nat’s ring size had been correct and it fit like a glove, much to his relief. The ring looked better on her hand than he could have ever imagined. And now it would live on her hand for the rest of their lives, a symbol of their undying love for each other.

Natalie smiled at the ring and sniffled. “So is this why Sienna insisted we get our nails done yesterday?” she asked.

Ethan laughed. “I suppose so. She had mentioned it to me but I didn’t think much of it. It does make a lot of sense, though.”

She giggled and nodded. Then she looked at him thoughtfully. “You weren’t stressed about work at all, were you? You were stressed about this.”

He nodded and ran his thumb over the ring. “Yes. I’m sorry I worried you; and I’m sorry for lying to you about it. I wanted to keep it a surprise as best I could. I didn’t know how else to go about it.”

She smiled and shook her head. “It’s okay, I understand. I’m just glad to know this was what you were stressed about and nothing more pressing; like gambling debts or something like that.”

“I only gamble when it comes to Declan Nash, you know that,” he smirked.

“Of course,” she laughed. “How silly of me.”

He leaned in close and rested his forehead against hers. “I love you, Nat.”

“I love you more.”

He smiled and kissed her soundly on the lips, very nearly forgetting what they were talking about. “Never.”

A/N: Hope you guys liked it! 💙

Tag List (let me know if you want to be added/removed):  @genevievemd @jamespotterthefirst @paulfwesley @ethansdique @openheartfanfics @perriewinklenerdie @little-flowers-on-heaven @stateofgracious @coffeeheartaddict @liaromancewriter @potionsprefect @mm2305 @gryffindordaughterofathena @actuallybored @writer-ish @queencarb @takeharryandgo @lsvdw-blog @itsjustwinter​ @imaneditorthankyouverymuch-deac @chaoticchopshopheart​ @ohchoices​ @maurine07​ @oldminniemcg​ @parisa-kh​ @shanzay44​ @uberamsey @izzyourresidentlawyer​ @adiehardfan​ @custaroonie​ @mia143​ @a-crepusculo​ @takemyopenheart​ @toadfrog26​ @quixoticdreamer16​ @barbean​ @headoverheelsforramsey​ @natureblooms24 @choicesaddict5 @jerzwriter​

#bexwritesstuff #open heart fic #ethan ramsey #natalie cusack #ethan x natalie #open heart mc #ethan x mc #open heart choices

[inkandpen22]

Shared Minds and Shared Souls (1/?)

Pairing: Spike x Female!Reader

Warnings: Angst, mentions of death, swearing

Word Count: 2.9k

Story Summary: Driven by the power she posses as a witch and psychic, Y/N returns to Sunnydale to pay a visit to her family after she has a vision about Dawn. She isn’t exactly like her duty first and justice before all else cousin Buffy as Y/N follows her own rules. She offers her aid to the Scoobies during their drama with Glory. Y/N doesn’t plan to stay long until she experiences an unparalleled connection with a certain vampire from North London.

Masterlist

I never imagined myself visiting a small town like Sunnydale. I’ve lived in many places, but never California. The west coast isn’t exactly my style. For one, it’s hot. Two, the hippy-dippy happy-go-lucky attitude makes my eyes roll. Finally, Los Angeles reminds me of Celia, my cousin. Buffy, Celia, and I were inseparable as children. Dawn tried to tag-along in our make-believe games, but Buffy grew annoyed with her quickly. I haven’t been back in California in a decade for this very reason. Everything about California reminds me of a time when we were just kids. Before everything went to Hell in a hand basket. 

Blasting Green Day in front of the hospital, I park my 1967 bright red Mustang. I take a minute to collect myself before barging in. Buffy and Dawn don’t exactly know I’m coming, but there’s something I have to warn them about, something so crucial that I drove here all the way from New York. The funny part will be explaining to Buffy that I know she’s the Slayer. To her knowledge, I’m just her ordinary cousin who she hasn’t seen since we were ten. In reality, I’m a psychic witch, have been since birth. Well, I’ve been psychic since the womb, the witchy part came later. Oh, and I can’t forget seeing the dead part, I always do. That little twist comes with the psychic part. Yeah, imagine a little ten-year-old me seeing my recently deceased cousin at her funeral… fun times. It explains the whole discomfort toward California. Low-key traumatized, but all good. Any who, I should probably stop the hesitation and just head inside. 

As I stroll down the bitter cold hospital hall, I grip the leather straps of my backpack nervously. 

“Hi Buffy,” I rehearse under my breath. “You probably don’t recognize me, I’m Y/N… your cousin. It’s great to see you- God I sound so stupid!” 

I follow the signs on the wall toward the Neurology unit. Hospitals, cemeteries, funeral homes, old buildings, all great places to bump into ghosts. The things I do for family, boy do these guys owe me. 

As I turn down yet another peach colored hall- geez this place is dated- my eyes land on a familiar blonde in the waiting room at the far end. Oh great, here we go. Buffy doesn’t notice me right away, being too occupied with doting on a sleeping Dawn resting her head on her lap. I take note of the blondie boy sat beside her. I’m guessing he’s with Buffy. Good for her, a strong seven out of ten. I would rate him higher, but he’s not my type, too All-American boy-next-door. 

“Looks like I’m right on time,” I determine once I’m closer, thus making my presence known. Buffy peers up at me and her eyes widen steadily. Blondie next her looks between me and Buffy. Her surprised reaction makes him tense, I nearly assure him I’m not a threat. 

“Y/N?” She gentle shakes Dawn to wake her as she rises from her seated position. “What are you doing here?” 

“I heard about your mom… ” I explain vaguely. In truth, I saw it in a vision and a lot more beyond that, but I’ll just say my mom told me for now. 

Buffy makes long strides and warmingly embraces me. I can sense the desperation in her touch. Her ora is all out of wack. I could see the mess her colors are from yards away. It seems like I did really arrive at the perfect time. Buffy needs me now more than ever. 

“Y/N!” Dawn gasps behind us. 

Buffy and I part, her eyes stare into mine pleadingly. Yeah, we really need to have a chat. Preferably somewhere we can be frank, truly frank, no bullshit like I’m spilling right now. 

“Oh my God!” Dawn squeals, rushing down to greet me.  She squeezes me like a stress ball as she rambles on about how much she’s missed me. Then, Dawn starts to ask the tough questions as usually does. The girl has never quite had a filter. “Where have you been?”

“New York mainly,” I laugh. 

“How come you’ve never come to see us before?” She rushes out as Buffy continues to stare at me in awe. It could be she thinks she’s dreaming this. 

“Dawn, I-” 

She cuts me off, “how’s aunt Lolly? Are you college? When did you get in?”

“Dawnie!” I laugh, “I will answer all your questions, promise. We’ll catch up! For now,” I look at Buffy. “I need to have a chat with your sister…” 

The girl scoffs, rolling her eyes dramatically as she crosses her arms over her chest. “Of course, you’re for Buffy… everyone is always here for her. No ever visit me,” she grumbles. 

“I’m here for you too,” I assure Dawn. “I just… it’s important I speak with Buffy right now. It’s about something-” 

“I’m sorry, but who are you?” Blondie interrupts, his face covered with confusion. 

“I’m Y/N,” I introduce myself. “I’m Buffy and Dawn’s cousin.” 

“I’m Riley, the boyfriend,” he offers me his hand. 

Wow, quite the introduction. I’m not much of a contact-person, but this seems like the perfect opportunity to gather information on G.I. Joe. As I shake his hand, I’m able to visualize memories and emotions from him. They come as flashes before my eyes. I hear his thoughts, see through his eyes, and feel what he’s felt. All I see Buffy, moments they’ve had. At first, pleasure and immense happiness consumes my head. Then, it’s replaced with doubt and self-deprecation. The obsession with Buffy is replaced with desperate longing. He feels her slipping. 

My visual is cut-off when Riley removes his hand. I’m brought back to current moment, surrounded by chaos of the hospital. 

Dawn frowns, curiosity etched across her features. “What’s so important that you had to come all the way? Does it have to do with Mom?”

“You came all the way from New York?” A male voice questions behind me. 

What is this an interrogation? The sooner someone tells me where Buffy is the sooner I can head back home. Believe me, I don’t want to be here longer than I have to be. I glance over my shoulder, Willow and Xander stare at me in confusion. We’ve never met, but I know of them, the visions. I’ve been keeping tabs on Buffy and the family since… well… since Buffy became the Slayer. 

“Yes,” I answer Xander directly. Turning back to Buffy, I not so discretely tell her it’s urgent. “Please, Buff, do you have minute? I know this isn’t exactly opportune but-” 

“Of course,” she swallows hard. “We can uh… we can talk outside. There’s a courtyard just over there,” she gestures down the hall. 

“I’m coming with,” Riley declares next to her. 

“I’m sorry, is your name Buffy?” I sass, much to his frustration. “What am I going to do her? She’s my cousin. I’m only borrowing her for a second, then you can toss the leash back on her.” 

“Y/N…” Buffy mutters for me to stop. 

Riley narrows his eyes at me- oof, I’m real scared now! While I giggle at her boyfriend’s expense as the two of us start down the hall. I’ve missed Buffy, we used to be like two peas in-a-pod. Once all this drama I’ve seen in her future is over, perhaps we can be close again. I refuse to settle in Sunnydale though. At least we have phones and email. 

Once outside, and we’re certain we’re alone, Buffy cuts to the chase. “Not that I’m not happy you’re here, Y/N, I am but, why are you here?” She hasn’t changed a bit.

I snicker, peering up at the sky as the sun it starting to set. Gosh, I hate the day. That sounds weird because what human hates daytime, but I do. I’m much more… in tune with myself when it’s night time. I thrive off the moonlight and stars. The sun and its rays are hot, too hot. I like the cold and darkness of night. 

“Fine, let’s get right to it,” I smirk at my cousin wickedly. Reaching into my back pocket, I pull out my pack of cigarettes, feeling a bit anxious. “You mind?” I ask her, not really caring but figure I should check. 

Timidly, she shakes her head. Her arms are securely crossed in front of her as she watches me take a smoke. “Those things will kill you,” she advices the cookie-cutter phrase. 

“So can a car accident, yet we still drive,” I remark with sass. “What’s life without a little risk?” I wink. 

Buffy shifts on her feet as her jaw clenches. Her aura is shifting again, Black to red, I’ve never seen someone change on a dime so fast. That’s change is funny, she’s either angry or afraid of me, maybe both. I can’t blame her, I’m not exactly a Care Bear. My black and red attire doesn’t scream comforting. 

“Then again, you would know all about death, right Cuz?” I suggest subtly. 

Her eyes lock with mine and I start to see the wheels turning her head. ‘Does she know? How could she?’ She’s likely thinking to herself. One touch and I could hear for certain what she’s thinking. 

“What are you talking about?” She mumbles, barely meeting my eye. 

I scoff, tossing my head back, why can’t this be easier? You know what, fine! Growing impatient, I hold my hand out, palm to the sky. “Light,” I verbalize and within seconds a bright orb floats above my palm. 

Buffy stares at my magic stunned. Yeah, I was sort of expecting that kind of reaction. 

“How… How…” She stutters. 

“If you’d like a mini bolt of lighting I can do that too,” I offer. “I kind of prefer them, far more powerful!” 

She doesn’t share in my excitement as she slowly steps closer still in awe. “You’re a witch?” 

“Yep!” I smile, rather proud. “Have been for a while now, gotten pretty good at it too, not to brag or anything…” 

“So…” Buffy continues to process everything. “You know about demons, vampires-” 

I hum, “all of it. Including that you’re the Slayer, congrats by the way! Fun shit,” I compliment with a snicker. 

“Not exactly how I’d describe it,” she mutters defeatedly, her eyes still on the orb. 

Closing my fist, the orb disappears and I place my hand on Buffy’s shoulder. Her eyes meet mine solemnly. 

“How long have you known?” She asks unfazed. 

“Since forever,” I answer truthfully. “Sorry I never called or have come to help. I’ve sort of been cheering for ya from the sidelines. In all honesty, I’ve been away perfecting my magic with a coven. I’ve met some pretty interesting people along the way, all dazzled when they find out I’m related to the Slayer,” I gush. 

She pays no mind to my compliments, still in a daze. “Does anyone know? Does your dad?” 

I shake my head and sternly tell her, “he can never know! He thinks I’ve been away at school in Boston. In truth, I’ve been in New York with a coven.” 

Buffy nods in understanding, though I know Joyce is aware of the supernatural world. My mom could never handle it. “Did you come all the way here to tell me that?” 

Okay, here’s the hard part, the real hard part! I finish my cigarette, pondering the last relaxing bit of it before tossing it to the ground. “Okay, so here’s the deal,” I begin. “There’s a this big nasty bitch I’ve seen in my visions- I see visions by the way-” I add in passing, having forgotten it. Then, I remember I can’t forget the ghosties bit. “Anyway, you’ve already bumped into her, Glory. Yeah, she’s a real charmer from what I can see. I’m here to help because based on my visions, she’s kicking your asses.” 

I leave out a crucial bit of information, a part of the visions I’m not sure I can share. One important thing about being a psychic is not changing fate. As much as I want to tell Buffy everything, I know I can’t, not if I don’t want to mess with the world. 

“So, you’re here to help us stop Glory?” She clarifies. 

“It gets real fucked at some points,” I tell her, hoping that doesn’t reveal too much. 

“And I take it you know about Dawn…” she insinuates. 

I nod my head slowly, “you mean that she’s The Key? Then yes, I do. She’s about as human as the Teletubbies, but of course I won’t mention that to her. Who all knows?” 

“As of right now, me and Giles. He’s my Watcher,” she explains. “Did you already know that?” She’s catches on quickly. 

“Kinda…” I answer hesitantly. “Sorry if that’s weird. I’ve tried not to pry with my visions. If it makes you feel better, I didn’t know who Riley was! He mustn’t have been around the last time I checked in!” 

“When was the last time you… ya know… checked in?” She asks, unsure of how to phrase it. 

“Well, I’ve been away with the coven. I joined them right after high school, so I suppose it was when you started at UC Sunnydale. I know all about Willow and Xander, they seem nice from what I’ve seen. Angel, his in-and-out appearance in my visions was confusing for a while until I realized he was doing that in real life too,” I laugh.

“So you saw all of the Spike drama and my mom finding out about me too?” She asks. 

I frown, I saw Joyce learning about Buffy and that whole conversion, but I’ve never heard of a Spike. Based on my expression, Buffy predicts the answer. 

“Spike is the biggest pain in my ass,” she groans. “He and Angel used to be all vampy together. Then, Angel gained a soul and Spike got worse from what I’ve gathered. He’s killed two Slayers, so we’re not exactly friends. We met when he tried to kill me. He’ll show up and leave again, kinda like Angel but less helpful. Except now, he’s acting all infatuated with me and sticking around.” 

I snicker, “oof, so you have a psychotic vampire lusting after you? How did I miss this?!” 

Buffy rolls her eyes, “believe me, it’s not fun.”  

“Is he hot?” I inquire, always interested in a troubled bad-boy type. 

She stares at me with narrowed eyes of disapproval and scoffs, “oh my God… never ask me that again.” 

 “He must’ve showed up and gone between visions,” I determine. “I wasn’t able to check in much after you started at UC. Which reminds me, your roommate Kathy- not a fan of her,” I confess with a bit of humor. 

“Turned out to be a demon,” Buffy explains, much to my surprise. 

I gasp, “no way! Ugh, I saw you move-in, some interactions here and there, but that’s about it. I knew there was something up with her!” 

Buffy laughs, actually smiling for the first time since our reunion. It feels great having someone know I’m a witch who isn’t a witch themselves. Being away in New York with the coven was great and utterly freeing. They were the first people who I showed my true self to. Now, finally, someone I care about knows the real me. I have so much more to share with her! 

Buffy takes my hand gently, “I’m really glad you’re here. Lately… lately things have been more difficult than I could’ve ever imagined,” she confesses, swallowing back her tears and looks at the ground. “With Mom and protecting Dawn, I’m not sure I can do it all on my own. I mean, I have my friends, Giles, and Riley but…” she meets my gaze, tears puddling in her eyes. “I needed you, I just didn’t quite know it. I needed my other sister,” she weeps. 

Immediately, I pull Buffy into my chest and hug her tightly. I should’ve come sooner. I should’ve felt Buffy’s pain. I guess I was so caught up with the coven and I forgot to check on her, so I missed the signs. I’m here now, that’s all that matters. Now, I can help. Seeing Buffy so upset makes my blood boil. Anyone who fucks with my family gets knocked off this planet, which means Glory has another coming at her in the form of a powerful witch. 

__________________________

Masterlist 

#spike #btvs #fanfic #spikexreader #dawn summers #buffy #buffy s 5 #buffy summers #spike fanfic #spuffy #spike x buffy #spike x reader #btvs imagine #btvs fanfic