#I'm back! life has not ceased to be stressful but I found time for a walk

[fantasies-fairytales-n-fics]

Code Blue Ch. 47- Punch Drunk Love

Summary: It's one step forward and two steps back for Lee and Jo. The same can be said for Jo and Craig, only their encounter "lands" on a more comical note. Jo wants to play detective. Dave receives a message from beyond the grave.

*Chapter Warnings* language, angst, mentions of murder, drinking, intoxication, ghost child

Chapter characters: Lee, Josie, Craig, David, Jacob

Chapter word count: 6,699

Stories Stories Stories Masterlist

Salem, Massachusetts

March 21, 2023

An hour had passed since Lee had left you in the boathouse after his regretful blowup. As he sat in his lake house bedroom, staring blankly out the window at the gray sky morning, he could hear the muffled voices of you, Britt and Jason downstairs and then all went quiet, except for the creaking of his door opening.

He closed his eyes and lowered his head in sadness when he felt you softly sit down on the opposite side of the bed. As your movement ceased and you began to speak, a subtle breeze laced with the biting scent of your intoxicating vampire perfume flowed straight to Lee's nose, causing his heart to palpitate as he eagerly inhaled it.

"Jason and Britt are gone, just as you wanted. I think I should go too as soon as the laundry finishes."

Lee turned his head to the side and could see that you were sitting with your back to him.

"I'm sorry about your brother."

"What for? You were right Lee. He and Britt shouldn't be here. It was my stupid idea to bring him here to help Britt."

"It was both of our ideas Jo and it was for the best. Now he can take care of the woman he loves and leave us out of it. I don't want any part of this shit anymore Jo."

"I can agree with you there. Neither do I."

Your weary tone spoke a frightening volume to Lee.

"Does that include me...Jo?"

Your soft voice became hesitant and shaky as you still wouldn't turn to face him.

"I...I don't know what to do anymore Lee. All these secrets are like an incurable cancer and every time I believe it's in remission because you tell me it is, the secrets metastasize and honestly, I don't know if that is even the worst part anymore because we both just accused each other of killing Elizabeth."

"Yep." Lee softly and sorrowfully agreed as he nodded, then turned to face your backside.

"The only difference is, I stood by you and tried to protect you over it by disposing of the blatant evidence I found in my car, but you...you allowed Luke to put doubts in your mind with his circumstantial bullshit and you turned on me. You're the only one who's ever truly known the real me and yet you actually believed I was capable of doing something so repulsive, that I am some monster."

You finally turned to face him with an anxious tone.

"Lee...I am sorry. I know in my heart you didn't hurt Liz and yes, I stupidly let Luke twist my thoughts. God, it's just that lately, your behavior has been so erratic and even violent and you won't tell me why!"

"What..so I'm not allowed to be human and have emotions that happen to include anger?? Everything that has been going on is why Jo and we all react differently to stress, you know that. The day you tried to justifiably attack Landy's sister, THAT was violent but I didn't believe that could make you a murderer. Look at the violent shit Luke has done. He deserved that vase to the head. And Carpenter deserved my fist in his face and Gordon deserved his ass handed to him."

"I get all of that. I do. Can't you put yourself in my shoes just for a minute about Liz though? You cut her seatbelt to mess with her and kept that from me and when you had finally learned the truth that she was responsible for Jacob's death, you and my brother plotted right in front of me about taking her out and framing Ethan and you refused to help her when she was brought to the ER. And now I find out you were off living some double life with Luke that involved blowing up terrorists and god knows what else. What was I supposed to believe?"

"Me Jo. You were supposed to believe me. You just said you believe in your heart that I didn't do it, so which is it Jo? Are you with me or are you against me because it's feeling a lot like you're still against me and if that's the case, then why are you even here?? Jesus Jo...what I did for you, you haven't even said a word about that. Ethan's clearly been watching us. He snuck in here before he killed Liz and took my car, my knife and your clothes, then after he took care of her, he planted everything, all in hopes of framing you because we both know he wants you away from me and yes Jo, at first I believed you had done it, but ONLY due to having some blackout break in reality from your pills and all that wine."

"Something still don't seem right Lee. Why didn't he just kill me then? Wouldn't that have been the easiest and fastest way to get me out of your life and.."

"Jo, stop, god, don't say this shit. Just the thought of him being in this house and anywhere near you......"

Lee paused and rubbed his palms over his face, releasing a stressed sigh, then continued.

"Besides the most important reason, that being that he knew I would come and kill him without hesitation...he still needed to cover his ass in her death because he knew he would be a number one suspect. We weren't supposed to find it Jo. I'm willing to bet Ethan was going to drop an anonymous tip to the police about the evidence and I honestly thought that was why Luke was here, so now, I'm also feeling something isn't right because no one has showed up. Regardless Jo, I risked everything for you, my career, my freedom, because that would all be gone if it were found out I destroyed all the evidence and I DID it to make it all go away for you and like some stupid school boy, I actually thought you'd be impressed."

"What I am is scared Lee. I understand why you did what you did and I DO appreciate it, I promise you, but you have still got to get rid of that knife. He killed her with it and it can be matched up to her wounds."

"I'll take care of it. It will never be found."

"And then what Lee? We just go on with our lives as if nothing ever happened? I mean, first of all, Luke is never going to give up. It's his job now and...."

Lee sarcastically snickered. "It's just his way to feel like he's a good person."

"God Lee, I just don't get it. When he came back for Landy, you and he seemed like really great friends, but with what I just overheard between you and my brother, how is that if Luke supposably set you up as you put it?"

Lee shook his head in frustration. "There's no supposably about it Jo. He did what he did and we were both just trying to move on from it, from that life. I just wanted to forget it and then he just shows back up here as if nothing ever happened and his presence brings back all those bad memories and all those feelings of having to be on guard every second. None of that life was ever supposed to involve you. I didn't hide it from you to be sneaky or deceitful. I'm not that person anymore and I don't want to be, but he brings it out of me and not only that, but I'm not oblivious to his desire of you either. I just want him to go back to where he came from and stay there, in the past. You and I were finally getting it right and he swoops in and fucks our forever all up and now here we are, yet once again. And I know Jo, I know that everything happening is not all because of him. I know it's me too and god, I am trying so hard to be the man you want me to be and that you deserve after all you have been through in the past, but all I have done is drag you through hell and let you down over and over again. You're this angel of light and I'm nothing but a devil of darkness."

Lee's voice had become choked up and if there was one thing that tugged at your heart strings, it was seeing him cry.

"Please don't speak about yourself that way." you compassionately said as you scooted over to him and rubbed his back.

"You're not evil baby. You just feel cornered and like no one is on your side and I cannot apologize enough for ever thinking you could have hurt Liz. All that murder plot talk with Jason was nothing but anger. Your fears had just been validated that she was responsible for Jacob's death and as far as not wanting to help her at the hospital is quite understandable. I overreacted about all that Lee. I know in my heart what a compassionate and kind person you are. It's one of the many reasons I fell for you, so fast and so damn hard. And as far as myself, I am certainly no angel. I have a dark side. You've seen it, especially around Megan. She brings something out of me just like Luke does to you. I don't want to be that person either so I get it. Now you though, you had every reason to believe I could have done it and what you did to protect me, the sacrifices you were willing to make, means everything to me. That is FAR from letting me down. I'm so sorry for how I reacted. So you know, I...I would have done the same for you...without hesitation."

You slid your hand down his bare arm and laced your fingers into his. Lee softly sighed and tried to smile as he then placed his other hand over the union.

"I look at you Jo and I...I just love you and it terrifies me. It terrifies me what I would do for you. I did not wait for you. I didn't even know you were coming. When you walked into my life, I didn't know it was you because I didn't know there WAS a you. You were never a list, a goal, an expectation, a dream, ok maybe you were a dream. You were a surprise, a gift, an adventure, a new beginning to a story I thought I would never have and I am scared to death of losing you and that you won't love me anymore if you know all of the things I've done. I'm scared of a world without you."

"You know I feel the same way about you Lee. It's patience and trust that I am running out of, not love. But...is love enough? Even for us? You keep lying to me and do understand why, but it doesn't make it right. Like you said, your past didn't have anything to do with me and I agree, but when it affects me, it does. It's affecting us Lee. I've looked past your secrets and forgiven you twice now and yet, here we are again. Lord knows I'm not strong enough to stay away from you. I've tried... but I'll have to find the strength Lee, because I won't do this anymore. I don't want to leave you, especially now with all of this and also with tomorrow being the one month anniversary of your father's passing and your birthday being four days away, but it's the third time now of being side swiped by your secrets and it's certainly no fucking charm. We have to trust each other. You have to trust ME and tell me what happened between you and Luke since it involves Peter...and it involves who you were and I want...I deserve to know all of you. Remember that time we danced in your other house and you looked right into my eyes and sang that song, All of Me, to me? You said you give me all of you. I thought you meant it. It's all or nothing Lee. Release this weight and let me help you carry it."

Lee kissed your hand and softly sighed as he gently rested his forehead on yours and gave you a tender eskimo kiss, then brought his sapphire eyes to yours.

"Of course I meant it. Let me show you. Let me make love to you. I need you Jo."

His warm, sweet breath over your mouth was driving you mad with desire and all you wanted to do was press your lips to his and tear his clothes off. Being this close to him was dangerous. You would always become puddy for him to shape and mold you just the way he wanted. You were a puppet on his strings. You were simply spellbound. Lee had healed all the hardships you endured before him, bringing you a peace you had never known and just a simple kiss to his bewitching lips, that alone had the power to render every part of you helpless, sucking your mind, body and soul right into his....but you couldn't give in to him. Not this time. As his lips lowered to yours, you regained control by softly but very reluctantly pushing him back before it was too late.

"Lee, please. No. Sex is not going to make this better or make this go away. Stop deflecting and tell me what happened."

Lee released an obvious sigh of frustration as he closed his eyes and lightly pursed his lips.

"I want to tell you baby. I do. I...I've just never spoken about it to anyone. As I said, I was just trying to bury it and move on. I certainly did not expect this to ever come up, especially now. Feeling cornered is an understatement. There's so much happening. SO much to deal with already. Can't we just do this another time Jo? I will tell you, I prom..."

You pulled your hand from his and stood right up in a huff.

"Don't you promise me anything! I don't believe your promises anymore Lee, because you break them, every single time. You swore to me you had told me everything, but then more dirty laundry always appears and to me, that is a lie...and now, you're making excuses and trying to fuck me to get out of telling me the truth. Putting it off is just making this worse. There's never a right time Lee. You just need to do it. You need to trust me. I'm not going to leave because of your past, but I WILL leave if you can't be honest. I am sorry you feel backed against a wall but it's now or never Lee. I love you more than anything in this world but I am so over this!!"

Lee stood up too and in his anger, he said something he shouldn't have.

"So, it's your way or the highway. Is that it?? Then just go if you want Jo. You would clearly be better off anyways. I said I would tell you and I meant it, but in my own time. I don't like being forced. I'm not ready. Take it or leave it."

"Wow. Well...ok then. Guess I'll leave it. Maybe I WILL be better off because CLEARLY you refuse to change or even try to. You know what? I'm done. I need to go see my mother, see if I still have an apartment and try to find Dave. I'll get my things later."

Lee watched in shock as you whirled out of the room and then he raced down the stairs behind you, pleading for you not to go, for he never thought you would choose that option.

"Jo wait!"

"Wait for what Lee?" you snapped as you tugged your leggings up and slipped your boots on. "You just told me to go."

"I didn't mean it like that. I said take it or leave it. I gave you a choice."

"And I chose! Just like you did."

You grabbed your purse, took out your keys and headed for the door, but not without Lee stepping in front of you.

"Yeah...and quite easily too. So that's just it?? Fuck forever? Jo don't do this. Please. Everything that you want to know, it's not just some quick and simple story to tell. It's dark, it's traumatizing and it's terrifying.

"THIS is dark, traumatizing and terrifying. I'm tired Lee. I'm so fucking tired. Even if you tell me now or tell me later, it will just be half of it, just like it always is, although you will swear to me that you told me everything and then I'll find out the rest later, not by you but by accident and I'm just over it. I don't want to do this anymore. I want a normal relationship and this is far from normal and it's a perfect example of why people put walls up. To protect ourselves and I stupidly let mine down for you. Not anymore. I'm rebuilding it. Now get out of my way Lee."

"Jo. Don't go. Please. Don't leave me. Let me fix this."

"You can't. I don't believe a word you say anymore. I don't believe I would even know what I know if it weren't for overhearing you because I don't believe you were ever going to tell me."

"Ok, that is not true. You don't even understand. I was going to tell you. I had to... or I would have never been able to ask...."

Lee paused with a hard sigh and desperate eyes that quickly wandered from yours.

"Ask? Ask what Lee??"

His hands went to his hips, his head lowered and his eyes closed.

"I...I can't...not yet. Not like this."

"Oh my god....I can't even right now. Goodbye Sam."

As you stormed past him and slammed the door shut behind you, Lee stood dazed and motionless, softly answering your question.

"Ask you to marry me."

You jogged down to the garage where your Monte Carlo was being concealed from the bar thugs and off you went, without a care if they found you. If they did, you would just tell them your car had been stolen and you just got it back. If they didn't believe you and tried something, then you'd give them an attitude adjustment on top of their heads with your Kubotan, Hank Williams Jr. style, just like you did to Luke which dropped the hunky herculean like a sack of potatoes.

For the entire twenty minute drive to your mom's in silence, your arms were locked straight on the wheel as you focused on your breathing so you wouldn't have a panic attack. Everything had escalated so quickly in only a few hours. One minute, you and Lee were dancing in the kitchen and sharing breakfast together, basking in the afterglow following a beautiful night of making love and the next, you couldn't get away from him fast enough. Did you overreact? Should you have stayed and let him speak? You tried this once before, leaving him, which that lasted a whole hot minute and it changed absolutely nothing, so how could you, would you, do it this time when all you wanted to do was turn around and run back into his arms?

The visit with your mom was nerve-racking in itself between trying to hide your emotions over Lee and her trying to hide hers over the horrific ordeal of finding a butchered and still breathing Elizabeth the evening prior and then there was your sister. Your mom informed you that Megan hadn't come home last night and wasn't answering her phone. Of course you couldn't have cared less and wished she'd never come back, but you still tried to make your mom feel better and reminded her that this was not out of the ordinary for Megan to do. It made you think of what Luke told you, that she had actually came to the police station of her own free will and told him that she believed Ethan took Blaise because he thinks he is her father. You had to wonder what would make her turn on him like that. Did she finally see what a dangerous piece of shit he was? Speaking of Blaise, it was now time to go see Craig and you dreaded that almost as much as you dreaded large bodies of water.

As you drove to your apartment, all you could think about was that poor little girl and prayed she was alright wherever she was. For her sake, for Craig's and even for yours, because you knew what Craig's reaction would be when he found out, if he didn't already know, that you knew Liz dropped Blaise off with Angel and you didn't tell him. You also knew he would believe you did it intentionally, which was in no way true whatsoever, to get back at him for not telling you Jason was alive. The guilt was unbearable. How could you have been so self absorbed?

You parked the car and tried calling Dave again before you went into the lion's den and once again, no answer, so you left another voicemail.

"Dave, seriously. Are you THAT mad at me?? If you are, then fine, I can deal with that but at least just text me and tell me you are alright, or text Britt if you don't want to talk to me ok? I'm so worried about you. There's things you need to know about Liz if you don't already and...I really need my friend right now. Ok...bye..."

As you got out of the car, you could hear the muffled sound of music coming from the complex and the only one who blared it like that was Craig when he was working in his art studio. Granted, it was a small complex with only four other tenants but If you could hear it, then so could they and you had to wonder how they could deal with it, BUT, at least his taste in music was right up your alley and when you entered the building, the artist's distinct voice could not be mistaken. You always loved a good David Bowie tune....and this one seemed rather fitting for what you walked in on. How relevant it was for you as well.

Upon nearing his wide open studio door, the strong odor of paint and sweet cigars stung your nose. You weren't sure what was worse as you walked in. The smell or the vision of him lying on a wheeled platform, desperately engrossed in smearing yellow paint over a giant canvas with his bare hands, silver rings on and all.

The closer you got as you walked up behind him undetected, it was clear that he was not only drunk as you glanced down at his glass of blood red wine and two empty wine bottles on the floor, but he was in a very deep state of despair. He appeared as if he had just rolled out of bed, although he didn't look as if he had even slept at all as your astonished eyes rolled over him from head to toe. His dark hair was wildly awry as was his normally groomed facial hair and his feet were as bare as his revealing bare bottomed butt crack which you highly doubted he gave two fucks about considering anyone could walk in just as you did.

You now had the problem of getting his attention without startling him, for you knew why he was in the condition he was in because the last time you had just walked in unannounced, you were accidentally almost struck with a can of blue paint due to his fit of rage, and right now, he looked like a ticking time bomb ready to explode. With all that taken into consideration, you decided to just pull the plug on the music and hope he didn't pull a gun on you this time as you tensed up from the thought.

Craig quickly sat up at the sound of silence, gave you a curious glance over and then the only thing he reached for was his paint covered glass that he picked up by the rim and drank from after asking you "what's up?"

"Hey." you softly answered. "Sorry to just barge in but...I...I have been trying to reach you. Are...are you alright?"

"Well now. Is that somewhat of a rhetorical question? Do I look alright? Unless you're here to tell me that you know where my daughter is, then that would be a big fat no. Fancy seeing you here just Josie. I thought you hated my guts?"

Judging by his well noted inebriated sarcasm, you could tell it was going to be a walk on egg shells type of conversation and you still weren't exactly sure if he knew that you knew Blaise had been right within his grasp before she vanished into thin air. You figured he would have instantly called you out if he knew, but Craig didn't seem to be the type that got straight to the point about things. You had the distinct feeling he was the type that liked to toy with people like a cat does with it's prey. An intimidation tactic per se and it was surely working, so you decided to just come clean and face his claws.

"No. I..I don't know where she is and I...I don't hate you. Not even a little bit but you may not like me so much. Craig I...about Blaise...I need to tell you something that I should have much sooner. I just...I didn't know...how to."

There was a brief silence as he peered up at you and you could see the curiosity growing in his dilated blues.

"Not even a little bit huh? Hmmph. Must be pretty bad, whatever you did, if you're worried about me not liking you after what I did to you. Alright then love, I'll bite. Is my curiosity going to kill the cat? You seem pretty skittish right now."

The fact that he basically just read your mind regarding the cat references made you gulp and then it just got worse when you couldn't find the words.

"Cat....got your tongue just Josie?"

"Ok, please just stop with the cat thing already."

"Mrrrow!! Feisty one are we?" he shot off as he grinned and raised his hand, making a swiping gesture with his fingers.

"Craig! Stop it and listen before I lose my nerve."

"Jeesh. I think you need this wine as bad as I do. Have a drink. It'll calm your nerves. There's another bottle in the fridge. Would you be a doll and fetch it for us?"

"It's....10 a.m. Craig."

"Yeah and your point is? There's no time restrictions for drinking in your own home and even if there were, I don't follow the rules. I make them. It's 5 o'clock all the time in my world."

"Fine. Whatever."

You went and got the wine and a clean glass for yourself and him too because you couldn't stand watching him put his lips on wet paint.

"Here. Wipe your hands off." you commanded as you handed him a towel and opened the wine.

"Yes mommy." he chuckled and did as you told him. "Now. Have a seat and let's hear it."

"I..I'd rather stand."

"Suit yourself then. Cheers."

Craig raised his glass and knocked it all back in three gulps, then gazed up at you with a happy grin as you took a nervous sip.

"What the hell was that? Only a mouse could get drunk on that. Come on now, down the hatch."

You felt like a mouse alright, caught in a mouse trap as your anxiety began to slowly choke you. Enough was enough. You downed the wine and blurted out what you did.

"Craig..I..I knew Blaise was at Angel's before she was taken and I should have told you but I didn't because I was dealing with Jason and some other things."

His reaction was just as you had expected it would be. Shock, which was written all over his exhausted face.

"Is that so?"

"Y..yes." you softly squeaked and then began rambling. "And I..I am SO SO sorry. I was at Lee's and I saw Liz drop her off and I..I did try to call you. I texted too but you didn't answer or reply and then some other things happened and I...I had to go meet Jason and then I..."

"And then you just forgot about my daughter?? Does that sound about right? Because she didn't go missing until 48 fucking hours later. Did you forget where I live too?? but suddenly, you remembered today??"

In his aggravation, Craig purposely picked up the paint covered glass and filled it to the rim with more wine, then took a hefty gulp.

"Craig, so much happened. Obviously, Liz was attacked and then later she died and.."

He cut you off again as his agitation increased.

"And yet I still did not hear from you until now and now that I have, all I hear are bullshit excuses."

"I mean, that's two fucking days Jo. You were certainly able to go meet Jason but not come here. Last time I checked, your brother is a big boy who can handle his own problems, which is exactly what he's selfishly doing after all I did for him, but a 4 year old child is helpless Jo! I'm sure you slept too right? All snuggy in your bed, playing doctor with the doctor, all the while that piece of shit Ethan was plotting to kidnap Blaise. I even tried to protect you from him, right after you slapped me stupid and told me you never wanted to see my face again. Eh, that don't even matter. What matters is Blaise and it could have been prevented if I HAD KNOWN that she was merely 50 fucking feet away from you and so here I am now, daughterless and drunk. You know what I've been doing in my spare time since I have exhausted all my resources in locating her? It's like she has fallen off the face of the earth."

Craig put on some old cheap flip flops and stood up, then pointed down at his painting.

"You see that? I did what you said to try. I used Blaise as some inspiration to try and cure this painter's block I've been dealing with for so long. Did you know she likes bees? So I attempted to paint her a giant fucking bumble bee for when I get her back, or should I say IF I get her back, no thanks to you and certainly none to that dunderheaded detective who shares Ethan's rancid blood. Audacious British fuck writing me into his little black book as a person of interest in Lizzie's death. I'm a lot of things, but I'm not a monster, even if I was raised by one."

"Craig, speaking of Cyrus, he happens to be one of the other problems we have been dealing with. Things that have nothing to even do with this. So much more has happened too and I don't expect you to understand that but I swear to you, I never meant for anything to happen to Blaise. Please...please believe me."

"I'll tell you what I believe. I believe you did this intentionally. What a great way to stick it to me for not telling you your brother was alive huh? Checkmate. You got me good Jo. Gold stars for you. Hit me right where it hurts the most. You're right. I don't like you so much anymore Miss March. I'll have your last months deposit ready for you in a few days and then I expect you out by the end of the month. Now get out of my sight. Good day."

"Craig come on. I would never put your child's life in danger just to get back at you or for any reason!"

As the acrimonious kiwi walked away, completely ignoring you, there was spillage of the yellow paint in his already cluttered pathway and the combination of flimsy flips flops worn by someone sober or tipsy, slick concrete and liquids do not mix.

Down he went as one foot slipped right out from under him and there he laid, stunned and flat out on his back with wine all over his face.

"Craig oh my god!" you gasped as you quickly but carefully made your way to him. "Are you alright??!!"

"There's that question again so I'll answer with the same answer. Do I look alright???" he snapped and attempted to get up, only to slip again and land on his butt.

"Here. Let me help you."

You reached down to him but he smacked your hand away.

"I might be a teeny bit sauced right now, but I'm not an invalid and if I were, I certainly wouldn't want or need any help from the likes of you Jo March."

"Fine." you huffed and then smirked at him. "Good luck then since you're now sitting in a giant smeared puddle of paint. I suppose if you crawl like the petulant child you're being, ass crack and all, you could make it out of your precarious predicament unscathed."

He glared up at you as he thought for a moment about demeaning himself even more than he already had by doing as you said.

"Fine." he also huffed and jerked his sticky hand out to you.

You took his hand and began to pull. As he pushed himself up with his other hand, his foot slipped out again and this time, he pulled you right down on top of his chiseled chest.

"Well now. Now who's in a precarious predicament Einstein? Now we're both covered in paint and not to mention fucked, just not in the way I would like." he boasted with a cheesy smirk as you both were nose to nose and damn near mouth to mouth. So close that his facial hair tickled your upper lip and his hot sweet wine breath made you drunk in a way that it shouldn't have as you and he stared into each other's eyes.

You quickly broke the trance he had you in and pushed your way up off of him.

"Come on Craig. Get up so I can leave. Now is clearly not the time to talk to you."

You reached down again, but made sure you were in a good stance to pull him up this time. Once he was securely on his feet, you handed him another towel to wipe the wine from his face and when he was finished, things became a bit awkward and silent for a moment as he fidgeted and fought having eye contact with you.

"I uh...I think I broke your glasses." you mumbled as you glanced at the black framed spectacles hanging from the frayed neckline of his knit shirt.

His head snapped down to look at them and then his defenses were right back up.

"Oh...well, no biggie. What's one more thing you've broken? I've got more, although... I don't have another daughter. I'm going to bed. See yourself out."

This time, Craig safely made his way back to his apartment entrance without a single glance back at you and then you quietly left. When you returned to your own apartment down the hall, you immediately took a long hot shower to decompress and cried your eyes out the entire time. Once you were finished, you sat down with a chilled bottled of wine you had in the fridge to try and calm your nerves. The conversation with Craig had went just as you imagined it in your head many times and he had every right to be angry with you. You should have went straight to him and met Jason later. Blaise would be safe and sound with Craig right now and you were the reason she was not, and for that, you were going to make it your mission to find her yourself and bring her home. You didn't have a cue as to how, but you were to try and make things right.

But of course, while trying to think about where to start, your mind betrayed you as all your thoughts went right back to Lee, but you knew they would once you were no longer distracted. How in the hell were you going to stay away from him this time if you couldn't even sit still without thinking of him??

The one glass of wine that early in the morning had caught up with you and made you somewhat sleepy and it wasn't long before you dozed off on the couch without even realizing it. Meanwhile, in a small town called Grandview, 15 miles from Salem, Dr. Dave had just returned home from a much needed getaway.

As he sat at his kitchen table, drinking a beer, reading your texts and listening to your voicemails, he contemplated calling you until he heard a noise in the living room. Dave lived alone and had no pets, so it was either his older but newly remodeled house still settling or....it was what is usually was. A ghost. And he had the gift to see and speak to them, although he would not call it a gift, but a curse and the only ones who knew were you and his sister Britt.

When he got to the living room doorway, there sat a little boy, about 5 years old with sandy blonde hair and big blue eyes, whom he had never seen before and he just looked at Dave until he spoke to him.

"Hey there. What's your name?"

"Jacob."

"Hello Jacob. I'm Dave."

"I know."

"Alright. Can you tell me why you're here?"

"She needs help."

"Who...needs help?"

"The girl at the train yard. I saw her. The bad man hurt her."

"The train yard??"

"Where mommy was hurt. Over there."

Jacob pointed out the window and Dave then realized he was referring to Train Town. It used to be a public attraction, about a mile away by a state park, but it was shut down many years ago and was now basically a train car graveyard.

"Who's your mommy Jacob?"

"Elizabeth. She died and rode the train."

Dave had to collect himself, for he now knew he was talking to Liz and your Lee's son.

"Ok. I heard about that. I am very sorry Jacob, but...who is the girl you said is hurt? Is she there now?"

"My new and favorite mommy's sister."

"You mean Josie? Her...sister?"

"Mmmhmm."

Dave sprung to his feet and called you, but got no answer so he called your mother Margaret and she confirmed that Megan had not been home since yesterday and that she could not reach her.

"Jacob, can you show me where she is at? It is a really big place."

"Yep. Last one there's a rotten egg!"

Jacob hopped out of his chair and ran out the front door and vanished like the typical fugacious ghost as Dave stood in a transient spell of shock. As his mind resumed focus, he then grabbed his medical bag, raced to his truck and sped off without a thought of the danger that could be waiting for him.

@redeemer46

#lee pace #lee pace fanfiction #code blue #craig parker #david conrad #love stories #dark stories #dark fiction #drama #angst #murder mystery #ghosts #supernatural encounters

[ravennaortiz]

I feel like I'm always in your inbox for requests. But we can't have the inbox get empty again right? This time I'm thinking we do Opie. The first time I watched the series my boyfriend said not to get attached and I got attached. I cried like a baby when he was killed. Okay so I'm thinking we go with the prompts 3, 12, 17, 20, and 30. They can go in whichever order makes the best storyline. This gives me an after Donna vibe.

You are welcome to pop in to the inbox with as many request as you wish!!!!!! Also, no we cannot let the inbox get empty again. I agree his death was devastating in the show.

I love the idea of Opie post Donna for these prompts. Lets se what magic we can cook up!

Prompts:

3. Why did you save me?

12. Do you wanna come in?

17. I love you

20. Why?

30. I need you

Hold Space

Opie stood in the feminine product aisle rubbing his face roughly. He found himself thinking once again today he should have asked Donna how this shit worked. It never occurred to him that one day he would be standing here on his own trying to figure out what his daughter needed. That he would be handing the birds and bees talk with both kids. He wasn't built to be a single parent to a teenage daughter he thought to himself. This so far had been one of the worst days of his adult life.

Opie was almost in tears from stress as he pulled his phone out hoping you would answer. Hearing your voice as you said hello on the other end had him sighing in relieve. "I'm sorry. I know its late but I need you" stated Opie as he scanned the shelves. "Why? Are the kids okay?" you replied. Opie smiled at your concern. "There fine. Well Ellie not as much. She umm has become a lady and made it very clear how inadequate I am as not only a mother but a father" replied Opie as he recalled the venom with which Ellie had yelled at him that she wished it had been him that died and not Donna. "You at the little corner store down the street?" you asked as you slipped your shoes and jacket on. "Yeah" replied Opie. "I'm on my way, hang tight" you stated before ending the call.

***

Opie watched as you talked and walked Ellie through all the items that the two of you had picked up. Your compassion and empathy for everyone never ceased to amaze him. He found himself wishing a lot lately that he had met you before Donna. That you had moved to town sooner then two months after she had died. He loved her of course but the way you had showed up not just for him and the kids but also the club when you didn't need to spoke volumes.

After tucking the kids in for the night Opie found you in the hall dusting off the photos of Donna he had hung. "She always was the better one about cleaning" joked Opie as he rubbed the back of his neck. You laughed quietly. "You know your a good father right? Teen girls are ruthless. We say shit we don't mean to.... Well at least not aloud" you offered as you turned to him. Opie nodded as he looked down at the floor.

***

You had just finished making coffee when you heard a knock at the door. Looking through the peep hole you saw Opie. "Hey Opie" you greeted as he stared down at the floor. "Do you wanna come in? I just made coffee." you asked as you opened your door for him to pass through. "Coffee would be great." replied Opie with a smile as he walked in.

The two of you sat on your couch in silence for a moment before Opie set his cup down and turned to you. "Why did you save me? Not just at the store but in general." he inquired. "You deserved to be" you replied after a moment of thought as you sipped your coffee. "I love you. That scares me to say. Like its erasing her ya know?" confessed Opie as he looked down at the couch. Setting your coffee down you moved over and took his hands in yours making him look up at you. "I will always hold space for Donna. I never want to erase her from your life or the kids. She earned that space and I will always fight for her to have it because I love you too Opie." you replied.

Want more Opie? Click here

Want to see how to make your own request? Click here

#sons of anarchy #ravennasmasterlist #ravennasrequest #soa fanfiction #soa fanfic #opie winston #opie winston soa #opie winston fanfiction #opie winston fanfic #opie soa #sons of anarchy fanfiction #sons of anarchy fic #sons of anarchy imagines

[with-love-from-hell]

Hi everyone,

So I'm still on Hiatus but I need to ask for help/support since apparently life never ceases to shit all over me when I'm already stressed out.

Tw: blood, animal illness, mentions of animal death

This morning, my partner and I woke up to puddles of blood all over our bedroom. There was a lot- and I mean a lot- as a result of my dog suddenly beginning to bleed from his mouth. After taking him to the emergency vet, we found out he has multiple tooth abscesses that have been caused by an underlying infection in his jaw- which the vet thinks may be linked to some sort of cancer, but right now she can't run any biopsies until the infection is managed.

So far, the vet bill has been $600, but there is more to come. He began bleeding again about an hour ago and I may need to take him back in, plus we are being referred to a dental specialist for surgery. Per what my vet has said, this is going to easily cost a few thousand dollars. I bought pet insurance today after trying to hold off on it until after we move, but they will not cover any claims until February 10th.

My dog is everything to me, and this entire situation has me stressed out beyond belief, and is resulting in draining my pto where I may need to take unpaid leave for my exam because I will be going negative after taking today and tomorrow for this. I don't normally like asking for financial help, but anything that can be offered during this time would be appreciated. I've owned Houser since he was a puppy, and he's been through a lot since then- between previous abuse from my sister's exhusband, having a skin allergy, chronic ear infections, high anxiety, joint issues, and going blind suddenly about a year and a half ago. He's barely 10 years old, and I'm really hoping to have a few good years left with him.

This whole situation has sent me into a spiral- both relating to the potential of him having cancer and financial strain on top of the billion things I have to worry about right now. If I can at least have some of the financial burden taken away, that would mean the world to me. If you can spare anything at all, I would be so grateful. After losing my cat to a cancerous tumor a few months ago, I don't think I can mentally handle having another happen.

Thank you to everyone who is willing and able to help out. This shit fucking sucks, and having any type of support rn would be great.

#obey me! #obey me #shall we date: obey me #obey me swd #obm #help #writer help #ko fi support

[lunargrapejuice]

Ok ok since you need some Diluc fluff how about this tiktok —-> https://vt.tiktok.com/ZSRxoLGM4/ with Diluc comforting you because reader is feeling kinda stress and insecure and anxious and depressed lately because of personal things, and the negativity in her head🥹💖 (make this for artem too hihihihi)

-🍇

ooohh my god this is so sweet, they'd be such sweet boys helping you through your unease🥺💖

for now i just wrote diluc but i may come back & do artem too heh

- diluc is so attentive, i swear he can just feel your heart aching no matter how far away he is from you. when he feels that uncomfortable worry bubbling in his heart he immediatly seaks you out and his chest contracts tightly when he sees you in tears or on the verge of tears, his lips frowning sadly at the sight of his beloved hurting

- sometimes he feels so lost when it comes to your sadness. can a man with a past as dark and painful as his really help someone as lovely and pure as you shine brightly once more? no matter how long you've been together there is still that doubt and worry in his mind but he doesn't let it deter him from helping you in any way he can. he would do anything to see you smile, to ensure your happiness. his sacred vow to you was so deeply entretwined with the thick vines of his love that nothing could stop him from wrapping you protectively in the thicket of deep, devoting, unending love that belonged to you and you alone

- it's odd relying on his feelings rather than logic at these times but for you he found it rather easy to follow his heart and gift it to you on a silver platter. if it would make you happy once more he would give you every last piece of him without question

- his footsteps would be quiet as he made his way to you, his grip firm on the soft blanket he grabbed from the back of the chair you often curl up in to read. gingerly, as he whispered your name, he'd drape the blanket over your shoulders before tenderly brushing the hair from your face and beggining to wipe every tear that fell from your eyes with warm gloveless hands

"it’s okay my love, i'm here," he'd promise, every word he speaks is in a gentle loving tone reserved only for you. "whatever you need, i'll give it to you."

and when you reply you just need him, he's ready to give himself and pour every ounce of his love into you. effortlessly he'd pick you up bridal style, ensuring the blanket stay securely wrapped around you and carry you to your shared bedroom where it's warm, safe and away from prying eyes. on the way there he'd ask adelinde to prepare your favorite drink and something for you to eat before settling you into the plush sheets with your head resting against his chest and soft music playing in the back ground

- he's not good with words but he offers them to you anyways as he showers you with affection, reminding you how strong and resiliant you are, how it's okay to cry but you never need to do so alone now that you have each other, how beautiful you are inside and out and how that beauty brought so much life and light into a man who thought he'd never have those things again. his hold on you would grow tighter with each confession until you're pressed so thightly against him you can't tell whos heart it is that's beating and burning against your chest

- once your tears have ceased and adelinde brings a tray with the items diluc requested he has his arm wrapped tightly around you with you pulled flush into his side as you pick at the plate that rests against his thigh and take sips of your drink. he may be a bit motherly requesting you drink and eat plenty but it’s only to ensure you’re okay and taken care of to the full extent. his warm fingers would dance along your side, his lips pressed against your head, warm breath seeping into your skin, all of it bringing you comfort and a lovely reminder that everything really will be okay<3

#thank you for sharing this sweetness 😭💖 #i needed it #genshin impact #diluc #🌙asks #🍇 anon #genshin impact x reader #diluc ragnvindr x reader #diluc ragnvindr

[dragondemoness]

Hi again! If you don't mind can you do a request where peko pekoyama stops the reader from becoming izuru kamukura?

Sorry for bothering you

Hello again! Honestly, I had way too much fun writing this😅

And please, don't worry about bothering me. You're not bothering me in the slightest😁

Stopping the Despair- Peko Pekoyama x Izuru! Reader

"No matter what you do to me, I will never fall to despair!"

Junko stood with no expression at first, then her mouth formed a smirk

You stiffened, and you and Peko held hands

A long while ago, you had managed to prevent her from killing Mahiru

Thanks to that, she survived until the final trial

She survives instead of Fuyuhiko here

You listened anxiously as everyone talked about Izuru

Who he was, whether he really existed, etc.

You knew exactly who he was

You didn't know how, but you did

"Izuru is the killer responsible for Hope's Peak Academy's biggest, most awful event."

That made you feel sick

And finally, Junko pulled the trigger

"Oh, Izuru Kamakura is very much alive... Isn't that right, (Name)?"

Now all eyes were on you

"...What?"

That was all you could say

"You're Izuru Kamakura you're Izuru Kamakura you're Izuru Kamakura-"

"SHUT THE HELL UP!"

Peko turned to you

(Name)... What is she talking about?"

You had no answer, no explanation

But Junko did the talking for you

Peko found herself more and more confused

Until they reached the gist of the whole situation

You were merely a lab rat used by the academy to shelter Izuru Kamakura

And thanks to Junko, you became an Ultimate Despair

Peko found herself infuriated at the academy for using you like that, and directly tampering with your brain

Even more so, she was infuriated with Junko for turning you to despair

Then there's the realization that you would completely disappear once you left the Neo World Program...

Then you saw the image of Izuru Kamakura 

It was agonizing

"AUGHHHHH!!"

"(Name)?!" Peko called out, putting a hand on your shoulder.

"N-No... That's not me... No way!!"

"Oh, but it is! That's Izuru Kamakura! That's who you are!" Junko cheered.

"Th-Then I..."

"'...Have no way to be saved?' But you already know what you must do!"

"I... Just need to gratuate... Don't I?"

"You can't! Every one who died will be taken over by Junko's alter ego!" Makoto shouted.

"Like, if you guys don't start the shutdown,   the Future Foundation will be trapped here! I can't allow the Future Foundation to sacrifice themselves for the Ultimate Despairs..."

You couldn't respond. You only stared blankly ahead.

"(Name)...?" Peko placed both her hands on your shoulders.

"You can't believe her! That's how she works!" Makoto shouted.

"That's how she works. So she can lure you all to despair," Kyoko added.

You stared down as you listened to everyone argue. You felt like you couldn't take it anymore. You weren't even listening when Kyoko started talking.

"So you're telling them to turn back to Ultimate Despairs and lose all the memories they ever made in this world? Some of them will cease to exist, and you're telling them to just deal with it?" Junko refuted her.

"At this point, there's no other way..." Byakuya said.

"No, there is. If they choose to graduate, they can hold hands and keep on living. Of course, those who died will be taken over by me, but... That's better than being a vegetable for the rest of your life, right?"

Now, it was time to make a decision.

It felt like your brain was breaking.

Why did you have to choose?

While the others were stressing out, Peko was focused on you, worrying sick.

You realized that you couldn't choose.

"I-I can't..."

"What? What do you mean you can't?" Makoto asked.

"I just can't choose! Why do I have to be involved in the first place?! I'm different from the rest of you, and I don't even have a talent! And my existence is gonna disappear...? Ha... hahahaha... I just don't understand..."

And the others agreed with you. They couldn't choose, either.

"Do whatever you want... It's not my problem..."

"(Name)..." Peko looked at you in sadness.

You fell down to your knees, gripping your head in your hands.

You could feel the despair washing over you, and your brain was aching. Izuru Kamakura was forcing himself out.

"(Name)!" Peko quickly joined you, gripping your shoulders. "(Name), don't give in to despair!"

"There's no choice, Peko... Both choices are hopeless..."

"It will be alright, Young Master! If we choose to shut down the program, Junko won't be released into the real world!"

"What does it matter?! We're all going to disappear! I'M gonna disappear!"

"We'll still be together in the real world, Young Master! It'll be alright!"

"H-How can you say that?? Izuru Kamakura will replace me!"

"But I'll still love you, (Name)!"

All your thoughts came to a stop, and you felt tears in your eyes.

"How can you say that... I'll be gone... And you'll completely forget about me..."

"No, (Name). I won't. And even if Kamakura will stay in the real world... I'll still love you. And I'll always be with you." Peko gently caressed the side of your face with a smile. You placed your hand on hers, letting a tear out.

"Do you mean that, Peko?"

Peko gently wiped away your tear and pulled you in close. "Of course, my young master."

She helped you up and held you close for the rest of the trial. 

And when the Neo World Program shut down, things turned out better than you thought.

Nobody turned back to Ultimate Despair like you thought. And you didn't become Izuru Kamakura. You, along with the rest of the class, decided to stay on the island.

Even if the sleeping ones never woke up, you were still together.

Peko joined you on the beach, and she smiled and took your hand.

You returned the smile and leaned against her.

No matter what happened next, you would never forget each other.

And you would still continue living as yourself, and no one else.

Goddamn, this turned out so long😬😅

#danganronpa x reader #danganronpa goodbye despair #peko pekoyama x reader

[serpentiana]

⚠️ TW ed & suic*de talk

It includes just a faceless photo of me, the tw is for the text underneath.

I screenshotted myself in this video bc this is straight motivation for me, this was me last May working at a Galleria which is the 2nd time I went back to orthorexia. Truly an experience to shape shift all extremes of weight.

It's not a fun time. Because I thought I was getting better after my breakup relatively fast, the thoughts stopped, probably for the first time in my entire life. But then I moved back home for college, and it's clear that I've relapsed on multiple behaviors. I was on my own for half a year, the 3rd time in my life, and I did all I could not to go back home - to make it on my own. A life that my parents could only see me at my best. So they could enjoy their years without me stressing them out anymore..

My parents are old fashioned. They don't realize what they say, do, or their lifestyle affects my recovery. And it's starting to agonize me that I'm so affected by my own parents. I feel like an ungrateful brat. I really am thankful for what I have. I didn't always have things and I didn't have a home for a while. They love me. Even if it hurts me, it's really my fault. I'm a perfectionist with all things and most of the time it's never enough.

My weight will never be enough. I feel so alone. My 5 year relationship has been over since last March. The survival mode in me is starting to cease and the thoughts are getting louder. I haven't eaten more than 1,000 calories total in 5 days. And I haven't stayed in the positive, the net stays zero. I quit smoking weed, I quit habits, and I stopped letting people take advantage of me. I embraced the discomfort of being alone with having 0 friends or relationships holding me back from being happy.

..sometimes I just feel like it doesn't matter anymore. I've seen success and done my best and fallen and did it again. When you go through this process you end up realizing how tired you really are. And the suicidal thoughts come back without a plan but rather an impulse. I just feel in my gut one more devastation, one more physical/verbal abuse event, or loss - I'll lose the ability to control myself and do it.

I didn't know there was ever a gun in my reach and I wish I never found out. I got a taste of what it was like to be fulfilled and happy, even when I lost everything last year. Now it's like a dream that I ever had a mind that forgot about calories and purging and starving and trauma memories.

I remember going on a hike by myself one of those days and stopping just to look up at the trees.. I thanked God for keeping me alive... In that moment I forgot what it felt like to have suffered through my suicidal voices. Tears just filled my eyes and instead of falling they remained still. I was happy.

#v's ed log #tw ed thoughts

[rabbitinthemeadow]

The quiet writhing of black earth beneath winter’s soundless embrace // Part 1

#nature photography #winter #soft nature #new england nature #new england #I'm back! life has not ceased to be stressful but I found time for a walk #this set appears way more morose than I wanted #how do you express the intimacy of moving water from snowmelt through soft earth #despite the paleness of the earth? #tried my best

[matchesarelit]

Imagine if you will...

Arriving home after a day from hell, falling into the arms of Spencer Agnew, and allowing the stress to fade away.

Requested: Yes by anonymous; "Can I request a fic with Spencer Agnew where the reader (they/them pronouns) has a bad day and he comforts them? Lots of fluff please!!" Sorry it Is so short I'm real bad at fluff

A/N: I wrote this with Editor!Spencer Agnew in mind, so feel free to let me know if you were looking for a Chosen!Spencer Agnew piece.

You couldn't wait to shed your shoes at the door, a mixture of slippery tile and uneven footpaths had all but twisted your ankles all throughout the day. When the time came to leave work, you were ready to pass out at your desk. So, add in the journey home, and you were surprised you managed to stay awake long enough to reach your street.

Yet, you found yourself pulling together the last of your energy and turning the lock before pushing open your door.

"Hello, my love," looking up to meet Spencer's eyes at the top of the staircase, a smile arose to accompany your half-lidded tired eyes.

"Hey Hun" Before you could continue he had your cheeks in the palms of his hands.

"Hey, hey, hey, what's wrong? Bad day?" he cooed before placing a kiss on your forehead as you nodded.

Wrapping his arms around your waist he waddled backwards towards the lounge, pulling you along with him. Humming a little tune he let the back of his knees hit the arm of the couch, before lowering the two of you to lay on the cushions.

Laying your head on his chest you basked in his warmth especially his arms which were still tucked tightly around your body. Lifting your head to meet his eyes as he spoke; "Have a little nap baby, I'll move our dinner reservation to tomorrow,"

"Oh No, I forgo-"

"There's no problem, I have been meaning to try their Saturday special so this just gives me an excuse."

You narrow your eyes at Spencer's smirk as he averted his eyes. The cheek of this man never fails to surprise you and better your mood.

Chuckling before allowing your head to fall to his chest you settle into the warmth of his being.

As you slipped from consciousness, Spencer turned on the tv, however, he found his eyes admiring you as opposed to following the plot of whatever happened to be on the television.

His gaze followed every line of your face that he could see, and upon noticing the crease that had formed on your brow he raised a hand to your cheek and stroked your cheek with his thumb.

The smallest of contented hums that came from you in your sleep brought a soft smile to Spencer's face. His right hand not ceasing, he reached up to the back of the couch and laid a patchwork blanket over the both of you. Lowering his head, Spencer followed you into sleep, his heavy eye closing easily after hours of sting inducing work at a screen.

When you woke up, you found the love of your life asleep, so you attempted to move off of him without waking him. However, the arm that still laid over your back only tightened when you attempted to move. Giving in you retrieved your phone from your back pocket and quickly upon noting the time ordered some takeaway. The rise and fall of Spencer's chest only reminded you of how safe and powerful being by his side (or on his chest) made you feel. Dropping your phone you reached up to run your fingers through Spencer's hair, its softness always amazed you, although given he used your shampoo most of the time it really shouldn't.

#Spencer agnew #smosh spencer #Spencer the editor #spencer agnew x reader #spencer agnew imagine #Imagine if you will...

[lovelyminnieee]

Without you- J.J.H

Pairing: Jaehyun x reader

Genre: Angst, Fluff

Warnings: Car accident mentions, mentions of death, father!Jaehyun, Coma, mentions of losing a loved one

Summary: Jaehyun doesn't want to deal with life anymore. Without you there to hug him, or tell him it was okay to cry, he didn't want to even come home, unless it was for his daughter. He missed you, so much he could go crazy. Maybe you will never come back, he hasn't lost hope yet. Will you be able to comeback to him and your daughter's lives again?

A/n: this is my first fic on my account, feedbacks would be deeply appreciated. Uh, I am a little nervous to post it, but please do give me feedbacks. And the paragraphs written in italics are memories

❄︎❄︎❄︎❄︎❄︎❄︎❄︎❄︎❄︎❄︎❄︎❄︎❄︎❄︎❄︎❄︎❄︎❄︎❄︎❄︎❄︎❄︎❄︎❄︎❄︎❄︎❄︎❄︎

It's been 3 years. Three years without you. There wasn't one day where he didn't think of you. Your daughter and the way she reminds him of you. He's tired of it, tired of life. Without you there to comfort him, tell him it's okay to cry, he's tired.

"Eun ha, we have to get to school!" Jaehyun shouts from one end of the apartment, packing her lunch. "Coming daddy!" His daughter waddles over to him, struggling to put her shoes on. "Let me do it," Jaehyun said as he picked her up and put her on the table. He smiles as he puts her shoes on quickly, placing her down after. "Let's go, okay baby?" Jaehyun holds her little hand, her bag in his other hand.

Jaehyun opened the door to the apartment and sighed. An empty home was not really welcoming. You weren't there to hug him, tell him that you love him. His habits haven't changed, he sat down on the couch and pulled out his phone.

"I miss you so fucking much..."

He texted your number. He missed you so much, he was going crazy. He closed his eyes, trying to hold tears bay. He sent you a picture of Eun ha in her dress up outfit. Like a princess.

"Look at Eun ha, she looks so pretty. Just like you baby"

His fingers type, the memories flooding in. He took you for granted while you were there, and that is the thing he regrets the most in life. 

"I understand, but you can't just ignore me like that, Jae," you said, angry. He was ignoring you for the past few days, and you had no idea why. He said it was because of work, but he wasn't there at work during work hours. "No Jae, you're not working, you're somewhere else during work hours," you said, your eyes staring at him. Jaehyun paused for a minute, speechless. He was preparing something special for you, and that was the reason. "I- I was-" Jaehyun sighed. You were getting on his nerves. "Y/n, just leave me alone. You don't understand," he said and walked away, frustrated at your behaviour. You didn't know why you got angry so quickly, you were usually so calm and collected during arguments. "So now you want me to leave you alone?" You scoffed. Jaehyun turned around and stared at you. "Isn't that what I just said?" He stares back at you. "So it's completely okay for you to go out during work hours? And ignore me when you come home? What the fuck, Jae?" You raised your voice a little. "Can you not right now? I'm frustrated, Y/n." Jaehyun tried to keep his cool. "Jae, I've been dealing with so many things, do you think you're the only one who deals with stress?" You ask him, tears swelling in your eyes. Jaehyun closed his eyes, trying to stay collected. Maybe you had a reason to be mad this quick. "You might as well be cheating on me, or lying to me. And what not-"

"WHY ARE YOU BEING LIKE THIS Y/N?-"

"BECAUSE I WANTED TO TELL YOU I WAS PREGNANT, JAE!"

Jaehyun went silent. His heart pounded in his chest at the news. Well, that certainly wasn't a good way to release the news. She was pregnant? He thought.

"You're what?"

"You know what, nevermind," you walked away, wiping your tears. Jaehyun ran up to you and hugged you from behind. "I'm sorry. I'm so sorry," Jaehyun whispered, kissing your neck softly. "I'm hurt, Jae." You whispered, your voice cracking. "I'm so sorry," he said, his hands softly resting over your tummy. Jaehyun's face ceased into a smile, continuing to press his lips against your neck. "I'm going to be a father," Jaehyun's eyes teared up as he twirled you around and kissed you softly. Everything felt unreal at that moment. He was going to be a dad. His heart swelled in happiness, pulling your waist closer to him.

"I'm so sorry about everything. I love you so much"

He pressed the send button, his eyes tearing up.

"Please come back to me, to Eun ha"

Tears ran down his cheeks and his world darkened again. Three years of torture. Three years without you. He doesn't know how he's going to manage. He shifted on the couch, staring mindlessly at the ceiling. "I miss you so much, Y/N." He whispered, holding his tears in. He had to visit you at the hospital soon, so he put his emotions aside for a moment and got up. He walked to his room and changed in a few minutes, grabbing his bag and walking out the door.

"Hi baby, I'm here," he whispers softly, walking closer to your bed. Your parents had been taking care of you for the past two days because he was busy, but now that he's here, he wants to tell you everything. He knows you're listening, unable to talk. "How are you, love? Is everything okay? Does it hurt?" He asks, gently caressing your hands. He misses your whiny self. Whatever he said, the room was so silent when it was supposed to be filled with your sweet voice. He sighs and closes his eyes, trying to hold in his emotions. "I miss you so much," his voice comes out as a broken whisper. "I can't do this anymore. I can't do this without you, please come back, I'm sorry," he cries, holding your hand close to him. Jaehyun remembers the day the accident happened.

"I'll meet you at home, babe. I love you," he said, cutting the call with a smile on his face. "You make me feel so single," Johnny whispers from his work desk, sighing. "Come on, John. You can bag girls if you try," Jaehyun chuckled as he put on his jacket. "Lucky, you get to go home early while I'm stuck with hyuck, great." Johnny rolls his eyes. Jaehyun just chuckles, walking out of his shared office space.

"So, how was work today?" Jaehyun asked, his eyes focused on the road. "Bad, all that man had to say was I did a bad job and screamed at me. The audacity," you scoffed on the other side of the phone. "Which man? The manager or the CEO?"

"Of course it has to be the manager. He's so annoying I swear," you sighed.

"Oh well, I'll ask him to shut the fuck up next time so he won't annoy you, okay?"

"Ew that was so cheesy, Jae," you cringed behind the phone. Before Jaehyun could even process your reply, loud crashes and screams were heard. He called for you repeatedly, only to realise that you weren't replying.

"I'm so sorry, if I hadn't distracted you, you would still be here for me." Jaehyun cries hard. He looks up at you to see tears running down the side of your face. "Sssh, don't cry," he said, wiping your tears and letting his hand rest on your face. He places a soft kiss on your forehead, his heart hurting at the sight of you. You laid in the bed, limp and pale. "Hey, you know..." He sniffled. "I met your manager on my way here today," he smiled, trying to get the mood better.

"And then, she was trying to write C, but Eun ha wrote it like it was mirrored," Jaehyun giggles softly, his hand still caressing yours. Your hands felt warm to him, and it was the best thing in the world to him. Just as he was about to let the unknown tears in his eyes fall, he felt something. He felt your hand move. His gaze snapped to your hands, which once moved. "Baby, can you do that again for me?" He says hastily, trying not to cry. And he sees a movement, yet again. "Wait for me, I'll go get the doctors, okay?" He says and hurries out of the room, holding himself together. He will come apart any second, but now was not the time.

Doctors rush in and out of the room as Jaehyun watches from the side, tears falling. He had called his mother and asked her to pick Eun ha up from school, just so that he can stay with you longer. "Mr. Jeong?" The doctor called. Jaehyun's cloudy gaze snapped to the doctor, hurrying over to the man. His first clenches in the anticipation of the news as the doctor smiles. "This is the first time I've seen something like this. Her senses are responding to the tests, after a full three years." The doctor tells him. "Is that good?" Jaehyun askes, sniffling. "Yes. Mrs. Jeong's health seems to be progressing so much more than the last three years, she has a higher chance of recovering from the coma for a week or so," Dr. Cho assures him, patting him on the shoulder before he leaves. Jaehyun stares at you for a moment before he comes closer to you. "Hey baby, you're gonna come back to me and Eun ha, aren't you?" Jaehyun asks softly, tears welling in his eyes yet again. "You will, I know it." He kissed your forehead again.

The hopeful week was crucial. Jaehyun visits you everyday of the week with Eun ha, trying his best to make you happy. He'd give his life up for you because what he and his daughter needed the most during this time was you. He had to go to work nevertheless, but you would never be left without a visitor. Mostly being his or your parents and your kid, or him and Eun ha. He was hopeful until the last day of the week rolled over, and he got a call from the doctor.

"Mr. Jeong, I need to talk to you as fast as possible."

"Is there a problem, Dr. Cho?"

He hears a sigh from the other side that sends fear through him.

"We need to talk as fast as possible. Can you make it to the hospital now?"

"Of course, give me 30 minutes, doc,"

Jaehyun cut the call, panic settling within him.

"Johnny, please take care of this document for me. I just got a call from Dr. Cho. I need to go, okay?"

"Yes sir, don't worry about it,"

Johnny said, gesturing to him to hurry on his way. Jaehyun rushed out of the building, getting into his car in no time. In fifteen minutes, he was there at the hospital. He found the same office he's been visiting for the last three years in a couple of minutes, panting as he barged in through the door.

"I was expecting you, Mr. Jeong," Dr. Cho said, sitting upright. He had a bad feeling about what he was going to hear. "I need you to sit down and take a deep breath," the doctor said, sympathy marked in his eyes. Jaehyun sat down hesitatingly, staring at the doctor.

"Would you like something to drink or...?"

"Cut the crap, Dr. Cho,"

Jaehyun snapped. The man just sighed, looking him in the eye. "Your wife, Mrs. Jeong, was pronounced brain dead over 20 minute ago. She had a stroke which caused the brain to stop working," Jaehyun's broken world came crashing down in a few seconds as soon as he heard the news.

"What?"

"Sir, you need to calm-"

"No no no, she hasn't died yet. She can't die yet. You said she was making steady progress, YOU SAID SHE MIGHT WAKE UP, WHY CHANGE YOUR WORDS NOW?!" Jaehyun asked, tears running down his cheeks.

"Jaehyun, listen. It was a stroke that prompted brain death. We can keep her on a machine which pumps oxygen onto her organs which will keep her warm, but it won't do anything,"

"Can you step out for a minute?" Jaehyun asked him, his voice soft. "Of course," the doctor said, moving on his way out.

Jaehyun takes in the news, tears pouring out of his eyes. All he asked for was you and God denied. Great, he hopes that he at least gets to see you one last time. He stepped out of the doctor's office with red eyes and nose. "Can I see her for the last time?" Jaehyun requests, to which the doctor agrees. Tears kept flowing on his way to the room, wiping then with the sleeve of his shirt.

"Go on in," the doctor says, gesturing at the door. Jaehyun holds onto the handle and hesitates before sliding the door open. He keeps his eyes locked on to the floor and when he does lift his eyes, surprise strikes him. You were up, alive and well. Jaehyun blinks before wiping his eyes and looking again. "Jae..." His name rolls off your tongue, bringing him back to earth. He didn't say anything, but he rushed to you and engulfed you in a big hug. He held you close to him, not letting go. It's not like you wanted to let go either. "Jae..." You said, letting your head rest on his shoulder, arms wrapped around him tightly. "I missed you so much," he whispered, breaking into tears again. "God, you're so warm. I missed this so much," you say softly. He missed your voice so much. Jaehyun pulls back gently and stares at your famished face, wiping your tears. "I love you so much, so much," he said, cupping your cheeks in his hands. Your tears ran down again, you missed him so much.

"So what was that?" Jaehyun questions the doctor, glaring at him. "Well uh, your wife had a special request," the doctor smiles, looking away after. "Cho Si-hyeon, I will smack you," he glares, shooting lasers through his eyes. "Hey! Yell at her, not me!" Si-hyeon, his fellow classmate who was a year older than him exclaimed, pointing at you. "No," Jaehyun said, kissing you all over your face as you giggled softly. "She needs to get physiotherapy for her legs and you can go home after," Si-hyeon says, watching them both enjoy each other's presence. "Mhm, 'kay. What else?" Jaehyun said, his gaze fixed on you. "This is disgusting. Bye, I can't stand it," Si-hyeon scrunched his face, leaving the room. "Tsk, he's just jealous that I have such a pretty wife," Jaehyun says and places a small kiss on your lips. "Oh well," you whispered, pulling him into a soft and we'll needed kiss, for both.

❄︎❄︎❄︎❄︎❄︎❄︎❄︎❄︎❄︎❄︎❄︎❄︎❄︎❄︎❄︎❄︎❄︎❄︎❄︎❄︎❄︎❄︎❄︎❄︎❄︎❄︎❄︎❄︎

Taglist: @sparklysung @trying-to-love-myself

#nct smut #k-pop smut #jaehyun #nct 127 smut #nct #nct angst #nct fluff #nct jaehyun #nct fanfic #nct u smut #nct u jaehyun #nct 127 jaehyun #romance #nct senarios

[arcadejohn127-9]

You get the demon brother's their Starbucks

[imagine: you go out to get their drinks and purposefully use a dumb nickname for them]

Lucifer:

Pure Black coffee with three shots of espresso

You were on pick up duty, whilst Lucifer was busy with work

He gave you his order and you were on your way

As soon as you got to the Starbucks or known as Impbucks

You weren't in the mood for dealing with anyone asking about the popular demon's life

As soon as the cashier asked for a name

You went for the first thing that came to mind

"A kidney crusher for Lucy, is there a Lucy?!"

As soon as you got back home you went to Lucifer

"I got it! Enjoy~"

"Lucy...? Must you always haunt me with that nickname."

"it's cute, try to take a break with work, okay Luci?"

Before he can say anything you distract him with a kiss on the cheek

Mammon:

Ginger with coconut milk with pineapple and starfruit

Mammon needed you to go on a coffee run for him

Witches held another debt over his head

Whilst he was running around trying to call up all demons that owed him

You were at the local Impbucks

Waiting in line with his order written down on your D.D.D

Once you got to your order you couldn't help but hope of cheering him up

You decided on a silly nickname

"Golden shake for Mammy!"

Luckily, when you got to the demon again he had a moment to himself

"hey handsome, got your drink."

He snatched it off you, trying to hide his blush

"what took you so long?! I've been waiting for CENTURIES."

"silence, I got you your drink,now you owe me money."

You walked off before he could fully process your claim

"HUH??!!!!!"

Levithan:

Ice Blue lemonade with lemon slices and monster

Levi rarely goes out especially if it's only for one thing

He's been craving some energy and asked you to go get him a drink from Impbucks

You, as the wonderful human you are, agreed

You had to wait in the rowdy line as people grew impatient

Almost breaking your nose when you bumped into the demon Infront of you

Levi owed you at this point

One part of your heart wanted to do something funny and another wanted to convey your annoyance

And so the name was chosen

You almost had to fight the cashier on it

"special gamer-ade for a Levo-zero!"

As soon as you got to his room you placed the drink down

He was cheering, thanking you for doing him this favour

"HUH?! Levo-zero?! I ranked level 999 today in my game! Do you know how special that kind of achievement is?!"

"right now you're a level zero best friend."

"what did those normie's do?! I'll summon loton-"

You decided to silence his rage

"maybe you could be a level 100 boyfriend instead."

RUN!

Don't worry, he'll seek you out as soon as he calms down

Satan:

Iced Green tea with honey drizzle with mint dressing

Satan had an outburst due to the house becoming too loud outside the library

He locked himself in his room out of guilt and hopes for peace

You decided to get him some tea to cheer him up

He's been suggesting to go in a Impbucks date for the past few days so you thought you'd go there

Luckily, the local Impbucks wasn't too crowded

You weren't in the mood to deal with a crowd

But as much as you were doing this out of the kindness of your heart

You were sadly the victim of his outburst

He made you feel very shitty about yourself

So nothing is better than passive aggression!

"green paradise for a shat-tan- is that correct? Shat-tan?!"

You had to force yourself not to laugh when you picked it up

You soon arrived back home, knocking on Satan's door

"who is it? If it's Mammon I will shove my book down your-"

"it's Me, I brought tea."

You were immediately allowed in

"Shat-tan....? I have been shitty to you today, haven't I? I'm so sorry, I never meant to snap like that - thank you for getting me tea."

He wasn't off the hook but you accepted his apology

You two spent the day reading together

Satan showering you in kisses and compliments

Asmodeus:

Strawberry and raspberry frap with strawberry Syrup with frozen berries ontop of whipped cream

"sweetie! Lucifer is forcing me to do my homework, can you get me some coffee? I can feel my skin breaking out from the stress."

Having mercy on his soul you agreed but could feel the cold grip of death creep upon you

You were behind on homework and you weren't sure if Lucifer has noticed or not

You knew today would be the day of reckoning

You were directed to the local Impbucks and had to wait in line

You spotted a table taking pictures of their orders

You were immediately reminded of the lustful demon

This place was perfect for him

You got a notification from his social media

A compliment about the stress and how long you were taking

You felt yourself frown, deciding to not go for a cute nickname for him

"frozen berry frap for assmo! Please pick up your order!"

You charged out when you heard murmurs about asmodeus being there

Once you got home you rushed to get him his drink

"you're an angel! Can you help me with this- WHAT DID YOU DO?!"

He finally noticed the name when he went to take a picture of it

"I don't know it just seems to come out that way, ASSmo."

"I'm sorry for complain but you were taking so long and I couldn't stand-"

You gave him a quick kiss on his cheek

"stop whining, it's bad for your skin."

You gave him a few more kisses, taking your leave but only met your demise outside his door

Beezlebub:

Vanilla bean with sweet cream latte with cinnamon powder ontop

You were out helping him record his workout

He needed energy and you needed a place to sit down after following him around for hours

You rushed to the nearest coffee shop

You scanned the food section, deciding what you should get

Once your turn was here you gave your drink order, asking for almost the entire food options

"energy booster and extra for Beely-bug."

You quickly jogged back to the gym after picking up more food

He was waiting for you, growing anxious

"did anyone bother you? You wouldn't let me go with you but I wanted to-"

You shoved the food Infront of his face, distracting him

"nothing happened, just got stares from all the food I got."

Whilst he digged in you stole a swig from his water bottle

"thank you- Beely-bug? I like it."

He couldn't stop smiling as he drank, happy you picked something cute

Belphegor:

Chamomile tea with milk, honey syrup and lavender

"hey, I ordered a drink from that Impbucks down the street, can you get it for me?"

After forcing him to say 'please' you agreed to get his order

But as revenge for getting in his face whilst he tried to go back to sleep, he shoved his foot in your face

He was struggling with sleeping as often as he normally could

A concern in itself

You had to deal with waiting for a long while, texting the sleepy demon to see how he was doing

Remembering how rude he was earlier you decided to choose something dumb for his order name

"sleepy time for Belfeet, pick it up on the counter on the right!"

You tried to get home as fast as you could

You found him hiding in the attic, grumbling as he forced his eyes shut

"your saviour is here!"

He popped his head out from the blankets and did the grabby hands for the drink

He let out a tired thank you, yawning between each word

You sat with him whilst he drank, watching him grow more tired and calm

"Belfeet...? Haha you never cease to be petty."

"just for that I'm leaving, no cuddles for you!"

He watched you leave the attic, too tired to be quick to react

"ah- WAIT-!"

#obey me #obey me shall we date #obey me shitpost #gamingclubpresident #obey me mammon #aracadejohn217 9 #obey me mc #obey me asmodeus #obey me beezlebub #obey me satan #obey me leviathan #obey me luficer #obey me belphegor #Starbucks #Starbucks rip off #obey me imagine #obey me x reader #obey me headcanon #obey me x you #a fun silly little thing #i know the doodles aren't completely clean amd look amazing #it was quick doodles #i don't draw drinks #or food #i really should practice more

[grantiskeith]

The Garden Path to Hell (William x reader) Pt3

Words: 1.5K

Warnings: Biting, kissing, vampires, mentions of blood

I wrote that night off in my head as a bad dream. I went back to my garden every weekend and I never saw anyone go into or out of my neighbor's woods. My thoughts were focused on getting my garden ready for a long winter. It had been several months since I saw William, I think he decided to keep his distance. Until tonight. The sun had just disappeared behind the horizon and I was ready to go back to my car and drive home. I would have if I had not seen him strolling down the path toward me. "Moin Moin" I called out to him. I wore a poker face to hide my excitement at seeing him again. "Hello my Maus, your garden is as beautiful as always" he bent down and took my hand, he placed a light kiss on top. He looked up at me over his glasses, "Although it is not nearly as stunning as its creator." He was smiling and I could see his fangs. Were they always there? Or did he just stop hiding them from me? "I have come to invite you to my house. I have been in possession of Chateau Margaux for quite a long time. There has been no one quite as elegant to share it with until I saw you tonight." I blushed, "careful with the flattery Mr. Solaire, blandishment will always get you what you want." He gave my hand back to me. We walked from the edge of my garden, through my woods into his own. We walked slowly, occasionally stopping altogether. He was an expert on all manner of subjects: mathematics, physics, philosophy. I learned he spoke German, English, French, Polish, Russian all fluently along with several other languages he "could not seem to master given all the time in the world." "Charlie Parker?" I said to him as we got to the front entrance of his hidden forest manor. "I thought you would favor the more classical jazz of Bill Evans or early Miles Davis" "Parker has a certain quality of randomness, so I can listen to his styling repeatedly and always be amused. That is important when it could get stuck in my head for 50 years." He led me to a private library where we sat on leather reading chairs and drank wine 4 times as expensive as the house I was raised in. "I have never thought about time until I met you William Solaire." He cocked his brow in interest. "I have an expiration date, although I do not know when. I use that day, when it comes eventually, to plan my life. I set my goals, I create my intentions with that day in mind. It motivates me and inspires me. I may not see tomorrow, so what do I intend to do today." "I remember thinking that way. To be completely honest, I never stopped thinking that way. Even as a vampire, tomorrow is never promised. I have found that if you are unable to live for yourself, live for others" I was sitting on his desk with the wine glass in hand while he sat on a reclining leather desk chair. "Ah, so that's the secret to a happy life?" "That is the secret to always finding meaning in the little things I do. Whether it is asking a progeny how his classes are going or walking through a garden. To answer your question, my Maus, I believe the secret to happiness is scouring the dirt for something that brings you life and letting it take you as far as possible. Not abandoning it, nor locking it in a cage, just following it" "I have always been told that the secret to happiness was love and loving something forever" "Ah" William looked out of the window. It was too dark outside to see anything but my reflection. He did not appear in the window. "Loving has always been a great passion of mine. It has always been temporary as everything I have ever loved has come and gone" he looked at me and smiled but his sliver eyes were worn. "There was a phrase I used to hear when I was young, 'Das Blaue vom Himmel versprechen.' It means a promise that is made in vain." I put my glass down on the table and leaned in to hear more. "When someone promises to love me forever, it only appears to be their forever" Getting up from his chair, he leaned in closer, nearly at a whisper. I felt his breath on my cheek. "Behind my immortality is a mortal man. I'm just a man searching for someone who brings me life"

I lowered my volume to match his and got closer to his ear, "If I could bring you happiness for only one night, would that be a promise from a blue sky?" "This moment is my promise, Maus" he closed the gap and laid a kiss on my cheek. The next kiss landed on my mouth. And again. William lifted my chin up towards him. I sat up and wrapped my arms around his neck, deepening the kiss. He let my mouth go and instead kissed down my neck. Starting until my ear, he caressed my chin. Slowly, meticulous, calculating. I took a very deep breath. He sent another slow trail down my neck. He picked one spot he found one spot particularly interesting on my neck and kissed around it. I loosened my shoulder and tilted my head and exposed more of my neck to him. A sigh escaped my mouth as he clamped and sucked the skin around that exact spot. I threw my hands up to his chest. He stepped back for a breath, pressing my hands into his chest. "You're good at that," I said breathlessly. "500 years of practice" he got close to my mouth again. "Your heart beats faster when I get closer to nerves in your neck." He stole a peck on the mouth. He smiled, "it also beats faster when you're embarrassed" "William," I said in a more serious and firm voice. "What happens if you bite me?" "You will give me, in a more literal sense, the life I mentioned and in return, you will feel pleasure flow to every corner of your body" he took another step back from me. He seemed to shift from a vampire back into a person. "Maus, I had no intention of biting you nor letting anyone else do so tonight. I apologize if I led you to that assumption and I regret any actions I may have taken to pressure you into asking that question. Your company is all that I desired." "No, no, there's no need please" I took my hand back and placed it back on my neck. He slid it down to my shoulder. "I was just curious" I looked down, we were silent for a moment. "Does it really feel good?" I asked. "That is another skill I have mastered over the centuries." I pulled his collar to bring him closer and got in close to his ear, "please bite me." It did not take too much more convincing after that. He offered his hand as I got myself off his desk standing next to him. He kissed down my chin to the center of my neck. His arms were wrapped around my shoulders, slightly dipping me to his side. "Just pull my jacket and I will cease immediately," he said. He kissed and nibbled his way down the front of my neck. I had never felt so exposed and vulnerable and yet so safe and guarded at the same time. I did not even know he had bitten into me, there was no stabbing or biting feeling. I may have thought it was a kiss if I didn't feel a wave of warmth engulf my body. He pushed my chest more closely into his own. My head was lost in ecstasy. I couldn't have produced a coherent thought if I tried. My eyes only saw the tops of the bookshelves with my head tilted back. My hands were balled into William's shirt although my grip was loosening. I could hear him sucking and swallowing. It sounded like a lot of blood. Oh my God! What was I doing! I felt my heart speeding up and a series of heart palpitations followed. There was a nick in my neck as he quickly let me go. I winced at the sudden teeth scratching against my skin. "My Maus, are you alright?" He helped me sit on the desk chair. He looked over his glasses to look at me. I lifted my hands to his cheeks. His skin was warm. That's my own blood, I thought to myself. For the first time since I had known William, I saw his eyes turn blue. Only for a moment before it faded. "Yeah, I'm sorry. I just got freaked out" "Stress can cause your heart to beat like that" William put his hand over the marks on my neck. I felt my skin pull tight, he healed them leaving me just as before. "That abrupt end left a small scratch, you were not meant to feel any pain." He searched with his eyes for any other sign of damage done. "Would I be fit to drive?" I asked "How about you stay the night?" William smiled.

#redacted asmr #redacted William #William Solaire

[blissfulsun]

Oooh girl there was once concept I sent you awhile back and I'm still craving it. It's where you are either cramping cause you're on your period or you've just had a horrid day, and pre-relationship Jeff wants to go all out to comfort you but he doesn't know how to do that without revealing his ever growing feelings towards you. I'm in for sooo much fluff right now. I have written SO much smut in the past 2 days that I just need some Jeffrey cuddle time at this point. LOL

late but I hope u still like it I love uuuuu❣️

It’s a day from hell, your meeting running well into your lunch break and workload never ceasing in volume.

To top it off, your period comes early and surprises you in the middle of the afternoon.

So with a heavy heart, you drop Jeff a simple message asking to reschedule your movie night.

There’s no reply as you finally get in your car and watch the office disappear around the corner, it’s looming pressure still heavy on your shoulders even as you ran for the lift inside your apartment complex.

You check your phone again, thrown deepening at the read 5:08pm that stares back at you.

Is he upset? The last thing you need on this Friday night is for your best friend to be upset with you for cancelling your weekly movie night.

The dark thoughts stay with you as you make it to your floor and step off the elevator, only to smack straight into a hard wall, or rather, chest as you turn the corner to your door.

‘Woah...careful doll’ you hear him before you see him, head lifting up so fast it almost gives you a whiplash as you finally look up to see Jeff standing right in front of you, one hand holding a plastic bag & other wrapped around your lower back to stop the almost fall you’ve had.

‘Hi? I - did you get my text? I’m so sorry but I’ve had the worst day ever and I don’t know if-‘ Jeff stops your stressed rambling, sensing the way tension to seeps into you as you continue to rant.

His hand drops the bag in an instant, both moving to carefully wrap around the nape of your neck and the other to cradle your warm cheek respectively.

‘I figured as much, you’ve been mia all day & I thought I’d grab your favourite and we could talk about it yeah? What do ya say doll?’

He’s soft in his delivery, eyes focused on your every expression and head leaning down to look you directly in the eye.

It makes his own mind spin momentarily before he reminds himself to focus on you and what you need right now.

You almost protest. Nearly thank him for being thoughtful but ask to reschedule in order to wallow in your own pity for the night.

But then you let yourself indulge, feel Jeff’s familiar warmth surrounding you after not seeing him since last week, texts and face time calls not nearly enough to appease your heart.

Giving in feels cathartic. Jeff knows it too, as soon as your head falls against his hard chest, this time intentionally, and you wrap your smaller arms around his waist in a needed hug.

The two of you stay that way for a while, minutes going by with you wrapped up tightly in his warmth, the stresses of your day slowly melting away.

Jeff himself finds his own eyes closing, taking a deep breath to truly appreciate having you this close, it only happens once in a while.

The comfort of it, familiarity in the way you find such solace in each other, no matter how busy you both become, how hard your week has been or how life gets in the way sometimes, you always have this: each other to hold tight.

His heart syncs with your own, thudding against your rib cage and softly against his own through his sweater. It feels so right, so easy to let the words slip past his mouth when you furrow deeper into his embrace, nose inhaling his familiar scent that’s just so Jeff it hurts.

The ‘I love you, so much darling’ feels equal parts euphoric and terrifying as he whispers his confession into your hairline.

You pause, all movement ceased as your mine catches up to his words.

Spoken so eloquently in the hallway as your food gets called in the bag by both your feet.

When you try to pull away, only far enough to see him again, Jeff’s initial response is to try and keep you in his arms.

The laugh and half playful huff of his name which leaves your mouth makes the man cave and finally let you move away.

‘You mean?-‘ ‘that I’m in love with my best friend? Yeah...kinda’ he interrupts your gentle prodding, breath picking up as your pretty eyes only stare at him in silent wonder.

He wants you to look at him like that all the time. ‘What - I, When?’ You finally stutter out, heart leaping in your chest at the way his right hand subconsciously reaches to nervously play with the hair at the back of his hair.

Jeff almost asks you two to continue this inside, his brain firing a quick reminder that staying put makes his escape route much easier if it all goes south.

He’s already done it now: said the words that have plagued his mind for months.

He doesn’t regret them, feels somewhat lighter despite your lack or response mirroring the daydreams in which he’s taken to building up this pretty little life the two of you could have.

He laughs nervously, ‘When? I mean, properly? since December I guess. If you want the exact moment then I can’t give you that- I think I’ve been in love with you since that time you met my mom and helped her make breakfast and you made my dad laugh so hard he got hiccups. Or maybe when you called in sick to go to the vets with me when Nerf found my chocolate stash or-‘

Jeff doesn’t get to finish that thought. To continue his endless list of reasons you’re the first thing on his mind in the morning and the last person he thinks about before bed as he finds you in his dreams soon after that.

You’ve heard enough, throat closing up as your best friend admits he’s loved you for almost 10 months now, perhaps longer if half of his recollections are anything to go by.

Your lips are on his before you even think it through, a natural instinct to the sweet words that drip off his tongue.

Jeff falls into it within seconds, eyes bulging open before he realises you’re kissing him and he finally closes them before reciprocating the soft touch as his hand wrap around your waist and pull you in tight.

Once you run out of breath and have to pull away, his lips chase your own before your giggling make him smile and take in the sight of you staring up at him like he’s brighter than every star in the sky.

‘I take it you-‘

‘I love you too’ you confess, promise to tell him every instance that’s made your heart leap in your chest once you two get inside and cuddle on the couch with the somehow still warm food in your laps.

#callmecupcakecastmember #this got A LOT longer that I planned oop #hope u like it🥺 #I also wrote this on my phone!!so sorry for any mistakes #jeff wittek blurb #jeff wittek concept #jeff wittek #jeff wittek fic #jeff wittek x reader #jeff wittek imagine #jeff wittek fanfiction #jeff wittek x y/n #jeff wittek x you

[artbyrivaille]

Lesson ☕

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words: 2,7k

warning's: none

paring: levi x reader

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She was always close to Erwin. She was in the corps longer than he was. From the beginning, he saw the strong bond that existed between her and the tall blonde. As he, too, became friends with Erwin after Farlan and Izabel died, he would necessarily spend time with her as well.

She was strong, really fucking strong. She never showed weakness, Erwin's perfect right hand. And it was obvious that they knew each other perfectly. They constantly accosted, joked and bitten. He could bet they were secretly dating.

And it irritated him terribly. Because he was starting to fucking care. Although he was the one who wanted to kill Smith, it was she who gave him comfort after the deaths of Church and Magnolia. It was she who helped him deal with the loss. It was because of her that he was who he was now.

And she never expected anything in return.

When he wanted to repay her one day for spending the whole night with him on the paper work that Eyebrows had commissioned him, despite the fact that she had the same amount in her office, she only smiled and said that the ideal payment for helping him would be if he would finally sleep.

It was eating him up inside.

That feeling for a woman who couldn't be his. l Why was he always so unlucky? Why did everyone whom he fell in love with, to whom he gave at least a bit of his already wounded heart, only took this piece and ran away with it irretrievably?

***

The woman was just finishing changing the bandage on his ankle. There was a slight nervousness on her face. But inside it was really a tumult. She wanted to really lock up young Ackermann in the dungeon for her lack of discipline. Because of her, the strongest soldier of mankind was unable to fight at such an important moment for them.

- Finished. - She announced and gave the man a slight smile and got to her feet. - Try not to step on that leg, do not exert yourself.  She added after a moment, wagging her finger at him like a mother who had just scolded her child for disobedience.

- Okay, where are you going now? - He asked, trying to hide the hope in his voice that she would stay with him to keep him company. Maybe they would have a tea together, which she loved almost as much as he did?

- I have to teach one of these brats a decent lesson. I'll come to you when I'm finished.  She replied and braided her hand through his black hair, combing it delicately. Then she left the man's office without a word.

What the hell lesson?

***

Woman was walking quickly towards the quarters where members of the one hundred and fourth training corps were imprisoned. She had to find Yeager. It was the only way to control Mikasa.

While walking down the corridor, I noticed blonde hair, bingo.

- Arlert!  - She called the boy quite loudly, which made him jump slightly in place, he was a bit fearful, but very intelligent. He turned to face her and saluted, after all she was one of the more important figures in the body. - Relax, you don't need to salute, do you know where Yeager is? - She asked the boy, and he relaxed a bit.

- Yes, I'm on my way to him. - He replied quickly.

- Okay, then drive, I need to talk to him.

- This is! - The boy began to head back down the corridor where he was going earlier, all the way neither of them said a word.  Despite the fact that the blond man had a lot of questions why the colonel l/n wants to talk to his friend.

When they finally reached their quarters, they saw a group of young cadets sitting at the table. They were quite loud, actually Kirstein and Yeager were arguing about a little bit as usual. The woman just sighed and shook her head disapprovingly.

- Silence!  - She screamed, and all conversations suddenly ceased, and the gazes of the cadets turned to her.  Almost all looks. - Stop arguing like kids, Yeager come to me, we need to talk. - She said and then turned on her heel, heading for the exit from the room without looking at the brunet, she knew that he would follow her.

When they got out into the fresh air, they walked a bit further away, she didn't want anyone listening to them, finally she looked at the boy and sighed.

- I have a request for you. - She said, and the brunet's eyes widened slightly.

- What is going on? - He asked a little stressed.

- As you well know, because of your friend Ackermann's incompetence, Captain Levi is unable to fight. You know very well that she has problems with discipline, if she goes on like this, someone will eventually get on his nerves and send her to resign. So I have a request, could I slash you a bit to make her obey? I know it's quite bizarre, but you are the only thing that affects her in any way. - The woman explained and waited for the boy's answer. She was pretty sure he would agree, after all, his friends were very important to him, but he also took great care of the corps command, fortunately for him.

- I agreed, I know what Mikasa is like and that she can be problematic. It's the same as in court, with the rest, you have nothing to worry about commander, I'll recover quickly. - The green eyed responded and smiled at her extremely broadly, he was really positive.

- Okay, go get her, and be in the courtyard in ten minutes. - She announced and headed towards the courtyard where she was going to conduct a lesson that young Ackermann would not forget for the rest of her life.

***

Two cadets came to the courtyard where the woman was waiting for them, she didn't even realize that Levi and Erwin were watching the whole situation closely from the window. May the two men not know you are up to the woman, and they were really curious about it, so they waited impatiently for the development of events.

Mikasa had a bored face as usual, she had no idea why the hell l/n had brought them there, but she didn't like it very much.

But Eren looked determined, he knew what awaited him, he knew it would not be pleasant, because he had heard more than once that the inconspicuous woman was considered the second, after captain kurduplu, the strongest soldier of humanity. But he was doing it for the sake of Mikasa.

- You are probably wondering why I brought you here, so. I want to finally make you realize how weak, not disciplined and too self-confident you are. Eren come over here. - She asked Yeager with a move of her hand to come closer to her, he took a deep breath and not worried about his friend's surprised look, he approached the woman. It swung and knocked him down with a right hook without much problem. The boy landed on the ground and got a kick in the face and another kick in the stomach. Mikasa jumped up to help the brunette, but / n stopped her with a move of her hand. - We'll go to a deal.  If you win a hand-to-hand fight with me, I'll let it go, if you don't, you will eventually obey orders, otherwise your friend will end up worse than you think and I will hand you over to my resignation. - The woman announced h/c and waited for the teenager's reaction.

She had a murder in her eyes, it was evident, the same gaze was directed at Levi when he abused Yeager in the courtroom. However, y/n didn't care, just threw her scout jacket off her shoulders. She rolled up the sleeves of her white shirt and smiled slyly at the black-haired girl.

She moved on her without thinking, made the first blow, but the woman avoided it without any problems and then cut her legs, and she fell to the ground. However, she got up quickly and delivered more blows, some of them were blocked by / n, and the other part was avoided. This fight was fun for her, she did everything to irritate the girl as much as possible.

She made another dodge and then delivered an accurate blow to the younger's liver. She hit it. She crumpled slightly under the impact, which the older one obviously used and knocked her to the ground once again. She kicked her one last time, another time in the liver, and the girl didn't have the strength to get up. She lost.

L/n knelt beside her, ignoring Yeager's surprised and fascinated gaze, and snorted slightly disappointed.

- From now on, you must obey. Go to the infirmary, I still have a business with your friend. - She announced and helped the girl to get up. Surprisingly, she accepted her help and, with her head bowed, moved towards the hospital, as ordered by the commander. - Thanks for your help, Eren, I hope I'm not hitting you too much. - Y/n laughed slightly, and the boy echoed her.

- I'm all right Commander, I'll regenerate. I think Mikasa will take this failure hard. But I didn't think you were so amazing! - He said a bit excited which amused the woman a bit.

- Thank you, years of practice, you too, go to the infirmary, I have a few things to do, thank you again for your cooperation. - She replied, gave him a grateful smile and lightly tousled his dark hair as it left. The boy, under the influence of her delicate touch, blushed slightly, but fortunately for him she was not able to see it. He turned in the direction she was headed, and for a moment he stared at the graceful movement of her hips.

***

Erwin was amused by the whole situation, and Levia was very surprised. However, he could not disagree with l/n that young Ackermann was a mere brat who had no discipline.

And at the same time he was delighted with the way y/n moved. Damn what that woman was doing with him. I think she needs to make Erwin realize that if he ever hurts her, nothing can save him from him.

- She was really angry when she found out you were hurt by some girl. She was worried.  - The blonde who was sitting on the couch in the black-haired's office finally said smiling mysteriously.

He knew.

Of course he knew about the feelings the shorter man felt for a woman. What's more, he knew perfectly well that she reciprocated them, but she didn't want to impose herself on him. She knew his story, and as a person who came from Pozdziemy just like Levi, she knew that he had a hard time. Nobody has it easy there.

Back-haired man gave him a surprised look, could it be another of his games? Was he trying to provoke him to say how he felt about HIS woman, so that he could punish him for it? It was very blonde. A fucking Eyebrows.

- What do you mean, Erwin? - He asked irritated and gave his friend an unfavorable look.

- That you both are idiots. You have feelings for each other, but you won't show it, goddamn it, me and Hanji have been trying to get you together for over three years, and you guys like those stubborn donkeys you go for a long time. - Confessed the general, and the lower one gasped. But how? He and fucked up four-eyes are trying to bind them together? And they also think that y/n has something for him too? It sounded so unreal in his head.

Erwin snorted at the sight of his puzzled face, suddenly realizing why the black-haired man did not make any movement towards the h/c-haired woman.

- Did you think me and y/n had something in common?  - He asked him, and he only nodded his head slightly, but not looking up at him. - We are just friends, together we belonged to the training corps, hence our strong bond, we treat each other like siblings. There was only one time we went further, but that was before we put you in the Corps, plus we were both drunk. - He explained, and the black-haired one just nodded his head as a sign that he understood. Goddamn it, all he had to do was talk to her and everything would be so much simpler.

Suddenly, the door from the brunet's office opened, and y/n just entered. Both men fell silent, and the shorter of them shifted uneasily in his chair. The h/c-haired woman looked at them a bit surprised, but was the first to break the silence in the room.

- From the fact that you are here both of you guess that you watched the whole show? - She laughed and then sat on the couch next to Erwin and tousled his perfectly styled hair.  The latter huffed at her something incomprehensible and lightly brushed her hand away.

- Yes, it was quite enjoyable to watch, and from your smug expression I conclude that you achieved your goal? - The blonde answered seeing that his friend is a bit anxious.

- That's right, there should be no more problems with Ackermann. - She said and smiled victoriously at which the man next to her only smiled slightly and got up from the couch heading to the exit, then left without a word, leaving the two of them alone. - How are you? - The woman's voice woke the black-haired man from his trance, blinked his eyes quickly and finally looked at l/n staring at him.

- Fine. - He replied casually wondering what he should do. His heart was beating as fast as it was about to burst from his chest, and that didn't help at all. - I would like to talk. - He added after a moment.

- Okay, so what would you like to talk about Levi? - She asked and then got up from the couch and walked towards the man. After a while she sat down with one thigh on his desk staring at him as if she knew perfectly well how it affects him. She was so damn perfect, and the straps of the gear for the ODM maneuver didn't help him contain his body's excitement.

He sighed heavily and looked away from her, feeling that he would be able to come just from looking at her, and yet they must have had a fairly serious conversation. He knew that if he didn't tell her now, he would never.

- I want to tell you something. I would have told you this a long time ago if it weren't for the fact that I'm an asshole. I..I ..- It was the first time in his life that he had stuttered, he felt so bloody insecure and the erection in his pants was not helping him focus.

- I love you too, Levi. - Y/n finished for him and with a smile she joined their lips in a long kiss.

- Ugh.. - That kiss wasn't even very erotic, but knowing that it could only be his in the end increased the tension in his body.

L/n broke the kiss and looked into her lover's eyes, into those cobbled eyes she adored so much. Then out of the corner of her eye she noticed what problem her partner is struggling with, she smiled slyly and then got up from his desk and extended her hand to him. Levi looked at her slightly confused but grabbed her small, delicate hand in his, large and rough.

Once again their lips joined in a kiss, this one because it is much more erotic, hot. After a moment, the man realized that the woman was leading him carefully to his bedroom. So she wanted it too, wanted him too.

- I think it's time for you to take a lesson too. She whispered straight into his ear, and a strong thrill of excitement ran down his path. He intended to use this lesson in depth and enroll in another one.

#aot smut #attack on titan #captain levi #eren #eren yeager #erwin smith #hange zoe #hanji zoe #levi #levi smut #levi ackerman #levi x oc #levi x reader #shingeki no kyoujin x reader #levi attack on titan #levi aot #levi heichou #shingeki no kyoujin levi #historia reiss

[its-snicket-here]

:) (1/4)

I'm just practicing my colons and semicolons a lil' bit. It has been a while I've done them (bwb).

And yes, this will be a series for ??? to flesh out his personality.

So why don't you take a seat and............................ :)

~~~~~~~~~~

Everything hurts. Everything hurts like hell. You don't vaguely remember anything related from yesterday. All you remember was going to a party at the edge of the woods and then passing out... What the hell happened? Groggily waking up, you noticed that you're not inside the house, hell, even not outside obviously. The whole damn place looks like it came out of some fucking fairytale wonderland. The walls were pale white smooth, almost like stone far away, but it was actually made out of wood if you look closely enough. The flooring was made out of smooth rock tiles and most importantly a large rounded arch window alcove. The curtains were held back, showing it was raining... rather heavily. Strange... you don't remember anything being rainy in any day or so...

Thankfully, you still had your clothes on: assuring you that there isn't some creep trying to rape you... or anything like that... hopefully... Hopping off from the bed, you started to admire the place just a little more. For sure, you where expecting to be in someone's basement or somewhere abandoned; but this, this is took nice of a room to be even be trapped in.

But what if it's a stalker?...

Shit... What if it IS a stalker? You gazed outside of the window to see if there was like anything you could possibly get out, but to your shock there wasn't. From your stand point, there is no fucking way you'll survive jumping out of the window. It was as if you were in some tower with... Wait.... Since when the hell did raindrops become thicker as ever?... Wait... Wait... Wait...Observing outside even more, your anxiety started to peek. There is not fucking way you just shrunk and is now inside some birch tree tower like some damsel in distress in some kids movie! Running to open the door, you were greeted by a cyan haired stranger looking down at some pit. You don't know who the hell they are, but all you could hear is screaming and that their hand is moving around with some magical aura flowing out of it. You closed the door quietly as you could and tried to tip toe pass, hoping that who ever that person is doesn't notice you. But it seems like real life RNG says no. As soon you were midway between to another door, their- no, his voice echoed out to you.

"It seems like you had recovered," he turned around, with the way he look and act, it sounded like he wasn't making someone suffer earlier. With a flick of his hand, the pit was already covered with wood planks; hiding any evidence of the pit existing. The stranger smiled, as he held your hand, giving a kiss on your knuckles. You took this moment to gain a closer look at your captor: he had a slightly feminine face shape and eyes, but even though he has those, you could easily tell he was a male by his frame. Though slim, he was slightly built and taller than you. What intrigues you the most is his golden eyes, the way he looked at you made you felt... uncomfortable "You're lucky that I found you and that it wasn't a creep, sweetheart."

Despite him being all nice and gentlemen like to you, you still couldn't trust him; even if he DID indeed found you passed out and didn't rape you or chained you up. With what you saw, you could easily tell that he is indeed a dangerous man and shouldn't piss off in the slightest. "Who knows when a stranger would take an advantage of your body? A cutie like you shouldn't go outside passing out on some abandoned trail so defenseless. Who knows when- Oh! Did I scared you earlier when you woke up?" His face morphed from happy to concern, as he pulled you close into a hug, barely enough time for you to even peep a word. Guess that he never heard the word personal space, huh?

"Don't worry about the screaming from the pit earlier. I have a banshee currently trapped in there for protection. Their screams are loud as hell without earplugs or any noise canceling headphones. You're lucky that I was there tuning in their screaming or else you would be deaf right now," the boy rambled. You slightly went out of his grasp, gazing at him with a distrustful look. He only smiled... rather eerily at you.

"W-where am I?" You questioned, you refrained yourself from cursing, despite how much you wanted too. However you can't. You rather not have some magical guy pissed at you for simply cursing. The boy only smiled, he opened his arms spinning around.

"This is my home!" He exclaimed proudly, "All magical and stuff. Just don't touch anything that has a jolly roger like sticker or signs, especially in the alchemy section or the magic room, and you'll be ok!" That's.... not easing you any further or even sound so comforting.

"Who... Are you?" This seemed to paused the boy in his thoughts, when you asked for his identification, although you know that his smile right now seems more dark... Yeah. You're going to die any moment now.

"I... You may call me Nino, and I'm just a magical guy living in the woods. Nothing out of the ordinary." His golden eyes lowed slightly, as he mentioned his "name." Not even easing your worries even further, you really need to tread carefully... Or else... You opened your mouth to ask another question, only to be soon interrupted by your stomach growling. You looked away from Nino's gaze, as the tension in the air ceased. Well at least that relieves 5% of that stress... "Ah yes, you must be hungry, obviously. You've been knocked out for a day when I found you and carried you back here, sweetheart." Slinging his arm around your shoulders, he pulled you close to his side. "Come on, I made breakfast in the kitchen..."

"You like strawberries, blueberries, or chocolate chips on your pancakes?"

#oc x reader #??? #:) #fairy oc #yandere #yandere oc #yangire #oh fucking god #i suck at writing

[a-blue-secret]

CHAPTER VI

BACK TO MASTERLIST

Chapter V | Chapter VI | Chapter VII

GENRES: royal au; fantasy au; magic au; friends-to-enemies-to-lovers; king!beomgyu, vizier!taehyun

PAIRING: taegyu

WARNINGS: mild swearing

WORD COUNT: 5k+

AN: ahahaha there's so much I want to say about this chapter, but... Taehyun, are you jealous?

SUMMARY: Best friends turned enemies, Kang Taehyun has managed to trick Choi Beomgyu into his service, and to rule for a year and a day, until his youngest brother would be old enough to take the throne. Choi Beomgyu has no intention of being obedient however, and tries to thwart Taehyun’s orders at every turn. With a growing amount of distrust and lies within the court, will Taehyun manage to keep the kingdom of Gojongja from falling apart?

Taehyun strode up to Beomgyu's door. He was lifting his hand to knock when Beomgyu suddenly flung it open, beaming brightly.

"Ah, my dear vizier! What brings you here?"

Taehyun felt that Beomgyu wasn't actually looking for a response to the question. His hand hovered in the air, before he clasped them behind his back and gave Beomgyu a sharp bow. "Your Greatness."

"As a matter of fact, it is wonderful that you happened to drop by. Lord Namjae wanted to hear about this alliance, and I told him that you were the one who memorised the terms, isn't that right?" Beomgyu's eyes clearly screamed 'help me'. Taehyun raised his eyebrows at the strange vulnerability.

"Indeed it is, sire," he replied. "And coincidentally, I happen to have the agreement with me. I was just going to put it into the archive, but I suppose I could bring it out to discuss if our Lord Namjae is so concerned about it."

"In that case, why don't you come in? The Lord is in my tea room right now." Beomgyu closed the door behind Taehyun, and lowered his voice. "I swear to God, Kang Taehyun, this Lord is going to be the end of me. He's so fucking annoying. Please, just get rid of him and stop him from asking questions, he's hurting my head."

Taehyun looked at him, unimpressed. "Dramatic much?"

"Bet you haven't held a three-hour debate with him. Half the time he was just rambling about the same thing over and over again," Beomgyu muttered sourly, following Taehyun as the vizier made his way to the tea room next to Beomgyu's chambers.

"Nothing I can't handle," Taehyun dismissed. "Just don't say a word. I can deal with it."

.・゜-: ✧ :-　　

Taehyun breathed in, and tried to exhale calmly. “As I just said, it clearly states-”

“Yes, but what does it mean?” Lord Namjae interrupted. “This is all stuff and nonsense if you can’t understand it.”

Taehyun frowned. “This is a completely simple clause, my lord.”

“For you, perhaps,” the lord sniffed. “Not all of us had the same privileged upbringing as you had.”

Beomgyu watched worriedly as a muscle jumped in Taehyun’s jaw. Lord Namjae was treading on very thin ice. Taehyun did not take kindly to people who looked down on his efforts simply because he was born into a rich life.

“Well,” Taehyun began. “If one had common sense and a little comprehension ability, you’d be able to see that the facts are stated extremely clearly. Regardless of upbringing, I am sure anyone would be able to understand.”

The lord peered at the writing again. “This ridiculous phrasing,” he muttered. “Who says things in this fancy way, anyway?”

“It is an official alliance, sir. It has to be written like this.”

Lord Namjae grumbled, holding the agreement at arm’s length, before bringing it close to analyse the writing again. Then he looked up at Beomgyu. “And you agreed to this? Without consulting anyone in your own court?”

“I talked with my vizier, and he and I both agreed that this alliance would do Gojongja no harm,” Beomgyu said smoothly. “And Sir Taehyun’s intellect is above the majority if not all of this court’s, so this decision was made in a very intelligent and sensible mindset.”

“Hm,” the lord said sceptically. “But why did you agree? And why only consult your vizier? What about the rest of your kingdom?”

Behind his back, Beomgyu clenched his hands into fists. He sighed deeply, and turned to Taehyun. “Taehyun, is there any possibility that I may be able to form my own board council?”

Lord Namjae bristled. “Some of the members of our council are from our oldest and most trustworthy families. You cannot simply expel them simply because they annoy you.”

Beomgyu raised an eyebrow. “What clan are you from, Lord Namjae? And who said they were annoying me? The members were formed by the Jinju Kang clan, after all. Perhaps it is time for a change of face.”

"Well, I say! This is why we do not have such young kings on the throne. They go around and sabotage the kingdom which had been functioning perfectly fine, until young boys come along meddling with things."

That was it. Beomgyu had had enough. "Taehyun, remind me to review the members of the Board Council, and replace members if necessary."

Taehyun's lips twitched. "Of course, sire."

Lord Namjae spluttered. "This is outrageous! Who do you think you are, going round replacing members of the council?"

"I am the King," Beomgyu replied sternly. "And you may address me in the appropriate manner. Besides, what does it matter to you? If you are descended from an ancient clan, and do not annoy me, you have no reason to worry about getting removed, do you?"

The Lord seemed to grow purple with suppressed emotion.

"Well!" Beomgyu said, clasping his hands together. "I hope the terms of the alliance are clearer to you now, my Lord. You may leave now. Have a nice day." Lord Namjae had no choice but to stand up, and was escorted out by Chan. But before he left, he turned round to glare at the young King.

"What you have done is not wise, my king. None of what you have done is wise in the slightest."

Once the door had closed behind him, Beomgyu stuck his tongue out at the door. Taehyun giggled at Beomgyu's childish action. Beomgyu, slightly surprised at Taehyun's response, turned to smile at him in shock.

"Well," Taehyun said, laughing a little. "That Lord was… something."

Beomgyu flopped down into the seat the lord had previously vacated. "You don't say. I had to deal with his annoying ass for three hours prior."

"You didn't need me though, did you?" Taehyun said, grinning slightly. "You managed to get rid of him easily enough."

Beomgyu didn't know what had caused Taehyun to suddenly be so relaxed and friendly around him, but he wasn't going to complain. He missed bantering with the younger. "Yeah well," he shrugged nonchalantly. "Guess I'm just more awesome than I thought."

Taehyun laughed.

"By the way," Beomgyu said, "could you actually remind me to review the members of the council? I'm seriously thinking of changing them." He grinned mischievously. "I might be reviewing it just to kick Lord Namjae off, but anyway."

Suddenly, Taehyun's eyes dimmed, and his face closed off. The smile slipped off his lips, mouth set into a firm line. Beomgyu blinked at his sudden transformation.

"You shouldn't have done that," Taehyun said coldly. "Provoking the Lord like that? That's petty. And he was right. That's not wise. He's a Lord, Beomgyu. He has influence over the citizens and even some other Lords." Taehyun stood up. "I'm going back to my chambers. I have business to deal with."

Beomgyu scowled. "What's wrong with you? Are you content with us staying enemies? One minute you were laughing with me, and the next you're biting my head off. Seriously, what's wrong?"

Taehyun ignored him. "Goodbye, Your Greatness." He sharply closed the door behind him, and Beomgyu glared at the painted white wood. What was up with Taehyun?

.・゜-: ✧ :-　　

Taehyun sharply strode back to his chambers, hands held tight behind his back. He stood in front of his door, not entering his room, and rested his forehead against the surface. Taehyun took several slow, deep breaths, eyes closed.

"Are you okay, sire?" Heesung asked.

"Yeah," Taehyun replied sarcastically, not opening his eyes. "Just fine." Heesung raised his eyebrows slightly at the stressed undertones to the vizier's voice, but didn't say anything. They were silent, but then Taehyun raised his head, opening his eyes. He waved his hand carelessly. "Seriously. I'm fine. I just don't want to talk about it. Tell anyone who comes that I'm busy, okay?"

Heesung looked like he wanted to say more, but he closed his mouth and bowed. "Of course, sire."

Taehyun nodded, and stepped into his room. Inside, he took a deep breath, and walked to his desk which was still covered by papers. He didn't want to dwell on how normal it had felt to let his guard down and joke with Beomgyu, nor on how it gave him a fluttering sense of familiarity to laugh with the other, and definitely not on how Beomgyu's eyes had lit up with delight when Taehyun smiled at him. He scrunched up his eyes, blinking a few times, before mindlessly picking up a letter. Focus, he told himself. There’s no time to get sidetracked.

He shook his head, and blinked, hard, to try and get his eyes to focus. It was then that he realised he was holding the letter upside down. He sighed, turning it the right way up, as he began to read.

Soon enough, he was immersed into his work, and the rest of the world ceased to exist.

“To Lord Hyunjin,” Taehyun spoke as he wrote. “Hm… what do I want to say? Well firstly,” he mused, getting up to start pacing around the room. “Firstly, I want to say thank you. You know, for the information. But I suppose it would be important to know how he received the info, right? Actually, no,” Taehyun dismissed, waving his hand. “No, I don't need to know. He probably found out through spies, anyway. It’s no big deal how he found out.” Taehyun sat back down at the desk, tapping his fingers against the wood. “Asking what I should do with the information would be good, though. Maybe ask him to be more specific? Yeah. Yeah, I should.”

If you hadn’t noticed, Taehyun talked to himself. A lot. It was a habit he developed, and it actually helped him get his thoughts in order. Life in court meant making important decisions in a short amount of time, and he'd found that discussing his opinions aloud allowed him to think more clearly.

He muttered to himself for a few more minutes, planning out how he was going to write the letter. Then Taehyun straightened, grabbing a blank piece of parchment. He paused, thinking for a moment, before dipping his quill into the ink and began to write.

.・゜-: ✧ :-　　

“Alright, done,” Taehyun announced to no one in particular. He scanned his letter a few times, before nodding his head. “Okay. Sounds good.” He glanced at the other letters he hadn’t replied to. “Ah. What do I do about those?” He thought for a moment, and then shrugged. “Eh, whatever. I’ll send a verbal message of ‘thank you’. They’re all filled with the same nonsense anyway.” Taehyun stood up, sealing his letter to Lord Hyunjin, before opening his door.

“Hello, Heesung,” Taehyun greeted. His guard bowed in acknowledgement. “Do you know where that Aruyeonan messenger is?”

“Afraid not,” Heesung answered. “One of the other guards took them somewhere, but I’m not sure.”

“Okay. I’ll just wait for someone to pass by and ask them.”

You know how in novels and movies, every time the protagonist is looking for someone to send a message, a person coincidentally walked past at that exact moment? Taehyun expected that to happen, so he leaned against his doorframe, waiting for someone to walk past. As the minutes dragged on, however, it became clear that nobody was going to come into the hallway. Taehyun sighed, pushing himself off the doorframe.

“Guess I’m going to have to go look for someone then,” he said. “Come on. Let’s go find someone.” Heesung wordlessly followed after the vizier as they wandered around the palace, hoping to bump into anyone at all.

Wandering around one of the palace’s many gardens, Taehyun crossed paths with one of the Lords from the council. He bowed in passing, but the Lord gave him a blank, almost icy, stare. Taehyun looked back at Heesung questioningly, but the guard just shrugged. Hm. That was odd. Nevertheless, he pinned it down to the Lord being stressed and worried.

"Wait," Taehyun said, turning around. "Ah, I should have asked him." Taehyun paused, but then shrugged. "Oh well. He probably wouldn't know." They wandered around for a little longer, and found someone unfamiliar walking between two flower bushes. Heesung immediately stepped in front of Taehyun.

"Sir. That man over there is a foreigner."

Taehyun looked over. "Oh, that's the messenger guy. Don't worry. We can trust him."

Heesung frowned slightly, but let Taehyun walk past him, up to the Aruyeonan.

"Excuse me?" Taehyun said. "Would you happen to be a servant of Lord Hwang Hyunjin of the Aruyeo Kingdom?"

The boy startled, but swiftly bowed. "That would be me," he said politely. "Do you have a response?"

Taehyun handed him the letter. "That is my answer to Lord Hyunjin. As for the other Lords… tell them the Grand Vizier sends his thanks, but Gojongja is doing wonderfully without their assistance."

The messenger bowed again, taking the scroll from Taehyun. "Thank you, sir. I will be sure to deliver your response."

Taehyun wanted to say something more to indicate he had received the secret message, but found he couldn't say anything without seeming strange or weird. So instead, he nodded, and tapped the scroll in the messenger's hands. "Give my thanks to Lord Hyunjin," he said. "His letter has helped me greatly."

The messenger bowed again. "I am sure he was glad to be of service," he said. "If you do not mind, I shall be on my way now."

"Of course." Taehyun gestured down the path. "If you go through that door there, you will find yourself in our ballroom. From there, it should be relatively easy to find the palace entrance." He inclined his head. "Have a safe journey."

Taehyun watched as the messenger made his way back into the palace. He sighed. “Maybe Lord Hyunjin is right, though,” he murmured. “Should we have a revel to welcome Aruyeo?” Taehyun quickly shook his head. “No wait- nevermind. That’s not a good idea. The Lord probably didn’t mean it, right? Besides, this is only the start of the alliance. We shouldn’t rush into such things until we are full, trustworthy allies. Ah,” Taehyun remembered, turning around. “Where is that Lord Yeonjun?” He turned to Heesung. “Heesung. Do you know what room the Aruyeonan lord is staying in?”

“I do, sire.”

“Good. Should we pay him a visit?”

.・゜-: ✧ :-　　

“Hello, would Lord Yeonjun happen to be inside?” Taehyun asked the guard.

“Unfortunately not, sire,” the guard replied. “He and His Greatness have gone horse riding.”

Taehyun raised his eyebrow. “Horse riding? Together?”

“Yes, sir.”

“How long has it been?”

“A few hours, I believe, sire.”

Taehyun nodded slowly. “Okay. Thank you.” He inclined his head, and walked away.

Heesung followed as Taehyun strode down the hallways. “Sire? Are you going to go horse riding too?”

“Obviously,” Taehyun replied. “Who’s outside my door right now?”

Heesung thought for a moment. “I believe it is Yang Jungwon, sire.”

“Okay. That’s cool. Tell Jungwon he is relieved of duty for the next few hours. You take his place. I want to go riding alone.”

“O- of course, sir. Right away.” Heesung abruptly changed direction, heading back into the palace. It was a strange order, sure, but he trusted Taehyun to be able to protect himself. Hell, they’d taken taekwondo and boxing lessons together for eight years- he’d be fine.

Taehyun continued to stride determinedly to the stables. Upon hearing that Beomgyu was out horse riding, he’d suddenly had a strange urge to go out himself. He wasn’t sure why, but he did. Upon reaching the stables, he wandered thoughtfully past the horses, thinking on which one to take. “Hmm… oh? You’re new?” Taehyun stopped in front of a pale red scaled horse. “Where’s the stable boy?” A small head popped out from a horse’s stall.

“Yes? How may I assist you, sir?”

“When did this horse come in?” Taehyun asked, pointing towards the scaled animal.

“Oh, just this morning, sir,” the boy replied. “He was found by the Aruyeonan Lord, sire. The lord was out riding, and brought him back, saying he had been found in the woods. We did a check. He’s completely safe.”

“His name?” Taehyun inquired, stroking the horse’s striped muzzle.

“Still unnamed, sire.”

“Hmm. Well, as much as I would like to get to know the new horse, I think I’ll go with my classic. Where’s Hobak?”

“In his private stall, sir.”

“Good. I’ll go saddle him.” Taehyun paused. “Hang on, I think I’ll go with something more adventurous. You, go fetch my bow and quiver. Tell them to set up my targets in the woods. I’m going to go do archery.”

The stable boy bowed, before hurrying off. Taehyun walked to Hobak, and unlocked the door. “Hello, Hobakie,” Taehyun murmured. “You up for some bareback archery?”

.・゜-: ✧ :-　　

“It seems the majority of the bonding we’re doing is on horseback,” Beomgyu joked as he and Yeonjun leisurely rode their horses around the fields.

“So it seems,” Yeonjun chuckled. “So. Are we going to a particular destination?”

“You should be the one telling me! You’re the one who asked me to come, after all,” Beomgyu said.

“Right, right,” Yeonjun said, laughing a little. “So, a few hours back, I went riding and found that horse. You know, that red scaly one."

"That was you?" Beomgyu said in surprise. "Wow. I saw that, when I was getting Toto. We haven't had a serpentine horse in ages. That's so cool."

Yeonjun smiled. "Yeah, so, I found him, and also this really cool clearing in the woods. I thought you might want to check it out."

Beomgyu's eyes lit up. "Oh, hell yeah! That's amazing! You remember where it is, right? Then by all means, lead the way! Come on!"

Yeonjun chuckled at Beomgyu's sudden eagerness, and picked up his pace.

"Okay, so from here, it's either left or right," Yeonjun said, slowing down at a fork in the woods. Behind him, Beomgyu chuckled.

"This is such a cliche thing," he said. "If we take the wrong path, are we going to end up in a beast's castle or something?"

"You never know," Yeonjun joked, turning around in his saddle to face Beomgyu. "We might turn into beasts ourselves." He turned back around again so he was looking forward. "But no worries. I know which way it is. Come on." Yeonjun set off down the left path, whistling a tune.

"Ooh, that's a nice song," Beomgyu commented. "What's it called?"

"Oh, I just made it up on the spot," Yeonjun said. He whistled a few more bars, cheerfully. Beomgyu sighed.

"I can't whistle," the young King confessed. "Like, I can't whistle at all. Every time I do, I just seem to be blowing air."

"Aw come on, with a little practice I'm sure you can do it."

"No, seriously, I can't." Beomgyu pursed his lips, and blew. No sound came out. "I can play the lute, I can sing, I can dance, but I can't whistle."

"What, is this like the one drawback in your entire life?" Yeonjun chuckled.

"Yeah! Everyone in court can whistle, but I can't," Beomgyu pouted sadly.

"I'm sure you'll figure it out some day, Your Greatness," Yeonjun reassured him.

Beomgyu grumbled annoyedly. "That's what everyone says. I'm twenty-five, and I've never learnt how to whistle."

"Don't fret, Your Greatness. I only learnt how to play the lute two years ago."

"How old are you?" Beomgyu asked curiously.

"Only a couple of years older than yourself."

"Right. But still, it's not fair! I've tried every whistling tactic there is, and I just can't do it."

"Could it be to do with your ability?"

Beomgyu laughed. "God, no. If anything, my ability should have made it easier." He sighed forlornly. "Perhaps it doesn't do delicateness," he said thoughtfully. Beomgyu turned to Yeonjun. "What's your ability?”

Yeonjun didn't seem to hear him, as he pointed. "Ah, here we are!"

They ducked under a few branches, and were suddenly in a little alcove, cut off from the rest of the world. Even the opening through the trees that they'd come through seemed to have disappeared. The late afternoon sun shone through the leaves, and a lone purple butterfly fluttered about the flowers.

"Wow," Beomgyu said, looking around. "It's… beautiful."

"I know right?" Yeonjun agreed, dismounting. "I found the horse here. Standing right under this birch tree." He walked over to said tree and stood under it. "Right here."

Beomgyu dismounted Toto, and wandered around the clearing, marveling at the quiet beauty of nature. He tilted his head back and closed his eyes, revelling in the silence. But then, in the distance, he heard the sound of thundering hooves. His eyes opened, and he turned to Yeonjun.

"Do you hear that?" he said to the Aruyeonan, but Yeonjun was already heading towards the source of the sound.

"Woah… Beomgyu, come look at this."

"What?" Beomgyu walked over to where Yeonjun was staring out between two tree branches. "What is it– oh. It's Kang."

Taehyun was thundering through the forest on Hobak, aiming at the archery targets which had been set up on the trees. His face was determined and focused, and even from where they were Yeonjun and Beomgyu could hear the harsh sounds of the arrows hitting the target. And they could tell it was being hit straight in the bullseye.

"He's riding bareback as well," Yeonjun said in awe. His eyes followed Taehyun as he galloped past. Beomgyu rolled his eyes.

"Don't stare at him like that. It's creepy."

Yeonjun turned around to Beomgyu, smirking. "What, are you jealous?"

Beomgyu scoffed. "Of who? Kang? Why would I? I don't want you to look at me like that."

"No," Yeonjun laughed. "Are you jealous that someone else is paying attention to Taehyun?"

Beomgyu, who was walking back to Toto, tripped over a tree root. He glared back at Yeonjun. "What the fuck? Why would I be jealous of that? I'm not in love with him."

"Sure." Yeonjun walked over to Starburst.

"Seriously, I'm not," Beomgyu insisted. "We were friends, and that's it. Now we're just colleagues. I don't have romantic feelings for him."

"Of course you don't." Yeonjun checked Starburst's reins, adjusting their length.

"That's right. I don't." Beomgyu crossed his arms. "I'm not in love with Kang. Bleh."

Yeonjun looked up at Beomgyu, grinning. "I already agreed with you," he said. "Why are you still going on like that?"

"Just to drive my point home," Beomgyu replied. "Now come on. Can we go? I wanna have at least one race before dinner."

"Alright, alright," Yeonjun grinned, mounting Starbust. "I'll lead the way."

.・゜-: ✧ :-　　

After riding through the woods, Taehyun felt significantly better. His steps felt lighter, and he felt the calmest he'd felt in ages. The stable boy came to take Hobak, and Taehyun bowed.

"Thank you for setting up the targets on such short notice," he said. The boy bowed.

"Anything for the King's Grand Vizier," he replied. "Would you like me to take your bow and quiver away too?"

"Yes," Taehyun said. "Oh, and you may need to have someone go take the arrows out of the targets. I don't want a bird to accidentally fly into it."

"Of course, sire."

Taehyun walked back to the palace, breathing in contentedly. He hasn't rode a horse for pleasure in ages, nor had he done archery for fun in quite a few months either. It was like a huge mound of stress had been lifted from his shoulders. At that moment, a voice called out his name, and the said huge mound of stress suddenly settled itself on Taehyun's frame again.

"Hey! Kang Taehyun!"

Taehyun closed his eyes, and turned around on his heel to smile pleasantly at Beomgyu. "Yes, Your Greatness?"

"You were riding in the woods?" Beomgyu demanded, striding up to him. Taehyun inclined his head.

"Indeed I was," he replied. He tilted his head innocently. "Why? Is there a problem with that?" He spotted Yeonjun some ways behind Beomgyu, and took note of their mud-splattered riding boots. "Oh! Did I interrupt your date?"

Beomgyu spluttered. "What? Date?? I'm not dating anyone!"

"Oh, my apologies, Your Greatness. I just assumed, since you have gone out with Lord Yeonjun an awful lot."

Beomgyu narrowed his eyes, detecting the sarcasm in Taehyun's voice. "What's wrong with you?"

Taehyun widened his already-wide eyes. "What's wrong with me? Nothing's wrong, sire!" he chirped. "Ah, Lord Yeonjun! Are you to dine with us today as well?"

"If it's not too much trouble," Yeonjun said, smiling.

"Of course not!" Taehyun beamed.

"Ah, thank you, sir," Yeonjun said, bowing. He began to take off his riding gloves. "I'll get undressed and then redressed for dinner, then. Will it be normal time?"

"Yes," Taehyun inclined his head as Yeonjun walked past him up to the palace. "You know where to find the dining room!"

Once Yeonjun was out of earshot, Taehyun's exaggerated smile dropped. He turned to Beomgyu, and inclined his head. “Well, I’ll see you at dinner. Please don’t be late.”

Beomgyu watched as Taehyun walked in back to the palace. He tilted his head, confused. “Why’s he taking the back door?” he wondered. “Ah, whatever.” He jogged ahead to catch up with Yeonjun.

“Your Greatness,” Yeonjun greeted. “Your vizier is very nice. I like him.” He frowned. “Though, he doesn’t seem to like me.”

“Kang doesn’t like anyone,” Beomgyu dismissed. “That’s just how he is.”

Yeonjun hummed. “That’s fine. I’ll win him over in no time, though.”

Beomgyu rolled his eyes playfully. “Yes, with your wonderful charm and breathtaking looks,” he said.

“I’m glad you agree that they’re breathtaking,” Yeonjun joked.

“Dream on,” Beomgyu laughed. They stopped in front of Yeonjun’s door.

“Well, see you at dinner, sire.” Yeonjun bowed, and stepped inside.

As soon as the door closed, the smile on Beomgyu’s face dropped and his shoulders slumped. He really didn’t feel like dinner with Taehyun, that day. He hadn’t felt like looking at Taehyun all day, ever since the incident that followed what had happened with Lord Namjae. Beomgyu didn’t know why it bothered him so much, that Taehyun had suddenly changed how he acted. He scrunched his eyebrows and sighed. Kang wouldn’t get mad if he forfeited dinner, would he? Heck, he didn't want to eat at all. Well, he was the king. Taehyun couldn’t force him into having dinner. He nodded. Right, he was the king! He could do that. With his mind made up, he went to his chambers, determined to get an early night’s rest.

.・゜-: ✧ :-　　

Taehyun tapped his fingers on the table. These days, it seemed he was waiting for people a lot. At that moment, Lord Yeonjun stepped into the room.

“Sir Taehyun,” he said, bowing. “His Greatness won’t be joining us today. He said he feels unwell, so he’s going to forgo eating dinner.”

Taehyun sighed, nodding. “Very well. It’ll be just you and me then.”

Yeonjun sat down in the seat, rather awkwardly. Taehyun paid him no attention and just began to eat. Yeonjun hesitantly picked up his cutlery too.

“Sir?”

Taehyun looked up, still chewing.

“Forgive me for seeming rude, but… why is it that you don’t seem to like anyone at all?”

Taehyun chewed slowly, before swallowing. “Well,” he began slowly. “You never know who you can trust.” He looked at Yeonjun. “Some people just aren’t… trustworthy.”

Yeonjun smiled blandly. “I understand that. But with people that you know, why is it that you still don’t like them?”

“You’re talking about Beomgyu, aren’t you?” Taehyun set down his cutlery. “In his case, I suppose…. Just because you know someone well doesn’t mean you like them.”

“But judging by how Beomgyu talked, you did like him for a time?”

Taehyun’s cutlery, which he’d just picked up, clattered onto his plate again. “Don’t speak of such things like that,” he said lowly. “And just because we used to be friends doesn’t mean we’re friends now. Things change.” Yeonjun nodded thoughtfully.

“That is true. What changed between the two of you?”

Taehyun dragged his finger over the rim of his glass. He contemplated throwing the crystalline object at the Aruyeonan, fingers sliding down to grip its glass stem tight. Eventually, he loosened his grip, still staring into the silver wine inside the glass. “What happened between Beomgyu and I in the past is none of your concern,” he said finally. “We were friends, but then we weren’t. And now, he is King and I his advisor.”

“You do know that the whole business of Beomgyu being King is odd, don’t you? Especially since I can gather that you two are enemies. Additionally, on the day of the Crown Handing it almost looked like you had planned to make Beomgyu king.”

Taehyun looked up sharply, but Yeonjun was just casually taking another bite out of his food. “I’m just saying that’s what it looked like,” Yeonjun said, once he noticed Taehyun’s gaze. Taehyun didn’t say anything, and continued to watch Yeonjun. His expression didn’t change, but if one looked closely they’d be able to see Taehyun clench his jaw just a little tighter, and his eyes flicker just a little.

“If you say so,” Taehyun said finally. He continued to eat, thinking. He hadn’t thought about how obvious it may have been that he was planning to make Beomgyu the king. Now he thought back, it probably did look very careful and calculated. But, no one was objecting to Beomgyu’s rule, Taehyun countered himself fiercely. Everything was fine. People didn’t care, as long as they had a king. It would be fine. He looked up at Yeonjun again, who was still shovelling in food, oblivious to how Taehyun looked like he was going through a midlife crisis. How had Yeonjun picked up on that? Why had Taehyun not thought about that, while he’d been planning? Taehyun brought his glass to his lips, face set in a troubled expression. Yeonjun’s observation had thrown him off in a way that he hadn’t thought was possible. He was the calm and collected Kang Taehyun, who didn’t blink an eye at unusual turns of events. He was prepared for everything. Taehyun took another sip, gazing at the wall worriedly. He’d been thrown off quite a lot today. First with Beomgyu, and now with Yeonjun. What was wrong with him?

#court of lies #txt fanfic #txt #taehyun #txt fluff #beomgyu #txt beomgyu #txt taehyun #taegyu #txt taegyu #txt angst #tomorrow by together #tomorrow x together

[maluminspace]

I'm pregnant and Of course I’m happy! How far along are you? with Calum.

A18 “I'm pregnant”

B28 “Of course I’m happy! How far along are you?”

Bed time is always a stressful part of your evening but tonight it’s been particularly taxing. The list of things making your blood pressure rise seems never ending. Your six year old has thrown a huge tantrum because she wanted to play another game of Mario Cart. Your three year old spilt his glass of milk all over the kitchen floor, causing a huge mess. And just to top it all off your one year old took forever to fall asleep because she has a nasty cold.

By the time you and Calum collapse onto the sofa, you’re pretty much ready to go to bed yourself. You know that you can’t call it a day quite yet, though. You have some pretty big news for your husband first.

The extremely stressful evening is making you more nervous to let him know that your expecting another baby. The two of you had agreed to hold off on having any more children until your youngest is at least three years old. Of course, this is easier said than done. You’d gone back on birth control medication but you’d had a sickness bug a couple of months back that must have disrupted them.

“I swear these kids are trying to put me in an early grave.” He sighs, sounding throughly exhausted as he slings his arm around your shoulders. “It’s a good job we’re such a good team.”

You smile tiredly. “Yeah, we need to be.” You reply, fixing Calum with a significant gaze. “Now might not be the best time to tell you, Cal but...”

Calum turns to meet your eye, one eyebrow raised questioningly as though he’s about to tell you to continue.

Unfortunately your one year old chooses that moment to cry again for what feels like the hundredth time tonight.

“I’ll go...” Calum groans, getting to his feet before you have chance to go yourself. You watch as he disappears into the hallway and listen to his slow footsteps traipsing up the stairs.

You smile to yourself a few moments later when you hear Calum’s voice through the baby monitor perched on the little table next to the sofa. “Hey baby princess.” He coos softly, “you already had your medicine... do you just want daddy cuddles?”

There’s never been a shadow of a doubt in your mind how good of a dad Calum would be, regardless of how many children you have. From the moment he’d held your first child in his arms, it’d been clear that he was a natural father. He’d proved it on thousands of occasions since and you smile at some of the memories as you force yourself to your feet.

If you’re about to tell Calum that there’s another little Hood on the way, you feel like a nice mug of hot chocolate will help to calm his nerves.

You can still hear your youngest daughter crying through the monitor as you busy yourself making two mugs of hot chocolate. Occasionally, Calum will yawn or sleepily beg your infant to go back to sleep. The whole thing kind of melts your heart, even though you’ve heard exchanges like this hundreds of times with all three of your precious children.

A little spark of excitement comes to life in your chest as you think about all of the moments you’ll get to repeat with the new little one.

By the time you’ve finished the hot drinks, your one year old seems to have settled down. You smile to yourself as you decide that the hot chocolates would be enjoyed just that little bit more of your were cuddles up to Calum in bed.

Luckily your husband hasn’t come back down stairs yet. It’s not unlike him to stay with the little ones after he’s gotten them back to sleep, he likes to make sure they’ve fully settled before he leaves their bedside.

You manage to pick up the baby monitor and carry it up the stairs with the two steaming mugs. Even though you walk up and down these steps multiple times a day, you still find yourself smiling at the photos lining the walls of the staircase. There’s a photo from your wedding day; it’s a close up of the two of you, you’re smiling widely, your eyes closed gracefully as Calum’s arms wrap you in a huge hug and he presses a soft kiss to your cheek. There’s three photos of tiny newborn babies, each with chubby little red faces poking out from a blanket and beneath a soft little hat. There’s also a recent family photo that Ashton had taken on his professional camera for you. It was a candid shot, taken at the park when you’d shared a family day out with the Irwins a couple of months ago. Calum had your eldest daughter in his lap, both of them smiling brightly at each other, a huge slice of cake in each of their hands. Your son is sat cross legged on the picnic blanket, chocolate cake crumbs around his mouth and a mischievous smile on his face as he reaches for a second slice. You have the youngest baby in your arms, staring down at her softly as you feed her with a bottle. It’s a perfect snapshot of your beautiful family.

That little spark of excitement for the new baby to join your family is back and you’re smiling to yourself as you quietly push open your bedroom door with your hip. Calum isn’t here yet, so you flick on a lamp and place down the baby monitor and the mugs on your bedside table before venturing back out onto the landing.

You briefly check in on the eldest two children, lingering in each of their doorways for second too long because they look like such little angels when they’re fast asleep.

When you get to the nursery, your heart almost explodes with love at the sight that greets you. Calum’s fast asleep in the big comfy rocking chair, your youngest daughter curled up in his arms snoozing soundly.

As much as you hate to disturb the beautiful scene, you know that the little one will be better off in her crib. You gently prise the slumbering infant out of Calum’s hold.

Your husband stirs, opening his eyes just in time to see you place the one year old back in her crib. “You’ve got the magic touch.” You whisper fondly. “She’s such a little daddy’s girl!”

Calum smiles sleepily. “She’s my little angel...”

It’s absolutely impossible to contain your love for Calum, he never ceases to make you a soft mess of emotions. “Well maybe it’s time for super dad to go to bed too. I made you a hot chocolate.”

Rubbing his eyes with the heels of his hands, Calum slowly gets to his feet and traipses out of the nursery. You bundle the covers around your little girl and whisper gently. “Sleep well, Princess. I have to go tell daddy that his next little angel is only seven months away.”

Your daughter sniffles in her sleep but doesn’t stir. You like to think it’s her way of saying she’s excited to be a big sister.

Once you’ve kissed the little one goodnight, you pad back to the bedroom, half expecting Calum to already be asleep. When you close the door and turn towards the bed, though, your husband is staring at you, slack jawed, his eyes sparkling with something like bewilderment.

You’re utterly confused for a moment until a tiny cough crackles through the speaker of your baby monitor. It’s only then that you realise Calum must have heard you announcing the new baby to your daughter a few moments ago.

“Are you really...” He asks, his expression unreadable.

There’s a tiny knot of nerves in your tummy as your nod. “I was about to come in here and tell you, Cal.” You whisper. “I’m pregnant... again.”

There’s a moment of silence and Calum’s only emotion seems to be shock. When he doesn’t utter a word after a few more seconds you gently prompt him. “Are you happy, I know we said we’d wait a while but...”

Calum’s face breaks into the biggest smile, the same one he’d worn when he’d found out about your first three pregnancies. “Of course I’m happy!” He exclaims. “How far along are you? Do you know yet? Have you made a doctor’s appointment?”

You giggle at your husband’s excitement as you join him in bed. “I think I’m about two months pregnant and no I’ll make one in the morning, then we can find out for definite.”

Calum nods happily, reaching out to place a hand on your tummy. “Hey there baby bean!” He coos gently. “I’m your daddy! Welcome to the hood family, little guy...”

“Guy?” You ask, raising an eyebrow questioningly. “They could be another girl...”

Calum simply laughs and pecks a kiss to your cheek. “Either way, they’ll be half you and half me, that’s all that matters in the end.”

Masterlist

#i hope you like this anon! #calum hood #calum hood imagine #calum imagine #5sos #5sos imagine #calum hood burb #calum blurb #5sos blurb #calum hood fic #calum fic #5sos fic #dad!calum #soft!calum #my writing #5 seconds of summer #200 dialogue quotes